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Increase in SFU students sleeping at Burnaby campus

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of an SFU student in West Mall Centre pretending to be sleeping for the photo.
PHOTO: Katelyn Connor / The Peak

Editor’s note (12/10/24): The Peak reached out to SFU for a statement but didn’t receive a response by the publication deadline. We failed to initially include this fact in the article when it was published.

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

Over the past few months, the number of SFU students found sleeping at the SFU Burnaby campus has increased. The lack of affordability and accessibility to housing and Burnaby campus dorms are reported to be a major problem. 

The Peak spoke with SFSS president Emmanuel Adegboyega, who said he has “seen certain students living on campus and staying in academic buildings.” Housing in the Lower Mainland has skyrocketed to unaffordable amounts over the past few years. This year, Vancouver was ranked the third-least affordable housing market globally. “We see students not being able to afford to live on or off campus,” said Adegboyega. 

He said another part of this problem is the continual increases in tuition and other student fees, alongside the overall cost of living in BC. The cost of living has increased to almost $4,000 a month — nearly a 3% increase from the previous year. 

The SFSS president explained that those most impacted by the housing crisis are international and out-of-province students. Many international students aren’t guaranteed housing upon arrival to Canada for their studies, and out-of-province students don’t have the potential option of living with family or friends. Adegboyega said inaccessible and unaffordable housing only poses more challenges to studying in a new country. For one, international students have to maintain specific requirements, like working below a certain amount of hours, to continue studying at SFU.

The housing crisis is not only of concern to post-secondary students in BC, but all across Canada. While inflation drives up the costs of university operations and maintenance, universities respond by increasing student fees.

“When it comes to trying to find a safe space to live, it’s a challenge for students because having to meet those monthly rents is almost unsustainable for students if you compare the ratio of how much university students make and how much their total expenses add up to,” explained Adegboyega. 

In order to address the problem, he said SFU needs to do more to help alleviate the struggles of students. Adegboyega expressed that addressing the housing accessibility issue on campus would allow for better housing options. “That’s been the frontline of our advocacy to the university,” he said, on behalf of the SFSS.

A new housing project has been announced to increase the number of beds on the Burnaby campus by 445 in fall 2027. This would bring the total amount of beds on the mountain to about 4,445. Adegboyega stressed that this doesn’t begin to put a dent in the waitlist for on-campus housing, nor the housing crisis overall. He said this does nothing for students currently waiting for housing on campus because by fall 2027, most of these students will have graduated.

The SFSS is proposing for SFU and the provincial government to expand housing beyond Burnaby campus.

“The university cannot take on all the costs and the responsibilities that comes from having to ensure that students have a safe place to live in,” said Adegboyega. He explained that another option is getting Burnaby city council involved in rezoning areas surrounding the campus to include more student housing options. 

The SFSS is also proposing for SFU and the BC government to start company partnerships that will help students find housing. “When it comes to resources outside the university, I think there’s a lot of businesses that are very much invested in student housing — some of them non-profit. There are resources out there that are willing to partner and be a solution to the current problem.” 

The Peak reached out to SFU but did not receive a response by the publication deadline.

Need to Know, Need to Go: Latincouver

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Peak Web
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Large blue, orange, yellow, and red kites with elaborate curling patterns are flown in the sky by various people.
ILLUSTRATION: Den Kinanti / The Peak

By: Abigail Streifel, SFU Student

October is Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM), and with it comes plenty of great events. Latincouver’s LAHM Festival invites us to “discover the rich vibrancy of Latin culture” through a series of workshops, art exhibitions, and ceremonies. The festival, which runs from October 15 to November 3, includes many different events celebrating Latin American communities and traditions. There’s something for everyone here, and these are just a few of the free activities you won’t want to miss.

Cuban Salsa Class
Ocean Art Works, 1531 Johnston St., Vancouver
October 19, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The festival offers many hands-on workshops and classes focused on multiple cultural art forms. For those who like to get moving, or who are interested in dance, Latincouver will be hosting a Cuban salsa class at Ocean Art Works. The class is open to everyone, no matter your experience level, so beginners are encouraged to attend! Come to this exciting event to learn the basics of salsa, meet some new friends, and appreciate Cuban music and dance. 

Make Your Own Barrilete from Guatemala 
Ocean Art Works, 1531 Johnston St., Vancouver
October 20, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
In parts of Guatemala, barriletes (giant kites) are an important part of the Festival de los Barriletes Gigantes, which honours the dead and celebrates the living in a unique way: with tremendous, colourful kites, some of which are “more than 40 feet in diameter.” These kites have been said to “create peace for the good spirits” when flown at cemeteries, allowing them to rest undisturbed. 

Literatura Indigena Latinoamericana Workshop 
Ocean Art Works, 1531 Johnston St., Vancouver
October 26, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
The Literatura Indigena Latinoamericana workshop focuses on the significance of Indigenous languages in Latin America. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in literature, languages, or learning more about various cultures. It is led by Silvana Goldemberg, an “educator and award-winning author of over twenty books published in Spanish and English.” 

Day of the Dead Market
1500 Old Bridge St, Vancouver and Ocean Art Works, 1531 Johnston St., Vancouver
November 2 and 3, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with this festive market on Granville Island! The Day of the Dead honours deceased loved ones with offerings of food and personal items, festivals, visits to cemeteries, music, and decorations. Join in the celebration at this lively market which will feature food, live music performances, and workshops. You can also enjoy the art exhibitions, including a live mural painting “Harmony,” led by artist Efrain Orellana. 

Anti-SOGI protests outnumbered by counter-protests

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of multiple pro-SOGI posters at a counter-protest in Vancouver. One reads, “TRANS KIDS EXIST.”
PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Sofia Chassomeris, News Writer

On September 20, parents against the addition of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) program to public schools organized “1 Million March 4 Children” protests across BC. Global News reported that the turnout for these protests was “sparse in comparison to previous years,” with more counter-protests that formed in opposition. 

The SOGI program describes itself as an “inclusive education initiative” that offers educators tools, resources, and strategies needed to address discrimination, foster inclusivity, and create welcoming classrooms. The resource package is not in the BC curriculum and its use is not mandated, but some classrooms use it. The provincial education ministry endorses the program.

Anti-SOGI protesters marched claiming to defend “parental rights” in deciding what their children learn. Wilbur Turner, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights advocate and president of Advocacy Canada, said opposition to SOGI was “spurred by misinformation” about the program’s role in public education. In 2023, the 1 Million March 4 Children drew “massive turnouts” from both anti-SOGI protestors and counter-protests across BC. This year, Global News reported “protests failed to materialize at all in Victoria or Vancouver.”

The SOGI program has been a point of contention since its introduction in 2016. The discussion has been raised in light of the upcoming provincial election, with the Conservative Party of BC campaigning for the removal of the SOGI program from classrooms. Leader John Rustad defended the protests, saying, “There’s no hate in that. The issue is around parental rights and parents being involved in their children’s education.”

The Vancouver Sun reported that SOGI “angered some parents who are religiously opposed or who argue it could encourage children to change genders.” The Peak interviewed Dr. Travers, professor of sociology at SFU. In response to parental concerns, Travers said, “Not having queer-inclusive and trans-inclusive education doesn’t make queer and trans students and people go away, it just makes us more miserable.” They said that the program provides instructors “guidance about how to create inclusive spaces for queer and trans students. 

“It doesn’t actually increase the number of [queer and trans] people, it just creates an environment where those who are queer and trans feel more comfortable being visible.”

The SOGI website has many resources for educators who are committed to fostering inclusivity. Travers explained the importance of the resources, saying, “We know that when queer and trans students don’t feel included in school spaces, they struggle with mental health issues, self-esteem, etc.” They also mentioned that creating safe school spaces “benefits all students,” citing a reduction in violence and bullying against 2SLGBTQIA+ students in schools where SOGI resources are used.

“People think you’re bringing sex and gender into the schools. No, we’re just interrupting the way that it normatively structures the institutions and curriculum,” they said, referencing the “taken-for-granted” normalization of heterosexuality that marginalizes queer and trans people. Heteronormativity assumes that all people are heterosexual and cisgender, which can exclude queer folks. 

In contrast to Rustad’s claim that there is “no hate” in anti-SOGI protests, Travers said “they’re anti-LGBT.” They spoke about the rise of politicians who are “using fear-mongering around queer and trans inclusion. 

“It’s a very deliberate creation of a moral panic that’s designed to help conservative politicians and movements seize state power in a way that is going to be very harsh for everyone,” said Travers. “All the advancements in social justice are on the table with these groups.”

The sweet potato in cupboard is my inspiration

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Peak Web
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C is holding a sweet potato in front of a white background. The sweet potato is sprouting and there are two leaves growing out of it.
PHOTO: C Icart / The Peak

By: C Icart, Humour Editor

They say you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but some of us didn’t have a choice. Some of us met our heroes way before they became our heroes. We met them at the grocery store in the produce aisle. They were chilling with all the other sweet potatoes, and taking a sweet potato home is a pretty normal thing to do when you’re at the grocery store. So, we brought the little spud home even though we don’t even really like sweet potatoes and stored it in our cupboard for the day we wake up with completely different taste buds. 

They say all the cells in your body get replaced every seven years. We haven’t had the sweet potato for seven years, so we still don’t like sweet potatoes because we still don’t have completely different taste buds. But that little orange trooper is not deterred by the fact that we’ve abandoned them. And one day, while we’re opening the cupboard to retrieve a potato that actually tastes good — russet — we notice the little guy has grown a leaf. 

They say Tupac wrote “the rose that grew from concrete” as a metaphor, but the sweet potato growing in our cupboard was real. It had managed to convince itself it was underground and decided it was time to be a parent. This entire time, we thought we needed to get our finances in order to do that, but our sweet potato has inspired us to jump in head first, no matter how shallow the pool is. 

All this to say, even if you’re a weird vegetable no one likes, even if you get deserted in the back of a dark cabinet while your owner hopes you disappear, you can grow! This will not result in your owner planting you, BUT at least they’ll take a picture. So, don’t forget to smile. Be fearless, be brave, be sweet potato. 

Highlighting BC’s Paralympians

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Peak Web
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A man in a Canadian uniform tearfully shakes hands with a woman. Hanging from his shoulders is a gold medal.
PHOTO: Courtesy of @cdnparalympics on Instagram

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

39 Paralympians with ties to BC have just returned home from a successful trip to the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Riding off the high of the most prestigious world stage in sport — and hungry for competition — 11 of these BC-based Paralympians scooped up medals. Altogether, 126 paralympic athletes from the Canadian national team were named to the Paris 2024 games. Team Canada returned home with 29 medals — 10 gold, nine silver, and 10 bronze — tied with Rio 2016 as the most hardware won by Canadian Paralympians at any summer Paralympics to date. 

The heated competition buzzed with records made in para swimming, athletics, cycling, wheelchair basketball, boccia, and more. Canadian Paralympians competed in 18 different sports across countless events in the City of Love . . . for sport. Among those, BC-based athletes made up 31% of the team roster and 45% of the national team winnings, respectively.

The Paralympics are held alongside the Olympics for athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as visual impairments. In order to accommodate various levels of ability, different classifications are implemented for each sport to allow for fair competition. Each athlete is evaluated per classification type for each sport and event they compete in. 

This year’s Paralympics marked the first time that these Canadian athletes were paid for their podium placements — something that has typically only been done for the Olympics. Paralympians are competitive athletes too, and deserve to be paid for their podium placings and hard work as they are just as worthy as any competitive athlete in sport.

Greg Stewart from Kamloops, who competes in para athletics, launched his way to a gold medal in shot put at the 2024 games. He stood on top of the podium in his second visit to the Paralympics, following a personal best silver at the Para Athletics World Championships this past May. He’s also previously competed internationally in sitting volleyball.

Danielle Ellis from White Rock, captain of the Canadian para sitting volleyball team, served her way to a bronze medal alongside her teammates. Paris was Ellis’ third Paralympic Games, and her first time placing on the podium to take hardware home. She’s been a member of the national team since 2009.

Para swimmer Nicholas Bennett, from Parksville, made waves in the pool for a total of three medals — two gold and one silver — alongside breaking three world records in the 100m breaststroke, 200 IM (individual medley), and 200m freestyle events. This was his second Paralympic appearance.

From West Vancouver, para cyclist Nathan Clement pedalled his way to silver on his tricycle. Paris was his second Paralympic games, following his debut at Rio in 2016 (when he was a para swimmer at the time) and a hiatus from Tokyo. He has a plethora of world champion winnings and pan-American titles under his belt for both para cycling and para swimming. Clement won multiple bronze medals at world championships throughout 2023 and 2024 before upgrading his hardware in Paris.

Congratulations to all the athletes for one of the most successful Paralympic Games in Canadian history to date. May you enjoy your well-deserved moments of celebration and rejuvenation before hitting the ground running — or rolling, swimming, walking, serving, and cycling — once again for the next competitions on the world stage. Until then, we’ll be cheering you on as you prepare for Los Angeles 2028.

SFU Student Bulletin: Week of October 1 – 6

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Peak Web
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Graphic that reads “Student updates.”
ILLUSTRATION: Courtesy of The Peak

By: Hana Hoffman, Peak Associate

Announcements

  • OCTOBER BOO-PASS NOW AVAILABLE — This spooky season, all SFU students are eligible for the limited-time BOO-Pass, which allows access to all haunted areas of the old SFU buildings. Go on, admire SFU’s boo-talist architecture, but beware of what you might see if you look too closely (as-boos-tos). Boogattis driven by ghosts will also be available in place of the campus shuttle, but there is no guarantee of where you’ll end up. 
  • CROWDED BUSES — Be sure to do your morning stretches and wear comfortable shoes to stand in if you’re taking transit because you probably won’t find a seat. We also recommend bringing gloves with a good grip so you can safely hold on to the handles during the bumpy ride or lugging a foldable lawn chair so you’ll always have your own seat reserved.

Important dates this month:

Opportunities

  • JOB POSITION AVAILABLE — We are now hiring for the sky-watching position at SFU! Since it will gradually get darker at earlier times, your role is to watch the sky every evening to see exactly what time the sun sets, then share the outcome with the SFU community. With that, students will know exactly what time to go outside the next evening to take the perfect sunset pictures to post on Instagram! And, in contrast to boring jobs out there with all that paperwork and direct deposit stuff, this position will pay you in sunset-coloured bubble teas! Deadline to submit application: National Fried Scallops Day.
  • WE NEED S’MORE S’MORE TUTORS — SFU s’moreology course offerings are struggling to keep up with the rising demand for s’more research classes. The National Institute of S’mores Committee is hiring immediately for s’more tutors to support the education of the next generation of s’moreologists who will add much-needed capacity to BC’s s’mores production system. Applications open until position filled. Eligibility: 
  1. Must have completed the following courses with a grade of 86% or higher.
  • S’more History & Evolution 101
  • Impact of S’more Availability on University Student Life 120
  • S’more Building Techniques 201
  • Chocolate, Marshmallow, and Graham Cracker Intensive Flavour Study 235

2. Must have a passion for s’more development and have conducted a minimum of 15             lab experiments

      3. Work experience as a s’more chef is an asset

Resources

  • SFU STRATEGY TO HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR UPCOMING EXAMS – As announced last week, final exams have been rescheduled from December 5–17 to October 16–23, which is coming up soon. We ask that students get off their Nintendo and switch to a win-tendo mindset to try achieving the highest grades possible. In preparation for exam week, we will double all lecture and tutorial durations to get that extra study time in. If your courses overlap and you can’t be in two classrooms at once, then you clearly need to catch up on your multitasking skills. Good luck!
  • For anyone who is still mentally recovering from the overwhelming crowds of young, energetic first-year students during Welcome Day, here is a 30 minute soothing meditation video to eliminate fatigue and stress and help you regain your inner peace. 

Oh, what a September to remember.

Jiaozi.com is committed to creating more than just delicious dumplings

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Peak Web
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A container filled with pan-fried dumplings and a green frog bun.
PHOTO: Izzy Cheung / The Peak

By: Izzy Cheung, Arts & Culture Editor

This summer, Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park hosted the 3rd annual BC Dumpling Festival. As an avid foodie, I went to check out this festival with my family expecting to find more luscious local eateries and mouth-watering treats. However, as I perused the colourful stations, I came across a story with a flavour even deeper than what was provided by their plump chicken Jiaozi, also known as potstickers. 

PHOTO: Izzy Cheung / The Peak

With a bright orange banner decorated with adorable characters in bun-like forms, Jiaozi.com stuck out for more reasons than just their décor. Situated under their tent was a flat-top grill, where a swarm of potstickers could be seen steaming up a storm, their smell wafting throughout the festival grounds. Drawn in by the smell of yummy steamed dumplings and the smiling aunties who worked the till, I pulled out my phone to research the vendors. 

PHOTO: Izzy Cheung / The Peak

Jiaozi (jau-zee) is a Chinese staple referring to dumplings that have become most prevalent around the Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival. The pronunciation of this dish is similar to a phrase meaning “transition from old to new,” which has made it a more popular dish to be sampled during these holidays. They’re typically filled with a type of ground meat and served with a sauce filled with a slight tang of vinegar. It’s a simple dish that Jiaozi.com executes with an artfully crafted story. 

On their website, Jiaozi.com’s mission statement is clear — and that’s “to raise awareness of anti-Asian racist discrimination and violent attacks on seniors.” They do this by making bao, with their proceeds going towards East Asian elders who were affected by racially-motivated attacks that occurred on April 11, 2021, and the Canadian Caring Community Alliance. Their social media and online presence are permeated by eye-opening stories from East Asian seniors about being attacked. Not everything is negative, however, as they also share recaps of some of their volunteering events, a truly tight-knit community. 

PHOTO: Izzy Cheung / The Peak

I made sure to order some of Jiaozi.com’s specialty — their jiaozi, of course! — as well as one of their adorable character buns filled with red bean paste. They had a small display of each of their character baos next to the till, with the designs ranging from cute chickens to Pokémon like Drifblim. The food came out quickly despite the heat from the beating sun and the small line ahead of me. 

PHOTO: Izzy Cheung / The Peak

Once I collected my dumplings, my family and I took a seat under the shade of a nearby tree. We were going to grab some sauce for the dumplings, but took a bite out of one and decided that it didn’t even need it. The jiaozi were packed with flavour and filling. The ground chicken was salty without being too overpowering, and the vegetables inside were still slightly crunchy. Every   corner of the dumpling had filling in it — there were no open pockets of just the doughy wrapper. Our red bean bao came in the shape of a wide-eyed frog, wrapping the paste in a soft yet warm hug.  

While Jiaozi.com’s dumplings are definitely delicious, there’s much more to this bao shop than what meets the eye. Their dedication to amplifying the voices and stories of East Asian seniors in Canada is admirable, and the fact that they do so while making dishes that these elders perfected in their respective countries acts as a tender love song to the growth that emerges from each generation. Elderly immigrants have helped us first-and-second generation immigrants establish our roots in Canada, and it’s heartwarming to see the favour returned. 

Check out @jiaozi_official on Instagram to see which events they’ll be at next! 

BC United withdrawing isn’t the worst thing

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Peak Web
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A British Columbia flag on a flagpole
PHOTO: Dennis Sylvester Hurd / Flickr

By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer

On August 28, the BC United Party (formerly known as the BC Liberal Party) pulled out of the election and endorsed the BC Conservatives. While it may have shocked some, the indecisive nature of the party led to this result. BC United’s moral inconsistency shows they lack commitment and were better off pulling out. Their idea to float members of the party over to the Conservatives and publicly endorse them calls into question the integrity of the values they claim to uphold. 

In May, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon said he would not merge with the Conservatives because of the timing and the extremist ideals of Conservative candidates. Even with United’s promises to hire back unvaccinated workers, Falcon stated he still “can’t merge with a party that has candidates that equate vaccinations with Nazism or apartheid.” Why backtrack on this claim weeks before the election? Is this Falcon’s way of going with the lesser of two miseries to him, and compromising his so-called morals in favour of a chance at toppling the NDP? Or is this John Rustad and Falcon coming together and hand-picking a team of favourable MLA’s as stated in his letter? 

The BC United rebranding was the death knell of this party — even United inadvertently admitted this when they sought to add their old name onto voting ballots. First, they attempted to distance themselves from liberalism with their name change, then they openly endorsed their Conservative opponents. Catering toward both sides of the isle feels like blatant pandering. It makes you wonder how BC United ever expected to be perceived as anything but BC Conservatives Lite. And the embarrassment of an announcement letter while praising someone you kicked off the Liberal caucus two years ago for climate denialism? 

The displacement of members for “strategic advantage” by merging with the Conservatives further undermines the party’s integrity. It just leaves a bad taste in the mouth when a party so openly breaks trust with their supporters, effectively discarding all the party members’ work to build relationships with their riding. And what does it say about the Conservatives that they were so ready to take United members under their wing? What is even the difference between the two parties?

It’s beyond important to vote. If you care about the well-being of yourself and others, putting in your vote should be a high priority. You don’t have to know everything about these parties and their policies, but doing what you can to educate yourself is crucial. Although it may seem daunting, there are resources that break down the general ideas of each party, like we did at The Peak. Talking with peers, reading a variety of information from party websites and political analysts, and researching what your local riding is standing for can make a difference. The polls are closer than ever right now, so BC residents need to prioritize getting their vote in. Your vote isn’t just a paper ballot; it’s the power to shape your future — don’t let someone else make that decision for you.

Peakie strikes again with advice!

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Peak Web
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Many yellow plastic ducks on a blue background. There is a red plastic duck wearing a crown standing out in front of the others.
PHOTO: Igor Omilaev / Unsplash

By: Sarah Sorochuk, SFU Student and C Icart, Humour Editor

Dear Peakie, 

I am an avid transit user. Name any bus, I’ve been on it. My favourite part of being on the bus is standing in front of the red line right next to the door. This allows me to block the driver’s view and prevent others from boarding the bus. However, recently, a driver kept playing the “please move to the rear of the bus” audio. When I didn’t move — because that obviously does not apply to me — he directly asked me to step back. I did what anyone else in my situation would do and cried. How do you suggest I handle it if I’m ever put in this horrible position again?

Sincerely, 
Door Blocker

Dear Door Blocker,

I understand your pain and am truly sorry for this terrible situation. Though this issue here, I do fear you were slightly to blame. I know it’s horrible that I turned this on you. But realistically, blocking the way is rude. Not that I blame you, that is the best spot, as you get a view of everything. So, my suggestion would be rather than standing in the front, you could sit in the front chairs instead. There, you will still have the power of being in the front, without the embarrassing “please move to the back of the bus” soundtrack playing on repeat. My other suggestion is more devious, though. Bribe the driver with snacks. In my experience, a chocolate bar can go a long way. 

Sincerely,
Peakie

Dear Peakie,

We all know group projects suck. I have decided I don’t want to live a life where I do things that suck. Therefore, I will not be engaging in this headache-inducing activity. I was very clear about this with my professor, but they still went on Canvas and assigned me to a group. What recourse do I have to battle this injustice? 

Best, 
Call me Jason Derulo cause I’m ridin’ solo

Dear Jason Derulo,

I appreciate your confidence and courage to battle the bounds professors have made with their annoying group projects. I support your protest of these assignments!! As for your frustrating professor, I think you should email them explaining why you wish to work on your own. It should be at least five pages long, stating all of your reasons and proof from psychological papers. Make sure to do your research, this is important. You need to prove it to them. Your professor should take you seriously. If not, refer them to me. I will have so much fun talking to them! I have your back Jason Derulo!

Supportively,
Peakie! 

Dear Peakie, 

Did you know that “eat the cat” is not a lesbian anthem by an up-and-coming queer artist? I recently found out it was a xenophobic comment made by a convicted felon? That’s such a vibe kill. I don’t want to co-sign that shit, but also the remix is fire. What should I do?

Sonically, 
Vegan Haitian

Dear Vegan Haitian,

Honestly, this is the most bizarre letter I have received, and quite frankly, you have stumped me. Personally, I would not listen to anything that xenophobic felon has to say. Just because he’s had attempts on his life doesn’t mean he should be endangering others with false claims. Anyways, trends come and go and you’ll have something less problematic to shimmy to in no time. 

Keep dancing,
Peakie

Creative corner: Discovering improv and stand-up comedy

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Peak Web
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A microphone and stand are washed in a purple-ish light.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Matthias Wagner / Unsplash

By: Tam Nguyen, Staff Writer

I was always a wallflower growing up. I was uncomfortable in my skin and frightened of being the centre of attention. A teacher wanted me to read a paragraph out loud? Not happening. Friends invited me to join their dancing talent show? I’d be shivering and sweating just thinking about how I’d fail miserably and everyone would laugh at me. Even though I loved film, theater, acting, and music, I never tried to participate in any related events. I accepted that I was born to be in the background, and that there was nothing wrong with that. But deep down, I was scared of being judged.

Since I arrived in Vancouver, I wanted to change. I had a fresh start where I was a nobody in this city. I could be anything I wanted and be kept safe by anonymity. So, the first thing I did was look up improv workshops around the city, eventually finding Queerprov, an improv club for queer people. 

I still remember my first time coming to these workshops — they really changed the way I perceived acting. It’s not about being in your head and thinking about yourself, it’s about looking at your scene partner and trying to get the most out of it. You look at their body language, you look at their facial expressions, and you try to react to that. You hear what they are about to say so you can respond back. 

In this improv workshop, we learn alot about the concept of letting go. Letting go of your shyness, letting go of the need to be perfect, letting go of the fear of being judged, just letting go to start acting. We play games to warm up, and one of my favourites is “Yes, And!” In this game, participants walk around, mingling with each other and having fun. Then, when someone says, “Yes, and let’s be a robot” (for example), everyone needs to act like a robot. 

By immersing myself in these improv experiences, I’ve become more adjusted to navigating this new city, and get less anxious when I need to present something. I’ve learned that humour is a great way to warm up the audience and make them open to what you’re about to say. 

I also love stand-up comedy as a type of performance, as my experiences with it have made me a braver writer. When doing stand-up comedy, jokes get feedback immediately based on the reaction of the crowd. Their laughs, or lack of, will tell you if your joke lands. It has forced me to improve my joke writing skills and the exposure has helped me not take things personally. I allow myself to play more with words, my voice, the tone, and the topic I’m writing about. 

The best thing I’ve gotten out of these experiences is realizing I can actually be a good performer. I can act, I can be funny, and I can make other people laugh. I’ve learned to enjoy the spotlight. It even makes me feel good about myself. I always thought I was born to stay out of the limelight, to be a background character or a support player. But through these experiences, I’ve realized I have much more potential than that. I’ve allowed myself to be brave and bold, and to dive head-first into the performing arts world.

If you share the same experience as me, I’d really encourage you to go and try an improv or stand-up comedy club, such as Blind Tiger Comedy and The Improv Centre. They’re places where you can feel safe being yourself, surrounded by good people who would be happy to help you embrace your weirdness. 

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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