Le journal bilingue de Glendon | Glendon’s Bilingual Newspaper
Vol. 62 Issue 5 : le 30 novembre 2023
In This Issue Page 2 ● LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MÉTROPOLE Page 3 ● Ontario to Ban Work Experience Requirement Page 3 ● Delicious Poutines CAMPUS LIFE Page 4 ● Trucs et astuces pour étudier Page 5 ● Punaises de lit repérées à Hilliard Page 5 ● The Call Is Coming From Inside the House (cont.) SANTÉ ET BIEN-ÊTRE Page 5 ● Overcoming SAD Page 6 ● Biscuits Festives
Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Page 6 ● GCSU Montréal Trip Page 7 ● L’importance du sommeil: des conseils d’une hypocrite EXPRESSIONS Page 7 ● Les anges et leur mer Page 7 ● The Sweetness That Is Love ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Page 8 ● Christian Rap Is Actually Not Cringe Page 9 ● Qu’est-ce que le théâtre ? GAMES Page 10 ● Tout sur Noël et Hanoukka : mots-croisés bilingues Page 10 ● Sudoku ACTUALITÉS ET OPINIONS Page 11 ● Food Security Page 12 ● The Power of Our Pets La prochaine date limite : vendredi 19 janvier 2024
Lily Q. Contributor
The Call Is Coming From Inside the House: York’s Complicity in Colonial Violence
Trigger Warning: This article discusses the violence occurring in Palestine and Israel and anti-Black racism. Starting with syrupy words detailing their mental health services in support of students dealing with the stresses of school or with “things happening here or elsewhere in the world,” York sent out the November 14-21 edition of their weekly newsletter. Directly underneath, we are invited to the launch of the “Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Self-Reflection Toolkit,” which aims to aid students, staff and faculty in their journey of decolonization to make the university a more inclusive and equitable space.
This email comes a month after York University’s conflict with their three student unions (York Federation of Students, Glendon College Student Union, and York University Graduate Students’ Association) over the unions’ Instagram post maintaining their solidarity with Palestine. In this post, the student unions condemn the genocide being committed in Gaza by the Israeli government and voice their support for Palestinian sovereignty. President Rhonda Lenton has since sent out a series of emails demanding the unions revoke their statement of solidarity and denouncing it as a “justification for attacking civilians and a call to violence.” In light of this attempt at silencing the student unions, multiple protests have been held outside of Vari Hall. After this, the university set up fences and gates
to discourage students’ political assembly. This is a familiar tactic for York University and is far from its first time muting student voices. This tactic has been repeated over five times now. YorkU has a history of silencing its students and the giant help desk sitting in the middle of Vari Hall is symbolic of that. In 2013, Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA) had their official club status revoked, consequently cutting off their funding, resources and ability to congregate on campus. In addition, one of their club members was banned from the campus. This temporary disbandment comes soon after the student organization celebrated the passing of boycott, divestment and sanction resolutions, which demanded the university halt its investContinued on PAGE 5
The Pro Tem Team
À propos de nous
Notre équipe
Pro Tem est le journal étudiant du collège Glendon. Publié pour la première fois en 1962, c’est la plus ancienne publication de l’Université York. Opinions published in Pro Tem are those of the individual writers, and do not reflect the views of the publication as a whole. We will not print copy deemed racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise oppressive.
Cecilia Palacio Gutiérrez Editor in Chief / Rédactrice en chef editor@protemglendon.com
Michael Aquilino Chief of Operations / Chef des opérations operations@protemglendon.com
Les lettres envoyées au journal peuvent être éditées au niveau de la clarté ou du
contenu. All copy appearing in Pro Tem is at the discretion of the editorial team. Feel free to respond to what you read in the pages of Pro Tem! / N’hésitez pas à réagir à ce que vouz avez lu dans Pro Tem! To see past editions of Pro Tem, please visit our website: www.protemgl.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @protemglendon for reminders about upcoming deadlines and events.
Letter from the Editor Coucou Glendon !
Maria Eydmans Assistant French Editor / Rédactrice française adjointe Layout Designer / Maquettiste frencheditor@protemglendon.com
Destiny Chan Assistant English Editor / Rédactrice anglaise adjointe englisheditor@protemglendon.com
Roxanna Khosravi Photographer / Photographe photographer@protemglendon.com
Amie Sosa Bilingual Journalist / Journaliste bilingue Section Editor: Campus Life, Arts and Entertainment & Metropolis / Vie étudiante, Arts et Divertissement & Métropole
Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz Section Editor / Rédactrice de sections: Issues and Ideas, Health and Wellness & Expressions / Actualité et opinions, Santé et bien-être & Expressions
Olivia Gallo English Journalist / Journaliste anglaise
Iyam Flo Tierra French Journalist / Journaliste française
2 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023
Je n’arrive pas à le croire, l’hiver est pratiquement ici. Avec l’hiver et la fin du trimestre, il arrive aussi le dernier numéro du Pro Tem de l’année. Mais, s’il vous plaît, ne soyez pas trop triste, on sera de retour après les vacances. L’équipe Pro Tem espère que cette édition vous accompagnera jusqu’à ce moment-là. Those of you who are worried about the quickly approaching exam season have come to the right place. Our journalists have brought together a wild scope of tips for sleeping, de-stressing, studying, overcoming seasonal depression and appreciating new music genres. Anyone living on residence may also want to spend a quick minute in our “Campus Life” section to read an update on an article in issue 3 (hint: it has to do with bedbugs). Un grand merci à toutes et tous qui ont commencé à participer à notre concours de jeux au numéro quatre. Les résultats et les réponses pour les mots croisés et le sudoku sont postés sur notre page Instagram (@protemglendon) avec un tableau des scores. Alors, allez voir où vous êtes placé(e) ! Ne vous inquiétez pas si vous n’étiez pas au courant de notre concours, vous avez jusqu’au dixième numéro pour participer ! We absolutely adored reading more of your contributions during this round of submissions, so do not hesitate to send
us more! Our next contributor deadline is January 19, 2024, meaning that this time around you have the whole winter break to brainstorm, write and polish your pieces! Here are a handful of prompts should you need a little help: • what are some mundane life moments we should romanticize? • What would you tell a new student in your program? • How should university classes be structured to optimize students’ learning? That’s all from me for now, Glendon. My team and I wish you all the very best during the upcoming exam season and the happiest of holidays. Stay warm, study hard and don’t forget about us! We’ll see you in January! Bonne année et à bientôt ! Cecilia Palacio Gutiérrez Editor in Chief | Rédatrice en chef
Métropole
Ontario To Ban Work Experience Requirement on Job Applications and Postings Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz Section Editor Attention Canadians and Canadians-in-progress, we all need to tune in to what is happening at Queen’s Park right now. Presently, a bill that would make Ontario the first province in the country to initiate a significant change in the job-hunting environment is being tabled. The proposed policy deals with the legislated ban on employers requesting and obtaining a history of Canadian work experience from applicants during the hiring process. This applies to job postings and all kinds of applications for everyone. Last week, I had the exciting opportunity to meet and interview the Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for the Conservative provincial government to inquire more about and discuss the implications of passing such a policy. When Minister Piccini was asked about who and how many people this had the potential to help, he responded by saying that this legislation was designed for “blanket implementation,” meaning that it would apply to everyone, including citi-
zens and non-citizens in Canada. This was followed by emphasis on the motivations behind the design of this policy, saying, “I want to clarify that competency is the main decider. We estimate that this will help upwards of 1 million people every year in Ontario between economic classes, including refugees, asylum seekers, students, and more. A big barrier is that one in four newcomers currently work in jobs they’re overqualified for, for example, taxi drivers. Canadian work experience is a door slammed shut for them as a big barrier.” In sum, it is believed that this legislation will help Canadians and non-Canadians alike by removing one of the major barriers for newcomers in Ontario to get jobs. I inquired about what other trends led him to create and propose this bill, to inspire a “blanket implementation” approach to the issues of unemployment and overqualification. He responded, “We saw the last government drive out manufacturing jobs and we’re changing that. We’re currently undergoing 50 major projects, we’re building hospitals and schools, these things happen because men and women get up early every day to make it happen. The schools, hospitals and public transit — we want to ensure that there are protected job sites [and] the banning of trial shifts. This is big legislation that shows Ontarians that we have their backs.” He especially emphasized that the Ford government’s priority here is to have Canadians’ backs when it comes to opportunity. Considering policy visions can be different from how policy is practiced, I asked Minister Piccini if he was concerned about anyone potentially falling through the cracks again and whether he had any concerns about the implementation phase
of this legislation process: “None, this will bring positive change because people have the skills sets. Let’s fill them in, let’s help people practice in the fields they were trained to work in.” I followed up to see if he was concerned about non-citizens facing the same barriers during the interview process or resumé review, was this enough to ensure people would not fall through more obscure cracks? He responded, “The biggest piece is the Canadian work experience as a work barrier because, without it, you’re automatically screened out [by potential employers]. I know people all over Ontario [that] need jobs to be filled. If there are any concerns with the hiring process, there are avenues that people can follow. The majority of employers follow the rules, but sometimes they don’t. We’re open to listening to people and having their backs.” Only time will tell how effective this policy is for everyone in the job market right now, but for now, this brings a lot of optimism into the picture for millions. International students are one of the major subgroups of young people in Ontario who struggle to find and keep meaningful employment that is matched to their training and foreign work experience. What does this bill mean for international students and other non-citizens? What does PIccini want international students to know about the provincial government and the future of this bill? Minister Piccini responded, “As someone who has talked to engineers, healthcare professionals and skilled workers, the Ford government wants students to know they are wanted, they are valued. Their hard work is wanted, [and] we’re gonna leave no stone unturned to make sure people are contributing, achieving purpose and having opportunities. We
have legislation for international students to get work permits and [that] allows us to fill up jobs that need filling. They are here in Ontario already, we just want to get them into well-paying jobs [and let them] practice what they studied for.” So, the focus of this new bill is to create a path for people who may not have Canadian work experience yet but are still very much capable of doing the job, since competence is meant to be the sincere point of focus. This bill seems to be a helpful piece of legislation for most, but I am skeptical about it completely eliminating the barriers that immigrants and other soon-to-be Canadians face in their pursuit of well-matched and well-paying jobs. I’m concerned about employers potentially shifting their (tunnel) vision from the work experience sections of the applications to resumés upon submission. Does this mean that people will stop putting their work history on their resumés? Will there now be a newly shifted hyperfocus on the actual resume screening instead of looking at a filled-out application that everyone is supposed to fill? Will that lead to further discrimination against people with degrees from foreign non-western universities, colleges and other educational institutions? Again, only time will tell about how effective this bill will be in helping immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and international students to find and keep jobs that they are qualified for and trained to do.
Delicious Poutines: a Montréaler Culinary Phenomenon and a Native Dish of Montréal?
best poutine. This is illustrated and emphasized by The Grand Poutinefest, an annual summer food festival held in various cities on the island around Montréal. If poutine is associated with Montréal, is it accurate to trace its origin to the city? The more something, such as a dish, becomes famous, the more its origin is disputed, with numerous people, cities, or countries claiming its creation. Poutine, rather than being an exception, confirms this rule. As a result, even if one poutine story is broadly accepted, it is still contested and has multiple variations. The widely shared explanation of poutine’s origin traces its emergence to rural Québec in the late 1950s. Within the Centre-du-Québec area, several towns and restaurateurs argue, claiming its creation. This is due to their proximity to fromageries producing cheese
Calypso Contributor
Photo par Wikimedia Commons
Whether you prefer the original poutine or a less common but fancier version, you will undoubtedly find the poutine of your dreams in Montréal. In the minds of many, Montréal is portrayed as THE city with the
Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 30 novembre 2023 3
Metropolis curds, a crucial ingredient for poutine. In fact, it is difficult to determine who had the idea first because it seems like different restaurants were developing this recipe simultaneously. Nevertheless, Café Ideal by Fernand Lachance in Warwick is often recognized as the place where the first poutine emerged. This café elaborated on the recipe step by step. Firstly, Fernand Lachance added cheese curds on top of the fries at the request of one of his regular customers, Eddy Lainesse, in 1957. According to him, he replied to this request by saying “ça va te faire une maudite poutine”1 (poutine being Québecois slang for “mess”). This combination did not remain exclusive to Eddy Lainesse. The popularity of this new recipe was increasing within the café, with more and more customers ordering it. With popularity came complaints, and thus, some customers criticized the fact that the fries became cold too quickly. In order to address these complaints, Fernand Lachance added a third ingredient to his recipe in 1963; gravy on top to keep it warm. It signaled the creation of the “original poutine” composed of fresh-cut fries, cheese curds and gravy. As you have surely understood, poutine is not native to Montréal and it only emerged in the city in 1983, after its popularity was strengthened across the small towns of south-eastern Quebec. Notwithstanding, poutine remains a Montréaler culinary experience, due to its popularity since its first emergence there. And if you think the story behind the creation of poutine is quite controversial, the explanation of its name is equally clearer. Among the dozens of explanations, I will present two of the most famous. Some people argue that “poutine” comes from the term “pudding,” which refers to a mixture of various foods. However, to other people, the name “pou-
Campus Life tine” is related to the slang word for mess in Québec. Now that you have gained knowledge about this Canadian dish, you are surely hungry and craving poutine. So, you know your next destination… Let’s go to Montréal!!! ________________________ 1 “Poutine.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, December 2, 2014. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/history-of-poutine.
Trucs et astuces pour étudier Iyam Flo Tierra Journaliste française La fin du semestre approche à grands pas, entraînant le stress sans fin et les nuits blanches qui accompagnent souvent la saison des examens. Que vous prépariez vos examens depuis des mois ou que vous commenciez tout juste à réviser, l’étude n’est jamais une mauvaise chose. Pour profiter pleinement de vos séances d’étude, il est préférable d’être dans un endroit calme et sans distractions, où vous pourrez vous immerger pleinement dans la matière. Ce qui me vient immédiatement à l’esprit, c’est d’aller à la bibliothèque. Bien que cela puisse être une bonne idée, il faut toujours noter que tous les autres élèves auront la même pensée. En semaine, il n’y devrait pas avoir trop de problèmes pour trouver une place dans la plupart des bibliothèques. Bien que la bibliothèque soit souvent pleine d’autres étudiants, il y a généralement suffisamment
4 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023
de place autour des tables et suffisamment d’espace pour tout le monde. Si, pour une raison quelconque, la bibliothèque que vous avez choisie est pleine, j’ai vu des gens faire preuve de créativité pour trouver de l’espace, s’asseoir sur les rebords des fenêtres, les escaliers et dans les couloirs calmes. Si la bibliothèque le permet, vous pouvez trouver un endroit tranquille en vous cachant entre les étagères. Les bibliothèques seront généralement plus fréquentées pendant la saison des examens, surtout en semaine. Mais le week-end ? Préparez-vous à entendre du bruit. Attendez-vous au chaos. Il y aura presque toujours des enfants bruyants et perturbateurs présents pendant les heures de week-end. En effet, la majorité des bibliothèques sont des espaces publics qui encouragent les personnes de tous âges à les visiter, y compris les jeunes enfants. Personnellement, j’aime l’idée d’amener les enfants dans les bibliothèques. Je pense que cela les aide vraiment à grandir en aimant la lecture, ce qui est très important. Après avoir passé une grande partie de ma vie en tant que baby-sitter et sœur aînée, j’ai développé une certaine tolérance aux bruits et je suppose que j’ai été insensible aux distractions de fond. Néanmoins, je m’assure de visiter uniquement les grandes bibliothèques les week-ends, qui éloignent les zones réservées aux enfants des principales zones d’études. Les petites bibliothèques ont généralement un environnement plus distrayant, ce qui rend les bruits de fond plus difficiles à ignorer. Malheureusement, dans nos vies bien remplies, il n’est pas toujours facile de trouver les moments ou les lieux idéaux pour se concentrer sur son travail. Parfois, nous n’avons de temps libre qu’entre les cours ou avant un quart de travail. Même
si cela peut être le cas, vous pouvez très certainement avoir une session d’études productive où que vous soyez. Je recommanderais d’investir en premier lieu dans des écouteurs ou des écouteurs antibruit. Lorsque nous sommes dans des endroits avec beaucoup de distractions, il est très facile de se sentir dépassé. En bloquant les bruits inutiles, vous éliminez déjà une distraction, ce qui peut finalement faire toute la différence. Vous pouvez choisir d’écouter ou non de la musique pendant que vous travaillez — différentes personnes ont des préférences différentes à ce sujet. Personnellement, j’aime jouer de la musique en arrière-plan. Dans certaines situations, je trouve que jouer la même chanson en boucle peut potentiellement avoir un effet hypnotique, car je me retrouve dans un état de transe et je découvre soudain que j’ai écrit la moitié d’un essai. Pour d’autres, le bruit blanc, tel que les bruits de pluie ou les sons statiques de la télévision, est très populaire. Je suggère personnellement de rechercher le « bruit brun » sur Spotify et de l’écouter avec des écouteurs. Quelle que soit votre préférence, les écouteurs peuvent certainement être utiles. Si vous avez vos affaires prêtes, vous pourrez commencer à étudier n’importe où. Si vous consommez quelque chose contenant de la caféine, soyez prudent quant aux effets secondaires si vous en prenez plus que d’habitude. La quantité de caféine que nous pouvons tolérer est différente pour chacun, mais si vous en prenez plus que d’habitude, vous commencerez probablement à ressentir des effets secondaires étranges (et parfois effrayants) tels que des tremblements, une augmentation du rythme cardiaque et de l’anxiété. Beaucoup de gens ont déjà vécu cela et nous pouvons tous convenir que c’est très effrayant de réaliser soudainement que vous tremblez visiblement. Pour éviter cela, il est toujours bon de boire beaucoup d’eau et d’espacer sa consommation de caféine tout au long de la journée au lieu d’en consommer trop d’un seul coup. Cela dit, il est toujours important de s’assurer que l’on donne la priorité à sa propre santé et à son bien-être. Assurez-vous de faire des pauses dans vos études et essayez de ne pas perdre le sommeil ou de ne pas trop vous en remettre à la caféine. Cela dit, bonne chance pour tes examens, Glendon !
Vie étudiante
Punaises de lit repérées à Hilliard Maria Eydmans Rédactrice française
Photo par un(e) resident(e) de Hilliard
Si vous avez lu mon article sur les punaises de lit du numéro trois et que vous ne l’avez pas pris au sérieux, j’ai de mauvaises nouvelles pour vous, Glendonites. Les punaises de lit ne sont pas seulement présentes à Paris, à Toronto, dans les métros et dans les appartements, mais aussi ici, à Glendon ! Oui, je suis désolé
The Call Is Coming From Inside the Santé et bien-être House: York’s ComOvercoming SAD plicity in Colonial Violence (cont.) Olivia Gallo Lily Q. Contributor ments in companies that sell weap-
ons and military equipment to Israel. From 2016 to 2020, the university attempted to dismiss Professor Aimé Avolonto after he voiced his experiences of anti-Black racism at the institution. In early 2023, long-time staff member Lydia Dosa was dismissed for voicing her similar concerns. After Dosa filed a complaint, York asked that the tribunal dismiss the case, despite simultaneously claiming to take cases of anti-Black racism seriously. The university has seemingly taken a “neutral” stance, but that is hard to believe when the pattern of behaviour is transparent and the hypocrisy is laughably clear. How authentic is York’s commitment to decolonization when the university is erecting physical barriers to suppress student voices? Especially when there is an extensive history of this silencing. What’s the point of doing Indigenous land acknowledgements if the university refuses to acknowledge the attack on Indigenous sovereignty in Palestine? “Attacking civilians and a call to violence” is quite literally what is happening in Gaza while I type out this article and it is a direct result of settler-colonialism. Launching DEDI may be a picturesque way of laiming that YorkU is progressive, but just like the empty land acknowledgements, the toolkit is meaningless when the university itself refuses to denounce the colonial violence being committed in Palestine.
de vous annoncer qu’il y a eu une observation de punaises de lit dans la salle de bain de la résidence Hilliard. Quelle horreur ! Je vous écris pour que chacun s’assure d’inspecter ses affaires, de vérifier sous son matelas et de faire sécher ses vêtements à la chaleur ! Voici ce que le site officiel de l’Université York recommande comme mesures préventives : soyez vigilants lorsque vous achetez des meubles ou des vêtements d’occasion. Inspectez les coutures, les plis, les fermetures éclair et tous les autres endroits où les punaises de lit pourraient se cacher. Lorsque vous rentrez de voyage, inspectez vos bagages, lavez tous vos vêtements à l’eau la plus chaude possible et mettez-les dans
un sèche-linge chaud pendant 20 minutes. D’accord, supposons que vous avez vérifié et que vous en voyez un ! Qu’est-ce que vous êtes censés faire ?! La première étape est d’aller au service aux résidents et de leur faire savoir que vous avez vu des punaises de lit. S’il vous plaît, suivez leurs instructions. Vous pouvez cuire à la vapeur certains articles dans votre chambre pour vous débarrasser des petits parasites — bien que les pesticides ne soient pas recommandés en raison de leur toxicité, la chaleur est un moyen infaillible et sans danger ! Assurez-vous de ne pas éloigner le cuiseur vapeur de vos mains. Bonne nuit, Glendon — et que les punaises de lit ne vous piquent pas !
English Journalist
As we shift from this season to the next, fall to winter, we may find ourselves feeling a little more down than we usually would. About 2% to 3% of Canadians will experience winter blues in their lives.1 SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a major depressive episode that occurs annually around the same time each year. SAD lasts for several months or for a full season and typically starts impacting people in the late fall throughout the winter months. SAD can also occur over spring and summer, but this is rather rare.2 SAD affects adults, particularly adult women, more than children and teenagers, however, men often experience more severe symptoms. 3 4 This disorder has also been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain that is typically prompted by shorter days and less sunlight.5 SADA, the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, stated that there are multiple possible causes including low vitamin D levels; vitamin D from the sun plays a role in natural serotonin production. As a result, wintertime, with its longer periods of staying indoors and limited sunlight, leads to vitamin D deficiency and a lack of serotonin production.6 Symptoms of SAD include appetite changes, irritability, depression, lethargy, sleeping problems (oversleeping or undersleeping), difficulty concentrating, loss of interest, low mood, decreased energy and many more.7 Luckily, there are treatments for SAD; both medicinal and natural. A medicinal treatment option is
Photo by iStock
vitamin D supplementation where a doctor prescribes supplements to increase your vitamin D levels to aid in producing serotonin. Another option within the medicinal route is Bupropion, which is a medication that increases dopamine in the body. Dopamine is responsible for pleasure, for example, your body releases dopamine when eating delicious food. The benefits of Bupropion include an increase in energy levels. There are also types of therapy that can help with SAD including cognitive behaviour therapy (which helps change thought patterns to influence our moods and behaviours) and light therapy. SAD lamps are lamps that emit a bright white light that mimics natural sunlight which is meant to help regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm and improve our mood.8 The natural ways to overcome SAD do not always require prescriptions or therapy. Some of these include eating healthy meals to ensure vitamin and mineral consumption, sitting out in the sun every day to try to restore Vitamin D levels, practicing breathing exercises, or engaging in meditation for mental clarity. All of these are extremely effective methods when
managing the symptoms of this disorder. SADA also suggests spending time with a pet since pets can improve our moods, lower stress and anxiety levels, and decrease high blood pressure (read more about this on page 12). Practicing good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding stimulation to your brain like screentime in bed, will lessen the difficulty of waking up in the morning.9 Ultimately, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a challenge affecting a portion of Canadians, particularly during the months with less daylight. Many symptoms may arise during this time of the year but there are easily available treatments. Stay healthy and take care of yourselves. _______________________
1 CMHA British Columbia, “Seasonal Affective Disorder - CMHA British Columbia,” July 14, 2016, https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/seasonal-affective-disorder-2/#:~:text=About%202%20 to%203%25%20of,10%25%20of%20al l%20depression%20cases. 2 Hannah, “Seasonal Affective Disorder & Depression - SADA,” SADA, June 17, 2023, https:// www.sada.org.uk/. 3 CMHA British Columbia, “Seasonal Affective Disorder - CMHA British Columbia,” July 14, 2016.
Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 30 novembre 2023 5
Health and Wellness
Expressions
4 Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),” April 8, 2022, https://www.ontarioshores. ca/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad?psafe_ param=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4 ARIsADsYfTcgDtTxZVNrDipJvmnRHGiFsZ9cpHNccNVpz3cGJF4nsPBVBM-9PJQaAmDKEALw_wcB. 5 American Psychiatric Association, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),” ed. Felix Torres, American Psychiatric Association, October 2020, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=About%205%20 percent%20of%20adults,an%20d%20less%20 sunlight%20in%20winter. 6 Hannah, “Seasonal Affective Disorder & Depression - SADA,” June 17, 2023. 7 Ibid.
Biscuits Festives Geneviève Stacey Contributrice À l’approche des fêtes, je voulais inclure une recette un peu plus festive ! Si l’extrait d’orange n’est vraiment pas à votre goût, vous pouvez toujours le remplacer par de l’extrait de vanille. Ingrédients • 2 cuillères à soupe de graines de lin moulues • 6 cuillères à soupe d’eau chaude • 2 ½ tasses de farine • 1 cuillère à soupe de bicarbonate de
• • • • • • •
soude 1 pincée de sel 2/3 tasse de beurre ou de margarine, fondu ¾ tasse de sucre blanc ¾ tasse de sucre brun 1 cuillère à café d’extrait d’orange 1 tasse de chocolat noir haché (ou de pépites de chocolat noir) 1 tasse de canneberges séchées
Préparation 1. Préchauffez le four à 350°F (175°C). 2. Mélangez les graines de lin moulues avec de l’eau chaude dans un petit bol. Mettez-le de côté pour qu’il épaississe. 3. Mélangez la farine, le bicarbonate de soude et le sel. Mettez tout de côté. 4. Dans un grand bol, ajoutez le beurre
fondu, le sucre blanc et le sucre brun. Mélangez avec une spatule en caoutchouc jusqu’à obtenir une consistance lisse (environ cinq minutes). Incorporez l’extrait d’orange, le mélange de graines de lin moulues et d’eau. 5. Mélangez le contenu des deux bols (bol d’ingrédients secs et bol d’ingrédients humides) ensemble. Fais attention de ne pas surmélanger. 6. Ajoutez les morceaux (ou pépites) de chocolat noir et les canneberges séchées. 7. À l’aide d’une cuillère à biscuits, déposez de petits tas de pâte à biscuits sur des plaques à pâtisserie tapissées de papier sulfurisé en les espaçant d’environ deux pouces.
GCSU Montréal Trip
Photo par Geneviève Stacey
Photos by Roxanna Khosravi and Calypso
6 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023
Santé et bien-être
L’importance du sommeil: des conseils d’une hypocrite Iyam Flo Tierra Journaliste française J’ai su qu’il y avait un problème quand je me suis rendu compte que mes écouteurs étaient déchargés, alors que j’écoutais de la musique depuis une heure. Cette hallucination due à la privation de sommeil était à la fois drôle et problématique. J’ai réalisé dans mon état délirant que je devrais peut-être le faire souvent car c’est très drôle. (Je blague.) Mais en dehors des plaisanteries, il n’est vraiment pas bon de perdre le sommeil — croyez celui qui aime rester éveillé tard. Il y a quelques années, j’avais un très bon horaire de sommeil jusqu’à ce que je commence à me sentir très stressé par l’école. Ce moment a été le commencement du reste de ma vie, où je consacrerais des heures et des heures à ma vie universitaire. Depuis, je sais mieux comment prendre des pauses et me reposer quand je le peux, mais il est parfois difficile de rester sur la bonne voie sans sacrifier le sommeil — je suis sûr que c’est le cas pour la plupart des autres étudiants aussi. Ce n’est pas pour autant que je n’aime pas dormir. Au contraire, je
trouve que le sommeil est merveilleux et nécessaire pour être en bonne santé et conserver les informations que vous avez collectées tout au long de la journée. En tant que diplômé en psychologie, j’ai étudié l’importance du sommeil — c’est en fait un sujet abordé et analysé en profondeur, même dans un simple cours d’introduction à la psychologie. Les professeurs insistent non seulement sur ce point en cours, mais le mettent aussi en avant, ce qui — je le mentionne brièvement — est un cours amusant à suivre, même si, ironiquement, la moitié de la classe semble fatiguée et prête à s’endormir. Même sans étudier le cerveau, la plupart des gens savent déjà que le sommeil est important et que nous ne devrions pas rester éveillés toute la nuit. Pourtant, beaucoup d’entre nous le font malgré tout. Pourquoi ? Eh bien, il existe évidemment de nombreuses raisons pour lesquelles une personne renoncerait à dormir et choisirait plutôt de rester éveillée tard pendant la nuit, qui sont diffèrentes toutes d’une personne à l’autre. Mais parmi les étudiants universitaires, une des raisons principales serait probablement de finir leurs devoirs ou même simplement d’étudier en vue des prochains examens. La vie universitaire est difficile. Il existe de nombreux domaines différents de nos vies entre lesquels nous sommes constamment obligés de choisir. Nous voulons une vie sociale, mais pas au détriment de nos résultats scolaires. C’est d’autant plus difficile que de nombreux étudiants occupent également des emplois qui prennent beaucoup de temps et d’énergie précieux. En plus de tout cela,
nous avons tous une vie personnelle qui exige notre attention. En somme, il est facile de constater que la vie d’étudiant est difficile. Il n’est pas facile d’équilibrer toutes nos responsabilités et il est important de s’assurer que nous dormons suffisamment. Il est néanmoins important que nous essayions de nous reposer au moins un peu. Moi ? Je ne peux pas prétendre que cela ne me pose aucune difficulté, mais je peux dire que la plupart du temps je fais de mon mieux pour me reposer chaque fois que je le peux. Quand j’étais plus jeune, j’ai rendu visite à un psychiatre du sommeil, car il m’était difficile de m’endormir, même si je me couchais tôt. La psychiatre du sommeil m’a donné des conseils pour mieux dormir. Elle m’a dit qu’il est vraiment utile de séparer son espace de travail et celui où l’on dort pour s’endormir plus vite.
En d’autres termes, évitez de faire votre travail assis ou allongé sur votre lit. Si vous le faites, votre cerveau associera votre lit à un endroit où il doit être constamment en train de travailler et d’être actif. Pendant la pandémie, de nombreuses personnes faisaient leurs devoirs et suivaient des cours en ligne sans jamais sortir de leur lit. Bien que cela puisse être tentant de continuer à travailler à la maison, cela en vaudra certainement la peine, à long terme, de travailler à un bureau. Nous savons tous déjà que le sommeil est essentiel. Je ne suis pas ici pour dire aux gens de tout laisser tomber à une heure fixée chaque soir — nous savons tous que ce n’est pas tout à fait possible dans la vie d’un étudiant universitaire moyen — mais il est primordial de se reposer chaque fois que nous le pouvons maintenant et à l’avenir.
Les anges qui s’empressent de retomber sur terre Avec plus de larmes, Avec des excuses qui restent coincées dans leur gorge. Je suis la prochaine perle dans le motif. Chaque nuit, au-dessus du ciel nocturne, avec la vue des déesses,
Des anges nourrissant la mer avec le sang, On chante et l’on crie quand on fait des rituels Quand elles embrassent la terre pour implorer les fleurs de grandir, Mais le jardin est mort et les anges sont presque là.
The Sweetness That Is Love
Expressions
Les anges et leur mer Iyam Flo Tierra Journaliste française
The sweetness that is love Is one I pour into you. From the moment that we met, I knew I’d needed you. Craving you is an understatement, You must be mine. We must share a name, And grow in time.
La mer me dévore avec le sel de ses larmes. Je suis là, à chaque fois, Pour les attraper. Pour les boire. La bleue, la grise, c’est la mer où je me repose. Elle me tient dans son ventre comme une perle qu’elle crache. Elle élève les anges,
Olivia Gallo English Journalist
Photo par Wikimedia Commons
Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 30 novembre 2023 7
Arts and Entertainment
Christian Rap Is Actually Not Cringe Amie Sosa Bilingual Journalist In the world of hip-hop, where beats and rhymes come together to tell powerful stories, Christian rap has emerged as a genre that, surprising to most, challenges stereotypes and transcends pre-conceived notions. While some may dismiss it as “cringe,” it is essential to recognize the artistic and spiritual value that Christian rap brings to the table and the soul. There is a misconception that Christian rap is cringeworthy, but the authenticity and creativity within this undermined genre provide a refreshing alternative for those who seek meaningful content without compromising the musical experience. The genre known as rap was born out of the South Bronx in the early 1970s and quickly became a powerful medium for marginalized voices to be heard. The genre evolved; incorporating diverse influences from jazz, funk, and spoken word. As rap gained popularity, it became a cultural force, addressing social and political issues, while also celebrating the diversity of urban life. However, as rap evolved, so did its lyrical content. The genre that once served as a main force for social commentary began to embrace explicit language and controversial themes. Like any other form of music, Christian rap serves as a platform for artists to express their thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Artists within the Christian rap genre often use their lyrics to share personal stories, culture and struggles while intertwining their faith and testimonies. Authenticity lies at the heart of any good music genre and Christian rap is no exception. By being true to their convictions, artists in this genre connect with listeners on a deeper level by allowing us to relate to the feelings of victory or incentive for positive change, unlike some mainstream hip-hop that may focus on materialism or explicit content. Christian rap encompasses a wide range of styles and flows, mirroring the diversity found in mainstream hip-hop. Artists draw inspiration from various sub-genres, including boombap, trap, and lo-fi hip-hop; infusing their tracks with creativity and innovation. This diversity not only makes Christian rap more accessible to a broader audience but also showcases the adaptability of the genre in conveying messages of hope, faith, and redemption. Need a “Beast Mode” Playlist?
Christian rap is a big source of motivation and ideal for those seeking to activate their inner “beast mode.” The driving beats, dynamic rhythms, and powerful lyrical content create an energetic fusion that shifts listeners into a state of determination and focus. Artists like Andy Mineo and Lecrae infuse Christian rap with an intensity that resonates with the pursuit of personal excellence. The combination of inspirational lyrics and dynamic beats in Christian rap both fuels workouts and intense activities, and reinforces a positive mindset; making it an ideal choice for those seeking a powerful and uplifting musical experience during their journey to greatness. The genre provides an alternative to the conventional “beast mode” music, offering a motivational experience without compromising core values. In particular, Andy Mineo’s track “I Ain’t Done” stands out as a powerful anthem. The strong beats and Mineo’s dynamic and confident delivery create an adrenaline-fueled atmosphere, setting the stage for an intense burst of motivation. The lyrics, full of determination and resilience, inspire listeners to push through challenges and strive for continued greatness. Mineo’s clever wordplay and reflections on his journey mirror the struggles and victories faced while in pursuit of his goals, making “I Ain’t Done” not only a testament to the artist’s creative skill but also an embodiment of the motivational essence embedded in Christian rap. The shift in musical taste is evident in the increasing popularity of Christian rap artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. There is abundant talent within the Christian rap scene. Artists like Lecrae, KB and Indie Tribe have garnered widespread acclaim for their lyrical genius and ability to connect to diverse audiences. The shift in musical taste is evident in the increasing popularity of Christian rap artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Lecrae, one of the most prominent figures, has demonstrated exceptional lyrical creativity and gained widespread recognition beyond the confines of the Christian music scene. His ability to address relevant issues or share his story without compromising his faith have resonated with a huge audience. KB is another influential figure in Christian rap who has consistently delivered thought-provoking lyrics that explore the complexities of faith and culture. His ability to navigate the inbetween of Christianity and contemporary issues that impact society showcases the depth that Christian rap can bring to our headphones. The collective, Indie Tribe, features more artists like nobigdyl., Mogli the Iceburg, and Jon Keith, representing
8 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023
Photo by Wikimedia Commons
a new wave of Christian rap. These artists bring fresh perspectives and innovative sounds, challenging the notion that Christian rap is limited in creativity. Their authenticity and commitment to meaningful content contribute to the evolving landscape of Christian hip-hop. These artists have demonstrated that Christian rap can stand on its own as a legitimate and respected genre within the broader hip-hop landscape. In conclusion, the notion that Christian rap is cringe-worthy is an oversimplification that overlooks the authenticity, diversity and positive impact of the genre. As the genre continues to grow, within a musical landscape dominated by
explicit content, Christian rap stands out in its positivity and by providing listeners with a refreshing alternative that does not compromise on musical excellence. Artists like Lecrae, Indie Tribe and KB are leading the way, challenging stereotypes and proving that Christian rap can be both authentic and artistically innovative. By embracing the messages, styles and talents within Christian rap, we can appreciate the artistry and meaningful content that these artists bring to the world of hip-hop. It is time to break free from stereotypes and give Christian rap the recognition it deserves for its contribution to the everevolving tapestry of musical expression within the conversation of hip-hop.
Arts et divertissement
Qu’est-ce que le théâtre ? Amie Sosa Journaliste bilingue Cela a commencé quand mon conseiller pédagogique m’a suggéré de suivre un cours de théâtre en français cette année. M’embarquer pour explorer le monde intéressant du théâtre français n’a été rien de moins qu’une aventure fascinante. Le théâtre français a une histoire riche qui s’étend sur plusieurs siècles et a joué un rôle essentiel dans la formation de la trajectoire théâtrale mondiale. On ne peut pas parler de théâtre français sans évoquer la diversité des genres et des styles qui ont émergé au fil du temps. Le théâtre français, qui reflète les changements sociétaux et artistiques, a évolué de façon dynamique, passant des tragédies classiques de Corneille et Racine aux expérimentations avant-gardistes du XXe siècle. Que ce soient les tragédies classiques de Racine ou les brillantes comédies de Molière, chaque époque a contribué à la création d’une complexe tapisserie d’expression dramatique. La culture française est profondément attachée aux arts et son théâtre est un reflet de son engagement culturel en faveur du divertissement et de l’exploration intellectuelle. Aujourd’hui, je vais partager mes connaissances sur le théâtre français en abordant des termes essentiels tels que les « didascalies », l’héritage intemporel de Molière et une nouvelle appréciation des subtilités en coulisses, de la conception des décors à l’art du maquillage. Cette découverte m’a non seulement permis d’approfondir ma compréhension de la forme d’art, mais aussi de me passionner pour la collaboration qui donne vie à chaque production théâtrale. Il est impossible de ne pas être captivé par le génie comique de Molière, figure emblématique de l’art dramatique du XVIIe siècle. Parmi les nombreux ouvrages de Molière, « Les Fourberies de Scapin » est un exemple intemporel de sa capacité à mêler comédie et commentaire social, créant une œuvre qui continue d’enchanter le public par son dynamisme et l’intelligence de sa narration. « Les Fourberies de Scapin » est une histoire de tromperie dans laquelle le personnage central, Scapin, joue le rôle d’un marionnettiste rusé. Cette pièce suit les escapades de deux jeunes hommes, Octave et Léandre, qui sollicite l’aide de Scapin pour déjouer la désapprobation de leurs pères et épouser
leur bien-aimée. Ce qui suit est une délicieuse concoction de fausses identités, de stratagèmes élaborés et d’une cascade d’événements improbables qui font avancer l’histoire. Le personnage de Scapin, archétype du filou, est la cheville ouvrière du brio comique de la pièce. Grâce à son intelligence, son ingéniosité et son charme charismatique, il se faufile dans un réseau de mensonges et de déguisements, laissant dans son sillage une traînée de rires. La représentation de Scapin par Molière est plus qu’une simple comédie ; elle sert de commentaire intelligent sur les normes sociétales, remettant en question l’autorité des aînés et exposant les absurdités des structures rigides qui régissent la vie des personnages. Pour Molière, le génie de « Les Fourberies de Scapin » réside non seulement dans ses éléments comiques, mais aussi dans son innovation théâtrale. La pièce mêle harmonieusement la farce traditionnelle à un développement plus sophistiqué des personnages, la transformant d’une simple comédie d’erreurs en une œuvre d’art théâtral durable. L’héritage durable de « Les Fourberies de Scapin » réside dans l’exploration de thèmes universels. La lutte entre la jeunesse et l’autorité, le triomphe de l’amour et le penchant pour la tromperie intelligente est intemporelle et résonne à travers les cultures et les époques. L’observation précise du comportement humain par Molière, tel qu’elle se manifeste à travers le personnage de Scapin, maintient la pertinence et le charme de la pièce, ce qui en fait un favori permanent parmi les amateurs de théâtre. La compréhension du théâtre français passe par l’appréhension de termes théâtraux essentiels tels les « didascalies ». Il s’agit d’indications scéniques ou d’instructions fournies par l’auteur pour guider les acteurs, les metteurs en scène et les producteurs afin qu’ils puissent interpréter la pièce. Ces didascalies servent de pont entre le texte écrit et sa représentation, en donnant un aperçu des intentions de l’auteur et des nuances qui peuvent ne pas être immédiatement apparentes uniquement dans le dialogue. En effet, dans les œuvres de Jean Racine, figure majeure du théâtre classique français, les didascalies jouent souvent un rôle crucial dans la transmission de la profondeur émotionnelle et de la subtilité de ses tragédies. En comprenant les nuances de ces indications scéniques, j’ai pu mieux apprécier l’artisanat nécessaire pour donner vie à un texte sur scène. En plus des projecteurs et des répliques écrites, mon voyage dans le théâtre français m’a fait découvrir le monde
complexe de la production théâtrale. L’art de la production théâtrale, y compris la conception des décors, l’éclairage et le maquillage, est devenu une passion inattendue. En découvrant la magie de la création d’une toile de fond parfaite pour une pièce, ou en transformant les acteurs en incarnation de leurs personnages, j’ai découvert une nouvelle dimension de l’appréciation. L’effort de collaboration impliqué dans une production théâtrale, de la conceptualisation d’un décor à l’application méticuleuse du maquillage, est devenu une révélation fascinante. Les scénographes, qui ont la capacité de transporter le public dans des mondes différents, ainsi que les maquilleurs, qui façonnent habilement l’identité visuelle des personnages, apparaissent comme des héros discrets contribuant à une expérience théâtrale totalement fascinante. Enfin, mon aventure dans le monde du théâtre français a été une expérience à multiples facettes qui dépasse
largement le simple cadre de l’étude académique. Ce fut un voyage d’immersion, une odyssée culturelle qui a enrichi ma compréhension de la forme d’art et de son impact profond sur la société. L’interaction entre les didascalies, le dynamisme comique de Molière et les tragédies intemporelles de Racine a tissé une tapisserie vibrante qui continue de résonner dans les couloirs de l’histoire du théâtre. En parallèle, ma nouvelle appréciation des complexités de la production théâtrale m’a permis d’approfondir mes explorations, transformant chaque représentation en une célébration des aspects visibles et invisibles de cette forme d’art captivante. En parcourant ce paysage captivant, je me sens à la fois spectatrice et participante active d’une grande tradition qui s’étend sur plusieurs siècles — une tradition qui m’invite à poursuivre l’exploration, l’appréciation et maintenant une compréhension approfondie de l’art qui se cache derrière le rideau.
Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 30 novembre 2023 9
Games
Sudoku
Welcome to Our Games Page! Send us your answered crosswords for a chance to win a prize at the end of issue 10! You will receive one point for every correct answer and be placed on a leaderboard on our Instagram page: @protemglendon. Make sure to revisit our Instagram every new issue to see the solutions. Try your luck at our sudoku puzzles! Remember, the 9 x 9 square must be filled with numbers from 1-9, with no repeated numbers in each horizontal or vertical line. Huge thank you to Roxanna Khosravi for developping these puzzles! Good luck, Glendon!
Tout sur Noël et Hanoukka mots-croisés bilingues
ACROSS 4 Four-sided top used to play a gambling game during Hanukkah (EN) 5 Magical, pointy-eared creatures who build toys for well-behaved children (EN) 9 A Spanish phrase meaning Merry Christmas (EN) 11 Le renne avec sa propre chanson (FR) 15 Popular ballet set during Christmas (EN)
DOWN 1 Fête païenne célébrant la renaissance et le renouveau (FR) 2 Une boule de Noël (FR) 3 Le premier jour de l’hiver et le jour le plus court de l’année (FR) 6 Tornade, Danseur, Fringant, Furi, Comète, Cupidon, Tonnerre, Éclair (FR) 7 A half-goat, half-demon character who punishes misbehaving children (EN)
18 An alcoholic drink made with cream, sugar, eggs and distilled spirits (EN) 21 A candle holder for the seven candles lit during Kwanzaa (EN) 23 Arbuste mexicain utilisé pour la première fois comme décoration de Noël par les frères franciscains au 17e siècle (FR) 25 Based on legends of the historical Saint Nicholas’s generosity (EN) 26 Type of gloves (EN)
27 The eight-day “Festival of Lights” (EN) 28 Latin word meaning coming (EN) 29 A grouchy spoilsport who doesn’t enjoy Christmas (EN) 31 Santa Claus’s magical entryway into homes (EN) 32 The day of giving (EN)
8 A cookie made with molasses and ginger (EN) 10 Attendez-vous à un baiser (FR) 12 Day of festivity (EN) 13 Typically pulled by horses or reindeer (FR) 14 A circular arrangement of greenery or flowers (EN) 16 Il faut cacher les cadeaux (FR) 17 Has a carrot for a nose (EN)
19 Utilisée pour dévaler les collines enneigées (FR) 20 A long sock (EN) 22 Chandelier à neuf branches utilisé pendant Hanoukka (FR) 24 Nom hébreu signifiant « Dieu avec nous » (FR) 30 An evergreen bush with red berries and prickly leaves (FR) 31 Festive song sung at Christmas (EN)
10 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023
Actualités et opinions
Food Security Célia Teyssier Glendon Regenesis Coordinator In a world where food scarcity coexists with food waste, the concept of food justice is gaining momentum as a crucial social issue. Food insecurity has reached levels not seen in years due to conflict, climate change and economic disruptions. Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, there has been a huge increase in the number of people experiencing world hunger. In 2021, there were up to 828 million people which counts for one out of ten people. We have a global food system that does not ensure everyone has regular access to the nutritious food they need to live active and healthy lives. The system also puts tremendous strain on our natural environment and lacks resilience to withstand shocks and crises. For example, more than 2 billion people work globally in the food system yet it fails to provide most of these people with a decent livelihood. Ironically, food producers make up more than 70% of those who experience hunger. Unfortunately, 79% of women who work in the least developed countries work in agriculture, meaning that the impact on women and girls is greater where there are higher levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.
Food deprivation claims a child’s life every three seconds and nearly half of all deaths in children under five are attributable to malnutrition (45%). I have grown up caring about children’s growth and education through tutoring, teaching and leading Boy Scout groups. Knowing that one out of seven children sleeps hungry at night — I cannot help but think something is going wrong. If children are the future, what does our future look like? As we can see, hunger affects the most vulnerable; in Canada, students are a part of this vulnerable group. As members of a vibrant academic community, we must address the challenges surrounding food justice and work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable food system at our scale. Food justice goes beyond simply ensuring everyone has enough to eat. It advocates for fair access to nutritious, culturally relevant and sustainably produced food. On our campus, the issue of food justice manifests in various ways. Some students struggle with food insecurity, unable to afford regular and nutritious meals. The problem is that even those who can afford better struggle to find nutritious and quality meals on campus. Meanwhile, food waste on campus keeps growing, as students possessing a meal plan have to consume more and more to use the money of a plan which is not suited to everyone. They have to eat all meals at the cafeteria, which
lacks in diversity and quality products. As responsible stewards of our community, we must confront these issues head-on. One of the first steps toward achieving food justice on campus involves addressing food insecurity. Initiatives such as establishing a campus food pantry or collaborating with local organizations to provide affordable meal options can make a significant impact. Moreover, raising awareness about the prevalence of food insecurity and destigmatizing the issue is crucial in fostering a supportive and empathetic campus environment. Another crucial aspect of food justice is promoting sustainable practices within our dining facilities. This includes reducing food waste, sourcing locally produced and ethically harvested ingredients, and bringing our own containers: that way, every student is responsible for their own and will be more careful to treat it properly, recycle it if needed and reuse it in most cases. Indeed, we all noticed that the blue containers method is not the greatest success… Fostering a campus culture that values and prioritizes food justice is essential. This involves creating spaces for open dialogue, organizing events that promote awareness and encouraging collaboration between students, faculty and administration. By making food justice a core aspect of our campus identity, we can inspire lasting change. This is why Re-
genesis, the Glendon Cooking Club, the Composting Crew and Dr. Sabine Dreher and her students are so committed to making a positive change. Students need the space to express themselves, along with more affordable, higher quality and more varied food. Regenesis proposes the YUM Market; it provides access to a diverse selection of fresh & healthy, locally-grown, locally-made/sourced, fairly-traded, natural, and organic foods & products using a model that creates the least environmental impact and reflects the diversity and values of the community. It takes place at Keele most times, but also at Glendon occassionaly. You may also have heard of the Glendon Community Garden, which promotes sustainable food production, ecological stewardship, nutrition and community care. Regenesis and the Salon Francophone also held a documentary viewing followed by a debate on Wednesday, November 17 on what solutions already exist to transform our consumption habits and live more sustainably, including how to review our food system. We are trying to make this subject big and find solutions for students to feed themselves with healthier and better foods. If you have any ideas, reach out to us! We will be more active than ever in the winter semester with our free salad events with Lunik. To be sure not to miss any of our events, especially not the free food, follow us on Instagram: @RegenesisGlendon.
11 Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • le 30 novembre, 2023
Issues and Ideas
The Power of Our Pets Olivia Gallo English Journalist There are numerous anxiety-soothing tips on the internet — meditating, counting your breaths, listening to calming music. One that stands out is the impact of our pets, which are known to have a profound effect on mental health. Service animals, dogs being the most common, not only play a crucial role for people with visible and invisible disabilities, but they also provide support for people with psychiatric conditions and are specially trained to help those who suffer from anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.1 These service dogs help by fetching medication for their owner in times of need, detecting signs of an anxiety attack, distracting their owner by licking their face or offering a paw, retrieving their owner’s phone, and more.2 Service animals are heroes who offer companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation and stress. They also encourage time spent outdoors, ultimately including exercise, which improves symptoms of not only anxiety but other mental health conditions as well.3 A study in 2015 from Preventing Chronic Disease concluded that having a pet at home is associated
with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety or anxiety in general.4 We also see animals creating a more loving environment in our schools and classrooms where therapy dogs are used to lower students’ anxiety. According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs website, studies from the National Institute of Health and the University of California state having dogs in schools or classrooms helps promote a positive mood and has increased children’s reading capabilities; rising from 12% to 30%.5 For example, dogs have been used in classrooms to help children with ADHD focus. Researchers enrolled two groups of children diagnosed with ADHD into 12-week therapy sessions in a group study where the first group read books to a therapy dog once a week for 30 minutes and the second group read a book to puppets that looked like dogs. The researchers found that kids who read to the real animals presented better social skills, had more cooperation and showed fewer behavioural problems.6 In 2016, a study conducted by PubMed revealed the positive impact of interacting with animals on our well-being. The study revealed that interacting with animals can reduce depression and improve our overall mood, encourage positive interactions, lower cortisol levels (known as the stress hormone), and lower heart rates and blood pressure. This led to them reporting that there was less fear and anxiety in people when there were pets around.7 Pets can spot attacks before we do, and because of
Pro Tem • www.protemgl.com • November 30, 2023 12
this, we feel less afraid of what could happen and are grateful for our pets. As someone who suffers from anxiety myself, I can attest to the improvements pets make in people’s lives. I have three pets at home: one dog and two cats, and from personal experience, they are comforting and improve my mood significantly. An article from Help Guide suggests that pets, mainly cats and dogs, help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression while also easing loneliness and encouraging playfulness.8 I remember visiting a Cat Café in Montréal and the atmosphere felt amazing. Cats are all around you, the purrs they make when you pet them make your coffee taste better. Unfortunately, they’re banned in Toronto because of Health and Safety rules, but I think we should have some here for the benefit of city residents. In conclusion, we cannot deny the profound impact that pets have on everyone’s mental health. From the assistance provided by service animals to the effects that pets have on children in schools and childhood anxiety, animals play an important role in our well-being. The research presented here consistently demonstrates that having pets around reduces stress and improves our mental health overall. Maybe it is time that we consider taking the initiative and including therapy dogs in schools to create a positive influence on the students. ___________________ 1 Leonard, J. (2023b, February 9). Can service dogs help with anxiety?
h t t p s : / / w w w. m e d i c a l n e w s t o d a y. c o m / a r t i cles/322784#benefits 2 Ibid. 3 “Exercise for Stress and Anxiety | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA,” n.d., https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety. 4 Anne Gadomski et al., “Pet Dogs and Children’s Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention?,” Preventing Chronic Disease 12 (November 25, 2015), https://doi.org/10.5888/ pcd12.150204. 5 Alliance of Therapy Dogs, “How Do Therapy Dogs Help in the Classroom? - Alliance of Therapy Dogs Inc.,” Alliance of Therapy Dogs Inc., July 7, 2022, https://www.therapydogs.com/how-do-therapy-dogshelp-in-the-classroom/. 6 “The Power of Pets,” NIH News in Health, July 26, 2022, https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/ power-pets. 7 Fabrizio Bert et al., “Animal Assisted Intervention: A Systematic Review of Benefits and Risks,” European Journal of Integrative Medicine 8, no. 5 (October 1, 2016): 695–706, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.05.005. 8 Lawrence Robinson, “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets,” HelpGuide.org, October 2, 2023, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs. htm#:~:text=Pets%2C%20especially%20dog s%20 and%20cats,valuable%20companionship%20 for%20older%20adults.