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Your Birth Order, Your Personality.

Mahnoor Altaf
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Your Birth Order, Your Personality.

What is Birth Order Theory?

Birth order theory was first explored and developed by Alfred Adler in the 20th century. It’s the idea that the order in which you were born affects your personality traits and behaviors. This influence is shaped by the amount of attention you received from your parents, how you interacted with your siblings, and how your experiences growing up were impacted by your birth order.

Oldest Child

As the oldest child, you’ve likely received the most attention growing up. You’ve also likely had to take on a leadership role, as you’re seen as a role model for your younger siblings and held to high expectations by your parents.

General Characteristics of the Oldest Child:

  • Sense of responsibility
  • Perfectionist
  • Compelled to meet people’s expectations
  • Drawn to leadership roles
  • Rule follower
  • Well-behaved
  • Ambitious
  • High achiever
  • Competitive
  • Impatient
  • Displays self-reliance
  • Has a serious attitude
  • Behaves conventionally to keep parental attention
  • Trusts their own capabilities
  • Upholds family traditions and morals
  • Imitates parental behavior in caring for younger siblings
  • Intense fear of failure
  • Struggles to feel satisfied with accomplishments
  • Inflexible (dislikes change, scared to step out of comfort zone)
  • Stressed (due to responsibilities given by parents)

Middle Child

As the middle child, you’ve likely experienced a mix of independence and adaptability. You may feel overshadowed by your older sibling but find ways to carve out your unique identity in the family dynamic.

General Characteristics of the Middle Child:

  • Most independent of the siblings
  • Ambitious
  • Thoughtful
  • Sociable
  • Less family-oriented than siblings
  • Feels overshadowed
  • Mobile (often first to move out and moves the farthest away)
  • Not a perfectionist (tends to excel in areas the oldest sibling doesn’t)
  • Competitive
  • Lacks undivided parental attention
  • People pleaser and peacemaker
  • Develops abilities the first child doesn’t exhibit to gain attention
  • Rebellious
  • Independent and doesn’t rely on others
  • Agreeable
  • Go-with-the-flow type

Youngest Child

As the youngest child, you’ve likely been the baby of the family, receiving the most attention and pampering. You may have grown up feeling protected and supported by your older siblings and parents. This often makes you charming, playful, and great at winning people over, but it can also mean you rely on others more than your older siblings do.

General Characteristics of the Youngest Child:

  • Risk-taking
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Prosocial
  • Resilient
  • Spoiled
  • Fun-loving
  • Uncomplicated
  • Manipulative
  • Outgoing
  • Attention-seeking
  • Self-centered

Only Child

As an only child, you’ve likely been the sole focus of your parents’ attention, which often means receiving their full support and encouragement. You may have grown up being independent and mature for your age, as you didn’t have siblings to share responsibilities or attention with. This often makes you self-reliant, confident, and comfortable around adults, but it can also mean you’re used to being in control or prefer your own company.

General Characteristics of the Only Child:

  • Mature for their age
  • Perfectionist
  • Conscientious
  • Diligent
  • Leaders
  • Maturity
  • Creativity
  • Intelligence
  • Easier transition into adulthood
  • Independent
  • Selfish
  • High self-esteem
  • Difficulty with criticism

 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored the common characteristics associated with each birth order, remember that different environments and life experiences can lead to varying outcomes. While the traits listed above may not apply to everyone, it’s still fascinating to consider the similarities, differences, strengths, and weaknesses that often come with your birth order.

sources:

An Analysis of Empirical Validity of Alfred Adler’s Theory of Birth Order

Birth order theory: Personality traits and more

Understanding Oldest Child Syndrome and How It Shapes Childhood Development

How Birth Order May Influence Your Kid’s Personality Traits

What to Know About Middle-Child Syndrome

What is Only Child Syndrome?

The Surprising Ways Your Birth Order Impacts Your Personality Type | True You Journal

How to show “thanks” rather than say “thanks”

Diya Kunisetty
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How to show “thanks” rather than say “thanks”

I am so grateful for all the countless blessings that I find scattered throughout my life. But sometimes (ok let’s be honest – most of the time), I forget about these blessings and focus on the small negative things. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by people who love and care about me, and today, I want to show appreciation for all of them and all the amazing things they do to make me feel good inside. Keep reading to find some great ideas for how YOU can show appreciation towards the people who care about YOU.

But why should I, isn’t just saying “thanks” enough? Well, you’re right to some extent. Saying thanks defintitely shows that you are grateful, but it doesn’t really show how grateful you are. It is just a word that is thrown around far too often as a phrase of decency rather than gratitude. It’s almost thrown around as much as “sorry”. People these days say sorry far too often than they truly need to. They say sorry for little accidents that aren’t even their fault just so they seem more respectful and kind. But today, let’s not turn the word “thanks” into that, and instead try and be more thoughtful with it’s usage.

Anyways, listed below are some ways to SHOW thanks rather than TELL. Because in this ever-changing world – the act of showing is a million times more effective than telling.

  1. Write a personalized HAND-WRITTEN note

If you are truly grateful for someone and what they have done for you, then one of the best ways you can express it is through a heartfelt note. It doesn’t have to be super long and detailed, but it can truly mean a lot of you choose the right words and phrase them right. Choosing to write it by hand shows that you care enough to spend the time to sit down and express your gratitude – rather than just buying a card from Dollarama. Imagine if someone did that for you – I bet your day would be 100x better just because of a little slip of paper. So if you’re eager to express your thanks to someone who has made your life better, this is one of the best ways to go!

2. PUBLICLY acknowledge them

Almost everyone loves to look their best (both physically and character wise) in a crowd, and what better way to help them achieve this goal than by publicly expressing your gratitude. It doesn’t have to be expansive (or else the other person may feel a little embarrassed). For example, if your classmate explained a super hard math question to you, when they are standing in the hall with their friends, maybe just a little, “Hey thanks for helping me out yesterday!” could make them feel both acknowledged and just a little bit better about themselves. 

3. Offer to HELP them out 

One of the best ways to express gratitude towards anyone is to repay them for it. Now I’m not saying this is a rule you must follow, but it can be a great method of showing appreciation. Let’s say your neighbor shovelled the snow off your driveway a couple of days ago, and now all the snow has come back. A great way to say thanks, (other than literally going up to them and saying thanks) would be to shovel their driveway today. 

4. GIVE them a small gift

As a token of appreciation, you should consider giving them a gift. It doesn’t have to be super expansive or fancy because it’s the thought that counts (but it should still be decent you know). For example, if your friend has been dying to try out a new cafe, you could offer to go together and pay for the experience. Sometimes, rather than objects (I’ve realized this more as I’ve grown older), experiences can truly mean a lot more. 

5. TELL them

Ok I know I wasn’t going to emphasize this way of saying thanks, but if used effectively, it can truly make a difference. So many times gratitude goes unrecognised when the person who has helped you out truly deserves at least a little bit of acknowledgment. Regardless of how big or small the deed is, everyone should be recognized for their acts of kindness. So for this idea, I’m just going to be very blunt. Literally, just go up to them, say thank you for what they did, say how you really appreciate it, and how it has positively impacted you. Let’s look back at the super hard math question example. I would suggest saying something along the lines of ( feel free to tinker with it ) : “Hey ___! Thanks so much for helping me out with that math yesterday, I really appreciate it. I understand it way better now”. Depending on who you are talking to and to what degree they helped you, you can decide whether to be more formal or informal. 

 

So there you have it folks, 5 meaningful ways to express your appreciation to the people around you who deserve it. Now go out there and put these ideas into action and make someone else’s day a little more brighter!

Lucid Dreams 101: How to Control Your Dreams

Mahnoor Altaf
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Lucid Dreams 101: How to Control Your Dreams

Have you ever wanted to do anything without the chains of Earth’s limits? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of roaming through space, teleporting, or winning a Nobel Prize in your pajamas. It may sound impossible, but science proves it’s achievable—through lucid dreaming.
 In today’s guide, we’ll explore everything about lucid dreams: what they are, how they happen, and how you can experience them yourself

a purple/blue background with a small droplet of water on a flower's petal

What Is Lucid Dreaming?

Lucid dreaming is a form of metacognition where you realize you are dreaming, while still inside a dream. During lucid dreams, about one-third of dreamers can control elements of the dream. This might include changing the characters, setting, or plot—or simply being able to act as your conscious self within the dream.

When Does Lucid Dreaming Occur?

Lucid dreaming happens during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the fourth stage of the sleep cycle. A typical sleep cycle consists of four stages, repeating about seven times per night.

Features of REM Sleep

  • Dreams occur during this stage.
  • Brain activity is similar to when you’re awake.
  • The body experiences atonia (temporary muscle paralysis, except for the eyes and breathing muscles).
  • Eyes move rapidly behind closed lids.
  • REM sleep is critical for memory, learning, and creativity.

Lucid dreams are most likely to occur in the second half of your sleep episode during REM sleep.

Why Does Lucid Dreaming Happen?

During REM sleep, the lateral prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for logic—normally “sleeps.” However, in some cases, it may wake up, allowing logic and dreaming to overlap. This combinarion helps the brain recognize the dream state as unreal. 

Who’s Most Likely to Experience Lucid Dreams?

Certain groups are more prone to lucid dreaming:

  • People with narcolepsy (a chronic sleep disorder).
  • Gamers who play movement-intensive video games.
  • Individuals with creativity, openness to new experiences, strong self-control, and flexible personal boundaries.
  • Teenagers are most likely to experience their first lucid dream.

A Brief History of Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming has been significant in many religions but has only recently been studied scientifically:

  • 1913: Dutch psychiatrist Frederik Van Eeden coined the term “lucid dreaming” based on his own dream experiences.
  • 1970s–1980s: Scientists confirmed lucid dreaming as a real phenomenon through experimental studies.

Potential Benefits of Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming can offer numerous advantages:

  • Helps with nightmares.
  • Reduces anxiety.
  • Lowers depression.
  • Improves motor skills.
  • Enhances problem-solving abilities.
  • Boosts creativity.
  • Alleviates PTSD symptoms.

Potential Risks and Downsides

While lucid dreaming has benefits, it’s not without risks:

  • Sleep loss.
  • Altered sleep architecture.
  • Sleep paralysis.
  • Dysphoric (disturbing) dreams.
  • Reality confusion.
  • Dissociative states.

Methods to Induce Lucid Dreams

1. Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)

This technique involves setting an intention to recognize when you are dreaming.
 Steps:

  1. Think of a recent dream before falling asleep.
  2. Identify a “dream sign” (something unusual, like the ability to fly).
  3. Visualize returning to that dream and recognize the dream sign as a marker of dreaming.
  4. Repeat the phrase: “The next time I dream, I want to remember that I am dreaming.”

2. Wake Back to Bed (WBTB)

This method involves deliberately waking up during the night and staying awake before returning to sleep.
 Steps:

  1. Set an alarm to wake up 5 hours after you fall asleep.
  2. Stay awake for 30 minutes to 2 hours (use this time for techniques like MILD or dream journaling).
  3. Return to sleep.
    • Some suggest staying awake for 1 hour is ideal, while others recommend falling asleep as quickly as possible after performing a technique like MILD.

 

3. Dream Journaling

Writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up helps improve dream recall.

  • Write in as much detail as possible.
  • Pair dream journaling with methods like WBTB to enhance the chances of inducing lucid dreams.

 

Conclusion 

Now you’ve learned all about lucid dreaming—what it is, when and why it happens, its history, benefits, risks, and techniques to try it out yourself. With this knowledge, you’re ready to dive into the fascinating world of lucid dreaming and explore its endless possibilities!

sources:

The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming – PMC

Lucid Dreaming: Techniques, Benefits, and Cautions.

How to Lucid Dream: Expert Tips and Tricks.

Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)

Stages of Sleep: What Happens in a Sleep Cycle

How Lucid Dreaming Works | HowStuffWorks.

Lucid dreaming: How-to, benefits, and risks

Lucid Dreams – What do they mean?

The Flaws in Social Media’s Community Guidelines and Their Impact

Areej C
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The Flaws in Social Media’s Community Guidelines and Their Impact

When users first join social media platforms, they’re greeted by a pop-up outlining the platform’s community guidelines, a set of rules intended to establish acceptable behavior and foster a safe environment. In theory, these guidelines are essential for maintaining respect and safety within digital spaces. However, the reality falls drastically short of this ideal. Despite the promises of moderation and protection, community guidelines are deeply flawed, inconsistently enforced, and fail to address the very harm they claim to prevent.

The Failure of Enforcement

Platforms often tout community guidelines as the foundation of user safety, but their enforcement mechanisms are alarmingly inadequate. A 2022 report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate revealed that Instagram failed to act on 90% of direct messages reported for sexual harassment. Despite encouraging users to report harmful behavior, these platforms rarely take meaningful action, leaving victims vulnerable. The lack of accountability for such oversights allows the issue to persist, as companies face no significant repercussions for their negligence. Without sufficient incentive, platforms fail to create change, leaving harmful content unchecked and perpetuating an unsafe environment for users.

The Role of Social Media in Enabling Crime

The weak enforcement of community guidelines provides a ground for criminal activity. Social media platforms have become vehicles for the distribution and sharing of illegal material, including content related to child exploitation. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 29.3 million reports of child exploitation in a single year, with many originating from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

In addition to this, platforms are being used for drug sales, often targeting underage youth. Snapchat, for instance, has been linked to drug-related deaths involving counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Dealers exploit the platform’s features to advertise and distribute drugs to young audiences, leading to tragic consequences such as the rising number of youth deaths from laced substances.

Social media also facilitates organized violence. Platforms have been used to coordinate riots and attacks, such as the January 2021 U.S. Capitol riot. The ability of groups to plan and execute violent activities on social media is a direct consequence of inadequate monitoring and removal of harmful content. Until platforms are held legally accountable, they will have little incentive to proactively prevent their services from being exploited for such purposes.

Disproportionate Harm to Marginalized Communities

Marginalized communities, including racial minorities and women, often bear the brunt of the harm caused by lax community guidelines. Hate speech, harassment, and other forms of abuse disproportionately affect these groups. Studies reveal that 41% of American adults have experienced some form of online harassment, with women reporting the most severe cases. The failure to adequately moderate content creates an unsafe and inequitable environment for vulnerable communities.

The Need for Change

The current system of community guidelines is fundamentally flawed, leaving harmful and illegal content unchecked. Without significant reform, social media platforms will continue to enable crime, harm marginalized groups, and fail their users. Introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms and holding platforms legally accountable could force these companies to prioritize user safety over convenience. Only then can social media become a space that truly reflects the ideals of respect, inclusivity, and security.

It’s time to demand better from the platforms that shape so much of our digital lives.

Sources

1 , 2 , 3, 4 ,5 ,6 ,7

The Connection Between Mozart and Shakespeare

Crystal Lattice
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The Connection Between Mozart and Shakespeare

Happy New Year, everyone! At the end of 2024, we explored the benefits of opera; the blog post can be found here. In the post, there was a brief mention between the parallels in Mozart’s and Shakespeare’s works. Here, let us consider this connection a bit deeper in depth.

Mozart’s Background:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's statue
Image by misterfarmer from Pixabay
(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s statue)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an Austrian composer, is widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in Western music. He is part of a family of good standing, which included architects and bookbinders. In his family, only him and his sister were two of their parents’ seven children to survive. At their young ages, the two had keen talent for music so their father would send them to play at courts, and even noble houses.

In mid 1763, the family had set out for a tour to all the main musical centers of Western Europe. At age 13, Wolfgang had received greater hopes for his potential success in his international composer career. Then, he worked tirelessly and created his first opera, Mitridate, and several other successful operas, including Lucio Silla and Don Giovanni.

In the 18th century, Mozart took an innovative approach to composition, painted it with symphonic forms and lyrical melodies, and expanded the boundaries of classical music. His works would deeply influence other composers, such as Beethoven, to integrate his ideas into their works.

 

Shakespeare’s Background:

William Shakespeare portrait
Image by WikiImages from Pixabay (William Shakespeare portrait)

William Shakespeare is famously known as a poet, dramatist, and actor. Like Mozart, he also possesses a unique standing in the literature world. Records of most of his early life are unclear, but what is clear is that in his early life in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, his education mostly consisted of Latin studies. Instead of going to university, he married Anne Hathaway of Stratford and became a father of two daughters and one son; his son was notably named as Hamnet, who died at 11 years old.

The following 8 years after Hamnet’s death were unclear, but within that time interval, his name began to appear in the London theater records. What can be inferred about his life is that he devoted the next 20 years after that to his art, writing more than a million words of his high quality of the poetic drama. Some of his well-known plays are Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet.

Shakespeare is a writer with great intellect and incredible poetry power, two of many of his skills that are proven in his poems and his playwright. His work transcended national barriers and also inspired many other authors and playwrights, including Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and Dante.

 

Life Connections:

Evidently, both Mozart and Shakespeare stand as idols in their respective arts. The two had made tremendous efforts into their works and are inspirations for many other artists. They each took a unique and innovative approach, creating literature and drama that provide invaluable insight to life.

Of course, Mozart and Shakespeare had different early lives: Mozart’s career had started early in his childhood with his family, whereas Shakespeare had married first and worked privately.

Today, it is clear that both artists have created numerous literature that can speak more to life than we may be able to think. In school, it is often said that the best way to read Shakespeare is to read it aloud. The same is said with drama plays, including operas. Mozart’s and Shakespeare’s are not just words on paper, but ideas that are meant to be applied to life.

Ballet At Sunset
Image by Николай Оберемченко from Pixabay

 

Can Shakespeare’s and Mozart’s work be mixed?

If both of their works can be integrated into life, then is it possible to mix both of their works? Yes! In fact, the first Shakespearean opera had been said to have held at the end of the 17th century with Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen.

Indeed, there is a history of Shakespearean-inspired operas. This not only demonstrates the interconnection of life’s lessons, but the crossover proves that Mozart’s and Shakespeare’s works can be mixed. To simplify the exploration of this history, I do want to thank Stephania Romaniuk (who I interviewed for The Benefits of Opera post) for inspiring me with two composers to explore.

Image by 세혁 장 from Pixabay

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer that changed Italian Opera):

Giuseppe Verdi, although he never learned English, loved Shakespeare through Italian translation. As Shakespeare transformed English plays, Verdi, inspired by him, infused old musical formulae with real characters and drama.

Verdi’s first Shakespearean opera was Macbeth. Up to this day, we take this work, especially Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking moment, as Verdi’s earliest instances of being inspired by Shakespeare. Despite evidence of Verdi expressing interest in many other Shakespearean inspirations, he only completed two other inspired operas: Otello and Falstaff.

In Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the character of Falstaff appeared in it. Henry IV had been seen as one of Shakespeare’s weakest efforts; Verdi viewed this as an opportunity to strengthen Shakespeare’s character of Falstaff. Compared to many of Verdi’s plays, he rarely wrote comedy, but his work of Falstaff made people smile, rather than cry. Falstaff was the last music that he wrote that brought human joy to the Italian opera without violating the primacy of voice.

(In memory of Giuseppe Verdi)
Image by Hans from Pixabay
(In memory of Giuseppe Verdi)

John Adams (Contemporary American composer):

Shakespearean-inspired operas are still being created today. John Adams is a contemporary composer that draws his compositions on broader sources, including pop, jazz, and electronic music. He states that “if opera is actually going to be a part of our lives…it has to deal with contemporary topics”. Similar to Verdi’s transformation of Italian opera, John Adams was recognized for his combination with opera and modern lives. This subtly relates to Shakespeare’s influence and Mozart’s music.

Adams’ opera compositions include Nixon in China in 1987; The Death of Klinghoffer in 1991; and Doctor Atomic in 2005. All of which relate to recent world events, especially World War II and Doctor Atomic being inspired by physicists Oppenheimer (the movie Oppenheimer is also based on him!)

With many awards, such as the 1988 Grammy award and numerous honors, John Adams is recognized for his works. This recognition reveals that contemporary operas can attract modern audiences. Mixed in with Shakespearean lessons and Mozart’s music, the contemporary addition can encourage entertainment and insight to opera audiences around the world.

Contemporary Opera
Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

TL;DR

Mozart’s composer career had begun with his family concerts, whereas Shakespeare’s playwright career began after he became father. Both of their natural talents and dedicated efforts led to their successful careers. Shakespeare’s plays and Mozart’s operas both teach insightful ideas that are meant to be explored and applied to life. Their works are so interconnected with life that they can be combined. Giuseppe Verde transformed Italian opera as he evoked a tone of happiness after being heavily inspired by Shakespeare’s works, and without compromising the dominant usage of voice in operas. In the contemporary setting, John Adams is one among many composers to showcase success in adding pop, jazz, and electronic music to operas. Shakespearean lessons, Mozart’s music, and contemporary addition may serve to fulfill entertainment and insight to opera worldwide.

Fun Fact: The Calgary Jubilee Auditorium’s next opera performance is Don Pasquale! Their performance dates are February 1st, 5th, and 7th, 2025!

 

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The Fascinating Power of Solar Flares

Kheta
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The Fascinating Power of Solar Flares

Imagine that one catastrophe has the energy equivalent of a billion hydrogen bombs. One phenomenon which has the potential to destroy Earth’s power grids? An explosion that can disconnect satellites and cause a radio blackout? Such potential is held in the marvels of solar flares and while they have been around for ages, recent discoveries can help us gain a better understanding of our colossal solar system.

 

What Are Solar Flares?

Solar Flares are explosions that occur on the sun that unleash several forms of radiation from the electromagnetic spectrum. These radiations are categorized by astronomers depending on their intensity and energy generation. Scientists use A, B, C, M, and X to specify the solar flare with A being weak and X being the most powerful (they could cover larger distances). 

Moreover, these solar flares don’t have a specific cycle but rather depend on the 11-year solar cycle. During the Solar Maximum phase, the frequency of solar flares increases. One study shows that they can occur several times per day in Solar Maximum! Conversely, during the solar minimum phase, these flares occur once a week. 

 

How does this impact the Earth?

It is important to understand that these flares aren’t always contacting Earth. However, depending on the size, they can cause disruptions in satellites and communication technologies, which are essential for humans to keep track of space activity.

The Carrington Event: The first ever documented Solar flare that impacted Earth was back in 1859. This event was named after Richard Carrington, who was an astronomer who witnessed the occurrence and even drew the sunspots visible through his private telescope. This event also created an aurora which was visible all across the south (Caribbean side). Lastly, the NOAA claimed that at the time, this solar flare disrupted global telegraph communications, including some satellites.

The 1989 Power Failure: Solar flares can lead to larger space weather catastrophes, including geomagnetic storms. Around March 13, 1989, Canada experienced this solar flare in the form of massive power outages. Space.com claims that this storm left 6 million people without electricity for a whopping 9 hours!

Recent 2024 Flare: As much as it seems that solar flares are destructive, the Earth can also benefit from such storms. A recent solar flare in May of 2024 was recorded as one of the largest storms in the current 11-year solar cycle. The scale of this storm was X8.7 (very large). News reporters in America captured images of this storm with a bright pink sky stretching across the entire country’s sky.

aurora

 

 

Some Risks Posed by Larger Solar Flares include:

Interference in GPS Signals: Solar flares on the larger end can impact Earth’s navigation systems because of their orientation. In particular, the solar flares and satellites both contact Earth’s ionosphere (a layer in the Earth’s atmosphere), which may misguide GPS information provided to receivers on Earth.

Risk for Aviation: You may have heard that airplanes always check the weather before take off or landing, but they also have to check space weather to fly safely and efficiently at higher altitudes. Space weather is a condition of the space environment affected by the Sun and the solar wind, impacting Earth’s atmosphere and technological systems. Events associated with space weather, particularly solar flares, interfere with aviation communications, navigation, and surveillance systems and can increase radiation at aircraft flight altitudes.

aviation

Astronaut Health: Apart from technological errors solar flares that emit severe radiation can be hazardous to the health of Astronauts. Astronauts living on the ISS or ones who are assigned to explore specific details in outer space can be subjected to this radiation. Symptoms include headaches, decreased blood cell production, or even cognitive issues. Additionally, exposure to various wavelengths of radiation can increase the risk of cancer or cardiovascular illness.

Conclusion

Solar flares are powerful and sometimes disruptive, but they also give us a window into the dynamic processes of our Sun. Studying solar flares increases our understanding of space weather and underlines the intricate connection between cosmic phenomena and life on Earth. As we continue to learn and explore the wonders of our solar system, we must appreciate the uniqueness held on earth and the planets around us.

 

Sources:

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-flares-radio-blackouts

What is a Solar Flare?

https://science.nasa.gov/sun/solar-storms-and-flares/

NASA Solar Observatory Sees Coronal Loops Flicker Before Big Flares

https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/sun-space-weather/solar-flare

https://blogs.nasa.gov/solarcycle25/2022/06/10/solar-flares-faqs/

https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/geomagnetic-storm-watch-northern-lights-us

Overcoming the Largest Hurdle of Studying – Beginning

Natalie
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Overcoming the Largest Hurdle of Studying – Beginning

As exam season rolls around, there’s lots of talk about different studying methods and techniques. But one of the hardest things about this isn’t studying itself – it’s having the motivation to get started! So here are some tips for you to use if this is something you struggle with.

Divide Up the Material

Often, the most overwhelming part of studying (especially for a final or diploma) is the sheer amount of material you have to get through. Before you dive in, take the time to skim through it and divide things up. Maybe that means into units. Maybe that means into chapters. Or concepts or topics or whatever works for you.

Set Manageable Goals

In the same vein as splitting things up, make your goals manageable. Trying to take on too much will only make it harder. Set smaller goals: instead of resolving to memorize an entire unit in one sitting (believe me, I’ve tried), try to develop an understanding of each individual chapter. Instead of trying to ace the practice exam in one go, start by going through old assignments, practice questions, essays, and/or exit slips. Take note of the subheadings and bolded words in the textbooks and notes and slideshows. Break things down accordingly. Build up your understanding like this, gradually and meticulously. Commit things to your long-term memory instead of cramming it into your short-term memory. Of course, this is all easier said than done, and has the fatal flaw of being time and energy consuming.

Positive Reinforcement – [And Take Breaks ;)]

Rewarding yourself for your hard work might feel weird at first, but it helps to motivate you and help your brain associate studying with something positive and fulfilling. Some people like to stop every few dozen minutes to have a snack or watch an episode of a show they like. I personally do not have the self control to stick to watching just one episode, so I like to power through a larger chunk of studying, then take a longer break to eat, stretch, and do something entertaining. Experiment with it, and figure out what works for you, your brain, and your body!

Time Management – Not the Way You Think!

Time management in terms of studying is often associated with not procrastinating and starting your review a few days or weeks in advance. But it is also important to manage your time on a smaller scale. Although it is different for each person, ultimately there is only so much time that you brain can spend honed in on one thing. Taking on too much in one sitting will not help you to retain information. Especially if you do not find it particularly enjoyable. I for one cannot dedicate more than three hours max. in one sitting (even with breaks). I prefer to split up sessions throughout the day, maybe one in the morning if I have a review period at school, one in the afternoon, and one at night. Of course, it’s not always easy with other time commitments. Others adopt a method like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minute intervals and take five minute breaks in between sprints. Once again, the most important thing is to experiment with different methods and figure out what works for you. …Just try not to procrastinate and squish three days of seven-hour study sessions in the last days before the test. Your brain will not like that.

Set Aside a Space

Another tip is to prepare the good study space before you start. A clean, organized space with good lighting, preferably at a desk that mimics the environment where you’ll be taking the test actual exam. This is good for many reasons, including but not limited to minimizing distractions, calming you and creating a good mindset, and helping your body associate what you study with the environment where you studied it. and serve as a trigger for your memories. A clean and quiet space can be difficult to access and maintain for many people (I would know, living in a multigenerational household and sharing a room no less), but a good environment can be one less stressor. There are always public libraries, cafés, and maybe even study clubs at school.

Healthy Stress Levels

Stress is a healthy emotion. It helps motivate and strengthen you as a person and a student. However, there is a threshold over which it begins to get overwhelming, unhealthy, and inhibits your ability to get things done. Managing your stress, taking breaks, trying not to pressure yourself, and knowing that one test or one class is not the end all be all of your entire life are all crucial to maintaining a healthy emotional state during stressful times. I myself am still working on this, but for all of us, acknowledging and trying is always the first step. And as we have acknowledged here, the first step is often one of the hardest.

Conclusion

By the time this comes out, it will be about halfway through exam season. To those who have finished some or all of their exams, good job. You did your best. If you’re unhappy with your results, it doesn’t mean you can’t still achieve your goals. Just don’t be too hard on yourself. For those who are yet to take their exams, good look! Do your best. Don’t forget that you can only do your best. You can extend the threshold of what your personal best is, but forcing yourself can do more harm than good. Good luck! Thank you for reading.

 

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Justin Trudeau Resigns: A New Chapter for Canada’s Liberal Party

Elizabeth A
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Justin Trudeau Resigns: A New Chapter for Canada’s Liberal Party

In a surprising turn of events, Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as the leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister of Canada. This decision comes after months of internal pressure and declining popularity. Trudeau, who has led Canadian politics since 2015, cited internal battles and the need for a “real choice” in the next election as reasons for his resignation.

Achievements and Controversies

Trudeau’s time has seen significant achievements and controversies. Under his leadership, Canada has implemented progressive policies such as the legalization of cannabis, the introduction of a carbon tax, and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights. However, during his time in office, he also faced scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair and the WE Charity controversy.

Leadership Contest

The Liberal Party will now embark on a leadership contest to select Trudeau’s successor. This process is expected to be highly competitive, with several prominent figures within the party likely to vie for the top position. In the meantime, Trudeau will remain in office until a new leader is chosen, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

Parliament Prorogued

Parliament has been prorogued until March 24 to allow time for the leadership contest. This period will be crucial for the Liberal Party as it seeks to regroup and prepare for the next federal election. The outcome of this leadership race will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the party and its policies.

End of an Era

Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era in Canadian politics. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the country, and his departure opens the door for new voices and perspectives within the Liberal Party. As Canada looks ahead to the next chapter, the political landscape is set for significant change.

Challenges Ahead

Trudeau’s decision to step down comes at a time when the Liberal Party is facing numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on the government, and the economic recovery has been slower than anticipated. Additionally, the party has been grappling with internal divisions and a growing sense of disillusionment among its supporters.

Critical Moment

The leadership contest will be a critical moment for the Liberal Party. Potential candidates will need to address these challenges and present a vision for the future that resonates with both party members and the broader electorate. The new leader will also need to rebuild trust and unity within the party, which will be essential for its success in the next election.

Trudeau’s Legacy

As Trudeau prepares to leave office, he can look back on a tenure that has been both transformative and tumultuous. His legacy will be defined by his efforts to modernize Canada and promote social justice and the controversies that have overshadowed his achievements. Regardless of one’s opinion on his leadership, there is no denying that Trudeau has been a significant figure in Canadian politics.

Reflection and Renewal

The coming months will be a period of reflection and renewal for the Liberal Party. The leadership contest will allow the party to reassess its priorities and chart a new course for the future. It will also be a chance for the party to reconnect with its base and regain the trust of the Canadian people.

Justin Trudeau’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in Canadian politics. His departure opens the door for new leadership and fresh perspectives within the Liberal Party. As the party prepares for the next election, it must address its challenges and present a compelling vision for the future. The outcome of the leadership contest will shape the direction of the party and the country for years to come. ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶

 

January Mental Health Tips from the Mayor’s Youth Council

Mayor's Youth Council
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January Mental Health Tips from the Mayor’s Youth Council

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

person with book over their face while reading in a hallway
Photo by Teslariu Mihai on Unsplash

Your Guide for the 2025 Exam Season!

Wait.. What Even is Exam Stress?

Exam stress is a 100% natural response to the pressure students feel, especially during this time of year. 

Many students feel the weight of expectations, whether from family, teachers, or themselves, to perform at a certain level. 

It is crucial to accept and realize that it’s more than okay to not excel at everything you do. Success is not defined by one test, and failure in one area does not diminish any of your past achievements.  

It’s important to recognize that stress isn’t inherently bad (although it often feels so)—it can actually be a tool for growth if approached with the right mindset. Instead of seeing stress as something to fear or avoid, try reframing it as a sign that you care about your success and are pushing yourself to improve. 

This can come from distinguishing between eustress, which is the motivating kind of stress, and distress, which can feel overwhelming, can help you understand your emotions and take steps to manage them effectively.

Find a Technique That Helps YOU! Study Techniques

Finding study techniques that work for you is an essential part of preparing for exams. Give these a shot!

  1. Active recall, which involves testing yourself by writing down everything you know about a topic without using your notes. Afterward, you can review the material to fill in any gaps. This process not only strengthens your memory but also highlights areas that need more attention. 
  2. Mind mapping, which allows you to visualize connections between ideas using colors, drawings, and patterns. Draw out concepts, explain them to yourself and connect topics with color coding, lines, the possibilities are endless! This technique allows association of concepts, making it easier to retain and recall information. 

It’s important to remember that there is no “right” way to study. Learning is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to experiment with different approaches until you find what helps you feel prepared and confident.

So What Do I Do Now? Tips to Manage Stress

Recognizing your stress is the first and most important step in managing it. Stress often stems from feeling out of control, so take time to identify which factors you can influence and which you cannot. 

For example, you can control how much time you dedicate to studying and the techniques you use, but you can’t control the content of the exam or how it will be graded. Here are some tips to manage this stress! 

  1. Making a list of these controllable and uncontrollable factors can help you focus your energy where it matters most, rather than worrying about things that are beyond your influence. Remind yourself that the effort you put in will reflect in your results, and stressing over the unknown will only distract you from what you can achieve.
  1. Writing down your thoughts without worrying about spelling, grammar, or structure can help you process your feelings and pinpoint the exact source of your stress. Are you feeling pressure because of grades, family expectations, or university plans? Writing your thoughts could help find the root cause

There is ALWAYS Time to Prioritize Yourself! 

To manage your stress, your number one priority should not be your exam, even though we attempt to divert all our energies to it, it should be YOU. Remember that your wellbeing plays a role in your exams. Your wellbeing can be improved with simple habits to be incorporated into your exams schedule, there is always time, you just have to make it! 

  • Sleep

The most overlooked and neglected aspect of a student’s lifestyle, sleep. It is also the most given advice, but it’s for a reason. If you want that grade, but fail to sleep, it makes it almost impossible for your brain to fully focus or consolidate your memories without its 7-9 hours of rest. If this is somehow completely impossible, napping is your best friend. Take a nap, whether 15 minutes or an hour, the more rest incorporated into your routine, the higher your chances at success. 

  • Disconnect Yourself 

During January, many of us find ourselves cooped up in school or home tirelessly working through study sessions and exam prep, and when not we occupy ourselves with our devices. While this focus on studying is commendable and important, it is just as essential to step away from your desk and spend time disconnected from both studying and devices. Although at this time of year, going outside can be challenging, attempting to spend 5-10 minutes, either going on a walk to a coffee shop for a snack, or even using transit to study at the library. These breaks serve as a mental reset, even the smallest change in scenery can change your outlook and get you ready to refocus!

Final Wishes To Everyone!

Exam season can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to develop resilience and discipline. 

Stress doesn’t have to be an obstacle, it can be a motivator if you learn to manage it effectively. With the right study techniques, a focus on what you can control, you can approach exams with confidence and a sense of preparedness. 

Be patient with yourself and trust the effort you’ve put in. Good luck this month, be kind to yourselves! 

 

Laufey’s Musical Revolution: How She’s Bringing Jazz Back for GenZ

Suha Arvapalli
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Laufey’s Musical Revolution: How She’s Bringing Jazz Back for GenZ

 

Laufey (pronounced “Lay-vay”) is a 25-year-old Icelandic-Chinese jazz pop artist who has been gaining traction in recent years.

Her classical-inspired sound mixed with jazzy chords has won over the hearts of many Generation Z teenagers and adults alike. She has made one of the most popular jazz debuts in recent times, with notable tracks like ‘From The Start’ and ‘Promise’ on her top-tier discography. This artist’s magical music has brought back a genre that was first popularized over 100 years ago.

For those wondering how she became popular, what her story is, and why everyone has been smitten with her music lately, here’s the 411!

Laufey’s Rise to Fame

Laufey grew up in a household filled with music, with her grandparents and her mother being musicians themselves. She was exposed to classical music as a child, and branched out into jazz through her father. Laufey and her twin sister, Junia, both began to play instruments such as the piano, cello, and violin from a young age.Laufey began to play the cello at just 8 years old

She was performing with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at the young age of 15, charming the audience with her cello solos. She finished in 2nd place on Iceland’s Got Talent. 

The singer studied music and singing at the Reykjavik College of Music, and then at the Berklee College of Music. Berklee closed their campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was during this dark time that Laufey released her first song. ‘Street by Street’ rose higher and higher on Icelandic music charts, marking the beginning of the upwards trajectory in her career. Her smoky voice paired with lyrics about heartbreak went viral.

With the release of her album ‘Bewitched’, she was given the title of the biggest jazz debut on Spotify. Today, Laufey’s albums have billions of streams and even a Grammy nomination! She has collaborated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and continues to amass more fans with her melodious voice.

Why GenZ Are Falling In Love With Her– And Rightfully So

Laufey’s music has a tendency to get stuck in your head. Her versatile tracks range from catchy jazz pop tunes to heartfelt ballads, exploring themes like love, longing, and friendship. The singer’s unique voice paired with jazzy melodies and classical-inspired instrumentals are pleasing to the ears of many GenZ.

Along with this, the raw relatability in her lyrics in draws in many youth. Songs like ‘Letter To My 13 Year Old Self’ depict the musician reassuring her younger self. She sings about what she went through as a teenager and encourages her 13-year-old self to keep pursuing her dreams.

Her aesthetics and the emotion in each of her songs appeal to her younger audiences. The young musician’s albums paint pictures of romance and young adulthood, with magical undertones.

“while she’s still mining the vein of young love, her lyrics have a knowing, wry wisdom to them, as when she sings, “It hurts to be something / It’s worse to be nothing with you.” Bottom line is, everything Laufey touches bears the thumbprint of authenticity, which is exceedingly rare to find. A true gift. ” – Cheston knapp, berklee college of music

Additionally, Laufey’s sound is refreshing in a generation focused hip-hop, rap, and other fast-paced music. People know Generation Z for their unexpected love for music and fashion from the past, meaning they like anything that makes them feel nostalgic!

Classical composers like Chopin influence this artist’s modern jazz tunes, which cater to the interests of the recent generation. As a result, her music successfully introduces youth to jazz, despite the fact that many dislike the genre for being ‘outdated’.

An Icon For Upcoming Modern Jazz Artists

Laufey’s easily-approachable music is introducing many youth all over the world to the wonders of jazz. Her success allows for the genre to be revived in this century, with her songs allowing for modern jazz-pop music to gain traction.

Jazz music began its dominance in the early 1920s, but began to lose popularity 40 years later in the 1960s. Due to modern jazz artists like Laufey, musicians are predicting the genre to reappear in trends.

Laufey’s goal is to make jazz music ‘cool’ again (her words, not mine). Taking a look at the billions of streams she has on Spotify and the multitudinous amount of fans she has gained, she’s doing a great job so far! Fans are excited to be a part of her journey, and are predicting her popularity to only rise from here.

My personal favourites from her include “Let You Break My Heart Again”, “While You Were Sleeping”, “Valentine”, and “Bewitched.” For those who enjoy melodious, whimsical, and nostalgic music, Laufey is the artist for you!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

The Ultimate University Guide: How to navigate life at UBC Vancouver and U of Calgary

Jianna H
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The Ultimate University Guide: How to navigate life at UBC Vancouver and U of Calgary

As the end of Grade 11 fastly approaches for me, I’ve found myself daydreaming about the future and wondering what awaits me and my peers as we embark on our journeys, whether it’s gaining further education by staying in the province or venturing across the country to study our passions, or even taking a gap year exploring the world. To gain some insight, I asked my sister and her friends, who attend the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and the University of Calgary, some burning questions that have been on my mind.

There’s an abundance of information online on advice for applications, how to pick the right classes and time management, but I wanted to find out the real hard truths and questions that every new-coming freshman has tossed and turned about like: “What’s the best place for a late-night snack?” or “Do I really need to buy that $300 mini-fridge?”

Read on to find out what these four university students have to say about their campus lives, from pulling all-nighters to parties and crazy campus traditions

Mitsna H.

Mitsna is a third-year Applied Biology major from Calgary who specializes in Animal Biology and has a passion for the arts.

Did you have any regrets about deciding to go to a university in
another province?

Yes and No, in my first and second year I was really down thinking
about how much money I would be saving if I had stayed in Calgary. I
felt a lot of guilt. Still, after I got into my third year, I started
to realize the opportunities and experiences I am having in a
different province are irreplaceable and a privilege I get to have. I
have met so many diverse people at one of Canada’s most diverse
campuses and learned how to network.

What is your favourite tradition on campus?

The tradition of defacing the giant Engineering cement block every
week is hilarious but also a great way to publicly display critical
current events that people want to bring awareness to. It has not only
been a way to annoy the engineers but also has been a way for
students’ voices to be heard.

Day of the longboat is a UBC tradition where teams race across Jericho Beach
Mitsna and her roommate Halia celebrated the end of their first year by making a mega bed!
Partying all night at campus concerts.

Andrew A.

Andrew is originally from Calgary but is now studying Computer Science at UBC for his third year. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar and attending hackathons.

In your first year, how did you manage your time for academics and enjoyment?

I didn’t manage it well, to be honest. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m slowly learning how to have a work hard, play hard mindset. One important thing I’m learning is how to prioritize – both with school and with enjoyment. For school, you want to always be doing the most important thing (you’ll sometimes find you want to do less important things that you’re more comfortable with). For enjoyment, you want to evaluate what activities are worth your time and which aren’t – sometimes, saying screw it, we ball and going off on a spontaneous adventure might lead to a core memory!

Which item did you wish you had brought with you the first year?

I wish I’d brought my guitar with me in my second or first year, but it’s really hard to carry on a plane. It’s possible, but it’s a headache, and you have to risk damaging it. So if you’re gonna bring an acoustic, do it by car if you can because it’s really fun to have for hanging out with friends!

The long trek to Wreck Beach, right on the UBC campus
Another unique UBC experience where competitors must run, swim and bike to a massive wall and help boost their teammates up to the finish line.
Celebrating special occasions with friends

Naima N.

Naima is a third-year student at the University of Calgary doing a sociology degree with honours as well as a data science minor. Aside from school, she enjoys crafting, reading and going out to eat with friends.

In your first year, how did you manage your time for academics and enjoyment?

First year is a fun time as there are a lot of new things to learn in a short amount of time. Not only are you suddenly in university-level classes, you also meet new people in every class you have, and may be required to work with these people through a group project.

What is your favourite spot on campus?

My favourite spot on campus is the law library for studying and finding random empty classrooms to hang out with my friends (taking advantage of the screens to play movies)

Hanging out with friends to study
U of C’s dino mascot on campus!
One of U of C’s amazing libraries

Conclusion

While nothing is set in stone yet for the future, it’s good to know that there are fun and exhilarating times awaiting all of us, and the uni life is not just finals and stress but also lifelong memories. When you’re making the big decision on where to go to study, don’t forget to take into account your own enjoyment as well as academics.

Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this blog!

Recognizing, Dealing with, and Preventing Study Burnout:

Hafsah A
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Recognizing, Dealing with, and Preventing Study Burnout:

With exam season dawning on high school students, it is extremely important to prioritize one’s health to excel during this season. 

The first step in addressing academic burnout is recognizing and acknowledging the issue, followed by a strong commitment to changing your current habits. With effort, you can overcome burnout and take steps to prevent it from recurring.

What is academic burnout? 

Academic burnout is the response to prolonged studying-negative emotive, physical, and mental-that subsequently includes exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation, and reduced performance. It is the result of months of continuous study or years of schoolwork and not as a result of occasional frustration or one-time exhaustion after long study sessions.

Symptoms: 

  • Exhaustion despite adequate sleep
  • Lack of motivation for classes or assignments
  • Increased irritability and frustration
  • Loss of creativity and inspiration
  • Decreased confidence in academic abilities
  • Difficulty meeting deadlines
  • Physical tension, like headaches or sore muscles
  • Frequent illness due to stress
  • Unhealthy habits (overeating, staying up late, etc.)
  • Trouble concentrating on schoolwork
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
  • Feelings of anxiety or depression

How to recover from academic burnout: 

  1. Set Boundaries for Study Time: Limit study sessions to shorter, focused blocks with regular breaks to avoid overexertion. 
  2. Incorporate Relaxation Practices: Try mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce stress and regain focus. 
  3. Reconnect with Enjoyable Activities: Spend time on hobbies or activities that bring you joy to recharge your mental and emotional energy. 

How to prevent academic burnout:

 

  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps maintain both physical and mental health, reducing stress. 
  • Spend Time Outdoors: Nature has proven benefits for reducing stress and improving focus. 
  • Avoid Procrastination: Tackling tasks on time prevents stress from building up and avoids last-minute pressure.

 

  • Improve Time Management: Being organized and managing your time effectively helps reduce stress and ensures deadlines are met.

sources: 1

The 5 Best Tips for Grade 10 Students

Jeanne Y
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The 5 Best Tips for Grade 10 Students

I’m currently halfway through semester two of Grade 11, and there’s a number of things I did in my Grade 10 year that I found immensely helpful. Without them, I probably would be totally overwhelmed and lack direction in my high school career. So if you’re entering the second semester of Grade 10, or even just entering Grade 10 this September, you’ll want to read this post.

Not enough time? Spoiler alert: there’s a little TL;DR at the bottom of each of my blog posts.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 tips for Grade 10 students.

1. Keep Your Grades Up

Many people will tell you that Grade 10 grades don’t matter since most universities don’t take them into account. While it’s true that many universities don’t look at these grades, it’s also true that Grade 10 is the only year where you’ll have the most time and the easiest courses. Slacking off now means that you are missing out on the opportunity to learn good study habits, which are incredibly important for Grade 11 and Grade 12.

Furthermore, while universities don’t really look at Grade 10 and Grade 11 grades, many scholarships, such as the Alex Rutherford and the Schulich Leaders Award, are awarded soley based on academic achievement and work ethic. Other extracurriculars, such as high school internships, also require overall academic excellency.

If you keep your grades up high, you’ll also make a good impression on the teachers. This is especially important if there’s a chance you’ll have them again in Grade 11 or 12. Many prestigious universities and internships require teacher references, and you definitely want a reference from a teacher who knows you have a solid work ethic.

That having been said, high school is huge adjustment from junior high. If your grades aren’t perfect immediately, that’s okay. Give yourself some leniency, and aim for improvement!

2. Make Your Own Course Decisions

Going into high school, everyone told me to seek out my guidance counselor if I had any questions. But while Student Guidance Resources can be very useful, there are also times where it’s completely useless. I found it wasn’t as helpful as I expected, and I really wish someone had told me about the importance of making my own decisions in my high school career.

Make a 3 Year Plan

This was probably the most helpful thing that my guidance resources gave me. Not only does a 3 year plan ensure that you will graduate on time, but it also helps as a preventative stress measure. High school throws you in the deep end when it comes to courses; you have to make all course requests yourself, find and email help for your schedule, and manage what your time in school will look like. Scheduled days with set classes are gone; it’s up to you to stay responsible for yourself.

Your plan will change, probably. But it is still better to have one than find yourself at the end of Grade 12 and not have all the courses that you need to apply for the post-secondary program you want.

Take Online Summer Courses

I cannot possibly emphasize how important this is. You need your summer courses, especially if you’re taking accelerated courses (like Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate) because they will help you so, so, so much.

The most important reason to do this is to make time for extra courses, or to get a spare in your future. Grade 11 and Grade 12 are both so stressful. Grade 11 because this is when you get the grades you need for Early Admissions (and probably have the heaviest courseload), and Grade 12 because this is when you do the Early Admissions applications and the scholarship applications. Make life a teensy bit easier for yourself in the future and take summer courses.

Best courses to take during the summer:

  • Career and Life Management (CALM)
    • Literally everyone I know took this course online. It takes an obnoxiously long term if you take it in-person during a regular semester, so this is a huge save on time. There’s almost no reason not to.
  • Social 20-1
    • If you’re interested in taking multiple sciences or going into STEM, I would strongly recommend taking this online. It’s a heavy course and it’s also the most interesting Social Studies course in my opinion, but it’s great to take this online because it saves so much time.
    • In my opinion, the course is easier online than in-person. As someone who took this one online and has friends who didn’t, I think my friends are struggling with the course far more than I did in the summer.
  • Math 20-1
    • If you have no interest in taking Math to a more advanced level but you’re fairly decent at it, you might want to consider this one because it saves a lot of time.
    • However, I wouldn’t recommend doing this for people planning to take Math 30 or Calculus, because Math 20 does establish a lot of basic knowledge that you should master if you want to go further into math.

Take Winter Semester Courses Online

This is another great opportunity to save time. However I’d only really recommend taking a lighter course like CALM or an option course during a regular semester, because it can be too much to take a heavy course on top of a full courseload.

3. Explore Career Directions

Keep an eye out for those posters on the bulletin boards that advertise events like exploration days, career fairs, and university open houses. Also, keep an eye out for contests and competitions. It seems early to think about career direction now, but it’s really not. You likely won’t have time to attend these things in Grade 11 and Grade 12, so it’s best to do it now.

Some of the events I went to in Grade 10 include:

  • Calgary Youth Science Fair (won silver and a municipal level award)
  • Women in Engineering Day at the University of Calgary
  • Exploring Health Science Day at the University of Calgary
  • Calgary APEGA Science Olympics (won gold)

This is a great opportunity to explore different career paths if you’re unsure about what you want to pursue when you’ve graduated. Again, it sounds early, but it really isn’t.

4. Explore Extracurriculars

Find some things that you’re interested in outside of school. If you know what you want to do, this is a great way to expand your resume. If you don’t know what you want to do, this can be a great way to explore and possibly find your passion.

You’ll have the most time in Grade 10, so this is the prime time to explore interests. What better way to do that than through extracurriculars? You really don’t have anything to lose.

Personally, I wasn’t too sure of what I wanted to pursue when I entered high school, so I tried to keep all of my extracurriculars broad both before and after entering Grade 10. Some things I quit right away, and some things I stuck with. Here’s a list of almost everything I gave a shot, and what I learned from it.

My Personal List of Attempts

  • School Choir (quit after 1 day)
    • I don’t like singing in big groups, and I really don’t like choral music.
  • School Swim team (still participating! Second year in now)
    • Morning practices really, really suck. Smelling like chlorine is not fun. But endorphins before school is wonderful.
  • School band (quit after 2 years)
    • Grades matter too much to me for my grade to be dependent on a skill that takes so much time to hone.
  • STEM Club (still participating!)
    • I’m interested in STEM, and it’s cool to meet like-minded people.
  • Debate Club (quit after 1 year)
    • You can get really good at public speaking, and it won’t get any less scary.
  • Robotics Club (quit after 6 months)
    • I’m not interested in robotics.
  • Citywide Science Fair (still participating! 3rd year now.)
    • I really like doing genetics-related biology and microbiology.
  • Volunteering with Youth Central and YVC (still participating! Almost two years now, and almost 400 volunteer hours)
    • I love cooking, operating giant commercial dishwashers, and community service.
  • Aerial Silks (quit after 3 months)
    • Dance is not for me.
  • Psychology (1 year, plan on going for two!)
    • I really like psychology. The human brain is fascinating to me.

The bottom line:

At the end of the day, you’ll never know what you’re interested in if you don’t take a gamble and try it. You might look like an idiot, and you might make a fool of yourself. You also might find an unexpected passion that you have. School provides you with so many opportunities and clubs that you can try, so I say try them all. You really don’t have to commit – just go and have fun and see if you can find something you’re really interested in.

5. Make Good Friends… and Good Choices

Okay, I get it. Everyone says that the right friend group is important. And while high school isn’t what it seems like in the movies, it’s true that there are certain friend groups with different labels in the school. You will emulate the personalities and traits of those around you.

If you want to get good grades, try to befriend people who study regularly. If you are super enthusiastic about sports, find others who play. If you’re interested in art, do your best to meet other artists. Find people with similar interests and similar goals; they’ll help you achieve your own through group momentum.

That being said, you should also genuinely like the people you are friends with. Don’t avoid people simply because they’re too different from you, and don’t befriend someone for the sole benefit of using them to get what you want. But try to find people who match your energy, or what you’d like your energy to be.

Worst case scenario? Stay alone. As someone who has been friends with people they don’t like and had no friends at all at some point, I can say with confidence that it’s better to be lonely than to be miserable. Plus, there’s plenty of things to do in high school that will keep you very, very busy.

At the end of the day, they say you can judge a person by their 3 closest friends. So choose your friends wisely.

TL;DR

Here’s how to set yourself up for success in Grade 10:

  1. Keep your grades up.
  2. Make your own course choices and don’t solely rely on guidance/student support.
    • Summer courses are great.
    • Online semester courses are great.
    • You NEED a 3 Year Plan.
  3. Explore career fairs.
  4. Explore extracurriculars.
  5. Make good friends… and good choices.

Good luck, have fun, and do your best!

The Calgary Zoo

Hanrong
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The Calgary Zoo

Showing Appreciation for the Zoo

A few years ago, when I visited the Calgary Zoo for the first time, I was amazed by the giant exhibitions and the unique animals that live within them. I still remember vividly about seeing the penguins; some of them small and others quite large. Also, I remember a funny scene of a hippo enjoying a watermelon! From monkeys, insects, to reptiles, the Calgary Zoo is truly a fantastic place to discover more about wildlife.

The Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is located right next to the Bow River, along Memorial Drive NE in Calgary. In it, we can discover several sections: “Wild Canada” which hosts many animals native to Canada, such as the Black Bear and Great grey owl. We also see “Destination Africa”, “Dorothy Harvie Gardens”, and “Exploration Asia”. The “Exploration Asia” section contains Gibbons, Camels, Markhars, all extraordinary creatures that are under the care of the staff.

Prehistoric Park

In addition to the live creatures, the zoo also contains a park which hosts several dinosaur “models”! Apparently, these “dinosaurs” react as tourists arrive to observe them, and the setting is also set up to resemble the environment of the time period the dinosaurs lived in. If you would like to access a map of the zoo, here it is!

Taking Leadership in Encouraging Conservation

Did you know that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is one of Alberta’s oldest charitable organizations? The zoo opened almost a century ago, and according to their website, the zoo “continues to redefine [their] role” as they are journeying “to become Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation.”

The Wilder Institute also operates the off-site Wildlife Conservation and Archibald Biodiversity Centres. The organization is so much larger than just a single zoo facility!

An iguana
Image by Gekonek from Pixabay

Security and Health When Visiting

For all tourists visiting the zoo, note that the entire facility is smoke and vape-free. First aid can be found on site. If a visitor’s possession is lost, they are encouraged to call Security at the number 403-232-9341. The Lost and Found itself is found near 12th Street SE, “located at the Security office south of the ENMAX Conservatory.”

All visitors are also assured that there is a fully equipped first aid station on site.

If you would like to discover more about the Calgary Zoo, be sure to check out their website!

The Killing Fields: How the Khmer Rouge Attempted to Erased a Nation’s Identity

Areej C
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The Killing Fields: How the Khmer Rouge Attempted to Erased a Nation’s Identity

What is the Khmer Rouge?

The Khmer Rouge, also known as the Communist Party of Kampuchea, was the result of brewing ultranationalist views shaped by both French colonialism and the controlled regime of Sihanouk. The suppression of political opposition within Sihanouk’s regime had further fueled their beliefs, like in many other countries, where these groups are formed as a sign of resistance against the ruling power.  Following radical-Maoism, from China’s Mao Zedong’s communist beliefs, extreme ultranationalism, and anti-imperialist beliefs, the Khmer Rouge aspired to ‘restore’ Cambodia to an agrarian society. To the public, they represented a force against the pro-American government. Angered by destructive American bombing and encouraged by Sihanouk’s call to arms, many Cambodians joined the Khmer Rouge

What did they do?

Upon seizing power, the Khmer Rouge, led by dictator Pol Pot, implemented their agenda to restore Cambodia to a classless, agrarian, communist state. This began with executing any individuals associated with the prior government, and beginning to evacuate city residents to the countryside, leaving those who couldn’t make the trip behind. This alone separated countless families. Under the new regime, all citizens were stripped of all their belongings, and given the same clothes and haircut. All private property, money and religion were outlawed. Specifically, religious institutions were targeted, and destroyed. All religions were banned including Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, with anyone daring to practice religion being persecuted. Buddhist monks were targeted, as they were a symbol of the old class system, thousands were either executed or sent to labour camps. All forms of education, including schools and books were banned and burned, as well as anyone who was educated being executed. 

Who was targeted?

Many were executed due to their ethnicity, the regime targeted Muslim Cham, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Laotian individuals due to their anti-imperialist sentiment. They believed these individuals threatened Cambodian society, and their visions of national unity. This ethnic cleansing and racism was to ‘purify’ the country from these perceived threats. The Cham Muslims, were targeted for their faith and ethnic distinction, although they had a long history in Cambodia. Up to 500,000 Cham Muslims were killed alone, some even forced to convert, due to the regime’s views of Islam as a foreign entity that was a symbol of decadence. The Vietnamese were targeted for their long standing conflict with their country, and were classed as state enemies and even accused as spies. The Chinese, a form of supposed capitalism, and foreign influence, which threatened their ideals of a restored Cambodia. All these individuals due to their ethnicity became a target for the genocidal regime, and were stereotyped and executed from their identity.  

Exploitation

Within the countryside, the new agricultural workforce was to produce impossible amounts of rice, and local leaders would be killed if they were not fulfilled. Leading many leaders to prioritize fulfilling orders before feeding workers. Underfed, overworked and suffering from malaria and malnutrition, thousands died in the fields. When the Khmer Rouge’s plan failed to produce the expected amount of rice, the regime became paranoid of internal enemies who were trying to sabotage their ‘revolution’. This amplified their executions, and led them to begin arresting and executing perceived threats.

Murder & Genocide

Enemies of the revolution were those classified due to their appearance, many as mentioned before such as based on ethnicity, intellect, and class but many for their literal outward appearance. A common example referenced is the Khmer Rouge’s targeting of those who wore glasses, due its association with intellect. The S-21 prison called Tuol Seong, was where these individuals were often sent. 14,000-17,000 prisoners were kept there, with only 12 believed to have survived. Thousands were interrogated, tortured and executed in mass killings. More murders occurred within the “Killing Fields”, which were remote areas where individuals were murdered with items such as pickaxes in brutal and inhumane ways, and then buried in mass graves. This genocide contuned for four entire years, until 1979, when Vietnamese troops working with turned Khmer Rogue members took control of the country, trigerring the second civil war between this time that continued until the 1990’s. Overall two million people were murdered by the Khmer Rouge regime, wiping a quarter of the country’s population.

Sources

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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