MAY 2021

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 6

May 2021

CRISIS IN INDIA

TAKING A GAP YEAR/ GRADUATING EARLY

SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION MOVIES OF THE MONTH

ADVICE COLUMN: ASK TOMMY

PHOBIAS

MOTHER’S DAY THE APPLICATION PROCESS

SD43 JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY

May

2 FIRST GLANCE P.5: WORLD

P.7: SCHOOL

The Pinetree Post

STAFF

FOUNDERS Russell Kim, Felix Guo EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Briana Ho, Julia Ye

Crisis in India

P.11: FEATURED

Taking a Gap Year/Graduating Early

P. 19: OTHER

ARTICLE EDITOR Briana Ho CONTRIBUTORS Kaylin Brereton-Stiles Bryan Chen Kevin Fan, Jon Gough Na-Yeon Kim, Florin Lee Michelina Lee, Zoe Li Alexandra Mandewo Kaleigh Morrow Shaina Rajwani Jennifer Shui Sophie Zhao GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Fan SPECIAL THANKS TO The Pinetree Administration, Mr. Lau, Anonymous “Ask Tommy” Contributors, Helena Yu, Esther Yim, Ms. Olujic, Mrs. Lovelock,

I <3 Mom Social Media Addiction Movies of the Month Phobias AND MORE!

Comics

GET INVOLVED IN THE PT POST! Although we at the Pinetree Post try our best to represent the voice of the everyone at Pinetree, we are only a small group of students. To find the most pressing topics and interesting avenues to explore, we rely on input from readers to curate relevant content only. Anyone is welcome to suggest a topic or provide an opinion for Pinetree Post writers and

contributors to look into further. Do you have something to say that needs your voice? The Pinetree Post also welcomes guest content, any time, of any kind. Feel free to submit an article on a topic you are passionate for, a comic you think everyone deserves to see, maybe even a letter to the editor!

You can submit your original content to us at thepinetreepost@gmail.com.

Have a question or a request? Contact us at: facebook.com/thepinetreepost

3

FIRST GLANCE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Take That Leap of Faith But only if you don’t have old lady bones like mine.

Briana Ho, Julia Ye Editors-in-Chief

Hey Pinetree!

First of all, I proudly announce that our new Design Editor Kevin Fan has put together today’s issue instead of Julia! Next issue, we’ll have Jennifer Shui editing articles instead of me, and I’m so excited to see what they’ll do together! One month left until sweet, sweet liberty. I can almost taste it…

But until then, we’ve all still got work to do!

(Unless you have a PE course and an off block this quarter, in which case I now indignantly shake my fist at you).

Now, as changes fast approach with the school year reaching its finale, vaccines making their way through younger folks, and a hopeful reopening plan, let’s remind ourselves to stay courageous!

Similar to any monthly theme we choose, courage comes in many forms (so I can fit lots of articles together under it). We’ve all had things in the past or present that scare us - like when I was a kid, I worried that zombies would come out of my closet and pilfer my organs - but especially if the feelings goes so far as to be a phobia, it helps to understand why exactly they happen (Phobias, page 15).

Don’t forget to go outside and breathe.

Source: Julia Ye

Some strawberry-flavoured clouds

Source: Julia Ye

And aside from horror-movie-esque fears, the trials of real life also require courage. One of our talented writers, Alexandra Mandewo, shared her experience this month about the universal lessons she learned about bravery from her time as a firefighterin-training (SD43 Junior Firefighter Academy, page 18). Or, perhaps you need courage in the social part of your life. A brave, anonymous person has shared with us their experiences with toxic relationships (Which Friends Are Your True Friends?, page 17).

Other times, it feels scary to break damaging habits or to stay committed to a healthier lifestyle (Social Media Addiction, page 13).

There’s also courage needed for decisions about our future. For those curious or nervous about making that leap to graduate early or take a gap year, we’ve gathered first-person accounts from students who’ve chosen those paths (Taking a Gap Year / Graduating Early, page 7). And in the spirit of Mother’s Day (although this particular decision is probably far in the future for most of us), we’ve included stories from mothers in our staff - the reallife superheroes - about their journeys.

But despite all the brain power that goes into figuring out our personal lives, we can’t forget to stand up for the global issues that affect our fellow humans. It can feel daunting, or feel like too much work, or maybe even none of our business, but people raising awareness and calling for action is the only way change will happen. Also, knowing about world issues makes you feel like you have a big brain, so that’s definitely a bonus - that’s partly why we always

4

FIRST GLANCE

(Advice Column: Ask Tommy, page 10). If you’re also in love with him, or compelled to send him a secret correspondence about escape methods, or want to bid him farewell, send him an email at pinetreepost. asktommy@gmail.com .

I’ll add more booby traps in the basement tonight. If he’s going to escape, I might as well make it entertaining for myself.

Hope you enjoy this issue of the Pinetree Post! Remember to like us on Facebook for new announcements and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates (@thepinetreepost). Message us on Instagram or email us (thepinetreepost@gmail. com) if you have a topic you’d like us to address next month or if you’re interested in writing a guest article yourself !

Missed the last issues? Read them at https:// issuu.com/thepinetreepost.

Don’t inhale too much tree fluff!

Keep on keepin’ on.

Look at all those chickens!

Source: Julia Ye

sneak global news articles into our issues. We value your brain expansion (Crisis in India, page 5).

Even so, minds need breaks. We at the Pinetree Post like to have fun too, so we’ve included a list of a few movies that tie into this month’s theme (Movies Of The Month, page 14) as well as an illustration from our comics section (Comic, page 20).

Now, lovely readers, I must be honest with you. Tommy’s been acting… strange lately. While he’s normally rather dreary when I come to visit him - perhaps a bit angry or rabid - last week I found him humming happily to himself. He seems too confident about some impending freedom when I’m sure the authorities aren’t close enough to rescue him yet.

Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed… In any case, this month he’s received a love letter of all things

Briana Ho & Kevin Fan Old and New Editors-in-Chief

5 WORLD NEWS

Crisis in India

How COVID-19 devastated a nation

Mass cremations in India to deal with the surge of the dead.

Florin Lee Writer India is currently experiencing the world’s worst Covid-19 outbreak, with 400 000 new cases per day at its peak. As of May 26, the number of new cases has gone down to 210 000, but that is still a huge number of people affected by the virus. India’s medical system has collapsed, and people are dying from supply shortages. Images of mass cremations and funeral pyres are circulating the internet, as well as horror stories of people who passed away because they could not receive medical help. The crisis took off in March, hitting its peak in the beginning of May. How did Covid spread so quickly and paralyze a country of over one billion people?

Source: Altaf Qadri/AP Photo

India’s first wave of Covid-19 had settled down in January 2021 after reaching its peak of 90 000 cases per day in September 2020. As a result,

people began loosening social distancing and other health measures.

India’s poor enforcement of health measures led to a huge spike in COVID-19 cases.

Source: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

WORLD

In addition, there were major events like the Kumbh Mela and the Indian elections that created massive crowds with little social distancing and masks. The Kumbh festival is when millions of Hindus from all over the country travel to the city of Haridwar to take a ceremonial dip in the Ganges river, which is holy in their religion. This year, it began in March and continued through April, and more than 2600 attenders have tested positive for Covid-19. In March, there were also massive political rallies for the Indian elections that drew large crowds with little social distancing and masks.

However,

the main reason India’s second wave of COVID-19 has been so devastating is because the sudden surge in cases overwhelmed its poor healthcare system.

India has the second largest population in theworld, with 1.38 billion inhabitants, but only 1 doctor per 1500 people. Rural communities are especially understaffed and underequipped, and some people do not have access to any medical services in their communities. As a result, this fast and large spike in Covid-19 patients has overwhelmed India’s medical system. Many patients cannot find hospitals that can take them, and even then there is a shortage of oxygen and supplies.

6

In May 2021, at the height of the Indian crisis, there were an average of 4000 people dying from Covid-19 per day, but experts say that the actual numbers are far greater. According to Dr. Hemant D. Shewade, an expert in community medicine, “[the] estimated Covid deaths are five times (the reported figure).” Many Indians are blaming their government for not doing more to stop the spread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on the crisis until April 20, but by then India was already experiencing nearly 300 000 new cases per day. There also is a new variant of Covid-19 from India that the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified as a global health risk.

Canada has currently banned all direct flights from India until June 21, 2021. We have also sent hundreds of ventilators, medicine, and millions of dollars in assistance to help India fight against this crisis.

India’s successful containment of

the virus matters not only to India, but to the global community.

We will only succeed in defeating the virus when everyone has. On April 4, 2021, 52 passengers tested positive for Covid-19 on a Hong Kong flight from Delhi even though all of them had tested negative beforehand. In order for international travel and economies to return to normal, an international cooperative to help less developed nations combat Covid-19 is necessary.

There is a shortage of oxygen and beds as hospitals are Millions of Hindus gathered at the Ganges river with overwhelmed by cases.

Source: Rebecca Conway/Getty Images little social distancing and masks. Source: Money Sharma/AFP

7 SCHOOL

Taking a Gap Year

Insights from Previous Graduates Sophie Zhao Writer, Interviewer

The majority of Pinetree students who plan on entering university do so the year after high school.

However, there are some who choose to take a gap year - taking a year off from school before going back into academia - or simply graduate a semester early. Such choices vary depending on a student’s preferences or circumstances. The interviews below are two stories of Pinetree graduates who either took a gap year or graduated early in their high school career.

Helena Yu - 2020 Pinetree Grad

PTP:: Could you start by introducing yourPTP self ?

HY:: My name is Helena Yu, I’m 18, and I gradHY uated from Pinetree in June of 2020. I’m nearing the end of my gap year and plan on moving to Ontario for university this coming fall.

PTP:: Do you have specific plans for univerPTP sity, such as what you are planning to study?

HY:: Yes, I’m going to Queen’s university and HY studying business/commerce.

PTP:: How has your early graduation been?

PTP HY:: My early graduation has not been how I exHY pected it, with COVID and all, but it’s been a nice break from the daily school routine.

PTP:: Why did you choose to graduate early PTP and take a gap year?

HY:: I initially chose to graduate early to start uniHY versity early and get ahead. However, I faced some

problems with that plan, so instead I took it as a time to get a job and maybe do some travelling.

Of course, the latter was out of the question by the time I graduated, so I took some online courses and got a job instead.

PTP:: Did you have to do anything differPTP ently than other students to graduate early?

HY:: In my situation, I didn’t do much more than HY the regular student. I just took more courses over the summer and online. I also became a grade 12 student on record and joined the grade 12 pack for CLC (Career Life Connections). By the end of my “grade 11” year, I had enough credits to graduate but I took more high school courses during my gap year too.

PTP:: Do you suggest this path for other PTP students?

HY:: I personally wish I had stayed for my grade HY 12 year since we had to quarantine at home for the majority of the year. If I stayed, I would have gone to school and seen my friends since schools never closed. But overall,

“I think it was good to have a break before starting university and I would suggest other students take a gap year now since the COVID situation seems to be getting better.”

Hopefully those who do take a gap year in the future will get to travel or do something fun during their break!

Esther Yim - 2021 Pinetree Grad

PTP: Hello! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself ?

EY: Hi, I’m 17 years old. I mean, what I meant to say is, “Hi, I’m Esther Yim.” :) I graduated from Pinetree Secondary School in early February, and now I am quarantined at home like everyone else.

PTP: Are you going to college or university?

And if you are, what are you planning to study?

EY: I am planning on going to a Canadian Uni-

SCHOOL versity, perhaps Simon Fraser University (SFU). I am currently accepted to a few universities, and all the programs I applied to are bio[logy] related – Biomedical Physiology Major at SFU, Bio-medical Science at the University of Guelph, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Trinity Western University.

Biomedical Physiology at SFU.

Source: Simon Fraser University

PTP: How do you feel about your early graduation?

EY: Oh, the graduation itself felt like it was never there. It was still rewarding, nonetheless.

PTP: Why did you choose to graduate early?

EY: I chose to graduate early due to my VISA status. My mom had a Work VISA that was supposed to expire at the end of February. I wanted to make sure that I would graduate before then since I am not a fan of risk-taking. Thankfully, my mom got it extended. That’s why I am able to come here today to interview with one of the most awesome interviewers.

PTP: Haha, we’re so lucky to have you! To graduate early, did you have to do anything differently than others?

EY: In ways to graduate early, you have to do a lot of tasks in a short matter of time. Some of you who are reading or hearing this may say “Well, duh,” but let me explain. First of all, you need to take a Career Life C… CLC 12 (I forgot what the acronym stands for) in a single semester. This means you get to do the Capstone project in late January! Yay! The good news is that some of the projects of CLC 12 are modified a little to help our lovely, stressed, mentally breaking, early graduate students.

Also, I took three online courses – English 12 FastTrack, Pre-Calculus 12 and Biology 12

8 Flexible Paced Online. Waking up at 7:45 AM during summer was funnnnn. No. I would never recommend English 12 FastTrack if you do not like the sound of attempting to finish a test while your stomach goes brrrr, quite literally. For some reason, I think I still enjoyed the course a bit. I would recommend students to take English 12 if they are focused on earning a good mark. Pre-Calculus 12 Flexible Paced Online? It took longer for me to finish than a regular class, but you have the option of when to take the laggy animations as lessons. You write one worksheet and one test for each unit. On the other hand, your biology mark is based on your notes, home experiments, tests, and a mandatory final exam. Some of the unit projects made me feel like I was playing and taking my time off. Still, I am bummed about the missed opportunity to dissect a heart.

On a side note,

“I deeply urge you not to take a

full-year course during your final year unless the class is simply for your entertainment.”

Source: Coquitlam Open Learning

9 SCHOOL

PTP:: Would you suggest graduating early to PTP other students?

EY:: I do! After those struggling times, you get five EY more months than others to just relax. If I could work during this time, I would have. You can try new hobbies and learn new things, yet you would still have some extra time to take a bubble bath!

What sounds better than self-care?

Helena took her gap year and Esther graduated early, both during the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially for Helena, this held her back from making the most from the experience. However, her story shows that spending a year off is often beneficial to save up money or simply take a break before university. On the other hand, Esther’s early graduation was due to family circumstances, but resulted in a well-deserved break before university.

Thus, by planning ahead and weighing the pros and cons, taking a gap year or simply graduating is a practical option for many students, especially after the pandemic.

Travel with friends!

Some people just need a break before going to one of these.

Source: ICEF

Source: Queens University

SCHOOL ADVICE COLUMN:

Ask Tommy Tommy Sharpe

Hello all, My name is Tommy Sharpe, and welcome to the May edition of Ask Tommy! Being around halfway into Quarter 4, we’ve only got one month left of school!

We’re really on the home grind here, finally, but that’s no excuse to slow down now. This month’s article is very short, but as the next one is the last one of the year, it will be EXTRA long!

Here is this month’s submission: bye bye Tommy ur a very swell gent I’ll miss ur sweet poetic words that tickle my eyeballs I’ll see you in my dreams And miss you every waking moment And sigh out into the night air, watching the winking stars in hopes that one day I’ll find out your true identity so we can reunite and bathe with you in my love - Your [REDACTED] I’m…not quite sure how to respond to that, actually. Well, in any case, I’ll miss you too, dear reader. Not to worry, though. Even though I will be out of the basement, another will soon come to take my place. It may not be immediate, or even in the near future, but I am con-

10 vinced that sometime, sooner or later, Tommy Sharpe will greet you all again.

That said, if enough of you guys ask for it, maybe I’ll tell you guys who I am! God, I feel like Doctor Who, reincarnating.

That’s all for this month’s edition of Ask Tommy. As always, please send me any questions or comments you may have about school, life, or anything else at pinetreepost.asktommy@gmail.com. Good luck, and adieu.

Tommy Sharpe

11 FEATURED I <3 Mom Mother’s Day

Kayleigh Morrow Writer, Interviewer

This year Mother’s Day was on May 9th. It was a good opportunity to spend time with mothers, aunts and grandmothers, but Mother’s Day is not the only day for appreciating mothers. Call grandma on the weekend, or send mom a sweet text during lunch, and take every chance to create memories with mothers. The Pinetree Post interviewed two teachers (and mothers) to ask them about their kids, mothers and Mother’s Day experiences.

Ms. Olujic with her “World’s Best Mom” mug.

Source: Kaylin Brereton-Stiles

PTP: What are some fond memories of your kids?

O: My oldest child is very, very stubborn. She is strong willed. The first time she ever demonstrated that was when she was about two weeks old, and she really wanted me to pick her up out of her crib.

She figured out that if she pretended she was choking I would come. It took me three or four times of her doing this before I figured out that she was lying. My second daughter is more excitable and open. On my birthday last year, she woke up at 6 a.m.. She was six years old. It was November, rainy

and cold, and she knew I walked the dog in the morning, so she woke up to walk the dog with me.

PTP: This year, what did you and your kids do for Mother’s Day? O: This year the kids made me digital cards. They put their tablets out in the morning, with the Mother’s Day cards drawn there. They went shopping with their dad to get me gifts, because I tend to not spend a lot of money on myself. So they had a list of things they thought that I might like or needed, thus I got a whole bunch of running gear.

The last time I bought myself running gear was about seven or eight years ago. Then they bought me lunch and we went to visit their grandma.

PTP: What is your favourite Mother’s Day memory?

O: The very first Mother’s Day with both of my friends. It was nice to feel like the family was complete. I remember the feeling- I woke up in the morning and thought “life is complete now.”

PTP: What is your favourite memory with your mother?

O: My favourite memory with my mom was going back to Croatia, where I was born, with her. I always heard stories about what it was like when we lived there, since I was three years old when we moved to Canada. I did not get to go back with her and see all the stories I grew up with until I was 33, so it was really special. It was nice to imagine her as a parent with a young child, walking through all the places that we were walking through.

PTP: Do you have any stories where your kids surprised you?

O: They kind of scaled the inside of a doorway.

I had never seen that before, but they were practicing this for a long time, and they had a whole routine. It was this acrobatics routine, where they ended with climbing the doorways. They were climbing and jumping down, and climbing and jumping down. It had music and all these little things, it was really cute.

12

FEATURED

Mrs. Lovelock in the art room.

Source: Kaylin Brereton-Stiles

PTP: What are your fond memories with your son?

L: Birth. That was pretty recent, only two years ago. It was a completely new experience for me, because I have not had kids before. He was actually taken away, because his heart rate dropped really low, and he could not breathe. So my husband and him went away, and I was left to be stitched-up. It was kind of traumatic, but still a beautiful memory. The first day I had him home it was pouring rain in the middle of May. I took him home in the stroller with the rain cover and it was such a beautiful spring day. I will never forget the first walk we took together in the rain.

The first time he laughed and smiled, that was a great weekend. Whenever I come in the door, he comes with a huge smile and runs for a hug.

There is nothing like it.

PTP: What about raising your son surprised you?

L: How quickly he learns and grows. When he is a newborn, it feels like it is lasting forever. Then in an instant, in the blink of an eye, that stage is over and it is something new. The last two years have flown by. Even before he was two years old, he really had a sense of empathy. That really surprised me.

PTP: What did you do for Mother’s Day this year?

L: In the morning my husband, my son, and I went to visit my mom, then we called my husband’s mom- she is in Peachland. My son napped in the afternoon. Then, we got takeout for dinner

and we ate outside. The weather was nice. We got Kelly O’Brians, one of my favourite places to eat, and then my husband got me a pedicure and my son got me a giftcard to one of my favourite clothing stores.

PTP: What is your favourite Mother’s Day memory with your mother?

L: There is a high tea place in Kerrisdale called The Secret Garden. My family likes going for high tea so we go almost every Mother’s Day. Last year and this year are the only two Mother’s Days we have not gone in 15 years. Having high tea with my mom and sisters and dressing up is one of my favourite memories for sure.

PTP: What are you looking forward to doing with your son as he grows?

L: Everything. I love adventures, and I love spontaneous adventures. We woke up one morning in the summer a few years ago and said “Hey, how about we drive down to the redwood forest in California,” and we left an hour later. So I am looking forward to doing that with my son. “How about we take our bikes and ride around Buntzen Lake?” or “Do you want to buy some plane tickets?” and we will fly down to San Francisco for the weekend. I am really looking forward to travelling. His aunts are in England, so I would like to take him to Europe before he is a teenager- when he is old enough to appreciate things, but young enough to still be impressionable. He really loves watching singing and dancing on stage, and he really loves concerts.

I am looking forward to seeing plays, concerts, and musicals with him.

Social Media Addiction Recognizing and dealing with it Michelina Lee Writer

Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter. These are only some of the famous social media applications most of us are familiar

13 FEATURED

with. Whether it be on the bus or during school, many can be seen scrolling through social media and getting updated on the latest news. Social media has become a huge part of our everyday lives.

However, with the development of social media and technology, so has addiction. A new form of addiction has been increasing rapidly; social media addiction. Due to the fact that not many people are aware of this addiction, they are not able to recognize it and seek help.

Unlike various other addictions, there is no official diagnosis for social media addiction. Therefore, it may be difficult to compare one’s usage to a set of standards. However, according to Addiction Center, social media addiction can be described as “being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas.” Therefore, if you find yourself spending numerous hours on social media to the extent that it interferes with other areas of your life, you might want to visit a mental health professional.

This is due to the fact that there can be serious consequences regarding your physical and mental health.

The negative outcomes of social media addiction can be as bad as any other addiction, with well-known repercussions such as low self-esteem and negative mental health. This can lead to increased loneliness and isolation, as well as anxiety, depression, and social anxiety disorder. However, addiction can also lead to having physical consequences such as a decrease in physical activity, as well as disrupted sleep patterns. These repercussions could further lead to poor grades or work performance and lead to difficulties while carrying on with the important relationships in life.

Now, with all the negative consequences listed, you might wonder why social media is so addicting. Although we may not realize, social media has a huge effect on our brain physically and psy-

chologically. Healthline explains that when we use our favourite apps, dopamine signals - neurotransmitters associated with pleasure - in our brain increase. Since we experience more dopamine while using social media, the brain identifies this as a reward and an activity one must repeat. This is the same for gambling and recreational drugs which release dopamine.

For some people, the use of social media can be a coping mechanism to reduce loneliness, depression, or stress. The consequence is that continuous usage leads to interpersonal problems as listed above and with this, people turn to social networking to relieve the stress caused by their problems. This leads to the repeated pattern and the psychological dependency of social media increases. Furthermore, increased usage can lead to the fear of missing out (FOMO) regarding what friends are doing online, which can result in spending more time on the platform.

Although there are so many repercussions regarding social media addiction, thankfully, there are ways to decrease your overall usage on social media. Deleting social media applications or turning off your phone during hours that you should be off your phone can be some ways to decrease your usage. This could help you focus on the tasks you need to finish and provide you with a healthier lifestyle. Other ways include reducing screen-time by deciding on a certain amount of time for using social media, interacting with friends and family, finding a new hobby, or leaving your electronic devices out of reach. You may even seek help from professionals. Hopefully, having gained information regarding social media addiction, you will be able to adjust or keep your schedule and carry on with a healthier lifestyle!

FEATURED 14

Movies of the Month Putting one foot in front of the other Hana Nouri Writer

There’s days where you just want to hide away from the world and never come back. The feeling of fear having such an incredibly tight grip around your throat and not letting go. This happens to everyone. The best of us, the worst of us, and the just okay of us. Sometimes we just need a reminder to take a deep breath in and stand tall.

That’s why this month I’ve compiled a list of movies about being courageous and taking on challenges.

I’m going to start off with probably one of the most memorable movies I have ever had the opportunity to see; Life is Beautiful. It takes place in the 1930’s where our main character is a lanky Italian-Jewish bookkeeper named Guido. I’m not going to lie to you, I still for the love of god can’t seem to pronounce his name right. So, if anyone wants to maybe send me a video tutorial, that would be greatly appreciated. Anyway, back to the movie. He falls in love with a school teacher named Dora ( no, not that Dora you freak) and soon enough they have a young son named Giosue.

By the time Giosue has turned the screaming child age of five, WWII has reached its peak. Guido and his family are taken away by German soldiers to a labor camp. Their quiet life is turned upside down as they go through the horrible trials of the Holocaust. To shield his son from the horror, Guido tells him that they are playing a game, and that certain things will either gain or lose them points. It quite honestly is sweet, but gosh, this child must be harbouring just about four brain cells. The ending of this movie is truly heart wrenching, and heart warming at the same time. It holds a comedic tone when necessary, yet stays in the serious aspect. It shows how a father’s love shines in braveness (plus,

an imcompetant child).

The next movie I’d like to add is a little more light hearted and fun, and that movie is Finding Nemo. Now, I know a lot of us younger folk have definitely seen it, but I think it’s probably one of the best movies that portray courage. The movie is about a cowardly little clownfish named Nemo, whose mother and siblings were all killed.

Yeah, that was pretty blunt, but that’s how we do it around here. This left Nemo with just his father, Marlin. Oh, sweet Marlin. One day after school, as Nemo is making his way back home, he gets captured by scuba divers. Dun, dun dun! This sends both his father and him on a wild adventure to find one another. They meet many different people and creatures and experience many hardships. This movie holds a special place in many of our young hearts and shows us once again, true courage.

On to the third! This third movie I believe in particular is very important. I’ve chosen the movie Milk that is based off of Harvey Milk.

Harvey Milk was a gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in America. The movie starts off showing a 40-something-year-old Harvey unhappy with his life. He looks for change and stumbles upon a hippie theatre in Greenwich Village. From here is where his journey begins. We watch as he slowly comes out of the closet, into the world. Milk tells the story of a very ordinary man who became an idol to many.

This amazing movie is intertwined with romance, friendship drama, and of course, courage.

Movies make us smile till our cheeks hurt, laugh till we can’t, and sob uncontrollably like children.

They really are like magic. For the days where you feel like a puppy with their tail in between their legs, pick a movie. Grab your favorite snacks and sit back. It’s okay to feel drained and afraid at times.

That’s why we have these movies to remind us to pick ourselves back up and be courageous. theatre in Greenwich Village. From here is where his journey begins. We watch as he slowly comes out

15 FEATURED of the closet, into the world. Milk tells the story of a very ordinary man who became an idol to many.

This amazing movie is intertwined with romance, friendship drama, and of course, courage.

Movies make us smile till our cheeks hurt, laugh till we can’t, and sob uncontrollably like children.

They really are like magic. For the days where you feel like a puppy with their tail in between their legs, pick a movie. Grab your favorite snacks and sit back. It’s okay to feel drained and afraid at times.

That’s why we have these movies to remind us to pick ourselves back up and be courageous.

Phobias

Understanding Fear and Overcoming It Jennifer Shui, Matthias Wong Writers

We’ve all experienced fear in some way or another. As a natural response, it is intrinsically human - and one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. It’s hardwired into our brains, protects us from harm, and is ultimately the key to our species’ survival. Of course, like anything that has to do with human nature, there is no precise “standard” of what fear might mean to someone. On a biochemical level, there is a common physical reaction.

We’ve all experienced that startled jump after your friend suddenly appears from behind a door, followed by a “HAH, GOT YOU!”, causing you to jump and your heart to pound furiously. Perhaps you laughed it off afterwards, but for that split second, the culmination of millions of years of evolution provoked you to react in that manner. However, the real deviation in human behaviour stems from the emotional response. Whether the threat is physical or psychological, fear is something we all have: we are bound to react.

One frequent way that fear manifests is as a creature we students know all too well: exams. By the time finals week rolls around, the experience of stomach butterflies and sweaty palms is nearly universal in the exciting life of

a student. “I’m so nervous for the test,” I might say, as I find my seat in a rush. But what does being “nervous” mean? Do I really fear the test on an irrational level? Sure, I experience test anxiety. It’s completely normal (and arguably even effective in small amounts). But I want to discuss stronger fears, ones that extend its claws into your rationale and seem to immobilize it those that aren’t limited to questions on a sheet of paper. The very term for one of these “irrational fears”? Phobia.

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. It’s fear, but magnified hundreds of times past the point of our natural survival instincts. It’s a hatred for something so intense that it causes tightness in the chest, nausea, headaches, uncontrollable anxiety and panic attacks. For many, phobias can limit daily activities and may cause severe anxiety and depression. According to the Canadian Psychological Associations, approximately 1 in 10 of Canadians have a specific phobia. So even if you have never had an extreme phobia, it is possible that you know someone who does. Even then, the word phobia is thrown around so much that it can be hard to imagine just how overwhelming the effects can be.

Sabrina Branwood, who has an anxiety disorder best described as a “phobia of talking,” explains her condition through an app on her tablet:

“[I feel] Trapped. I’m not silent because I don’t want to talk. I would rather talk freely but it’s very difficult and complicated… You can shout inside the box as loud as you like but nobody can hear you.

They can’t hear you cry when you’re hurt or scared.”

Branwood also explains how her condition developed: “I could talk all my life to my nan, but when she had a stroke I was so anxious I stopped being able to speak to her, and then she died. I still couldn’t talk to her or even tell her I loved her.” The development of phobias are not usually a conscious choice, but rather a result of traumatic events or experiences.

It’s also important to note that most people are able to acknowledge that their fears are irrational, unreasonable, and exaggerated. As such, people are able to seek treatment for their fears, or avoid triggers all together. There are medications that reduce symptoms, as well as a number of therapeutic

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FEATURED options. These include desensitization therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Desensitization therapy entails gradual exposure to the source of one’s fear. For example, a person with aerophobia, or a fear of flying on a plane, may take the following steps under guidance: 1. They will first think about flying.

2. The therapist will have them look at pictures of planes.

3. The person will go to an airport.

4. They will escalate further by sitting in a practice simulated airplane cabin.

5. Finally, they will board a plane.

Although steering clear of things that provoke fear is a viable option, trying to overcome anxiety will ultimately have a profoundly positive effect on one’s life. There is a broad spectrum of phobias. Some are so powerful that they hinder a person’s ability to socialize and some so small that they barely get any attention. Maybe you don’t have a phobia so intense or invasive that it requires a professional doctor or therapist, but there is still a good chance that you carry fears that are holding you back from unlocking your full potential. Fear of rejection and those pre exam panic attacks are unwanted pests that can be actively worked on. Tomorrow, say “hi” to that person you see all the time.

When finals season rolls around, remember that you’ve taken exams and tests before. It’s certainly easier said than done, but do your best to step out of your comfort zone.

Create your own type of exposure therapy. Don’t be afraid to start small! For example, if you get anxious in large social situations, maybe try smiling at people you don’t know (oops, a little hard with masks). Knowing that even such a simple act brought happiness to a stranger might help you feel more confident talking to people in the future.

However, while you’re at it, it’s also important to recall the human aspect of fear. It’s okay to be scared, to be uncomfortable. Growth isn’t linear and the process of conquering a fear can be a long, grueling process. Finally, keep in mind that some fears may never fully disappear; we are human after all. But in taking steps to overcome these feelings, you will have found some power over them. Learning to live with your fears, even in small ways, is a victory in itself.

Wherever you start, just remember that you’re already less scared than where you started.

Wherever you start, just remember that you’re already less scared than where you started!

Which Friends Are Your True Friends?

A Guide to Building Positive Connections with Others Shaina Rajwani Writer

Throughout our lifetimes, we meet countless individuals -Some who become our lifelong friends, and others that make us feel empty inside.

So how can we know one from the other? It can be difficult at times indeed, but very possible.

Based on experience, I have learned that the key reason that negativity happens between people is jealousy. If someone is jealous of you, instead of helping you celebrate what you have, they will put you down telling you that you are not good enough. Quite often this can lead to other things such as someone constantly asking for your help with something, or only spending time with you if they need a favour from you. Next, it is possible that as they ask you for help, they can begin to compete with you, attempting to be portrayed as more superior to you. When you begin to notice what is happening, and you confront them, they may first apologize and say that they will not do it again. If you refuse to help them, they may also refer to you as a selfish person, that only thinks about yourself. This can make you feel as if you must prove them wrong, blinding you to the fact that you are giving them exactly what they want. After a few weeks, they may attempt to emotionally manipulate you, telling you that you are the nicest person to help them, and what an incredible person to help them.

Considering how they treated you earlier, this may make you feel as if they can finally be someone you can trust. It is possible that they feel this way, but it is important to keep an eye out for their next actions. You must make sure that as much as you help them, they are willing to help you before you have to request them multiple times. They should be there to appreciate your best times and lift you during your

17 FEATURED darkest times while being compassionate and empathetic. You must surround yourself with people who appreciate who you are, and those who do not negatively change your personality. They must compliment your strengths and encourage you to improve your challenges.

An important thought to keep in mind is that you cannot always please everyone you encounter in your life. You must learn to be an asset to others, without letting them take advantage of you. Through the many times, we find ourselves in these situations, we will gradually learn to trust our instincts. Each person we meet will have a unique personality, and it is okay if notmust best friends with everyone you meet. you are You use each experience of

people that bring you down as motivation to prove your strength to yourself.

SD43 Junior Firefighter Academy “My courage and willingness to try new things are greater than my fears Alexandra Mandewo Writer

For the past three years, SD43 has collaborated with the local Town Center Fire Station to host a week-long junior firefighter program over Spring Break. 8-12 lucky and qualified grade 11 and 12 students spend 8 days learning how to be a firefighter.

The application process is rigorous including a 17 page application, a fitness test and an interview.

In all honesty, the application process itself was nerve racking. All the stages were very professional and it mimicked what real firefighters had to go through to get a job at a fire station. Thankfully, after about two months of the application process, I got the phone call that I was accepted into the program.

Going into the program I was a little nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that our hours were from 9-5, we all had full uniforms and we were informed that there would be multiple educational and practical tests throughout the week. On top

of all that, I really didn’t know much specifics about firefighting that would help me in the course (aside from tv shows like Station 19 if that counts) and I was afraid I would end up doing a lot of things wrong.

Within the first day I learned that there was absolutely no room for fear of failure. It was a wake up call for me. Once I realized that I was going to mess up and that was ok, it just drove me to work harder to learn these new, foreign things. It also taught me to face different fears I didn’t even know I had. Like having to trust people I just met, relying on a breathing apparatus to breathe and repelling from very high places.

When the program started, most of us didn’t know each other. I thought it was kind of absurd that the firefighters in charge told us that within no time we would not only form bonds with one another but we would also be trusting each other to hold ladders for us and guide us through tough situations. This indeed was true. By day two, I was climbing up a ladder to the second floor of a building and trusted my classmate down below to hold the ladder properly and with enough strength so I wouldn’t fall down. As I am writing this, two months after the program, all my bones are intact.

On the fourth day, we were introduced to self contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). Using a breathing apparatus (the mechanism firefighters and scuba divers use for air) was by far the most uncomfortable thing for me. Your face is totally covered, the machine makes loud beeping noises and there’s a split second where you’re not breathing- before the oxygen starts flowing. This split second felt like a thousand seconds to me. Not to mention, the valve to open the air could be mistaken for another button that doesn’t do anything, so you could theoretically almost suffocate yourself. Kind of like how there’s a brake and accelerator pedal in a car. If you accidentally press the accelerator when you’re trying to brake behind another car, nothing good is bound to happen. But, this was all just me overthinking and everyone in the class (including me) were always able to get our oxygen flowing. I’ll never take breathing regularly for granted again though.

On day six, we used the breathing apparatuses in a ‘low visibility’ simulation scenario. Imagine you are inside a building you have never been inside, it’s pitch black and every time you breathe out, it feels like

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FEATURED the air is standing still. That’s exactly what the low visibility scenario was. I was a bit apprehensive until we stood right in front of the entrance. Aside from the fact that I did not want to pass out in front of my classmates, they actually gave me the courage to go inside and complete the task. Sometimes knowing someone else has your back and believes in you, is all you need to remind yourself that you also believe in you.

I was reminded of how other people believing in you can make all the difference the day we repelled from a four-story tower. When we were told we would be propelling from a four-story tower, I thought it would be no biggie. Until I walked up to the railing, all clipped in and knots tied. They wanted me to climb over a three foot railing and then propel down. This activated my fight or flight response and I chose flight. I tapped out and decided not to continue with the activity. I was perfectly fine with my decision until one of our teachers/firefighters came up to the tower and asked me if I truly was ok with my decision and if there was anything he could do to change my mind. His kindness to come all the way up to make sure I didn’t regret my decision, made me want to face my own fears because I was promised the reward was that much greater- and it was. While propelling down I could see the roof of Pinetree, the soccer fields, the park and all the other things that make you realize how beautiful Coquitlam is. It should be noted though, I did not face my fear with grace. My foot slipped at the beginning (because I didn’t follow the instructions all the way through- oops) and I thought I was going to plunge to my death which caused me to let out a pretty high scream. The reality was, I only went down four inches and did not plunge to my death. Somewhere out there, there is a video of me screaming like a drama queen and it has probably given someone a good laugh.

All in all, I survived in one piece and learned so many new things about firefighting and myself. I had fun every day of the program, I made 11 great new friends and now whenever I see a fire truck on the street, I can tell what type it is without reading its label (a pretty cool skill to have I think?). I highly recommend the program for all Pinetree students-

“applications open in November”

and the deadline to apply is mid-December. Partic-

ipating in this program will not only teach you so many things and make so many memories, it will have you look your fears right in the eye and say

“My courage and willingness to try new things are greater than my fears.”

To me, that is invaluable.

The 4-storey tower we rappeled off of.

Source: City of Coquitlam

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Comic by Zoe Li

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