Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth.
YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them.
Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.
Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.
Whether you’re a teenager, an adult, a student, or a parent, education apps will be your best friend when it comes to learning a new language! Many of us do not have the time, nor the available resources to learn a new language from a tutor or a teacher. This is where language apps come into play: they allow you to learn at your own pace, anywhere at any time. I personally useDuolingo to sharpen my French skills while I’m not at school. However, there are plenty of other language apps to help you get started. These include:
Memrise
Busuu
Babbel
HelloTalk
Pimsleur
FrenchPod101
Charlesdeluvio. (2018, November 22). black Kobo eBook reader turned-on. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/black-kobo-ebook-reader-turned-on-XeBljzhTcws
2. French Media
Living in a place where the main language isn’t French can be especially challenging if you’re trying to learn the language. One important thing that comes with language learning is surrounding yourself with speakers of the tongue. Lucky for you, the internet has numerous resources to help you progress your experience with French! Delving into French media will allow yourself to more easily learn the language, as they offer a more authentic exposure to the language–unlike any classroom, teacher, or learning app can. You will also receive the added skills of an enhanced listening and reading comprehension, a broader vocabulary, and more cultural understanding. You can easily find French podcasts, movies, TV shows, and books online. I prefer listening to podcasts, as I can easily listen to them on the go! My favourite podcast is LearningFrench on Spotify. It’s hosted by a French professor based in Poland, who designed it for beginner-intermediate learners of French.
3. Goals
The next stop on your French journey is goals! Without having a destination in sight, it can be hard to maintain momentum, and commit to learning a new language. It’s good to start small. You can aim to memorize 20 French words/phrases, master verb conjugations, or simply practice the unique sounds of French. As a French student, my goals are catered more towards my success in school. I strive to improve my listening and writing comprehension, but this is definitely a goal that any other French learner can commit to as well.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Perry, K. (2023, May 12). a sign that says start somewhere next to a calculator. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-sign-that-says-start-somewhere-next-to-a-calculator-OTxJu2rxw
The key to success in French is, ultimately, practice! How can you expect to be good at anything without trying to get better? Focus on consistent and varied practice, so that you don’t get bored. Plus, you could even find yourself a language partner, and practice speaking French with them. Remember that regular practice is essential to making progress. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes–allow them and grow from them. Most importantly, have fun. Learning a new language should be enjoyable!
With these tips, soon you’ll be able to call yourself a French superstar!
Welcome to part 2 of our exploration into the Interconnection of Physics. Here, we will explore some fascinating connections across surprising Physics concepts. If you haven’t already, make sure to read part 1 of the exploration, especially because this part takes a leap over the introductory concepts and exposes some university content. Without further ado, let us explore three more awesome interconnections in Physics!
4. Linear and Rotational motion
As their names suggests, linear motion is translational, meaning that the object physically moves in a certain direction, and rotational motion is based on rotations, where the object itself is rotating about an axis. To create a visualization, imagine that you are driving a car. The car is translationally moving in whatever direction you wish, whereas the wheels are rotating about the axle (that rod that connects the center of the wheels in the back or in the front). Therefore, the car is physically undergoing linear motion and its wheels are experiencing rotational motion. Another example would be Earth, where we are orbiting the sun (though it is circular motion, we are still translationally moving), and rotating about our own axis (which is responsible for our day and night cycles).
Although these are two different kinds of motions, they are very closely related in terms of the Physics formulas. In fact, their formulas between many other concepts, like kinematics, forces, momentum, and energy, essentially have the same structure, just with different symbols (of course, to differentiate between linear and rotational calculations). Besides the actual content, the difference between the linear and rotational motions is that rotational motions concerns the radius of the object. Because rotational motion is university content and can be confusing, the important thing is that the similarity between the formulas reveals that these everyday motions still fall under the universal laws of Physics, especially Newton’s laws.
Image by Ahmed Alkhalidi from Pixabay (Car moves forward)Image by Hanne Hasu from Pixabay (Car tire rotates)
5. Waves and Springs
Diving deeper into the more theoretical parts of Physics, waves are recognized as a disturbance in a medium that carries energy without moving particles and springs are a medium that can push or pull an object. The connection between these two would be the concept of oscillations, which are referred to repetitive movements (without an external assistance).
Generally speaking, waves have an amplitude (power) and a wavelength (distance between two successive waves). A couple examples of waves are sound waves and electromagnetic waves (includes infrared, visible light, and x-rays). Oscillations occur in waves because these amplitudes and wavelengths are constantly repeating one another. This explains why we usually experience a constant amount of light from the sun; the waves do not change in power or frequency.
When it comes to springs, there are compressed springs and expanded springs. Compressed springs result from objects compressing springs beyond their equilibrium point, and expanded springs have objects pulling springs from that point. For springs, when the spring is allowed to expand or compress back to their equilibrium point, their energy and momentum make it so that they pass that point, compress or expand again, pass the point again, resulting in a repetitive, oscillating motion.
This unexpected connection into oscillation infers that the energy and momentum between waves and springs are the same, allowing them to follow their own repetitive pattern. Along with that, the applications of oscillations include musical instruments (strings can act as waves), alternating current, and understanding the beating of the heart (just imagine that a point in the spring example creates a heartbeat).
Stars, those large, bright celestial bodies that shine high in the sky, and time, a measurement between two events. It takes time for its emitted light to travel around. Did you know that the stars that we see in the night sky had been dead for such a long time? Yet we believe it is still there because the light is just reaching us now. This not only justifies that stars are astronomically far away, but also that the speed of light is constant.
Because speed depends on distance and time (from the formula, v = d/t). If the speed is constant, then the only variables that could change would be distance and time (ex: 4m/s can be calculated with either 4m ÷ 1s or 12m ÷ 3s). We had just seen the star’s effect on time, but this formula reveals that they affect distance.
Imagine a star releases a certain wavelength. A Physics concept, known as the Doppler Effect, suggegs that if the star is in relative motion compared to Earth, we measured that wavelength differently. Referring back to that v = d/t formula, we had just seen that time changed; the distance, which is the wavelength, must also change. If you recall hearing the terms, red-shift and blue-shift, then this is where it came from. Red-shifts are evidence that the star is moving away from us, whereas blue shifts are for stars moving closer to us.
Of course, Einstein’s theory of special relativity is directly connected between stars and time, especially because stars can move close to the speed of light. Though his theory itself is fascinating, the application of it is confusing. Therefore, it is at your discretion to find this connection yourself.
Congratulations on making it to the end of this series! Of course, these six connections are amongst an astonishing amount of connections and applications. We have explored through quick glimpses of the high school Physics content with sprinkles of some university content. Remember, each connection progressively became harder to understand and more reliable on imagination and application. However, what makes this amazing Physics journey possible is that almost every time, everything is held under universal laws. The consistency and interconnection of Physics makes the world make more sense.
Home of the beaver, maple syrup, and excessively apologizing. These are all staples of the Canadian brand that may come to mind when you think of the Great North; however, if you’re like me, then you may have also thought of the amazing music scene Canada has to offer. With the 2025 Juno Awards fast approaching (March 30, 6:00 p.m. MDT), I wanted to provide a list of some of my favourite Canadian bands. From punk music you can thrash to, to laid-back indie rock, here are 10 of some of the best Canada has to offer.
Alexisonfire
This hard-core rock band formed in 2001 in St. Catherines, ONT. Though they broke up in 2012 after performing their Farewell Tour, in 2022, the band reunited and released their album Otherness, a more refined version of the music they made when they were younger, which the band claims to be the best music they’ve ever released. Alexisonfire is known for their explosive and aggressive yet still melodious music. If you want to dip your toes into the ocean that is Alexisonfire, I would suggest starting with their song Boiled Frogs from their 2006 album, Crisis.
2. Metric
Even if you didn’t realize, you’ve probably heard one of Metric’s songs before, specifically Black Sheep from the film, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, 2010. In the movie, the song is sung by the talented Brie Larson. The band wrote the song specifically for the soundtrack, which consists mostly of extraordinary Canadian music artists. Metric has a unique sound that exists at the intersection of electronic music and rock, but my favourite component of their music is the lyricism. Additionally, I had the amazing opportunity to watch them perform at the 2024 Stampede, and lead singer, Emily Haines has an unapologetic stage presence that provides even more eccentricity to their music. Some of my favourite songs of theirs include: Gimme Sympathy, Wet Blanket and Stadium Love.
Metric headlining the Coca-Cola Stage at the 2024 Calgary Stampede
3. Arkells
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, the Arkells are Canada’s Rock band sweetheart. Formed in 2006, the band is still going strong nearly 2 decades later, with 9 JUNO awards under their belt and holding the record for most wins in the best group/duo category with six wins. Arkells’s sound combines alternative rock with some soul/Motown influences. Less than a week ago, tickets to their hometown concert, The Rally, went on sale. Along with other musicians, the Arkells will be putting on a highly anticipated show dedicated to the city where it all started, Hamilton. If you’re interested in this band, listen to songs like Oh, The Boss is Coming! and 11:11.
Arkells Concert
4. The Beaches
My personal favourite on this list. I have seen them in concert twice, and they have been my number one artist since 2020; I can proudly say I am a certified Beaches expert. Contrary to popular belief, the band’s name is not a play on words, but rather originates from the Toronto neighbourhood where 3/4 of the members grew up. The band is known for their indie-pop rock music, with relatable lyrics revolving around love (and heartache) as well as other universal experiences of girlhood. Their song Gold is great for when you need to amp yourself up, whereas If a Tree Falls is an emotional ballad that never fails to make me ponder the meaning of life. But, without a doubt, my favourite song of theirs is Edge of the Earth, a perfect mix of lyrical genius and a beautiful melody that will get stuck in your head.
Leader singer of the Beaches, Jordan MillerKylie Miller, The Beaches Guitarist
5. Peach Pit
Peachpit is a cultural phenomenon that has amassed 2.3 million monthly listeners from Vancouver. Peach Pit is known for their ethereal, dreamy guitar accompaniments to heartfelt lyrics. Peach Pit has a distinctive sound that brings a fresh new look to the indie-rock genre. By far, my favourite part of the Peach Pit discography is the guitar tracks, which often play a prominent role in their songs. Personal standouts from this band are Drop the Guillotine and Shampoo Bottles.
Peach Pit performing at the Calgary Stampede 2024
6. Tokyo Police Club
In March of 2024, Tokyo Police Club released their last and final single, Just A Scratch/ Catch Me If You Can, as they announced their disbandment in January earlier that year, but nonetheless, the band had still solidified their place in the Canadian Indie-rock hall of fame of the 2000s. Tokyo Police Club is known for their catchy melodies, instrumentals reminiscent of the post-punk genre and overall fast-paced, energetic vibe. If this band from New Market, ONT interests you, I would suggest listening to Nature of The Experiment and Your English is Good.
7. Mother Mother
If you had an alt phase in 2020, you’re definitely familiar with this band from the small city of Quadra Island in British Columbia. Mother Mother was formed in 2005 and has released nine studio albums since. While they were very popular in the 2000s, their prominence skyrocketed in 2020 thanks to TikTok and their viral songs like Verbatim, Hayloft and Burning Pile. In February of this year, the band embarked on their Canadian tour with openers Cavetown and Winnetka Bowling League, making stops in cities across Canada. This summer, Mother Mother is heading out on their EU/UK tour, as well as performing at Lollapalooza. If you somehow missed the craze that was Mother Mother five years ago, you should definitely check out their album O My Heart.
Mother Mother concert at Scotiabank Saddledome 2025
8. PUP
PUP, AKA Pathetic Use of Potential, is a punk rock band from Toronto, trademarked by their dysfunctional and chaotic music. Initially, I was introduced to this band by their music video for their song, SLEEP IN THE HEAT, featuring a young Finn Wolfhard (fellow Canadian) and was immediately hooked. Even now, I still hold a soft spot for that song, especially knowing it was written about the untimely passing of lead singer Stefan Babcock’s pet chameleon, and I definitely encourage you to either watch the video or listen to the song.
9. Tegan and Sara
This twin-sister duo from Calgary, Alberta, are known for their synth-pop sound, but most importantly for their contribution to the 2014 film, The Lego Movie. That’s right; you’ve probably danced to this band when you were 5 years old listening to Everything is Awesome. Tegan and Sara hold a special place in my heart because so many of their songs were frequently played on Canadian radio in the 2010s during my childhood. From songs like Closer to Where Does the Good Go. However, despite their prevalence in my childhood, I did not realize they were Canadian or from the same town as me until I watched their TV show, High School, based on their lives growing up in Calgary. Highschool tells the story of how Tegan and Sara came to be, and their journey navigating the qualms of high school and their growing passion for music.
10. Fade Awaays
Last but certainly not least is the band, Fade Awaays. In all earnestness, I only found out about this band while researching for this blog post, but while I only just discovered them, they have already found their way into my daily playlist. Unfortunately, this discovery also led to the realization that the band released their last EP, Material Things, as an homage to the passing of their late founding member Reid Macmaster, who suddenly passed away in 2022 while the band was working on the song. In 2023, the band released a statement saying they would continue their journey as a band with Reid in their hearts. However, they have not posted since 2023 on their Instagram. Still, I am excited to see what lies in the future for this band.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You made it to the end of my long list of bands, and hopefully, you’ve found some new music that resonates with you. If you have some time during your day, give some of these bands a listen and channel your inner Canadian patriotism. And, if you want to discover more Canadian artists, tune in on March 30th for the JUNO awards, the biggest night for Canadian Music. (Some of these bands are nominated/ performing!)
All of the photos in this blog (minus the featured image) are from me and my amazing friends attending concerts. Remember to support local artists if you can, big and small!
Welcome to the sixth and final episode of Beyond the Fast for 2025, a series that takes Ramadan beyond the stereotypes, beyond the surface-level understanding, and into what it truly means for the people who experience it.
And today, we’re talking about Eid ul-Fitr (first Eid of two), which this year lands on Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31st, depending on the sighting of the moon (reference to the lunar calendar, if you want to learn more about this calendar, check out Ep 1!)
The day that marks the end of an entire month of fasting, reflection, and growth. It’s the moment everything builds up to, the sort of grand finale after a month’s journey.
For Muslims, Eid is huge! It’s anticipated weeks before Ramadan even begins, and when it finally arrives, it’s the best day of the year for a reason. There’s a collective joy in our homes, in the way people greet one another, Eid Mubarak! (means blessed festival) Hugs. Laughter. The smell of something sweet coming from the kitchen. The excitement of wearing new clothes, of seeing family and friends, of eating, celebrating not just the end of fasting, but the personal growth that came with it.
But before we get to any of that, there’s one last act of giving: Zakat al-Fitr. Every Muslim who can afford it is required to donate to those in need, ensuring that no one is left out of the celebrations.
Because joy is meant to be shared. Faith isn’t just about what you do for yourself, it’s about what you do for others. And that’s the whole point of Eid. Of Ramadan. Of it all!
The Weight of the Moment
The morning of Eid starts early, dressed in our best, we gather for the Eid prayer. Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of people standing together in prayer. And when it ends, when people turn to each other with smiles and finally..Eid Mubarak!
Then, the celebrations begin. The actual celebrations. And across cultures, they look different, some families start the day with sheer khurma, a warm, sweet dessert made with milk and vermicelli; others bake ma’amoul, date-filled cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
In some parts of the world, the streets come alive with parades and public gatherings. In others, it’s a quieter day, spent in the comfort of home with loved ones. But no matter where you are, one thing is always the same: Eid is about togetherness, about gratitude. About recognizing the strength it took to get through Ramadan and carrying those lessons forward.
Because that’s the thing, Ramadan isn’t just a month that comes and goes. It’s meant to stay with you. The patience you built, the discipline you practiced, the way you turned inward and really reflected on yourself, none of that disappears just because the fasting is over. Eid is a celebration, yes, but it’s also a reminder: Now what? How do you take what you’ve learned and use it to be a better person?
The End Of ‘Beyond The Fast’ 2025!:
I hope this series has given you something to think about. I hope it’s helped you see Ramadan for what it really is, beyond just “not eating from sunrise to sunset.” I hope it’s made you curious, not just about Ramadan, but about the people around you. Because that’s what learning about different cultures does. It makes us ask more questions and makes us pay attention. It makes the world feel a little less divided and a lot more like a place we all belong to.
So if you’ve made it to the end of Beyond the Fast, thank you. Thank you for reading and listening to what I have to say, for taking the time to understand something that maybe didn’t directly affect you. That kind of effort and openness? It matters. More than ever, especially right now.
And wherever you are, whatever you celebrate, I hope you find moments of joy and connection everyday!
If you’re a youth who has ever felt the need to alter your resume but didn’t know where to start, you are at the right spot. This article is for anyone willing to create or improve their resume to make a better impression on hiring managers. This list goes through some essentials and tips on how to craft a great resume.
Because this is for youth and we don’t have that much experience, it’s important to we have to stay focused on what we have rather than what we have missed out on or have yet to achieve.
Conciseness and Clarity:
The one piece of advice that you may have heard several times is to keep your resume concise. This is a common yet extremely impactful method in catching one’s attention. With the rise of social media and a world full of distractions, humans tend to have a short attention span. Concisely conveying your message will highlight your qualities in your resume. Focus only on the major experiences first and leave some of your less frequent extracurriculars off the page.
Personalize It!
Often times individuals will use the same resume for several job applications; however, they forget that each job has a different vision and mission. Having resumes that are catered to the job will increase your chances of getting hired! The company needs to see your skills that are relevant to the workplace expectations therefore, so try to put experiences that would be helpful to the job description.
Impact Over Quantity
A great technique in making your resume effective is describing the impact of your activities rather than the number of activities you have done. For example, if you are applying for retail jobs you should expand on your experience in working with people by volunteering, rather than telling them that you are excellent at table tennis.
Essentially, you want to discuss your impact on others’ lives and your skillset to present yourself competently.
Unsplash. October 23, 2023. Resume Genius
Actionable Words
Having the correct word choice on your resume can make or break it. Furthermore, each resume will have a different tone depending on your choice of vocabulary and detail. Actionable words are the perfect way to enhance your resume by making it sound more professional and organized.
The following are some great actionable words suggested by the University of Colorado Boulder:
Accomplished
Administered
Advanced
Analyzed
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Authorized
Chaired
Considered
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Coordinated
Decided
Delegated
Developed
Directed
Eliminated
Emphasized
Enforced
Enhanced
Established
Executed
Generated
Handled
Headed
Hired
Hosted
Improved
Incorporated
Increased
Initiated
Inspected
Instituted
Led
Managed
Merged
Motivated
Navigated
Organized
Originated
Overhauled
Oversaw
Planned
Presided
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reorganized
Replaced
Restored
Reviewed
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Streamlined
Strengthened
Supervised
Terminated
Formatting & Proofreading
In my opinion, formatting and proofreading are the most underrated yet essential advice one can give to an individual who is writing their resume. While there are AI tools which can help you improve your grammar, it does not hurt to read through your resume twice before handing it out. By proofreading you can improve the tone and set yourself up for a perfect first impression. During the proofreading phase you may want to change up the experience description or reword it to make it more concise. Whatever the issue may be, critiquing your writing will be far more impactful than any AI tool. Lastly, formatting the resume to a subtle and professional look can reflect your organizational skills. For instance, make sure the headings are concise and the font is consistent.
TL;DR
Unsplash. January 7, 2018. Christin Hume
No matter what age you are, editing your resume and striving to make it perfect can assist you in the pursuit of an exciting career! While these are only a few tips for making a perfect resume, they are all you need to impress hiring managers. If you go through each piece of advice thoroughly, you will master the art of resumes in no time!
Conciseness and Clarity
Personalize It!
Impact Over Quantity
Actionable Words
Formatting & Proofreading
If building the perfect resume has interested you, here is another website which can help you in making the best resume possible.
Susanna M. Salter, born March 2, 1860, was the first ever woman to be a mayor — and perhaps one of the only people to have accidentally become a mayor! Born in Lamira, Ohio, USA, she moved to Kansas at the age of twelve. There, she attended university and met her husband, Lewis Allison Salter. They later moved to Argonia, Kansas, where she would eventually end up serving as mayor.
In her twenties, Salter was an active advocate of women’s suffrage, and was a member of the WCTU — or Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which was a nonprofit organization aimed at women’s suffrage and social reform. At the time of her election, women had gained the right to vote in Kansas municipal elections only months prior, and women’s suffrage on a federal level was still at least thirty years away.
Though she was an active advocate, Salter had no intentions of running for office. However, a group of men, who were opposed to women’s involvement in politics, put her name on the ballots. It was intended as a prank — a way to humiliate Salter and demonstrate that women had no place in government. They certainly never intended for it to work out the way it did.
At the time, names on ballots did not have to be revealed until election day. When election day rolled around and people discovered her name on the ballots, shock and even outrage rippled through the small community. However, the men had underestimated the women of Argonia and the sense of community surrounding Salter. To their shock and horror, the community banded together and elected Salter by a huge landslide — 60%!
Despite never having wanted nor asked for it, Salter took this in stride and accepted the role as mayor. Though her time in office was only a year long, she made history and national headlines with her unexpected position as the world’s first woman to be mayor. Reportedly, she was a strict and efficient leader who got things done quickly and satisfactorily. She refused to run for reelection after her one–year tenure as mayor.
To think that the first woman to be mayor got there because the ministrations of a group of petty men backfired on them is both amusing and irritating. Their own misogyny working against them and the community of Argonia rallying behind Salter is a testament to the women’s suffrage movement and the resilience of the people—the women—involved. However, it also speaks to the ridiculous lengths that people have gone to hinder people fighting for equal rights. Now, more than ever, it is essential to remember these stories of success, the unfortunate truth that progress isn’t linear, and the fact that the people who opposed these movements ultimately went down in history as the laughingstocks at best, and the villains at worst.
Possessing a good vision: an indispensable part of health
In our modern age, nearsightedness, or myopia, is rapidly rising in rate, particularly for kids and teenagers. In fact, it is estimated that about 30% of Canadians have myopia with this percentage expected to only grow higher in the years ahead. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “one in four parents has a child with some degree of nearsightedness”.
The truth is, we use our vision every day in our lives. A good vision is an indispensable aspect of health for all of us, kids and adults alike. Myopia can make life much more challenging, as individuals require glasses, contacts, or other methods, like LASIK surgery to correct for their nearsightedness, all of which impedes their ability to rely on their natural eyesight to take on their day-to-day tasks and activities.
How to protect your vision
According to this healthline article, there are numerous ways in which we can protect our vision, and to prevent it from worsening. One of the most fundamental ways of protecting not just vision, but also eye health in general, is to receive regular eye checks with their optometrist. By checking up with a professional, individuals could not only get their vision measured, but also be notified if they have an eye disease that requires additional treatment.
Getting the right nutrients in the diet is also incredibly important; specifically, “Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the mineral zinc, contain antioxidants”, which enables them to help prevent diseases, such as macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition which involves the deterioration of important parts of the eye responsible for vision. Now, to gain these nutrients, be sure to frequently have vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, strawberries, citrus, and carrots. A great diet, combined with regular exercising in the day-to-day life, can greatly reduce the risk of many different types of eye diseases.
Make sure to wear protective eyewear, especially when playing certain sports, working on projects in a workshop, or even doing science experiments at school or elsewhere! Protecting the eyes from dust particles in the air, certain chemical materials, and fast-moving objects in sports is surely important.
For protection against the UV radiation in sunlight, it is also essential to wear sunglasses, particularly ones “that block out 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight.” Doing so can greatly improve one’s eyesight.
The 20-20-20 rule
In our modern digital age, kids and adults extensively use technology to do work, studying, or for fun. However, by partaking in activities requiring the eye to focus on a close-up screen or object, you are also straining your eyes. Long-term eye strains, particularly without taking breaks from doing tasks like playing video games or reading, can very possibly lead to myopia in the long run. The 20-20-20 rule is a great technique to use: it means, for every 20 minutes of staring at the computer, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. 20 seconds isn’t too long, but taking on and maintaining this habit to protect vision will be greatly rewarding on the long run!
Conclusion
From following the 20-20-20 rule; ensuring a good diet with the appropriate nutrition; to checking up regularly with an optometrist, there are many ways to protect eye health and the vision. In general, an individual’s vision accompanies them for their entire life. Eye health, and a good vision, are therefore absolutely essential in ensuring a high quality of life, where one can see their world clearly with comfort. Thus, let’s all take the initiative in protecting our eyes!
Despite every individual having different preferences regarding book choices, here are some novels that can help new readers start their journey and add more words to your vocabulary. I chose these books considering the level at which high schoolers should be reading. Note that these books are pulled from various genres.
Name: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Genre: Southern Gothic
Name: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Genre: Literary Realism
Name: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Genre: Young Adult Literature
Name: Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Genre: Psychological Fiction
Name: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Genre: Science Fiction
Name: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Name: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Genre: Young Adult Literature
Name: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Genre: Bildungsroman
Name: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, Genre: Young Adult Literature
Name: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Genre: Historical Fiction
Name: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Genre: Science Fiction
Name: A Death in the Family by James Agee, Genre: Bildungsroman
Name: Foe by Iain Reid, Genre: Thriller
Name: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, Genre: Adventure Fiction
Name: Educated by Tara Westover, Genre: Biography
Name: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Genre: Young Adult Literature
Name: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, Genre: Historical Fiction
Name: Atonement by Ian McEwan, Genre: Psychological Fiction
Name: Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov, Genre: Literary Fiction
Name: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Genre: Science Fiction
Name: Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler, Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Name: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee, Genre: Domestic Fiction
Name: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez, Genre: Fiction
Name: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Genre: Tragedy
Name: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Genre: Humorous Fiction
I hope you found this suggestion interesting and unique! Have Fun Reading!
Unknown Author. “Reading.” Pixabay. November 19, 2015
French, Spanish, Arabic. You’ve likely tried taking up a second language at least once in your life. Currently, there are around 1.2 million people around the globe learning a foreign language. However, not many know that, aside from the ability to understand, talk, and read in words different from what you are used to, bilingualism actually provides benefits and induces changes in your brain that go much deeper.
Structural Changes
Pixabay
When you learn a second language, you are actually unconsciously strengthening the connections/connectivity between many different brain regions, especially those located in the language network. When you learn a language at a younger age, this connectivity between brain regions is much stronger, with a particular emphasis on the connection between the cerebellum and the left frontal cortex. Your brain undergoes neuroplastic adaptations that modulate the structural connectome in and across the hemispheres to process the newly learned language.
Cognitive Benefits
Did you know that when you learn a second language,
Pixabay
you actually possess enhanced cognitive abilities compared to your monolingual peers? Some of these abilities include:
Elevated multitasking and attention focusing
Stronger response to complex sounds, even in loud environments³
Improved performance on selective attention tests³
Enhanced executive function, particularly in attention and working memory³
Brain Function and Efficiency
Pixabay
Bilingualism increases your brain’s efficiency, especially if learned at a young age. fMRI (a type of MRI that checks brain activity) scans show that bilingual individuals have increased whole-brain connectivity, indicating more efficient brain organization in relation to functional connectivity. This increased efficiency assists cognitive performance and influences how teens think, communicate, and experience the world they are in.
Long-term Benefits
Pixabay
Learning a second language as a teen can have lasting positive effects:
Protection against cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s in adulthood.
Possible contributions to better brain health in adulthood through increased grey matter density and white matter integrity.
Potential for enhanced recovery after brain injury.
TL;DR
In conclusion, learning a second language as a teenager not only enhances your cognitive abilities but also induces structural changes in the brain that lead to long-term benefits in brain health and function.
For students juggling classes, assignments, and extracurriculars, starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is extreamly important. Research indicates that students who consistently eat a healthy breakfast have an average increase of 17.5% on their standardized math scores compared to those who regularly skip breakfast. Despite this, studies show that 13% of school-aged children and 27% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 regularly skip breakfast. To help busy students maintain energy and focus throughout the day, here are three quick and nutritious breakfast ideas:
1. Overnight Oats with Berries and Nuts
Benefits: This meal is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which will improve concentration.
Ingredients:
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk
¼ cup flavored yogurt
A handful of fresh or frozen berries
A tablespoon of chia seeds
A handful of chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)
Preparation:
In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and sweetener if using.
Stir in the berries and nuts.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, enjoy it cold or warmed up.
2. Veggie-Packed Breakfast Burrito
Benefits: Incorporating vegetables into your morning meal boosts fiber intake and adds vitamins, which promotes overall health and cognitive function.
Ingredients:
1 whole-grain tortilla
2 eggs or egg whites
¼ cup black beans, rinsed
¼ cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup spinach leaves
2 tablespoons shredded cheese
Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Preparation:
Scramble the eggs in a pan with the bell peppers and spinach until cooked.
Add the black beans to the mixture to warm them.
Place the egg and veggie mixture onto the tortilla.
Sprinkle with cheese and add salsa or hot sauce if desired.
Roll up the tortilla, folding in the sides to secure the filling.
3. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Benefits: This quick option combines protein and natural sugars, providing an immediate energy boost.
Ingredients:
1 cup flavoured yogurt
½ cup granola or muesli
1 cup mixed fruits (e.g., berries, banana slices, or diced apples)
Drizzle of honey (optional)
Preparation:
In a glass or bowl, layer half of the yogrt, followed by half of the fruits and granola.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Drizzle honey on top if desired.
Incorporating a nutritious breakfast into your daily routine can significantly enhance academic performance and overall well-being. These simple and quick recipes are designed to fit into busy schedules while providing the necessary nutrients to start your day successfully.
The worst possible combination for any student is studying on an empty stomach. Whether it’s late-night cramming or just a long day of homework, the right snack can help you stay focused and energized throughout the study session. Here are a few of my favourites!
1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Apple slices with peanut butter is my healthy go-to. The crunch of the apple and the richness of peanut butter are the perfect balance. Bonus tip: If you want to feel like a snack pro, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on the apple slices. It’s like a mini dessert.
2. Trail Mix Energy Balls
For a homemade snack that’s a little more filling, make energy balls using oats, peanut butter, honey, and some chocolate chips or dried fruits. Roll them up and keep them in the fridge for a grab-and-go treat.
3. Hummus and Pretzels
Hummus and pretzels are the perfect combo for a savoury craving. The creamy richness of hummus pairs perfectly with the salty, crunchy pretzels.
4. Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with fruit, nuts, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying parfait. It’s the kind of snack that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make.
Snacking while studying is all about a balance: you need brain food to keep your energy up, but also a little indulgence to keep things fun. So next time you’re studying, try out a few of these snacks, and remember: it’s okay to enjoy the process (snacks included)! Happy studying!
Welcome to the fifth episode of Beyond The Fast, a series that explains Ramadan for more than its stereotypes! Today, I need to speak honestly, not just about fasting, but about injustice, and the rampant hypocrisy we see around us in regards to regions such as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Every night, I break my fast with comfort, warm food, family, peace. But I can’t stop thinking about those who fast with fear. In Palestine, families break their fasts under rubble, with explosions shaking the night. Often maybe not even having food to break their fast. In Yemen, children sleep hungry, while blockades strangle any chance of survival. In Sudan and Syria, people flee their homes, fasting in tents with no certainty of tomorrow.
What hurts more is not just the suffering itself, but how easily the world turns away from it. We live in a world where western governments preach human rights, freedom, and democracy but only when it fits their interests. They defend democracy in one country while funding bombs in another. They shed tears for certain victims, plastering their faces on the media, yet ignoring those who don’t fit their narrative. They dictate who to care about and who to forget.
When war breaks out in places like Ukraine, we see immediate calls for compassion, fundraising, and support, and completely rightly so, as it is a crisis that deserves our attention. But when Palestinians are bombed in their own homes, the same voices go silent, or worse, justify the violence. Why? Because the oppressor is an ally, and suddenly, human lives become calculations. Innocent people become collateral damage, worse of all children become statistics.
The hypocrisy goes deeper. Western interference has destabilized entire regions in the Middle East for decades, through wars for oil, overthrowing governments, and sanctions that punish civilians, not leaders. Then, when people flee the chaos the West helped create, they’re called threats. The very people whose homes were destroyed are met with closed borders and cold shoulders.
This Ramadan, I’ve been thinking to myself to how do we respond to this double standard? The first step is not to turn away. To not to accept this selective empathy. We cannot let governments or media tell us whose pain is more important. We have to humanize those the world dehumanizes, to see Palestinians, Yemenis, Sudanese, Syrians, and so many others as real people: those with dreams, families with love and laughter, all forced to live in fear because the powerful decide their lives are now less important.
I’m writing this not to make you feel helpless, but to remind all of us that reflection during Ramadan means more than personal growth. It means opening our eyes. It means praying not just for ourselves, but for justice for all in a world of suffering. It means sharing what we know, speaking out, donating if we can, and most importantly not accepting silence.
Thank you for reading Episode 5 of Beyond The Fast. I hope you sit with this discomfort, as I do. Ask questions, challenge what you hear, and stand beside all and any injustices. Whether you fast or not, choose to care.
Canada has a new Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau, who announced his decision to step aside on Jan. 6, 2025, lost his job as Leader of the Liberal Party on March 9, 2025 to Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, and U.N. Envoy for Climate Change. Carney easily won the party leadership, taking nearly 87 percent of the party vote. Less than a week later, on March 14, 2025, Carney took office as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister.
Carney is the first Canadian Prime Minister to have no previous political experience, and the first in over 40 years to not hold a seat in the House of Commons. But, for someone who now occupies such an important position, the question remains, who exactly is Mark Carney, and what does his victory mean for Calgarians?
About Mark Carney
Carney was born on March 16, 1965, in the town of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories along the Albertan border. Carney lived most of his early life in Edmonton, before being admitted to Harvard University in 1984 to study Economics. He then landed himself a cushy job back at Goldman-Sachs advising developing nations on entering into international markets. Carney helped to advise a post-apartheid South Africa on entering into global bond (debt) markets, and assisted Russia with dealing with a recession in 1998.
Carney moved back to Canada to accept a position as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003. The Bank of Canada is responsible for managing the nation’s monetary policies, such as printing bank notes, handing out loans to other financial institutions like banks, and setting interest rates on debt. In 2007, Carney was appointed to head the Bank of Canada as Governor by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, taking office on Feb. 1, 2008.
His tenure as Governor largely coincided with the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009. In order to combat the crisis, Carney cut interest rates quickly while the rest of the world cut rates slowly or, in the case of Europe, raised rates. His approach helped to encourage more spending in the Canadian economy. He also committed to keeping these low rates for an extended period of time, which boosted confidence in the market. Carney’s actions played a large role in allowing Canada to avoid the worst effects of the recession and recover quickly. Canada was the first nation in the G7 to recover its economy to pre-recession levels, with Carney being named “Most Trusted Canadian” in 2011 by Reader’s Digest Magazine for his contributions.
Carney’s career in Canada caught the attention of George Osborne, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer (a cabinet position equivalent to Minister of Finance). Osborne approached Carney about returning to Britain to head the Bank of England. After offering him several concessions, such as a shortened term and more power over the economy, Carney accepted the offer, and on July 1, 2013, formally took office as Governor of the Bank of England. He served in this position for seven years, until March 15, 2020.
After leaving the Bank of England, Carney accepted a position at the United Nations as Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, playing a key role in developing international responses to climate change. Additionally, he served as an advisor to several world leaders, including Trudeau. During this time, Carney increasingly involved himself in politics, aligning himself with the Liberal Party and vehemently opposing the policies of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Carney had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Trudeau since early 2024, long expected to make a bid for the premiership once Trudeau had stepped down. On Jan. 16, 2025, these assumptions were validated, with Carney announcing his bid for Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister. As mentioned, he easily won the leadership, officially assuming office as leader on March 9, 2025 and taking office as P.M. on March 14, 2025.
What this means for Canada
With a two-decade long background in economics and climate science, Carney is expected to spend his tenure focusing on the economy and environment. His campaign for the leadership promised to replace the carbon tax with incentives for green energy, cut red tape on interprovincial trade, spend more on national defense and strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic to combat Russian influence, impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S, and introduce caps on immigration until it returns to pre-pandemic levels. Calgarians in greener industries are expected to benefit from this switch to incentives for green energy. However, Carney’s focus on climate change, and his personal opposition to fossil fuels, is expected to influence his energy policy which may prove disadvantageous to Calgary’s largely oil-based economy.
Unique among Canadian Prime Ministers is the fact that Carney has never before sought elected office, and does not have a seat in parliament. Although nothing in the Canadian Constitution indicates the Prime Minister has to be a Member of Parliament (MP), they do have to be an MP in order to introduce legislation, vote on bills, and participate in parliamentary debates. Until Carney somehow acquires a seat, whether via by-election before the federal election or in a future federal election itself, he will have to rely on a deputy Prime Minister in the House of Commons to act on his behalf in parliament.
Carney’s complicated status with parliament may, however, not matter all that much in the long run. In order to hold onto his new job for long, he will have to fight for it. Canada is destined for an election this year. The latest possible date this could happen is Oct. 20, 2025. Carney himself, however, has already indicated he would be willing to call an early election within his first few days or weeks in power. Despite the Liberal change in leadership, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives still lead in opinion polls by around three percent, according to the most recent figures from polling aggregate site 338 Canada. Assuming Carney does call an election, or that the Conservatives successfully pass a vote of no-confidence and force an election, he would have less than two months to prove his case to the Canadian public and retain his job. If he is incapable of doing so, he would be among the shortest-ever serving Prime Ministers in Canadian history.
Carney faces his biggest challenge yet: guiding a nation, and his party, through turbulous and unsteady times. But however well the banker-turned-Prime Minister performs, one thing is certain: Canada is in for a few interesting months.
No matter how frequently you eat processed food, the human tendency is to prefer quantity over quality. I have had processed food for many years leading up to my point of realization. The one question that completely changed my diet is Why do Certain Foods Force You to Eat More of Them? While the simple answer is “because I like it,” there is more to unravel in the hidden secrets of the food industry that are imperative to address.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with what processed foods are, here is a short breakdown:
Natural food which has been altered through industrial processes (i.e., factories)
Generally, these foods have been changed by adding preservatives, chemicals, colours and/or sugars.
These foods undergo various physical changes including washing, drying, dehydrating, canning, pasteurization, blending, or packaging, etc.
While not all processed foods are toxic, they are certainly unhealthy with the high levels of sugar, sodium and/or fats added to attract a larger audience.
Chemicals:
We must acknowledge that avoiding processed food isn’t always the best and most convenient solution. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the multinational corporations which sell such produce will rise considering the cost-effectiveness. Moreover, we cannot identify which foods can result in harm to health just by looking at it. A better approach to eating healthier is being aware of what popular processed ingredients can look like:
Sodium Nitrate: Companies commonly use sodium nitrate to enhance the colour of various meat products. The pink and red appearance of certain meats helps reduce spoilage while making it look appetizing.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Such chemicals are incorporated into processed foods to reduce the odours by limiting fats and oils from spoiling.
Sodium Benzoate: This chemical looks white and powdery in appearance while its job is to limit bacteria and mould from growing (also extends shelf life).
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This particular ingredient is commonly used to make food flavour more apparent. The chemical helps in adding an umami taste to the products.
The list of chemicals is nearly never-ending. However, below are some other common chemicals that are present in processed foods.
If such research interests you, this website will help enhance your knowledge of harmful chemicals present in common foods.
Major Health Effects:
The health effects of having processed foods are not immediately detectable. Instead, these impacts correlate with long-term diseases and health complications. For instance, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), found in popular sodas and sweets, like cookies, has been proven to lead to high diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease and even dyslipidemia (metabolic disorder).
Furthermore, Sodium Nitrate, a chemical found in meats, is toxic when exposed to high temperatures. The chemical reactions that occur in simple everyday meats have been linked to colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The breakdown of a WHO report claims “over 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide are attributable to high processed meat intake”.
Another highly used chemical in chips, butter, cereals and snack foods are Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). BHA has been proven on multiple reports to produce Carcinogenicity. For those who are not aware, Carcinogenicity is what triggers cancer through damaging cells (resulting in higher risks of cancer).
What to Avoid:
While we cannot always stay away from such intoxicating foods, we can be more precautions in our choices. This could look like choosing to eat organic fruits or opting for homemade fries instead of store-bought or fast food options. My intention in picking this topic was only to acquaint you with the risks of overconsumption of many addicting foods.
Here is a list of foods that you should reconsider before eating:
Deli meats, Bacon (any processed meats)
Energy drinks
Granola Bars
Chips (Doritos, Cheetos, or anything that urges you to have more)
Sodas (Ex: Coke, pepsi)
Instant Noodles (essentially instant anything)
Fast Food (Fact: DQ blizzards use packaged dairies, Emulsifiers, etc.)
Chances are, we have all seen films in our lives. Whether it’s that horror film which keeps the audience alert the entire way, or the cartoon movie from your childhood that evokes a special sense of nostalgia, our society has access to many different options of films. In school, we sometimes analyze movies for the characters and plot, but let’s be honest, most of the time we watch movies for fun! Movies are compelling pieces of work; some of them are also timeless. However, many would agree that there is no movie-watching experience more original than visiting the cinema.
Well, this article contains some tips to help every movie-lover enjoy the films! Let’s dive right into this fun topic.
Some helpful tips
Apart from the basic steps to enjoying a film, such as showing up to the theater on time and visiting the restrooms beforehand, movie-goers should also refrain from texting or otherwise getting distracted by their phone. This is not only important in terms of etiquette, but it also reminds the movie watchers that the long length of films is precisely what enables these movies to tell a story–often a vivid story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
It is also for this reason that films can teach some deep and important morals, although many movies are just purely for fun! Perhaps, some of the comedies out there serve to poke fun at certain aspects of life. Personally, whenever I go to view a movie, its purpose is often what I look for. All entertainment pieces, be it movies, songs, or even artwork, are created with some sort of purpose or possess a certain kind of innate meaning.
Sometimes, there can be silence in the movie, maybe in between the moments of action. Anyway, it is often important for us to enjoy the silences in the film, as they could suggest a moment of epiphany for a character, for example. Silence can reflect a distinct mood, and different scenes are different, but the film director has included them all for a purpose, even if there is no action or “exciting” things happening at the moment.
Also, in general, avoid going out from the theater room in the middle of the film to purchase snacks or drinks. Some cinemas might even have moments of special intermission just for the purpose of selling coffee or other refreshments, but this can damage the overall film-watching experience.
Lastly, researching about a particular film beforehand could also help tremendously in deciding what movie is more appealing or exciting. Regardless of the choice of the movie, it is only natural for us to feel passionate about what we will be viewing as we visit the movie theater!
There are many different ways to enable a great movie-viewing experience. All in all, making each experience unique and special is important every time in watching a film!
