Reality TV shows have always been around for as long as I can remember, but there seems to be a lot of buzz surrounding it these days. With the new season of the Bachelor and Love is Blind, my social media pages are filled with people’s opinions and interpretations of who is going to end up with who, and who might be a lost cause. With clips of people on these shows constantly circulating after episodes air, I can’t help but wonder why they would voluntarily want to go on these shows to be open to public scrutiny.
In no way am I saying that if you decide to go on a reality TV show you should automatically expect negativity or that you deserve it. In some cases, the audience ends up caring and rooting for certain individuals throughout their entire time on the show. The way reality TV stars are perceived can be a double-edged sword – you never really know if they’ll be loved or hated. Circling back to my initial line of questioning, why take that risk and go on these shows?
Every individual is different at the end of the day and will have different reasons as to why they decide to go on reality TV. For example, with shows that are centered around finding a romantic partner, well, the incentive is finding the love of your life. Sometimes these shows have successfully been able to introduce two people that go on to maintain a relationship even as the cameras stop rolling. Most of the time though, all the show can successfully do is jumpstart the participant’s influencer career – this doesn’t seem too much of an issue with fame being the main incentive for most people when they decide to participate in TV shenanigans.
This is also the case for reality TV that is not centered around romance, such as Netflix’s The Mole and The Trust: A Game of Greed. These two shows are part of the vast many where an allocated money prize is available for whoever is remaining from those that have been eliminated throughout. Participants in shows like these are not only looking for fame, but also for a significant portion of money that has the potential to change their lives.
Like I said, there are many reasons why one would go on these shows even if it is at the cost of their privacy. However, why do we – the viewers – love watching these shows so much? In a sense, reality TV gives us the chance to be a fly on the wall in the lives of everyday people that we can relate to.
I understand that there are scenes within these episodes that are coerced or scripted by producers, but despite all that, a lot of the events naturally occur within the parameters that have been established by the specific show’s rules. These people are not actors, and this draws us to them because we’re able to empathize with the all-too-real-feelings of joy when overcoming a challenge, or heartache when witnessing someone you’re interested in with another – at least more than a character on a fictional show.
Some people enjoy watching reality TV because it showcases real people trying to figure out specific dilemmas and how much they personally change from the experience. For example, I recently watched Netflix’s The Trust: A Game of Greed, where $250,000 was already distributed amongst 11 players. These players had the choice to vote privately at ceremonies to determine whether they wanted to eliminate someone or didn’t want to eliminate anyone at all.
What was interesting to me about this show was that they all became winners from the very start and could have just gone about their days without voting anyone off. However, it didn’t play out this way.
Witnessing the moral dilemmas each person had on the show was intriguing, and as I watched, I would often put myself in their shoes as well. Watching them contradict themselves and sacrifice their values is what made this show so intrinsically human – leaving the viewer at the edge of their seats, looking into a screen presenting behaviors not all that different from their own.
Others have more of a superficial reasoning as to why they tune into reality TV shows, such as for when drama or conflicts arise. It not only is entertaining, but it makes them feel better about who they are as people. They could never imagine having a breakdown on national TV or envision themselves to be smarter than the people on reality TV. This unintentionally fosters a superiority complex within viewers, causing them to seek out more “garbage” reality TV.
Consuming and critically engaging with ‘garbage’ TV is by no means a bad thing. However, it is important to understand that although the people on screen can be presented as one-dimensional characters, there is more to them. It is crucial to be able to refrain from being so judgemental because who knows how you would be like in their situation? Being able to be mindful about that means you truly are tuned in with what reality is all about.
The post Beyond the screen: Decoding the allure & risks of reality TV first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>During the winter season theatre companies throughout the city have been hard at work preparing one acts, cabarets, plays and musicals that are set to shock, stun and surprise audiences as they grace the stage. Whether you’re an avid theatre-rat or someone who just wants to change up what you do on the weekends, there’s likely a show going on that will spark your interest.
Metamorphosis
Looking to watch something mysterious, unsettling, avant-garde and downright absurd? If your answer was “Yes” or just a soft “maybe” then the Department of Drama’s Greystone Theatre has just the show for you as USask drama professor and director Natasha Martina brings Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis to the stage of the Emrys Jones Theatre.
Written by famed 20th century novelist and writer Franz Kafka, and adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff, Metamorphosis follows the story of Gregor Samsa, an overworked and overtired young man who fervently works to support his parents and little sister until one day he mysteriously transforms into a giant beetle. The story then unfolds with him and his family trying to adapt to his new state and their structure as a family as they figure out ways —some good, some bad— on dealing with Gregor’s extraordinary ailment.
Many of Kafka’s works carry themes of anxiety, isolation and alienation, The Metamorphosis is no exception to this standard. With a heavy commentary on the dehumanizing effects of repetitive, mindless, and overly-bureaucratic labour, audiences are sure to be in for an experience that leaves them reflecting on their place in the world, their relation with labour and how such external factors affect our recognizably fragile personal identities. It may leave people asking, “what does it mean to lose something that’s always been a part of you?”, and “what does it mean to become something entirely different?”
If these fundamental questions of personal philosophy, or the aforementioned atomizing themes pique your interest then be sure to grab your tickets for Metamorphosis before they are gone.
The show runs from Wednesday March 20th through Saturday the 23rd at 7:30pm with a matinee on Friday, March 22nd at noon. Tickets are $13 for students, $19 for adults and $16 for senior citizens.
I Have No Idea.
Mental health and wellness is a constant point of discussion these days, and for good reason – it affects us all whether we think it does or not. And while conversation over it is great, sometimes the subject matter can be easier to digest when put through a different medium, perhaps like that of a play.
Written by and starring SATAward nominee Nathan Coppens, I Have No Idea is “a hilarious and poignant look at adult ADHD through the eyes of people who have it.” Those behind the scenes of the production promise that audiences will have various opportunities throughout the show to laugh, to cry and to think.
With a focus on encouraging positive and thought-provoking discussion around ADHD the show uses “laughter and songs, to celebrate the stories and illuminate the struggles of four neurodivergent people navigating their way through society and the mental health system.”
Presented by In the Headlights and Live Five Independent Theatre, I Have No Idea will be available for viewing March 15th to 17th and 21st to 24th at The Refinery Arts and Spirit Centre.
Men Express Their Feelings
The second show audiences should be looking out for is the subversive hockey-comedy Men Express Their Feelings. This power play of a performance — pun intended — centers on a pair of fathers and sons “sequestered to a hockey rink dressing room to sort out an incident” that examines hockey culture, relationships, racism and masculinity through “a series of wild misunderstandings and ridiculous antics.”
Put on by the 25th Street Theatre company, the play is a three period — like a hockey game — production complete with “music, mascots and a raucous crowd.” It is surely a play perfect for theatre lovers and hockey-fans alike who want to spend a night in a comfy seat rather than in the bleachers of a cold stadium.
Men Express Their Feelings will be showing from March 9th to 20th in the BackStage Stage at Remai Arts Centre.
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So there you have it! Three big exciting shows for you to take in during the warming spring months. Make your way out of the house and into the theatre, where you can lose yourself in an amazing story and maybe even learn something about the world or yourself, while doing so.
The post Theatre throughout the city — spring showcase first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>The USask Huskies Women’s Hockey team will be hosting the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey National Championship at Merlis Belsher Place from March 14th to 17th. This is an event you won’t want to miss, and the team is working hard to prepare for their playoff run.
As of now the Huskies boast a great season, and are currently placed fourth in the league. Head Coach Steve Kook shared that the top four teams in this league have been very tight so far this season. The Huskies are hoping to keep up this momentum as they power through the playoffs at the end of February and look toward nationals.
“We have a lot of people who are invested in what we’re trying to do, a lot of people who have all set our sights on the fact that we’re hosting nationals and we want to do something really special this year. I think that translates a lot into our hard work on the ice,” said team captain Kennedy Brown. This is Brown’s fifth year of eligibility with the Huskies while she works toward her degree in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Players identified various strengths of the team highlighting their speed, ability to never give up even when they’re down a few goals, and how communicative the team is both on and off the ice.
“In order for a team to be successful, you have to work together – you have to be connected as a whole,” said Kendra Zuchotski, a psychology major and third-year player. “We’re finding success so far because our team is so close… We’re all in this together.”
The team is now preparing to host the National Championships from March 14th to 17th at Merlis Belsher Place. Brown shared that the team is focusing on keeping their game consistent as they ready themselves for the tournament.
The players on the team expressed their excitement about the upcoming championship, and how they are looking forward to sharing the experience with the Huskies and Saskatoon community. Jacquelyne Chief, an Arts and Science student in her rookie year with the Huskies said that hosting “is almost like an honourable thing to do… You’re filled with pride.”
Kook said that “this is what this building was built for,” and is encouraging his players – and himself – to enjoy every minute of it. “I can’t wait to see this place packed. We have such a vibrant female hockey community here, and it’s just exciting.”
Kate Ball, a kinesiology major playing her fourth season with the Huskies, noted how proud she is to host this tournament in her hometown, Saskatoon. “I knew that I wanted to come home and play for this team pretty much my whole life, so it’s honestly just been an honour to play for this team.”
The Huskies are involving their community during preparations for the championship, particularly the local Indigenous community. The players and coaches have done a few sessions with a Knowledge Keeper, who has been teaching them how to do traditional First Nations beading. In addition to this, they have been learning about the culture behind the beading and other important topics such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
“We have so many Indigenous communities and reserves around us, and I think it’s important to incorporate that into nationals,” said Chief. “As somebody who is First Nations, it’s important to start acknowledging that this is a normal thing and it can be normal.” Chief shared that she hopes to one day become a teacher and possibly play professional hockey in Europe after completing her five years with the Huskies.
Each team that attends the national championship will get one of these works of beading made by the team as part of their welcome gift. Kook said that this is one of a few things that the team is doing to involve the Indigenous community; another is working with the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship.
“That’s part of the legacy plan of the national championships and it’s a big part of who we are here. We have players that are of Indigenous background, we have fans that are of Indigenous background, it’s just part of our culture and who we are. So it’s important to include it in our national championship,” said Kook. “It’s a big part of where we are in Saskatchewan, and it’s a big part of the legacy that we want to leave after the championships are done.”
In addition to their work with the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship, the Huskies do a lot of work with the Comets, Saskatoon’s female hockey division. Camryn Drever, the team’s fifth-year starting goalie working toward a degree in the College of Education, noted the importance of this community involvement.
“We need to give back as a sport. You take so much from hockey, and everybody always gives to you, but as a student athlete, it’s so important to give back as well,” Drever said. “The stuff that we do with the community I think is a good start.”
On the subject of legacies, the Huskies reflected on the inauguration of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) in 2023. Brown said that “it’s such an exciting time to be a hockey player.” Kook shared that USask currently has one alumna playing in the league: Kaitlin Willoughby, currently playing with PWHL Toronto.
“I think a lot of female hockey players growing up right now have something to look forward to and something to strive for, which would have been really nice growing up to have that,” said Ball.
Drever is having a historic season with the Huskies, and now holds the program record for the most wins in a regular season. She encourages others who are hopeful to be student athletes one day to take the chance. “Work hard and have a good attitude… If you work hard and put your soul into something, it’s going to give back, and you’ll feel that gratitude for the sport and the people around you.”
Drever said that one of her favourite memories from her time with the Huskies has been spending time with her teammates at the rink every day. Others on the team shared similar sentiments. Zuchotski encouraged future student athletes to “enjoy every minute of it,” and Brown shared that “if you dedicate yourself to your sport, it is totally possible to make it happen for yourself.”
“It’s definitely a lot of work, and very busy a lot of times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Ball. Ball is graduating this year and applying to the Occupational Therapy program at the University of Alberta; she hopes to continue having hockey as a part of her life, either through playing recreationally or coaching.
Ball, Brown, Zuchotski, and Drever were all a part of the Huskies team that won the bronze medal at the U SPORTS National Championship in Prince Edward Island in 2021. The veterans reflect on this experience as they approach the upcoming tournament at home.
Many of the players noted that an even more powerful memory for them than the 2021 championship itself was their victory over the Mount Royal University Cougars in the Semi-Finals, which earned them their spot in Nationals. Zuchotski said that Mount Royal was ranked very highly that year, and the Huskies’ win was a huge underdog story.
Kook reflects on the Huskies’ progress as this year’s championship approaches.
“It brings me back to the days when we played at Rutherford, [and] it was the worst barn we had in the country… That’s where our identity came from. And there’s a saying that we brought from the men’s team, and it’s ‘Nobody outworks the dog.’ That’s how we identify ourselves,” said Kook. “All of a sudden we ended up here, but we try to keep that identity. It brings me full circle. It’s like hey, look where we came from, and look where we are.”
Kook, a USask alumnus himself, encourages students to enjoy being a Huskie, wearing green and coming to the games. He shared that one of the most rewarding outcomes of his career has been watching his players choose to stay in Saskatoon after they graduate. “It just means so much that their experience here was good, that they want to stick around and be part of it and call Saskatoon home.”
Zuchotski fondly reflects on her time with the Huskies, sharing that she’s made friends that she will keep for a lifetime. After completing her degree, Zuchotski hopes to get a Master’s Degree in sports psychology and to one day get into coaching.
Drever and Brown, who are both in their final season with the Huskies, said that they will miss the girls on the team but that they are also excited for what the next chapter might hold for everyone. Drever hopes to be a teacher someday, and is also hoping to play professionally in the future, possibly in Europe. Brown would like to coach if she is not playing in the future, knowing that hockey will continue to be a big part of her life. She also said that she is very passionate about her work in pharmacy and excited for what her career might bring.
“There’s such a culture of Huskies Athletics in terms of the community service that we do and honouring what it means to be a Huskie, which is really special,” said Brown. “It’s something that’s taught me to take a lot of pride in the things that I do, which is something that I hope to carry on when I graduate.”
Tickets for the U SPORTS National Championship at Merlis Belsher Place are now available at huskies.usask.ca. Gear up for an incredible weekend cheering on your Huskies Women’s Hockey team!
The post “Nobody outworks the dog”: Huskies to host the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship for the first time at Merlis Belsher Place first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>The life, contributions and achievements of the Black community can be heard when you turn on the radio, can be tasted if you treat yourself to Afro cuisine, and more subtly – can be felt every day as you go about your life with rights and freedoms that have been in part guaranteed by Black efforts from the front lines of war to the political sphere.
Though great strides forward have been made, Black people are among the many marginalized groups that continue to face discrimination and have their place in history undermined. Since 2008, Black History Month has been legally recognized in an effort to uplift the Black community. This year, USask continues the annual celebration with this year’s theme of “Celebrating Black Experiences, Arts, Literature and More.”
All throughout February, Black experiences and successes are being showcased through an exciting series of events happening on campus.
An event held on February 1st in Place Riel marked the beginning of Black History Month celebrations at USask. Students, faculty, and staff (along with the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus) held an enchanting speech on the importance of celebrating Black History Month, the experiences, legacy, contributions and work of the Black community across all disciplines on campus.
The Mosaic of Black Joy and Wellness photo exhibited was hosted by the Student Wellness Centre, the Saskatchewan Association of Black Social Workers and USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus. The beautiful exhibit, led by Florence Mudzongo, a social worker at the Student Wellness Centre, was displayed in Place Riel from February 6th to February 9th.
It was a true pleasure attending the opening speech — the event was planned with so much dedication, passion and love, that it was nearly impossible not to tear up. We got to hear from several undergraduate and graduate students, including The Sheaf’s own Copy Editor Azee Amoo, whose photos were also on display in the gallery. Azee wanted to communicate how Black joy and wellness is not only found in grandiose stories of overcoming hardships, but mostly in everyday life.
And what Black joy and wellness means to the participants is exactly what the photos in the exhibit, which were all taken in Saskatoon, were planned to show. Some memorable ones showed the joy in spending time with one’s family, sharing culture, dishes, and experiences, the welcoming arms of the Black community to newcomers in Saskatoon, and learning to navigate life’s challenges.
The Cultural Wellness Club, which is a part of Peer Health, is hosting an array of interesting events. In early February, they hosted the first three parts of a four-part series named Social Insights, organized by Audrey Ajose (who was also a participant in the Mosaic of Black Joy and Wellness exhibit) which is focused on “different aspects of the Black experience.”
The first three parts had guest speakers invited to shed light on Racism and Mental Health, The Adultification of Black Children, and Black Joy & Wellness, respectively. The fourth part, scheduled for February 27th in the USask Community Center (Marquis 104), will feature a talk focused on Black People in the Workforce given by Lecia Ellis, a graduate student in the College of Education.
Another unique event hosted bi-weekly by the Cultural Wellness Club and facilitated by The Sheaf’s sweetheart Azee Amoo, is scene society’s movie screenings. During these events, attendees get to watch a foreign films and “explore new cultures through cinema.” The first movie screening, held on February 2nd, was of Rafiki, a Kenyan film directed by Wanuri Kahiu, and on February 16th, the Zambian film I Am Not A Witch. The next showing will be of a Spanish film and is scheduled for March 1st.
The Provost’s Book Club will meet in the Administration Building on February 28th to finish reading and discussing The Black Prairie Archives: An Anthology. The anthology, edited by Karina Vernon, aims to challenge the understanding of Prairie literature. It compiles letters, recipes, and poetry, among other forms of writing, belonging to Black writers in the Prairies, and aims to enlighten us on the “Prairie’s Black histories, culture, and presences.”
The College of Arts and Science Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies is hosting an event on February 21st featuring a presentation by Rita Idou on African Languages, philosophy and dance. Their presentation, titled “Languages spoken by African immigrants in Canada,” will be followed by another presentation on African Folk Philosophy as well as an entertainment program.
The College is also hosting a panel discussion on this year’s Black History Month theme. The panelists are all very successful in their respective fields and attendees can expect fruitful and active conversations.
Another panel discussion will be held by the International Student and Study Abroad Centre and the College of Education on February 26th in the ISSAC Lounge, focusing on the experiences of Black international students seeking employment in Canada. Black international graduates will share their experiences entering the workforce in Canada and issues impacting the entry of international students into the workforce will be discussed.
The Pan-African Students Association’s Black History Month Gala, Noir Nuit, to be held on February 24th, promises an unforgettable “night of elegance and celebrations.” The Gala will display Black beauty and talent through live performances featuring “soulful melodies” and dance routines. Attendees are encouraged to dress their best and purchase tickets in advance! Another Gala will be hosted by the USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus on February 29th in Marquis Hall. The event will feature a performance by Sonia Reid, a wildly talented gospel, soul and R&B singer, and serve authentic Afro-Caribbean food.
In addition, the University is further celebrating Black History Month by keeping the Peter MacKinnon Building lit until February 29 in red, yellow, and green lights, and USask Culinary Services will be offering a special Soul Food menu on February 28 featuring South African, Haitian and Southern U.S. dishes.
More information on the events, including dates, times and registration, can be found on the University’s Dates & Events Calendar. Showing up to support the Black community on campus is the least we can do to continue celebrating Black joy, experiences, success and achievements, wellness, contributions, and life.
The post Black joy, wellness and excellence: How USask is celebrating Black History Month first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>Huskies women’s track and field athletes Sierra Leonard and Brianna Andrews embody the phrase “student-athlete”, striking a delicate balance between track meets and medical school. Adopting a focused yet flexible mindset has been crucial for both athletes as they pursue this daunting task.
Leonard was originally a competitive gymnast who transitioned into pole vaulting during her high-school years. In an interview with the Sheaf, Leonard identified three key components of gymnastics that ensured a seamless transition into pole vaulting.
“When you’re running with a big pole in your hand towards a mat and launching yourself in the air, it takes a level of fearlessness and bravery that comes from gymnastics… There is also the body awareness in the air and the strength developed from gymnastics that plays a big part.”
Prior to signing with the Huskies following her medical school admission at USask, Leonard excelled in pole vault with the University of Alberta Pandas, winning two Canada-West bronze medals during her four-year tenure.
Andrews similarly began as a gymnast, but competed in various categories like jumps, hurdles and sprints throughout high-school, eventually honing in on sprints and relays during her stint with the Huskies. Along with the body awareness that benefits a gymnast shifting to track and field events, Andrews elaborated on the similarities between the two sports from a mental standpoint.
“The training demand with [gymnastics] was high … you’re leaving school early and have commitment to the sport and a natural drive for competitiveness … Since I moved from an individual sport [like gymnastics] to track which is primarily individual, I enjoyed moving into the track environment.”
Both athletes also prioritized academics throughout their undergraduate years, evidenced by Leonard achieving Academic All-Canadian status four times and Andrews being named to the list thrice. Leonard acknowledged that the balancing act between athletics and academics was “overwhelming” at times, requiring difficult sacrifices such as denying hangouts with friends or volunteer commitments. Andrews treats track as an outlet for socialization to make it more enjoyable, and emphasizes the importance of a consistent routine to manage both commitments efficiently.
“You have your set training time, so do your best to remove yourself from the academic side of things at practice … When you get home, decompress and hit the books,” Andrews said.
While the time management skills that both athletes developed in their undergraduate degree are invaluable, they acknowledged that a shift in mindset and training regimen was necessary once they began medical school.
Leonard likened medical school to a “full time job,” filled with classes, readings, assignments and clinicals. The heavier workload is partly explained by the fact that the core foundational course in Medicine is worth 21 credit units for one semester, which is equivalent to seven undergraduate courses. For comparison, a typical undergraduate semester is five courses.
Managing the workload and their commitment to track requires a collective effort, and both athletes expressed gratitude for their coaches’ flexibility.
“I used to train three-four hours a night for five-six days a week. Now, if I have a big exam coming up, I’m really lucky with my coaches [as] we have an agreement that I may have to miss a practice every now and then,” Leonard said.
Pole vaulting and sprints may seem worlds apart from medicine at first glance, but Andrews and Leonard recognized aspects that are applicable to both.
Andrews highlighted the importance of recovery to her performance both in sprints and as a medical student.
“In track, you’re always hearing about physiotherapy, chiropractors, massage, hydration, sleep and nutrition. Track is a unique sport where any one of the above being thrown off can cause a decline in your performance … After a long day of lectures, I found that if I go directly to studying, I’m not productive that day … Recharging my own way after training or after lectures has been key.”
For Leonard, the mental toughness she has acquired from enduring the ups and downs of pole vaulting has been critical in maintaining a positive mindset through medical school.
“In medicine, there are times when you don’t perform as well as you want to and things are not really going your way. Dealing with that adversity by putting the work in and knowing that I will eventually see results is something that I learned through pole vaulting, and that’s helped me a lot in medicine.”
As the 2024 Canada West Track and Field Championships in Edmonton from February 23rd to 24th draw near, Andrews is working on reducing her times for the 60 metre sprints. Meanwhile, Leonard is aiming for a podium finish and a potential USports nationals qualification by matching her previous personal best scores. Both athletes are looking to contribute to a perennial powerhouse Huskies women’s track and field team that has won five straight Canada West titles and is on a quest for their sixth.
For any athletes currently pondering the feasibility of competing and attending professional school concurrently, Leonard offers the following advice:
“It might seem like it’s not possible and it may take sacrifices, but if you love medicine and you love your sport, you can make it work.”
The post Dog Watch: Track and field athletes leaping into medicine first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>The Islamic Dawah Society (IDS) is a ratified undergraduate club that started just this year. The club stands for the mission of creating altruistic leaders committed to inciting positive changes for humanity. The IDS has four key beliefs consisting of transformation, activism, collaboration and humanitarianism.
The club hopes to inspire the campus community through the teachings of holistic Islam and works to decolonize the narrative of Muslims. They hope to empower Muslim students to positively impact the world, enhance their skills in public dialogue, instill unity and engage in community service.
The Homeless Support Initiative has become an annual occurrence through a variety of clubs, fostering a culture of collaboration and student leadership. This is a pilot project that was initiated in 2021 by student Abd Fateh Alras, the vice-president and co-founder of the IDS.
On January 20th 2024, the IDS was able to prepare a hundred winter survival packages and hundred warm meals to distribute at the intersection of 20th Street West.
From conducting a door-to-door clothing and bottle drive throughout the Stonebridge neighborhood, ensuring the proper sanitation of the items donated, the procurement and preparation of the kits, preparing the meals and then distributing everything to those in need, the project required weeks of effort from dedicated volunteers and could not be possible without their initiative.
The packages included hygiene products, band-aids, toques, gloves, scarves, menstrual products, donated jackets, clothing and pamphlets highlighting available resources. Additionally, a fresh sandwich, juice, fruit and a granola bar for a balanced meal.
This project could not have been possible without the collaboration of Islamic Relief Usask, Terry Fox Usask and the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan who provided financial and logistical assistance. Also, a special thank you for the donations and support provided by Saskatoon Health Authority, Giant Tiger, Affinity Credit Union, CBC Saskatchewan and the generous donors from the Stonebridge neighborhood.
The presence of homelessness, addictions, gentrification and food insecurity is a reality of our society. As such, the homelessness crisis is continuously rising throughout Canada with an ever increasing cost of living. These realities are making basic survival difficult for even the most fortunate of us and at the same time it is pushing already vulnerable communities further below the poverty line. Saskatchewan is not far from being at the forefront of this crisis, with many critical resources constantly experiencing closures and loss of funding.
“During winter, the hardships faced by the less fortunate individuals intensify due to harsh weather conditions, making it a critical time for additional support,” said Sami Rahman, President and co-founder of the IDS.
A tenet of being the “change makers” of tomorrow is to analyze the world around us, and acknowledge the reality that the world is in fact flawed. A goal of the Islamic Dawah Society is to create a better world, and as the club is entrenched in Islamic teachings, charity is an emphasized endeavor.
Initiatives that provide meals, clothes and essentials to the less fortunate resonate deeply with the Islamic values of compassion and servitude towards humanity. Such actions are viewed as a practical manifestation of the Islamic teachings about empathy and social responsibility. There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran as well as traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) wherein the Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of service towards the rest of the society whether it is by taking actions such as feeding and sheltering those in need.
It was narrated from a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Ibn ‘Abbas, that he informed another companion, Ibn az-Zubayr, of the following statement of the Prophet: “I heard the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.’”
“This statement alone is sufficient to inspire us with the dedication and enthusiasm to prepare meals, care packages, and many clothing items for our less fortunate community,” said Rahman.
“We can confidently say that our work will certainly not stop here, and our faith both encourages and motivates us to continue giving back to people so long as we tread the earth […] as Muslims, it is forbidden for us to enjoy the luxuries of the world while humanity suffers, and for that we will continue to strive to be ambassadors of God serving our community,” emphasized Rahman.
The Homeless Support Initiative stands as a testament to the profound impact of collaborative and compassionate endeavors. Grounded in the principles of Islamic teachings that emphasize empathy and social responsibility, the initiative not only distributed crucial winter survival packages and meals but also cultivated a sense of community and dedication to positive societal change.
For students who are interested in getting involved in Islamic Dawah Society or its events, the best way is to reach out to the club through their Instagram page: @ids.usask.
The post Empathy in action: Islamic Dawah Society champions homeless support initiative first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>Within the heart of central Africa is where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is situated. The country boasts a stunning backdrop of luscious landscapes and biodiversity. Its cultural and arts scene is dynamic and abundant with fantastical examples of the amazing feats of creativity that humans are capable of. Congolese art inspired the work of Picasso, and has made an impact on the global stage.
However, when most think of Congo, that is not the description that comes to mind.
Since the time of colonization, the people of the DCR have been subjected to inhumane levels of abuse and exploitation. Tragically, Congo’s past and present has seen little to no peace.
Despite being inundated with vast reserves of natural resources from diamonds to gold and oil, because of its history of colonialism, resulting political and institutional instability, and foreign interests, Congo remains one of the poorest nations in the world.
The people of Congo continue to be failed by the world.
Children born in Congo today are only expected to achieve 37 percent of their full potential. Women have been subjected to extreme levels of gender-based violence and discrimination, and modern day slavery persists, perpetuated by greedy corporations, corrupt Congolese leaders and armed militia groups funded by those powers.
The DRC may seem worlds away from you and me, but the lives we live are, in part, fueled by their people’s suffering. For example, rechargeable batteries in our electronic devices are made from cobalt mined through the forced labor of men, women and children.
Global demands for minerals and resources such as copper, zinc and diamonds continue to be on the rise – and with that, so does the incentives of armed militia groups to continue disenfranchiseing the people of Congo through means such as weaponized sexual violence and terror on behalf of corrupt politicians and money-hungry corporations.
There is a lot going on in the world right now. Gaza. Ukraine. Sudan. Yemen. And the list goes on. It’s hard and downright depressing to have to keep up to date with all these conflicts and injustices, but we have to. As we’re in positions of privilege, we owe it to our people around the world to hear their stories and use them to insight change.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It’s up to us to hold those in power accountable, and advocate on the behalf of those who can’t.
The post Congo continues to be taken advantage of for resources by the world first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>Teachers and members of the public marched in 40 different locations across the province in the frigid -30℃ cold, as they tried to get the government to listen to their demands during the January 16th and 22nd strikes.
The Saskatoon Teachers’ Federation (STF) represents teachers from all public and Catholic school divisions in the province. May 2011 was the last time Saskatchewan teachers walked off the job for a three day strike. One may be wondering how our province got into this deadlock again now.
In 2017 the government cut $54 million from education funding for the 2017-2018 budget. The STF says the system never recovered from this cut and it has compounded issues of classroom complexity over the years. This impacted the relationship between the STF and the government which in 2017, produced a two-year contract after arbitration.
In 2019, as the contract was up for renewal, the STF made demands for a salary increase of eight percent over three years and changes to classroom size and complexity. Specifically, they requested a system to ensure that the needs of a growing and diverse student population are met through an appropriate ratio of teachers, counselors, speech pathologists and English as a second language teachers (to name a few) to students. The government refused to include classroom resources during the negotiations, and instead countered with a bonus of $1500 in the health plan and wage increase of four percent over the next two years.
The negotiation talks went unsuccessfully, resulting in a sanctions vote in February 2020. As a result, Saskatchewan teachers agreed to restrict services such as extra-curricular activities and clubs on March 12th, 2020. However, due to COVID-19 and the indefinite closure of schools on March 20th, 2020, the sanctions never occurred and were suspended.
This leads us to the current situation, where contract negotiations have been ongoing since May 2023. Union executives called a sanctions vote on October 24th. Around 90 percent of teachers casted a vote resulting in an almost unanimous agreement of 95 percent in support of job sanctions if needed between October to June 30th, 2024. This vote came as a response to the government’s refusal to bargain on a provincial collective agreement.
The teacher’s union is firm in their ten proposals for negotiations, which include a wage increase of eight percent over four years plus the average inflation rate, matters of class size and complexity, violence in classrooms, and actions that support Truth and Reconciliation. The government has responded that issues of classroom complexity should be handled at a division level and not in the collective agreement. According to union executives, conciliation between the union and province have failed to make headway which has resulted in these strikes going forward.
Sydney Eher, a third year undergraduate student at USask, has been an educational assistant (EA) for over a year at the Saskatoon French School and St. Paul School. Eher said she is “passionate about helping every child achieve success, regardless of their academic ability.”
She says her experience as an EA has been enjoyable, with the children inspiring her and teaching her lessons on her perspectives on life. It can, however, feel overwhelming at times as she tries to support as many children as she can. “I find it hard not to feel guilty that I cannot fully support each student to the depth they need,” Eher said.
These contrasting feelings are not isolated to Eher’s experience but represent the emotions many current and future teachers face.
Emily Lyons, a fourth year education student at USask, has gone into classrooms for her practicums and as an EA. She finds great joy working with children and shares that she too wishes to “be there for each and every student when and where they need it, but that is just not sustainable nor is it achievable.”
Lyons mentioned that she sees the impact of the cuts in our education system directly. “It is so difficult seeing students who are struggling but can’t get as much help as they deserve and need because they don’t qualify for one-on-one help,” Lyons said.
Eher highlights that Saskatchewan classrooms were not created to hold more than 30 students. Additionally, she noted that during extremely cold weather there is very little classroom space for the children to interact with one another, play or even move around during an indoor recess.
While Lyons is weary of the current state of our education system, her approach to her future career is filled with hope. She is energized to make a positive change in students’ lives and said that she has “seen the wonders that EAs do, and I can only imagine the impact that I could have as a teacher. It truly pushes me to fight for children’s education and their future.”
Eher wanted to ask readers to reflect on the next generation of leaders during this time and to see that they are worthy of a strong education and deserve a safe learning environment:“Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions. The government can’t keep expecting us to put students first if we are putting teachers last.”
The university has issued emails to students regarding the implications of the strikes on students with children. They have said to communicate with your instructors on childcare issues who have been asked to accommodate students struggling to find childcare arrangements during these strikes.
The government and STF have not reached an agreement and more strikes may occur, says the STF.
Lyons would like to leave readers with this sentiment: “These children are capable of so much more, but until they are provided with an education that truly allows them to grow as learners, we will never see their full potential.”
The post A deeper look into the teacher’s union strikes and how current educational assistants and education students feel about their future first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>On Jan. 12th, the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) highlighted student work at a gala hosted at Louis Pub. The gala included food and drinks from the pub, a research symposium and a silent art auction where students in the College of Arts and Science could share their work, and ended with music from DJ Dev Daddy.
Ashton Favreau, the President of the ASSU and a third year Political Studies student at USask, said that this gala is “the first of its kind.” At the event, he expressed his hope that the tradition of the gala will continue in years to come.
Favreau and Ava Johnson, a second year English major and the Vice President of External Affairs for the ASSU, shared that one of the goals for the evening was to celebrate the achievements of students in the college.
One main feature of the night was a silent auction of artwork made by Arts and Science students. Attendees at the gala had the opportunity to purchase some of the artwork, and the artists would profit from the sale.
Another key feature was the research symposium that was set up to display some of the research that students in the college had done recently. Favreau said that the gala provided these students with an opportunity to share their work with the great student community.
Fostering connections within the college, as well as with professors, alumni and others was another goal of the gala. “The gala was a way for us to promote engagement across campus,” said Favreau
Favreau noted that the ASSU wanted to make sure that both the arts and sciences disciplines of the college were represented at the gala. Johnson hoped that the event would allow more people to learn about the ASSU and how they can get involved.
Proceeds from the gala’s ticket sales will go toward the ASSU scholarship, which is available to any student in the College of Arts and Science. Sponsors for the evening included Sasktel, RBC on Campus, The 525 Art, and the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU).
In addition to the President, there are four executive members of the ASSU, each of which lead a different committee within the Union. The committee for internal affairs deals with budgetary and internal matters. The external affairs oversees external matters and events, such as this gala. The marketing committee creates posters and social media content to advertise the Union’s activities. Finally, the academic affairs committee works to address academic issues within the college and helps to create and give out awards, such as the scholarship that this gala was raising money for.
“One of the benefits of the ASSU is that none of us are paid,” said Favreau. “So the people you get are always interested in helping the community, and we have a lot of really driven volunteers who’ve done so much for us [sic].”
Any Arts and Science student who wants to volunteer can join one of the ASSU committees. Favreau shared that volunteering for the ASSU helps to build the skills that one might need to work in government or non-profit organizations, and to make connections that can help you get a job someday. The experience can also be added to your resume.
“It’s a great way to be a part of something that can actually benefit your career because it’s a great way to volunteer, and it’s a fun way to volunteer,” said Johnson.
The ASSU is planning to host more events throughout the year, including an upcoming Sexy Bingo night. The Union is partnering with Saskatoon Sexual Health to teach students about STDs and other topics of sexual health. Students who participate will have the opportunity to win some “sexy prizes” as well.
Students who are interested in learning more about the ASSU and the events they will be hosting can learn more by checking out their Instagram account, @assuusask. The ASSU also has weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 5:30pm, which all are welcome to attend. More details about those meetings can be found on the ASSU’s instagram page as well.
“I encourage any students to get involved,” said Favreau. “In a volunteer atmosphere, you see the real humanity of people and the best parts of people, [because] people are there because they want to be there.”
The post The inaugural ASSU Gala celebrates student success first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>Whether you’re currently in a fairy-tale relationship, just went through a brain chemistry altering break-up, or are a happily self-proclaimed ‘single pringle’, when the month of February comes around we tend to find ourselves on the topic of love. While there are valid criticisms of Valentine’s day just being another holiday that the forces of capitalism have corrupted, beyond the roses and hallmark cards is a deeply human need for connection that drives the yearly commotion.
If you’re in the market for a relationship or a night of intense connection, you may find yourself contemplating your friends’ offers to set you up on a blind date or thinking about downloading Tinder again. Whatever the reason, it can’t hurt to learn about the dating landscape before welcoming an arrow from Cupid.
And if you’re already in a relationship, you don’t have to skip this article – read on to find out more about the trials and tribulations you may have been lucky enough to skip.
Single pringles, don’t think I forgot about you. For some reason we always find ourselves dishing out relationship and dating advice to our love-sick friends – we really should be awarded an honorary degree in ‘relationshipology’ – so this article could have some points for you to use the next time you’re asked for input, even when you’re really just thinking: “Tell me again why y’all can’t just break up?”
Without further ado, grab yourself a box of chocolates, and let’s get into the highs and lows of dating today.
Situationships
What better way is there to start a conversation about today’s dating practices than with situationships?
Not quite a relationship and a little more than friends with benefits, according to Dictionary.com, a situationship “often refers to a complex situation in which two people are in something that resembles some sort of romantic [and/or sexual] relationship but remains undefined.”
Situationships become an attractive option for those who are looking for intimacy without commitment, on a self-growth journey, or are simply in need of something that’s convenient. While this approach is completely justifiable, the issue with situationships comes along when there isn’t clear communication between the parties involved.
For example, if one person is looking for something more, then that could become a point of conflict. There could even be the case that you haven’t properly communicated with yourself. Like with all forms of relationships, it requires a certain degree of vulnerability. Is this something you’re okay with under this setting?
Hook-up culture
One night stands, casual sex, and intimacy without the commitment part.
Depending on who you are and where you are in life, you may have reacted to that sentence with pearl-clutching horror, intrigue or something in-between. Whatever it may be, it’s completely valid.
Like situationships, there’s that aspect of emotional vulnerability that some may not feel comfortable with sharing with in a hook-up situation. Coupled with different values and beliefs surrounding sex, it’s just not something that’s for everybody.
But if you do find yourself enjoying various dance partners in the sheets, that’s a vibe too. It’s not perfect as it can be emotionally draining and come with higher chances of getting STIs. On the flip side however, it can be a great way for you to explore what you like and don’t like in low stakes situations. Also, if you don’t want a romantic relationship for whatever reason, and still want to tango, hooking up remains a viable option (aside from your hand or sex toys).
Important things to keep in mind if you decide to participate in hook-up culture is to do so responsibly and take care of yourself. Wrap it up, talk to potential partners about testing, and regularly check in with your mental health.
Dating apps
During 2023, the online dating industry brought in revenues of over $2.9 billion USD globally, and is on a positive trajectory of growth expecting to reach $3.4 billion USD in 2028. Online dating platforms make money through things such as subscriptions and advertising. Keeping you with them for as long as possible is their primary goal.
As long as you’re realistic with your expectations, dating apps are a valid option for finding romantic and sexual connections, short or long.
Take proper precautions when meeting someone you met online (no matter how dreamy they are), such as meeting in a public place and letting a person you trust know where you’re going and who you’re with. This way you can lower your chances of ending up on your favorite true crime podcast.
Make your intentions clear with both yourself and the people you’re meeting. Communication is key to a happy outcome whatever that may look like for you.
Dating coaches
One Canadian platform offers different dating coaches and their services starting at $52 an hour. Another features a three month coaching program for $2500, an online dating coaching program for $1500, and a $450 service to help you write your online dating profile.
Clearly if you’re hiring a dating coach you’ve got money to spend, and you’re well within your right to do so. But if you want my advice, I’d say you’re better off downloading a dating app and getting a premium subscription. Find yourself a hobby or join a pottery club or something. Then, donate the money you saved to a good cause like me, cause I definitely have better things to do with it than you.
Smash or pass dating today?
During the nineties when you dialed your crush’s home phone, you had to hope that it wasn’t their parents that picked up. In the fifties, dates had to be introduced to the family and PDA was discouraged in theaters. Dating in the Victorian era was bogged down with tedious rituals and immense social expectations.
Challenges in dating have been a thing probably since the dawn of humanity. So maybe you can find some semblance of peace in that fact. The point I’m trying to make here is, navigating the dating scene has never been easy for any generation and probably never will be. But then again, matters of the heart have never been simple.
Dating in today’s day and age has its ups and downs, but what’s the best way to navigate it? Everybody’s got an opinion – and so do I. The difference between me and them is that I’ve got an honorary degree in relationshipology (don’t look it up, just trust me).
We all have different ideas of what a perfect relationship would look like – if we’re even interested in one at all. I think the most important thing to do before entering the dating world is figure out what that looks like for you, and to make sure you have the skills to communicate that to potential partners.
Despite everything from movies to advertisements constantly telling us otherwise, there’s more to life than ‘finding the one’. Live life, experience new things, learn a new language, and find yourself. Become the person you wouldn’t mind spending the rest of your life with even if you never manage to find your ‘perfect match’.
After all, who says true love has to come with a kiss?
The post Hugs, kisses and misses: A brief overview of dating in today’s day and age first appeared on The Sheaf - The University of Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912.]]>