Two ORT directors resign ahead of the arrival of 5300 incoming students
The AMS claims, despite the ‘unexpected departures’, they’re finding ways to adapt
Meghrig Milkon Editor in Chief
Just months before thousands of students take their first steps on campus, the AMS is rushing to fill two Orientation Round Table (ORT) Director roles after the sudden resignations of both the ORT Coordinator and the Assistant Coordinator.
In an interview with The Journal, AMS president, Jana Amer, confirmed the resignation of both directors. While hiring has been open just recently, these roles will still be tentatively held by Ali Haider, HealthSci’26 and Jessica Lee, HealthSci’25, until their respective roles are filled.
“How it came about is more internal, and it’s more personal,” Amer said in an interview with The Journal. “So, that’s something that we
just can’t share. But we’re trying to get some interest and restart the hiring process for our two vacant positions,” Amer continued.
The goal, according to Amer, is to have a new ORT coordinator and Assistant Coordinator hired and ratified by the AMS Assembly by August, just in time for the orientation period, which includes executive pre-week, leader training, and student events in the last two weeks of August.
The Journal reached out to Haider and Lee confirming whether it was true that they’re leaving due to commitments to medical school, and if the leave in position was something they had anticipated. However, both declined to comment.
Currently, ORT is operating under a six-director model led by Haider, with roles covering systems and support, equity, logistics, coordination, and sponsorship. Despite the vacancies, “planning for orientation is ongoing,” and the team is “hoping to expand our ORT support team” to ensure smooth execution says Amer.
Amer acknowledged that the biggest challenge facing the new
Behind the doors of the revitalized jduc
A first look at the newly renovated JDUC—and what it means for students
Jonathan Reilly Senior News Editor
The long-awaited construction site at University and Union is now open to the public.
After years of planning, consulting, and building, the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) officially opened its doors on May 5. Construction began in May of 2022, with the revitalized JDUC now providing offices for the AMS, SGPS, Rector, Student Experience Office, and Peer Support Centre.
The JDUC will also offer club space, 6,000 square feet of public study space, along with food and retail options.
AMS President, Jana Amer, spoke about her excitement to be back in the JDUC, after their temporary relocation to LaSalle during the revitalization.
“It feels surreal, I can’t imagine that we’re here today. It feels like I am sitting amongst a decade of student leaders who have worked so hard to make this building come to life, and it’s an immense privilege that I hold to be one of the people that gets to take this torch that’s been passed down for the last 10 years,” Amer said in an interview with The Journal The Journal toured the newly
coordinator will be adapting quickly to the high-demand role. To support the transition, AMS has already initiated documentation efforts, transition planning, and structured shadowing opportunities with outgoing leaders.
“We want them to feel confident and comfortable in their role,” said Amer. “The institutional memory is the hardest part to pass on, but we’re doing everything we can to make that easier.
In a statement to The Journal on May 22, the AMS reaffirmed its commitment to
revitalized JDUC to see what’s in store for students this fall
Food
The updated space will feature a variety of food options— both student-run and external vendors—designed to appeal to diverse student tastes. Run by the AMS, The Queen’s Pub Restaurant and Bar is set to reopen on June 3 after a four-year closure, now located on the first floor instead of the second.
Alongside The Pub’s new location comes a brand-new patio space facing Union and University. The summer operating hours for the pub are Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The patio will be open in the summer from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. then close up starting in September.
Another returning AMS service is Common Ground (CoGro) Coffeehouse’s sister location, “The Brew.” The Brew is a traditional coffee shop that will offer similar products to CoGro, along with a small seating area.
Overseeing all AMS services, including the pub and The Brew, is Vice-President (Operations) Elena Nurzynski. “Service specific, being in the central hub of student
maintaining the quality and spirit of Orientation Week despite the “unexpected departures,” the statement read:
“Despite these unexpected departures, the AMS remains fully committed to delivering a high-quality, meaningful, and safe Orientation Week,” the statement read. “We fully recognize the importance of preserving the traditions and values that incoming students are excited about. In response to these changes, we are actively restructuring and rehiring the ORT leadership team to adapt to the current situation.”
life is going to drive operational excellence. Our services feel empowered to be better, faster, more efficient, to really serve the students that are going to come in and use those services,” Nurzynski said in an interview with The Journal.
Aside from AMS restaurants, the JDUC will also become home to Clove and Spice, which will offer Mediterranean-inspired shawarma, and KHAO, which will provide an Asian fusion blend of options.
Retail Spaces
Similar to the JDUC’s food scene, retailers will come in both studentled and independent forms.
The AMS’s TriColour Outlet has completed its move to the JDUC, providing Queen’s merchandise within the student center.
As for non-student led vendors, the University has yet to release what tenants will get a spot in the JDUC. Tony Gkotsis, director of campus planning and real estate, explained in an interview with The Journal, that planning is ongoing, but student voices have been taken into consideration for deciding potential tenants.
continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
Among a projected $26.4 million budget deficit, Provost Evans speaks to the University’s financial plan.
Jonathan Reilly Senior News Editor
The operating budget for the 2025-26 school year was approved during the Board of Trustees meeting on May 9, where the motion to pass the budget was adopted unanimously. The budget projects a total operating budget of $693.8 million and a deficit of $26.4 million. Alongside this year’s deficit, the budget also makes projections for 2026-27 and 2027-28, with deficits of $22.1 million and $24.4 million, respectively.
The report outlines several factors behind the deficit, including stagnant undergraduate tuition revenue and a decline in graduate tuition revenue.
According to the report, revenue issues largely result from both provincial and federal governmental policies— highlighting factors impacting the budget such as mandated tuition freezes, fixed government grants, and the continuation of international study permit caps.
Despite the deficit, Queen’s says it remains committed to reducing the budget shortfall, with Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Matthew Evans, outlining some of the University’s strategies in an interview with The Journal
He first pointed out that revenue was moved from lower-cost tuitions, such as in the Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS), and into programs with more expensive tuition, such as Engineering and Commerce, to receive increased revenue—an ideapreviously introduced during March’s Senate and later approved in April’s Senate. These program deviations have caused concerns about the Universities balance between Arts and STEM programs, yet Evans asserted that there “is absolutely no sense in which the Arts are under attack, none whatsoever, no. [But] if we want the University to be as robust an institution as it can be, we need to get to the point where we have a balanced budget,” Evans said continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
The AMS plans to fill the two roles by August. IMAGE BY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
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PHOTOS BY JASHAN DUA
JDUC OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON MAY 5.
New commissioners highlight goals of transparency, advocacy, and student engagement
Kaliyha Dennis Assistant News Editor
On May 1, the AMS saw a new cohort of commissiners stepping into their respective roles, each driven to have a lasting impact on the studet body.
Six commissioners have taken on leadership roles across different portfolios such as clubs, campus affairs, sustainability, and social issues. Drawing from their experiences, each commissioner aims to boost transparency, foster inclusion, and increase student engagement on campus.
The Journal sat down with the six commissioners, overseen by Alyssa Persia, vice-president (university affairs), to understand their backgrounds and discuss their goals for the upcoming school year.
Ali Hussein, Commissioner of Campus Affairs
In an interview with The Journal, “simply being an immigrant,” is what Commissioner of Campus Affairs, Ali Hussein, ArtSci ’26, says set him apart from the other candidates. At age 18, Hussein recalls moving to Canada in 2022,without any support network. This experience, he says, helped him better recognize his privilege and shaped his desire to serve others.
As Campus Affairs Commissioner, Hussein will oversee different aspects of student life on campus, including event sanctioning, managing bursaries, and supporting campus clubs and faculty societies.
One major goal for Hussein is to ensure transparency and accessibility in the event approval process. He hopes to improve clarity around what the event sanctioning process involves, helping students, clubs, faculty societies, and committees better understand the steps required to host events on campus.
Brooke Schmidt, Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability
With a background in evolutionary biology and research on activities that impact ecosystems, Brooke Schmidt, ArtSci ’26, is looking to bridge her academic interests with her role as AMS Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability.
“I want to make sure sustainability efforts on campus are realistic and measurable, so that student groups can actually make a meaningful impact,” Schmidt said in an interview with The Journal
Rather than drastically altering the role, Schmidt’s focus is on strengthening what’s already in place. She pointed to the newly implemented AMS Sustainability Policy, which was developed under the previous commissioner, Anne Fu, ArtSci
Introducing the 2025–26 AMS Commissioners and Head Managers
’26, and it’s said to serve as a guiding framework to help student groups make environmentally responsible decisions and align their initiatives with broader campus sustainability efforts.
Edilera Ballaj,
Commissioner of External Affairs
Reflecting on her early years at Queen’s is a time when Edilera Ballaj, ArtSci ’26, felt out of place. However, she explained that these experiences ultimately shaped her readiness for her role as the External Affairs Commissioner.
She highlighted her involvement on campus, including serving as the indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and antiracism (I-EDIAA) director at Queen’s Feminist Leadership in Politics and her work as a pharmacy assistant. Through these roles, Ballaj says she gained valuable insight into the barriers many students encounter, deepening her commitment to advocacy and inclusive representation. This translated to her focus on improving access to academic and housing resources, including providing support with appeals and academic accommodations.
While she acknowledges that many of these services already exist, her goal is to ensure they go beyond temporary fixes.
Edward Sy, Commissioner of Social Issues (Internal)
A long-standing commitment to student advocacy has shaped the journey of Edward Sy, HealthSci ’27, whose now taking on the role of AMS Commissioner of Social Issues (Internal).
Their leadership experience spans multiple roles, including Events Programmer for the Yellow House, I-EDIAA Coordinator with the Health Sciences Society, and as a Residence Don.
In each of these positions, Edward explained he has worked to support students from marginalized backgrounds, most notably by helping organize inclusive initiatives like the 2024 Equity Gala: an event to celebrate equity-deserving students through fashion, talent, and inclusive, community-driven events. They credit these experiences with deepening their dedication to equity and inclusion on campus.
In an interview with The Journal, Sy said their vision for success starts with humility, involving, “a lot of learning and unlearning.”
Mujeedat Lekuti, Commissioner of Social Issues (External)
Mujeedat Lekuti, HealthSci’26, recalls feeling uncertain when offered the role of Social Issues Commissioner (External). Torn between the demands of the position and the idea of a more relaxed final year, a conversation with her father—who asked if she’d take the role even if it were unpaid—helped clarify her priorities.
With experience as the 2024–25
AMS Black Initiatives Coordinator and Head COAT of Health Sciences Orientation, Lekuti claimed these experiences gave her a strong foundation in collaboration and people-orientated leadership.
In her role, she aims to foster greater visibility and transparency within the AMS, strengthen relationships with students on campus, and promote collaboration across diverse groups. She envisions events that won’t only be memorable, but also become staples of campus life for years to come.
Xian Transgard,Commissioner of Clubs Commissions
Xian Transgard, ArtSci ’26, now serving as Clubs Commissioner for the AMS, reflected on her previous involvement with the AMS and the leadership and communication skills that have shaped her growth.
A key focus of her term has been reviewing the AMS Clubs Policy and revamping the online club directory. By adding detailed descriptions and improving accessibility, Transgard aims to make the platform more useful and user-friendly for students.
For Transgard, success means more than checking off goals; it’s about creating lasting changes that support student leaders and strengthen the campus community.
Eight managers share their goals for the 2025-26 year
Lilly Meechan & Yael Rusonik Assistant News Editors
Whether it be for a revitalized student pub or a returning campus service, the AMS head managers are ready to kick off the 2025-26 school year.
The Journal spoke with eight AMS Head Managers, who assumed their roles on May 1, to discuss their goals for the year ahead and what students can expect from their leadership.
Alexander MacKinnon, Common Ground Coffeehouse, Head Manager
After four years of working with CoGro, Alexander MacKinnon, HealthSci ’25, is now acting as Interim Head Manager for the summer.
While MacKinnon is only with Cogro for the summer, as he’ll be attending medical school in the fall, he’s committed to supporting CoGro prepare for the upcoming year. Preparations involves coordinating the reopening of The Brew—CoGro’s sister location, which has made itself a home in the JDUC.
MacKinnon is focused on maintaining consistency between the two services while also ensuring they aren’t in direct competition with one another.
“I’ve been lucky to grow with the
service through every role, and I’m glad to contribute to the team one last time before I move on,” MacKinnon said.
Anne Fu, Peer Support Centre Head Manager
After three years of working at the PSC, Anne Fu, HealthSci ’25, is stepping into the role of Head Manager for the upcoming academic year. The PSC offers confidential support to students through other student volunteers. Fu’s long-standing involvement and passion for PSC are what drove her to accept this role.
“[The PSC] provides care from someone who has been there—a peer who understands what it’s like to be a student,” Fu said.
This year, Fu’s priorities include taking advantage of the PSC’s new home on the fourth floor of the JDUC. With access to upgraded facilities and group rooms, she aims to expand programming, host more events, and ultimately strengthen engagement with students across campus.
Caroline Ding, Food Bank Head Manager
Now entering her third year with the AMS Food Bank, Caroline Ding, HealthSci ’27, brings experience as both a volunteer and supervisor to her new role as Head Manager. She’s expressed her enthusiasm to expand her impact as the service continues to offer food support, including fresh produce, milk, meat, and dietary-specific options, to all students with a valid student card,
“I really enjoy giving back to the community,” she said. “I think this is a great way to make a positive and tangible impact on students, because food insecurity is a real and scary thing.”
This coming year, Ding explained she is excited about moving the Food Bank into the JDUC building room 212, and all the new opportunities the space presents, as it allows them to continue interacting with and learning from the Queen’s community.
Greyson Martyn, Queen’s Pub Head Manager
As the first Head Manager of the returning Queen’s Pub since its closure in 2022, Greyson Martyn, Sci’25, says he’s ready to lead its relaunch on June 3. Drawing on his experience at Clark Hall Pub, Martyn is focused on creating new traditions while honouring the pub’s legacy. Martyn hopes to reintroduce classic events like trivia and theme nights, and ensure the service is set up for long-term success, explaining that his, “biggest goal is to create a foundation the next team can build on.”
Jordan Medulan, Media Centre Head Manager
After working as Publications
Assistant Manager at the AMS Media Centre’s in first year, Jordan Medulan, ArtSci ’26, is excited to step into the role of Head Manager as the Centre enters its second year. The Media Centre was established in 2022 through the merger of the Print & Copy Centre and Studio Q
“I have grown to love the Media Centre,” she said. “It’s one of those places where you get to express yourself and be creative but also learn the business side.”
This year, Medulan is focused on outreach into both the on-campus and greater Kingston community, expressing how visibility can be difficult as a newer service.
Kaiwen Tee, Queen’s StuCons Head Manager
Kaiwen Tee, ArtSci ’26, is the new Head Manager of Queen’s StuCons, a student-run organization offering security services for on-campus events. A long-time team member, Tee began as event staff, helping plan minimal-stress events for hosts and venues in her first year and later served as a supervisor before stepping into her current role.
This year, Tee is focused on reshaping the image of StuCons, increasing campus awareness of what StuCons does, and promoting opportunities to join the team.
“We’re just students helping students,” she said. “We want people to know we’re here to support events, not shut them down.”
Niki Ehsan, Walkhome Head Manager
Having worked with WalkHome for her entire undergraduate years, Niki Ehsan, ArtSci’26, she’s now settling into her new role and mapping out her goals for the year.
Now stepping into the role of Head Manager, she’s focused on spreading the word about the service in Kingston and further integrating WalkHome into campus life.
“Once someone hears about us, I’m sure that they’d be happy to use our service, so our priority is to get our name out there,” Ehsan said.
Tatyana Grandmaitre-SaintPierre, Tricolour Outlet Head Manager
A recent Queen’s grad, Tatyana Grandmaitre, JD’27, is now stepping into the role of Tricolour Outlet Head Manager. Drawing on experience from time spent working as the AMS HR Manager during her undergrad at Queen’s, Grandmaitre plans on bringing a people-first mindset to the student-run merchandise store.
This coming year, Grandmaitre is “excited to create an environment where [her] team can grow, both personally and professionally.”
continued online at www. queensjournal.ca
Queen’s Pub to reopen early June after nearly five years of closure
The student-run pub will return with a new look, staff, and an updated menu
Jonathan Reilly & Kaliyha Dennis Journal Staff
After nearly five years, a longtime Queen’s service is making a comeback.
Following the official reopening of the JDUC on May 5, where it now occupies space on the first floor, the Queen’s Pub will return on June 3 for the first time since its 2020 closure. Relaunched as the Queen’s Pub Restaurant and Bar, the AMS-run service now features a renovated interior, updated menu, new staff, and two permanent hires—Restaurant Manager Jordan East and Head Chef Rick Doucett.
Over the summer, it will operate Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with patio service available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. During the school year, the patio will close, and the operating hours will extend to midnight. While open to all members of the Kingston community, the pub will be student-only after 9 p.m., aside from the guests of students. The space has also transitioned to a fully
cashless system, accepting only debit and credit payments.
First opened in 1969 as “The Quiet Pub” on the second floor of what’s now the JDUC, the venue gradually evolved. Over the decades, it’s changed names and shifted locations, now ending up on the first floor of the JDUC with
items such as the “Original Honey G” which includes hot honey garlic strips with green onions, lettuce, cheese and cucumber aioli in a tortilla wrap.
Martyn also touched on whether events, such as live music, will be hosted within the pub, explaining that they “ want
the patio facing the University and the Union.
The Journal sat down with the pub’s new Head Manager, Greyson Martyn, Sci ‘25, to talk about what students can expect from the pub’s food, drinks, and upcoming events.
When it comes to the menu, Martyn explained that they wanted to pay homage to the old pub while still offering new dishes.
Martyn specifically pointed out his excitement for the returning
JASHAN DUA
to pay homage and do events similar to what was done in the past but our main priority right now is seeing if we’re able to host these events and seeing what events we’re capable of hosting […] we really want to be able to walk before we can run.”
Martyn also touched on drinks that will be offered, adding that they’ll provide hard alcohol, including shots and cocktails, along with non-alcoholic drinks, like
Kingston to open 30-bed emergency shelter by year’s end, city says
Kingston approves new modular shelter on Sydenham Road
Lilly Meechan Assistant News Editor
Backed by $2.45-million in investment, the modular facility will combine emergency shelter with essential day services under one roof.
Kingston is set to see some new changes in the community as the Kingston City Council approved the purchase of 924 Sydenham Rd on May 6 for approximately $2.45 million, with up to $65,000 in closing costs—which are fees and expenses paid at the final stage of a real estate transaction. The City plans to open a 30-bed emergency shelter, with the capacity to expand to 45 beds during high-demand periods, such as winter.
According to Loyalist-Cataraqui District Councillor Vincent Chaves, in whose district the shelter will be built, the project is part of a broader initiative to transform the way Kingston provides shelter services and is set to open by the end of the year.
The shelter will use a modular design, built from prefabricated sections assembled on-site. Its location on
Sydenham Rd— about six kilometers from the Pier—supports Kingston’s broader plan to decentralize shelter services and ease their concentration in the downtown core, according to Chaves.
The three-acre site will serve as more than just a place for people to sleep, but will offer shelter for pets and couples. As well, it will offer secure overnight storage, showers, meals, and services held throughout the day to help reintegrate unhoused people back into local society, according to Chaves.
The City of Kingston is set to host a public information session on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 990 Sydenham Rd to address community questions and concerns about the new shelter.
Chaves also explained to The Journal that he has requested public consultations to take place “Sooner than later.” He pointed to the upcoming information session on May 29 and the planning of the Community Liaison Committee, which members of the community are still able and encouraged to join, as key efforts to keep residents informed and involved.
The committee will serve as a communication link between the community and shelter staff. Residents who have lived
mocktails.
As for how the pub will manage distributing the drinks that the pub will offer, Vice-President (Operations), Elena Nurzynski, who oversees the pub as part of her portfolio, spoke to their plan.
“The pub is food-focused first, so while it’s a space that has alcohol, food is the number one priority.
Staff also have their smart serve certification, so they’re trained on how to monitor alcohol consumption, look for signs of intoxication, and they also have the knowledge and the ability to know kind of when to stop serving alcohol, if necessary,”
Nurzynski said.
Nurzynski also pointed out that the pub will have a ban list if needed alongside Stucons, the AMS security service, will be at the pub after 9 p.m.
As for the pub’s financial health, Nurzynski explained that the introduction of the permanent staff
aims to ensure the pub breaks even to deal with the projected deficit that was associated with the reopening of The Brew, the sister location of Common Ground Coffeehouse, and the Queen’s Pub.
“We added those two permanent staff to ensure that consistency and accountability, so] the pub is a financially sustainable operation. In this case, this means simply breaking even. the AMS is a nonprofit organization, so breaking even is the ultimate goal, and the restaurant manager’s job is more to ensure that the pub doesn’t really fall back into a cycle of losing money,” Nurzynski said.
Nurzynski later clarified that despite having two permanent staff, the student head manager will have equal authority as the permanent head manager and will ensure the student voice is being amplified through the pub.
Class of 2025 Celebrates final step at ConvoCation
in Kingston for at least one year can apply to be a part of the committee by applying through the City of Kingston website.
“I want the community to be involved, and if they have concerns, I really support community members being a part of the committee,” Chaves said. “I plan on being a part of the committee [...] that way [we] can help resolve the issues as they pop up.”
Chaves confirmed that the shelter won’t include a safe injection site, a feature found at other facilities, such as the Integrated Care Hub. He explained that this may make the shelter more appealing to some individuals.
“There are those who probably want assistance, but don’t feel that some of those other locations are proper for them,” Chaves said.
As preparations for the new shelter begin, both Chaves and Hartley claimed that the City will continue to seek a second location for another modular shelter, with the ultimate goal of engaging the public and reintegrating unhoused individuals into Kingston’s community
Convocation sees both outward speeches and subtle protests
Kaliyha Dennis Assistant News Editor
The class of 2025 took their final walk across the Queen’s campus, marking the end of some academic journeys and the beginning of new chapters.
As Winter Term wrapped up and campus quieted down for the summer, a wave of excitement spurred across campus on May 22 and 23, when graduates and their families came together in Grant Hall for annual convocation ceremonies.
Addressing the graduates, Chancellor Shelagh Rogers captured the spirit of the event in her remarks. “Convocation is about celebration. It’s about honouring [the students]. It’s about optimism and hope for the future embodied by you, our graduating students, so that we can fully reflect on everything that has led to this moment,” Rogers said.
Principal and ViceChancellor, Patrick Deane, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that out of the many convocations he has attended, this one stands out due to the ‘trials and tribulations’ many graduate students had to
endure—citing how the COVID 19 pandemic upended the idea of predictability while adding the effects of the pandemic on the economy and other aspects of the world are still lingering.
“You’re graduating at a time when it’s potentially dangerous to presume or to take for granted that the arc of history will follow any kind of predictable, let alone positive trajectory in the foreseeable future,” Deane said.
He concluded by encouraging graduates to uphold the values of the University while also remaining critical and challenging those values as they move into the real world.
“You’re graduating in a ceremony steeped in history and surrounded by people who have contributed to that history by taking on the intellectual and social agency […] it’s important to feel and value the past and the shared values and mission of this university, but it’s equally important to question and challenge that inheritance,” Deane said.
As part of their graduation ceremony, the Law class of 2025 saw Queen’s award an honorary Doctor of Laws to Marie Henein, a prominent Canadian criminal lawyer.
Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
The Pub will reopen on June 3.
PHOTO BY
PHOTO BY JASHAN DUA
FEATURES How LinkedIn fuels imposter syndrome and impacts student
‘Students
only share their highlights, not the struggles behind them,’ student shares
Lauren Nicol Features Editor
Sitting in a lecture hall at Queen’s, it’s impossible to miss the quiet buzz around you—screens lighting up with LinkedIn profiles, classmates typing-out posts or sending messages, all while the professor’s voice carries through the room.
From broadcasting achievements to rubbing virtual shoulders with industry giants, LinkedIn has become a spotlighted stage where students perform their professional personas. Years before arriving at Queen’s, Ahnaaf Khan, Sci ’27, tapped into the platform’s potential to build a professional identity.
But as profiles polished and connections multiplied, he began to notice something else rising with them: a wave of inauthenticity shaping how students present themselves online.
[and get an interview].”
While Khan says that LinkedIn can be a vital tool to make connections, the platform comes with serious consequences which many students could face with students needing to balance both the professional and personable aspects of themselves with the key to that being authenticity.
He warns that, while it is tempting to embellish job opportunities or internships when crafting posts, students should remember that it is a small world, especially in specific fields such as engineering. He says students can quickly go from exaggerating opportunities to being blacklisted from the sector.
“You can’t start your career off by cutting corners [and embellishing], which is what I noticed a lot of people do in engineering, specifically,” Khan said Similar to other social medias such as Instagram and Facebook, Khan explains that LinkedIn is no different in how it contributes to a strong sense of imposter syndrome — a feeling of personal of professional fraudulence —with users only posting their best moments rather than their lived experiences. Only posting the highlights can often make students feel as if they are not living in their own
Khan explains that imposter syndrome and inauthenticity partly stem from the almost mythical goal of hitting 500+ connections on LinkedIn. Once you cross that threshold, LinkedIn stops showing the exact number and simply declares “500+,” turning 500 connections into a symbolic milestone.
For many students, this becomes less about meaningful networking and more about chasing a number—fueling a performative race where quantity outweighs quality and genuine connections get lost in the shuffle.
“[Many students are] just trying to get, like, that magical 500 number [which] I do understand to some degree, but authenticity matters,” said Khan in an interview with The Journal.
“In a lot of ways, [LinkedIn] can be more performative, but I don’t think that’s the fault of the user, Khan said. “I think it’s just like, the fault of the incentives […] if you’re more performative on LinkedIn, you’re likely going to catch the eyes of some recruiter
exaggerating their achievements on LinkedIn—claiming fake conversations with influential people and attendance at ‘prestigious events’—which leads him to limit his feed to close friends and mentors.
The reason for performance is not one of deceit but strategy: Yang explains how students in first and second year often have to emphasize the limited opportunities they have to gain more in the future calling the posts performative rather than inauthentic.
Though LinkedIn often feels like a stage, Yang notes it still opens doors—giving students a shot at global networks and industry connections that once felt out of reach.
Devin Clancy, Comm ’27, says LinkedIn isn’t just encouraged in Commerce—it’s practically baked into the curriculum. From day one in Comm101, students learn to craft their digital personas like résumés in motion. But it doesn’t stop at the classroom door; Clancy notes that elite Commerce clubs comb through your LinkedIn before you’ve even stepped into an interview, making the platform less a tool and more a silent gatekeeper.
Clancy says he doesn’t fall into the comparison trap—until hiring season hits. Then, as his feed floods with polished internship announcements, the pressure creeps in, especially when your own “excited to announce” post is nowhere in sight.
“There is definitely a pressure to share and update LinkedIn every time you have a career update,” Clancy said in an interview with The Journal “With how competitive hiring is at the moment [for summer jobs and internships], keeping your LinkedIn updated is really important.”
According to the Senior Director of Student Experience and Career Development, Meg Ferriman, students are having an increasingly hard time finding summer jobs.
reality, but rather an idealized version of it that they are not qualified for.
“Students often forget that people just share their highlights and not all the [stuff] that it took them to really get there,” Khan said. “It definitely does contribute to a lot of imposter syndrome.”
When students see their friends working for corporate giants, such as Tesla or Google, Khan says that it makes students such as himself feel as if they aren’t up to standard everyone else seems to be achieving. Yet despite feelings of inadequacy, he must remind himself that everyone is just on a different journey with comparison only being harmful.
“A little bit of competitive spirit is okay, and it can be a driving factor for some people, but I think for probably the vast majority of people, comparing yourself to somebody else can usually be harmful,” Khan said.
Leo Yang, ArtSci ’26, echoes Khan’s experience, reaffirming the challenges students face navigating LinkedIn’s pressures.
Yang notices students
On LinkedIn, where every post is polished and every résumé a masterpiece, AI becomes
just a profile—it was a gateway. With a few clicks and messages, he bridged the gap between
the behind-the-scenes assistant— helping students sharpen their edge in a race that only seems to speed up.
Clancy argues that knowing how to use AI to craft LinkedIn posts isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
In a world where every second counts and the race for internships is relentless, he says many students he knows are turning to AI to save time and stay ahead, even if it’s just shaving off 30 seconds to polish a post that could open a door.
Online plagiarism checker, Originality, claims that over 50 per cent of long-form English LinkedIn posts are written by ChatGPT or other AI tools.
LinkedIn premium also has a feature where it allows subscribers to use AI writing tools to rewrite posts and direct messages.
According to Khan, more and more students are using generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to write their LinkedIn posts adding to the inauthenticity of the platform.
“A lot of people just use ChatGPT because they’re just trying to get, more clicks or more buttons, [through putting out content faster]” Khan said. “You see this trend as well, when it comes to students just kind of connecting with each other, with actually knowing each other.”
“This summer’s job market is more competitive than in recent years. Statistics Canada’s April 2025 Labour Force Survey reports a youth 15-24 unemployment rate of 14.1 per cent, higher than pre-2024 levels,” Ferrimen said in a statement to The Journal. “Although it varies by sector, the overall increase means students are competing for fewer jobs amid high peer demand.”
Ferrimen explains that an increasing number of students are using the career services that Queen’s provides to understand how they can stand out in a competitive labour market. She further explains how students are also increasingly using alumni connections to get jobs, potentially making LinkedIn less impactful for finding new opportunities.
LinkedIn and the use of artificial intelligence
In a digital job market where standing out feels like shouting into the void, Clancy sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) not as a threat, but as a secret weapon.
As the internship race grows fiercer, students like Clancy see AI not as a shortcut, but as a smart strategy—one more tool in a digital arsenal where
classroom dreams and real-world doors, turning digital handshakes into coffee chats and career opportunities in engineering and tech.
“Students should be taking advantage of the idea that you, yourself as a person can have your own brand if you build it up,” said Khan. “If someone searches your name and you’re the first result, that’s something really powerful in a professional sense.”
“A lot of people who are coming to university, they get LinkedIn, and then they start kind posting, [which] is great, they should be broadcasting themselves and building their personal brand,” Khan said.
Yang wields LinkedIn like a networking compass, charting courses to influential corners of Queen’s alumni and student leaders. What started as conversations with campus trailblazers soon opened doors to high-profile CEOs and CFOs, transforming casual chats into powerful connections.
Khan believes LinkedIn holds immense power to build personal brands and open doors—if wielded wisely. Yet, he insists the platform’s pitfalls aren’t the fault of individual users but symptoms of a broader societal pressure. Calling on future leaders, Khan challenges them to transform LinkedIn itself, championing a culture where authenticity is the true currency of success.
efficiency, polish, and presence can make all the difference. In the high-stakes world of online professional branding, knowing how to wield AI may be just as crucial as knowing how to network.
The bright side of the feed
For Khan, LinkedIn wasn’t
Ultimately, students demonstrate that navigating LinkedIn’s complex landscape demands both savvy and courage—encouraging others not just to play the game, but to change the rules for a more genuine professional future.
Infographic demonstrates increasing trend of LinkedIn users.
IMAGE BY: 99Firms.
Employment by age-group.
PICTURE BY STATISTIC
Students say LinkedIn favors performance over authenticity.
PHOTO BY JASHAN DUA
ILLUSTRATION BY: Mikayla Quigley
Hockey canada trial fumbles tHe consent conversation
Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual violence and may be triggering for some readers. The Journal uses “Survivor” to refer to those who have experienced sexual assault. We acknowledge this term is not universal.
If the first two and a half weeks of the ongoing sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team has shown us anything, it’s that the legal system needs to prioritize creating safe spaces for women, rather than obsessing over the minutiae of consent.
The ongoing trial has revealed yet another detail: the players had a group chat to plan their response to the allegations. On May 23, the judge overseeing the trial ruled that text messages sent by Brett Howden are inadmissible.
The alleged assault took place in 2018, when the complainant met Michael McLeod at a bar in London, Ont. The complainant testified that she returned with McLeod to his hotel room, where she was pressured into a variety of sexual acts by McLeod and his teammates. In a series of videos taken between 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., the complainant is seen stating that what took place that night was consensual.
A clumsy attempt at concealing liability, the videos and the now dismissed group chat reveal how the defendants deliberately plotted to dodge legal accountability.
Regardless of any schemes to circumvent liability, the courts should recognize that consent is more than a mere checklist to avoid blame— it’s a fundamental measure of respect and autonomy. Rather, what should be considered is the reality of the situation—five allegedly intoxicated men engaged in repeated sexual acts with an intoxicated woman. These circumstances represent a deeply troubling power dynamic, reflecting a profound abuse of power and disregard for the woman’s capacity to give meaningful, informed consent.
Hockey culture in Canada
tends to glorify its athletes, suggesting they can get away with actions as serious as sexual assault—supported by Hockey Canada’s long history of sweeping situations similar to this one under the rug, with an established fund to settle sexual assault claims.
Unfortunately, this mentality extends far beyond the rink and can’t be classified just as a ‘hockey problem’.
There are approximately 30,000 sexual assault claims in Canada each year, the majority of claimants being women. The legal battle centering consent isn’t the issue here; sexual violence is.
The details of the ongoing trial risk sending the wrong message—that consent is a series of hoops you need to jump through, rather than maintaining safe and respectful dialogue with a sexual partner.
Only in its second week, the trial has seen an aggressive defence and two dismissed juries. However, the complex process of parsing out what counts as consent isn’t what should be highlighted.
Onlookers should consider what took place in the hotel room and understand why the complainant was unable to provide consent. Coercion is often an element of sexual
Higher education shouldn’t be a political puppet show
If universities truly value order and openness, discipline must be rooted in principle, not political pressure.
In his commencement address, on Wednesday, May 14 , New York University (NYU) valedictorian, Logan Rozos, denounced Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing the conflict in Palestine as a ‘genocide.’ Following his controversial remarks, NYU decided to deny Rozos his diploma, demonstrating alignment with President Donald Trump’s suppression of pro-Palestinian speech.
A valedictorian address might not be the time or place to deliver a polarizing speech using inflammatory language, which could be isolating for some students. However, the real wrong in this situation is the University basing its policy decisions on the attitude of the federal administration.
Universities should stand as bastions of free expression and open dialogue, not as pliable institutions swayed by the preferences of a president. Decisions about commencement speakers must reflect a commitment to academic freedom, not the shifting winds of political convenience.
It’s important to penalize the violation of a school policy to set a precedent for what’s considered an appropriate use of a valedictorian speech. Unpunished, the University would risk its commencement ceremony becoming a soapbox to
express political beliefs. Simultaneously, the ability to accept punishment in the name of your beliefs is what makes acts such as Rozos’s so powerful . However, revoking a degree is a disproportionately severe punishment, considering the $65,000 annual tuition at NYU. Though we may not be able to pinpoint an appropriate punishment, to deny someone their diploma in the absence of academic misconduct undermines core principles of fairness.
Penalization is important.
Bending the rules for Rozos isn’t the way to foster an inclusive and celebratory convocation environment. Neither is stripping Rozos of his hard-earned degree.
A similar incident occurred at Queen’s last year, with pro-Palestinian protestors across the street during convocation, urging graduates to hold donations. Campus security intervened, but no further disciplinary action was pursued. The incident at Queen’s illustrates how disruptive a protest can be, while showing how responses may vary on different sides of the border. Universities must balance enforcing policy with protecting free speech. Rozos’s provocative but principled act deserves proportionate consequences— not politically charged overreach echoing the federal administration. If campuses truly value a variety of opinions , their response to protest must remain consistent, regardless of who holds power.
—Journal Editorial Board
assault cases and should be seen as a serious violation of autonomy. What’s most disappointing about this trial is the divided public response, one that reveals how far we still have to go in understanding consent and accountability.
Some individuals have taken to X, stating that the trial is “rigged” and the defendants are “going to get screwed.” In the post MeToo era, there’s an observable tension between the civic value of innocent until proven guilty and a desire to believe the victim. These blurred lines mimic the complexity of the debate around what counts as consent.
The bottom line is that consent and support for victims of sexual violence isn’t an administrative task that can be accounted for by video recordings, group chats, and legal settlements.
We need to acknowledge that many sexual assaults involve manipulation and coercion, and work to create safe spaces for women and others who face higher risks. It’s not only women who face sexual violence—we need to foster an open dialogue regarding consent regardless of gender or circumstance.
—Journal Editorial Board
PHOTO BY: Mikayla Quigley
The Booker Prize isn’t giving us the best of literature, it’s giving us depression
Cloey Aconely Editorials Editor
If the Booker Prize longlist mirrors the human condition, we might want to look away
First awarded in 1969, the Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary honours. Awarded yearly to an original novel published in the United Kingdom, the Booker Prize is expected to be a hallmark of great fiction, priding itself on highlighting the best of contemporary literature.
As an avid reader, I’ve always followed along with and enjoyed Booker-nominated fiction.
Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
ILLUSTRATION BY: Mikayla Quigley
OPINIONS
Ontario's plan for teachers' college is reactive, not reformative
Short-term fixes cheat future teachers and
Two-years of teachers college has worked for decades; changing the syllabus could hurt the Ontario education system and cheat students out of a fair degree.
The province of Ontario is currently battling an ongoing teacher shortage, with a proposed solution to completely overhaul the teachers college program. This is the latest in the recent curriculum changes to the Ontario education system that has seen the loss of 5000 educators in six years and 3.2 billion dollars of education spending slashed in the previous school year from the Ontario Conservative government
The proposed plan shifts the program to a one-year model instead of the current twoyear model, which has seen the approval of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation .
At first glance , the oneyear program might seem like a practical fix: less time in school, reduced financial burden, and a modified path into the workforce. These changes are designed to be appealing, especially to those feeling the pressure of tuition and time. But beneath the surface, this move isn’t only short-sighted, but also undermines the preparation of teachers, and it risks doing longterm damage to the integrity of the Ont. education system.
As a teacher candidate who recently completed my placement in April, I’ve come to understand that effective instruction can’t be rushed. Teaching isn’t just about knowing the curriculum; it’s about managing a classroom, responding to student needs, designing inclusive lessons, and adapting to complex and
unpredictable behaviours. These aren’t skills you pick up overnight or master in a few months. Instead, they require time, practice, and meaningful reflection in real classroom environments.
Growing up, I saw teachers who didn’t care—ones who were there for the paycheck, for the benefits and the career stability. The carelessness and lack of passion were evident in the rushed lessons and dismissed questions, creating an environment that made learning feel more like a chore and something to “get through” rather than be motivated by.
It was when I encountered teachers who truly cared and who taught from their hearts— with patience and genuine passion—that I realized the power of education. The shift in perspective changed everything for me and pushed me to pursue education myself, wanting to be the kind of educator who sees potential in students and helps them achieve it, even when they don’t see it themselves. Where my greatest concern lies with this proposed change. By cutting the program in half, we risk making teaching an even more attractive option for people who aren’t in it for the right reasons, and ones who may not have the dedication or mindset to fully embrace the role of an educator. In personal experience, I’ve seen classmates in Concurrent Education admit they’re in the program not because they love teaching, but because “it’s a stable career,” or “the hours are good.”
While financial stability is important in any profession, teaching isn’t just another job, it’s a vocation that requires emotional investment, resilience, and a genuine love of learning and working with students. But when the rushed and condensed training gets paired with that mindset, the result transforms into a growing group of underprepared and uninspired educators entering the classrooms,
ultimately causing more harm to the students and the education system than good.
The current two-year model of teachers college allowed me and my fellow teaching candidates the time we needed to develop the care, competence, and confidence that good teaching demands. We had extended practicum placements, opportunities to engage deeply with essential topics like special education and assessment strategies, as well as the space to reflect and grow into the educators we want to be.
Teachers college isn’t just about checking boxes or passing courses. It’s about transformation; becoming someone who can shape and support young minds in meaningful ways.
In contrast, the proposed oneyear program doesn’t allow time for that foundation to be built. Without adequate placement time and thoughtful academic preparation, we risk graduating teachers who feel overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsupported. That’s not just a disservice to those entering the profession, it’s a disservice to the students who will sit in their classrooms.
While increasing the number of certified teachers may remedy the current shortage, it contradicts itself if the teachers aren’t truly ready or if they never wanted to teach in the first place.
This shift also creates an uneven playing field. Graduates from the current two-year program will enter the workforce with significantly more experience and preparation than those trained under the new condensed model. This disparity will show up in classrooms, and students will be the ones to feel it the most. The inconsistency in teacher quality will impact classroom dynamics, student success, and overall trust in the education system.
The proposed changes by the Ontario Government feel more like a reaction than a solution. Yes, we have a teacher shortage, and
Rector’s ReadingDigest:the boardroom
Inside the rhythm, routine, and quiet responsibility of university governance
The first time I walked into the Richardson Hall boardroom, also known as the Peter Lougheed room, my eyes jolted wide open to the stunning portraits of twelve Chancellors past. Being the Fine Art grad I am , I felt a brief sense of calm in the familiarity of oil paintbrush strokes on an oversized canvas. Yet, quickly the sense of calmness seemed to only last about five seconds—I remembered I’m here for conversations and decisions that will guide the direction of this institution and affect students' lives.
yes, prompt action is vital, but cutting back on preparation time isn’t the answer. If anything, it risks perpetuating a cycle of underprepared educators, burnout, and high turnover. And when that happens, students lose out, parents lose confidence.,and our public education system suffers.
I worry that if we make it too easy to become a teacher, we will be flooded with people who aren’t in it for the students. Teaching isn’t supposed to be a fallback plan. It shouldn’t be the path of someone who didn’t get into law school. It’s a career that should be driven by a desire to make a difference in students’ lives, to create safe, challenging, and engaging learning environments, and to help young people realize their full potential. That kind of commitment takes time to foster and prepare for, time that the one-year model simply doesn’t offer.
If Ontario truly wants to strengthen public education, there are better, more sustainable paths forward. Instead of shortening the program, the government should focus on making the twoyear model more accessible. That means offering financial support through tuition relief, grants, or living stipends. It means improving working conditions so that teaching remains an attractive and fulfilling career long-term. That way, institutions like Queen’s University and other faculties of education across Ontario can continue to attract passionate, skilled individuals without compromising on quality. We need to invest in teachers, not cut corners in their preparation. A well-prepared teacher is one of the most valuable investments we can make in the future of Ontario’s youth. If the province genuinely cares about that future, we must invest more in teacher preparation, not less.
Alden Locco is a second-year ConEd student.
This column, now one-year-old, is all about speaking to parts of Queen’s that aren’t well understood, which frankly could be anything. But the Board of Trustees might just be the murkiest mystery of them all. I didn’t want to write about it right away, because honestly, I didn’t understand it yet. I’m still learning. But I’ve settled into a rhythm—a solid routine and framework for my thinking, questioning, and voting.
For the nuts and bolts, the Student Trustees made a three-part video series to provide a general overview, explain committee functions, and ways to get involved. Start there and then come back.
Now, here is how the Board actually looks and feels for me as an individual.
First, my family, friends, and team know not to ask or expect anything of me the week leading up to Board. Once the 48-hour marathon begins, I’m sucked into the time warp and won’t return to reality until Sunday after a long sleep.
Here is how it unfolds:
In the weeks leading up to Board, I start pulling threads. The quirk of this role is that I wear many hats as Rector, including frequent meetings with the administration. I ask them what to expect—an operating budget, a changed policy, or new capital planning. This preview helps me get a feel for what might matter most for students.
The agenda drops on a Friday, one week out. I do a first-pass skim, flag big-ticket items, and then let my brain mull it over the weekend.
Starting Monday, I work myself through the packages, which are hundreds of pages. I keep notes and send off emails for clarifying questions.
By Wednesday, I am actively thinking about my remarks for the open session—but I won’t finish it until moments before it’s time to speak. It’s a privilege for me to deliver a report to my fellow Trustees. But the speech, or anything I say in meetings, isn’t about me. If it becomes about me , I’m missing the point. Therefore, I remove pieces of myself when I show up at the table. I say things that I either haven’t experienced or frankly don’t agree with, because I am here to convey student voices.
Alden Locco, Contributor
Ontario classrooms deserve teachers who care for them and their education.
Niki Boytchuk-Hale, Staff Writer
SUPPLIED BY ALDEN LOCCO
‘It’s all about prevention,’ researcher says Katarina Krivokapic, Business, Science, & Technology Editor
A smart lens that watches your eyes, catching glaucoma’s silent threat before it steals sight, turning prevention into vision saved.
Nearly two decades ago, Queen’s University researchers Dr. Yong Jun Lai and Dr. Robert Campbell crossed paths at a Kingston playground as their children played nearby. By chance, their conversation that day grew into a lasting partnership between engineering and ophthalmology, ultimately leading to the development of a contact lens designed to detect harmful changes in eye pressure before irreversible damage occurs.
Alongside co-inventor
Stopping vision loss before it starts
Angelica Campigotto—who was a Queen’s PhD candidate at the time— the team developed a contact lens capable of continuously monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP), the leading risk factor for the progression of glaucoma. The initial patent was approved in 2020.
According to Statistics Canada, glaucoma is a disease that affects more than 450,000 Canadians and is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Because it often develops without noticeable symptoms, the disease is commonly diagnosed only after significant damage has occurred.
Current diagnostic methods provide only a single pressure reading during an in-clinic eye exam, making it difficult to track changes in IOP throughout the day.
The contact lens helps fill this gap by continuously and non-invasively measuring eye pressure, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment. The lens features a hollow tube filled with liquid
Million-dollar gift donated to the School of Medicine for women in financial need
“She
loved Queen’s with every inch of her soul. Queen’s was her happy place,” Frid-Burrows says
Aya Alhasany Features Editor
Pamela Frid’s legacy lives on through a million-dollar bursary supporting women entering Queen’s School of Medicine in need.
The Pamela Frid Memorial Bursary was announced on May 7, following the passing of Queen’s School of Medicine alumna Frid, MD ’82, in 2024. The bursary, which was created through an endowed gift from Frid’s estate that’s worth one million dollars, aims to provide financial aid to incoming medical students in need, particularly those who identify as women.
Frid first stepped onto campus in ’76 for the Life Sciences program, then went on to attend the Queen’s School of Medicine in ’78. During her time as a Gael, Frid was a member of the Queen’s Bands for five years. She went on to complete her residency in pediatrics at McMaster Children’s
Hospital, then underwent a fellowship at Chedoke Hospital in Hamilton.
Following her academic career, Frid was appointed as the Medical Director at Thames Valley Children’s Centre while teaching at Western University. During her time as a pediatrician, Frid helped to establish a medical specialty specifically designated to developmental pediatrics.
In a statement to The Journal, Stephen Vanner, interim dean of Health Sciences and director of the School of Medicine, explained that the bursary represents the kind of meaningful support that truly changes lives.
“We are deeply grateful to the Frid family for ensuring that Dr. Frid’s legacy lives on through the success of students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue medicine,” Dr. Vanner wrote.
The bursary was organized by Frid’s two younger sisters, Beverly Frid-Burrows, MBA ’84, and Sandra Frid, ConEd ’86, who explained in an interview with The Journal that they carried out Frid’s wishes of donating to the University.
“She always wanted to give back,” Frid-Burrows said, elaborating that Frid hoped to give back to medical students in need due to
the expenses of attending medical school.
The sisters explained how the bursary is awarded to students who are entering medical school in financial need, renewable for up to four years of study.
At her celebration of life, many women in medicine attended due to their appreciation of her, according to the two sisters.
“There were so many women who came up to us as family to talk to us about things Pam [Frid] did for them,” FridBurrows said, noting how many attendees attributed their careers in medicine to Frid’s help and mentorship. “She was such a mentor to younger women in medical school and residency.”
Frid added that she heard directly from patients following her sister’s passing.
“She was a huge advocate for children, for patients, and really went out of her way to make a difference to children’s lives and their families,” she said.
In addition to their donation to the School of Medicine, the sisters are also looking to donate $100,000 to Queen’s Bands in Frid’s name to help provide new instruments and uniforms.
“She loved Queen’s with every inch of her soul. Queen’s was her happy place,” Frid-Burrows said.
$15.9 million in new provincial funding for STem programS
“It’s difficult not to feel like STEM is being propped up at the expense of everything else,” student says
Yael Rusonik
AssistantNews Editor
The University will get $15.9 million in 2025–26 as part of Ontario’s $750 million broader investment aimed to support STEM-based
that doesn’t interfere with the user’s vision. Once fitted, patients will be able to use a smartphone and a companion app (currently in development) to photograph their cornea throughout the day. These images will be shared with physicians, allowing for real-time monitoring of IOP changes.
With support from a $596,700 commercialization grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, their startup, LenSense Inc., incorporated in 2022, is now working to bring the lens into clinical practice.
“It’s all about prevention,” Campbell said in an interview with The Journal. “As a glaucoma surgeon, I see the blinding cases; I am intimately aware of the tremendous impact of this disease on people’s lives. Since the [vision loss] is irreversible, we try to prevent that from happening. This lens will help us monitor the disease better.”
Lai added that the device was the result of years of interdisciplinary collaboration at Queen’s. “We [engineers]
have worked for twenty years to try to help clinicians. We have developed sutures and other devices, and this contact lens is our most recent,” Lai said in an interview with The Journal
Both researchers stressed the importance of student researchers throughout the project. “Students were a major force in the contributions. I can’t overstate their importance,” Lai said.
Campbell agreed. “There’ve been students all along the way. In fact, one of the PhD students who’s now graduating is one of the co-patent holders on some of the intellectual property that’s come out of this [project].”
With funding secured and prototype manufacturing in progress, LenSense is positioned to advance the future of glaucoma detection and treatment.
“Seeing this project on the verge of coming to fruition is extremely rewarding,” Campbell said. “It’s a team effort, for sure.”
programs, amid a projected $26.4 million deficit combined with growing concerns regarding the future of arts education on campus.
According to a statement to The Journal, the University confirmed that the funding will support an enrolment redistributionplan,previously approved by Senate.
Starting in the 2026–27 academic year, 1,200 undergraduate enrolment spaces will shift from the Faculty of Arts and Science’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAH) programs to professional and STEM-based programs across the University over four years.
“Given the timing, the funding wasn’t incorporated into the initial 2025–26 budget planning process. As a result, the specific application of the funding and the impact on the current budget are still being determined,” the University stated.
Ontario sectors and education.
Queen’s plans on using their share of the investment towards “funding existing enrolment in STEM field,” the University “reported in a Queen’s Gazette article. In a statement to The Journal, Queen’s outlined how it plans to allocate the funding for STEM
While the funding highlights Ontario’s STEM priorities, Queen’s stressed it won’t sideline the humanities or social sciences in the process.
“While this investment reflects a growing emphasis on STEM education, Queen’s remains committed to the humanities and social sciences,” the University told The
Journal. “These disciplines continue to play a vital role in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and empathy—skills that are essential across all fields and closely tied to the advancement of STEM.”
Still, the reallocation has sparked concern among students in the arts.
“I want to believe that the arts still matter here,” said Carys Newman, ArtSci ’26, in an interview with The Journal. “But it’s getting harder and harder to feel that way when all new funding and attention seem to keep going in the same direction. It’s difficult not to feel like STEM is being propped up at the expense of everything else.”
The STEM investment will be administered through the province’s five-year Strategic Mandate Agreements, which detail the funding and support that Ontario provides for its publicly assisted universities and colleges.
The contact lens enables continuous IOP monitoring.
PHOTO BY JASHAN DUA
PHOTO BY JASHAN DUA
The funding was announced on April 23.
SPORTS
Three Gaels selected at 2025 CFL Draft , two sign as free agents
GRAPHIC BY: Sarah Adams
Taahaa Lone Senior Sports Editor
This summer, five Gaels kicked off the next chapter of their football journey with three of them hearing their names echo through the arena as they were selected in the 2025 Canadian Football League Draft .
The Edmonton Elks selected Gaels defensive linemen Darien Newell and Silas Hubert, both ArtSci ‘25, while the Calgary Stampeders picked defensive back Ashton Miller-Melancon, ArtSci ‘26. Offensive lineman Jas Khaira, Comm ’25, and wide receiver Nico Kwemo, Kin ’25, were respectively signed as undrafted free agents by the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Elks made waves by selecting Newell with the tenth overall pick. A top-tier prospect heading into the draft, Newell had blossomed into a U SPORTS star, earning back-to-back First Team All-Canadian honours.
Newell’s imposing size and relentless power have tormented opponents and drawn attention south of the border, including a highprofile meeting with the New England Patriots, according to 3DownNation.
Despite being aware of a looming one-year suspension for violating the CFL’s substance policy after Newell tested positive for nine banned substances at the CFL’s national combine, the Elks still drafted Newell.
In a statement released by the Elks on April 30, Newell maintains that he “Didn’t not knowingly or intentionally use a product that violated the league’s substance policy,” and believes that the positive test occurred due to supplements he took while attending a try-out in the USA.
Newell didn’t provide a statement to The Journal in time for publication. The Elks declined to comment on Newell, but they put their full
confidence behind him.
“The Edmonton Elks organization was aware of Darien Newell’s impending suspension before selecting him on Tuesday night. Throughout the draft process, we completed our due diligence on Darien and came away satisfied with both the person and the player. The organization is committed to supporting Darien throughout this process, and we look forward to when he can join the Green and Gold,” said General Manager Ed Hervey in a statement released by the Edmonton Elks.
Newell closed out his Gaels career with an impressive 92 tackles and 18 sacks across 37 games.
The Elks also selected Hubert as the thirty-first pick. Now in training camp, he’s overcome two shoulder injuries during his time at Queen’’s and credits the school and his coaches for their support—especially in building his mental resilience.
“My goal is to just improve overall and soak up as much as I can . That’s what I really came here to do and do whatever I can to support and better the Tteam,” said Hubert said in an interview with The Journal Elks’ Special Teams Coordinator and four-time Grey Cup Champion, Demetrious Maxie, doesn’t hold back on his confidence in Hubert.
“He has great character, he brings good size, good athleticism, and he fits well with what we’re doing up front as a defense. He’s going to be a great special team addition,” said Maxie in an interview with The Journal
In fact, Maxie sees great success in Hubert’s future— “Trust me when I say Silas is going to be one of the top players in the league within the next year or two,” Maxie said. With twenty years of CFL experience, Maxie’’s praise carries
Canadian basketball star Kiyara Letlow transfers to Queen’s
‘It’s an exciting year ahead,’ Meadows says
weight—making it all the more meaningful for Hubert.
Hubert finished his time as a Gael with 85 tackles, 15 sacks, and one touchdown across in 33 games.
***
With the sixty-fifth pick of the draft, the Calgary Stampeders selected Miller-Melancon, who earned the nickname of ‘Minister of Defense’ during in his time with the Gaels. “I was actually really surprised that he lasted this long in the draft,” Stampeder’s Director of Canadian Scouting, Dwayne Cameron, said in an interview with The Calgary Herald
When Miller’s name was finally called, the whole room erupted with joyfull emotion . “All the years of hard work and dedication I put into the sport came to fruition at that moment, and it was pretty surreal. It took a day or two to really realize that, you know, I was a Stampeder,” Miller-Melancon said in an interview with The Journal
Miller-Melancon gave credit to Queen’s for preparing him for this step in his career, as they instilled high character and standards that have allowed him to thrive so far in Calgary.
“Honestly, my goal every day is really to just get better and not make the same mistake s twice. The initial goal is really to, you know, kill it in the preseason. [I just want to] Then, you know, just keep working on my craft and earn a spot on the roster, through defence, through special teams, through whatever I have to. But until that happens, I can’t focus on anything else,” Miller-Melancon said.
“I have to earn my spot here,” Miller-Melancon said.
Big things are coming for Miller-Melancon, as the ‘Minister of Defense’ will work to carry his title from Ontario., to Alta. Miller finishes his Gaels career with 150 tackles, 27 pass deflections, and 16 interceptions in 40 games.
***
Going undrafted isn’t the end of one’s professional football hopes—Khaira proved this when he was signed by the Toronto Argonauts.
An OUA All-Star in his second year with the Gaels,
Taahaa Lone Senior Sports Editor
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Gaels’ Women’s basketball team just scored a game-changing win, welcoming star forward Kiyara Letlow, MSc ’25, for her final U Sports season. After years of dominating courts as a Caper, Letlow arrives at Queen’s eager to cap off her collegiate career with a standout final season in Kingston.
Last year, Letlow led the nation in rebounds, finishing second in points-per-game. In her first year as a Caper, Letlow won nationwide honours, earning the Kathy Shields Award —awarded to the top rookie women’s basketball player in Canada. Beyond this, Letlow is a four-time First Team All-Star in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference and a three-time Second Team AllCanadian nationwide.
“For me, everything lined up academically. Everything I wanted, I could get here [Queen’s University]. Athletically, it’s the same thing. After meeting most of the girls and talking to the coaches, it all aligned with my interests and the type of program they [Queen’s] run. It was honestly just a really simple process, everything just fit,” Letlow said in an interview with The Journal
For Letlow, choosing Queen’s was a no-brainer— drawn by a connection between
Khaira was plagued by injuries throughout his time at Queen’s—he missed all of 2023 after hip surgery and much of 2024 with an upper-body injury.
“That hurt me in the draft process. I think what that really helped me the most was my third year, where I was an All-Star and I played really, really well. That helped me show teams that I’m capable of playing at that level,” Khaira said in an interview with The Journal Above all else, Khaira is extremely grateful to his
her Cape Breton advisor and her soon-to-be Queen’s mentor.
“We’re expecting a lot of wins. That’s what I’m expecting. We’re expecting good basketball. There’s going to be a lot of competition, hustle, and drive. I already have so much fun playing with the girls, so people will have a lot of fun watching as well,” Letlow said.
Letlow joins Claire Meadows, head coach of the Women’s Basketball Team and the 2023 Ontario University Athletics Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
“I’ve been able to watch Letlow play for a long time, and she’s the ultimate competitor. We’re absolutely thrilled to have her in our program,” Meadows said in an interview with The Journal
“When you look at our current team and what we’ve been able to do over the last few years, we have a culture of competitive excellence, and we’ve been able to build that up over the last five years. Letlow coming in is only going to add to that environment and add to our culture. It’s an exciting year ahead,” Meadows said.
Under Meadows’ leadership, the Gaels are an established women’s basketball progrm, finishing three of her seasons in the top four U Sports teams.
The pairing of one of Canada’s best players and one of Canada’s best coaches is sure to make for an exciting year, as the Gaels seek to make a push for the U Sports title.
family and the staff at Queen’s for helping him push through. Specifically, he gives credit to Gaels Football Head Therapist , Evan Knapp-Fisher, and his parents for supporting him through such a difficult time. Khaira is very grateful for the coaching staff, making sure to note Offensive Coordinator, Matt Nesbitt, who he describes as “the best O-Line coach in the country,” and Defensive Coordinator, Ryan Bechmanis.
Continued online at www. queensjournal.ca
GRAPHIC BY: Mannat Merha
Five Gael standouts are set to begin their professional football
Letlow prepares for her last U Sports season.
The Challenge takes place from May 28 to June 7.
Dewar anD Quinn representing CanaDa in the 2025 u20 OCeania rugby Challenge
‘Both of these guys are pretty strong cats and are great representatives,’ Coach says
Taahaa Lone Senior Sports Editor
Gaels’ standout forwards Angus Dewar, ArtSci ’27, and Coen Quinn, Sci ’28, have been tapped to represent Canada at the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge in Fiji from May 28 to June 7, 2025. This marks Canada’s debut at the tournament, which launched only last year.
This will be Quinn’s first-time representing Canada on the international stage. Dewar was previously invited to wear the Maple Leaf as a reserve for Canada last June, when they faced off against the USA for qualification for the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
“I think it’s really exciting to be able to represent Canada, especially to play some strong sides in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. I’m excited to hopefully prove that Canada’s a really strong rugby nation and that we can compete with these other strong sides,” Quinn said in an interview with The Journal Dewar and Quinn are currently training with Team Canada on Vancouver Island, and both have been appreciative of the experience. “It’s been a lot of training and, you know, the body’s pretty sore, but it’s been really fun. Especially meeting all the guys. We’re really starting to feel more like a team now, so it’s good,” Quinn said.
“It’s a really good spot to be training because it’s pretty rare that you have the ability and the time to just play rugby. It’s really, really good for development,” Dewar added.
Dewar explained that Canada’s participation in this tournament comes amid the cancellation of the World Rugby U20 Trophy, as World
Rugby reviews its U20 formats and considers expanding the upper-level World Rugby U20 Championship.
“I think it’s pretty validating for all the hard work that they put in. Both guys work pretty hard, and the other guys who were considered are equally hard-working,” Men’s Rugby Head Coach, John Lavery said in an interview with The Journal
“They have to balance an awful lot of balls in the air during the school year, but they managed to keep the shipper right and keep progressing. I mean, both of these guys, they’re pretty strong cats, and they’re great representatives for us out there,” Lavery said.
Lavery emphasized that Dewar and Quinn’s achievements are far from accidental, crediting their consistent work ethic and strong character. He noted that what sets them apart is their attention to detail, discipline, and ability to make smart life choices. Despite facing setbacks like injuries and being passed over for selection, Lavery said the pair remained focused and determined, always putting in the effort to position themselves for success.
“The dudes with the 100 per cent attendance rate tendto also do pretty well in class, and it’s not different in rugby. If you’re a guy that shows up and does his work and makes sure that they’re prepared, chances are, you’re going to do pretty well.
I think Dewar and Quinn are both really good examples of that,” Lavery said.
Canada will face Samoa on May 28, Fiji on June 2, and Tonga on June 7, all at King Charles Park in Nadi, Fiji.
Queen’s Distance Track team shines at U.S. track
meet
‘We went in blind, focused on racing and having fun—and everyone delivered,’ coach says.
Taahaa Lone Senior Sports Editor
On April 25, the Queen’s Distance Track Team opened their 2025 season travelling across the border to Canton, New York, participating in the St. Lawrence Intercollegiate Athletics Twilight Meeting at St. Lawrence University.
Away from their usual Canadian tracks, the Gaels competed against a pool primarily consisting of NCAA Division III athletes, including schools such as St. Lawrence University to Clarkson University.
The Gaels treated the meet as a largely informal opener, fielding a team of just eight athletes training in Kingston for the
“Even though they didn’t know who I was, they were all really nice and happy that we were coming down to race against them. I think it was a cool thing. I was able to talk and meet a lot of new people, so that was fun,” Hendrikx said.
Owen Danby, ArtSci ’27, came out of the 3000m steeplechase with a strong win. With a blazing time of 9:36.77, he shattered the meet record—finishing nearly a full minute ahead of the runner-up.
Danby explains that the steeplechase is not an event typically seen during the Gaels’ outdoor season but took the opportunity to participate and go for the meet record. “I thought
Close on his heels, was Tanner Hueglin, ArtSci ’26, who secured third with a strong 3:48.68. Roman Mironov, Comm ’25, powered through to finish fourth at 3:59.97, while Ian Mccosham, Kin ’27, rounded out the top six with a solid 4:08.54.
Cross Country and Distance Track Head Coach , Mark Bomba, was pleased with his team’s performance at the event and raved about the environment in Canton.
“For us, the St. Lawrence meet is a good opener. It’s a great environment, a great vibe,” Bomba said in an interview with The Journal
summer—far fewer than their roster consisting ofoverfortyrunners.Still,theirstrong performances offered a promising glimpse of what’s to come this season.
Olivia Hendrikx, MD ’27, won the Women’s 800m with a time of 2:22.03, a solid eight seconds ahead of the runner-up; her award wasn’t a trophy but rather some local cheese and chocolate milk.
“The competition is a little different than what we usually get in U Sports, but it was cool to be able to go there, get the season started, and come out with a positive race result,” said Hendrikx in an interview with The Journal
‘Representing my team, my coaches, my teammates was amazing,’ Gael says.
Noah Cyr Assistant Sports Editor
Queen’s left its mark in Waterloo as a wave of talent took centre stage at the annual East-West Bowl on May 10. Gael’s quarterback, Alex Vreeken,
I’d go for it at least. I wanted to just set a good pace and try to keep it up as much as possible,” Danby said in an interview with The Journal
At the top of the Men’s 5000m podium stood Angus Skinner, ConEd ’28, with a time of 15:17.31. Skinner pulled away from the pack in the second half, finishing ten seconds ahead of the runner-up.
Katherine Taylor, ArtSci ’25, finished second in the Women’s 1500m with a time of 4:50.04.
In a thrilling Men’s 1500m race, Jude Wheeler-Dee, ArtSci ’26, claimed a hard-fought second place with an impressive 3:43.77, just behind St. Lawrence’s Nick Lyndaker, the reigning NCAA D-III Mile Champion.
Kin ’26, receiver Russell Weir ArtSci ’27, and linebackers Steven Kpehe, Kin ’26, and James Pace, ArtSci ’27, were all selected to represent Team East. The East-West Bowl showcases the top 106 U Sports football talents before their draft year, giving them a prime stage to impress CFL scouts. The teams are split geographically: the
“We were going down there pretty blind in the sense of being on the track much and seeing what worked. It was more like, go down there, have some fun, get a race under our belt, and go from there. But yeah, I mean, everyone who went down ran good races,” Bomba said.
While not a part of Queen’s official collegiate season, Bomba explained how the event was a nice start to the team’s outdoor club season.
“The message for us when we go to that meet is just trying to create a good environment for the rest of the season. We found that it’s really productive,” Bomba said.
When asked about returning to the Canton meets, Bomba didn’t hesitate: “Oh, yeah. We will.”
The Gaels have laid down a marker this summer and are ready to hit the collegiate season running. Keep an eye on the team—they’re just getting started.
East squad features players from the AUS, RSEQ, and OUA East—including Queens, while the West team draws from the remaining OUA and Canada West conferences.
Continued online at www. queensjournal.ca
GRAPHIC BY: Mannat Merha
Queen’s Men’s Football talent shines at EastWest game
Four Queen’s Football Players attend prestigious East-West Game.
IMAGE BY: Journal File Photo
PHOTO BY: Journal File Photo
A strong start to the Gaels’ 2025 distance season.
ARTS & CULTURE
From vinyl’s revival to what’s next: Brian weighs in on the future of physical media
‘You
adapt, and you continue to adapt to change,’ Local record store owner explains
Sarah Adams Editor in Chief
While unpacking boxes, Brian Lipsin of Brian’s Record Option recalls the music media trends that have shaped decades of change.
Opened in 1980 and nestled in the heart of Princess St., the shop has witnessed the full arc of physical formats—from 8-tracks to vinyl, to CDs and beyond. Today, every inch of the store is packed floor to ceiling with albums, offering a tactile time capsule for music lovers.
Commercially or independently-owned record stores like Lipsin’s are especially popular on Record Store Day, which happens once a year and works to promote independent and major labels by organizing contests, exclusive releases, and promotions to highlight the value of buying music from independent, locally owned stores year-round.
Record Store Day 2025 was the best Lipsin has experienced in all 45 years of running Brian’s Record Option. For once, the physical vinyl surplus wasn’t a problem. In previous years, he’d often receive far more records than he requested— sometimes getting 30 copies of albums like Wicked or Post Malone when he only asked for 10. But this year was different. Most of the time, he was left with just one or two extras— if any at all, compared to his normal handful.
“People always have some disposable income, and those who truly care about music will look for cheaper alternatives like CDs,” Lipsin said in an interview with The Journal. “But streaming only takes music lovers so far— when it comes to sound quality, nothing beats vinyl on a
good record player.”
Lipsin’s belief in the enduring appeal of physical media is matched by his resilience in the face of economic and personal setbacks.
Economic hardship is nothing new to Lipsin—his strategy has always been to stay adaptable. After the 2008 recession, he found himself stockpiling unsold records as customers tightened their wallets. In 2019, disaster struck again when flooding caused by nearby construction nearly forced him to shut his doors for good after 30 per cent of the store was destroyed.
But the Kingston community refused to let that happen.
“People would stuff cash and checks in my pockets,” Lipsin recalls. When regulars heard about the possible closure, a Resurrect Brian’s Record Option GoFundMe organized by Michael Crowder-Grad was launched— and within just three days, raised over $10,000 to keep the store alive.
That same community spirit carried him through the challenges that followed, proving just how deeply the store is woven into Kingston’s cultural fabric.
COVID-19 brought another wave of challenges for Brian’s Record Option. Forced to close his doors, Lipsin found a silver lining in the form of financial support—including $20,000 in federal grants. Still, he didn’t stop working. Determined to keep music in people’s hands, he sat outside the store and personally fetched records for customers who couldn’t come inside.
“A lot of people thought I was out sitting on the sidewalk asking for cash and just dropped some in my mug,” Lipsin laughed.
Between 2025-33, the global
vinyl market has a projected compound annual growth rate of 6.8 per cent. Consumer interest in supporting artists who suffer from weak streaming revenue through physical media sales remains high.
However, vinyl albums are expensive to purchase and difficult to manufacture. The Institute of International Finance, among other economic leaders, predicts another global recession beginning in 2025 .
Despite the high costs associated with their production, Lipsin doesn’t see vinyl’s popularity fading anytime soon. His only concern is what he calls the growing “greed” among distributors. Still, he’s ready for whatever comes next—including a potential resurgence in CDs. He has over 50,000 in stock, 49,000 of which were dropped off by people who once saw them as worthless.
“You just gotta know that you aren’t going to be a millionaire in this industry,” Lipsin chuckled, “and then it’s chill.”
For those who can’t afford new records, Lipsin explains that, due to limited time to reprice older stock from the ’80s, a lucky customer willing to dig deep can still find albums priced between $3 and $5—a reward, he says, for the patient and dedicated collectors.
Even with the rise of streaming, Lipsin believes most people eventually find their way back to LPs and CDs. While streaming is convenient and cheap, he says many listeners realize that artists earn far less from it, and that nothing compares to the sound quality of physical media.
Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
InsIde MaevIs ChaMberlaIn’s upCoMIng unIon gallery exhIbItIon
‘Focus on your own curiosities and what your interests are,’ says student-artist
Daniel Gill Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Student-artist Maevis
Chamberlain, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) ’25, explores the world of dreams, daydreams, and the spaces between in her upcoming Union Gallery exhibition.
Being one of the two graduates to be spotlighted in the Union Gallery, from May 27 until Aug. 7, Chamberlain’s ‘Meet Me in the Flower Bed’ exhibition explores the worlds of dreams, daydreams, and the spaces in between through oil painting.
As a final-year BFA student at Queen’s, Chamberlain and her classmates focused on their individual artistic directions throughout the year, culminating in Obsolescence —the annual capstone exhibition showcasing selected works from each graduating student.
Chamberlain dives into the mysterious world of dreams, daydreams, and the blurry spaces between waking and sleeping. Much of her recent work is deeply influenced by her time living in Kingston, shaping both its themes and content.
“It all started with summers spent by the water, especially along Arrowhead Beach in Kingston,”
Chamberlain said in an interview with The Journal. There, she found a connection between the shells washed ashore and dreams, both transforming ordinary things into something mysterious and otherworldly.
Chamberlain’s work also features themes of relationships and connections.
“I’m also very interested in relationships, platonic or romantic, and the languages that we create with the people we love and how that’s similar to us creating the dreams we have in our head,” she said. She mainly works with oil paints, drawn to their slow-burning nature that lets her reshape and rethink a piece over time—never locked
into a single idea. Being able to change and evolve a work with oil paints was a key factor in the creation of ‘Meet Me in the Flower Bed’.
“I had gone through a whole bunch of photographs from my family to use as inspiration, and I found a picture of my mom that my dad had taken of her sleeping. I started with that initial image and played around with bringing in trees and natural landscapes. It was [kind of] a push-and-pull,” Chamberlain explained as she described how the first piece she created influenced the next two she created.
The exhibition marks a major milestone for Chamberlain, who hopes to use it as a launchpad to explore new forms of artistic expression as she advances her career. “I have been getting into music recently, and I [kind of] want to branch out from visual and want to find ways to combine other creative avenues,” Chamberlain said.
Most important for Chamberlain is continuing to create, something she urges other young artists to do.
“Focus on your own curiosities and what your interests are because there’s a pressure of wanting to succeed and wanting to make art that will make you money. You have to forget about that, because if you start making art with that intention in mind, I find it gets exhausting and very stressful,” Chamberlain said.
For Chamberlain, the key to growing as an artist lies in embracing personal curiosity and shedding external pressures. As she moves forward in her career, this commitment to authentic creativity will continue to guide her work—and serves as a reminder to other emerging artists to stay true to themselves above all else.
After 45 years in the music industry, Brian is confident that vinyl is here to stay.
PHOTO BY: Sarah Adams
‘Meet Me in the Flower Bed’ will be on display from May 27 to Aug. 9.
PHOTO BY: Union Gallery Website
Cruising around Cairo: Note’s from an exchange student’s weekend trip
So
long for now, Cairo
Eva Sheahan Postscript Editor
Anticipating the long weekend, my friends I met in Istanbul while studying abroad and I bought cheap tickets to fly to Cairo, Egypt—my first trip outside Turkey since arriving in January. A lot of people I know have been scared off visiting Egypt due to fearmongering about scams, but I’ve tried not to let those biases get to me since people also warned me against coming to Turkey. That said, I still think it’s important to stay safe no matter where you go.
However, as a student travelling on a budget, Egypt was nothing short of delightful. Filled with sunshine, history, and delicious eats, Egypt offered me many new insights. It was different than any country I’d ever been to before—a medley of heat, history, rich culture and enduring hospitality accompanied by a dark underbelly of poverty.
As the plane rattled into Cairo, a baby began to cry—a common annoyance and source of complaints on North American flights. I have permanent baby fever and am therefore never bothered, but I was surprised to see the Egyptian men around me breaking into grins, each taking turns waving their hands and making faces to soothe the infant.
This warmth and emotional intimacy from men is something I noticed upon landing in Cairo. I frequently saw men holding each other’s arms to cross the road, playing games face-to-face, and clutching their hearts while speaking to one another. The physical touch between men was a stark contrast to what I’m used to in Canada, where if you see two men holding hands, it’s assumed they’re a romantic couple rather than close-knit friends. The idea of being perceived as homosexual may be what makes straight men in Canada uncomfortable
From
with the idea of physical closeness between friends.
Casual physical exchanges between men aren’t something I commonly witness in Canada, so this was refreshing to see in Cairo. Perhaps men in North America would feel less lonely if they were with one another and increasingly open to friendships.
I also don’t think I properly understood noise and heat until Cairo. They were both phenomenon’s that I would passively acknowledge in my day-to-day life, but in Cairo, noise a nd heat battled for my full attention.
As my friends and I sat outside a restaurant on our first night eating koshari—Egypt’s national dish of lentils, rice, chickpeas, and pasta—I paused to take in the sounds around me. There were dogs barking, pots clanging, and the cars on the roads communicating in their own language of constant honks. I’ve realized Cairo is truly a city that never sleeps, always pulsating with noise and activity.
As a Canadian girl, I’m used to cold weather—I don’t love it, I manage it—but Cairo exists on the opposite side of the weather spectrum. Reaching 45 degrees Celsius during our trip, Cairo’s heat is oppressively hot and almost seems to sit on you.
During our stay, we visited The Great Pyramids of Giza, and given that I’m a history nerd, it was a dream come true. To see the pyramids that I’d read about and gazed at in awe since early childhood was a surreal experience. As we traipsed to the edge of the Sahara Desert and slithered up ramp stairs into the pyramids, I was so hot I thought I was going to pass out. I often had to keep my head down because it was too bright to look up, especially with the sun reflecting off the gleaming sand.
Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
admiration to mockery: The fine line in how
Is it ‘in’ to stand out?
Nadia Garcia Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Female celebrities are under fire for demonstrating natural beauty, highlighting social media’s tendency to target women for embracing the unconventional.
For women in the public eye, defying beauty standards is cool—until it’s not.
A new trend has emerged in the world of pop culture, one that sets a dangerous precedent by distorting the body images of young women, including female university students. Female celebrities once celebrated for resisting Hollywood’s beauty standards— perfectly straightened teeth and skin that doesn’t age—have slowly become the subject of mockery for prominent entertainment outlets.
With constant exposure to social media, young people are frequently confronted with narrow beauty standards. Female university students, in particular, are vulnerable to internalizing harmful messages, especially when online discourse critiques female celebrities’ natural bodies or unconventional features. This scrutiny can be especially damaging for an impressionable audience navigating their self-image.
In September 2023, Canadian actress Pamela Anderson made headlines by attending Paris Fashion Week without makeup—a choice she described as an effort to “challenge beauty.” Her barefaced appearances, which continued in the months that followed, were widely praised by both celebrities and the public. For female university students constantly exposed to polished online images, Anderson’s stance offered a rare counternarrative—one that encourages rethinking rigid beauty norms and embracing authenticity in a campus culture often shaped by social media aesthetics. However, it now seems as though the media had a timeline for how long Anderson’s natural beauty look was viable— the expiration date has now passed. At the 2025 Met Gala, Anderson debuted a bobbed haircut and minimal makeup look. The Daily Mail went viral for a comment criticizing her appearance: “Frumpy Pamela Anderson looks far from her Baywatch days.”
we discuss women’s bodies
The White Lotus, also gained public admiration for defying beauty standards by displaying her natural teeth rather than succumbing to Hollywood’s veneer culture. However, just like Anderson, the positive reception that Wood experienced proved to be short-lived.
In April 2025, Saturday Night Live included a skit mocking Wood’s teeth. Wood responded to the skit by calling it “mean and unfunny,” and has also recently expressed frustration with the disproportionate amount of attention her teeth have received in the media.
Anderson’s and Wood’s experiences don’t exist in isolation from one another. Women in Hollywood have long had their appearances scrutinized, and recent events demonstrate a new way to inflict judgement. Now, the
how they perceive both themselves and their peers.
Social media already perpetuates body image issues in young women around the world. Witnessing the media’s ever-changing stance on women’s bodies can be difficult. This ridicule is part of a larger history where women’s physical attributes become trendy, and for young women already experiencing body image issues, this trend is no help.
excessive amount of praise that female celebrities receive for rejecting beauty standards actually serves as a catalyst for the ensuing criticism they face for failing to conform.
British actress Aimee Lou Wood, who most recently starred in season three of
Celebrities known for their unconventional traits often gain popularity online, but this visibility is a double-edged sword. While praised for their individuality, these women are also subjected to intense scrutiny, with public discourse centring on their appearances. This pattern doesn’t stop with celebrities— female university students, constantly consuming and participating in these conversations, may internalize the same critical gaze, shaping
Cosmetic procedures like Botox and other filler injections are increasingly popular among young adults. Originally designed to smooth natural face wrinkles, trends like “barelythere” Botox encourage people to start using fillers in their early 20s as a “preventative” measure. Social media trends like “Snapchat dysmorphia” and the “Instaface effect” reinforce unrealistic beauty standards that influence surgical considerations. For female university students, this environment creates mounting pressure to alter their appearance to align with unrealistic standards. In contrast, public figures like Pamela Anderson and Aimee Lou Wood, who embrace their natural looks despite online criticism, offer rare but powerful examples of authenticity— models that can help young women push back against a culture of perfection and self-surveillance.
Don’t forget—you were born beautiful, and you don’t need an app filter or a needle to prove it.
From Coptic Cairo to the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo is a total must-visit city.
PHOTO BY: Eva Sheahan
PHOTO BY: @tova_leigh on Instagram
ConfessIons of a water gIrl
water and life
Eva Sheahan Postscript Editor
I’m not saying I’m part fish, but the lake definitely knows my name.
The first time I went swimming with my ex-boyfriend, I jumped in without hesitation in a moment of pure boldness. I swam backwards with a smile, and he exclaimed with a grin, “I had no idea you were a fish!” Maybe being a fish had to do with the fact that I was born on July 1, a time when summer starts to throw open its sun-soaked curtains. Since day one, my days have flowed with water—splashing, floating, and carefree. Only recently, during the middle of a swim, did I realize how silently loyal the water has been to me. As someone who tries to practice gratitude for the little moments in life, I’d somehow overlooked this lifelong companion.
“Only recently, during the middle of a swim, did I realize how silently loyal the water has been to me
For the horoscope diehards out there, my aforementioned birth date makes me a Cancer— sentimental, prone to mood swings, and as a water sign, supposedly ruled by emotions that ebb and flow like the ocean. Though I don’t often
traits of Cancers, there’s something that touches me about being a water sign—it feels right. Recently, I spent the weekend on the south coast of Turkey with two friends—a quick break from Istanbul, where I am studying abroad in a city that straddles the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. The bright blue Mediterranean Sea beckoned me from the moment I plunged my bare feet into the sand. While my friends lingered near the shore, I—true to my inner fish—dove in and swam out as far as the sea would let me.
“The bright blue Mediterranean Sea beckoned me from the moment I plunged my bare feet into the sand
Surrounded by green mountains and cupping the clear water to my cheeks, the moment felt purely serene, like I could die right then and still be infinitely fulfilled. Without any social distractions, I was suddenly flooded with memories from childhood: doing underwater somersaults and handstands with my brother, the sharp chlorine scent of the pool during swimming lessons, and the awkward high school years when I didn’t want to wear a bikini or take off my makeup to swim.
As I plunged into the
a quiet, constant companion. Maybe it started at birth. I was born in Kingston, at the General Hospital overlooking Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, and from the very beginning,waterwasjustoutsidethe window—steady and constant— probably why I’ve always seen it as a trusting and selfless companion.
Throughout university, whenever things got overwhelming, I’d find myself down at the pier. The water never failed to offer me a listening ear without ever needing anything in return. Even now, as I drifted in the Mediterranean, I found myself missing the sharp jolt of fresh water after leaping off the pier with my friends.
The truth is that, unlike many things in my life, I’ve never had to ask for a change in character from the deep blue water—I’ve never asked for love, friendship, enlightenment, or perfection. I just swim. Whether it’s deep breast strokes underwater or a light doggy paddle where I skim the surface of the water, there’s no pressure to accomplish something because there aren’t rules. I simply love it all—love in a pure way that exists without asking for anything in return, and without me realizing it’s there.
Whenever people ask about my hobbies, I always say reading and writing. These aren’t just hobbies— they’re part of who I am. But for years, I treated them like
used to be a peaceful escape—curling up with a book—became a strict routine, like medicine I had to take daily. Missing even one page would unleash a flood of guilt and self-criticism.
Besides swimming, it’s hard to find anything I love that doesn’t come tangled up with pressure and expectation.
I often find myself floating around in my head—whether that’s reading, writing, or when I’m staring into space, pondering, my mind is a popular entity—leaving my body often neglected. Yet, as I was having my aqua-themed epiphanies, I felt the part of the larger system that is my body. It was a feeling of connection between my body and mind that I don’t frequently feel. It was almost as though water was the glue binding us—my mind and body—together, which isn’t necessarily wrong, seeing that 70 per cent of the world is composed of water and 60 per cent of the human body is made of water.
“Besides swimming, it’s hard to find anything I love that doesn’t come tangled up with pressure and expectation
In that moment in the sea, kicking my ankles and watching my feet ripple through the water, I
I realized anything or anyone I’ve ever loved has been further bonded to me through a backdrop of water. Whether it was admiring a beautiful garden that featured a glittering pond or laughing with my mom while treading together in a lukewarm pool, water has been there listening and watching me grow up, urging me forward.
“I realized anything or anyone I’ve ever loved has been further bonded to me through a backdrop of water
Water has even been here while I’m so far from home, making my exchange experience even better. Whether I’m swimming in the sea or eating ice cream while watching the Bosphorus shimmer in the sunshine—these are the beautiful, water-centric moments I’ll never forget. The future is always uncertain, but what I do know is that I’ll dive into the next chapter of my life with an open heart and a cute swimsuit.
Want to write a postscript? Email journal_postscript@ams.queensu.ca for more details.
An exploration of Eva’s underwater epiphanies.