What SMCSU Has in Store for You
How Many Councillors does it take to fix a Printer?
Yusuf Durmus
PRESIDENT, SMCSU
The answer is 5 councilors, one Alessandro, 15 tools and divine intervention. As some of you might know, the SMCSU printer, named Priya, had been out of order for the past 2 weeks. Priya had signed a DNR, however the councilors and Alessandro went against her wishes and brought her back to life. And with that, SMCSU has resumed offering their Office Resources. What are these office resources you might ask? For those who need printing, free printing is available during Office Hours (hours can be found on SMCSU instagram). For those who need
that extra kick of caffeine to last the day, SMCSU has a free coffee and tea station. And for those who are looking for someone to chat with, SMCSU councilors are all ears. Quite literally, they are not allowed to talk during their office hours unless someone gives them the magic word; “Hoikety”.
Let’s start talking about events, cause who doesn’t like free food? Throughout the year, SMCSU will host various events, programming, and workshops. Here are some upcoming events that you really might want to show up for:
Michaelmas is happening on Thursday, September 26th from 1-4pm. You didn’t hear it from me but there might be free poutine
and cake.
Michaelmas Family Night happening on Thursday September 26th from 5-9pm. You get to sing your heart out and play board games with your friends and meet new people.
Trivia Night happening in early October will allow you to showcase your knowledge.
Halloween Special happening at the end of October to show your true self (through costumes of course).
Make sure to mark your calenders and remember: “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present”. And this is my present to you today.
Are You Ready For The Mike?
What’s Happening on The Mike for its 76th Year
Darian Trabold
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As the school year begins, The Mike resumes printing for its 76th year! I am honored and privileged to serve as the paper’s Editor-in-Chief this year. My goal is to return it back to its tagline: “By Students, For Students.” I want people to look forward to reading The Mike, not only because of the awesome crossword but because we are writing articles that students are interested in reading.
Our first issue has a variety of articles. From the NDP splitting from the Liberals to the much anticipated SMC Troubadours show preview to the Paralympics to SMC places as songs and whether handwritten notes are better than typing notes; there is something for everyone. Many of the articles were suggested at a team meeting we had before issue 1 which is another goal of mine for The Mike: to be more collaborative.
The Mike is nothing without its Masthead and writers. I know it is only Issue 1 but it went so well because of our incredible section editors: Lucas, Lauren, Ethan, Caroline, Mauli, and Carina as well as our wonderful associates Arrianna, Adela, and
Karen who all worked incredibly hard. Many of the photos in The Mike were taken by the best photo team at SMC: Emily and Aiden. Despite not having an Instagram, our amazing Social Media Manager, Miranda is coming up with ideas to make The Mike TikTok famous. Elise, our Senior Copy Editor, and Serena worked hard on Wednesday to ensure all our articles were ready for publication. Joseph, one of our Senior Staff writers, not only contributed great ideas at our meeting but also wrote an interesting article about the NDP-Liberal Divorce. The Queen of Spreadsheets and Finances Jenna ensures The Mike does not go broke. The best graphic designer at SMC, Diana, not only made the phenomenal cover for this issue but is also the
THE MIKE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rosie McDonald managingeditor@readthemike.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Jenna Brown business@readthemike.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Elise Cressatti srcopyeditor@readthemike.com
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Sara Moretto editoratlarge@readthemike.com
DESIGN MANAGER Diana Radenko
DELIVERY MANAGER Dimitrios Gkiokmema
NEWS EDITOR
Ethan Chan newsthemike@gmail.com
OPINION EDITOR Carina Mercado opinionsthemike@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR
Lauren Sarney featuresthemike@gmail.com
ARTS EDITOR
Caroline Switkowski artsthemike@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Mauli Shah lifestylethemike@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR Adela Cucu
ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Arrianna Toolsie
Yearbook Editor. You are reading this right now because our favorite delivery manager, Dimitrios, ran around campus with a little cart to drop off The Mike. Last, but certainly not least are Rosie and Sara; there are not enough adjectives meaning incredible to describe them and their work, I literally would not be functioning without them. Thank you does not even begin to describe my gratitude to everyone.
One article we have is reflecting on first weeks of first year which leads me to the photo. That photo is from my high school newspaper, where my love for journalism began. It’s been a crazy ride from then to now but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It is my honor to welcome you to The Mike 2024-25!
ASSOCIATE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Karen Maktabi
PHOTO EDITORS Aidan Fung Emily Tung
ILLUSTRATION EDITOR
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Miranda Leong
COPY EDITORS Serena Williams
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
Joseph Pontisso Maryam Riaz
VACANT ROLES
Copy Editors (multiple)
Associate News Editor
Associate Features Editor
Illustration Editor
Senior
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
A Sip of Convenience or a Public Gamble? News
Ontario’s New Alcohol Rules in Corner Stores Takes Effect
Ethan Chan
NEWS EDITOR
As of September 5, 2024, at 7 a.m., you could walk into one of nearly 4,200 convenience stores in Ontario and pick up beer, wine, cider, and ready-made-todrink cocktails. This new reform is part of Conservative Premier Doug Ford’s 2018 pledge to increase Ontarians’ accessibility to alcohol. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) has licensed over 4,200 stores, or nearly 40% of all Ontario convenience stores.
Originally, the sale of alcohol was restricted to the LCBO and Beer Stores since the Liquor Control Act was passed in 1927. However, it will now extend into the uncharted territory of the convenience store, driving the province towards a notable increase in foot traffic and overall sales. This shift is taking place 16
months ahead of schedule, with grocery stores following suit on Halloween — October 31 — selling beer, wine, cider, and canned spirits, with only the LCBO retaining complete control over wholesale alcohol distribution until 2026.
While the expansion has clear intentions of offering greater convenience for consumers to acquire their alcohol, it has sparked concern among both public health experts and parents alike. Initially, health experts warn that increased access to alcohol may lead to an increase in alcohol-related health issues. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, nearly 5% of Ontarians report a mental health or addiction disability, or roughly 728,000 people. In response, the Ontario government committed $10 million over the next five years towards social responsibility programs such as public education and addiction
treatment.
Also, parents of young children who attend schools located close to governmentapproved convenience stores that can sell alcohol expressed concern, worrying that, by placing alcohol in environments frequented by young people, more alcohol-related issues will transpire. Many parents question whether that new “sip of convenience” is almost too convenient, with Reddit users such as Fianna9 highlighting the contradictory policies of a strict ‘no one under 19’ rule and tinted windows at pot shops but
zero monitoring with booze in convenience stores.
Expanding alcohol to convenience stores will create more financial opportunities for businesses. However, online reactions are mixed, with public health officials and parents expressing concerns about the potential consequences of increasing access to alcohol amid a mental health crisis. As Ontario continues to push forward, the government must closely monitor the effects of increased alcohol availability to ensure public safety remains a top priority.
The NDP-Liberal Divorce
Will Canadians Head to the Polls after the NDP-Liberal Deal Ends?
Joseph Pontisso
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
On September 4, Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) announced its immediate exit from a supply-and-confidence agreement it had formed with Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government in 2022, almost a year before the deal’s scheduled end in June 2025.
In a video posted to social media, party leader Jagmeet Singh said that he had “ripped up the supply-and-confidence agreement.” The deal, the first
of its kind in Canadian federal politics, has allowed the minority Liberal government to stay in power, getting NDP support in confidence votes for the last two and a half years in exchange for backing key NDP policies. Now, every new confidence vote will come with the possibility of ending Trudeau’s government, although political analysts are split over when they think an election will finally come.
Singh’s video comes as NDP members are frustrated with what the agreement has allowed them to accomplish, and amid worry that association with an increasingly unpopular Liberal brand my hurt them when an election is finally called. The NDP has been partially successful in advancing two of its largest priorities under the arrangement: national dental and pharmacare programs. Over 70% of dentists now take patients through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, while the national pharmacare bill passed the House of Commons in June, and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. Despite these developments, the party had
been publicly threatening to pull out of their deal with the Liberals since February, when leader Singh expressed his frustration with slow progress on the pharmacare bill. An unnamed source told CBC that an oftenrepeated phrase within the party recently has been “we’ve got to get out.” Another unnamed source said that in June, the NDP caucus was told to expect an end to the agreement in the coming months. By then, “members of caucus understood we’ve kind of hit this limit in what the Liberals are prepared to do,” explained NDP house leader Peter Julian in a recent CBC interview.
The end of the deal will keep Canada’s federal political parties busy. Singh said in his announcement video that the Liberals were not ready to fight the Conservatives in “a battle for the future of the middle class,” no doubt looking to present the NDP as the new main opposition to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, while the Liberals will continue their summer caucus retreat hoping to regroup. The Conservatives will almost
definitely table a confidence vote to try and force an election as soon as parliament resumes this fall, while the Bloc Quebecois have announced their willingness to prop up the current government in exchange for Liberal support of their own priorities regarding pensions and immigration.
Unfortunately, this political jockeying leaves Canadians without much clarity on when an election might come, although one will occur October 2025 at the latest. CBC reports political science professor Lori Turnbull from Dalhousie University as saying an election is likely in March or April, when budgets are usually voted on, while former national Conservative campaign manager Fred DeLorey said on CBC’s Power and Politics the day the news broke that a winter election was likely. On that show’s evening segment, federal NDP president Mary Shortall declined to comment on when she thought an election would occur.
Canadian politics should remain interesting – for how long, we can only guess.
Photo Credit: Christopher Katsarov
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
News
Welcome to SMC!
Here’s what you need to know about St. Mikes this
Zoe Galletta
CONTRIBUTOR
SMC, can I get a Hoikety Choik on C? If you don’t recognize that line, it is a sign to get more involved with St. Michael’s College! But to help out those of you that are confused: that is the first line to one of Saint Michael’s most popular cheers: “The Hoikety Choik”!
St. Michael’s College sets the tone of excitement and entertainment for all other University of Toronto undergraduate colleges. It is not just a college; it is a welcoming community to all! One of the biggest goals of the St. Mike’s community is to continue to nurture an environment rich in diversity and inclusivity. As the tight knit community that it is, St. Mike’s strives to accommodate the wants and needs of every
single student, which includes the enrichment of student life at UofT, hence its very large array of clubs, athletics, student societies, drop-in activities, and the list goes on! St. Mike’s offers countless activities, ranging from high energy athletics, like Budotaijutsu and Praise & Worship Dancercise, to relaxing pastimes that require almost no energy at all, like acrylic paint nights and Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Partake in one, or partake in all, it’s your call!
One noteworthy event that must be highlighted is SMC Cheese, a weekly drop-in grilled cheese event hosted by yours truly. It is held every Thursday from 11am-1pm in the student lounge area in Brennan Hall. Drop in for some jaw-dropping and not to mention, completely free grilled cheese sandwich made fresh by SMC committee members! But this isn’t just any
Week!
grilled cheese sandwich… it’s an SMC Cheese!
Not convinced? The University of St. Michael’s College hosts events such as pub nights, open mic nights, therapy dog sessions, and even academic lectures (if you feel like UofT hasn’t loaded your schedule up with enough lectures).
If you’re looking to get more involved in school, embrace a hidden talent, try something
new, or pursue any other goal, come check out St. Mike’s! It is guaranteed that you’ll gain something from checking out the activities, whether that’s relaxation, getting your heartbeat up with some physical activities, or meeting new people. So come on out and embrace the full Saint Mike’s experience!
For more information, visit the St. Mike’s website where you can find in-depth descriptions of events and clubs, a student events calendar, and so much more information on St. Michael’s College in general!
about TIFF 2024 Film, Politics, and CGI Monkeys?
Everything Scandalous and
Lizzie Federico
CONTRIBUTOR
After many under the radar festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival was an exciting, shocking, and loaded event for many. For the average person seeing headlines about the festival, interest lies in one thing and one thing only… the actors. Whether you’re a teenager scrolling on TikTok, or seeing daily news headlines on your office browser, the priority celebrities have on our world is indisputable. Andrew Garfield for We Live In Time, Daisy EdgarJones stunning on the red carpet, and Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan at the Swift Horses premier party are a few of the headline worthy
noteworthy
stars that took Toronto by storm from September 5–15. One of the many actors that stirred up talk was none other than Angelina Jolie, the Oscar winner 2024’s “TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media” honouree, but not without scandal. Unexplainably, hours prior to the award ceremony Jolie’s team, via TIFF programmers, informed the media of their request for no photography or videography of her acceptance speech. This seemingly pointless request that had heads turning all over the festival was the key discussion surrounding the impact awards, taking away from the many other uncontroversial honourees. Besides the confusion surrounding Jolie’s win, Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, and David Cronenberg numbered among the tribute award recipients, to name a few.
Beyond the drama filled actors and the superfan outlook, the true focus, the films were jam-packed and buzzworthy for months before the unrolling of the red carpet even began. Probably the buzziest of all, starring Andrew Garfield and
Florence Pugh, director John Crowley’s We Live in Time is a thoughtful romance that has been a reoccurring headline grab for months, something many critics have been antsy to get their hands on. Many features this year focused on something a little less common for TIFF: music. That’s right! It was all things chorus and melodies in 2024, including documentaries about Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Paul Anka, Andrea Bocelli and more. Still on music, but more in the questionable, Robbie Williams unconventional biopic, rumoured to include a CGI monkey’s portrayal of the singer, and Pharrell Williams’s Piece by Piece, depicting his career solely through LEGO have elicited much intrigue. Many Canadian films will also feature at TIFF 2024, representing its native country fantastically with titles such as Guy Maddin’s Rumours — Canada’s official Oscar’s 2025 submission —and the CanadianAmerican produced The Order The films, however, are not without controversy of their own. A heated debate of politics and expression rights
was brewing underneath the media-centric narrative of flashy biopics and CGI primates. Russians at War, RussianCanadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova’s documentary, elicited protest from Ukrainian officials and Ukrainian Canadian communities, amounting the film to propaganda. Initially claiming the film was “in no way” propagandist, TIFF planned to proceed with the screening; as of September 12, the day before the documentary’s premier, TIFF announced that all screenings of the film would be paused. Organisers blamed the move on “significant threats to festival operations and public safety,” whereas filmmakers have called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to investigate “this affront, from within a sovereign government, to our democratic values in a free media.” Uproars have risen from both Russian and Ukrainian sides regarding this film, likely leading to the cancellation on behalf of TIFF in an attempt to avoid unnecessary conflict while trying to bring back engagement post-Covid-19.
TIFF 2024 was an event definitely getting back on its feet, to say the least,. Who knows what jaw dropping moments 2025 will bring; maybe playdoh penguins — we’ll just have to wait and see.
Photo Credit: Clare He
Photo Credit: SMC Flickr
Arts
Arts Editor Caroline Switkowski artsthemike@gmail.com
SMC Troubadours 2024-2025 Season Reveal
Learn about the shows being produced by the Troubs in their upcoming season.
Christina Shnaider
VP
OF ARTS, SMCSU & SMC TROUBADOURS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Are you interested in getting more involved in the theatre community on campus either on stage or behind the scenes? Or maybe you are just an active theatergoer who loves seeing different shows? Well, St. Michael’s College has its very own drama society offering just that!
The St. Michael’s College Troubadours (SMCT) — also known as The Troubs — is one of six student-run drama societies here at the University of Toronto. They produce a yearly season of five plays, musicals, and original student-written work offering something for everyone!
The Troubs are kicking off their season with Every Brilliant Thing directed by Alex Teschow. Every Brilliant Thing tells the story of a young child trying to cure their mother’s depression by curating a list of all the amazing things that the universe has to offer. The list begins with simple things (ice-cream, kung-
fu films) but grows to encompass more personal joys. This show is an immersive solo play, played by one narrator and supportive roles given randomly to the audience each night. Every Brilliant Thing runs October 17–19 on St Mike’s campus. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased on the Troubs’ Instagram @smc_ troubadours.
Later in the fall semester, the Troubs are putting on Lord of the Flies directed by Andrea Perez based on the book by William Golding. Lord of the Flies opens amid a raging war, and a plane evacuating a group of schoolboys crashing on a deserted island. The boys are left to fend for themselves with no adult supervision. Surviving on their own is hard enough, but is even harder once they realize they might not be alone on the island. Lord of the Flies runs November 28–30 at Hart House Theatre.
In the winter semester, SMCT is putting on Tick, Tick… BOOM directed by Alicia Balduzzi, musically directed by Jo O’Leary Ponzo, and choreographed by Noam Citrin. Tick Tick… BOOM
is an autobiographical rock musical follows Jonathan Larson, a composer and playwright. The year is 1990, it’s New York City, and Jon feels like he’s running out of time. As his 30th birthday nears, Jon is forced to navigate his relationships, life choices, and his dream of becoming Broadway’s next Big Thing. Tick Tick… BOOM will be on stage from January 25–27, 2025 at Palmerston Library Theatre.
The Troubs are not done yet! In February, they are putting on The Shawshank Redemption directed by St. Mike’s very own Neve Chamberlain. Originally a Stephen King novella and adapted into a movie, the play follows Andy Dufresne’s life sentence in the notorious Shawshank prison. He must find a way to keep himself and his hope alive by using his wits and forging friendships. The Shawshank Redemption is a story of resilience, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit. It is, at its core, a message of hope. The show is set for February 13–15, 2025 at Hart House Theatre.
Lastly, SMCT is producing the new musical In Pieces, directed
by Jenna Borden, musically directed by Max Webb Comor, and choreographed by Amelia Wilder. In Pieces reflects on the romantic journeys of eight individuals in New York City. A magical first kiss, an unlikely friendship, well kept secrets, the monotony, the rebound, an awkward reunion on the 1 train, and the honest conversations deserving more: all these pieces of a life that come together to create a universal remembrance of what it’s like to be young and learning to love. In Pieces is set for March 13–15, 2025, venue to be announced. If you would like to get involved in this production, auditions and crew calls have been released on the Troubs instagram.
SMCT has an amazing season ahead! The fall semester shows have already begun rehearsing for their big debuts, while the winter semester shows are finishing up with casting. There are still many opportunities to get involved in one of the Troubs’ shows no matter your program, year, or previous experience. To all those involved in the 2024–2025 season, break a leg!
Spending ‘These Days’ at the Wallows Model Tour
Wallows rock Budweiser Stage.
Adela Cucu
ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR
The alternative rock band Wallows is most commonly recognized by their lead singer and star of the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, Dylan Minnette. however, the band wouldn’t be complete without their bassist Braeden Lemasters, and drummer Cole Preston. They recently wrapped up a world tour promoting their latest album Model, with one of their biggest shows at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, which I had the pleasure of attending. As a fan of their music, I was excited, but truth be told, their performance without a doubt exceeded all of my expectations – it was truly something else!
The concert kicked off with “Calling After Me,” a track
from their new album, and continued with a mix of old and new songs (something I really appreciated, being more familiar with their older music). With vibrant lighting that matched the tempo of each song and a massive screen behind the band showcasing the band’s name and album cover at one point, the stage was so mesmerizing to look at and made the experience all the more magical. About halfway through the show, the band started walking through the audience — my friends and I went crazy thinking they would walk by us To our disappointment, they walked on the left side aisle and through the center… but then to our shock, they started playing a few hits (“1980s Horror Film” being my favourite) right there in the center of the audience! They had a small setup, complete with candles, creating an intimate and
heartwarming atmosphere.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how down-to-earth the three band members seemed. On stage, they acted and spoke like normal people, casually chatting with the audience as if they were hanging out with friends. At one point, Cole, the drummer, mentioned in between songs what he and his bandmates were doing downtown the other day. He stumbled on his words as he explained they spent their free time exploring Queen Street and trying out an escape room. He awkwardly asked the crowd, “Does anyone here, uh, like escape rooms?” The crowd roared in response, and not really knowing what to say next, he passed the mic back to Dylan for the next song. That little moment was beautiful — it humanized them in my eyes. It even made me think that achieving something
big, something like performing in front of a crowd of thousands of people (even if I don’t aspire to be a performer) felt a little more attainable, like anyone could achieve something big like that – like it’s not something impossible. Overall, the energy throughout the entire concert was incredible, thinking back on it now fills me with a nostalgic sense of longing. Songs like “Bad Dream,” “These Days,” and “Just Like a Movie” had that comingof-age feel — reminiscent of The Perks of Being a Wallflower —that makes you feel like the main character in an indie high school film. As an avid concertgoer, this show has to be one of my favourites yet. I hope I can speak to a few Wallows fans out there, or maybe even help make someone a new fan!
First Week
A look back at where we began, from your pals at The Mike
Lauren Sarney
FEATURES EDITOR
The most vivid memory I have of my first day of university went as follows: once we had moved in, my very new roommate admitted that her mother warned her that I might be trouble, based on the decorations I brought. It took me maybe too long to figure out what she meant, but then it all became clear: weeks prior my boyfriend and I had gone shopping for room decor, and in our local vintage shop I found a stack of old newspapers I bought for a buck. The most coveted among the yellowing papers was an emboldened print of the Twisted Sisters lead singer Dee Snider, grinning in profile under blaring lights that accentuated the blue and rose of his makeup. You can imagine, I’m sure, the mortification that came next as I attempted to explain that, no, I did not and will likely never like Twisted Sister, I just liked the colors on the poster.
The specifics of that story might lack ubiquitous appeal, but the gist should give anyone who has - recently or notbegun school at some point a morsel of deja vu. We all began somewhere, so for this article we’ll be looking back at what the team on The Mike can recall of their first weeks.
On moving in
Jenna: My first week started with moving into residence at Elmsley Hall. I was super nervous as I had never met my roommate before, but I was excited to see what was in store! I met my roommate and my neighbors and we instantly clicked.
Aiden: First week was a blur. I locked myself out of my own room multiple times, spent most of my time hanging out at my friend’s dorm in Campus One, and did my best to explore the surrounding downtown area of St Mike’s.
Darian: Quite honestly, I cried a lot. I missed my cats, my family, and my home in Florida. The Toronto Air Show going on at the same time did not help. It was so hot in Elmsley so I couldn’t
close my window (which did not even open all the way) to soften the noise. My roommate was not moving in the next day but thankfully I met my first friend across the hall from me, who made me feel a little less lonely that first day. The next day I also got even luckier when I met my roommate, who I still live with today, 4 years later; I couldn’t imagine my college experience without her.
On the rest
Jenna: I went to frat parties on my first week… that was interesting!
Miranda: [First week was] lots of fun orientation activities and meetings with different residence houses. The club fair was fun but extremely hot and disorganized.
Lucas: Other than being lost on campus a few times, the one
On friendship
Jenna: Now looking back as I am in my fourth year, I see that I met my forever friends, and I am so grateful for everything I did this first week of the first year.
Miranda: Everybody is very open to meeting new people, my roommate and I sat with a random girl in the dining hall in the first week and now she is one of our closest friends.
Aiden: I had already made most of my friends from orientation, so we mostly hung out or studied in Robarts.
Darian: I will never be more grateful for a group of people than the girls of Elmsley Four. Coming from far away I was nervous people would already know each other or have things in common that I could not relate to. I quickly realized many were in the same boat as me; I felt like I had found a family in this large university.
Looking back
Ethan: This past first week was the] lightest it’s been in years: but equally as nerve racking. Getting used to everything again, even in my fourth year, is not easy. I still look back at my first year at UofT and wonder how I did it all!
Dimitrios: What stood out to me about my first few weeks here is how fun and exciting university can be! While our primary goal at university is our studies, that is just the tip of the university iceberg! There are countless groups to get involved with, events to go to, and things to do during your time at UofT. You can find something different to do each day, so be sure to make the most of these opportunities.
thing that I remember so well from my first week was during the first day of school, I went to a 9am tutorial, not knowing tutorials did not run during the first week
On… Zoom?
Karen: My first week was actually online… It was September 2021, the covid pandemic was still ongoing and Orientation was taking place virtually. I actually never attended FROSH week, everything was so confusing, and the thought of activities happening online wasn’t exactly motivating... My first ever lecture was on Microsoft Teams, and honestly? It was the worst! I hated feeling so disconnected from other classmates, the distance making it almost impossible to make friends. So, in a nutshell? First week for me... was a learning curve, it was stressful, strange, and oddly familiar: felt like high school never ended since we were once again, back in the oh so comfortable setting of virtual classes
Lauren: Now, going into my third year, that first day story renders me both wistful and restless. In many ways I have completely eschewed that freshman girl - that boyfriend and I couldn’t hack long distance but have now sustained a fruitful friendship, I have moved residences twice, and I no longer speak to some of the people I once dined with - but on the whole I feel so proud of that shambolic first year. If I were to have been gifted the option of clairvoyance in that first week, I’m sure the temptation of looking to the future - this future I’m living now - might have been too good to pass up, yet I remain happy that omnipotence has not been given to me. Through the years I’ve learned so much about what I will and will not take, how to love myself, how to love others, how to study properly (because Dimitrios is right, university is kind of supposed to be for learning!) That first week is now a distant memory, but it also showed me that I can be outgoing, can be involved, and can enjoy the god life even in the throes of school. I’ve brought these lessons even into this year, so as I was unpacking my third dorm room, I left Dee Snider in a box at home. I may not need his painted face for room decor anymore, but I’ll always fondly recall how he brought me and my first roomate together. And also how he freaked out her mum.
Photo Credit: Lauren Sarney
My Childhood Hero, The Great Eight
How Alexander Ovechkin made me fall in love with hockey.
Lucas Carpignano SPORTS EDITOR
Growing up in Canada, it’s almost a given that hockey would be a part of my life. Being born into a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs family, I was surrounded by blue and white my entire life. However, my passion for hockey was ignited by none other than The Great Eight, Alexander Ovechkin. Something about his eclectic style of play made me fall in love with the sport. This is the story of how the goal-scoring machine became my childhood hero and deepened my love for hockey.
Despite being drafted into the NHL in 2004 when I was only two months old, some of my earliest memories related to hockey were watching his highlights on YouTube. His playstyle stood out to me compared to other players. The way Ovechkin was always able to find open space on the ice, coupled with his lightningfast reflexes and powerful shots, made him a mesmerizing player to watch. He possessed the ability to anticipate plays and position himself perfectly for scoring opportunities. I would always feel bad for goaltenders when he was lined up in his signature spot, the left face-off circle, waiting to unleash his dominant
Tennis’ Unequal Playing Field
Jannik Sinner’s Doping Case Fuels Controversy and questions
Darian Trabold EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
On August 20th, just a week before the U.S. Open began, Italian tennis star and world number one Jannik Sinner revealed via social media that he had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol twice, during Indian Wells in March. The announcement came as a shock to many as no one was aware this was happening. This
case remained confidential for months, and Sinner was allowed to compete during the investigation—a rare privilege in such cases. Although Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing, his case reveals discrepancies in how big stars in the sport are treated compared to others.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) handles doping cases in tennis in accordance with the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP).
Clostebol, what Sinner tested
Sports Editor Lucas Carpignano sportsthemike@gmail.com
one-timer, which would usually result in a goal. Ovechkin has scored 853 goals in his career so far and currently sits second in NHL history only behind Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. At the age of 39, Ovechkin does not plan on retiring anytime soon, as he continues to chase down Gretzky’s record.
Although Ovechkin is considered the greatest goal scorer of all time, it took him 13 seasons with the Washington Capitals to finally win his first Stanley Cup. After years of playoff heartbreaks, in 2018, Ovechkin
positive for, is an anabolic steroid found in many over-the-counter ointments and sprays (like Neosporin) sold in Italy. Sinner claims the clostebol entered his system unintentionally following a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used an ointment to treat a cut on his hand and then gave Sinner a massage with no gloves causing the unintentional contamination. When Sinner and his team were notified of the positive test, they appealed the provisional suspension explaining the unintentional contamination which ITIA accepted, allowing Sinner to continue playing while the matter was investigated without the public’s knowledge. While all proper TADP protocols were followed, there were key decisions that shielded Sinner from the same scrutiny and stress other players in similar situations felt. The reaction of other players surrounding the case reflects the frustration many players feel surrounding double standards in tennis.
Former World No.1 and Grandslam champion Simona Halep found herself in a similar situation to Sinner. In her case, the ITIA did not accept her explanation for unintentional contamination, and she was given a four-year suspension which was reduced to nine months following an appeal to the Court
and the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals to win the series 4-1. I remember watching this game from my bedroom holding my breath until the last whistle blew. Watching Ovechkin’s reaction to finally being able to lift the most coveted trophy in hockey was a feeling I won’t forget and is by far my favourite hockey memory.
While Ovechkin is nearing retirement, his impact on my love for hockey is immeasurable. His career has been a thrilling journey of ups and downs that inspired thousands of fans around the world. As he continues to chase records and create unforgettable moments on the ice, I will never forget how he turned my passion for hockey into a central part of my lifestyle.
of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, she had already served almost two years of the ban by the time it was reduced. When Maria Sharapova was accused of doping, she also went through a lengthy process to have her ban reduced while at the same time dealing with the loss of sponsorships and damage to her reputation. Despite both women being successful, they were not at the peak of their popularity; unlike Sinner who was having his best year to date. Reacting to Sinner’s case Halep said, “It was judged in a completely different way to my case.”
While there certainly needs to be reform in the process for handling doping, that is fair and equitable, this case also highlights the frustration many players feel in regard to the favorable treatment star players get in all aspects of the sport. Co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and 24-time Grandslam champion Novak Djokovic in his reaction to Sinner’s case highlights how costly these cases can be. Star players can hire the best lawyers to get their cases resolved quickly, whereas others cannot. Tennis is an expensive sport, with tournaments happening all over the globe, and many players are struggling to survive. Players have to pay for their travel, accommodations,
Photo Credit: Darian Trabold
Photo Credit: Gary Vasquez, USA TODAY sports
coaches, and many other expenses themselves. Add on a doping case and many players cannot afford the additional costs and are often forced to serve the suspension or unable to fight the provisional ban which leaves them unable to compete and earn a living while the case is slowly investigated.
Tennis benefits from superstars like Serena Williams and Roger Federer. They draw in big crowds - even in earlyround matches - and bring in TV ratings. They have rightly earned their spots as superstars, winning tournaments and drawing increased interest in the sport. However, it does not
Troubles at Red Bull Will Red Bull lose both championships?
Ianna Martinez Barwrientos CONTRIBUTOR
For the past two years, it felt as if the only national anthems heard during the podium ceremonies were those of the Netherlands and Austria. However, this season took an unexpected turn when two papaya-coloured cars began to catch up, and just as quickly, it felt as if Red Bull might lose both championships to McLaren. But will this actually happen?
Let’s start with the constructors’ championship. It’s no secret that the RB20 car has not been performing well this season and consequently, neither have both its drivers. For example, Sergio Perez has
not been on the podium since the Miami Grand Prix, meaning that he is not getting maximum points for Red Bull. With Perez’s performance declining, Red Bull is left with no choice but to rely on their other driver, Max Verstappen, to score points for the whole team. As a result of this, Red Bull has now lost first place in the constructors’ championship to McLaren and if the team continues to struggle for the remaining races, McLaren may very well be holding the constructors’ championship trophy at the end of this season.
On the other hand, the drivers’ championship does look promising for Red Bull. After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen is in first place with 313 points and Lando Norris is in second with 254 points. This means that Norris needs
stop resentment when they receive preferential treatment. Top players are scheduled on the show courts like Arthur Ashe Stadium which means when a rain delay occurs, they are not affected because they can just close the roof. If a top player has a concern, it is handled swiftly. This preferential treatment is
exacerbated in a situation where integrity and doping are involved as it seems the sport will protect its stars but not others. Players are using Sinner’s case to criticize the system, with the hopes of creating a more fair and equitable sport.
59 points to catch up. However small this number may seem, getting to this position may be harder for Norris than we think, especially when taking into consideration the chatter about McLaren not prioritizing him over his teammate, Oscar Piastri, and Ferrari’s new car upgrades.
Another reason why Verstappen may become a fourtime world champion at the end of this season is simply due to Norris’ driving when starting on pole position. Pole positions are given to the driver with the
The NFL Season Is Heating Up
Take a look at what to keep an eye out for during the new NFL season.
Arrianna Toolsie ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
After a very long six months without football, the 2024–25 NFL season has officially begun, and there is a lot to look forward to. Our Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays will now officially be filled with intense rivalries, dramatic endings, and anxiety as we watch all 32 NFL teams compete for the Lombardi
Trophy. I’ve got you covered for all the things to keep an eye on this season, which is going to be exciting!
We can’t talk about the NFL without mentioning the reigning champions of the past two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs! Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are unquestionably one of the best quarterback-tight end combinations in NFL history, as they continue to set records and dominate the league. Their
coach, Andy Reid, is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, and his work ethic is on full display whenever his team takes the field. We can expect the Chiefs to excel in both the American Football Conference West (AFC West) and the league, making them serious contenders for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
This season, we have a few players to look forward to seeing on the big screen. Most notably, Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback for the New York Jets, tore his Achilles four plays into the season opener last year. This season, he is expected to make a significant comeback, guiding the Jets up the American Football Conference East (AFC East) and into playoff contention.
We can’t highlight players unless one of them is a rookie. Kansas City Chiefs’ newest wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, is a player to keep an eye on. Before the draft, he ran the 40-yard dash in a record-breaking 4.21 seconds. Unsurprisingly, Worthy had an outstanding debut in
fastest lap during qualifying, which means they are granted to the driver with the fastest car. Throughout his Formula 1 career, Norris has started on pole five times and each time has failed to keep his position during the first lap. Given that McLaren has arguably one of the fastest cars on the grid right now, his inability to maintain pole position during the first lap might just cost him the drivers’ championship. But this is Formula 1 and as we have seen before, anything can happen in the final race!
Week 1, scoring two touchdowns in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Unsurprisingly, this is the second time the Buffalo Bills have traded draft picks to the Chiefs, and it has come back to bite them in the back because they, too, needed a receiver. The big question is: How will it affect the Bills in the long run?
Now, for the fun part: my season predictions! Is it evident that I am a Chiefs fan yet? Naturally, I project the Chiefs to win this year’s Super Bowl! However, it will not be an easy pass for them, as many underdogs, including the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, are trailing them and have similarities to the Chiefs. Overrated teams include the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, both of whom perform well but consistently fumble near the end of the season as they approach the playoffs.
This season has the potential to be unlike any other, full of surprises. So, sit back, grab your friends, a full tray of wings, and plenty of junk food, and enjoy the football season!
Photo Credit: Charles J. Horowitz
Photo Credit: New York Post
The Untenable Greatness of Carlos Alcaraz
The tennis wunderkind started by beating everyone – so why does he keep getting beaten
Vikram Nijhawan
CONTRIBUTOR
When then 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz Garfia arrived at the U.S. Open in 2021, close followers of the sport knew he was a rising star. It was his first time playing at the U.S. Open, and Alcaraz – ranked World No. 55 – met those lofty expectations true by upsetting World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas.
It was the biggest win of his career and advancing him to the quarterfinals. This would be a career-high moment for any young player, but one that Alcaraz topped the following year, when he won the U.S. Open, becoming the youngest men’s World No. 1 in the sport’s history. It spelled the beginning of a great career, which two years later has continued to trend upward, except for some lulls in form; anomalous because of his remarkable achievements. In the wake of a three-match losing streak starting this summer, leading to a blowout defeat at the U.S. Open to the unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp, it’s safe to say Alcaraz finds himself in another such slump at the tailend of 2024.
His latest loss is a blight on
an otherwise successful season, which saw the Spaniard win the elusive ‘Channel Slam’ – winning the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back – and finish runnerup at the Paris Olympics. Since arriving at the North American hardcourts, Alcaraz hasn’t been the same player – and it’s not the first time in his career that this has happened to him.
Last year, after winning Wimbledon Alcaraz looked unstoppable. Then he went eight months without winning a title, and during that stretch, only advanced to one tournament final. The young star had in a sense become a victim of his success: his comparative lateseason lows merely magnified by his earlier highs.
With Alcaraz, the explanation for his inconsistency lies somewhere between the qualitative and the quantitative. His incredibly bold approach, always looking to hit winners and play aggressively, has led to spectacular wins. But as stats have shown, when he’s suffered defeats, it’s been by wide margins on the decisive metrics. In his most recent U.S. Open loss to van de Zandschulp, for instance, he made a stunning 34 unforced errors compared to only 17 winners. While his ceiling
of potential is about the highest one could ever achieve on a tennis court, Alcaraz’s floor, to quote YouTube tennis pundit Gill Gross, is “unnecessarily erratic, wasteful, and error-filled.”
Beyond tactics, Alcaraz’s fullblooded intensity has also cost him. Like his legendary countryman Rafael Nadal, the younger star’s willingness to grind out every point ends up winning him plenty; but over the long run, he’s paid his dues with depleted stamina, resulting in frequent season-interrupting injuries. For all his relentless energy, it shows the 21-year-old isn’t indefatigable – neither physically, nor mentally.
When Djokovic edged past Alcaraz in an extremely narrow final at the Cincinnati Open last August, it left a mark on the latter for long after. He looked similarly frazzled at this year’s Cincinnati tournament – crashing out of his opening match, and smashing his racquet, in a first for the young model for good sportsmanship. This was just after a soulcrushing loss to Djokovic at the Olympics, in the match that cost him a gold medal.
It’s not difficult to conceive that this dispiriting loss could lead to another lackluster patch ahead for Alcaraz. He’s a player who rides on momentum, and
without it, he will likely struggle to maintain his dominance.
All this stands in contrast to his emerging rival, Jannik Sinner, whose rock-solid game and ability to roll off setbacks (including the controversy around a recent positive doping test) have allowed him to perform well consistently throughout 2024. Even without playing his A-game, the young Italian still won this year’s U.S. Open title without much trouble, never being pushed into a fiveset match.
Sinner and Alcaraz have split the year’s four Grand Slams between themselves and will surely compete as the two top contenders in all the rest for years to come. Both have proven to be preternatural talents; but while Alcaraz currently has an 81% winning record for the year, Sinner’s is at 91%, with only five losses, and none of them before a quarter final.
Sinner’s metronomic strokes may evoke fewer fireworks than his younger Spanish peer, but for all the flair that Carlos Alcaraz brings to the court, he may soon realize that style alone won’t guarantee fans root for him, nor for the results he wants.
Triumph and Inspiration at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Thousands
of athletes from around
Harmannat Singh CONTRIBUTOR
This year’s Paralympics have been an action-packed event, delivering inspiring, thrilling, and entertaining performances throughout the competition. With every athlete pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sports, the past few weeks have captivated audiences from around the globe and highlighted the power of resilience. China has been the standout nation, dominating the event with an astonishing 220 medals, including 94 golds. Great Britain and the United States gwere behind them with 124 and 105 total medals respectively. In a remarkable display of strength and precision, British archer Jodie Grinham made history by becoming the first athlete ever to win a Paralympic medal while pregnant. “It was
the world competed across hundreds of events..
like being a child at Christmas and getting your favorite toy,” the British archer said, full of emotion. Grinham is not new to the archery scene, nor is she new to being a Paralympic medalist, as she won a silver medal at Rio 2016. She has made her name in archery and has asserted herself as one of the most talented Paralympians, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.
If this year’s Paralympics could be summed up into one phrase, it would be “broken records”. The United States swim team, for example, put on a show, racking up thirty medals, including ten golds, seventeen silvers, and three bronzes. Their women’s team was outstanding: Christie Raleigh Crossley broke the world record in the women’s 50-meter freestyle S10, with a time of 27.28 seconds, Morgan Stickney broke the Paralympic record in the women’s 400-meter freestyle S7, and Gia Pergolini
earned consecutive gold medals.
Broken records at this year’s Paralympics were not limited to medals: Sarah Adam became the first ever woman to play for the United States wheelchair rugby team, contributing to a nailbiting 51-48 win against Canada. Having reached the finals, the US were eventually outplayed by Japan in the Gold Medal Game 48-41 in front of an electric crowd.
The Refugee Paralympic Team also won its first-ever medal, the feat being accomplished by Zakia Khudadadi securing bronze in K44 47kg taekwondo. The Afghan rose to prominence at the age of 18 after winning the African International Parataekwondo Championship in 2016 and was one of the first taekwondo practitioners in Afghanistan.
Not only are the Paralympics a world-class sporting event featuring incredibly skilled athletes, but they also serve
a larger purpose: promoting awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. With nearly 15% of the global population living with some form of disability, the Paralympics remind us that a physical or cognitive challenge in one area doesn’t define a person’s abilities in others. The strength, talent, and perseverance of individuals who continue to break barriers and redefine what it means to succeed should be celebrated to inspire a more inclusive mindset around the world.
Photo Credit: Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images
Opinions
Write That Down!
Why writing - not typing - is the best way to take notes
Adriano Portincasa
CONTRIBUTOR
Most of us prefer our laptops and tablets for taking notes. Why not use a pen and paper? Typing is faster! We can add, delete, copy, paste, highlight, search, and do almost anything to our notes. Autocorrect and spellchecking save us the trouble of remembering what words look like, and the infinite wisdom of the internet is only a tab away.
But what if these blessings are actually curses? What if taking notes the traditional way is better? Here are four reasons why writing — not typing — is the best way to take notes.
First, screens are too distracting. We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, messages, reminders, and
emails. Most things in a lecture are only said once or twice, but by the time we’ve sent our messages and scrolled through social media, something important in the lecture has been missed that might come back to haunt us on the exam.
Notifications can be turned off, but they can also be turned back on. The infinite rabbit hole is only a button away, and it’s far too easy to fall in. By switching to pen and paper, it forces our attention on writing itself without all the background noise of sports, shopping, news and videogames. We might start to scribble and draw, but unlike the internet, a sheet of paper has its limits.
Second, writing is slower. In an age of short attention spans and high-speed internet, this may sound like a bad thing.
But the slower pace of writing stops us from copying down everything the instructor says, a common pitfall that leaves us overwhelmed in the study process. Writing forces us to follow the flow of argument, absorb the main points, and translate it into fewer words. This simplifies the study process by narrowing our focus and concentrating on what matters most. Less is more — and it’s easier to remember.
Third, writing sharpens our mind. Paper has no autocorrect or spell-checker, and an overreliance on these tools can seriously lower our writing and cognitive capacities. We can be very confident in our writing with the help of those colourful, squiggly lines under every mistake. But once exam season comes around and we’ve lost
Self-Care or a Silent Surrender?
The ‘quiet quitting’ trend is spreading - is the secret to survivng doing less?
Xiwen Dong
CONTRIBUTOR
As academic pressures and mental health concerns become increasingly prevalent in universities, a trend known as “quiet quitting” is gaining popularity among students. Originally a workplace term referring to doing only the minimum required, it translates in a university setting to completing assignments and exams without engaging beyond what is necessary. This approach has sparked a debate on whether it represents a healthy boundarysetting practice or a troubling sign of lack of motivation and disengagement, raising questions about how students can balance academic success with mental well-being. The reasons behind this trend go beyond laziness; it points to a common issue that many students face—burnout and overwhelming pressure. As students struggle with the demands of excelling academically while balancing personal responsibilities, they often encounter a growing
sense of exhaustion. With the constant demands from coursework, extracurricular activities, sometimes even parttime jobs, many find themselves overwhelmed. Quiet quitting offers a way to manage their workloads by focusing solely on essential tasks, which can be seen as a form of selfpreservation. By limiting their efforts to what is strictly necessary to pass or achieve a decent grade, students can avoid additional stress and maintain a more balanced lifestyle. This approach helps establish clear boundaries and avoids excessive demands. Prioritizing mental health while navigating today’s demanding academic and social environments.
While quiet quitting may seem like a practical response to escalating pressure, it has potential drawbacks. By limiting effort to only what is necessary, students may reduce academic engagement and sense of achievement. Those who adopt this approach might miss out on valuable opportunities for growth, enrichment and networking that come from going beyond the minimum
Opinions Editor Carina Mercado OpinionsTheMike@gmail.com
access to those training wheels, it’s easy to forget how many M’s are in “accommodation” and whether the moon is “further” or “farther” than the sun. If we start practising these skills every time we take our notes, we can build that confidence and independence in preparation for those critical moments.
Finally, writing is more practical. Paper doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars if it breaks, nobody is going to steal it when you’re not looking, it’s lighter to carry around campus, and it doesn’t have any batteries that will die mid-lecture.
So is writing better for taking notes? It helps us to build the necessary skills to retain and organise information well, all while saving us from the unnecessary expenses, worries, and distractions of our screens. If that sounds like a good deal to you, then it might be time to give it a try.
requirements. This could place students at a disadvantage in competitive job markets or graduate school applications where engagement and diverse experiences are valued. Moreover, quiet quitting may contribute to a mindset where the emphasis shifts from striving for excellence to merely getting by. This mindset diminishes the value of education as a pursuit of knowledge and intellectual curiosity, reducing it to a purely transactional process to obtain a degree.
Beyond its impact on academic and professional opportunities, quiet quitting can also affect personal growth and well-being. By not going beyond the minimum, students might miss out on experiences that foster intellectual curiosity and personal enrichment. This could lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment, as individuals may find themselves completing tasks merely for the sake of completion rather than genuine engagement. Such an attitude might contribute to a general sense of disengagement from the academic community, which could carry over into future careers. Finding a balance between managing stress and staying motivated is crucial for academic success and personal growth.
In evaluating whether quiet quitting is a sustainable approach for student success, students should aim to manage stress while remaining engaged. While setting boundaries is essential for mental health, it is also crucial to remain motivated and involved in academic pursuits. Universities and educators can play a role in supporting this balance by creating environments that prioritize well-being while encouraging active participation and personal growth.
Quiet quitting, when approached thoughtfully, can offer relief from the intense pressures of student life. However, it should not become a default mode of operation that discourages ambition. By finding a middle ground, students can protect their mental health without sacrificing their academic and professional potential. Ultimately, the challenge lies in navigating these competing demands and ensuring that quiet quitting serves as a strategic tool for balance rather than a sign of disengagement. As you move forward, reflect on how you can use this approach, not just to cope, but to thrive. Balance selfcare with the pursuit of your goals, redefine what success means to you, and let your journey through university be one of both resilience and meaningful achievement.
Lifestyle Spots At St. Mike’s as Songs
Lifestyle Editor
Mauli Shah
lifestylethemike@gmail.com
Soundtrack to St. Mike’s: A Musical Journey Through St.Mike’s
Rosie McDonald
eggs and not mysterious yellow omelette liquid.
Ah, St. Michael’s College. Widely considered one of the most beautiful parts of the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus. From the quad to the historic houses, walking around St. Mike’s makes you want to pretend you’re in some gorgeously shot movie. Thus, I have been inspired to curate a short playlist that highlights some of St. Michael’s College’s most popular spots so you can have a soundtrack to your life at SMC.
1. The Canada Room – “I Say a Little Prayer”, Aretha Franklin Favourite line: “The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you.”
I have gotten food poisoning from the Canada Room, or the Croom (a more suitable name) not once, not twice, but three times. So, as a part of my morning routine, I would wake up and say a little prayer that breakfast was
2. The basketball court –“Get’cha Head In The Game” from the High School Musical Soundtrack
Favourite line: “Let’s make sure that we get the rebound cause when we get it then the crowd will go wild.”
I swear that those of you who use the basketball court outside of Elmsley Hall think you’re in the NBA. Sometimes you even do gather a crowd of people wanting in on the action. It’s very intense, and I support it. Truly, I do. But I can’t help but play this song in my head when I walk by and see you guys putting your blood, sweat, and tears on a paved court with one rickety netless basketball hoop.
3. The COOP – “Party Rock Anthem”, LMFAO
Favourite line: “Party rock is in the house tonight. Everybody just have a good time.”
I love going to the COOP planning on studying and walking into a ping pong tournament/Just
Balancing the Chaos
How to Make Time for Yourself at University
Mauli Shah MANAGING EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR
It is difficult to adjust to the immediate whirlwind of university after a long and laidback summer. Finding time for yourself is one of the things that is important for your mental health but after scratching a lot of things off your to-do list, everyone gets exhausted. In this article, I am going to list things that I recommend doing to help reduce your stress and take a break from the academics. There can be a lot of things which come under the definition of a hobby, like trying a new café or go rock climbing. You can do a multitude of things that might not fall under the society’s view of what a hobby should be but if that makes you happy, it is worth taking time out for.
One of the greatest tips is to prepare everything in advance,
maybe do meal plan the week before, or list out your to-do list with the essentials a week in advance. This reduces your stress on the day when you must work since you don’t have to think about what you’re doing on that day. This will significantly reduce the time to list out the tasks and thinking when you will do them. If you’re still tired after a long day but want to focus on your hobbies? Try put on some good headphones and blast around 5 upbeat songs that you really like or haven’t heard in a while. This will immediately put you back in the mood for doing the things you like.
If you have a long commute and wasting time anyway but don’t want to whip out your laptop when you’re in the TTC? Try to find things you can do on your phone, like journaling about your days, reading a good book or writing a short story. You can even take inspiration
Dance party/SMCSU meeting instead. Very unpredictable and very exciting. Always a party in there.
4. The bridge – “It’s Oh So Quiet”, Björk Favourite line: “You’re all alone and so peaceful until… you ring the bell! Bim, bam!”
I’m sure those of you living on campus love getting woken up at six o’clock in the morning to whatever chaos is erupting on the bridge between Brennan and Elmsley Hall. I know it always helped me get to my 9am
lectures on time.
5. Elmsley Hall – “Roses”, Outkast
Favourite line: “I know you like to think your shit don’t stink but lean a little bit closer because the roses really smell like poo.” If you know, you know. If you don’t, you will. Enjoy showering and grooming in a public restroom. Just beware of the ominous SMC Shitter.
I hope you find this playlist somewhat accurately highlights the beauty of SMC life. Start romanticizing!
for your story from your fellow commuters, and when you look back on your day, you will have a good memory of it. If you just want more time for your hobbies or even working out, you can look at them as your chores. Try to put the things you want to do for your leisure as a task on your to-do list or calendar and try to wrap your schedule around it. To add onto it, you can even put it as a chore every day. This way, even if you have a busy schedule for 4 days, you can focus on your hobbies for 3.
Sometimes, all you need is a
little push to do things that you want to do. With the homework and assignments, it is quite easy to lose focus on yourself. However, you need to remember to spend time on yourself and do those things you are interested in since they will help you take a little break from your long todo list. Try to take some time out today to do one thing that you like!
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung, Emily Tung, & Rosie McDonald
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
THE MIKE SINCE
The Mike has been the official bi-weekly student newspaper at The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) since 1947. It is published bi-weekly, 11 issues per year, with a circulation of 1200 copies delivered across U of T’s St. George Campus.
The Mike is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) and is published by The Mike Publications Inc., printed by MasterWeb Printing on recycled paper.
The Mike has complete editorial autonomy from USMC. All editorial inquiries should be directed to editorinchief@readthemike.com.
The Mike welcomes and encourages submissions. All submissions may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.
Darian Trabold editorinchief@readthemike.com
Guess Who’s Back?
ACROSS
2. Movie with a talking Donkey
3. “We can’t leave yet, she hasn’t played Florida!!!”
4. Creating connections between first years andupper years
10. The Mike office is located here
11. Hosts of SMCheese
12. Who’s your daddy?
16. You can learn Gaelic in this program
DOWN
1. Not Orange County
2. Where John Elmsley’s heart is here
5. The New York Times of SMC
6. You think you just fell out of the
7. RA’s in America
8. The new YMCA
9. Math competition filmed in Con Hall
10. Center of spiritual life at SMC
18. Drake calls it “The Six”
13. Acronym for the people who represent St.Mike’sstudents
14. Mr.305, Mr.Worldwide
15. Predecessor to Barbie Summer
17. Host’s of Deans Cup
Scan this QR Code to sign up to write for The Mike! If you write three articles you will be given the title “Staff Writer” and recieve CCR credit. You can also visit our website READTHEMIKE.COM to learn more about joining The Mike.
STUDENTS,
Did you know that St. Michael’s College has its very own yearbook? The Windrose, SMC’s yearbook, is published annually with the support of The Mike Publications and the Office of the Dean of Students. For more updates and information on how you can preorder your own copy of the 2024-25 yearbook, check out The Mike website (readthemike.com) and the @lifeatstmikes Instagram.