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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.

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The Wave-Particle Duality

Hanrong
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The Wave-Particle Duality

An important physics principle, formed in the twentieth century

Picture a drawing with sunlight in it. If you were to draw it, how would you represent the rays of sunshine? Perhaps, you could draw a series of discrete lines from a smiling sun in the blue, or maybe you should instead draw ripple-like waves? Of course, when drawing, human creativity and feelings dictate what is drawn. However, the physics perspective of analyzing light rays was based on centuries of new discoveries about this topic, including data from various experimentations. This article will take us into the historical development of various theories pertaining to this principle!

What is wave-particle duality?

Historically, light has been thought of as particles. Common properties of light, like reflection and refraction, are explainable using the concept that light is composed of particles. Newton himself believed strongly in the particle nature of light. However, by the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, the English physicist Thomas Young proved, through his famous double slit experiment, that light is better explained as a wave.

Thomas Young’s experiment demonstrated two properties of light that cannot be explained by the particle nature, which are diffraction and interference. Take a look at the diagram below:

The Double Slit Experiment
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

As you can see, the light waves traveling through the two slits actually have an effect on each other, thus producing the pattern of bright-dark spots on the wall that the light is projected upon. Now, imagine if light were particles. Then, particles should not be able to cause areas of overlap like waves could. Now, onto the other property, which is diffraction; diffraction simply refers to the bending of light around a corner, or perhaps spreading out after passing by a little opening.

Young also noticed that light diffracted slightly through the two openings, thus further giving evidence that it is a wave! Take a look at this photo (the gray wave indicates the diffracted light):

Diffraction of light
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

The twentieth century

By the early twentieth century, however, physics and science were going through a period of rapid new discoveries; many previously-made theories had to be reconsidered. It was during this time period that physicists like Planck, Einstein, and Compton pushed for the particle nature of light once more. However, their theories were more specific than Newton’s centuries ago. Specifically, Einstein proposed that light contained discrete particles (or photons), each of which contained a discrete (specific, limited) amount of energy.

This assumption by Einstein actually formed the basis of quantum physics–that is, treating energy as discrete and existing as “bundles” of countable energy.

The wave-particle duality of electrons

However, the wave-particle duality is not only applicable to light, but also to what we think of as particles, like electrons. Electrons are considered to be particles within atoms that are negatively charged. In the early-twentieth century, another physicist, Louis de Broglie, proposed that electrons actually demonstrated wave-like properties as well, in the sense that they had wavelength and frequency. This is another interesting idea, stemming from the principle of wave-particle duality!

Being open-minded in interpreting physics

The principle of wave-particle duality is truly versatile! One can argue that certain particles have wave-like properties, but also that certain waves can also possess particle-like properties. This demonstrates the importance of interpreting many properties of our physical world with complexity and nuance. The wave-particle duality is truly a crucial physics principle.

How to Study the Endocrine System

Jeanne Y
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How to Study the Endocrine System

The endocrine system can be quite tough to study – it’s so many systems and feedback loops all at once! – and the exams on the endocrine system are mostly applicational, meaning you can’t get by through brute memorization. The endocrine system makes up the more difficult half of the largest unit in the Alberta Biology 30 Course, which is Endocrine and Nervous Systems. Subsequently, it’s imperative to do well. It might also teach you quite a bit about your own body!

Without further ado, here’s a step by step breakdown on how to study the endocrine system from someone who aced her unit test and multiple biology contest endocrine questions.

1. Draw it Out!

Even if you’re not a visual learner, being able to see feedback loops through arrows and diagrams helping link glands and hormones together can be very helpful. It helps connect a solid block of dense text into more readable material, which helps with comprehension and encourages you to link the systems together.

Visually, it can help with understanding and memorization. Especially if you use the “blurt” technique, where you redraw diagrams without the help of notes or texts, it’ll increase your chances of comprehension and create a superficial short-term memory of the cycles. Even if you don’t understand it, drawn cycles will definitely be easier to memorize than bullet points and blocks of paragraphs from your textbook.

Pros:

  • easier to understand
  • easier to memorize
  • links systems together
  • gives an idea of the bigger picture

Cons:

  • can be time consuming
  • not recommended for cramming because it is so time consuming

I find that both I and many of my peers comprehend and remember material much better when we link things to the bigger picture (i.e. this is how/why this happens in the body here). Drawing the cycles out certainly helps, but that’s not all.

2. Feynman Technique – Talk at Someone

I talk a lot about the Feynman technique in some of my other articles about study tips, and for good reason too. It’s probably one of the most effective ways to actively recall what you know and find weak areas that you should go back and study.

If you don’t know what the Feynman Technique is, it involves taking the material that you know and teaching it. It doesn’t necessarily have to be to someone else (especially if you don’t have family willing to listen to lectures and your friends are uninterested); it is equally effective when explaining to a pet, an imaginary friend, or your pencil sharpener.

This is critical when learning the endocrine system because it is so content and memorization heavy. You really need to make sure you understand and remember all the material.

When I don’t have anyone to talk at (because you’re really not talking to someone when you explain the endocrine system), I talk to the stuffed animal that I keep on my desk and attempt to explain it to him. Although he doesn’t have many questions, he’s a great listener. I also find that recording myself (in selfie mode, where I can see myself speak) is a fabulous technique that almost beats talking at other people. I get to improve my public speaking skills (you are your worst critic, especially watching yourself talk), and I get an auditory version of my notes that I can listen to on public transit.

Pros:

  • active recall is super effective
  • very fast – highly recommended if you’re cramming
  • can reap benefits even if you have nobody to talk at
  • improves speaking skills
  • deepens understanding
  • draws out weaknesses in very obvious ways

Cons:

  • can get distracted if talking to people
  • can feel lonely if not talking to people
  • ego bruises because you’ll find many, many points of weakness

3. Cause and Effect Chart

One of the most common questions on tests regarding the endocrine system is “What will happen to [insert some part of the system or the body] if we remove/inject extra/find a dysfunction in [insert gland, hormone, duct, etc].” The best way I’ve found that combats these kinds of problems is creating a cause and effect chart.

List all the hormones and glands you need to know on both the horizontal area and the left vertical areas of a chart. Now go through all of them, and talk yourself through what the effects would be if one of the hormones were removed, damaged, or excessively produced. This is basically prepping yourself for most of the application questions involved on unit tests and on contests.

Pretty easy, huh? If only it didn’t take so long.

Pros:

  • you have a 90% chance of seeing one of these questions on your test, so you’ll be super prepared
  • see the bigger picture, link or separate all the hormones from different feedback loops together
  • easy to do – charts can be hand-drawn, inserted into a Google Docs or Word file, or even just generated with AI.
  • forces you to understand what’s going on
  • very effective, especially when used for active recall

Cons:

  • unless you seriously know everything about the endocrine system, ego bruises will form as you realize you really don’t know anything about the endocrine system
  • feelings of discouragement and boredom

TL;DR

The endocrine system is a tough topic to study – it’s content heavy, it can be quite dull, and it requires application of knowledge, not just pure memorization (although that can also get you pretty far). As someone who did pretty well on this topic, here are my biggest tips on how to ace Endocrine System:

  1. Visualize it
  2. Talk at people
  3. Create a chart of all contingencies

I may have forgotten one really important tip: have fun! Even if you’re lying to yourself that something is fun, it will eventually get easier than forcing yourself to study material you tell yourself is boring.

Best of luck!

How to Take Care of Your Skin: A Template Skincare Routine for Morning and Night

Maya McIntyre
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How to Take Care of Your Skin: A Template Skincare Routine for Morning and Night

We all have different routines when it comes to maintaining our skin. Many beauty gurus push a 12-step routine to ensure their skin is fully beautified and protected. But at the end of the day, not everyone has the time and energy to devote, especially when we’re on a limited budget. We all know what serves our skin best, and the precautions we need to take to avoid breaking out. But if you’re just beginning and you’re not sure where to start, here is a quick guide for the proper order you should be doing you’re skincare in.

AM Routine

  1. Cleanser: Use a gentle face wash to remove oil, sweat, and buildup from the night. Make sure you’re cleaning your pillow cases!
    • Importance: Remove impurities such as sweat, oil, and skin care products applied from the night before that can clog your pores. It is also crucial that you wash off any buildup created by your pillow cases. (Always wash your pillow cases to prevent breakouts on your cheeks.)
  2. Toner (Optional): Balances the skin’s pH and preps it for treatment products. Choose an alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula as best you can.
    • Importance: Gives skin an added layer of hydration and cleanliness, and also prepares skin for subsequent products and ingredients to be absorbed, such as moisturisers, serums, oils, etc.
  3. Serum: Apply a vitamin C serum or one with antioxidants to brighten and protect from buildup.
    • Importance: Neutralises free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, or other environmental factors. Promotes collagen production and brightens your skin toan leaving you glowing!
  4. Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier. Choose based on your skin type.
    • Importance: The skin is constantly exposed to elements throughout the day that can easily dehydrate it. A good moisturizer that works for you (always pick what is best for your skin) will keep your skin plump, smooth, and resilient.
  5. Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Vital for protecting your skin from UV damage
    • Importance: Protects against UVA and UVB, which can cause skin cancer, dark spots, and breakdown. Daily sunscreen application prevents long-term damage and maintains skin health.

Evening Routine:

  1. Cleanser: Double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen — oil cleanser first, then regular cleanser.
    • Importance: Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants without peeling skin. During the day, the skin accumulates pollutants and makeup. Skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The second cleanse of the skin also ensures the skin is consistently clear, allowing for better absorption of products.
  2. Toner (Optional): Same as in the morning, if used.
    • Importance: Better absorption of products and gives a thorough clean. Also rids of remaining impurities.
  3. Treatment/Serum: Use ingredients targeted to your needs (e.g., niacinamide, retinol, salicylic acid, or hyaluronic acid). Everyone is different.
    • Importance: Target specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration. Retinol increases cell turnover while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture. Retinoids can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, making nighttime the optimal time for application
  4. Eye Cream (Optional): Helps with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines
    • Importance: Addresses specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and Fine Lines. The under-eye area is more delicate and sensitive, making it prone to signs of aging and more sensitive to light, making nighttime treatment more practical and less susceptible to daytime exposures
  5. Moisturizer/Night Cream: Hydrate and repair skin overnight.
    • Importance: Locks and hydration support Skin Barrier repair and seals and active ingredients applied consistently and previously.  skin loses more moisture overnight a thicker more nourishing moisturizer prevents dehydration and fosters repair.

Canada Votes #3: 45th General Election Hour by Hour 

Areej C
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Canada Votes #3: 45th General Election Hour by Hour 

Watched CBC’s Canada Votes from 4:30 MST to midnight. Here’s how election night went, rapid fire edition!

4:30 PM

Coverage starts. Atlantic results come in. Liberals are underperforming. Not awful, but definitely not what they wanted. Conservatives start poking through. Tension level = simmering.

6:30- 7:30 PM

200+ seats are now up for grabs, with the majority of polls in Canada closing, and polls starting to count. CBC’s seat counter turns into a ping pong match. Liberals and Conservatives trade leads, with liberals owning a significant portion of leads. 

8:10 PM

CBC calls it: Liberal government. But here’s the catch, no one knows if it’s a majority. The number 172 becomes an obsession.

8:45 PM

Poilievre loses his seat. Conservative leader out. Most shocking part of the night for sure. (Fun fact: 91 people ran in his riding of Carleton, making it the longest ballot ever, plus his riding had the highest advanced voting rates in the entire country!) 

9:30 PM

Liberals inching toward 172. Still too close. B.C. ridings are keeping them from a majority.

10:40 PM

Jagmeet Singh loses his riding of Burnaby South and resigns. Just like that. Saddest part of the night, cried a bit, worst part of the night too. 

Around 11:30 PM

Mark Carney walks out for his victory speech saying “humility” like six times.overall pretty good, acknowledged the humanity in his leadership, and the ability for leaders to make mistakes. 

11:45 PM

Elizabeth May holds it down (shocking). Wins her seat. Jonathan Pedneault (co-leader) doesn’t. Greens stay at one. 

12:00 AM

Still no answer on majority. CBC ends the night at 169 seats. Final count: unclear. We all go to bed wondering.

Tuesday: 

Liberals confirm a minority government, with Mark Carney recovering his mandate from the Canadian people. 

Wednesday 

Jonathan Pedneault resigns as Green Party’s co-leader, stating it was unfair for him to continue to be the leader after losing his own riding, hoping to invite new voices to the Green Party leadership. 

Thursday 

The debate over Pierre Polivere’s leadership is in the air, many say he should be removed for failing to win his own riding, but an overwhelming number of Conservative MP’s are rallying behind him, using his ability to raise the Conservative’s popular vote as rationale. 

Overall, the night was super chaotic for Canadian politics. One thing I have to say, this night was a collapse of a healthy democracy Canada once had. The transition into a two-party system is detrimental to representing the voice of the people, and becomes voting to keep another party out of power, not who you believe will support you and your fellow constituents within a riding. The lack of options, facilitates the rise of unhealthy government systems, and becomes a fight between parties, individuals soon begin to believe both aren’t good, and have to vote for in obligation. This new system, has allowed for the fall of the NDP, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party, even registered voters to each of these parties voted for either the Liberals or Conservatives to keep one or the other out of power, choosing which would be ‘relatively better’. This is incredibly dangerous to your freedom of choosing government, and never ends well as seen south of the border, who have a seemingly increasingly similar political structure. This is your reminder to advocate for YOUR right to a healthy and functioning democracy, no matter who is in power, if your government doesn’t allow critique, you don’t live in a democracy anymore. 

Take Back Control of Your Scroll

youthareawesome
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Take Back Control of Your Scroll

Introducing the Mayor’s Youth Council Health and Well-Being Column! Each month, we’ll share fun, relevant, easy-to-follow mental health tips through the Youth Central newsletter, giving you the tools and support to prioritize your well-being with new topics and advice every month!

May’s tips highlight how your digital habits impact more than just screen time—they affect your focus, mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. Learn how to recognize the influence of algorithms, build healthier online habits, and create space for balance, mindfulness, and meaningful connection in your everyday life.

Your Digital Footprint

Ever find yourself scrolling for just five more minutes—and suddenly an hour has passed? That’s not an accident. Social media and apps are intentionally designed to keep you hooked by constantly triggering dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. The more you scroll, the more your brain craves that next hit of instant gratification, making it harder to focus on anything that requires patience—like reading a book, watching a full news segment, or even paying attention in class. 

According to research studies, in 2000, the average attention span of a person was 12 seconds. Today, the average attention span is just 8 seconds. The average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds… let that sink in.

Algorithms don’t care if the content is true, helpful, or even safe. They prioritize what gets the most engagement, making misinformation spread much faster than facts. Sentimental stories, conspiracy theories, and clickbait often go viral because they spark strong reactions—anger, shock, or excitement. That’s why you might find yourself going down a rabbit hole of misleading or outright false information without even realizing it. 

It’s important to think critically about what we consume. The internet is not always a reliable source—misinformation spreads quickly, and not everything we see online is true. 

  • Always ask yourself – who benefits from my reaction? – before acting on emotions that different pieces of media spark.
  • Always back up the information you receive on social media with reputable sources, and develop strong media literacy skills to differentiate fact from fiction. 
  • Following accounts that share meaningful, well-researched content can make a huge difference in the quality of information you absorb daily.

Alongside affecting our focus and information consumption, the time we spend online impacts our sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. Much of the time we spend doomscrolling adds little meaning to our lives. If you were asked to remember the reels you watched after an hour of mindless swiping, you would be drawing a complete blank. If you’re struggling to cut back, here are some tips!

  • Try setting a timer before going on social media. 
  • Moving away from short-form content can also help—start by watching slightly longer videos and gradually work up to long-form content, like documentaries or podcasts. 
  • Reading is another great way to train your brain back to a healthier state. If books feel overwhelming, start with a fast-paced genre, like thrillers, to make it easier to stay engaged.

Being intentional about your screen time, staying informed, and protecting yourself online can help you take control of your digital habits rather than letting them control you. Be mindful of how you consume, what you consume, and the time you spend online, and always be kind! The key is balance. 



How Canada’s Election System Works: A Guide for Voters

Hafsah A
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How Canada’s Election System Works: A Guide for Voters

 

Canada’s election system is often misunderstood, but it plays a key role in determining how the government operates. Many of us are just reaching voting age, and although the 2025 Federal election recently passed, understanding the system can help grasp how election results truly affect the political landscape.

 

https://pixabay.com/vectors/ballot-election-vote-1294935/
  1. The Basics: A Parliamentary Democracy

Canada is a parliamentary democracy, meaning citizens vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent their local areas, called ridings. Each riding elects one MP, and the party with the most MPs typically forms the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.

  1. First-Past-the-Post: How the Winner is Chosen

Canada uses a “first-past-the-post” voting system, which means the candidate who gets the most votes in a riding wins, and there’s no need to secure a majority. For example, if there are three candidates, and one gets 40% of the vote, that candidate wins the seat, even if 60% of voters preferred other options.

  1. Political Parties and Their Leaders

Canada’s political parties run campaigns to win ridings across the country. The party that wins the most seats is invited by the Governor General to form the government. In a minority government (where no party has more than half the seats), the leader of the winning party must work with other parties to pass laws.

  1. What Happens After An Election?

After the election, the new government begins transitioning into office. The winning party leader, like Mark Carney, is formally invited by the Governor General to become Prime Minister and select a Cabinet. This team will oversee key areas like finance, health, and foreign affairs. Next, the Governor General delivers the Speech from the Throne, which outlines the government’s priorities. From there, Parliament reconvenes, and the government starts introducing bills to turn campaign promises into law. During this time, they are held accountable by Parliament to ensure their policies reflect the needs of the people.

 

Understanding how Canada’s election system works isn’t just important on election day—it helps you see how your vote fits into the larger picture and why certain issues matter when it comes to shaping policy. The results aren’t just about one candidate or one party; they’re about the collective will of the people.

 

sources: 1 , 2

Rethinking immigration for Canada’s youngest voices

Diva Negi
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Rethinking immigration for Canada’s youngest voices

 

      When youth immigrate, they don’t just traverse borders instead, they approach a new world of expectations, languages, and identities. In Canada, immigration policy not only defines who gets in but also how it can shape immigrant youth belonging, cultural connection, and how they see themselves reflected in society.


     It is important to note that cultural identity remains dynamic, especially for youth who grow up trying to balance between two or more worlds. Immigrant youth face a silent pressure: to fit, but not forget your roots, to assimilate to a perfect point. Speak English fluently, but don’t lose your mother tongue. Embrace diversity, but don’t be the kind of “ethnic” that makes others uncomfortable. Such contradictory and socially set expectations create tension and confusion for young people trying to navigate their identities at an already vulnerable time.

     Despite being known for it’s multiculturalism, in Canada, immigrant adolescents still face barriers in their daily life, especially in our school systems. The differences in language, a lack of culturally inclusive curriculum and community, as well as limited access to mental health resources, contribute to a feeling of invisibility.


     Therefore, Representation matters. When immigrant youth see their cultures, languages and lived experiences reflected and respected, they are more likely to thrive, creating a happier and cohesive community we can all call home. Representation doesn’t just mean having diversity in the brochure but making sure youth voices and perspectives are included in decision-making, that their stories are told and passed down, and that the system is designed with their realities in mind and not against them.


     Immigration policies should be involved in more than just entry to Canada–rather, they should support belonging for the future of Canada. That includes supporting mother tongue education, funding youth-led cultural initiatives and offering programs that celebrate immigrant heritage instead of pressuring assimilation. True inclusion isn’t about blending in. It’s about being able to show up as your true self.


     Youth across Canada are already leading this change through clubs, advocacy, storytelling and community building. It’s time to ensure that systems catch up.


Belonging isn’t earned, it’s a starting point.

Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud, You’re Just Anxious

Mahnoor Altaf
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Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud, You’re Just Anxious

So you’ve just made the soccer team, won an award, or got accepted into a selective program. Everyone is praising you for your success, but deep down you feel like a fraud. You tell yourself it wasn’t really your achievement, it was just luck.
 Now… you are stuck worrying that someday, everyone else will find out.

The truth? Around 70% of people have felt this way at least once in their life.
 And here is the good news. It is not true. You do deserve your success.
 It is just self-doubt creeping in.

Meet your unwanted guest: imposter syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when people believe they aren’t as capable as others think they are, and they are afraid of being “found out” as a fraud.
 In reality, the individual is just as skilled and capable as everyone believes. It is just self-doubt getting in the way.
 It usually kicks in after someone has achieved something big or important.

Who Is Most Likely Affected by Imposter Syndrome?

  • People who are highly neurotic (easily upset or prone to anxiety)
  • Perfectionists
  • People with low self-esteem

Basically, anyone who tends to be extra hard on themselves can experience it.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

  • The Perfectionist: Believes that if they are not perfect, they are not good enough.
  • The Expert: Feels like an imposter because they do not know everything about a topic.
  • The Natural Genius: Thinks they are not truly smart if they do not get things right immediately.
  • The Soloist: Doubts their abilities if they needed help to succeed.
  • The Superperson: Believes they must achieve the highest success possible, or else they are a fraud.

Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?

If you answer yes to many of these questions, you might be dealing with imposter syndrome:

  • Do you worry a lot over small mistakes in your work?
  • Do you credit your success to luck or other factors outside yourself?
  • Are you very sensitive to constructive feedback?
  • Do you secretly feel like you will eventually be “found out”?
  • Do you downplay your strengths, even when you know you are more skilled than others?

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

  • Focus on facts, not feelings.
  • Acknowledge your self-doubt, then let it go.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Look for evidence of your skills and success.
  • Reframe your negative thoughts.
  • Find a mentor, someone who can support and guide you.
  • Learn from your peers instead of comparing yourself negatively.

TL;DR

Feeling like a fraud does not mean you are one. You have earned your success. Do not let doubt tell you otherwise.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

How does polling work?

S.R. Spencer
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How does polling work?

Canada is in the midst of a general election campaign, which will ultimately end at the ballot boxes today on April 28, 2025. In the time before that date, however, it is important for both citizens, parties, and candidates to know who’s in the lead. This is accomplished by polling, which gives us a clue as to who’s set to win in the end. The question remains, however, how exactly does polling work?

What is a Poll?

A poll, rather simply, starts with a question. In an election, such as Canada’s upcoming one, this question could be “how are you planning to vote on April 28th,” or, “which of the federal party leaders would you prefer to see as Prime Minister.” Afterwards, people are asked these questions.

According to Scott Keeter at Pew Research Center, the most common method of polling nowadays is through web surveys. People are usually contacted by phone or email and asked to fill out the survey on whatever questions the pollster may have. Telephone and paper-and-pencil surveys are also popular methods of gathering information. In the modern world, old-fashioned door-knocking has gone out of style.

The amount of data needed to accurately reflect the population varies depending on what the question being asked is, however, a sample size above 1,000 is usually enough to track trends across a nation. In order to reflect potential variability in society, pollsters often include a “margin of error” within a certain confidence level. For example, if the margin of error on a poll is 5 percent, with 98 percent confidence, that means that the pollster expects the real life data to reflect the polling data within plus or minus 5 percent of the data 98 percent of the time. Generally, the margin of error decreases with a larger sample size.

Bias

In order to account for some additional biases in sample size, a pollster may have to weigh their poll. This means adjusting the amount of influence each person’s response has on the overall poll, depending on the size of their voice. For example, if a certain demographic makes up 30 percent of the population, and yet only 10 percent of a poll is made up by that demographic, then the pollster needs to adjust the value of that 10 percent to reflect the size of that demographic in society. This helps to ensure polls are more accurate to reality.

There are, however, some dangers with polling. If a question is too leading, i.e, a question itself is presented in a biased manner in order to elicit a certain response, the results of the poll can be skewed by the pollster in order to back up a claim they wish to make. Additionally, a pollster could manipulate the end result of a poll by specifically choosing a sample that does not reflect the general population and instead reflects a point they are trying to make. 

TL;DR

In the leadup to this election, polls will be a useful tool for determining who’s ahead or behind. But each poll must be taken with a grain of salt, first by considering the biases of its author and what they would have to gain from presenting the data in one way or another. Hopefully this article has helped you become a better poll reader.

Public Opinion Polling Basics | Pew Research Center

Understanding the margin of error in election polls

Vancouver Filipino Festival Tragedy

Crystal Lattice
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Vancouver Filipino Festival Tragedy

An exciting festival in Vancouver ended in tragedy last Saturday. It was an annual Filipino event called the Lapu-Lapu Day Block party, attended by up to 100 000 people. However, after 8pm local time, an SUV plowed through the site, driving through the crowd. Police described this event as the “darkest day in the city’s history.”

What started as a fun, anticipating celebration, abruptly turned into chaos and trauma. Many comments included details that bodies were flying higher than the food trucks were, everyone was panicking and screaming, and that the man in the SUV just kept running through. One moment, families would be waiting in line for food, then, there would be sounds of a car running through in the distance, followed by bodies hitting the hood of the SUV.

 

Death Tolls and Injury Lists Updating

Because the attack began where there was no barrier between the outside and the food truck area, the death tolls and injury lists are still being counted for. At the moment, 11 deaths were confirmed and injury lists are large and still rising. Among the deaths is a 5 year old girl. Although the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was identified, these lists are still being updated throughout the next few weeks.

List
Image by Jan from Pixabay

Nation-wide Mourning

Unfortunately, this time of celebration, having fun, and embracing the Filipino culture had been struck by this car incident. Those of Filipino ancestry are devastated and deep in tears, especially ones in close relation to someone in the death tools or injury lists. All around Canada, there had been a shock wave of grievance and sorrow, even causing the current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to cancel some pre-election meetings. Prayers, flowers, and sincere wishes are being passed to those that had been traumatized.

Mourning
Image by Carolyn Booth from Pixabay

Why Did The Attack Happen?

First things first, officials do not believe this was an attack of terrorism. There is also discussion about whether this attack was even targeted. Despite these, the most important detail about the suspect is that they had been involved with the police before, but also with healthcare professionals related to mental health.

Part of the mourning across Canada actually includes reminders about mental health, which is directed towards those that were unfortunately involved, but it also comes from this suspect. Specific details are not displayed for various reasons. However, what is important to take away from this is that mental health matters. Let us take the time to take care of ourselves and keep our spirits up!

Mental health matters
Image by Duckleap Free Resources from Pixabay (Mental Health Matters!!)

Some Mental Health Hotlines:

If you are in need of mental health support, whether it be while mourning or not, here are some links to mental health hotlines.

  1. Alberta Health Services: 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free)
    – Provides confidential service, giving support, information, and referrals to Albertans
  2. Canadian Mental Health Association: 9-8-8
    – Non-judgemental suicide preventing hotline
  3. https://kidshelpphone.ca/
    – Website for kids’ mental health
  4. Check out this website to find your province’s mental health hotline: https://tema.foundation/canadian-mental-health-hotlines/

Source: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5

The Patchwork Soul; A poem

Diva Negi
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The Patchwork Soul; A poem

I’m a mosaic of a person
My thoughts branch out
Like a fig tree.

A patchwork of every person I’ve ever met
Everything they feel
Everything they said
It completes me

“You’re just you”
Don’t say that
Please

We both know it isn’t true

We’re all entwined
An intricate tapestry
Made up of
The past
The present
And the awaited the future

We’re all intertwined

When one looks in the mirror
We exist as parts of each other
Sewn together memories
They’re all I can be, I’m all they could be


The eldest daughter to some
A little girl to others
A sister
A friend
A life gone by in the summer

I live inside every book
Every page ever turned
Any song ever learned
Every laugh ever heard

Sewn together
To make an intricate tapestry

Behind every
“I love you”
And “thanks”
And “This song reminds me of you”
The whistles silently whisper my name
You’re a part of me
I’m a part of you




I’m a puzzle
I am
A never-ending one

A puzzle with always a piece missing
A piece

A puzzle made up of parts
Pieces
People
problems

Waiting for
A new song
A new word
A new feeling
A new happiness

A new part of the puzzle

A puzzle with more room
To add a part of someone new

So
the tapestry
the mosaic

Is stitched together
To create a patchwork

A patchwork that I call
Me.

Upcoming Movies this Summer 2025

Jianna H
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Upcoming Movies this Summer 2025

The aroma of buttered popcorn, the sound of the arcade games and, of course, the excited chatter of people entering and exiting the movie halls. The movie theatre is one of my favourite places as a film fanatic, and while I love watching the actual movie, I always make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to catch the previews. Waiting in anticipation to see what’s in store for the future for me as each of the trailers plays is always an exciting feeling, which I hope you can experience as you read this blog, counting down some exciting movies set to release this summer.

1. Thunderbolts* -May 2, 2025

Photo by Clément M. on Unsplash

This marvel movie features a stand out ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and David Harbour. This newest addition to the MCU universe is based on the comic series under the same name, which follows a team of reformed villains. The premise of this movie involves six individual villains coming together to avoid death and work with the CIA. Fans of the MCU will be excited to see new and old characters, including Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova.

 

2. Lilo and Stitch- May 23, 2025

Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash

The internet has been buzzing ever since Disney announced that this live-action version of the beloved movie Lilo and Stitch was in the works. After much anticipation, we can expect to see a familiar blue-faced alien on the big screen this May.

 

 

 

3. Karate Kid: Legends- May 30, 2025

Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will reprise their roles from their previous respective Karate Kid movies. While the movie’s creators claim that it will not be canon to the Cobra Kai universe, it is a continuation of the 1985 and 2010 films.

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

4. The Phoenician Scheme- May 30, 2025

This dark comedy, set to release in late May, is the latest work of unique director Wes Anderson, who is known for his eccentric and whimsical stylistic direction. The movie features well-known actors such as Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Cera and more and follows the chaos that ensues after a wealthy business man appoints his only daughter, a nun, as his only heir.

5. How to Train Your Dragon- June 13th, 2025

Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

The second live-action adaptation in this list has also been highly anticipated by diehard fans of the original animated series. This new movie will retell the story of Hiccup the Viking as he befriends the Night Fury dragon and convinces his village and father that they can coexist with dragons. The movie’s cast features a lot of young actors who have only just recently debuted in their acting careers and familiar faces like Mason Thames (Black Phone, 2021).

6. Elio- June 20, 2025

Photo by Bruce Warrington on Unsplash

Elio is the newest PIxar release and follows the story of an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s Intergalactic Ambassador after being beamed up by aliens he contacted. This movie is perfect for fans of Pixar animations who also love to geek out about space and sci-fi.

 

7. 28 Years Later- June 20th, 2025

A drastic turn from Elio, this film, also set to release on the same day, is a horror/thriller that takes place 28 years later after a deadly virus spreads across the world. A group of survivors live on a small, remote island. When one of them decides to venture back to the mainland, he must deal with the secrets and horrors he learns of the new world. The movie also stars Aaron Taylor Johnson (Nosferatu, 2025 and Bullet Train, 2022)

Photo by Sander Dechering on Unsplash

8. Freakier Friday- August 8th, 2025

Almost 2 decades later, beloved Disney characters played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, Tess and Anna Coleman, are back! Now all grown up, Anna’s life is switched again, except this time, not only do her and her mother’s body gets swapped but her daughter and soon-to-be step-daughter are also thrown in the mix. This movie is sure to be a nostalgic hit and a great way to wrap up the summer.

Photo by petr sidorov on Unsplash

Mental Health Week 2025: The Power of Community

Avy Gill
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Mental Health Week 2025: The Power of Community

Every year, Mental Health Week gives us space to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves and with others.  It takes place from May 12- 18 this year, and the theme is simple yet profound: Community

This theme invites us to think about where we belong, who we lean on, and how we support one another in times of stress, uncertainty, and healing. Community is not just about shared spaces—it’s about shared support, shared stories, and shared strength.

What Does Community Mean for Mental Health?

When we talk about mental health, we often focus on the individual—self-care, therapy, personal growth. These are all important, but community adds another layer: it reminds us that we thrive together.

    • A community listens. It holds space for people to speak their truth without fear of stigma or shame.

    •  A community supports. It shows up with compassion, practical help, and empathy when someone is struggling.

  • It A community includes. It makes room for everyone, especially those who often feel invisible or unheard.

Mental well-being isn’t just personal—it’s deeply social. When we feel seen, connected, and cared for, we are more resilient, more hopeful, and more able to recover.

Celebrating Mental Health Week 2025

There are many ways to engage with this year’s theme and bring “Community” to life:

  • Start small. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Check in. Offer your time and presence.

  • Create safe spaces. Whether it’s in your workplace, school, or friend group, encourage open, stigma-free conversations about mental health.

  • Join or host an event. Attend a community walk, mental health workshop, or online panel. Gather with others who care.

  • Share stories. If you feel comfortable, share your mental health journey. Your voice could help someone feel less alone.

  • Support local organizations. Many community mental health centers rely on volunteers and donations to keep vital services going.

A Community is a Connection and a Connection Heals

Mental Health Week isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about building bridges. In a disconnected world, the act of coming together is both powerful and healing.

So whether your community is your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or an online support group, know this: you matter. You belong. And you don’t have to face things alone.

This Mental Health Week, let’s celebrate the communities that lift us up—and commit to being that kind of community for others.

How to Trick Yourself Into Thinking You’re That Girl (Even When You’re Definitely Not That Girl).

Elizabeth Aluko
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How to Trick Yourself Into Thinking You’re That Girl (Even When You’re Definitely Not That Girl).

Let’s begin with a confession.

I am not That Girl.

You know the one. She wakes up at 5 a.m. because she wants to, not because she forgot to do her math homework. She drinks green smoothies with mysterious powders in them. She has perfect skin and perfect vibes. She journals her thoughts in gel pen cursive and uses the phrase “daily flow” unironically. Her tote bag contains a novel, a water bottle that cost $45, and absolutely zero crumbs.

I, on the other hand, am That Girl’s distant cousin. I’m “Oops-I-accidentally-napped-for-four-hours Girl.” “Hasn’t-folded-laundry-since-last-week Girl.” “Wrote-a-to-do-list-but-lost-it Girl.”

But over the years, I’ve learned the secret: you don’t have to be That Girl. You just have to pretend really hard—and eventually, the vibes might just catch up to you. Maybe.

Here’s how to trick yourself into thinking you’re That Girl when you are, in fact, deeply chaotic. Spoiler: it involves candles, delusion, and a insane amount of self-gaslighting.

Step One: Romanticize Everything (Yes, Even That)

The secret to becoming That Girl™ is simple: pretend your life is an A24 film. You’re not just washing dishes. You’re releasing negative energy through the sacred ritual of soap and warm water. You’re not commuting to school or work. You’re a mysterious, beautiful soul en route to her next plot twist.

Light a candle. Take a long breath. Let your reflection in the toaster be cinematic. Start narrating your life in your head like you’re the star of an indie film called The Girl Who Almost Had It Together.

Romanticizing the ordinary is your golden ticket to fake-glamour. Bonus points if you do it with a latte in hand (even if it’s made from instant coffee and lies).

Step Two: Master the Art of Selective Productivity

“That Girl” is productive—but not in a chaotic, 27-tabs-open, crying-over-Google-Calendar kind of way. Her productivity is curated. Tidy. Aesthetic. She checks off to-do lists written in gel pen on graph paper and rests her hand beside a perfect stack of self-help books she probably hasn’t finished.

You? You don’t need to be that. You just need to look like that, occasionally.

Here’s the trick: do one productive thing per day and overhype it.
Did you make your bed? Congratulations. You’re halfway to becoming a CEO. Did you take a walk? Grounded, present, and connected to nature. Did you open your Notes app and write “journal” even though you didn’t actually journal? Effort counts. Frame it like a soft win and call it a day.

The truth is, That Girl isn’t real. But the confidence boost from pretending you’re her for 20 minutes absolutely is.

Step Three: Your Notes App Is a Manifestation Portal

Forget vision boards. Forget Google Docs. All the magic happens in your Notes app—the modern diary, therapist, and delulu best friend rolled into one.

Write down the version of yourself you want to become. Not the Pinterest board version—the you who has her own definition of peace, power, and purpose. Write messy goals. Unhinged affirmations. Random quotes you pretend are deep. Ex:

  • “I am a magnetic force of excellence.”

  • “People watch me and think, ‘How does she do it?’”

  • “I will not let one mildly bad day convince me I have a bad life.”

  • “I am the CEO of vibing responsibly.”

This isn’t manifestation. This is delusion with style. Trust the process.

Step Four: Outfit = Mood

Okay, listen. You don’t need a matching workout set from Alo Yoga. You just need to wear anything that makes you feel like you could be papped by Vogue on a grocery run. That could mean a slick bun, gold hoops, and a trench coat. Or it could mean pajama pants and dramatic eyeliner. Either way, the goal is to feel unreasonably powerful for no reason.

If the main character energy isn’t coming from within, it might be hiding in your closet.

And yes—wearing sunglasses indoors is allowed. In fact, encouraged.

Step Five: Hydrate Like It’s a Ritual

Drinking water is the easiest That Girl activity you’ll ever do. But let’s elevate it. We don’t drink water—we sip hydration in style. Use a fancy cup. Add cucumber slices. A lemon wedge. A straw with an attitude. Light a candle. Turn on lo-fi beats. Pretend you’re at a spa. Boom. Suddenly, you’re not procrastinating—you’re prioritizing wellness.

I don’t know what it is about pouring water into a wine glass, but it makes me feel like I own multiple streams of income and a French Bulldog.

Step Six: Curate Chaos

This one’s important. Your life doesn’t have to be organized. Just organize how it looks.
Cue: a minimalist shelf in the background of your Zoom call, one clean corner of your room for mirror selfies, and a planner you only use for aesthetic TikToks. No one needs to know the rest of your space looks like an emotional tornado.

That Girl thrives in curated chaos. Let your laundry pile exist in peace—as long as your phone wallpaper says “you are golden” in cursive.

Step Seven: Learn the Power of Saying No (to People, Yes to Yourself)

That Girl has boundaries. She doesn’t go to every event. She doesn’t answer texts immediately. She is busy prioritizing her peace, aligning her chakras, and watching reruns of New Girl while eating dark chocolate almonds.

You can be That Girl by simply reclaiming your time. Stop saying yes out of guilt. Stop doing things because you “should.” Start saying, “That doesn’t align with my energy right now,” even if your “energy” is currently watching Netflix in a face mask.

Step Eight: Build Your Soundtrack

No That Girl moment is complete without a fire soundtrack. You need background music that makes you feel like you’re walking into a coming-of-age montage—even if you’re just going to the library or unloading the dishwasher.

Some starter packs:

  • “Cool Girl” – Tove Lo

  • “I Am Woman” – Emmy Meli

  • “Pink + White” – Frank Ocean

  • “supernatural” – beabadoobee

  • “Just Like Magic” – Ariana Grande

  • “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine

  • “Get Him Back!” – Olivia Rodrigo

Pair music with a good pair of headphones and you’ve unlocked maximum delusional confidence.

Step Nine: Accept the Duality

Here’s the truth nobody puts on Instagram: That Girl cries in her car. That Girl gets rejected. That Girl spirals. She is not a static image of perfection; she is a person. Just like you. Some days you’ll feel ethereal and magnetic. Other days you’ll eat cold pizza on your floor while doomscrolling at 2am. Both versions are valid.

Tricking yourself into thinking you’re That Girl isn’t about denying the hard parts of life—it’s about learning to hold both things at once: ambition and uncertainty, self-love and self-doubt, aesthetic iced lattes and emotional breakdowns in the shower.

You don’t become her by controlling everything. You become her by embracing the fact that no one really knows what they’re doing—but some of us have better playlists while pretending we do.

Step Ten: Be Your Version of Her

Here’s the kicker: “That Girl” isn’t a universal aesthetic. She’s a construct. You don’t have to want beige interiors, matcha, or Pilates to be worthy. Maybe your version of That Girl eats Takis and writes poetry at 1am. Maybe she thrifted her outfit, runs on iced coffee, and plays Lorde while biking to class. Maybe she doesn’t own a single matching set and thrives in organized chaos.

Whatever your version looks like—own it.
That Girl isn’t someone you become.
She’s someone you already are… when you finally stop apologizing for it.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a guide to perfection. It’s a gentle invitation to shift your mindset and say, “What if I already have enough within me to be the person I admire?”
Spoiler alert: you do.

So go drink your wine-glass water. Light that candle. Romanticize your cereal. Pretend you’re in a movie. And keep becoming that girl—your girl.

Even if you’re just faking it for now.

Diversity Through Dance (Part 2)

Kheta
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0
Diversity Through Dance (Part 2)

Dance is a movement, but its deeper purposes are art, emotion, cultural/historical expression, and a collective identity. The foundation of dance lies in its diverse forms throughout different cultures. Each community has its means of dance, however, the commonality of all dances is their significance in spreading togetherness, positivity, and tradition. This article will unpack other famous yet unique styles of dance seen throughout various areas of the world.

 

Italy

Italy is known for its tourists and food; however, another special aspect of Italian heritage is its folk dances. A famous folk dance from southern Italy is Tarantella, which originates from the city of Taranto, Apulia. This joyful, fast-paced, and upbeat dance was originally done as a cure for local tarantula bites through its hypnotic music. The dance style has evolved to include couples dancing, with women wearing colourful skirts and embroidered blouses while men wear white shirts and red sashes. Another famous dance from Italy is Abruzzo, which is a courtship dance with fast rhythms and jumps performed to traditional instrumental music. Thirdly, Saltarello is an ancient style which originated during the Renaissance in which it was seen in the courts of medieval Europe. Similar to other Italian dances, this dance involves forward steps, hopping, and spins.

 

China

Mick Haupt. Unsplash. February 7, 2023. Lion Dance
Mick Haupt. Unsplash. February 7, 2023. Lion Dance

During one of China’s most important festivals, New Year’s, the ancestral dragon symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. Similarly, the dragon dance done in China is symbolic of chasing away evil spirits, with origins from protection against insect attacks. There are different colored costumes, each of which has its own meaning. For instance, green symbolizes a great harvest, and red symbolizes an exciting atmosphere with good fortune. The main costume in the dragon dance is the large dragon head costume, which varies in length and depends on how many people will participate. Another famous dance is the lion dance, which often gets mixed with the dragon dance; however, it is distinct in the number of people in each costume. Specifically, 2 people represent the lion, whereas the dragon can be performed by multiple others. Furthermore, the 2 distinctions between the lion and dragon lie in their ancestral interpretations through oral traditions and characteristics of the 2.

 

Cuba

Frames For Your Heart. Unsplash. September 22, 2020. Salsa

Cuba is a wonderful country with diverse dance forms present in its society. A commonly recognized dance from Cuba is ‘Rumba’. Rumba has roots of Afro-Cuban style from when it first got recognized (early 20th century) in its ballroom form. Similar to other Cuban styles, Rumba uses wave-like side steps and simple forward and backward motions. Secondly, ‘Salsa’ has dramatic pauses and rhythmic footwork while maintaining the 3-beat pattern in pairs. Salsa has made its way around North America, where there is now an LA-style salsa and a New York-style salsa apart from its traditional Cuban origin. ‘Son’ is another Cuban dance which became known in the late 19th century, which is more energetic and uses percussion instruments alongside African rhythms.

Stéphan Valentin. Unsplash. August 9, 2018. Dance

 

Egypt

Unknown. Pixabay. June 22, 2022. Belly Dancer
Unknown. Pixabay. June 22, 2022. Belly Dancer

Last but not least on our list is Egypt. It is a country known for its rich culturea and is diverse in its way of presenting community and expression through dance. Raqs Assaya or Tahteeb is a stick dance performed at Egyptian weddings; Tahteeb consists of 2 men who symbolize power while performing a dance that was once a martial art from ancient Egypt. Moreover, the well-known Belly Dancing has Egyptian origin! Belly dancing is a smooth flowing dance women perform to showcase femininity while staying on beat with drums (tabla). The dance itself evolved through beliefs connecting it to religion and migration. However, its iconic existence has been maintained in Egypt. Tannoura is a captivating Sufi dance where performers where colourful skirts and complete fast twirls to the music from traditional instruments. This dance also has strong ties to religion and meditation.

 

While there are many more unique dances to unpack in each country, the essence of this article is to appreciate the diversity, uniqueness, and heritage established through body movements. I encourage you to explore more about each dance style which intrigues you, as it has stories and further depth which cannot be elaborated on in a single article.

Stay curious and appreciate the world and its uniqueness!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

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