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Protect Our Province BC calls for immediate unrestricted access to Paxlovid

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of two individuals in masks. They are standing next to each other and looking into the camera. They can be seen from the waist up.
PHOTO: Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash

By: Aditi Dwivedi, News Writer

With the onset of the winter season, and a surging triple-demic of respiratory illnesses, the organization Protect Our Province BC released an open letter addressed to the provincial leaders. The letter calls for the immediate relaxation of BC’s restrictive eligibility policies, and increase in access to Paxlovid, for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.

Paxlovid, also known as Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir, is an oral antiviral medication developed by Pfizer, to stop the virus from multiplying and encourage a faster recovery. Paxlovid has proved effective against Omicron and its sub variants, in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. However, some have noted that Paxlovid is being drastically underused in BC despite its potential for positive outcomes. 

Dr. Lyne Filiatrault, a retired emergency physician and a member of Protect Our Province BC said in an interview with The Peak, “Your access to tools in the fight against COVID-19 should not be determined by the province you live in.”

In provinces such as New Brunswick, the requirements for access to Paxlovid are being 18 years and older and having one medical condition. In BC, there are a few specific requirements for access. This includes an age of 70 years and older, and three medical conditions, people who are “clinically vulnerable,” or those who are Indigenous, among others. BC has the most specific criteria compared to other provinces in the country.  

Filiatrault said  the public health leaders of BC believe patients are primarily contracting mild COVID-19 infections. However, the number of COVID-19 related deaths this year in BC is more in number than the deaths of 2020 and 2021 combined. Filiatrault noted, “I think it aligns with the entire management of the pandemic in BC.” She further stated the provincial administration of BC “have been gatekeeping the access to rapid antigen tests, access to PCR tests, access to four doses, and now to Paxlovid, and it’s almost been all along the pandemic.”

The federal government granted access to 70,000 doses of Paxlovid to the province of BC but until September 2022, only 12,000 of those doses could be prescribed to patients under the eligibility criteria. One of the potential solutions suggested by the Protect Our Province BC is to also allow pharmacists, along with clinicians and family doctors, to prescribe the medication, like other provinces of Canada have done.

On December 16, the BC CDC website for clinicians was updated with a broader list of conditions to be met for access to the medication. However, Filiatrault said most clinicians, pharmacists, and potential patients are not aware of these changes because they were brought in quietly, and without adequate publicity. Additionally, she pointed out they are “also including some of the social determinants of health, though limiting it to a single racialized community or Indigenous community; they are not looking at other communities of colour that are marginalized. We are calling on them to expand that.”  

Like most drugs, Paxlovid has limitations and potential risks for its users. For instance, patients with liver and kidney problems should not be prescribed the drug. According to Protect our Province BC, a discourse around the disadvantages and positive effects of the drug needs to be established which is only possible once medical practitioners and patients gain required awareness about the drug. 

Studies are currently investigating whether Paxlovid might be helpful for prevention of long COVID and the reduction of related symptoms like heart diseases, blood clots, and neurocognitive disorders. 

CONFESSIONALS: I have an emotional support jacket and it totally makes sense

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Peak Web
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A photo of a woman facing away from the camera, her hand raised in a peace sign, and the jacket in full view.
PHOTO: Krystal Chan / The Peak

By: Kelly Chia, Humour Editor

We don’t give enough recognition to the true underdogs in our lives. We really don’t, and if we’re entering the new year as honest people, we need to be honest about who really has our back. No, it’s not your childhood best friend that you’ve known for a decade! It’s your jacket! Obviously! You adorn it every time you bravely venture out the door, of course. I’ve named mine Moonie, because like the moon, we are also going through a phase, à la jacket. And I think it makes me look and sound quite mysterious, thank you.

I am not alone in my closeness with my beloved coat. I know we all do it, I’m just brave enough to say it out loud. Yes, every autumn, we turn to our closet, we pick one jacket, and that jacket stays with us through rain, sunshine, and the three other tumultuous weather patterns we can expect while living in Vancouver. It doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t have a hood, or isn’t particularly good for the rare -15 winter days. What matters is the vibe. The message. And the message is, “I want to hide inside a fleece jacket that’s actually masquerading as a blanket for my morning classes!” 

When I walk onto campus with my silly little fleece jacket that I have worn fifteen days in a row, and will continue to wear until the season turns over, I am actually expressing my deep longing to burrow deep in the safety and comfort of childhood days. So you must understand, not only is my decision a fashion statement, it is also an art piece. Like an onion, it has layers, and if you would only be so curious as to ask, I could indulge you in the deep machinations of my mind. If at this point in my very touching confessional, you find yourself asking, “What is a comfort jacket?” I would urge you to look deep into your heart. See the jacket that has seen you through your toughest days. 

For example, Moonie was there for me when classroom temperatures were so cruelly irregular, they forced me to continually take my jacket on and off. The semi-thin jacket lining is just perfect for the fickle Blusson classrooms, and I can drape it over my shoulders, like a fancy little cloak. That’s the kind of comfort I’m looking for in my jackets: escapism. Every single one of us, I swear on my neverending undergrad degree, has had this experience. 

So give your jacket a close hug tomorrow before you put it on and face the world again! Adventures await the both of you.

New Year, Same Old Me?

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Peak Web
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PHOTO: Sincerly Media / Unsplash

By: Saije Rusimovici, Staff Writer

What are your goals? At the beginning of a new year, it’s difficult not to succumb to the pressures of maximizing your success in the coming year. Our Instagram feeds become flooded with overly positive content coaching us on how to make 2023 the best year yet, Tiktok videos reveal “ultimate guides to goal setting,” and wellness blogs promote the “2023 reset” for health and fitness. Social media sets us up to compete with each other, and also with ourselves. What begins as an intentional effort to make positive changes ends up being a short-lived attempt at improving our lives. 

This year will be different. We tell ourselves a version of this every year. But what really stops us from achieving our goals? After coming up with an idea of what we think will make us happy, we often overcompensate by setting goals inspired by an unachievable standard. We should not shape our goals to reflect what society makes us think we need to be happier. Instead, at the start of a new year, we should re-examine our values and base our resolutions around the things in our lives that already bring us contentment.

This year, instead of setting formal goals, I have compiled a list of twenty-four things I hope to do before 2024 based on values like kindness, adventure, and community in mind. In addition to professional, academic, and financial goals, this list includes trips I would like to go on, restaurants I would like to try, movies I’d like to see, and other activities I hope to do in the upcoming year. Some of these items include: take a road trip to Seattle, pay off my car, join a recreational sports league, eat at an Indian restaurant, participate in a writer’s contest, and visit a part of BC I’ve never been to. The purpose of this bucket-list style format is to eliminate the pressure I have the tendency to put on myself when setting goals. It is not only a reflection of the things I want to achieve, but the values I want my year to be based around.

Be intentional. Reflecting on my resolutions going into 2022, I noticed that the things I accomplished were the smaller, almost vague goals I knew I had motivation to achieve but was not so sure how I would execute. I knew that I wanted to make money as a writer, but I didn’t specify a timeline or outline how I would do this. Instead, I specified the publication I wanted to write for and took proactive steps to achieve this — attending meetings, finding things I was interested in writing about, and then cultivating my writing skills with the help of my editors while working freelance. Now a staff writer, I have turned a long-sought-after dream into a reality. 

Other people’s goals are not your goals. A good goal is not determined by someone else’s definition of what a new year’s resolution should be. As individuals, we each have different ways of integrating the things we care about into our lives. Your goals should strengthen your attributes, allow you to improve on things that mean something to you, and pertain to the kind of lifestyle you want to live. It shouldn’t be according to what you think you should do because someone else has become successful doing it too.

Goals should have value. We each have our own set of values that are unique to us. These values that we want to carry in our everyday lives should be integrated into our goals. Former Forbes contributor, Dawn Graham, discusses how many of our goals often begin as “shoulds” as a response to societal pressure. By refocusing on our values, we can develop goals that are both purposeful and attainable. 

Goals should be fun. Not every goal you have needs to be extreme, nor measured by the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves to make ourselves happy. Attempting to do things that are too complicated or unfeasible to complete in a year’s time does not make sustainable goals. When it comes to healthy habits, work-life balance, academic achievements, and strengthening relationships, it can take more time to make effective changes. Lighten up your goal-setting by including activities and challenges that will not only contribute to your success, but your own personal happiness (these can range from finding a new job to taking a road trip!). 

It is also important to consider the things that could happen this year that you didn’t plan for or anticipate. There is no way to be prepared for everything. So, instead of planning every detail, and setting yourself up to climb the highest mountain, go through 2023 enjoying the scenery. In taking the time to notice things throughout your journey, you never know what you might find or what might find you. 

The realities of ethical fashion

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Peak Web
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multiple green shirts on cloth hangers
PHOTO: Keagan Henman / Unsplashed

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

Fast fashion in the clothing industry has become a prominent collective discussion over the years. More people are citing concerns over the ethical practices of clothing companies and the impact behind what they wear. Younger generations have grown to understand that the impact of clothing trends and brand names goes beyond our individual purchases. We are also curious to know if the brands we buy from take the initiative to keep their business practices ethical, with some of us growing wary of ethical fashion’s price tag as the cost of living makes necessities difficult to afford.

Most young people are living in a time where their branded fashion options are largely unethical, at least to some degree. Fast fashion is by far the most frustrating component of the clothing industry. The term refers to “design, manufacturing, and marketing methods focused on producing” large quantities of clothing for the lowest possible cost. Most businesses choose this option to increase profits. If a company can use child labour, poor working conditions, underpay workers, or use cheap production methods to satisfy your “drip” — many will do it. 

Other household brands such as H&M and American Eagle fail to fully transition their production practices to fit a sustainable approach, despite their claims. While these more affordable brands might have a sustainability page, they don’t reveal that not all their items use the same production practices. In a sense, it’s a generalization of their ethics to avoid being called out. 

For instance, H&M is currently facing a greenwashing lawsuit citing the issue of misrepresenting sustainability practices. According to The Cut, they’re being accused of using vague language like “close the loop” and “a conscious choice,” despite using fossil fuel-based synthetics for their fabric. It’s a case among many other brands that do the same, but have not been called out yet. As consumers concerned about the environment and the ethical practices behind clothing production, there seems to be a dilemma because we don’t want to contribute to the problem. However, many companies that brand themselves as truly ethical charge much more for their products. Not everyone can afford these brands, which is why we have to adapt with what we have. There are still ways to support sustainability without breaking the bank, such as buying less and repairing. 

Fighting back against the principles of fast fashion means we must take the initiative to make our clothing worth its dollar. Second-hand clothing is often an accessible option for people with lower budgets, and it doesn’t directly contribute to the fast fashion industry. Focusing on proper care of clothing reduces the amount of money you spend on replacing wardrobe items, allowing garments to last longer. It’s also worthwhile to invest in higher-end ethical brands if you can afford it, since clothing bought from such brands tends to reflect its cost in longevity and quality. 

SFU Music for Memory goes Christmas carolling for Alzheimer’s disease

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Peak Web
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This is the logo for SFU Music For Memory. Inside a blue circle, a cartoon brain is winking and giving a thumbs up. The circle reads Music for Memory.

By: Natalie Cooke, News Writer

Music for Memory is an SFU club that raises money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Over the holidays, Music for Memory hosted a virtual carolling fundraiser where they raised $1,445 for the organization. Club president Evan Wright said in an interview with The Peak, “I was overjoyed with the amount of support I had on this fundraiser.” 

Their initial plan was to have an in-person event and to go carolling in the community. The fundraiser was shifted to a livestream due to weather conditions. “Instead of 20⁠–30 people participating, only I and my good friend Raven Gonzales sung on the livestream. We sang a few Christmas classics while playing guitar and piano,” said Wright. 

Jinny Kim, Music for Memory’s vice-president, told The Peak, “We hope that our club can raise further awareness of this illness, and to support those that are affected by it.”

“In the new year, we plan on visiting a senior community with seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” said Wright. They are planning to hold interviews with people with Alzheimer’s to learn about their music preferences. The club members will then develop playlists to engage a variety of moods. In 2023, Music for Memory is also planning more events such as dance parties with live music, karaoke, a musical chairs tournament, and a talent show. 

“The reason we are so focused on musical therapy is that in the majority of cases of Alzheimer’s disease, the part of the brain that associates music and memory together is not affected,” said Wright. “People might forget names, places, and faces but won’t forget specific memories from a song from their childhood. Because of this, listening to music from ones’ adolescence can reduce stress, depression, and improve overall quality of life.” 

Wright spent time as a teenager caring for his grandfather who lived with dementia. He shared, “As his condition worsened, I found it harder and harder to connect with my grandfather.” After discovering how music brought back memories for his grandfather, Wright was able to reconnect with him. “I played all his favourite tunes such as Elvis and the Rolling Stones. I saw him almost instantly [become] upbeat and more so mentally present. He was able to communicate memories he had to me because of the songs, like how he [used to wear a] 1950s pompador hairstyle when he was listening to Elvis, or the places he used to go with friends.” 

Wright is now bringing this experience to more families that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He explained, “Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most prevalent form of dementia, currently has no cure and is very misunderstood.” He reported one in five Canadians care for someone with dementia. Kim added, “Music brings people together, and I am delighted to be a part of this club’s journey.” 

For more information on upcoming events and leadership opportunities visit their Instagram @musicformemorysfu.

Comparing SFU’s first-half finishes from 2021 to 2022

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Peak Web
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photo of the men’s golf team holding hardware.
The golf teams surge after first-place finishes. PHOTO: Matthew Steinbach / SFU Athletics

By: Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

Men’s basketball

2021 record: 6–3
2022 record: 5–8
Verdict: Finish below last year’s 12–13 record

Last year’s men’s team soared to a season-high three-game win streak after losing their first two games at the annual Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) challenge. While this year’s squad found success coming out of the gate, the team’s winless November stretch has them below a .500 winning percentage. SFU, riding a two-game losing streak, is the underdog heading into a month of matchups against teams who have had success against the Red Leafs. Pivotal wins are necessary to change the trajectory of the team’s first-round elimination last year. 

Women’s basketball 

2021 record: 4–6
2022 record: 3–4
Verdict: Finish below/repeat last year’s 12–14 record

Although this year’s women’s team haven’t had the luxury of playing as many games, they’re on an almost identical pace to last year’s quarter-final finish. After playing in three preseason games, SFU has only been playing four games a month. In January alone, the Red Leafs will see that number double. After playing three consecutive home games in December, the women’s team will be on the road for the majority of their remaining games, which could determine where they finish in their 10-team division. 

Swimming 

2021 record: two first-place team finishes 
2022 record: three first-place team finishes 
Verdict: Men finish better than last year, women repeat/finish below last year

This year’s swim team didn’t get off to the same winning start as last year’s, but they have managed to not only catch up to last year’s first-place performances, but lap them. Consistency has been the name of the game for this year’s swimmers: they’ve stayed in the top three in their last four invitationals. While the men placed 14th at last year’s NCAA championships, they should be expected to make the biggest jump in the standing. Improving last year’s eighth-place finish for the women will prove to be much tougher. 

Men’s wrestling 

2021 record: 5–1 
2022 record: 3–6
Verdict: Finish below last year’s 8–3 record 

The men’s team struggled to find their footing last month, dropping six of eight duals. Half of those losses could be chalked up to the unluckiness of facing four top-20 teams in a two-week span. But after a disappointing eighth-place finish to conclude last season, the men will have to bet on themselves repeating the same success against familiar opponents to make up ground on last year’s dominance.

Women’s wrestling

2021 record: 3–1
2022 record: 4–1
Verdict: Finish better/repeat last year’s record

The women continue to push forward on yet another impressive season. After winning the NCAA Regional Championship last year, the women aced their first challenge of the season, toppling 19th-ranked Schreiner and Tiffin. SFU’s first loss came at the last meet of the year against fourth-ranked Colorado Messa. While the women were unable to ring in the new year with a win, they’ll have a chance to defend their title and push for a National title in two months” time.

Men’s golf 

2021 record: no first-place team finishes 
2022 record: one first-place team finish 
Verdict: Finish better/repeat last year’s record

If there was any indication that this season was going to go well for the men, it was their first invitational. After three second-place finishes last season, the men finally secured that all elusive first-place finish. SFU last teed off to a ninth-place finish in October and will need to pick up their momentum if they hope to wrap up the season just as strong as they started. They’re chasing a GNAC title after finishing second last season. 

Women’s golf 

2021 record: no first-place team finishes 
2022 record: one first-place team finish 
Verdict: Finish better/repeat last year’s record

On top of their first-place finish, the women finished in the top two during their first two weeks of competition. After slipping to 12th-place in a two-day Hawaii classic, SFU rebounded with a top five finish in their last event of the year. Miles ahead from last year’s season-low 19th-place finish, the women will have another opportunity to boost last year’s stats by competing in the California East Bay Shootout, which they failed to finish after multiple team members tested positive for COVID-19. This will kickstart their quest to improve their second-place GNAC finish. 

Are in-person workplaces our best option?

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PHOTO: Afsaneh Keivanshekouh / The Peak

By: Victor Tran, SFU Student

COVID-19 brought new difficulties to our workforce, while also presenting an opportunity to transform society for the better. One of those opportunities is the emergence of a flexible working mode: work from home (WFH). Though some might argue that an in-person setting fosters greater productivity, research says otherwise. 

Before COVID-19, in-person work was the industry standard. According to Forbes Insights, eight out of ten executives prefer face-to-face meetings for three main reasons: more rapport development, better comprehension of body language and facial expressions, and more interpersonal interactions. Studies have shown an in-person workplace allows for better relationship establishment due to a few biological reactions: emotional contagion and mirror neurons. These reactions allow us to feel others’ feelings by being in close proximity, which accounts for better relationship establishment. According to Harvard Business Review, a face-to-face request is 34 times more successful than an email. In-person workplaces can result in better persuasion as workers transmit spoken and non-verbal information more effectively.

All these benefits sound great — however, they are not always necessary in every business scenario. According to a McKinsey study on 2,000 activities in over 800 occupations, some tasks that can fully take advantage of an in-person workplace include jobs like teaching, counselling, and coaching, among others. Yet, tasks like updating knowledge and learning, interacting with computers, creativity, and information processing can be done remotely with little to no productivity loss. In-person workplaces are not necessarily the best settings for all business tasks. Furthermore, forcing onsite work limits flexibility for workers, many of whom might have unique circumstances such as caring for children or managing disabilities that impact their ability to consistently work in-person. This can drive productivity down further and increase business costs — both of which can be easily avoided by adopting remote working.

Remote work settings offer great benefits to both employees and business owners. WFH allows employees to adjust their work schedules, resulting in better task prioritization and productivity. A Harvard University study revealed that while remote work rose during the pandemic, employees spent 12% less time in large meetings and 9% more time on external tasks such as interacting with customers. Prodo — a leader in employee monitoring software solutions — confirmed that employee productivity increased by 47% each year. Researchers measured an increase in activities like telephone calls and email responses throughout the pandemic, highlighting that a physical office isn’t necessary for many tasks. 

The flexibility of WFH leads to better job satisfaction. 80% of workers from one US study agreed that WFH helps them manage a work-life balance as they have more time for themselves and their families in a comfortable environment. Higher worker satisfaction will reduce businesses’ job turnover rates and absenteeism while increasing efficiency. During the pandemic, 95% of employers who adopted WFH models saw a positive impact on employee retention, while 75% of teleworkers were less likely to resign. 

Although an in-person workplace offers strong team building and persuasive advantages, not all business tasks benefit from these characteristics. Meanwhile, WFH presents itself as the next transformative tool of the business world, having the potential to increase employee satisfaction, accessibility, and productivity while cutting costs. Businesses must realize the necessity of the WFH model and carefully consider tasks that can take full advantage of a remote working environment.

BC youth tackle eco-anxiety in new digital zine

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Peak Web
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PHOTO: Rise Vancouver

By: Simran Sarai, Sports Writer

The effects of the climate crisis are disproportionate for minorities and low income countries. In BC, communities have suffered damage and death from extended wildfire seasons, flooding, and heat waves. Although the fight for climate justice continues, many people, especially youth, are dealing with intense feelings of grief and loss when it comes to navigating a world with a rapidly changing climate due to exploitation. 

A Vancouver organization has decided to take action to help BC’s youth share their emotions as they work to combat climate change, by creating a new digital zine addressing youth’s eco-anxiety, titled Solastalgia. RISE Vancouver, a program run by the nation-wide organization, Apathy is Boring, published the first issue of Solastalgia in early December 2022. The zine is a collaborative project, bringing together young artists and writers from across the province to showcase the way that youth “relate and experience eco-anxiety/eco-grief and the full range of eco-emotions when thinking about climate change, anthropocene, and the ongoing planetary health crisis.”

Each poem, story, and art piece was thoughtfully created, showcasing the depth and diversity of emotions being felt by youth across BC. As I read, I felt a sense of connection to each contributor’s story.

Artist and contributor Sabrina Guzman Skotnitsky borrows Glenn Albrecht’s definition of “solastalgia” in her description of her piece, “Winter on the Coquihalla,” as the “homesickness one feels when no one is at home.” The zine creates a cohesive and immersive experience for anyone seeking to process the grief and anxiety feel when working towards climate justice. It ties together a symphony of perspectives, all symbolizing individual youths’ shared experiences dealing with the grief of living in a world that is changing so fast that it ceases to feel familiar.

The poem “My Sister’s Children,” by Alex Masse eloquently describes the fear of the future quality of the natural world, and the guilt and despair shared as the climate crisis unfolds and environmental destruction continues. A touching tribute to Masse’s sister and their sister’s future children, this poem encapsulates the sentiments felt by so many young climate justice activists across BC.

As the second-generation daughter of Punjabi immigrants, author Kiran Shoker’s short story, “Punjabi Immigrant Look at Climate Change and Think, Goriye Da Kam,” felt so personal. Her writing captured the ever-important intersections between climate change, race, and our world’s social and economic systems, written poetically through an immigrant’s lens.

Solastalgia is a thoughtfully compiled work that highlights the wide range of experiences youth working towards climate justice have experienced and will continue to experience. It’s a must read for youth looking for a community of young people navigating eco-anxiety and eco-grief, as they deal with the unfolding impacts of climate change. 

Read the full issue at https://issuu.com/solastalgia and follow Rise Vancouver on their Instagram, @aisbrise_vbc, to support the organizers and be alerted about future editions of Solastalgia.

Creative Corner: My 2023 vision board

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PHOTO: Mateusz Dach / Unsplash

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor

The winter break holds the liminal space before a new year that always inspires introspection, but this year I decided against writing resolutions. I often feel pressured by productivity culture to set rigid standards for myself, so they don’t work very well for me. By collaging a vision board using magazines, brochures, and other paper materials I had accumulated over the year, I was able to capture a more feeling-focused vision for 2023, with the purpose of lifting my mood. If you’re someone who likes to reflect and plan the future at the start of a new year, a vision board is the perfect project for you. 

The process of making a vision board is just as gratifying as the finished product. To get myself into a ruminative spirit, I put on some music, made myself a herbal tea, and lit a candle. I began by journaling about my growth in 2022: the things I’m proud of achieving, the people I’m grateful to have met, the new hobbies and passions I’ve uncovered, and everything I’ve learned along the way. Most importantly, I also gave myself grace for my mistakes and staying strong in spite of hardships. Reflecting is an important first step of setting goals because it helps you realize how far you’ve come and envision what comes next.

Next, I brainstormed my intentions for various aspects of my life: relationships, hobbies and passions, mental health, physical health, spiritual health, school, and career. Instead of thinking of ways I want to change or quantifying anything, I wrote down the attitudes I want to have in approaching these aspects of my life. 

Once I had finished journaling, I began looking through and cutting out everything that caught my eye from my materials: patterns, photos, and words. I even pulled out some illustrations from our newspapers (I always grab two copies of each issue for this reason). I used a paper from a gradient paper pad as my background. The final touch for my vision board was writing down uplifting affirmations on pink sticky notes, based on the intentions I had journaled. Finally, I found some star stickers and put them all around the board, because why not?

I used to collage as a teenager with Rookie Mag yearbooks. Those were the best for collaging because most of the magazine is collage art, or beautiful photoshoots, so you’re simultaneously looking at beautiful art while making your own. If you don’t have magazines on hand, you can find materials by going to a used bookstore where you can often find resourceful magazines and art books. Collaging is a fun activity to do alone or with a friend, and it’s also a great way to declutter your desk area if you’re someone who collects flyers, brochures, stickers, and other random print material like me. It’s also so easy, and inspiring to look at all year long!

The Rundown

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photo of men’s wrestler Maka Yacapin mid-competition.
PHOTO: Jimmy Ma / SFU Athletics

By: Simran Sarai, Sports Writer

Men’s basketball

The men’s team started December with a 75–61 loss against Western Washington. In what was their first Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener of the campaign, SFU recorded 13 blocks, a league-high since joining the NCAA in 2010. The Red Leafs jetted off to take on New Mexico State two days later in a lopsided 77–35 loss. 

A narrow 79–73 win against the Hawaii Pacific Sharks in Honolulu during the Hoops in Hawaii Holiday Classic, snapped the team’s four-game losing streak. Despite dropping their next game, SFU finished the tournament with a decisive 74–69 victory over Chaminade on December 19. 

The men concluded their 2022 season against Saint Martin’s and Western Oregon. Senior guard and forward Jahmal Wright recorded a career-high of 22 points, while sophomore forward George Lefevbre recorded a 20-point career-high game during SFU’s December 29 matchup against Saint Martin’s. However, the team would fall in both of their matchups, bringing them to 5–8 to start the year.

Women’s basketball

The women’s team welcomed the first of three GNAC opponents at home on December 3, starting with nationally ranked, Western Washington. Three weeks after losing 69–60 to Western Washington, SFU rallied to an 89–78 victory against Alaska Fairbanks on December 29. Sophomore forward Gemma Cutler alongside junior guard and forward Jessica Wizotzki enjoyed a big night. Cutler tied her SFU record for points and three-pointers while setting a new personal best for shot blocks. Wizotzki’s 24 points in the contest marked the junior’s sixth game in a row with at least 20 points. A game later, in an 86–69 defeat to Alaska Anchorage, Cutler set her new career-high points total, and Wizotzki moved to seven 20-point games on the season.

Men’s cross country

In late November, the men’s cross country team earned their fourth invite to the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Cross Country Championships. The team finished 19th, scoring 453 points at the December 2 event. SFU was led by sophomore Charlie Dannatt, whose 15th-place finish is the best by an SFU athlete at the NCAA championships. He is also the second Red Leaf to earn All-American honours. 

Football

The Red Leafs’ football program closed out their 2022 season on December 2 with the highly anticipated return of the Shrum Bowl. The coveted matchup between SFU and UBC returned for the first time in 12 years, packing the SFU stadium with close to 3,000 fans on a cold Friday night. After an exciting back-and-forth game that saw the majority of the scoring occur in the last quarter, UBC would emerge victorious, scoring with 25 seconds left in the game to steal an 18–17 victory from SFU.

Swimming

The swim team competed at the weekend-long Husky Invitational in Washington on December 2. The women’s side took home all five relay wins in the team’s last university competition of 2022. The men’s and women’s teams posted strong performances from individual athletes, starting with senior Jordan Doner’s winning time in the women’s 100 m breaststroke (1:02.98). Teammates Marcus Mak won the men’s 200 m backstroke in 1:47.72, and Dylan Kormendy won the men’s 200 m breaststroke in 1:59.84. 

Men’s Wrestling

At the Carolina Clash on December 3, the men’s wrestling team faced two top-10-ranked teams in the NCAA. The men won two of their five duals matches, including victories against Kentucky Wesleyan (34–9) and Belmont Abbey (26–23). Red Leafs’ competitors Magnus McCrackin (sophomore, 157 pounds), Randy McDonald (senior, 141 pounds) and Taniela Feliciano-Takafua (junior, 285 pounds) each won three matches. During the Minnesota State Cactus Duals on December 17, the Red Leafs dropped three dual matchups against Minnesota State, San Francisco State, and Colorado State Pueblo. Junior team member Maka Yacapin won his three matches, remaining undefeated during the competition. 

Women’s Wrestling

The sixth-ranked women’s team had a full day of competition on December 18 at the Wartburg College Desert Duals. The team won all but one of their dual matches, pulling out victories against Schreiner (53–6), Wayland Baptist (44–11), and Tiffin (44–13). Team members Emily Cue (senior, 170 pounds) and Eleni Fakaosi (sophomore, 143 pounds) were undefeated at the meet.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

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© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society