Petra Chase

a shot of an aisle in a bookstore that is focused on the Psychology books section. The only parts that are visible in the photo is the upper shelf of the bookcases.
3 min 0 1276

Mental disorders aren’t personality traits

Petra Chase November 11, 2025

Content warning: references to ableism and ableist slurs. I recently came across a jarring Instagram reel that said, “All my friends are lowkey schizo.” Surprisingly, the comments were nothing but positive, tagging friends and feeding into the idea that schizophrenia is relatable and quirky. While it seems lighthearted, in reality, it is reductive to suggest a chronic mental disorder can be a “lowkey” personality trait anyone can identify with. This type of content, which appropriates mental health conditions for punchlines and views, has become trendy. It goes to show how “delulu,” a term popularized in 2023, has become a gateway…

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Collage of old Peak articles referenced in the piece
9 min 0 1321

The Peak’s 60th anniversary: Notable articles from 1965–1995

Ella Pendlington and Petra Chase November 11, 2025

Since 1965, The Peak has brought issues that matter to students to the forefront, investigating concerns, engaging students in university and local politics, and allowing a space to build community.  However, The Peak hasn’t always fulfilled its duty of fair…

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An illustration of a closeup of a group of cleaning workers gathered at a table sharing Indian dishes.
6 min 0 622

Remembering Kulbir Kaila

Petra Chase November 10, 2025

Interview and translations by: Ashima Shukla, Staff Writer Kulbir Kaila worked at SFU for 17 years. On July 28, she died at the age of 61 while working a cleaning shift on the Burnaby campus. Many of her co-workers never…

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An illustration of a calendar in a planner open to September 2025. A phone is resting on top of the calendar open to the photo app with the date “January 2019” written.
8 min 0 453

A letter to first-year students, from a nearly graduated one

Petra Chase November 8, 2025

Dear first-year students, You might have a concept of what you want your time at SFU to look like, or maybe you have no idea. Maybe you have friends by your side, or a sibling who’s shown you the ropes.…

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a photo of a television set with the island from Lost on it. The words “Lost” are on the screen.
4 min 0 1196

Five subtle recession indicators you NEED to know

Petra Chase June 24, 2025

Recession indicators are all the rage. We took a Buzzfeed “What recession indicator are you?” quiz, and apparently, we’re Lady Gaga (ra-ra-ra-rad!). Lipstick sales, Mariah Carey going grocery shopping, and flash mobs are also on the list.  The Peak contacted…

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photo of of halal danbauk, a Burmese take on the South Asian dish chicken biryani.
6 min 0 1602

Resisting and rebuilding, one delicious Burmese Plate at a time

Petra Chase May 21, 2025

Content warning: brief mention of genocide.  In Burma, April is a time for celebrating a new year. During the five-day festival called Thingyan, people pour and throw water on each other on every street, a symbolic cleansing of past sins.…

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A monopoly board with the train figurine inside a tile priced $240
3 min 0 1308

Letter from the editor: We’ve rebranded

Petra Chase April 1, 2025

Dear SFU community, It’s time to say farewell to The Peak and welcome our board game magazine. The Pawn is now your weekly source for the latest news, trends, and tips in tabletop gaming on our beloved mountain (excluding table…

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A book lying on a wooden table with an illustrated cover. The top half depicts colourful visuals of people dancing and playing music, while the bottom half shows police and guards trapping people with shields.
6 min 0 1833

Postcards from Congo is an artful graphic history

Petra Chase February 27, 2025

Content warning: brief mentions of slavery, child soldiers, and war. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the second largest country in Africa, yet its rich, enduring history is often overlooked. Postcards from Congo is an easy-to-digest graphic novel and…

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Monday music: Twee love songs

Petra Chase February 10, 2025

 “P.U.N.K Girl” by Heavenly Twee was originally British slang for sweet to a “nauseating” degree. Heavenly was one of the bands who emerged in the ‘80s in opposition to the “increasing harshness in the post-punk music scene” under the…

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A thin outline of a pair of black headphones against a black background.
5 min 0 2046

The Peak’s staff picks for album of the year

Peak Web December 3, 2024

  Never Better and Better Now by Wild Rivers  Hailey Miller, Staff Writer Toronto indie-rock trio Wild Rivers — comprised of Khalid Yassein, Devan Glover, and Andrew Oliver — released two back-to-back sister albums this year, followed by a world…

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