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Seasonal Soundtrack- Songs to Start the Semester

Jianna H
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Seasonal Soundtrack- Songs to Start the Semester

A new chapter begins as we students stumble into our 8:30 AM lectures, and conjure up impossible to-do lists for the upcoming semester its hard to find time to relax and unwind. I’ve always found that the best way for me to take a break and focus on myself is through music. I’ve compiled some of my favourite songs that help me get through the stressful moments of school, and also the tunes that capture the beauty of our teen years.

1. Perfect Places by Lorde

Lorde has undeniably become synonymous with the angst of teenagedom; however, “Perfect Places” to me perfectly sums up the confusion and excitement of high school. This song is perfect for late-night ponders and nostalgic drives around town with friends.

2. Funny How the Universe Works by The Runarounds

The Runarounds are an incredible real band from an equally incredible fictional TV show. Their 2025 self-titled album encapsulates the high school experience start to finish, from unrequited romance to the impending decisions of life after school. “Funny How The Universe Works” is an upbeat indie rock-pop love song that is bound to get you dancing around your room!

3. 17 by The Greeting Committee

As the title suggests, “17” is about navigating the uncharted waves of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The Greeting Committe are an Alternative Pop band with indie and rock influences, and “17” is an especially upbeat song with relatable lyrics about defying authority and changes in relationships as we grow up.

4. Get A Job (Live from The Porch) by Porch Light

Don’t feel attacked by the title; this song by Porch Light is the anthem of not knowing what to do with your life. This song single-handedly got me through the life-altering decisions of university applications, and I hope it can also resonate with you.

5. here we go again by Juliet Ivy

I first discovered Juliet Ivy on my Explore Page on Instgram and she has not disappointed since. Specifically, I really enjoy Ivy’s songwriting; it feels like reading a page out of her diary, raw and truthful. Paired with her bedroom pop style of music, “here we go again” is a song that balances whimsy and poignant lyricism. 

6. My Life by LAUNDRY DAY ft. Matilda Marigolds

When I was in Grade 10, this song was on repeat and was my top song on Spotify, with nearly 300 streams. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy this song and the themes explored within. LAUNDRY DAY is one of my favourite bands, flawlessly bending between genres like Electronic, Pop Rock and Alternative Indie. However, “My Life” is a more chill song, great for listening to with your headphones at full volume as you stare out the window on the bus ride home.

7. Sick Dogs by hey, nothing

A complete 180 from the previous song, “Sick Dogs,” is a raw, fast-paced, and energetic song. Lyrically, hey, nothing never dissapoints, and this song is no exception. As a proud fan since 2021, this is by far one of my favourites from them. The lyrics in this song remind me of the ramblings of an emotion-fuelled journal entry while still being perfectly coherent and relatable. Despite featuring unexpected references to the beloved Adam Sandler movie “Grown Ups” and M and M’s, the song still manages to evoke the feelings of growing pains.

Fun fact! The duo’s stage name, hey, nothing, is a reference to the film “Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

8. Friday I’m in Love by The Cure

A classic love song, this song embodies the joy of discovering a new crush and the second wind that comes with it, which seems to carry you throughout the week. Undoubtedly, this is THE song to play over and over again when you have a new hallway crush and feel like dancing through fields after class.

9. Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House

At the risk of sounding cliché, even with more tests and harder classes, the second semester always has me feeling nostalgic and sentimental for the good ol’ days. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” is a beautiful ballad that reminds us that the bad times will never outlast the good. While it was written in 1987, the meaning holds true even in 2026. Even though you barely passed that calc test, there’s nothing that playing Crowded House and a sweet treat can’t fix.

10. Telescope by Cage the Elephant

And finally, to end the list, “Telescope” is a melancholic song that beautifully captures the feeling of disembodiment from life. Sometimes, there are times when it seems like life is passing you by at 150 km/h; this song is for that moment. Cage the Elephant uses the metaphor of looking through a telescope at yourself to represent that feeling.

Final Notes (pun intended)

Give these songs a listen, during the good times and the bad, I promise they won’t disappoint. Hopefully the bring some joy and comfort to your lives as we enter a new era of our lives.

Progressive Metal Albums that Blew my Mind

Tanushri
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Progressive Metal Albums that Blew my Mind

 

“Progressive metal” describes an approach to music that focuses on technicality, setting it apart from what listeners would hear on average. It blends the intensity of metal with the complexity and experimentation of progressive rock. Below, I’ve picked my top 5 favourite progressive metal albums which have all significantly altered my perspective on metal in general.

  1. Opeth, ‘Blackwater Park’ (2001)

Blackwater Park is considered a masterpeice by many as it perfectly balances heaviness and progressive composition with dark and emotional story telling. Steven Wilson’s production helped give the album clear separation between instruments, warm acoustic tones, and a natural, organic sound despite the heaviness and melancholic tones.

2. Between the Buried and Me, ‘Colors’ (2007)

Colors is definitely one of my favourites, being a big fan of fusion themes, especially involving jazz elements. It is extremely experimental, yet emotional as it blends metalcore, death metal, jazz, fusion, prog rock, bluegrass, and avant-garde music. The production is clean yet agressive, as every instrument is clearly audible despite the overall density.

3. Tool, ‘Lateralus’ (2001)

The insane musicianship shown in this album through its odd time signatures, alien polyrhythms, and riffs all prove it to be one of the best prog metal albums of all time. The title track, “Lateralus” follows the Fibonacci sequence in its structure and lyrics, further reinforcing core ideas of the album; growth and evolution.

4. Devin Townsend, ‘Terria’ (2001)

Terria focuses more on emotional significance, rather than technicality, allowing it to feel more sincere and deliberate to listeners. The reverb, washed-out guitars, and ambient passages contribute to the contribute to the soundscape with themes of isolation, distance, and reflection. Terria has had a major influence in modern post-metal, ambient prog, and emotional djent.

5. Cynic, ‘Focus’ (1993)

Before this album, metal was mostly focused on either brutality or technicality, rarely both. Cynic fused death metal, jazz fusion, and prog rock structures, a combo that hadn’t existed prior to this album. It was also hugely influential as without Focus, a lot of modern things wouldn’t exist such as, progressive death metal, atmospheric tech-death, and bands like Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, and Periphery.

All 5 of these albums completely blew my mind the first time I listened to them, through their technicality, vocals, riffs, structures, and overall extremely impressive musicianship’s. I highly recommend listening to these albums as they completely changed my appreciation for metal in general.

The Science of a Student Centred Classroom

Nelo Anne
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The Science of a Student Centred Classroom

 

Quality education for children and youth—regardless of sex, gender identity, race, religion, ethnicity, or ability—is a basic human right and is central to achieving a sustainable and prosperous quality of life. Education provides children with the knowledge and skills they need to face daily challenges, while also fostering economic growth and social development. However, there are many barriers to providing quality education in less developed countries, including overcrowded, unsafe, or distant schools, limited investment in curriculum, materials, and teachers, and pressure for children to support their families through work. Children living in conflict areas, children with disabilities, girls, and those whose religion, race, or ethnicity differs from the majority or ruling group often face even greater challenges. Above all, the physical and emotional safety of students is a necessity for basic education to take place.

Once these fundamental barriers are addressed, the challenge of education shifts from access to engagement—how students experience learning within the classroom itself. Teaching methods such as student-centred learning, open-ended instruction, and addressing fears surrounding learning have been used for years, while others continue to emerge alongside social and technological change. These approaches can be highly effective in helping students participate, engage, and understand material. Still, the question of how to get students to pay attention, understand concepts, and complete assignments remains prominent within the education sphere. The importance of classroom environment is often overlooked, with blame frequently placed solely on teaching practices. While classroom atmosphere is not the only factor influencing students’ readiness to learn, it can be highly impactful.

To explore this further, I interviewed 40 students from my school and community to learn what type of learners they identify as and what strategies help them learn best in a classroom environment. While I would have liked to speak with more students, this group represented a wide range of experiences, including cultural backgrounds and learning styles.

I asked two questions. The first—“Which learning style best describes you?”—produced fairly predictable results. Forty-five percent of students described themselves as having a combination of learning styles, which is reasonable given that most people rely on multiple sensory cues to process information. This was followed by visual learners at 27.5%, auditory learners and reading/writing learners tied at 10% each, and kinesthetic learners at 7.5%.

The second question—“What strategies or environmental factors help you focus best, both in and outside of school?”—generated a wide variety of responses. These included preferences for lighting (dim, bright, or natural), sensory tools (fidgets, music, white noise, noise-cancelling headphones, and movement breaks), routine styles (flexible, structured, or Pomodoro-style), and even preferred seating or learning positions within the classroom, such as the floor or standing desks. Some responses were more unexpected, including drawing—and even “Windex” (??). While I am unsure what was meant by this, the purpose of the survey was to represent student perspectives, so I can hardly leave it out.

I will not go into exhaustive detail here, but the data clearly shows that student preferences vary widely, although there is some consensus on factors such as natural lighting. In general, just as students’ brains process information differently, their learning needs also differ. This leads to my proposal of grouping classrooms by learning styles to reduce conflicting needs within shared spaces. However, this approach presents new challenges, such as potential social regression due to limited interaction with peers who think differently, which could negatively impact teamwork skills and empathy.

In conclusion, while it is understandable that classroom environment has not always been a top priority, creating inclusive and adaptable learning spaces could significantly improve students’ mental health, focus, and overall success in their educational journeys.

Sources

https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-

The Quantum Garden: How Plants Hack Physics to Eat Light

Anie U
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The Quantum Garden: How Plants Hack Physics to Eat Light

 

For centuries, we solely saw photosynthesis as an extremely straightforward, if miraculous, chemical recipe: sunlight in, sugar out. As simple as that. However, the last few decades have shown scientists uncovering a secret layer to this process so strange and precise that it seems ripped from a quantum physics textbook. It turns out the green, arbrous world is performing feats of subatomic wizardry, using the bizarre rules of the quantum realm to harness light with near-perfect efficiency.

This isn’t simply plant biology, but more so quantum biology, a field that silently reveals the true quantum mechanics of nature and how ecosystems have been employing these techniques long before we even discovered them.

The Quantum Leap in Your Garden

In photosynthesis, specialized “antenna” molecules like chlorophyll absorb incoming light particles known as photons. The energy from that photon must travel to a reaction center to be converted into chemical energy. This was initially thought to be random and bumpy for decades, inevitably dissipating energy as heat along the way.

However, that picture changed when researchers began probing the process with ultra-fast lasers. They discovered the energy doesn’t just hop; it explores all possible paths at once. It behaves like a wave, not a particle, in a quantum process coined coherent energy transfer¹. We can envision this process as a traveler who doesn’t choose one winding road through a forest. Instead, it is like a ghost, one who tries every single path concurrently to instantly find the shortest, most efficient route to its destination. As a result, plants, algae, and some bacteria transfer energy with efficiencies close to 95%, a rate far beyond any solar panel we’ve ever engineered.

Why This Quantum Quirk Matters

For decades, scientists assumed that the warm, wet, and noisy interior of a living cell would rapidly destroy quantum coherence. They believed such effects could persist only in ultra-cold, tightly controlled laboratory conditions². The fact that quantum coherence persists, and remains functional, inside a sunlit leaf challenges that assumption at its very core, suggesting that nature has evolved ways to protect and exploit quantum behavior.

This insight has consequences that go far beyond the discipline of plant biology, raising queries on the abilities certain organisms can possess. If living systems can reliably maintain quantum coherence at room temperature, then can the same principles be engineered into human-made technologies? Consequently, researchers are actively exploring this concept, drawing inspiration from the unique process of photosynthesis to develop:

  • Hyper-efficient organic solar cells that mimic quantum-assisted energy transport, potentially reducing cost while increasing performance.

  • Quantum-inspired sensors and computing architectures that operate more efficiently and robustly than traditional, conventional designs.

  • New approaches in medicine, including light-activated therapies that use quantum principles to control chemical reactions with exceptional precision and accuracy³.

From Sunlight to Tomorrow’s Technology

The next time you witness sunlight falling on a leaf, it’s worth pausing to consider what’s happening beneath the surface, to take a deeper dive into what is truly going on. That leaf is not merely absorbing light, but actively navigating the probabilistic rules of quantum physics to power nearly all life on the planet!

When we take time to study these systems, we do much more than deepen our understanding of biology. We discover a blueprint for technologies that are more efficient, resilient, and sustainable, following nature’s very principles that have existed for millennia. In other words, learning from nature’s quantum strategies may help us realize that some of the most advanced solutions to modern challenges have been quietly at work in plants all along.

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3

What You Didn’t Know About Chinese Culture

Xinlei L
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What You Didn’t Know About Chinese Culture

When you think of Chinese culture, your mind probably goes to Chinese takeout, Mulan, or the stereotypical strict parents who demand perfect grades. However, China is a country that has over 3500 years of history, with details often undermined by popular western media.

The goal of this article is not to debunk stereotypes but to further explore other aspects of Chinese culture. 

Baby Names 

When parents conceive children, one of their top priorities is to ensure that the child has a bright future. One way they follow through with this is to consult a fortune teller to select an appropriate name to maximize potential.

Based on the hour of birth and year, the fortune teller will determine in what area the child is lacking out of 5 categories; metal, wood, earth, fire, and water. After doing so, they’ll choose a Chinese character that has one of these components to make up for it. So for example, if a baby was born in a dry season, their name may contain the water radical 氵to make up for it.

However, a lot of Chinese citizens view these fortune tellers as scammers and hogwash.

 

Fun fact


In 1950 when Chairman Mao found the People’s Republic of China, the patriotic sentiment was so strong that many babies in that era had names such as “卫国” (Guard the country), “建国” (Build the country), or even “国强” (The country is powerful.) 

 

Warm Water

People from the west will often give you a weird look if they discover your water bottle contains lukewarm water. However, in most Asian countries, it’s well-known that lukewarm and hot water has a lot more benefits than cold water. In fact, restaurants in China will serve hot water year-round, even in summer! 

 

Due to the fact that the body’s resting temperature is 37 degrees Celcius, (98 degrees Fahrenheit,) anything colder will be unfamiliar and “shock” the immune system. This will therefore put a larger strain on the kidneys, because most of the cold water is peed out rather than absorbed.

 

Water that is the same, (or preferably warmer) as body temperature will be absorbed more quickly, resulting in better digestion and circulation. So if you’re constipated, try having a glass of hot water! 

 

The Third Eye

The Taoist philosophy, commonly recognized for its concept for Yin Yang, has been popular in China for 2500 years. In Taoism, there is a claim that everyone is born with a sixth sense, or a “third eye.” This sense is coined intuition, the art of knowing without any evidence. For example, someone with good intuition could score high marks on a multiple-choice exam without knowing the material itself, but get correct answers just based on guesswork.

 

Methods to develop the third eye further involve meditation, yoga, and visualization. It’s easier for children to unlock their third eye, which is why there are special intuition classes targeted to children that could cost upwards to $1000. 

 

Conclusion

China is a big country with vastly different customs and traditions depending on region. The ones listed here probably only cover 0.01% of what really happens in China. All in all, this is your sign to ask your Chinese friends what other cool things go on in their country!

 

Sources

Naming Babies

Hot water 1

Hot water 2

My acupuncturist

 

What Can YOU Do About Child Labour

Areej C
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What Can YOU Do About Child Labour

What is Child Exploitation?

Child exploitation in the context of child labor involves engaging children in work that is hazardous, and interferes with their everyday life. This could include forced labor, where children are forced into work against their will, or child trafficking for labor purposes. The work is often physically demanding, exceeding their capacity, and is often in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

From a study conducted by World Vision,  it is estimated that globally, 1 in 10 children are labourers. These children reside in developing countries and are often born into a life of work. These children engaged in exploitative labor are denied access to education, proper nutrition, and healthcare, which compromises their well-being and future. This form of exploitation is a violation of international human rights standards, and organizations & governments work towards ending child labor and promoting protective measures for children worldwide.

International Measures Being Taken 

Internationally, the UNICEF has been firm on its stance on child labour of not allowing forced, or any type of dangerous work, before the age of 18. Light, willing work is permissible over the age of 12. These standards have been set by the UNICEF Document of Minimum Ages and Adolescents’ Rights. Other important regulations are listed below: 

  • ILO Convention No. 138 (Minimum Age Convention): Sets the minimum age for admission to employment, aiming to ensure that children are not subject to exploitative work at a young age.
  • ILO Convention No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention): Focused on eliminating the worst forms of child labor, including slavery, trafficking, and hazardous work that poses a threat to a child’s health and well-being.
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): While not exactly addressing child labor, CRC outlines the fundamental rights of children, including protection from economic exploitation and hazardous work.
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 8.7 specifically targets the ending of child labor by 2025, calling for immediate and effective measures to eliminate forced labor, end modern slavery and child labor.

What You Can Do (Without Money)!

The main thing you can do to help end child exploitation and labour is raise awareness. For us here in Canada, the only relation we have to these children is through the clothes and brands we support. So, to help these children without money, we can promote ethical consumerism. Here is a step-by-step plan to help slow down the rates of child labour using the promotion of ethical consumerism : 

Research Child Labor-Free Brands:

   – Identify companies that actively commit to eradicating child labor from their supply chains.

   – Look for brands with transparent practices and a clear stance against child labor.

 Create Informational Brochures or Pamphlets

   – Develop printed materials containing information about child labor-free brands and the impact of ethical consumerism.

   – Distribute these materials in community centers, local businesses, and public spaces.

Engage Local Businesses:

   – Establish partnerships with local businesses that are committed to ending child labor.

   – Encourage these businesses to display information about their ethical practices in their establishments.

Encourage Responsible Buying in Local Markets:

   – Promote ethical consumerism in local markets by encouraging vendors to highlight products from child labor-free sources.

   – Engage with sellers and buyers about the importance of responsible purchasing.

Celebrate Ethical Initiatives:

    – Acknowledge and celebrate local businesses and individuals actively contributing to the fight against child labor.

Remember, the goal is to raise awareness, and awareness is always free!

Sources:

1, 2, 3

A Very Brief (and Slightly Humbling) History of the Atom

Daniella
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A Very Brief (and Slightly Humbling) History of the Atom

For something so small, the atom has taken centuries to figure out. Even now, we’re still arguing about how best to picture it.

The story begins in ancient Greece with Democritus (around 400 BCE), who proposed that matter was made of tiny, indivisible particles called atomos. There were no experiments, no microscopes, just logic. Because Aristotle disagreed and believed matter was continuous, Democritus’ idea was mostly ignored for nearly 2000 years.

Billiard Ball Model

Real progress began in the early 1800s with John Dalton, who used experimental evidence from chemical reactions to revive atomic theory. He suggested that atoms were solid, indivisible spheres and that each element had its own type of atom. This model explained laws like mass conservation and definite proportions, but it assumed atoms couldn’t be broken down any further.

Plum Pudding Model

That changed in 1897 when J.J. Thomson discovered the electron through cathode ray tubes. Playing with electric and magnetic fields, he proved that atoms were divisible. Thomson proposed the famous ‘plum pudding’ model, where negatively charged electrons were embedded in a positively charged sphere. It sounded neat until experiments once more proved otherwise.

Planetary Model

In 1909, Ernest Rutherford conducted the gold foil experiment, firing alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold. To everyone’s surprise, some particles bounced back (a very rare outcome). Rutherford concluded that atoms are mostly empty space with a small, dense, positively charged nucleus (which is what would have repelled the alpha particle). The atom had gone from solid to mostly nothing.

However, Rutherford’s model raised a major problem: according to classical physics, the orbiting electrons should lose energy and crash into the nucleus, meaning atoms shouldn’t exist. 

Nuclear Model

Niels Bohr stepped in to try to fix this. In 1913, he suggested electrons could only occupy specific orbits (based on observations with spectroscopy) or quantized energy levels, meaning they could only exist in certain orbits without radiating energy. When electrons jump between levels, they emit or absorb light, which explains hydrogen’s emission spectrum beautifully. It seemed perfect, until atoms got more complicated.

Quantum Model

Bohr’s model failed for multi-electron atoms, and so that’s where quantum mechanics rewrote the rules. Scientists like Schrödinger and Heisenberg showed that electrons don’t follow neat paths at all; they exist as probability clouds. Electrons now behave as standing waves as opposed to particles in this model, removing the issue of acceleration towards the nucleus and radiating energy. Still in orbitals, we can’t picture the exact location of electrons, but we know where they would most likely be spending their time. The modern atomic model isn’t a picture you can easily draw, but it works.

Everything considered, this is really impressive, considering it all started with a guess.

 

Sources

Canada-China’s Trade Deal: Was it a mistake or the right way to propel Canada?

Sina M
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Canada-China’s Trade Deal: Was it a mistake or the right way to propel Canada?

Last Friday, January 16th, 2026, Canada and China‘s trade relations improved with beneficial news to both partners. As a part of Canada’s strategy to mitigate the effects of the tariff war with the United States, Carney became the first Canadian president since 2017 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The deal includes lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing 49,000 EVs to enter the U.S. at a tariff of 6.1%. This is a result of the U.S. and China working together a year ago, which also led to Canadian agricultural products, such as canola seeds, experiencing lower retaliatory tariffs, now at 15%. Canadian citizens also do not require a visa to stay in China for at most 30 days. At the World Economic Forum on Wednesday, Carney described a new world order in the process. 


Canada had a history of depending on the U.S. for exports of automobile parts and its natural resources, but ever since President Donald Trump launched a trade war for the triumphs of American nationalism, the government has been aiding the economy by diversifying trade partners across the globe. Canada and China have experienced less stabilization and activity in their trading partnerships as China’s rapidly expanding economy has made it a leading exporter of electronic vehicles, competing against manufacturers in North America. Some Canadians have commented on the perspective that this information suggests Canada will soon depend on China, harming domestic business, and will invite an even lower downward trajectory in economic security and growth. Although Canada is a remarkably wealthy country, its biggest trader has also impacted business, and the only way to effectively work through an economic crisis of inflation and unemployment would be to recalibrate its trading relations to support its independence. 

Carney has shown his complete belief in what direction this will take Canadians, as quotas grow in number and increase foreign investment in several industries. Canada is struggling with unemployment and managing immigration to ensure a higher quality of life that has only been hit further by global economic instability. Even politicians like premier of Ontario Doug Ford— calling the deal a knee-jerk reaction, a big, big problem, have also expressed uncertainty about the future of domestic automobile industries, while the opposite with Premier Scott Moe praises Carney’s devotion to not compromising the core values that make up Canada and how it will continue to promote national unity as it’s in Canada’s best interest. President Trump has responded to this deal by withdrawing an invitation for Canada to join his collaborative Gaza Board of Peace. Tensions between the two countries have risen on account of tariffs, suggesting that searching for export markets is integral to Canada’s economy and what it should prioritize. Uncompromising these core values would also mean that Canadians would still struggle between their domestic priorities and economic stability and independence. 

Still, navigating a global trade chain in times of uncertainty is difficult, which was expected of Canadians as the government would attempt to work through trade relations and prepare with diligence for Canada to relocate its position and reputation. Sometimes, struggles can define a nation’s capability to resolve situations and redefine itself with complete confidence in what it promises to those who call it home. This deal should not be the most impressive milestone, and the government has only till to work through trade barriers and enact laws that can accommodate domestic businesses and workers. China can prove itself to be a reliable partner, but it can only be up to the government and its willingness to listen to the underlying issues of interdependence.  Either way, there is no single answer to this question; all we have to do is wait and see, and then act.

To anyone who is reading this, I suggest you keep updating yourself on news that no longer affects a single country. Remember your rights and that you do have a voice!



Engineering – A Career that Opens Unlimited Doors

Sabarish M
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Engineering – A Career that Opens Unlimited Doors

From developing tiny microchip electronics to constructing skyscrapers, engineering is a field that has vast opportunities and helps develop a society. If you are in the process of picking the right career to pursue, you have come to the right place. This blog post explores what engineering is, the different types of engineering, how to become an engineer, and the qualities you need to thrive in this field.

What is Engineering, and the different types of Engineering

Engineering is essentially the application of science, mathematics and physics principles to design unique and innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. It involves designing and creating everything from daily objects to complex infrastructure. Engineering is a broad discipline with a variety of different subfields. Some of the most common engineering disciplines are: 

1) Electrical Engineering: Focuses on the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

2) Mechanical Engineering: From engines to complex mechanisms, Mechanical Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and manufacturing physical machines, engines, and mechanical systems.

3) Civil Engineering: Civil engineering focuses on the design and construction of infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, roads, and water systems. 

4) Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering focuses on applying chemistry and life sciences to convert raw materials into products that can be used for various applications.

5) Software Engineering: From designing websites to programming video games, software engineering focuses on designing and developing complex computer software systems.

6) Computer Engineering: Computer engineering focuses on designing and developing computer hardware and applying electrical engineering principles to design computer systems.

7) Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace engineering focuses on the designing and testing of specialized aircraft, spacecraft and defence systems.

8) Industrial Engineering: Industrial engineering focuses on optimizing complex systems and processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

9) Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineering focuses on combining engineering technological principles with medical sciences to develop and design healthcare devices, equipment and hardware.

Qualities of an Engineer

Thriving in a field like engineering, where the technology is constantly adapting and improving, can be demanding. Some qualities that can help you become an excellent engineer are problem-solving, creativity, curiosity, logical thinking, attention to detail, a passion for continuous learning and much more. Engineering is often referred to as Applied Science, and that is what it is: taking scientific knowledge and turning it into functional, innovative solutions that benefit society.

How to become an Engineer

Becoming an engineer is not an easy process and requires a genuine passion and immense dedication. First and foremost, to become an engineer, you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited institution. You must also gain some hands-on practical work experience through the form of internships or co-op programs. Licensing as a professional engineer requires passing exams and completing years of supervised work experience as a junior engineer. These licensing requirements change from province to province and vary significantly in other countries, so be sure to do your own research! 

Sources: 1, 2

Showing Appreciation for Albertan Teachers

Jeanne Y
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Showing Appreciation for Albertan Teachers

In October 2025, the teachers of Alberta went on strike, putting students out of school for over a month. But its impact seems to be lost on students just a couple months after. I feel grateful to be back in school, especially since I graduate this year, but I want to take some time to highlight a few teachers who have made an immense impact on my life in hopes of reminding our readers of the thanks we owe them.

Working Overtime

Forget reading multiple essays. Reading my own essay takes multiple attempts, and I am not meant to assess it. Teaching is more than the typical corporate 9-5 job because 9-5 mostly consists of instructional and prep time. Especially with colossal class sizes, marking must be time-consuming. My teachers tell me they need to fit in their overtime in the little space they have around family commitments and personal events.

It’s easy to complain about getting assignments and exams marked late, but it’s also important to carry empathy for our teachers who work so hard for so many students. Overtime is essential to finishing their work; I think it’s unfair to complain about their both their efforts and the fact that overtime is essential in the first place.

Extracurricular Responsibilities

High school students tend to expect a lot from school activities. Every student activity cannot represent the school unless there is a teacher sponsor present, and oftentimes they aren’t paid for this. Our teachers volunteer to help us pursue our passions and ambitions for post-secondary, but while we only do it for a couple years before moving on they volunteer to run clubs and athletics for years. When hiring teachers, their willingness to take on newer formed clubs carries weight as well.

It’s a lot of responsibility and additional work, and I want to take a moment to thank every teacher for their dedication to student success and career exploration. You truly make such a major difference in our lives and we are very grateful for it.

Letters of Recommendation and References

If you’re looking for post-secondary options, universities and companies often do not trust students to give accurate accounts of their own work and look toward “academic references” instead. Job applications require references from previous employers, but since most of us are going for our first part-time jobs, we don’t have real work experience and look toward our teachers for help.

Teachers speak to your character, work ethic, personality, and capabilities. They pour time and effort, both of which are much depleted from other parts of their job, and genuinely want success for you which is why they ask for so much time in advance.

Be sure to take some time to send thank-you gifts, or at least thank-you cards, to some of the teachers who have helped you out!

Tolerating Students

Both myself and my peers are far from perfect students. When we get bored, we can be noisy. When we are tired, we are unfocused. We can be chatty and a bit disruptive. We are human, but we’re still developing humans without mature frontal lobes.

Our teachers have to tolerate our silly behaviors and our emotional ups and downs when they teach. It’s not easy, especially when they get little to no engagement or thanks for it.

I’m sure you’ve sat in a class where the teacher asks a question and the response is dead silence. Crickets. You could probably hear a pin drop. And it’s not that people don’t know the answer, but rather that they don’t want to ask questions or that they can’t be bothered to engage.

But we’ve all given presentations to a deadbeat audience before, and it isn’t easy. It’s hard enough to fear your peers for a brief 5 minutes standing up by the SMART Board, so could you imagine presenting to students who are often choose to act exhausted and jaded every day?

What You Can Do To Support Your Teachers

Your teachers want to see you succeed. Nothing bad can come of small actions that help support those who believe in you! Here are a few examples:

  • Sign petitions for teachers rights
  • Be politically active – email your government/district representative
  • Show some more gratitude
  • Hold back your complaints
  • Come to class with an open mind and your best efforts
  • at the very minimum: engage with your teachers and participate in class!

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures: Boredom

Diya Kunisetty
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Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures: Boredom

Have you ever been on a long flight without your earphones, a TV, noise cancelling headphones and a dead phone? I unfortunately have, and it was – interesting. My flight departed in the middle of the day, so sleeping isn’t even an option, nor is there anything I can do to pass the time. It was a fight against me, my patience, and ultimately my sanity. 

Based on this rant, I have decided that I’m going to be telling you how to pass the time in situations like this. 

  1. Think about your school subjects. 

Yes I know that this can sound really annoying but honestly it can pass the time quite quickly as we learn so much every day. You can think about your chemistry notes, history timelines, and literally anything you can remember. Not only does this help pass the time but it also allows you to regurgitate the information in your head, allowing you to remember and explain it better for when you actually need it. 

2. Think about your friends

At first glance yes this sounds cringey, but when I say to “think about your friends” I don’t mean thinking about how grateful you are for them or how you value them in your life. Instead, pick a couple of them and just try and remember everything you know about them. You can also try and analyze why they act the way they do like you’re in English class and they’re a character from your novel study. It can honestly be pretty entertaining and can help you not only just understand them more, but also yourself. Another version of this is just with your classmates in general. However, because you probably aren’t super close with all of them, try and find repeats of people you have in your class or even where they sit in the classroom. This is honestly a pretty good memory exercise at the same time.

3. Play a movie in your head from start to finish

Ok so for this one, try and choose a movie that you really like (or remember vividly because it was so bad) and see if you can “play it” in your head from start to finish while including as many random details as possible. This one can be interesting because sometimes you end up merging details from random movies together and have just created an insanely unique hybrid. 

4. Think about a random country and imagine your life if you lived there

There are so many countries around the world with such a vast range of traditions. Try and imagine yourself either going to school, work, or just a holiday but make sure to choose a country that’s not similar to the one you already live in. Like if you live in Canada don’t choose the USA, instead, choose something like South Korea!

5. People watching

If you’re in an area surrounded by people, look at the people around you (in a discreet way of course) and try and imagine what their life is like. Everyone deals with such different problems and lives a different story, so why not imagine? You obviously shouldn’t “judge” people’s background and story based on how they look or dress, but if you have good intentions and just imagine, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it! This option is honestly my favorite, so I hope you like it too.

 

So here are 5 things to think about to pass the time! Or hey, you could even read the insane posts on the YAA blog and trust me, the time will just fly by!

Dare to be Bored — Notes on Being Human

Nova Astrov
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Dare to be Bored — Notes on Being Human

Personally, for my 2026 bingo card, I have decided that I wish to drown myself in weird, niche hobbies and gain knowledge on very specific things.


What kind of teas have calming effects and which have the opposite? Which birds can I go find on a walk in my little community? What kind of poisons do different plants produce?

Photo by Ugur Akdemir on Unsplash

Maybe it is weird for me to want to learn such things. But haven’t humans always been inherently weird? With our innate curiosity and natural talent for ending up in situations where perhaps an uninterested person would not have ended up– who am I, to deny such humane desire? That curiosity feels small, almost silly – but it’s part of something much older.

Our world today is fast paced. It does not wait long for quite literally anything. There are deadlines after deadlines after deadlines. And before you know it? You wonder where the last 5 years of your life have gone by. This new era of technology does not appreciate the art of focus. Watching five second reels may bring your brain a rush of dopamine, but it makes you forget your purpose. The only purpose that you are born with, is the one to appreciate the world around you. It is to take deep breaths, close your eyes, lay down on a sunny patch of grass (or, in our case, snow) and just…feel the world for what it is. We pay the price of entertainment with our own lost time.

So therefore, go on side quests, try volunteering, maybe become a writer, or painter, a musician, or a cook. Experience a thousand different careers, a thousand different lives and do not settle down. Remember that being a doctor or an engineer may take humanity forward, but it is art and the desire to create that makes us human. AI is helpful, but do not give it the opportunity to take such a basic right from you. 

It is because we forget to take breaks and let go of our phones that we find ourselves disconnected. From people, from nature, from the world, and from ourselves.
So this year, I implore you, try to challenge yourself. Try to understand why 5 second dopamine hits will not bring you the joy of long term, healthy experiences that reward in the same medium. Read books, dare to be bored, look beyond my tiny 500 word article, and try your best to be uncomfortable. You do not grow in an environment that cradles you. You won’t find the sudden ‘self discovery’ that you seek in the comfort of your home. Maybe it waits in another country. Or another person. Or perhaps, it lies just around the corner waiting for you, hoping that maybe you’ll finally realize your potential lies in time and determination.

Calgary’s Intriguing Holiday Attraction: The BMO lights

Nova Astrov
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Calgary’s Intriguing Holiday Attraction: The BMO lights

Sometimes, even during the holiday season, life can feel a little bleak. Nights that start at 5

Photo by Morgane Le Breton on Unsplash

p.m., cold that seems to settle deep into your bones, stress from school (and perhaps university applications for some of my fellow Grade 12 students), and an appetite that loves being unpredictable. (Perhaps the last one is just me…)

However, throughout the many years I’ve spent calling myself a proud Calgarian, I’ve come across an array of holiday attractions. Each and every one our city has to offer is wonderful, but this one was given the title Holiday Wonder for a reason.

In the midst of our bustling city, at the BMO Centre, you’ll find beautiful arrangements of lights and festive décor that instantly brighten the space.

Although there are only a few days left to visit—January 2nd and 3rd—I highly recommend going if you can find the time. From dazzling light displays to art workshops, VR experiences, and even a petting zoo, Holiday Wonder has something for everyone. It’s a great place to visit with family or friends, and perhaps your holiday spirit will feel a little more uplifted too.

Photo by Bryan Dickerson on Unsplash

Similarly, the Calgary Zoo Lights are known to be the largest in the country, and it would be a pity to miss such a display. But maybe admiring lights isn’t your thing. Perhaps watching a live performance of The Nutcracker is more your style, or ice skating at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary.

The options have always been endless. In the end, it’s simply up to you to decide what earns a place on your personal bucket list of holiday joy!
Sources: 1, 2, 3,

Rewiring Minds: The Neuroscience of a Better World — Issue 2

Natania V
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Rewiring Minds: The Neuroscience of a Better World — Issue 2

The Attention Economy: Who Controls the Mind, Controls the Future

The quality of one’s life depends on the quality of attention. Whatever you pay attention to will grow more important in your life.” — Deepak Chopra

If consciousness is the foundation of change, then attention is its currency.

We live in the first era where human attention is not just influenced, but actively engineered. Every notification, algorithm, and infinite scroll is designed to capture and hold the brain’s focus. While previous generations shaped the world with labour and resources, ours is shaping and being shaped by where the mind lingers. The battle for a better world is increasingly a battle for attention.

The Neuroscience of Focus

Attention is not a single process. It is a coordinated system involving the prefrontal cortex, which directs goal-oriented focus, and the parietal networks, which help filter what deserves notice. At the same time, the brain’s dopaminergic reward system reinforces whatever captures attention by associating it with novelty or emotional intensity.

Digital platforms exploit this circuitry expertly. Variable rewards, such as likes, comments, and viral content, activate dopamine pathways in much the same way as gambling. The brain learns that constant checking might yield something rewarding, even if it usually does not. Over time, sustained attention weakens, and the mind becomes conditioned for fragmentation.

This has consequences beyond productivity. When attention is constantly hijacked, reflection becomes harder. Deep thinking, moral reasoning, and empathy all require uninterrupted cognitive space. A distracted brain is not a neutral brain; it is a reactive one.

What Happens When We Lose Depth

Studies show that chronic multitasking reduces working memory capacity and weakens the brain’s ability to switch into reflective modes associated with the default mode network. This network is critical for self-awareness, long-term planning, and understanding others’ perspectives.

When attention is externally controlled, identity formation suffers. Values are not chosen deliberately. They are absorbed passively. Outrage spreads faster than understanding because emotionally charged content activates the amygdala more powerfully than nuance ever could. In this environment, polarization is not an accident, it is a neurological outcome.

A generation that cannot focus cannot fully choose who it becomes.

Reclaiming Attention as an Act of Agency

Yet the same neuroplasticity that allows attention to be captured also allows it to be reclaimed.

Practices like sustained reading, mindfulness, long-form discussion, and intentional digital boundaries strengthen prefrontal control over attention networks. Each moment of choosing depth over distraction reinforces neural pathways for agency. Over time, the brain relearns how to sit with complexity instead of fleeing from it.

This is where consciousness becomes resistance. Choosing what to focus on, what stories to engage with, what voices to amplify, what ideas to sit with, is a form of quiet defiance in an economy built on distraction.

Attention as a Collective Force

On a societal level, attention shapes reality. Issues ignored by collective focus fade, while those consistently attended to gain moral and political weight. History’s turning points often coincide with shifts in public attention, from civil rights to climate justice to mental health.

When millions direct attention toward empathy, accountability, and long-term thinking, collective priorities reorganize. Neuroscientists describe this as attentional synchrony: shared focus that amplifies learning and coordination across groups. It is how movements sustain momentum rather than burn out.

The future will not be decided solely by innovation, but by what we decide is worth paying attention to.

The Minds We Are Becoming

A more conscious generation is not just one that knows more, but one that attends better. Attention determines which neural pathways are strengthened, which values become default, and which futures feel imaginable.

If consciousness is contagious, attention is how it spreads. In a world competing for your focus, choosing awareness is a revolutionary act. To change the world, we must understand not just how we think—but why we feel first.

If you found this post meaningful, stay tuned for the next article in my series Rewiring Minds: The Neuroscience of a Better World.
To build a better world, we must first understand the mind that shapes it.

Stranger Things- The End of an Era

Spencer
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Stranger Things- The End of an Era

This will include spoilers

The Final episode of Stranger Things aired on December 31st, 2025. Marking the end of an incredibly successful and lucrative series. However, after years of buildup, the finale left a lot of people wanting more. 

The poor writing, weak acting, and rushed pacing made this season lackluster and broke the hold that this series had on the general public. The show lacked the previous depth, anticipation, and creativity it once had. 

One of the biggest issues this show had was its bloated cast and inability to “kill” off or risk any major characters. To the point where it is actually laughable how the demogorgans, one of the major antagonists of the series, treat the main characters in comparison to random military members or other very minor characters. We know there is no genuine risk for any characters, so it gives us no anxiety or interest. Additionally, having so many characters doesn’t allow for enough story arcs to be properly portrayed. Even Will, after being given powers, had the potential to become a major figure in this series; however, he was ignored and tossed aside for the remainder of the season. 

Perhaps this inability to kill off or lose any of the cast has to do with the Duffer brothers’ fear of pushback by the fandom. For instance, if they killed a fan favorite, they would have to deal with large criticism from the public.

Throughout season 5, it genuinely feels like nothing happens. There are ten hours of television in that final season, and yet there is nothing actively going on. I cannot remember any events other than Vecna’s eventual demise, the wormhole theory, and the graduation scene. 

Each episode can be summarised by the fact that they try to do something to draw Vecna out of his hiding spot, Dustin is brooding and makes some revelation, and then explains a plan to everyone. 

The series lacks any creativity, and they have written themselves into a paradox of plans and repetitive dialogue. 

Another issue that has arisen, starting in season 4, is that the era of the eighties seems to have been forgotten, and they look too “costumey” to reasonably be in that time period. I caught myself assuming they were in the present while watching the latest season. 

All of the issues with the poor writing, world-building, and acting culminated into an internet fad called “Conformity Gate.” Where fans could not believe how the series ended, and began promoting an idea of a ninth episode to solve the plot holes. 

This was undeniably interesting, and the evidence was compelling. However, I was just constantly thinking, “The Duffer Brothers are not smart enough to pull this off.” 

The fan endings I saw were way better thought out than the actual season finale. When the date came for the release of the secret ninth episode, there was no new episode. It just exposed how lazy the writing was for this show, and how the Duffer Brothers had no intention to explain the many plot holes that existed. 

I feel that the reason Stranger Things saw such a dip in creativity and production is due to the mass attention it initially got. This show was not predicted to be as big a success as it was. This led to enormous expectations to meet and constant criticism. This also gave a sense of security, knowing that there would always be viewers, and the Duffers didn’t have to push themselves or the show as much in order to captivate audiences. The Duffers also had to deal with the reality that not everyone would be happy with their work, and instead of taking a risk, went for the safest and most predictable ending. One that left the audience wanting more, an ending that sure tied everything up, but was not reflective of the story arcs and journey of our main characters.

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