SIKH HERITAGE
Sikh Heritage Month brings awareness
News, page 3
How can we prevent violence across the world? Features, page 10-11
Fashion show keeps being green in mind
Arts & Life, page 14
An international student’s journey at Laurier Opinion, page 16
CURLING RECAP
How did Laurier’s teams do this year?
Sports, page 19
CONTRIBUTORS
NEXT ISSUE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
CORD STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brontë Behling
editor@thecord.ca
MANAGING EDITIOR Madalyn Mostacci managingeditor@thecord.ca
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rytham Sahni creative@thecord.ca
MULTIMEDIA & WEBSITE
DIRECTOR
VACANT multimedia@thecord.ca
NEWS DIRECTOR Sangjun Han newsdirector@thecord.ca
ARTS EDITOR Nate Dawes arts@thecord.ca
OPINION EDITOR Abigail Dombrovsky opinion@thecord.ca
SPORTS EDITOR Birnavan Varnacumaaran sports@thecord.ca
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Santosh Chandrasekar social@thecord.ca
PHOTO EDITOR VACANT photo@thecord.ca
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Bachir Miloudi photos@thecord.ca
EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING HEAD Simran Gajbhiye events@thecord.ca
Jasmine Abel Wintana Okbamariam Afeworki Abigail Capeling Andrew Eaton Jia Kanwar Sneh Leighl Elizabeth Mendez Adah Pozzobon Clara Rose Jack Vrolyk
EDITOR’S
With
over 771,790 members of the Sikh faith living
MADALYN MOSTACCI
MANAGING EDITOR
In April, Sikh Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide.
According to a 2021 census, 771,790 members of the Sikh faith live in Canada.
Sikhism is a religion and philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of India.
Its followers are known as Sikhs, and they refer to their faith as Gurmat.
By designating April as Sikh Heritage Month, Canada is reflecting on, celebrating and educating future generations about the significant contributions Sikh Canadians have made communities across the country.
“It’s essential in our faith because in the Sikh faith we have a
concept called Sangat. And Sangat is pretty much having good people around you who are going to give you good advice, guide you in the Sikh faith and guide you in Sikh practices,” said Simrat Grewal, a third-year political science student at Wilfrid Laurier University and co-president of the Laurier Sikh Advocacy Association, emphasizing the importance of creating a space on campus where Sikh
There’s quite a big population of the Sikh community here in Waterloo. So, at these universities, it just creates a space for them to get together and grow.
students can connect.
“There’s quite a big population
in Canada, the month of April is important for many
of the Sikh community here in Waterloo. So, at these universities, it just creates a space for them to get together and grow in their individual journey in Sikhi,” said Parminder Singh, a master’s student in political science at the University of Waterloo, former president of the University of Waterloo Sikh Association and current general member of the association.
“The Indian government fails to recognize us as our own sovereign faith. When we come to these foreign places and build our own families, we build our spirituality here,” Grewal said.
“Being able to say that, yeah, the Canadian government recognizes us, it’s a huge step.”
Sikh Heritage Month has been celebrated in Ontario since 2013 and across Canada since 2019.
Despite the strong presence of Sikh communities in Canada and their meaningful contributions, anti-Sikh hate is present.
Grewal shared the Sikh Advocacy Association and University
of Waterloo Sikh Association’s experience on Sikh Awareness Day, celebrated in both the fall and winter terms.
“One [event] was at the Waterloo campus and one was at Laurier campus. We found the response on the ground was very positive, but for both events there were very hateful reddit posts on some reddit communities and they surprisingly got a lot of attention,” she said.
At the event, many hate comments received were in regard to the Khalistan flag present at the event.
The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland.
“India hasn’t always been privy to the Sikh community and it’s something that Sikh community has been advocating for,” she explained.
“We just had the flag there. We weren’t preaching much about it.
… We’re living in Canada, we have the freedom of speech and we have
the freedom of expression, which isn’t something that a lot of Sikhs have the privilege to back home.” Singh and Grewal added that while the hate comments come from a small group, they can often be the loudest group.
“A lot of people who might not be connected to the Sikh faith yet and are still on their journey, these types of things do deter them, they do scare people away and they might push them away from joining our club or clubs in Waterloo. It is kind of fearmongering,” Grewal said.
Canada has reported that members of the Sikh faith can be found in every province and territory. Communities nationwide host events in honour of the month.
Most notably, Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives exhibition honouring Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, a fearless Sikh activist who exposed the Indian state’s brutal counterinsurgency in Punjab during the 1990s, is running from April 5 to June 29.
The Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association is preparing for its upcoming collective agreement negotiations with Wilfrid Laurier University, as the current agreement between the parties expires on Aug. 31.
The Laurier faculty members involved in the negotiations include part-time contract academic staff who provide instruction in at least one university degree credit course and part-time professional librarians employed by the university across all campuses.
“WLUFA and the university have agreed to commence negotiations in late spring for the renewal of the collective agreement that will take effect Sept. 11, 2025,” said Vanessa Barrasa, director of communities and issues management at Laurier. “To protect the integrity of the process, these discussions are confidential between those delegated to the bargaining teams and their key advisors.”
Anne-Marie Allison, a contract faculty member in Laurier’s math department, said WLUFA had noticed that many students don’t even realize that almost half of their courses are taught by contract faculty.
“They’re different than technically what we call tenure-track faculty on the campus,” Allison said. “Contract faculty members get hired term by term, course by
course, and often year after year after year.”
She said all contract faculty at Laurier hold a master’s degree or PhD, just like full-time professors. The main concern that part-time faculty members are noticing is whether they will continue to get work. “We continue our work because we’re passionate about teaching. Some people do service, and some people do research, but neither of those things is paid. We’re only paid to teach,” Allison said. “Laurier is a gig employer.”
She explained that Laurier doesn’t listen to their concerns concerning curriculums and issues that affect students and their learning conditions. Allison reiterated that contract faculty at Laurier often teach half of the courses at the university and about half of the student population but only represent about five per cent of the
university’s budget.
Each collective agreement aims to refine and improve existing terms. Executive director Terry Poirier wants to focus negotiations on job security, compensation, access to benefits and pensions for part-time faculty members at WLUFA.
“Another thing about contract faculty is that we’re one of the only groups on campus who don’t have employer-paid benefits,” Poirier said. “It took many rounds for us to get our foot in the door.”
Part-time faculty members have to pay for access to benefits packages and Poirier said it is the “worst one on campus.” A lot of the contract faculty must choose between paying for dentistry and other benefits out of their wages.
“We’ve been trying for years to get some access to benefits, for instance, for contract faculty,” Poirier
Jobby’s term as president to begin on May 1
The 2025 Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union election concluded at Wilf’s restaurant on the Waterloo campus at 9 p.m. on Jan. 30. With a student turnout of 2, 815 or 12.4 per cent, Ryan Jobby won his bid for presidency and chief executive officer with 1,329 votes against Rogan Wawryk’s 999 votes. All three referendum questions passed, the World University Service of Canada Fee Increase passing with 56.13 per cent of votes, the Grand River Transit U-Pass program/fee increase passing with 76.98 per cent of votes and
the Board Structure Constitution
Change passing with 86.89 per cent of votes.
“I’m definitely really excited. Honestly part of it hasn’t fully hit me yet and I’m still kind of digesting it all, but I’m really excited,” Jobby said when asked about his initial feelings following his win.
Joining the senate are Hamza Iqbal, Veronica Philip and Ruvahafi Jean Damour Mugabonihera. Veronica Philip will be joining the board of governors.
Abby Yim and Ella Jazvac are the new co-presidents of the Lazaridis Students’ Society.
Alyssa Scheifele and Arfan Sivarooban are the new co-presidents of the Faculty of Science Students’ Association.
Sam Groves and Rahil Peerzade are the presidents of the Arts Undergraduate Society and Olivia Tremblay is the new Faculty of Mu-
sic Students’ Association president.
“I think a lot of times when advocating for students, it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the status quo of what we believe always needs to be done for students,” Jobby said.
“I want to be more intentional with how I intake student feedback and problems and then be able to advocate for them on different levels.”
For outgoing president and chief executive officer Ben Jesseau, concluding his term comes with bittersweet emotions but pride regarding all he has been able to accomplish in his term including building relationship with on-campus partners like Laurier’s administration.
“We’ve been able to do a lot of really important work with them this year, renegotiating some of our agreements and just building
said. “In terms of benefits, I think it was 2019 when we finally got access to purchase a package for benefits. I’ve been negotiating that aspect since 2016, but it took three years to get it.”
He explains that contract faculty at WLUFA have their own Contract Faculty Century Club in recognition of contract faculty members have taught 100 courses, but the university doesn’t recognize their efforts. He also compared how tenure-track professors only teach four courses per year and take 25 years of service to get the same mark the part-time faculty made.
Despite teaching more courses than tenure-track professors, contract faculty struggle with job security. Laurier continues to rely on short-term contracts rather than creating full-time positions.
One of WLUFA’s previous
successes during the last negotiation was creating senior lecturer positions, which provide a fiveyear window for a contract faculty to have a predictable workload, which is better than contract faculty positions.
“The expertise that students receive in classrooms from contract faculty and the benefit of the exchange from that expertise should be going long-term,” Poirier said. “You shouldn’t have to worry about whether you’re going to lose that at the classroom level the following year because they’re being hired on a contract-by-contract basis. You should have and should enjoy the ability to have that longer term.”
As the negotiation date approaches, Allison encourages Laurier students to stay informed through social media and WLUFA’s website.
those relationships for future years.
I think we’ve done a lot of foundational work to set the future teams up for a lot of success as they move forward working with some senior leaders at Laurier,” Jesseau said.
Jesseau’s work has inspired Jobby, calling him a “stable figurehead” that he looked up to while participating in Jesseau’s campaign last year.
“I think he really was able to build me up in terms of my strengths to be able to run confidently on my own this year. He’s someone I continue to look up to and someone I continue to admire for the work that he’s done and continues to do. I’d say Ben is a pretty big mentor and inspiration for me,” Jobby said.
When it comes to advice from one president to another, Jesseau advises Jobby to plan well, but also remain adaptable.
“This role has a really unique way of pulling you in six different directions at any given time. I think in a lot of circumstances, the circumstances of the year will determine what you’re working on, not necessarily yourself,” Jesseau said.
“Plan with your best intentions and have a list of things you want to get done, but be open to changing and adapting what that plan looks like depending on how the year goes.”
Jobby’s year-long term will commence on May 1.
Community celebrates despite court injunction enacted across Uptown Waterloo core
SANGJUN HAN NEWS DIRECTOR
Celebrations across the St. Patrick’s Day weekend this year followed the City of Waterloo’s court injunction allowing the police to arrest or detain anyone attending, hosting or creating unsanctioned street parties.
e injunction also includes those who violate the city’s nuisance bylaw in the university district.
e injunction order lasted from midnight on March 14 until 11:59 p.m. on March 17.
Historically, Wilfrid Laurier University students have made St. Patrick’s Day their uno cial school holiday, with large gatherings, especially on Ezra Avenue, leading to issues like public drunkenness and noise complaints.
To prevent the escalation of bad behaviour within and outside campus areas, Laurier responded by banning St. Patrick’s Day merchandise at the campus bookstore, turning away vendors selling St. Patrick’s Day items and increasing police presence within the Laurier area.
During the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Waterloo regional police arrested 17 people and laid 250 charges related to the celebrations over several days. Municipal enforcement received 129 complaint calls from 5 p.m. on March 15 to 7 a.m. on March 18.
ese calls included the large street party on Saturday in the Marshall Street and Regina Street area.
A total of 36 charges were issued, 25 of which carried an $800 ne. Orders were issued relating to maintenance/property stand complaints, with 18 cleanups required. Nicole Papke, Waterloo’s director of municipal enforcement, wrote in a press release that she is disappointed that students violated the court order and put themselves and the community at risk.
“ e injunction was a tool we hoped would discourage the dangerous unsanctioned streets gathering, and we are thankful there were no signi cant injuries. We are grateful to municipal, enforcement, re services, Waterloo Region Police Service and all of our community partners for their e orts this weekend,” the press release said.
Many students gathered in the university district on March 15 despite the court injunction, hosting house parties or drinking alcohol. By March 17, there were little to no signs of celebration.
While participation in street celebrations declined, some Laurier students celebrated at bars and clubs in Uptown Waterloo, including McCabe’s Irish Bar and Grill. e restaurantcelebrated the holiday with performers Mighty Kin and David O’Hollaran, who were performing for the afternoon.
“We’re an Irish pub, so we host this event every year to celebrate our Irish-inspired heritage,” said Lea Miller, the manager of McCabe. “ e Irish culture is very alive in the city of Waterloo.”
e pub has hosted its St. Patrick’s Day event for many years, providing an opportunity for students and Waterloo locals to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without violating the injunctions.
e event started at 5 p.m., and many people roamed the bar, conversing, dancing or singing with the performers while enjoying refreshments such as a green St. Patrick’s Day beer.
Decorations, food and patrons dressed in green contributed to a lively atmosphere, with guests enjoying drinks and socializing.
“I enjoy having a nice cold beer, and St. Patrick’s Day is perfect for that,” said Marvin, a customer visiting McCabe. “I love the atmosphere and getting together with various people.”
Despite being unable to host street parties due to the court injunction imposed by the City of Waterloo, students celebrated the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at local pubs and clubs, where they could socialize, drink alcohol and dress in green while causing less disruption in local neighbourhoods.
e following reviews are based on interviews conducted with members of the Students’ Union Board of Directors, as a means of re ecting on the term and evaluating their performances as representatives of Wilfrid Laurier University’s undergraduate student body.
President Jesseau continued his excellent work on Laurier’s campuses throughout the entirety of the winter semester.
He grew from the feedback given after the issues faced by those running the clubs fair in September, creating meaningful connections with board members and the student body.
Described as being a good communicator, e cient and clear with his goals, President Jesseau has worked to maintain a friendly
Chair Russo is thanked for her hard work on the board this year.
She has proven herself to be a strong leader, running board meetings e ciently and asking necessary questions to help directors gain a better understanding of board policies.
relationship with the board.
While his performance as president was strong, he could have improved by bringing greater attention to social and political issues happening that have an impact on students.
President Jesseau will be remembered as a competent president who created an opening and welcoming environment for students and the board.
A member of the ownership and linkage committee, student life levy and chair of the direct inspection committee, Vice Chair Habtemichael has been a vital part of the board this term.
Described as dedicated and timely with presentations that were well-organized and thought out, Vice Chair Habtemichael has
Creating a positive atmosphere for the board, Chair Russo is described as an e cient communicator who cares greatly about her role.
She will be missed as she graduates this term.
Director Espiritu played an active role on the board through his role on the nance committee.
**LULIA HABTEMICHAEL VICE CHAIR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
Director Godse did not respond to schedule a board review with e Cord.
fostered a strong relationship with directors on the board and ful lled her role as Vice Chair with grace.
She is thanked for her hard work this term and helping to update outdated contact information for resources in the women’s bathroom in the library.
His enthusiastic participation in board meetings did not go unnoticed and he is thanked for his dedication to the board and its proceedings.
Director Godse did not respond to schedule a board review with The Cord.
Director Godse did not respond to schedule a board review with The Cord.
NAKSHATRA
DIRECTOR
Director Godse did not respond to schedule a board review with The Cord.
Director St. George declined to complete a board review with The Cord.
Director Tariq is a strong representative of the Brantford campus and was a member of the ownership and linkage committee this term.
Director Ijam has played an active role with the board through her participation on the health and dental committee as well as being a head icebreaker.
Director Lehecka showed her dedication to her role as a director through her work leading the ownership and linkage committee and being an active member of the health and dental committee and direct inspection committee.
Director Russolo was a dedicated member of the Students’ Union Board of Directors through her work on the ownership and linkage committee.
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
With strong attendance to board meetings, Director Tariq is thanked for his dedication to participating on the board.
DIRECTOR
She is thanked for her work on the board this term and her focus on making the thoughts and perspectives of international students at Laurier a focus.
DIRECTOR
An enthusiastic representative of the board, Director Lehecka is thanked for her concentrated efforts to help numerous board committees run efficiently.
DIRECTOR
An active contributor to meetings and helping with boothing, Director Russolo is thanked for her hard work this term.
Dear Life,
How is it already April? I need more time to figure out my life!
Dear Life,
Who decided that April showers bring May flowers? I need sun.
Dear Life,
Why is the Tim’s line in the science building always so long?
Dear Life,
I’m in fourth-year and when I started at Laurier four years ago now, the change from high school to university was one that took lots of getting used to. Once I got the hang of things, everything started to look up. I love my friends, I love my routine, I love lectures, I love myself as a university student. Now that I’m leaving, what comes next?
Dear Life,
I hate belly buttons. Anytime I think of touching my own belly button or imagine someone touching theirs, I get this queasy feeling in my stomach. I found out way too late into life that this is not a nor- mal thing everyone expereinces. I don’t know what or who caused this, but I hate them.
Aries (March 21 — April 19)
Though the days are still gloomy and cold, don’t let that discourage you. Continue to work hard, both in your studies and on yourself. Brighter and warmer days are just around the corner.
Gemini (May 21 — June 21)
Do your days feel repetitive, Gemini? Adding spice and adventure into your life is something that only you can control. Step outside of your confort zone, you’ll thank youself in the long run.
Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)
April will bring a much needed break for Leo. While this month may seem the complete opposite from restful, if you put in the necessary work, a rewarding break will come.
Libra (Sept. 22 — Oct. 23)
Things may seem worse than they are this month, Libra. Sometimes the prolonged winter gloom can impact one’s mindset. Be sure to look at the positives in your life rather than focusing on the negative.
Taurus (April 20 — May 20)
Time on campus is coming to end with summer break just around the corner. Use the time you have left at Laurier this term to explore the space. Find a new study spot and try out a different place to eat.
Cancer (June 22 — July 22)
Cancer, April is the time to find yourself a new hobby. Take some time to think about things you have not tried or expereinces you want to have. Review your answers and get to work.
Virgo (Aug. 23 — Sept. 22)
Live it up this month, Virgo. April will be full of fun and exciting opportunities. Say yes to everything, live in the moment and let go of anything that is bothering you.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 — Nov. 21)
Keep your eyes out for a secret admirer this month, Scorpio. A friend, or perhaps a classmate, is looking at you in a different light. Evaluate if you are open to their presence in your life and then act accordingly.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 — Dec. 21) Capricorn (Dec. 22 — Jan. 19)
Appreciate all that is around you this month, Sagittarius. With the bustle of exams and summer plans, it is easy to forget the things and people that make your life brighter.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 — Feb. 18)
Try some new foods this month. There is nothing wrong with being a picky eater, Aquarius. But, this April, step out of your comfort zone and indulge in cuisines you normally don’t reach for.
Exams are approaching fast. Dedicate April to your studies, Capricorn. Don’t fall into old procrastination habits and instead make a study plan that you can stick to. You will thank youself in May.
Pisces (Feb. 19 — March 20)
Take this month to re-evaluate your goals, Pisces. Sometimes a reset of your mindset and aspirations is necessary for success. Dedicate a good chunk of time to do some rearranging.
Editorial
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Here we are: the last issue of the year.
Since July, I have been aware that April will come sooner than I expect and I will have to say goodbye to the organization I have been a part of for four years.
Being editor-in-chief of e Cord has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced, but it has also been the most rewarding one.
When I started working for the paper in my second year, I was nervous about making my voice heard and I certainly never thought I would get the role of managing editor of the paper in my nal two years at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Being managing editor of the paper, however, showed me that perhaps I could take the next step forward and apply for editor-in-chief as I left my days as an undergraduate student behind me.
Once I got the role, I quickly realized the many moving parts that come as a part of it and that despite my initial platform, I would not get everything done that I wanted to.
is seems to be a simple truth about any creative position — you will never be fully satis ed with your work.
When I came to the end of my rst term as editor-in-chief, I did not feel ready to leave yet. e paper was set to go through a rebrand, and I was eager to be a part of the process.
So, after signing on for another year, I threw myself into giving the Cord a new look.
If you’ve seen the paper prior to this year, you will be aware of how
CHAIR Umaymah Suhail
VICE-CHAIR Jacob Segal Rice
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR Shelby Blackley
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR Sa na Jennah
STUDENT DIRECTOR Elisha Felician
STUDENT DIRECTOR Madalyn Mostacci
TREASURER Tusharika Tyagi
OPINION EDITOR
ABIGAIL DOMBROVSKY
opinion@thecord.ca
much it has changed — and I am incredibly proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish with the rebrand. My favourite part of the rebranding process was the creation of Desma – the paper’s mascot. I wanted a recognizable symbol of the paper and a dragon (while being inherently cool on its own) also re ected the more classical style I was going for with the rebranding of the paper. I hope those reading enjoy the paper’s new style as much as I do and future editor-in-chiefs continue to add to it with their own unique perspectives.
Now, coming out with my last issue as editor-in-chief, I am excited for the future of the paper — even if I will not be the one working on it. Journalism is more important than ever as our jobs are threatened by the continued prevalence of arti cial intelligence. Student papers like e Cord are uniquely positioned as they have more freedom in what they are able to report on. And, with a diverse student body in a number of di erent disciplines, there are a lot of talented writers at our disposal.
Even if you are not in an arts program, I encourage you to volunteer for e Cord – even if you feel that the things you discuss in your lectures might not be interesting to those outside your eld, there is still a story there.
At e Cord, we always do what we can to write stories and share content that re ects the unique student body at Laurier and brings attention to crucial issues. Each person has a unique perspective to share, and we encourage you to share yours with us.
While my time with e Cord is ending, had I not shared my own perspective with the paper, I would be a far lesser person for it. Speak up — we want to hear from you.
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WLUSP ADMINISTRATION
SECRETARY Nate Dawes
PRESIDENT Umaymah Suhail president@wlusp.com
FINANCE MANAGER Randy Moore randy@pv3tax.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Ayden Elworthy ads@wlusp.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kurtis Rideout ed@wlusp.com
I’m a student about to graduate and as the academic year winds down, one thought consistently looms over my head like a dark storm cloud — what happens next when the life I’ve built over the past four years suddenly disappears?
Even though the year isn’t o cially over, I can feel the anxiety creeping in as I mourn the familiar routines I haven’t even left behind yet.
HR MANAGER Makenzie Worton hr@wlusp.com
e comfort of daily lectures, late-night study sessions with friends and the consistent sight of familiar faces will soon be replaced with an entirely new reality — one I don’t fully understand yet.
Anxiety, in any form, has a way of making you feel completely alone. No matter how often you hear “everyone goes through it,” the experience is always deeply personal.
After weeks of dragging myself through days like Benjamin Braddock in the rst half of e
Graduate, I nally decided to dig into the feeling I had been calling “preemptive post-grad depression”.
After learning that post-grad depression is in fact a real thing that others experience, I wanted to x the preemptive part of my problem. With just a month left of my university experience, I want to soak up every moment and not spend my days worrying about what comes next.
Fueled by determination and an undeniable urge to make this April unforgettable, I put together a simple yet successful guide to combat preemptive post-grad depression head-on. Colorado psychologist Sheryl Ziegler perfectly explains an aspect of preemptive post-grad depression..
“ ey are following their friends on social media and have this out-of-proportion sense that everyone else has gured it out and is getting jobs,” she said in regard to depression in young people, “which causes them to further isolate themselves.”
As a fourth-year student, hearing friends and classmates talk and post about their exciting jobs, master’s programs and travel plans inevitably makes me compare. Suddenly, my own post-grad plans don’t feel like enough.
But the truth is, the online highlight reel never tells the full story — everyone is struggling in their own way.
While this is much easier said than done, if you nd yourself comparing your life to others — stop immediately. We learned pretty quickly throughout university that nobody’s journey is the same and this applies to post-grad too.
Whether you have a solid plan or you’re still guring things out, embrace the uncertainty —there’s power and comfort in the “I don’t know.”
e nal step is a complete cliche but it’s crucial: Enjoy the moment.
Before we know it, summer will arrive and we’ll be clutching our diplomas. When you look back on these last weeks of university, do you want to remember fun lled memories of soaking up every bit of your familiar routine or Ben Braddock levels of lethargy?
Change is scary, but remember it’s also an opportunity. I know my advice won’t erase the anxiety and uncertainty that often follows graduation, but hopefully it helps any graduating student still struggling make the most of their remaining time at Wilfrid Laurier University.
News Director Sangjun Han examines the role of community during Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month
“If Canada was serious about commemorating Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month they would recognize the current genocide happening in Palestine right now and end their complicity.
- Laura Reid, member of Neighbours of Palestine: Waterloo Region.
“In Canada, April marks a time to reflect and remember the millions of victims who suffered and lost their lives to genocide.
This month was established to commemorate the victims of genocides that have occurred or are developing today.
Genocide is an act committed with the intent to partially or entirely destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
The trauma it inflicts carries on for generations, and this is the month to support the survivors and their descendants as they heal and rebuild their communities and histories.
“We commemorate [Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month] by having a special day for each of the genocides set aside to remember the victims and to have educators teach about the specific genocide that is commemorated on that day,” said Lesia Demkowicz, a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
For groups such as the Ukranian Canadian Congress, Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month symbolizes the multiple forms of human rights abuses in our world.
“It’s significant because, despite our attempts to learn about the different genocides, we have not been able to eradicate genocides from occurring throughout the world,” said Demkowicz .
They provided an example by referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Holodomor, the Ukrainian Famine Genocide of the 1930s under Soviet rule.
Demkowicz explains that learning how genocides evolve is critical and key in helping prevent abuses from escalating to genocide.
For example, bullying can escalate into discrimination against a group and if left unchecked, can lead to dehumanization.
If these behaviours are not stopped, they may escalate further, potentially resulting in government-led genocides.
This commitment to remembrance must go beyond words.
The international community aimed to support these values through frameworks like the Genocide Convention, which represents a pledge to prevent and punish genocide.
However, history has shown that this commitment has not always been upheld, as seen in the lack of intervention in Rwanda and Bosnia.
In response, Canada played a key role in formulating the Global Responsibility to Protect.
The R2P came into being to ensure that the international community never again fails to prevent war atrocities including genocide.
Today , R2P has dropped from national and international priorities and we are witnessing genocide in Gaza, committed, ironically, by a state that rose from the ashes of the Holocaust.
Bringing awareness to past genocides and holding up our moral and legal international obligations to prevent and stop genocides should be a priority.
Some communities within Canada, such as the Canadian-Palestinian community, feel they are not getting proper recognition.
“If Canada was serious about commemorating Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month, they would recognize the current genocide happening in Palestine right now and end their complicity,” said Laura Reid from Neighbours for Palestine: Waterloo Region.
“Israel resumed its relentless bombing of Gaza, using weapons components made in Canada. An immediate arms embargo remains one of our most powerful tools to sanction Israel and reduce Canada’s complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Ahmad Nabil, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement in the KW network and a recent alumnus of the University of Waterloo, also voiced his concerns. He said Palestinian communities need recognition and there have been signs of anti-Palestinian racism within the University
of Waterloo and Laurier.
“The best way to combat anti-Palestinian racism is by addressing its root cause: the genocide in Gaza. Our people are being massacred by the thousands, and [Canada’s] universities and government are complicit,” said Nabil.
“Both the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University invest in companies that support this genocide, including those that manufacture bombs and fund the occupation. We must pressure our institutions and government to end their complicity and impose a two-way arms embargo.”
He further emphasized the importance of resisting censorship and ensuring that people in Canada learn about the situation in Palestine.
“We do this by organizing and amplifying the voices of the people on the ground in Gaza. Israel forces are deliberately targeting journalists, more than 200 have been killed, to suppress the story of the genocide,” said Nabil.
By sharing their stories and exposing our government’s and institutions’ complicity, we can work toward ending the genocide.”
Nabil also called for greater accountability from Canadian institutions.
“The University of Waterloo invests in companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Elbit Systems, which directly fund the genocide in Gaza. Laurier is invested in companies like Siemens and Expedia, which support the occupation in Palestine,” said Nabil.
“By confronting this complicity wherever we see it, we can work toward ending the genocide and combating anti-Palestinian racism.”
Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month helps us reflect not only on past atrocities, but also helps us avoid future atrocities.
Whether through remembrance, education or advocacy, this month calls on Canadians to confront the realities of genocide and take meaningful action to ensure that we won’t repeat the same historical mistakes.
ARTS
NATE DAWES
arts@thecord.ca
After the culinary world tour that your dear reviewers have been on in recent months, we decided to bring things back to North America with the classic brewpub Abe Erb.
Right in the heart of uptown, this swanky industrial bar provides great eats and beer made in-house — a plus for all local beer fans.
Upon entering, we were greeted with an admittedly pretty cool optical illusion of a train track trailing o into the distance, a rustic charm that carries through the entirety of the restaurant.
e establishment features modern, yet industrial vibes that simultaneously feel chic and inviting.
Let’s not forget the hilarious sign adoring the walls, indicating the subtle appearance of the word beer in the name Abe Erb.
e fare encompassed all the traditional modern pub eats, featuring burgers, tex mex and shareables, all with a ne cuisine air.
An upscale pub if you will. While we, unfortunately, didn’t get to sample the housemade beer, it’s worth noting that Abe Erb takes
their beer seriously, brewing it in-house for all you craft beer enthusiasts.
With a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs and seasonal brews there’s something for every kind of beer snob (or casual enjoyer).
Next time, we might just have to come back and see if the beer lives up to the hype,strictly for journalistic purposes, of course.
In the spirit of it being a Sunday, Andrew got the Yorkies, Abe Erb’s take on a traditional British Sunday roast.
e gravy was solid, the braised beef well cooked and the yorkies
were delightfully soft.
e addition of smoked cheddar on top was nice, however it lacked the savoury avours that Andrew was looking for.
Lizzie had an absolute unit of a burger so massive, she had to tackle it with a fork and knife because there was no conceivable reality where she would unhinge her jaw in front of her co-writer’s parents. It consisted of a peppercorn-crusted, cheddar-stu ed, smoked eight-ounce beast, slathered with bacon onion jam and jalapeno aioli.
is was all stacked on a brioche
bun with lettuce, tomato and a pickle.
Legend says that it was the size of Lizzie’s head.
Accompanying the burger was the house salad, a pillow of mixed greens, beer vinaigrette, roasted pumpkin seeds, apples and shallots.
Your favourite writers were denitely a part of the clean plate club, no crumbs left behind.
No one believed lil ol’ Lizzie could take it down, but she proved those doubters wrong.
Abe Erb delivered on both food and atmosphere and is de nitely a
spot we recommend.
While the prices could be more a ordable (RIP student budgets), the quality makes it worth the splurge.
Whether you’re craving a beast of a burger, a hearty roast or just want to sip on some in-house brewed beer, this place has something to tickle your fancy.
If you end up going — hopefully with a pint in hand, let them know LizzDrew sent you!
Ratings: Ambiance: 8 out of 10
Food: 9 out of 10
A ordability: 7 out of 10
SNEH LEIGHL ARTS & LIFE CONTRIBUTOR
If you are currently boycotting American streaming services like Net ix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video, you might be left wondering about what hit series to binge next.
e answer is BBC’s Boarders e second season of Boarders was released earlier this year and is even more action packed than the last.
e series follows ve Black students as they navigate their new scholarships at an elite boarding school.
While Boarders is a comedy, it addresses serious topics like race and privilege in an accessible way that brings viewers into the world of the show.
In Season 1, we are introduced to the main characters that we follow throughout the rest of the series: Jaheim (Josh Teduku), Leah (Jodie Campbell), Omar (Myles Kamwendo), Toby (Sekou Diaby) and Femi (Aruna Jalloh).
ese ve gifted students known as the Scholarships, are o ered
SCREENING
special placements at elite boarding, St. Gilbert’s.
As the Scholarships adjust to their new environment, they grapple with the pressure of school, relationships and navigating private school in a society where the norm is white.
At the end of the season, Headmaster Bernard (Derek Riddell), a champion of the Scholarships, is dethroned by Carol (Niky Wardley).
is change in authority causes turbulence for the group moving forward into the next season.
In Season 2, the Scholarships face a new challenge: the school is making budget cuts, and the scholarship positions are being reduced from ve to three.
As the Scholarships struggle with high school drama, they are put to the ultimate test — remaining a united force in the face of change as they band together with their schoolmates.
Jaheim balances his duties as Head Boy while taking care of his family back at home.
In season two, we are introduced to Jaheim’s estranged mother, who he is encouraged to reconcile with over the course of the season in order to support his little brother.
With the addition of a new American exchange student, Devon’ye (Kenya Brown), Leah’s friendship with Mabel (Georgina Sadler) is put to the test.
Omar becomes increasingly obsessed with a secret society, and ropes his love interest Dilton (Dillon Mitra) in to help with his initiation tasks.
is season is particularly stressful for Femi, who is convinced he will be sent home due to his grades. In an attempt to set himself apart from the other Scholarships, Femi joins the drama club where he discovers a passion for theatre.
All of this takes place while Toby attempts to win Abby (Assa Kanoute) back, lling Season 2 with high stakes drama that is sure to bring viewers in.
Although Season 3 has yet to be con rmed, fans online are looking forward to Jaheim’s potential scholarship in America next term and seeing what’s next in store for the other four students in the series.
Equal parts funny, memorable and emotional, Boarders is the perfect series to binge on non-American streaming services after nals this April.
Boarders is available to stream for free on Tubi and BBC iPlayer.
NATE DAWES ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
On March 3, Laurier Wellbeing in Film Forum, a program unafliated with Wilfrid Laurier that hosts screenings and discussions of politically salient documentaries at the Princess Twin Cinemas in Uptown Waterloo, held a free screening of the documentary Dahomey in partnership with local Kitchener arts collective Textile Magazine — a group that centers critical discussion of culture with a focus on BIPOC voices.
Dahomey is a lm by French director Matti Diop about the return of 26 royal treasures stolen from the kingdom of Dahomey by the French empire to the modern African nation of Benin.
e lm presents the story of the repatriation from the perspective of one of the treasures, giving it a voice and rendering the global issue of looted artifacts sitting in European museums as a problem akin to kidnapping or human tra cking.
Presenting the event were Fitsum Areguy and Shalaka Jadhav, co-directors of Textile Magazine, and Ketan Shankardass, a Laurier professor and director of LWIFF. During their speeches, they prompted the audience to consider the agency that objects can hold while viewing the lm. ey broughtattention to the statue
of Queen Victoria in Victoria Park in Kitchener, which indigenous groups in the region recommend be renamed Willow River Park to address the colonial heritage of the area.
e screening of the lm was followed by a period of structured discussion consisting of two questions, carried out verbally and over Kahoot.
is general format, as opposed to a discussion by a panel of experts, is indicative of what Shan-
kardass describes as LWIFF’s goal: using these lms as an entryway to foster wider conversation and consciousness of structural determinants of health like policies, social norms or colonization in a general audience.
e value of an open forum, like the one LWIFF facilitates, is in its ability to bridge social gaps to enable perspectives that are unlikely to nd crossover.
ere are two di erent demographics who spoke up at the live
event. One was older, mostly white Waterloo Region residents who approached the problem from a personally detached and academically inclined perspective. e other was younger people of colour who voiced personal investment in the issues of colonization that were being discussed in the lm.
One moment that stood out as particularly indicative of the political and personal volatility of the issue was when a young woman of colour, frustrated with the hands-
o and academic form that much of the discussion had taken, said the “discussion would have been far more useful if it had been full of people from the continent.”
e format of the open forum and its viability in conversations like this stands as the question at the bottom of all this because ultimately, while the opportunity to participate in an event like this might be equal, the cost exacted from each person for participating is not. Areguy spoke to the fact that the contentious atmosphere in the room was a possibility that was anticipated by the planners. Preparation for the presentation was in uenced by this and he noted he was hesitant to invite people whose identities would be put on trial by the conversation. It can be di cult to speak up at these events as a person of colour, considering centuries of stereotypes about combativeness. e contentiousness of the conversation didn’t end at the end of the night, with a number of emails reaching LWIFF over the following month complaining or o ering new perspectives on the night.
“When issues are this contentious, people bring their own ideas and opinions obviously to the table,” Shankardas said, acknowledging some of these issues.
Re ecting on the event as a whole, Areguy, who is not a liated speci cally with LWIFF, noted that in the future they’ve considered running events with more of a speci c audience in mind.
“It’s okay to have culturally speci c and responsive programming and events,” he said.
NATE DAWES ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Fashion for Change, a local student-run nonprofit fashion, dance and theatre showcase celebrated its 15th year of operation on March 22 by putting on Arcana at the University of Waterloo’s Hagey Hall of the Humanities. The organization puts on annual stage presentations to raise money for charity and has raised over $125, 000 in this manner to date.
Inspiration for this year’s event, which was designed by Artistic Director Kimberly Gao, was drawn in large part from a Japanese science-fiction television series called Alice in Borderland, tempered with influence from the iconography and themes of the European tarot deck.
The name of the show was drawn from the Major Arcana, the collective term for the 22 named trump cards in the tarot deck. The contrast and interplay made for an interesting blend of aesthetics throughout the night.
The choreography, split between dance and modelling, was compelling, charming and earnest. One of the stand-out set pieces of the show was a pseudo-human pyramid in a dance presentation choreographed by Suzanne Su that closed out the showcase’s second act “The Emperor and Empress.”
Another standout moment was a scene choreographed in hip hop that provided the ending to the show’s third act Strength and Chariot, a moment that cut through some of the more composed and demure high fantasy scenes while providing a moment of energetic and dynamic contrast.
The Proceeds from this year’s showcase will be going to Oneroof Youth Services, a charity in Kitchener that addresses youth homelessness in the region by offering places for struggling youth to stay when the need arises.
In past years, other charity partners chosen by the organization include the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society and Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region.
The organization isn’t mandated to work with local charities.
According to its president Angela Ljepava, they have thrown around the possibility of working with larger charities like the Make-a-Wish foundation.
It’s nice that it’s being seen by other people because of course, internally we’ve known what scenes are in the show, we’ve seen a lot of the dances before, but just hearing other people’s opinions on it has been nice.
- Kemi Akinyode, vice president of Fashion for Change and a Laurier student
“Everyone gives their own suggestion and then we dwell on it and see what we really think would be good to represent. We usually focus on local charities because they don’t get as much attention and traction as the bigger ones, but then we decided on oneROOFbecause they’re very local and they’re very focused in Kitchener,” she said.
“It’s nice that it’s being seen by other people because of course, internally we’ve known what scenes are in the show, we’ve seen a lot of the dances before, but just hearing other people’s opinions on it has been nice,” said vice president and Laurier student Kemi Akinyode in the moment of calm that comes in the week after the official presentation of the show.
Officially a UW club, Fashion for Change needs to navigate interuniversity promotion limitations and the trouble of convincing people to all congregate together. And as a fully student-run organization, the group runs the risk of inexperienced volunteers in positions of responsibility shirking their duties. But these risks are mitigated, said the president, by the passion of the team.
“I’m just generally really proud of the whole club and our entire team. I’m happy everyone had fun,” Ljepava said, reflecting on the experience.
Fashion for Change’s 15th year of operation has yielded a number of changes for the organization. One of these was a bottle drive, intended both to further the philanthropic aims of the organization as a whole and to integrate sustainability into the broader. Another one of these changes was the publication of the first issue of a Fashion for Change Magazine intended to give an opportunity to other students who aren’t present during the winter term.
“I’m really grateful for the experience to work with so many people and I’m looking forward to where the club goes in the future,” said Akinyode.
While March gave us a glimpse of warmer weather before replacing it with more snow and freezing temperatures, we can look forward to April as a time for sunnier days, baby animals and blooming owers.
Here are some albums perfect for the upcoming warm weather.
e New Sound – Geordie Greep (2024)
An electrically explosive jump into spring, Geordie Greep’s heavy jazz progressive rock sound is a unique and exciting way to experience the rainiest month of the year. With its undeniable bounce and aggressive pulse, this song is perfect for expanding one’s horizons as Greep urges us to awkwardly spring into spring.
Kill the Moonlight – Spoon (2002)
Spoon’s “ e Way We Get By” is a classic motivating song to end the term with. A rejuvenating
FILM RECOMMENDATIONS
message to help all of us whose imminent exams are getting the better of our mental health. e rhythm pushes you forward and the lyrics let you know that you’re not alone. No matter what we do, we’re getting by!
e Low End eory – A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
is album is a groovy push towards the summer. Soon enough, all students will have the opportunity to ease into the working summer, and walk down the street with “What?” giving them a spring in their step. Featuring a minimalist groove and socially conscious lyrics, “ e Low End eory”” is a must have in your April rotation.
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish (2024)
A sad and somber look at heartbreak, this album is perfect for those who seek to have especially dour and rainy days. Co-written and produced by Eilish’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” quickly became widely loved both by critics and audiences alike. Compound your upsetting feelings with the award-winning lovely singing of a front-running pop star of our era.
Runaway with Del Shannon –
Del Shannon (1961)
Del Shannon’s album gives us another glimpse at heartbreak, but this time through the lens of the 1950’s. Serving as a bridge between early rock and the British invasion, “Runaway with Del Shannon” provides groovy rock and emotional lyrics, especially on his biggest hit “Runaway”. rough the album’s classic rhythm and Shannon’s pop ballad singing style, it is a fantastic staple for April.
Out of the Blue – Electric Light Orchestra (1977)
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ve already heard the biggest hit on this album “Mr. Blue Sky”, but the reality is that this album is full of hits. With impressive vocals, a full orchestra and sometimes even a choir, it’s hard to believe that the entire album was written in only three and a half weeks. Truth be told, this album is perfect for any month, but the upbeat vibey groove makes it an especially perfect introduction to spring.
Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – Jimmy Bu ett (1977)
As we start entering drinking a beer on your front porch weather, it’s time to break out your dad’s
favourite record. Still holding the title of Bu ett’s best-selling album, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes” boasts a laid-back vibe focused on relaxing in the warm air.
e soft guitar mixed with Bu ett’s chill attitude is perfect for putting on at a party while you nibble on sponge cake and make your next margarita.
Something To Give Each Other – Troye Sivan (2023)
When the weather gets warmer
and warmer, waiting in line at the club gets less and less miserable. “Something To Give Each Other” has a song for anything. You can dance, cry and laugh all while listening to Sivan’s beautiful vocals and music. Released as a single before the album, “Rush” has become an iconic hit and its fame is very well deserved.
e album is best described by Sivan himself as “a celebration of sex, dance, sweat, community, queerness, love and friendship.”
SANTOSH CHANDRASEKAR
ARTS CONTRIBUTOR
With the Tamil New Year coming up on April 14, it is a perfect opportunity to talk about the history and origins of the Tamil lm industry.
e Tamil lm industry, like other lm industries in India, has its origins set in colonial India.
e rst lm shown in South India was in 1897 by M. Edwards in Madras (now Chennai), India.
is was followed by the construction of the rst movie theater in Madras, the Electric eater which was founded in 1900 by Major Warwick. With the release of the rst Tamil lm, Keechaka Vadham, in 1917 and the rst talking lm, Kalidas, in 1931, the Tamil lm industry has a rich history of over 100 years.
Tamil cinema made its way into popular Tamil culture in the late 1930s with the release of lms like ukkaram (1938).
While the early decades were lled with mythical and historical stories, the release of Velaikkari (1949) marked a signi cant shift in lm content, beginning the long love-a air of Tamil cinema and the state politics of Tamil Nadu (the Tamil-majority state in South India).
Tamil Cinema has a long association with the self-respect and anti-caste movements of Tamil Nadu.
ere’s a signi cant history of many social dramas from Parashakti and Manohara in the 1950s to Vaazhai and Viduthalai in 2023 and 2024, discussing anti-caste themes and movements. Dravidian politics and parties of the state were also a key in uence of early Tamil cinema, with many writers and actors becoming important politicians.
In fact, Tamil cinema has produced at least four chief ministers (premiers) for the state of Tamil Nadu. is interesting phase of Tamil cinema and politics formed the premise of Iruvar (1997) directed by Mani Ratnam.
Since these early decades of Tamil cinema, many directors since the 1960s expanded these socio-political contexts to encompass feminism, economic indi erence and racism. Legendary directors like K. Balachander, Bharatiraja, Mahendran, Balu Mahendra, and Mani Ratnam along with many contemporary lmmakers have been responding to these themes. ey have also incorporated global trends in their writing styles and technologies.
Along with these social dramas, Tamil cinema has a rich history of commercial popular lms centered around superstar actors.
Starting with M.K. yagaraja Bhagavathar in early years, M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganeshan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan and countless others have had in uence over the content and market of Tamil cinema around the world.
M.G. Ramachandran (popularly
known as MGR) had a large impact on Tamil society and politics, becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the 1970s.
Sivaji Ganesan on the other hand was one of the most revered actors of his time, and served as an honorary mayor of Niagara Falls, New York, in the 1960s. Rajinikanth, the superstar of Tamil cinema, broke racial barriers on and o the screen, becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Asia.
Kamal Hassan, his contemporary, is a maestro technician and actor who introduced many im-
portant technologies to lmmaking in India.
While these actors and directors were dominating the industry, many women pioneered interesting lm legacies.
From T.P. Rajalakshmi, the rst female director/producer of Tamil cinema to many other actresses/ technicians like Savitri, Saroja Deviand Bhanumathy made immense contributions to the industry.
Jayalalitha, another renowned star of the 1960s and 1970s, went on to become the chief minister of the state and shaped the politics of
present-day Tamil Nadu. e global Tamil diaspora expanded signi cantly over the last few decades due to migration and con ict.
Tamil cinema during this time has been responding to these global socio-political events and has cultivated a strong international market.
With society and politics rapidly evolving over the last few years, Tamil cinema’s love a air with society and politics continues as it carves out a unique niche for itself in Indian and global cinema.
OPINION EDITOR
ABIGAIL DOMBROVSKY
opinion@thecord.ca
Spring is finally here — and after several months of surviving the cold, snowy conditions winter in Waterloo has to offer, students are thrilled spring has finally arrived.
Stepping into the sunshine, students are ready to bring new energy and excitement to the Golden Hawk community.
The campus comes alive with social events, outdoor activities and a renewed sense of connection among students.
Spring also brings fresh motivation for academics, extracurriculars and personal goals.
The shift from winter cold to spring warmth is more than just a seasonal change — it’s a reset that brightens the mood, boosts motivation and brings life back into the Waterloo campus.
As the sun begins to set later and the temperature rises, more students can be seen soaking up the
sun between classes.
The campus, once empty during the winter months, now buzzes with activity.
The concourse is busier than ever, with student groups hosting booths and events, while lecture halls see increased attendance.
It’s almost like the campus itself wakes up alongside its students into a livelier, more engaged atmosphere.
There’s an undeniable change in the air.
Students who once rushed from building to building, bundled up in heavy coats, now take their time and enjoy the outdoors.
Whether it’s a study session in the science atrium, a coffee break on the patio at Veritas Café, or a leisurely walk through campus, there’s a sense of enthusiasm.
The energy shift is contagious, and the campus feels more connected.
Spring at Wilfrid Laurier University isn’t just about the students, it’s about the campus itself coming to life as well.
Snowbanks melt away, making way for green grass and budding trees.
Even flowers begin to bloom,
adding pops of colour along pathways.
The iconic Waterloo Park, just a short walk away from campus becomes a go-to spot for students looking to take in the fresh air.
There’s science behind the springtime mood shift. Increased sunlight and warmth help boost serotonin levels, making people feel happier and more energized.
Seasonal depression, which affects many students during the darker months, starts to fade and is replaced by a renewed sense of motivation.
As mentioned, mood improvements during spring are partially due to increased sunlight exposure, which boosts serotonin levels.
Cheryl Currie, an associate professor of public health at the University of Lethbridge, notes that as light levels increase in the spring, most people naturally experience higher serotonin levels which lift their mood.
In the spring, this change is reflected on campus, where students are more engaged in their studies, participating in activities and enjoying their day-to-day lives.
With the return of warm weath-
er, Laurier students embrace a variety of spring traditions. The annual March Open House also brings a wave of prospective students, adding to the excitement and energy on campus.
As the semester comes to an end, spring offers the perfect boost to finish strong.
It’s a great time to take advantage of the weather, find motivation in the changing season and
push through final assignments and exams.
Whether it’s studying outside, trying something new or even taking a moment to appreciate the fresh start that spring provides, this is the time to embrace the season’s energy. Spring at Laurier is more than just a change in seasons, it’s a shift in mindset, atmosphere and community spirit. The finish line is in sight.
Moving to Canada was supposed to be my main-character moment — new city, new adventures and maybe even some aesthetic café-hopping.
Instead, I found myself navigating a life where winter feels like a personal attack.
India’s heat never prepared me for the kind of cold that freezes your brain.
Before moving, I thought I was prepared.
I had my visa, my university schedule and a very optimistic mindset.
However, I lacked a proper winter coat, an understanding of why everyone here is obsessed with Tim Hortons, while also wondering if I was getting scammed at the grocery store (spoiler alert: I always was — why is everything so expensive?).
Somewhere between adjusting to the cold and realizing I had a lot more to learn than I thought while finding moments of connection in unexpected places, I started to carve out my own spot here.
As a second-year communications student from Delhi, India, moving to Canada has been a wild ride so far.
As I continue to adjust, I’m learning what it truly means to find a balance between where I came from and where I’m headed.
The first few days were harder than I expected.
It took me a while to fully grasp that I was really on my own in a foreign country, far from everything I knew.
I had to figure things out by myself, and that was a tough pill to swallow.
Making friends didn’t come easily, especially since I tend to be more introverted.
Orientation week was a lifesaver — it gave me a chance to connect with others and realize I wasn’t as alone as I thought.
I’ve realized that building a social circle takes work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things about this experience.
Academics on the other hand felt like a complete 180.
Back home, I was used to a different approach to learning — using laptops for class was practically unheard of.
Adjusting to the teaching style here was a challenge and for a while, it felt like I was playing catch-up.
The group projects, endless readings and constant push to
contribute to class discussions felt like a lot to juggle.
But after some time, I started to find my rhythm.
I began to embrace this more interactive approach, realizing that it was pushing me to think more critically.
The transition wasn’t just academic, it was cultural too. Back in Delhi, I was used to food being available at any time — whether it was 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., you could always grab a quick snack. Here, if it’s past 9 p.m., you better hope you have some leftovers or you’re out
of luck.
Socially, it was a bit of a shock. Back home, people greet each other with energy — shouting, laughing and chatting in crowded spaces.
Here, the polite Canadian silence is common and if you’re a little too loud you might just get the “shush” stare.
The best part however, is that people actually follow traffic lights. In Delhi, jaywalking is practically an Olympic sport.
Here, it’s like a whole new world where crossing the street without the green light is a serious crime.
It’s a lot to adjust to, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
The past two years have been a rollercoaster filled with highs and lows, feeling homesick during festivals and celebrating birthdays with my friends over FaceTime calls so I don’t feel left out.
But with every challenge has come growth. I’ve learned so much about myself, resilience and about what it really means to build a life in a new place.
From little wins like mastering the art of cooking for myself to the bigger ones like creating meaningful friendships that make this place feel like home, I’ve come a long way.
It hasn’t always been easy, but as I continue to grow and navigate this new chapter, I’m proud to say that I’m not just surviving — I’m thriving.
Now, with some of my closest friends by my side, I’m ready to embrace whatever the future holds, moving forward with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.
BEHLING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Among the many groups on campus working to draw awareness to important issues, the Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 902 and the Wilfrid Laurier University Palestinian Justice Club are two that demonstrate the power student voices can have.
PSAC 902 is a union group that represents graduate teaching assistants at Laurier. The organization collaborates with other clubs at Laurier, including the WLU NDP, Laurier’s Women and Gender Studies Society and the WLU Rainbow Centre.
WLU PJC is a student club that spreads awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza through numerous events. They have collaborated with other local Palestinian awareness groups such as UWaterloo Voices for Palestine, KW Palestine and Occupy UWaterloo, among others. Both groups have also collaborated on events together, such as the UW Divest from Genocide rally on March 28.
One of the most notable events ran by the WLU PJC this term includes their Gaza Will Rise event, which took place on March 24 in the senate and board chambers on the Waterloo campus. With 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. timeslots, the free event led attendees through a detailed workshop on the struggle of the Palestinian people alongside a masterfully created art display of before and after maps of Gaza.
Similarly, PSAC 902 has been active on campus this term and is due to hold their annual general meeting on April 7 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Roles up for application this year include chair, deputy-chair, co-chief steward of the Waterloo campus, administrative officer, co-chief steward of the Brantford campus, treasurer, communications officer and equity officer.
“They operate by really coming together and supporting those who either need to be unionized or those who are on strike currently. Additionally, they do other methods of activism and really help to bring student and faculty voices together to make sure that everyone really has a fair and equitable shot on campus,” said Meeka Geyer, co-president of the WLU NDP when asked about how PSAC
902 operates.
Of the events held by PSAC this year, the open mic was the favourite of Wallis Scott, a general member of PSAC 902 and co-president of the WLU NDP.
“People created spoken word poems and spoke from the heart about some of the experiences they’re having today. A lot of it was queer focused and a lot of it was focused on some of the conflicts that are taking place throughout the world,” Scott said.
Hosted on Jan. 31 in Arts 1E1, the open mic was organized by PSAC 902, WLU NDP, Laurier’s Women and Gender Studies Society and the WLU Rainbow Centre. Filled with spoken word poems and community collaboration, the event brought students together while educating them about the union’s activities. Hillary Pimlott, associate professor in the communication studies department at Laurier, concluded the night with a comedy show.
“It was really just a good time I think for everybody involved. It was very funny,” Scott said.
The dedication of both clubs to encouraging student engagement with important social and cultural issues is inspiring and demonstrates the strength of Laurier’s student body.
Canadian agriculture is typically boiled down to a handful of animals; geese, moose and maybe a loon resting on the lake.
However, Ontario is a place filled to the brim with a variety of diverse animals and plants.
So, what kind of creatures can be found populating the backyards of the Kitchener-Waterloo region?
An urban region of Ontario, Waterloo provides a unique mesh of cityscapes, farmland and open
space.
Combining natural spaces with residential and commercial areas creates complex support for the wildlife sharing our habitat. In the urban regions, the abundance of accessible food is important for raccoons and squirrels, who scavenge from humans for survival. Other urban creatures such as skunks, possums, mice and rats fall similarly into this category. Up in the Waterloo skies is a broad range of avian creatures. Hawks, gulls, woodpeckers, mourning doves, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, swans, blue herons and mallards are all common bird species found in the region. Rarer birds that can be found are snowy owls, Iceland gulls, and Carolina wren.
Alongside the birds are eight different species of bats that help control the bug population of Ontario.
The bug life of Waterloo is almost too extensive to properly describe. Bugs such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, beetles, fireflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and thousands of other species and their variations make up Waterloo’s insect ecosystem. As Ontario is the most diverse environmental region of Canada, the variety of insects is vast,colourful, spread across the area,and helpes boost the botany of Waterloo.
The flora of Waterloo is just as impressive as the insects, with a multitude of native Ontario plant life.
Flowers such as the Coral Bean,
red tubular flowers that bloom on stalks up to 6 feet tall, or the Black Dalea, a low-growing shrub covered in violet blossoms that provides shelter for mammals.
Since the Waterloo region is a Moraine biome, a ridge or hill of loose rock left behind by a glacier, there is an enormous amount of biodiversity described as a green oasis, the Moraine allows wildlife to remain healthy and connected to the earth. Alongside the wildlife, Waterloo houses a booming farm industry.
With a total of 1,409 farms, 65 per cent being used for livestock, Ontarian farmers bring farm animals such as cattle, horses, mules, goats, swine, sheep, mink, chickens, hens, roosters, foxes and nutria to boost the agriculture of
the area. Farmlands also bring forth agriculture and economy and in 2020 the Kitchener-Waterloo region alone saw a revenue of 21.1 million dollars through its farmers, with 652.5 dollars total throughout all of Ontario.
It is important to stay clean and eco-friendly.
Often, it is easy to forget the impact humans have on the
and just how much beauty is missed when there is no time set aside for it.
There are a variety of accessible parks and trails in the Kitchener area to explore, each with great value and beautiful hiking trails. It is important to be kind to the land and to the animals that share it.
The world is at your doorstep.
When your career starts on social media, it’s hard to be known for anything else.
e music industry’s history as judge, jury and executioner has left behind a trail of TikTok stars who tried and failed to make it.
Among the broken dreams and short-lived careers, you can nd a lucky few who pulled o the impossible — one of these successes is Addison Rae.
Growing up in Louisiana, Rae danced competitively from the age of six and laid the groundwork for her future career.
In 2019, she started posting dance videos to TikTok and quickly gained a following.
As of February 2025, Rae’ s TikTok account has 88.5 million followers and 5.2 billion likes. at’s like if the entire population of Wilfrid Laurier University followed the same account over 3,500 times.
As her fame and following grew, Rae quickly used the opportunity to branch out and create a portfolio that wasn’t solely contained on TikTok.
She signed with WME talent agency in 2020 and started a
podcast with her mother before making her entrance into the music world by releasing a single called Obsessed in 2021.
Other ventures she pursued at the time include a fragrance line, cosmetics line and acting in the Net ix lm He’s All at. Despite overall negative critic reviews of the She’s All at remake, Rae’s collection of projects showed that she could be so much more than just a TikToker, and she was well on her way to being the It Girl she is today.
Her real music breakout came after she had some unreleased songs leak on YouTube.
To Rae’s surprise, the tracks became popular, and she ultimately released them as an EP in 2022 titled AR. With hit songs like Nothing On (But e Radio) and a feature by Charli xcx, she was thrown into the pop world, ripped jeans rst.
Since that initial EP, Rae has kept her pop hits streak alive with a series of releases and features, each one showcasing electrifying club vibes.
Last year she was featured on A.G. Cook’s remix of Charli xcx’s Von Dutch, which she followed up with her rst major label single Diet Pepsi ese songs immediately captured Gen Z and with strong bass and vocals they can be heard in almost any party or club in the world.
Rae’s other releases include the
single Aquamarine from this past October, and most recently High Fashion which came with a promise of a full album in 2025.
High Fashion mixes a groovy beat with ethereal synths and echoed vocals which pairs it perfectly with the song’s music video.
Directed by Mitch Ryan, also known for directing Olivia Rodrigo’s Obsessed music video.
High Fashion’s music video depicts Rae dancing through scenes of smoke, rain, white powder and fashion all while the lyrics ash on the screen in bright pink block letters.
With a music video clearly inspired by Britney Spears, High Fashion compares the high one gets when buying new clothes to being on drugs.
As the chorus repeats, “I don’t need your drugs. I’d rather get, rather get high fashion,” Rae depicts how retail therapy can produce a feeling that doesn’t compare to anything else. rough a focus on fashion and club imagery, Rae easily captures the attention of Gen Z.
In a world where one can struggle their whole life to break free from social media stardom, Addison Rae does so with grace and immense talent.
Her next album is practically guaranteed to be a hit, and I for one, can’t wait to listen.
It’s Addison Rae’s world, and we’re all just trying to keep up.
On Feb. 28, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s and women’s curling teams capped o historic seasons, each winning their U SPORTS gold medal matches against Carleton and McMaster, respectively.
e men’s team, led by fourthyear communications studies skip Kibo Mulima, nished the season 16-7.
Mulima, a key part of Laurier’s 2023 national championship team, credited their success to striking the right balance between competition and support. “We pushed each other to get better, but did it constructively,” he said.
After losing to Carleton in the OUA nal, Laurier got its revenge with a 6-5 win in pool play before defeating them 7-4 in the championship match.
“We had a game plan,” Mulima said. “We kept them at bay, worked our way back to tied with hammer, and made key shots when needed.”
Tied 3-3 after the fourth end,
Laurier seized control with a crucial deuce in the fth.
A stolen point in the sixth extended their lead to 6-3, forcing Carleton to chase. “We kept rolling on that momentum and maintained control to the end,” Mulima said.
e teams traded single points in the nal ends, but Laurier’s defensive play sealed the win, marking their third national title in four years.
e women’s team, led by fthyear communications studies skip Emma Artichuk, nished with an impressive 25-4 record.
“Laurier has become the school for top curlers,” Artichuk said.
“It’s well-funded and has strong coaching, which made this season’s success important.”
e team won both the Toronto Intercollegiate Bonspiel and the McMaster Invitational, but fell short in the OUA nal as they lost 5-3 to McMaster.
“We had a big lineup change mid-year due to scheduling conicts,” Artichuk said. “ at was a setback, but we adapted.”
Head coach John Gabel praised the team’s resilience.
“We set clear goals, held each other accountable, and the athletes fully bought in,” he said.
Laurier got its chance at re-
demption against McMaster in the U SPORTS gold medal game.
“We knew it would be tough, but we trusted our skills and past experiences,” said Scotia Maltman, a third-year education major.
Laurier jumped ahead in the second end before McMaster tied it 2-2 in the third.
e Hawks regained control with single points in the fourth and fth, but McMaster responded with a crucial two in the sixth to tie it once more.
“With the time change, long games, and a tough week, we were exhausted, but the adrenaline kept us going,” Maltman said.
“Especially on Emma’s last shot, we were locked in.”
With the game on the line, Artichuk delivered the winning shot in the nal end.
“I was nervous, but we knew it was our best chance. ere’s no better feeling than making the shot to win it all,” she said.
Coach Gabel wasn’t surprised.
“Emma holds herself to a high standard, and that passion spreads to her teammates,” he said.
Laurier’s sweep marked the rst double gold in U SPORTS curling history.
“We were all crying and cheering,” Maltman said. “And when the guys won, we swarmed together as a big group.”
“A lot of teams never get this opportunity,” Mulima added. “Winning both championships, 10 feet apart—it was incredible.” CHEERLEADING
e Wilfrid Laurier University varsity cheerleading team has had a season to remember lled with great achievements, dedication and talent.
Known for their presence at Laurier football games, the cheer team amps up the crowd with their impressive stunts, high- ying baskets and spirited cheers.
But their impact goes far beyond game day performances.
Behind the scenes, they put in countless hours of practice, tirelessly perfecting every routine to ensure they shine on the competition stage.
eir e orts paid o as they took the cheer world by storm this season.
Together, they proved they are far more than just sideline supporters.
ey proved themselves on both national and international stages, taking their routine all the way to Orlando, Florida to compete at the International Cheer Union World Championships.
ey competed in both Game Day and Premier divisions, with
two separate routines to showcase their skills.
ey competed against six other teams in the Game Day division, where they placed third with a perfect routine and awless technique.
is earned them the Nations Cup for the highest scoring Canadian Game Day team.
e Premier division is highly competitive, with a total of six teams competing.
e Golden Hawks placed third with a solid performance.
While they had a minor fall in
their second stunt, resulting in a 1-point deduction, they recovered quickly and nished the routine with great technique.
Following the World Championships, they took their routine back to Canada with renewed energy and focus, ready to showcase their talent at the Power Cheerleading Athletics National Championships. Competing in the Game Day and Premier divisions again, they came out on top of both categories.
With an impressive overall score of 130.3, the Premier team placed rst, coming in about two points
ahead of the University of Guelph.
e Game Day team came out ahead of the Brock University varsity team as well, placing rst out of two with an overall score of 171.4. Both teams displayed great technique and were awarded for it, leaving with the title of PCA National Champions.
e Golden Hawks earned the reputation of being one of the strongest university varsity cheerleading teams in Ontario.
ey redeemed themselves with a stronger performance compared to last year, when they placed third
at PCA Nationals. is year, they proudly took home the title of PCA National Champions, a testament to their dedication and growth as athletes. ey will continue to build their reputation for both competitive success and spirit-building at school events as they start training for the next season. Try-outs, held on May 10, will be the beginning of a new journey for a new group of Golden Hawks hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2024-25 season athletes and earn the title of National Champions.
The 2024-25 season was an overall successful year for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks' indoor track and field team.
It was characterized by record-breaking performances, individual achievements and significant team development.
The Golden Hawks showed continued perseverance throughout the season.
At the Ontario University Athletics Track and Field Championships, the team set multiple new program records, highlighting their growth and competitive tenacity throughout the season.
The OUA Championships were a highlight, with the team setting five new program relay records during the season, four of which occurred at this event.
Overall, the year marked multiple stand-out performances from a plethora of different athletes.
The Women's 4 x 400 blitzed the program record with a time of 3:57.29, set by Abby Byers, Chloe Poulter, Anisah Sabree and Alyssa Zinn at the Ravens Last Chance Meet.
Etua Kaddu advanced to the semifinals in the 60-metre sprint, making it to the semifinals in the 60-metre dash at the OUA's. At the same event, Markeiths Flannigan secured seventh place in the triple jump with a distance of 13.44 metres.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ian Clancy and his coach-
ing staff, the Golden Hawks made significant strides. The emphasis on breaking program records and achieving personal bests indicates a focus on development.
The season showcased a blend of experienced athletes and emerging talents.
Notably, Anisah Sabree participated in all three relay events at
the OUA Championships — a rare achievement.
Additionally, athletes like Chad Thorpe, Nolan Kuhlberg, Chloe Poulter and Abby Byers contributed significantly by competing in multiple relay events, highlighting the team's versatility.
The 2024-25 indoor track and field season for the Golden Hawks is one of optimism for the future. The culmination of record-breaking performances, individual growth and effective coaching sets a solid foundation for future success.
With many of the athletes set to return next year, 2024-25 marks a season of optimism for the Golden Hawks.
