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The SUB should not have been closed

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A photo of the Student Union Building. The doors are shown with a note from the SFSS taped to the inside, reading: “The SUB is closed from January 24 through February 18.”
The Student Union Building will be closed until at least February 18. PHOTO: Allyson Klassen / The Peak

By: Craig Allan, Peak Associate

On January 20, the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) informed the student body the Student Union Building (SUB) will be closed from January 24 until further notice. After some debate, the SFSS agreed to re-open discussion around the building’s usage on February 18. 

The closure is building-wide (though Blenz Coffee has remained open) for all but staff, who are given distancing regulations and are encouraged to work from home. This means SUB services — like the Health and Dental information office — will be only accessible online. The entire building will be off limits to the students who not only pay dues to the SFSS but financed the construction of the SUB. Citing concerns that SFU is not acting with the necessary caution to preserve student safety, the SFSS decided that closing the SUB was necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

So their best course of action for this is to abandon their members and leave them with less space on campus? Less available study space means students will be forced into closer proximity with one another, increasing risk of disease transmission. The SUB is a building filled with seating and is one of the biggest indoor congregation areas at SFU Burnaby. To lock students out of the building is an abandonment of the students — the very members that the SFSS claims to care so much about.

Despite concerns about students’ lack of social distancing and mask-wearing habits, it remains true that the SUB is an optional space. No students were required to be there. Any non-employee uncomfortable with the proximity of those in the building was entirely able to find space elsewhere on campus to study or socialize. Though employee safety is paramount, there are less drastic methods of curtailing disease spread — like having employees work from home, or closing employee spaces to the public and implementing the same distancing procedures that are now in effect. 

Closing the SUB weakens the SFSS’ statements that they represent student interests. The ongoing discussion by students upset about the building’s closure points to a disconnect with the SFSS’ actions, and the ideals of the student body. Though the SFSS surveyed students for their thoughts on a return to in-person education, there was no commentary solicited on the usage of the SUB. Student input on the closure of the SUB took the form of last-minute surveys by individual student unions, leaving little time for the feedback that should have surrounded such an impactful decision.

SFSS can say that they are closing the building because they care about the students, or because they don’t support the university’s decision to re-open so soon. But no matter their rationale, the results speak for themselves: SFU students now have less space for studying, services, and congregating. It is not by the decisions of the university, but of the Society whose main purpose is to advocate for students.

Self-care amidst an endless workload

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A balance-type scale. It is sitting on painted wooden slats in a variety of bright colours. The scale is polished golden, and stars adorn its base.
There’s more to life than our academics. PHOTO: Elena Mozhvilo / Unsplash

By: Charlene Aviles, Staff Writer

We’re encouraged to constantly be productive regardless of the cost. Overwork culture promotes overworking as “a status symbol that puts us on the path to success.” As students with the ambiguous goal of “academic success,” it is always possible to study more. This runs the risk of taking over our lives. Without proper rest, productivity will be temporary. Setting clear boundaries between work, school, and home helped me establish the work-life balance necessary for my well-being and success.

Concerned about students burning out, a teacher once gave me advice: “It’s not about the quantity of hours. It’s about the quality of hours.” Her motto still resonates with me, especially as a working student. With a schedule busy with academic and work-related responsibilities, a balance between school and non-academic priorities — like fitness and friends — is key to sustaining my mental health.

During my teenage years, I neglected my hobbies in favour of my studies. It wasn’t until the break before transferring to SFU that I was reminded of life outside school. Going forward, I was determined to maintain a work-life balance.

Re-engaging in activities like dance were a source of joy. When a friend invited me to perform at her birthday party, I jumped at the opportunity. As part of the traditional Filipina debut, pairs perform a waltz called the Cotillion de Honor. The weekly practices not only helped me stay active, but also keep in touch with my friends.

When universities transitioned to remote learning, my work, school, and home environments overlapped. During online classes, I would work, study, and rest in the same room, so I needed to develop clear boundaries to maintain a work-life balance. By scheduling regular breaks and through the use of a few tricks — weekly snack dates with a friend, or a study-exclusive playlist — I was able to keep my schoolwork from overflowing into the rest of my life.

In the pursuit of academic success, it’s tempting to prioritize work over getting enough sleep. However, chronic sleep deprivation has several consequences, such as difficulty focusing and an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression. By setting clear boundaries to separate my study time from the rest of my life, I established a healthier sleep schedule. While being better rested helped me concentrate for longer and complete my daily to-do lists, the reinforcement of my mental health was invaluable.

Phrases such as “time is money” glorify work. Similar to a neverending workload, people are faced with the pressure to work long hours, risking an addiction to work. Money and time can both be spent and saved, but it’s equally important to invest time into other priorities, such as health, fitness, friends, or family.

Three sweet, limited edition drinks to warm you up this winter

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Collage of three hot chocolates taken at different angles: one flatlay, one portrait, and one pour shot
Treats from Metro Vancouver’s Hot Chocolate Festival. Image: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak with photos courtesy of Sara Wong

By: Sara Wong, Arts & Culture Editor

Broyé Café — “Black Eastern Storm”

Photo: Sara Wong / The Peak

I love Vietnamese coffee, so ordering the “Black Eastern Storm” was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made at a café. This drink combines Vietnamese coffee with dark chocolate, so it’s very rich and decadent. Broyé, formerly known as Baker and Table, pairs this Hot Chocolate Festival offering with a Vietnamese coffee-flavoured melon pan (Japanese sweet bread). You can substitute it for another flavour though, like the taro mochi melon pan pictured here. There’s quite a wide variety, but trust me when I say they’re all delicious!

Kafka’s Coffee — “Drove My Dulce to the Leche but the Leche Was Chai”

Photo: Sara Wong / The Peak

The drink name alone earns the staff full points for creativity. I was equally impressed by the blend of dark and milk chocolate, mixed with homemade dulce de leche and masala chai. It sounds like a lot, but Kafka’s struck the right balance between sweet caramel, intense spices, and chocolate. It also pairs nicely with the dulce de leche swirl brownie that’s served on the side. If you want to make the drink even more memorable, go to their Great Northern Way location and order it spiked with Baileys liqueur or Odd Society crème de cassis!

Temper Chocolate & Pastry — “Yuzu Haiku”

Photo: Sara Wong / The Peak

This is one of the most unique flavours in this year’s festival lineup. “Yuzu Haiku” is a milk hot chocolate with a shot of sake. Getting to pour the rice wine into the hot chocolate myself was a fun, interactive experience I wasn’t expecting. As for taste, the mellower chocolate allowed the fruity notes from the sake to shine. Temper accentuated this flavour profile with a citrus sugar rim and a mini yuzu sablé cookie. I was impressed with how smooth the drink was too. In my experience, artisanal hot chocolates can be really thick in consistency, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Hot Chocolate Festival runs from now until February 14. Check out their website for a full list of participating cafés and flavours.

Gondola town hall presenters share benefits of proposed project

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Upper bus loop with buses in the background
Amirul Anirban / The Peak

By: Yelin Gemma Lee, News Writer 

On January 21, 2022 Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), Graduate Student Society (GSS), and SFU collaboratively presented a virtual gondola town hall where the external relations representatives from each group delivered a presentation. The presentations highlighted the benefits of the proposed Burnaby Mountain gondola transit project to various SFU community members and included updates on where the project is headed this year. 

The event was moderated by SFSS Board organizer Ella Droko. SFSS vice-president external and community affairs Matthew Provost was the first to present.

“The support for the Burnaby Mountain gondola project has been long-standing,” said Provost. “It also added an extra evacuation measure in the event of two exit routes on Burnaby Mountain becoming blocked, either due to weather or hazardous events simply because the Burnaby Mountain tank farm is actually located on campus as well.” 

He said the SFSS has been lobbying since 2009 for the gondola and believes the majority of students who rely on public transit deserve safe and reliable services.

Provost added the gondola is a sustainable solution to issues such as traffic congestion, population growth on campus, and limited parking on campus. He reported it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,700 tons per year and double the transit capacity of the existing 145 bus route, loading “2,600 passengers per hour per direction.”

“For the longevity of this project, it seems that this would be a more appropriate measure to address some of those concerns around overcrowding and population growth,” said Provost. Students and UniverCity residents should be able to access services off the mountain easier, he said.

Ruben Munoz, GSS director external relations, began his presentation by emphasizing the different barriers graduate students experience such as parenthood and workforce responsibilities. Munoz pointed out major issues GSS membership experience include inconsistent schedules, difficulties establishing a sense of community, longer commutes with practical terms and internships, and inconsistent transit with winter weather.

“We’re looking for more secure options. So therefore when we talk about community issues, these issues affect us at a deeper scale,” said Munoz. He pointed out additional and reliable transportation will have a positive impact on students’ mental health and sense of community on campus. 

Joanne Curry, SFU vice-president external relations and the institutional lead for the gondola project for the past eight years, was the final presenter.

Curry explained that over the past two years, TransLink has been addressing technical requirements such as impacts on sound and environment. She said there is a lot of data globally to support the viability and safety of the project.

The Georgia Straight reported the Burnaby Mountain gondola project’s most direct route was approved by the Burnaby City Council in a closed meeting on January 24. The next steps are for the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation to include the project on TransLink’s 10-Year Vision and Investment plan, which will also include consideration for funding the project.

Roya Pishvaei reflects on how SFU’s dance program helped her grow

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Portrait of Roya at the beach with her eyes closed and head tilted up
Pishvaei’s passion for dance is all-encompassing. PHOTO: Mikela Vuorensivu Photography

By: Charlene Aviles, Staff Writer

For Roya Pishvaei, dance is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. In an interview with The Peak, the vice-president of SFU’s Dance Student Union discussed her passion for dance and her dedication to the SFU community.

Pishvaei has loved dance for as long as she can remember. She’s tried various dance genres, ranging from Bollywood to ballet to street jazz. Her interest in SFU’s dance program was piqued at one of their shows, where she was blown away by the creativity of the performers. 

“I went to a dance show when I was in grade 12 for a field trip. And it was one of the most odd and engaging performances I’ve ever seen,” said Pishvaei.

The showcase pushed her to audition for SFU’s dance program. 

“I still had a lot of self-doubts though, and I think this really hindered my ability to perform to my full potential. Unfortunately, I did not get in, but I re-auditioned a year later having much more experience and training,” said Pishvaei.

After taking additional classes, she felt more prepared for the second audition and believes her determination helped her through the process.

“There was an interview, and I remember saying to the professors, ‘If you don’t accept me into the program, I’ll just keep auditioning until you do,’” said Pishvaei. “Ultimately, I think confidence is the key because nobody is going to be the perfect dancer. We’re all auditioning for this program because we want to learn and grow.”

Pishvaei’s commitment to dance goes beyond her classes. Her work with the Dance Student Union helps create community. 

“My interest started with wanting to bring people together through a really hard time,” said Pishvaei, referring to the ongoing pandemic. “I think dance is so much more than just performing. And it’s really up to us as dancers to inspire, and to cultivate very safe, engaging, positive environments for self-expression.” 

Hoping to help create these environments, Pishvaei wants to become an instructor. “I think that’s what motivates me; knowing that I can spread happiness through movement,” Pishvaei said. She wants dance classes to be a welcoming environment “where people can feel really free to not be judged and just enjoy dance for the sake of enjoying it and not feeling pressured.”

Her advice to new students is to be flexible with their choreography because it might change from its original design.

“You can always go back and change it. Creating a base for yourself, just like how you would write the intro and thesis to your essay. You create that base, but then you go back and edit it after you finish the rest of your essay,” she said.

According to Pishvaei, dancers are lifelong learners. All the time and dedication put into different styles at SFU helped her grow as a dancer. 

“I was thrown into the deep end, but in a way that pushed me to become so much better. And I think after four years, I’m a completely new dancer with a different understanding of my body,” said Pishvaei.

Top Ten SFSS executive team candidates

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A hand dropping a voter ballot in a box
Your ballot — hopefully for Chase. PHOTO: Element5 Digital / Unsplash

By: Luke Faulks, Staff Writer

  1. Jane Hoo
    Not many people know Jane by her first name, but all our readers will recognize her as the person who designed those “Owl in area” signs last year during the scourge of intermittent owl attacks in Burnaby. Admittedly, Jane’s platform seems to be largely owl-based but we believe her proven track record of actual action in the SFU community automatically puts her as a top contender for this election.

  2. Reginald Trashpanda III
    Currently serving as resident food critic for The Peak, Reginald Trashpanda III is a raccoon of many opinions. “Our university is in dire need of culture, class, and taste,” claimed Reginald on his recent talk radio show. “Regretfully, the burden has come unto me in order to set SFU straight.” Despite the fact he is not an undergrad student nor human being, Reginald Trashpanda III has successfully registered with SFSS as a candidate and is polling fantastically in the Upper West Campus district.

  3. Brandon
    Much like Jane, not a lot of people know who Brandon is, where he came from or what his opinion on anything is. But that just may be what this university needs right now. After a term dominated by progressives, and a legitimate desire on both sides of the aisle to see politics become less divisive, why not go with the mysterious Brandon? Conservatives love him, Liberals are . . . largely silent on the issue, so what’s the harm?

  4. The ghost of Terry Fox
    He is absolutely livid no one put a toque or scarf on his statue this winter. So naturally, Terry has been awakened and is loose on campus looking for change. Terry will be both figuratively and literally running for Council this semester under the insistence that students start getting their spare winter clothes in check.

  5. E. Rex Sean
    An extremely real candidate who is more than just an unfortunate name. It is unknown any policies E. Rex is advocating this election or what their plans for office will be as most of their campaign has been promising voters they are a real person. However, multiple E. Rex Seans can be found across campus as their poster’s largely consist of a giant picture of their face and the campaign slogan “I won’t let you down.”

  6. Jeb Bush
    The last few decades haven’t been kind to the former governor of Florida. We don’t know why or how he enrolled at SFU for this but give the guy a break. He needs this.

  7. Koi Johnson
    Hailing from the remote “East-corner-of-the-pond,”  Johnson laid out her platform in a recent interview with Carp and Diver. Johnson has also emphatically requested to be seated far from “that raccoon” during debates. When asked to comment on these requests Reginald Trashpanda III stated he “would never lower himself to dining in the AQ pond.”

  8. Seymour Buttz
    Unlike E. Rex, this candidate is very much fake. But we still think it’s worth the vote just for the jokes.

  9. Chase
    Another unknown fresh off the streets, Chase’s campaign journey is truly inspiring. Although he doesn’t have any specific platform or policies, he does assure us he “had a life changing acid trip at Burnaby Mountain park that just made [him] totally like, understand . . . our entire reality.”  Everytime you see Chase, he’s holding a skateboard, wearing a cozy knit sweater, and sipping a bottle of homebrewed kombucha. He always asks you how you’re doing, he always genuinely listens and he always makes you feel safe. Vote for Chase.

  10. A literal change.org petition
    Let’s face it, activism is tough. While only about 40 students recently turned up to the class walkout protest, over 4,000 students signed the change.org petition. This candidate is running with the promise that all student society decisions will be made through petitions and the university will finally see deep rooted change(.org). “Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve learned to do everything digitally — why not activism?” the petition stated in its about section, with thousands agreeing. If you wish to vote for this candidate leave your name, and email address on the form then go to sleep assured that the petition will be sent  . . .  somewhere and do . . .  something.

Perfect Fit: Styling monochromatic outfits

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Illustration of fashion and home accessories (backpack, pillow, etc.) in shades of pink and blue
Refresh your life with these simple style recommendations. PHOTO: Kitty Cheung / The Peak

By: Michelle Young, Copy Editor

Black clothes have been my preference for a long time. While I’ll throw the occasional white or grey piece into my outfit, my closet is largely made up of inky attire. While some may think this style is dull, I have had immense fun experimenting with all the types of pieces I can put together, all under the uniformity of one shade. After years of straying from a simple black hoodie and skinny jeans combo, I’ve found there are a variety of elements that go into how I want to present that day. Should you ever want to delve into the world of monochrome — or expand your all-black tastes — here are some things to consider. 

  • Silhouette
Photo credit: Cherry Laithang / Unsplash

The first thing I pay attention to when getting dressed for the day is how I want the clothes to fall on my body. Rather than looking like a blob of black fabric, baggy fits or tighter clothes can set a tone for your outfit — depending on how you want to present yourself. On more casual days, I embrace oversized pieces: sweatpants, big jeans, giant hoodies, and oversized T-shirts. Should I want to dress more femininely, I’ll usually switch one of these things for something a little more form-fitting, like leggings or a skirt. Even the difference between a tennis skirt or pencil skirt can drastically change the silhouette of an outfit. Silhouettes are not only about individual pieces, but how everything looks as a whole.

 

  • Texture
Photo credit: Frank Flores / Unsplash

It’s easy to get tired of black when you only have a plethora of cotton T-shirts. Texture can be dependent on the occasion, but this already opens a world of possibilities to mix and match. On a regular day, I’ll usually gear towards cotton and denim in some variation. Jeans, sweatpants, or faux leather can help visually break up an outfit so it doesn’t blend together like a blanket. On formal occasions, I like to incorporate velvet, lace, or silk into my outfits, which adds a little more detail to my pieces. 

  • Accessories 
Photo credit: Cotton Bro / Pexels

Accessories like shoes and jewellery can set the tone for an outfit. A babydoll dress looks quite different with ballet flats then a pair of chunky leather boots. Simply switching up your shoes can provide you with many options — sneakers, boots, and heels all solidify the silhouette of a piece, along with adding their own texture. The same thing can be said for a bag: backpacks, hand bags, or a crossbody all have their individual styles. Mixing and matching accessories often spice up the same core pieces you’ve been wearing for a while. 

If you’re bored of your closet or want to experiment with monochrome outfits, you can use any of these elements to try and find something new within the things you already have. Black doesn’t have to be boring; you can create sporty, cute, and edgy looks thanks to the shade’s flexibility. The same tips apply if you want to experiment with monochromatic looks more broadly, like an all-grey or jewel-toned ensemble. Ultimately, fashion should be a fun way to express yourself, especially if you find joy in the details.

Joy Johnson: undercover student

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Joy Johnson shakily standing in a dorm
Joy: trying her best. ILLUSTRATION: Maple Sukontasukkul / The Peak

By: Sara Brinkac, Humour Editor

In the Fall 2021 semester, SFU president and vice-chancellor Joy Johnson undertook a disastrous “undercover student” marketing campaign. Originally, the campaign plan was that she spend a month as an undergraduate student while keeping a journal of her positive experiences in order to share quotes on bus benches across Canada. The outcome however, was much different. What SFU marketing expected to be a triumphant success quickly lost focus — after just 17 days the campaign degraded into what some might consider a psychological disaster parallel to the Stanford Prison Experiment

This failure prompted SFU marketing to destroy any trace of the campaign as they feared it didn’t align with the university’s “engaged” image. However, thanks to an anonymous source who believes the SFU community should be aware of this campaign, The Peak was able to acquire president Johnson’s journal entries and dutifully present them as follows below.

 

Day 1

Hi everyone, 

I’m truly excited to begin a wonderful student experience this Fall semester and share it with our supportive SFU community. An undergraduate degree is an impactful time in one’s life and I am delighted to be able to relive this experience at such a dedicated university. To the faculty, staff, and now, my fellow students, I look forward to an enriching and engaged month. 

Sincerely,

Joy Johnson

Pronouns: she, her, hers

President, Vice-Chancellor and undercover student

 

Day 4

Hi all,

I apologize for the delay in updates, I had some challenging technical issues regarding Canvas and Zoom. But thanks to our wonderfully comprehensive IT services I am back online and excited to begin classes. I am currently taking two in-person classes, one hybrid, and one online in order to truly experience the wonderful options for learning our institution offers!

Joy Johnson

Pronouns: she, her, hers

President, Vice-Chancellor, Student

 

Day 5

I have had such an enriching time with fellow undergrads learning about the different topics our students care about! It is kind of funny how a university who strives to be a leading voice in environmentalism and social change has millions of dollars invested in fossil fuels . . . I know of course, SFU made a three year divestment plan, but . . .  still.

Joy Johnson

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Student

 

Day 8

Sorry again for the delay in communication. Someone I was sitting next to in class kept coughing and I just had to go get a COVID-19 test. I get that there’s supposed to be this fancy ventilation system in place but — honestly — I don’t know if I trust it.

— Joy Johnson 

She/her

 

Day 9

I’ve noticed the parking rates here are a little on the expensive side. It shouldn’t cost more to park at a place where I’m supposed to be getting an education than it does at Stanley Park, should it?

— Joy

 

Day 11

Found the most delightful little coffee shop off the mountain to study at! It’s so nice to just get out sometimes, I feel like I need that more. The shop’s pretty expensive though so I just buy a brewed tea every three hours lol.

— JJ

 

Day 14

Literally just got told by Health and Counselling that I should try “sleeping more” for my anxiety. When I said that didn’t seem to help they looked me in the eye and said “maybe it’s not working because you don’t want it to work.” WHAT!?

 

Day 16

I WOULD LOVE AN EXPLANATION AS TO HOOWWW SFU PLANS TO JUSTIFY THEIR TUITION INCREASES NEXT YEAR BECAUSE THIS IS TURNING OUT TO BE ONE OVERPRICED PIECE OF PAPER!!!!

 

Day 17

Editor’s Note: It was on Day 17 President Johnson’s “undercover student” campaign ceased due to ethical concerns expressed by the SFU psychological research community. Her last communication confused SFU faculty and researchers alike, prompting their immediate action and her subsequent dropping of classes (tuition was not refunded). President Johnson’s final entry is as follows:

lol idk man SFU is sus as fuckk

 

Comics

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Horoscopes: February 7–11

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An illustration of a girl with long flowing hair. Astrological signs and stars shine around her.
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

By: Hannah Kazemi, SFU Student, Future-Seer

Aries

Change is in your future! Consider ordering a bowl instead of a burrito the next time you’re at Chicotle (formerly Chipotle). Or, follow Chicotle’s suit and switch a consonant in your name out with a “C” because a K-pop artist likes you. But don’t just do it on your social media — fully and legally commit. Variety is the spice of life, and yours has been awfully bland lately.

 

Taurus

To unlock your horoscope for this week, please include the following information in the caption of your next Instagram photo dump: the name of your first pet, your mother’s maiden name, and the last four digits of your credit card (ideally the one with the highest limit). 

 

Gemini

You’ve been manifesting money in your bank account, but now it’s time to start manifesting an actual job. You can’t rely on cosmic-based currency forever, Gemini. 

 

Cancer

Wordle is the only thing holding you together right now. You can get that 2/6 tomorrow — I believe in you.

 

Leo

You’ve been on yet another “social media cleanse” and now have no idea what is going on. That’s okay, ignorance is the key to bliss babe and you’re doing a great job. Keep it up <3

 

Virgo

We’re a month into the semester and you’re already two months behind. Get it together quick or another emotional breakdown is set to come your way. Nobody wants that. Literally nobody.

 

Libra

Unleash your creativity this week. Grab a friend (or a hot stranger from Hinge), some paints, and a bottle of your favourite rosé. It’s time to let your creative side Bob Ross its way to freedom!

 

Scorpio

The Duolingo bird is coming to haunt you, Scorpio. It knows about that Spanish lesson you never finished and it’s getting angrier. Finish the lesson quickly or emotionally prepare for a demonic owl to appear in every single one of your dreams this week.

 

Sagittarius

Mercury’s in retrograde (whatever that means), and it’s time to hone your communication skills (whatever that means). I suggest picking a random person in class and throwing your worst jokes out there. What do you have to lose?  

 

Capricorn

You’ve been doing so well recently, Capricorn. It’s almost like you’ve learned what self-care is! Remember how good it feels to have nothing to stress about? Do as Dua Lipa says and “Don’t Start Now!”

 

Aquarius

I hear a lot of whining about the dirty laundry in your room but not a lot of doing the dirty laundry in your room. It’s time to stop eating so much cheese with that whine and start making a to-do list — before I make the Duolingo bird haunt you.

 

Pisces

Expect the unexpected, Pisces. Pregame all your conversations this week with petty responses ahead of time. This way you won’t have to replay your conversational regrets in your head while trying to sleep three days later.