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.
When a country is impacted by colonialism, remnants and reminders of the colonial power will remain until full priority and dedication are given to eradicating them. Each year, the Canadian government claims fault for a past event in history that caused further deterioration to the identity and well-being of the Indigenous community. Locally, our school board is facing the same issue. Late last year, John A. MacDonald Junior High’s school board refused to change the name of their school and allow growth within the school’s identity, which happens to be based on one of Canada’s most infamous prime ministers. In silver letters outside the school reads the name of a man who implemented a system that has disrupted generations of families, causing the death of 5,000+ children, and lasting intergenerational trauma within the Indigenous community. As well as being a contributor to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, that killed 600-800 Chinese and Japanese workers, and allowed them to work for harsh hours and inhumane conditions. To not address this with a name change, would be absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. If our society and government truly recognizes their mistakes in the past with the Indigenous community, they would have no hesitation in changing the name but the lack of change or even debate, shows our society is truly ignorant to the harm caused. As we learn from our mistakes, action must be taken, if not the thought alone can not institute any change. By renaming school you not only change the identity, but we publicly acknowledge the harm this man has caused in a position of power.
On the flip side, many admire what he did for Canada as a whole, disregarding his interaction and impact on instituting Residential Schools. They recognize his contributions as Canada’s first prime minister, and being the one of chief architects of confederation. As well as being responsible for developing the Canadian Pacific Railroad, to an extent was symbolic of national unity and even encouraged trade. Hugely, the responsibility for Canada’s British North America Act, and later establishment of Canada as a nation in 1867.
While recognizing his strengths and contribution to Canadian culture and government, we must also acknowledge his role in implementing residential schools in the spirit of reconciliation.
Bullying is a widespread issue that affects millions of individuals—youth, teenagers, and even adults. It can take various forms—physical, verbal, emotional, and, with the rise of the internet, cyberbullying—each equally powerful in creating lasting harm to victims. Advocacy against bullying is crucial in raising awareness, shaping policies, and encouraging respect and empathy.
Perhaps one of the most well-known cases of cyberbullying is that of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager who committed suicide in 2012 after years of online and in-person harassment. Todd, a 15-year-old high school student, after continuous harassment and after being sexually extorted, was undoubtedly a heartbreaking case that blatantly revealed the danger of cyberbullying. Amanda posted a video on YouTube, telling her experiences with blackmail, cyberbullying, and isolation. Her story sparked international concerns and inspired discussions about the dangers of online exploitation. Through Amanda’s case, it is apparent that we all should be more aware of the urgent need for stronger protections against cyberbullying, especially for youth. As the police got involved with the case, a Dutch man was arrested and found responsible for extortion and child pornography charges. In memory of Amanda, the government of British Columbia and Nova Scotia passed legislation against cyberbullying. In February 2024, a federal law that “would amend the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act” was also tabled.
Unfortunately, Todd was not the only victim of cyber abuse. Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old college freshman at Rutgers University, was cyberbullied by his very own roommate, who secretly recorded and shared footage of Clementi without his permission in violation of his privacy. After being harassed by his homophobic roommates for his sexual orientation, Clementi jumped off the George Washington Bridge on September 22, 2010. Later, Clementi’s roommates, Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei, would eventually receive respective charges that held them responsible for their actions. These charges included invasion of privacy and hate crime. In memory of Clementi, his parents created an organization that advocates for acceptance of the LGBTQ+ communities under his name.
The list goes on: there are countless other stories of people who have suffered greatly due to bullying. For instance, Megan Meier, a 13-year-old girl from Missouri, took her own life in 2006 after being harassed online. Dolly Everett, an Australian teenager, ended her life in 2018 after being cyberbullied. Keaton Jones, a young boy from Tennessee, had his mother posting a video of him crying and describing his painful experiences with school bullying. These stories all shed light on the emotional and physical consequences of bullying.
The point of detailing these heartbreaking stories is to highlight the importance of advocacy against bullying, advocacy against the happening of these various tragedies. Advocacy helps educate people about the different forms of bullying and their consequences—it is not unreasonable to wonder, that had there been more awareness about the gravity of bullying as a social issue, would these individual tragedies even happen in the first place?
Luckily, anti-bullying laws and school policies have become more and more widespread. Many countries have implemented laws addressing cyberbullying, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring that the victims are supported legally. As governments continue to work on strengthening regulations and enforcement of these anti-bullying legislation, we expect and hope to see fewer examples of Amanda Todd and Tyler Clementi.
The individual cases of Todd, Clementi, Meier, Everett, and Jones remind us of the resounding fact that bullying has a profound impact on not only individuals but also their families and communities. It is therefore crucial that we make use of every effort, big or small, to work toward making the world a safer place.
Holi is one of the most vibrant festivals in the world. With roots in the Indian subcontinent, it has been coined as the “Festival of Colours.” During this holiday, families and friends come together to celebrate themes like love, life, and the arrival of spring.
It will be celebrated this year on March 14th, which is only a few weeks away. To prepare for this festival, this blog post will educate you about the history, meaning, and traditions that come with the holiday, and how you can participate!
What is Holi?
Holi is a traditionally Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, and also the triumph of good over evil. This theme is common in Hindu mythology, which the festival was created from. It is celebrated with an abundance of colour, music, and delicious food.
During the festival, people throw coloured powders at each other, and even participate in a water gun fight with coloured water! It’s also a common practice to wear white during this celebration, so all the colours that you are hit with show prominently in beautiful patterns.
These coloured powders are usually made up of cornstarch with very small amounts of food dye. According to the Holi Colour Powder website, “Traditionally people used natural, plant based colours from turmeric, Indian lilac, dhak (also called flame-of-the-forest), and kumkum (a combination of turmeric and slaked lime or Calcium hydroxide) but now commercial, water-based, non-toxic, food-grade pigments are used.”
Despite being traditionally celebrated by those who practice Hinduism, today the festival is open and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. I believe that you need to participate in this celebration at least once in your life, since the experience is one you’ll never forget. This is a festival that brings everyone together, and focuses on unity and joy!
The Meaning Behind the Colours
If you look up pictures of the festival online, many images of people covered in bright pigments are seen. Despite celebrating the holiday since I was a kid, I learned through my research online that each colour actually has its own meaning and symbolizes a specific theme. Here are a few listed below:
Rishi – Unsplash
Yellow: symbolizes happiness and positivity
Red: symbolizes love and passion
Green: represents new beginnings and growth, highlighting key themes of the spring season
Blue: represents calmness and peace
Pink: illustrates affection and compassion
Throwing these colours at each other is fun, but it also symbolizes joy, positivity, and the act of leaving behind all negativity.
Holi Traditions
Prichi Palwe – Unsplash
Despite being popularized for the colour-throwing and water fights, Holi comes with many other traditions.
A ritual called Holika Dahan is carried out the night before, in which people gather around a large bonfire and perform prayers around it for health, prosperity, and happiness. It’s usually a big family gathering, allowing you to bond with other members in your community. Like any celebration, there is almost always food involved.
What I look forward to the most during this festival (other than the colour fight) are the delicious sweets that are made during this day. A sweet called gujiya is famous for being made on Holi. It is a sweet dumpling stuffed with khoya, dried fruits, and coconut, and is fried and topped with sugar syrup. A traditional drink is also consumed, called thandai. It is a refreshing beverage made with milk, nuts, and spices.
Most people choose to wear traditional Holi attire for the festival, usually all white clothes. It is recommended to choose something old, since the clothing will end up being drenched in colour by the end of the day. After the celebration, the stained clothes are a fun keepsake. Think tie-dye, but Hindu edition.
During the festival, it is common to see people visiting each other’s homes to exchange sweets. This is to wish each other a happy Holi! During the colour fight, lots of dancing will take place, with joyous music playing in the background.
Celebrating Safely: Holi Safety 101
If you are invited to participate in a Holi celebration, here are some tips to help you stay safe!
Protect your skin and eyes: Ensure that organic and natural colour powders are being used, they are gentler on your skin and safer for the environment. Most Holi celebrations will already take this into account, but if you’re someone with a medical condition, it doesn’t hurt to ask the organizers first.
Wear old, comfortable clothes and shoes: Ensure that you’re not too attached to the clothes you wear. Don’t worry about looking good, everyone else will be wearing old, white clothes as well. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, since it is a festival that requires you to be actively moving!
Hydrate: This festival can be physically draining, which means it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle or find a source of water before you begin participating. It’s also important to take breaks!
Respect boundaries: People who are participating are most likely already aware that they’re going to be drenched in colour, but it doesn’t hurt to ask them first. Try not to throw anything directly into someone’s face!
Conclusion: See You On March 14th!
John Thomas – Unsplash
Holi is a welcoming festival celebrated all over the world in places like New York, Sydney, London, and India. Whether its a celebration in the streets or a small gathering with friends, this holiday (see what I did there?) is incredibly fun to celebrate. Many traditions include throwing coloured powders, eating delicious sweets, and gathering around a bonfire. Holi is an experience that’ll leave a positive impact on those who participate.
It’s also the perfect excuse to go out with your friends, and you’ll get some great pictures out of it. Your Instagram feed will thank you after this one.
How much time do we take to heal during the day? Even if it’s for a few moments? For those, who have lives that are in perpetuated cycles of responsibilities and obligations or feel they need to do more to feel more accomplished, have you ever considered reflecting on your behaviours, attitudes, and victories throughout the day? Have you ever considered looking at your accomplishments from a different point of view? What you need is a boost of self-appreciation.
For those who constantly identify themselves with what they do not have and have not achieved, those limiting beliefs, slowly become catalysts for these cycles. We are blinded by others’ advances and their higher status when it comes to things we are good at, but what we don’t do, is align ourselves with the merits that meaningfully transform us into better versions of ourselves. It all comes from reflecting and doing an analysis on how you have changed before you decided to carry on these obligations that had a genuine impact, and who you are now after the journey, omitting any beliefs that you have not advanced because you have not taken grasp of something that someone else has.
The foundation of your journey is the most important element, it is ok to want nicer things, more skills, and it is fine if you want to be better. But without self-love, trust, and appreciation, and your only source of motivation is looking at what others have, there is no room for the weight of meaningful outcomes to create a better you, because when you dream of being someone else you stop valuing yourself. If you find yourself trapped in these cycles, you need to remember what is important, and that the value of your accomplishments is not dependent on the quality or advancements of others. Once we get a better view of how much we have grown, (which is the hardest part) the skills we have inherited from our obligations, and the maturity we have gained, we can come to appreciate ourselves more, solidifying that foundation further.
Easter Island, or known as Rapa Nui, is a territory of Chile and is located in the southeastern area of the Pacific Ocean. This island is famed for its hundreds of rocky statues, called Moai. The island was originally inhabited by the Rapa Nui people, indigenous Polynesian peoples who build these structures from around 1200-1500. The distinct features, differing from other structures built around this time, fascinated travellers and archaeologists. Thus, many questions have arised about the representation of these statues and why they were built, which I will be illustrating the answers to.
Why Were These Statues Built?
The Moai are depicted as enlarged heads and towering statues made of volcanic tuff. Moai can range from having only a head, or posessing a full body. Due to oral traditions and Rapa Nui culture, the meaning of these statues is that they were meant to represent respected ancient ancestors. They would build multiple of these to face inland and to protect the Rapa Nui living inside the island. In addition to this, they would also place some facing the ocean, in order to protect travellers. The Rapa Nui did this because they believed that these statues possesed a power called mana, which is a spiritual energy that provides protection to their people.
Debunking Common Beliefs About The Moai
The Moai Only Consist Of Heads
It may be easy to assume that the Moai mainly consist of heads due to their common appearance in Easter Island. However, due to excavation, some of them have been revealed to actually have full torsos buried underground, with hands and intricate details engraved into them.
2. The Moai Were Built By An Ancient Civilization
Some people believe that the Moai were built by an ancient civilization whom mysteriously dissapeared. Although, as you may already know, the Moai were built by the Rapa Nui people, who still live and thrive to this day.
3. The Moai Statues Are “Eye-less”
From first glance, it may seem that this myth seems to be true. However, the Moai originally had volcanic rocks inserted into their eye sockets. There are some restored statues that have these eyes in order to depict how they may have looked before.
In the age of social media, it can seem like the world of teen culture is limited to what we see on Instagram, Tiktok, and Snapchat. From viral trends to the mainstream popularity of certain styles, it’s easy to think that all teens are following a set script. However, there’s another side to teen life, one that thrives in the shadows of the internet and tight-knit, offline communities. These are the hidden teen subcultures, the lesser-known movements and alternative scenes that often don’t get the media attention they deserve, but are just as impactful in shaping the identities and experiences of young people today.
What are Hidden Teen Subcultures?
Hidden teen subcultures are groups of young people who come together around shared interests that fall outside the mainstream. These subcultures can manifest in a variety of ways: from underground music scenes and alternative fashion trends to grassroots activism and DIY art movements. What makes these subcultures “hidden” is that they often operate under the radar, away from the watchful eyes of major media outlets, advertisers, and influencers. They are often built around niche passions, philosophies, or aesthetics that don’t align with the mainstream, but they provide a sense of community and belonging for those involved.
While the world might be obsessed with the newest TikTok dance or viral meme, these subcultures are quietly shaping the youth experience in more meaningful ways. Lets take a closer look at some of these fascinating movements.
Underground Music Scenes : A world beyond mainstream pop
Music has always been a powerful force in teen culture, but not every teen is following the same chart-topping hits. Some teens are venturing into underground music scenes that thrive outside of the main stream. Genres like vaporware, hyperpop, and lo-fi chillhop are gaining traction among younger audiences, offering a sound that’s experimental, nostalgic, and often far removed from top 40 playlists.
In these subcultures, teens are not just fans; they’re creators. Platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp have made it possible for young people to share their own music and art with the world, creating DIY music movements that reflect their personal experience, frustrations and desires. Underground music scenes give teens the opportunity to express themselves in ways that traditional pop music often cannot.
2. Alternative Fashion : Defying Trends & Building Identity
When it comes to fashion, teens are no longer just following the latest trends, they’re creating their own. Alternative fashion scenes are on the rise as teens move away from the thrill of fast fashion towards more individualized, meaningful styles.
Dark academia for example is a fashion trend that celebrates intellectualism, vintage aesthetics, and a moody academic vibe. Cottagecore, on the other hand, embraces a rural, nature-inspired aesthetic with soft, vintage dresses and an idealized vision of pastoral life. Teens in these subcultures use fashion as a way to express their personal identities and counter mainstream beauty standards. These alternative styles often create communities where teens can find their solidarity with others who share similar interests, away from the pressure to conform.
3. Digital Activism : Teens fighting for change in the Virtual World
While many young people are exploring their creative interests online, others are using the internet as a tool for activism. Digital activism has become a powerful force among teens, with movements like #BlackLivesMatter, #FridaysForFuture, and #MeToo gaining momentum through social media. However, there are also lesser-known grassroots movements led by teens who are passionate about issues like environmentalism, LGBTQIA+ rights, and social justice.
These movements often exist in smaller, more localized online communities, where teens organize protests, petition drives, and awareness campaigns. The anonymity and reach of the internet allow them to mobilize quickly and spread their messages without the barriers that traditional activism might face. Teens today are redefining what it means to fight for change, using their platforms to amplify voices and issues that are often overlooked by mainstream media.
4. DIY & Maker Culture : Building a New Generation of Creators
In the world of DIY and maker culture, teens are no longer passive consumers; they’re creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Whether it’s designing their own clothing, starting small online businesses, or creating heart that pushes boundaries, DIY culture empowers young people to take control of their creative expression.
The rise of platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and YouTube has made it easier than ever for teens to share their handmade goods or creative tutorials with a global audience. This subculutre is all about self-reliance, hands-on learning experiences, and breaking free from mass-produced culture.
Why do Hidden Teen Subcultures Matter?
Hidden teen subcultures might not always be in the spotlight, but they play a crucial role in shaping youth identity, and culture. They offer safe space for self-expression, creativity, and resistance against societal norms that may feel restrictive. In these subcultures, teens find belonging, inspiration, and the freedom to explore their passions without fear of judgement.
Understanding these subcultures also helps break down stereotypes about young people. While mainstream media often portrays teens as obsessed with social media trends and consumer culture, these underground movements reveal a different reality, one where young people are deeply engaged in artistic expression, activism, and meaningful subcultures that push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
Teen culture is far more complex and diverse than what’s portrayed in the media. Beneath the surface of viral trends and mainstream influences, hidden subcultures are thriving, offering young people a sense of community, purpose, and identity. Whether through underground music scenes, alternative fashion, digital activism, DIY culture, or urban exploration, teens are constantly reshaping the cultural landscape in ways that are innovative, rebellious, and deeply personal.
These secret worlds may not always be visible to outsiders, but they are undeniably shaping the next generation. By recognizing and appreciating these hidden teen subcultures, we gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of youth culture today.
For the 11th time in Indian History, President’s Rule has been enacted in Manipur in hopes of quelling the ethnic violence that has devastated this Indian state for the past 2 years. The polarity between the people of Manipur has been brewing through the region for decades, but in May 2023, it erupted into a two-and-half-year clash that resulted in the deaths of nearly 260 people and over 60,000 people displaced. The people of Manipur have dealt with violence against women and children, and insurgent groups targetting young boys over these last 2 years.
Refugee Camp in Imphal Manipur
The Conflict
Introduction
North Eastern India, while comparatively small to the rest of India, comprises over 200 different ethnic groups. Within the 8 North Eastern States, these groups are recognized as tribes under the Indian Constitution. Among the eight states of North East India is Manipur, which can mostly be split into three groups. The Meitei, who make up 60% of the population, and the Kuki-Zo and Nagas, who, along with other tribes, make up the rest of the population but live on 90% of the land.
Over the years, tension has begun to grow between the communities within this Indian State for a multitude of issues, ultimately causing an implosion of violence on May 3rd, 2023. The violence began during a peaceful march from the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur protesting against Meitei people gaining Scheduled Tribal Status.
The Opium Battle
Before the final factor that led to this violent conflict, for decades prior, resentment has grown between the Meitei and the Kuki. One of these reasons is the opium crisis between the India and Myanmar border.
Myanmar is one of the biggest opium producers in the world, and Manipur has become a site for illegal drug trafficking. Illicit poppy growing in Manipur is most commonly found in the hill districts, and from 2019-2020, 1420 acres of poppy crops were eradicated by Indian Law Enforcement.
This war on drugs has greatly destroyed the economy of Manipur by limiting shipments of resources and has targeted the health and safety of youth in Manipur.
Tribal Status
As stated previously, the main conflict in all of this is based on Tribal Status. More specifically, who should be entitled to it?
Certain Meitei felt entitled to Tribal Status, which would provide them protection under the Indian Constitution and certain benefits, such as reserved government seats. The Kuki people, who are majority Christian, did not want the Meitei to gain this status as they are largely Hindu and already hold most power in government positions.
These are 2 of the many factors contributing to this conflict.
President’s Rule Effect
The Manipuri and Indian Governments have been largely criticized during this conflict. Previously, they have utilized internet shutdowns, curfews and deploying thousands of troops throughout the State, but no change has been made. Now, the Indian government has enacted President’s Rule after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, which gives the President full control over the situation and dissolved the state government.
What Awaits?
Many believe that the enactment of the President’s rule is a step towards peace for this North Eastern Community. After nearly 2 years of death and destruction plaguing this once beautiful state, citizens hope that this ushers in a new era of unbiased politics regarding who will be elected to be Chief Minister after the President’s rule.
While the future has been uncertain for Manipur for a while, it seems that there is a glimmer of hope down in the tunnel and a chance for stability in this state teetering on the brink of destruction.
This blog only grazes the surface of this conflict, and I urge you, if you are interested in this topic, to do your own research, as this multifaceted conflict cannot be summarized in one blog.
Have you ever had that dream where you’re running away from something or someone, and no matter how fast you go, you can’t escape? Being chased is one of the most common and terrifying dreams, often leaving people awake with hearts racing. But what exactly do dreams about being chased signify? Are they a reflection of real-life fears, or might they have a deeper psychological or cultural significance? Let’s dive in and explore what this unsettling dream scenario might have to say.
The Psychological Standpoint
One of the most widely accepted interpretations of being chased in dreams is that it reflects a deep-seated fear. Psychologists believe these dreams can symbolize a desire to escape from something you’ve been avoiding.
When you dream that you’re being chased, your subconscious might be telling you that you’re not facing something that needs your attention. Perhaps you’re running from a difficult conversation, an upcoming deadline, or unresolved trauma. The ‘chaser’ in your dream can represent a person, situation, or issue you don’t want to confront.
Fight or Flight: A Natural Response
From a biological standpoint, being chased in a dream taps into the ‘fight or flight’ response. When we experience fear, our body activates this mechanism to prepare us for danger. In a dream, this can manifest as running away from something, whether it’s a threat or something more abstract like failure or rejection.
However, the dream might also indicate that you’re not confronting issues head-on, further creating a sense of anxiousness. The more you avoid the chase, the more intense the dream becomes, mimicking a cycle of fear and avoidance.
What’s Chasing You? The Significance of the Chaser
In these dreams, the identity of the ‘chaser’ can be essential to understanding the message it may be conveying. Here are some common ‘chaser’s and their possible meanings:
People (Past partners, friends, authority figures): If someone you know is chasing you, this can suggest unresolved feelings or unfinished business with that individual. An ex-partner might symbolize unresolved emotional attachment while a boss could represent pressure or anxiety about expectations.
Animals (Predators, creatures): Wild animals or even more fantastical creatures could symbolize primal fears, unprocessed emotions, or a lack of control in your life. The animal chasing you might be a representation of an instinct or raw emotion you’re trying to avoid
Monsters or Unknown Entities: A dream of being chased by a faceless monster or an entity you can’t recognize might point to an unconscious fear, something unknown that you’re avoiding. This could be a metaphor for uncertainty in your life, such as major life changes or fear of the unknown.
In general, these dreams often reflect the anxieties, fears, and unresolved issues that lurk beneath the surface of our daily lives. These dreams invite us to confront what we might be running from. The next time you find yourself running, take a moment and reflect on what I am really running from? Understanding the answer might just help you outrun the fear, both in your dreams and in reality.
It is one of the main components you will inevitably encounter during high school English, and the only component that doesn’t involve writing. Reading comprehension tests seem to be one of those assessments that leave you either glowing with the knowledge of your adept literature analysis skills, or despondently mourning your GPA.
Despite the common belief that reading comprehension is an inherited trait however, there are ways you can improve your score. As someone who now scores consistently high, I vehemently encourage you to continue reading this article if you are struggling in English. Try something new and watch as your scores skyrocket.
1. Improve your vocabulary.
If my use of longer and more complex vocabulary in the introduction was insufficient for you to infer that I am actively trying to employ foreign words more often as well, return to the beginning and read the passage once more.
One of the most significant (and simple) ways to increase your reading comprehension score is to expand your vocabulary. But how do we do that?
a) Merriam Webster’s Word of the Day
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Learn a new word every day and assiduously integrate it into your speech, your texts, and your emails. Aim to use the word at least 7 times to have a higher chance of remembering it.
You can even sign up for their newsletter to get the word of the day delivered to your email inbox every day. It’s a perfect bite-sized amount of learning and does wonders if you manage to stay consistent.
b) Flashcards
I like to use spaced repetition software, like Anki, but you do whatever works best for you. The goal of using flashcards is to get a sense of how well you can actively recall the words. Make sure you understand them and you aren’t just memorizing meaningless baloney.
c) Read more classical literature.
Reading classical literature can be thrilling when you do so intentionally. It is less enjoyable when you read it in class and are forced to perform the desolate task of deconstructing each and every sentence, but for your own enjoyment it is a highly efficient way to naturally expand your vocabulary comprehension. Err on the side of caution when choosing books though; it is very important that you balance having a plot that you enjoy and a decent level of vocab complexity. Too complex and you won’t finish, but a fast-paced teen romance is not going to advance your vocabulary at all.
Some suggestions that helped me develop my vocabulary a lot:
Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy M. Montgomery
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkein
Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
Classical literature does a wonderful job of effectively keeping you engaged while bamboozling you just enough with its complex language. Reading these books will build stronger vocab inferencing skills. This helps immensely when you don’t know what the word on the test actually means, because chances are you’ll be able to make better guesses.
2. Mark up your test.
Also an extremely helpful way to guide yourself through dense reading passages during a novel study.
a) Summarize. Summarize. Summarize.
I’ve been doing a miserable job of staying concise since I’m simultaneously attempting to achieve another goal that I’ll explain later, but as you read through a passage you should attempt to summarize it in chunks. This will help you when you need to go back and answer questions about the piece.
Summarize in your own words. Summarize chunks like passages of parallelism, paragraphs, and stanzas. It will make a world of a difference when you analyze later, because you won’t need context for a specific line anymore.
b) POE
The famous “Process Of Elimination”… but more literal. Here are some tips to make your POE a little bit more effective:
When you read an obviously incorrect answer, strike it all the way through instead of just crossing out the letter.
Identify your wrong answers:
“Half right” (HR) – only one portion of the response is accurate to the question
“Too specific” (TS) – mentions an irrelevant idea or topic that is not mentioned in the text or in the question
“Too general” (TG) – an answer that makes a general statement that neglects to fully respond the the question
“Similar wording” (SW) – an answer that is incorrect but contains a lot of the same words as the question
For example:
Which of the following states the main idea of the article about high school English that you are reading?
a) To express the author’s opinion about the high school English
b) To teach monkeys how to tie their shoelaces
c) To inform the audience about reading comprehension test tips
d) To offer reading comprehension advice to students in Grade 10
The correct answer is clear, if we mark up the page a bit:
Which of the following states the main idea of the article about high school English that you are reading?
a) To express the author’s opinion about the high school EnglishSW, TG
b) To teach monkeys how to tie their shoelaces
c) To inform the audience about reading comprehension test tips
d) To offer reading comprehension adviceHR to students in Grade 10 TS
(C) is the correct answer.
3. Write effectively
Now that you’ve learned all this vocabulary in Step 1, it is time to put it into actual use. This is actually one of the reasons I blog. While most of the time, my language is quite plain, blogging provides a plethora of opportunity for me to not only encounter and consume a wider range of words, but also to manipulate them in my own writing.
If you’re not a blogger and you don’t want to become one, here are some other ways you can incorporate writing into your life:
journaling
texting… but in a sophisticated way
essay writing
debate construction
writing emails… but in a sophisticated way
sticky notes and reminders… but in a sophisticated way
It is possible to integrate reading comprehension skills into every aspect in life where understanding something is involved. The more you do it, the better you will become. However, it’s important to note that effective use of vocabulary will actually shorten your writing (most of the time) and make it clearer (most of the time). While it’s exhilarating to experiment, if you find yourself rambling for sake of utilizing every new word you can think of, your writing will not help you improve.
All said and done, it is obviously unnecessary to employ your newly learned vocabulary into writing in order to do well in reading comprehension tests – all you really need to do is have an outstandingly confident sense of inferencing and a decent knowledge of literary devices. But writing does help engrave words and establish deeper memories of them.
TL;DR
No! Go back and read the whole thing, don’t just scroll to the end. An important part of reading comprehension tests is to have a decent attention span. You’ll need it when you’re analyzing Shakespeare, so why not develop it by reading my article from start to finish?
In modern society, social media and learning comes hand in hand. There are many benefits to their connection as there are drawbacks. With this blog, let us explore this fascinating yet harmful crossover.
The Fascinating Part Of The Crossover
Clearly, technological advancements are useful from our day to day lives. As part of a globalized society, social media certainly holds an incredible grasp on us. Because of this, we should be thankful as it allows us to communicate across the world, obtain information quickly, and provide a new dimension to express ourselves in.
Knowing that, social media undoubtedly gives us the opportunity to learn anything. Also, they are a means of a communication with the convenience of typing on a keyboard.
Social Media, such as Instagram, YouTube, and Discord can promote learning. From videos, reels, to voice chat, we are able to learn concepts, and, if provided, visually see its applications. There are many opportunities throughout the digital world that allows us to learn a vast amount of things, a blessing that earlier generations did not possess. On top of that, we are able to communicate with others when studying and when doing a project.
However, social media and learning may not be compatible, especially when it comes to addiction. These are unfortunately many opportunities where social media prevents us from learning new things.
Ranging from negative impacts on mental health to pure addiction on social media, it could cause a setback on our learning. In fact, these setbacks have become very common to the point where actions have been made to take away social media from classrooms.
Depending on how it is used, social media can play well when it comes to learning new things. There certainly are many instances where media encourages us to think about something new; an example of which would be this blog post. However, social media can also derail us from that ability. Sometimes, social media and our ability to learn does not cooperate at all.
Personally, I came across this topic because it’s so applicable to our lives that it has become integrated into it. Social media has more or less became part of many people around the world. However, our ability to learn has always been part of us; it has been part of us ever since we learned how to make our first breath.
Although this is a short blog, it should hopefully encourage you to think about how social media relates to learning. Consider those moments like fun facts, instructional videos, or educational Instagram reels, and remember that learning through social media is possible. These moments can expand to the usage of chats and applying what you learned with your peers. However, also consider things like scrolling, comparisons, and even false information; distractions that take us away from the beauty of this crossover.
While this blog is a reminder to be more mindful with social media, it is also a chance for us to recognize that there are many others crossovers where you can learn something new. With our modern world, there are many more opportunities of learning other than through the source of social media. While there are benefits and drawbacks to both, our ability to learn is always enhanced after balancing our exposure to many different sources.
Who doesn’t love money? Whether it’s to fund their hobbies or buy into the latest clothing trend, money plays a huge role in the lives of teenagers. Although, managing your finances as a youth can seem overwhelming. Some kids just don’t know where to start. Others are not familiar with the benefits of educating themselves early about banking.
With so many financial options and responsibilities around, it’s easy to get lost. This 2025 guide is here to help you navigate money management, with the latest scoop on tips and strategies to organize your finances as a teenager. Your future self will thank you!
Budgeting Is Your New Best Friend
Alexander Grey – Unsplash
Budgeting is a great skill to build while you’re young, you don’t have to worry about hidden expenses and taxes. Whenever you receive a sum of money, split it up and dedicate a few portions to specific expenses. Ensure you dedicate a specific portion of the money (e.g. around 60%) to save for the future. I’ll speak more on the importance of savings later on in this post!
Planning ahead for your expenses like this will allow you to save money more effectively in the long run, and this habit will make it easier for you to stick to your budget as an adult.
The most important part of budgeting is sticking to your budget! Give yourself a set amount of money to spend on something specific, and ensure you don’t go over that amount. Holding yourself accountable this way will allow you to use your money smarter, and pay attention to your spending habits. Also, budgeting will ensure you don’t accidentally overspend, and you won’t end up with fewer dollars in your bank account than desired.
A Credit Score? What’s That?
Tierra Mallorca – Unsplash
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your financial habits. This number will determine your ability to get permission from the bank to take out things like loans and mortgages.
It is calculated based on factors like:
How you pay off your credit card bills/loans (which is why you should ensure you pay off your credit card bills ASAP! Not paying off even a small amount can be detrimental to your credit score)
The length of your credit history (AKA how old your bank account is, which is why it’s a good idea to get a credit card as soon as you can)
Any other data involving your payment history (including missed payments and debt)
If your credit score is too low, the probability that your purchases will be approved is low. Having a high credit score can get you financial benefits, like paying lower interest rates on your account.
If this sounds like a whole lot of yap to you, that’s totally understandable. You don’t have to worry about credit scores or other financial jargon just yet, but it’s good information to know.
Although you can’t build credit without a credit card (which you have to be a legal adult to own), educating yourself on the importance of building credit is vital. Ensure you understand the difference between a credit v.s. a debit card, and explore different ways to build a credit score. You can also look into saving up for a credit card, which would allow you to get one as soon as you turn 18 and begin building your credit as soon as possible.
Build Your Savings
Brano – Unsplash
At the ripe old age of 14, what most teens want to do is spend their freshly-acquired bills on their favourite things. Being able to spend your own money for the first time is an incredibly freeing experience, but it’s important to remember that saving money is equally as essential. As a teenager, saving for your future goals and emergency funds is where most of your cash should be going.
An example of a future goal that some teens save towards is university. Post-secondary education is unfortunately very expensive, and it’s always an added benefit to begin saving as soon as possible. Future goals can also be things like a big trip with your friends, or an expensive item that you would benefit from purchasing. Having an emergency fund available to use in unexpected situations is a good idea, since you never know when you may need it.
You may be wondering, “Where can I put all the money I save?”
If you are saving cash, having a separate wallet (one you don’t carry around with you) to keep in a secure location is ideal. Some families use safes for added security. If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with physical money, getting your parents to help you set up a savings account (if they haven’t already) is a great alternative. This way, your money will be secure for when you need it, and you can deposit money into the account without too much hassle.
Shop Smarter
Charles Deluvio – Unsplash
Being shopping smart is an acquired skill, one that a lot of teenagers should work on before embarking on adulthood. It’s knowing that sometimes, the clearance aisle is where the party’s at, and spending an $50 on a shirt that you’ll wear once is not great for your wallet.
Shopping for clothes seems to be where most teenagers (including myself) lose their money management skills. At this age, a lot of youth are still figuring out their style and what they enjoy wearing, which is why spending $450 on a single trip to Garage for a few fast fashion items is detrimental to both your bank account and the planet. I’ve learned this from experience.
While shopping, seek out items that you see yourself using/wearing often, and invest in the basics. Thrifting is also a great hobby to start. A smart idea is to make a list of what you’re looking for before going out, so you’re not buying unnecessary items.
Take inspiration from the millennials in your life and chase those discounts!
Track Your Spending
Ruxipen – Unsplash
Tracking your spending is essential when it comes to understanding where your money is going and how you can make improvements. There are many apps you can use online to do this for you, but using simple spreadsheet or writing it down in a notebook will get the job done as well.
Knowing where your money is going will help you identify areas where you can cut back. For example, if you’ve noticed that you’ve been splurging too much on entertainment, you can work on allocating that money to a different cause in the next month.
Tracking your spending will help you with knowing how much you need to save in order to meet your goals, or it can also come in handy when you’re creating a budget for yourself. If you know you spent more than you should’ve in a day, you can give yourself a lower budget for the next time you go out. Just a small shift in your spending habits can have a significant impact on your savings.
Look Into Investing
Joshua Mayo – Unsplash
While you may not have a ton of cash to throw around, it’s never too early to learn about investing. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. There are various platforms available that allow you to start small, such as websites and apps for beginners.
Consider starting with stocks, or even cryptocurrency (but remember to do your research first!). By starting early, you give yourself more time for your investments to potentially yield returns.
This doesn’t mean you need to go all-in right now, but gaining knowledge about how the stock market works and how investing can benefit you in the long term is a good asset to have.
Conclusion: Managing Money Is (Mostly) Light Work
Managing your money as a teen might seem intimidating at first, but in reality, it’s all about creating habits now that will help make finances easier for you in the future. From budgeting to saving, tracking your spending, and even learning about investing, each step you take now will pay off in the long run.
Don’t stress if you don’t have it all figured out yet. It’s important that you begin by educating yourself as a teenager, no matter how much or how little you learn. Your future self will thank you for getting an early start on your financial education.
As Calgarians, we all know weather, temperature, and climate in its extremes. From -40 degrees with windchill, where Celsius and Farenheit converge, to summer heat waves cresting up to the mid 30s, Calgary has had its fair share of extreme temperatures and a varied climate. Our unique geography also treats us to chinooks, where a change of 20 degrees or more in a single day isn’t unheard of. But today, I wanted to look at some other unique and, to us, foreign weather phenomena! The Earth is a vast and beautiful place, one worth protecting, in all her wonderous and mysterious ways.
1. The Fogbow
The fogbow, or white rainbow, looks almost like a monochrome rainbow. It’s created similarly to the rainbow, where sunlight interacts with water droplets to form a visible arch. Some physical processes that fogbows go through, including diffraction, are what gives it a vague, colourless look that is distinct from the rainbow.
Snow rollers are the natural formation of snowballs, formed when wind and gravity push and pull snow down an inclined surface. Unlike snowballs, they are usually hollow on the inside and made with rolled-up layers of snow, like a cinnamon bun. They are often found at the bottom of hills, and can be anywhere from the size of your palm to bigger than a car. Snow rollers only occur in very specific conditions, including needing wet, loose snow, so they are very rare.
3. Waterspouts
Waterspouts are almost like water-tornadoes. They are cylindrical, rotating columns of air over a body of water, known to have picked up sea creatures and rained them down on land in the past. They most commonly occur in tropical and sub-tropical areas, but are not limited to them. Records of waterspouts date back to as far as the 15th century.
4. Volcanic Lightning
Volcanic lightning occurs similarly to regulary lightning, only it’s due to the collision of volcanic ash. Volcanic lightning occurs in explosions that release large amounts of ash and not those that mostly release lava. This has occured all throughout the world and recorded human history.
Blood rain has spooked people for centuries. It is a phenomenon that can last anywhere from minutes to days, and was often considered a bad omen. However, despite its name, it is not actually made of blood raining down on the Earth. Instead, blood rain occurs when red dust or tiny red particles in the air mix with precipitation, creating the image of blood-like water.
This might feel like a question with an obvious answer, but we can “dig deeper” and explore in depth just what makes a bird a bird. Birds are considered to be vertebrates. That’s right, they have backbone (or spine), just like we humans do. They range vastly in size, from the “nine-foot-tall ostrich” to the “two-inch-long bee hummingbird.” The diverse species and appearances of birds is precisely a product of evolution!
Interesting facts about birds
Birds aren’t only capable of flying; some can also “run, jump, swim, and dive.” Did you know that even penguins are technically classified as birds? According to National Geographic, they also have wings, but they “lost the ability to fly.”
Evolution and migration of birds have led them to be found in all sorts of different habitats. I guess their ability to fly allowed them to find more spacious habitats with greater resources, such as islands in the middle of a giant ocean!
More on bird anatomy
From an anatomical perspective, birds are really interesting animals. Birds are generally able to fly because of how their wing is shaped: “The leading edge is thicker than the back edge”. This allows the creature to gain lift, which is the upward force that propels it into the air.
Birds are not mammals, but some of their bones are similar to those mammals possess; for example, the humerus found in birds “is similar to the upper arm of a mammal.” However, it’s just that it is “hollow instead of solid”, better enabling it to fly. In fact, many bones within birds are connected to its “air sac system”, that is then connected to “its lungs”.
Birds generally have an interesting digestive system; they can eat something now but digest it later! In terms of bird reproduction, the reason birds lay eggs can also be credited to its need to fly! Unlike mammals like humans, birds cannot “[carry] the extra weight of [the] developing young inside their bodies”!
Different species of birds also have different “social behaviors”, as some prefer to live and hunt on their own, while other types of birds opt to fly together in “close proximity.”
Whether we are talking about the grey parrots, rumored to be the “most intelligent [type] of bird”, or the kori bustard, “the heaviest flying bird” that is pictured above, birds are truly amazing creatures that deserve to be respected. Sadly, just like many other animals, there are also lots of bird species that are facing the threat of extinction, due to reasons such as habitat loss and global warming. Birds are truly valuable organisms that play a large and important role in the ecosystem; they deserve to be protected and loved.
No matter where it is, women have always been a minority in STEM, especially in countries where women have been restricted from the fundamental opportunities to develop and inspire others. This article is a glimpse into the story of young women who raced to victory in a setting where making one move was life-threatening.
About the Movie:
Rule Breakers, a movie produced by Angel Studios highlights the struggle of women in Afghanistan who are trying to learn computers and join the FIRST robotics challenge. This empowering and emotional movie is set to release on March 7th, 2025 (right around International Women’s Day) and reflects on the true story of Roya and Elaha Mahboob who introduced and inspired women in Afghanistan to pursue an interest in computers, technology, and STEM. A movie directed by Bill Guttentag features Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, and many more incredible actors.
The movie is specifically based on an all-girls robotics team (“The Afghan Dreamers”) in Herat (a city in Afghanistan) which was established in 2017 by Roya and Elaha Mahboob. The all-girls team had to deal with plightful situations to learn how robots work and progress in creating their own. Despite all the challenges, this team made it to the FIRST Global Challenge in Washington where teams from more than 160 countries were present. All their hard work paid off when they arrived back in Afghanistan with a medal for the Courageous Award along with ranking 114 out of 163 teams!
“Roya and her Team is a theatrical story; every day we filmed, we endeavoured to capture that drama. Along with Elaha and the rest of our production team and cast, we wanted to create a film that would have an audience connect with the amazing story, while also highlighting the importance of STEM education for girls. We are thrilled to be partnering with the team at Angel Films to tell Roya and her team’s inspiring and powerful story.” -Bill Guttentag (from the Angel Studios Website).
This_Is_Engineer. “Engineer (Female In STEM).” Illustration. Pixabay. 2020-03-17.
What is Next:
While the team itself has progressed in breaking stereotypes and overcoming the obstacles the story isn’t over just yet. A few weeks after the return of the 6 girls who represented the Afghan Dreamers team, the Taliban and Afghanistan war escalated, making it extremely hard for these women to continue their work safely. While the situations aren’t as tense as of now, the barriers that existed before they went to Worlds still exist in their communities in the current day.
One remarkable achievement they have performed during COVID-19 was addressing the lack of ventilators in Afghanistan. Considering the heavy cost of ventilators and insufficient funds, it was harder to treat COVID-19 patients. This girls’ team used their innovative minds to develop an automated bag valve mask ventilation unit. The creation of this cost-effective ventilator device was fraught with setbacks including limited tools and closed shops during the lockdown. Once again these women overcame the challenges and were successful in their mission.
“We used locally available second-hand car spare parts to assemble the device,” says Somaya. “We worked around the clock to fill a gap on a direly needed ventilator to treat COVID-19 acute cases.” -Soumaya Farooqi (captain of the Robotics Team). This quote was captured in a UNICEF article that emphasizes these resilient women.
More on Roya and Elaha Mahboob:
These women were the ones who went on the journey to convince young women to initiate their journeys in STEM. Apart from this, they established the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF). The DCF has a goal of supporting women and girls in getting basic resources like technology and education to build financial independence.
If you would like to learn more about the DCF you can visit their website.
