Home Blog Page 29

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

Elizabeth A
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
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
-
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
-
0
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!

How to Take Care of Your Skin: A Template Skincare Routine for Morning and Night

Maya McIntyre
-
0
How to Take Care of Your Skin: A Template Skincare Routine for Morning and Night

We all have different routines when it comes to maintaining our skin. Many beauty gurus push a 12-step routine to ensure their skin is fully beautified and protected. But at the end of the day, not everyone has the time and energy to devote, especially when we’re on a limited budget. We all know what serves our skin best, and the precautions we need to take to avoid breaking out. But if you’re just beginning and you’re not sure where to start, here is a quick guide for the proper order you should be doing you’re skincare in.

AM Routine

  1. Cleanser: Use a gentle face wash to remove oil, sweat, and buildup from the night. Make sure you’re cleaning your pillow cases!
    • Importance: Remove impurities such as sweat, oil, and skin care products applied from the night before that can clog your pores. It is also crucial that you wash off any buildup created by your pillow cases. (Always wash your pillow cases to prevent breakouts on your cheeks.)
  2. Toner (Optional): Balances the skin’s pH and preps it for treatment products. Choose an alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula as best you can.
    • Importance: Gives skin an added layer of hydration and cleanliness, and also prepares skin for subsequent products and ingredients to be absorbed, such as moisturisers, serums, oils, etc.
  3. Serum: Apply a vitamin C serum or one with antioxidants to brighten and protect from buildup.
    • Importance: Neutralises free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, or other environmental factors. Promotes collagen production and brightens your skin toan leaving you glowing!
  4. Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier. Choose based on your skin type.
    • Importance: The skin is constantly exposed to elements throughout the day that can easily dehydrate it. A good moisturizer that works for you (always pick what is best for your skin) will keep your skin plump, smooth, and resilient.
  5. Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Vital for protecting your skin from UV damage
    • Importance: Protects against UVA and UVB, which can cause skin cancer, dark spots, and breakdown. Daily sunscreen application prevents long-term damage and maintains skin health.

Evening Routine:

  1. Cleanser: Double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen — oil cleanser first, then regular cleanser.
    • Importance: Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants without peeling skin. During the day, the skin accumulates pollutants and makeup. Skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The second cleanse of the skin also ensures the skin is consistently clear, allowing for better absorption of products.
  2. Toner (Optional): Same as in the morning, if used.
    • Importance: Better absorption of products and gives a thorough clean. Also rids of remaining impurities.
  3. Treatment/Serum: Use ingredients targeted to your needs (e.g., niacinamide, retinol, salicylic acid, or hyaluronic acid). Everyone is different.
    • Importance: Target specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration. Retinol increases cell turnover while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture. Retinoids can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, making nighttime the optimal time for application
  4. Eye Cream (Optional): Helps with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines
    • Importance: Addresses specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and Fine Lines. The under-eye area is more delicate and sensitive, making it prone to signs of aging and more sensitive to light, making nighttime treatment more practical and less susceptible to daytime exposures
  5. Moisturizer/Night Cream: Hydrate and repair skin overnight.
    • Importance: Locks and hydration support Skin Barrier repair and seals and active ingredients applied consistently and previously.  skin loses more moisture overnight a thicker more nourishing moisturizer prevents dehydration and fosters repair.

Canada Votes #3: 45th General Election Hour by Hour 

Areej C
-
0
Canada Votes #3: 45th General Election Hour by Hour 

Watched CBC’s Canada Votes from 4:30 MST to midnight. Here’s how election night went, rapid fire edition!

4:30 PM

Coverage starts. Atlantic results come in. Liberals are underperforming. Not awful, but definitely not what they wanted. Conservatives start poking through. Tension level = simmering.

6:30- 7:30 PM

200+ seats are now up for grabs, with the majority of polls in Canada closing, and polls starting to count. CBC’s seat counter turns into a ping pong match. Liberals and Conservatives trade leads, with liberals owning a significant portion of leads. 

8:10 PM

CBC calls it: Liberal government. But here’s the catch, no one knows if it’s a majority. The number 172 becomes an obsession.

8:45 PM

Poilievre loses his seat. Conservative leader out. Most shocking part of the night for sure. (Fun fact: 91 people ran in his riding of Carleton, making it the longest ballot ever, plus his riding had the highest advanced voting rates in the entire country!) 

9:30 PM

Liberals inching toward 172. Still too close. B.C. ridings are keeping them from a majority.

10:40 PM

Jagmeet Singh loses his riding of Burnaby South and resigns. Just like that. Saddest part of the night, cried a bit, worst part of the night too. 

Around 11:30 PM

Mark Carney walks out for his victory speech saying “humility” like six times.overall pretty good, acknowledged the humanity in his leadership, and the ability for leaders to make mistakes. 

11:45 PM

Elizabeth May holds it down (shocking). Wins her seat. Jonathan Pedneault (co-leader) doesn’t. Greens stay at one. 

12:00 AM

Still no answer on majority. CBC ends the night at 169 seats. Final count: unclear. We all go to bed wondering.

Tuesday: 

Liberals confirm a minority government, with Mark Carney recovering his mandate from the Canadian people. 

Wednesday 

Jonathan Pedneault resigns as Green Party’s co-leader, stating it was unfair for him to continue to be the leader after losing his own riding, hoping to invite new voices to the Green Party leadership. 

Thursday 

The debate over Pierre Polivere’s leadership is in the air, many say he should be removed for failing to win his own riding, but an overwhelming number of Conservative MP’s are rallying behind him, using his ability to raise the Conservative’s popular vote as rationale. 

Overall, the night was super chaotic for Canadian politics. One thing I have to say, this night was a collapse of a healthy democracy Canada once had. The transition into a two-party system is detrimental to representing the voice of the people, and becomes voting to keep another party out of power, not who you believe will support you and your fellow constituents within a riding. The lack of options, facilitates the rise of unhealthy government systems, and becomes a fight between parties, individuals soon begin to believe both aren’t good, and have to vote for in obligation. This new system, has allowed for the fall of the NDP, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party, even registered voters to each of these parties voted for either the Liberals or Conservatives to keep one or the other out of power, choosing which would be ‘relatively better’. This is incredibly dangerous to your freedom of choosing government, and never ends well as seen south of the border, who have a seemingly increasingly similar political structure. This is your reminder to advocate for YOUR right to a healthy and functioning democracy, no matter who is in power, if your government doesn’t allow critique, you don’t live in a democracy anymore. 

Take Back Control of Your Scroll

youthareawesome
-
0
Take Back Control of Your Scroll

Introducing the Mayor’s Youth Council Health and Well-Being Column! Each month, we’ll share fun, relevant, easy-to-follow mental health tips through the Youth Central newsletter, giving you the tools and support to prioritize your well-being with new topics and advice every month!

May’s tips highlight how your digital habits impact more than just screen time—they affect your focus, mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. Learn how to recognize the influence of algorithms, build healthier online habits, and create space for balance, mindfulness, and meaningful connection in your everyday life.

Your Digital Footprint

Ever find yourself scrolling for just five more minutes—and suddenly an hour has passed? That’s not an accident. Social media and apps are intentionally designed to keep you hooked by constantly triggering dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. The more you scroll, the more your brain craves that next hit of instant gratification, making it harder to focus on anything that requires patience—like reading a book, watching a full news segment, or even paying attention in class. 

According to research studies, in 2000, the average attention span of a person was 12 seconds. Today, the average attention span is just 8 seconds. The average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds… let that sink in.

Algorithms don’t care if the content is true, helpful, or even safe. They prioritize what gets the most engagement, making misinformation spread much faster than facts. Sentimental stories, conspiracy theories, and clickbait often go viral because they spark strong reactions—anger, shock, or excitement. That’s why you might find yourself going down a rabbit hole of misleading or outright false information without even realizing it. 

It’s important to think critically about what we consume. The internet is not always a reliable source—misinformation spreads quickly, and not everything we see online is true. 

  • Always ask yourself – who benefits from my reaction? – before acting on emotions that different pieces of media spark.
  • Always back up the information you receive on social media with reputable sources, and develop strong media literacy skills to differentiate fact from fiction. 
  • Following accounts that share meaningful, well-researched content can make a huge difference in the quality of information you absorb daily.

Alongside affecting our focus and information consumption, the time we spend online impacts our sleep, schoolwork, and relationships. Much of the time we spend doomscrolling adds little meaning to our lives. If you were asked to remember the reels you watched after an hour of mindless swiping, you would be drawing a complete blank. If you’re struggling to cut back, here are some tips!

  • Try setting a timer before going on social media. 
  • Moving away from short-form content can also help—start by watching slightly longer videos and gradually work up to long-form content, like documentaries or podcasts. 
  • Reading is another great way to train your brain back to a healthier state. If books feel overwhelming, start with a fast-paced genre, like thrillers, to make it easier to stay engaged.

Being intentional about your screen time, staying informed, and protecting yourself online can help you take control of your digital habits rather than letting them control you. Be mindful of how you consume, what you consume, and the time you spend online, and always be kind! The key is balance. 



How Canada’s Election System Works: A Guide for Voters

Hafsah A
-
0
How Canada’s Election System Works: A Guide for Voters

 

Canada’s election system is often misunderstood, but it plays a key role in determining how the government operates. Many of us are just reaching voting age, and although the 2025 Federal election recently passed, understanding the system can help grasp how election results truly affect the political landscape.

 

https://pixabay.com/vectors/ballot-election-vote-1294935/
  1. The Basics: A Parliamentary Democracy

Canada is a parliamentary democracy, meaning citizens vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent their local areas, called ridings. Each riding elects one MP, and the party with the most MPs typically forms the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister.

  1. First-Past-the-Post: How the Winner is Chosen

Canada uses a “first-past-the-post” voting system, which means the candidate who gets the most votes in a riding wins, and there’s no need to secure a majority. For example, if there are three candidates, and one gets 40% of the vote, that candidate wins the seat, even if 60% of voters preferred other options.

  1. Political Parties and Their Leaders

Canada’s political parties run campaigns to win ridings across the country. The party that wins the most seats is invited by the Governor General to form the government. In a minority government (where no party has more than half the seats), the leader of the winning party must work with other parties to pass laws.

  1. What Happens After An Election?

After the election, the new government begins transitioning into office. The winning party leader, like Mark Carney, is formally invited by the Governor General to become Prime Minister and select a Cabinet. This team will oversee key areas like finance, health, and foreign affairs. Next, the Governor General delivers the Speech from the Throne, which outlines the government’s priorities. From there, Parliament reconvenes, and the government starts introducing bills to turn campaign promises into law. During this time, they are held accountable by Parliament to ensure their policies reflect the needs of the people.

 

Understanding how Canada’s election system works isn’t just important on election day—it helps you see how your vote fits into the larger picture and why certain issues matter when it comes to shaping policy. The results aren’t just about one candidate or one party; they’re about the collective will of the people.

 

sources: 1 , 2

Rethinking immigration for Canada’s youngest voices

Diva Negi
-
0
Rethinking immigration for Canada’s youngest voices

 

      When youth immigrate, they don’t just traverse borders instead, they approach a new world of expectations, languages, and identities. In Canada, immigration policy not only defines who gets in but also how it can shape immigrant youth belonging, cultural connection, and how they see themselves reflected in society.


     It is important to note that cultural identity remains dynamic, especially for youth who grow up trying to balance between two or more worlds. Immigrant youth face a silent pressure: to fit, but not forget your roots, to assimilate to a perfect point. Speak English fluently, but don’t lose your mother tongue. Embrace diversity, but don’t be the kind of “ethnic” that makes others uncomfortable. Such contradictory and socially set expectations create tension and confusion for young people trying to navigate their identities at an already vulnerable time.

     Despite being known for it’s multiculturalism, in Canada, immigrant adolescents still face barriers in their daily life, especially in our school systems. The differences in language, a lack of culturally inclusive curriculum and community, as well as limited access to mental health resources, contribute to a feeling of invisibility.


     Therefore, Representation matters. When immigrant youth see their cultures, languages and lived experiences reflected and respected, they are more likely to thrive, creating a happier and cohesive community we can all call home. Representation doesn’t just mean having diversity in the brochure but making sure youth voices and perspectives are included in decision-making, that their stories are told and passed down, and that the system is designed with their realities in mind and not against them.


     Immigration policies should be involved in more than just entry to Canada–rather, they should support belonging for the future of Canada. That includes supporting mother tongue education, funding youth-led cultural initiatives and offering programs that celebrate immigrant heritage instead of pressuring assimilation. True inclusion isn’t about blending in. It’s about being able to show up as your true self.


     Youth across Canada are already leading this change through clubs, advocacy, storytelling and community building. It’s time to ensure that systems catch up.


Belonging isn’t earned, it’s a starting point.

Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud, You’re Just Anxious

Mahnoor Altaf
-
0
Imposter Syndrome: You’re Not a Fraud, You’re Just Anxious

So you’ve just made the soccer team, won an award, or got accepted into a selective program. Everyone is praising you for your success, but deep down you feel like a fraud. You tell yourself it wasn’t really your achievement, it was just luck.
 Now… you are stuck worrying that someday, everyone else will find out.

The truth? Around 70% of people have felt this way at least once in their life.
 And here is the good news. It is not true. You do deserve your success.
 It is just self-doubt creeping in.

Meet your unwanted guest: imposter syndrome.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is when people believe they aren’t as capable as others think they are, and they are afraid of being “found out” as a fraud.
 In reality, the individual is just as skilled and capable as everyone believes. It is just self-doubt getting in the way.
 It usually kicks in after someone has achieved something big or important.

Who Is Most Likely Affected by Imposter Syndrome?

  • People who are highly neurotic (easily upset or prone to anxiety)
  • Perfectionists
  • People with low self-esteem

Basically, anyone who tends to be extra hard on themselves can experience it.

Types of Imposter Syndrome

  • The Perfectionist: Believes that if they are not perfect, they are not good enough.
  • The Expert: Feels like an imposter because they do not know everything about a topic.
  • The Natural Genius: Thinks they are not truly smart if they do not get things right immediately.
  • The Soloist: Doubts their abilities if they needed help to succeed.
  • The Superperson: Believes they must achieve the highest success possible, or else they are a fraud.

Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?

If you answer yes to many of these questions, you might be dealing with imposter syndrome:

  • Do you worry a lot over small mistakes in your work?
  • Do you credit your success to luck or other factors outside yourself?
  • Are you very sensitive to constructive feedback?
  • Do you secretly feel like you will eventually be “found out”?
  • Do you downplay your strengths, even when you know you are more skilled than others?

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

  • Focus on facts, not feelings.
  • Acknowledge your self-doubt, then let it go.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
  • Look for evidence of your skills and success.
  • Reframe your negative thoughts.
  • Find a mentor, someone who can support and guide you.
  • Learn from your peers instead of comparing yourself negatively.

TL;DR

Feeling like a fraud does not mean you are one. You have earned your success. Do not let doubt tell you otherwise.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

How does polling work?

S.R. Spencer
-
0
How does polling work?

Canada is in the midst of a general election campaign, which will ultimately end at the ballot boxes today on April 28, 2025. In the time before that date, however, it is important for both citizens, parties, and candidates to know who’s in the lead. This is accomplished by polling, which gives us a clue as to who’s set to win in the end. The question remains, however, how exactly does polling work?

What is a Poll?

A poll, rather simply, starts with a question. In an election, such as Canada’s upcoming one, this question could be “how are you planning to vote on April 28th,” or, “which of the federal party leaders would you prefer to see as Prime Minister.” Afterwards, people are asked these questions.

According to Scott Keeter at Pew Research Center, the most common method of polling nowadays is through web surveys. People are usually contacted by phone or email and asked to fill out the survey on whatever questions the pollster may have. Telephone and paper-and-pencil surveys are also popular methods of gathering information. In the modern world, old-fashioned door-knocking has gone out of style.

The amount of data needed to accurately reflect the population varies depending on what the question being asked is, however, a sample size above 1,000 is usually enough to track trends across a nation. In order to reflect potential variability in society, pollsters often include a “margin of error” within a certain confidence level. For example, if the margin of error on a poll is 5 percent, with 98 percent confidence, that means that the pollster expects the real life data to reflect the polling data within plus or minus 5 percent of the data 98 percent of the time. Generally, the margin of error decreases with a larger sample size.

Bias

In order to account for some additional biases in sample size, a pollster may have to weigh their poll. This means adjusting the amount of influence each person’s response has on the overall poll, depending on the size of their voice. For example, if a certain demographic makes up 30 percent of the population, and yet only 10 percent of a poll is made up by that demographic, then the pollster needs to adjust the value of that 10 percent to reflect the size of that demographic in society. This helps to ensure polls are more accurate to reality.

There are, however, some dangers with polling. If a question is too leading, i.e, a question itself is presented in a biased manner in order to elicit a certain response, the results of the poll can be skewed by the pollster in order to back up a claim they wish to make. Additionally, a pollster could manipulate the end result of a poll by specifically choosing a sample that does not reflect the general population and instead reflects a point they are trying to make. 

TL;DR

In the leadup to this election, polls will be a useful tool for determining who’s ahead or behind. But each poll must be taken with a grain of salt, first by considering the biases of its author and what they would have to gain from presenting the data in one way or another. Hopefully this article has helped you become a better poll reader.

Public Opinion Polling Basics | Pew Research Center

Understanding the margin of error in election polls

Vancouver Filipino Festival Tragedy

Crystal Lattice
-
0
Vancouver Filipino Festival Tragedy

An exciting festival in Vancouver ended in tragedy last Saturday. It was an annual Filipino event called the Lapu-Lapu Day Block party, attended by up to 100 000 people. However, after 8pm local time, an SUV plowed through the site, driving through the crowd. Police described this event as the “darkest day in the city’s history.”

What started as a fun, anticipating celebration, abruptly turned into chaos and trauma. Many comments included details that bodies were flying higher than the food trucks were, everyone was panicking and screaming, and that the man in the SUV just kept running through. One moment, families would be waiting in line for food, then, there would be sounds of a car running through in the distance, followed by bodies hitting the hood of the SUV.

 

Death Tolls and Injury Lists Updating

Because the attack began where there was no barrier between the outside and the food truck area, the death tolls and injury lists are still being counted for. At the moment, 11 deaths were confirmed and injury lists are large and still rising. Among the deaths is a 5 year old girl. Although the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was identified, these lists are still being updated throughout the next few weeks.

List
Image by Jan from Pixabay

Nation-wide Mourning

Unfortunately, this time of celebration, having fun, and embracing the Filipino culture had been struck by this car incident. Those of Filipino ancestry are devastated and deep in tears, especially ones in close relation to someone in the death tools or injury lists. All around Canada, there had been a shock wave of grievance and sorrow, even causing the current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to cancel some pre-election meetings. Prayers, flowers, and sincere wishes are being passed to those that had been traumatized.

Mourning
Image by Carolyn Booth from Pixabay

Why Did The Attack Happen?

First things first, officials do not believe this was an attack of terrorism. There is also discussion about whether this attack was even targeted. Despite these, the most important detail about the suspect is that they had been involved with the police before, but also with healthcare professionals related to mental health.

Part of the mourning across Canada actually includes reminders about mental health, which is directed towards those that were unfortunately involved, but it also comes from this suspect. Specific details are not displayed for various reasons. However, what is important to take away from this is that mental health matters. Let us take the time to take care of ourselves and keep our spirits up!

Mental health matters
Image by Duckleap Free Resources from Pixabay (Mental Health Matters!!)

Some Mental Health Hotlines:

If you are in need of mental health support, whether it be while mourning or not, here are some links to mental health hotlines.

  1. Alberta Health Services: 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free)
    – Provides confidential service, giving support, information, and referrals to Albertans
  2. Canadian Mental Health Association: 9-8-8
    – Non-judgemental suicide preventing hotline
  3. https://kidshelpphone.ca/
    – Website for kids’ mental health
  4. Check out this website to find your province’s mental health hotline: https://tema.foundation/canadian-mental-health-hotlines/

Source: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5

The Patchwork Soul; A poem

Diva Negi
-
0
The Patchwork Soul; A poem

I’m a mosaic of a person
My thoughts branch out
Like a fig tree.

A patchwork of every person I’ve ever met
Everything they feel
Everything they said
It completes me

“You’re just you”
Don’t say that
Please

We both know it isn’t true

We’re all entwined
An intricate tapestry
Made up of
The past
The present
And the awaited the future

We’re all intertwined

When one looks in the mirror
We exist as parts of each other
Sewn together memories
They’re all I can be, I’m all they could be


The eldest daughter to some
A little girl to others
A sister
A friend
A life gone by in the summer

I live inside every book
Every page ever turned
Any song ever learned
Every laugh ever heard

Sewn together
To make an intricate tapestry

Behind every
“I love you”
And “thanks”
And “This song reminds me of you”
The whistles silently whisper my name
You’re a part of me
I’m a part of you




I’m a puzzle
I am
A never-ending one

A puzzle with always a piece missing
A piece

A puzzle made up of parts
Pieces
People
problems

Waiting for
A new song
A new word
A new feeling
A new happiness

A new part of the puzzle

A puzzle with more room
To add a part of someone new

So
the tapestry
the mosaic

Is stitched together
To create a patchwork

A patchwork that I call
Me.

Upcoming Movies this Summer 2025

Jianna H
-
0
Upcoming Movies this Summer 2025

The aroma of buttered popcorn, the sound of the arcade games and, of course, the excited chatter of people entering and exiting the movie halls. The movie theatre is one of my favourite places as a film fanatic, and while I love watching the actual movie, I always make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to catch the previews. Waiting in anticipation to see what’s in store for the future for me as each of the trailers plays is always an exciting feeling, which I hope you can experience as you read this blog, counting down some exciting movies set to release this summer.

1. Thunderbolts* -May 2, 2025

Photo by Clément M. on Unsplash

This marvel movie features a stand out ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and David Harbour. This newest addition to the MCU universe is based on the comic series under the same name, which follows a team of reformed villains. The premise of this movie involves six individual villains coming together to avoid death and work with the CIA. Fans of the MCU will be excited to see new and old characters, including Bucky Barnes and Yelena Belova.

 

2. Lilo and Stitch- May 23, 2025

Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash

The internet has been buzzing ever since Disney announced that this live-action version of the beloved movie Lilo and Stitch was in the works. After much anticipation, we can expect to see a familiar blue-faced alien on the big screen this May.

 

 

 

3. Karate Kid: Legends- May 30, 2025

Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will reprise their roles from their previous respective Karate Kid movies. While the movie’s creators claim that it will not be canon to the Cobra Kai universe, it is a continuation of the 1985 and 2010 films.

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

4. The Phoenician Scheme- May 30, 2025

This dark comedy, set to release in late May, is the latest work of unique director Wes Anderson, who is known for his eccentric and whimsical stylistic direction. The movie features well-known actors such as Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Cera and more and follows the chaos that ensues after a wealthy business man appoints his only daughter, a nun, as his only heir.

5. How to Train Your Dragon- June 13th, 2025

Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

The second live-action adaptation in this list has also been highly anticipated by diehard fans of the original animated series. This new movie will retell the story of Hiccup the Viking as he befriends the Night Fury dragon and convinces his village and father that they can coexist with dragons. The movie’s cast features a lot of young actors who have only just recently debuted in their acting careers and familiar faces like Mason Thames (Black Phone, 2021).

6. Elio- June 20, 2025

Photo by Bruce Warrington on Unsplash

Elio is the newest PIxar release and follows the story of an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s Intergalactic Ambassador after being beamed up by aliens he contacted. This movie is perfect for fans of Pixar animations who also love to geek out about space and sci-fi.

 

7. 28 Years Later- June 20th, 2025

A drastic turn from Elio, this film, also set to release on the same day, is a horror/thriller that takes place 28 years later after a deadly virus spreads across the world. A group of survivors live on a small, remote island. When one of them decides to venture back to the mainland, he must deal with the secrets and horrors he learns of the new world. The movie also stars Aaron Taylor Johnson (Nosferatu, 2025 and Bullet Train, 2022)

Photo by Sander Dechering on Unsplash

8. Freakier Friday- August 8th, 2025

Almost 2 decades later, beloved Disney characters played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, Tess and Anna Coleman, are back! Now all grown up, Anna’s life is switched again, except this time, not only do her and her mother’s body gets swapped but her daughter and soon-to-be step-daughter are also thrown in the mix. This movie is sure to be a nostalgic hit and a great way to wrap up the summer.

Photo by petr sidorov on Unsplash

1...282930...519Page 29 of 519