Monday Music: your weekly themed playlist. Image courtesy of The Peak.
By: Makena Leyh, SFU Student
Whether it’s a doubleshot blonde shaken espresso from my favourite local café or the watered-down dark roast my partner brewed two hours ago, coffee is a necessary part of my wake up routine. However you get your daily dose of caffeine, why not sit back and savour your morning pick-me-up? Enjoy the start of your day with this sweet playlist of easy listening tunes.
This song is short but sweet, similar to an espresso con panna. Apollo packs a healthy serving of bluesy guitar riffs and silky smooth vocals into this lovesick tune, which sits at only two minutes and seven seconds. The song follows Apollo as he surrenders his attempts convincing himself he’s “barely in love” to admit his love interest “takes his breath away.” From beginning to end, “Ugotme” is carried by a strong, steady beat that is absolutely addictive to listen to. If the jazzy guitar and sappy lyrics still don’t have you convinced, then maybe you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
If you don’t know and love the late British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse from her 2000s hits like “Rehab” or “You Know I’m No Good,” then you are definitely missing out! Seriously though, were you living under a rock in 2006? Maybe you were just a baby then, but that’s no excuse to avoid Winehouse’s unforgettable voice for all these years. “Just Friends” might not have hit the charts as hard as her other songs on the Back To Black album, but this reggae-inspired tune definitely deserves a spot on your playlist now. Winehouse’s expressive and soulful vocals layer perfectly on top of the laid-back rhythm, just like the foam on the top of your cappuccino.
H.E.R. is the queen of producing sexy slow jams, and this one can be paired wonderfully with a hot and steamy caffé mocha, or maybe even a flat white. Honestly, this mellow track will go well with whatever you’re drinking this morning, even if it’s an iced oat milk latte. The song is fantastic in every kind of way (see what I did there?), from the seamlessly flowing beat and bassline to the passionate and vulnerable lyricism. “Every Kind Of Way” makes it easy to envision a romanticised morning with your love; sunlight pouring in through the blinds, freshly-washed pyjamas, and — of course — good coffee.
Plenty to explore in this world. Screenshot courtesy of Kelly Chia
By: Kelly Chia, Staff Writer
Like many kids in the 90s, Pokémon has cemented itself into my life. It’s how I met my best friend, and I think my shelves of Pokémon plushies speak to how much this franchise has affected me.
Unfortunately, the main game series have always been formulaic. You catch Pokémon and defeat eight gym leaders. You always know what to expect: a game that takes maybe 10 hours to play through, leisurely. In fact, many players create their own challenges to make the games more difficult.
But recently, developer Game Freak has been trying to implement open world elements. Instead of a linear storyline, players are able to freely explore the world and chase whatever objectives they want. In Swordand Shield, they introduced the Wild Area, a place where players encounter scaled-to-life models of Pokémon in grass and water. I still remember the fear I felt when I accidentally ran into a giant Onyx (a surly rock snake).
Pokémon: Legends Arceus takes this concept of encountering real Pokémon in the players’ world, and emphasizes exploration before anything else.
Catching Pokémon is a pleasure since you’re catching them in real time, not on a turn-by-turn basis like the previous games. I can get 10 Pokémon in the time I used to spend whittling down the health of one. Battles actually feel challenging, and they’re much faster than they used to be. You can run around, giving the battle more angles and making them feel more lively.
This open world concept is something Pokémon has desperately needed. When you encountered Pokémon in previous games, you’d run in a patch of grass, and a screen would pop up, putting your character in battle. In Legends, you actually see Pokémon in nature. It was a delight to run around the Starly that would flock to the skies if you were too loud; or see Spheal — a round seal Pokémon — roll around to greet you.
More importantly, I was humbled by the large Pokémon who wanted to stomp me.
You see, there’s a mechanic called Alpha Pokémon, where the Alphas are much larger and aggressive. When I walked into the first area of the game, I was greeted by an Alpha Rapidash — a unicorn with a flaming mane. Scary, right? But this is a Pokémon game. I figured I didn’t have to fear death, so I innocently marched right up to it. The damn unicorn blew a giant flamethrower, sending me running for the hills.
It was thrilling. I truly respected how formidable these Pokémon were.
I also have to give a shout out to the villagers your character meets. In this world, people are more wary of Pokémon. This is such a contrast to a series where it’s well established that Pokémon and humans are friends. I loved helping the villagers meet Pokémon they’re inspired by and see their relationship with the Pokémon grow.
Unfortunately, the game’s graphics are nothing to write home about. The sublime sight of watching Pokémon play in the ocean is marred by how sad that ocean looks. For a big franchise, the graphics are half-baked. Still, I’ve never expected beautiful graphics. Most of the time, I’m too busy relaxing with Legends’ gorgeous soundtrack to notice the grass.
Despite the subpar visuals, I’m having much more fun with Legends than I can remember with any Pokémon game.
Game Freak has spent over 20 years producing essentially the same formula. Legends is a marked difference in the franchise’s history. Seeing Pokémon this animated compared to the static encounters I’m used to gives me hope for its future. I hope to Arceus that games like Legends are here to stay.
by Tamanna T., Staff Writer and Marco Ovies, Features Editor
Dr. David Chariandy
Courtesy of SFU
One of the most accomplished professors at SFU is Dr. David Chariandy. A professor who teaches creative writing and literature, Chariandy is also a well-known writer for his fiction and non-fiction works. His first novel, Soucouyant, was nominated for over 11 literary awards. Additionally, he won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize for his second novel Brother, which deals with themes of masculinity, race, and identity.
Both in and out of the classroom, Chariandy aims to highlight Black authors. With the help of Student of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA), he organized an event last December which platformed writers such as Dionne Brand, Christina Sharpe, and Canisia Lubrin. In the classroom, Dr. Chariandy told The Peak he teaches Black Canadian literature, for the “rich, complex, and historically deep body of texts” they offer.
Dr. June Francis
PHOTO: Waltraud Greif
Dr. June Francis is an associate professor in the Beedie School of Business and teaches marketing. In an interview with The Peak, Francis explained, “My work at SFU has always been about creating spaces of flourishing, particularly for those most often disadvantaged by our structures, policies, and practices. As a Black professor I am painfully aware of the ways in which some racial groups are erased from research, teaching, and near absent from decision-making roles.”
Francis is also the co-founder of The Co-laboratorio, a project which works to encourage collaboration between different sectors and create “resilient solutions” with policymakers and local governments. Additionally, she is the director of the Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement at SFU. Francis’ involvement doesn’t stop there. She was also a key member in the motion of SFU hiring more Black faculty. Her myriad list of accomplishments includes being Chair of the board of Hogan’s Alley Society, which works towards the advancement of people of African descent.
Her research focuses on “amplifying the perspective of those whose voices are usually at the periphery, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and racialized.”
Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson
Photo courtesy of SFU
Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson is a scholar and organizational developer who works towards equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She was recently named SFU’s first vice-president, people, equity, and inclusion and has worked in leadership roles at many organizations including Fraser Health.
In an interview with ROOM Magazine, she said, “What my work is centred around is this passion for human development. No matter where we are, we can all develop further, and there’s always possibility for our thinking and our persons to expand. That expansion, for me, is about furthering our individual and collective potential as humanity, and I’m super passionate about that.”
Balqees Jama
Courtesy of Simon Fraser Student Society
Balqees Jama is the president of SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA) and actively promotes inclusiveness and equality of international and Black students of SFU.
“Black and Indigenous people are the backbone of community care and advocacy at SFU. We’ve achieved historic milestones, many of which benefit the wider community,” she said in an interview with The Peak.
Currently pursuing a degree in international studies, Jama has previously served as a member of the Board of Directors in Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) as well as the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group.Jama has had an important hand in SFSS’ fight for inclusivity. Among other initiatives, she penned and brought forward the motion of hiring more Black faculty at SFU. “Black people are not activists by choice; it’s a matter of survival. It’s hard to put yourself out there, as being Black and vocal often means having a target on your back. However, I’m learning the importance of organizing in Black love and joy. So in 2022, that’s exactly what I’m doing!”
Eternity Martis
PHOTO: Corey Misquita
Eternity Martis is SFU’s current Non-Fiction Writer in Residence. Hailing from Toronto, Martis is an award-winning journalist whose work has been featured in multiple magazines and newspapers, including Vice, CBC, and Huffington Post. She is also a critically acclaimed author for her bestselling memoir — They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up.
In an interview with Ryerson University about They Said This Would Be Fun, Martis said, “I don’t think that race gets talked about enough — it’s quickly dismissed as ‘not everything is about race’ or ‘talking about race is divisive.’ The fact that systemically, people of colour continue to be precariously employed, have poor health profiles, are victims of state violence, among many other issues, means that everything is about race — we just don’t want to admit it, or perhaps we don’t even see how. Writing this book, I didn’t want to sound like a broken record, what I wanted to show was the ways that race permeates every institution around us — university, police, media, even our own families.”
Osob Mohamed
PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak
Osob Mohamed, a recent graduate from the Faculty of Health and Sciences Bachelor program, is an important part of the SFU community. She was the SFSS president amidst the pandemic, from 2020–21 and worked diligently towards developing SFSS’ Issues Policy on reproductive rights. She had an integral role in helping students navigate the first year of the pandemic, prioritizing student mental health when anxiety and uncertainty were at their highest. During her time with the SFSS, Mohamed accomplished many feats like leading the charge on the elective grading scheme and supporting the marginalized communities.
In an interview with The Peak, Mohamed said through her experience on the SFSS, she’s had the chance to “improve the student quality of life at SFU academically, financially, and health-wise.”
Currently, Mohamed is “an alumni member of the SFU Black Caucus, and is working as a consultant to the university in the creation of a Black Student Centre.” She envisions this to be “a space for Black students to gather, receive tailored support, enjoy events and programming, and enjoy a space just for them!”
Juliane Okot Bitek
Photo courtesy of Seasmin Taylor
An Acholi poet, Juliane Okot Bitek was the 2020–21 Ellen and Warren Tallman Writer in Residence with SFU’s Department of English. Her book titled 100 Days dissects the effect of the Rwandan genocide on memory. It was nominated for multiple awards and won the INDIEFAB Book of the Year award for poetry in 2017.
In an interview with PRISM internationalon 100 Days, Bitek said “As a Canadian, Ugandan, and Kenyan-born person, I cannot honestly draw political borders around where my responsibilities lie. Others can write about what they will but I must write about issues that affect all my ways of being, all of them.”
Bitek’s other poems like “Migration: Salt Stories” and “Gauntlet” were nominated and shortlisted for various awards, and more of her works have been widely popular online and have been anthologized in Love Me True. She has also held the title of the Poetry Ambassador of Vancouver.
Tricia-Kay Williams
PHOTO: Metamorphosis Counseling
Tricia-Kay Williams is a clinical counsellor working with SFU’s Health and Counselling. Her expertise lies in trauma, relational issues, anxiety, and career issues. She has previously worked as a residential youth worker and as a social service worker.
Williams is an advocate for anti-racism which directly affects Black communities and is working actively with organizations to adopt an anti-racist approach in their policies. She has her own counselling practice, Metamorphosis Counselling. She also runs a YouTube channel, Meta Transitions, to promote growth in many areas such as career, mental health, and physical wellness.
A sweet walk down memory lane. Illustration: Alyssa Umbal / The Peak
By: Ira Rishi, SFU Student
As someone who hates vegetables, growing up in a vegetarian household was very difficult for me. I was extremely picky about the dishes I ate. Needless to say, I gave my family a tough time. While sometimes my mother would use her power card to ensure I was eating a full meal, other times she’d accommodate my pickiness and make something special. Her go-to dish was simple and nostalgic — choori.
While there is no formal knowledge about this dish’s history, choori is commonly eaten in many desi households.
Choori is an extremely effortless dish made by crushing up piping hot and fresh-off-the-stove chapatis and adding in ghee and sugar. Chapatis are a type of Indian flatbread cooked on the stove.
The first step of making choori is to make chapatis. In the typical Indian style, you need a 2:1 ratio of whole wheat dough and water. The water is added to the dough in intervals, as adding all of it will only make a mess (you don’t want the dough to be drowning in water).
When you start kneading the dough, it might be a little dry at first, so you can add more water as needed. The dough should be kneaded using knuckles — because that’s what helps soften the dough — and it should be kneaded until the dough is soft, yet firm enough to hold its shape. Then, the dough is divided into small balls, just a little bit smaller than the palm of your hand, and rolled out using a rolling pin.
To cook the rolled-out chapatis, they’re placed on a hot circular griddle, commonly called a tawa in India, and cooked on both sides. You’ll know your chapati is cooked properly if it puffs up like a balloon — that is when it is taken off the tawa and torn into smaller pieces.
After crushing the chapatis, a spoonful of ghee and two spoonfuls of sugar are added. It is important for the chapatis to be fresh and hot as the ghee and sugar will melt, making the warm, cozy mess that is choori.
I’ve always loved choori, but it’s a rare treat for me now. When I first moved to Canada, it dawned on me that I hadn’t had choori in years and it was now only a distant memory from my childhood. Even when I tried to find the ingredients and assemble them myself, choori was not the same. It was upon being separated from this dish that I realized there’s more to food than just sustaining life. Choori allows me to stop and take a moment to relive my childhood.
If you’re interested in making choori, you can check out Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s online recipe. While I grew up on a different recipe, Chef Kapoor’s certainly provides you with some ideas about how this dish can be customized to your liking.
I would sacrifice my well-being for an A.
PHOTO: Allyson Klassen / The Peak
by Maya Beninteso, Peak Associate
You knew my type in high school. I always sat in the front row and was a part of too many student councils and clubs to remember. I was a multi-sport athlete. I was the valedictorian of my graduating class. I was the person who believed a 90% on a test was a definite nail in my academic coffin.
In short — I was your textbookoverachiever.
As the first person out of my immediate family that went directly to university after graduating high school, I felt an immense amount of pressure to continue my legacy as the “golden child.” This isn’t because my family placed any sort of emphasis on academic accomplishment — they couldn’t have been more proud of me — but I felt the need to prove I wasn’t a fraud (the imposter syndrome was real).
This is the mindset I carried into my first semester here at SFU. Of course, my grades didn’t magically drop since I kept my good work ethic from high school. However, I found myself obsessing over my grades to the point where I would get sick to my stomach over every email notification from Canvas.
One year ago, I had a 1,200 word essay and I decided at the last minute my writing wasn’t good enough. I deleted the entire paper (yes, every single word) and started all over again at 1:00 a.m. the day it was due. It wasn’t because it was a bad paper — I just didn’t think it was perfect. It had to be perfect, or else my world would obviously implode. This behaviour was positively reinforced because I ended up with an A+ on that paper. So, I continued to do this exact routine of deleting and editing and obsessing until my perfectionism caught up to me.
Last semester was the worst for this, but it taught me an invaluable lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my academic career. Each assignment and exam — no matter how small it was — was accompanied by debilitating anxiety that resulted in me being bedridden. I would get so ill I thought it had to be COVID-19. My signature academic drive ironically drove me to physical illness. Sitting in front of my computer during one of my online midterms, accompanied by a half-used box of tissues and a bowl — just in case — was a truly humbling experience.
My life lacked balance. My Google Calendar was filled with my school and athletic training schedule, but I failed to take care of myself first. I always preach balance is key and there I was willingly prioritizing school over my own well-being. I wanted to believe I could do everything and, while I could try, doing everything under the sun cost me my well-being and happiness. I knew something had to change.
That same semester, I made a friend in my upper-division psychology course. We sat next to each other in lecture and became fast friends purely because of our shared nerdy tendencies. We would make jokes using material from the class, which were thoroughly appreciated by the professor (I definitely cannot say the same for the students in the class). We also shared the same academic drive and similar experiences with school-related anxiety. Because we identified so heavily with one another, we were able to help each other through the semester.
By the time our final rolled around, our typical nausea-inducing anxiety was not nearly as severe. Not only that but, the night prior to our final exam after three weeks of studying together, we decided to have fun. We went out to Lafarge Lake to walk around and see the lights. It was truly an en-light-ening experience. I would’ve never dared to go out the night before a final exam, but I’m glad I did. My newfound friend and I leaned on each other and ultimately taught one another this: you can be a stellar student and have fun. Just because I am going to schedule more time for myself doesn’t mean my grades will drop.
I started to realize my worth isn’t limited to a grade I receive in some class whose contents I will likely not recall. What matters most is making memories with loved ones. Prioritizing my well-being. Living as opposed to barely surviving.
Long story short, I survived last semester, but I am not going to merely survive this semester. I’m going to enjoy it.
Arts & Culture events to catch around the city. Image courtesy of Brianna Quan
By: Sara Wong, Arts & Culture Editor
Homegoing: Blackness and Belonging Across the Canada/US Border | February 17, 6:30–8:00 p.m. | FREE | Online and in-person
As part of the SFU history department’s Highlighting Black Histories series, Homegoing touches on the nuances of Black Canadian experiences. Lecturer Debra Thompson will discuss “the boundaries of racial belonging” inferred from the question “but where are you really from?” Thompson, a Canada Research Chair studying racism in democratic societies, will use her research on race politics — alongside personal experience — to explore the Black diaspora. Registration for this hybrid event is available via Eventbrite.
SOCA events | February 18 and 28 | FREE | Online
Join the Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA) as they wrap up their 2022 Black History Month event schedule with a trivia night and Movie Monday. On Feb. 18, SOCA is partnering with the African Students’ Association and Somali Students Association to present Family Feud, Jeopardy, and Kahoot-style trivia. And on the 28, SOCA is showing the 2015 documentary The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, which highlights the political and cultural significance of the American Black Panther Party. This event will take place on Zoom. Register through Eventbrite.
Chop It Up | February 19, 6:00 p.m. | $27.54 | Online
This community organization was created by two local business owners: Asha Wheeldon of Kula Kitchen and Chris Boreland of Elbo Patties. The goal of Chop It Up is “to bring folks together through a common love for food and culture.” Their upcoming cooking class will focus on 100% plant-based recipes and feature guest speakers Firina Achor, Lilian Umurungi-Jung, and Roger Collins on re-imagining Black businesses. Register for Chop It Up’s next event on Eventbrite. A sliding scale payment option is available by entering the code “BFM” at checkout.
VIFF Black History Month program | Dates and times vary | $10 | Online and in-person
From poignant dramas to pop culture documentaries, VIFF’s selection for Black History Month aims to provide audiences with more opportunities to engage with Black storytelling and filmmaking. Standouts in this year’s lineup include The Learning Tree — a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film about Gordon Parks, the first Black director on a Hollywood film — and Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché, which follows the punk rock icon’s daughter as she traces Styrene’s career around the world. Visit VIFF’s website to see showtimes and book tickets for any BHM program.
Via Kanana | Now until March 6 | $15–45 | Online
In this South African dance showcase, choreographer Gregory Maqoma and Via Katlehong Dance use a variety of moves to challenge “those in power and the unfulfilled promises made in the transition to democracy.” Incorporating the styles of pantsula (a flat-footed dance created during Apartheid) and gumboot, a rhythmic dance focused on stomping and handstrokes, Via Kanana promotes Black visibility and creativity. For more information about the show and to purchase the livestream, visit DanceHouse’s website.
VAG events | Dates and prices vary | In-person
The work of veteran Vancouver-based artist Jan Wade is currently on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) in an exhibit titled Soul Power. Drawing inspiration from her mixed cultural identity and lived experiences as an African Canadian individual, Wade’s multi-media pieces embody “political, social, spiritual, and material transformations.” Soul Power is available until March 13. Outside the VAG is a separate exhibit called Dynamic Diasporas, which also highlights local Black trailblazers. As part of the Vancouver Mural Festival’s Winter Arts lineup, running now until February 27, Dynamic Diasporas uses archival materials to amplify the accomplishments of people like Rosemary Brown and Barbara Howard.
Midterms aren’t as scary as you think. Illustration: Maple Sukontasukkul/The Peak
by Maya Beninteso, Peak Associate
Stop procrastinating
If I have just called you out, my sincerest apologies. I just thought: why procrastinate delivering the best study tip? Although it is easier said than done, how can you cram half a semester’s worth of information in the days leading up to an exam? Short answer — you can’t. Your professors and TAs spent approximately three hours per week teaching you content for six weeks. By that logic, how can you possibly expect yourself to review and memorize that much information in a few days? Instead, try reviewing class content weekly and cumulatively. For example, review week one content at the end of the week, then, the next week, review weeks one and two. Continue this pattern until your exam and you’ll be more than prepared. Even if you think you put the pro in procrastination, this strategy may help to ease some exam-related stress.
Assume the role of the professor
When I study, I like to imagine what I would test students on if I were the professor. This prompts me to reflect on the major points delivered in lectures and assigned in course readings. If there is a concept that appears in lecture and in the readings, chances are you will be tested on it.
Pro tip: if your textbook or syllabus has learning objectives, consult them. These are the “big ideas” your professor wants you to know after having read the chapter. If you cannot answer the questions or prompts detailed in the learning objectives, that’s a sign those concepts need to be reviewed.
Constantly test your knowledge
Self-testing is one of the most effective study techniques — and it’s a method I use all the time. You can tailor this tip to your style of studying, whether that be via mind maps, cue cards, homemade practice exams, or some other self-testing method. I prefer making physical cue cards as they are portable. I test myself whenever I can — during my bus ride to campus, in between episodes of Criminal Minds, and in between sets at the gym (yes, I am that person). This is your cue to start self-testing.
Having a hard time making cue cards for anything other than definitions or formulas? Refer back to tip #2 and assume the role of the professor. What potential questions do you anticipate will be asked?
Utilize study groups — with caution
One major benefit of using a study group is it allows for every individual to share unique information. Three brains are better than one . . . right? While this may be true, there are also challenges associated with groups. Namely, if people fail to share unique information or are too concerned with making friends as opposed to the group’s shared goals. Ensure all members of your potential study group have the same goals as you and are willing to put in their share of effort.
Pro tip: schedule weekly or bi-weekly study sessions and test each other’s knowledge at the end of every session.
Teach anyone who is willing to listen
I mean it — teach absolutely anyone what you have learned in your courses. This option is not limited to your family. Annoy your friends, your stuffed animals, or the entire 145 bus to SFU with your knowledge. After all, teaching others has been shown to be extremely effective in retaining information. Teaching others also acts as a feedback system. If you are in the middle of explaining a concept and completely blank, you should review that topic. Conversely, if you find yourself teaching a concept with ease, chances are that you have mastered it.
Do not neglect your well-being
Exam season is rough, but neglecting your physiological and psychological needs will only make it worse. Make sure to fuel your body by drinking water and eating some food. Your brain needs fuel to study, after all.
Schedule breaks and time with your friends — even if it’s a quick phone call or Zoom meeting. Make sure to get a proper amount of sleep (which is approximately 7–10 hours a night for post-secondary students).
Thinking of pulling all-nighters leading up to your exam? That wouldn’t be wise considering pulling an all-nighter results in effects similar to a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10. Driving with a BAC of 0.05 is illegal in BC, and you wouldn’t take an exam while under the influence, so why take an exam with comparable impaired cognitive function?
Be creative
Studying doesn’t have to be a dull experience — get creative. Find a way to study that renders it less of a chore and more of a creative outlet. Make a TikTok. Draw a comic. Write a short story. Write a song. There may or may not be an audio recording of my friend and I singing about DNA to the tune of “Story of My Life” by One Direction floating around in the universe. But I will say I still remember all of the words. If you connect with the material in a way that is meaningful to you, chances are you will remember it.
Out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind. PHOTO: cottonbro / Pexels
By: Reece Avila
Long distance relationships are actually quite pleasant. Before you throw hands, no I’m not bitter and neither am I trying to avoid my partner — we’ve been together for almost five years, one of which was long-distance. I’ve gotten used to the instant doubt and curiosity every time I tell people we did long-distance. Most are apprehensive at the thought of being apart from someone they love, and are doubtful that people can remain committed.
Long-distance relationships shouldn’t be frowned upon or be the deal breaker of a perfectly good and healthy relationship. I’m not saying that all long-distance relationships work. It takes a lot of commitment, compromise, and maturity to make it work. I know how freaking hard it is. The lack of physicality can be a painful experience when you or your partner are going through some form of conflict, and can add a barrier to building trust. Long distance relationships might not be worth it for some.
I speak for the merits of long-distance because I’ve been there. My partner was still in Canada when we were doing long-distance — but there was a three hour time difference! He was in Toronto and I was in Vancouver, which is well beyond the realm of a weekend visit. I consider that pretty substantial. I had to constantly hear from friends and family that it might not work out.
Being in a long-distance relationship put a lot of things in perspective for me. Imagine being in a relationship where your connection is still palpable even after months of physically not being together.
Maintaining any relationship takes great effort, and long-distance is no exemption. But long distance builds a bond more heavily rooted in trust and commitment. Because you can’t rely solely on your physical chemistry, you get to know your partner at a deeper, more emotional, level. You build trust by working out conflicts through communication, compromise, and genuine support. It feels great to know that someone out there willingly prioritizes staying connected with you despite being miles away.
Long distance relationships can also be more conducive of independence and character development. The distance really develops your individual ability to grow independently of your significant other. Being able to focus on your own studies, career, and working towards your goals — while not unheard of in traditional relationships — is certainly accentuated by the distance. In turn, you also learn to respect your partner’s time, and the effort they make to achieve their own goals. Most importantly, you learn to find your own happiness without having to rely on your partner.
The time you spend apart also makes the times you do spend together truly valuable. You anticipate the days you finally get to be together. When you finally see them, even the smallest moments become special. Food starts tasting better, you laugh and smile easier, and you cherish the days that you’re in their presence. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
If you think you’ve found someone who’s worth it and you’re both willing to make it work — give it a chance. Long distance relationships take effort, but can also be rewarding. If your relationship can survive the test of time and distance, then surely you can withstand anything.
McFogg — as sexy as ever (toes too sexy to picture). ILLUSTRATION: Sara Brinkac / The Peak
By: Sara Brinkac, Humour Editor
Just in time for Valentine’s week, the votes are in and former mascot, McFogg the Dog has been officially voted SFU’s sexiest representative for 2022. This news will come as no surprise to most SFU students as it would be hard to deny the tight assed beauty that is the Scottish terrier. However, select student groups across campus are furious their candidates were overlooked for the position.
In a recent statement, SFSS president Kay Ninelove assured students she took “every measure necessary to assure a fair decision was reached” and “took a personal interest” in each candidate in order to confirm the right choice was made. To maintain complete transparency with student groups, Ninelove cited the following criteria as the basis for her judgement:
Hot bod
Dreamy eyes
Luscious hair
A jawline that could cut glass
Best smile
Cutest toes
One simple look at McFogg and you know he delivers on all of these qualities paw over fist. No student across the SFU campuses can deny that they haven’t had at least three daydreams about being held in McFogg’s burly arms. Just the two of you, twirling his luscious moustache, eating strawberries off each other’s bodies, and making love on various white sand beaches in the summertime. It’s also not uncommon for students to have consistent wet dreams of McFogg building you a warm log cabin on Burnaby Mountain during the snowstorms with nothing but his cute toes keeping you warm.
While student advocates for other sexy candidates admit they each have had these dreams multiple times, they refuse to agree these qualities beat the sexual relevance of their canditates.
“It’s a complete outrage” says Charles Sexsmith, advocate for a rat they found in the dining hall. “This rat is the complete package, I don’t think anyone can deny that, much less McFogg.” Sexsmith argues that while McFogg and the rat equal in much of the decision criteria, this dining hall rat’s chiselled jawline and “eyes you could swim in for weeks on end” surpass McFogg’s sexual credibility entirely.
Other student groups, such as the advocacy group for “that one giant seagull in the AQ,” have taken to a campus wide petition in order to demand a revote. Their petition cites Ninelove’s personal involvement with the candidates clouded her judgement and ruined the sanctity of the award. “Look at this bod and try telling me McFoggs is hotter,” enraged student Dixon Chix demanded, shakily holding a picture of a massive seagull deep-throating a Donair Town wrapper.
When asked to comment on her involvement, Ninelove refused to acknowledge that the objectivity of her decision was compromised in any way. She once again restated the decision criteria and pulled out various pictures of McFogg highlighting how each of the previously listed attributes were more than present in this candidate.
Amongst the many photos and between long pauses in her speech, Both Ninelove and The Peak seemed to forget an interview was being conducted. Instead, they both sunk deeper into the pictures of McFogg’s dreamy eyes and were whisked away from the SFU office to an Italian Riviera. They found themselves in a shared vision of shirtless McFogg with a red scarf feeding them fresh grapes on a boat, while softly bag-piping Whitney Houston’sI Will Always Love You. Each of them softly embraced each other for a moment, shed two tears of complete satisfaction and went on their respective ways.
