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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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Avoiding Senioritis: Tips for a “Fresh Start” In Semester 2

Dylan Zhao
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With exam break coming into full swing, I think we can all say we’ve been at the point where our motivation starts to decline just a little bit. It makes sense, too, because with the first half of the school year officially concluded, you really deserve that break. I’m not here to say that you don’t. You should be able to kick back and relax for a week or two, but don’t forget that you still have another half of the year to finish.

I think the current exam break situation is especially hard on my fellow Grade 12s. With most of our university applications done and out of the way, and our transcripts sealed and sent, it is extremely tempting to maybe let ourselves slip just a little bit for the next few months. But remember: universities still want to see your final grades by the time Grade 12 is finished. We aren’t off the hook just yet, so don’t let a few last-minute months of slacking off ruin the hard work you’ve built up over the past 3 years.

But, like most things, maintaining that discipline is easier said than done. That’s why I’ve compiled a few tips in this post which may hopefully make your transition into semester 2 a little easier to manage and keep you on top of your studies, while still enjoying the greater freedom that comes with your high school career coming to a close. (That being said, Grade 10s and 11s reading this may find some use out of some of these tips as well!)

1. Prepare a new notebook.

Either rip out the used pages of your old Semester 1 notebook, or buy a new one altogether for Semester 2. No, this is not a gimmick. There have been actual scientific studies conducted into the idea of working with a “clean slate” and its benefits for your state of mind; namely, you’ll feel a surge of motivation and find it easier to keep good study habits up if you start from square one. While you’re at it, consider cleaning out your locker, binder, pencil cases, and all your other school materials as well. The cleaner and more organized you feel at the start of Semester 2, the more prepared you will to hit the ground running.

2. Define a schedule or planner.

It doesn’t have to be flashy or colorful, or even physical (why not set up your calendar on your phone, for notification reminders?). So long as you have something to tell you everything you need to do, and when you need to do it by, I guarantee you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief in knowing your life is planned out. Every task seems easier when it’s broken down, and your seemingly endless to-do lists will look a lot less intimidating when you actually write it all out. More than that, it also makes it less likely for you to procrastinate, so that you actually get your work done. If you weren’t in the habit of using a schedule or planner before, consider the new semester a great opportunity to try it out.

3. Involve yourself in an extracurricular commitment.

One of the main reasons why senioritis is a problem is because students experience a lack of motivation when they no longer have pressing commitments. You can, therefore, avoid it by forcing yourself to commit to something. And why not learn something new or develop a skill in the process? Every high school in Calgary has dozens of extracurricular opportunities you can involve yourself in, from Model UN clubs to environmental advocacy groups. When you are required to show up for a meeting every week, or continually have homework tasks assigned to you, it’ll be easier to keep up with school assignments as well.

4. Seek employment.

Eventually, we all have to graduate and find some kind of employment in order to support ourselves. That’s why I’m making it my own personal goal (and I highly recommend you do the same!) to have some work experience before I graduate. Getting an early start in high school will not only give you early exposure to the professional world, thereby adding to your experience and potential connections for references, etc., but also teach you the kind of responsibility that will be expected all the time after graduation. It also doesn’t have to be a difficult process! Programs exist by the dozens dedicated to helping youth find employment, whether independent or as a part of larger organizations like Youth Central. Seek them out and they can help you craft a resume, cover letter, conduct mock interviews, and provide likely anything else you need to be prepared for your first job.

5. Set aside time for fun.

If you follow some of the tips above, I think you’ll be much less likely to burn out and suffer the effects of senioritis. But what will make the process even more enjoyable is if you still have all the fun you want to anyway, just so long as you schedule it for after you finish your assignments and important commitments. Just so long as you don’t treat all of Semester 2 as one huge party, you really should enjoy yourself. After all, you made it through almost all of high school.

 

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Me Ranting About Things (Part 3)

Hilary Guo
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Hello again people who like to read about my student breakdowns! I hope January has been treating you guys well. Me, on the other hand, I’ve been (you’ve guessed it) quite stressed. I don’t know about anyone else, but for me, IT’S EXAM SEASON RIGHT NOW AND I AM ON THE VERGE OF A MELTDOWN. But other than that January has been pretty great so far!

I’m unsure about other schools’ exam schedules but my first semester ends in January and lucky for me, final exams come with it! Now you might think, “oh, it’s only the first semester, you don’t even have to take that many tests!” OH REALLY? I’m sorry but I was not one of those fortunate people to have two easy, relaxing classes (if they even exist). Because the world loves me, as of right now, I’m studying for French social studies, French math and AP science. Every single person who I’ve told what my classes are this term has given me their deepest condolences. “Sigh, nobody deserves this,” they’d say. Sure, maybe for some of you, those three classes together are practically a walk in the park. But for me, it’s nowhere near a walk in the park. It’s more like a riding a bike. But the bike is on fire. And the ground is on fire. And everything is on fire. 🙂

I make jokes to conceal the fact that I am constantly screaming on the inside. There is just so much to learn! So much to remember! And the exam is worth around 25% of the final grade so if I do bad on it, I can start writing my will now. I have so many notes to review, so many pages to read! Boy, I’m going to have a blast in college, aren’t I? I’ve forgotten ALL about chemistry and biology! Sorry, but what even is an acid? What even is a plant?? Not to mention, I have to independently learn about climate?? What even is climate?? Wind currents and albedos?? I mean, I read the textbook and I understand the words. I just don’t understand the words together.

Not to mention the rest of science! What do you mean I have to memorize all the parts of the microscope?? WHY MUST I DO THAT?? Chemistry is alright and biology makes my brain hurt, but physics, OH, physics. If physics were a person, I’d leave them on read 24/7. Chemistry was kind, biology was tolerable. Physics on the other hand… Let’s just say tears were shed for that subject.

Science? More like SciOHMYGODNOence. Did I mention that my science exam is tomorrow?? It is! 78 points total and 30% of my final grade! How joyous! Excuse me while I go hide in my closet and cry. But it’s fine. It’s just that I’ve gotten no sleep because I’ve been staying up trying to make sense of my notes while remembering how a microscope works. And that I’m stressed all the time. And that I have no time for anything else yet I always find time to procrastinate until 11:59 at night. It’s fine. All good. Totally not crying inside.

And don’t even GET me started on social studies. That’s gonna be a no from me, it’s not happening. I CAN’T SOCIAL STUDIES FOR THE LIFE OF ME. I’d tell you what I’m learning except that I honestly don’t know. I have no clue how I’m going to handle social (WHICH IS ON MONDAY BY THE WAY), so in the meantime, if you could please keep me in your prayers, that would be amazing, thanks. At 11:11, wish that I will pass social. When an eyelash falls off, wish that I will pass social and blow it away. Wish that I pass social as your birthday wish. Wish that I pass social and throw a coin in a fountain. It’s much appreciated.

I can’t wait to come home after my last exam and literally do nothing except watch Netflix for the rest of day. That’s the dream that motivates me to get through these tests. Whoever is reading this, and whether or not you have exams this month, I believe in you. If I can do well in math without doing any of the homework, you can ace your finals. You’ve got this, I’ve got this, and we’ll see each other on the other side. Good luck my friends, may you all get 90% or above.

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How to Write Fake Poetry

Marcus Chung
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Poetry is weird. I’m not going to lie, I barely understand any poetry that I read. I either take the meaning way too literally, or not literally enough. To make matters even worse, poems are often very hard to write, and every Language Arts class from grade 1 – 12 requires that students read and write poetry. However, within the past few years of my life, I have grown quite adept at writing what I like to call “fake poetry”. It sounds like poetry, looks like poetry, but is easier to write than poetry. English teachers hate him! This man found out how to break poetry in (I haven’t counted yet) easy steps! Read more to find out!

So, what is fake poetry? Fake poetry are poems that are not well crafted, but instead play to the audience’s emotions and trick them into thinking your poetry is better than it actually is. But how do we do this?

The first step with all poetry is to consider the purpose of your poem. Poetry is pretty much an art, and like all art, is intended to make your audience feel an emotion. In this step, pick the emotion. Fake poetry should always take on sober tones that most people can relate to. Examples would be grief, anger, or being alone…oh, what’s that? The last one only applies to me? Regardless, the weight of these topics makes it so people automatically think that your poem is more meaningful, and the relatability of it helps deliver your emotion to the audience. If you’re comfortable with your audience and confident in your ability, humour also works. All in all, both humour and soberness are meant to naturally improve how the audience receives your poem. Below are some topics I’ve seen do well.

               Serious Topics                         Humorous Topics
  • Love
  • Splitting up with friends.
  • Personal doubt.
  • Hopes for the future.
  • Bullying.
  • You’re probably a young adult if       you’re reading this. You know despair, you know stress. Pick a feeling that you hate and write about it.

 
  • Hecking censorship.
  • The consumption of human babies.
  • Chili peppers in automobiles.
  • The negative effects on drugs on lampposts.
  • Pretty much anything can be used for humor.

 

Second things second, you need to choose how you’re going to write your poem. Most poems are rhyming or freestyle. When writing Fake Poetry, I suggest you go with freestyle, as you have to follow less rules. Forcing your poem to rhyme can also make it sound silly when poorly executed. Any other poetry form doesn’t really work. Haikus are generally too short for any assignment or presentation. Limericks have the negatives of both rhyming poems and Haikus, and really no outstanding positives. Acrostics are barely poetry. So barely that I won’t even consider using this format for what I call “Fake Poetry”. Almost every other poetry format can just be considered a type of rhyming poem.

Now, keep in mind that the meaning of poetry is almost entirely up to the interpretation of your audience. This being said, as long as your poem makes the slightest bit of sense, then people will find some hidden message in it. Focus on making your poem sound as poetic as possible. Great tools for this are similes, metaphors, and other figures of speech. Oxymorons work especially well. If your poem sounds cool, then people will like it. This combined with your sober topic will pretty much make the actual message of your poem irrelevant. I also recommend using edgy words like fade, lost, heartbreak, and silence for maximum effect.

Finally, we have presenting your poem. This kind of makes or breaks your poem. Good presentation can salvage a bad poem, but the opposite is sadly not applicable. If anything, just be confident and express a lot of emotion.

Now, let’s take a look at a piece of Fake Poetry. The following poem is not well written in the slightest, but it was deemed good enough for me to win a clock with it. How? The power of fake poetry prevailed!

Fleeting

What if, all good things lasted forever?

If there was no Fall, but only Spring?

With new life all around us, and no leaves dying, and falling, and rotting.

If that song, if that dance  never stopped?

The drums in our hearts never ceased beating?

Never were replaced with a cold, empty, lifeless, silence

If all our dreams came true?

And people would be happy,

Because there could be no wars, when peace never ended.

There would be no need to mourn, when death doesn’t exist.

And heartbreak

Heartbreak can’t happen, if love never fades.

Fades

Fading

Fading away

When something you cherish is slipping away

Little by little

Pulling itself out of your hands

Too slowly for you to care

And too quickly for you to stop it.

Until one day

You’ll look down and

What you valued so much, is lost.

Gone with the wind.

And then I  wonder.

What if there was no good things?

Could you feel longing for something you don’t know yet?

Like an inner thirst that you just simply can’t quench, no matter what you do.

Could you hate something you have never felt?

Can something split, without first being whole?

And would people be sad, without first knowing happiness?

Can friendships end before they begin?

Like some sort of a twisted genesis.

Do we mourn those whom we don’t know?

Or do we shun their pale masks, reaching out for us.

Futilely begging us to care.

           Is it better to never have a gift

Than know it,

To know it

To enjoy it,

To relish it.

To Love it

Then lose it.

Than to know you’ll lose it.

How you’ll lose it.

When you’ll lose it.

And never being able to stop that loss.

Never stopping being afraid of that loss

No matter how hard you try.

To tell yourself

Everything will be okay.

Maybe there is such thing as a stupid question.

Because I know already

Good things don’t last forever.

The sun sets in the brightest places.

The best of stories inevitably end.

And courage,

Courage is just a placebo

Like a drug

Getting you high on confidence

Before it gives way to fear

Fear

A terrible fear

That pulls at me

Crushes me.

Makes me want to cry.

A fear

No not a fear

It’s too late for that

It’s a knowledge,

A knowledge

That one day

The voices that I  love to hate will fade

The faces you see every day will disappear.

That I’ll eventually laugh to the last joke

That one day.

I’ll walk out of this school

And realize, that was the last time I’ll see most of you.

 

Phew. Let’s take a look at why people liked this poem, starting with topic.

I wrote this poem in the final year of Grade 9 as a farewell address to my class. Our class hadn’t changed since Grade 7, so we were all close, and most of us were sad to split up and go to different high schools. I took this emotion and focused in on it during the ending in order to make others really feel it.

Next up, I used a lot of contrast like “love to hate” or “there would be no need to mourn, when death doesn’t exist.” I also put good use to those edgy words. The entire poem is filled with fade, fading, loss, death, and other depressing words. The title, “Fleeting” is also pretty melancholy.

Finally, my presentation of this was overly dramatic. I also had a voice crack in the middle of it. It was really loud. That’s the last impression most of my classmates got of me. Feels good man.

I hoped you enjoyed reading this article, and I wish you luck in writing your future poems! Remember to smash that subscribe button. haHAA

Marcus Chung

hmm. False Poet sounds pretty cool. It’s like the False Prophet from Bioshock.

Healthy Eating for a Successful Exam Season!

Nikoo Givehchian
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Have I ever mentioned how much I love cramming for super-stressful exams? No? Well, perhaps there’s a good reason.

Surviving exam season can be quite the challenge at times, as we have to be able to balance hardcore study sessions with proper nutrition and sleep to keep us going. And, of course, the ever-present temptation to procrastinate… which can, in turn, cost us sleep… which results in an excessive need for caffeine to stay conscious… which results in too much tea (or coffee, though I’m a tea-drinker so I’ll say tea 🙂 ).

As we cram/study away, it can be easy to lose sight of what exactly we are using as fuel throughout. Exams and studying require brainpower, and despite their convenience, processed foods and vending machine treats are simply not going to cut it. Tea and coffee may also be your friends at times, but over-excessive consumption of anything will not help you in the long run (which is kind of what we care more about, as yes, there is life after exam season).

But where to start, and what to eat? This, my friends, is where this article comes in. I’ve listed some foods you should be easting as well as snack suggestions and their benefits, so instead of reaching for that bag of chips, you can try something even more satisfying that will also help fuel your brain.

Breakfast

Your brain needs fuel, and after waking up in the morning, you need to feed it something nutritious to get it going. There are many reasons why you should eat breakfast and many articles on the matter, but you have to make sure you’re also getting something healthy in- and no, doughnuts aren’t going to cut it. Make sure to include various food groups like fibres (apples are particularly good in the morning) and healthy fats (yay nuts and avocados!) to ensure a well-rounded and healthful breakfast that will keep you going throughout the day.

Stumped for ideas? My go-to’s personally include oatmeal (with walnuts and blueberries), yogurt and granola, an omelet, or avocado toast. There are lots of other ideas out there, and these quick and healthy breakfast recipes will be sure to inspire.

Fruits

An overall healthy snack, fruits are also great when it comes to helping with enduring brain power. Blueberries are often cited for their antioxidant content, but all sorts of fruits make for quick, healthy snacks that satisfy while providing staying power for your brain.

Nuts

Nuts are excellent little packets of energy, and eating nuts has been associated with improved brain health in general. Walnuts, in particular, provide lots of omega-3’s and being similar in shape to a brain, are said to make you smarter. Almonds are chock-full of vitamin E, peanuts are full of niacin, and each nut provides various nutrients and benefits, all of which are essential for the brain. In addition, they make for a filling snack that satisfies far more than a bag of chips.

Being Persian, there is always a large bowl of mixed nuts (ajil) on our kitchen counter, and kids are encouraged to eat a handful every day. This is for good reason, considering the benefits of nuts for the brain, and I definitely suggest keeping mixed nuts on hand for a quick snack that will not only keep you full, but also keep you going in your study routine.

Leafy Greens

Nutrients aplenty! What with their folate and vitamin content, leafy greens have a reputation for being an essential part of a healthy diet. Naturally, such is also required when studying hard, so make sure to eat a salad at some point during the day.

Whole Grains

Whole grain breads are excellent for staying power in that they provide a lower release of glucose into the bloodstream than white breads. Use whole grain toast in a sandwich and you have a healthy meal that will keep you satisfied.

Water

Hydration is essential to maintain consistent focus throughout your study sessions, and a bottle of water should always be present when you’re studying. There have been lots of studies on the impact of water on mental performance, and the general conclusion is that drinking more water is largely beneficial. Of course, we may prefer to drink tea or coffee at times, but keeping hydrated as you study is definitely an important factor in making your study session successful.

 

Though fruits and nuts can be satisfying snacks in themselves, sometimes we want something more…

Some Snack Ideas

my go-to’s:

  • apple or celery or banana with peanut butter (or almond butter, but I personally prefer peanut)
  • banana avocado smoothie (I typically use 1/2 each banana and avocado, and 1 cup almond milk- can be adjusted to suit preferences easily)
  • yogurt with honey and blueberries and seeds (I typically use pumpkin)
  • dried seaweed
  • carrots, celery, and hummus

more suggestions…

https://www.buzzfeed.com/tashweenali/snacks-for-studying?utm_term=.kl832QYA4#.xvZYRmael

https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/brain-food-what-eat-when-revising

https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/healthy-study-snacks

 

So, here’s to eating yummy food and succeeding in our exams!

 

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My Tea Addiction

Nikoo Givehchian
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I love tea.

Lately, I’ve probably been drinking too much. But hey, when you plan on cramming a large writing assignment in one 6:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. session, you don’t have much choice- it’s either tea or coffee, and we all know which is the better choice. (#teaftw)

Disclaimer: please don’t judge me, I’m simply exaggerating for the purposes of this article. I am a responsible student who gets their work done early always 😉

But anyways, I drink a lot of tea. I initially thought this was fine- after all, I mostly drink green tea, and hasn’t there been a lot of buzz about how it’s good for your health and whatnot? Then I started to consider the possibility of too much of a good thing… and in the resulting fear that I would die drinking my last cup of tea, I turned to the first place any of us go when we have a question we need answered immediately- the internet.

 

No, I will not believe everything I read on the internet. But my research did yield some interesting facts, not only about the numerous benefits of drinking tea (reminders are nice!), but also about potential problems associated with drinking too much.

 

 

Benefits!

As nicely summed up on TODAY, the benefits of tea:

  • Antioxidants yay!! (keep us living long 🙂 )
  • Less caffeine than coffee (because tea is better than coffee so of course one must drink more)
  • May reduce risk of heart attack/stroke
  • May help with weight loss
  • May protect bones
  • Immune system booster!
  • May battle cancer (somehow…)
  • Naturally soothes the digestive system when you need it
  • Zero calorie drink, and a great way to drink more water! (which we all know is good for us, right?)

This is just a quick list of the general properties of tea, but of course each kind of tea has its own benefits. There are so many kinds of tea, and so many properties of each tea type, that there really is a tea for everything: whether it be your caffeine kick, something refreshing after a long day, or a drink to help soothe your tummy after that awesome meal.

Potential Risks of Overconsumption

Sadly, there are also some problems associated with drinking too much tea…

But then, one must consider that in the end, there is nothing we can consume without limits. Even water shouldn’t be overdone, and if you look to reap the benefits of what you consume, you must do so mindfully, and have the right quantities of the right foods and drinks at the right time.

Anyways, some things to watch out for:

Caffeine

  • a bit of caffeine is good! Hooray for energy!
  • too much caffeine is bad for you
  • too much tea can lead to caffeine dependency
  • too much caffeine will kill you (no it won’t, but it’s not good for you)

Iron

  • “Colorado State University reports that tea may reduce your ability to absorb iron by 60 percent.”
  • basically, don’t drink tea when you’re trying to absorb iron – when we eat nutrients, we want them properly absorbed, and if another substance will interfere as in this example, then we render our consumption of nutritious foods less useful
  • especially if you don’t eat much iron, too much tea could lead to iron deficiency

 

Now, the internet is also a dark place…

AHHH!! I was initially quite scared, and delayed reading this for a while… but I was brave, and did.

so, read it.

…In case you didn’t feel like reading the article (scary, I know!), this is a report of a man who drank 16 cups of black tea daily, and who experienced kidney failure and other health problems as a result. To be completely honest, though, 16 cups daily does seem ridiculous. Even I wouldn’t go that far- at worst, I would drink maybe 6 cups. Even so, it goes to show that no matter how beneficial a substance is, we really have to make sure we don’t overdo anything.

I suppose this is motivation for me to not become too dependent on tea, but at the same time, I feel good knowing that firstly, I’m not over-consuming it as it is, and secondly, tea is generally beneficial.

As my parents always liked to put it, everything has a time and a place. Benefits or drawbacks always change based on your situation, and that is no different with tea consumption and over-consumption. In the end, we all simply need to be mindful of what we consume, and ensure what we do is best for our health. Because after all, that’s really what matters in the end. 🙂

 

…so, new year’s resolution? see how close to 16 cups I can make it XD

that was a joke, by the way. perhaps in poor taste, but a joke nonetheless.

don’t do that.

 

Just because I love tea, and enjoy TEDed, I’ve also linked a TEDed video about the history of tea- enjoy!

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The Libyan Slave Trade (And What You Need To Know To Help)

Julieanne Acosta
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The majority of us believe, or like to believe, that slavery was a thing of the past. Many would claim that slavery is no longer ongoing.

Terrifyingly, this statement is completely false.

After a disturbing video surfaced on the Internet of a man being auctioned off, it’s been confirmed that humans are for sale in Libya. People’s lives are being sold at a starting price of $400. When something like this is happening, you’d expect to see it all over the news with journalists covering every part of the story. The sad truth of it is that this crisis is getting little to no awareness. In fact, not a lot of people even know it’s happening.  The Libyan slave trade is taking place in nine locations throughout the country. Migrants are being held by smugglers to be sold at an auction. In November 2017, CNN released a report on the slave trade and handed over evidence to the International Criminal Court.

Many migrants, like the ones pictured above in a UN-operated camp, end up in the hands of illegal slave dealers.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, stated that the footage shows “egregious abuses of human rights”. On November 22, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron called the issue a crime against humanity (meaning a deliberate act that causes human suffering or death on a large scale) and called upon the UN Security Council to deliberate the human trafficking crisis in Libya.

The slave trade is something that needs international help and awareness. This is an imperative issue to educate people on! Too much of what happens beyond North America never gets enough coverage by popular media, and this makes crises less known by the rest of the world, resulting in fewer people trying to help. A growing international awareness is important to help combat this return of slavery.

5 Ways We Can Help

  1. Bring awareness! This crisis has been under wraps and not a lot of people know what’s going on. Do your research, know what you’re talking about and spread the facts!
  2. Contact your representatives! Contact @UN using Twitter and urge them to make discussing Libya a priority.
  3. Supporting anti-slavery efforts! Donate to Free the Slaves, Anti-Slavery International, and Save The Children!
  4. The International Organization For Migration! Support them as they fight for human rights of migrants in Libya.
  5. Shop Slave-Free! Shop smart. Use this guide from End Slavery Now to identify some companies that aren’t participating in the use of slave labour to advance their sales.

 

Images: FI 1

A Playlist for Quiet Evenings

Madina Shaykhutdinova
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Our lives are constantly buzzing with action. Our days are filled with social interactions and hectic environments, the world around us being loud and impatient. There are so many things to do and so many places to be that sometimes we end up forgetting that we also need to rest. Press pause on the commotion of life, take some time to ponder, and take some time to wonder. While big events can be important, the little things are also meaningful. Here is a playlist for those evenings when you just want to dim the lights, curl up in a ball, and reflect.

  1. When the Night Feels My Song – Bedouin Soundclash
  2. Mi Ancla – Mindy Gledhill
  3. Emmylou – First Aid Kit
  4. Emerald Isle – Whitehorse
  5. I Don’t Have Time to be in Love – Priscilla Ahn
  6. Oh Dear – Brandi Carlile
  7. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane, cover by Lily Allen
  8. 12:59 Lullaby – Bedouin Soundclash
  9. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  10. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis, cover by Rachelle Spring
  11. Yellow – Coldplay, cover by Kina Grannis
  12. Hotel California – Eagles
  13. Besame Mucho – Consuelo Velasquez, cover by Cesaria Evora
  14. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
  15. I Will Follow You Into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie
  16. Mismatched Eyes (Boat Song) – Whitehorse

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2017 Tech year in review

Lucas Ion
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2017 was a landmark year for technology, consumers were bombarded with products from top companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Google. However amidst all of the of the large flagship products which were released this year, some other companies also cemented their claim as a real competitor with the big name brands. This is the 2017 tech year in review…

Samsung started off the year by releasing the new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 plus. Samsung’s newest flagship phones revitalized last year’s S7 which sold 77 million units as of May 1st, 2017. The newest flagship phone from Samsung featured a new bezel-less design which Samsung dubbed the “infinity display”. The S8 featured a major redesign from the previous Samsung phones, eliminating the fingerprint sensor and settling for an on-screen navigation system.

At WWDC 2017 Apple announced it’s homepod which was its platform that aimed to get it involved in the smart home sector. Apple dubbed it the “homepod”, and it featured a 6.8” x 5.6” canvas like frame and aimed to provide premium audio with a high excursion woofer and a custom amplifier.

Also in June, Shenzhen technology company One Plus, released its newest phone named the Oneplus 5. Their newest flagship phone, featured a new design, upgraded camera and a plethora of new internals which boosted performance and functionality.

In August Samsung released the Galaxy Note 8. It newest premium phone replaced the Galaxy Note 7 which was riddled with a major problem…an battery which sometimes caught fire and also exploded. This problem affected more than 100 people in the United States in 2016. The new Note 8 followed in the steps of its galaxy family featuring a new Infinity Display, an upgraded camera, and a new processor, and also addressing the battery problem.

 

In Late September Apple announced the iPhone 8, 8 plus, and its new iPhone X. All three smartphones featured wireless charging, new colours and improved processors.

In October Google released the second version of its flagship phone: the Google Pixel 2. Their newest phone featured a brand new camera, water resistance, and a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.

Also in October Google added the Google Home Mini to its google home lineup.

Finally, in November of 2017, Apple released its brand new iPhone X. The newest phone by Apple featured its A11 Bionic chip, Retina HD display, water resistance and a new bezel-less design.

 

Image Source 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/

Featured Image Source :

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57988065/2017_in_review.0.png

Information Sources:

https://www.androidauthority.com/sales-samsung-galaxy-s7-cross-55-million-units-768359/

https://www.apple.com/homepod/

https://oneplus.net/5

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Home

https://store.google.com/product/pixel_2

https://oneplus.net/5/specs

https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-note-7

https://store.google.com/product/pixel_2_specs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_Note_8

Hero

Madina Shaykhutdinova
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0

Who is a hero?

Maybe you think of

A firefighter, those who

Help the helpless.

No doubt they’re heroes, right?

Their courageous acts and

Admirable qualities

Make them such good people.

But what about those acts that go unnoticed?

If somebody is heroic

But nobody is there to witness

Are they still a hero?

And what if

That person isn’t admirable?

What if

They do not act suitably

For the role of the hero?

Are they still a hero?

What if they’re mean and selfish

But commit a heroic act?

Are they still a hero?

Probably not.

People are more likely to believe

That someone is a hero

If that person has positive and admirable qualities

Regardless if they have actually exhibited

Heroism.

Because everything is a lie.

As long as someone is considered admirable

And people believe that they are heroic

That person will be a hero

Because perception is all that matters

Since we are all so sure

That our vision of the world

Is the truth

When it could be

Only a lie.

Because perceived truth and

Actual truth are two different things

That people often forget

Are not the same.

While heroic actions may be real

They don’t always make heroes

Because perception is all that matters.

 

Image source: 1

Post-Youth Depression: An Interview with Joe Russell-Brown

Emily Donville
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0

Honest is the best way I can describe 19 year old musician Joe Russell-Brown. Hailing from a small industrial town located in the UK, Joe doesn’t let the confines of his ordinary town squash his aspirations as so many suburban communities do, but rather uses it as inspiration for a collection of songs that emanate nostalgic  and youthful sentiments. He calls his music “Dream-Pop-Power-Flop” and he talks with an unpretentious sincerity that makes anyone who crosses his path feel right at home when talking to him. It’s this evident candor that made approaching him so easy. Over the course of several days and multiple emails, Joe found the time to talk to me about his upbringing in Scunthorpe, how he got into music and his latest EP, Post-Youth Depression. I’m so glad I was able to talk to him and before I stall any longer, let’s dive in.

YAA: Can you talk a bit about growing up in the UK?

Joe: “Growing up in the UK, specifically where I’m from, can be quite a grim experience. Some days can be hard and numb but then others can be fairly romantic and bearable. The older I get the more I realize it’s what you make of it.”

YAA: “How have your surroundings affected you as a person and more specifically, as a musician?”

Joe: “My hometown is a little industrial town called Scunthorpe. I’m not sure whether the place itself is that inspiring at all. The people make it. You find in little towns like this there’s no room for pretense, they’re very honest places. So, as far as writings are concerned, I always try to tell it as it is, no matter how it makes me look or how it makes other people look. If I didn’t do that people would see right through it.”

YAA: “Who/what inspired you to pursue music?”

Joe: “I wanted to be a footballer when I was younger, for years. I wasn’t very good though. When I was about 11, my music teacher asked me if I wanted to do drum lessons, it was like, “Why not, let’s see what the fuss is about”. That kind of opened up this door and tapped into something. My cousin introduced me to The Beatles then it kind of went from there.”

YAA: “You released your debut EP, Post-Youth Depression, back on December 1st 2017. Now that it’s out, how do you feel?”

Joe: “I’m quite proud of Post-Youth Depression. I’ve said everything I set out to say. Every lyric has been studied and perfected, there’s not a second on that EP that I haven’t stressed out about and worked on for days, so it’s a miracle really that I’m happy with it all.”

YAA: “Where did you record it?”

Joe: “I record all my songs in a bungalow my Dad built for my Grandma. It’s a great space to work in but also a great space to sit and do absolutely nothing in.”

YAA: “During the production of the EP, you got to work with Pete Maher (produced music for The Rolling Stones, The Killers, U2, Lana Del Rey,  The 1975…). What was that like?”

“Yeah, it was cool working with Pete. It was a brief encounter, he did his thing with the tracks, I thanked him and told him that I loved what he did then that was kind of it. He did an amazing job. It was insane to have someone who’s worked with my favorite bands like what I was doing and be involved. Respect to him!”

YAA: How long did the album take to finish?

This EP took a long, long time. It took about a year to finish, which is pretty insane to say there’s only four songs. Being a very anxious person, I had to try all avenues before I could settle on a mix or a lyric and so that was very time consuming. I produced about 50 songs all together, you will never hear the other 46, which is quite sad. I would get down about the progress, I think the problem was I would mistake my anxieties for a lack of confidence which I would then need to justify, so I found myself looking for things to get down about a lot of the time when really I should have been turning the anxieties into a positive energy. Anxieties can be what you make of them.

YAA: “How would you describe your music to somebody who’s never heard it?”

Joe: “I call it Dream-Pop-Power-Flop, no idea what it means but it rolls off the tongue nice.”

YAA: “What inspired the song Post-Youth Depression?”

Joe: “The song Post-Youth Depression came about because I wanted to write an honest, non-generic song about youth. I got sick of hearing really cheesy, over done songs about being young. I just wanted to write one I could relate to and my friends could relate to – it’s nice to see so many other people relating to it too.”

YAA: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Joe: “I’m not sure where I see myself in 5 years, I don’t really think about the future much. The future scares me. I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, never mind in a year’s time or another year after that. As long as I’ve still got my health I could be literally anywhere in 5 years’ time, I’ll let you know when I get there.”

YAA: “If you could collaborate with anybody on a song (dead or alive), who would you work with and why?”

Joe: “Good question. I have a few. I’d love to sit down with David Byrne and talk about music, I imagine his record collection is pretty intense. I’d love Debbie Harry to sing one of my tracks, I would ask for her hand in marriage – she would kindly reject the offer. I would also like to have a cigarette with Bowie. But I guess most of all I’d like to work with a guy called Bill Ryder-Jones – I’ve mentioned him in a few interviews. I’m worried he might think of me as a stalker but I’m so obsessed with his last release ‘West Kirby County Primary’, beautiful songs, genius lyrics, a classic.”

YAA: “Lastly, what’s next for you?”

Joe: “I have another release coming early 2018 I think, there’s no real details yet but there will hopefully be some news very soon.”

Huge thanks to Joe Russell-Brown for sparing some time to share some of his thoughts with me. Interested in his music? Keep up to date with his latest ventures by following him on social media.

Facebook

Twitter

Bandcamp

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(All photos received besides the thumbnail image are from the artist’s Facebook. NOT our own)

How the iPhone revolutionized, and will continue to revolutionize our lives

Lucas Ion
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0

When Steve Jobs took to the stage at Macworld in 2007, he later on announced a product which fundamentally changed our world, our lives, and technology as we know it. The announcement of the iPhone revolutionized many of the daily tasks which we now regard as common practice. The iPhone changed technology in our lives for decades to come.

Back in early 2007, data usage on phones was significantly lower compared to voice calling. Up until 2007 the “smartphone” served its original purpose of being a communication device for most users and really nothing more. During the keynote at Macworld, Steve Jobs set out to change that. He claimed that the iPhone would be three main things, firstly a “new iPod with touch controls”, “a revolutionary mobile phone”, and a “breakthrough internet communicator.” These visions set a foundation for cell phones in the years to come.

However, another area that the iPhone completely changed amongst the main three purposes which Steve Jobs addressed was handheld photography. With the release of the original iPhone, the ability for someone to take photos became as simple as taking their phone out of their pocket and taking a picture. In the following years, the traditional DSLR camera became less popular for taking photos compared to standard smartphones, and, over time the simplicity of taking photos on the smartphone resulted in 85% of digital photos in 2017 being taken on smartphones versus traditional cameras. All in all, the accessibility of everyday tasks which we take for granted every day such as taking photos were originally streamlined by the iPhone.Image result for taking a photo on a iphone

Now here we are today, ten years after the release of the original iPhone, and Apple has once again attempted to reinvigorate and redefine cell phones for the next ten years. The iPhone X has become Apple’s ambitious flagship phone which aims to introduce AR in a streamlined fashion, reshape the power that a cell phone can have, and show the seamless transition between hardware and software. Apple’s new phone has polarized many people, on one half many believe it is one of the greatest phones of all time, whereas others believe that it is a strong case of a good idea but bad execution. However, among those divided lie those who wonder whether or not the new iPhone X will truly change phones as we know them once again, and to figure out the answer to that question, only time will tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source Images 1/2/3

Information Sources:

https://www.recode.net/2017/6/26/15821652/iphone-apple-10-year-anniversary-launch-mobile-stats-smart-phone-steve-jobs

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bizcarson/2017/09/12/tim-cook-isnt-wrong-why-the-iphone-x-could-change-how-we-use-phones-forever/#4a3785524620

 

 

The Future of AI Technology?

Jesse Lee
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0

The digital world is coming, whether we want it or not. Every minute we have close to millions of Google searches or Facebook posts. Soon, everything around us including our microwaves or even our clothing will be connected to the internet. Everything will be intelligent. We will not only have smart phones, but smart homes and smart cities. However, one thing is clear, in the near future the way we organize the economy and society will be changing. There are many options to implement AI technology into a political setting, such as China’s “citizen score”. However, ensuring a safe and effective transition to AI that will benefit many sectors of society will be difficult.

One of the largest concerns for AI is the jobs that it will take. It is predicted that by 2030, machines will have surpassed humans in all areas. Technology visionaries, such as Elon Musk from Tesla Motors, Bill Gates from Microsoft and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, are warning that super-intelligence is a serious danger for humanity. Recently, Google’s DeepMind algorithm taught itself how to walk. Who knows what AI can learn next? We must always ensure that Ai is under our thumb, and not the reverse, as the world would be quite boring if all humans were trained from birth to be a AI programmer. Once AI is let loose, policy makers must make sure our freedom is intact. Once AI takes over, we will have restricted freedom over what we can do or what we can change. I agree that AI is definitely helpful, but it may be too helpful. The idea of being able to lay back all day and not do any work sounds great, but work is what gives life meaning and purpose. Allowing AI to take care of everything sounds exactly like the plot of WALL-E. AI must be restricted towards only things that are dangerous towards humans like coal mining, or small things like driving as the most important thing about this is the right to keep our jobs.

 

Politicians can use AI to “nudge” people. The state of the internet as of right now gives you a sense of freedom, but in reality, Google and Facebook are collecting loads of metadata to target their ads towards you. For example, if they knew that you really liked McDonald’s from your searches, your ads will be more burger deals. Eventually, this leads to not the computer that is programmed, but instead more of a programmed person. Politicians can use ads or a series of internet “lures” to nudge you in the direction they think that the society should go. This is neither a good or bad thing, as it could come to a very peaceful and law abiding population without the sense that you are controlling them. It could however, be used in the wrong way when politicians use it to their own personal benefit, to use this to shift the attention to perhaps their campaign page. The fact is, whoever controls technology in an election is destined to win, as they have control over the internet and therefore people. The “nudging” could also create negative outcomes that are unpredictable. For example, during the German swine flu outbreak in 2009, people were encouraged to be vaccinated to prevent infection. However, an unexpected consequence was that a percentage of people who received the vaccine were affected by a new disease. Terrorists as well will try to obtain this technology, if AI is so talented, it can teach itself to hack into government programs and large corporations, causing widespread panic. It looks as if AI is not a good thing for us at the moment, but if we can find a good way to implement such a program without such consequences, then it will be revolutionary.

One of the hardest things to get past about AI is to align it with society’s core values. Technology that is uncontrolled is just to lead us down the path to a totalitarian world, where we do not govern technology, but instead technology governs us. We should not improve AI for them to be beyond our assistants. Limiting innovation for AI in this scenario would be the optimal solution. The fact that something could be just as good if not better at something that humans are, is incomprehensible to us as of right now. For example, surgeons and therapists were thought to be irreplaceable, but recently, advancements in technology made robots so precise that they could sew a grape skin back onto a grape. In order to have safe use of AI, we must have a very transparent way of implementing it. Where the people vote on whether or not AI is useful or not. For AI to work in our society, it must promote social and economic diversity and it must also promote responsible behavior of citizens in our new digital world.

So what does AI ultimately come down to? It comes down to how we use it, as AI can make or break us. Even if AI is better than us at doing things, should we really accept that and allow it to happen? AI is useful in the right hands, as described earlier, AI in the wrong hands could lead to skewed political results, unforeseeable consequences, cyber warfare, and more dangers still yet to be discovered. If we do not promote responsible use of AI, then visionaries like Elon Musk would be correct in saying that AI could plague our society. We have yet to understand the secrets that AI could be hiding, which is why we must take careful precautions when handling it. AI is a leap forward towards prosperity and innovation, but only if it is wielded by the worthy people.

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Citations

Knight, Will. “There’s a big problem with AI: even its creators can’t explain how it works.” MIT Technology Review. May 12, 2017. Accessed November 09, 2017. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/604087/the-dark-secret-at-the-heart-of-ai/.

Dirk Helbing, Bruno S. Frey, Gerd Gigerenzer, Ernst Hafen, Michael Hagner, Yvonne Hofstetter, Jeroen van den Hoven, Roberto V. Zicari, Andrej Zwitter. “Will Democracy Survive Big Data and Artificial Intelligence?” Scientific American. February 25, 2017. Accessed November 09, 2017. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/will-democracy-survive-big-data-and-artificial-intelligence/.

Ford, Paul. “Are We Smart Enough to Control Artificial Intelligence?” MIT Technology Review. February 01, 2016. Accessed November 09, 2017. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/534871/our-fear-of-artificial-intelligence/.   

Slam Poem: I am Not Black, You Are Not White

Asha Nenshi Nathoo
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0

As we take some time to sit down and reflect on this past year, I wanted to share with you a video I came across that contains what I feel is a very powerful message in what some call our broken world.

I am Not Black, You Are Not White is a slam poem written by Richard Williams. The author, more commonly known as Prince Ea, is an African American poet who is known for motivational messages that inspire through spoken word.

In this poem, Prince conveys the important message that our exterior is of little relevance to who we are as human beings, it is our interior that shows our true personality.

In a world where we seem to see increasing division, separation, and hatred of the other, perhaps the way forward is to recognize that we need to focus less on our external differences and more on our internal similarities.

Sadly, Canada is not immune from these global trends and all of us are seeing this everyday. I personally have friends right here in Calgary who are Muslim and who wear the hijab. They are fearful to go out into public because of the things people have been saying to them. This breaks my heart. This needs to change.

Let’s take this opportunity to remind ourselves of the common love inside that brings humanity together.

In the theme of reflection & contemplation, I’ll keep this post fairly short. So take a few minutes, to watch, and as Prince puts it, ask yourself the question, “Who would you be if the world never gave you a label?”

[Feature image source]

Best of 2017

Alice Choi
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0

Now that 2017 is coming to a close, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of its treasures that I have discovered throughout the course of the year. Here is my Best of 2017. 

Best Restaurants

NOTaBLE

NOTaBLE is an immensely praised and highly rated restaurant in Calgary. Seriously, one visit will let you realize why. From delicious food to great service, NOTaBLE is the perfect restaurant to celebrate any special occasion or t0 simply share a lovely meal with friends and family.

Find out more on their website.

Una Pizza

Una Pizza is situated on 17th Avenue, directly across from Western Canada High School. As a Western student, Una has been my go-to restaurant for years. From the selections of appetizers to salads to pizzas, there is sure to be an item that satisfies your cravings and is also guaranteed to be absolutely delicious. When you split the cost with friends, the price of the high-quality meal is often quite affordable on a high school student budget. 

Find out more on their website.

Best Cafés

Alforno

Classy yet casual, Alforno offers a beautiful and open atmosphere with its rooftop windows and unique decorations. It is the ideal spot for brunch or the place to go to share cup of coffee with freshly baked goods. 

Find out more on their website.

Vendome Café

Compared to Alforno, Vendome has a more cozy vibe but offers an equally mouth-watering selection of meals and pastries. From egg benedicts, waffles, to breakfast paninis, Vendome also makes a great breakfast/brunch location that is sure to quickly become one of your favourites.

Find out more on their website.

Best Albums

Flor- come out. you’re hiding

This album is the definition of the word “bop.” This has been my go-to album for all my musical needs this year from road trips to working out to studying.

Listen here.

Daniel Caesar- Freudian

I recently saw Daniel Caesar in concert in November, and his live performance was just as good as his album. Daniel Caesar’s music falls under the R&B/ soul genre and “Freudian” is the perfect album to listen to during a relaxed friend hang out or alone on an evening to wind down.

Listen here.

Ed Sheeran- Divide

Ed Sheeran released a highly anticipated album this year and he, once again, does not disappoint. With both upbeat to emotional songs, this album quickly became loved by many worldwide.  (Note: The “Perfect Duet with Beyoncé” that was released in November is everything I have always wanted in a song.)

Listen here.

Best Place to Study

Springborough Waves Coffee

With the spacious area, numerous seats, and comforting smell of coffee, the Springborough Waves Coffee has become one of my staple study spots.

Aspen Landing Good Earth

During the last semester of grade 11, I spent every day of exam break studying at the Aspen Landing Good Earth. It is welcoming, clean, comfortable, and directly next to numerous food places for whenever you get hungry after all that studying. For those living in or near the Aspen area, I highly recommend spending a study session or two at this location.

 

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10 Reasons Why Being Broken Up With Sucks

Julieanne Acosta
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I mean there’s a lot more but these ten are the most apparent :

  1. Closure : It sucks. A part of you thinks that certain someone will wanna give it another shot. Take it from me, if you build all your courage to ask for closure (ex. knowing if there’s still a chance, if they still have feelings for you, etc.) be ready for it to not go the way you probably wanted it to.
  2.  Mood Swings: Realizing how much you don’t need them one second to sobbing the next. It’s as if you’re never going to find a good medium. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, they’ll change their mind and come back and it’ll be fine. 
  3. Getting back together: Unless it’s genuine and wholesome and it works out for the better! If you’re anything like me though, your luck fell through the roof with this: got back together the next day, just to be dumped the same day the following week.
  4.  The Physical Pain: Not wanting to eat? Not wanting to go out? No sleeping? Constant crying? Headaches? Stomach growling? Having a pit in your stomach while your throats on fire? If this is what you’re looking for, step right up to a break up! 
  5. Having to deal with the stuff they gave you: Their shirt you never wore. The bracelet and necklace they gave to you. The letters they wrote to you. Figure something out because they all need to go.
  6. Being reminded about them: Going grocery shopping or driving somewhere and realizing the last time you did that small little thing was with them. Big Yikes.

 

7. Fighting the urges to text them and plead with them to take you back: I mean this is pretty self explanatory but it happens… a lot. But know that loving yourself is important. If they broke up with you? Their loss, not yours. 

 

8. Having to explain to people  you’re not dating anymore and fight back the tears all while pretending it’s all good : Honestly, especially if the relationship was fairly long and everyone knew about it, this happens once a day and it sucks a little less each time. Own it.

 

9. Watching other couples: Glaring at them as they walk down the hall holding hands, laughing, and thinking to yourself it’s a trap you should probably warn them about it. 

 

10. The start of moving on: Arguably also the best part. You’re on the road to feeling good but for now it sucks and it’s all apart of the process(or so I’ve heard so many times). In a few months it’s said that you’ll be okay. 

 

A message for those who are also newly dumped: As a conclusion, learn to love yourself without loving them. Heartbreaks suck but know that you don’t deserve this pain. However that doesn’t make your pain silly or invalid, what you’re feeling is normal and it’ll get better with time. I know that’s not what you want to hear but you’ll see that it’ll be okay.

For those who read this who actually haven’t been dumped: It’s a trap, be careful out there and I hoped you enjoyed the added break up memes for the sake of my humor.

Images : FI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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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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