Yak Magazine - August 2019

FREE! Issue 49 // 2019

By Students, for Students

YAK

MAGAZINE The 49th Issue

Yak would like to acknowledge the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal people, and the Darkinjung people, traditional custodians of the land in which Yak is made and distributed. We pay respect to elders, past and present.

Cover - Madelyn Gardiner

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

EDITOR’S LETTER “Hey now”

lecture without being annoyed beyond belief.

Here at Yak we’ve got a dream, we’ve got a dream, to see uni students with our Magazine.

“Hey now” If you didn’t just scream “this is what dreams are made of” at the top of your lungs, we kindly ask that you close this mag.

We’re giving you a plethora of handy tips and tricks. From tackling your embarrassment about the super saucy dream you had about your classmate, to formulating a student-friendly budget and handling the disappointment generated by your failing career- we’ve got you covered. If you want to know how dreams scientifically work, this is the issue for you.

Whether they get crushed or come true, dreams really are a wish that all of our hearts make.

Lucky for you, this issue is all about them. Yak explores dream careers, food, holidays and so much more. And if you’ve ever wondered what life is about, you can search our mag and maybe figure it out.

When we see you reading we’ll go ‘oh-oh-oh’,

Some dream of making it to the 2020 Olympic Games, some dream of a world with gender equality, and others dream of attending a

Claire, Elizabeth and the Team.

Submissions

We are Yak Media: the University of Newcastle’s student media channel, run by UON students. Our three platforms: Yak Magazine, Yak Online, and Yak TV – are run by dedicated teams of students.

The Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to the blog and magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing or graphic design work to:

Yak works hard to bring you stories covering all aspects of student life, from health and wellbeing, to travel and entertainment, to politics and study tips.

Let us know if you have any suggestions for story ideas, or if you would like to get involved.

yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

Stay connected

Yak Magazine is a free publication supported by Student Central at the University of Newcastle © 2018. www.newcastle.edu.au

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Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Yak Media is SSAF funded.

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MEET THE TEAM

Claire Ince

Elizabeth Symington

Emily Wind

Anneka Mitchell

Managing Editor

Managing Editor

Deputy Managing Editor

Lead Designer

Rome

Portugal

Scotland

Greece

James Ward

Keighley Bradford Promotions Coordinator

Camilla Lian

Hollie Hughes

Editor

Editor

Editor

Europe

South/Central America

Argentina

Scotland

Jayme Zimmerman

Leanne Elliot

Meghan Richardson

Editor

Editor

Nadia D’Andrea

Editor

Editor

Paris

Cambodia

Hell

Germany

Yak YakMagazine Magazine////Issue August 49 2019 2018

“What is your dream holiday destination?�

Josie Small

Ryan Reece

Alice Kjoller

Bea King

Promotions Officer

Promotions Officer

Designer

Designer

Greece

New York City

Peru

Switzerland

Elisabeth Arnold

Madelyn Gardiner

Samuel Field

Designer

Designer

Designer

Europe

Germany

Italy

Contributors: Shea Evans Marcie Cheers If you would like to contribute, contact the team: yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

DEAR YAK:

Yak Magazine // August 2018

“I had a very saucy dream about one of my classmates, and now I can’t look them in the eye. What do I do?”

Ryan Reece, Nadia D’Andrea and Camilla Lian answer your burning question.

Ryan - Avoid them forever So, the assumption up to this point is that these spicy thoughts have been about the absolute dreamboat sitting across from you in *insert ‘interesting’ class*.

However, things don’t always work out so well, and chances are that this dream was actually about the strangely old and creepy student from your *insert ‘boring’ class* that you seem to keep bumping into around campus.

Nadia - Take them on a date First of all, how could they possibly know you had a dream about them? The embarrassment is all inside your head, so shake it off and think about what this dream really means.

But have no fear. Thankfully, what goes down in your dreams isn’t public knowledge (yet). So, the best way to address this issue is probably just to not address it at all. Keep your head down, avoid (bingo?) classes and maybe turn that age range down on your tinder to avoid any follow-up interactions.

Our dreams tell us what our conscious minds do not. You obviously had a dream about them for a reason. Do you like them? If so, look them in the eye!

Establishing eye contact is the first (and best) way to start a conversation. Get over yourself and talk to them. See if you have any similar interests or commonalities. Life is too short to be pining and hoping, so turn your dreams into reality. Take action, and ask them on a date.

“Turn your dreams into reality!”

Designed by:

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

Camilla - Befriend them To be honest with you, there is potentially only one way to solve this one... You should get drunk together.

The space of intoxication is where having fun with awkward stuff is easy, and you will get this off your chest as if it is nothing.

However, we also have to face the actual hard part. The person knows, and you know that they know, and they know that you know that they know.

Now, it can go one of two ways. Either you will be constantly awkward around each other and your future friendship would possibly never eventuate, or it will become an inside joke and you will bond over it since you now have an inside joke.

Regardless, you will learn whether you are compatible as friends quickly, and in my opinion, that is time and money saved.

The worst-case scenario is you have a funny story to share with other current or future friends. At least I would be your friend because I would LOVE to hear the full story - details and all *giggles*.

Designed by: Sam Field

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TYPES OF ANNOYING LECTURE GOERS Lectures are something we all experience and without fail, there is always an array of personalities within the seats. Claire Ince and Elizabeth Symington share some of the people they have seen.

The FOMO Freak

The Apple Fanatic

“So, you’re going to the lecture? Gahh I guess I will too.”

*Tap* *tap* *tap* “Yeah I got mine during the JB HI-FI Boxing Day sale. Yeah like, I don’t really like buying from the Apple store because I hate capitalism but I just like, had to upgrade to the touch bar.

You’ve never seen the touch bar? Let me show you! I can like, add emojis to my emails super easily now and pause Netflix without touching the touchpad. I mean, yeah, like I still have to touch the touch bar but still. Like, it’s just so much better.”

These people have a fear of missing out on something with their friends at lectures, so they go to socialise (and reprimand said friends for socialising without them).

“OMG so the lecture is about to start, but what did you get up to on the weekend?”

“Oh nothing, just at home...”

“Well, that’s ironic, Alicia. I snap mapped you yesterday and it said you were at the beach.

Where was my invite? You leave me out of everything!”

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

The Whisperer

Nappy McNap Face We could reprimand good old Nappy McNap Face for completely ignoring the lecture to catch some z’s, but honestly, same.

“Spspspsps What did he just say? Spssspsps Can I copy your notes?”

The Whisperer says what everyone's thinking in a quiet murmur to the person beside them.

Whether they need to rest due to fighting roommates, recurring all-nighters, or simply because they are perpetually tired, their behaviour is completely warranted.

*exhale* “Why did they have to change the slide so quickly?” *exhale* “I don’t even know why I come to these things anymore, I can never keep up.”

The Online Shopper

The Pig The lecture theatre is not a restaurant, nor is your lecturer a waiter. Deal with your hunger and sit there with an empty belly for an hour. Why didn’t you eat before you came to the lecture?

This is really your own fault, Jonathan. Don’t make your fellow students endure the sound of your echoed chewing in the lecture theatre– be a better person.

Why is it always ASOS? We get that your Unidays discount only lasts so long, but do you really need to stock up on Mom jeans and Adidas Superstars while your lecturer is attempting to teach you the meaning of life?

And why do you think you’ve discovered some kind of underground indie brand and feel the need to educate everyone in the room about it?

Literally, everyone knows ASOS exists, so stop it.

P.S Lectures don’t go forever (even though it sometimes feels that way), you will survive.

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Designed by: Elizabeth Arnold

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

2020 VISION James Ward chats to the three UON athletes who are set to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of the sporting world, where athletes push themselves to their very limits to achieve glory, grandeur and gold. With the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games happening in just over a year in Tokyo, Japan, a few of our very own University of Newcastle students are on the verge of potential qualification for the prestigious world event, where they will represent Australia on the grandest stage of all.

The Elite Athlete Friendly Student Program allows such athletes to balance their significant sporting commitments with their study here at UON. UON signed on to the program in 2005, allowing 130 athletes flexibility with exams, timetabling and study, allowing them to chase their sporting dreams. Their main port of call is Campus Programs Manager & Elite Athlete Support Officer, Andrew Yapp who helps guide the athletes through University life.

UON already has a history of connecting with Olympians, including Matt Graham (Freestyle Moguls), Mark Kelly (Judo) and Liesel Tesch (Wheelchair Basketball and Sailing) and the next wave of highly-talented sportsmen and women are set to hit the world stage. Meet the athletes.

Designed by: Bea King

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

Poppy Olsen – Skateboarding From discovering a love for skateboarding at an early age, when her friend loaned her a board at age 8, now 19-year-old Poppy Olsen has travelled the world and has accomplished some incredible things along the way.

She was crowned world champion at 14 and 15 in her respective age bracket and was the first Australian female to compete at the Summer X Games in 2016.

Recently, Poppy took home a bronze medal at the World Championships in Nanjing, China, and now has her sights firmly set on the Tokyo 2020 games. She will soon compete in the first of five Olympic qualifying events in California.

“As a girl, I dreamt of going to the Olympics, then I found skateboarding. I’m a proud Aussie and I’m so fortunate to live in such an amazing country. It would be a dream come true to represent my country doing something I love,” Olsen said.

Poppy is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries here at UON, in between travelling the world with skateboarding.

“It would be a dream come true to represent my country doing something I love.”

“It’s a little stressful getting all the work done; you have to be super organised. I really love the course though and the support has been amazing.”

Skateboarding will also be featuring at the Olympics for the first time, and will be one of the most exciting sports at the whole event.

“It’s super different to any other Olympic event, I’m sure the people will dig it.”

From idolising athletes such as Tony Hawk, Lizzie Armanto and Layne Beachley growing up, Poppy is driven to writing her name alongside the list of greats in making it to her first Olympic Games and competing on the biggest stage of all.

“You have to want it, I love learning new stuff whenever I skate, and being around supportive people. Also, enjoying every moment- that’s what does it for me.”

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

Dylan Littlehales – Para-canoeing A common ingredient amongst sportspeople is the ability to showcase resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and Dylan Littlehales is living proof of such traits.

Dylan is an experienced para-conoeing sportsman having already represented Australia at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, and is fresh off winning a bronze medal at the World Cup in Hungary in 2018.

Dylan first picked up the sport in 2014 and was destined to go far. He has his eyes on raising another medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

“To make my second Paralympics next year would be an amazing feeling. I’m hoping this one will be even better than the last one, as it is being promoted as being one of the best games in history with most of the venues almost finished already, and the possibility of myself winning a medal, maybe even gold, makes me all the more excited.”

Representing your country, let alone winning a medal is one of the highest honours sport has to offer, and a testament to his character, Dylan is hungry for more.

Designed by: Bea King

Dylan is studying a Bachler of Psychology Science.

“It can be hard sometimes with all the training, travelling, and full-time Uni to balance everything.

I try to get everything into order and figure out what needs to be done and when. At the start of the semester, I put it all into a weekly planner and assign times to each subject and training times and use this as a guide to help me.”

To qualify for the Olympics, Dylan must finish in the top 6 at the upcoming world championships, or top 10 next year.

“Once Australia has qualified, the athlete that wins the National Championships in March will represent Australia at the Paralympics.

My preparation will be working with the NSW Institute of Sport, training up to 15 times a week and competing at this year’s and hopefully next year’s World Championships.”

Dylan is highly focused on achieving his dreams and has overcome many obstacles to reach his destination today.

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

“I love to look back at the ups, downs and unforgettable experiences along the way.”

Last year I was also selected in the Australian Rugby World Cup Sevens team competing in San Francisco where we came in 3rd place.

After this, I was offered a full-time contract.

This was a dream come true and allowed me to pursue more goals within this sport, such as World Series Titles and of course the Olympics.”

“The most important thing in elite sport is that you enjoy it. You might not love every second of it because it can be hard to get up sometimes [and] to motivate yourself to train. That’s where a supportive environment is very important, to surround yourself with family, friends and teammates who will help you out. But the key for me is that I enjoy the journey and I love to look back at the ups, downs and unforgettable experiences along the way.”

The side is currently on the last leg of the World Series, and sits in fourth place with the top four automatically qualifying for the 2020 Games.

“This would really be a dream come true (to qualify for the Olympics). Being able to have a full-time rugby contract really makes you realise how much training it takes to be able to compete on the world stage, and makes you want it so much more due to all the hard work that has been done. Being able to represent Australia is a huge honour and privilege, it is one that I take very seriously and want to perform at my very best every chance I get.”

Yasmin Meakes – Rugby 7’s Rugby Union is one of the toughest sports in the world and the new Rugby 7’s format is set to take the Tokyo Olympics by storm. Our very own Yasmin Meakes is hoping to make it onto the Australian team for the Games.

Astonishingly, having only started playing the sport two years ago, Yasmin quickly realised a strong love for the game and found her way onto the University of Canberra’s team at the AON Series in 2017, and was given an Australian 7’s development contract.

Yasmin has deferred her Masters of Education degree here at UON but has some valuable advice to aspiring sportsmen and women.

“Being resilient means you can bounce back from disappointment.”

From there, she travelled the world with the Australian team and competed in the World Series competition which the Aussie team ended up winning.

“I feel the best trait to have when being a sportsperson is resilience. Being resilient means you can bounce back from disappointment but also find a way to get yourself out of those negative situations.

“This was a massive achievement and a credit to the whole squad to be able to finish the series in first place.

Also, being able to always better yourself is an attribute I have found very valuable. Advice would be never to give up, keep improving yourself, control what you can control and to always listen and take advice when it is given.”

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Designed by: Samuel Field

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

STUDENT BUDGETING 101

Do you struggle with budgeting? Hollie Hughes’ hot tips will help you to not only make one, but stick to it.

Being a university student is hard enough – between balancing classes, assessments, part-time work and a social life, often the most important aspects can be left behind, including making a budget.

There are some helpful really apps available to help, I recommended Track My Expenses.

Once you have your budget down pat it is also a good idea to make sure you are spending the least amount possible on each of your necessary expenses.

In order to work out your budget, first you have to figure out how much income you receive each week. Whether that be from youth allowance, your parents or part-time job – work it out and write it down. Secondly, you’ll need to get an idea of how much money you’ll have leaving your account for all your regular weekly expenses (bills, groceries, petrol, etc).

When it comes to food, both UON Student Central and NUSA offer free BBQ lunches for all students at both Callaghan and NeW Space campuses each week, check out their Facebook pages for dates and locations.

Transport is one of the biggest costs for University students but thankfully as a student, you are entitled to a variety of cash-saving concessions. If you take public transport, make sure you have an Opal Concession Card, and if you drive, download an app that lets you compare petrol prices around your area.

Also, don’t forget about the Uni’s shuttle bus. If you have classes at NeW Space, park at Callaghan and jump on the free shuttle that runs every half hour during peak periods.

Once you have both numbers, you will need to subtract your expenses from your income. Anything left over is your ‘disposable income’ – money that can be put towards social activities, emergencies or savings.

After outlining your figures, you can start drafting up your budget. You will want your budget to outline all your necessary expenses and how much income you’ll have left over once they are paid.

Good luck saving!

Designed by: Alice Kjoller

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

In this edition of U-On Fleek, Claire Ince chats to up-andcoming teacher, Bessy Jia, on online shopping, coats, and plastic jeans.

Bessy Jia lives and breathes out-of-the-box styling, bold accessories, and KILLER graphic liner.

The Harbin, China local exudes an enviably elegant level of confidence and tops it off with epic kicks to boot (pun intended).

Bessy Jia- you are on fleek!

How would you describe your style in three words: Bold, unique, and weird.

Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

ssy Jia Name: Be Age: 20

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

My best tip for shopping on a student budget is: Online is always better. I put expensive stuff in my wish list, wait for it all to be discounted, and boom! Got them all!

n f Educatio o r lo e h c a Degree: B jia @bessy_ : m a r g a t Ins

My wardrobe is full of: 34 pairs of shoes and 200 clothes.

The best fashion advice I've ever received is: Just be yourself!

My favourite place to shop is: Dollskill. They always have very good stuff and it's very affordable since they always have promotions.

I find fashion inspiration from: The sparks fly in my mind occasionally when I'm bored.

It always gives me some weird, but fun ideas.

My favourite fashion trend is: I'd really like to try the clear plastic jeans- they look so good with tight bodysuits.

T A H T R O S I TH

If the house was burning down and I could only save one item from my wardrobe, it would be: In this weather, a coat!

Definitely!

r Kmart o

Target?

rs?

r Trouse

Jeans o

d?

r Thrifte

ro Designe 17

Solid or Neutral

Printed? t?

or Brigh

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

MASS

Should there be a compulsory UON uniform?

Jayme Zimmerman and Meghan Richardson decide.

NO - Meg If UON tried to make me wear an unflattering plaid skirt and a stifling polyester shirt again after 13 years of wearing one for Catholic school, I would drop out immediately.

Enforcing a uniform is also a waste of time for everyone involved. If I’m paying thousands of dollars per year to attend university and a teacher tells me to leave the classroom because I forgot my blazer, I’m going to be mad as hell. Spending time and effort enforcing these rules will only exasperate people and create unnecessary tension between staff and students.

Dramatics aside, I think as adults who have already endured years of school uniforms, coming to university should be a departure from the routine and disciplined environment that is associated with schools and workplaces.

Uniforms are about promoting conformity over individual expression, and university should be a place of expressing new ideas and opportunities for self-discovery.

In summary, please, I’m begging you. No one looks good in a school uniform.

For me, university is about more than just going to class. It should be a place of growing and freedom, where you have the power to choose your own academic adventure from the classes you take, to the groups you join, to whether you decide if you’ll turn up to class today. We should have the freedom to choose if we want to impress our fellow classmates or turn up to a 4 pm class in our pyjamas. These choices can shape who we are as human beings. It’s a beautiful thing.

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

DEBATE YES - Jayme I know this is a difficult idea for people to get behind, but uni uniforms would be great.

Also, it would make getting ready in the morning so much easier. Uniforms mean that you don’t waste time trying to figure out what to wear, and thus, would lessen the risk of being late to tutorials or lectures.

Uniforms would allow everyone to feel equal, it would be 100% easier to get ready every day, and it would give the university a professional feel.

Uniforms would allow the campuses to look very proper and professional. They would also allow students to take pride going to the University of Newcastle, and feel connected as a cohort.

Sometimes it’s so difficult to buy high-end, expensive clothes. A lot of people nowadays really care about brands and looking their best, however, some people just can’t afford that luxury, especially on a student budget. Uniforms would eliminate those extra expenses.

Uniforms aren’t a new notion for people going to universities. People starting uni are already used to the idea, as uniforms are worn in high school.

UON would benefit greatly from compulsory uniforms, as they would allow cohesiveness and ease for students.

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Designed by: Madelyn Gardiner

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

Designed by: Anneka Mitchell

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

#NOTYOUTOO Is saying Me Too enough? Leanne Elliott explores how the culture surrounding sexual assault needs to change.

At its core, the #MeToo movement is attempting to change an age-old, incessant culture; a culture which views women as lesser than men. And while this culture has slightly shifted, particularly in Western cultures, we are still far from living in a world where women are universally treated with respect by men.

I have also noticed a trend which reminds me of my own Me Too experience. During the lengthy legal process and stress that I endured after reporting workplace sexual harassment, the Newcastle Herald reported my story. This article prompted quite a number of women to get in touch with the Herald, saying they too had been sexually harassed by the same employer. These other reports dated back decades, but none had lodged a formal complaint about their experience.

I have watched the evolution of the Me Too movement and have heard so many girls and women sharing their stories. Though, not all got the chance to tell their full story. As was the case with 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a Bangladeshi student, burnt alive for reporting her principal for sexual harassment.

I have heard this repeated by women using the Me Too movement as a platform to share their story. The person responsible for the sexual misconduct had done it before, but for various reasons, nobody had reported it.

My incident occurred over 20 years ago, and over this time the avenues for reporting sexual misconduct and crime have been broadened and strengthened by legislation; particularly workplace harassment and discrimination.

Women’s rights have evolved in leaps and bounds in many parts of the world, and yet, many incidents continue to go unreported, even by women in positions of power.

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Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

Is it enough to say, “Me Too”?

Or is it time to go a step further and say, “Not You Too”. Declaring to our ‘sisters’ worldwide, “I will report it, I will endure the process of seeking justice, because I will not let this happen to you too.”

“..realising you have the power to prevent it from happening to someone else can often be the first step in the transition from feeling like a victim, to becoming a survivor.”

"I will report it, I will endure the process of seeking justice, because I will not let this happen to you too."

For workplace incidents, researching the employers’ policies and procedures in place for dealing with incidents of sexual harassment or misconduct can help you to better understand your rights should you choose to make a formal complaint.

I cannot lie. Reporting sexual misconduct and crime can be hard; it can leave you exhausted, fearful and feeling isolated. But realising you have the power to prevent it from happening to someone else can often be the first step in the transition from feeling like a victim, to becoming a survivor.

The AHRC (Australian Human Rights Commission) can also provide you with information on workplace discrimination or alternatively, you can contact your local state anti-discrimination authority.

If you have experienced sexual misconduct or crime and need advice or assistance, there are a number of steps you can take. Finding a qualified counsellor or psychologist who you feel comfortable with can help you learn how to cope with what has happened. And when you are ready, they can assist you in examining your options moving forward.

1800Respect operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, and provides confidential information, counselling and support services for people impacted by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence and abuse.

Also, S.A.R.A. (Sexual Assault Report Anonymously) allows you report an incident anonymously.

Too many girls and women can say #MeToo, but we need to create further, positive change by saying #NotYouToo.

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

THE DREAM

by Shea Evans

The snores of a child

Life is a nightmare

Could be your entire life

Suffering a guarantee

Would that be so sad?

Death the only out

He sees his mother

But life is treasure

Holding the flaming fire

Sunshine friendly laughing smile

He is the phoenix

Lovely golden point

Only two true dreams

Unlikely contrast

Individual striving

Deeming all things possible:

And slumber’s fiction

Dream reality.

Does it mean something?

Reality dream:

The impossibility

Your life is contained inside

Of dreaming extra?

The snores of a child

Perhaps, perhaps not

The truth is all known

But sometimes I dream of dreams

But nobody cares to see

Therefore maybe yes

Dream on, dreaming one.

Designed by: Elisabeth Arnold

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Designed by: Bea King

THE ABSENCE OF MIND

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

These photographs represent the pressing nature of society and how female physical attributes are more in favour over our intelligence and wellbeing.

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

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Designed by: Alice Kjoller Photographs by: Elisabeth Arnold

Yak Magazine // May 2019

WHAT ARE DREAMS ACTUALLY MADE OF? It is night time. You have finally gone to bed after watching a few episodes of your current favourite Netflix show. With your eyes closed, you are counting the days until your next holiday, and as your breathing slows down you eventually fall asleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has suggested stress, anxiety and a high intake of caffeine cause a higher frequency of hypnagogic jerks – which honestly just sounds like the description of most student lives.

However, everyone will most likely experience these at some point. I just hope you avoid having one whilst sitting on a bus as I did once. I almost fell off my seat.

After what seems like a few minutes, you drift into a different world. It is a quiet, peaceful place, and this is entirely your world, but you are not you. You are walking on grass, but you cannot feel it, and you do not even know if these are your legs – but you walk, nonetheless. Two minutes into what could have been the most blissful dream in history, you trip on the root of a tree and your whole body jolts as though you just crashed into a brick wall. Aaahhh!

As the night moves on, you enter different cycles of sleep. Through a full night’s sleep, you will experience about three sets of essentially the same thing – unless you struggle with any sleep related conditions. These sets consist of what most people would refer to as light and heavy sleeping.

These so-called ‘hypnagogic jerks’ are involuntary muscle spasms that happen as you are drifting off to sleep. You might have had a stressful week, your body might be tired from all your assignments and the few too many drinks you had last weekend, and you might possibly be sporting a part-time job on top of all of this as well?

We dream during ‘heavy sleep’, otherwise referred to as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is actually when researchers have found the brain activity to most resemble being awake.

The REM sleeping periods are the most interesting for researchers because this is when we experience vivid dreams, sleep walking, sleep talking, or more problematic issues like sleep violence, for example.

Meanwhile your brain is working overtime to process all of your daily escapades.

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Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

During REM sleep, our brain waves have been found to self-fire at slow cycles of around 14 Hz. This serves the purpose of processing your recent memories and strengthening old ones.

Now, this is also why getting enough sleep is so important for your brain and memory development, and why you always seem to forget whatever you crammed for your exam a week later.

Did you know?

Throughout an average lifetime, humans spend about 6 years dreaming (~2 hrs/night) Each dream may last between 5 to 20 minutes

In other words, “sleeping on it� is actually genius, and helps you reinforce and process what you learn during the day.

No one knows exactly where or how dreams start in the brain We also do not know whether the purpose of dreaming is actually for the body or the mind

If you go to bed at an appropriate time, and are lucky enough to go through all three sleep cycles, you are more likely to remember the last dream you had.

Have you ever woken up super disoriented after some intense dreams on a weekend sleepin?This occurs when you wake up in your last REM cycle, which typically extends over longer timeframes than initial REM sleep, and often results in dreams that are more bizarre in nature and further from reality.

Maybe, at this point, your brain might actually be struggling to separate old and new experiences?

Coupled with the visual imagery you might have experienced with your recent episode of Black Mirror, and you have got yourself a nice start to your day. If you have not seen the show, I would suggest avoiding it right before you are going to bed.

Sweet dreams.

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Designed by: Bea King

Lost in thought

By Elisabeth Arnold

STUDENT SOUNDS

Elizabeth Symington recommends some of her favourite albums to get you through all things uni and life in general.

Doom Days - Bastille: Fresh from the studio, this album is full of absolute bangers.

Addressing issues like anxiety, politics and so many other subjects, there is a song for every mood. If you’re going through a breakup, chuck on Million Pieces and feel less alone. Or if you’ve just received a message from your crush, Joy will be your jam.

The Essential Britney Spears - Britney Spears: This album is home to 32 of Britney Spears’ greatest hits. The nostalgia you will feel while listening to some of the tracks is unlike any other. I Wanna Go is sure to get you going (whether “going” is studying Yak the Magazine // August 2018 or, you know, other activities).

Clean - The Japanese House: This alternative EP is one to get you thinking. The fusion of electronica, pop and folk makes it unlike anything you have ever heard. Press play on this EP when you are studying, and its moody undertones and relaxing feel will keep you focused.

Happiness Begins - Jonas Brothers: How could I not include this album; I’m an absolute Sucker for the Jonas Brothers (see what I did there?). I mean the title says it all, press play on these tracks and happiness will begin. The lyrical content and sweet melodies of each song will keep you motivated to get through those study all-nighters.

Designed by: Sam Field

IMAGINE - A WORLD WITH NO POLLUTION

When you look to the future, what do you see? Are you dreaming of a world where our lungs can breathe fresh air in the middle of the most populated cities? Do you wonder whether humanity can survive global climate change? Camilla Lian sheds some light on our potential energy future.

Ahead is an exciting future for the development of global energy systems. Researchers across the world are working on the pressing need for optimised solutions in all aspects of electricity production and management. A massive global shift in energy production and distribution is upon us, as even developing countries are currently looking towards low-emission technologies.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and you may wonder – what will the world look like?

Most of you have probably heard of the Paris agreement that was made in 2016, where several countries vowed to keep the future global temperature rise below 2°C. With that, the countries involved have committed to form policies that call for action in all aspects of global industries – from financial institutions to technological research to agriculture. For the average person, this change will likely seem slow at this point, but the growing sense of commitment is pushing towards actions that are making a difference in the long-term.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and you may wonder – what will the world look like?

In a perfect world, we would immediately scrap all fossil fuels as soon as we realised the destructive effects they have on our Earth.

However, contemporary sources of renewable energy like solar and wind rely strongly on environmental conditions, fluctuating rapidly between high and low electricity production based on the level of sunlight and wind. This poses major challenges on the grid, because it requires a stable voltage to function. Luckily, many researchers across the world are working on developing Smart Grid systems that are designed to achieve appropriate power conditioning and control. Furthermore, improved battery technology may be used for energy storage on days with high energy production that can be utilised on days with low energy production. This may stabilise the electricity output from future renewable power stations, and progresses your potential for going off the grid.

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

We are now in the early stages of the global energy transition. Considerable research effort and investment is therefore going towards reducing emissions from the fossil fuel systems we already have. Because 80% of our energy is supplied from fossil fuels, and an immediate change would have massive consequences to the technologies and people involved (some who, coincidentally, sit on most of the funds and influence necessary for change). This means a substantial amount of research investment will focus on carbon capture technology, and on improving the energy output from current fossil fuel power stations. At the same time, however, we will keep seeing solar and wind farms pop up here and there.

In transitioning between energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energy production, nuclear power stations will take precedence in countries where renewable energy resources are either hard to come by or too costly to utilise for the nation in question. Regardless of our public perception related to potential issues with nuclear waste management and leakages, we will most likely have to accept that nuclear energy will assume a key role in slowing down global warming together with other renewable energy technologies.

Bottom line, there is a lot of change ahead of us.

We are moving in a direction where there is no one solution to all our problems.

Eventually, more people will go off the grid and rely on location dependent energy sources like their own solar panels or heat pumps, including the use of batteries for energy storage where necessary. Some countries will depend on hydroelectricity for the majority of their energy supply, deriving electricity from the movement of water between dams, in rivers, waves, and from larger tidal systems.

We are moving in a direction where there is no one solution to all our problems. The days where we could rely on fossil fuels to be our sole energy resource are gone. To mitigate rapid climate change, all potential sources of energy will need to be considered in every part of the world, which also means that educated people are needed to work for change within a multitude of industries both locally and internationally. This is where all of our brains can make a significant difference.

Smaller, but significant contributions will involve actions like transitioning to electric vehicles and improving building construction to save energy, e.g. by incorporating insulation. Furthermore, continuing research into alternative resources like hydrogen might affect future development within other arenas involving transport for example. You could end up driving a waterspitting hydrogen car in a few decades.

Keep dreaming, create and develop. Who knows, maybe we could actually save the world?

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Designed by: Sam Field

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAREER GOALS FAIL At some point in your life, your career plan may change or fail, and this can make you feel lost. Emily Wind’s tips will help get you back on track to achieve your dreams.

When career goals don’t go according to plan, it can feel as if you’ve been thrown off the perfectly-prepared path that had been laid out for you. Maybe you got into your dream degree but aren’t getting the grades you need to pass.

Or maybe you’ve been fired from your job or had a side project fall apart. Whatever it may be – don’t panic. Here are some tips to help you move forward.

2. Get your motivation back

1. Talk to your friends or colleagues

3. Refocus and reprioritise

Rather than being embarrassed about what went wrong, talk to someone about the situation and confront it head-on. Not only can friends and colleagues provide you with support and encouragement, but they might be able to offer a new perspective on what you could do differently next time, or how to improve from here on.

Have a think about what you are most passionate about, and what causes you the most distraction. Separate the two and solidify where your priorities need to be going forward.

Maybe it’s spending less time on Twitter and more time building your resume with volunteer work or less money spent on takeaway and more money put aside to invest in a project. Figuring out what your biggest priorities are is essential for moving forward.

Designed by: Alice Kjoller

After you’ve acknowledged what went wrong, move on. It happened and you can’t change the past, but you can change what you do going forward. Failure can leave you feeling unmotivated, so take some time to get that mojo back. Listen to an inspirational podcast, go for a run, or even try re-organising your office area. Anything that will give you the incentive you need to keep going.

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STUDENT SCENES When there are no seats left on the NeW Space shuttle: 4. Create achievable, short-term goals When thinking about your dream career, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture. While it’s great to have an end goal in mind – something that you can be constantly aiming for – it’s also important to focus on the small stepping stones that will get you there. Write down some short-term goals that you can complete over the next few months. Achieving them will prove to yourself that this one failure hasn’t made the big picture impossible.

“Prove to yourself that this one failure hasn’t made the big picture impossible.”

Although the path may no longer be perfectlyprepared like before, the bumps in the road and the detours you take along the way will teach you things you would never have learned before and it may even lead to new opportunities you didn’t know were there.

Claire: Look, missing out on a seat on the bus is never pleasant, but it’s not the end of the world. I suggest a marathon of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2, to remind you that while you may have lost the fight for a seat, you didn’t lose a fight to the death (thus, rendering your inconvenience redundant).

Elizabeth: OMG it’s the end of the world, there is no coming back from this, it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to you. NOT… get over it, some people are starving and all you have to do is stand for 15 minutes.

I suggest you watch Rugrats in Paris, fast forward to the scene where Chuckie is wishing for a new mum and you’ll realise you don’t have it that bad.

When someone destroys you at ping pong in the Auchmuty courtyard:` Claire: Time to turn your greatest failure into your greatest success. Rewatch Legally Blonde, channel your inner Elle Woods, become the ping pong champion of UON, and stick it to Warner Huntington III. Elizabeth: Look, I won’t lie this is devastatingly embarrassing and will be hard to come back from.

Avoiding the Auchmuty Courtyard for a week or two is probably the best idea, give people time to move on and forget your face. Spend your week of hiding watching the Star Wars films from start to finish, there are a lot of them, so, they’ll keep you entertained for hours.

Designed by: Sam Field

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

MONTHLY

Nadia D’Andrea consults the stars so you don’t have to.

December 22nd to January 19th

January 20th to February 18th

Now is the perfect time to work on that grand master plan. MWAHAHA!!

Salagadoola mechicka boola, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. Put em’ together and what have you got? Bibbidi-bobbidi no prince for you!

February 19th to March 20th

With Mars in retrograde, your powerhouse Saturn will crumble. To prevent this catastrophe, mix two parts Flat Tummy Tea with three parts acai bowl. Consume every third day.

April 20th to May 20th

This is a great day to strut your stuff, Taurus. Just make sure you wear the right clothes.

March 21st to April 19th

So, you didn’t do well in your last exam. It will be ok, my two-horned friend. You will make up for it this semester.

May 21st to June 20th

Learn to compromise. If you take the “my way or the highway” approach, you will find a dagger or two in your back.

HOROSCOPES June 21st to July 22nd

July 23rd to August 22nd

Get out of your shell and ask that special someone on a date. You may end up walking sideways like the crab that you are.

You always have to be the loudest and most ferocious don’t you, Leo? Dial it back a notch.

August 23rd to September 22nd

You’re walking on very thin ice.

Careful now, Virgo.

October 23rd to November 21st

Ouch! There’s that famous Scorpio sting. Try not to break too many hearts.

September 23rd to October 22nd

A dream is a wish your heart makes.

Listen to your dreams and follow them.

November 22nd to December 21st

You’re quite the Brutus today, Sagittarius. Take the opportunity and get your revenge on a certain someone.

Designed by: Anneka Mitchell

Dreamy Sweet and

Sour Pork Been dreaming about authentic Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork?

Marcie Cheers has got you covered with this yummy recipe.

Ingredients - 200g pork tenderloin - 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine - ¼ teaspoon of sugar - 4 pieces of crushed ginger - Season with salt and pepper Batter - 50 grams of flour - 50 grams of corn-starch - 100ml of water Sauce - 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce - ½ tablespoon of oil - 4 tablespoons of sugar - 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar - ¼ teaspoon of salt - ½ cup of hot water - ½ tablespoon of corn-starch - 1 tablespoon of water - 1 tablespoon of ginger

3. Coat the pork strips in the batter.

4. Heat up oil in a saucepan/deep fryer until it reaches 160 degrees Celsius.

5. Place the pork strips in the hot oil and fry untill they are slightly brown, then take them out on a plate of kitchen towel.

6. For really crunchy pork, fry once more for a further 2 minutes and take them out.

7. Heat up tomato sauce, sugar and oil in a pan until it begins to boil.

8. Add ginger, starch mixture, salt and vinegar and heat until the mixture has thickened.

Directions 1. Cut the pork into strips and marinate in sauce mixture for 10 minutes.

9. Add pork strips to the sauce mixture.

2. Add batter ingredients together and set aside for 10 minutes.

Hot Tip: Add sesame seeds on top of the pork for an extra crunch.

Designed by: Anneka Mitchell

10. Serve with hot rice and enjoy!

Yak Magazine // Issue 49 2019

HOW TO RECYCLE ME Each year our university goes through 1,080 tonnes of waste.

Do your part to minimise our impact on the environment by recycling and/or reusing me.

•Put me in the recycling bin At home you can put me in the bin with the yellow lid. On campus, bins for recycling paper and cardboard are blue or yellow bins.

Look out for the “Be a good sort” poster to know what the bin recycles.

•Donate me Donate me to your local library, Salvos or a doctor’s waiting room.

•Give me away Give me away for free on websites like Gumtree or pass me onto your friends.

•Get your craft on Turn me into something new! Organise a crafternoon with your friends or keep an eye on events on campus through groups like NUSA or FEAST. Designed by: Anneka Mitchell Illustrations by: Reid McManus

Issue 49 // 2019

Issue 49 // 2019