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Dr. Viktor Jirsa discusses his work on The Virtual Brain

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This photo is of a plastic model brain sitting on a table.
Jirsa is the lead scientist on The Virtual Brain. PHOTO: Robina Weermeijer / Unsplash

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

The Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology hosted a conversation with Dr. Viktor Jirsa, facilitated by professor of biomedical, physiology, and kinesiology, Dr. Stephen Robinovitch. Jirsa is director of the neuroscience institute in Marseille and a theoretical physicist. Currently, Jirsa is involved as the lead scientist in both the Human Brain Project and The Virtual Brain.

Robinovitch started the dialogue by asking about the significance of The Virtual Brain for both basic science and medical perspectives. The Virtual Brain model is a project that Jirsa has worked on for the past 20 years. “This model is an open source software package for exploring network mechanisms of brain function in health and disease,” explained Robinovitch. 

Robinovitch noted Jirsa’s work is referred to as data augmentation. He asked Jirsa how his work can be considered in contexts such as epilepsy. Jirsa answered this question by explaining the specific use for clinicians and research. 

“One particularity of the virtual brain is that it is not just a simulating source activity. But it’s also mapping the sources,” said Jirsa. Further noting in terms of medicine, the situation of a patient’s illness will vary from patient to patient. The Virtual Brain will be able to tailor healthcare decisions for each patient, based on the data derived from the Virtual Brain model.

Jirsa noted it is important to study brain dynamics in the resting stage. He underlined a major focus of this work is to study the model with neural dynamics in the resting stage, in order for models to be built from standard neuroimaging data.

“The resting state is not just a simple, idle state where not much is happening [ . . . ] What is happening at rest is that there is exploration, a large repertoire of different networks,” explained Jirsa. “And so there are large dynamics, complex dynamics, ongoing.” 

Jirsa also touched on the philosophical aspect of the work. “I went back to Germany to study philosophy, because the answer was linked to cognition consciousness. How does a mind merge from a collection of neurons?” 

He explained his interest in philosophy stems from wanting to understand how something as complex as human behaviour and cognition can emerge from brain matter. To do this, he “sought out a leading mathematician working on the field of self-organization.” 

The theory of self-organization is a way of understanding how humans organize community behaviour and global order. Human behaviour is “not just a movement time, or a reaction time, behaviour is very complex,” said Jirsa. “That’s the reason why the theory of self organization, the initial motivation, has never left me. It’s still here.”

To learn more about The Virtual Brain Model, visit their website.

Netflix releasing Dahmer was a sickening act

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Peak Web
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laptop with a youtube page open to a true crime disappearance video
Film companies profit off trauma for true crime content. ILLUSTRATION: Stella Laurino / The Peak

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

Content warning: discussions of homicide, mentions of racism

There’s a cruel level of insensitivity embedded into the new true crime series titled Dahmer. Currently, Netflix seems to be riding out its influence in the streaming entertainment industry by producing shows monetizing killers’ stories at the cost of victims and their families. It’s no surprise such a platform would easily overlook the impact this show has on those who are deeply wounded by Dahmer’s violent actions. It’s also no surprise that audiences are now often separated by those who care and those who display nonsensical fetishization for killers. 

The current story circulating about Dahmer is that families of the victims were never once contacted, nor made aware by Netflix that their stories were to be profited from. This is revolting on many levels. We could argue if this were the case, cast members shouldn’t have made the decision to participate in the show. This lack of transparency is one of many questions that complicate the discussion of ethics in true crime. As an audience, we’re offered a story that families of the deceased might not want to share. Such a violation of consent amidst total awareness of the oversight makes this series appear like nothing more than a money making scheme. 

True crime films and documentaries should uphold proper ethics towards victims and their loved ones. As viewers exposing ourselves to the tragedies of others, we need to question whether they consented to this and how much of it is true. These shows normally recount horrors to the extent that it reignites painful and gruesome memories for victims and their families who live to remember them. There are several considerations that true crime documentaries need to take before and after production, such as sticking to the truth at the expense of story. Frequent dialogue about ethics is essential. Netflix, as a $100 billion dollar corporation, needed to respect and uphold that, but they didn’t.

Issues with the show’s production were also highlighted in concerns raised by a worker behind the scenes. More specifically, among two Black women, one worker was faced with an exhaustive environment where everyone else seemed to confuse her with the other Black coworker. Another finding currently under the radar is that a journalist who worked on the original criminal case said the narrative sold to audiences is inaccurate. 

Unfortunately, that’s Netflix: overlooking the negative harms they brought onto families of the victims through marketing, producing, and releasing the show. The multi-billion dollar entertainment company shows no consideration of what ethics are regarding true crime, or whether they ought to practice them at all. Netflix needs to respond by removing the series indefinitely. It’s done no good for its audience, nor the most important people: victims and their families. It’s vile that this is where the entertainment industry is at with representing true crime on screen.

SFU hands Western Washington their first loss

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photo of SFU forward Devin O’Hea protecting the ball from a defender.
Job not done yet: the men’s soccer team are focused on making a playoff push. PHOTO: Wilson Wong / SFU Athletics

By: Simran Sarai, Sports Writer

SFU men’s soccer team is picking up steam as they head towards the end of their regular season, and compete for a playoff spot. On October 6, they took down the Western Washington University (WWU) Vikings  2–1, ending WWU’s unbeaten streak. At the time, the Vikings were ranked 20th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) DII poll. Although the Red Leafs haven’t cracked the top 25 yet, they’re gaining recognition. Their win against WWU puts them in an even better position to make the list. 

SFU senior midfielder Mark Talisuna opened the scoring with a penalty kick marker, less than a minute and a half after the first whistle. However, the Vikings made quick work of the Red Leafs lead, scoring the equalizer just minutes later. The game remained tied until junior forward Devin O’Hea notched a goal in the 72nd minute to seal the victory for SFU. 

The Peak reached out to goal scorers Talisuna and O’Hea for a recap of the game, and what this win means for the remainder of their season.

SFU started the game with pressure early, infiltrating their opponents’ line of defense, and forcing the Vikings to take a penalty. Talisuna doesn’t have a specific move reserved for penalty kicks. He prefers to wait to see what the goalkeeper does before making his first move. “I usually just start to step right before I take it, so I can kind of catch the goalkeeper leaning, and then I just put it the other way,” he revealed. “That’s what I’ve done my last couple of penalties and it seems to be working for me.” 

Penalty kick drills also aren’t something Talisuna and his teammates devote too much time to during practice. Talisuna believes it’s something players hone into when the moment comes. “The coaching staff trusts me to kind of go out there and execute when I’m put in those situations, so, that’s that,” he explained.

Although the Red Leafs held an early lead, the Vikings quickly rebounded to halt the momentum from Talisuna’s early goal. “When you score early, you’re kind of expected to build on from that,” said Talisuna. “The fact that they scored so quickly after us was kind of like a gut punch, but you just got to react as a team, and see if you can get back to doing the good things.”

While it can feel frustrating for players to start back at square one, Talisuna understands that it’s all a part of the game. “That’s what soccer is sometimes. It’s [a] game of momentum, and that’s how stuff plays out.”

O’Hea would restore the momentum with his second half goal. “I can remember it pretty vividly,” said O’Hea. “It was a corner kick from the left side. Our left back Niko [Papakyriakopoulos] crossed it in, and I ran near [the] post and headed the ball in.” 

When asked how it felt to score the game winning goal, O’Hea talked about the relief of a little adding insurance. “We were tied 1–1. Getting that last goal really seals it off, and puts everyone head over heels, just knowing that we can win the game.” O’Hea says it was knowing the team had the ability to outperform the higher-ranked WWU team that kept them going late in the game. 

While handing WWU its first loss of the season was an impressive feat for the team, both Talisuna and O’Hea are focused on booking their ticket to the postseason, with O’Hea hoping to do so against a familiar opponent in Seattle Pacific University. “They beat us last time at home 1–0,” said O’Hea about the extra stakes at play. “That’s a big game. We got to come up and be prepared to prove ourselves for that game, because they beat us at home. That leaves a sting, so we want revenge for that game for sure.”

Board game café opening near Harbour Centre

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Stack of board games, with Code Names at the top, with a Mugshare mug on top filled with coffee. The board games are on a blue Hawaiian chair cushion behind a brick wall.
PHOTO: Leah Katz, Turquoise Goat

By: Jocelyn Wong, SFU Student

Joey Kudish and Leah Katz are partners in life and business. They’re the owners of a unique board game café set to open on November 5. Located less than a block away from SFU Woodward’s building, the cafe is in the HiVe Vancouver Coworking community space. The Peak had the opportunity to speak with the pair about their grand plans for Turquoise Goat. 

Walking into the newly-renovated space, I was struck immediately by its vibrancy and nostalgic feel. “Gastown is missing a bit of a queer and colorful presence,” Kudish said.

With Katz’s culinary experience, and Kudish’s history in web development, the pair knew they were equipped to make something special.

Their $10 stay-in-place fee for visitors (reduced to $7 during initial operation and $5 for students on Wednesdays) will offer multiple hours of access to thousands of games. Folks will also have unlimited access to a game steward who’ll get to know you, find out a little bit about your previous board game history, and help you craft the perfect gaming experience. “There are always new games coming out, so we’re getting the latest and greatest, as well as some of the classics you may have had in childhood.”

Although they’re still building their selection, the pair talked about their plans to provide games in many languages, as well as games that are accessible to people who are blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or have low vision. “We’re going to have music, but it won’t be overpowering. So someone who might find loud spaces overwhelming can also find themselves welcome here.

“We’re also trying to intentionally build space in between our tables,” said Kudish. “So if you use a wheelchair [or another piece of mobility equipment], you can feel welcome, too. And all of those pieces are not going to be perfect. We’re just figuring it out and always have room to learn.”

Katz and Kudish also spoke on providing their staff with living wages. “For Metro Vancouver, this year [the liveable wage] was calculated at $20.52, so we rounded that up to $21 an hour.”

Turquoise Goat promises to offer an ever growing and evolving menu for various lifestyles and dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free, you’ll have the chance to enjoy what Katz calls an “elevated café-style menu.” Gourmet grilled cheeses, from-scratch soups and salads, custom charcuterie boards, gourmet popcorn, and more will be offered. And all until late night! 

For those feeling a bit boozy, the team’s working on a craft cocktail menu that’ll pair well with creative dishes like Katz’s dreamy galaxy pancakes. 

Turquoise Goat follows provincial COVID-19 guidelines set by the provincial health authority, with paid sick leave being provided to staff. 

Follow Turquoise Goat on Instagram or Twitter to learn more about their opening celebrations.

Monday Music: Cottage core

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Peak Web
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“Monday Music” in orange block text on a yellow rectangular background with rounded corners and an orange border.
Monday Music: your weekly themed playlist. Image courtesy of The Peak.

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor

I don’t know about you, but when midterms hit and deadlines all come crashing at once, it can be hard to find brief moments of respite in the chaos. I don’t know how I would cope without my daily walks or bike rides and the music that accompanies them. Lately, my cottage core playlist has been doing it for me. With genres ranging from folk to twee pop to country, the songs transport me to a picturesque, cottage core setting (think fields, linen, prairies, berries, and picnic baskets). There’s something about daydreaming of simple living in a remote landscape that helps me step out of my everyday hurdles and find peace.

“Anything” by Adrianne Lenker
Photo credit: 4AD Records

“Anything” opens with poetic imagery of a sunny day hanging laundry and eating mangoes. The words meld together so euphoniously, like “Mango in your mouth, juice dripping / Shoulder of your shirtsleeve slipping.” Lenker’s soft voice is sepia-tinted by a muffled guitar backdrop, making this song feel like a hazy, joyous memory of summer. The lyrics, “I wanna sleep in your car while you’re driving / Lay in your lap while I’m crying” sum up the pure romanticism of this song.

“Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski
Photo credit: Good Harbor

“Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski is as cottage core as they come, with fast, folky guitar and harmonica, and lyrics like “fields rolling on,” “the grass where you lay,” and “can you hear the bumblebees swarm?” But don’t misinterpret the lyrics as lighthearted (if you know Mitski, you know her music is anything but). “Strawberry Blonde,” similar to her track “Your Best American Girl,” is an important statement about “Asian-American desirability in conjunction with white romantic desirability.” What makes Mitski so beloved is her ability to capture the raw emotions so many can relate to, and turn it into a beautiful song in the process.

“Visions” by José González
Photo credit: Mute Records

The Swedish singer/songwriter works wonders with an acoustic guitar and his soothing voice. His latest album, Local Valley, is a pastoral landscape full of deeply introspective lyrics, resounding guitar strumming and picking, and songs in three languages (English, Spanish, and Swedish). “Visions” is my favourite song from the album, with chirping birds in the background that are perfect for clearing my mind. It’s easy to get caught up in my day-to-day worries and forget to appreciate the nature and ecosystem that surrounds us. Gonzáles told Far Out, “We are changing our surroundings in an exceedingly rapid pace, so much that we’re becoming stewards of our planet whether we like it or not.” This song helps rekindle my connection to nature.

SFU Football Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Clayton

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photo of Clayton holding the Shrum Bowl trophy on the field with teammates.
Clayton (41) holding the 1991 Shrum Bowl trophy with teammates Jason Exner (44) and Scott Arsenault (77). PHOTO: Jamie Clayton

By: Hannah Kazemi, Staff Writer

We often hear about SFU athletes who have stepped up or had a particularly impressive season, but what happens to those athletes when they graduate and leave SFU? The Peak speaks with SFU football alumni to find out how and why they continue to support SFU’s young student athletes 30–35 years after their time with the program. 

Jamie Clayton, current secretary of the SFU Football Alumni Society, played on the SFU football team from 1988–91 as a linebacker.

While Clayton was happy to have “beat UBC three years out of four” during his time on the SFU football team, what he most takes away from his alma mater is what he received after his time with the program: a degree. “If it wasn’t for football, I wouldn’t have gone to SFU,” Clayton said. 

Clayton has continued to be involved with SFU football since he graduated. “I always tell the guys if I could write a big cheque I would, but I can’t. I don’t have the financial means to do that,” he joked. “So what I do is put my time in supporting the student athletes at SFU. I feel it’s made a huge difference in my life, and I think that for many students that are athletes at a university, it makes a big difference in their life.” 

Clayton says one of those difference makers is a student’s bond to SFU, which he believes is largely lacking otherwise. “I think [SFU] needs a lot more of connecting students to the university in a way that creates a really strong bond, so that students like myself will give back to the school in many different ways.”

One of the many ways alumni give back to fellow athletes is through raising money for scholarships. “Athletics is a representation of SFU, just like the science department, [and] the business department,” Clayton said. “You want to attract the best of the best if you can. You can’t just say ‘come and spend your money here,’ right? There has to be some incentive.”

But what’s the incentive for alumni to support a football program that made up just a sliver of their life? Clayton says it’s the types of bonds that only football can create. “I don’t know if every sport is like this, [but] football is for sure. You just build a very close-knit group of people, and you never really forget the time that you had together — the good times and the bad,” he says. “We all wear our SFU red with pride.”

How I fell in love with hockey

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illustration of a girl with long brown curly hair and bangs sitting amazed amongst a crowd at a hockey game.
I may look happy, but I’m actually just a big ball of nerves. ILLUSTRATION: Andrea Choi / The Peak

By: Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

I didn’t fall in love with hockey until I was 13. It was a couple months after the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) draft, and the Toronto Maple Leafs number one pick, Auston Matthews, was all over my Instagram feed. Video after video showed clips from his first NHL game: his first, second, third, and fourth goal of the night. In just his first professional game, Matthews had accomplished a feat no other player had: most goals in an NHL debut. Overnight, the 19-year-old had become a sensation. And while four goals was enough to make me do my own research about the future Rocket Richard Trophy winner (for most goals in an NHL season), it wasn’t enough to convince me to tune into the team’s next game. No, it was the fact that the Maple Leafs had lost that game 5–4 in overtime, even with Matthews’ four-goal performance. How bad did the Toronto Maple Leafs have to be? I found out next game: pretty bad.

You never quite knew what version of the Maple Leafs was going to skate out on the ice. Would they play a solid 40 minutes, carve themselves a sizable lead, and then hand it over to their opponents in the third period? Or would they have the worst start imaginable, play catch-up for the remainder of the game, and barely squeak out a win? The team had no semblance of order whatsoever, and that was the best part. It was like going on a roller coaster. Except the roller coaster you thought you were going on is actually the one over there, and oh my gosh, you’re suspended upside-down in the air, and there’s no seatbelt???

I didn’t fall in love with hockey over dazzling plays. I fell in love with the theatrics of the game and its storytelling. As a fan, you’re witnessing players write a story in front of you, and it’s different every time. Each game starts out the same: three 20-minute periods. But they rarely ever unfold in the same way. This is exactly why an underdog team can beat a playoff contender, and subsequently lose their next game to the worst team in the league. That’s what the writer in me loves the most: the storylines, the arcs, and the heroics. Will a goalie stand on their head and pull out a win for a team who had no business doing so? Or will a fourth-line, low-minute player, be the one to find the back of the net when their team needs it the most?

You don’t have to understand hockey to tune into a game. You don’t have to root for a team, or care who wins. I grew up in a family full of hockey goalies, but I didn’t bother to watch games on my own until I saw the pandemonium that was, and still is, the Toronto Maple Leafs. I promise you, without any of these stakes, you’ll be just as fascinated. You’ll find yourself feeling emotionally invested. You won’t be able to shake the feeling of watching a goal go in. No matter where you’re watching the game, regardless of the fact that you can’t see the millions of people doing so alongside you, you’ll all collectively hold your breath. The puck will inch its way into the net in slow motion, and before you know it, you’ll all be standing up and screaming. 

That’s the beauty of sports. I’ve never felt more exhilarated and more anxious in my entire life, and I’m already an anxious person! But there’s just something so magical about hockey that keeps pulling me in. It’s the same reason I watch it every day, why I turned it into my career, and why I can watch any game, at any level, and still enjoy it just as much as the next. For me, hockey is far more than a hobby. I’ve devoted my life to the game at this point, and I’ve still never felt tired of watching a hockey game, not even for a second. I know that while the game will continue to stay the same, there’s a whole generation of players I haven’t heard about yet, waiting to make their impact, with stories demanding to be witnessed.

A newbie guide to Vancouver

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PHOTO: Kyle Thacker / UNSPLASH

By: Daniel Salcedo Rubio

Don’t worry, today I’m not speaking about science at all, I’m actually going to talk about my experience in Vancouver so far. Vancouver is such a beautiful and diverse place — and like most cities, there are tons of things to do. This is aimed towards the new arrivals rather than Vancouver veterans, but maybe even locals will find something interesting to do if you keep reading. 

The Food

As I said, Vancouver is a beautiful and diverse city, not only in its people but also in its foods, from getting breakfast on Granville Island to enjoying the Richmond Night Market. Here are some of my recommendations if you ever want to eat out:

IKEA 9.5/10

I don’t care what Disney says, IKEA is the real “happiest place on Earth.” Imagine, you just moved into the city, and you need some furniture for your new place: where do you go? IKEA, of course. So after what feels like five hours of aimlessly walking around and realising you only have the budget for a chair, a fork, and one hanger, you find yourself in their restaurant ordering some Swedish meatballs and poutine. And why is it so good? Is it dehydration from being lost for the last five hours? Who knows; just put your earphones on, play ABBA’s greatest hits, and enjoy the wonders Sweden has given us.

Tim Hortons 8/10

I’ll begin by saying I love Tims. Harvest Breakfast Sandwich on an English muffin, a sour cream glazed doughnut, and an iced coffee? I would order it every single day if I had the money. The only reason I’m not giving it a higher note is there isn’t much variety in their sandwich menu, but their baked goods compensate for it. Also, if you prefer Starbucks over Tim Hortons, I’ll fight you.

Honey Doughnuts & Goodies 10/10

These doughnuts. God . . . no words. Try every single flavour, but the must-try is their speciality: the honey-glazed doughnuts.

Vonns 8/10

This tiny restaurant is located right by English Bay. To be completely honest, the hamburgers are good, but not impressive. But their truffle fries are mouth-wateringly tasty. These are french fries with truffle and parmesan cheese. My recommendation is, don’t eat there, just order some fries to-go and take them to English Bay to watch the sunset. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and be careful with the seagulls!

Of course, there are so many more restaurants out there that you should try. I love eating in a Japadog every now and then and Donair Dude has become a staple after a night at Cambie. Before moving to the next section, I want to give an honourable mention to some of my favourite Canadian snacks: I can easily down a whole bag of Ketchup chips, All-Dressed, and Canadian Oreos (you know, those maple leaf-shaped cookies with maple cream filling) are beyond delicious. 

The Hikes

Okay, I want to start by saying that I’m scared and also impressed at how casual some Vancouverites are with the chance of crossing paths with a bear on many hikes. On the other hand, I totally understand — there are some beautiful hiking trails out there that are totally worth the risk of running into a bear. So far my favourite trails have been:

Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver

Not sure if this can be considered a hiking trail or just a park. Anyways, this is a relatively small hike that will eventually take you to the Lighthouse viewpoint, which is quite pretty. There’s another path near the cabins that will take you all the way to the shore where you can catch a beautiful view of the Lighthouse during the sunset. Also, if you are lucky enough, you might get to see a sea lion poking their head out of the sea. Do I need to say more?

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge | North Vancouver

Do you want to see the Capilano Bridge but don’t feel like spending $40 on the entrance fee? Then Lynn Canyon is for you! Whilst small, this trail still offers great views of the suspension bridge and the Twin Falls bridge. The trail is incredibly well kept and you can feel at peace with nature here. In my opinion, this is probably the best trail to go with some sandwiches, coffee, and just chill by the river.

Diez Vistas Trail | Anmore

To be honest, I kinda hate and love this trail. On one hand, the views (or at least the one view I got to see) are beautiful; on the other hand, getting to the first viewpoint is brutal. I know I don’t have the best stamina out there, but I swear the first 2km are ridiculously steep. I almost quit before getting to the first viewpoint, but thankfully I’m a stubborn Latino and I managed to get to Punta del Este. I must say, totally worth it. I’m also giving extra points to Diez Vistas because Buntzen Lake is literally only a 10-minute walk from the start of the trail — this is literally the perfect day plan.

Activities and others

The ten-stop Vancouver Bike trail

You’ve probably been recommended to do the Stanley Park seawall trail, and yeah, you totally should. Rent a bike near Coal Harbor and then move towards the start of the Stanley Park seawall. Enjoy some of the best views towards the north shore and the Lions Gate bridge, and take a quick break on either the Third or Second Beaches before getting to English Bay Beach. Afterwards, you should move towards Sunset Beach and continue the path along False Creek: you’ll pass by Science World and eventually end up at Granville Island. 

Once in Granville, take a short break, grab something to eat, and maybe some blue raspberry gelato from Pizza Pzazz. Fresh and ready to move on? Probably not, we’ve been biking all day. Anyways, your next stop after Granville Island should be Kitsilano Beach, you can either stop here and look for a restaurant or just keep going all the way towards Jericho Beach. Almost done! Keep cycling all the way towards UBC alongside Wreck Beach and finish your trail at the Pacific Spirit Regional park. 

Before even beginning, be mindful, this trail is over 32km. You’ll probably spend a good part of the day doing it. Make sure you bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen!

Richmond Night Market

We might be a bit late for this one, but keep it on your list for next year. Are you hungry for a sushi taco, a deep-fried bao bun and some South American-inspired drinks? Then the Richmond Night Market is for you. There’s so much to do that my only recommendation is to go on an empty stomach. Take your time and enjoy everything the market has to offer —  believe me, it’s a lot, so you’ll probably need to go a couple of times.

Of course, there are many more things to do in Vancouver than what I can write about in this guide. Yet, I hope you found something new to do or something you’ve already done and want to try again. If you have any recommendations or you truly want to fight me over Tim Hortons being better than Starbucks, I suggest you contact me and write an article on your own personal guide to Vancouver! 

Confessionals: I look at episode summaries of shows I say I’ll watch

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Illustration of a closed envelope, with the text, “Confessionals”
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang /The Peak

By: Showstopper

Dearly beloved, sinners, and worse, drivers in downtown Vancouver,

I come to this sacred space to confess another crime. It has taken me years to admit this about myself, but I think it’s always good to set examples of moral backbone to the younger generations. Alright, here goes nothing. I . . . look at Wikipedia summaries of shows I never intend to watch. That’s right, every single friend that asks, “Have you watched x or y?” I will confidently say yes and deliver the episode summary in full with not a single ounce of shame in my moralless backbone. 

Well, just as an example, I don’t really want to watch House of the Dragon because I’m too poor to afford another subscription service. But like, I have to admit there’s only so much you can talk about an uncle and a niece being into each other before you look up something. You get curious! And like, five seasons of Riverdale is too long! Why can’t I watch clip compilations instead and hour long videos of people talking about the show instead? Why can’t I also enjoy the epic highs and lows of high school football?!

The problem, I think, is some people believe I can’t enjoy any show I watch because I look up the critical emotional climaxes before I absorb them in the moment. What these people don’t understand about me is that my impulse control is about as long as my phone, which I’m using to look up an episode summary of Gray’s Anatomy right now. No emotional climax will ever be as gratifying as the knowledge of being right. There’s no such thing as skillful cinematography! No such thing as a satisfying experience! I don’t see it, so I don’t believe it!

I just want to say that I feel like people like me are persecuted when what I’m doing is well within the rights of personal speech. Sure, it’s also well in the realm of an ethical donut hole, but that doesn’t matter! If I feel like I should know something so I can look informed during brunch, why shouldn’t I indulge a little?

. . . So I have another little, tiny, teensy secret for you. It’s really surprising. I’m sure you’ll get it because you are all understanding and kind folks. I flip to the last page of a book to make sure it’s worth reading. Hehe, I guess you could say I live on the wild side.

Letter to a legend: My first role model

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photo a woman stretching on the ground, leaning over to reach her partner
Mental coaching: I never stopped learning lessons about myself from your teaching. PHOTO: Kampus Production / Pexels

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

Dear Ms. Dines, 

I decided to write to you because before we met, I hated sports so much. The idea of having to continuously push myself, and test my own mental strength and stamina through movement was so foreign to me. I remember how everyone had immense respect for you, and your tenacity to help student athletes reach their breakthrough.

I also remember the first time I asked you to help me improve my physical health. I want to say thank you for being the first role model in my life to have a lasting impact on my beliefs. Thank you for pushing me to realize that my mind only gets stronger each time I exceed my own expectations. Most of that experience came from being a team player for my classmates. The thought of showing up and getting better for myself and everyone else around me really helped me grow.  I will never forget when you told me, “Just because you practice, doesn’t mean you will get better. Practice does not always equate to perfect results. If you practice the wrong fundamentals, then it’s a waste.” You spoke to the part of me I didn’t know existed — the part that craved movement. 

I wrote this letter to tell you I haven’t been able to find another coach like you. I came to university, and as I approach graduation I ask myself, “Why on earth did I not pursue sports?” It just felt so foreign to move on without your lead. Like I was starting back at step one. Thinking about you made me realize that I need to be physically active for my health. I am still learning about which activities excites me, but for now, aerobics and walking feel good enough for me.

Sincerely, 
Nercya

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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