Vol 43 issue 18

Students unify in face of horror

Free tuition is no solution

Resisting the Patriarchy

Examining Male tears

Later Ronaldo, hello Azzalini

News, page 2

Opinion, page 6

Arts, page 8

Features, page 17

Sports, page 23

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02.06.2017

Toronto students unite for a vigil University of Toronto and Ryerson University students stand against the Quebec City shooting

FARIDA ABDELMEGUIED WITH NOTES FROM MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR Hundreds of University of Toronto and Ryerson University students gathered together for a vigil at King’s College Circle last Monday night, to mourn the six lives that were lost to a shooting in a Quebec City mosque.

With leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities present at the vigil, there was a reading from the Quran, as well as statements of support from the attending rabbi and reverend.

Dalia Hashim, the president of the Muslim Students’ Association at U of T who took part in the organization of the vigil, told The Medium, “We were particularly pleased to see students from across downtown campuses attend, as well as representatives from all levels of government and university administration.”

In an interview with The Medium on Tuesday, the premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, stated that she visited a mosque in Toronto on January

GEOFFREY VENDEVILLE/UTORONTO.CA

Hundreds of students stand together to mourn the Quebec City mosque shooting.

30. She also commented on the current incidents happening around the world.

“It’s an important conversation

that we have right now because of what’s going on in the world. The shootings in Quebec make it very clear that even though we have a very

strong pluralistic society in Canada and Ontario, we can’t be complacent,” said premier Wynne.

“We have to stand together. We

have to continue to put our values out to the world, values of inclusion and acceptance; not just tolerance, but acceptance is even more important now than it was a year ago.”

U of T’s president Meric Gertler also released a statement on January 30 on the Office of the President website, stating their condolences to the lives lost in Quebec. The statement added that the U of T flags would fly at half-mast for a two-day morning period.

“The University of Toronto community has reacted with shock and sorrow at news of the appalling shooting at a mosque in Québec City.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those killed or injured,” read the statement, extending its support to the Muslim communities across Canada.

Others who showed up at the twohour long vigil included Toronto mayor, John Tory; the federal finance minister, Bill Morneau; MP for Mississauga Erin Mills, Iqra Khalid; and MP for Mississauga Centre, Omar Alghabra.

Campus Council approves fee hikes Food prices are set to increase by 3.8%, parking for 3%, and residence for 5% as of 2017/2018

MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR The Campus Council convened last Wednesday and approved a motion to increase the 2017/2018 ancillary fees for food, residence, and parking.

Proposed by UTM’s chief administrative officer, Paul Donoghue, the increases would involve 3.8 percent for food, five percent for residence, and three percent for the parking permit price, while the “Pay and Display” daily maximum rates are expected to remain the same as this year’s fees.

Alex Paquette, the co-president of the UTM’s Association of Graduate Students, stated that graduate students earn between $25,000 to $26,000, and their tuition is $8,000 and $9,000. If students were required to share an apartment for a year, that would make living costs around $12,000, leaving most graduates with almost “absolutely nothing” to live with, according to

JEANLOUIS REBELLO/THE MEDIUM

Residence fees are set to increase by five percent for the next academic year.

Paquette.

Paquette added that the increases make it “very hard” to live on campus and “very difficult”

to come to the UTM campus for graduate school and research.

Donoghue explained that UTM’s mean plan prices are average when

compared to other universities.

According to the agenda, there will be changes to the meal plan structure for the next academic

year, in which students will be provided with “simpler choices” when purchasing a meal plan, and will also have an increase in the amount that gets carried over to the following year.

The agenda added that all of the profits from the food plans will be used in the investment of new outlets, including the Davis Building Food Court.

As previously reported by The Medium, Chad Nuttall, the director of student housing and residence, had announced a 15-year initiative to renovate and build new student housing on campus.

Nuttall had stated that the five percent increase comes from how competitive UTM is among its neighbourhood.

As for the three percent parking fee increase, Donoghue stated that it would be used to repay the debt of the new parking deck that opened earlier this academic year.

Fees continued on page 4

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM NEWS

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Premier Wynne talks free tuition

January 27th, 2017.

Medical Call.

Campus Police were called to attend to a non-community member experiencing medical distress. ECSpeRT assisted and EMS attended.

January 27th, 2017.

Noise Complaint.

Campus Police received a noise complaint from a campus Residence. The Campus Police attended the residence area and spoke with the individuals.

January 28th, 2017 Medical Call.

A Campus Police were called to attend a student experiencing medical distress.

January 28th, 2017.

Suspicious Person.

MiWay Transit Enforcement attended

the Campus Police office to return a U of T student card and U-Pass from a person it did not belong to. The unknown person was charged.

January 30th, 2017.

Fire Call.

Campus Police received a fire alarm coming from the Student Centre.

Mississauga Fire was dispatched. The cause of the alarm was found to be a bag of popcorn that overheated in the microwave.

January 30th, 2017 Ambulance Assistance.

Campus Police were called to attend the RAWC as an injured male required medical assistance. Athletic staff contacted EMS and ECSpeRT attended.

These reports are those that have been released to The Medium from Campus Police and do not necessarily constitute an exhaustive list.

Students can contact the UTM Campus Police at 905 828 5200, Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

UTSU execs release CFS counterstatement FARHAT AMINI STAFF WRITER

Three UTSU executives and one UTMSU representative: UTSU’s VP university affairs, Cassandra Williams; VP equity, Farah Noori; VP campus life, Shahin Imtiaz; and UTMSU designate, Jackie Zhao signed a counterstatement last Wednesday, alleging that the union’s announcement on January 24 of support for the decertification of the Canadian Federation of Students did not consult all the executive committee members of UTSU.

“It is a brazen abuse of power for a subset of UTSU’s Executive to undermine the Executive Committee [...] to push a political agenda.”

The announcement that supported decertification, signed by UTSU’s president, Jasmine Wong Denike; VP internal, Mathias Memmel; VP external, Matthew Thomas; and VP professional faculties, Ryan Gomes, outlined various reasons for UTSU’s decision, including be-

ing asked to approve an audit of two years that was added “without notice” to the CFS national general meeting in November 2016.

Referring to themselves as the “other half ” of UTSU, the undersigned executives of counterstatement stated that the announcement was prepared prior to the CFS Ontario General Meeting, and was awaiting approval from the executive committee or the board of directors, had any “unfavourable” events taken place at the meeting.

“It is a brazen abuse of power for a subset of UTSU’s Executive to undermine the Executive Committee and Board of Directors so as to push a political agenda,” read the counterstatement.

“We, the undersigned, are not advancing a position on the CFS, but rather a position against corruption,” it continued.

“Irrespective of one’s feelings towards the CFS, it would be irresponsible to sign a statement released under such dubious conditions.”

The counterstatement further notes that “without any prior consultation,” some UTSU executives were aware that a statement on CFS would be released.

CFS continued on page 4

OLIVIA ADAMCZYK/THE MEDIUM

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says free tuition for everybody would restrict access to education.

MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR In an interview with The Medium last week, premier Kathleen Wynne responded to the students’ call for free tuition by explaining how obtaining free tuition would restrict access to post-secondary education, as the government would have to come up with more money to afford the free education.

As previously reported by The Medium, students from across all three U of T campuses rallied in downtown Toronto for the National Day of Action on November 2, calling for free tuition.

“If we had to find the tax dollars to pay for university education for every student in the province, it would be billions and billions of dollars,” said Wynne. “And my position would be: let’s find the system where we partner with communities and families, and where it’s not possible to pay, we pay that, so that we can have more students in our post-secondary, not fewer.”

Wynne explained that 68 percent of students in Ontario have some kind of a post-secondary education, which stands as high participation in comparison to other jurisdictions that have 30 or 25 percent of postsecondary.

“If we said the province is just going to support everybody, you’d see what has happened in other jurisdictions, where a smaller percentage of population goes to post-secondary because the government and the tax

dollars can only go so far,” Wynne continued in regards to free tuition for all students.

Effective this September, students from families who earn $50,000 or less will be getting free tuition for their post-secondary education. For families that earn between $50,000 and $80,000, four out of five students will be eligible for free tuition. Students from families with an income higher than $80,000 would still be able to receive 30 percent off of their tuition.

“We’ve targeted the real tuition relief to students who are right now accumulating an enormous amount of debt, or students who wouldn’t even come to post-secondary because the cost of tuition was too high,” stated Wynne.

She explained that students from low-income families are four times less likely than high-income families to attend post-secondary institutions.

In order to obtain this accessibility for low-income families, Wynne explained that the province cancelled the $400 million that anyone, particularly high-income families, were able to benefit from as a tax credit, and distributed the funds to low-income households.

According to Wynne, this change will help around 210,000 students in Ontario.

As previously reported by The Medium, UTMSU’s president Nour Alideeb had stated her concern about the Repayment Assistance Plan, which will require students to begin paying their loans when they

start earning $25,000. Alideeb had commented that it is “unreasonable,” given that the average student debt is $26,800.

When brought to her attention, Wynne stated that the repayment plans are “geared to the incumbent that the person is earning.” She added that students would not be expected to start paying their debts all at once.

“We’d love to be able to forgive the loans, but we just don’t have the capacity to do that,” said Wynne.

The premier spent nearly an hour with UTM students in the Kaneff building, where students got to ask questions about fees, the recent extremist activities, and others.

In an email to The Medium, Alideeb stated that she was “disappointed” in the premier’s visit to UTM. She stated that after discussing it with many students, “they felt as though it was disingenuous and I would have to agree with them.”

“Her response about free tuition for all students is what bothered me the most,” wrote Alideeb, “Especially when she claimed that “if all students had free tuition, we would run out of resources.”

Alideeb added that UTMSU’s “Fight the Fees” campaign has statistics that support their cause.

“I think it is inappropriate to lie to students,” she said, “The truth is, many parties just don’t want to shift their priorities around to make postsecondary education free and accessible to all.”

The OSAP changes are expected to become effective this September.

U of T responds to U.S. ban order KASSANDRA HANGDAAN NEWS EDITOR ASSISTANT WITH NOTES FROM MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR Following the executive order by the U.S. president Donald Trump that temporarily bans seven predominantly-Muslim countries from entrance to America, Ontario premier, Kathleen Wynne, said in an interview with The Medium that it is “antithetical” to the Canadian society, and that Canada will continue to welcome people.

“I’ll continue to make it clear that

Ontario is an open society and that we—apart from our Indigenous people—we all came from somewhere else, and we’ll continue to welcome people to Ontario,” said Wynne, reciting that Canada had welcomed 17,000 Syrian refugees last year and another 4,000 refugees from different countries.

Universities across Canada and America have also reacted to Trump’s executive order. The University of Toronto, Universities Canada, the Association of American Universities, and the Canadian Tech Community have all released statements concerned with the ban.

In a public statement released online, U of T’s president Meric Gertler stated that U of T is working along with Universities Canada to show their support for international students and scholars across Canada who could be affected by the order.

“The strength of research and teaching at the University of Toronto has always been based upon our ability to welcome the most talented individuals from around the world, and the freedom of our faculty and students to travel abroad for purposes of scholarship and study,” he said.

Ban continued on page 4

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«NEWS

THE MEDIUM 02.06.2017

Trump’s ban should “end as quickly as possible”

»WOULD CANADA TURN INTO A

RIGHT-WING U.S.?

Maha Mohamed Life sciences

Taylor Witzke Life sciences

I think minorities in Canada are more protected than minorities around the world.

Watching what’s happening in the U.S. now makes us want to be more inclusive.

Ali Taha Political science

Yasmeen Kurdi Life sciences

I don’t think Canada has any relation with Trump. Multiculturalism is our stamp.

The person everybody looks up to is racist. But it’s important to never lose hope.

TRAVELANDLEISURE.COM/PHOTO

There have been many protests at American airports as a result of the ban.

Ban continued from page 3 He further explained that the collective action will be employed among all three campuses of U of T, as “we have the most strength when we are speaking as one community.”

Krull noted that he was not aware of any member of the UTM community affected by the ban.

According to Mary Sure Coleman, the president of the Association of American Universities, which includes 62 “leading research universi-

ties” in America and Canada, the ban should end “as quickly as possible.”

“We recognize the importance of a strong visa process to our nation’s security,” read Coleman’s statement on the association’s website.

“However, the administration’s new order barring the entry or return of individuals from certain countries is already causing damage and should end as quickly as possible.”

According to Universities Canada’s statement, bringing students, faculty, and staff around the world helps

strengthen the Canadian universities by bringing different knowledge and skills to their research at higher educational institutions.

Trump’s executive order has sparked controversy around the world, with protests taking place at various American airports. A march against Islamophobia and white supremacy also took place on February 4 at the U.S. consulate in Toronto and in other locations across Canada, where hundreds of people participated.

Controversy over Students opposed fee increases UTSU’s CFS statement

WENDELL MACAPAGAL/THE MEDIUM SAMUEL KAN/THE MEDIUM

Three UTSU execs gave a counterstatement.

The three percent parking fee increase will repay the debt of the new parking deck.

CFS continued from page 3 Fees continued from page 2 According to the meeting’s agenda, “the cost of the parking deck has been paid for by the ancillary via its construction reserve of $3.0M and a loan from the UTM operating budget of $6.97M.” Jose Wilson, a board of director at large for the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students, commented at the meeting that if the prices continue to increase every year, UTM might lose its competition because students would think its services are

expensive.

Donoghue explained that the university deals with balancing the prices “the best way” it can.

He added that UTM is able to balance the prices with a three percent increase in parking, which Donoghue referred to as a “significant achievement.”

The meeting’s agenda also stated that there were search committees for each category. The Student Housing and Residence Life was reviewed by the Student Housing Advisory Committee, which included consultation

with graduate students, undergraduate students in residence, as well as UTM’s Undergraduate Residence Council.

As for the food committee, the agenda states that it was reviewed by a Food Service Advisory Committee, in which undergraduate and graduate students, UTMSU, faculty, and staff were involved.

The motion was approved with a majority, while only Paquette and Wilson voted against it.

The next Campus Council meeting is scheduled on March 2.

The undersigned group denies having seen it before its publication.

However, they stated that they were asked, with the exception of one member, whether or not to include their names in the statement.

In an email to The Medium, Thomas, who prepared the statement supporting the decertification of CFS, stated that the other executives were asked if they wanted to sign, but Williams and Noori both responded that they did not want to, while Imtiaz was not available for comment.

“For her part, the VP UA [Williams] alleged that the UTSU has never engaged with the CFS in good faith, which is false and offensive. As for the VP Equity [Noori], she was afraid that CFS loyalists would boycott her events,” said Thomas.

Thomas wrote that UTMSU representatives are not part of the dayto-day operations and are thus never included in UTSU statements. He added that the statement “doesn’t affect Local 109 (UTM) at all.”

Williams did not respond to The Medium, as of press time.

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM NEWS

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Protests against Islamophobia Miway reduces its Thousands protest at the U.S. Consulate across Canada percentage increase

MAYDA ALKHALDI/THE MEDIUM

JOSHAN RAMNAUTH/THE MEDIUM

Thousands protest on the National Day of Action against Islamophobia and White Supremacy.

MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR

On the National Day of Action Against Islamophobia and White Supremacy, thousands took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Quebec City mosque shooting and the recent executive order by U.S. president Donald Trump that bans seven Muslim-majority countries from entry to America.

Protesters began at the U.S. consulate in Toronto and marched toward the Federal Court.

Hashim Yussuf, a UTM student and one of the march-organizers from Black Lives Matter, told The Medium that there were up to 10,000 people protesting, coming from different ages and backgrounds.

“My personal thought is that this is really messed up and this is not normal, because what happened in the Quebec shooting was really traumatizing.

“I’m a Muslim myself. I have families down in the States who were caught up in that whole bor-

der ban,” said Yussuf, adding that the current situations do not just hurt him personally, which motivates him more to continue his fight.

“Yesterday was just the beginning and we’ll continue to go on for whatever is necessary,” Yussuf said.

Alideeb highlighted that America should not be the standard, but Canada should rather “strive for a better and safer society for all.”

In an email to The Medium, UTMSU’s president Nour Alideeb was “pleasantly surprised by the turnout.”

“It was very liberating being around so many individuals who felt as strongly as I did about these policies and issues that plague our community,” she wrote.

According to Alideeb, UTMSU both endorsed and helped orga-

nize the day.

“Our student union exists to safeguard the individual rights of the student, regardless of race, colour, creed, sex, nationality, place of origin, or personal or political beliefs,” Alideeb said.

UTMSU plans on working with other unions across Canada to lobby on municipal, provincial, and federal levels to “ensure that Canada confronts its systems of oppression.”

Alideeb highlighted that America should not be the standard, but Canada should “strive for a better and safer society for all.”

Protests took place at the same time in other cities across Canada, including Calgary, Vancouver, Quebec City, and others.

The march was endorsed by over 150 other organizations, including the Coalition Against Bigotry in the Pacific; the Chines Canadian National Council in Toronto; No One is Illegal in Toronto and London, Ontario; and Siraat Muslim Collective in Vancouver.

The U-Pass fee will increase by seven percent instead of nine.

for their U-Pass.

With the drop in the percentage, the increase would result in a sessional U-Pass fee of $108.25 instead of $110.28.

In an email to The Medium, UTMSU’s president Nour Alideeb stated that she’s pleased with the negotiations.

“I’m really proud of the negotiations that took place over the summer,” she wrote.

According to Alideeb, along with UTMSU, the UTM Graduate Student Association representatives will use the result of this negotiation with Miway to start working on introducing a GTA U-Pass and other options that could help students with their transit services.

Establishing a GTA U-Pass was one of UTMSU’s goals from the elections last Spring.

“I know that UTMSU will continue to be a leader in transit talks, and I’m very excited to see what will come out of it,” wrote Alideeb.

As previously reported by The Medium, the Miway increase of nine percent was a result of “fraud” that students commit with the U-Pass.

According to UTM’s chief administrative officer, Paul Donoghue, at the Campus Council meeting last Wednesday, 100 percent of UTM students are obligated to buy the UPass, while only 85 percent of the student population end up using it.

The new negotiations with Miway are expected to become effective in September 2017.

MENNA ELNAKA NEWS EDITOR

In UTMSU’s board meeting last Monday, UTMSU stated that they have successfully negotiated with Miway to drop the nine percent yearly increase of the U-Pass fees to seven percent.

Currently, full-time UTM students pay a sessional fee of $101.17

UTMSU and the UTM Graduate Student Association plan to work on the GTA UPass and other options that help students’ transit.

Court rejects Trump’s request to immediately reinstate his ban

Canadian lawyers offer help to those affected

by Trump’s ban

Disney CEO misses meeting with Donald Trump

Ottawa calls on the U.S. to accept Nexus card holders

Air Canada flight grounded because of damage to the wheels

The U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration had appealed a temporary order that restrains the president’s executive order that bans seven countries from entering the U.S. With the court rejecting the immediate reinstallation of the ban, the controversy over the ban’s effect is expected to last longer.

Hundreds of lawyers in Toronto have been offering help at the airport for those who get turned away because of the U.S. president Donald Trump’s ban on people from seven Muslimmajority countries from entering America.

The U.S. president Donald Trump had a meeting with different members of the advisory board to discuss economic policy plans. Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger missed the meeting, in light of pressure to boycott the meeting set to take place in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Following some reports that Nexus card holders have had their cards rejected or removed, the Public Safer minister Ralph Goodale seeks assurance from America that dual nationals will be allowed entry when using their Nexus cards.

An Air Canada flight from Brussels to Montreal was grounded because of damage in its wheels.

The takeoff was stopped safely, as the 179 passengers on board disembarked the plane so that it could be inspected.

Source: CBC

Source: CBC

Source: The Huffington Post

Source: The Globe and Mail

Source: CBC

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02.06.2017

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Current students will be shafted Future students to receive free tuition while the rest of us are left in the dust Premier Kathleen Wynne attended a meeting with students in Kaneff to discuss the potential setbacks of offering all students free tuition.

While I understand that obviously not every student can be granted free tuition, my main problem with the new program coming in September 2017 is that students from previous years will be shafted out of tuition help.

A few editorials ago I wrote about how the English program is finally getting an overhaul in their courses.

According to the head of the English department, Alexandra Gillespie, courses will soon be added to include more writing. Writing is something that this campus has been missing for quite some time, and I was pretty excited to hear that we were finally getting something. However, what bothered me is that these changes are going to take place after I’ve already graduated. Creative writing is something that I’ve wanted at UTM since I came here in 2012, yet these changes are only going to be implemented now. I’m not the only English student who wanted to have writing courses, either. My friends and I were pretty bothered by the fact that we had barely anything, and it took this long for the English department to finally get these courses added into the curriculum.

As upset as I was, it’s something I’ll get over. U of T does offer some pretty interesting writing courses in the School of Continuing Studies (though, I shouldn’t have had to wait until I graduated to finally get some creative writing under my belt).

Wynne recently discussed how students from low-income households ($50,000 or less) will be granted free tuition in September 2017. Four out of five students from families with an income between $50,000-$80,000 will be eligible for free tuition as well.

I’ve known students (as I’m sure we all do) who have worked their asses off to either support themselves through school or to actually put themselves through school. Where was the help when these students were working their fingers bloody in school and at work just to put themselves through school? Students living these types

of strenuous lives came from low to medium-income families, too. Where was their help?

I’m glad that students from lowincome families will be given the opportunity to attend post-secondary education. Their income or their families’ income shouldn’t deter them from attending a program that will open many doors for them once they graduate. And I obviously believe in helping students who need it.

Wynne also had a point in addressing the concerns of students and letting them know that it simply isn’t feasible to offer all students a free ride to university or college. To be honest, I think that UTMSU was offering a solution that was simply too good to be true, and this was Wynne’s solution to their rallies and concerns. But, that doesn’t mean that the answer is to offer free tuition to some of us and not to all of us as a way to try and appease all of us. Like I said, tuition concern is not a new problem, so to do this now and brand yourself a hero for helping students doesn’t negate the fact that many of us will still be struggling as we watch those of us who you finally did decide to help.

But this is unfortunately how it seemingly has to be when initiatives like this get introduced. The government tries to help a bunch of students and winds up angering a ton of others who have already graduated or are in the process of doing so. I’m going to graduate this April, which means that I’m only a few months away from watching hundreds of students come in and get a free ride when a ton of my friends and I will be over $20,000 in debt.

I know that on the surface, this may sound like a good solution to students. “We asked for free tuition and now we’re getting it.” But, we’re not getting it. We’ll just be watching as others get it.

I’m also not really of the opinion that university should be free to begin with. We obviously need to pay for these institutions. We’re in a place of higher learning. I’d like to think that us having to pay for school ensures that we don’t take it for granted. That’s not to say that I think it should be a prestigious place that turns its back

on lower-income families. But, school should be affordable, not free.

It isn’t just this plan that’s the issue, obviously. UTM has been a cash cow ever since I came here. I need to pay to see my transcript? Awesome. Let me work my ass off to keep up my grades, and then charge me a fee to see the paperwork. Charge us a fee when we need to apply to graduate school. We also need to pay a fee to see our exam? We needed to pay to have our exams remarked? We pay hundreds a year for textbooks that get bought back for, what? Thirty cents? My personal favourite is how the bookstore can’t even be bothered to keep the shelves stocked with books for my classes, and I need to go somewhere else to buy them. We also pay the student unions a criminal amount. Frankly, I’m surprised that we don’t get charged fees to use the washrooms around here.

Millennials will already have a hard enough time to support ourselves once we graduate. How many of us still live with our parents so we can try and raise money for a house or even an apartment? Even then, moving into an apartment isn’t even a feasible option for many that I’ve spoken to, because they want to live in something that they own. This means hanging around at home, trying to pay off their thousands of dollars’ worth of debt, and trying to save up for a house at the same time.

Friends of mine have had to take time off in the middle of their studies to work for a year so they would have enough money to come back here. It’s ridiculous that the government decided to get off their ass and do something about this now when thousands of us are already drowning in debt. Why does it take this long for them to do something that benefits us? It’s not like student debt is a new problem that popped up in the past few years. Wynne and her team have been watching us crumble under our debt and watching us fend for ourselves once we leave our institutions.

And hey, 30 percent off of our overall tuition fees is a start, but it sure as hell isn’t a free ride. For some of us, 30 percent doesn’t even cover one year of our studies, let alone all four or five

of them.

You can also throw millennials into the job market and watch how long it takes for them to find a job —let alone a job that will aid in paying off their debt in addition to supporting them.

Sure, students may not have to pay off their debt until they’re earning a certain amount, but when their tuition fees soar past their paycheque, there’s a problem.

I don’t want this to sound like these students are undeserving of this opportunity. It’s just my opinion that universities or colleges shouldn’t be free entirely. That doesn’t mean we should be charged $20 for breathing on the property either. This initiative welcomed by Wynne and her team isn’t a good solution for everyone.

This plan of hers has inevitably left many students behind in the hopes of appeasing incoming students. Calling for free tuition isn’t the answer either because our fees do aid in keeping these places alive.

I’m not saying that I have the definitive answer, I’m just saying that Wynne’s answer has successfully ignored many of us who have been struggling for years. It will ignore those of us who will continue to struggle when we leave our schools. I think I’m justified in feeling like I’ve been shafted. I could have used free tuition too. The majority of students who graduated before me or will graduate with me could have used it too. These students deserve affordable education, but there isn’t a student that deserves it more than someone else. Where the hell was this opportunity when the rest of us were calling for it?

YOURS, MARIA CRUZ

CORRECTION NOTICE In the January 30 article, “Honourable treatment for refugees,” Peter Kungania’s name had been misspelled.

In the article, “UTSU announces supports for CFS decertification,” it stated that UTSU’s decision was to decertify rather than to support decertification through a referendum.

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02.06.2017

Now that’s what I call feminism Hedda Gabler provides strong female leads, sexual exploration, and patriarchal resistance HAILEY MASON A&E EDITOR

A whirlwind of controversy arises in Henrik Ibsen’s infamous script, Hedda Gabler. In 1891, the year of the play’s release, Ibsen’s ground-breaking script was met with cautious reviews.

Who is Hedda Gabler, and why does she act on her own free will? During an era where women were dutifully compliant, Hedda Gabler emerged from the dust as a welcome change to a man’s world. Hedda’s apathy towards her husband, her boredom as a wife, and her lack of submission towards social standards separates her from the traditional 19th century woman.

Critics received Hedda as callous and unfeminine, simply for desiring her own rights.

Hedda’s autonomy hits us with full force in Theatre Erindale’s production of Hedda Gabler. Director Melee Hutton strengthens Hedda’s independence further by setting the script in the 1960s, when the quest for female

JIM SMAGATA/PHOTO

Rachel VanDuzer plays the leading role in Theatre Erindale’s adaptation of Hedda Gabler. identity was ubiquitous. Moreover, Hutton redesigns the male character of Eilert Lovborg as Anastasia Lovborg—transforming the nature of the relationship between Eilert and Hedda.

The script drops us into the lives of George Tesman (Shawn Robert Doyle) and his new wife, Hedda Tesman (Rachel VanDuzer), formerly Hedda Gabler, after their return from a honeymoon abroad. The play opens

with George’s bubbly aunt, Juliana Tesman (Alma Sarai), who comes to visit the newlyweds in their new home. Juliana gushes about Hedda, displaying an unrestrained excitement towards the high-class, presti-

gious woman her nephew has married. Yet, when Hedda arrives on stage, she disregards George and Juliana. She appears irritable and distant, showing no affection towards George and no desire to call Juliana her aunt.

While her behaviour is undeniably rude, it begins to makes sense as we learn more about her background.

After the death of Hedda’s father, she was left with little choice but to marry her first available suitor—as were the times. A woman of Hedda’s position could not become a spinster, especially because of her distaste for scandal. As we become familiarized with Hedda’s reluctant marriage, we sympathize with her character. Her intolerance for George becomes increasingly relatable, as he grows more bumbling and self-absorbed as the play progresses. Even worse, aunt Juliana continuously drops hints about the pair starting a family—much to George’s obliviousness and Hedda’s resentment.

Feminism continued on page 10

Capturing the last 50 years of campus UTM appoints Arjun Yadav as photographer laureate to document its 50th anniversary JANINA MALAPITAN

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. In September 1967, Erindale College welcomed its first generation of students and staff, totaling just over 200 (including students, staff, and faculty). The UTM community now boasts approximately 16, 500 members. As the campus looks back on half a century of innovation, Arjun Yadav is capturing the essence of UTM as the newly-appointed photographer laureate.

Arjun Yadav is a UTM alumnus who graduated from the CCIT program in 2016. He began taking photos of UTM when he first arrived from Lucknow, India. He wanted an outlet to familiarize himself with the campus, but it soon turned into a talent for photography.

“I was an international student and stayed on residence for my first three years. It was so beautiful, and I couldn’t help but take pictures. I started off with my smartphone and just went from there,” Yadav says.

Although Yadav has only been taking photos for about three years, a quick scroll through his Instagram

ARJUN YADAV/PHOTO

UTM alumnus Arjun Yadav will photograph the campus throughout 2017 in celebration of 50 years. feed demonstrates a photographer with an inherent eye for capturing beautiful moments. His thoughtfullycomposed natural landscapes glow with warm tones. These images are reminiscent of National Geographic, which he cites as a major influence.

Yadav’s aerial shots are particularly intriguing, which he takes using

camera drones. “That was something I was trying as a hobby, which I had been doing for a long time. [Drones were] something that no one anticipated—they all talked about flying cars, but never flying cameras,” he says with a chuckle.

In fact, in one of Yadav’s marketing classes at UTM, he was able to experi-

ment with “flying cameras.” On his Instagram feed, you can see images of winding roads, shot from above.

As the photographer laureate, Yadav’s role involves creating a snapshot of the UTM campus throughout the year. “[UTM] wants to have a record, in pictures, of the campus throughout the year, how it changes seasonally,”

Yadav explains. He has already posted three photos on the official UTM50 Instagram. The first photo depicts the Research Greenhouse, glowing from within as snow falls outside.

Although January just ended, anniversary celebrations are already underway. On UTM’s 50th Anniversary website, you can find their “50 Faces” series. The series spotlights 50 people from UTM’s community, highlighting their contributions to the school. The website also offers the “50 Challenge,” which is an opportunity for people to share their memories of Erindale College and UTM. Fifty stories will be selected to help capture the identity of UTM today.

In addition to these initiatives, Yadav also wants to capture the landscape of the campus, particularly during the winter. He also wishes to showcase the personality of the architecture and to commemorate the famous UTM deer.

“I’ve been given a lot of freedom.

I can come [to campus] whenever I want and post photos,” Yadav says.

He describes his creative process as “spontaneous,” which, when coupled with his creative freedom in this project, will certainly yield dynamic photos of UTM.

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM ARTS» 9

Toronto’s tortured artist Alien Creatures shares story of Gwendolyn MacEwen

REEM TAHA

Probably the most interesting aspect of J.M. Coetzee’s Life & Times of Michael K is the incredibly-rich inner life of the novel’s protagonist, Michael K, who attempts to transcend history and politics through silent resistance. The novel could be interpreted through numerous approaches, such as historical, Marxist, postcolonial, feminist, psychoanalytic, deconstructive, ecocritical, or even through combinations of these various lenses.

But ultimately, I think the novel resists concepts of meaning and interpretation. It’s ironic that I’m attempting to attach meaning to a character who has resisted being “narrativized.”

Following his mother’s death, Michael undertakes a journey to the countryside in a war-torn South Africa. He seeks peace and solitude from the Kafkaesque world in which he is trapped. He lives on his own, growing his own food (mainly pumpkins).

His life only consists of sleeping and “gardening.” Michael’s inner life exhibits deep, intense happiness at the mundane. His peace, however, is disturbed when he is caught and accused of covering up for the rebels.

The second part of the novel is written in first person, from the perspective of Michael’s medical doctor. The doctor’s thoughts mirror the thoughts of the reader, in his attempt to understand Michael and get a story out of him. The doctor tries to diagnose Michael, and as readers, we are

tempted to diagnose him as well.

Like Michael, the novel never gives us the meaning we are searching for.

It resists having a fixed meaning or definition; it opposes representation, and it constantly reiterates the void we feel as we read. Michael insists he is nobody, and he lives nowhere. He asks the doctor, “Why fuss over me, why am I so important?” But it is our fear of absurdity that explains our impulse to ascribe meaning where there is potentially none. Sometimes it feels like Coetzee is giving us an allegory and simultaneously taking it away.

This makes for a very frustrating reading experience, as we are used to turning to literature for meanings we may not find in real life.

Language is one of the aspects in the novel that seems inadequate, which explains Michael’s silence. By resisting speech, Michael takes away the possibility of misinterpretation and miscommunication in his words.

His silence has been criticized as unfaithful. Michael attempts to escape historical and political reality by resorting to his own world, which manifests in the richness and spirituality of his inner life.

Michael poses an existential concern when he recalls his school days, searching for the quotient of an equation he must solve. In the end, he thinks, “I will die […] still not knowing what the quotient is.” Perhaps, as readers, we will die trying to figure out what the quotient is, what the story means, what Michael means, and ultimately, what life means.

Same Archie, new generation KEENA AL-WAHAIDI STAFF WRITER Based on the Archie Comics, The CW’s Riverdale released its first episode on Netflix on January 26. The story follows the same Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), and Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes) we all remember from the comics.

Riverdale commences on the first day of the school year, after Jason Blossom disappears and his body has yet to be found. Narrated

by Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), the series manages to preserve the small-town realness of Riverdale.

With all of Jughead’s usual cynicism, his role as the town storyteller is intriguing, to say the least. He becomes obsessed with the disappearance of Jason Blossom, to the point where he sees motive in everyone.

It’s disappointing to see the beloved Archie Andrews transform into someone more attractive.

Clumsy, sheepish Archie is long gone, and has been replaced with a

rougher, buffer version. Moreover, he develops a relationship with Ms. Grundy—who, by the way, is an elderly woman in the comics. Their connection seems to overshadow the more important aspects of the series. It pushes its way into the show, uninvited and slightly stomach-churning.

Betty Cooper remains fairly similar to the comics. However, while her character appears onedimensional in the comics, Riverdale provides her with more depth.

In the show, Betty struggles with her mental health and the added context gives her a realistic persona beyond her upbeat attitude and perfect blonde hair.

Despite the changes in certain characters, Riverdale perpetuates many of the comics’ ongoing ideas (such as the love triangle between Archie, Betty, and Veronica). But if you’re looking for a revival of the Archie comics, you won’t find it here.

Riverdale releases a new episode on Netflix every week.

THESTAR.COM/PHOTO

One-woman show at Theatre Passe Muraille retells the life of Toronto writer Gwendolyn MacEwen.

ADELAIDE ATTARD ASSOCIATE A&E EDITOR If you listened hard enough, you could almost hear the prose of Gwendolyn MacEwen ringing between the brick houses on the streets of Toronto.

Theatre Passe Muraille, a Toronto theatre company, hosted Alien Creature: A Visitation from Gwendolyn MacEwen from January 12 to February 5. Written by Linda Griffiths, the production was inspired by the life of MacEwen. Prior to the show’s opening, MacEwen fans thought they would never see Alien Creature again, since the production has not been performed in almost fifteen years MacEwen was a Toronto-based author and poet fascinated with Egypt, magic, and the afterlife.

She grew up in High Park and was first published at 17. She used her poems to escape her family life, as her mother spent most of her life institutionalized in the city and her father suffered from alcoholism.

Griffiths captured MacEwen’s prose in a one-woman show 15 years ago. Years later, director Jani Lauzon revived Griffiths’ wellknown play to cast Beatriz Pizano as the author.

The play began with the haunting sounds of a violin coupled with smoke and shadows projected onto the brick walls of the set. The bleak set emulated the scene of a basement, reminding audiences that MacEwen spent her life residing in a variety of them. Pizano then appeared from the smoke and said, “You came.” Dressed in a ruffled blouse, a blazer with shoulder pads, and MacEwen’s signature kohl eyeliner, it was as if MacEwen herself stood in front of the small audience.

The opening scene began when a flame erupted out of Pizano’s

hand, which persisted for the duration of the performance. With help from the lighting and set designer, Trevor Schwellnus, Pizano entered the stage appearing young. But the lighting brought out MacEwen’s age during her monologue, switching from the young, hopeful author to an artist entering the experimental 1960s literary scene.

MacEwen was a Toronto-based author and poet fascinated with Egypt, magic, and the afterlife. She was first published at 17.

Pizano then retrieved a bottle of vodka (MacEwen’s drink of choice) from a chest, which also remained on stage throughout the performance. The audience was promptly introduced to MacEwen’s financial issues, as Pizano re-enacted the time MacEwen had to beg a bank manager for a loan. When he declined, she ran home, gathered her 20 published books and put them in front of him. She would not let her value as an author be undermined by capitalism.

Parts of the play explored MacEwen’s self-sufficiency. But MacEwen’s independence plummeted as property value in Toronto increased. As house prices inflated, so did MacEwen’s rent, which pushed her deeper into isolation.

Pizano would not let the audience forget that MacEwen’s dinners consisted of two fried green peppers and a bottle of vodka.

But money was not MacEwen’s only concern. The production also explored the relationship between MacEwen and her mother. In a particularly powerful scene, the audience learned of how, at the mere

age of five, MacEwen was blamed for her mother’s suicidal thoughts.

A female voice slipped in and out of the theatre’s speakers, “I watched you spread your legs for those men on Queen Street, you whore.” Her mother’s voice let audience members know that she was able to see MacEwen on the streets of Queen from the window of the institution she stayed in. MacEwan would get phone calls from her mother saying she had watched her the night before.

Pizano then dove into the men of MacEwen’s life. MacEwen married a 42-year-old man when she was only 19—a relationship that only lasted five months. Pizano captured MacEwen’s thoughts on her sexual relationships and expressed the lack of shame she felt for experimenting with so many men in her life. She then lamented about dying without a husband or children.

In light of her hardships, MacEwen’s confidence depleted.

Constantly having to justify her value, MacEwen struggled with self-worth as a writer, driving her to drink herself to death at the age of 46. Her fragile state was one that Pizano captured well.

The play ended with Pizano holding a glass of vodka that turned into sand as she poured the contents onto the stage floor. A single spotlight shone on Pizano.

As MacEwen reached closer to death, the spotlight became smaller, symbolizing MacEwen’s diminishing light in dark situations, and an evident loss of hope. Just before the stage lights went black, Pizano recited the last line of MacEwen’s poem, “Past and Future Ghosts”: “I’m starting to haunt you, I’m starting right now.”

Overall, Alien Creature: A Visitation from Gwendolyn MacEwen offered a thoughtful and respectful meditation on MacEwen’s life.

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Reclaiming the Aboriginal voice Kent Monkman’s solo exhibition at Hart House presents the harsh reality of Canada’s origins YIJUN LIU

Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience is Kent Monkman’s first solo exhibition held in the University of Toronto’s Art Museum at Hart House.

As both the curator and artist of the exhibition, Monkman showcased his paintings, sculptures, and drawings on January 26 for Indigenous Education Week.

Monkman is a Canadian First Nations artist of Cree ancestry. In Shame and Prejudice, he depicts images of Canadian history, beginning at a time before Confederation and ending in the present. His work conveys the Aboriginal identity and the historical struggle endured by First Nations people during the arrival of European settlers and missionaries.

The first thing that struck me when I walked into Monkman’s exhibition was his naturalistic style. This exhibition was organised as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

But instead of celebrating Confederation, Monkman aims to create a realistic depiction of colonialism. He offers his audience a thought-provoking portrayal of imperialism, demonstrating the extent of damage that has been inflicted on Canada’s Aboriginal people in the name of progress.

PAWEL MIGDAL/THE MEDIUM

Shame and Prejudice depicts scenes of Aboriginal mistreatment prior to Canada’s Confederation.

Monkman divides the exhibition into nine main sections, each accompanied with a brief narrative told by Miss Chief Eagle Testickle (Monkman’s alter ego). The exhibition tells a story from her perspective. Each section depicts a particular area of Aboriginal culture. Combined, the nine sections illustrate the rise and fall of Canada’s Aboriginal people throughout time. Three pieces that stood out to me were “The Scream,” “The

Daddies,” and “The Subjugation of Truth.” Monkman painted these three pieces with acrylic on canvas.

“The Scream” can be found in the fifth section, named “The Forcible Transfer of Children.” This painting depicts RCMP officers and missionaries forcefully removing Aboriginal children from their families to send them to schools. The painting shows the pained expressions on the mothers’ faces as they struggle to hold on

to their children. Birds of prey swoop through the overcast sky as officers and priests pry children from the arms of their parents. “The Scream” is extremely poignant, as it offers a new perspective on education and Canadian figures of authority. ”The Daddies” is arguably one of Monkman’s most renowned paintings. In this piece, a naked Miss Chief—a man with long, brown hair, earrings, and black heels —sits atop

a Hudson’s Bay blanket before the fathers of Confederation, including Sir John A. McDonald. The subtle mockery in this piece makes for an effective critique against Canada’s Confederation. Miss Chief ’s narrative softly echoes nearby, “Naked, I am at my strongest.”

Lastly, I was struck by “The Subjugation of Truth.” In this piece, Monkman paints two Aboriginal chiefs, Big Bear and Poundmaker, with their ankles shackled to their chairs. An RCMP officer places his hand on one of their shoulders as a white man sits across the desk with a treaty for the chiefs to sign. Sir John A. McDonald watches the scene, while a subtle Miss Chief is disguised as Queen Victoria in a portrait that hangs above the desk. The chains illustrate how the Aboriginal people were forced to sign over their land.

The harsh realities depicted in Monkman’s art offer an eye-opener towards Canada’s colonial past. In essence, Shame and Prejudice could be considered controversial for its revealing content. I left the gallery feeling smaller, but also grateful for this enlightenment.

Shame & Prejudice: A Story of Resilience runs until March 4 at Hart House.

Exploring 19th century autonomy Feminism continued from page 8

Thrown into the mix is George’s former university colleague, Anastasia Lovborg (Giovanna Pandullo), who has just returned to town upon the release of her new book.

George is enthralled by Anastasia’s brilliance. He feels he must compete with her in the world of academia. But Anastasia—a recovering alcoholic from the wrong side of the tracks—has no interest in stealing George’s spotlight. Instead, she wishes to resume her forbidden romance with Hedda.

The relationship between Hedda and Anastasia is complicated, to say the least. Although Hedda experiences daily misery and boredom in her marriage, her fear of scandal prevents her from committing to Anastasia. The gender-swapping of Anastasia’s character functions incredibly well in this production.

The lesbian relationship between Hedda and Anastasia contributes greater controversy to Ibsen’s otherwise conservative script, more so than the heterosexual affair between Hedda and Eilert.

The change in Hedda’s sexuality provides depth to her character. Her unhappiness with George takes on a new meaning, as we realize that

she’s trapped in the wrong type of relationship. Her love for Anastasia becomes the motive for her marriage to George—to remain unmarried, and worse, to publicly engage with a woman would ruin Hedda’s reputation. And so, she traps herself in a loveless marriage.

The characters in this production are riddled with new meanings, owing to Hutton’s fresh perspective on the story. Hutton arguably improves the script by placing it in a more applicable time period with prevalent issues of gender, sexuality, and marriage. Meanwhile, Hutton’s direction is tasteful; she respects Ibsen’s original intentions, simply adding a contemporary interpretation along the way.

Hedda Gabler was performed by graduating members of the Theatre and Drama Studies program. Their performance was highly refined and surpassed my impressions of previous Theatre Erindale productions.

VanDuzer was particularly compelling as Hedda. She perfectly captured the character’s cynicism and dark humour. VanDuzer propelled Hedda’s process of unravelling, creating a noticeable timeline of character development.

Brett Houghton effortlessly slipped into his role as Judge Brack, the sly judge who attempts to woo

Hedda throughout the play. Houghton managed to capture both the innocent and menacing undertones of the judge, also generating strong character development as his suggestive passes evolve into threats.

The stage pieces and props were effective for the time period—retro couches, turntables, telegrams, and conservative clothing. The setting primarily occurred in the Tesmans’ drawing room, so not many scene changes were required. Nonetheless, Hedda moved the couches and chairs between scenes, becoming more aggressive each time. She also picked at the furniture and dragged her nails across the upholstery, demonstrating the frustration and restlessness she is unable to voice.

The play ultimately centres around Hedda’s slow decline. Although she outwardly expresses her unhappiness, subtle moments betray a greater dissatisfaction. While Hedda is unafraid to vocalize her opinions, she still respects her position as a wife and woman of the era. Hedda negotiates her position in society, flitting between her role as a bored housewife and her liberation. In the end, she chooses liberation.

Hedda Gabler ran until February 5 at Erindale Studio Theatre.

VICTORIA DANESI

Stuff You Missed in History Class is produced by HowStuffWorks, and aims to share peculiar and overlooked topics in history. In its nearly 10-year run, the podcast has interchanged hosts. Currently, the show is hosted by history enthusiasts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey.

Each episode opens with a warm introduction by the hosts, including an anecdote that discusses why the episode’s topic or background was chosen. The hosts take turns discussing the given topic. The tone of their conversation feels like two friends having a chat, owing to their laidback attitudes and their witty banter.

By only using music for the introduction and transitions, the show allows the topic to shine through so the listener can focus on the information.

The topics addressed vary immensely. In one episode, Wilson and Frey discuss the 1950s United States Supreme Court decision to rule segregated schools as unconstitutional in the Brown vs. Board of Education case. The hosts analyze this decision, including the resistance it met. Meanwhile, another episode covers the light-hearted subject of the history of peanut butter—which is more complex than you might think.

Stuff You Missed in History Class also features interviews with historians and academics. In a two-part episode, Wilson and Frey interview Dr. Katherine Sharp Landdeck to discuss the forgotten Women Airforce Service Pilots (more commonly known as WASP) in World War Two. The United States was short on noncombat pilots at home because of the fighting overseas, so the government recruited female pilots to complete the task. It’s harrowing to learn the adversity that these women overcame. They undertook the responsibility of test-piloting newly-built combat planes, which placed them in constant danger of mechanical malfunction.

In the conclusion of every episode, the hosts read mail submitted by listeners. It was interesting to hear feedback from fellow listeners about previous episodes and gain insight on opinions from around the world.

With hundreds of episodes available, the podcast’s website provides a helpful directory that categorizes episodes according to subject matter.

With categories ranging from medical history, crime, literary history, and even sad royal childhoods, there is an episode for everyone.

Episodes air every Monday and Wednesday on the podcast’s website and various podcast apps.

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM ARTS» 11

THE MEDIUM’S WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS NON-FICTION

My Pengu Yasmeen Alkoka “Last chance! If I haven’t received a promise letter from you, then you won’t be able to take home a penguin from my collection.” Ms. Divian’s voice blares over the P.A. system.

Ms. Divian, the principal that knows every student by name and always hosts amazing events for us, retires this year. She reveals her biggest secret to all the students and wants to leave us with a gift – penguins.

“I can’t believe that old lady has so many penguins!” Sarah says.

“Have you seen her office? Penguin toys everywhere,” Andy adds.

“I can’t wait to show my mom,” Karen mumbles.

I glance around the fourth grade classroom, eyes widening as I notice the variety of penguins in each kid’s hands – plastic figures, stuffed toys, cookie jars, and cup holders. I think I’m the only one who sits emptyhanded, but then I notice Nadia gawking at Jason’s penguin tea kettle, with nothing on her own desk.

The phone rings.

I rub my sweaty hands together, hoping that I get called down to the office.

“Yasmeen and Nadia, Ms. Divian says you can come on down,” Ms. Charlambous, my teacher, chirps.

I catapult out of my seat, rush out the door and down the stairs, ripping the doors open as I sprint down the hallway. Wondering if any good toys will be left, I gulp as I approach the principal’s office.

Then I see it.

A humongous stuffed penguin, half the size of my own body, sits on the table staring back at me. I don’t pay attention to the other penguin toys. Its eyes sparkle in the light, and its wings are so fluffy that I can hardly keep my jaw from dropping. Just as I extend my eager hands to grab the penguin and make it my own, Nadia swoops in from behind me, seizing it from my fingertips, and dashes out of the office.

My arms dangle down my sides and my knees feel weak. I blink in disbelief.

“You can have anything you like,

LANDSCAPE Reem Taha

darling.” Ms. Divian smiles sweetly at me from across the office.

I nod slowly, blinking back tears, and scan the contents of the table. My eyes hover, not stopping at any specific object. Not even the penguin soap bar holder can outweigh that huge stuffed penguin that Nadia snatched from me.

Several long minutes pass as I stand shaking in the principal’s office. Ms. Divian peers at me from behind her desk and smirks slightly, then stands up and reaches for a large black garbage bag behind her.

Tingles run through my insides. I twiddle my fingers and crane my neck to catch a glimpse of the contents of the mysterious bag.

“I have a special penguin waiting for you, Yasmeen. Do you think you will give it a good home?” She says as she picks out a toy from the bag.

I can’t open my mouth to speak, so I just nod my head quickly. My heartbeat quickens when I catch a glimpse of the toy.

Walking towards me, Ms. Divian

holds a teal-coloured stuffed penguin.

It shines like a trophy in her hands, my heart warming up as I imagine its cute little beak calling out my name.

As the toy leaves her grip and enters mine, I feel the soft fluffy fur rub against my skin. I meet the black pearl eyes of my new friend and squeeze him close to my chest.

“Thank you so much, Ms. Divian. I promise I’ll take good care of him.” I say, beaming.

She gives me a quick hug, making me blush. I clutch the stuffed penguin, cradling my new baby, being careful not to drop him as I dart back up to class.

Nadia watches me as I approach my seat, clutching the large stuffed penguin on her lap. She peers down, wraps her arms around it, and grunts in my direction. Nadia’s eyebrows furrow and she looks at me with sharp eyes, seething as she turns around.

Tears sting my eyes but I shrug it off and pet the luxurious fur of my special penguin. No one else in my class has

a toy from the special collection like I do. ~~~ That night, I place my penguin on the pillow next to me. I brush his fur with my fingers and give him enough space to lie comfortably. I spend five full minutes staring at the toy, trying to think of the perfect name. I remember one of my favourite TV shows, Pengu, and with that, the decision is made.

“Say hello to Pengu,” I introduce to my stuffed-animal family.

Pinkyrose the ballerina bear, Rainbowdash the unicorn, and Sam the dog surround Pengu in the corner of my bed. My other toys watch from the basket on the other side of the room.

They had the privilege when they first came home, but now it’s Pengu’s turn.

I tuck him in next to me.

The following morning, I print out pictures of penguins and tape them onto my wall with my big sister’s help.

I grin to myself.

Ms. Divian would be proud.

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FICTION

It Was Just a Joke Halah Butt

Your black tights are snug on your ankles. You pluck at a loose thread coming undone on the side of your thigh.

Tuck a loose strand of blonde wisps framing your face, the rest tied neatly into a bun, held back with a bandana. A new one. You cross your legs.

Thighs flatten, doubling in size. You uncross them. Itchy sweater material rubs against your arms. Uncomfortable, but the fanciest you own. You bought it at one of those teen-wear stores. With pictures of sun-kissed, girls being held by tawny, smiling boys, fake secrets in their eyes. Laying on pick-up trucks and running through golden fields.

In the try-out room, you were alone with three reflections of yourself. Standing farthest away from the door so no one sees your feet. Size 9.

Lifting your shirt above your head.

Sliding off sweatpants. The three you’s mimic your movement. Shifting your eyes to the floor, avoiding eye contact.

Flashes of bare white skin, light arm hair. Sweater on. Itchy cream coloured material curving your chest, hugging your waist. Three curves. First your chest, then your stomach, then your hips. You scowl at the mirror. The reflection of you. Three reflection of

three lumps. You quickly take off the sweater. Static dries your hair. Flushfaced, you forget about the new jeans, keep your sweatpants on. Eyeing the girl with the nametag Ella. She gave you a medium with a smile at your lump. Not unlike the smile of the girls in the ads. Bellies sucked in, chest thrust out. You throw the sweater on the table, pick up Large with shame.

Don’t look at the smiles.

You shift your feet on the grimy linoleum tiles. Converse sneakers, two laced bows, one smaller than the other. A smile across the table you sit at.

Lazy, coy. Hungry. Oily fries, a burger half-eaten. You don’t touch yours.

Drawing with ketchup. Clatter and of kids with happy meals, dazed parents. Acne faces covered in blush. He brought you here because he wanted you to be comfortable. A familiar place. Easy and casual. In truth, this is your first time at a fast food joint. You prefer home cooked meals and Chinese takeout. He offers another smile.

Lazy, coy. Hungry. Mocking. You nod.

He’s being nice.

At school near the locker. Leaning, yawning, hand through hair. Go out with me? Stifled snickers and snorts.

A huge joke. Pathetic, of course she’ll

say yes. That’s what you hear walking down the hall to class. Pitiful eyes.

Gawking stares.

The bell chimes. Pretty blondes from school attached to jocks. Smug looks and hoop earrings. They nod to him, and he grins back. Not the grin he gave you. They don’t look at you. Nice date? They laugh. He grins more. She isn’t hungry he says. He looks at your burger. You look at your tights and pluck at the thread. You say you don’t really like McDonalds. For some reason they think that’s funny.

Puddles of tears in the corner of your eyes. Red faced, nervous. They sit down at the table besides yours. Eyes mocking, mouths ready. They eye your flesh. Malicious, hungry. Words dancing at the tip of their tongues.

You know what they’ll say. A jock snatches your fries. Stuffs his face.

Am I doing it right? The tears won’t be blinked away. Laughter erupts.

A punch to the stomach. You stand abrupt. Your chair screeches. Eyes still on your tights. Too tight. Too revealing. Too much inside them. You can feel his casual stare. You alright?

Thanks for the lunch, you whisper.

You leave slowly. Sticky floors grab at your sneakers. The tears will not

PHOTOJOURNALISM Mesha Gayur

fall. You don’t let them. Head held high, arms at your sides balled fists.

The bell chimes. The door closes, and the snickers fade. You hear them still.

Ringing your ears. Red with shame Anger. Pity. You walk out of the parking lot; he drove you there. The windows rolled down and music blaring.

Couldn’t you see it? He didn’t want to talk. You start the walk home. Yellow weeds sprouting from the cracked pavement. He ordered for you. A Big Mac. Large coke. Large fries. You never eat that much, you tell him. I’m sure you’re hungry, he replies. How did you not hear it? His taunting voice. A set up.

At home you tear off the stupid sweater. Kick it under your bed.

Fingers shaking as you untie your laces. Tights off, sweatpants on. Tears streaming as you rip off your bandana. Nice bandana, he said. You smiled brightly. Were you blind?

Blonde strong beautiful, he could be a boy in the ads at the teen-wear store.

He wasn’t blind. He knew what he was doing. You clutch the bandana in your hand. You don’t stop the tears. Stupid, you call yourself. Ugly, you’re sure of it.

Weekend ends, then comes school.

Your backpack is ready, but you aren’t.

Go, your mother forces you. You go.

The snickers and glances hold more meaning today. They know. You know they know. Have a good lunch? Someone asks. He doesn’t look at you. He laughs at their jokes and disappears into class.

You don’t show up at the cafeteria.

You didn’t bring lunch. You didn’t have breakfast. Your stomach rumbles. Shut up, you tell it. You hide in the library. Drink from the water fountain. Someone pushes you.

Whale, they say. You leave your last class early and dry heave in the girl’s washroom.

They talked about you afterwards.

Whispers and guilty glances circled the halls. I heard it was food poisoning, someone jokes. Everyone glares at her, horrified. Too late. He doesn’t look anyone in the eye. He doesn’t laugh at the joke. He knows you never came to the cafeteria. He saw you sitting in the hall, a bottle of water besides you. Eyes dazed.

You didn’t eat for a week.

They stuffed tubes down your nose.

You heard laughter.

It didn’t go away.

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM ARTS» 13

POETRY

Immigration Maryam Faisal My father looked up at me, the lines around his eyes mapping the route he and my mother took to come to a country that did - not want them.

The lines on his palms tracing fortyseven years of labour.

Embedded deep enough to become the veins in his bloodshot eyes.

His hands motioned to the piece of cloth that covered my face – His voice was the first tremor of an earthquake Hesitant. Scared. Defiant.

Take it off on public transport The tectonic plates of his throat encased his words in the sound of someone harassing his daughter.

Wear brighter colours Don’t stare too long Don’t bring attention to yourself Don’t look - when your parents say they want to be fluent in English.

And why are we to bow down to a colonial language that was shoved down our throats, that took over our soil, that never reaped any growth - that never saw any flowers.

And isn’t it cruel that I’m writing this in a language I was forced to wrap my tongue around.

PORTRAIT Chen Gong

2017 GOVERNING COUNCIL ELECTIONS Student Candidates’ Statements

Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Online voting will take place on U-elecT at voting.utoronto.ca and through a secured website for graduate medical trainees.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students – Constituency I

(Faculty of Arts and Science; University of Toronto Mississauga; and University of Toronto Scarborough) EBUN AKINSANYA I am a third year international student from Nigeria pursuing a double major in International Relations and Political Science.

During my time in U of T, I have been an executive member in various student organizations and volunteered in studentfocused programs such as orientation. I have also had the opportunity to work in the Office of Student Life and in my college. Going into my final year, I want to leave an impact on UofT, which I believe I can do through the Governing Council. My goal is to represent my peers and work towards a better UofT! JINA ARYAAN VOTE JINA ARYAAN! I’ve represented you at multiple ArtsSci Council Committees, and now I want to represent you on Governing Council, where I can fight for: reducing tuition costs, establishing a policy against sexual violence, increasing research opportunities, scholarships, financial grants, healthier food options on campus, and creating a transparent link between students and the administration.

I want to engage YOU as a student in being a part of the change YOU want to see.

I’ve got the passion, commitment, and leadership experience to speak out on all issues concerning my peers. Let me represent, work hard, and speak out for you!

DAVID BOSHRA The University of Toronto, in particular, UTM, is my second home and I strive to keep it at its excellent academic and social standing. With my experience in different leadership roles on previous governing councils in different institutions, I plan on keeping the student voice strong within our UofT Governing Council and am seeking your support to get there. It’s important to have a say in what directly affects us, and I believe I can make a successful difference by providing room for effective change and voicing our concerns and dis/ approvals of certain decisions and/or regulations. Together for competence!

GERMÁN ANDRES GUBERMAN My name is Germán Andres Guberman. I am entering my last year of studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Born and nurtured in Buenos Aires and Montreal respectively, the transition to Toronto was not an easy one. Perhaps the single most helpful experience in my undergraduate degree has been the opportunity to conduct academic

research in support of institutional initiatives or publication efforts of individual

professors. I will seek during my tenure in the Office of the Governing Council to expand research opportunities and support initiatives for the research groups that have provided countless students with invaluable academic experience.

AMANDA HARVEY-SÁNCHEZ Vote Amanda Harvey-Sanchez for Governing Council! As an active third-year student studying Environmental Studies, Anthropology and Equity Studies, I coordinated the UofT campaign for Fossil Fuel Divestment and mobilized students in opposition to pipelines. As an organizer for 350. org, I facilitated community engagement in Canada-wide government consultations as part of the People’s Climate Plan. If elected, I will advocate for environmental justice and sustainability on campus and more affordable education. I will also call on UofT to address fair student wages and rising student debt. For more information, visit my website at amandaharveysanchez.ca. From February 6-17, please vote online at voting.utoronto.ca!

KAREN HAKIM As a full-time undergraduate student, I feel the responsibility to contribute to enhancing the overall student experience at the university. As I have previously been committed to establishing a strong student voice by holding various positions on Student Councils, being elected to serve a two-year term as Student Trustee for previous School Boards, and further contributed by serving as representative for Southwestern Ontario students on a Provincial scale. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of involving students in school affairs, and bringing student voice to the board table as the tool for ensuring future success.

CHANGMO KIM It is with great passion that I submit my application to serve on the Governing Council as a Full Time Undergraduate. I have current experience serving on student affairs of various magnitudes as both an executive member on the Neuroscience Association for Undergraduate Students and Athletics Commissioner on the New College Student Council. I am also well versed in intercampus relations as Coed Vice Chair of the Intramural Sports Committee. In serving these committees, I have gained insight and understanding on handling issues and challenges. I would be honored to uphold and shape the interests of the University.

MARC MARLO LAURIN The University of Toronto is Canada’s oldest, largest, and highest ranked university.

It’s no simple task upholding a prestigious reputation, facilitating superior education and ensuring opportunities for learning and personal growth are available to all

students, regardless of status, ethnicity, culture, sexual identity and/or disability. I will ensure the interests of students are represented when advocating on issues that affect us. I will engage the community and promote positive change through involvement, awareness and action. I hope every student can enjoy and benefit from their experience at the University of Toronto, please visit http://www.votemarc.ca for more information.

MARC LAVIGNE Marc Lavigne is currently a public policy Co-Op student. His community involvement includes serving as student trustee for CSDCCS, vice-president of the francophone student trustee association, board member of Reflet Salveo (government mandated organization advising Local Health Integration Networks), representative council for FESFO (Franco-Ontarian organization), and the Ministry of Education’s Student Advisory Council. Also, he attended numerous conferences on secondary/ post-secondary education. Volunteered locally at TPASC and as Toronto Zoo Ambassador. On campus, he is a representative for Students of Sociology, member of Model United Nations Club, improvisation and intramural sports. In secondary, was member of 7 sport teams and improvisation captain.

ELIZABETH LIMANTO I am a first year in the Faculty of Arts and Science, hoping to pursue Global Health and Pharmacology. I think the governing council plays an important role in the university because elected governors, as students, get to have a voice in the decision making about issues that concern their peers and fellow students. I hope I can bring some of my experience as secretary of my school’s student council to the table, and I look forward to learning and gaining even more experience during my time of service.

ALEXANDER MARKOVIC Hey University of Toronto students! Ticking the box next to my name may not seem like a critical action, but it will bring me one step closer to sitting on the Governing Council and it doesn’t take up a lot of your time. I am an ambitious and passionate student at Victoria College. My reason for running is to instigate change and represent your vital opinions and voices at this institution. Engaging with me one step closer to sitting on the Governing Council and it doesn’t take up a lot of your time. I am an ambitious and passionate student at Victoria College. My reason for running is to instigate change and represent your vital opinions and voices at this institution.

Engaging with the students that make up our university in order to create a vibrant and successful community is the utmost priority for me during my mandate!

ABDULLA OMARI As a third year student who has served on a series of bodies and groups at UofT, I would like to bring my extensive knowledge and seasoned focus to Governing Council to develop a series of realistic policies that advocate for a series of changes.

These include a Text Book Subsidy and a Student Help system that will centralize support for students with stresses in the financial, educational and situational realities of our lives. While simultaneously providing ongoing support to campus based efforts and groups to address the rising parking, food and residence costs which fall under campus council purview.

NIKITA ROY Nikita Roy is in her third year at UTSC completing a major in Health Studies and a double minor in Biology and Applied Statistics. She currently sits on the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee, the Council on Student Services and chairs the Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. She works as a peer mentor program developer and coordinator for the English Language Development Centre, as well as a committed member of the Emergency Medical Response Group at UTSC. She firmly believes in creating opportunities for students to engage in the community. To get to know Nikita, visit: www.nikitaroy.net.

MICHAEL WARCHOL Michael is a fourth year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Political Science and European Studies and a minor in Polish Studies. This year, Michael invests his leadership skills as the President of the Association of Political Science Students. He has experience with previous leadership roles, including being a Deck Supervisor, a Standard First Aid Instructor, and a Communications and Events Coordinator with the OISE Alumni Association. Michael is running to be your undergraduate student representative on Governing Council and is determined to be a vocal advocate and a genuine spokesperson for student needs at UofT. https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Warchol-759227670895776/ ROBERT XU 1. School should never start on Thursday.

2. Dramatically increase investment in undergraduate education. 3. People are suiciding. Students should not be treated like numbers. Health and Wellness Center needs to be improved instead of causing further frustrations for students. 4. The Student Union is incompetent, cut cost, decrease size, fix election procedure. 5.Vote against any tuition rise. 6. More awareness on climate change. 7. More free fitness lessons instead of costly ones. 8. Upperyear students need support for social life on campus. 9. No academic record for late withdrawal. 10. Robarts needs beds.

SAYEH YOUSEFI It’s due time that students at UofT were listened to. Currently, with the several allegations of malpractice targeting college administrations, there is a growing degree of division among students and administrators. This issue needs to be

addressed by increasing the transparency and communication among students and administrators, and by doing so creating a mutually beneficial relationship that can allow students to flourish. Having worked with both local youth councils as well as the advisory council to the mayor for several years, I believe I have the necessary qualifications to effectively pursue the goals and wishes of the student body. url: https://www.utoronto.ca/news/robotsoccer-exotic-peppers-social-justice-andmore-why-these-undergrads-are-u-t-snewest-loran

Full-Time Undergraduate Students – Constituency II (Professional Faculties) AIDAN FISHMAN Between work, fun and maintaining your GPA, do you ever feel like a fish out of water? If so, Aidan Fishman is your candidate! I’m running for re-election to Governing Council because I believe that students in professional faculties like engineering, law and pharmacy need a wise, experienced representative looking out for our interests. As an undergraduate member, I fought successfully to expand campus wi-fi access and hold fee-collecting groups accountable to students. We can’t stop now – please send me back to push for a better university. Every school (of fish) needs its leader – vote the Fish for Governing Council!

STEPHANIE M. HOVDESTAD Hello my name is Stephanie Hovdestad I’m a first year undergraduate student in Kinesiology. I’m from Calgary, Alberta.

I came to the University of Toronto because I was intrigued by the vibrance of the city, the opportunities and the student life at the University. After having spent my first semester here I would not have gone anywhere else, the University has become a new home for me. I want to make a positive influence to the University and give back to the community that so warmly welcomed and supported me.

LINA KHAIRALLAH My name is Lina Khairallah. I am currently a third year Pharmacy student at the University of Toronto. I have a bachelor degree in Microbiology and Immunology and a Master’s degree in Experimental Medicine from McGill University in Montreal. I have held a number of community leadership roles, including Chief of Finance and Fundraising at University of Toronto’s Interprofessional Student-run clinic (IMAGINE). I am currently working on a Quality Improvement project at Saint Elizabeth Health Care in Toronto. I am a passionate and hardworking individual who promises to vocalize the student perspective during council meetings.

SAM MCCULLOCH As the finance director of LGBTOUT, and the sponsorship director for the engineering society, I have made it my mission to make students’ lives better. The dentistry, engineering, medicine, and law programs are known for their professional integrity

and the quality of education they allow students. On governing council I pledge to maintain this integrity by protecting tuition caps, improving academic appeals, and respecting student governments. In my term bureaucracy and poor policy will never affect a students education. The power of governing council should only be used to enable education, and better the student experience.

PETER SINGH I will push for the policies of increased TA to student ratio, smaller classes and that the university focus on undergraduate education. To us, the students, learning and transcripts matter most. The question is why our transcripts are often bad and learning inadequate? I do not expect to change university, but I will ask these and many more questions. I will ask all those things, which you want to ask the people, who are running U of T. TWESH UPADHYAYA I am excited to bring you the strong influence that Professional Faculty students deserve on Governing Council. I support a lower tuition cap, more consistent TAs, and investment in campus nap spaces. I serve on the UofT Engineering Society’s Board of Directors, the Finance and Election Committees, and chair the Policy and Structures Committee. In Grade 12, I was the Student Trustee for my region; representing thousands of students directly to the School Board. I recently received the Best Representative award from the Engineering Society. Vote Twesh for experienced, effective, and trustworthy leadership. Vote Twesh for Governing Council!

Thank you. https://www.facebook.com/ events/366199630416684/

Part-Time Undergraduate Students The following two candidates have been acclaimed for the two (2) Part-Time Undergraduate Student seats on Governing Council for 2017-2018: Susan Froom (Trinity College) and Mala Kashyap (Woodsworth College).

Graduate Students Constituency I (Humanities

and Social Sciences)

LYNNE ALEXANDROVA As your Governing Council rep, I’ll mobilize rich Canadian-international perspectives from (non)degree studies, teaching at 5 universities, 4 different countries.

Conference-funding, GAs, ODSP, OGS have propelled numerous presentations, conference-organizing, (co-)authoring, and (co-)editing. UofT-affiliated since 2006, currently near PhD-completion, I’ll leverage off comprehensive experience representing and inspiring students in policy-making rights-protection, coalition-building – UTGSU By-Law/ Policy, Finance, Equity bodies; SJE- and OISE-wide student constitutions, elections; department- and faculty-level Curriculum and Research Committees,

restructuring, constitution-upgrades. I’ll be your winning voice for augmenting real job opportunities domestically and internationally; fostering (non)academic communities for Equity and Sustainability; energizing Canada’s Indigenous-&non-Indigenous shared future! Platform, governance-strategy, etc.: https://winningwithlynneagain.wordpress.com/ ISABELLE BABICI My name is Isabelle Babici and I’m hoping to represent the graduate voice while working on a MEd at OISE. Coming into this prospective position,` I offer 5 years of advocacy in Student Services at college level and 7 years of volunteering as a liaison in critical/intensive care at Sunnybrook Hospital with a personal focus on equity and social justice. I believe strong stewardship in a BOG position leads to a university that can better act/react to the challenges of globalization, precarity and the pressures of performance as an institution known internationally for its research and educational leadership.

PRISCILLA MAK As a Master of Public Policy candidate with a Bachelor of Business Administration, I am an active member of the U of T community strongly committed to advocating for policies that support the needs of graduate students. Throughout the past 6 years, I have served the university and represented community interests in diverse roles, working previously with the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union and currently with the Mississauga Public Library Board. With this experience, I am eager to strengthen the graduate voice at the table to prioritize and work on important challenges on behalf of my colleagues. https://ca.linkedin.com/in/makpriscilla SOHEIL MILANI My name is Soheil Milani and I’m studying Global Affairs at the Munk School. I’ve come to know U of T as a home away from home as I’m sure you have too. I previously sat on the board of directors for the Canadian Political Science Students’ Association, where I represented Ontario students’ interests at the national level. I’ve also advocated for students’ rights at City Hall as a member of the Toronto Youth Cabinet and as an elected councillor for the LYAC. I’ve come to understand how to manoeuvre the minefield of student politics and get things done!

MICHELLE MOHABIR The University of Toronto contributed immensely to my growth and development.

It was here that I completed my undergraduate degree, which provided me the opportunities to start my career. Returning to attend the Rotman School of Management, I would like the opportunity to be your Graduate Student representative. As your representative, I will be the voice for the graduate students to ensure that your concerns are being heard; this includes lobbying for increased funding, equality among students, equality among departments, and increased resources to ensure that your graduate experience is a memorable one.

MAMA ADOBEA NII OWOO Mama Adobea Nii Owoo is a PhD student at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education researching Multilingual Mother Tongue Based Education. She has taught K-12 and served in student government and advising capacities across four continents. Before attending OISE, she was a Translator and TA at the Universidad de Sevilla, Ohio University and University of Ghana. She has a BA in Political Science and MA in Spanish and was an Ohio University Graduate Student Senate representative, Secretary of Rotary International’s Rotaract Club of Adentan, and Student Delegate at Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba. She has recently been elected President of OISE’s International Student Association.

TONY I stand to confront the indifference and incompetence of the Governing Council and to challenge its vision of a failed future – our future. My candidacy aims to disrupt the closed-door meetings of the most powerful decision making body at the U of T, to interject our voice of dissent and jam the process itself. I DEMAND IMMEDIATE DIVESTMENT FROM ALL FOSSIL FUELS AND IMMEDIATE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WITH CUPE 3902 FREE FROM ANY DISSEMBLEMENT, PREVARICATION OR FALSEHOOD. With loving-kindness (Pali: metta) in all directions, I shall stand up for this generation of students and for the imperiled generations to follow.

KEVIN VUONG Kevin Vuong is a graduate law student pursuing the Global Professional Master of Laws. As the Faculty Council Representative for the GPLLM program, he is an experienced leader in governance, strategy, and city-building. Kevin has served as the voice for over 330,000 young Torontonians at City Hall, Co-Chair of the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy, and on multiple boards including the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. He has also represented Canada at the G8 & G20 Summits.

For his service, Kevin has been named one of Her Majesty The Queen’s Young Leaders and Canada’s Top 30 Under 30.

More about Kevin: http://kevinvuong.ca/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/vuongkevin.

Graduate Students Constituency II (Physical and

Life Sciences)

ARMAN GHAFFARIZADEH My name is Arman and I am currently a master’s student at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. During my undergraduate studies at UofT, whether as a representative of the Faculty Standing Committee or as a member of various student organizations, I tried to enhance my student life as well as improving the community I was a part of. Being a governor enables me to share the concerns of graduate students in different aspects such as supervisor interactions, budgeting, and academic issues. I believe a healthy environment would benefit both students and the university as a united organization.

FAIZAN KHALID MOHSIN I completed my undergraduate studies at UofT, during which I was a member of the sciences curriculum committee, vice president of the statistics student union, did research and had a part time job to support myself. I know the difficulties and challenges students face. And I know, firsthand, how they are viewed by the University: They are last on the list of priorities. I will be a loud and just voice for students. I will push for internship and coop opportunities, more awards, scholarships and funding, for lower fees, for repeat-toreplace grade policy. I will dedicate myself to your success.

SANDHYA MYLABATHULA Currently a PhD student (Exercise Sciences), I am dedicated to improving the graduate student experience. I developed leadership and communication skills through serving in graduate student governance for 4+ years, as an executive member of 5 student groups, and as Chief Steward of CUPE 3902. I am committed to increasing representation of graduate student concerns, and support improved graduate student programming and services, mental health initiatives, and graduate funding and working conditions. I hope to bring my experience and enthusiasm to Governing Council, and would be honoured to have your vote on ROSI/ACORN February 6-17 as your Division III/IV representative. http:// individual.utoronto.ca/sandhya/ OLAGOKE VLADIMIR OLADEJO I feel absolutely privileged to be at this institution. With its rich history and reputation, its alumni and their global impact, there’s no other place I’d rather be. I’m hoping to contribute to the progress of the university by joining the Governing Council.

Planning and strategizing are huge interests of mine, and I’m confident of being an effective representative. In past years, I’ve been a general secretary, vice president and GSU representative (current). Apparently, there’s never been a representative from the aerospace department. Let’s show some love to UTIAS, even though we seem located in another part of the world. https://www.linkedin.com/in/olagoke-vladimir-oladejo-90210 EMELI (LI) ZHANG Beside an academic role as a PhD student in the Department of Medical Biophysics, I have extensive board experiences in various organizations, spanning from departmental Graduate Student Association, Southern Ontario Tsinghua Alumni Association, to international non-­ profits.

As a former international and current domestic graduate student, I will be a unifying voice with emphasis on improving financial assistance, diversifying academic experiences, and enhancing availability of and access to career development activities for graduate students. Please vote for Emeli (Li) Zhang on ACORN between Feb. 6 and Feb. 17. See me on LinkedIn. https:// ca.linkedin.com/in/emelizhang QUESTIONS? Please contact the Chief Returning Officer, Anwar Kazimi at 416-978-8427 or anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca, or the Deputy Returning Officer, Patrick McNeill at 416-978-8428 or patrick.mcneill@utoronto.ca.

02.06.2017

»

17

Deconstructing hyper-masculinity Last Tuesday, UTMSU and Caribbean Connections hosted a panel with Cornel Grey SHAYNA JAN “Man up!” “Boys don’t cry!” and “Stop being so sensitive!” are among the many phrases you may hear when a man chooses to break free from his socially-accepted gender role. According to Cornel Grey, a U of T Ph.D. student, when men are faced with this type of ridicule, they often feel the need to prove their masculinity by engaging in an “exaggerative performance of behaviour that is stereotypically male.” Men do this by presenting themselves as overly macho on the outside, while constantly masking their true emotions. This concept can be referred to as hyper-masculinity.

Last Tuesday, Grey came in to talk to students about deconstructing hyper-masculinity as a part of a panel organized by UTMSU and Caribbean Connections. Through an interactive presentation involving personal anecdotes and examples from the media, Grey engaged the audience and discussed the effects of gender norms on society.

By drawing attention to the differences between the ways in which boys and girls are socialized, Grey emphasized just how deeply-rooted some of these gender norms are.

AIMEN ALI/THE MEDIUM

Grey deconstructed hyper-masculinity and discussed the effects of gender norms on society.

Something as simple as choosing what colour to paint a baby’s room is influenced by a preconceived notion of what it means to be masculine or feminine. Sometimes, people can act as unknowing abettors to this seemingly harmless act, accidentally enforcing heteronormative stereotypes in everyday life. Secondary socializ-

ers, like the media, also play a large role in promoting the gender narrative.

In the media, hyper-masculinity is often displayed through the portrayal of independent wealth, physical dominance and toughness, physical attractiveness and confidence, and female sexual objectification. Al-

though this depiction of men clearly creates a level of separation among the sexes, what may not be as apparent, is the intersectional divide existing between men of different races.

To emphasize this point, Grey highlighted the differences between the way in which black masculinity and white masculinity is portrayed

in the media. White masculinity is often demonstrated through attractive business-type characters who are clean cut, wealthy, and represent success in all aspects of life.

This association with “hegemonic masculinity,” otherwise known as the “accumulation of idealized traits associated with manhood” appears to be reserved for white men only.

Black men are simply not given the same opportunities. Instead, they are type-cast as absentee fathers, domestic abusers, or gangsters, promoting the association between black masculinity and failed masculinity.

This discrepancy must also be considered when analyzing the way in which news stories are framed.

Reporters often have the tendency to describe black boys as “men” or “thugs,” exaggerating their deviant behaviour, while white men, like the 27-year-old responsible for the Quebec mosque shooting, are described as “boys” or “kids” who didn’t know any better. Although male privilege exists, there are limitations to this privilege, as marginalized groups continue to be treated as lesser than the traditional white male.

Norms continued on page 19

Visuals—a passion for art and science Dr. Jodie Jenkinson: “UTM’s best kept secret” is the Biomedical Communications program AMIRA ABOZAID

UTM is home to several programs, majors, and minors—including the Biomedical Communications program (as both a graduate program and an undergraduate minor). It surprises professor Jodie Jenkinson that not everyone knows about it. In fact, she calls it “UTM’s best kept secret.”

Jenkinson teaches within the Biomedical Communications program, at both the graduate and undergraduate level. However, her plan was never to follow the route to academia. Jenkinson had been interested in arts, illustration, and animation, but she was never happy with the way she was instructed during her undergraduate degree at McMaster University, which had her change her career path. She completed a combined program of French and Art History “in an effort to rescue [her] degree.”

So what made Jenkinson enter the biomedical communications field?

“I started becoming interested in patient education and how to create

OLIVIA ADAMCZYK/THE MEDIUM

Before coming to UTM, Jenkinson completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University. better visuals that communicate to patients, and I soon discovered this program,” says Jenkinson. “It was actually my doctor who told me about

it, because he trained at U of T. He had all those symposia and [was] showing them to me and told me: do you know that there is a program

[like this] in U of T? So I enrolled in it, and at that time it was a Bachelor’s of Science program, and while I was in it, it transitioned into a Master’s

program, so I was able to complete my Master’s.”

But the reason behind this Masters was not academia, but rather purely patient education to help create visuals and illustrations to allow patients to understand better what they have. Jenkinson’s specific interest was working with male patients who have prostate cancer.

I asked Jenkinson if going into the field was only triggered by speaking to her doctor, but she instead believes that it was her collective experiences that have drove her into that pathway.

“I had a collection of different experiences. It was six years between my undergrad and grad, and that’s a long time. But sometimes I think taking a year off is not a bad idea to help you think about what you want to do.

So I worked in an animation studio for a while. I worked for a company called Street Kids International. They also produced animation and they were creating an animation for Mexican Street Kids about the dangers of drugs.”

Visuals continued on page 19

18

«FEATURES

THE MEDIUM 02.06.2017

Highlighting Indigenous innovation Last Monday, the “Native Invent: Sharing Our Path” event (including an exhibit) was held in IB

FARAH QAISER FEATURES EDITOR Last Monday, the Centre for Student Engagement, in collaboration with Hart House and the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum, hosted the “Native Invent: Sharing Our Path” exhibit to highlight Indigenous inventions and innovations. This event was one of the first to be held in celebration of UTM’s 50th Anniversary.

This event took place in the atrium of IB, and featured Cat Criger (an Aboriginal Elder), professor Ulrich Krull (UTM’s interim vice-president and principal), Francis Jeffers (exhibit founder and curator), John Monahan (Hart House representative) and Wendy Phillips (guest speaker).

Phillips is a professor based at the Loyalist College, where she teaches and supports students within Entrepreneurial studies—specifically the Business Launch program. She is also a ceremonial leader and a traditional Indigenous healer.

In his opening remarks, Krull explained the idea of innovation from his personal perspective.

“I work in an area of analytical chemistry, [where I] measure stuff and see how much there is in diag-

CHEN GONG/THE MEDIUM

Last Monday, the “Native Invent: Sharing Our Path” exhibit was held in IB’s atrium. nostic technology—the sort of thing that you would run into in a hospital.

I have to ask myself: am I going to make something because in a sense, it is commercially viable, which is the routine to get funding, or do you do it

because it’s something that is needed in society? Something that can make a difference.”

Krull further elaborated that with invention, you can create something new, but not necessarily meaningful.

“The idea of innovation is to not just create something new […] but something that’s new and that has positive benefit for the society,” said Krull.

Following Krull’s remarks, Mona-

han shared why Hart House was present at today’s event.

“Why [would Hart House] even be here? Because if you know about Hart House at all, you know that it’s kind of an iconic building on the campus—this gothic cathedral building.

But we are also more than that. We have a tri-campus mandate. We are increasingly committed to not only doing programming at Hart House, but infusing, enhancing, and supporting programming that is of interest to students and other stakeholders of the university across all the three campuses.”

Monahan emphasized that Hart House was taking their “unique approach to education” all around U of T, whether it was “through the exploration of arts and culture, recreation of wellness or deeply connected community engagement” activities.

“That is what Hart House is about.

Wherever we can put our thumb on the scale to help other people in the university that are interested in promoting discovery in those areas—in both individual and group exploration in those areas—we’re there,” said Monahan.

Invent continued on page 22

Chef Corbin brings in meals on wheels Last Tuesday, celebrity chef Corbin Tomaszeski hosted a live demonstration in the TFC

JESSICA CABRAL ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR

When you think of food truck cuisine, what comes to mind? Maybe your thoughts drift to images of mouth-watering hotdogs loaded with your favourite toppings, or visions of classic medium-aged cheddar cheese sandwiched between two perfectly grilled slices of bread. Poutine, tacos, perogies, lobster rolls— the list of food truck dishes is endless.

Last Tuesday, celebrity chef Corbin Tomaszeski launched two new dishes by putting an international flair on a popular food truck meal: sliders. Known from TV shows such as Dinner Party Wars on Food Network, Tomaszeski provided a live demonstration in the TFC that attracted a large lunchtime crowd.

“Today, we are launching a new program. We are doing some samplings on something called ‘Slider Palooza.’ Do you know what Palooza means? Palooza’s like a big party. Do you know what a slider is? Like mini sandwiches, they just slide right in,” he explains. “So today we’re going to do two variations. Because of all the diversity that exists in this university campus, I thought we would take advantage of that and pull influences

ANUM SYED/THE MEDIUM

Tomaszeski’s live demonstration included members of the audience taking part in the cooking. from all around the world.”

Tomaszeski prepared two dishes for his audience during his live demonstration. “We’re doing an Asianinspired Bao bun stuffed with spiced sesame chicken and five spice slaw, and then we’re also doing a sesame pita with lamb kofta, so we got a little Middle Eastern in there.”

Specifically, the first dish was Moroccan Lamb Kofta with Sesame

Pita and Beet Hummus, while the second dish was Steamed Bao Bun with Crispy Sesame Chicken and five spice slaw.

“For me, it’s how it’s presented.

For example, anyone can make hummus, so we made a beet hummus which was fun, super healthy, high in anti-oxidants, and one of those superfoods. That’s going to be one of the [food truck] twists, and

then when we do the slaw we’re going to do some fun stuff with that, add a little bit of heat too,” he said.

Tomaszeski began the first demonstration by spontaneously selecting three students to join him for the cooking process. He gave each student an apron and a chef hat to wear in the kitchen. All three participants were responsible for a different aspect of the culinary process.

Whether it was mixing meat, adding spices, or making hummus, Tomaszeski gave his three volunteers a hands-on opportunity to create the lamb kofta and hummus dish.

Together, they prepared the meat mix with one pound of ground lamb and beef each. While one student mixed, the other added seasonings like coriander, cumin, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Tomaszeski advised his volunteers and his audience that it is important to cook, taste, and adjust seasonings accordingly to ensure the best possible result. He made a tiny patty out of the meat, grilled it, and had his volunteers taste it. Then, he added some extra spices to the meat mix to enhance flavour and spiciness.

Hummus, typically made from chickpeas, was instead made with red beets. They added red beets, vegetable oil, and tahini into a blender.

Once the meat mix was ready, they shaped the meat into a sausage on a chopstick, and placed it on the grill.

The team formed an assembly line to construct the final dish and distribute it to their audience to taste.

They served the lamb kofta skewer on the sesame pita. The meat rested on a bed of lettuce, and was topped with onions, crimson beet hummus, and a dollop of sour cream.

Corbin continued on page 19

02.06.2017 THE MEDIUM

FEATURES» 19

Chef Corbin cooks with Gender norms student volunteers Norms continued from page 17

ANUM SYED/THE MEDIUM

The demo included dishes such as Moroccan lamb kofta with sesame pita and beet hummus.

Corbin continued from page 18 It wasn’t long before the crowd dug into their samples. Anxious to taste the meal my peers had prepared with the celebrity chef, I dove into my own kofta. The spiciness of the meat complemented the flavour of the beet hummus. I was hooked.

For the second demo, the procedure was much the same. Tomaszeski selected a new trio of students willing to lend him a hand behind the counter.

Tomaszeski explained that for the dish, they would be using boneless, skinless chicken legs because of its high flavour content. Also, chicken breasts are more likely to dry out during the frying process.

The TFC began to embody the atmosphere of a professional kitchen: fast, hot, and loud. The team effortlessly prepared the chicken, adding ingredients like minced ginger, garlic, and chili paste. Then, they breaded the chicken in a mix of bread crumbs and white and black sesame seeds.

Forming an assembly line, the three volunteers constructed the second dish. They laid the five spice slaw onto the Bao, a Vietnamese steam bun, and rested the breaded chicken legs on top. Chef Tomaszeski concluded the plating by drizzling honey over the chicken and handing it to the hungry audience members.

After the first dish, I didn’t hesitate to try this one. The crispy chicken had a hint of sweetness from the honey,

the slaw was creamy, and I was satisfied.

Tomaszeski explains that adding a twist to this common food truck concept wasn’t challenging.

“It’s kind of like when you see a kid in a sandbox and they’re having a lot of fun. That’s how I am when I do recipe development, just a lot cleaner,” he says.

So, what is Tomaszeski’s favourite food truck dish?

“That’s a tough one,” he hesitates.

“I’m still a sucker for poutine, I think it’s the Canadian boy in me. I think if you’ve got a solid poutine, I’m all over it. But it has to be real curds, real Quebec curds, none of those fake curds, and I want real gravy and nice, crispy fries.”

Another topic of discussion that Grey brought to light, was the idea of “male tears” and the “crisis of masculinity.” To introduce the topic, Grey played a video of spoken word artist, Imani Cezanne, performing a piece titled “Heels.”

In this poem, Cezanne addresses male height insecurities and makes her assertion about heels quite clear, arguing she should not be made to feel ashamed of her tall stature.

Many students in the audience picked up on the significance of this insecurity, as height is often associated with dominance and supremacy. Feeling uneasy about something as insignificant as a woman’s height could be symbolic of a much deeper issue, namely being uncomfortable with the idea of female power.

When experiencing this discomfort, men often feel as though their masculinity is being challenged or put into question, they fear being associated with femininity, and feel the need to overcompensate and exert their dominance. The nature of the fear itself demonstrates the extent to which society has internalized the patriarchy.

To wrap up his presentation, Grey turned to the audience in search of a next step. He wanted to ensure that the conversation would extend far beyond the walls of the Student Centre.

Although most students agreed that this idea of hyper-masculinity is toxic and should be deconstructed, a variety of possible solutions were provided.

Some felt as though the potential for change fell in the hands of future generations, arguing that parents today must educate their children

and socialize them in a way that puts an end to harmful gender stereotypes. Rather than teach young girls to express themselves, while boys are taught to bottle everything up, both genders should be treated equally. It has been statistically shown that men are less likely to seek mental health assistance and are more likely to commit suicide.

If men feel comfortable enough to discuss their feelings, then we can prevent this from happening in the future.

“Boys don’t cry!” is among the many phrases you may hear when a man chooses to break free from his sociallyaccepted gender role.

Although educating the future generation is important, other students suggested that the change can begin now. As a group, students brainstormed ways in which they could work toward dismantling gender norms in their own lives.

Some students, both male and female, stated that they would shut down sexist commentary that fueled the patriarchy.

But many students realized that small gestures can go a long way.

Opening the conversation about gender norms can begin with something as simple as challenging someone who tells you that you “run like a girl.” Grey insisted that together, over time, we can work toward building a more inclusive world that allows people to be whatever they want to be, regardless of sex and gender.

Jenkinson did not intend on academia Visuals continued from page 17 “It was sort of these collective experiences combined and talking to my doctor because of family illness and wanting patient education, that had me thinking I want to communicate visually about things that are important to people.”

Jenkinson believes that visuals could be one of the best ways to allow people to understand health issues better. In fact, if “[science] literacy is lower than it should be, health literacy is even more than that,” and so visuals could be one of the best ways to communicate with one another.

Today, one of Jenkinson’s main concerns (and thus her research) revolves around providing the proper visuals and illustrations that will allow Life Science students to understand their educational material better. This especially applies to biology and chemistry, since concepts

at a molecular level are not always available to the human eye, and visuals instead can help students understand better. Jenkinson looks at different methods of visualization, including interactivity, gaming, or highly complex animations.

It surprises Jenkinson that not everyone knows about Biomedical Communciations—in fact, she calls it “UTM’s best kept secret.”

Her lab also investigates achieving a better animation through eye tracking, as tracking where the students’ eyes are looking enhances the illustrations and animations for better understanding of the biological material.

2017 University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council Elections Student Candidates’ Statements (Full-Time Undergraduate Students) Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Online voting will take place on UElect.

ZAHRA ADREES Zahra is a full-time undergraduate student, currently studying English, Sociology, and Political Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. She is an Ontario Scholar, as well as a recipient of The Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City Centennial Scholarship and Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Nominee Award. She is passionate about the improvement and expansion of mental health resources available on campus and the availability of study spaces.

When she’s not studying hard, she enjoys fashion, writing, reading, and photography.

Website: https://zahraadrees.wixsite.com/ website JAD FOUK ALADEH Being a campus council member is a great responsibility which I can believe I can uphold. My name is Jad Fouk Aladeh and I am willing to work as hard as I can to be your next school Campus Council member.

I like long intellectual discussions, hanging with my friends and I’m a beer pong master. I’m a very social and friendly person who wants the greatest change for our world. I’m a feminist, an animal rights advocate and I would be a great leader at University of Toronto Mississauga.

ANITA ALEXANDRA AMBRUSI I believe that this role requires an individual who is passionate and truly cares about the UTM community; someone who is able to oversee the school’s operations, connect with the students and speak up for them. Being both a first year, mature and international student but living in Canada for the past 5 years allows me to associate myself with all of you. I truly understand the needs of the different student groups and I am ready to contribute to the success of our school keeping the student population’s best interest in mind.

DAVID BOSHRA The University of Toronto, in particular, UTM, is my second home and I strive to keep it at its excellent academic and social standing. With my experience in different leadership roles on previous governing councils in different institutions, I plan on keeping the student voice strong

within our UTM Campus Council and am seeking your support to get there. It’s important to have a say in what directly affects us, and I believe I can make a successful difference by providing room for effective change and voicing our concerns and dis/approvals of certain decisions and/ or regulations. Together for competence!

MELINDA ANN CALLAHAN Hello! My name is Melinda Ann Callahan and I am a third year Political Science and Pre-Law student studying here at the University of Toronto Mississauga. I do a lot of volunteer work around campus, including working with the UTMSU for Free Breakfast Wednesdays, planting trees with Evergreen, and much more. I am also involved with the Centre for Student Engagement, working on both a Community Innovation Project for the Alzheimer’s Society, and a Community Action Project for Girl Guides of Canada. I am looking forward to being your candidate for the UTM Campus Council.

SALMA FAKHRY My name is Salma Fakhry and I would like to represent you on the UTM Campus Council. Throughout this past year, I have been a part of the Academic Affairs Committee, and through this opportunity, I have had the chance to bring forth student concerns and ensure that your needs are being met. This year I want to do more for you. I want to ensure that students at UTM are represented properly, and respected. I want to focus on the reduction of deregulated fees, the expansion of student consultation and a reduction in parking fees.

RANIM MIRI My name is Ranim Miri and I am running to be your full-time undergraduate representative on the UTM Campus Council. During my time at UTM I have been involved in volunteer positions on Campus and am now an associate at the UTMSU. Through my experiences, I have had the opportunity to learn about governance roles and responsibilities at UTM along with the challenges that students face. I want to ensure that students concerns are heard by

administration. My focus is to work towards the reduction of ancillary fees, and to ensure that the University is held accountable to their students.

NINA ANGELA OTISI My name is Nina Otisi and I’m an international student in my 3rd year at UTM, currently studying Environmental Management, Biology and Environmental Science. I am running for the position of an undergraduate representative on the UTM Campus Council. I have been involved in numerous volunteer work on campus since my first year, like Alternative Reading Week Project Leader, UTM bike share and much more. I currently work as a Student Organizations Activity Assistant with the Centre for Student Engagement, a Peer Ambassador with the International Student Centre and Vice President External Associate at the Erindale Campus African Students Association.

ESTELITO SO I am a first year student studying CCIT and I intend on filling a position on the UTM campus council. My interests in this position lies in making sure the voice of students like you and I are heard on issues important to us as well as representing our campus and student body in a positive light to return to the university that has contributed much to our lives.

KATHERINE ZDANOWSKI My name is Katherine Zdanowski and I am running for UTM Campus Council undergraduate position. This year I was a liaison for students to voice their opinions and needs through my roles as Senior VP Marketing Director for UTM Residence Council and being part of the Student Housing Advisory Committee. Now, I’d like to expand my horizons and give a voice to all UTM students. Being part of DEM Society, I understand the value student-run clubs/ councils/societies have for students, and aim to support these initiatives. By fighting for support-related needs of students, I’ll develop a cohesive community experience across campus.

Administrative Staff Candidates’ Statements Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Voting will take place online on a website designated by the CRO. MEGAN ALEKSON Ms Alekson has been a University of Toronto Mississauga employee since 2007 and her current position is Manager, Parking & Transportation. Megan graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations and English (2008) and served on the Erindale College Council from 2011 to 2013. She is an active member of the Quality Service to Students Council (QSS) and an Associate Member of the Royal Canadian

Legion, having also served with the Ladies Auxiliary from 2004 to 2016.

Ms Alekson’s current memberships include UTM Campus Council, Agenda Committee and Campus Affairs Committee.

CHAD NUTTALL I would be honoured to represent administrative staff on Campus Council. For the last 2.5+ years I have served as Director, Student Housing & Residence Life. I enjoy

managing a large budget and a dynamic 24/7 operation. I regularly attend and have presented to both CAC and CC. I earned an MA in Higher Education and my thesis focused on collegiality in university decision-making. I have previously served as President of the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers and was recently a Director on the board of the Canadian Society for the Study in Higher Education.

Questions about the UTM Campus Council elections process may be directed to the Deputy Returning Officer, Ms Cindy Ferencz Hammond (905-828-5233; cindy.ferencz@utoronto.ca) or the Chief Returning Officer, Mr. Anwar Kazimi (416-978-8427; anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca).

2017 University of Toronto Mississauga Academic Affairs Committee Elections Student Candidates’ Statements (Full-Time Undergraduate Students) Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Online voting will take place on UElect.

DAVID BOSHRA UTM is my second home and I strive to keep it at its excellent academic and social standing. This committee is especially dear to my heart, since its effects alter something very dear to the students’ vocation i.e. academics. I plan on keeping the student voice strong within our AAC and am seeking your support to get there. It’s important to have a say in what directly affects us, and I believe I can make a successful difference, as I had done on previous committees in different institutions, only possible through the support of our student body.

Together for competence!

ERIKA COLBY My name is Erika Colby and I’m a first year student studying English. I’m an associate at the UTMSU under the University Affairs and Academics portfolio. If you elect me to represent you on the Academic Affairs Committee, I intend to hear your concerns about providing an accessible connection for students to important academic topics such as program requirements, appeal policies, and examinations. I believe that my involvement in the academic affairs portfolio will allow me to create a diverse and inclusive platform that represents each individual at UTM. ABDELRAHMAN KHATER I am Abdelrahman Khater, a proud University of Toronto Student in my third year specializing in Political Science. I was an Egyptian Student Association executive in my first year, and in my second year I was the President of the UTM Liberals. I am actively participating in the Political system through

my positions in the Liberal Party of Canada, The Riding Association and Presidency of UTM Liberals. I helped many MPs in their election campaigns Federally and Provincially. I believe I will use this network and access to address your academic concerns. Help me to Help You. Vote for me.

JIHAN KHATIB My name is Jihan Khatib and I am a second year student running to be your full time undergraduate representative on the Academic Affairs Committee. I am the Student Rights Coordinator at the UTMSU and am passionate about academic policies.

Through this position, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students and gain an understanding of different concerns they have. I hope to work towards the betterment of policies revolving around program requirements and student protection regarding academics. Studying here can be stressful, and I want to ensure that YOU are being accommodated for, and your concerns are heard.

NOUR SHELL My name is Nour Shell. Having come from Syria less than a year ago, I’ve been involved and committed to prove myself and make the most out of the opportunities that I’ve been given. I value and understand the importance of academia for society and individual fulfillment, and want to participate in the betterment of the academic experience on campus. Hence, I want to be part of the academic affairs committee. As a commerce student, I’ve been involved in everything pertinent

to my field of study and even won case competitions. I’m committed and passionate: I can make it work.

ASHLEY WONG My name is Ashley Wong and I am running to be your representative on the Academic Affairs committee! My experience includes being an AccessAbility note-taker and a community director in residence council.

As a member of res council, I have heard your concerns about issues at school and brainstormed ways on how to make programs and services, such as the CCR accreditation process, the HCC, and the shuttle bus systems, more convenient and accessible to students. By participating in the Academic affairs committee I can listen to your feedback and use it to improve the academic experience here at UTM! SALEHA ZUBAIR Hi, UTM students. I’m Saleha Zubair, a full-time second year undergraduate student running for a position in the UTM Academic Affairs Committee. I often interact with students who complain about standing problems with our university, through my work in Breakfast Wednesdays and Pump Squad, and getting to personally know the faces that build the UTM community and understanding the problems they encounter in terms of their academic life strengthens my goal to bring these issues to light. If I’m given the chance, I want to be the voice of the student body and bring improvements.

So vote for me!

2017 University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Affairs Committee Elections Student Candidates’ Statements (Full-Time Undergraduate Students) Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Online voting will take place on UElect.

ATIF ABDULLAH My name is Atif Abdullah and I am running to be your full-time undergraduate representative on the UTM Campus Affairs Committee. I am currently an associate to the VP University Affairs and Academics at the UTMSU and I hope to represent YOU on this Committee. I intend to advocate for the betterment of student life on campus, improved food options, an increase of study spaces offered, and to ensure that students’ opinions are brought to the table. If you elect me, I will ensure that your needs are addressed and sought out by UTM administration.

ZAHRA ADREES Zahra is a full-time undergraduate student, currently studying English, Sociology, and Political Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. She is an Ontario Scholar, as well as a recipient of The Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City Centennial Scholarship and Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Nominee Award. She is passionate about the improvement and expansion of mental health resources available on campus and the availability of study spaces.

When she’s not studying hard, she enjoys fashion, writing, reading, and photography.

Website: https://zahraadrees.wixsite.com/ website

DAVID BOSHRA UTM is my second home and I strive to keep it at its excellent academic and social standing. With my experience in different leadership roles on previous governing councils in different institutions, I plan on keeping the student voice strong within our Campus Affairs Committee and am seeking your support to get there. It’s important to have a say in what directly affects us, and I believe I can make a successful difference, as I had done on previous campus affairs committees in different educational institutions, only possible through the support of our student body.

Together for competence!

ABDELRAHMAN KHATER I am Abdelrahman Khater, a proud University of Toronto Student in my third year specializing in Political Science. I was an Egyptian Student Association executive in my first year, and in my second year I was the President of the UTM Liberals. I am actively participating in the Political system through my positions in the Liberal Party of Canada, The Riding Association and Presidency of UTM Liberals. I helped many MPs in their election campaigns Federally and Provincially. I believe I will use this network and access to address your campus concerns Help me to Help You. Vote for me.

NOOR RAHMEH Hello, I’m Noor Rahmeh, a 3rd year Management student. I am interested in being a student representative at the Campus Affairs Committee. For the past few years, I have been a Residence Don and this experience has been rewarding, but I want to make a bigger impact on our community as a whole. I have a wide range of skills and perspectives that will allow me to ably represent our diverse student body. Getting the opportunity to be part of the governing council will allow me to explore my chosen career path, which combines both business and student affairs.

MARIANA VILLADA RIVERA Mariana Villada Rivera is a third year student in the Life Sciences program, majoring in Biology for Health Sciences and minoring in Chemistry and French. Her commitment to making a difference in her community and helping other students learn, develop, and grow has led her to become actively involved on campus. Her experience as a student leader in various campus groups, such as the Centre for Student Engagement, Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Center, and UTM Because I Am a Girl makes her a candidate that will truly give students a voice and work to best represent you.

Teaching Staff Candidates’ Statements Voting Period: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, February 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Voting will take place online on a website designated by the CRO. GARY CRAWFORD Gary Crawford (FRSC) has been a member of the Department of Anthropology at UTM since 1979. He is an archaeologist whose interests focus on the human ecology and ethnobotany of ancient North America, Japan and China. He has served as a department Chair on two campuses, in

various capacities in administration at St. George, and as Associate Dean of Social Sciences at UTM. Teaching and the wellbeing of students at UTM are high on his agenda, whether it be (for example) the quality of our athletic facilities, developing courses or finding new ways to engage students in research.

ADRIANA GRIMALDI Dr. Grimaldi completed her Ph.D at the University of Toronto with a thesis relating the dialogical works of Niccolò Machiavelli with the media studies theories of Marshall McLuhan. Adriana has been committed to providing a positive and engaging student experience at the University of Toronto Mississauga since 2004.

Questions about the UTM Campus Council elections process may be directed to the Deputy Returning Officer, Ms Cindy Ferencz Hammond (905-828-5233; cindy.ferencz@utoronto.ca) or the Chief Returning Officer, Mr. Anwar Kazimi (416-9788427; anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca).

Please visit http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/governance/elections-2017

Innovation is “to not just create something new”

CHEN GONG/THE MEDIUM

The Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum (one of the event collaborators) aim to educate the wider public about innovations and inventions by racialized people.

Invent continued from page 18 However, Monahan acknowledged that Hart House has been lacking in inclusion, specifically in “making sure that the work is as inclusive as it needs to be.”

“Traditionally, if you were to walk into that gothic cathedral, depending on your cultural, faith, gender, or sexual identity, it may not have felt as welcoming as others. I wanted to say that upfront. We have been around for almost a hundred years. For many of the decades of those hundred years, there was been a silence with respect to the recognition of the identities of many, many people on the University of Toronto campus […] and that includes Indigenous students, faculty and staff.”

“Historically, we did an appalling job of acknowledging, not only the Aboriginal land on which Hart House stands, but also the huge influence that Indigenous practice and tradition has had on a place like Hart House.”

Hart House largely has activities within arts and culture, debates and dialogue, and recreational wellness.

“All those areas have been infused with centuries, if not millennia, of innovation by Indigenous people. […]

We can learn from the past. We are now committed to making sure that the Hart House of today and tomorrow is inclusive of, and benefits from, and welcomes all students, from all backgrounds, and all traditions, because it is to everyone’s benefit to do that.”

Jeffers then offered the story behind the exhibit, specifically how his own experiences shaped the ideas behind it.

“This is a very special time for me.

I am celebrating my 60th year,” said Jeffers. “My dad passed away when he was 60. […] So it is a year that [I approach with] trepidation. […] But for the first time, I actually get to celebrate with the work I do through celebrating Indigenous people. We are also celebrating Black History month through the country.”

“In 1628, a young, person of African descent came to Canada. It was the first-known recorded black person of African descent. His name was Matthew Decosta. […] It is the tradition of Matthew Decosta that I am here today, to share with you,” said

Jeffers.

“I am trying to decolonize myself. […] I grew up in the 1960s, where there was an issue of liberation. One of my heroes was Malcolm X. He had an ‘X’ because his name was actually Malcolm Little. […] You had to earn your ‘X’ before you’re given a name.

So my name is Francis Jeffers, which makes no sense. I don’t look like Francis Jefferson—it doesn’t relate to me.

But 900 years ago, coming to the West on his ship, where almost 50 million people died on the passage, I am here because of the suffering of all people.

But the question is: as a young person, you can’t just decide [on a legacy].

What is going to be your legacy? How am I going to earn my ‘X’ in Canada?

What is going to make me different?”

“I could change my name back to

one of African descent. But [I could also] decide that through contributions and the work that I do, I could make a statement that validates my presence in this country,” he added.

Today, Jeffers is a member of the non-profit Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum, which, according to their mission statement, aims to educate the wider public regarding “innovations and inventions by racialized people.”

The “Native Invent: Sharing Our Path” exhibit focuses on Indigenous inventions, and includes the inventors who contributed to today’s common foods and tools, such as toboggans and maple syrup. The event concluded with a lunch and a closing ceremony, while the exhibit remained open for all to observe until the afternoon.

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Azzalini is an on-the-court assassin Caitlin Azzalini has been a powerful force for the women’s varsity basketball team leading by example ERIC HEWITSON SPORTS EDITOR

Caitlin Azzalini, a French-speaking native of Le Chable, Switzerland, is a guard on the UTM’s women’s varsity basketball team and has been on fire lately. Azzalini’s skills aren’t even the greatest contributing factor to the team; it’s her sense of responsibility and maturity on the court. She understands the type of influence she has on her fellow teammates and the outcome of the game. Selflessness and humility have been key contributors to her performance, and she is certainly deserving of a championship banner at the end of the season.

However, when fans come and sit in the stands to watch the women play, they’ll notice Azzalini leaking out for the easy basket. “That’s where I get my confidence in games.

It also speeds up the game, disorienting the other team’s defence,” she says. “I also readily focus on my defence. I’m active on my legs and usually do a good job at stopping the ball.”

SHIFA SIDDIQUI/THE MEDIUM

It is Azzalini’s first year playing as a guard for the UTM women’s basketball team.

The fourth-year biotechnology student is only in her first year with the women’s squad. She understands that she doesn’t have the most experience and that she hasn’t found absolute comfort on the court yet, but her philosophy has helped her get to a pinnacle in a short period.

“I push myself to the maximum in any situation, always striving to do my best during practice, workouts, or games, and I encourage my teammates to do the same. You don’t succeed at basketball by going solo; it’s always about the team,” she says.

Azzalini’s knowledge of the intan-

gible qualities of what makes a great leader may come from her dedication to her work with UTM’s Health and Counselling Centre. “I have been working there since my second year. There, I interact with many students, especially first-years, trying to promote a healthy mind and

body while being in university.

School can be overwhelming, and I love guiding students in making this experience a healthy one,” she says.

Azzalini’s friends can attest to the perspective that she’s a selfactualized individual who not only dedicates her time to helping others help themselves, but she takes time for herself too, understanding her strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately garnering herself to become her best self. “Recognizing where my strengths are is what allows me to focus on being the best player I can be for the team. You cannot be good at everything, so thankfully basketball is a team sport,” she says Azzalini hadn’t played on a structured team since she left Switzerland at the age of 17. “The move, the culture shock, the new language, it was a lot to take in at first, and I couldn’t focus on basketball.

Though, throughout my first few years of university, I kept playing recreationally, whether it was in front of my house or in the UTM gym, where I made many friends.”

Profile continued on page 24

Varsity men looking to avenge losses Varsity men’s basketball team lost to Conestoga 95-82 on Wednesday and in finals of weekend tourny

ERIC HEWITSON SPORTS EDITOR The high-profile match-up at UTM’s annual homecoming was between the men’s varsity Eagles basketball team and an athletic Conestoga team. The stands on UTM’s side were packed as fans watched the highly anticipated match-up. Even though the men fought hard, they fell to the Condors 95-82.

The first-quarter was physical, with both teams contesting for the lead early on. Conestoga’s forwards gave UTM defenders all they could handle, with a strong presence under the net, attempting dunks on some occasions. UTM used hard fouls to counter Conestoga’s exaggerated style of play. Conestoga led 20-14 going into the second quarter.

UTM stood their ground in the second quarter, capitalizing on shots and making smart positional moves, allowing them to create open space and make the easy basket. Greg Roberts was the finisher,

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The men’s basketball team lost their homecoming game to Conestoga College. using his keen eye to score points.

Conestoga ran away with a huge lead late in the second quarter by having all their players contribute in some way. The Condors proved

to be a lot to handle, scoring points from deep behind the arch on numerous occasions. Roberts led all players in scoring during the first half, but being the only player scor-

ing had its downfall. UTM had to find new ways of slowing down their opponents. Conestoga led 52-35 at half-time.

In the second half, the Eagles out-

scored their opponents 47-43, but that wasn’t enough to come back from 17 points down against the explosive Condors squad.

The men were able to put the loss behind them on February 3 when they participated in a tournament at Seneca College. The men lost to Seneca 34-22 in their first game.

In their second game, the Eagles started off strong and were able to finish off the Wilfred Laurier Brantford team 48-41. Even though UTM lost to Humber Lakeshore in the third game 44-39, they made their way into the playoffs. In their first elimination game, they beat Boreal College 45-36, punching their ticket into the finals. It was a tough loss in the finals to Mohawk College, 33-35, because it was so close. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards for UTM. The men look to avenge their losing ways on Wednesday, February 8 when they take on Woodsworth College at 9:15 p.m. in the Goldring Centre.

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THE MEDIUM 02.06.2017

Playing clutch Flying over the Condors basketball Varsity women’s basketball has been dominating the court

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Azzalini hopes to pursue a master’s degree in biotechnology.

Profile continued from page 23

During her time here at UTM, she made a co-ed intramural basketball team several times. “I never stopped.

I call basketball my therapy. I can focus on myself, work on my shots and my handles.” Even though she wasn’t on the team, she kept on playing. Being active is a way of life for her, whether on a team or not. Last year she trained for five-kilometre and eight-kilometre runs. Whether having basketball in her life or not, she’ll always be UTM’s Energizer Bunny.

Azzalini commends her coaching staff for helping her become more disciplined mentally and physically on the court. “I am usually serious and focused during games, but what I’m trying to improve these days is my mental discipline,” she says.

When her body is tired, she reminds herself that’s it’s all about mind over body. One thing that tends to work is head coach Salee Johnson-Edwards’ words: “Have fun girls, play some basketball.” She’s the first coach Azzalini has had who repeatedly says to have a good time. “That takes away

the pressure of performing, letting us play our best, and not overthink things.”

Once her undergrad is complete, Azzalini is hoping to pursue her master’s degree in Biotechnology. “I see a lot of potential in the field of biotech. I see pharmaceutical companies impacting lives in many ways, whether it’s through new medication, treatments, or support. That’s something I want to be part of.”

Other than striving to find success in her own endeavours, she intends to help the women’s basketball team next year in any way she can as they start their journey within the OCAA. “This year has shown me that basketball is an important part of my life, and I’m a happier version of myself when I’m around the team.”

Before beginning her next chapter, she’s excited to finish the challenge she’s currently working on with her team—to win a championship. “I am proud to be an Eagle. The UTM community is amazing, and being part of it makes me feel like I’m at home. I can’t be more grateful.”

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The UTM Eagles defeated the Conestoga Condors in a score of 71-50.

ERIC HEWITSON SPORTS EDITOR Last Wednesday, the UTM Eagles women’s varsity basketball team had a showdown against Conestoga College. The first instalment of this year’s homecoming didn’t disappoint the hundreds of fans that attended the high-calibre event in the main gym.

The Eagles dominated Conestoga, taking the game 71-50.

The first quarter started off with an intense style of play, as UTM persisted with their leaking-out method, where long cross-court passes allowed fast runners like first-year life science student, Jade Addai, to dribble to the basket for a lay-up. Addai finished this contest with 15 points, second place to Caitlin Azzalini’s 20 points.

Conestoga was physical, and took advantage of open space whenever they could for a shot. Three-pointers and fouls were aplenty, setting up the contest to be an entertaining match.

As the women began to settle into the rhythm of the game and their defensive strategy solidified, UTM made a few sloppy plays in the other end, conceding four straight points.

But thanks to an Azzalini-threepointer, the Eagles were able to keep the lead, 15-11, going into the second quarter.

Two consecutive three-pointers and a two-point lay-up by Azzalini had the women up by double digits at the 7:27 mark. An extended portion of the middle of the second quarter saw no points scored by UTM and 11 scored by Conestoga, allowing them to creep back into the game. Priyanka Mehla made the basket that broke the long streak of missed opportunities.

Addai followed by making a basket and free throw, allowing her team to maintain the 30-24 lead headed into the second half.

Daesi Reale scored the Eagles’ first points of the half from deep behind the three-point line. Conestoga’s Jazi Folger was an essential piece for her team’s defense. On numerous occasions, she gathered the loose ball and sent her players running to the other end of the court, and also led her team in fouls given. It was “downtown city” again in the third quarter, with Reale and Sarah-May Edwardo sinking consecutive shots. Even though UTM was dominating for most of the game, they saw themselves up by only three,

44-41 going into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was all UTM. They are a very consistent fourthquarter team that typically shuts down their opposition, leading them to a win with a large margin. Significant contributors to the fourth-quarter dominance were Ashley Beckles and Adesola Adesina, who, in the midst of taking fouls, still managed to exert their strength and make their shots. Beckles was a physical force for the Eagles. She won the majority of the battles for UTM because of her strong athletic ability.

Addai, a player whose quickness is a valuable asset to the team, had a lot of positive feedback on the Eagles efforts. “We played really well, and it’s because we worked well together, making sure we took the best shot.”

She added, giving the reason as to why her team is such a dominant force in the fourth-quarter: “It’s because we’re all able to notice each other’s strengths and weaknesses throughout the first three quarters. We come together using just our strengths in the fourth quarter. It was a good shooting day, and everyone knew where they needed to be, so that helps.”