La mysoginoire : une double discrimination souvent oubliée
Nous entendons souvent parler de racisme et de sexisme, que ce soit sur les réseaux sociaux, sur les plateaux télévisés, lors de manifestations ou autour de la table entre deux conversations. Souvent, ces termes sont dissociés, comme si c’était l’un ou l’autre, jamais les deux ensembles. Mais toutes ces femmes noires ne vivent-elles pas les deux discriminations ? En plus d’être critiquées pour leur couleur de peau, ne sont-elles pas aussi rabaissées à cause de leur sexe ?
Souvent, les femmes noires sont oubliées au sein des combats sociaux. Combien de fois ai-je entendu des féministes se déclarer pour les droits des femmes, sans considérer la jeune femme noire assise derrière, au même titre qu’une femme blanche ? Qui n’a jamais entendu des hommes noirs ahurisface au racisme qu’ils subissaient tout en obligeant leur femme à vivre sous leur tutelle patriarcale ?
En 2008, Moya Bailey, écrivaine et activiste américaine, théorise le terme misogynoir désignant la combinaison du racisme et de la misogynie vécue par les femmes noires depuis des siècles. En effet, ce phénomène de double discrimination n’est pas nouveau. Selon la professeure Berthelot-Raffard, il remonte à l’époque coloniale et esclavagiste où la « système blantriarcale » plaçait les femmes noires comme inférieures au reste de la société. Au fil du temps, des stéréotypes ont été associés à cette partie de la population. Le plus courant conçoit « la femme noire » comme plus proche de la nature, plus animale, plus sauvage. Au XIXème siècle, sur de nombreux paquets de cigarettes cubains, des femmes noires étaient représentées comme agressives, vouées à la prostitution, laissant leurs passions prendre le dessus. Là où la femme
blanche est pure et noble, la femme noire apparait comme dangereuse pour l’homme blanc : elle cherche à le séduire avec son corps, l’incitant à l’infidélité. Elle incarne le péché.
Associée à cette idée, les afro-féministes dénoncent une hypersexualisation des femmes noires dans nos sociétés actuelles. Dans l’industrie du rap, cette représentation de la femme noire est monnaie courante. Mettant en avant le corpsféminin et ses formes, les producteurs de clips objetise la femme : son corps devient un produit de consommation représentant le désir et l’exotisme.
Aujourd’hui, elle est aussi parfois vue comme une assistée sociale, offrant à ses enfants une mauvaise éducation. Comment peut-elle assurer une éducation convenable si elle n’est qu’un objet sexuel, un danger pour les hommes mais aussi pour les femmes blanches ? Cette vision problématique de la femme noire amène à une négation de ses besoins. En plus des insultes, des commentaires sexuels et du non-respect qu’elle subit, il arrive qu’elle
soit niée dans le secteur de la santé. Par exemple, chez les femmes noires, il existe une prévalence des tumeurs bénignes. Bien que ce phénomène soit connu des scientifiques, peu de recherches sont menées pour améliorer cette situation. La justice semble aussi inactive que la science face à la misogynoir. En 2018, l’afro-féministe Kiyémis partage l’affaire d’un Cap-Verdien de 30 ans, poursuivi pour le viol d’une jeune congolaise de 11 ans et acquitté après avoir évoqué « la chaleur africaine » de la victime comme arme de défense. Une autre enfant sexualisée, une autre femme réduite à son corps, une autre plainte ignorée.
Aujourd’hui, l’intersectionnalité des combats est de plus en plus évoquée mais reste un sujet tabou pour certains. De nombreuses afroféministes se mobilisent pour faire entendre leur voix et mettre en lumière la double discrimination qu’elles vivent au quotidien. Au XXIème siècle, il est temps de déconstruire ces stéréotypes et préjugés ancrés dans nos sociétés et dans nos esprits.
ATTENTION : Dans cet article, je parle de « la femme noire » ou « des femmes noires » pour une question de praticité et de compréhensivité du discours. Cependant, il est important de noter que chaque femme est différente avec ses propres expériences et vécus, et qu’une représentation plus diverse serait nécessaire pour entièrement comprendre les discriminations subies.
Mérentié, F. (2023, February 16). La « misogynoire », une discrimination méconnue qui touche les femmes noires. Radio-Canada.
Plasse, S. (2019, October 23). « Misogynoir » : dans le collimateur des afro-féministes. JeuneAfrique.com. Hypersexualisation des corps afrodescendants dans l’industrie musicale contemporaine. (n.d.). Politika.
Finding Destiny in France
By Destiny Chan English Editor
University does not have a one-size-fits-all experience. Depending on whether you’re a commuter, living on residence, living close to family, in a small city or a big city, going on exchange, loving or hating what you’re studying, taking it slow, taking it fast, or juggling jobs and/or relationships, these years can look radically different from person to person. Maybe you’re a commuter who spends little to no time on campus and most of your time studying. Maybe you’re living in residence and are in a fraternity or sorority. Maybe you took a gap year or exchange semester in Europe, where they have, let’s just say, a VERY DIFFERENT work/life balance and social/community culture. What if Glendon had a vibrant student life? With more daily exciting activities than you could even keep up with? What if Glendon had more trips? More than just to Montréal once a year? Weekend trips to Ottawa…Québec City…or maybe even New York?
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 experiences, culture shocks and more.
(continue to page 11)
image: Insta transformisogynoirtaken by: Stephen Lewis
Par Iris Capron Journaliste Française
PRO TEM
Editor In Chief/Éditrice En Chef
Amie Sosa
Chief of operations/Chef des opérations
Flo Iyam Tierra
Layout Designer/Maquettiste
Roxanna Khosravi
Photographer/Photographe
Dona Nissangaratchie
Section Editor/Rédactrice de sections:
Leanne Eyre
EDITORIAL
Letter From The Editor
Dear Pro Tem Readers
Wait… HOW is the school year already almost over?! Like, didn’t we just get here?! One minute, we were scrambling to buy overpriced textbooks (that we may or may not have actually read), and now we’re knee-deep in final papers, all-nighters, and the pure chaos of the last stretch. But before we officially say goodbye to another year, let’s pause, reflect, and soak it all in.
This issue is packed with stories, conversations, and poetry that remind us why we do what we do. We’re diving deep into the beauty and complexity of Black history—because let’s be real, these discussions don’t just belong to February. We’re talking about AAVE and how language is policed when it comes from Black communities. We’re unpacking misogynoir—the layered discrimination Black women face—and why the world still struggles to give them their flowers. We’re also shining a light on Haitian culture, its rich history, and the resilience that keeps it thriving.
And of course, what’s an issue without some poetry? We’ve got words that will make you think, feel, and maybe even ugly cry (in the best way possible).
But wait—before you go!
& Entertainment/ Arts & Divertissement Metropolis Métropole
Christina Savoiardo
Issues & Ideas/Actualité & opinions Expressions/Expressions Health & Wellness/Santé & bien-être
English Editor/Rédactrice Anglaise
Destiny Chan
French Editor/Rédactrice Française
Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz
English Journalist/Journaliste Anglais
Connell Simkin-Watt
French Journalist/Journaliste Française
Iris Capron
Bilingual Journalist/Journaliste Bilingue
Geneviève Stacey Campus Life/Vie étudiant
ELECTIONS ARE HAPPENING!!! Yes, it’s that time again! The last day to vote is literally the Thursday you receive this issue, so don’t wait—head to YU Vote, sign in, and pick who you want as your next EIC and COO! Your voice matters, and this is your chance to help shape the future of this publication.
Alors, que vous soyez en train de stresser pour vos exams, de procrastiner avec un bubble tea en main, ou de rêver aux vacances d’été… prenez un instant pour respirer, pour réfléchir et pour célébrer. Vous avez survécu à une autre année—et ça, c’est énorme.
Así que aquí estamos, cerrando otro capítulo, pero listos para el siguiente. Gracias por estar con nosotros, por leer, por compartir, y por faire partie de cette belle communauté.
With love, always, Editor-in-Chief, Amie Sosa
DISCLAIMER!
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
& ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
Discovering Haitian Culture: A Journey of Identity and Beauty
By Amie Sosa Editor in Chief
La culture haïtienne est une richesse qui se manifeste à travers son art, sa musique, sa cuisine et ses traditions. Ancrée dans une histoire marquée par la résilience et la créativité, elle reflète un mélange unique d’influences africaines, européennes et autochtones. Que ce soit dans les rues animées de Port-au-Prince, les marchés colorés de Jacmel ou les cérémonies vodou empreintes de spiritualité, Haïti dévoile une identité forte et inimitable.
Haiti’s cultural heritage is deeply embedded in its everyday life. From the rhythmic beats of kompa music to the vibrant strokes of local paintings, every form of artistic expression tells a story. Haitian art, particularly in the form of naïve paintings, showcases bold colors and themes of daily life, folklore, and historical moments. Markets overflow with handcrafted sculptures, beaded flags, and metalwork, each piece carrying the imprint of its creator’s vision.
La musique occupe une place centrale dans la culture haïtienne. Le kompa, né dans les années 1950, est aujourd’hui le genre musical dominant, influencé par le jazz et les rythmes afro-caribéens. D’autres styles comme le rara, typiquement joué lors des célébrations du carnaval, ou encore le
mizik rasin, qui fusionne musique traditionnelle et moderne, témoignent de l’évolution de la scène musicale haïtienne. Ces sonorités traversent les générations et résonnent bien au-delà des frontières du pays.
Haitian cuisine is another pillar of its cultural identity. Dishes like griot (fried pork), diri ak djon djon (black mushroom rice), and soup joumou (pumpkin soup) are deeply symbolic, often tied to historical events and community gatherings. The use of spices and fresh ingredients highlights the island’s agricultural richness. Food is not just nourishment—it is a form of storytelling, a way to honor traditions and share moments with loved ones.
Les traditions religieuses et culturelles jouent également un rôle essentiel. Le vodou, souvent mal compris à l’étranger, est un système spirituel profondément enraciné dans la culture haïtienne. Mélange de croyances africaines et catholiques, il influence non seulement la religion, mais aussi la musique, la danse et l’art. Les cérémonies, rythmées par les tambours et les chants, sont un témoignage de la connexion entre le passé et le présent.
Haiti’s cultural influence extends far be-
yond its borders. The Haitian diaspora has carried its traditions worldwide, contributing to literature, music, and visual arts in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Authors like Edwidge Danticat and Jacques Roumain have given voice to Haitian narratives, while musicians such as Wyclef Jean have brought Haitian rhythms to the global stage. La culture haïtienne ne se limite pas à son passé, elle évolue constamment. Les jeunes générations réinterprètent les traditions à travers la mode, le cinéma et les médias numériques, tout en restant fidèles à l’authenticité qui caractérise Haïti. Ce pays, malgré les défis, continue de rayonner par son patrimoine et sa créativité inépuisable.
Découvrir Haïti, c’est comprendre que la culture est bien plus qu’un ensemble de coutumes – c’est un mode de vie, une identité partagée, et une force qui unit les générations.
How the NBA Should Fix All-Star Weekend
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
NBA All-Star Weekend was once a must-watch event, featuring intense competition, high-flying dunks, and legendary performances. But in recent years, it has lost its appeal. The All-Star Game has become a glorified shootaround, the Dunk Contest lacks star power, and the Skills Challenge is borderline irrelevant. Fans are tuning out, and even players seem disinterested. The 2025 AllStar Game had record-low TV ratings, and complaints about the lack of effort continue to grow.
The NBA has tried to tweak the format over the years—adding a target score, team captains, and even a four-team mini-tournament in 2025—but nothing has truly revived the event. It’s time for real changes. Here’s how the league can fix All-Star Weekend and bring back the excitement.
1. Make the All-Star Game Competitive Again
The biggest issue with All-Star Weekend is the game itself. While it should be the highlight of the event, it has become a joke. Players don’t try on defense, possessions are lazy, and this lack of intensity makes it unwatchable. The final score is often absurdly high, with both teams routinely breaking 150 points, and one of the teams even reaching 200 points last season. The NBA has
tried changing up the format of the game several times, such as adding a target score, getting rid of the traditional Eastern Conference vs Western Conference format, in favor of a team captain format, and, for the 2025 All-Star game, a four-team tournament. Despite these changes, both fans and players are dissatisfied, with fans voicing their disapproval of the new format on social media, and NBA players like Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors criticizing it.
What’s the problem?
• Players don’t take it seriously. They’re afraid of getting injured, and there’s no real incentive to compete.
• Defense is non-existent, making the game feel like an open gym scrimmage.
• The format changes—like the Elam Ending and team drafts—haven’t fixed the effort issue.
How to fix it?
• Bring back East vs. West: The team captain draft was fun at first, but it removed the natural conference rivalry. Players need a reason to take pride in winning.
• Add real stakes: The NBA should introduce meaningful incentives, like a major charity donation for the winning team or even a small playoff advantage for the conference that wins, such as home court advantage in the NBA Finals.
• Implement a cash bonus per stop or steal: Players care about money. If defenders earn a cash bonus every time they get a steal, block, or force a shot-clock violation, they’ll play harder.
• Introduce a ‘fourth quarter lockdown’ rule: For the final 6-8 minutes, teams must play legitimate defense. This could involve a shot clock reduction or a mandatory full-court press.
The All-Star Game should feel like a battle of the best, not a casual pickup game.
2. Revamp the Dunk Contest
The Dunk Contest used to be the highlight of All-Star Saturday Night. Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter’s legendary performance in 2000, and Aaron Gordon vs. Zach LaVine in 2016 all proved how electrifying it could be. But now, the event is struggling. Star players refuse to participate because the prize for winning ($105,000) isn’t nearly enough for them to justify participating in the contest, leading to the contest mainly consisting of NBA role players. In fact, Mac McClung, who has won the past three dunk contests, has spent most of his career in the G-League, the NBA’s development league and has only played five games in the NBA.
& ART DIVERTISSEMENT
How the NBA Should Fix All-Star Weekend
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
(continued from page 3)
What’s the problem?
• The biggest stars refuse to participate. Players like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards won’t enter, leaving the contest to lesser-known players.
• Many dunks are recycled, with little innovat ion.
• The judging is inconsistent, leading to controversy and frustration.
How to fix it?
• Mandatory star participation: The NBA should require that at least one All-Star participate. Imagine if LeBron had competed in his prime—the event would have been legendary.
• Massive cash prize: Offer a $1 million prize to the winner. If that’s not enough to lure big names, let players donate part of the winnings to charity for good PR.
• Rework the format: Instead of four rounds, in troduce a “Dunk-Off” for the last round, where two finalists go back and forth until the crowd and judges pick a winner.
• Better judges: Use former dunk contest cham pions or even AI-driven scoring to remove controversial decisions.
3. Replace or Improve the Skills Challenge
The Skills Challenge was once a fun event showcasing ball-handling, passing, and shooting. But the recent team-based format has watered it down, and many players just jog through the course with minimal effort to finish it in the shortest time and win the challenge. This reached its limit at the 2025 Skills Challenge, in which San Antonio Spurs teammates Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama threw the ball toward the net in order to save time but were disqualified as the shot attempts were determined to be invalid.
What’s the problem?
• The course feels outdated and too easy.
• The team format has made it slower and less exciting.
• There’s no reason for players to try hard. How to fix it?
• Ditch the team format and bring back individual races. Watching star guards like Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Shai Gilgeous-Al exander go head-to-head in speed drills would be way more engaging.
• Add obstacles and trick passes. Make the event harder by adding more dynamic challenges, like bounce passes through moving hoops or dribbling through defenders.
• Introduce a ‘King of the Court’ 1v1 tourna ment instead. Imagine NBA stars playing in a one-on-one battle to 11. It would be way more exciting than the current Skills Challenge.
4. Expand and Innovate the Three-Point Contest
Unlike other events, the Three-Point Contest has remained consistently entertaining. It’s simple, fast-paced, and competitive. However, there’s still room for improvement. What’s the problem?
• The event is great but could use some fresh twists.
• There’s no long-range shooting contest, despite the league being dominated by deep threes. How to fix it?
• Introduce a “Logo Three” round. Players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are hitting shots from 35-40 feet regularly. Why not add a deep-range bonus round?
• Make it a team event too. Have teammates such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown compete in a combined score contest.
• Add a ‘Clutch Shooter’ challenge. Simulate last-second shots with moving defenders to see who thrives under pressure.
5. Add a New Event: One-on-One Tournament
One of the biggest missed opportunities of All-Star Weekend is the lack of a true one-onone competition. Fans constantly debate which players would dominate in a pure isolation setting. Why not settle it?
How it would work:
• Eight-player tournament: Select eight All-Stars to compete in a knockout-style 1v1 contest.
• Games to 11 points: No help defense, no screens—just pure skill.
• Mix of bigs and guards: Imagine Joel Embiid vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo or Devin Booker vs. Jalen Brunson in a showdown.
How to fix it?
• Introduce a “Logo Three” round. Players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are hitting shots from 35-40 feet regularly. Why not add a deep-range bonus round?
• Make it a team event too. Have teammates
• Add a ‘Clutch Shooter’ challenge. Simulate last-second shots with moving defenders to see who thrives under pressure.
This event would become an instant fan favorite and generate endless highlight clips.
Conclusion
NBA All-Star Weekend isn’t beyond saving, but it needs some serious changes. The All-Star Game must become competitive again, the Dunk Contest needs star power, and some events should be revamped or replaced.
By bringing back conference pride, adding real incentives, and introducing exciting new challenges like a 1v1 tournament, the NBA can turn a declining event into a must-watch spectacle again. Fans are begging for a better All-Star Weekend. It’s time for the NBA to deliver!
The league should also take inspiration from how other major North American sports leagues have responded to criticism and revamped their All-Star formats. The NHL, for example, recently introduced the Four Nations Tournament to create a more meaningful and competitive showcase, while the NFL turned the Pro Bowl into a skills-based event to emphasize entertainment over a lackluster game. Even MLB, which already has a competitive All-Star Game, continuously tweaks the Home Run Derby to keep it fresh. The NBA, as a league known for innovation, should follow suit by implementing changes that bring back the excitement and intensity that made All-Star Weekend special in the first place.
such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker or Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown compete in a combined score contest.
photo:
GAMES FUN
&
Black History / L’histoire des Noirs Crossword/Mots croisés
ACROSS:
3. First Lady
4. Black Panthers founder
10. NAACP founder
12. Bus-riding activist
13. Civil rights leader
14. Educator
15. Murdered civil rights activist
16. South African President
DOWN:
1. Female Civil rights leader
2. U.S. President
5. First Daughters
6. ‘Black Power’ advocate
7. Underground Railroad leader
8. U.S. Female Attorney General
9. Orator
11. Antislavery activist
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Amis à ennemis, le Canada et les Etats-Unis se déchirent
Par Iris Capron Journaliste Français
Le 20 janvier 2025, Donald Trump a été investi Président des Etats-Unis, après une victoire contre la démocrate Kamala Harris novembre dernier. Cette cérémonie, rassemblant des chefs d’Etat étrangers et de grands patrons de la tech, s’est poursuivie avec la signature de plus de 200 décrets présidentiels, selon la Maison blanche. Le retrait des Etats-Unis du Conseil des droits de l’homme à l’ONU, la restriction à l’accès aux soins d’affirmation de genre, la fin de l’accès à la citoyenneté par « droit du sol », la mise en place des tarifs douaniers de 25% sur les produits chinois… De la politique étrangère au commerce international, tous les sujets ont été abordés. Tout était prévu, à la virgule près. Certains décrets sont aujourd’hui en vigueur, d’autres ont été contestés par des juges fédéraux ou suspendus par un autre décret du Président.
Après avoir évoqué une possible annexion du Canada par les Etats-Unis, le nouveau Président américain a signé un décret imposant des tarifs douaniers au Canada. La raison ? Le Canada profite de la puissance des Etats-Unis et ne contrôle pas assez l’immigration et le trafic de drogues à la frontière. Pour la Maison Blanche, les Etats-Unis ne gagnent rien à être allié avec le Canada : l’économie américaine serait désavantagée par les accords commerciaux entre les deux puissances nord-américaines. Pourtant, le Canada est le principal marché des exportations des biens et services des Etats-Unis, et des millions d’emplois canadiens et étatsuniens dépendent de cette relation. Le pays de Justin Trudeau est également un important fournisseur d’électricité pour les Etats-Unis. Même si le Canada est très dépendant des Etats-Unis économiquement et militairement, l’Etat trumpiste ne semble pas non plus être un électron libre se suffisant à lui-même. Même la plus grande puissance du monde a besoin d’alliés.
Cette nouvelle venue tout droit de leur plus proche ami a secoué Ottawa et les gouvernements provinciaux du Canada. Le premier ministre de Colombie britannique, David Eby, a d’ailleurs parlé de « trahison totale du lien historique entre nos pays et de déclaration de guerre économique contre un allié de confiance ». La province de Vancouver a ainsi décidé d’arrêter l’importation d’alcool d’États républicains et l’achat de produits d’entreprises américaines. Justin Trudeau a, quant à lui, répliqué en imposant 25% de tarifs douaniers aux produits américains, ce qui n’a pas ravi Donald Trump. Le premier ministre canadien a également incité les consommateurs canadiens à opter plutôt pour des produits fabriqués au sein du pays. Ne soyez donc pas étonné de voir des affiches vous
encourageant à consommer canadien à chaque coin de rue. Sur les réseaux sociaux, de nombreux comptes mettent en avant les produits canadiens au détriment de ceux du voisin trumpiste. En quelques heures, une véritable guerre commerciale s’est lancée entre ces amis de toujours. 2 jours plus tard, le 3 février 2025, Donald Trump est revenu sur son décret, le suspendant pour un mois, en échange de mesures plus importantes du gouvernement canadien contre la migration illégale et le trafic de drogues. Mais le Président républicain n’a pas su tenir sa promesse bien longtemps. Le 10 février, il a annoncé la mise en place de droits de douane pour toutes les exportations étrangères d’acier et d’aluminium vers les Etats-Unis, arguant que les entreprises américaines en bénéficieront. Cependant, de nombreux économistes pourront vous confirmer qu’augmenter les droits de douane affecte terriblement les consommateurs. Alors que Donald Trump a été élu pour offrir aux Américains un meilleur pouvoir d’achat, il semble que leur porte-monnaie risque de se vider face à une possible inflation.
Pour les Canadiens, cette annonce est un nouveau coup de massue qui leur confirme la nécessité de l’indépendance des Etats-Unis. Selon des analyses récentes, plusieurs villes canadiennes vont être très impactées par ces décrets. Calgary est considérée comme l’une des villes les plus vulnérables aux tarifs américains. Dépendre de la stabilité de la relation entre le Canada et les Etats-Unis n’est définitivement pas un bon pari. De nombreux emplois et investissements sont en danger.
Aujourd’hui, la situation est plus qu’incertaine : qui sait ce que le Président américain a encore derrière la tête ?
photo:
5 Days, 2 Cities, 0 Regrets
By Leanne Eyre Section Editor
Five days. Two in Barcelona, three in Madrid. It may not seem like much, but trust me, they were some of the longest, most thrilling days of my life! How did I end up there? For context, I’m studying abroad in France this semester, which still feels like a dream come true! Normally, when reading week comes around, you’d find me buried in textbooks, stressing over exams and doing anything but taking a break. But this time was different! It’s my first time in Europe, and I have no idea if I’ll be back, so I’m trying to make the most of each day! So, when my friend Destiny, who’s working as an au pair in the south of France, suggested a spontaneous trip to Spain, I couldn’t resist. With travel being so much cheaper here, how could I? I shut my computer, packed my backpack, and for the first time in ages, I took a complete break. No studying. No working. No hustling. Just travelling—no strings attached!
In Barcelona, we hit all the must-see attractions: the Sagrada Familia (still under construction until who knows when), the vibrant Park Güel, Gaudí’s iconic casas, the historic Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Along the way, we connected with fellow female travellers from around the world, savoured €1 tacos at Taqueria Los Güeros and enjoyed fresh food from the Boqueria market. One morning, I even hiked up Montjuïc for breathtaking panoramic views of the city!
In Madrid, we visited the stunning Palacio Real, soaked in the views at the Templo de Debod, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere with street musicians and performers. We admired masterpieces at the Museo del Prado, shopped along Gran Via and watched a live flamenco show. Of course we couldn’t miss indulging in crispy, piping hot churros with chocolate, paella and bocadillos de calamares in Plaza Mayor. To top it all off, we went kayaking and admired the sunset at Retiro Park! We experienced so much, walked a lot, and met amazing people—it was incredible! Five days ago I was a novice traveller. Now, I’m a bit more experienced and a lot more confident. Here are some things I learned along the way…
1. Don’t overplan
Yes, planning provides structure, but it can also be limiting. We booked our hostels and transportation in advance and made a short list of places, noting entry costs when applicable. At first, I was apprehensive about not having a detailed, hour-by-hour itinerary. However, this flexibility ended up working in our favour! It allowed us to take advice from tour guides, hostel staff, and fellow travellers, making our daily plans as we went. After all, travelling isn’t just about rushing from one attraction to the next to tick things off a list. It’s about discovering new cultures, trying new things, meeting people, and enjoying the journey. Plus, travel doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. If museums aren’t your thing, that’s totally fine! Spend your time enjoying local cuisine or exploring nature instead. Plan to do activities you’ll actually enjoy!
2. Pack light
I know it’s tempting to pack a lot to be on the safe side, especially when you don’t know what to expect, but trust me, it’s really not necessary. Big bags can weigh you down and each additional bag often incurs extra fees to transport. We met some travellers who brought multiple pairs of shoes and a curling iron, only to never use them! I opted for a backpack, which forced me to be minimal and only pack the essentials. If I could do it all over again, I would bring my own lock for the hostel cubby and a portable phone charger. I had no idea how much battery Google Maps uses! I have never had issues with my phone dying at home, but there were several close calls on our trip where we needed to stop for a charging break. I was also very grateful I wore comfortable shoes, as there was a lot of walking. Overall, packing light made navigating so much easier and hassle-free!
3. Begin with a “free walking tour”
As soon as you arrive in a new city, I would recommend signing up for a free walking tour. We used the sites freetour.com and guruwalk.com, and it was definitely the best and most efficient way to get situated. In just a short few hours, we covered major attractions, learned fascinating historical and cultural insights along the way, and got recommendations from local guides. Plus, it helped us figure out which places we wanted to revisit later. While these tours are advertised as “free,” the guides rely on tips, so it’s expected to have some cash on hand at the end to show your appreciation for their time and expertise.
4. Consider staying in a hostel
This might seem obvious, but hostels are not only more cost-effective than hotels—they’re also a great way to meet other travellers. The staff at our hostels were very welcoming, sharing travel tips and their favourite local spots to eat. Plus, the hostels we stayed at also organized daily activities, including buffet breakfast, walking tours, 3-course dinners, and pub crawls. Many solo travellers found it easy to connect with others through the activities and in the common spaces. To find the right hostel, many websites such as HostelWorld.com, Hostelz.com and Booking.com let you compare hostel prices, amenities, ratings and reviews. If towels aren’t included, consider bringing a small microfiber one. And, of course, don’t forget a lock to keep your belongings secure during the day.
5. Don’t listen to rumours
People like to talk. Before my trip, a friend was telling me how dangerous Barcelona was—despite never having visited. I was also warned of all pickpocket schemes and gypsy scams I should expect. In reality the only tourist traps I encountered were clowns handing out balloons or asking for pictures. Of course, it’s important to stay aware and take precautions, but don’t let unfounded rumours or warnings scare you away from experiencing a place for yourself. My advice is to take what you hear with a grain of salt, go in with an open mind and draw your own conclusions.
6. Be open to try new things
Stepping outside your comfort zone can be intimidating—trying something new is stepping into unknown territory. When travelling to a new place, there will be many “firsts”—your first time navigating the public transport system, trying a local dish, or attempting to speak a new language. For me, it was my first time staying at a hostel, travelling with a friend, trying Spanish cuisine, and the list goes on. This doesn’t mean you have to try everything, but being open to saying “yes” to new experiences can lead to some of the best, often unexpected, travel memories!
7. Be present
Travelling is such a privilege that it would be a shame to miss out on your surroundings because you were too distracted by your phone. Of course, take photos and videos and stay in touch with friends and family, but don’t forget to take in the sights, sounds and atmosphere for yourself. One cultural difference I have noticed since coming to Europe is that people seem to spend less time on their phones and more time outdoors, sharing meals together, chatting with friends and practicing hobbies. It’s a good reminder to slow down, even when just walking from A to B, and to be fully present in the moment!
Looking back, this trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I felt like a child again—full of wonder, curiosity and excitement. Everything felt magical… Not because every detail was meticulously planned or everything went perfectly (spoiler alert: it didn’t), but because for the first time in a long time I embraced spontaneity, adventure, and a newfound confidence.
photos: Leanne Eyre
ACTUALITÉ OPINION
Understanding African American Vernacular English: its History, Structure, and Impact &
By Christina Savoiardo Section Editor
In an English course I’m taking this year, we were supposed to do a group reflection on certain topics we covered so far and one of them brought up the topic of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in comparison to Standard English (SE). Both are two variations of the English language and hold some similarities and important differences, and it interested me in doing some research. In this article I’ll be going over what AAVE is, some key differences between AAVE and SE, the social perception of AAVE and finally why it matters in society.
First and foremost, what is AAVE?
To put it simply, it’s a variety in the English language spoken by many African Americans as well as people of African descent in Canada, although it extends beyond its ethnic and cultural boundaries to influence mainstream American language.1 AAVE emerged from the history of African slaves who were brought to the American colonies. Because of the many ethnic and linguistic backgrounds of these slaves, pidgin dialects were created to help various African communities communicate with their English-speaking captors. These pidgins evolved into more advanced and reliable modes of communication throughout time, eventually influencing the African American community’s dialects.2
Linguists began formally studying AAVE around the beginning of the 20th century. They highlighted its distinctive qualities, pointing out that although AAVE and SE are similar in many ways, they differ in additional aspects.3 One difference between AAVE and SE is the copula BE absence. In SE, forms of the verbs (am, is, or are) are usually contracted, but in AAVE, they are absent.4 For example, instead of saying “she’s lying,” it would be “she Ø lying.” Another aspect is that AAVE uses invariant BE, which implies using the unconjugated form of the verb “to be” when describing that something occurs regularly.5 For example, instead of saying “I’m tired,” speakers of AAVE would say “I be tired.” One final aspect in AAVE is the use of double negation and the use of ain’t. To emphasize the negation of a context and to convey a single negative meaning,6 double negation in AAVE usually follows the structure of a
negation + verb + negation. For example, instead of saying “I didn’t say anything,” it would be “I didn’t say nothing.” AAVE also uses the word ain’t in negation, and it could mean “didn’t,” “doesn’t,” “hasn’t,” “hadn’t,” “weren’t,” “isn’t,” “aren’t” and more.7 For example, “The light isn’t on” would become “The light ain’t on.”
Despite the cultural significance of AAVE in African American communities and its linguistic recognition, it has been subject to widespread stigmatization and devaluation. AAVE has been negatively perceived as “lazy English,” “poor grammar” and “fractured slang” for as long as its existence.8 Many speakers of AAVE face discrimination or prejudice based on their accent or dialect, especially in formal, academic, or professional settings, and it can lead to misconceptions about those speakers’ intelligence or social status.9 Because of these stereotypes, speakers of AAVE might feel the need to engage in code-switching, which is the practice of shifting between languages or dialects, where they would switch from AAVE to SE in certain settings to avoid discrimination. However, this practice might become exhausting for speakers of AAVE, making them feel inferior or devaluing their sense of identity to fit into society.10 Also, AAVE is often marginalized in educational settings, with educators possibly viewing the language as inferior to SE and attempting to suppress or correct those speaking AAVE. This can have negative effects on students’ self-esteem and academic performance, disregarding their linguistic identity and culture. The diversity of AAVE and SE could then lead to misunderstandings and communication barriers between students and teachers and students might struggle to express themselves efficiently in academic contexts, leading to misinterpretations of their abilities and ideas.11 AAVE has had an important impact on the English language since the early 20th century and continues to be recognized throughout the English language and the world. Originating from African slaves who were brought to the American colonies and then developing in their own dialect and evolving throughout the years, it served as a means of communication and a form of resistance, preserving African linguistic
heritage under oppressive conditions. AAVE in today’s society stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of African American communities, reflecting their rich cultural traditions and historical experiences. Not to mention, AAVE has deeply influenced American (and Canadian) culture, especially media, literature and music, which musical genres such as blues, hip-hop and rap that are rooted in AAVE with artists using its expressions to convey messages and express themselves.12 AAVE having a significant role in society only means we should continue to honour it and preserve it and educate people about its importance. Fostering educational inclusion of AAVE, representing AAVE accurately and respectfully in media, supporting linguistic research of AAVE and encouraging speakers of AAVE to share their experiences and narratives are some of the many ways to continue to promote the language positively. By embracing these approaches, society can move towards a more inclusive recognition of AAVE, appreciating it as a legitimate and enriching element of the English language.
1. Emily. “Understanding AAVE: Its Origins, Impact, and Cultural Significance.” Dukesblotter (blog), November 9, 2024. https://dukesblotter.com/understanding-aave-its-origins-impact-and-cultural-significance/ 2. AlexJones. “AAVE: Understanding the Culture, Origins, and Impact of African American Vernacular English – Deckerslistens,” November 9, 2024. https://deckerslistens.com/aave-understanding-the-culture-origins-and-impact-of-african-american-vernacular-english/ 3. Ibid. 4. Helgotsson, Maria. ‘Grammatical Features of African American Vernacular English in the Movie Sextuplets - A Sociolinguistics Study of the Speech of the Two African American Characters Alan and Dawn’. Linnaeus University, 2020. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1536711/FULLTEXT05.pdf
5. Ibid 6. Winkler, PD Dr. Suzanne. ‘Double Negation in African American Vernacular English and in Standard English: Evidence from Intonation, the History of English and Sociolinguistics - Docslib’. https://docslib.org/doc/3545520/double-negation-in-african-american-vernacular-english-and-in-standard-english-evidence-from-intonation-the-history-of-english-and-sociolinguistics
7. McKay, Isabel. ‘African American Vernacular English: What Is It, Where Does It Come from, and Why Is It Important?’, 23 January 2025. https://mangolanguages.com/resources/learn/general/language-culture/african-americanvernacular-english-what-is-it-where-does-it-come-from-and-why-is-it-important 8. Best, Jillian. ‘What Had Happened: The Story of AAVE’s Rocky Relationship with American Society’. Bryn Mawr College, 2006. https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/assets/documents/linguistics/2006_best_jillian.pdf 9. Emily. ‘Understanding AAVE: Its Roots, Evolution, and Impact on Modern Language - toddlongforcongress’, 9 November 2024. https://toddlongforcongress.com/understanding-aave-its-roots-evolution-and-impact-on-modernlanguage/ 10. ‘African American Vernacular English (AAVE) - Language Unlimited’, 20 December 2023. https://www.languagesunlimited.com/african-american-vernacular-english-aave/ 11. ‘The Use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in Educational Settings Understanding Linguis’. University of Florida, 4 March 2024. https://www.coursesidekick.com/linguistics/5102524
12. McKay, Isabel. ‘African American Vernacular English: What Is It, Where Does It Come from, and Why Is It Important?’, 23 January 2025. https://mangolanguages.com/resources/learn/general/language-culture/african-americanvernacular-english-what-is-it-where-does-it-come-from-and-why-is-it-important
ISSUES IDEAS &
An Undervalued Bilateral Relationship: What Tariffs Mean and What We Can Do
By Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz French Editor
Previously, NAFTA fostered strong economic ties between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, boosting trade, creating jobs, and strengthening supply chains across the continent. With his sweeping tariffs, Trump is unravelling decades of economic cooperation, risking higher costs for businesses and consumers while straining North American unity. Canada, Mexico and the United States are now experiencing one of the most significant economic system alterations of their time—senseless tariffs and a sudden trade war.
Canada and the U.S. are facing new trade tensions after Trump announced the imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian imports—25% on general goods and 10% on energy products—set to take effect on February 4, 2025. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau delivered a compelling and eloquent address, emphasizing the significant milestones Canada and the United States have achieved together as long-standing partners. He underscored Canada’s unwavering support for the U.S. through pivotal military, environmental, economic, and historical moments. Having stated that Canada did not voluntarily choose to start or involve itself in a trade war with the United States, Trudeau’s speech was a strategic appeal to shared values and collective history, aiming to remind Americans of the profound importance of the bilateral relationship.
With the intent to defend Canadian interests and businesses, Trudeau announced that Canada would be implementing counter-tariffs on $106 billion of American products, including lumber and a number of consumer goods. President Sheinbaum of Mexico has also announced retaliatory measures. While these tariffs raise concerns about inflation, supply chain disruptions and rising prices, many Canadians see this as a moment to rally behind homegrown industries, support Canadian innovation, and reinforce economic resilience. Diplomacy and collaboration remain key moving forward.
An economy still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, Canadian citizens can’t help but feel a bit helpless in this situation. Many are still facing hard times as inflation still remains an issue felt at the grocery store and in the real estate market. The imposition of Trump tariffs will mean more economic hardship on Canadian families as they struggle to find and switch to Canadian-made alternatives. As one in a family of six living at home, this is the plan we are going to follow until Trump scraps the tariffs:
Strategic Grocery Shopping:
As university students continue looking for cheaper and better deals amid financial and food insecurity, I urge you to make these conscious and cash-saving decisions. Now, I know Keele Campus is very close to a Walmart but please consider going to the NoFrills that is one more block south on Keele. For those near Glendon, it’s harder because there are not a lot of student-friendly priced grocery stores within 20 minutes. A probable option would be to consider going to the No Frills next to Centrepoint Mall just north of Finch Station to save a significant amount of money at the checkout aisle. Knowing that geography plays a role in adjusting to the Trump tariffs coming into effect, making the time and going the extra mile to somewhere that is not close to home just to save on such high taxes is going to be an obstacle for those with financial barriers. Avoid Shoppers and instead go to Dollarama, they have a great selection of household cleaning supplies, canned food items, bread, cereals, stationery and personal hygiene products that are cheaper than anywhere else. Looking online to check out discounted items on digital weekly flyers can mean the difference between paying $5-10 more for the same things another week.
Stop the Subscriptions:
It is normal for students to want to de-stress or unwind during their time outside of class, and now we live in a society where people don’t turn on the TV—instead they put on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Crave, etc., as their streaming service(s) of choice. If this is you, I implore you to recall the picture of all the billionaires at the presidential inauguration and reflect.
The hard reality is if the multi-billion dollar CEOs cared about their business with you, the Canadian customers, the idea of Trump tariffs would have been shot down and publicly denounced in online releases months ago when Trump started floating the idea. They haven’t, because they think you will be complacent and still give them your money anyway. So, you need to be hyper-aware of where your money goes (what Canadian dollars invest in) and which kind of business model you support (which is a whole other conversation). If enough Canadians stop their business with them, it may have an impact and put pressure on Trump to stop the tariffs.
If you’re a student and worried about the tremendous impacts a sudden increase in the already-expensive cost of living while still having Amazon, Netflix, or Spotify, please consider cancelling them (all of that is just about under $50 after tax, monthly). For a month trial period, please consider supporting free Canadian alternatives such as CBC Gem, Pluto TV, Télé-Québec, ICI Tout.TV, which are all available on the app store and, again, are completely free. They include movies, old and newly launched TV shows and live news broadcasts, which are all presented in both English and French. For those pursuing a French major, taking FRAN-courses, or are training for the Bilingual Certificate, watching these could be good for improving your French. As for replacing Spotify, Youtube has some pretty good free playlists you can listen to with songs all lined up that are ready for you to hear. Yes, Spotify is a Swedish company, however, if you can cut costs on a $15/month music subscription you’ve practically saved an hour’s worth of work and some extra to redirect into the purchase of an essential food item, hygiene products, transit fare for a few days, etc. They are worth giving a try and I hope these recommendations do make a difference.
But, Trends:
It doesn’t matter if you like makeup or not, all American products are going to be subject to the counter-tariffs and that includes products sold at Sephora, Shoppers and other stores at the mall or in a neighbourhood near you. If you are really attached to some products, I would recommend getting your restocks now before closing on Monday, February 3rd, unless you want to pay the new price tag the next day. If you’re willing to try something new, I would strongly recommend doing your research, like visiting websites like Google or Made in Canada to verify whether you’d be paying an extra 25% tax on items you need, or not. On the cosmetics page of Made in Canada, brands that have the red maple leaf icon next to it are Canadian-owned businesses.
If you’re concerned with daily skincare, explore the idea of buying Korean or Asian Skincare. For the past 10 years, Korean and Asian skincare have been clinically proven and touted on social media to be better in formula, cheaper and more effective overall when compared to American products. Instead of heading to Shoppers, Walmart, Amazon, iHerb, or Sephora try going to Kiokii in the GTA or shopping online at Stylevanna or YesStyle for affordable products that are cheaper or around the same price as American retailers.
If you like grabbing coffee alone or making it a social event with friends to chill, ditch the idea of going to Tim Hortons. It was bought and is actually owned by Brazilian and American corporations. Instead, consider doing business with Second Cup, Timothy’s, or locally-owned cafés and bakeries near you to ensure that your hard-earned Canadian dollars stay in Canadian hands for reinvestment into our economy.
Resources:
Now that tariffs are a thing as of Tuesday, feeling scared to put items in your cart or putting multiple from different brands to see which one costs less after taxes and tariffs…is okay. In an ideal world, it should not be normal, but one thing is for certain: it will be an adjustment, a learning process to know what is Canadian and what is American, what we can do with and what we can do without. These tariffs are something new that people are not used to and Canadian brands are not common knowledge and we have to be patient with ourselves. Picking items that sometimes you will then have to put aside and not buy just because of the increased price point is going to become a common thing and it’s truly sad because it’s Trump’s fault.
For those who are interested in lists, Made in Canada has a newly launched grocery list with Canadian brands listed and organized by grocery item. They not only specialize in clarifying Canadian branded grocery items, but pet foods, American-owned but produced in Canada items, cleaning products, detergents, vitamins, teas, cosmetics and more. If you’re in a rush, I highly recommend taking the time to do a quick Google search as well.
We must remember that we are in this together. If you’re angry about tariffs increasing your cost of living, don’t blame Trudeau—-blame Trump. There is no sufficiently justified reason as to why Trump would decide to punish his biggest and most important trading partner, even when statistics say Canada accounts for less than 1% of undocumented migrants crossing the border and less than 1% of contributing to the opioid crisis in the US. Remember that this is not a one-sided issue and that Canada did not start this trade war. Canada has every right to defend Canadians and itself—Canadian jobs, livelihoods, companies, essential industries.
There is no positive outcome from imposing tariffs and, ultimately, they make countries, especially the people subjected to them, poorer. Traditionally, tariffs are a protectionist tactic to lower competition against national goods and services. Globalization and trade agreements make participating economies richer, stronger, and more innovative, which is supposed to be the future. But, Trump does not see it that way. His actions demonstrate a gross undervaluing of the long-standing US-Canada relationship and it is a disrespect to Americans and Canadians who enjoy the benefits of the relationship and disrespects those who have laid down their lives in supporting our American ally.
We can hope that the tariffs are short-lived—only a few months long. We can hope that this pushes Canadians to strengthen our trade relations with other countries who might be interested in Canadian products in Europe, Asia, or Latin America. We can hope it will inspire economic innovation in a way that makes Canada somewhat less reliant on the United States for essential goods and economic well being. But, for now, we are all in survival mode and we can hope that the tariffs affect the American middle class enough to trigger protests, spread unpopularity with Trump and cause the retraction of those unnecessary and overly-aggressive policies.
Waiting
By Christina Savoiardo Section Editor
At the subway station
Waiting Waiting Waiting.
People are everywhere Waiting to go to their next location Waiting around on their phones Waiting.
I’m impatient to go home
Waiting for the train to arrive Waiting to be able to sit down Waiting.
I’m exhausted
Waiting for the past 10 minutes Waiting for the clicking of the wheels Waiting.
The train is out of service
Waiting for everyone to exit Waiting to go to the end of the line Waiting.
I’m standing in a crowd of people around me
Waiting to be free
Waiting to disappear
Waiting.
I enter the next train
Waiting for my stop Waiting to take the bus afterwards Waiting.
I get to the bus stop and into the car Waiting to go home
Waiting for the traffic lights to change Waiting.
I finally arrive home
Still waiting to feel at ease Still waiting for this day to end Still waiting.
It’s a never-ending process
Waiting Waiting Waiting.
Cookies on the Counter
By Amie Sosa Editor in Chief
Saw them sitting there, soft-baked, sugar-dusted— same as always.
Didn’t eat them. Didn’t move them. Just stared.
Like the stove doesn’t burn without a memory. Like the sink doesn’t run without an echo. Like breathing itself feels borrowed.
Saw them in the store last week, same brand, same box, top shelf, slightly tilted. Didn’t mean to stop, didn’t mean to cry in aisle three.
Felt foolish, felt heavy, felt watched.
A name slipped through the air, caught in a stranger’s mouth. Turned too fast, met the wrong eyes, but for a second— they almost looked like yours.
Didn’t sleep that night. Didn’t speak all morning. Just kept seeing reflections that weren’t mine.
The mirror stares back different now. I blink, and you blink too. It’s not real. It’s not real. It’s not real.
But it feels like it is.
People ask what happened. Say it’s nothing. Say it’s just the cookies. But it’s never just the cookies.
Never was.
our house at the end of the street
By Anonymous
common with women who radiate the sun to be burned by fire you asked me to honour your flesh I honoured your flesh— within days you asked me to honour your soul, but I told you I couldn’t our house of rules; I wash the dishes and you mop the floor nothing else gets done the pipes are clogged the ceiling is leaking water I’ve tried to fix it several times but I only know how to do the dishes in this house that we built the one at the end of the street a house destroyed by a fire bent in hell—
photo: Pexels
photo: Pixabay
Finding Destiny in France: The Social Beast of ERASMUS LIFE MONTPELLIER
By Destiny Chan English Editor
When I first arrived in September, I was experiencing so much change at once, was so overwhelmed and did not even know where to start making friends. After 2-3 months of being antisocial, bedrotting and learning how to drive a manual shift, I finally started venturing outside my small village and into the bustling university city of Montpellier, where it feels as if 90% of inhabitants are students. I eventually became friends with a Swiss-German girl who introduced me to her Swiss-German friends as well as the association, Erasmus Life Montpellier (ELM). Erasmus is what exchange is called in Europe between European students and countries. In Montpellier, there are around three big competitive Erasmus associations, each hosting different events, day trips, international trips, parties and more for free or at a low cost. ELM (@erasmuslifemontpellier), the association I am most familiar with, also welcomes other internationals who perhaps are in language schools, au pairs, or working full-time, not just university students. Events include volleyball and wine at the beach, language exchanges, karaoke nights, beer pong tournaments, market visits, pastry tours, raclette dinners, horse riding and more. Day trips include neighbouring cities like Marseilles, Carcassonne, Avignon, Toulouse, Andorra, etc. Often hosted in bars and clubs, parties include “Represent Your Country” parties, boat parties, integration parties, prom, Halloween, etc. International trips include cities like Monte Carlo in Monaco, Barcelona and Ibiza in Spain, Christmas Markets in Strasbourg and Germany, and even a 5-day trip to Marrakesh in Morocco.
I am extremely thankful to have been able to join the ELM machine, as I have had so much fun on trips, met so many interesting people from all over the world and been able to discover so many things I would have been too scared to leave my room for. Not only are there diverse events, but many are free and only require you to bring yourself and good vibes in return for a night of fun, friendly conversation, food, wine, beer and more. In terms of travel, I find it extremely worth it to go on Erasmus trips because it is not only at a lower cost (as the trips are organized by volunteers only, everything is paid and booked in bulk, and transportation is often a convenient private minibus instead of pricey train or bus tickets), but there is no headache of trying to organize the logistics of a trip all by yourself. Not to mention, you get the warm school class trip vibe that comes with travelling alongside 30 other people!
Not every city in Europe has Erasmus events with this much variety and value. Montpellier is a particularly attractive beacon for students to do Erasmus because of the good weather, the chill southern French vibe and the competition between the Erasmus associations to have the best offerings. Not to mention, Montpellier is a pedestrian city, which, in a university-dense town, means running into people on the street like you’re back in the hallways of your high school (spooky but further helps create that community vibe).
Compared to Toronto, students are not as stressed, depressed, anxious and awkward. Many people here prioritize socializing as a regular part of life by going to social events and having a good community built into their calendars and habits. With just a walk through the city at any time of the day, you can see friends sharing drinks like wine or coffee in the humongous outdoor café/bar/restaurant spaces sprinkled all throughout the city and open all year round. Imagine a mall food court, but instead it’s outside, there are no time limits, and the sun is out. Everybody is taking their time as if they have all the time in the world, just casually catching up with friends over a glass and a cigarette even if they just saw each other a few days ago. In my experience, you have to WALK FAST in Toronto or even at Keele. Furthermore, people’s schedules are so busy and people live so far from each other, that you are lucky if you can see a friend more than once a month. This grim reality is especially true for commuter students.
From crêpe making at Karoke night to being driven 10+ hours to Strasbourg by ELM volunteers, I will be forever grateful to the ELM team for helping make my time in France so memorable and taking me on trips I would not even know where to start planning. Founded by its president in 2017 after he travelled to Budapest and saw another Erasmus Life association there, ELM now has around 15 volunteers and has hosted over 500 events that need online registration and over 800 free events with no registration required. You can check out @erasmuslifemontpellier on Instagram or Facebook to see what quality, inexpensive and diverse activities the organization offers! As always, I’m signing off with a poem at the end and so here is one about home.
Home
Home is neither here nor there
It’s not everywhere
Home is where my bed is
But what if I have no bed?
Markham
Richmond Hill
Montréal
Québec City
Saguenay
Jonquière
Markham
Toronto
Montpellier
France
Hong Kong?
Where is home? Where was home? Where will be home?
People ask me if I miss Canada
I tell them
It’s completely enneigé there right now
As we bask in the Sunday market sun
With wine, food, people dancing and a live band
Playing music like Californians
And they understand
I tell them
“Home is where my bed is”
She’s Portuguese
She’s from Prague
He just arrived from Valencia, Spain
They are all from Germany
Heidelberg is the sister city
She’s from Poland
He’s from Angola
She’s half Italian, half English
A couple from the British Virgin Islands
They are all so different
Discussing Italian curse words
And the linguistic differences
Between German and the romance languages
Everybody has a different accent in English
When they meet someone who speaks
The same mother tongue
The conversation instantly switches
And I can no longer understand
They are all different
But in some ways
They are all the same
Students
On exchange
Internationals
Away from home
This might be the only time I ever see them
Or
We might become best friends
For a month or two
Then they will leave
Go back
Home
While I still have
Months more to go
I just live in the moment
Accept the situation for what it is
Temporary friendships
Temporary acquaintances
For how could we
Make the real effort
To sustain a real friendship
Afterwards
Miles
Oceans
Cultures
Languages
Apart
Temporary
With some of the most different people
I will ever meet in my life
At a time where we’ll never be this young again
This open, this free, this anxious, this sad, this hormonal
This kind of “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time”
Indeed miserable
Indeed magical
Indeed a time in our lives where we want everything
And to stop and pause
And take a break and breathe in the moment
And relax and relish
All the sensations and new experiences around us
But life keeps going
Things keep happening to us or for us
So it’s time go to school, grab coffees, party like an alcoholic, have fuck buddies and fling ourselves to bed just to wake up and do it all over again
I won’t let anybody take away
My sense of home again
I call my power back!
Never will my inner child
Have to feel unsafe again
Never will she struggle
To breathe, sleep or feel love
Ever again
Because I’ll love her
I’ll give her a home
I will always be her home
Don’t come close
Don’t come near
I’ll take us away and vanish
You’ll never see us again
Home is neither here nor there
Home can be anywhere
Home is when the sun peeks out to kiss my face
And shines brightly across my whole body
Home is where yummy ramen noodle soups fill my tummy
Home is where Taylor Swift and rom-com soundtracks croon into my ears
Home is where rest is
And homemade meals are
Home is where my bed is
Safe and sound
Under the covers
Home is where life is peaceful, predictable and steady
Home is anywhere I am
VIE ÉTUDIANTE
The Outsiders : A Show Worth More Than its Weight in Gold
By Austin King
Ah, the winter season. A wonderful period of time where we gather our families to open gifts, celebrate the New Year, and wonder why the universe hates us as we continue to shovel snow like Sisyphus pushing his boulder. But amongst all these wonderful yearly events, nothing’s quite as exciting as Alteri Production’s Mainstage show each and every year!
This year’s production was The Outsiders, a novel written originally by S.E Hinton in 1967 and adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel in 1990. Set in 1960s Oklahoma, it follows the story of Ponyboy, a 14-year old “greaser” trying to survive the Socials, or Socs, trying to prevent him from simply going to school or spending time with loved ones. Greasers are seen as rebels, hoods, no-good con artists, the type to rob you in broad daylight and steal your girl. On the other hand, the Socs are seen as the jet-set rich kids that everybody loves and can do no wrong. It’s a story about finding yourself in uncertain times, of cherishing your youth, and the repetitive cycle of culture wars and stigmas that plague society from truly connecting with one another.
It’s a play with a narrative driven entirely through its characters. And what better way to drive these themes home than with Nat Ho’s performance as Ponyboy? His calm, but observant and yearning demeanor keeps the audience glued to him as he expresses his frustrations with the world he lives in, and is constantly caught in the middle of something he never wanted to be a part of. With his greaser friends - Johnny(Reese Adams), Dallas(Mayank Paul), and Two-Bit(Martina Tucci) - he navigates an unforgiving, stubborn
world that continues to try to put labels on him and define him as anything but human, as he and Johnny get caught up in a murder rap you’d only believe could happen in New York. Ponyboy’s brothers, Sodapop(Marco Kosovskykh) and Darry(Maria Julia Galanis) try to help guide him through these endeavors with his best interests at heart, but not without some friction and frustration in the process, especially when Sodapop’s girlfriend Sandy(Charlotte Worth) burdens Sodapop’s mind even more. Johnny’s performance as Ponyboy’s best friend is truly astounding, with their chemistry excellently demonstrating that they’re just boys trying to find themselves in a world that doesn’t want to accept them. They laugh, bicker, and cry together, and that bond makes you root for them the whole way through. Dallas, on the other hand, is the only greaser who really fits the stigma imposed on the greasers: a tough, mean, slick bad boy who only has a soft spot for Johnny. Mayank’s performance as Dallas is captivating, as his expression of grit and machismo shines through his tonal shifts throughout the play, making you love to hate him and hate to love him. Two-Bit, Darry, and Sodapop excel as supporting cast, providing comic relief, tension, and a sense of community that the Socs, Bob Sheldon(Eclair Rossi) and Randy Anderson(Artemis Innis), could only dream of having. Bob and Randy are the greaser’s biggest obstacles, threatening them with blades and going to extremes that leave you on the edge of your seat. Their girlfriends, Cherry Valance(Ella Morash) and Marcia(Larahanne Sanderson), are the centerpieces for the main conflicts between the Greasers and Socs in this play, and it’s not
hard to see why! The girls absolutely have the best fashion sense and charisma(sorry Dallas!), and it’s not hard to see why either side would kill for the chance to hang out with them. Despite being Socs, they also have the kindest hearts and give us the first peek at the unseen troubles the Socs face in their day-to-day lives.
With a great ensemble(Mia Kokkas, Avery Brown, Charlotte Worth, and Phil Rowe) to boot, this show was a huge success! The audience laughed, cried, and sat on the edge of their seats the entire time, and many post-show conversations were overheard that involved people mentioning how moved they were by the narrative and how each actor was simply vital to the experience. It’s a shame they only performed for a few days, but as Ponyboy would say - Nothing Gold Can Stay.
photo: Austin King