The Confluence | July 4, 2024

YOUR OFFICIAL COLLEGE MAGAZINE

July, 2024

Confluence

The

“Savoring Summer: Embrace the Joy and Adventure with Unmatched Fun at CNC!”

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BCFS Supports Students’ Rights

Right to Engage in Political Opinion on Campus

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#NIHM 2024

The National Indigenous History Month

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Easy Sundays with you

A Reflective Narrative

Prince George | Quesnel

Garry Rajput Editor, Confluence

Confluence has been around for a long time, but what does it truly mean for students? In a literary sense, "confluence" refers to two rivers merging into one. This metaphor perfectly captures the essence of our college experience—where students, faculty, staff, and the Student Union all come together to shape our journey. The purpose of this magazine is to keep you informed about everything that influences this shared experience.

During my tenure as Editor of Confluence, collectively just over a year, I have encountered many stories. Some have made their way into the magazine, while others I have written about after experiencing them firsthand. Inspiring stories are everywhere, and they are meant to be shared.

As we approach the fall, I urge the next generation of writers to pick up their pens, tablets, or MacBooks, take a deep breath, and start creating.

Whether you're writing, drawing, or taking photographs, the key is to engage with your surroundings. College is a transformative time, and the best part is that you get to navigate it together.

Contents Campus News.................. 04

The Editorial Committee

Celebrating Pride............. 05 BCFS on Students’ Rights 06-07 Poetry: Miles Apart.......... 07 Board Orientation............ 08-09 NIHM 2024...................... 10-11 Men’s Mental Health........ 12-13 Easy Sundays................... 14

Vacant

Shree Vishnu

Production Assistant

Event Photographer

Vacant

Vacant

Journalist

Media Coordinator

Our Services..................... 15

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Have Submissions? Drop them to us by scanning this QR Code.

Our Members Our Priority All CNC students are our members.

Board of Directors 2024-25

Geetanjali

Darien Davis

Holliness Ozumba

Gurtej Singh

Women Students’ Representative

Indigenous Students’ Representative

Human Services Representative

University Studies Representative

Merrill Ringwood

Daniel Voo

Varun Kumar

Michael Morgan

Quesnel Campus Representative

Access and Continuing Education Representative

Pride Students’ Representative

Upgrading and Access Representative

CNC Students Union’ Staff

Leila Abubakar -Depenau Executive Director

Guntas Kanda

Kartik Verma

Carman Hill

Damon Robinson

OrganizerTeam Lead

Office and Services Coordinator

Quesnel Campus Coordinator

Membership Outreach Coordinator

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Campus News Column

Summary of events that influence the student life Your Own Student Newspaper

Internet is BACK! Better Than Ever!

Jokes aside, the internet was never truly gone, but the recent transition to Eduroam by CNC has significantly improved connectivity on campus. Students are now enjoying seamless access to their study portals and Zoom classes with blazing-fast speeds. It’s a major boost to our digital experience!

Upcoming Events Women to Women - Aug 28, Wednesday.

Gathering Place. 12:00 PM-1:30 PM. Fall 2024 Orientation - Sep 03, Tuesday.

CNCSU Day (Fall 2024) - Sep 04, Wednesday.

Gathering Place. 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. CNCSU Karaoke Night - Sep 14, Saturday.

Cafeteria. 4 PM-8 PM. Meet Your Students’ Union - Sep 17, Tuesday. 2:30 PM-4:00 PM.

Job Opportunity!

CNC Students’ Union - Local 4 BCFS is seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to fill the Editor position for the Confluence (You’re holding it!).

It’s a great opportunity for those who are great at writing and/or enjoy working with Design!

Knowledge of post secondary education governance structure and experience with Canva/ Adobe Creative Suite are an asset. (must be a current student at College of New Caledonia as this is a student position) Students who are interested in this opportunity may drop off their resume and a cover letter at the CNC Students’ Union 0ffice (1-303) [right next to Security Office on the first floor] or email: outreach@cncsu.ca

RISE UP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TUITION FEES CAN INCREASE BY ANY AMOUNT, AT ANY TIME.

RISE-UP.CA

WE ARE CALLING ON THE BC GOVERNMENT TO AMEND THE TUITION FEE LIMIT POLICY TO INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL TUITION FEES.

JOIN OUR FIGHT FOR AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

Celebrating Pride: A Message of Love, Acceptance, and Unity Varun Kumar Pride Students’ Representative

I hope everyone had fun during the pride month! As your Pride Students Representative, I am happy and proud (and maybe doing a little happy dance) as we celebrate this special month of June together with our members.

Elaborating more on Pride Month, it is celebrated every June, honoring the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their fight for equal rights, stemming from the 1969 Stonewall Riots. It promotes visibility, acceptance, and awareness, celebrating diversity and commemorating the history and ongoing struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals through parades, events, and educational activities.

Now coming to us and our campus of Caledonia, we have our Pride club, affectionately started in 2022, and we have grown into a family tighter than a pair of skinny jeans on a hot day!

This year we had several Pride events that were important, and do we know how to make them fun! Remember our "Tie-Dye" event where everyone turned into rainbows of their own colors? Or our "Queer Cinema Nights" where we learned that yes, there are movies where the gay character doesn't die at the

end? These events aren't just a blast; they're our way of saying, "We're here, we're queer, and we've got great taste in movies!".

I am thrilled to highlight our students' union team (my famjam), who turned my dream project, our "Power and Empower (Shakti)" campaign, into reality. It's like a superhero training program, but instead of capes, we wear rainbow flags!

Through our Allyship Program (now with fewer awkward silences), Pride and Wellness Fair (where smiles are the best accessory), Safe Space Circles (cozier than your grandma's living room), and Sexual Health Awareness initiatives (because love shouldn't be complicated), we're making our campus more inclusive than a group hug.

Remember, your uniqueness is your superpower. Whether you sparkle like a disco ball or shine quietly like a star, you're amazing just as you are. Let's keep standing tall, supporting each other, and spreading love like it's free Wi-Fi. Together, we're not just strong – we're as unstoppable as a pride parade with rocket boosters! Wishing you a Pride Month filled with love, acceptance, and just the right amount of glitter!

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BCFS Supports Students’ Right to Engage in Political Expression on Campus BC Federation of Students Published May 7th, 2024

The British Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS) has a long history of fighting for, and defending, the rights of students to publicly express themselves on issues that they deem important, as well as to engage in open discourse at their post-secondary institutions.

Today, the Federation reaffirms its unequivocal support for students to exercise their right to freedom of expression.

The Federation disapproves of any form of retaliation experienced by students exercising their right to protest peacefully on campus, be it academic reprisal, the threat of expulsion, or the threat of police action.

“Civic engagement by students is not up for debate, and neither is the right to safety on campus,” said Jessie Niikoi, Chairperson of the British Columbia Federation of Students.

“Student protests are by definition disruptive to the normal operations of institutions, but there is a marked difference between actions that alter the normal activities at our postsecondary institutions, and actions that

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constitute a safety concern, or public incitement of hatred or violence.”

The Federation also disapproves of institutions introducing unwarranted security measures, including mandatory ID checks and building lockdowns, in response to “peaceful and calm” student-led protest. The arbitrary use of such measures, currently in use by the Vancouver Island University administration, is an exercise of collective punishment, targeting all students’ ability to access essential student facilities and services.

We implore all institutions to refrain from tactics designed to stifle and quash freedom of expression and that escalate the situation on campus under the guise of maintaining order.

“For us the issue is clear: students, student organisations, and the administration at institutions must take a calm, thoughtful and measured approach to student protests, the rights of students to express themselves and campus safety. We must work collaboratively and transparently to ensure non-violent demonstrations on campus are not criminalized,” said Niikoi.

The Federation and student activists across the province have worked for and will continue to work towards ensuring B.C. campuses

remain safe, inclusive spaces that encourage dialogue and allow for divergent perspectives to be shared. Racism and hate, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, anti-Indigenous or anti-LGBTQIA2S+ speech or actions, stand counter to the values that strengthen B.C.’s public post-secondary education system.

“The struggle to create inclusive, open, and safe learning environments, while upholding freedom of expression is a challenge that all post-secondary stakeholders must meet head

on. Institutions must remember that students and students’ unions care about the same things they do,” said Niikoi.

“When administrations engage with students and student organisations as stakeholders in post-secondary institutions, we will get to better outcomes and avoid the harmful situations that we’ve seen in the U.S.”

The British Columbia Federation of Students looks forward to continuing to voice students' needs to the Federal government and ensuring that work to deliver an affordable, accessible, and equitable postsecondary system for learners in BC and Canada remains a priority.

Miles Apart

Poetry Column

Kartik Manchanda

The scent of home, the sound of familiar voices, filled my soul, made me forget my choices.

In the heart of India, where my roots run deep, I found joy and laughter, memories to keep. Two years in Canada, away from home, In this vast land, I often feel alone.

But now I'm back, in this land so wide Carrying memories, with a heart open wide. Missing the smiles, the carefree days, In this foreign land, I often feel a haze.

I flew back to the warmth, the place I belong, Where every moment felt like a beautiful song. Family gatherings, filled with love and cheer, Now a distant echo, as I shed a tear.

Yet I hold on to hope, the dreams won't fade, For one day again, I'll join the parade. Until then, I'll cherish the love so bright, Miles apart, but my heart's with you every night.

We shared stories and meals, laughter so grand, In the embrace of my family, I took my stand.

Have any pictures or poetry you want to submit? Send it to editor@cncsu.ca All published work gets you $20!

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CNCSU Board Orientation Review Daniel Voo ACE Representative, CNCSU

Hi, 你好。I’m Dainel Voo, currently a student of Post Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism. It’s my honor to have an opportunity to represent the students as a representative for ACE (Access & Continuing Education Representative). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for the students with CNCSU. Initially, I wanted to talk about why I would join the candidacy to run as a representative of

ACE. My original ideal was to organize more activities so that we as CNC students could have more engagement, better campus life and unforgettable memories. I usually like to participate in activities. In my past college life, I often participated in activities, which gave me many unforgettable memories in my college career.

This is one of our needs as students, which is to have an unforgettable memory, and to have more activities for us to participate in. This is everyone's need as a human being because we as humans are social animals.

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During the 5 days orientation, I learned a lot.

This sentence has great power, “if you have the chemistry, the output is crazy.” In CNCSU, there is no individualism, only a team and teamwork. Because everyone has their own superpower, but when everyone works together to get things done, the effect is amazing.

Of course, it is not easy to form and work together as one team. This requires a long period of running-in and tacit understanding, which is why we have a team orientation, which aims to let all members understand each other better so that team members can coordinate with each other and achieve better win-win cooperation in subsequent work.

One thing to remember, there is no enemy, our goal is to serve and work for the students.

Every decision or discussion we make, the purpose is to benefit the students. In some certain degree, we might not agree or have an argument with each other but remember that we are one and the same team, our purpose of the argument or disagreement is to make a better decision for our students. We are not enemies; it is just a different angle and perspective which all of us are trying to work for the students in a different way.

Well, my motivation within my term is to organize events for CNC’s students. I think, as

students, we all want to have a better college life experience, especially with more fun activities. This is basically one of the biggest needs of students. Because as a student, I think the same way, I want to participate in more fun activities and enjoy my last study period in my entire life before I enter the workplace. Because work lasts longer and a lifetime, however study and college are temporary, short and have a limit.

Therefore, as a student, I cherish the study time of these few years. Of course, I do not want to waste the opportunity of these few years to participate in more interesting activities. Ideally, as conditions and resources permit, I would work with CNCSU to organize a fun activity every month of each semester so that students can come have fun and create unforgettable memories together. Such as squid games, tele-match, Friend & Match, Someone Is Missing (S.I.M), Talent Hunt & Acting Queen and most importantly, Prom Night.

I was one of the top three finalist of Prom King during my past college life, I had a lot of fun and had the opportunity to engage and create tons of memories with everyone, and most of the students really like the prom night very well and they joined again the next year, so this motivate me to bring this amazing experience to CNC.

Of course, to have these activities, we also need the cooperation of students. We also need active students to participate in order to encourage us, as the organizers, to continue and organize more activities for students.

This is an important cooperation between both the organizer and the student, so I really appreciate and encourage students to participate and join our events which we (organizer & volunteers) put tons of effort to make it happen, and the reason behind why we put efforts and efforts, countless hours and hours to work for the event is because we want students to have fun, and have an unforgettable memory during our last study opportunity before we step ourselves into the workplace.

Me, myself as one of the students, I always understand and want to participate more fun activities, so, let us make this happen and together we have FUN, MEMORIES and FRIENDSHIP in these 2 years of study, don’t waste our life repeating in working, earn money, go to school and go back to home every day, don’t waste and live a boring life.

When we have an opportunity to choose a wonderful experience, we should - because when the time past, it’s past. And also, one day we will have an amazing story about our live to tell our kids and we do not regret it.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Ready to join in? Just scan the QR code!

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National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day in which our people gather for a vibrant and vital occasion to recognize and celebrate our beautiful culture, history, and all the work Indigenous people are doing across the nation.

This day on the calendar is more than just a date, it is everyday. It is a time to reflect, educate, and engage with the diverse traditions and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is a time for all of us to recognize and celebrate the distinct cultures of our peoples. All of this includes traditional music, dance, storytelling, and art. These cultural expressions are not just our historical artifacts; they are living, evolving practices that continue to shape the strong identities and experiences of Indigenous communities today.

This day is also a time for reflection on the many historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. The ongoing effects of colonialism, which includes the devastating impact of residential schools, land disputes, and systemic discrimination, has left wounds on Indigenous communities across Canada. By acknowledging our people’s painful history, it is a crucial step towards building the trust that has been lost and move to a healing moment.

Educational initiatives on this day often focus on raising the necessary awareness about the past that should not be forgotten.

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When we learn, we can better understand the present challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and work together towards a more just and equitable future.

Embracing the diversity of Indigenous cultures is not only about celebration but also about building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. By doing this, we can all come together through active participation in community events and supporting Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Listening is an impact to build these relationships. This allows for a deeper connection and understanding. It is through shared experiences and dialogues that we can begin to dismantle prejudices and stereotypes, paving the way for genuine reconciliation.

The spirit of this day is a powerful reminder of the enduring presence and contributions of

Indigenous peoples.

When we embrace the diversity and the holistic approaches of Indigenous culture, we not only honor the past but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Let this day and everyday be a call to action, inspiring us to learn, connect, and work towards a future where the voices and rights of our people are fully recognized and respected.

I would like to end by saying, even though our world is unstable, we must remember to take care of one another, check in on our loved ones, and work together not apart, because when we work together, we are stronger.

- Leah Vaisanen, BCFS Indigenous Caucus Chairperson.

Published June 21, 2024

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Men’s Mental Health Awareness Navigating post-secondary education can be a wild ride, especially for guys dealing with societal pressures and mental health stigmas; I could go on and on for about 4 hours about this. That’s why Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated every June, is so important. It's all about shining a light on these issues and creating a supportive environment for everyone.

Imagine being in college or university, juggling classes, social life, work life (and sometimes empty refrigerators) and having to figure out your future as you go through it all. The pressure can be intense, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. For many guys, there’s this outdated belief that they need to tough it out and handle everything on their own. This makes it hard to ask for help or even talk about what they’re going through.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month aims to change that. By encouraging open conversations about mental health, we can break down the harmful stereotypes that keep guys from seeking help. Colleges can play a huge part in this by promoting awareness, hosting events, and offering resources specifically geared towards guys’ mental health.

Imagine if your every institution had easy access to counseling services where you could talk to someone who really gets what you’re going through. Or if there were peer support groups where you could share your experiences and hear from others in the same boat, all in a judgment-free zone. These groups could be led by fellow students or staff members. Despite these available resources,

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many men might find it challenging to seek help due to the stereotypes and societal expectations that discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking support.

I recently exchanged thoughts regarding this with our University Studies Representative Gurtej Singh. This is what he had to say: “I need to pay for all my tuition fee, daily expenses, and my additional expenses by myself. I do not want to ask my parents for more money than they have already spent on me. These are the thoughts that rarely leave my mind. As the saying goes, 'Never trust a man’s smile.' So, if you ever come across a student like me, please remember that we are not as free as one may think."

I relate very strongly to what Gurtej had shared, because these things are definitely part of the post secondary experience. While these emotions affect most students, regardless of their gender, it is indeed harder for men to be publicly expressive. Maybe this explains why a lot of guys prefer being part of a group, because then they wouldn’t have to feel lost on their own.

Plus, having a mentor who’s been through it all could provide guidance and support, sharing tips on managing both academic and personal pressures. College is great in that sense that you’re able to find people you can rely on.

Back to this, taking care of your mental health is important. Specifically for men, encouraging the, to seek help when they need it is crucial. It is something that needs to be worked on continuously by both support groups and institutions. Support groups, such as friends and family, should ensure that these discussions are treated like dinner table conversations - acknowledge, accept, support.

Institutions can make this easier by normalizing counseling and sharing success stories of students who’ve benefited from seeking help. Creating a supportive campus culture that values mental health and encourages students to look out for one another makes it easier for guys to reach out.

At CNC, these initiatives are taken on multiple occasions throughout the year and booking for counseling appointment is also easy. However, there are many students who still aren’t aware of the presence of these services.

By breaking the stigma, offering strong support systems, and encouraging helpseeking behavior, schools can create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to prioritize their mental wellbeing.

In doing so, campuses can become places of not just academic learning, but personal growth and emotional resilience.

College Can Be

Complicated.

Having issues? Contact advocacy@cncsu.ca

I have no idea who to talk to about this...

I think there was a mistake in my grade...

We can assist.

Easy Sundays With You “The best day of the week” Alyssa Ancla The Sunday mornings with you seemed to be the easiest. You brew a cup of latte from using the machine we bought a month back. I can’t forget the excitement on your face when you finally bought your very own.

You started to buy every material you thought you would need and brew almost every day. Our humble home which is in the basement magically turned into an aromatic producing cafe.

Every other day, I can see your dedication to mastering your art of coffee making. You start by getting the beans ground with the manual hand grinder. You keep on telling me how different the espresso will be if it is made this way.

It is a lot of work for you, but this is how you liked your coffee. The smell of the beans being poured, the steamer started to boil, and the sight of beans being pressed and turning into espresso saturates our nostrils.

It makes Sundays the best day of the week. The smell of caffeine in our humble home it basked us into something treasured and memorable.

One day you were sick. You were too sick to go to work. You called all of a sudden that you were going home and just waiting for the bus.

Your voice was cracked and hoarse. I was worried and concerned.

wanted a latte. You see, even if you are sick there are still two things running around in your head- coffee and me. I can see your passion grow with coffee as the days get by.

You proudly showed me a cup of espresso one morning, with all your hard work and dedication in a small cup.

“It’s not perfect,” you said with a sigh.

When you got home, I hugged you, my hardworking husband. You fell asleep and I went to work. I felt bad for leaving you as I should be there taking care of you. When I went home from work, you asked me if I

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I do not know about you but seeing you in this little bubble of your art making, for me is perfection. I just love to look forward to having simple Sunday coffee dates with you.

U-PASS The U-PASS gets you access to Public Transit and the pool! Come to the CNCSU office (1-303) with your student ID to get one!

LOCKER RENTAL We offer lockers all across the Prince George campus for you to store your books and personal items throughout the day. The rental fee is $5 (half-sized) or $10 (full-sized) per locker a semester, plus a $5 locker deposit.

HEALTH & DENTAL

The CNCSU's health plan provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services and multiple other benefits for less than $20 per month($240 annually), making it some of the least expensive extended medical coverage in the country.

ADVOCACY

We listen to your concerns and provide information on college policies and procedures, as well as student rights and responsibilities. We also help you prepare for conversations with supervisors, deans, instructors, or administrators and participate in meetings as a support person when requested.

CLUBS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES We have a variety of clubs and recreational activities that bring students together to destress. These range from sports and recreational clubs to writing and poetry. You can even start one of your own!

*Our other services inlcude the food bank, poster boards, campaigns, and events.

http://www.cncsu.ca/ | info@cncsu.ca | 250-561-5852

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