Home Blog Page 3

The Pressure to Perform: Breaking Free From Burnout

Krupa P
-
0
The Pressure to Perform: Breaking Free From Burnout

Academic burnout is a real issue, but it isn’t impossible to manage if you take the right steps. I had to step back for a bit and figure out what I was doing wrong and what caused my stress, then make tweaks where I could. Throughout the year, I defeated my burnout step by step by getting help and advice from friends and family, because burnout isn’t always something you can get rid of alone.

1. Make Time for Enjoyable Activities

Setting aside time in my schedule for activities I genuinely enjoy was one of the main things that reduced my burnout. Whether it was hanging out with friends, reading a book, listening to music, or just relaxing, having something to look forward to can boost your mood and make school feel less overwhelming. It also helped recharge my energy, so when you return to your schoolwork, you feel more focused and motivated instead of drained. Even small breaks for things you love can make a big difference in preventing burnout.

2. Plenty of Exercise

I tried to make an effort to stay active daily, whether it was going on a short walk or run or playing sports. Physical activity boosted my energy levels after a long day of school and cleared my mind. Along with exercise, staying hydrated and eating a balanced meal always support your body and mind. Taking care of my physical health has always made it much easier for me to stay focused and motivated when dealing with school stress.

3.Enjoy Your Day Offs

My weekends never felt like days off because I always ended up doing schoolwork. Now I always try to organize my schedule so that I have at least one full day to rest and recover. Stepping away from assignments and studying on that one full rest day helped me focus better during the rest of the week. Coming back to work after a proper break will feel refreshing and give you much more ability to focus.

4. Avoid Procrastination

When I felt overwhelmed, it was always tempting to delay assignments and projects. But in the end, I was always piled up with homework and assignments due the day before. These always led to late-night study sessions,

 

How Teenage Culture is being Erased

Ava
-
0
How Teenage Culture is being Erased

Teenage-hood is a unique part of life. Positioned between childhood and adulthood, it is an important phase for self expression. Additionally, between different decades, teenage culture has evolved and changed. However, in today’s world, the line between childhood and adulthood has become blurred, leaving no space for unique teenage identity’s to grow.

The “Adultification” of teenagers

With social media platforms now being a mix of adults, teens, and pre-teens, adolescents are increasingly exposed to adult influencer and content tailored to them. This type of exposure to adults lifestyle, products, and mannerisms, can lead to teenagers being rushed to maturation and encouraged to copy certain aspects as-well.

Decline of Third Places

A major shift among teenagers is their lack of in-person interactions. With the decline of third places, such as arcades and social gatherings, especially those catered towards teens, most interactions have moved online. While online communication provides ease, it takes away from environments where teens can socially experiment and engage with others.

Increased Pressure

With higher academic expectations, global awareness, and constant access to others, teenagers nowadays face more levels of stress and pressure. Easier access to social media also exposes teens to unrealistic beauty, lifestyle, and success standards. Such contributions often makes adolescents feel like they aren’t doing enough, or  that they’re failing at a life they haven’t even begun. All of these factors leave almost no room for the spontaneity and rebellion that once went hand to hand with teenage-hood.

 

Ozempic, Wegovy, and GLP1s: Going Generic?

Jeanne Y
-
0
Ozempic, Wegovy, and GLP1s: Going Generic?

Disclaimer: This post is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice and/or substitute advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a medical professional. I cannot guarantee that the content of the post is correct or updated. Consult a medical professional for all medical advice and before making the decision to begin taking new drugs.

Semaglutides, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy has been a hot topic the last couple of years. As an increasing number of celebrities and influencers began to use the drug that’s meant to help manage obesity and type 2 diabetes, it’s no wonder that the drug has become controversial.

GLP1s, Wegovy, and Ozempic: What’s the Difference?

GLP1 – Glucagon-like Peptide-1

…is a hormone that is naturally released after your body feels full. It signals satiety to your brain, slows down your digestion so that your digestive system has enough time to absorb nutrients, and helps manage blood sugar.

In Bio 30, we learn that when there’s food in the stomach, it stretches (like an elastic bag). This stretching activates mechanoreceptors, which are receptors that respond to movement. This signals fullness to your intestinal cells, which will then release GLP1s.

But Ozempic and Wegovy are not pill versions of the hormone. So what are they?

Semaglutides: Ozempic and Wegovy

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutides, which are molecules that imitate the GLP1 hormone. The difference is simply that Wegovy contains a higher dosage that Ozempic does.

Wegovy is typically prescribed for weight loss, while Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes.

Going Generic

From a medical standpoint, the drug has been fairly effective in helping patients manage weight loss and blood sugar. Canada is the only country where the patent for Wegovy has an expiration date, which means that soon, generic versions of the weight loss drug can soon come out. So what does this mean for Canadians?

Cost

Generic means that other companies create pharmaceutically identical versions of the drug to sell. Because these secondary companies don’t have to do as much research, testing, and proving as the private company did, costs can be lowered. This is incredibly important, as most insurance companies do not cover insurance costs of obesity drugs.

Going generic means that the cost of the drug will be significantly lowered, which makes the drug far more accessible to lower income individuals. It’s estimated that generic brands could be 35% lower than brand-name semaglutides.

Timeline

Generic versions are predicted to hit shelves in mid to late 2026, which means that millions more Canadians who are unable to afford the drug will soon be able to get the medication that they need.

Sources: 1 ,2 ,3 ,4 ,5, 6

Healthy Habits That Aren’t Actually Healthy (But Everyone Acts Like They Are)

Elizabeth A
-
1
Healthy Habits That Aren’t Actually Healthy (But Everyone Acts Like They Are)

I think we’ve reached a point where “being healthy” is less about how you feel and more about how your life looks from the outside.

Like if you wake up early, go to the gym, eat “clean,” and stay consistent, you’re automatically doing something right. And if you don’t… it kind of feels like you’re falling behind.

But the weird part is that some of these “healthy habits” aren’t actually making people feel better. They just look like they should.

 

1. When being disciplined starts feeling like pressure

There’s nothing wrong with having discipline. It’s good to have routines and goals.

But there’s a difference between choosing to do something and feeling like you have to.

If missing one workout stresses you out, or eating something different makes you feel guilty for the rest of the day, that’s not really balance. That’s pressure.

And pressure doesn’t suddenly become healthy just because it’s coming from a “good” habit.

 

2. “Clean eating” that’s basically just not eating enough

A lot of the “healthy eating” content online looks fine until you actually think about it for a second.

It’s always super controlled. Small portions, low-calorie everything, nothing that really fills you up. But it’s labeled as clean, so it feels like the goal.

No one says it directly, but there’s this idea that the less you eat, the better you’re doing.

And that just… isn’t true.

Your body needs food. Not the aesthetic version of it, actual food.

 

3. Working out because you feel like you owe it

There’s a big difference between working out because it makes you feel good and working out because you feel like you need to earn something.

Like earning your food, or making up for a “bad” day, or just proving to yourself that you’re still disciplined.

At that point, it stops being about health. It’s more like you’re trying to avoid feeling guilty.

And that’s not a great reason to build a habit around.

 

4. Routines that look perfect but don’t feel right

You can copy someone’s entire routine and still feel off.

Wake up early, follow all the steps, stay productive… and somehow still feel tired or unmotivated or just not into it.

That’s because routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, even if social media makes it seem like they are.

Just because something looks like the “right” way to live doesn’t mean it actually works for you.

 

5. The idea that healthy has to be hard

I feel like a lot of this comes down to one belief: if it’s not hard, it doesn’t count.

So people push themselves to do more, be stricter, stay more consistent, even when they’re already tired.

But being healthy isn’t supposed to feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up with your own life.

If everything feels exhausting all the time, something’s off.

 

So what actually is healthy then

It’s probably less impressive than what you see online.

It’s eating enough without overthinking it.
Moving your body in ways you don’t hate.
Taking breaks without feeling guilty.
Having habits that fit into your life instead of taking it over.

It’s not perfect. It’s not aesthetic. But it’s real.

 

TL;DR

Not everything labeled as “healthy” is actually helping you.

Sometimes it’s just a nicer version of pressure. And it’s easy to fall into because it looks like self-improvement.

But if something is making you more stressed, more tired, or more focused on doing everything “right,” it’s worth questioning.

Because a habit can look healthy and still not be good for you.

And you’re allowed to choose what actually feels better, even if it doesn’t look as put together.

Why Engineering Is More Creative Than You Think

Vasundhara Joshi
-
0
Why Engineering Is More Creative Than You Think

Why Engineering Is More Creative Than You Think

When people hear the word engineering, they usually think of math, formulas, and strict rules. It often gets labeled as a logical or technical field, while creativity is associated more with art, music, or writing. But that idea is pretty misleading. Engineering is actually one of the most creative things you can do.

Creativity is not just about painting or designing something that looks nice. It is really about solving problems in new ways. That is basically what engineering is. Engineers are constantly asking questions like how can we make this better, safer, faster, cheaper, or more useful. There is rarely just one answer, which means there is a lot of room for imagination and new ideas.

One thing that makes engineering even more interesting is that it comes with limits. You cannot just build anything you want. You have to work with budgets, materials, time, and the laws of physics. Instead of holding creativity back, those limits actually push it further. When you cannot rely on unlimited resources, you have to think more carefully and come up with smarter solutions. A lot of innovation happens because of these restrictions.

Engineering also mixes imagination with logic in a really unique way. You have to understand how things work, use data, and follow scientific principles, but you also have to picture something that does not exist yet. Whether it is designing a medical device, a bridge, or a wearable technology product, you are always thinking about how real people will use it and what problems it will solve. That combination of technical thinking and human understanding is what makes engineering creative.

A big part of modern engineering today is environmental stewardship, which shows creativity in a different way. Engineers are now expected to think about how their designs affect the planet. That means creating things like renewable energy systems, more efficient transportation, biodegradable materials, and ways to reduce waste. It is not just about building something that works anymore. It is about building something that does not harm the future. This takes creativity because you are constantly trying to balance innovation with responsibility for the environment.

Another important part of engineering is failure. Things do not work the first time, and that is normal. Prototypes break, ideas fail, and tests do not always go as planned. But each failure helps move things forward. You learn what does not work and use that to improve your design. In a way, engineering is creative because it is always evolving.

At the end of the day, engineering is not just about equations or machines. It is about ideas. It is about taking something that does not exist and figuring out how to bring it into the real world in a useful and responsible way. That takes a lot more creativity than people usually realize.

Timeless Literature: Do Books Ever Expire?

Nova Astrov
-
0
Timeless Literature: Do Books Ever Expire?

 

Given the many conflicts our world faces politically today, staying informed about current affairs is more important than ever. These events shape our global landscape, influence our communities, and ultimately affect us too. But it’s also understandable why so many young people feel passive or disconnected from the media they consume. It can be overwhelming to witness tragedy after tragedy and feel powerless to change any of it.
In moments like these, maintaining empathy becomes essential. It requires us to step outside our own experiences and imagine the lives of those who don’t have the privilege of safety, stability, or peace. Literature has always b

Photo by enrico bet on Unsplash

een one of the most powerful ways to do this. Stories allow us to see through someone else’s eyes — to feel their fear, their hope, their loss, and their resilience. The following books are timeless examples of how war impacts civilians, families, and entire generations.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War follows Rin, a war orphan who earns her way into an elite military academy in a nation on the brink of conflict. As she rises through the ranks, she discovers both the brutality of war and the terrifying power within herself. The novel blends historical events inspired by the Second Sino-Japanese War with fantasy elements, but its emotional core is painfully real. It forces readers to confront how war dehumanizes entire populations and how trauma shapes the next generation. Through Rin’s journey, we’re reminded that behind every conflict are ordinary people trying to survive forces far bigger than themselves.

Photo by HamZa NOUASRIA on Unsplash

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel, a young girl who finds comfort in stolen books during one of the darkest periods in history. As her foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, Liesel learns firsthand how war fractures communities and tests the limits of human compassion. The novel highlights the quiet, everyday acts of resistance that civilians engage in — not through violence, but through kindness, storytelling, and courage. It’s a powerful reminder that even in times of war, humanity persists in small but meaningful ways.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner follows Amir and Hassan, two boys growing up in Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion. Their friendship is shaped by class, culture, and betrayal — and later, by the devastation of war. As Afghanistan falls into decades of conflict, the novel shows how violence uproots families, reshapes identities, and leaves emotional scars that last a lifetime. Hosseini’s

Photo by Agnieszka Ziomek on Unsplash

storytelling brings readers into the intimate, personal side of war: the loss of home, the weight of guilt, and the longing for redemption. It’s a reminder that behind every headline about conflict are real people whose lives are forever changed.

Always remember, it is a privilege to live the life that we do. Peace and stability should be a right for every nation, but the reality is that not every country is able to provide it. By reading stories like these, and by choosing to stay empathetic, we honor the experiences of those who cannot look away from conflict because they are living it. (Before reading any of these books, please make sure to check for any TW’s!)
sources: 1, 2, 3

Falling in Our Dreams?

Daniella
-
0
Falling in Our Dreams?

 

Out of nowhere, you start falling. Your stomach flips, your body jerks, and you wake-up just before you think you’re going to hit the ground.

Falling is one of the most common (and perhaps one of the most physical) dreams to have. But what’s actually going on?

 

The idea of being ‘dropped’

One of the stranger (but oddly persistent) theories is that falling dreams aren’t entirely internal. You’ll sometimes hear versions of something like an angel holding you, then accidentally dropping you. In more mystical interpretations, people take that literally: an unseen presence or external force, something beyond you that loses its grip. 

Obviously, there’s no real evidence behind this. But the reason this idea sticks with so many people is because of how the dream feels. It wasn’t your decision, but something that happened to you.

 

Losing your soul?

Another theory leans spiritual. Some believe that when you fall asleep, your consciousness (or soul) drifts, and the falling sensation is what happens when it snaps back a little too quickly. Again, not scientifically grounded, but it can possibly explain the sudden return to your body when you wake up.

 

An evolutionary panic response

A more grounded (but still theoretical) idea is that falling dreams are tied to survival instincts. Early humans who were aware of heights, and reacted quickly to losing balance, were more likely to survive. So your brain may be wired to treat falling as an immediate emergency, even if it’s in a dream. So when your brain senses instability, even symbolically, it triggers a reaction to ‘survive’.

 

The psychological read: losing your footing

The most common interpretation is that falling dreams tend to happen when something in your life feels uncertain or out of your control. You could have a one-off dream of falling simply because you went hiking near a cliff or just rolled too close to the edge of your bed, but dreaming of falling could mean you feel insecure, inadequate, anxious, or overwhelmed, just to name a few.

Being pushed off a cliff could mean you don’t feel secure with others, while tripping could be a sign of lacking self-confidence. Parachuting out of an airplane or taking a graceful dive could be letting go of something negative, or setting yourself free.

 

Why we never hit the ground

Just as you’re about to hit the ground, your legs jerk, and you wake up. Hypnic jerks are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that usually occur just as you’re falling asleep. Though the exact cause isn’t clear, one symptom of a hypnic jerk is the sensation of falling.

Sometimes, there can be an overlap between hypnic jerks and dreams about falling (which probably has more to do with your body falling asleep than your mind trying to tell you something). 

 

Most dreams fade immediately, while falling dreams are often short, sharp, and physical (and yet we remember them). The drop. The loss of control.  Falling in the air…and then you’re awake before you ever find out how it ends.

 

Sources:

Understanding Of P.T.S.D. Better

Khanh Linh
-
0
Understanding Of P.T.S.D. Better

Many people go through difficult or frightening experiences in life. Sometimes these experiences can affect a person’s mental health for a long time. One condition that can happen after a traumatic event is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences or witnesses a very scary, dangerous, or shocking event.

Examples of traumatic events include:

  • Car accidents

  • Physical assault

  • War or combat

  • Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes

  • Sexual violence

  • Seeing someone seriously injured or killed

After a traumatic event, it is normal to feel scared, stressed, or sad. However, if these feelings last for many months and start to affect a person’s daily life, it may be PTSD.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

People with PTSD may experience different kinds of symptoms. These symptoms can appear within a few months after the event, but sometimes they appear years later.

1. Intrusive Memories

This means the traumatic event keeps coming back into a person’s mind.

Examples include:

  • Unwanted memories about the event

  • Flashbacks (feeling like the event is happening again)

  • Nightmares about the trauma

  • Strong emotional reactions when reminded of the event

2. Avoidance

Some people try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma.

For example:

  • Avoid talking or thinking about the event

  • Stay away from certain places, people, or activities

3. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Feelings

PTSD can change how a person thinks and feels.

Some signs include:

  • Feeling guilty, ashamed, or angry

  • Having negative thoughts about themselves or others

  • Feeling disconnected from family or friends

  • Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed

  • Feeling emotionally numb

4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

PTSD can also affect a person’s body and behaviour.

Examples include:

  • Being easily startled or always feeling alert

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Angry outbursts or irritability

  • Fast heartbeat, sweating, or shaking when stressed

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. However, not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.

Several factors can increase the risk, including:

  • Experiencing severe or repeated trauma

  • Having little support from family or friends

  • Having previous mental health challenges

  • Feeling guilt or shame related to the event

Why Support is Important

Support from others plays a big role in recovery. Talking with trusted people can help someone process their feelings and begin healing.

Helpful support may include:

  • Friends and family

  • Mental health counsellors or therapists

  • Doctors or psychiatrists

  • Community organizations

  • Religious or spiritual leaders

Professional therapy and counselling are often very effective in helping people manage PTSD symptoms.

Recovery is Possible

Many people recover from PTSD with time and proper support. Some people recover within several months, while others may need longer treatment.

The important thing to remember is that help is available, and no one has to face trauma alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling after a traumatic experience, talking to a trusted adult, counsellor, or mental health professional can be the first step toward healing.

Source: [1], [2], [3]

Finding Hope in Darkness – A Review of All the Light We Cannot See

Sabarish M
-
0
Finding Hope in Darkness – A Review of All the Light We Cannot See

A good novel is supposed to immerse the reader in the world of the story and have rich characters and plot. In this blog post, I will be sharing my experience reading one of my favourite novels, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. It is a historical fiction novel set predominantly during the time period of World War II in Europe, and revolves around rich characters and an interesting plot. I will also explain why I really enjoyed this book and why I recommend that you read this amazing piece of writing.

Basic Summary

The story revolves around the two main characters: Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig. Marie-Laure is a French girl living in Paris, whose father works as a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History. When she becomes blind, her father builds her a model of their neighbourhood, and she learns to navigate by touch. When German forces occupy Paris, Marie-Laure and her father flee to Saint-Malo.

Werner, roughly in the same age group as Marie-Laure, is an orphan who grows up in a German mining town with a passion for radios and problem-solving. Werner’s intelligence earns him a spot at the National Political Institute of Education, a prestigious military academy where he confronts brutality. In 1944, Werner’s mission brought him to Saint-Malo during its intense bombardment from both sides. Werner encounters Marie-Laure by tracking her radio broadcasts and chooses to protect her from dangerous threats.

Why I Liked It

I loved this novel as it was a wonderful experience to read and has an amazing plot and well-developed characters. Anthony Doerr did an excellent job of immersing the reader into the world of the story and keeping the novel engaging throughout. By portraying the story from different perspectives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr vividly presents the various aspects of a complex war and how it impacts people from unique backgrounds and experiences. The alternating nature of the points of view of characters in this novel adds a layer of suspense to the plot and shows the unifying message of the shared humanity of both sides of a war, and builds empathy.

Another major reason I rate this novel very highly is that the plot is filled with rich and vivid imagery, making the novel a page-turner on various occasions. Doerr’s use of alternating time periods from the past and present builds suspense and sparks curiosity in the reader, until everything finally locks into place at the end. The novel, being slower paced for the majority of the story, allowed for depth in the plot and character development. The short chapters, alternating perspectives and time periods also made the overall reading experience very engaging and made me lose track of time when reading.

Themes It Explored

There were many rich and complex themes explored throughout All the Light We Cannot See. The novel explores the themes of hope and resilience by depicting its main characters finding light in dark moments through stories, radios and kindness. An example of resilience is Marie-Laure. Despite her blindness and young age, she is able to handle the trauma of war effectively, and her courage and curiosity aid her.

From this novel, I am taking away the idea of how even small acts of kindness can create large impacts on the lives of others, by providing hope in a challenging situation. I also learned that even the most disastrous situations can have a glimmer of hope and light, which was in the form of radios in the novel.

I learned how humans are capable of both extreme cruelty and kindness, and that empathy and open-mindedness is key. I also learned the moblike mentality of humans and the natural desire to blend in with the crowd, and how it is important to act with our conscience and preserve our convictions at all costs.

Overall, this book contains insightful themes, and I have taken many ideas and learned lots about the world around me. Even if most of this book takes place in the past, all of the themes present are still relevant, and everyone can learn something from it.

Movie Trope Analysis – The Tortured Talent

Spencer
-
0
Movie Trope Analysis – The Tortured Talent

The Tortured Talent

The portrayal of artfulness and passion is not anything new in cinema. The pursuit of greatness has always been an incredibly important aspect of storytelling, and one that has many variants in its portrayal. However, in the 21st century, the portrayal of achievement is seen as a divisive factor and looks into its detrimental implications on the main protagonist. 

Previous films, including Rocky, Chariots of Fire, etc., all present achievement as a generally positive factor that influences the growth of the protagonist. However, what if achievement were instead enabling the individual to gain more stereotypically negative characteristics? Sacrificing their morality for recognition. This is where films such as Whiplash, black-swan, and even Marty Supreme come in, when an individual prioritizes their perceived success over all else. 

The obsession with perfection, the main characters often exhibit a drive that works to harm them in the process. There grows an immense distance between them and their most important relationships, for instance, a mother-and-son relationship. 

These stories make us question the validity of obsession and at what point our passion is harming our overall happiness. This trope goes far beyond just modern media. It can be argued that Van Gogh and Virginia Woolf can also be considered tortured geniuses or artists. 

The issue with these portrayals in the media and the immortalization of attributes is that individuals feed into these characters’ backbreaking dedication instead of recognizing how their obsession causes their downfall. In Whiplash, our main character is highly stressed throughout the film and deals with abuse daily, but people, instead of viewing him as a cautionary tale, idolize him. This is similar to Marty Supreme, who is a cruel and selfish character. However, what you see on social media are edits of him and admiration of his mindset. This mindset, which serves to distance him from others and put others in harm’s way. This is in no way desirable. 

Overall, it is incredibly important to recognize how these movies enable new perspectives on achievement. The media needs to respond in a way that doesn’t diminish the intended impact of these movies. These films should not be glorified, and looking at them in only a positive light does not help us understand the complexities of human success. 

Referees: Should They Judge or Should They Be Judged?

Alina
-
0
Referees: Should They Judge or Should They Be Judged?

In an intense tournament, stakes are high and the pressure is deafening, unfairness is like bait on a stick, dangling in front of you, and urging you to snap. Sports have an unfathomable way of subconsciously sparking a stubborn fire within you that no one can extinguish except for maybe the referees. They can be biased, appeared in many situations while doing so, and we should address this circumstance because it is not nearly as inconsequential as we believe.

Referees often express bias towards a particular organization or individual, which naturally gives the other party an unfair disadvantage. 

No individual can be truly indifferent and calculating in their references. Therefore, an uproar arises within the audience and fans, planting a seed of frustration, and when something is planted, it will take root. On account of this, many individuals fail to acknowledge that referees cannot possibly hold no opinion. To hold no opinion is not to care, and to judge, we need to care.

An eagle’s eye in the storm, they need to be focused and nurturing. However, they should strive to be fair because everyone deserves a chance to win. Furthermore, referees are also given ultimate power, the will to bend the game, and the capacity to easily hand over a win with a blow of a whistle and a single raise of a hand. Power is corruptible; they influence you and allow you to do whatever you want. This is seemingly light; however, this can influence you to make rash decisions and bend the game entirely because the sense of power often overfloods our other senses. Revealing how powerful the referees are and why they can be so biased at times.

Individuals have regularly felt the unfairness of a game or the prejudice of a referee, and occasionally fail to realize how their judgment has impacted others. 

Due to unfairness, many individuals lose significant tournaments and matches that are important for their future. Take the 2022 Figure skating Salt Lake Olympics incident for instance, often referred to as the ‘skategate.’ Figure skating Canadian pairs performed a flawless performance with no penalties and received a silver medal. While the Russian athletes who won gold had a major error, a fall.

It is later revealed that the main France foundation was pressuring the French judge to vote for the Russian pair. If this event was as inconsequential as we believe, it would have ended right there and now. However, the whole sports rating system developed into a points system and resulted in the firing of two referees and a reward of dual golden medals presented to both Canadian and Russian pairs. Therefore, the bad judgment of referees can result in a more impactful consequence than what we constantly recognize.

Truth to be told, conjecture and opinions can’t fully disappear from our conscience; therefore, perhaps there are situations when AI is essential. 

To reduce the constant lack of fairness and accountability of these referees, perhaps robots should take their place. Robots possess so many skills that fit the role of refereeing and judging perfectly, they are not favoured for learning and academic education, however, criticism and potential can be achieved with a little prescience and a shift in perception.

First and foremost, AI can’t mentally feel anything, they have an emptiness, they follow coordinates and do what they are programmed to do, so no bias can possibly be present with complete indifference. Another thing is that they seldom make mistakes and see things humans typically miss. This increase in accuracy will profoundly benefit the fairness for the players and the games, resulting in a more balanced society.

Consequently, taking an act into acknowledging the prominent impacts unfair refereeing can cause will strengthen recognizing the problems that are classified as “small.” This acknowledges that referees can be biased towards a certain party and have been biased in many circumstances with witnesses. This should be solved by the appropriate use of AI and both individuals and referees should strive to avoid unfairness, because even if you throw a small stone in the sea, no one realizes how far it might sink.

Source: 1

The People Who Never Clock Out

Krupa P
-
0
The People Who Never Clock Out

Healthcare workers are the backbone of our communities, showing up every day to care for others even in the most challenging situations. Whether in hospitals, clinics, or emergency settings, they dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to helping people heal and feel safe. Yet, their hard work or appreciation often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. Taking their time to recognize and thank these individuals is more important than ever, as even acts of small gratitude can make a meaningful difference in their lives. These 3 meaningful ways of appreciation can be your first step to showing appreciation to these workers.

1. Thank You Notes and Cards

Starting off simple and small, but still one of the most meaningful ways to show appreciation is to write a thank you note. Taking just a few minutes to write a heartfelt message can have a lasting impact, especially for the workers who deal with long hours, high stress, and emotional situations daily. A handwritten notes can feel personal and genuine, it reflects that you took the time to recognize their effort rather than just saying a quick “thanks.” For healthcare workers, this small act can make them feel valued and worth the long hours they work.

2. Provide Care Packages

Because healthcare workers have long and tiring hours and demanding shifts, having a small collection of useful and comforting items helps make their day easier. A well prepared care package can show consideration. Its not just about giving something, but about understanding what they might actually need during a busy shift.

Some practical items you can put could be healthy snacks, protein bars, tea bags, or instant coffee for a quick energy boost. Since healthcare workers wash their hands often, items like hand lotion, lip balm, and gentle skincare products can especially be helpful. Small comfort items like stress balls, handwritten notes, or even cozy socks can also bring a sense of relaxation and remind them to take care of themselves too. The key is to keep the items simple and easy to grab during a break.

3. Volunteer

Volunteering is a meaningful way to show appreciation and it directly supports them in their daily environment. Whole volunteers may not be involved in medical tasks, you can help with many non-clinical responsibilities that make a big difference. For example, you might be able to assist with organizing supplies, guiding visitors, delivering items within a facility and so much more. In addition, volunteering can also lead to a more positive and welcoming atmosphere. Such as helping visitors around the hospital, or just being a calming presence to a patient or a member of the staff. Healthcare settings can often feel stressful or overwhelming, so having volunteers who bring kindness and patience into the environment can make a noticeable impact. This type of support shows healthcare workers that the community values not only their work but also the environment they work in.

Conclusion

Showing appreciation to healthcare workers is not only important but necessary in recognizing the dedication and care they provide every day. Whether through thank-you notes, care packages, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness, even small efforts can have a meaningful impact. These gestures remind healthcare workers that their hard work does not go unnoticed and that their community truly values them. By taking the time to express gratitude, we help create a more supportive and respectful environment for those who spend their lives caring for others.

 

The Condition Millions of Women Live With but Few Truly Understand

Vasundhara Joshi
-
0
The Condition Millions of Women Live With but Few Truly Understand

What is PCOS?

For many people, that question does not have an immediate answer. And that is exactly the problem.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the world, affecting about 1 in 10 women globally. Despite how widespread it is, a large number of people who have it remain undiagnosed or unaware for years. It is not a rare condition. It is just frequently overlooked.

PCOS is often referred to as a “silent” condition, not because it has no symptoms, but because its symptoms are so commonly misunderstood or treated separately that the underlying cause is missed.

At its core, PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder. It is linked to an imbalance in androgens, which are hormones that all women naturally produce in small amounts. In PCOS, these hormone levels are higher than normal, which disrupts the regular function of the ovaries.

Instead of releasing an egg each month as part of a regular ovulation cycle, the process becomes irregular or may stop entirely. Over time, the ovaries may develop multiple small follicles. These are not true cysts, but fluid-filled structures containing immature eggs that were not released. This can lead to enlarged and inflamed ovaries.

However, PCOS is not only about the reproductive system. It is also a metabolic condition, which means it affects how the body processes insulin and regulates energy. Because of this, it is linked with a higher risk of other health complications beyond reproductive health.

One of the most frustrating parts of PCOS is how long it can take to be diagnosed. For many women, it takes years. This delay often happens because symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight changes, or fatigue are treated individually rather than being recognized as part of a larger pattern.

There is currently no cure for PCOS. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms. This can include hormonal birth control, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or medications that help regulate insulin levels and menstrual cycles.

In more severe cases, medical procedures may be considered, but they are not suitable for everyone and can come with long-term risks. As a result, many people with PCOS manage the condition throughout their lives rather than fully resolving it.

Beyond the medical definition, PCOS also highlights a larger issue in healthcare. Conditions that affect women are still not researched, understood, or diagnosed as efficiently as many other medical conditions. This leads to delays in care, confusion, and a lack of awareness about something that is actually very common.

PCOS is not rare. It is not new. And it is not insignificant.

It is simply underrecognized.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.1030353/full

Why Young People Should Learn the Difference Between National Pride and Harmful Nationalism

Khanh Linh
-
0
Why Young People Should Learn the Difference Between National Pride and Harmful Nationalism

In today’s world, we hear the word nationalism a lot. It appears in politics, history classes, social media, and even daily conversations. But what does it really mean, and why should young people care?

Nationalism is the belief that people who share the same culture, language, history, or identity belong together as a nation and should have the right to govern themselves.
At its best, nationalism can bring people together. It can create pride, unity, and a strong sense of belonging.

However, history has also shown that nationalism can become dangerous when it turns into exclusion, discrimination, or hatred toward others.

That is why I believe young people need to learn how to build healthy national pride while also protecting inclusion and diversity.

The Good Side of National Identity

Loving your country is not always a bad thing.

National identity can help people feel connected to their community. It can inspire citizens to work hard, vote, volunteer, and improve society. Many independence movements around the world were built on nationalism because people wanted freedom and self-determination.

For young people, this can mean feeling proud of our city, province, or country and wanting to make it better.

For example, as youth in Canada, we may feel proud of values like multiculturalism, equality, and opportunity. That pride can motivate us to create change in our schools and communities.

When Pride Becomes Exclusion

The problem starts when national pride becomes the belief that one group is more important than others.

Sometimes nationalism can lead people to reject immigrants, minorities, or anyone seen as “different.” History gives us many examples where extreme nationalism caused conflict and division. Britannica even points out that nationalism has been a major factor in several wars.

This is especially important for youth because social media can quickly spread harmful ideas.

If we are not careful, pride in identity can turn into stereotypes, hate, and exclusion.

What We Should Advocate For

As young people, we should advocate for inclusive patriotism instead of harmful nationalism.

This means loving our country while also respecting people from different backgrounds.

We can be proud of where we come from without putting others down.

Schools should teach students more about the history and ethics of nationalism so that we can recognize both its strengths and its dangers. The Stanford Encyclopedia explains that nationalism is not only about feelings but also about political beliefs and moral responsibilities.

By understanding this, youth can become better leaders and more responsible global citizens.

A Call to Youth Voices

Our generation lives in one of the most connected times in history.

We are shaped not only by our nation but also by global communities online and in real life.

That is why I want to encourage youth to speak up for a future where identity creates belonging, not division.

Be proud of who you are.

Be proud of where you come from.

But also stand up for kindness, diversity, and inclusion.

National pride should build bridges, not walls.

Source: [1], [2], [3]

The Evolution of Colour

Ava
-
0
The Evolution of Colour

From a young age, one of the first preferences people make is their favourite colour. Such a simple choice becomes a conversation starter, an ice breaker, and a part of one’s self-identity. This goes to show how pigments are an essential part of our daily lives, influencing our personal style and how we decorate our spaces.

Though colours are easily available to us now, it was not always that way. Which raises the question of how colours and pigments have become so accessible in modern life?

Early Uses of Colour

Natural Pigments

Over 40,000 years ago, the first recorded pigment was created on an Indonesian island. Using accessible items such as chalk, soil, animal fat, and coal. This combination was used as a foundation to create five specific colours, such as red, black, yellow, white, and brown. These colours were limited but played a significant role in storytelling, animal depiction, and rituals.

Advancements in Early Civilizations

As civilizations came into play, pigments began being manufactured. Using fruits, vegetables, and animal secretions to produce dyes. One of the first examples of manufactured pigments was Egyptian blue. Created by quartz sand, copper, lime, and high temperatures. This discovery was a stepping stone in the development of pigments, revealing how malleable colour can be.

Symbolism of Colour

During the medieval era, colours became a notable indicator of wealth. It came with strict rules deciding who could wear certain colours based on status. Certain colours that were harder to get hold of were exclusively reserved for nobles’ and royals’ use. Such as Tyrian purple.

The modernization of Colour

Scientific Work on Colour

The study of colours began to emerge more in the 17th century. One of the most significant was Isaac Newton’s. In the 1660’s his work on light and pigments became a massive stepping stone to the scientific study of colour. By discovering that white light could be split into seven different visible colours. These seven colours consist of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. He found that colour was not inherent in objects but a result of how light interacts with it. This work of his—called Opticks- led to many other major discoveries across a variety of fields to come.

Colours Today

Through the next centuries, the advancements in chemistry began revolutionizing colour production. Leading to a diverse range of new colours being made. This new abundance and versatile selection of colour started leaving huge impacts on fashion, trends, and pop culture as we know them.

1234...519Page 3 of 519