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Careers in Calgary: A Conversation with Patricia Jones, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation

Mayor's Youth Council
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Careers in Calgary: A Conversation with Patricia Jones, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation

This article is written by Tess, a member of the 2024-25 Mayor’s Youth Council. Tess is part of the Careers and Opportunities committee, who wanted to highlight different career opportunities for youth. 

If you want to have a successful, lucrative, career you must be one of the following: doctor, engineer, business person… right? This is something that many of us have heard, over and over again, from parents, or teachers, friends, or maybe that older person, the one you are not quite so sure how you are related to. 

As a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council Careers and Opportunities subcommittee, I have spent the last year thinking up ways to provide opportunities for youth to learn about possible paths after highschool. At our first meeting with Mayor Gondek in the fall, she suggested that we find a way to show the youth of Calgary more unique careers this year. It had never really occurred to me to seek out different types of careers, but as I find myself looking at universities and career options, I have begun to wonder, what other careers are out there that I just don’t know about?

Though I am not quite sure exactly which path I want to take, I know that I want to find a career where I can make a difference in my community. So when I got the opportunity to interview Patricia Jones, the CEO and President of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, I was beyond excited, and honestly a little nervous. The Calgary Homeless Foundation is a charitable organisation that advises the government on how to distribute funds most effectively to organisations seeking to help those in need in Calgary. 

As it turns out, I had no reason to worry, Patricia Jones is an extremely kind and inspiring woman. 

I started out the interview asking her about her background and how she came to be: Patricia Jones, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

She explained to me that she grew up in small town Alberta, where the expectation was for her to marry a farmer or get a job in a bank. To which she told me: “I thought, well, I don’t want to do any one of those things. So I went to the University of Lethbridge and got a Bachelor of Social Work degree.  And then went to U of C. I thought in order to make more money, I’ll be frank, I needed to get a master’s degree. So I got my master’s degree and then I worked at Catholic Family Service for 27 years. Started as a therapist and then worked my way around and through into leadership positions and then came to Calgary Homeless five years ago.” 

I was extremely inspired by her drive and the hard work she put in, to break through the boundaries set by stereotypes and sexism. She had decided to go against the path laid out for her and taken the leap to pursue something she was truly passionate about. 

The next thing that intrigued me about this unique and inspiring career path, was the day to day reality. What did the days of this highly educated CEO look like? 

Patricia was more than happy to fill me in: “My job is very external in many ways, and I often say my time is not my own. So I’ll give you an example: Monday I was at a drop-in center touring with somebody from Lethbridge. And then we brought in a speaker from Ontario for the afternoon with all of our colleagues. And then Tuesday morning I had an internal executive leadership meeting with all, with the vice presidents here. And then I had lunch with a board member and a board prospect. Then I met with a staff member and then I had a partner meeting in the community. And then I had a compensation discussion. Yesterday, I had staff supervision. In the afternoon I was at Confluence, our Indigenous G4 Tribal Council, which is our Indigenous partner, had a resource fair there for people experiencing homelessness. And then I was doing strategic planning interviews. And then I was at a launch for the Calgary Affordable Housing Foundation. So it’s all over the map, right? Probably 80% of my job is external. And about 60% of that 80% is government relations. When somebody asks me a question, what do you do all day? Each one of those activities was about guiding the fight against homelessness. And if I’m doing something that is a part of that purpose, I shouldn’t be doing it.”

After hearing how much she accomplished in a day, I made sure to thank her for taking the time to chat with me! Though they seemed like long days, it was clear that each piece of Patricia’s days were powered by purpose and were making a true impact in the organisation and throughout Calgary. It is clear that Patricia’s laser focus and dedication to her work is what allows her to find so much success as well as a sense of fulfillment. Her passion for her work was clear as she animatedly explained to me the purpose behind her work. 

Next I asked her what initiative she took the most pride in. She responded that in her five years with the Calgary Homeless Foundation, she had put in a lot of effort to create a positive work environment. This was not the answer I was expecting, but it makes so much sense with the rest of Patricia’s philosophy. She explained to me that she put in so much work to make the organisation run smoothly internally, so that they would be able to have maximum positive outward impact. Moreover, she ensured that the entire operation had a clear view of their reason for existing and their goals. She emparted her own philosophy, “ Each one of those activities was about guiding the fight against homelessness. And if I’m doing something that is a part of that purpose, I shouldn’t be doing it.”, into each and every one of the organisation’s proceedings. 

Her passion for her work is a clear demonstration of the benefits of choosing a career that aligns with your strengths and goals. I hope that learning about her story has inspired you to search for careers for which you are passionate. 

Education in the Era of AI: Is it Good?

Kheta
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Education in the Era of AI: Is it Good?

 

The rise of AI in the last 2 years has brought substantial changes to everyone’s lives. AI is being used everywhere, whether it be supporting academic growth or assisting one in their professional work. AI has been a topic of debate in the education system, considering its ability to aid students, but also become an answer key. While the perspectives on AI range from for to against, the increased use of AI is starting to unravel some difficulties for both teachers and students. This article will explain the multiple facets of AI in education and how its future can continue to affect us students in both ways.

Learner’s Perspective:

OpenClipart-Vectors, January 31, 2017, Pixabay
OpenClipart-Vectors, January 31, 2017, Pixabay

AI’s ability to personalize its response in the context of the student makes it easier for individuals to grasp onto topics and clear any questions they would have. While some students like learning from in-class lectures, many struggle to keep up or do not comprehend the teacher’s style of teaching. Despite such educational barriers, students can learn with AI through uploading course content and having it explained to them in any way desired. These capabilities allow students to feel confident in their learning while being able to learn more in less time. Before AI was incorporated into our daily lives, textbooks, teachers, and friends were the only options and therefore our generation may have more potential to unlock new streams of knowledge. The assistance of AI continues to allow students to perform active learning. AI tools such as ChatGPT, MindGrasp, Copilot, Gemini, Grammarly and many more have become an active part of efficient and effective learning.

Educators Perspective:

Alexandra_Koch, January 16, 2023, Pixabay
Alexandra_Koch, January 16, 2023, Pixabay

AI has also benefited teaching, in which creating and presenting course material has become more efficient over the past few years. Teachers often use AI to support needs such as creating presentations and assignment descriptions or detecting plagiarism. A rising concern for educators is being able to detect plagiarism and the use of AI in students’ work. While AI is a useful learning tool, its misuse can inhibit the academic progression of students. AI such as Turn It In, Plagium, Copyleaks, Quilbot, etc., are some of the most commonly used software that use AI to detect AI.

What Does This Mean for The Education System?

Alexandra_Koch, February 12, 2023, Pixabay

The issue of students using AI as a shortcut rather than a tool is concerning for the educator’s side of the system. While the easy solution is to advance AI detection software, the advancing AI may be able to overcome the detection barriers, leaving teachers helpless. Conversely, the advancement of AI detection can become an issue for students to prove their originality if falsely accused of using AI. The battle between AI in favour of either learners or educators is only making it more difficult for classrooms and the education system.

What Are The Solutions?

  1. Teachers are using a new learning approach of using process-based assessment rather than assessing a student’s final submission. Dr. Michael Paskevicius, a professor at UVic, describes this strategy in an article where he claims that examining the learning process will enhance the authentic teaching done by teachers.
  2. A common approach seen in classrooms is explaining the consequences of AI use in assignments, however, this strategy can be too general and not as effective at times. Using words and severe consequences may only scare students however teachers tend to use such strategies in classrooms to efficiently explain the message.
  3. Another solution for the issue of false accusations of AI use is developing more trust in the bonds built between educators and learners. Teachers often forget that AI detectors can provide false positives and therefore trusting the detector over the student can disrupt a students hard work.
  4. For students, the solution is not to stop using AI because AI is important to keep up with the advancements and level of understanding one can develop throughout their lives.
  5. A solution towards AI in education can also involve encouraging AI use and developing a system where AI is integrated into learning to enhance the process of learning. For instance, handing out large assignments that can easily be done by AI is not as effective as allowing students to use AI to access information and then analyzing their developments in class.

Conclusion:

The rising concern of AI in the education system can not be solved with one idea, but rather requires intense analysis and attempting to develop the best strategies to move forward. Undoubtedly, AI has assisted teachers and students in their jobs and despite all the concerns it raises for both parties, its main purpose can contribute to an enhanced and intellectually powerful society.

Pope Leo XIV – His Story

Crystal Lattice
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Pope Leo XIV – His Story

 

White Smoke Rises!

On Thursday, May 8th, white smoke had risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new Pope had been elected. As a Pope, his responsibility is to preserve, interpret, and teach the faith of Christianity, acting as the leader of around 2.35 billion Christians worldwide today.

White Smoke on a Cross
Photo by Boudewijn Huysmans on Unsplash

 

How Does One Become Pope?

Before exploring who this Pope is, allow ourselves to understand what it takes to become the Pope. Becoming Pope is a rigorous progress, but it is technically achievable for any men.

Step 1: Be a male upon birth.

Step 2: Devout yourself to Christianity, beginning with Baptism.

Step 3: Consider becoming a priest.

Step 4: Become a Bishop. To become a Bishop, you must be part of the list that the current Bishops make for the case that a Bishop steps down and a priest needs to step up. The minimum requirements for Bishops are to have at least 5 years experience as a Priest and a PhD in Theology. On top of that, top priests in the list have to attend an interview and a congress of Bishops decides the decision… also, the current Pope can veto that decision.

Step 5: Become a Cardinal. Unlike the complicated process of becoming a Bishop, Cardinals are appointed by the Pope directly.

Step 6: Wait for the Pope to resign or pass away. Afterwards, Cardinals vote among each other on who becomes the new Pope.

Step 7: Achieve at least a 2/3 majority vote from your fellow Cardinals to become Pope.

For reference, there are around 400 000 priests, around 5 500 Bishops, and over 200 Cardinals, of which only over 100 Cardinals can participate in the voting process. Once the new Pope is decided, they must provide themselves a new name, similar to enacting a new birth.

Wax Figure Pope
Image by Melanie from Pixabay

Background Story

In 1977, he earned a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, and later, he received his theological education at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Afterwards, he was ordained a Priest in Rome in 1982.

From 1982 to 2014, Priest Prevost was praised over his many works from serving communities, instructing Theology to various people, to being trusted with the pastoral care of the Our Lady Mother of the Church. In 2014, he was recognized by Pope Francis and became the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, one of the main places where he helped many people.

For the next 9 years, he held the title as a Bishop. He continued his incredible works, even serving as president across many Catholic conferences and commissions. He would be appointed again by Pope Francis, and after 4 years of climbing the ladder, he was labelled as a Cardinal on September 2023.

As of May 8th, 2025, Cardinal Prevost achieved the majority vote and deemed himself as Pope Leo XIV (the XIV is roman numeral for 14, revealing that he is the 14th Pope to give himself the name of Leo)

Pope Statue
Image by Adith01 from Pixabay

What’s next?

With Pope Leo XIV as the new Pope, he now leads the faith of Christianity worldwide. In other words, he is essentially the boss, starting with the Cardinals to the Bishops to the Priests to every other Catholic. May 8th, 2025, marks the beginning of his time as the Pope and his promising background story and approval from at least 2/3 of the Cardinals signifies that his great work will stretch from there. Moving on from here, it is unclear on what he may accomplish in the future, but with a new Pope secured, the foundation of Christianity is secured again.

 

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5

Aztec Technology We Use Today!

Avy
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Aztec Technology We Use Today!

When we think of the Aztecs, images of grand temples, feathered warriors, and gold artifacts usually come to mind. But beyond the myths and drama of conquest, the Aztecs were remarkably advanced engineers and innovators. In fact, some of their technologies and ideas continue to influence our daily lives today—often in ways we don’t even realize.

After spending hours digging through academic articles, anthropology journals, and archaeological reports, I was honestly blown away by how many traces of Aztec ingenuity still exist. Here’s a deep dive into some of the technologies the Aztecs used that remain part of modern life.

1. Chinampas: The Floating Gardens That Inspired Modern Farming

The Aztecs built artificial islands called chinampas in the shallow lakes around Tenochtitlán (modern-day Mexico City). These were essentially raised beds of earth constructed on lake beds, separated by canals. They allowed for year-round agriculture and were highly productive—some estimates suggest they could yield up to seven harvests a year.

Today, we see similar ideas in hydroponics and aquaponics. Urban farming initiatives often reference chinampas as early examples of sustainable, space-efficient agriculture. In places like Xochimilco, parts of the original chinampas still function and produce crops. Modern environmentalists and agricultural engineers study these ancient systems to combat food insecurity in densely populated urban areas.

2. Causeways and Canals: The Precursor to City Infrastructure

Tenochtitlán was a city built on a lake, connected to the mainland by long, straight causeways. These weren’t just roads—they included sluice gates, drawbridges, and aqueducts for clean water. The Aztecs combined engineering with natural resources to make a city that was both accessible and defensible.

In modern civil engineering, the concept of using elevated roads, water-based transportation, and planned grids for cities owes a lot to systems like the ones the Aztecs designed. Their use of causeways is a great example of how human-made and natural environments can work together rather than against each other.

3. Herbal Medicine and Natural Remedies

Aztec healers, known as ticitl, had an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. They used hundreds of herbs for treating everything from stomachaches to wounds and even mental health issues. Some of their treatments included aloe vera, chili peppers, and cacao—all of which are still used in traditional and even mainstream medicine today.

Modern pharmacology has started to take a deeper interest in these ancient remedies. Scientists are analyzing Aztec texts and comparing them with clinical research, discovering that a surprising number of their treatments had real medicinal value. What’s even more fascinating is that many of these plants are now grown worldwide for health and wellness products.

4. Universal Education

The Aztecs believed that every child—regardless of gender or class—deserved an education. Schools were widespread, and both boys and girls were taught practical skills, religion, history, and arts. While the content was tailored based on social class (nobles learned more advanced topics), the idea that everyone should learn was revolutionary for its time.

This early model of universal education parallels many of the values we hold today. Public education systems across the globe share the Aztec ideal that knowledge shouldn’t be exclusive. It’s incredible to think that centuries ago, a society had already committed to making education a cornerstone of citizenship.

5. Pictographic Writing and Record-Keeping

While the Aztecs didn’t have a phonetic alphabet like the Romans or Greeks, their pictographic writing system was detailed and sophisticated. Codices were used to record history, laws, religious rituals, and trade agreements.

Today, infographics and visual data representation are everywhere—from social media to business reports. Some educational theorists argue that our brains are wired to interpret and remember visual symbols more effectively. The Aztecs seemed to know this centuries before we made it a design trend.

6. Calendars and Timekeeping

The Aztecs used two primary calendars: the tonalpohualli, a 260-day ritual calendar, and the xiuhpohualli, a 365-day solar calendar. These systems were used for everything from religious ceremonies to agricultural planning. Their understanding of astronomy and time was incredibly advanced for the pre-modern world.

While we no longer follow the Aztec calendar, their sophisticated timekeeping methods contributed to the broader Mesoamerican astronomical legacy. Today’s calendars and astronomical tools still rely on principles rooted in ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to dismiss the past as primitive, but the more we learn about the Aztecs, the clearer it becomes that they were visionaries in science, engineering, and society. Their innovations were not only impressive for their time—they laid the groundwork for techniques and systems we still rely on.

Spending time researching this has made me appreciate how human knowledge isn’t a straight line forward, but a web that connects us across generations. The Aztecs were problem-solvers, creators, and thinkers. And in many ways, they were centuries ahead of their time.

Next time you walk past a community garden or scroll through a visual chart on your phone, take a moment to think of the people who made that possible long before us.

How do light bulbs function?

Hanrong
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How do light bulbs function?

The light bulb–a transformative invention

Personally, I view the invention of the light bulb as a major breakthrough in human history. Before the light bulb was invented, people depended significantly more on the natural cycles of sunrise and sunset for their schedule. After its invention, the world would never the same.

Historically, the invention of the light bulb coincided with the discovery new science principles about electricity. This period of rapid expansion of knowledge occurred in the mid-nineteenth century, regarding electromagnetic induction. It also contributed to the discovery of the motor and generator effects, which are both crucial to understanding electricity in greater detail from a physics perspective.

The process of inventing

The light bulb itself was created in the 1870s. According to this article from HowStuffWorks, there was a rush for inventors to “devise a practical, affordable electrical home lighting device” at the time. Thomas Edison was widely credited as the inventor of the light bulb; although Edison created the light bulb with “only a handful of parts,” modern bulbs are actually not too much more complex! Let’s dive into the technology itself.

The light bulb operates based on the principles of atomic theory. Specifically, atoms release photons (energy particles in light) after their electrons become excited. This is the reason we see light from bulbs at all. All light bulbs possess a thin metal filament, which can be heated to extremely high temperatures. Often, the inside of the glass bulb is filled with an inert gas, to allow for the higher filament temperatures as well.

As the bulb is connected to a power supply, the electric current flows into the bulb, then moves to the filament. There, the electrons “bump into” the metal atoms present, heating these atoms up. The free-moving electrons from the power source also boost the vibrating atoms’ bound electrons temporarily to a higher orbital (or energy level) within their electron cloud. As previously mentioned, the bound electrons will eventually fall to their normal level or orbital, releasing light particles.

Tungsten

Tungsten is perhaps the most widely-used metal in the light bulb filaments. It is extremely thin, but very long, allowing it to be “arranged in a double coil” to “fit it all in a small space.” Tungsten is one of the ideal choices for making a light bulb, because it can be heated to extreme temperatures without melting. Its atoms are bonded quite strongly to each other, and can resist disintegrating, even as they collide with the electrons from the current. However, the incandescent light bulbs that use tungsten are generally inefficient. Only a small fraction of emitted light photons from these bulbs actually belong to the visible spectrum–that is, light we humans can see.

It is because of this that newer technologies have been developed over time, to increase the energy efficiency of light bulbs. New technologies includes the LED and more; check out this article for more information about LED!

An important tool for humanity

It is hardly an overstatement to say that the light bulb is one of the most transformative inventions in the last few centuries of human history. Light bulbs allowed society to further develop, and today, we find that we use this technology every day in our lives. In so many ways, we depend on electricity for basic necessities and for entertainment. The light bulb is truly a significant invention, and it continues to shape our world, even to this day.

Annotating Books: A Beginner’s Guide

Suha Arvapalli
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Annotating Books: A Beginner’s Guide

Almost every reader with internet access and a Pinterest account is familiar with book annotating. Book annotating nowadays usually involves writing notes or reactions in the book, drawing little pictures, and using tabs and highlighters to mark impactful quotes/moments. Although, seeing how advanced and detailed some people’s annotations are can be intimidating and discourage you from reaping all the benefits that this activity comes with. You may even be yawning at this blog post, thinking, “What’s the point?”

It seems like a lot of effort and time, which it can be if you decide to annotate that way. It also seems pointless, and scary. I have definitely felt this way before, and to this day, I usually don’t annotate by writing directly in the book because of the fear of messing up and ruining the pages. Although, I have recently begun annotating two books that I’m currently reading, and it’s been a freeing experience. I’m a beginner to this craft as well, so here’s my perspective on how to start book annotating in the most effective way.

This blog post is not meant to force you to write in your favourite books with pen or permanently alter the book in any way, unless you’re comfortable with doing so. I’m a firm believer in the idea that if you spent your own money on the book, you get to choose what to do with it. If you don’t want to annotate, don’t annotate! Although, if you’re curious, stick around for why I found annotating helpful and which parts of it I didn’t enjoy as well.

Annotating Pros and Cons: Why You Should or Shouldn’t Annotate

Annotating books can help you connect better with the text and understand underlying themes. Some say it helps them get more invested in the plot. Although, annotating can also take up a huge portion of time and slow down your reading pace, as well as distract you from actually reading. Maya from Medium states, “Some people might find this practice distracting and damaging to the book (myself included). But you can choose how you annotate, which will significantly affect your experience. Make it as expressive, or keep it as simple as you like.”

  • Jason Goodman – Unsplash

    Pros: 

    • 1. Improves comprehension: Writing notes or underlining helps you engage more deeply with the material, making it easier to understand and remember.

    • 2. Makes reviewing easier: When you come back later to look back into the book, your annotations help you quickly find key moments and quotes that you may want to refer to.

    • 3. Encourages critical thinking: Asking questions or making comments in the margins forces you to think more critically about what you’re reading. It’ll help you ask important questions about the plot and characters and you can better analyze the text.

    • 4. Personal connection to the text: Annotations can reflect your personal reactions, emotions, or thoughts, making the reading experience more meaningful. You can get a lot more out of the book this way.

  • Cons: 

    • 1. Time-consuming: Stopping to highlight or write notes slows down your reading, which can be frustrating if you’re on a schedule.

      2. Can be distracting: Focusing on making annotations might pull you out of the narrative or main idea.

      3. Clutters the page: Too many notes or highlights can make the page look messy and harder/more distracting to read later.

      4. Not ideal for borrowed books: If the book isn’t yours (library or friend’s), you usually can’t write in it. Although, you can find alternatives like using sticky notes and tabs to ensure you don’t permanently damage the pages.

      5. Can lead to over-annotation: Highlighting everything defeats the purpose, it’s easy to go overboard with your annotating and realize you actually don’t understand anything about

Annotating Supplies & Materials 

To annotate, people use a wide array of materials. Before you begin, you should check if the materials you choose to use will damage the book or not. Some pens can bleed through the pages and other pens have runny ink, which will lead to messy pages and make annotating more frustrating than fun. Here are examples of materials that you may choose to use on your annotating journey.

Nathan Dumlao – Unsplash

  • Pens & Pencils: For writing margin notes, underlining, or drawing symbols. Pencils are great if you want to erase and are scared of making a permanent mistake.

  • Highlighters: For marking key points. Consider using different colors for themes, characters, or important quotes. I’ll talk about annotating legends later on in this post.

  • Sticky Notes / Page Flags / Tabs: Great for adding notes without writing directly on the page. Also useful for marking pages to revisit.

  • Notebook or Reading Journal: For more detailed notes, reflections, or summaries that don’t fit in the margins. Making a scrapbook for your book can also be a fun activity.

  • Colored Pens or Markers: Helps with color-coding notes by theme, topic, or emotion. Make sure the markers don’t bleed through the pages by testing them out on a separate sheet of paper before using them in the book.

  • Ruler: For drawing neat lines or boxes around important passages. Also used for underlining quotes.

  • Annotating Legends: Assigning specific colors to specific things that you want to look  for in the book. For example, someone may choose to use blue tabs/highlighters/pen to mark their favourite quotes in a book. When you’re looking for something specific in the book, having a legend can help you find it quicker and organize your thoughts.

How You Can Get Started

Beku Kanomi – Unsplash

To begin annotating, start by reading through the text to get a general understanding. Use tools like highlighters, notes, or symbols to mark key ideas, unfamiliar words, and your personal reactions. Focus on identifying main points, asking questions, and making connections. Ensure you prioritize quality over quantity, having too many annotations can be hard to keep up with and make the whole process.

Creating a legend is ideal when you’re annotating multiple different elements of the text. For example, you can assign the colour blue to highlight your favourite quotes, or use green sticky notes to mark pages with scenes that emotionally impacted you. You can choose to write your legend down on the inside cover of the book, or use a sticky note and place it in the cover instead. Ensure your legend doesn’t contain too many categories at first, since this will make the activity more frustrating and stressful than fun.

At the end of the day, annotating is supposed to be creative and enjoyable, meaning you can annotate however you’d like. This activity can be both stress-relieving and calming for those who enjoy it, so if you like to read, give it a shot!

TL;DR

  • This blog post presents you with different ways to annotate books, and examples of materials you could use to do so.
  • Book annotating is a creative way to engage deeper with your novel by marking important quotes, writing down thoughts, or using tabs and colors to organize ideas.
  • While it can seem intimidating or time-consuming, it’s totally customizable since you can keep it simple or go all out.
  • Annotating can help improve comprehension and personal connection to a book, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re curious but unsure how to start, this post breaks down the pros and cons of this activity, suggests beginner-friendly tools, and offers tips for getting started without placing too much pressure on yourself

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

What Are Plyometrics? How Can It Improve Your Athletic Performance

Bowen Zheng
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What Are Plyometrics? How Can It Improve Your Athletic Performance

Plyometrics, also known as explosive training or “plyos”, are exercises that focus on increasing speed and agility through high intensity motions and movements. Plyometrics focus on fast and explosive actions that utilize fast twitch muscle fibers to develop a sturdier foundation for athletic performance and speed.

 

What Do They Consist Of?

Specifically, plyometric exercises involve the stretching of a muscle, which is followed by an instant contraction. This is often referred to as the stretch-shortening cycle. A common example of a plyometric exercise is a jump squat. When you’re doing a jump squat, the stretching of the muscle occurs when you lower into the squat; the contraction occurs when you explode and jump upwards, using stored energy to shoot yourself upwards. Plyometric exercises are also especially important for athletes because it trains their muscles to generate power in a short period of time.

Free Basketball Sports photo and picture

How Does It Improve Athletic Performance?

Plyometrics can be beneficial to your athletic performance in a variety of ways. These make plyometrics a popular exercise for athletes from basketball players to football players and heck, even golf players.

    1. Explosiveness

      Plyometric exercises are mostly aimed at improving explosiveness, which is the definition of exerting a force quickly. This is extremely important for athletes whose sports incorporate fast movements. An example can be a sprinter.

    2. Agility and Speed

      Some exercises in plyometrics also focus on the aspect of speed. With some exercises, such as skater jumps, improve your stride length and frequency, which can help with your overall running speed.

    3. Cardio Endurance

      As stated before, plyometric exercises are performed in a high intensity environment. Therefore, it also provides a cardiovascular workout which, over time, can help improve cardiovascular endurance. This is extremely helpful for long distance runners or cyclers.Free Running Woman photo and picture

What Are Some Exercises To Get Started on Plyos?

Typically, Plyometric exercise routines increase in intensity over time to ensure you are reaching your full athletic potential. For example, for the first two weeks, you can do the exercise for three sets and 8 reps. Then, in the third week, you change the amount of reps to 10, etc.

 

Some Exercises That I find Extremely Helpful:

Free People Girl photo and picture

Jump Squats: Position yourself in a squat stance, bend your knees to a 90 degree angle, and explode and jump up, trying to reach as high as you can. Come back down to your squat position and repeat.

Box Jumps: Find a platform safe for you to jump on and off of. A weighted box is preferable; chairs and stairs also work just fine. Stand in a squat position in front of your platform and explosively jump up onto the platform. Make sure to land with both feet at the same time. Step off of the platform and repeat.

Four Corner Jumps: Stand in the center of an imaginary box and imagine yourself standing in the middle of the box. Jump counter-clockwise or clockwise around the square landing on both feet at the same time. It is important to ensure that you immediately jump to the next box to ensure the explosiveness and speed of the exercise. A full rotation can be counted as one rep.

Tuck Jumps: Stand in a squat position with your knees bent at a 45 degree angle. Then, jump up explosively and pull your knees towards your chest as high as possible. Try your best to land softly on your feet and immediately go onto the next jump. (Note: I like to do this exercise in less reps as it can get pretty tiring, 6-8 should be fine.)

Free Soccer Running photo and picture

Conclusion:

Plyometric training is almost sort of a cheat code for any person or athlete who is looking to take their speed and explosiveness to the next level. Whether you’re just a beginner or an experienced athlete, anyone can take it up as long as you workout with the proper procedures. Remember to always work your way up to higher reps on the exercises and warm up properly before the exercises to reduce injury.

 

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyometrics#:~:text=Plyometrics%2C%20also%20known%20as%20jump,power%20(speed%2Dstrength).

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Plyometrics

https://www.nike.com/ca/a/what-is-plyometrics-benefits

How to Study Smarter, Not Harder: Finals Edition

Daniella
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How to Study Smarter, Not Harder: Finals Edition

June is right around the corner, which means finals are coming up. If you’re anything like most students, you might be somewhere between mild panic, persistent procrastination, to full-on caffeine-fueled cramming. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to study 12 hours a day or pull all-nighters to ace your exams. So let’s talk about how to study smarter, not harder.

 

Make a Realistic Plan

Don’t wing it. Grab a calendar, planner, or even just a piece of paper (that you’ll keep) and map out the days until your finals. Write down the subjects you need to review and break down everything into chunks. A little bit each day goes a long way, and it’s way better than trying to relearn everything the night before.

The key is consistency. Even 30 minutes a day adds up fast. Be honest about how much time you actually have (don’t procrastinate) and build in buffer days to help with chaotic days.

 

Active > Passive Studying

Simply rereading your notes isn’t enough. Instead, try:

  • Quizzing yourself or using online resources
  • Teaching the concept to someone else
  • Doing lots of practice questions

Active studying forces your brain to engage with the material you need to learn. You’ll notice where you’re strong and where you need more review. The more your brain has to work with the information, the better chances you’ll remember it.

 

The Pomodoro Technique

Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. Keep your brain fresh and focused. The breaks are a perfect opportunity to stretch, grab a quick snack, or scroll for a few moments guilt-free. This might sound simple, but this technique can boost your productivity, especially when your attention span dips.

 

Stop Multitasking

Studying with a Netflix show running in the background or switching between five subjects is a fast track to not learning anything. Focus on one thing at a time. You’ll finish faster and retain more.

 

Prioritize Sleep

This might sound like what your parents say, but sleep is non-negotiable. All-nighters might get you through the next test, but they’ll mess you up for the rest of the week. Think of sleep as the final step in studying. Your brain can process and store all the information you’ve been working so hard to learn. Sleep helps you consolidate everything you studied; plus, you’ll feel better during the exam. 

 

Breathe

Finals are important, but they’re not everything. You’re not a machine. You need breaks, sleep, snacks, and time to chill. Stress only makes it harder to think clearly, and pushing yourself too hard can backfire. Be kind to yourself, check in with how you’re feeling, and give yourself permission to pause. Your mental health matters just as much, if not more, as your grades. So go for a walk, listen to music, take a nap. Taking care of yourself is part of smart studying, too.

 

Studying smart is all about quality over quantity. With the right plan, a few solid techniques, and enough rest, you’ll walk into finals feeling confident and prepared. No all-nighters required. You got this, and summer is waiting for you just on the other side!

 

Sources:

Why Do Students Protest? An Examination of the Rhodes Must Fall Movement

Hannah Li
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0
Why Do Students Protest? An Examination of the Rhodes Must Fall Movement

What drives students to take to the streets, or in this case, their own campuses, to protest?

Around the world, student activism has been a powerful force for change, from resisting tuition fees to climate policy. In understanding the origin of these protests, the Rhodes Must Fall Movement is an essential movement that must be examined. 

In 2015, students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa raised something deeper: the ongoing legacy of colonialism in their university.

This was the beginning of Rhodes Must Fall, a staff- and student-led campaign which began with a single statue but grew into a broader fight against institutional racism and for decolonizing higher education.

Where It All Began

At the center of the initial protests was a statue of British colonist Cecil Rhodes, who played a central role in extending the British Empire into southern Africa. For students such as Avery, the statue was not just a piece of history: it was a reminder, day in and day out, of colonialism’s violence and inequality, and of how much had not yet changed in university culture.

The demand was to simply remove the statue. But the message ran deeper. Students saw Rhodes as a representation of the pervasive racism that still permeated the academic environment, from curriculum texts to leadership profiles to student services. As the movement gained momentum, it started pushing for more profound changes, such as improving living conditions for black students, and rethinking the Eurocentric lens through which knowledge was learned and valued.

How They Protested

The tactics of the movement were revolutionary, and sometimes controversial. It started with a student throwing human feces at the Rhodes statue, a move as surprising as it was metaphorical. It created campus-wide controversy and brought about a spate of demonstrations.

One of the most symbolic protests was on March 12, 2015, when students took over the Bremner building, a large administrative building at UCT. They occupied it for a few days, turning it into a site of resistance where supporters brought food, and racism and reform discussions were top of mind.

Future demonstrations had bolder actions, such as burning paintings of white people, setting vehicles on fire, and even petrol-bombing offices. They earned national television and newspaper publicity and sparked intense debate across the nation about protest vs. violence.

What Did They Accomplish?

The most prominent and symbolic victory of the movement was the removal of the Rhodes statue at UCT. To students and most of its supporters, it was an act of symbolic acknowledgment and accomplishment. But its impact did not stop there.

The movement was mirrored in other institutions, such as the University of Oxford itself, where students also began calling for the removal of their own Rhodes statue. Although the college authorities of Oxford initially complied, in the end, the statue was not removed.

However, the conversation had been started. The movement helped shift the topic of institutional racism and decolonization onto national and global conversation, illustrating how student activism can challenge the status quo and create lasting impact, even if not all of the demands are met.

The Moral of the Story?

The Rhodes Must Fall Movement is a testament to the power of collective action, and the impact students can have when they demand change. Thus, as youth, it is important that we advocate for the issues important to us, no matter how deep-rooted they appear to be.

Sources

https://globalcapitalism.history.ox.ac.uk/files/case31-rhodesmustfallpdf

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/mar/16/the-real-meaning-of-rhodes-must-fall

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes_Must_Fall#:~:text=Rhodes%20Must%20Fall%20was%20a,decolonise%22%20education%20across%20South%20Africa.

First Time Volunteering? Here’s What No One Tells You

Suha Arvapalli
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1
First Time Volunteering? Here’s What No One Tells You

Volunteering is often known as a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but for those new to it, it can feel pretty intimidating. Signing up is the easy part, but actually showing up? That’s where most people feel the most anxious. My first time volunteering was nerve-wracking, but I ended up learning so much along the way. Soon enough, I realized that volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience, and there’s so much you can learn from participating.

If you’re about to embark on your first volunteering experience, here are some things that I wish I knew before getting started!

Embrace The Nerves: Everyone Was New At Some Point

Photo by Roman Synkevych on Unsplash

It’s normal to feel nervous before starting something new, or putting yourself in a new environment/experience. Volunteering could be something one does to step out of their comfort zone, which makes it the perfect opportunity for growth. It’s vital that you take these nerves and use them as fuel to do your best.

Nervous energy can be powerful if you channel it right. Take the nervous energy and put it into the project you’re volunteering for. It shows you care about doing well and making a difference. Let your excitement push you forward rather than holding you back! Try taking deep breaths and remind yourself that everyone was new at some point.

Don’t Be Afraid of Messing Up

Perfect is overrated, especially when you’re just starting. Whether it’s messing up a task or not knowing what to say, awkward moments are where you grow the most. Volunteer roles aren’t about being flawless, they’re about learning through doing. You’ll look back on your mistakes and laugh, since they’re all just stepping stones toward getting better.

Try looking at mistakes in a different light, as opportunities to learn more. “That wasn’t my best work, but now I know what to expect for the next project!” Every mistake is a mini victory in disguise.

You’ll Learn a Lot About Yourself

Photo by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program on Unsplash

You may think volunteering is all about other people, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know yourself better. Volunteering can reveal skills or passions you never knew you had. You may discover that you’re a natural organizer, or you realize you’ve got a knack for crafting!

Pay attention to the moments that make you feel energized, and keep them in your back pocket for the future. Jot down your thoughts after each shift, such as writing down what you enjoyed and what surprised you. It’ll help you get to know your strengths and weaknesses better, which you can use for new opportunities in the future. You can then sign-up for projects that’ll allow you to be the most productive and ones that you’ll actually enjoy.

You’ll Get More Than You Give

You might be thinking, “I’m here to give my time to others,” but the reality is, volunteering gives back in unexpected ways. Some things you can earn from volunteering experiences include new skills, meaningful relationships, and even potential career insights. Volunteering can make you feel like you’re getting more than you gave. You’ll learn about people, systems, and yourself in ways you never could have imagined. To summarize, ensure you keep an open mind and take everything in. You never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll learn, or how it might open a door in your life.

Embrace the “Messy” or Difficult Parts

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

The best parts of volunteering aren’t always perfect. It can be chaotic, stressful, or even a little uncomfortable. Although, those messy moments are what shape your resilience. It’s in these moments of struggle and awkward-ness where you’ll grow the most. If you can handle the unpredictable, you can handle anything! Learn to take the difficult parts in stride.

When things get chaotic, try finding the humor in it, if it is appropriate to do so. Laugh off the awkwardness and remind yourself that every challenge is just another way to build your confidence and resilience.

You Can Say “No” !!

Volunteering is about giving, but that doesn’t mean you have to give away all your energy and time. Setting boundaries is key to having a positive experience. It’s okay to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your capacity or values, and you should communicate this clearly. A volunteer role is a commitment, but so is your mental and emotional wellbeing.

This skill applies to many fields, not just volunteering. Practicing setting boundaries will benefit you in other aspects of your life, in ways you may not even be aware of! Know your limits, and don’t feel guilty about them. Taking care of yourself will make you a better volunteer in the long run.

TL;DR

Your first volunteer experience might be full of nerves, mistakes, and surprises, but it’s also full of growth and discovery. Embrace the journey and know that you’re learning more than you realize, both about the world around you and yourself. If you’re facing troubles and need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your team leader or your peers.

The fact that you’re committing yourself to helping others is something to be proud of in itself. Your first volunteer role could just be the start of a meaningful and exciting chapter in your life!

Good luck, and happy volunteering!

Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Accessibility in High Fashion Through the Met Gala

Elizabeth A
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Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Accessibility in High Fashion Through the Met Gala

Introduction

Fashion has long been a space for creativity, self-expression, and cultural storytelling, yet it remains largely inaccessible to those with disabilities and financial limitations. The Met Gala, often regarded as fashion’s biggest night, is a platform that showcases extravagant designs and avant-garde trends. However, despite its influence in shaping public perceptions of fashion, discussions on accessibility within the industry continue to lag behind. High fashion, as it exists today, often excludes individuals with disabilities by failing to provide adaptive designs and by maintaining structural barriers that prevent full participation. Similarly, the exclusivity of haute couture leaves many unable to engage with fashion beyond admiration. This blog explores the intersection of fashion accessibility, adaptive clothing, and the role of the Met Gala in driving change, highlighting the importance of advocacy for a more inclusive industry.

The Accessibility Issue in High Fashion

Fashion is meant to empower individuals, yet it presents significant obstacles for many. Adaptive clothing—designed for individuals with disabilities—remains underrepresented in major fashion events, including the Met Gala. While some designers have embraced inclusive designs, the industry at large has yet to integrate accessibility as a core component rather than a niche segment. Many individuals with disabilities struggle to find stylish clothing that accommodates mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, and medical needs. Issues such as difficulty with fastenings, lack of wheelchair-friendly designs, and failure to prioritize comfort further reinforce barriers that prevent many from experiencing the full potential of fashion.

Beyond the physical aspects, there are structural barriers within high fashion that create exclusion. Many luxury brands do not adequately market to or consider individuals with disabilities, and very few models with visible disabilities walk the runways of major fashion weeks. The Met Gala itself, while positioned as a global celebration of creativity, rarely spotlights adaptive designs or includes advocates who champion accessibility in fashion. The event often adheres to elitist traditions, reinforcing the notion that high fashion is reserved for a select group rather than accessible to all.

Adaptive Fashion: A Movement Towards Inclusion

The growing conversation around adaptive fashion signals a shift in the industry. Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, IZ Adaptive, and Nike FlyEase have developed collections specifically tailored to individuals with disabilities, focusing on easy closures, sensory-friendly fabrics, and mobility-conscious designs. Despite these advancements, adaptive fashion still lacks the recognition and prestige associated with haute couture, preventing it from reaching mainstream audiences.

If the Met Gala were to embrace adaptive fashion, it could set a powerful precedent for industry-wide change. Featuring designers who specialize in accessibility and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are represented both on the red carpet and behind the scenes would send a message that high fashion belongs to everyone. This could also encourage leading brands to integrate accessibility into their standard collections rather than treating adaptive fashion as an afterthought.

Financial Exclusivity and the Price Barrier in Fashion

Another critical aspect of accessibility in fashion is financial exclusivity. The high cost of designer clothing makes fashion unattainable for the majority of consumers, reinforcing an elitist divide between those who can afford couture and those who cannot. The Met Gala, with its $50,000 per ticket entry fee and guest list curated by Anna Wintour, further exemplifies this exclusivity. While the event is meant to celebrate fashion and art, it inadvertently highlights the economic barriers that prevent everyday consumers from engaging with high fashion beyond admiration from afar.

Sustainable and ethical fashion movements offer potential solutions to this issue by advocating for affordable, high-quality alternatives to luxury fashion. Thrift culture, secondhand shopping, and the rise of rental fashion services help bridge the accessibility gap. However, true inclusivity requires the industry to redefine the meaning of luxury, ensuring that high fashion is not just limited to those with wealth and status.

The Role of the Met Gala in Shaping the Future

As one of the most influential fashion events of the year, the Met Gala has the power to drive conversations that shape the industry’s direction. By featuring adaptive fashion, promoting designers who prioritize inclusivity, and inviting advocates to the forefront, the event could catalyze change. Instead of remaining an elite spectacle, the Met Gala could expand its influence to champion diversity, accessibility, and affordability in high fashion.

One potential approach would be for the Met Gala to collaborate with adaptive fashion brands and designers for future themes. Spotlights on innovative accessible designs, disability representation, and sustainable practices would broaden fashion’s horizons. Additionally, including diverse models and accessibility modifications to event spaces would ensure that physical barriers do not limit participation.

Beyond representation, financial accessibility could be improved by encouraging brands to offer more affordable couture pieces, creating pathways for everyday consumers to experience high fashion. Advocacy efforts within the Met Gala could push for scholarship programs for emerging designers, allowing individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to contribute to the industry without financial restrictions.

Conclusion

The Met Gala has the influence, platform, and visibility to redefine fashion accessibility. By embracing adaptive fashion, inclusivity in design, and affordability, it can become more than just an exclusive event—it can drive meaningful change. Advocacy for accessibility in fashion is not just about ensuring representation; it is about breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from fully engaging with the industry. The next step for high fashion is to recognize that true beauty lies in diversity and inclusion, and it is time for the Met Gala to reflect that evolution. ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Teens

Mahnoor Altaf
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Teens

May 11th has finally arrived, the long-awaited Mother’s Day! This is a global celebration dedicated to celebrating and appreciating mothers across the world.

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than getting your mother a gift? As teens, however, we may lack the resources to get our mothers expensive gifts similar to how adults might. However, in actuality, there are many different types of gifts that you can gift your mother on this special day using many of the resources at home!

Without further ado, let’s get into some easy and accessible yet heartwarming and thoughtful gifts to give to your mother on Mother’s Day!

A card:

A simple card stating your appreciation towards your mother can be extremely meaningful.

Get her food: 

This could involve buying her favorite snacks (e.g., chocolate or chips) or cooking her favorite meal.

Photo book:

Create a photo book with pictures of her and you together. You can go over this and recall past memories.

Spend time together:

Watch a movie together, play board games, cook together, or go on a walk. There’s a variety of ways you and your mother can spend enjoyable time together!

TL;DR

Looking to treat your mother on Mother’s Day as a teen with little resources compared to adults? It doesn’t take much to create memorable and thoughtful gifts! Personalized cards, food, photo books, and finding ways to spend time together can truly make your mother’s day and show you care.


 Happy Mother’s Day!

sources:

  • https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mothers-Day

 

Sun-Kissed or Sun-Crisped: What you need to know about Tanning and Sunburns this summer

Diya Kunisetty
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0
Sun-Kissed or Sun-Crisped: What you need to know about Tanning and Sunburns this summer

As summer is approaching and the heat is rising, our skin begins to take in the warmth of the beautiful rays of light (literally). After spending days at the beach and playing sports out in the sun, our skin tends to become a little darker, which is also known as the process of “tanning”. But how does this phenomenon even work? And even though some people love tanning, can it be harmful for your skin? Go put on some sunscreen and let’s find out!!

Before we get into that, there is a very important differentiation we must make:

Sunburns vs. Sun tan

Sunburns are caused by excessive UV radiation damage leading to immediate skin damage and visible symptoms like redness, pain, and sometimes blisters. They are usually more visible on paler-skinned people as well, making them extra sensitive to prolonged exposure to high levels of sunlight. 

A sun tan on the other hand is a protective response where the skin produces more melanin to shield deeper skin layers from further UV damage. 

How does a sun tan happen?

The sun’s rays emit two different types of radiation, UVB radiation and UVA radiation. UVB radiation is what causes sunburns while UVA radiation is what causes tanning to happen. The UVA rays penetrate to deeper levels in your skin (like the epidermis for example) where they trigger cells called, “Melanocytes” which then produce melanin. “Melanin” is basically the pigment in our skin that makes us appear lighter or darker, as in having more melanin would make you darker and vice versa. Melanin is basically a bodyguard for your skin, as it protects your skin from burning. This all may seem great, but there are also significant downsides to tanning that you must keep in mind as well. 

Downsides of tanning?

Because the UVA rays penetrate much deeper into your skin than the UVB rays that cause sunburns, they are closer to all the more important parts of your body, such as how, for example, they almost reach your blood vessels. Exposure to large amounts of UVA rays have a tendency to damage one’s immune system, making them more susceptible to skin cancers. If these cancers are not treated immediately, they may spread to the rest of your body causing many more health issues. 

How does a sunburn happen?

When the sun’s rays emit high levels of UVB radiation, it may damage your skin cells, and the immune system reacts to this by increasing the blood flow levels in those damaged areas. This causes your skin to appear a lot more red and inflamed, therefore creating what we call a sunburn. 

To conclude, getting a tan and having fun in the sun is ok especially when it’s so beautiful outside, but you must make sure you’re using the proper protective equipment such as hats and sunscreen to protect your skin and all it does for you!

Have fun! 🙂

Sources: 

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tanning.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922#:~:text=UVB%20is%20the%20wavelength%20of,on%20cool%20or%20cloudy%20days.

 

The Wave-Particle Duality

Hanrong
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0
The Wave-Particle Duality

An important physics principle, formed in the twentieth century

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

What is wave-particle duality?

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

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

The Double Slit Experiment
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

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

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

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

The twentieth century

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

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

The wave-particle duality of electrons

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

Being open-minded in interpreting physics

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

How to Study the Endocrine System

Jeanne Y
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How to Study the Endocrine System

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

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

1. Draw it Out!

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

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

2. Feynman Technique – Talk at Someone

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

3. Cause and Effect Chart

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

TL;DR

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

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

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

Best of luck!

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