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.
Remember the good old days when Eeyore was always too sad, Winnie the Pooh wanted to spell love and Tigger was always bouncing? The other day, I was craving some Winnie the Pooh movies, but I couldn’t find it on Netflix!
We’re all in this together! Remember Sharpay always going after Troy but Gabriella and Troy were actually the OTP? Sometimes I just want to hear those tunes again, but it’s not on Netflix!
Another Zac Efron movie, but a classic! The soundtrack is pretty fun with songs like “I Can Hear the Bells” or “Good Morning Baltimore.” It also showed some deep social issues like racism and discrimination against the obese.
How can it be that THE classical Christmas movie is not on Netflix? There is the real people version, but the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas is not on Netflix!
The human race has been using art as a medium to express ourselves for as long as time. The 21st century has enabled artists to transfer their canvases, paints, and brushes onto a digital platform. Traditional canvas paintings and drawings are beautiful, but digital art is my ultimate favourite form. Out of all the digital artists I have found in my day, Sakimi Chan has reigned as my ultimate favourite.
You may have seen some of her work around the internet, as Sakimi Chan is well-known for her gender-bends.
The attention to detail in the highlights and shadows, variation of textures, and elegant air to all of her characters makes them absolutely breathtaking. I could stare at one of these images for hours, studying every single pixel on the image. Sakimi Chan also takes on classic cartoon and anime characters.
Although her tamer interpretations of these characters are still beautiful, Sakimi Chan also has a penchant for placing characters into different scenarios and giving them a different edge.
Just because she tends to remake existing characters, it doesn’t mean that Sakimi Chan doesn’t come up with concepts of her own. In fact, the art sprouted from her own imagination tends to be even more mystical and elegant.
You can find Sakimi Chan on Facebook, Instagram, DeviantArt, Tumblr, YouTube, Storenvy, and Patreon! (Disclaimer: Some of her drawings are a little bit racy, so view at your own discretion.)
FTC: This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are completely genuine. ♥
Having those Friday short days are great. But what do you do with the extra hours? I’m always keeping myself entertained by scrolling on my Facebook page. During one of my scrolling sessions, I came across a sponsored post on Serena Williams. Check out this video!
Launching herself to a whole new level, being the first black female athlete to appear on the cover of Vogue with the April edition, she also launched her twist on Beyonce’s 7/11 video. Making use of her niche, tennis, Serena Williams pulls an original and shockingly great twist to Beyonce’s original video of her song.
Personally I can’t pick between Serena’s version and Beyonce’s. Do you prefer Serena’s cast of tennis players to Beyonce’s cast of female dancers? Do you find Serena’s moves more hip than Beyonce’s? You decide! But never say a tennis pro can’t pull some serious moves.
I am not talking about the movie, the story, or the concept that Marvel has succeeded in winning over millions of fans with (including myself). The mistakes I am referring to are the disappointing arrays of awkward interviews and verbal hiccups that was showcased by the cast of the highly anticipated The Avengers: Age of Ultron. With some of the hottest celebs in Hollywood a part of one dream cast, one would think that whomever was in charge of the cast’s publicity would have had the easiest job in the world to market these stars in a positive light. Yet, what we got in this round of promotions were some offensive statements and a delectable array of uncomfortable situations. Whoever said all publicity is good publicity was devastatingly wrong.
Starting off with arguably the most problematic of the bunch, Jeremy Renner (I have my reasons, but would have to reveal some spoilers in order to justify). He and Chris Evans were under fire for releasing some sexist statements, one of which had Renner using the word, “slut” to describe Scarlett Johansson’s character, Black Widow. Sure, he may have his reasons, but a lot of people had their own and most didn’t think it was particularly that funny.
Then you have the slew of awkwardness that follows with Jimmy Kimmel. Some may consider these moments charming, but it is clear that Kimmel is a tad nervous and the humourous bits seem too forced, concluding in some unflattering moments for The Avengers‘ cast:
Really, people?
I mean, let’s be honest, did I still love the movie? Yes, of course. Do I still appreciate the film’s actors? Sure. But it was a disappointing sight to see so many PR faults with so much potential. It is clear that IRL, these actors are only human, like you and me.
For the past two years, Youth Are Awesome members have been prancing around Otafest and soaking in the otaku-friendly vibes of the Otafest community. We have reviewed Otafest food trucks (here, here, and here) and the maid cafe experience (here). We have compiled guides to pin trading (here) and tips for the event in general (here). We found some amazing cosplayers (here and here) and also tried to help our readers get over their post-Otafest depression (here).
This year Otafest is back, from May 15th to 17th. If it’s your first time hearing about this event, check out one of our bloggers’ first impressions of the convention and read all of the blogs I linked above to get a big picture. In a couple words, you can find Pokemon battles, hilarious improv shows, talented artists, and fabulous cosplayers at Otafest!
What started as a small event for just a couple of people has blossomed into an annual convention that thousands attend. People come to Calgary from all around the country (and also other countries) to attend these three days of festivities. Otafest provides a fun and accepting environment for otakus to express their love for Japanese culture in the company of fellow otakus.
If you can’t make it this month Otafest Aurora runs every winter and provides the same experience, but on a smaller scale.
deliverance, preservation; in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the soul’s safety or salvation.
Produced by Mount Royal University’s Artio Choir, Soteria: The Spirit of Persistence, is a whirlwind of a journey that “explores the resilience and unconquerable spirit that drives all of humanity” through different genres of music. With a strong vocal use of fast and slow tempos, aesthetically-pleasing backdrops, and soulful interpretive dances, Soteria is definitely one to stand out from the many performing arts shows I’ve seen!
After getting our tickets from the Box Office, my dad and I made our way inside the Wright Theatre. We sat 3 rows from the front, where we had a great view of the stage, the accompanist (Colin Redekop), and string quartet (Lily String Quartet). The show began with conductor, Jean-Louis Bleau, making a small speech about the story behind Soteria and how it is based off William Ernest Henley‘s poem, Invictus:
“Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
Jean-Louis Bleau went on to funnily describe how an Artio Choir’s rehearsal can be described as a “productive anarchy”of people who have courage and a passion for music.
The concert started shortly after, beginning with soft piano notes, and the choir coming out in torn-up white costumes and streaked face paint. The first song, “PAKKANEN“, was an African-inspired performance with the dancers moving expressively with their arms and body. As for the other members, they would group together in one spot of the stage to give focus on the dancers or soloists. This definitely set the tone for the show, as “Artio” specializes in showing off the variation of a person’s voice. I was also quick to realize that the songs sung by the choir are subject to personal interpretation in terms of the mood and atmosphere they were trying to convey.
With the next 3 songs, “LA OTRA“, “SPOTTED SNAKES“, and “DAEMON IRREPIT CALLIDUS“, the choir made use of the confusion, hardships, and frantic feelings humans go through in everyday life. At one point, the dancers were just black silhouettes using their arms and legs to mimic waves and the wind, with the cello playing in the background. The lighting would also change to red to show chaos and haunt the audience. This section definitely accentuated the fact that lighting and music can change the mood in a heartbeat!
In another change of pace, “CIRCUMDEDERUNT” displayed the choir’s ability to go from quick-paced songs to those more suited for church. This section was accompanied with a blue background meant to reflect the heavenly vibe of the performance. A sense of hope and peace was established among the performers and audience.
However, I easily found out that while serenity can be nice, a song like “UNKNOWN REGION” knows that the feeling does not last long. Rewinding to an immense tempo and volume change, coupled with dark blue and purple backgrounds, this showed the inner turmoil that can go on in a human’s mind.
But much like the spirit of soteria, we are carried “into the light of another day” in the choir’s rendition of the composed “INVICTUS“. Both the warm and cool tones of the orange and purple background was a true reflection of the mixture of sadness and pressure we all face. Although this is the case, we are also given the chance to face our fears and be the “captain of our soul”. This revelation can be seen and felt as the dancers fluidly move their way across the stage in hopes of finding a choir member willing to take their hand and be their companion.
Moving into one of the most enlightening sections of the performance, “STARS” was the song that left me awestruck as the choir utilized the glass harp. This musical innovation is played by running moistened or chalked fingers around the rim of several wine glasses that are filled up with varying amounts of water to achieve the desired pitch. As seen in the video below, each member plays a wine glass to create a dreamy sound that can send shivers down your spine. And like the song suggests, a background of stars was displayed as the somber atmosphere was felt by those who watched.
And finally, the last song of the night, “LUMINOUS NIGHT OF THE SOUL” was beautifully accompanied by the piano and string quartet comprising of three violins and a cello. This brought the choir together in front of a background that transitioned to the bold colors of the Northern Lights. Four dancers once again moved in the likes of something you’d see in nature, while holding hands from time to time. Although the concert was coming to an end, the Artio Choir did not part ways without their voices and the violins sending a clear message of adventure and hope that we will all find our way in this world.
All in all, Soteria: The Spirit of Persistence, was a mesmerizing concert that I am happy to have experienced! Thank you to YAA and Mount Royal University for making this opportunity happen! With resilience being a topic I have been exposed to, I am glad that it is an aspect that pops up in different artistic forms. Despite the highs and lows of our lives, I hope we can all cherish the enlightenment found through soteria.
“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” – Jack Kerouac
If you have been with me for a while now, you might have asked yourself, “Why hasn’t Ailin posted a review of any LUSH products recently?” Well, the answer is because I’m boring and don’t tend to change up my routine too often so I don’t have any new products to review for the most part. Luckily for everyone, my sister recently gifted me the Mask of Magnaminty for my birthday and it happened to catch my fancy. Without, further delay, let’s get started!
“Mask of Magnaminty isn’t technically a daily ‘facial wash’; it’s actually a deep cleansing face and back mask. China clay and fresh peppermint reach deep down to pull the debris from your pores, giving you that delightful tingly-clean sensation. We add loads of aduki beans to exfoliate flaky or dry skin, vanilla absolute to calm redness and honey to soothe. Our inventors created Mask of Magnaminty to be the ‘ultimate face mask’, intense but not harsh or abrasive on the skin. We recommend using Mask of Magnaminty weekly to keep the skin in good condition.”
Price: ♔♔♔♔♔
As I said before this item was a gift, but I searched it up and this mask goes for $24.95 (CAD, before tax) for 315g and $12.95 (CAD, before tax) for 125g. I have the 315g version, but I would suggest getting the 125g one if you’re just going to use it on your face. The first time I used this product, I barely even dented it. You don’t need very much at all to cover your entire face and it would be a waste to get a huge tub and watch half of it expire. With that being said, I gave the price a good rating since you are getting a lot for your money if you are only using it on your face.
Smell: ♔♔♔♔♔
This product features a fantastic blend of peppermint and honey, sending your nose on a magical candy land ride. The peppermint is the predominant scent, but you’ll get the occasional burst of honey and it just smells so delicious you could eat it. The smell is probably the most appealing part of this product for me, and even if it doesn’t do much for me I still enjoy using it to smell minty fresh.
Application: ♔♔♔♔
(Please excuse my crazy hair in the following photos.) I don’t like getting my hands messy, so I started out using my spatula to apply the product on my face, but then had to resort to using my fingers to spread it out evenly, anyways. The product kind of feels like cold, hard oatmeal and isn’t extremely pleasant to touch but sits very nicely once it’s applied.
{Applying the product using my spatula from my Annie’s Way mask.}
It may not look like it, but the clay does cement your face so that you can’t move it very well. The bright green turns into a dark swampy colour that is perfect for scaring unsuspecting family members. The tightening effect isn’t as intense as most other clay masks that I’ve used, and you still have some control over your facial muscles (but limited). It does get a little bit messy when you try to wash it off and the little flecks in the mask end up all over your sink.
Effectiveness: ♔♔♔
I could definitely tell that the active ingredients were doing something, as you experience tingling while you’re applying the product. Some people have complained that the tingling is overwhelming, but I personally found it pleasant. I’ve included a before and after comparison of my face, and I didn’t really experience any changes. Even a few days afterwards, there was no visible clearing of acne or redness, or reduction of oil production. They do recommend it as something you do once a week, but I honestly don’t think that waiting will do any more wonders.
I do have to say that I don’t have problematic skin in the first place; it isn’t dry or sensitive and I rarely get breakouts. When my skin does start acting up, I have many other products in my arsenal that I use to battle the problem. For someone like me, this product may start to yield results after several weeks but I’m not expecting any miracles. It’s certainly not the best mask I’ve ever used, but there aren’t really any negative aspects to using it either.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, then I would recommend this as an alternative to other clay masks and exfoliators. It is gentle on the skin (but it doesn’t seem to have any moisturizing properties) and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. PS. If you’re allergic/sensitive to peppermint, then this product definitely isn’t for you.
Overall: ♔♔♔♔
I can’t really give this product a bad rating just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for other people. If you know someone with sensitive skin that’s been dying for a good clay mask, point them to the Mask of Magnaminty and see what they think!
FTC: This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are completely genuine. ♥
No, it’s not a piece of bread made with the power of karma.
Though that would probably be warm, crispy deliciousness, that is not the type of toast I’m talking about. I’m talking about the type of toasts that you hear at weddings, where everyone joins together to celebrate someone or something. That is the idea behind Karma Toast, a social media platform where you don’t have to wait until a special occasion to toast your friends, your family, your mentors, heck, even your dog.
I heard about this through the Grade 10 IB students in my school, Lester B. Pearson, whose CALM teacher challenged them to undergo a 21-day Gratitude Challenge. Each day, they toasted something that they were grateful for in their lives using the hashtag #LBPKarmaToast. Many students have completed the challenge and have left feeling as a more appreciative and positive individual. So much so that the class was recognized by Karma Toast in an article: (http://www.karmatoast.com/blog/toastedteens/)
After seeing the amazing results of this project, I felt inspired to promote it more here on Youth Are Awesome. At the time I’m writing this, the Karma Toast Facebook page only has 623 likes, when I think it deserves a lot more. As such, this will also be Day 1 of my 21-day gratitude challenge and I challenge you, as a reader, to join along.
Simply adopting a grateful attitude can brighten up your outlook on life, where we focus on what we do have, instead of what we don’t. For those who don’t think about it often, it can be difficult at first, but with time, I believe that they have a world of things to be grateful for. We have the right to vote, the freedom of expression, the right to be protected from discrimination. Food, shelter, and health care. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Needless to say, but life is full of obstacles and difficulties that you have to overcome. Even during moments when it feels unfair and you question why it’s happening to you, it may be important to step back and view your situation through a different lens. Don’t become bitter and resentful, because that will only trap you in a perpetual cycle of negativity, hurting you and those close to you. Your choices have the power to both harm and help others.
Karma. The idea that doing good deeds will be rewarded with good deeds in return. It’s like we’re all in the same pond of water and how small actions can send ripples, affecting others. For example, it was through one CALM teacher’s actions that influenced her class and is now causing me to create this article. There is an invisible web through which all of our lives are interwoven.
I have been through it, you have been through it, we all have been though it. It is something we dread the most – failure. It pops up in the crevices of our lives, invading the sense of sanctity that resides there.
Well, you know what? you aren’t alone. And being experienced in the art of life, I can say this- it is okay to fail! Now you may be thinking “How would she know what is going on in my life?”. And you’re right, I don’t. I probably won’t. But I know that you are a strong person and you can overcome this obstacle.
Sometimes, failure may feel like a huge terrible thing, like a cookie monster out to steal your favorite cookies. But think of all the failures you have had- that bad quiz, the race you lost in gym class, etc. All those failures have brought to where you are now, and all those moments have summed up to make the person you are right now. You probably don’t even remember how bad you had felt then. So think of this failure as a challenge you have to overcome; an obstacle in your path to success. I believe in you, and so do those who love you. Don’t ever be harsh on yourself. There are 70 trillion cells n your body fighting to keep you alive and healthy.
When you will look back at your life, at all the decisions you have made, hurdles you have jumped over, you will realize that all were there for a purpose- to guide you to your purpose. So don’t worry if there is a failure! Smile, accept it as a challenge, and be victorious. Because more than me, you know that you can do it.
Mental health shouldn’t be a topic only talked about in the safety of the shadows in a dark alley. It’s a big topic and sadly enough it is also a big taboo in our society. Suicide is whispered about, depression is often thrown under the rug, panic and anxiety attacks are becoming increasingly normal for students.
“We take our kids for physical vaccinations, dental exams, eye checkups. When do we think to take our – our son or daughter for a mental health checkup?”
-Gordon Smith
On the week of April 20-24, 2015 Notre Dame High School Student Council took a hammer to the wall of stigma and opened up the topic of mental health.
The week consisted of themed days each aimed towards lowering the stress levels and removing the stigma associated with mental illness. The entire week instead of having the same obnoxious bell, they decided to play music to announce class changes instead. They kicked off the week with “Mellow Monday” in which Bob Marley graced the bells with his cover of “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. Students and teachers were invited to wear comfortable clothes – even their pajamas were welcomed.
The following day was “Tenseless Tuesday” where Mount Royal University Massage therapy students came and offered free 10 minute massages for students and teachers during Periods One and Two. Needless to say, the line up was huge.
“Wellness Wednesday” sought to encourage physical activity in the student body as it’s known to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise is important to be and stay healthy all around. As a collective, students were invited to take a walk around the pond near the school.
It is important to be kind and realize that everyone might be going through their own hardships. “Thoughtful Thursday” inspired students to give 5 compliments to show support and consideration for others. As the event for the day, yoga sessions were being held in the morning for students who wished to participate.
Sometime the simplest things can become some of the hardest things to do.
On “Fun Friday” to wrap up the week and encourage students to have a little fun among all of the responsibility of school and life, students had to pay only $2 to get out of class and watch a special showing of “It’s Kind Of a Funny Story” at the next door cinema. I personally thought the showing of that movie was a perfect way to wrap up the week. It’s Kind of a Funny Story follows a 16 year old diagnosed with depression coping with the stresses of life and growing up. Before the showing, two students from the ND Student Council came and spoke a little bit about why they they planned and executed the week. The council members spoke about how raising awareness and support for those affected by mental illnesses should continue past the week.
Often mental illnesses are talked about in media but they’re often not represented as what they are. Villains are written around their illnesses leaving the individual and their evil doing completely inseparable. This causes the effect of alienating and demonizing those who are affected by these illnesses in real life. Instead of seeking help for certain people or even treating them like people at all, they are cast aside or avoided. Often, we tend to describe people’s quirks as a cause of OCD or sometimes people throw words like schizo and psycho around as insults. Having a mental illness is not an insult, it’s a condition of the mind. This is part of the stigma that must be broken through.
The overall feedback from the students was extremely positive. Praise was said for all of the events including the massages, yoga, and movie. The week had such a big impact that a petition started to go around in the end of the week dubbed “Beyonce Bells.” Students were encouraged to tweet about it with the hash tag conveniently cast as #beyoncebells. It sought to keep music in place of the bells for the remaining of the school year. Students from ND who started the petition gathered over 650 signatures which proved to be enough because as of last Friday, music continues to play through the intercom to announce class changes. This is set to happen every Friday to end each week on a positive note.
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s mental health week is May 4-10, 2015. Perhaps you can do your own mental health week. Have a mellow Monday, a tensless Tuesday, wellness Wednesday, thoughtful Thursday, and a fun Friday. It’s important to take care of yourself physically and mentally because your brain can get sick too. You need to take care of your mental health as much as your physical health.
Earlier this month, Arts & Culture editor Hui Wen and I had the incredible opportunity to spend 10 days living in Denmark as part of a student exchange program. It was a transformative experience that I can’t recommend highly enough. Especially as a youth, travel can be such an eye-opening experience. There are so many reasons why an exchange program may be the best way to do so, but I’ll do my best to name a few.
1. Making new friends
I was more than a little bit apprehensive to how well the whole “homestay” portion of the trip would go. What if I didn’t get along well with the family I had been paired with? What if the food they served was terrible?
Honestly, all that worry was for nothing. The very fact that a family has agreed to host a student already shows that they are prepared to provide a caring and welcoming environment. Going through a daily routine with the same group of people and living in their home allows a truly unique bond to form, and I know that I have made friends for life.
2. Living like a local
This was probably the coolest part of the homestay. When you’re visiting somewhere as a tourist, there are so many things that you just don’t get to experience. I’m not sure exactly what it is about going to a real Danish grocery store or attending classes at a typical Danish high school, but it provided a much more intimate look at the culture. You learn all of the ins and outs of the life of the place you’re visiting – way more than any tour guide or museum could ever teach you. I consider it a much more authentic experience.
3. Cost-efficiency
I’m not going to try and convince you that international flights are anywhere near cheap, but once you actually arrive at your exchange destination and settle in with your host family, there aren’t many things you have to pay for. As anyone who has travelled for long periods can tell you, free accommodation is the key to keeping your trip budget low. The home-cooked meals really don’t hurt, either.
4. Gaining a better understanding of Canadian culture/society
Okay, I get that this one sounds a bit lame. Why should you travel across the world when you can appreciate Canada from your own backyard? The truth is that getting an inside look at another culture makes you reconsider aspects of your own. My homestay family was incredibly interested to know all about my home country; from the Canadian school system to the cost of Nike shoes. We spent many mealtime discussions comparing and contrasting Canada and Denmark and looking critically at both societies. For the first time, I felt like I had a deep enough understanding of another society to have a frame of reference to which I could compare my own.
If you’re interested in reading more about the trip and seeing some photos, be sure to check out my blog posts here or Hui Wen’s here
I recently only discovered the TV series world about this time last year in grade 9. Now in grade 10, taking advanced programs and with homework to complement the courses, how do I create time for series? It’s simple, I can’t go back to a life without them. Gossip Girl was the starter for me, it exposed me to a whole new world of relaxation. And most especially, it showed me a future possibility. Thanks to my Gossip Girl days, I am now obsessed with becoming a New Yorker one day.
Get ready for a new improved form of relaxation. Get ready to discover yourself. Even while doing homework, enjoy one of these in the background. Here’s a few to start you off:
The Mindy Project
Looking for a way to watch tv without getting distracted? This is definitely the series for you. Go on and have a good laugh while experiencing romance.
Damages
Is the routine of school boring you out? Take a break. Challenge your mind with this show, you’ll always be at the edge of your seat. This show is also perfect for the aspiring lawyers out there like me; like The Good Wife and Suits.
Weeds
This is the perfect show to squash all stereotypes. Watch and be amazed at how a group of individually flawed people come together to appear flawless.
Mad Men
Was your English class so brutal that you are now unable to watch anything without being analytical? I feel your pain. And this show can help take it away. Set in the 1960s, this show explores deeper meanings to actions done in a very interesting way. Your analysis will not get in the way of your enjoyment.
Pretty Little Liars
For the ultimate girly girls out there, this is the show for you. Personalize with one of the six girls that make up the main characters. Identify yourself in one of them and engage in the drama and mystery that is this show.
The Originals
Interested in the supernatural? But feel like Vampire Diaries has a little too many vampires? This is your show. Watch all the supernatural creatures you can ever imagine come into play in a very original way.
Revenge
Everyone knows revenge is a bad thing but you’ve never really seen revenge till you watch this show. Be amazed at the moves, the pretence and the glamour of it all.
The 100
For all the scientific minds out there. Let this show take your scientific knowledge to a whole new place. Science doesn’t only have to be learnt in school.
Arrow
See for your own eyes as the ultimate bad boy becomes the ultimate good boy. The modern day superhero; goes undercover and saves his town from the bad.
Empire
A new ‘hip’ show. With ratings already soaring, explore your hip hop side with this new popular show. One thing is for sure; if you can’t seem to find a hip hop side, you will definitely be hooked by the family drama alone.
Genocide: The systematic extermination of an entire nation. See: Holocaust
Nation: A group that comes together due to common goal/identity e.g. linguistic nation, cultural nation, civic nation.
Muslims protect Christians praying, two different religious nations.
We all know of the holocaust in some form or another. Through the diaries of Anne Frank, the Boy in Striped Pajamas, the holocaust museum or social studies class we are exposed to the atrocity that unfortunately composes much of human history. Not an easy topic to imagine or go back to but real and the danger is when we forget our past. I want to say I’m sorry for this article but I hope it makes you feel something.
General Dallaire pictured above to the right was a French-Canadian soldier whose disobedience of a direct order saved over 35,000 people.
This poem/spoken word piece was written in response to ‘Shake Hands with the Devil’ a movie that attested to humanity’s failure in Rwanda. Through the eyes of a French-Canadian UN soldier, we view the futile mission to prevent millions of deaths with limited ammunition, medicine and man-power. My initial response to the film was speechlessness. Then tears. Then back to speechlessness as the shock of what I had witnessed and the reality that this had happened sunk in. Finally the words came and I realized that preserving the status quo never changed anything.
So yes I hope this shocks you
Because we’re just human beings
Trying to comprehend what we’re seeing
Blocking out what’s beyond believing
Choosing to ignore
What may be in store
For us
For us if we don’t act
If we don’t react to what we’ve seen
We can accomplish our dream
Our impossible goal
Despite the burden of constant toll
I’m sorry but it’s too soon
To associate with that
To deal with the pain
The hatred of past
Because what’s past is past
No time to look back
While we’re rushing still onward
Towards what may come
What will come if we wish it so
What can happen we know
If only we open our eyes
Remove our protective shield
We can no longer shy away from the scary thoughts
The frightening reality
I know it is
But facing our fears
Is the only way our years
Of focused effort will pay off
The only way
We will come to know love
Maybe we can’t win every battle
It was never the goal
Just as a horse
Was once a foal
We too must grow
With nurture and care
Spreading it far
Hear and there
It ain’t easy being green in a world full of red
But we can’t a a difference when our lives have been lead
When change becomes past instead
Instead of our present and our future
Then we’ve outlived our use
We’re already dead
So yes I hope this shocks you
I hope it makes you think
Cause you and I are one and the same
And ourselves the brink of change.
“Fitness, in my eyes, is a way of release; an outlet. There’s no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment after finishing up a workout routine. That moment when you’re catching your breath and you can feel your heart pounding inside of your chest, along with the fresh ache in your bones. It’s the sort of rush that you just can’t get by sitting on the couch all day. I workout and go for runs because it makes me happy. Mentally, it helps me to relieve stress from both school and at home and it’s healthy for me physically too! I love pushing myself to newer and better things, and I hope to become the best version of myself that I can be. And that’s a feeling I want to share with everyone.”
– Chantelle, 14
Admin’s note: This is our first submission from a fellow reader, so please do enjoy it. =)
Since Summer is coming up, we will be saying the most famous words everyone says during the summer which is ‘I’m bored.’ So to make sure we don’t say that, I have put together a list of how to have the PERFECT movie night! This is so great for night time in the Summer! So grab your friends and read about how to have the perfect sleep over!
1. Grab some friends! You are going to need some friends! Unless you like being alone or everyone is busy, then a perfect movie night for one is always great too!
2. Pick the movies! Pick out the movies you want to watch, a great idea for night time is a comedy, my favorite genre of movies are for sure comedies or even Disney! You’re never too old for a Disney movie!
3. The perfect setting! Pick out where you want to watch the movie, in your bedroom, living room, anywhere that is comfy and that you will feel happy! Make sure you have lots of blankets and pillows.
4. Snacks. For a perfect movie night, you will need snacks of course! The perfect snack for a movie night would for sure be caramel popcorn. You can make it at home simple and easy!
5. Dim lighting. Make sure you have some dim lighting! It just makes it perfect and watching a movie at night if you get tired you can just easily fall asleep during it! I have Christmas lights in my room, so they aren’t too bright and also not too dim.
6. Have fun and be happy! Now that you are set, have fun and watch all your favorite movies! Make sure they are not too scary, if you like horror, make sure to have a friend and remind each other, it is just a movie! Have fun and happy movie night!
“Fitness, in my eyes, is a way of release; an outlet. There’s no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment after finishing up a workout routine. That moment when you’re catching your breath and you can feel your heart pounding inside of your chest, along with the fresh ache in your bones. It’s the sort of rush that you just can’t get by sitting on the couch all day. I workout and go for runs because it makes me happy. Mentally, it helps me to relieve stress from both school and at home and it’s healthy for me physically too! I love pushing myself to newer and better things, and I hope to become the best version of myself that I can be. And that’s a feeling I want to share with everyone.”
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