Everyone defines their high school years differently. My teacher said she barely remembers her high school years- that’s how insignificant they were. However, I hold steadfast to the idea that nothing is truly insignificant, we just perceive it to be that way. The dust particles that float around your screen while you read this have…
Youth Central is celebrating its 25 anniversary by profiling 25 of its alumni throughout the years. To help in this mission, Youth Are Awesome (YAA), a program of Youth Central, is helping by interviewing and writing articles about the alumni. Nazifa Rahman, is the next featured alumnus in Youth Central’s alumni series. She began her…
I rested my head in my hands, leaning my forehead forward to rest against the small, cold bedroom window. My eyes were transfixed upon a goose against the dusky clouds, flapping its wings furiously against the rain that effortlessly worked to heave it towards the puddly grounds. “You can do it,” I whispered under my…
Aleppo, Syria has been a hot topic for the past two weeks. Aleppo has been one of the most significant battle grounds between those whom sought independence and democracy through a Syrian revolution, the rebel forces, and the Syrian and Russian troops, whom fought to keep dictator Bashar-al-Assad in power. This last week marked an end…
Every person you see, every person you know of, including yourself, is constantly after something: power. Power over your life decisions, over your relationships, over your life; but sometimes, this desire for power extends beyond oneself. The average person, when is unable to control what’s happening around them, begins to feel insecure and frustrated. If…
The United States of America. Not only Canada’s neighbor, but also an influential and close friend to us in all regards. This past election, our friend is conflicted, divided, and in trouble. Thousands of Americans took to the streets to protest Trump’s presidential victory, chanting phrases like “No Trump! No KKK! No racist USA!”, with nearly half a…
Nature spent hundreds of millions of years piecing together the rock I sat on, carving the path for the river to flow through, planting seeds for the acres of thick, luscious forests… just for us to be able to take nice pictures…? Many of us live in a small realm of the world, where our…
The blazing sun dips beneath clouds of gold Upon the departure roar ocean tides And the moon slowly rises to behold The world’s vast skies and magnificent vibes. The night darkens to unveil brilliant stars To bring about a cool breeze to my heart Healing comes forth, mending deep, bleeding scars For the night, sorrows…
Oh blowing, rustling trees Beneath the starry skies, Beaming under the moonlight, How shall I address your beauty today? Shall I speak of your golden leaves, Or the roots beneath the sole of my feet. Or shall I speak of your branches That wave at me when I’m alone. I shall epistolize of your courage…
The last time I read this heart-breaking poem, written by Khaled Juma as a tribute to Gaza’s children, was two years ago, when the large-scale bloodshed in the Gaza-Israel conflict came to an end. Noting the approximate 1500 civilian casualties and 500,000 displacements (x), the dilapidated schools, homes and hospitals, the astonishing 44% unemployment rate…
Islamophobia is hatred, fear or prejudice of Muslims, in simple terms defined by the dictionary. This type of fear or hatred is far different then fear of heights or spiders for example. This type of fearmongering hatred and prejudice is a significant factor that once influenced and encouraged ordinary Germans to contribute to a genocide during the Holocaust. The rise of…
How easily water slips through one’s fingers and hands. Such flow and delicacy. A stream of water starts very small, pushing it’s way through hard, heavy rocks and boulders. Over time, water carves it’s own path through which it flows through; something as soft as water manages to erode something as hard as rock through…
Why is it that I was born in a safe country, embraced by my parent’s loving arms While another like me was born and soon abandoned in a dirty orphanage? What was the difference between him and I? Why is it that I had the privilege to scamper my beautiful streets, wildly laughing and carefree,…
Imagine yourself cheerfully living your life without producing any garbage whatsoever, in your house and outside. Furthermore, imagine yourself creating your own homemade, chemical-free, hygienic and cleaning products, including makeup, shampoos, and toilet cleaners, with the comfort of knowing that you aren’t polluting the world. The zero waste, or waste-free, lifestyle is defined by…
There is something to learn anytime and anywhere. Knowledge sprouts on the tiny buds rising to greet the sun and the waters that battle each other during the stormy nights. It’s chirped by the morning birds flying past your window each morning and by the tiny ants that scramble and work together to collect the…