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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

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.

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Guide to Make the PERFECT Resume

Kheta
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0
Guide to Make the PERFECT Resume

If you’re a youth who has ever felt the need to alter your resume but didn’t know where to start, you are at the right spot. This article is for anyone willing to create or improve their resume to make a better impression on hiring managers. This list goes through some essentials and tips on how to craft a great resume.

Because this is for youth and we don’t have that much experience, it’s important to we have to stay focused on what we have rather than what we have missed out on or have yet to achieve.

Conciseness and Clarity:

The one piece of advice that you may have heard several times is to keep your resume concise. This is a common yet extremely impactful method in catching one’s attention. With the rise of social media and a world full of distractions, humans tend to have a short attention span. Concisely conveying your message will highlight your qualities in your resume. Focus only on the major experiences first and leave some of your less frequent extracurriculars off the page.

Personalize It!

Often times individuals will use the same resume for several job applications; however, they forget that each job has a different vision and mission. Having resumes that are catered to the job will increase your chances of getting hired! The company needs to see your skills that are relevant to the workplace expectations therefore, so try to put experiences that would be helpful to the job description.

Impact Over Quantity

A great technique in making your resume effective is describing the impact of your activities rather than the number of activities you have done. For example, if you are applying for retail jobs you should expand on your experience in working with people by volunteering, rather than telling them that you are excellent at table tennis.

Essentially, you want to discuss your impact on others’ lives and your skillset to present yourself competently.

Unsplash. October 23, 2023. Resume Genius

Actionable Words

Having the correct word choice on your resume can make or break it. Furthermore, each resume will have a different tone depending on your choice of vocabulary and detail. Actionable words are the perfect way to enhance your resume by making it sound more professional and organized.

The following are some great actionable words suggested by the University of Colorado Boulder:

  • Accomplished
  • Administered
  • Advanced
  • Analyzed
  • Appointed
  • Approved
  • Assigned
  • Attained
  • Authorized
  • Chaired
  • Considered
  • Consolidated
  • Contracted
  • Controlled
  • Converted
  • Coordinated
  • Decided
  • Delegated
  • Developed
  • Directed
  • Eliminated
  • Emphasized
  • Enforced
  • Enhanced
  • Established
  • Executed
  • Generated
  • Handled
  • Headed
  • Hired
  • Hosted
  • Improved
  • Incorporated
  • Increased
  • Initiated
  • Inspected
  • Instituted
  • Led
  • Managed
  • Merged
  • Motivated
  • Navigated
  • Organized
  • Originated
  • Overhauled
  • Oversaw
  • Planned
  • Presided
  • Prioritized
  • Produced
  • Recommended
  • Reorganized
  • Replaced
  • Restored
  • Reviewed
  • Scheduled
  • Secured
  • Selected
  • Streamlined
  • Strengthened
  • Supervised
  • Terminated

Formatting & Proofreading

In my opinion, formatting and proofreading are the most underrated yet essential advice one can give to an individual who is writing their resume. While there are AI tools which can help you improve your grammar, it does not hurt to read through your resume twice before handing it out. By proofreading you can improve the tone and set yourself up for a perfect first impression. During the proofreading phase you may want to change up the experience description or reword it to make it more concise. Whatever the issue may be, critiquing your writing will be far more impactful than any AI tool. Lastly, formatting the resume to a subtle and professional look can reflect your organizational skills. For instance, make sure the headings are concise and the font is consistent.

TL;DR

Unsplash. January 7, 2018. Christin Hume

No matter what age you are, editing your resume and striving to make it perfect can assist you in the pursuit of an exciting career! While these are only a few tips for making a perfect resume, they are all you need to impress hiring managers. If you go through each piece of advice thoroughly, you will master the art of resumes in no time!

  • Conciseness and Clarity
  • Personalize It!
  • Impact Over Quantity
  • Actionable Words
  • Formatting & Proofreading

If building the perfect resume has interested you, here is another website which can help you in making the best resume possible.

Sources: 1,2

Meet the First Woman to be Mayor!

Natalie
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0
Meet the First Woman to be Mayor!

Susanna M. Salter, born March 2, 1860, was the first ever woman to be a mayor — and perhaps one of the only people to have accidentally become a mayor! Born in Lamira, Ohio, USA, she moved to Kansas at the age of twelve. There, she attended university and met her husband, Lewis Allison Salter. They later moved to Argonia, Kansas, where she would eventually end up serving as mayor.

In her twenties, Salter was an active advocate of women’s suffrage, and was a member of the WCTU — or Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which was a nonprofit organization aimed at women’s suffrage and social reform. At the time of her election, women had gained the right to vote in Kansas municipal elections only months prior, and women’s suffrage on a federal level was still at least thirty years away.

Though she was an active advocate, Salter had no intentions of running for office. However, a group of men, who were opposed to women’s involvement in politics, put her name on the ballots. It was intended as a prank — a way to humiliate Salter and demonstrate that women had no place in government. They certainly never intended for it to work out the way it did.

At the time, names on ballots did not have to be revealed until election day. When election day rolled around and people discovered her name on the ballots, shock and even outrage rippled through the small community. However, the men had underestimated the women of Argonia and the sense of community surrounding Salter. To their shock and horror, the community banded together and elected Salter by a huge landslide — 60%! 

Despite never having wanted nor asked for it, Salter took this in stride and accepted the role as mayor. Though her time in office was only a year long, she made history and national headlines with her unexpected position as the world’s first woman to be mayor. Reportedly, she was a strict and efficient leader who got things done quickly and satisfactorily. She refused to run for reelection after her one–year tenure as mayor.

To think that the first woman to be mayor got there because the ministrations of a group of petty men backfired on them is both amusing and irritating. Their own misogyny working against them and the community of Argonia rallying behind Salter is a testament to the women’s suffrage movement and the resilience of the people—the women—involved. However, it also speaks to the ridiculous lengths that people have gone to hinder people fighting for equal rights. Now, more than ever, it is essential to remember these stories of success, the unfortunate truth that progress isn’t linear, and the fact that the people who opposed these movements ultimately went down in history as the laughingstocks at best, and the villains at worst.

Thank you for reading!

 

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tips for a Better Vision

Hanrong
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0
Tips for a Better Vision

Possessing a good vision: an indispensable part of health

In our modern age, nearsightedness, or myopia, is rapidly rising in rate, particularly for kids and teenagers. In fact, it is estimated that about 30% of Canadians have myopia with this percentage expected to only grow higher in the years ahead. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “one in four parents has a child with some degree of nearsightedness”.

The truth is, we use our vision every day in our lives. A good vision is an indispensable aspect of health for all of us, kids and adults alike. Myopia can make life much more challenging, as individuals require glasses, contacts, or other methods, like LASIK surgery to correct for their nearsightedness, all of which impedes their ability to rely on their natural eyesight to take on their day-to-day tasks and activities.

 

How to protect your vision

According to this healthline article, there are numerous ways in which we can protect our vision, and to prevent it from worsening. One of the most fundamental ways of protecting not just vision, but also eye health in general, is to receive regular eye checks with their optometrist. By checking up with a professional, individuals could not only get their vision measured, but also be notified if they have an eye disease that requires additional treatment.

Getting the right nutrients in the diet is also incredibly important; specifically, “Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the mineral zinc, contain antioxidants”, which enables them to help prevent diseases, such as macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition which involves the deterioration of important parts of the eye responsible for vision. Now, to gain these nutrients, be sure to frequently have vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, strawberries, citrus, and carrots. A great diet, combined with regular exercising in the day-to-day life, can greatly reduce the risk of many different types of eye diseases.

A ski goggle or a safety goggle
Image by Ronny Overhate from Pixabay

Physically protecting the eye

Make sure to wear protective eyewear, especially when playing certain sports, working on projects in a workshop, or even doing science experiments at school or elsewhere! Protecting the eyes from dust particles in the air, certain chemical materials, and fast-moving objects in sports is surely important.

For protection against the UV radiation in sunlight, it is also essential to wear sunglasses, particularly ones “that block out 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight.” Doing so can greatly improve one’s eyesight.

 

The 20-20-20 rule

In our modern digital age, kids and adults extensively use technology to do work, studying, or for fun. However, by partaking in activities requiring the eye to focus on a close-up screen or object, you are also straining your eyes. Long-term eye strains, particularly without taking breaks from doing tasks like playing video games or reading, can very possibly lead to myopia in the long run. The 20-20-20 rule is a great technique to use: it means, for every 20 minutes of staring at the computer, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. 20 seconds isn’t too long, but taking on and maintaining this habit to protect vision will be greatly rewarding on the long run!

 

Conclusion

From following the 20-20-20 rule; ensuring a good diet with the appropriate nutrition; to checking up regularly with an optometrist, there are many ways to protect eye health and the vision. In general, an individual’s vision accompanies them for their entire life. Eye health, and a good vision, are therefore absolutely essential in ensuring a high quality of life, where one can see their world clearly with comfort. Thus, let’s all take the initiative in protecting our eyes!

Top 25 Literary Novels for High School Students

Kheta
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0
Top 25 Literary Novels for High School Students

Despite every individual having different preferences regarding book choices, here are some novels that can help new readers start their journey and add more words to your vocabulary. I chose these books considering the level at which high schoolers should be reading. Note that these books are pulled from various genres.

  1. Name: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Genre: Southern Gothic
  2. Name: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Genre: Literary Realism
  3. Name: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Genre: Young Adult Literature
  4. Name: Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Genre: Psychological Fiction
  5. Name: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Genre: Science Fiction
  6. Name: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Genre: Dystopian Fiction
  7. Name: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Genre: Young Adult Literature
  8. Name: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Genre: Bildungsroman
  9. Name: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, Genre: Young Adult Literature
  10. Name: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Genre: Historical Fiction
  11. Name: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Genre: Science Fiction
  12. Name: A Death in the Family by James Agee, Genre: Bildungsroman
  13. Name: Foe by Iain Reid, Genre: Thriller
  14. Name: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, Genre: Adventure Fiction
  15. Name: Educated by Tara Westover, Genre: Biography
  16. Name: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Genre: Young Adult Literature
  17. Name: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, Genre: Historical Fiction
  18. Name: Atonement by Ian McEwan, Genre: Psychological Fiction
  19. Name: Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov, Genre: Literary Fiction
  20. Name: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Genre: Science Fiction
  21. Name: Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler, Genre: Dystopian Fiction
  22. Name: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee, Genre: Domestic Fiction
  23. Name: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez, Genre: Fiction
  24. Name: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Genre: Tragedy
  25. Name: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Genre: Humorous Fiction

I hope you found this suggestion interesting and unique! Have Fun Reading!

Unknown Author. “Reading.” Pixabay. November 19, 2015

Why You Should Learn a Second Language: The Effects of Bilingualism on the Teenage Brain

Mahnoor Altaf
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Why You Should Learn a Second Language: The Effects of Bilingualism on the Teenage Brain

French, Spanish, Arabic. You’ve likely tried taking up a second language at least once in your life. Currently, there are around 1.2 million people around the globe learning a foreign language. However, not many know that, aside from the ability to understand, talk, and read in words different from what you are used to, bilingualism actually provides benefits and induces changes in your brain that go much deeper.

Structural Changes

Pixabay

When you learn a second language, you are actually unconsciously strengthening the connections/connectivity between many different brain regions, especially those located in the language network. When you learn a language at a younger age, this connectivity between brain regions is much stronger, with a particular emphasis on the connection between the cerebellum and the left frontal cortex. Your brain undergoes neuroplastic adaptations that modulate the structural connectome in and across the hemispheres to process the newly learned language.

Cognitive Benefits

Did you know that when you learn a second language,

Pixabay

you actually possess enhanced cognitive abilities compared to your monolingual peers? Some of these abilities include:

  • Elevated multitasking and attention focusing
  • Stronger response to complex sounds, even in loud environments³
  • Improved performance on selective attention tests³
  • Enhanced executive function, particularly in attention and working memory³

Brain Function and Efficiency

Pixabay

Bilingualism increases your brain’s efficiency, especially if learned at a young age. fMRI (a type of MRI that checks brain activity) scans show that bilingual individuals have increased whole-brain connectivity, indicating more efficient brain organization in relation to functional connectivity. This increased efficiency assists cognitive performance and influences how teens think, communicate, and experience the world they are in.

Long-term Benefits

Pixabay

Learning a second language as a teen can have lasting positive effects:

  • Protection against cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s in adulthood.
  • Possible contributions to better brain health in adulthood through increased grey matter density and white matter integrity.
  • Potential for enhanced recovery after brain injury.

TL;DR

In conclusion, learning a second language as a teenager not only enhances your cognitive abilities but also induces structural changes in the brain that lead to long-term benefits in brain health and function.

Sources: 

  1. https://www.cbs.mpg.de/2206561/20230108
  2. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/bilingualism-makes-brain-more-efficient-especially-when-learned-young-age-360355
  3. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/06/bilingual-effects-brain
  4. https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/
  5. https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/learning-a-new-language-helps-brain-development
  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7473972/
  7. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/advantages_of_a_bilingual_brain
  8. https://news.mit.edu/2018/cognitive-scientists-define-critical-period-learning-language-501

Breakfast for Success: Easy Ways to Fuel Yourself

Hafsah A
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Breakfast for Success: Easy Ways to Fuel Yourself

 

For students juggling classes, assignments, and extracurriculars, starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is extreamly important. Research indicates that students who consistently eat a healthy breakfast have an average increase of 17.5% on their standardized math scores compared to those who regularly skip breakfast. Despite this, studies show that 13% of school-aged children and 27% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 regularly skip breakfast. To help busy students maintain energy and focus throughout the day, here are three quick and nutritious breakfast ideas:

1. Overnight Oats with Berries and Nuts

Benefits: This meal is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which will improve concentration. 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup milk 
  • ¼ cup flavored yogurt
  • A handful of fresh or frozen berries
  • A tablespoon of chia seeds
  • A handful of chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and sweetener if using.
  2. Stir in the berries and nuts.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. In the morning, enjoy it cold or warmed up.

2. Veggie-Packed Breakfast Burrito

Benefits: Incorporating vegetables into your morning meal boosts fiber intake and adds vitamins, which promotes overall health and cognitive function.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole-grain tortilla
  • 2 eggs or egg whites
  • ¼ cup black beans, rinsed
  • ¼ cup diced bell peppers
  • ¼ cup spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons shredded cheese
  • Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Preparation:

  1. Scramble the eggs in a pan with the bell peppers and spinach until cooked.
  2. Add the black beans to the mixture to warm them.
  3. Place the egg and veggie mixture onto the tortilla.
  4. Sprinkle with cheese and add salsa or hot sauce if desired.
  5. Roll up the tortilla, folding in the sides to secure the filling.

3. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Benefits: This quick option combines protein and natural sugars, providing an immediate energy boost.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flavoured yogurt
  • ½ cup granola or muesli
  • 1 cup mixed fruits (e.g., berries, banana slices, or diced apples)
  • Drizzle of honey (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a glass or bowl, layer half of the yogrt, followed by half of the fruits and granola.
  2. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  3. Drizzle honey on top if desired.

Incorporating a nutritious breakfast into your daily routine can significantly enhance academic performance and overall well-being. These simple and quick recipes are designed to fit into busy schedules while providing the necessary nutrients to start your day successfully.

 

sources: 1 2

The BEST Study Snacks Guide

Hafsah A
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The BEST Study Snacks Guide

 

The worst possible combination for any student is studying on an empty stomach. Whether it’s late-night cramming or just a long day of homework, the right snack can help you stay focused and energized throughout the study session. Here are a few of my favourites! 

 

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

Apple slices with peanut butter is my healthy go-to. The crunch of the apple and the richness of peanut butter are the perfect balance.
Bonus tip: If you want to feel like a snack pro, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on the apple slices. It’s like a mini dessert.

2. Trail Mix Energy Balls

For a homemade snack that’s a little more filling, make energy balls using oats, peanut butter, honey, and some chocolate chips or dried fruits. Roll them up and keep them in the fridge for a grab-and-go treat.

3. Hummus and Pretzels

Hummus and pretzels are the perfect combo for a savoury craving. The creamy richness of hummus pairs perfectly with the salty, crunchy pretzels. 

4. Yogurt Parfait

Layer yogurt with fruit, nuts, granola, and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying parfait. It’s the kind of snack that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make.

Snacking while studying is all about a balance: you need brain food to keep your energy up, but also a little indulgence to keep things fun. So next time you’re studying, try out a few of these snacks, and remember: it’s okay to enjoy the process (snacks included)! Happy studying!

 

Beyond the Fast — The Privilege of Fasting & What the West Won’t Tell You: Ep. 5

Areej C
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0
Beyond the Fast — The Privilege of Fasting & What the West Won’t Tell You: Ep. 5

 

Welcome to the fifth episode of Beyond The Fast, a series that explains Ramadan for more than its stereotypes! Today, I need to speak honestly, not just about fasting, but about injustice, and the rampant hypocrisy we see around us in regards to regions such as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. 

Every night, I break my fast with comfort, warm food, family, peace. But I can’t stop thinking about those who fast with fear. In Palestine, families break their fasts under rubble, with explosions shaking the night. Often maybe not even having food to break their fast. In Yemen, children sleep hungry, while blockades strangle any chance of survival. In Sudan and Syria, people flee their homes, fasting in tents with no certainty of tomorrow.

What hurts more is not just the suffering itself, but how easily the world turns away from it. We live in a world where western governments preach human rights, freedom, and democracy but only when it fits their interests. They defend democracy in one country while funding bombs in another. They shed tears for certain victims, plastering their faces on the media, yet ignoring those who don’t fit their narrative. They dictate who to care about and who to forget.

When war breaks out in places like Ukraine, we see immediate calls for compassion, fundraising, and support, and completely rightly so, as it is a crisis that deserves our attention. But when Palestinians are bombed in their own homes, the same voices go silent, or worse, justify the violence. Why? Because the oppressor is an ally, and suddenly, human lives become calculations. Innocent people become collateral damage, worse of all children become statistics.

The hypocrisy goes deeper. Western interference has destabilized entire regions in the Middle East for decades, through wars for oil, overthrowing governments, and sanctions that punish civilians, not leaders. Then, when people flee the chaos the West helped create, they’re called threats. The very people whose homes were destroyed are met with closed borders and cold shoulders.

This Ramadan, I’ve been thinking to myself to how do we respond to this double standard? The first step is not to turn away. To not to accept this selective empathy. We cannot let governments or media tell us whose pain is more important. We have to humanize those the world dehumanizes, to see Palestinians, Yemenis, Sudanese, Syrians, and so many others as real people: those with dreams, families with love and laughter, all forced to live in fear because the powerful decide their lives are now less important.

I’m writing this not to make you feel helpless, but to remind all of us that reflection during Ramadan means more than personal growth. It means opening our eyes. It means praying not just for ourselves, but for justice for all in a world of suffering. It means sharing what we know, speaking out, donating if we can, and most importantly not accepting silence.

Thank you for reading Episode 5 of Beyond The Fast. I hope you sit with this discomfort, as I do. Ask questions, challenge what you hear, and stand beside all and any injustices. Whether you fast or not, choose to care.

See you next time for more truths and reflection.

What does a new government mean for Calgarians?

S.R. Spencer
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What does a new government mean for Calgarians?

Canada has a new Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau, who announced his decision to step aside on Jan. 6, 2025, lost his job as Leader of the Liberal Party on March 9, 2025 to Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, and U.N. Envoy for Climate Change. Carney easily won the party leadership, taking nearly 87 percent of the party vote. Less than a week later, on March 14, 2025, Carney took office as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister.

Carney is the first Canadian Prime Minister to have no previous political experience, and the first in over 40 years to not hold a seat in the House of Commons. But, for someone who now occupies such an important position, the question remains, who exactly is Mark Carney, and what does his victory mean for Calgarians?

About Mark Carney

Carney was born on March 16, 1965, in the town of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories along the Albertan border. Carney lived most of his early life in Edmonton, before being admitted to Harvard University in 1984 to study Economics. He then landed himself a cushy job back at Goldman-Sachs advising developing nations on entering into international markets. Carney helped to advise a post-apartheid South Africa on entering into global bond (debt) markets, and assisted Russia with dealing with a recession in 1998.

Carney moved back to Canada to accept a position as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003. The Bank of Canada is responsible for managing the nation’s monetary policies, such as printing bank notes, handing out loans to other financial institutions like banks, and setting interest rates on debt. In 2007, Carney was appointed to head the Bank of Canada as Governor by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, taking office on Feb. 1, 2008.

His tenure as Governor largely coincided with the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009. In order to combat the crisis, Carney cut interest rates quickly while the rest of the world cut rates slowly or, in the case of Europe, raised rates. His approach helped to encourage more spending in the Canadian economy. He also committed to keeping these low rates for an extended period of time, which boosted confidence in the market. Carney’s actions played a large role in allowing Canada to avoid the worst effects of the recession and recover quickly. Canada was the first nation in the G7 to recover its economy to pre-recession levels, with Carney being named “Most Trusted Canadian” in 2011 by Reader’s Digest Magazine for his contributions.  

Carney’s career in Canada caught the attention of George Osborne, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer (a cabinet position equivalent to Minister of Finance). Osborne approached Carney about returning to Britain to head the Bank of England. After offering him several concessions, such as a shortened term and more power over the economy, Carney accepted the offer, and on July 1, 2013, formally took office as Governor of the Bank of England. He served in this position for seven years, until March 15, 2020. 

After leaving the Bank of England, Carney accepted a position at the United Nations as Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, playing a key role in developing international responses to climate change. Additionally, he served as an advisor to several world leaders, including Trudeau. During this time, Carney increasingly involved himself in politics, aligning himself with the Liberal Party and vehemently opposing the policies of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Carney had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Trudeau since early 2024, long expected to make a bid for the premiership once Trudeau had stepped down. On Jan. 16, 2025, these assumptions were validated, with Carney announcing his bid for Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister. As mentioned, he easily won the leadership, officially assuming office as leader on March 9, 2025 and taking office as P.M. on March 14, 2025.

What this means for Canada

With a two-decade long background in economics and climate science, Carney is expected to spend his tenure focusing on the economy and environment. His campaign for the leadership promised to replace the carbon tax with incentives for green energy, cut red tape on interprovincial trade, spend more on national defense and strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic to combat Russian influence, impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S, and introduce caps on immigration until it returns to pre-pandemic levels. Calgarians in greener industries are expected to benefit from this switch to incentives for green energy. However, Carney’s focus on climate change, and his personal opposition to fossil fuels, is expected to influence his energy policy which may prove disadvantageous to Calgary’s largely oil-based economy. 

Unique among Canadian Prime Ministers is the fact that Carney has never before sought elected office, and does not have a seat in parliament. Although nothing in the Canadian Constitution indicates the Prime Minister has to be a Member of Parliament (MP), they do have to be an MP in order to introduce legislation, vote on bills, and participate in parliamentary debates. Until Carney somehow acquires a seat, whether via by-election before the federal election or in a future federal election itself, he will have to rely on a deputy Prime Minister in the House of Commons to act on his behalf in parliament.

Carney’s complicated status with parliament may, however, not matter all that much in the long run. In order to hold onto his new job for long, he will have to fight for it. Canada is destined for an election this year. The latest possible date this could happen is Oct. 20, 2025. Carney himself, however, has already indicated he would be willing to call an early election within his first few days or weeks in power. Despite the Liberal change in leadership, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives still lead in opinion polls by around three percent, according to the most recent figures from polling aggregate site 338 Canada. Assuming Carney does call an election, or that the Conservatives successfully pass a vote of no-confidence and force an election, he would have less than two months to prove his case to the Canadian public and retain his job. If he is incapable of doing so, he would be among the shortest-ever serving Prime Ministers in Canadian history. 

Carney faces his biggest challenge yet: guiding a nation, and his party, through turbulous and unsteady times. But however well the banker-turned-Prime Minister performs, one thing is certain: Canada is in for a few interesting months.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Addiction To Artificial: What You Love Might Not Love You Back

Kheta
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0
Addiction To Artificial: What You Love Might Not Love You Back

Introduction:

No matter how frequently you eat processed food, the human tendency is to prefer quantity over quality. I have had processed food for many years leading up to my point of realization. The one question that completely changed my diet is Why do Certain Foods Force You to Eat More of Them? While the simple answer is “because I like it,” there is more to unravel in the hidden secrets of the food industry that are imperative to address.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with what processed foods are, here is a short breakdown:

  • Natural food which has been altered through industrial processes (i.e., factories)
    • Generally, these foods have been changed by adding preservatives, chemicals, colours and/or sugars.
  • These foods undergo various physical changes including washing, drying, dehydrating, canning, pasteurization, blending, or packaging, etc.
  • While not all processed foods are toxic, they are certainly unhealthy with the high levels of sugar, sodium and/or fats added to attract a larger audience.

 

Chemicals:

We must acknowledge that avoiding processed food isn’t always the best and most convenient solution. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the multinational corporations which sell such produce will rise considering the cost-effectiveness. Moreover, we cannot identify which foods can result in harm to health just by looking at it. A better approach to eating healthier is being aware of what popular processed ingredients can look like:

  • Sodium Nitrate: Companies commonly use sodium nitrate to enhance the colour of various meat products. The pink and red appearance of certain meats helps reduce spoilage while making it look appetizing.
  • BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Such chemicals are incorporated into processed foods to reduce the odours by limiting fats and oils from spoiling.
  • Sodium Benzoate: This chemical looks white and powdery in appearance while its job is to limit bacteria and mould from growing (also extends shelf life).
  • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This particular ingredient is commonly used to make food flavour more apparent. The chemical helps in adding an umami taste to the products.
  • The list of chemicals is nearly never-ending. However, below are some other common chemicals that are present in processed foods.
    • Xanthan Gum & Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Red 40, Disodium Inosinate.
      • If such research interests you, this website will help enhance your knowledge of harmful chemicals present in common foods.

 

Major Health Effects:

The health effects of having processed foods are not immediately detectable. Instead, these impacts correlate with long-term diseases and health complications. For instance, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), found in popular sodas and sweets, like cookies, has been proven to lead to high diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease and even dyslipidemia (metabolic disorder).

Furthermore, Sodium Nitrate, a chemical found in meats, is toxic when exposed to high temperatures. The chemical reactions that occur in simple everyday meats have been linked to colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The breakdown of a WHO report claims “over 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide are attributable to high processed meat intake”.

Another highly used chemical in chips, butter, cereals and snack foods are ​Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). BHA has been proven on multiple reports to produce Carcinogenicity. For those who are not aware, Carcinogenicity is what triggers cancer through damaging cells (resulting in higher risks of cancer).

 

What to Avoid:

While we cannot always stay away from such intoxicating foods, we can be more precautions in our choices. This could look like choosing to eat organic fruits or opting for homemade fries instead of store-bought or fast food options. My intention in picking this topic was only to acquaint you with the risks of overconsumption of many addicting foods.

Here is a list of foods that you should reconsider before eating:

  • Deli meats, Bacon (any processed meats)
  • Energy drinks
  • Granola Bars
  • Chips (Doritos, Cheetos, or anything that urges you to have more)
  • Sodas (Ex: Coke, pepsi)
  • Instant Noodles (essentially instant anything)
  • Fast Food (Fact: DQ blizzards use packaged dairies, Emulsifiers, etc.)

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

 

Tips for better movie-watching experiences

Hanrong
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0
Tips for better movie-watching experiences

Movies: A Great Way of Entertainment

Chances are, we have all seen films in our lives. Whether it’s that horror film which keeps the audience alert the entire way, or the cartoon movie from your childhood that evokes a special sense of nostalgia, our society has access to many different options of films. In school, we sometimes analyze movies for the characters and plot, but let’s be honest, most of the time we watch movies for fun! Movies are compelling pieces of work; some of them are also timeless. However, many would agree that there is no movie-watching experience more original than visiting the cinema.

Well, this article contains some tips to help every movie-lover enjoy the films! Let’s dive right into this fun topic.

 

Some helpful tips

Apart from the basic steps to enjoying a film, such as showing up to the theater on time and visiting the restrooms beforehand, movie-goers should also refrain from texting or otherwise getting distracted by their phone. This is not only important in terms of etiquette, but it also reminds the movie watchers that the long length of films is precisely what enables these movies to tell a story–often a vivid story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

It is also for this reason that films can teach some deep and important morals, although many movies are just purely for fun! Perhaps, some of the comedies out there serve to poke fun at certain aspects of life. Personally, whenever I go to view a movie, its purpose is often what I look for. All entertainment pieces, be it movies, songs, or even artwork, are created with some sort of purpose or possess a certain kind of innate meaning.

Some popcorn
Image by Devon Breen from Pixabay

Appreciating the film

Sometimes, there can be silence in the movie, maybe in between the moments of action. Anyway, it is often important for us to enjoy the silences in the film, as they could suggest a moment of epiphany for a character, for example. Silence can reflect a distinct mood, and different scenes are different, but the film director has included them all for a purpose, even if there is no action or “exciting” things happening at the moment.

Also, in general, avoid going out from the theater room in the middle of the film to purchase snacks or drinks. Some cinemas might even have moments of special intermission just for the purpose of selling coffee or other refreshments, but this can damage the overall film-watching experience.

Lastly, researching about a particular film beforehand could also help tremendously in deciding what movie is more appealing or exciting. Regardless of the choice of the movie, it is only natural for us to feel passionate about what we will be viewing as we visit the movie theater!

There are many different ways to enable a great movie-viewing experience. All in all, making each experience unique and special is important every time in watching a film!

What Gratitude Does to Your Brain: The Science Behind Appreciation

Amy Xia
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0
What Gratitude Does to Your Brain: The Science Behind Appreciation

Throughout our school lives, we have always been taught to show gratitude and to be grateful for things and individuals around us. We all know that gratitude is a powerful tool for improving interpersonal relationships and improving mental and emotional well-being. Besides gratitude being a fundamental value found in various cultures and philosophies, modern neuroscience has also provided a novel approach to view gratitude and its tangible effects on our brains. From enhancing mood to improving cognitive function, appreciation of the good in our lives brings profound changes. Now the question is: what exactly happens in our brain when you practice gratitude?

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Gratitude stimulates the brain’s reward system by triggering the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitters because they play a significant role in enhancing mood, motivation, and overall well-being.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

First, when we experience gratitude, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This creates a positive feedback loop: expressing gratitude makes us feel good, which encourages us to seek more opportunities to practice such gratitude.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Secondly, gratitude also increases serotonin production. Serotonin contributes to feelings of happiness and emotional stability. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, and by practicing gratitude, we support our own mental health by activating the release of serotonin.

Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash

Our brains are wired for neuroplasticity, meaning they can recognize and form new neural connections throughout life. Practicing gratitude strengthens these neural pathways associated with positive emotions.

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash

On the other hand, practicing gratitude is also essential for reducing stress and anxiety. Long term stress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps our bodies to cope with long term stress by increasing blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude have lower levels of cortisol, which helps reduce feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, gratitude also activates activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain region that is responsible for regulation of emotions, decision-making, and impulse control. This allows us to be better at managing stress and respond to challenges.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

In addition to the emotional and hormonal regulations that gratitude does to our brain, practicing gratitude also has a more visible effect—improving our sleep quality. Practicing gratitude before bedtime can help shift focus away from stress, allowing our minds to settle into a more restful state for sleep. Research has also suggested that people who engage in gratitude exercises sleep longer, and they spend more time in deep sleep to restore energy for the daytime.

Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash

Knowing all the benefits of practicing gratitude, what can we do to show appreciation?

  1. Keep a Gratitude Journal: every day, write down and record five things that you’re grateful for
  2. Show Appreciation: Take the time to thank people in your life, whether through a text, call, or handwritten note.
  3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindful gratitude by fully appreciating what you have
  4. Use Gratitude Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations such as “I am grateful for the opportunities in my life.”
  5. Reflect Before Bed: Before sleeping, take a moment to reflect on the positive moments of your day
Photo by KT Likes Coffee on Unsplash

Gratitude is much more than just politeness—it is a scientifically proven way to improve our brain for happiness, resilience, and overall well-being. So why not start today? Maybe with a simple thank-you note on a friend’s desk, you’ll start the journey of appreciation. 

Sources: 1, 2

The Myth of Hades and Persephone Explained

Bowen Zheng
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0
The Myth of Hades and Persephone Explained

*Keep in Mind! There are multiple variations of this myth. However, the version I will be talking about is the relatively more popular one.

Free Persephone Greek Mythology illustration and picture

What is the Myth of Hades and Persephone?

The Myth of Hades and Persephone is a famous Greek story that explains how the cycle of seasons came to be, as well as introducing themes of love and reunion. The myth was dated to around the 7th centure BCE, found in “Homeric Hymm to Demeter.”

The Story Explained

Persephone was the beautiful daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. She lived a solitary and calm life with her mother in the surface world on Mount Olympus. While Persephone lived on the surface however unbeknownst to her, Hades, the God of the Underworld had been secretly stalking her from the Underworld. Hades had been enchanted by Persephone’s beauty and planned on taking her for himself. Consequently, one day while Persephone was out in a meadow picking flowers, Hades abducted Persephone and took her to his dark kingdom.

Free Ai Generated Hades illustration and picture

Demeter who was struck with grief by the dissapearence of her daughter, searched far and wide around the world in hopes of finding Persephone. However, her efforts ultimately remained futile and through this process, she neglected her agricultural duties. The earth withered and crops died, resulting in famine spreading around the world.

Upon seeing the world in such devestation, Zeus, the king of the gods, demanded that Hades return Persephone back to the surface. However, before Persephone left the underworld, Hades made Persephone eat pomegranate seeds, the food of the Underworld.

Due to Persephone eating the food of the Underworld, she was now bound to it. Regardless, Zeus and Demeter struck a deal about this situation.

  1. Persephone would spend a part of the year with Hades as the Queen of the Underworld, representing Winter and Fall as Demeter would grieve for the absence of Persephone and thus, cause the earth to decay.Free Nature Winter photo and picture
  2. For the rest of the year, Persephone would return back to Demeter, bringing Spring, Summer, and vibrance to the surface world.Free Crocus Flowers photo and picture

In simpler terms, when Persephone is with Demeter on the surface, the world propsers (symbolzing Summer and Spring). When Persephone is with Hades in the Underworld, the earth grows cold and decays (symbolizing Fall and Winter).

Why Is the Myth Significant?

The myth is not only significant for the profound impact it had on Greek culture at the time, it is also important for a couple other reasons. The myth gives an interesting reasoning of why the earth gows through cycles of flourishment, and a state of withering. It is also important due to the fact that it’s one of the more older stories that depicts a mothers love and the pain of separation she feels with her daughter making it a great story about maternal love.

 

Sources:

https://www.google.com/search?q=hades+and+persephone+myuth&rlz=1C1RXQR_enCA1031CA1031&oq=hades+and+persephone+myuth&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQABgNGIAEMgkIAhAAGA0YgAQyCQgDEAAYDRiABDIJCAQQABgNGIAEMggIBRAAGBYYHjIICAYQABgWGB4yCAgHEAAYFhgeMggICBAAGBYYHjIKCAkQABgFGA0YHtIBCDI2MTBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:445b8e3d,vid:zLAYGZeVTPQ,st:0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persephone

The Myth of Hades and Persephone

Telemedicine: Transforming Healthcare in the Digital Age

Daniella
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0
Telemedicine: Transforming Healthcare in the Digital Age

Telemedicine has come a long way, transforming the healthcare industry and redefining how we access healthcare. With the rapid advancements in digital technology, telemedicine is making healthcare more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective. The ability to consult with healthcare professionals remotely not only enhances patient experience but also improves overall efficiency within our healthcare systems.

 

The Rise of Telemedicine

In recent years, telemedicine has rapidly evolved from a supplemental service to a vital component of modern healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption, providing a way for patients to consult doctors while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. But even as the world recovered, telemedicine remains an essential tool in expanding accessibility.

Telemedicine typically involves using technology like video calls, mobile apps, and online portals to facilitate remote consultations between patients and healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those who have limited mobility, as it eliminates the need for travel. Additionally, telemedicine has allowed for more timely interventions and quicker responses to health issues, making this a powerful tool in preventative care.

 

The Benefits of Telemedicine

  • Enhanced Specialist Access: One significant advantage is the ability to connect patients with specialists who may not be available in local areas. Whether it’s a cardiologist or an expert in rare diseases, telemedicine helps bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals globally.
  • Affordability: Virtual consultations are often less expensive than in-person visits. This makes healthcare more affordable for individuals without insurance or those who face high out-of-pocket costs for medical services. For healthcare providers, telemedicine also reduces overhead costs, contributing to more sustainable practices.
  • Convenience: Telemedicine eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances or wait in crowded waiting rooms. Patients can easily connect with doctors in the comfort of their own homes. This time-saving aspect is especially important for those with busy schedules or those requiring frequent check-ins. 
  • Improved Chronic Disease Management: Telemedicine offers remote monitoring tools that allow healthcare providers to track patients’ health metrics such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and heart rate. This continuous monitoring is especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, as it allows for more proactive and timely interventions.

 

The Future of Telemedicine

The future of telemedicine holds even more promise with the integration of AI and biotechnology. AI can help doctors with diagnostics, making it easier to identify conditions earlier and more accurately. Additionally, AI-powered tools can assist with personalizing treatment plans based on a patient’s health, ensuring care is tailored to individual needs. 

The convergence of telemedicine and biotechnology is also helping to advance precision medicine, using genetic data to create personalized treatment plans. With telemedicine, patients can receive consultations and treatments based on their unique genetic makeup, all from the comfort of their own homes. 

 

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its benefits, telemedicine is still facing challenges. One of the most prominent is the digital divide. Not all patients can access the internet or decide to participate, particularly in rural or low-income areas. Additionally, healthcare providers must ensure their platforms comply with privacy laws and maintain the security of patient data.

There are also regulatory hurdles to overcome. As telemedicine can vary from state to state, telemedicine services must adhere to local healthcare regulations for safety and care.

 

Telemedicine has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, offering a wealth of benefits. This includes improved access to specialists, greater convenience, and reduced costs. As our technology continues to advance, telemedicine is set to become an even more integral part of our healthcare system. The integration of AI and biotechnology into telemedicine is making healthcare even more dynamic and patient-centred, paving the way for more efficient, accessible, and effective healthcare systems.

 

Sources:

Beyond the Fast – Iftar Around the World! :Ep 4

Areej C
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0
Beyond the Fast – Iftar Around the World! :Ep 4

Welcome to the fourth episode of Beyond The Fast, a series that explains Ramadan for more than its stereotypes! Today, we’re exploring ‘iftar’, the meal that breaks the fast, and how it transcends cultural and regional boundaries. Across the world, Muslims come together each evening to break their fast in unique ways particular to where they are from, reflecting both local tradition and then a sense of global connection. Let’s take a closer look at how iftar is celebrated globally!

In different parts of the world, iftar may look and taste a little different, but the meaning behind it is the same. It’s  a moment of connection, gratitude, and community. In some places, the meal might begin with dates and water, a tradition followed by many Muslims no matter where they are from. From there, the meal can vary widely.

In Morocco, for example, it’s common to start with a bowl of harira, a warming, flavorful soup.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, people might enjoy simit, a sesame-crusted bread, often paired with tea.

In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia serve nasi lemak, a dish with rice cooked in coconut milk, alongside spicy sambal, fried anchovies, and boiled eggs.

In South Asia, places such as Pakistan, serve all the fried foods you can imagine, from pakoras, an onion fritter, to samosas, a pastry usually filled with potato’s.

But iftar isn’t just about the food, it’s about coming together!  Whether with family, friends, or even strangers, the act of sharing this meal helps create a sense of unity within the Muslim community.  People in different regions might eat different dishes, but they all share the experience of breaking their fast together. It’s a time of giving thanks, supporting one another, and reflecting on the blessings of Ramadan.

In some cultures, iftar is a community event. In Egypt, you might hear the sound of the Athan (call to prayer) filling the streets as people prepare to break their fast. In the Middle East, bustling markets filled with fresh juices, fruits, and sweets like baklava and kunafa make the evening feel festive and lively.

At its core, iftar is about much more than food. It’s a reminder of the importance of faith, community, and the shared experience that brings people together no matter where they are in the world.

Thank you all for reading Ep. 4 of the ‘Beyond The Fast’ series, and I hope you’ve enjoyed! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and even if you don’t fast, explore this month, however you want, with 1.9 billion Muslims around the world!

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