(but sweet) our window of time is this month. Isn’t it scary how time slips through our grasp? Evading our efforts to capture it through clenched fists and frantic panic modes. The way I deal with the crushing weight of losing time is by creating things I can look back on and reminisce about. I like writing stories, journaling, drawing and sometimes taking photographs for my archives. My favourite thing though is writing letters. Whether I send them or not, I like to have the words written out so that one day, when historians stumble across my work, they’ll know exactly who I was and who I cared about.
Growing up in the Catholic school system, it was common knowledge that the couragement during his imprisonment—that is why we now write Valentine’s Day cards to those we love. I think it’s a great sentiment to dedicate writing pieces to others and I love it when people give these gifts to their loved ones.
that excess money must be spent; I like to focus more on genuine words and time spent together. While gift-giving is one of my top love languages, it’s something I do regularly, regardless of whether or not it’s near Valentine’s Day. Trust me, if I saw my friends more often, I’d subconsciously start collecting more trinkets just to give away to them.
I believe love exists only in genuine actions, genuine gifts and genuine words. My favourite gifts I’ve received come from my closest friends in the form of letters, drawings, pictures and jewelry to mark certain occasions. I am beyond spoiled with all the platonic love I could ever ask for, and I am so grateful to have met these wonderful people. I feel like February should be a month where we circle back and make sure to be grateful for everything and everyone in our lives. This February, I’m taking the time to write about all the things I am grateful for, whether it’s in the form of a letter or just a personal note in my journal.
@protemglendon
So moving forward, I’m going to continue writing letters and dedicating pieces of my work to those who’ve been a big part of my life. As humans, we were meant to rely on each other and to help one another navigate the highs and lows. I am grateful to my community, and I always seek to give back to it. I’m going to move forward in February by doing just that, and writing letters to my loved ones as I go. How about you?
What if Sports Divisions Were Geographically Accurate?
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
illnesses are temporary because, after all, our bodies are only temporary vessels.
To my female friendships, I want you to know that you inspire me daily, and I am so glad to have met so many strong leaders such as yourselves. To my queer friendships, I am so grateful to have you in my circle. We’ve gone through so much together, and I am so lucky to be here with you, standing together in solidarity for one another. To my inner circle of close friends, I want you to know that you’ve left such a big impact on my life, and I’m glad to be known by you. I want to move forward by offering the same amount of support that you’ve shown me. You are truly an example I wish to follow.
It’s February and I am so grateful for all the changes in my life. I want to move forward with the utmost gratitude and optimism. Even though the new year has already started, I feel as though February makes it all feel so much more real.
The big four North American sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB) each split their teams into divisions, and Even though divisions are meant to be based on geography, there are some clear inconsistencies, such as the oddity of the NBA’s Northwest Division or the fact that two New York or LA teams can technically face each other in the World Series or Super Bowl. In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the oddest division alignments in sports. I’ll also explore what more geographically accurate divisions might look like and whether realignment would actually be worth it.
The NBA’s Northwest Division: A Catch-All Group?
One of the strangest examples of geographic oddities in sports is the NBA’s Northwest Division. On the surface, the name makes sense, since it includes Portland, Utah, and Denver. But then you see Minnesota and Oklahoma City—two teams that have nothing to do with the Northwestern U.S.—and the name starts to feel completely off. The division feels more like a group of “leftovers,” or, in other words, teams that didn’t quite fit into any of the NBA’s other divisions. While Portland, Denver and Salt Lake City are all northwestern cities, the inclusion of Minnesota and Oklahoma City is perplexing. Neither city is in the Northwestern US, making the division’s name almost laughably inaccurate.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
By Flo Tierra Chief of Operations
photo: Flo Tierra
EDITORIAL
PRO TEM
Editor In Chief/Éditrice en chef
Amie Sosa
Chief of operations/Cheffe des opérations
Flo Iyam Tierra
Layout Designer/Maquettiste
Roxanna Khosravi
Photographer/Photographe
Dona Nissangaratchie
Section Editor/Rédactrice de sections:
Leanne Eyre
Campus Life/Vie étudiant Arts & Entertainment/ Arts & Divertissement Metropolis Métropole
Hey, you! Happy almost Valentine’s Day! This issue is extra special because we’re all about spreading the love, no matter how you define it. Whether you’re sending sweet vibes to a friend, family member, or that special someone (wink wink), love is everywhere. Honestly, I love love, but sometimes I’m not sure how to show it. Maybe you feel the same way, or maybe you’re the type to totally nail the heart-shaped everything. Either way, this issue’s for you!
Nous avons une tonne d’articles et de poèmes incroyables cette fois-ci. Des idées de bienveillance communautaire pour répandre de bonnes vibes, à un plongeon dans la culture française et comment la baguette, symbole de la France, est devenue une icône, nous avons tout ce qu’il vous faut. De plus, nous avons une séance photo capturant la magie de la saison— car l’amour, ce n’est pas juste des mots, ce sont des moments.
Y oye, si te sientes audaz, tal vez sea el momento de decir “Te amo” o, si no estás tan seguro, “ME GUSTAS”—sin presiones, solo amor. ¿Alguien realmente lee esta carta de la editora? Sinceramente, no estoy segura, pero si llegaste hasta aquí, probablemente tengas tanta curiosidad como yo. Enviando todos los emojis de corazón (Y si aún estás leyendo... también me caes bien).
Disfruta del número, difunde el amor y mantente lindo.
Con amor, Amie Sosa, editora en jefe
Pro Tem is a unified organization that accepts and publishes articles from students, alumni, and community members. While we edit submissions for grammar and clarity, we stay true to each author’s voice and message. As an organization, we don’t endorse every viewpoint expressed; our goal is to amplify a wide range of perspectives within our community. For those interested in viewing an article in its original, unedited form, please contact our Editor-in-Chief at editor@protemglendon.com.
Avis de non-responsabilité!
Pro Tem est une organisation unifiée qui accepte et publie des articles provenant des étudiants, des anciens élèves et des membres de la communauté. Bien que nous corrigeons les soumissions pour la grammaire et la clarté, nous restons fidèles à la voix et au message de chaque auteur. En tant qu’organisation, nous n’endossons pas nécessairement chaque point de vue exprimé; notre objectif est d’amplifier une diversité de perspectives au sein de notre communauté. Pour ceux qui souhaitent consulter un article dans sa version originale, non éditée, veuillez contacter notre rédacteur en chef à editor@protemglendon.com.
Editor In Chief: editor@protemglendon.com Chief of Operations: operations@protemglendon.com
Photographer: photography@protemglendon.com
&
What if Sports Divisions Were Geographically Accurate? ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
(continuation) To fix this problem, the NBA could replace the Northwest Division with a Mountain Division consisting of Denver, Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Oklahoma City, while moving the Portland Trail Blazers into the Pacific Division.
Two Teams, One City, One Championship?
Unlike the NBA and NHL, where the furthest in the playoffs that two teams from the same city can meet is the conference finals, the MLB and NFL’s divisions make it possible for two teams from the same city to face off in the world Series or Super Bowl respectively. In the 2000 World Series, the Yankees and Mets faced off in the World Series, nicknamed the “Subway Series.” Similarly, the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics played each other in the World Series, nicknamed the “Battle of the Bay.” To make things more complicated, the MLB also has two Chicago teams, the Cubs and White Sox, who played against each other in the 1906 World Series. In the NFL, while a Rams-Chargers or Giants-Jets Super Bowl has not happened yet, it is technically possible with the Rams and Giants being part of the National Football Conference (NFC), while the Chargers and Jets are members of the American Football Conference (AFC). Over the years, there have been plenty of chances for a Giants-Jets or Rams-Chargers Super Bowl to happen, but it just never lined up. In 1986, the Giants won the Super Bowl while the Jets were eliminated in the divisional round. Similarly, in 1979, the Rams made it to the Super Bowl, while the Chargers lost in the divisional round.
If the Four Major Sports Leagues Decided to Adjust Their Divisions, What Would the New Divisions Look Like?
NBA: The NBA’s divisions don’t matter much in terms of playoff seeding, but if they were more geographically accurate, we might see something like this.
Eastern Conference:
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors
Central Division
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Hornets
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards
Western Conference:
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
Mountain Division
Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Phoenix Suns
Utah Jazz
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio Spurs
NFL: Since divisions play a huge role in the NFL playoff system, here’s a realignment that would make more sense travel-wise while keeping rivalries intact.
American Football Conference
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans
AFC East
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
New York Giants
New York Jets
AFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Denver Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
National Football Conference:
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
NFC West
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
MLB: With baseball’s long history of division rivalries, changing things up would be controversial, but here’s what a more geography-based setup could look like.
American League
AL East
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins
St. Louis Cardinals
AL West
San Diego Padres
Houston Astros
Seattle Mariners
Tampa Bay Rays
Texas Rangers
National League:
NL East
Atlanta Braves
Miami Marlins
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Utah Hockey Club
Winnipeg Jets
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
San Jose Sharks
Seattle Kraken
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
Would Realigning the Divisions of the Four Major Sports Leagues Actually Be Worth It?
Realignment would cut travel times, lower costs, and create fresh rivalries. However, it could also break historic matchups, frustrate fans, and disrupt playoff structures, especially in the NFL and MLB. For the NBA, where divisions barely matter, fixing oddities like the Northwest Division isn’t worth it. But in the NFL, where divisions impact the playoffs, realignment could be a game-changer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Reduced travel times – teams would spend less time travelling for games
Washington Nationals
NL Central
Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Guardians
Kansas City Royals
Milwaukee Brewers
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Oakland Athletics
San Francisco Giants
NHL: The NHL already has fairly reasonable divisions, but there are still a few tweaks that could make travel easier for teams.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Washington Capitals
Western Conference
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
New rivalries – while conference realignment would likely put an end to old rivalries, it would also help start new ones
Lower travel costs – teams wouldn’t have to spend as much on flights and hotels.
Balanced Scheduling – teams would face fewer disparities in travel distances, making schedules more competitive and fair
Environmental benefits – reducing air travel would lower the carbon footprint of professional sports teams
Cons:
Loss of historical rivalries – fans value historical rivalries, and division realignment could get rid of these rivalries
Fan resistance – longtime fans would likely resist the changes, especially if their team is moved from a historic division
Disruption of playoff structure – while leagues like the NBA and NHL would be relatively unaffected by division realignment in terms of their playoff structures, leagues like the NFL and MLB would likely have to overhaul their playoff systems, particularly the NFL, in which division winners automatically get into the playoffs Uneven markets – some divisions could become significantly weaker or stronger, making it harder for some teams to compete for playoff spots Fan alienation – Messing with historic divisions, especially in leagues like MLB and NHL, could turn off longtime fans.
Conclusion
Whether or not the four major sports leagues should realign their divisions really depends on the league. In the NBA, divisions don’t really affect much since playoff seeding is based on conferences. So even though the Northwest Division is weird, fixing it wouldn’t really change anything. However, In a league like the NFL, where divisions have a much bigger impact on the playoffs, it could be worth it. However, the decision of realigning conferences has plenty of pros and cons that each league would need to weigh.
Community Care Ideas (With A D20)
Par Geneviève Stacey Journaliste bilingue
The world may seem messed up right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to improve it. Here’s a list of things you can do to make the world a (slightly) better place. For extra fun, you can use a d20 (20-sided dice) to randomly pick one to focus on.
1. Planting Trees or Pollinator Plants: York and Glendon host tree planting events a few times a year. If you’re into gardening, you could also connect with the Glendon Composting Crew (@theglendoncompostingcrew on Instagram).
2. Tutor: Consider tutoring students or high schoolers. For example, if you’re interested in volunteering at Salon Francophone, talk to Dr. Usha Viswanathan. If tutoring isn’t financially feasible, many places hire language tutors. Don’t underestimate the positive impact you can have.
3. Deliver Meals to Homebound Individuals: If you have transportation access, this is a vital way to help those in your community. There are several programs in the GTA looking for volunteers.
4. Mentor: On and off-campus peer mentor programs can have a huge positive impact, especially if done right.
5. Bake Sale: Bake sales are a great way to fundraise for any cause. Glendon hosts several throughout the year, or you could organize one for something you care about. Plus, you get a snack, so that’s a positive.1
6. Environmental Education Campaigns: If there’s an issue you’re passionate about, use your social media to spread awareness. You can create a campaign or simply share useful links.
7.Mow Lawns: This one… really doesn’t work on campus, but if you live off-campus and have a neighbour that struggles to mow their lawn, for whatever reason, consider reaching out and offering to help.2
8. Animal Shelter: Volunteer or donate food to one. As much as possible, I would recommend avoiding kill shelters. Feeding a stray animal only to have it killed is somewhat impractical.
9. Homeless Shelter: Volunteer. There are plenty in Toronto that are looking for volunteers. Volunteering at a food bank is also a great choice. The number of homeless individuals in Canada has been going up and, in most cases, it is simply due to bad luck.3
10. Volunteer At Your Local Community Centre or Library: This one really depends on the laws in the area, but depending, it can be a great option. Plus, if you volunteer long enough, they’re usually more than happy to provide reference letters when you apply for jobs, or occasionally, hire you.
11. Donate Food: The easiest way to donate food is to a food drive, food bank, soup kitchen or homeless shelter. There are frequent food drives at Glendon. If you’re not sure what donations are needed, there’s usually a list available or you can ask. If you’re worried about tax receipts, you can also donate financially directly to shelters and food banks, but that option is more debated.
12. Provide Classroom Supplies: There are many programs you can donate classroom supplies to. Barring that, food banks often collect school supplies around the beginning of the school year. There are even certain schools that run school supply programs, so if you know a teacher in one of those schools, you can reach out to them as well.
13. Community Garden Help: This one is especially great if you live on campus because we already have one! If you were ever wondering why there are massive wooden boxes just outside the Breezeway, that is why. Check out the Glendon Composting Crew’s Instagram (@theglendoncompostingcrew) for more information.
14. Teach Computer Skills to Seniors: Several public libraries have tech-tutoring services, or other similar programs, that accept volunteers. Toronto Public Libraries and Vaughan Public Libraries both have programs of this nature.
15. Book Donation: Little known tip, but few free libraries are a much better option for donation than public libraries; public libraries will often put the book in the recycling.
16. Help At Your Local Library: Exactly what it sounds like. Helping out at the library, especially during events, is easy to apply for and rewarding (extra rewarding if you’re extroverted, I reckon). Plus, most library programs can’t logistically run without volunteers.
17. Donate Toys: Especially around the holidays, this is a great one. Keep in mind that some food banks (not all) accept gift cards for teenagers, as well. In general, I recommend donating canned goods and items to food banks, because a lot of them are employee-run instead of volunteer-run, and the directors of those food banks frequently make the Sunshine list.4
18. Host a River Clean-Up: Or a park clean-up, a garden clean-up, a neighbourhood clean-up, etc. There are plenty of opportunities on campus, what with how much greenspace we have. Even just putting litter in the garbage while out for a walk is helpful.
19. Call a Loved One: Consider tutoring students or high schoolers. For example, if you’re interested in volunteering at Salon Francophone, talk to Dr. Usha Viswanathan. If tutoring isn’t financially feasible, many places hire language tutors. Don’t underestimate the positive impact you can have.
20. Get In Touch With Long-Distance Friends: Consider tutoring students or high schoolers. For Exactly what it sounds like. You’ll both feel better after communicating a bit, trust me.
Extra Ideas That Take Less Time, But Still Have A Positive Impact
Eat Local: Next time you order takeout, try a local restaurant instead of a big chain. (Because small businesses are amazing, and will probably appreciate your business more. Plus, they’re rarely involved in large-scale challenges.)
Share a Local Government Update: Good or bad, sharing the update is generally a useful thing to do for those around you. Knowing what is going on in the community allows you to know how your energy will be best spent.
Support Small Businesses: As mentioned earlier, your purchase will be appreciated, and there’s less of a chance they’ve contributed to large-scale challenges. I know I just said it, but I’ll repeat it because it’s true.
Take a Hike: This one is both nature-based and self-care. It reminds you of why conservation is important, but it also tends to improve people’s sense of well-being.
Call a Neighbor: This one doesn’t work if you dislike your neighbours, but checking on the people in your community is generally a good idea. Share Joy: Be it a lighthearted post or leaving flowers in a café (with their permission), share joy.
None of these ideas are earth-shattering, but the key is that small acts of good matter. In chaotic times, we may feel like giving up, but we must keep trying to improve the world. I believe in you and know that you can make a difference.
DETACHMENT—EMBRACING CHANGE
By Flo Tierra Chief of Operations
Lately, I’ve been detaching from things instead of clinging to them like I used to. A friend called it a survival method, and maybe she’s right. But maybe, detachment is a blessing—a sign that I’m finally ready for change. Part of me wants to pack up and start fresh somewhere new, where I can focus on myself and my career. I love my life and the opportunities I’ve had, but these past two years have shifted my perspective. I’ve grown so much, and I want my space to reflect that. To embrace the future, I’m letting go of what no longer serves me:
1. Old Books
I used to race to finish as many books as possible, holding onto my copies like lifelines; every note, every letter and every book I owned was mine forever. But as I cleaned my bookshelf the other day, I realized I’m not that person anymore. Choosing which books to donate felt surprisingly easy. Younger me would have fought to keep them all, but now, I know memories don’t live in objects.
2. Clothing Items and Accessories
Sometimes I look back at old photos to see how much my personal style has changed over time—I’ve always loved using fashion as an outlet for self-expression, but I want to take a pause and really focus on being more sustainable. Inspired by the “capsule wardrobe” concept, I’ve cut my wardrobe in half, keeping only versatile staples and valued statement pieces. I want to appreciate what I have rather than constantly adding more—even secondhand.
While I’m not going completely all-in on this challenge, I’m definitely excited to keep a smaller collection of clothing and accessories. I think it would be good for me to treasure the things I have. Even though I’m already super-mindful about buying clothes, I’m going to temporarily stop buying them so I can use what I have and learn to better appreciate the versatility of personal style.
3. Jewelry
AMOUR
By Leanne Eyre Section Editor
There was a time when I’d refuse to leave the house without layering rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Over time, my collection grew as my style changed—I now prefer gold over silver, and I no longer mix metals like I used to. It was a personal choice, but one that has left me with an excess amount of jewelry that I don’t use anymore. I’m slowly giving them away. These pieces brought me joy, helped me experiment, and made me feel like the coolest girl in the world. I’m so grateful for the privilege of expressing personal style, and the courage to change and let go.
A KISS
By Destiny Chan English Editor
Someone gave me a kiss
On Valentine’s Day
I took it home
Carried it in my pocket
Left it on the table
Decluttered
Cleaned
I had so many
Leftover sweets
Why not?
I thought
Then popped the kiss
In my mouth
Too decadent
I threw away the rest of the candy
Je suis qui je suis EXPRESSION
Par Christina Savoiardo Rédactrice de sections
Je me regarde dans le miroir, De la tête aux pieds.
Mes cheveux bruns mi-longs avec des teints de blond, Mes sourcils épais, Ma petite bouche aux grandes lèvres Et mes épaules larges, mes bras fins.
Ma taille moyenne, Mes hanches larges, Mes jambes courtes et solides, Et mes pieds trop grands pour ma hauteur.
Puis, je scrute les détails Que les autres ne remarquent pas.
L’acné qui laisse ses traces, Mes oreilles qui ressortent, Ma colonne vertébrale croche Et mes bras poilus.
Quand je me regarde, Parfois je ne me reconnais pas. Qui est cette personne dans le miroir? Est-ce vraiment moi?
Up So Late Again
By Flo Tierra Chief of Operations
Autour de moi, tant de visages. Beaux, uniques, éclatants. Pourquoi me sentir aussi… fade ?
La comparaison est le tueur du bonheur, Mais pourquoi est-elle si difficile à arrêter? J’aimerais m’accepter, Mais comment, dans un monde de standards inatteignables?
Je me regarde dans le miroir, De la tête aux pieds.
Je ferme les yeux.
Je veux devenir contente avec qui je suis, Avec mes petits défauts, mes grandes différences. Personne n’est parfait, Mais en théorie, on l’est aussi, de notre manière.
Nous sommes uniques, Dans nos corps, nos âmes, nos pensées. On pourra nous comparer aux autres sans fin, Mais ça ne fera rien.
Peut-être que je n’aime pas mon apparence, Peut-être que je me compare aux autres. À la fin de la journée, je suis qui je suis, Unique à ma manière et personne ne peut m’enlever cela.
I like feeling relevant, so I make sure to speak often
Spent the day in meetings and debriefs;
I don’t know what I’ve accomplished, but it never feels like enough, And so, I’m up so late again,
Wondering how I will wake up on time for work tomorrow
Writing, reflecting — on what I’m good at, on what still needs work.
Je pense à m’enfuir. Je veux une nouvelle vie.
I’m up so late again after a good day.
Sitting here, listening to sad girls sing their sad songs, Something I thought I’d stop doing at seventeen.
But no—here I am, at this grown age,
Still upset over things, over people, That I promised myself I’d forget.
I am up so late again thinking about what could have been.
En pensant à ceux que j’aimerais avoir. Lloré como una niña cuando no pude hacerlo.
I try not to let these things get to me.
But the later it gets, the harder it is to defend myself.
Amante, déjame en paz
Everything feels heavier at night.
I thought about letting go, minding my business, Letting old stories die and starting from zero, Where no one wants anything from me again.
donde no tengo nada que demostrarle al mundo donde simplemente dejo que mi alma quiera lo que quiere et je ne veux rien de personne Estoy despierta tan tarde otra vez, siendo honesta en secreto
I like to code my poetry in such a way so I can look back And remember exactly who or what I meant.
It’s all for me — a record of all my history
For when I am old and confused
About what’s real and what’s not.
(Let’s be honest—my memory fades so fast even now
I learned a language so that I could hide behind secret codes; I’m learning another one now.
ce n’était pas facile ce n’est pas dans ma nature de mentir
El proceso es lento, pero ¿Cuáles opciones tengo?
I wonder — how deeply illegible can I make my soul? How tangled must things get before I can start over, Try again and get it right?
Am I messing up a good thing?
I’m up so late again, looking for a way out.
PHOTOS : VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL
XOXO Happy Valentine’s from our Editor in Chief and Chief of Operations
photos taken and edited by Dona Nissangaratchie
photos taken at Monography Toronto by Amie Sosa and Flo Tierra
& SANTÉ BIEN-ÊTRE
When Plans Change: My Journey Through Life’s Surprises
By Roxanna Khosravi Layout Designer
My journey began in Grade 9 (2018) when I asked my doctor for a blood test—everyone my age was doing it. The request was dismissed. Four years later, in Grade 12, I asked again and was again disregarded. It wasn’t until my sister convinced my mom to insist that the doctor finally agreed. The day after the test, my mom’s worried expression immediately caught my attention. She put the doctor on speaker and the their voice was urgent and firm: “You need to go to the hospital immediately. You have no iron stored in your body.” I was stunned. I would soon learn this is the first of many instances in which events do not play out how even doctors thought they would. The doctor scheduled me for an appointment within the hour. Before I knew it, I was sitting in a hospital room and being told I had two options: a blood transfusion or iron infusions. Imagine yourself, an active and healthy 18-year-old, being told you need a blood transfusion. It was surreal. We decided on iron infusions, knowing the risks of transfusions. Only after the first infusion did I realize how much low iron had affected me—hair loss, constant ice chewing, and breathlessness during short walks had all seemed normal before.
Colitis (UC), an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the colon. UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), not to be confused with IBS. In UC, the immune system attacks food particles, gut bacteria, or the colon lining, causing inflammation and ulcers.1 To alleviate my symptoms, I was prescribed eight mg of an immunosuppressant steroid called Prednisone.
Four months later, in my first year of university, I caught what seemed like the stomach flu. Weeks passed, and instead of improving, I worsened. By week three, I hadn’t eaten or drunk anything and had lost 10 kilos. Too weak to keep up with school, I fell further behind. By week four, my dad took me to the doctor, who cluelessly handed me a stool sample kit. The next day, she called: I had C. difficile—a nasty bacterium that infects the colon. Within three days of antibiotics, I was functional again.
My first year back went smoothly until December 2022, when I woke up with a familiar stomach ache. Denial kept me silent for days. When I finally took a stool test, it confirmed C. difficile again. The doctor found it odd; it was rare for young, healthy individuals. Regardless, I was prescribed antibiotics. This time, they didn’t work. Two weeks passed, and I remained bedridden, nauseous, and in pain. My dad took me to the doctor again, but she hesitated to recommend hospitalization. “She’s sitting up. Are you sure she needs to go?” she asked. Frustrated, we went anyway. At the hospital, I was isolated due to the infection’s contagious nature. IV fluids and stronger antibiotics followed, yet I deteriorated. A CT scan revealed severe colon inflammation. A colonoscopy confirmed it: severe Ulcerative
At this point, I had been in the hospital for two months. I.V. lines pumped saline solution into me 24/7 while I took antibiotics, steroids, numerous vitamin supplements, digestive aids, anti-inflammatory pills and daily blood thinner injections. Some days, the colon cramps were so agonizing that I needed morphine to manage the pain. In just a few days, I had gone from being an active and healthy university student to an immobile vessel of pain, causing immense stress for my family. My parents took turns staying overnight with me, offering support through every moment. They always tried entertaining me and keeping a smile on their face. A week later, at the end of January, when my symptoms started to reduce, I was discharged from the hospital. It was the first time in two months I had stepped out of that white room, the first time I would smell the fresh air, the first time I would shower, the first time I would eat something, the first time I would see my siblings again. Very slowly, I gained muscle again, forcing myself to sit up more and go for 30-second walks around the house. As school was still going, I tried attending as many lectures as possible to avoid losing another semester. To do anything was still very difficult. I was going to the bathroom about 12 times a day, losing what felt like a cup of blood and water each time, all while each accompanied by painful cramps (kind of like the calf cramps you get in the middle of the night) that would last 30 minutes before and after, lightheadedness, constant nausea and no appetite. So, to control the condition every 8 weeks, I went to a clinic to get an I.V. of medication called Entyvio®. This medication is a selective biological immunosuppressant of the intestine used to treat autoimmune diseases.2 On top of trying to survive my symptoms and keep up with school, I also had to deal with getting insurance to cover the medication. It was a process that took dozens of phone calls and emails to sort out.
By mid-April, my steroid prescription was finished. Three days later, my symptoms returned just as intensely as when I was first hospitalized. For four days, we frantically tried to reach my doctor about restarting the steroids. Finally, my dad went to
the hospital where the doctor was working, and we secured the prescription. By then, I was too nauseous to take the medication. My dad rushed me to the hospital, where, five hours later, I found myself in a room eerily similar to the one I had stayed in just three months prior.
It turned out my doctor had made a mistake—I was never supposed to stop steroids completely, only taper them to half the dose. To stabilize me, the hospital connected me to an I.V. for hydration and steroid administration. But it was mid-April—exam season. I emailed my professors, and two of the three granted extensions. I attempted my online exam, but under normal circumstances, it would have been a nightmare. Forty questions—multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer—in just 25 minutes. Halfway through, as I struggled to keep up, my dad told me to select “C” for every multiple-choice question. Even then, I couldn’t finish. Later, my professor emailed the class: “The average was around 30 percent. Due to the low scores, you can retake the test online, and your highest mark will be used.” It wasn’t worth redoing, so I dropped the course and moved on. A week later, I was discharged. Two months passed. I tried to reduce my steroid intake, but my body had grown dependent. Whenever I lowered the dose from four mg to three mg, withdrawal symptoms forced me to increase it to five mg. It became a vicious cycle of trying and failing. I knew that eventually, even four mg wouldn’t be enough, and if things didn’t improve, I was at risk of a total colectomy. The thought of losing my colon at 20 was terrifying. I had to take control.
Thank you for always being there for me, for your support, your kindness, and the smiles that keep me going. You are the reason I am here today.
Instead of letting my condition dictate my life, I decided to fight back. I switched to a vegan and gluten-free diet, determined to manage my symptoms naturally. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve been symptom-free for a year and a half. I’ve always known life is unpredictable, but I never realized how quickly things could spiral—or unexpectedly turn around. That’s why I no longer compare my journey to anyone else’s. Yes, I took a gap year. Yes, I’m a few credits behind. But this is my path, and I’m moving forward one step at a time.
photo: Roxanna Khosravi
photo: Roxanna Khosravi
photos: Roxanna Khosravi
HEALTH &WELLNESS
Finding Destiny in France: Disneyland— A Place of Healing For Your Inner Child
By Destiny Chan English Editor
Oftentimes, children are not able to be children. In families that have faced challenges and trauma-inducing experiences—such as immigration, bankruptcy, dysfunction, divorce, physical or emotional abuse, scarcity mindset and more—children must grow up fast. They are taught to be tough, help out their parents, take care of their siblings, not complain, translate government documents, contribute financially as soon as possible, and so on.
When a child is not able to play, run wild, be curious, explore, make mistakes, or act foolish, they often take on one to two roles: they either become hyper-independent (the child who doesn’t need anything) or become the parent (to their siblings or parents, also called parentification). These kid-sized adults are not only praised for having little to no needs and for helping their families, but they also become stuck in a cyclical cycle. The older they get, the more their freedom and permission to act like a child slips further and further away. “You’re 10 years old now; you should know better than that.” “You’re 16 years old now; you should get a job.” “You’re 20 years old now; you should start thinking about our retirement fund when you start working full-time.”
This kind of dialogue might sound extreme. However, many of my peers who also come from immigrant lower-income backgrounds also plan their young adulthood around securing a good-paying job immediately after graduation—not necessarily because they want to, but because they feel obligated to start repaying their parents for their sacrifices (who often guilt them with constant reminders of those sacrifices). Many rush into career paths that don’t suit them when, in reality, they would have loved—and needed—to take time off, travel the world, and figure out what truly aligns with them. In all of this, the little child disappears…until something magical can ignite their sparkle back to life.
“The client becomes empowered to undo long-seated beliefs and stuck places while reclaiming deep connection and self-love.”² This healing process is aided by combining individual and group therapy to also connect with others going through similar things.²
In my first weeks here, it became glaringly clear that I could either continue ignoring the needs of my inner child or do the work to heal. Spending every day with Cléo (7) and Alban (10) forced me to confront my childhood in ways that were sometimes uncomfortable but also eye-opening. At the same time, I began discovering ways to re-parent myself. Instead of scolding myself for breaking a glass, I could say, “It happens; no worries.” Instead of scrolling mindlessly on YouTube (which, if left to their own devices, the kids would do with no moderation), I could go outside, take a walk, play a sport, touch some plants—actually engage with the world around me. Instead of only consuming “adult” content like political analyses or self-help books, why not return to the stories that once brought me joy?
I revisited childhood favorites like Harry Potter, Twilight, Barbie: Fairytopia, Mermaidia, Princess Charm School, Mulan, and Ratatouille, whether by reading them in French or watching them again. Growing up, when my sense of safety was taken away and emotional support was scarce, good ol’ Disney Channel was always there. Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, Suite Life, Good Luck Charlie, Starstruck, Princess Protection Program, Alice in Wonderland, Ariel, Anne Hathaway, Kim Possible—the list goes on.
Learning How To Love Yourself
Learning to love yourself
Is sometimes like
Picking up a potato
In perfectly good shape
Left on the dirty street floor
Abandoned
Discarded
Forgotten
And ignored
Learning how to value yourself Is like
Disregarding
Contradicting
Negating
And reframing
All those actions
And all those opinions
Of all those people
Who disrespected you
Before
Learning how to treasure yourself
Is like
Doing all the things
Your sleazy ex
Would have never done
Doing all the things
You wish
Somebody
Would have thought
My name is Destiny Chan and I’m a Glendon student currently taking a gap year in the south of France as an au pair. For those unfamiliar, an au pair is an after-school babysitter who helps care for their host family’s kids in exchange for room, board and pocket money. I plan to write a column for each issue, exploring new words, travel experiences, culture shocks and more.
Maybe you can remember a moment while growing up when you suddenly realized, “I have to be more than I am right now—more responsible, more mature, more serious…” “I can’t let my real personality, emotions or needs show.” “My parents need my help more than I do and so on.” All these moments keep piling up until we are suddenly thrust into adulthood with our inner child severely neglected and traumatized.
Who is our inner child?1 Patrick Teahan, social work Master’s degree holder, clinical therapist trainer, psychoeducational YouTube creator and fellow childhood trauma survivor, has not only answers but solutions to help heal your inner child. In his trauma model, clients are guided on how to connect their adult self (who is an expert on the present) and their child self (who is an expert on the past). Suppose you prefer to use more scientific terms. In that case, you can refer to the inner adult as your pre-frontal cortex (in charge of decision-making) and the inner child as the amygdala (the body’s smoke detector in charge of emotional responses). In his educational videos and website, he explains how “The adult part…seeks therapy and functions as best as we can in our present lives. The child part…holds our emotions and reactions to people, places and things. When people grow up in dysfunction and trauma, the child part of us becomes exiled and repressed... When we grow into adulthood, that child part still very much exists and often runs us in ways we don’t like or are not aware of.”²
When starting therapy with his clients, there is “an awareness phase” connecting how current problems may be related to the first 18 years of life in the home environment.² Afterward, the inner child re-parenting process starts as “the client becomes a healthy surrogate parent to [themself]”.²
As a kid, I never dreamed of having the money to go to Universal Studios in California or Disneyland in Florida, Tokyo or Hong Kong like many of my peers did over summer vacations. If I allowed myself to dream about it at all, it felt like nothing more than a distant fantasy/pipe dream—something that might happen decades down the line, after I had bought a house for my family and built up substantial savings.
So when the opportunity arose to visit Disneyland Paris for my birthday weekend, I immediately latched on. On January 17th, 2025, after a €20, 10-hour night bus ride, I woke up in Paris once again. I dropped off my things at the hostel and met up at a metro stop with someone I had connected with through the travel app Going Solo, which helps travelers meet others passing through the same place at the same time. Together, we took the train towards magic .
From the grand entrance with flowing fountains and booming orchestral soundtracks to the comforting sugary treats (and the iconic turkey leg), from the pastel cityscapes to the costumed princesses gracefully floating around, from the jaw-dropping world-building of rides like It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and literally becoming a rat in the kitchen of Ratatouille, from the sparkly temptations of gift shops to the enchanting, otherworldly parade of stars, and finally, to the tear jerking, firework-exploding, drone-filled castle night show Tales of Magic—my inner child was dancing, giddy and smiling the whole time.
To do
For you
Growing up
Like take
You to
Disneyland
Learning how to build yourself up Is like
Getting on a yoga mat
And doing pilates
For the first time
Weekly grocery trips
Choosing green vegetables
Delicious and nutritious
Homemade meals
Learning how to lift yourself out of depression Is like
As we exited the park with Donald Duck waving goodbye, I was still in awe of all I had seen and experienced. My adult self is fully aware that Disneyland is a capitalist fake place, exploiting workers to pad the pockets of its ultra-wealthy owners and increasingly catering to the elite. But my inner child? She doesn’t care. If she had her way, she would go back every day. For how are we supposed to heal our inner child if we don’t listen to them—if we don’t indulge their joy, even just a little?
In the spirit of this Valentine’s Day issue, as some of us reflect on love—whether giving it, receiving it or searching for it—I invite us all to extend that love to the one who needs it most: our inner child.
Be you and let the world adjust.
Learning how to let go of people Is like
Saying goodbye over and over and over and over and over again
Having to forget them again
After being jump scared by them in a dream or nightmare
Reminding yourself over and over
All the reasons you shouldn’t hang on anymore
To the point where you want to keep a list
And stick it on the wall to look at every day
Thanking them for being your number-one
For knowing everything about you
And being everything to you
For that period of time
And then letting that connection go
To make room for new ones
And the one with yourself
Learning how to heal Is like
Covering your wall with motivational quotes like
“Don’t cry about the past, it’s gone.
Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t happened yet.
Live in the present and make it beautiful.”
Or “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Or “Apology accepted, access denied.”
The quotes you always saw growing up
But never really believed in or needed
Until now
Learning to love yourself
Is like
Meeting your inner child for the first time
Introducing yourself
And saying
“I’ll take care of you now”
But actually meaning it
Actually speaking with them
Giving them baths
Feeding them
Reading them bedtime stories
Learning how to love yourself
Is like
Hugging your reflection tightly
And saying
“I love you”
“I will always be there for you”
“I will never leave you”
Getting out of the bed you’re stuck to
Brushing your teeth
Taking regular showers
Opening your laptop and going to therapy
Crying in bed—really crying and feeling every feeling deeply
Watching self-care YouTube videos
Going on hot girl walks
Feeling the blood flow through your blessed muscles
And the sun shine on your pretty face
Reminding you that you’re miraculously still alive
Somehow
Lifting yourself up out of bed
Is sometimes like
Climbing a mountain
And holding on For dear life
By the edge of your fingers
The tips of your pinkies
Stretching
Straining
And resisting
How easy
It would be
To just
Fall
Right
Back Down
“I’m sorry you had to go through all those things
But I’m here now”
“You are so pretty and smart and beautiful”
“You are worth so much more than your body”
“It was never your fault”
“It was never because of you”
“You can be anything you want in the whole wide world”
“You are capable of anything you put your mind to”
“It’s okay to be gentle”
“It’s okay to take rest days”
“It’s okay to tell people how you deserve to be treated”
“It’s okay if not everyone likes you because I love you”
“I love you”
“And I will always be there for you”
Because In the end, Only you
Will always
Be there
For you
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
photo: Destiny Chan
&
ACTUALITÉ OPINION
La Baguette Française
Béret sur la tête, verre de vin à la main, baguette sous le bras—ces clichés de la France sont souvent les premiers qui viennent à l’esprit. Bien que certains stéréotypes, comme celui du béret, soient exagérés, mon expérience dans l’Ouest de la France lors d’un échange académique m’a montré que « ce morceau de pain allongé, doré et croustillant »1 est vraiment au cœur du quotidien des Français. Les boulangeries sont partout, et l’odeur du pain frais flotte dans l’air. En quelques pas, on croise cette baguette dorée, que ce soit dans les supermarchés, les épiceries ou les boulangeries. Pour un euro, on peut savourer ce symbole de la gastronomie française. Cela m’a naturellement poussée à me demander : pourquoi la baguette est-elle si ancrée dans la culture française, et quelles sont ses origines ?
Une histoire aux origines floues
L’origine de la baguette fait l’objet de nombreuses spéculations. Certains la rattachent à l’époque napoléonienne, où des boulangers auraient créé un pain allongé et plus facile à transporter pour les soldats que la traditionnelle miche ronde. D’autres l’associent aux techniques viennoises introduites par un autrichien, August Zang, au XIXe siècle dans sa Boulangerie Viennoise à Paris. Enfin, une théorie moins connue situe l’origine de la baguette à la fin du XIXe siècle, lors de la construction du métro parisien.
The Benefits of Journaling
Pour éviter les bagarres entre les ouvriers immigrants d’origines diverses, notamment bretonne, auvergnate et italienne, qui travaillaient ensemble dans les galeries du métro, une solution aurait été proposée : un pain allongé qui pouvait se casser sans couteau, facilitant ainsi le partage et réduisant les conflits.2
Un symbole protégé
Au XXe siècle, la baguette a été standardisée. En 1920, un décret définit sa longueur et son poids pour garantir l’uniformité.3 Ensuite, en 1993, une loi sur le pain a été adoptée pour protéger la baguette « traditionnelle » des produits industriels. Cette loi impose qu’elle soit confectionnée localement, avec des ingrédients simples : farine de blé, eau, levure ou levain, et sel.4 Plus récemment, en 2022, l’UNESCO a inscrit « les savoirs artisanaux et la culture de la baguette de pain » au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité, soulignant son rôle essentiel dans la culture française.5
Une tradition vivante
Aujourd’hui, douze millions de Français passent par une boulangerie chaque jour ! La baguette est idéale pour tartiner, accompagner un repas ou construire un délicieux sandwich.6 Que l’on l’associe à l’époque napoléonienne, aux influences viennoises d’August Zang ou à la construction du métro parisien, une chose est
2. Gain of Awareness:
certaine : la baguette a traversé les époques, en conservant son savoir-faire authentique et son statut de pain incontournable du quotidien. Son équilibre parfait entre croquant et moelleux symbolise le partage et la tradition, tout en rappelant que parfois, les meilleures choses de la vie sont aussi les plus simples.
Si vous avez l’occasion de goûter une vraie baguette française, ne la manquez pas. Elles sont bien différentes de celles que l’on trouve au Canada. Pour ma part, je compte en profiter pleinement durant mon échange. Alors, bon appétit !
4. Promotion of Gratitude:
Struggling with mental health is a big challenge, and it’s hard to know where to start or who to talk to. I’ve often felt like I had to deal with everything alone. In 2023, I started journaling about my day, worries, and feelings I wasn’t sure how to express. This small habit slowly helped me feel better, even when things seemed overwhelming. Based on my experience, here are some benefits of journaling.
1. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
As someone who deals with anxiety often, writing about the things that worried me relieved me a lot. It made me gain more under standing of what triggers my anxiety, as well as recognize unhealthy patterns. I write down moments that upset me and explain how they triggered my anxiety. Then, I write about what I could do to relieve the stress, which gradually led to a decrease in my anxiety during a certain situation.1
Something I didn’t expect when I started journaling was the amount of awareness I’ve gained. I would write about certain things that made me upset, or I’d dump all my negative thoughts on people or situations on my page. After doing this, I would start to better understand my emotions and form different perceptions of situations. I suddenly felt like I could view the problem from different perspectives. This also helped me become more empathetic and understanding and, in general, I felt like I learned more about myself.2 Whenever I write about my emotions, it helps me understand how I’m feeling and find goals to work towards so I can improve my mood and confidence.
3. Freedom of Self-Expression:
Whenever I’m feeling upset, I try to think about good memories or anything I’m grateful for. When journaling, I like to write about memories, things and people I appreciate in life… basically, all things that make me happy. Doing this can instantly help boost your mood, and, according to studies, practicing gratitude is known to have a positive effect on your mental well-being, mood and overall health.
Here are a few prompt ideas you can try if you ever feel like journaling:
-Things I am grateful for
-What are some boundaries I need to set?
Journaling is more of a “personal” hobby, where you don’t really have to share anything with anyone. As a result, whenever you pour out your thoughts on your page, you can write anything you want. Poems, rants, songs, anything. No one is going to stop you from writing those angry words or scribbling all over your page. You’re free to express your emotions in any way.
-Highlights of the month
-What are some goals I want to achieve?
-Things that I can improve on
-Positive affirmations
-Things I am proud of
-What are some things I like about myself?
Par Christina Savoiardo Section Editor
Par Leanne Eyre Rédactrice de sections
image: Leanne Eyre
Love is in the air/L’amour est dans l’aire: Crossword
ACROSS:
1. A special item given to show love and appreciation
4. A symbol commonly associated with love and emotions
5. The act of pursuing someone romantically
6. Sweet treats that come in various flavours and shapes
8. A colour often associated with love and romance
12. Beautiful and fragrant plants
13. Container for sending a special message or gift
14. Symbolic birds representing love and peace
DOWN:
2. The month that celebrates love
3. A close companion with whom one shares affection
4. A gesture of affection
5. A small piece of paper with a heartfelt message
6. The roman god of love
7. A heavenly being with wings
9. A gentle touch of lips
10. A heartfelt piece of writing expressing emotions
11. A feeling of deep affection and care
12. A vibrant colour symbolizing love and passion
PARTICIPEZ POUR GAGNER UN PRIX AVANT 27 FÉVRIER 2025
Send your crossword answers to: EMAIL: operations@protemglendon.com INSTAGRAM: @protemglendon
VIE ÉTUDIANTE
FACE À LA NEIGE, NOUS REDEVENONS TOUS DES ENFANTS
Vendredi 10 janvier, 23h, campus de Glendon : « Qui veut faire une bataille de boules de neige ? ». Il aura fallu d’une seule phrase pour qu’une quinzaine d’étudiants se lèvent de leur canapé, enfilent leurs chaussures et leurs doudounes, et courent jusque dans la neige toute fraîche, prêts à affronter leurs adversaires d’un soir.
La neige nous rappelle cette période insouciante de notre vie, ces moments précieux de jeu et de découverte de la nature. Certains se rappellent les Noël sous la neige, d’autres ont le souvenir des bonhommes de neige qu’ils faisaient dans leur jardin tandis que d’autres se remémorent la luge à toute allure dans les montagnes.
Ces visages heureux face au tapis blanc deviennent rapidement carnassiers, avec une malice enfantine dans les regards. Même les plus calmes et les plus matures en apparence redeviennent de véritables enfants, cherchant à mettre le plus de neige sur le plus de personnes. Plus qu’un jeu, cela devient une véritable guerre. Une guerre où chaque personne est presque enjouée d’avoir de la neige sur ses vêtements. Une guerre où tous les belligérants ont moins de cinq ans. Une guerre où courir pour échapper à votre agresseur, et tomber par terre font partie des beaux moments qui resteront gravés dans notre mémoire.
Source d’émerveillement, la neige provoque la joie et le bonheur. Elle nous invite à redevenir enfant pendant un instant, à oublier nos problèmes et nos prises de tête, à faire taire cette voix d’adulte pleine de responsabilités. Entre fascination et amusement, elle est la beauté de l’hiver : un tapis blanc à ad mirer, des flocons à attraper, une pou dre à modeler, une bonne raison de pa resser.
La neige fait ressortir notre âme d’enfant. Comment l’expliquer ? Peut-être comme de la nostalgie.
Batailles de boules de neige, ski, luge, bonhommes de neiges, randon née ou contemplation des flocons par la fenêtre, elle réchauffe les cœurs glacés par la froideur de l’air. La neige nous apaise. Comme un câlin réconfortant, une respiration dans un moment de suffocation, une libération de l’esprit.
Elle ne s’installe que pour un court instant, donnant de la joie où il en manque. Et puis, elle s’enfuit, disparaît comme si elle n’avait jamais existé. Éphémère, la neige est la preuve que les beaux moments ont une fin. Rien n’est éternel. Mais cette fugacité fait la magie de ces instants suspendus dans le temps.
