The hustle of student business owners

Student entrepreneurs show ambition and drive since their humble beginnings 

By Aliya Karimjee

After growing tired of hearing the people around him simply say they would follow their dream without committing to it, RJ Mijares, a third-year business management student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), persevered to show dreams can come true with hard work.  In February 2023, he created RJM and Co., a printing and embroidery business. 

Today’s status quo for young adults is to gain post-secondary education in order to secure a stable job or make career moves of their own, with nearly 58 per cent of working-age Canadians having post-secondary credentials. However, TMU students have taken it into their own hands  to use the skills they’ve acquired from their university programs to create their dream businesses on their own — without waiting for graduation day. 

Hoping to be a "young businessman who can prove himself in the real world," Mijares chose to apply the knowledge he has gained so far from his program and additional psychology electives to a real-life business. 

From his major, he has learned elements of a successful business alongside its technical aspects, such as operations, purchasing and supply management as well as general finance and accounting skills. 

Using his resources and connections, Mijares created his own brand, focusing on the human relationship between him and his customers.

“I really wanted to bring a sense of coolness to the manufacturer. Usually when you’re creating a product, you don’t really think about the actual person that’s behind the scenes making it. So I really wanted to create something where people are like, I want to be in a relationship with the person that’s making my products,” says Mijares. 

He believes fast fashion’s quality is incomparable to small businesses and he aims for his products to last longer than a year. In order to do so, Mijares keeps in close contact with his overseas distributors. 

Mijares wants to ensure his customers of the high quality and effort they receive in the products he manufactures. To provide transparency with his customers, Mijares posts photos of his business’s progress and reels of the process — in which he also includes failed attempts. 

Unlike many large-scale corporate businesses, which usually don't connect personally with their customers, Mijares decided to prioritize client connections in his work. He confirmed this is especially important since his business model depends on people wanting to create. 

Some examples of his holiday products include a custom-made hat for a couple in which the girlfriend drew a dog on a cap. (Courtesy of RJ Mijares)

The possibilities are endless. These types of gifts give a personal touch and allow storytelling through art.

He has also produced orders for school clubs, political movements and many other requests from his clients. 

Since he started his business, Mijares has planned his orders and schedules two to three weeks ahead of time, with an average of 30 orders a week. Initially, he struggled to get his business out there and know how to price point it for customers to be interested.

"I think the big problem when we first started was settling for low margins, settling for break-evens, and those hurt you [badly],” shares Mijares. “So I think that the hardest challenge was figuring out how to get price points for things." 

This green sweater is an example of one of Mijares’ products, this one for a Palestinian Cultural Club. (Courtesy of RJ Mijares)

Since then, he has learnt that reinvesting money is the best way to keep his business going. 

“It’s not about profit, it’s about having money left over to invest in the business,” explains Mijares. 

He has set goals for when he wants to innovate specific ideas. Within his classes, Mijares has learned that discounts aren't very feasible for small businesses. Instead, he believes in customer loyalty programs and is considering implementing such initiatives for continuous shoppers. 

Mijares’ future ideas involve playing a role in his customers’ holiday shopping and integrating his business into other schools. Thinking two seasons ahead to the summer, Mijares knows he will get the chance to participate in summer markets — a dream goal of his. 

Mijares isn’t alone in his bold business moves and ambitions. 

The entrepreneurial journey of TMU student Nazha Syriani 

Nazha Syriani, founder of Nazha’s Crafts, produces crochet goods such as pillows, hats, bags, bracelets or scrunchies. 

The third-year TMU fashion student’s creativity is inspired by political movements. 

Her crafts are influenced by her Palestinian and Newfoundland backgrounds and her previous knowledge of, and she incorporates fashion, which includes sewing, crocheting and designing. 

Initially, she was posting Instagram pictures of her crafts or proudly wearing them outside. 

Recently, she crocheted a Palestinian flag for herself; however, in support of her country, many people took an interest. (Courtesy of Nazha Syriani)

"I had the [Palestinian] flag as a keychain on my backpack, and one of my friends noticed it, loved it and asked to buy it from me,” Syriani says. “People want to show their support, so I started making more.”

On top of being a student five days a week, a dancer twice a week and a daughter to her family, she believes all her hard work in this business is worth it because for her, especially when she gets to see her clients' faces and think, “I created that expression.” She welcomes creativity and will produce any design her customers’ hearts wish. Simultaneously, she also has designs of her own.

In personal and professional projects, she always values sustainability. 

Everything Syriani makes is handmade, and whenever she can, she uses “upcycled material.” 

"Recently, one of the things that I had at the Christmas market was a tote bag I made,” shares Syriani. “The fabric from the strap was used from an old pair of jeans, and then the actual stuff was from Value Village." 

An example of Nazha Siryani’s work, a handmade bag made out of an old pair of jeans and some other stuff from Value Village (Courtesy of Nazha Siryani)

She explains that larger-scale companies you could easily buy from don’t share those same efforts. 

“The tag will say 5 per cent recyclable, but it’s only talking about the actual tag, not the garment itself,” says Syriani. 

She finds it very important for people to support local services to not only help small-business owners like her, but also keeping the environment in mind. 

Syriani adds that she, herself, supports small businesses. She remembers visiting the Eaton Centre in Toronto where a small market was taking place earlier in the year. Within the market, many small businesses had set up their own stands from which she “tried to buy items from almost each one.”

Understanding the struggles of being a small business and the market she's entering, Syriani’s putting in the change she wants to see.

Syriani is no stranger to small-business struggles, and “finding the balance between knowing how to price things and the cost of my time,” echoing Mijares’ personal obstacles as well.

As a fashion business student, she tries to solve this issue with the knowledge she learned in certain classes that went over concepts, including calculating the costs of labour and materials. 

She had to create a cost sheet in her design courses after sewing a pair of pants. 

"That helps me [to create] prices. Especially if I'm buying wool, I can't use the same price as what the wool cost; I have to price it as to how much I will use from that roll. So every little thing comes into place," says Syriani. 

All the touching moments make all her efforts in business worth it for her in the end. 

She recounts one of her most memorable moments: her first sale. Syriani’s high school friend saw the evil eye pillow she had crocheted and bought one for her sister. After that first sale, she followed up with the purchase of a Palestinian pillow. 

“When I sold [the evil eye pillow] for the first time, I took a picture of myself with my money envelope,” says Syriani. “It was a very special moment because I've never sold anything I've made before besides making it for others [as] gifts.” 

Syriani adds that the TMU community has been just as supportive of her. She says her design history teacher bought a little coin purse and ordered the big evil eye pillow.

To achieve her goal, Syriani plans to take the necessary steps to grow bigger and bigger. By crocheting, posting more, getting noticed and going to markets, she hopes to gain enough profit to move her company onto an online platform like Etsy. 

However, her ultimate goal is to be a fashion designer using her own name, as it’s also her Teta’s — grandmother in Arabic — name. She believes her name makes her unique, and it’s a part of who she is. 

"I am Palestinian and want to represent that part of myself,” says Syriani.  

In everything she does, especially in designing, Syriani tries to incorporate her mom’s Newfoundland culture and her dad’s Palestinian culture. 

“I'm not just Canadian. I'm not just Palestinian. I'm both, and they're both very important to me." 

Triumph at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival: A Showcase of Innovation and Cultural Fusion

The dedicated team behind the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival worked tirelessly to achieve remarkable success, shining a light on continuous innovation and the way cultural harmony comes together to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of multiculturalism.

By Meena Ma

The colourful lion dance performance at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival on September 1st at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. (Courtesy of TDF)

Opening Spectacle and Eagle Li's Story

The world saw itself come to a halt in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread all over – the entertainment industry was no exception. The renowned Cirque du Soleil, an entertainment company known for its mesmerizing and innovative circus-style performances that blend acrobatics, theater, and music into spectacular shows, also saw a pause in production. Eagle Li was a featured performer with Cirque du Soleil. Just before the pandemic, he had recently participated in a high-pole lion dance at the production MESSI10, alongside the famous soccer star Lionel Messi.

Li has been practicing Chinese kung fu since childhood and possesses many years of experience in lion dance performances. After over two decades of dedicated training and displaying his skills on the global stage, he became a featured performer with Cirque du Soleil. However, with their performances on hold, Li made his way to Toronto and assembled a high-pole lion dance team of his own, diligently training new members and waiting for new opportunities.

Through a chance encounter, they caught the attention of David Zhang, the chief director of the Toronto Dragon Festival (TDF), who then proactively arranged for them to perform at the event.

When Li's high-pole lion dance act made its debut, it created a tremendous sensation among the audience.

Eagle Li performed the high pole lion dance with his partner, Don Tan, at the 2022 Toronto Dragon Festival. (Li is in the lower half of the lion costume, while his partner is on top.) (Courtesy of TDF)

After the first successful show, Li completely transitioned to TDF and became the ensemble’s permanent member.

"Participating in ‘MESSI10’ has been the most meaningful performance of my life,” Li said. “It showcases Messi's unwavering spirit of perseverance, making it an incredibly inspiring show."

While Li communicated his gratitude towards the MESSI10 event, he also stated he’s even happier now that he and his team can participate in the TDF's annual performances. He is particularly enthusiastic about developing and promoting lion dance culture abroad as of Chinese descent.

During the Toronto Dragon Festival, David Zhang coordinates tasks using a walkie-talkie. (Betty Liu /TDF)

Leader and Directorial Vision

David has been the chief director of the TDF since its inception. Despite holding a full-time IT job, he has proven to be one of the most talented directors in the Toronto-Chinese community, with a successful track record of over a decade. Each year at the TDF, David aspires to introduce innovative elements to deliver the most dazzling content to the audience.

"Lion dance is one of China's most important traditional performances during festivals and celebrations," said David. "And high pole dance is the most challenging aspect within lion dance performances. The organizing committee of TDF is delighted to have someone of international caliber like Eagle join the permanent team.”

2023 saw Canada's very first Lion Dance Invitational Tournament. It was a remarkable innovation both conducted and led by Li, with his significant experience in this field.

Li extended invitations to four Chinese lion dance teams, and their performances were evaluated by a panel of eight judges who applied well-established sports criteria for assessment. The sports criteria for the assessment of lion dance competitions typically include factors such as precision of movements, coordination between the lion dancers, the difficulty and intricacy of the routines, synchronization with the accompanying music and drumming, artistic expression and overall presentation. This event has also become one of this year’s highlights at the TDF, drawing significant popularity.

Canada's very first Lion Dance Invitational Tournament was held at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival. After the competition, the four participating lion dance teams posed for a group photo to commemorate the event. (Courtesy of TDF)

When asked if Li regrets leaving the Cirque du Soleil to join the TDF, he confidently opposed. Li emphasized that he is immensely grateful for the opportunities he has found in Toronto, especially with the support of John Zhang, the chair of the TDF organizing committee. 

John Zhang, beaming with a smile, delivering the welcoming address at the opening ceremony of the fourth Toronto Dragon Festival on Sept.1, at Toronto Nathan Phillips Square. (Courtesy of TDF)

John is also the president of the Canadian Association of Chinese Performing Arts (CACPA), the organizer of the TDF. 

CACPA's mission is to advance Chinese traditional culture through the medium of performing arts. Its members are individuals who are both passionate about performing arts and possess a positive outlook on life while actively contributing to the community.

For decades, John has resided and worked in Canada, dedicating himself to organizing and hosting cultural events within the Chinese community. His passion lies in seamlessly blending Chinese culture into Canada's diverse cultural landscape through various cultural and artistic initiatives.

In a generous gesture aimed at fostering the development of lion dance in Toronto, John provided Li and his team with a substantial venue; a great improvement since last year. This support allowed them to wholeheartedly cultivate and practice the tradition daily.

“After Li arrived in Toronto last year and formed a new team, David started to explain. “They faced a financial shortfall. It was John who generously provided them with equipment storage and training facilities for an entire year, free of charge.”

David Zhang shared that the nearly 2,000 square feet facility is John’s company premises. David said John’s intention was to ensure that Li and his team could train without any worries, enabling them to deliver outstanding performances at the annual Dragon Festival.

In gratitude for John’s recognition of their potential and the opportunities provided, Li made the choice to become a permanent part of TDF, with the hope of repaying this kindness.

At 65 years old, John is actively involved in every aspect of the TDF as the festival’s leader. While he could just simply delegate tasks, he personally participated in the hands-on work during the festival. If you didn't know he was the chair of the festival, you might mistake him for a dedicated volunteer, donning a cap and tirelessly contributing his physical effort every year before TDF commences.

Before the Festival begins, John Zhang helps set up tents alongside volunteers.（Betty Liu/Toronto Dragon Festival and Meena Ma/CanCulture）

David Zhang, though they are not related, has been John Zhang's partner for over the past decade. He commented on the dedication of John’s hard work and said that the core team members were concerned about his well-being due to his relentless work ethic, often seeing him appear exhausted.

"I remember during the first TDF, the core team members of the organizing committee were working very closely," David started. "One day, I found out that his complexion looked dark, and he appeared quite haggard. We were worried about him, urging him to take a break, fearing that he might face health issues."

The core team of TDF consists of four members, John Zhang and David Zhang, executive director Susan Xu and deputy chief director, Kitty Chen. They come together to work for a common goal – promoting Chinese culture overseas.

The creative models of Chinese dumplings displayed by one of the vendors at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Each year, with everyone giving their utmost, the festival has grown stronger and more successful; this year is no different. 

John Zhang (on the left), and David Zhang (on the right), along with one of the festival directors, Li Chen (in the middle), engage in the intense on-site setup preparations just before the opening ceremony. (Betty Liu/TDF)

Technological Innovations and Cultural Fusion

According to the organizing committee of TDF, this year has witnessed remarkable growth in attendance. Iits inaugural event in 2018 drew roughly 20,000 people. The following year brought 60,000 attendees and the third edition in 2022 attracted 85,000 visitors. This year, the festival achieved an extraordinary milestone as the total number of attendees surpassed 100,000 over three days.

The members of Organizing Committee of the Toronto Dragon Festival 2023, from left to right: Timur Zhao, Shan Qiao, Susan Xu, Anna Bian, Kitty Chen, John Zhang, David Zhang, Susan Xu, Grant Guo (Courtesy of TDF)

Beyond the collective efforts of every TDF member, other crucial factors contributing to this year’s success were the remarkable technological innovation, breakthroughs and cultural fusion.

This year, TDF hosted a continuous live broadcast across multiple platforms for three days. Additionally, a remote-controlled LED main stage screen was introduced at Nathan Phillips Square, significantly enhancing the audience's real-time viewing experience of the on-site events.

At the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival, a performance of Chinese classical dance took place against the backdrop of an innovative, newly introduced remote-controlled LED main stage screen (Courtesy of TDF)

There's an ancient Chinese saying that goes, "All things are difficult before they are easy." The TDF organizing committee faced various challenges and underwent numerous tests to ensure the successful implementation of all these technological upgrades.

“From picking the right gear, doing on-the-spot testing, and building the technical crew wasn't easy,” said David, “ And when it came down to coordinating and executing everything on-site, that was the real deal. But our tech team, they're the real champs here.”

David added that they were dealing with tricky conditions, like extending cables way up high, which had its fair share of risks. Plus, they pulled off something pretty amazing – getting high-definition wireless transmissions to work flawlessly across some really long distances, over 100 metres and beyond.

During the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival, spectators enjoyed song and dance performances at Nathan Phillips Square. (Courtesy of TDF)

This significant innovation greatly enhanced this year's global outreach by substantial technological upgrade. The fusion of diverse cultures at the festival also attracted participation from people of various ethnic backgrounds.

For instance, the opening act featured a cultural performance with seven Indigenous performing groups. They showcased authentic Indigenous culture through singing, dancing and drumming performances.

David stated that it is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to celebrating multiculturalism and showcasing their deep respect for Canada's Indigenous communities.

"Our decision to feature Indigenous performers in the opening act was a symbolic gesture," said David. "It highlights the festival's mission to foster cultural understanding and unity among different communities.”

In addition to the Indigenous performances, the TDF also introduced other non-Chinese cultural performances in recent years, such as Russian ballet, African traditional dance and a youth pop dance performance from the Filipino community who joined the organization for the second time.

Josie De Leon, the instructor of the Filipino dance group, is not only a talented singer and actress but also an experienced dancer. She embarked on her career in the Philippines and relocated to Canada 25 years ago.

Upon settling in Canada, she founded the JDL Performing Arts School, aiming to introduce the art of singing and dancing to the younger generation.

Over the past 12 years, the school has expanded to three different branches in Toronto. Josie's dance group has become the leading dance troupe in the Filipino community.

"It was a great privilege to be a part of this festival. I wanted our youth dance group to be involved in such a high caliber event," said Leon. "I'm truly thankful to the chief director, David Zhang, for inviting us to participate in this year's TDF again, and we are looking forward to taking part in next year."

The dancers from the JDL Performing Arts School in the Filipino community performed vibrant modern dance at the Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Another vibrant non-Chinese addition to this year’s TDF is a fresh face in the hosting team, Maomao. He is fluent in Chinese and spent an impressive 14 years working and studying in China. His deep emotional connection to the country and a profound understanding of Chinese culture sets him apart.

Maomao, (on the right), the new host for this year's Toronto Dragon Festival with one of his co-hosts, Melody Shang, jointly hosted the opening ceremony performance on September 1st (Courtesy of TDF)

While most of the festival's hosts primarily communicate in English, Maomao decided to break the mold by predominantly using Chinese. This choice brought a sense of familiarity to the Chinese-speaking audience in attendance, creating an instant connection and engagement.

As the TDF continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering cultural exchange is underway.

"This festival is like a melting pot of cultures,” said David, “As we are in this multicultural country, we are trying to blend tradition and innovation. It's not just a Chinese event anymore; it's a party that invites everyone, regardless of where they come from."

David also introduced another exciting element to this year’s performance team. He invited two highly talented city councillors, Markham’s Amanda Yeung Collucci and Richmond Hill’s Simon Cui, to join this year’s performance team.

“This initiative aims to showcase our Chinese artistic talents as prominent Chinese-Canadian politicians,” said David, ”This also stands out as a highlight in our lineup this year because it's rare for the audience to witness performances by the politicians.”

Markham City Councilor, Amanda Yeung Collucci, performed a popular Chinese song for the audience at the Toronto Dragon Festival on Sept. 3. (Courtesy of TDF)

Like many newcomers, Collucii’s early days in Canada were marked by the challenges of finding employment to sustain herself. She recalls her first job at a restaurant, which unfortunately ended after just one day, leaving her without any pay.

However, these setbacks only fueled her determination. She embarked on a journey of self-improvement, pursuing higher education and eventually enrolled at York University to study economics. Her dedication and hard work allowed her to acquire knowledge and refine her skills. In 2014, she became the first Chinese female councillor elected in Markham.

Collucci enjoys singing and dancing. She often participates in various community events in Toronto. This time, she was invited to perform at the TDF, and she sang a popular Chinese song.

”I‘m very honoured to be invited to perform at the Festival which holds significant importance for us as Chinese people,” said Collucci. “Dragon represents our heritage and our values. Wherever we are, in any country, whether first, second, or third-generation immigrants, we will always be Chinese.“

Collucci emphasized that all Chinese people should take pride in their culture. The TDF serves as a powerful reminder for all Chinese about our identity as descendants of the dragon.

Cui is a long-time community activist. When he first arrived in Canada 22 years ago, he worked in general labour for two years before studying at Seneca College and York University.

Prior to his current role, Cui served as a school board trustee for the York Region, overseeing around cities and regions, 13,000 students and 300 schools. This involvement reflects his commitment to advocating for cultural values and ideas in the educational context.

His parents have always had a strong passion for ethnic music, which greatly influenced him during his childhood, fostering his love for music. He began playing the flute in middle school and later started playing the guitar in high school.

“After coming to Canada, I self-learned various musical instruments,” said Cui, “Including the piano, guzheng and guqin. Playing different instruments became an integral part of my life.”

This time, the TDF organizing committee invited him to perform a flute-playing show. Similar to Collucci, Cui said he is very honoured to be invited to join this great event.

Richmond Hill City Councilor, Simon Cui, performed a flute recital for the audience at the Toronto Dragon Festival on September 3 (Courtesy of TDF)

The two Chinese-Canadian legislators participated in this year's TDF in dual capacities. They attended as performers but also came as counsellors to support this event and attended the opening ceremony on Sept. 1, 2023.

The festival also introduced innovations in even the most traditional aspects of Chinese folk culture. For example, the art of paper cutting, which has been passed down in China for thousands of years, witnessed some innovative approaches.

Zhan Zhang is the poster designer for this year’s TDF and also one of the many booth owners at the festival. Her booth primarily showcases her own paper-cutting art.

The origins of Chinese paper cutting have over 2000 years of history. This art form gained popularity as paper became more economically accessible. Historically, paper cuts were employed for adorning windows and doors. They were often glued to the exterior of the windows, allowing the light to shine through the negative space, creating various patterns and designs.

However, Zhan’s paper-cutting art is a fusion of Western aesthetics and elements with the foundation of traditional Chinese paper cutting.

“This blend has resulted in the creation of contemporary paper-cutting artworks with a modern artistic sensibility," noted Zhan. "One remarkable feature of my paper-cut pieces is that each one is meticulously crafted by hand."

Zhan pursued her undergraduate studies in Canada, majoring in art management, and obtained a double degree in fine arts. Subsequently, she pursued a master's degree in 3D animation. However, her journey into paper cutting was entirely self-initiated, starting from scratch.

“Due to my diverse background in various art disciplines, I developed a profound interest in paper cutting,” said Zhan. “ I have been practicing paper cutting for about five to six years now, and my works have gradually gained popularity. I have since ventured into organizing exhibitions on a larger scale and participating in various art-related events, such as this year's Dragon Festival.”

Zhan Zhang's exquisite and beautiful fusion of Chinese and Western art paper-cutting pieces, each of which is crafted from a single sheet of paper. (Courtesy of TDF)

Owing to the innovative and unique style of Zhan’s paper-cutting artworks, her creations have gained immense popularity. She expressed her strong desire to promote this traditional Chinese art with innovation to a broader international audience.

Zhan’s paper-cutting booth was just one of the creative and highly appreciated stalls at this year's TDF. According to the Organizing Committee, the festival featured over 100 booths showcasing cultural traditions, small goods and a variety of delicious cuisines.

Over 100 diverse vendors and stalls at the Toronto Dragon Festival attracted a multitude of tourists. (Courtesy of TDF)

Another significant aspect of this festival comprised continuous live performances distributed across three different zones: the open square area, the water show stage and the main stage.

These live shows included concerts, traditional folk dances, Beijing Opera, cultural and artistic exhibitions, captivating Kung Fu and martial arts demonstrations, a stunning fashion showcase and live DJ performances on the water. These diverse performances unfolded sequentially on the three stages.

Some highlights of the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival in one big Photo. (Courtesy of TDF)

Thousands upon thousands of attendees from diverse ethnic backgrounds participated in this year's Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Sam Zhang, a passionate overseas Chinese man who deeply loves the 5000-year-old traditional Chinese culture, has been living in Canada since 1997. Although his three children were born in Canada, Sam often reminds them not to forget their roots as descendants of the Dragon. He consciously brought them to this festival to experience the atmosphere of Chinese culture.

“I came with my wife, my daughter and her boyfriend,” said Sam, “I also invited several of my relatives to come to witness the opening ceremony of this Dragon Festival, because I told them we are descendants of the Huaxia, inheritors of the Dragon's legacy, must not forget the spirit of the Dragon.”

After witnessing the opening ceremony, Sam and his family were filled with excitement and a sense of patriotism.

“I deeply admire the organizers of this festival for promoting Chinese culture overseas,” said Sam, “I never expected to feel such a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere after immigrating to North America.”

Coincidentally, there was a booth at the TDF showcasing traditional Chinese Hanfu attire, allowing visitors to experience ancient Chinese clothing. Sam’s daughter and her boyfriend also donned Hanfu at the event to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Sam Zhang's daughter, Maggie Zhang (second from right), was accompanied by her boyfriend, Shaan Jain (second from left), a gentleman of Indian descent, as they both tried on Hanfu at the Toronto Dragon Festival to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Chinese ancient clothing culture. From left to right, Jenny Dai (Zhang’s wife), Shaan Jain, Maggie Zhang, Sam Zhang (Courtesy of TDF)

The Festival's Broader Impact and Conclusion

In a striking testament to its burgeoning popularity, the TDF has witnessed a remarkable surge in media coverage and attention.

According to the organizing committee, its journey from its inaugural edition, which saw coverage from only a handful of English-language media outlets, to over 50 media organizations this year, marking a stark contrast to its modest beginnings.

While it historically received coverage from Chinese and local Chinese media, it has now successfully piqued the interest of prominent media outlets, including CBC, Global News TV, Toronto Star, CP24,CityNews Toronto, blogTO, Global Times, Now Toronto, Daily Hive and more. 

After the three-day Toronto Dragon Festival came to a close, some of the performers and staff gathered for a group photo to commemorate the conclusion of the event on Sept. 3 at Nathan Philip Square (Courtesy of TDF)

“Toronto's diversity is its strength,“ said John Kiru, the executive director at the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, and the former president of CNE. “It is prominently displayed during street festivals where various cultures celebrate traditions and cuisine.”

Kiru added that events like the TDF provide opportunities to celebrate these cultural icons. Expanding the Dragon Festival's size is encouraging, and supporting such events, whether from the Chinese, Greek, Italian, or other communities, is vital for Toronto's urban fabric.

The 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival concluded as a powerful testament to the beauty of multiculturalism and unity. Under John Zhang's leadership, the festival transformed Nathan Phillips Square into a vibrant hub of diverse cultural celebrations.

The festival's success transcended mere entertainment; it became a unifying force that attracted participants and audiences from various backgrounds. The Toronto Dragon Festival, with its blend of tradition and innovation, set a new standard for cultural festivals, inspiring a future where cultural integration is not just envisioned but celebrated as a living reality.

A Love Letter to Cross-Cultural Connections

Sometimes,  home isn’t home, but the heart of another’s

By Melanie Nava Urribarri

(Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay)

You stand in your childhood kitchen. The soft murmurs of your mother tongue tickle your ears as you’re zoned out with the dim evening glow lighting up your peripheral vision. From the stove, familiar smells wrap you up in a warm comfort. You know this is home to you.

For some, such memories are further away than others, feeling more like dreams than a reality they once knew. For some, it goes more like this:

Standing in a dining room, looking at new faces blink with expectations and hearing different words spoken and passed around with uncommon smells overwhelming them. An anxiety pools in their belly, uncertainty rising and taking their breath.

Zoha Naghar, a third-year Pakistani university student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), recalled a similar story from when she was little. She went over to a friend's house and had been nervous to spend dinner there being Muslim and only eating halal food – food deemed permissible under Islamic law.

“I remember I mentioned it to [my friend] maybe at the beginning of the year, and her family asked me to stay for dinner. I said ‘No, I think I'll go home’, just because I don't want to make them uncomfortable.” Her friend was English and unfamiliar with her customs.

“But my friend then said ‘No actually, stay for dinner because we ordered halal food specifically for you,’ and that was weird [to me] because I've never actually felt acknowledged in that sense before,” Naghar said.

A single gesture, one reach of a hand, and everything can change. Unfamiliar places can almost feel as safe as home, and it can be as simple as sharing food and pieces of culture at new dinner tables. In the most innocent ways, this is the importance of cross-cultural communication: the support it can provide to generally isolated communities.

The intermixing of communities and cultures is a common occurrence in Toronto, a top multicultural city according to a BBC study, and it is especially true for the student communities at TMU. The cross-cultural exchanges are experiences students can find most meaningful as a variety of ethnic and cultural communities come together and find home in each other; recognize themselves in others. 

It is these stories that are just as important to tell, especially in times of need.

In the past month of October, Jana Alnajjar, president of the Palestinian Culture Club (PCC) at TMU, organized an initiative with the Afghan Student Association to fundraise for different causes – relief for the children of Gaza and for the people of Afghanistan affected by the most recent earthquake. Together, they raised $3,000, but the experience wasn’t just memorable because of its monetary success.

“When I saw everyone coming together, it made me realize that when it comes to humanity, there are no borders,” Alnajjar said. “It's an amazing, amazing feeling just knowing that there's always going to be people behind your back, even if they're not from the same country as you.”

Not long after the conjoined fundraiser, the PCC held an initiative called Keffiyeh Week. Alnajjar clearly remembered the wide variety of non-Palestinian people that were wearing the Keffiyeh (or kuffiyeh), a garment symbolizing solidarity against oppression now woven in the history of a people.

“They were taking the time out of the day to learn about it, and it was a moment at our school that basically brought everyone together, no matter your background or religion, ethnic background as well. What is key is understanding and listening.”

Noor El-Deen Murad, the PCC’s VP of marketing, stated that this sharing, understanding and listening is important in giving others the opportunity to get to know identities without the politicization of an identity.

“People will remember seeing the Palestinian foods, dances, vibrant culture, 10, 20, 30 years from now. [Sharing culture] leaves a lasting impact on people,” Murad said. “We care about humanity. [...] We will support any other club that does initiatives for humanity too.”

The American Psychological Association states that evidence links perceived loneliness and social isolation with depression. As a collective, we are always in the search of escaping loneliness and isolation, and in a land where the sun feels cold and the water currents don’t dance to the same stars of your culture, that can be difficult. It can be suffocating. Escape can not feel possible.

Perceived social isolation without knowing who could possibly understand is dangerous, according to studies. And communities play a large role in this perception.

“As the community's editor at The Eyeopener, if we have an event or an initiative like Keffiyeh Week, for example, I made sure we covered that because although it's not me actively participating in it, it's me bringing awareness to a broader scale,” said Bana Yirgalem, a fourth-year Eritrean student at TMU.

“I would want people to do the same for Eritrea,” Yirgalem added, describing how TMU has a diverse student body, and the importance for students to come to campus and see their cultures being represented in a positive light. Especially as students “tend to wish that the faculties at their programs had people that looked like them.”

Statistics Canada’s 2021 census reported over 450 ethnic or cultural origins in Canada, with immigrants (79.5 per cent) being much more likely than non-immigrants (47.6 per cent) to place importance on ethnic or cultural origins. One in four people in Canada are reported to be part of a racialized group.

At TMU’s Black Business Student Association (BBSA), though the students may not come not from Eritrea, but from different countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, Yirgalem finds a safe space for herself precisely for feeling seen and heard, while growing up she didn’t have peers that looked like her.

“The world is not just one thing. Sometimes you need people around you to show you you are welcome, especially in a country where your ethnic and cultural community is not the majority,” said Cristina Diaz, a Puerto Rican third-year student.

According to Statistics Canada, though diversity may be apparent with the largest populations of South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, West Asian, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Korean people living in Toronto, close to 70 per cent of Canada’s population reported being white.

“If I have a chance to learn about someone else's culture [then] I will, because this is them finally being able to talk about it, because they're never really given a platform to share, like their background and their experiences,” Naghar expressed.

“I feel like it's important because it just makes us realize that the world is so much bigger than just us and that there's so much more in the world than just what we know.”

Climbing the ladder: How Kendra Doyle has become a rising name in Ontario sports media

From the Mississauga Steelheads to the Barrie Baycats, this Brock University student takes every opportunity to get one step closer to her dream. 

By Nicole Soroka

Doyle inside the Paramount Fine Foods Centre during a Mississauga Steelheads game. (Courtesy of @_kendradoyle/X)

The television lit up in a sea of gold and black as the Boston Bruins won the coveted Stanley Cup in 2011 — the first time in 39 years. While Kendra Doyle’s father was busy celebrating his favourite team’s victory, seven-year-old Doyle was paying close attention to the interviews on her screen. She watched in amazement as the female reporter spoke to Bruins players about their big win, unknowingly lighting a spark inside of her. As she proudly stood up and began posing her own set of questions to the players, as if she were the reporter on the ice in Rogers Arena, Doyle’s passion was born. From that day on, she set her sights on a career in sports media, and nothing has stopped her since.

The now 19-year-old is a second-year sports management student at Brock University. Doyle spends her days immersing herself in the field, making a difference in the lives of those around her and doing what she loves.

Doyle has been involved with sports from a young age. A passion for equestrianism would keep her competing in the sport from ages six to 17. “It’s [my] comfort sport,” Doyle confessed. She also played rugby, flag football and volleyball during her high school years.

To many people’s surprise, Doyle never played hockey at a competitive level. While her career aspirations align with the sport, she spent her time familiarizing herself with it by watching games with her father or playing ball hockey with friends.

“I think there’s a big thing where people in the sports industry [believe] you have to play hockey [\to report on it]...” Doyle said. “No, you don’t. I played for fun, I just didn't play AA.”

Throughout her senior year, Doyle began building upon her writing skills by taking part in a journalism class that required her to report on her school’s sports teams. She happily attended games, took notes for her recaps and interviewed players for her stories.

As she began applying to universities, Doyle was contemplating which school would offer her the best education and opportunities for her career. While debating between Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Brock, Doyle received advice from one of her teachers that influenced her decision.

“Don’t close doors before you open them because you really don’t know what could happen,” Doyle’s teacher told her.

At the same time, Doyle continued looking for sports media opportunities that would allow her to gain experience in the field. While she had already obtained an impressive amount of experience for a 17-year-old, Doyle said , “I still felt like I was missing something, so I applied to the Barrie Colts as a volunteer for player operations.”

She explained that while it was not necessarily what she aimed to be doing, the Colts allowed her to broaden her horizons. Not only did this role offer Doyle beneficial insight into how an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) game is set up, run and closed down following the game, but it also gave her a better understanding of how each role within the club works together to create a full experience for both the fans and the players.

“It’s really important for people in the sports industry to experience [different roles] because you never know what you’re going to do because there’s so many different things that you have to be able to do… other than your main focus,” Doyle said.

However, this was not her last run working with a Barrie-based sports team. Following her departure from the Barrie Colts in May 2022, Doyle joined the Barrie Baycats, a semi-pro Intercounty Baseball League, as a social media and field reporting volunteer. She helped with everything from injury updates and bullpen activity, as well as post-game interviews.

Doyle described how this experience allowed her to gain confidence in both her reporting and interviewing skills, especially as she made her way into her first year at Brock.

“[The team] knows my intentions for my career and they have such a big respect for me,” Doyle expressed. “I have such big respect for them because they're doing what they love and I'm doing what I love.”

She enjoyed this job so much that she returned as a volunteer for the 2023 season; this time, taking every single opportunity she could to stay at the top of her game.

Doyle before throwing the first pitch at a Barrie Baycats game. (Courtesy of @_kendradoyle/X)

Doyle would travel with the team to away games to cover their social media pages, embracing the full volunteer experience that was being offered to her.

“From last year to this year, [Kendra] really took her job by the horns and has grown really quickly,” said Josh Matlow, president of the Barrie Baycats. “It’s impressive to see and I’m very happy for her.”

Already having filled her resume with notable experiences, Doyle decided to take on an event that truly fulfilled her childhood dreams.

When Hockey Canada announced that the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship was slated to take place throughout April in Brampton, Ont., Doyle jumped at the chance to apply for the chair of event promotions and in-arena host jobs.

After a whirlwind interview, Doyle was offered both positions and spent time leading up to the event by scheduling staff and volunteer shifts, as well as organizing jobs behind the scenes. Doyle said that, “My boss was incredible, as well as all of the people that I worked with.”

Doyle also believes that this event boosted her self-assurance and allowed her to come into her own while hosting each-and-every game throughout the tournament.

“I had little girls asking to take pictures with me [saying], ‘I want to be just like you,’” Doyle shared. “That's a crazy concept for me at 18 at the time [to think] people are saying they want to be like me and I'm still not even grown up yet.”

Presently, throughout her third semester, Doyle has taken on the positions of co-hosting Brock’s Sport Management Council Podcast and running their social media accounts.

Outside of school, Doyle is currently the in-arena host for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads. After applying for the position during the summer, she prepared to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Celine Trimarchi. Doyle said she loves the job and is appreciative of the culture that the team creates within the arena.

Doyle interviewing Steelhead players following a regular season win. (Courtesy of @_kendradoyle/X)

Doyle interviewing Steelhead players following a regular season win. (Courtesy of @_kendradoyle/X)

“It's so professional,” Doyle said. “I do pregame hits on the bench… post-game interviews for wins… I’m up on the jumbotron speaking between every other whistle… It's so well run and so interactive.”

Doyle is not the only person to have good things to say about her co-workers.

Andrea Bougiouklis, a current communications, digital and social media employee for the Steelheads, shared that she and Doyle have a blast while working together on the ice.

“We’ve gotten along right from the start,” Bougiouklis said. “I just appreciate her professionalism, how much she cares about her work and putting the best version of herself out there.”

As her past and present experiences have shaped the reporter and host that Doyle is becoming, she gives credit to both her parents, but especially to the person whom she calls her “biggest supporter.” Just as she and her father watched the Bruins defeat the Vancouver Canucks all those years ago, Doyle is now creating the future she always envisioned for herself with her father still by her side every step of the way.

“He’s my best friend,” Doyle said. “We go to Bruins games together. We talk hockey together almost every day. He wants to go to almost every Steelheads game… We've done almost everything sports-related we could ever do… and he's always been there for me.”

Whether it’s on the ice, the field or even a classroom, Doyle has begun paving the way for a bright future in the sports media industry. She shared that if she had to tell her seven-year-old self anything, it would be to follow through on your goals.

“You're not going to get your dream unless you follow through and chase it,” Doyle said.

Music Therapy: A Viable Profession for Students Who Are Interested in Music and Therapy

Considering music therapy? Here is what you need to know

By Candice Zhang

(Photo by Minol Song/Pexels)

What comes to mind when you think of therapy? You may visualize being in a room, sitting across from your therapist as you twiddle your thumbs and decide on what you should reveal about your life for the week. Then, as soon as you begin to unravel about recent stressors and consequences, your therapist sits there, nods and listens. 

This type of environment is often credited to psychotherapy. Although it is one of the most common forms of therapy, there are other styles which help to alleviate stress and promote well-being. These include narrative therapy, art therapy, dance therapy and music therapy. 

What is music therapy? 

Music therapy utilizes musical elements to establish a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client, in order to support healthy development and healing. 

Within a session, a Certified Music Therapist (CMT) works with a client to address cognitive, emotional, musical, physical and social needs. They may utilize plenty of different intervention methods including rhythmic-based activities, improvisation, composing/songwriting and listening to music. 

Music therapy is a profession which many students choose to study. 

Journey to becoming a music therapist

Those who enjoy expressing themselves through creative activities while simultaneously wanting to help the world may find an interest in the profession.

For James Brown, a music therapist at the Canadian Music Therapy Fund, he felt naturally inclined to the field and did a lot of related work before entering the profession.

“I conducted a choir with disabled and autistic adults. I worked a lot with children with autism in music settings,” said Brown. “So not that I was doing music therapy, but there was a lot of therapeutic use in music.”

No path to any career is ever linear or consistent for everyone. The same holds true for pursuing music therapy. Some may have started as classically trained musicians, whereas others may have gained an interest in playing music as a form of therapy.

Brown’s journey started on the last day of his undergraduate program.

“I’ve done music my whole life and started my music training formally at Queen’s University,” said Brown. “I did my Bachelor of music in piano and I didn’t know anything about music therapy then.”

However, on his last day of classes, a discussion with his professor changed everything.

“[My professor] said, ‘What are you going to do now?’ And I said, well I don’t know,” said Brown. “He said, ‘Well you should look into music therapy.’”

The professor’s colleague was the head of the music therapy program at Concordia University. To meet the program’s requirements, Brown enrolled in psychology courses. A few years later, he got accepted into graduate school, and enrolled in the music therapy program at Concordia University.

In comparison to Brown’s journey, other music therapists have taken different journeys to receive their designation. For example, some may first enroll in the bachelor of music therapy program, which is available at Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Guelph. 

Sydney Boeding is a current music therapy graduate student at Drexel University. She first completed an undergraduate degree in another field related to music before deciding to switch to music therapy. Boeding cites that teaching had way too many demands, and wanted something different.

“My undergraduate degree was in music education,” said Boeding. “I taught for a semester and figured out it wasn’t for me.”

Although the minimum bar of entry to practice music therapy is a bachelor’s degree, many also hold graduate degrees as well.

Graduate music therapy programs are often rigorous, with courses covering musical and psychological components.

“Especially if you’re going above a bachelor’s level, you need to have the musical training, you need to have the psychological training,” said Brown. “There’s a lot of factors that you need to satisfy before you’re eligible for one of those programs.”

Other than having a specified knowledge of music, students will also have to learn about the different aspects of therapy and about interacting with different populations. Music therapists often work with a diverse group of clientele. Boeding also has noticed this throughout her graduate music therapy program as well.

“As a graduate student, I was not really aware of the reading and how much work I have to put into a graduate degree until I got in,” said Boeding.

However, although the journey to becoming a music therapist may sound challenging, each is “not the same for everyone” according to Brown.

The rewards of being a music therapist

Similar to other helping professions, music therapists play a vital role in an individual’s life. They allow clients to self-reflect and reframe their situation in an unconventional method through the expression of strong emotions through music.

Brown has seen a lot of this throughout his practice with many adults branching out of their comfort zones during sessions. A recent example occurred in a group home where Brown went to visit in October 2023.

“[The group home] wanted music therapy for a client who was experiencing a lot of isolation issues,” said Brown.

The man was said to not engage with a lot of people. However, Brown was able to change this by utilizing multiple music therapy techniques which were focused on client engagement. Although the first few attempts did not work, Brown continued to form a therapeutic relationship with the client. One day, slowly but surely, the client came out of his shell.

“So just within the last couple of months I’ve shown up every week to play songs for him,” shared Brown.“I’ve kind of learned his musical preferences and I’ve learned when he is feeling anxious and how to kind of calm him down and keep him in a comforting musical space.”

Now, the two of them share a bond through music.

“So after almost a year of that, we’re at the stage where he will look at me, he will hold eye contact with me and smile for minutes at a time.”

On the other hand, Boeding has experienced her fair share of breakthrough moments in her internship at a long-term care facility as well. One client in her internship had experienced cognitive difficulties and had challenges with expressive speech. The client faced difficulty in terms of responding to the environment around them. However, this pattern had changed one day.

“My supervisor was using a drum to help [the client] and her eye movement, with eye tracking, just moving the drum from one side to another,” said Boeding. “And she got over to the left side. And the patient saw me and I saw a look of recognition.”

Seeing clients and patients develop into individuals outside of their comfort zone has been a highlight for Boeding and Brown over time.

For future music therapists

Music therapy is an innovative method to pair a creative interest with a therapeutic strategy. However, the training is anything but easy with Brown describing it as “intense,” because of all the therapeutic and self-reflective practices which are involved.

Brown said, “It challenges everything about the world, about other people, but really about yourself.”

However, despite the challenges and intensity, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference within the field.

“Whether you are writing a song with somebody [or] are listening to music with them…or even playing a song for someone who’s sick in a hospital bed,” Brown trailed off. “[It’s impactful] letting them know that there’s another person there to comfort them and they’re not alone.”

According to Brown, building relationships with clients through music is special because it’s contributing to the greater good of the community.

Brown affirmed, “Music therapy is using music to help people, as silly as that sounds, as broad as that can be. I think that really is the truth of it all.”

A Celebration of Choral Classics

Director Matthew Jaskiewicz leaves behind a legacy of unity and talent with the Toronto Concert Choir

By Terri Edward

On Saturday Dec. 2, the Toronto Concert Choir will perform their final concert at the Knox Presbyterian Church (Photo by Ylanite Koppens)

On a quiet Monday night in Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Kerr Hall, a classroom suited for small lectures had a group of novice and advanced singers come together. Cracking jokes and exchanging stories, they carry folders of sheet music to use for the night. These members meet every week, full of dedication and excitement to practice their craft; classical choral music. 

This weekly celebration of music is a regular routine for the Toronto Concert Choir, a TMU affiliated classical choir founded in 1984 previously under the name Oakham House Choir. Leading the group is experienced music director Matthew Jaskiewicz, who founded the choir alongside Marie Dowler in 1984. 

Jaskiewicz’ musical journey began in Poland where he conducted the Warsaw University Choir. Since immigrating to Canada in 1984 and founding the Toronto Concert Choir, Jaskiewicz has made it his mission to keep traditional music alive on campus by providing a space for musicians of all skill levels to grow and experience the gift of classic choral music.

After over 35 years of choral performance, the choir is approaching its final performance on Dec. 2, 2023.

Jaskiewicz's experience in classical music has shaped the way he directs the Toronto Concert Choir as he said that he “keeps doing what [he] used to do.” From Poland to Canada, Jaskiewicz has nurtured the foundations of music and the choir has continued this tradition, nurturing both the music and him. He has referred to the choir as his “adopted family” and Canada his “adopted home.”

“This is a very special kind of group, those are all sensitive people, people who like and know how to work together for a common goal,” Jaskiewicz expressed. “They are very loyal, wonderful people, [they] are my best friends.”

Although there was a decline in the choir’s membership after the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of community is undeniable — something reiterated by Akua Benjamin, a longtime member of the choir.

“You have people who are trained, but you [also] have people like me [who] just love to sing.” Benjamin said, praising Jaskiewicz’ ability to bring together vocalists from different backgrounds and giving everyone the opportunity to express their love for choral music.

The communal and supportive energy present during rehearsals is apparent from the moment you step through the door. Mingling and laughter fill the small room, with many members describing the choir as a found family. A majority of the 28 members came prepared with thick binders of sheet music, showing their dedication to the space and to Jaskiewicz’ direction. Not only is Jaskiewicz a main contributor to the positive environment of the choir, but a recipient of the positivity. Members are eager to support and assist Jaskiewicz, even offering to help him find his missing page and with the pronunciation of French lyrics.

“Everyone’s very welcoming,” said choir member Eleanor Bishop, toward others in the group. “[Jaskiewicz] brings a lot of passion and patience to the choir, and we couldn’t do without him.”

Shelagh Cowie began singing with the Toronto Concert Choir in the 90s. To her, the community was especially important during the pandemic, as it was one of the few ways people could connect with each other.

“[Jaskiewicz is] absolutely vital, without him there wouldn’t be this community. He’s the reason we exist.” Cowie said when asked about Jaskiewicz impact on the choir’s community and overall energy.

Despite the passionate members, an inspired director and supportive staff, a lack of interest and financial support have left the choir with nowhere to turn.

The Toronto Concert Choir's last concert will take place this Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Knox Presbyterian Church. The concert titled The Very Best Time of Year will feature the work of Franz Hubert and incorporate traditions and songs from around the world. The concert aims to blend choral classics with contemporary Christmas carols.

“After this concert, we will be left with nothing,” said Theresa Adams, the choir’s administrative director. “We are knocking on a lot of doors.”

Yet, the knocks of the choir seem to be going unanswered as the date of their final performance goes closer.

As community members celebrated the choir, Jaskiewicz had a lingering question.

“We are very proud of our history, but what's the future?”

The closing of the choir leaves a gap at TMU, and Jaskiewicz fears that this space will not be filled. While his history and experience facilitate his role in the classical music sphere, his encouragement for other groups to explore more genres is profound. He expressed joy at an hypothetical of the university hosting several choirs as both Jaskiewicz and Adams agreed on a need for arts and music at TMU.

The choir has acted as a community for a wide range of people to come together and create music alongside one another. They were able to fight through a global pandemic and continue performing during a decline of interest in classical music.

“[COVID-19] killed a lot of choirs, but we didn't want to let it kill ours.” Adams said, describing the choir's sense of feeling “lost” after the pandemic.

Jaskiewicz and the Toronto Concert Choir have a profound history of perseverance and adaptability; they have created a large impact and a lasting legacy at TMU. However, instead of solely celebrating the choir, Matthew asked that we think towards the future, forging a space for “artistic life" on campus.

You can get tickets to the Toronto Concert Choir's final performance on Eventbrite.

SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day: A bridge between media, community, and healthcare

Discover the powerful bonds forged where media, community and healthcare converge, uniting diverse groups with a shared mission

By: Meena Ma

Everett Ho (on the left), the SickKids patient ambassador, presented the Humanitarian Award to Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds in a moving moment at the Comedy and TV Drama Awards evening at the Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on Friday, April 14, 2023. And took a photo with Reynolds after the ceremony. (Courtesy / SickKids)

Everett Ho, a longtime patient from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), confidently stood on stage with his eyes fixated on actor Ryan Reynolds in the audience. "Hi Ryan," said Ho at the Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on April 14. 

"My name is Everett Ho and I’m 11 years old. I'm a SickKids kid, because I have spinal metaphyseal dysplasia. That's a big word right?,” Ho said with a cute smile. The audience, including Reynolds himself, couldn't help but share in the warmth of his words with heartfelt smiles.

When Ho was born, the doctor discovered something about him as they gently placed the newborn onto his mother, Karen Chow’s chest. Ho's spine had an unexpected curvature. From that very moment, Ho became a patient of SickKids.

Now, 11 years have elapsed since that pivotal day, Ho has undergone a staggering nine surgeries, each one a step towards improving his quality of life. 

SickKids patient Everett Ho putting on a brave face at his spine surgery last year. Everett and his favorite stuffed animal "Monkey" have endured many surgeries together. (Courtesy of SickKids)

Chow shared that while significant progress has been made regarding his medical condition, there are plans for further surgeries. She shared this with Fairchild Radio at the SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day.

The SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day is a partnership between Fairchild Media Group (Fairchild) and SickKids. On Sept. 28, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the airwaves at Fairchild Radio Station in Markham came alive with the sound of compassion and generosity. It marked the 20th consecutive year that Fairchild, a prominent Canadian media conglomerate renowned for its Chinese language content, joined forces with SickKids for a full 11-hour Radiothon.

Chow expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the longstanding support Fairchild’s audience have provided to SickKids over the years. She earnestly hopes that everyone can consider increasing their donations as SickKids is facing the challenge of aging infrastructure. Additional funding will help facilitate the hospital's much-needed renovation and furthering its vital research initiatives.

With a rich history spanning three decades, Fairchild's media empire encompasses both Fairchild TV and Fairchild Radio. Operating out of major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, the company has cultivated a dedicated following across the nation. This annual event has become a cornerstone of their commitment to supporting SickKids.

Jennifer Lo, vice-president of Fairchild Media Group, and the general manager of Fairchild Radio Toronto, is also a beloved program host. Each year during the highly anticipated Radiothon, Lo takes the helm as the head of the radio station. With expertise honed over the years, she orchestrates every facet of this essential event—from her administrative duties to participating in volunteer work—ensuring its resounding success. 

“On the day of Radiothon, the content of our regular programs were completely transformed to focus on raising funds for SickKids," said Lo, "We aimed to leverage our role in the media to promote and guide, enabling all our listeners to gain a deeper understanding of SickKids and engage in actively donating to assist more children in need."

The poster created by Fairchild for the September 28th fundraising day was displayed on the group's television channel, radio station, and social media platforms. (Courtesy of Fairchild）

After the fundraising event on September 28th, the staff and program hosts of Fairchild Radio took a group photo to commemorate the occasion. (Meena Ma/Can Culture)

This year's event, akin to those before it, was a heartwarming display of resilience and community support. It featured inspiring stories of children and their families. They highlighted how the hospital, with unwavering support from generous community donors, made a positive impact on their lives. 

SickKids has been at the forefront of pediatric healthcare since its inception in 1875. Over the decades, the institute has achieved numerous milestones, from pioneering milk pasteurization to groundbreaking surgical techniques and is known and respected around the world for its patient care.

The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is seen in this undated file photo. (Courtesy of SickKids)

The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is seen in this undated file photo. (Courtesy of SickKids)

According to SickKids’ 2022 annual report, the hospital has an average of 269.5 daily occupied beds and admitted 15,532 inpatients. On the outpatient side, it excels with 71,232 emergency visits, 219,249 clinic visits, and a total of 290,481 ambulatory visits. 

For every family and child grappling with illness, SickKids serves as a beacon of hope. The hospital's healthcare professionals have long been at the forefront of ensuring children's well-being. However, the 70-year-old facility faces certain limitations. 

Gloria Chan, a representative from the SickKids Foundation, has dedicated 22 years of service to SickKids. She oversees the recruitment, training, and management of call center volunteers responsible for receiving phone donations. Chan spoke on the need to expand and modernize SickKids facilities.

"Some of our buildings do not meet modern standards,” said Chan. “There isn't enough space to accommodate the required medical equipment. That’s why we are undergoing a campus transformation, and building a new SickKids.”

In a significant development, SickKids has embarked on Project Horizon, a comprehensive campus redevelopment project that encompasses over three million square feet of new construction. The vision behind this endeavor is to create an inspiring hospital of the future; one that not only facilitates the best work of the medical staff but also empowers patients and their families to actively participate in their healthcare journey. 

The new Patient Support Centre (PSC) completed construction and held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 28, 2023. It is the first major step of Project Horizon, a multi-year campus transformation. This 22-storey PSC is poised to accommodate the relocation of approximately 3,000 staff members to the facility.

"We are delighted to embark on this essential initial phase of our campus redevelopment project,” said Chan. “However, it's important to note that our campus redevelopment will take about approximately 15 years. We will require ongoing support throughout this journey.

Prior to the pandemic, the entire Fairchild staff would visit SickKids and conduct the Radiothon in the hospital atrium. Consequently, Chan is well-acquainted with the annual activities of the Fairchild Radiothon. 

Volunteers who answer phone calls for donations during the SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day at SickKids on September 28. (Courtesy of SickKids)

Chan described Fairchild's long-term dedication to fundraising for SickKids as truly inspiring and said it makes a meaningful difference in the lives of its patients.

"I'm very impressed with all the staff from Fairchild," said Chan. “Their creative approach to crafting engaging programs and their enthusiasm and passion shine through as they work tirelessly each year, which is evident from the tremendous support they receive from the listeners."

The staff and program hosts at Fairchild RadioToronto took a group photo at the SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day, with most of them hosting programs from morning to the early afternoon. (Courtesy of Fairchild)

River Lee, the program director of Fairchild Radio Toronto, has been with the company since 1995 and hosts a very popular weekday morning show “Good Morning Sunshine”. She expressed gratitude to the support of her and the station’s audience.

"What has touched us the most is that many of our listeners are ordinary people who can only donate $50 or $100 to support," said Lee. "But we raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, so you can imagine how many people are tuning into our Radiothon."

River Lee (second from the right), the program director at Fairchild Radio Toronto, with her program co hosts of the morning show. From left to right, Albert Cheung, River Lee, Edwin Lok, Laurence Leung at the Radiothon on Sept. 28. (Courtesy of Fairchild)

Chan mentioned that this year’s Radiothon saw volunteers receiving 800 calls alongside numerous online donations and on-site contributions. The substantial and dedicated listener base for Fairchild Radio is reflected in these numbers and emphasizes the station's position in the hearts of its listeners among the Chinese community.

Each year, the station meticulously plans its programs with great creativity. They intend to appeal to their audience through the novelty of their work; a seemingly successful effort shown by the traction they gain during their yearly Radiothons.

"Every year, one of our Radiothon activities was that our program hosts participate in singing during the Radiothon," said Lee. "In addition to that, we also arranged for a pianist to accompany several program hosts for live performances this year."

Amy Woo (on the left), a program host of Fairchild Radio, was accompanied by pianist, Jim Ling, singing live at the Radiothon on Sept. 28. (Courtesy of Fairchild)

Lee added that the listeners love tuning into the singing segment as they have grown familiar with the program hosts that have worked at Fairchild Radio for many years. 

As the chief planner of the Radiothon, Lee’s day begins at approximately 5:30 a.m., to complete the preparations for her son's school in the morning before getting ready with the necessary materials for her own program starting from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.. Following her show, she liaises with each program and discusses the best approach for conducting them with the program hosts. 

She worked with each program host and brainstormed ways to engage more listeners during the prime time slot and strategies to encourage increased donations. During each Radiothon, her day extends until roughly 8 p.m. after the Radiothon wraps up.

"I always feel exhausted after the Radiothon, but it's very worthwhile,” said Lee. “I'm also a mother and I can empathize with the challenges and pains that families with sick children go through. That's why I put in extra effort every year for this SickKids fundraiser."

Lee added that her deep passion and enthusiasm for her work has been her greatest driving force. Most importantly, she hopes to showcase the Chinese community's collective efforts for the great cause of children's health.

Dorothy Chen, Fairchild Radio Toronto’s assistant program director, also worked tirelessly at the Radiothon. Chen's radio journey began in the bustling city of Hong Kong, where she established herself as a veteran DJ with a penchant for hosting popular radio programs. 

Chen has worn multiple hats during her remarkable career, from the exhilarating role of a program host to a valued member of the management team. In 2011, Chen brought her wealth of experience and passion to Fairchild Radio, a move that further solidified her role as a seasoned veteran in the media landscape in Canada.

At the Radiothon each year, Chen plays a crucial role as a point of contact and a producer, one of her jobs is arranging many moving interviews with the sick kids and their parents—an indispensable component of the Radiothon's heartfelt mission.

Jeffery Cheung (second from the left), the founder of the Toronto Chinese Calligraphy Centre, created a Chinese calligraphy piece as a donation to the Radiothon to express his support. From left to right: Dorothy Chen, Jeffery Cheung, River Lee, Michelle Tang. (Courtesy of Fairchild)

When the program host asked Ho what he wanted to say to healthcare workers at SickKids, he answered with "I love you all so much, you guys are just the best."

Dorothy Wong, a 16-year-old patient, has been suffering from congenital heart disease since birth and appealed to the audience during the Radiothon through the phone interview. 

“Please donate to SickKids, if not then, I won't be here,” said Wong.“I’m so thankful that they did surgery on me when I was six-months-old.”

These heartfelt sentiments from young patients highlighted the impact of the annual Radiothon, where stories similar to the ones of Ho and Wong come to life. During the 11-hour event, the Radiothon shared many stories that deeply touched listener's hearts and contributed to the program’s success.

“We host four major fundraising events every year,” said Chung Ming Poon, a program host of Fairchild Radio Toronto. “The SickKids fundraising always performs the best. This is because people understand how adorable children are, and everyone wants to help sick kids recover and go back to normal life.”

Prior to joining Fairchild Radio in 2001, Poon worked for the largest television station in Hong Kong, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), for 13 years. As a famous program host with a substantial fan base, Poon would reach out to his friends, sponsors and listeners for support leading up to the event day, hoping to raise more funds. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the current high interest rates caused some people to not continue donating due to financial difficulties. 

“A few days ago, one of my friends called me,” recounted Poon, "‘I'm sorry, but I can't help you this year because my house mortgage has increased by $2,000.’"

Poon reassured his friend not to worry, as he understood that economic conditions have been challenging for many in recent years. However, he remained committed to reaching out to potential donors and hoped to secure more funds. 

His hard work paid off. Even before his show started on Sept. 28, sponsors of his program had already donated $20,000 to SickKids.

Chung Ming Poon (left) and his partner, Ken Chau, hosting their afternoon program called "WindWind" during the Radiothon. (Meena Ma/Can Culture)

To make his Radiothon program more appealing, Poon arranged a small-scale charity singing competition amongst Fairchild employees.

The six candidates who participated in the charity singing competition at the Radiothon on Sept. 28. From top left to the right: Albert Cheung, Eric Chau, Ken Chau, Edwin Lok, Solomon Huang, Laurence Leung. (Courtesy of Fairchild)

To ensure fairness, they all performed the same Chinese pop song, “Forever and Ever.” Poon invited the song’s original singer, Dominic Chow, to join as a judge. Chow’s status as a highly accomplished Hong Kong singer helped the segment gain immense popularity. In the final hours of the show, it contributed significantly to the day's fundraising efforts.

"Every year, our staff go all out for this fundraising event," said Lo. "We do hope to receive as many donations as possible, but, most importantly, we want to convey the concept of fundraising to our listeners, and raise awareness among listeners about the urgent needs of these children.”

Lo stressed that this is part of Fairchild's responsibility as a media outlet, so that the community can contribute and help more patients and their families through the Radiothon.

According to Fairchild, the Radiothon raised $367,550 for this year. Lo shared that since 2003, they have raised $5.5 million for SickKids in total. They have also raised funds for other organizations such as Western General Hospital, World Vision Canada and more. In total, they raised over $12 million for all places combined. 

Michael Shiu, a former journalist at Fairchild and currently Richmond Hill’s Ward 6 councilor, is a dedicated supporter of Fairchild's fundraising endeavors. He firmly believes that Fairchild plays a pivotal role in spreading awareness, given its status as a well-established Chinese media outlet.

"In this scenario, Fairchild serves as a bridge, connecting the media, the community, and the hospital," said  Shiu. "By utilizing our familiar language, we effectively communicate a message to the public, urging them to donate and provide support for sick children. This approach is both impactful and meaningful."

Shiu emphasized the funding from the government of Ontario is only for building hospitals but hospitals need fundraising for facilities, underscoring the importance of contributions to support the hospital. He passionately encourages everyone to contribute to this noble cause.

A new report issued by Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer (FAO) paints a worrisome picture for the province's healthcare system. Over the next six years, Ontario is expected to face staffing, capacity and funding shortages, raising concerns about the potential strain on hospitals.

The FAO's analysis of the Ford government's healthcare promises reveals a significant funding gap. Unless corrective measures are taken, Ontario will fall short by a staggering $21.3 billion in funding for hospitals, home care, and long-term care by 2028.

Despite efforts to recruit and train healthcare professionals, Ontario will require an additional 33,000 staff members over the next six years to meet the growing demand for care.

The crux of the issue here is the province's insufficient funding allocation for healthcare. It falls short of meeting the growing demand for medical services, posing a significant challenge to Ontario's healthcare system.

Reflecting on the SickKids Fairchild Fundraising Day reinforced the importance of addressing this funding gap. The event's conclusion resonated with a powerful message of unity and generosity. It underscored the unwavering commitment of Fairchild and its supporters to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need.

Spooky sustainability: Making Halloween celebrations more eco-friendly

The holiday is a great opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle.

By: Alina Jaffer

It’s that time of year again. Glowing jack o’lanterns pop up on porches around the neighbourhood. Retail stores set their speakers to play weird “Monster Mash” covers around the clock. And somehow, every coffee and baked good is suddenly pumpkin-spiced.

All signs point to the beloved spooky season. Unfortunately, as Halloween approaches, so do mounds of trash created by single-use decorations and costumes. 

Worrying about wastefulness may bog down what is meant to be a light-hearted cause for celebration. Luckily, there are some sustainable ways to enjoy a guilt-free and fun-filled Halloween night in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 

Repurpose decorations

Schools and daycares are the perfect place to donate used decorations. This Halloween, ask your child or sibling’s teachers if the drama department could use some extra props. Maybe you’ll spot some of your repurposed items in the next school play!

Believe it or not, donatable decor is not limited to garden ornaments. A public library and historical society in Oakville, Ont. make donating carved pumpkins easy with the Oakville Pumpkin Parade. 

Simply bring your masterpieces to the Oakville Museum’s Erchless Estate on Nov. 1. After a night of crafting and storytelling, event organizers will give the pumpkins to local farms where the fruits are used as animal feed! 

Mississauga’s Bradley Museum is hosting a similar pumpkin-recycling event also on Nov. 1. The organization invites locals to drop off pumpkins, enjoy hot cider and complete a scavenger hunt. 

Participate in a costume swap 

This year, instead of buying a new costume for each party, try swapping looks with someone else. You’ll save money and reduce consumption without ever repeating outfits.

Local libraries and fashion interest groups tend to host costume swap events throughout October. 

Or, host your own costume swap with family and friends. Guests will appreciate the chance to get into the Halloween spirit while putting old costumes to good use. 

Make a meal out of your pumpkin

According to the CBC, Canadian farms produce 80,000 metric tonnes of pumpkins, two-thirds of which are sold fresh to customers. Most use these pumpkins as decor before swiftly tossing them in the bin. 

There’s no need to throw out seeds and chunks after carving pumpkins; repurpose them instead! Sprinkle salt over the seeds, heat up the oven and enjoy them as a healthy snack. Then, turn the chunks into a delicious puree which can be kept in a freezer for months.

After making the most out of your pumpkin, compost any remains. And remember: how you purchase a pumpkin is equally important as how you dispose of one.

Buy pumpkins from nearby farms

Earth Day Canada says buying locally grown gourds is an easy way to ensure a smaller ecological footprint. Local foods also tend to taste fresher and have more nutrients. 

So, a visit to the nearest pumpkin patch may be worth the trip after all! 

PumpkinFest at Downey’s Farm Market is running until Halloween night in Caledon, Ont. Their website promises wagon rides, live entertainment and—of course—plenty of pumpkins. 

 Donate used costumes

Research from the University of Waterloo says Canadians trash about a billion pounds of fashion and home items made of fabric each year. 

Instead of contributing to this spooky statistic, give your costumes a second life. Donation centres, including Goodwill, will accept your lightly used Cinderella dresses, fairy wings and skeleton onesies—so long as you adhere to the organization’s guidelines. 

 Goodwill says the smart way to donate is by washing any clothing items, testing battery-operated items and including all pieces of children’s toys. Broken, soiled and recalled items, however, will be turned away. So, be sure to remove chocolate and candy stains from your costumes before giving them away!

These no-brainer tips and tricks are your key to sustainable and spooky Halloween celebrations. 

Accessibility in newsrooms: Managing disability in a profession that isn’t disability friendly

How disabled journalists navigate the industry

By: Aru Kaul

Content Warning: Mentions and discussions of (dis)ableism and its impacts

As journalists, the public relies on us to bring stories to them. The minute we step into a newsroom, we are making a commitment to deliver factual, timely and relevant information, regardless of whatever is going on in our personal lives. But how do you do this when the newsroom wasn’t designed for you?

Anything from a newsroom’s architectural design or its workplace environment can create barriers for disabled people. For example, in a 2021 article for Canadaland, reporter Bailey Martens said she couldn’t even fit in the door of her student newsroom. In addition to physical disabilities, a 2022 survey from the Canadian Journalism Forum on Trauma and Violence finds that Canadian journalists experience alarming amounts of anxiety and depression due to the fast paced and often traumatizing nature of the job.

As someone who was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult, I spent a lot of my life not understanding what was wrong with me. Why were my intrusive thoughts, sleepless nights, irritability and lack of focus constantly getting in the way of things? Why couldn’t I just snap out of it?

These symptoms followed me when I began my journey as a journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in 2019. My first time interviewing a source was followed by a panic attack in the bathroom. Then, when I sat down to write the article, it took me three hours to write a single paragraph.

Even though these were not isolated incidents, I chalked this up to being nervous because I was starting a new school. At the very least, that was a problem with a relatively simple solution. When things didn’t change in my second year, I began to entertain the possibility that it was more than just nerves brought on by a new school.

But since there were no visible signs that I was struggling, I often felt that I shouldn’t ask for accommodations and just “push through.” I felt so much shame admitting that I needed help that I would never do anything other than search for answers on the internet. It comforted me to see posts on social media or read articles about other people going through the same thing.

And on the rare occasions when I did ask for help, they would often be accompanied with apologies or with more information than was needed when requesting a deadline extension. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Emily Fagan is an associate producer at CBC as well as a freelance journalist based in British Columbia. She too has yet to master confidently advocating for herself when she’s in need of more support or time than is offered by the industry.

“It’s hard to do when your disability isn’t obvious to others,” Fagan said.

Fagan has Crohn’s Disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling of tissues in the digestive tract. This can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, malnutrition and weight loss.

“I typically don’t mention when I’m in pain or having issues with my Crohn’s to coworkers, out of fear that it might make me seem unreliable,” Fagan said.

According to the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, chronic pain often occurs as part of chronic illness, which can be understood to be illnesses that do not go away by themselves within six months, that cannot reliably be cured, and that will not kill the patient any time soon.

“I’m privileged that I have the ability to mask my symptoms, but I also struggle with feeling like people will judge me, thinking I’m ‘not sick enough’ to take time off or ask for any accommodations,” Fagan said.

Disability and journalism

In Canada, job applicants do not have to disclose their disability at any point in the application process unless the disability directly impacts your ability to perform the job, according to the Canada Human Rights Act. However, does this actually mean that applicants are being treated fairly and equally?

For many disabled journalists in inaccessible newsrooms, it’s hard to steer clear of getting pigeon holed into disability reporting.

John Loepkky, a freelance journalist and editor from Saskatchewan, says many disabled journalists are typecast as op ed writers.

“Here, we’ll give you a bit of money to write about your trauma,” said Loepkky. “That traumatic experience that happened to you is worth $250 and not a penny more.”

As a wheelchair user, Loepkky said that disabled people don’t have the “privilege of being boring,” in an article for CBC. This means that they’re either painted as inspirational or heavily pitied for their disability. 

“This is how you end up with ledes like ‘John Loepkky who is confined to a wheelchair got out of bed this morning’,” Loepkky said.

Portraying disabled people as inspirational is called inspiration porn, which was coined by Australian disability advocate Stella Young. A good way to know if something is inspiration porn is by determining how it is supposed to make non disabled people feel. If the point of the message is to make non disabled people feel good about not having a disability, it’s inspiration porn.

A disability justice approach centers the priorities and approaches of those most historically excluded groups, such as women, people of colour, immigrants, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

How to talk about disability

I remember being taught in school that we should not use the word “disabled” to describe a person and instead say things like “special needs” or “differently abled.” These euphemisms position disability as something bad and as a site of difference. Disabled people do not need to be ashamed of their identities. As disabled scholar Sami Schalk said, “disability is not a catastrophe to me, it is a part of life.”

Crip time is a term used to describe how disabled, sick, chronically ill and neurodivergent people experience time and space differently from non-disabled people. According to disability theorist Alison Kafer, “rather than bend disabled bodies and minds to meet the clock, crip time bends the clock to meet disabled bodies and minds.”

Lauren Munro, a disability studies professor at TMU said disability accommodation — whether it is in education or in employment — is oriented through a legislative framework. An example of this is the requirement to provide disability documentation.

“The current expectations around disability and accommodation puts the onus on that person to see a medical professional and obtain a note to excuse their absence. Getting that note takes time, energy and money,” Munro said.

“If you can't get out of bed in the first place and/or you can't afford the fee that your healthcare provider is charging for that note, you're going to have trouble accessing accommodations,” she added.

I truly hope that I will live to see a world where accessibility is the norm. Globally, one billion people live with a disability, according to the WHO World Report on Disability. And according to Statistics Canada, nearly 22 per cent of Canadians are disabled. To put that into perspective, that’s one out of every seven people. There are so much more of us than people think, and we deserve a much better life than one spent in a constant state of struggle.

Even to this day, I still hear things like “You don’t look like you have anxiety” or “how do you have ADHD when you still get things done?” While I understand that the people who say this mean no harm, I can’t stress enough that anxiety and ADHD don’t have a look. Just because I’m not having panic attacks every second of every day or failing all of my classes does not mean my disabilities are any less real.

Film is not dead: The prevalence of analog photography

How Toronto photographers are carrying on the legacy of the traditional medium

By: Madeline Liao

One evening in September 2018, Wendy Vu battled the chaos of Toronto’s Union Station and hopped on a GO bus, travelling an hour to meet up with a mysterious Facebook Marketplace seller. She sat at the front of the bus’s top floor, accompanied by a beautiful sunset on the way to Hamilton for the first time.

Filled with worry and fear about meeting this stranger, she sat in the station, wondering if the back-and-forth messages between her and the seller would turn out to be a scam. Fortunately, Vu met a man holding a grocery bag full of his film camera collection, which she bought for $300. Initially selling for $400, she had negotiated the price, rationalizing her travel efforts. The seller agreed, just wanting to get rid of his collection. After she got home, Vu said she didn’t test the cameras and just priced them to sell at her first photography pop-up shop in a couple of days.

While selling those cameras that day was an impulse decision, they sold out immediately. “That's when it sparked for me,” Vu said as her eyes lit up at the memory. “I was like, people are interested in film, people want to try it.”

Photography has been around since the 19th century, with innovators like Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre revolutionizing the medium. Kodak, a familiar name in the photography world, released the first analog camera in 1888. Technology has advanced far beyond that time— photography is now as easy as the click of an iPhone button. However, film is still alive, and a niche community of film photographers exists even with digital technology.

A new generation of analog photographers has taken the traditional medium and continued to honour it in a new age. For instance, there are currently nearly 24 million Instagram posts under the hashtag #FilmIsNotDead. And the top five videos under the YouTube search “analog photography” were all uploaded within the last three years.

Film offers photographers a chance to immerse themselves in the intricacy of taking—and later developing—a picture. From the dimness of the darkroom to the rhythmic motion of winding film in the camera, the practice doesn’t just stop at the shutter button; the suspense of developing and waiting to see how your photo turns out encompasses the feeling of shooting film. 

“We want people to enjoy the experience of film photography more than we want to profit off it.”

“You're with it every step of the way physically,” Vu said when asked why she favours analog over digital. “And the digital is all digital, there's just no life to feel.” Vu said she has a personal relationship with film photography—it has helped her through her struggles in her teenage years and allowed her to cherish memories she might have otherwise forgotten.

After the pop up shop’s success, Vu began collecting as many film cameras as she could to distribute to others. A year later, on Sept 26. 2019, Vu and her partner Sarah Delano launched Choose Film, an Instagram business that sells refurbished film cameras for an affordable price. Now with over 2,000 followers, their cameras have often been sold within five minutes of posting. In December 2022, the pair also released their own custom-designed point-and-shoot film camera. Vu proudly spoke about their business and how it has grown. What started as a side hustle is now something they see becoming a full-on store and film lab five years down the line.

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A post shared by CAMERA SHOP (@choose_film)

“[Our] motto has always been ‘making analog photography accessible and affordable,” said Delano. “We want people to enjoy the experience of film photography more than we want to profit off it.” Delano said their selling approach has attracted many beginner photographers and opened the door to a broader community of film photographers in the city.

Over 100 years after Kodak’s release, analog cameras have become collectors’ items, with vintage cameras auctioning for as high as millions of dollars, like the Leica 0-series no. 105.

However, vintage treasures are not the only part of analog photography. Today, companies like Kodak and Lomography are developing new models, and point-and-shoot cameras are often available at thrift stores—where Vu and Delano source many of their products. Kodak is even hiring new film technicians to keep up with the demands of film production. Cameras are also passed down through generations, with current photographers like Kaela Leone carrying on the legacy of their parents and even grandparents.

Leone, a Toronto-based digital and analog photographer, grew up with film photography and even had a darkroom in her childhood home. While the memory is fuzzy, she remembers the space being nearly completely dark, with a small red light bulb on the ceiling illuminating from above. The darkroom was a haven for her dad, who would go from his day job as an engineer to spending nights developing photos. Leone said this process was mind-blowing for her, watching her dad put strips of film in the chemical solution and process his images into prints.

“It was just kind of this like sacred space to him that I would like only ever really peek into,” she said, looking back on these fond memories of her home. Now a professional photographer, Leone is making these memories tangible for a living.

Although she was always aware of analog photography, she didn’t “plunge into it” until her partner’s godmother gave her an old Minolta camera three years ago. Since then, she has incorporated it into her professional and personal photography, something she said helps her become more intentional and thoughtful than digital photography's ease.

“I know this one shot is going to cost me $1.50,” she said, laughing awkwardly. “[But] getting film scans back is like Christmas morning.” For Leone, the excitement of waiting for scans from a lab is part of why she loves analog.

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A post shared by Kaela Leone (@kaelaleonephoto)

She spoke animatedly about the “magic” of film photography. Even though she uses both digital and analog in her work, she tries to push for film with many projects because she thinks it’s more personal and lets her and her clients “take a deep breath” during the photoshoot.

“It’s the intentionality behind it that I think is so amazing. I haven’t felt that in a lot of areas in my life since I was a kid,” Leone said. Like Vu, who has made a business selling analog cameras, Leone has shaped a large part of her life around her passion for film photography.

Vu looked back on her memories with a sad smile, knowing she hasn’t been able to shoot film in a while. Increasing costs and low supply have stopped her from using film regularly. She mentioned how a pack of Kodak Gold 200 film has doubled in price compared to the $11 plus tax just a few years ago—and that’s if you can even find it in stores. She said she can’t justify spending money on film casually when she doesn’t have a motive for using it, such as a photoshoot. Although she hasn’t shot film regularly for a few years, she knows that her love of it will always be there. She finds it “uplifting” that she can rely on her passion through her business and interacting with other photographers in the city.

By connecting with fellow film aficionados and building that sense of community, she knows she can fall back onto her passion even if she hasn’t touched the shutter button for some time.

Through events like “photo walks,” a significant part of Toronto’s photography community, and attending local art markets, Vu said she feels a sense of familiarity and connection with the medium that she thinks will be a part of her forever.

Feel the ‘need’ to date? TMU students reflect on relationship obsessions

Peer pressure and societal standards are making some students infatuated with love

By: Aliya Karimjee

( CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

As we make our landing in the season of love, single people often feel pressured to enter a relationship and conform to society’s expectations of partnership.

With the popularization of heteronormative nuclear-family relationship standards in media, there’s the misconception that you need a significant other to make you feel “complete and happy.”

Some TMU students and staff feel Valentine's Day is an expensive "trap."

Zorianna Zurba, a faculty member in TMU’s professional communications department with expertise in the philosophy of love, recognizes the pressure around finding love keeps people from building a community.

“Traditionally, we think of Valentine’s Day as romantic love and we don’t acknowledge the other forms of love that can exist,” said Zurba.

Because of this, she adds that some people often rely on one person to meet their emotional needs rather than focus on self-love or friendships.

Amulyaa Dwivedi, a first-year journalism student, explains that her friends peer pressure her to get a boyfriend, holding her back from her journey with self-love. The pressure surrounds her through acquaintances, family members and friends, she said.

As an international student, Dwivedi notes that the salient dating politic that asks us to prioritize romantic ventures above all else is more prominent in Canada—leaving her with a culture shock.

Despite these societal pressures, she tries to remember Miley Cyrus’s new song Flowers and the practice of self-love.

Miley Cyrus’ new song wall art advertising single women empowerment near this Valentine’s season. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

Dwivedi adds that Flowers “is like a self-love song and a good [addition] to Galentine’s Day.”

Galentine’s Day is typically referred to as a “girls’ night” or a day to spend with friends feeling empowered by celebrating self-love, friendship and the enduring love we derive from being in community with one another.

“I feel like there’s a stigma that being with someone [romantically] is better than being by yourself,” said Agnese Verrone, a third-year politics and governance student.

She said she prefers being with someone she likes enough romantically or her friends, rather than going on a date for the sake of companionship.

Anna-Giselle Funes-Eng, a first-year journalism student, is celebrating Galentine’s Day this year with an ABBA sing-along screening at the Ted Rogers Cinema.

She believes it’s important to celebrate her friends and herself on February 14th rather than have a negative outlook on this day.

“The standard of a relationship is so binary and exclusive. Anyone who doesn’t conform is expected to be sad, wallow… And that’s bullshit,” said Funes-Eng.

For those considered “lucky enough” to be dating, they reveal an equal amount of pressure to arrange a “picture-perfect” Valentine’s Day.

There are a lot of grand gestures seen on social media, “so it puts pressure on my boyfriend or me to do something big,” said first-year nursing student Kirat Sandahar.

Whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or practicing self-love, it’s essential to recognize who our true soulmates are and the role community and self-love play in our lives.

Together apart: Exploring the reality of long-distance relationships

Take a deep dive into the actuality of being in a long-distance relationship and discover the secret to getting through it all

By: Sia Shete

And in Life's noisiest hour,

There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,

The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.

The Presence of Love; Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Being invested in a long-distance relationship translates to being homesick for a person, more so than anything else. It's odd really, how we simple human beings can feel an emotion so complex and so utterly deep as the love that drives us to go to lengths for one another. 

Sometimes the price you pay for wanting someone in your life is the distance. The pain, the nights lying awake cursing time and distance for standing in the way. 

You wish they lived just a few miles closer and wish even more so to have the power to be able to run down and throw your arms around them. Unfortunately, that's a luxury not every one of us can afford.

 Nonetheless, every day is a new chapter in the book. For too many long-distance lovers, distance is just like the grains of sand in an hourglass; waiting to run out. Although long-distance relationships are all about proving whether “your love for one another is stronger than the space between you,” there's more to it than what meets the eye.

Nurturing a long-distance relationship can be tricky and challenging but also rewarding at the same time. It isn't always about having the most perfect relationship—an illusory ideal that will look and be different for everyone— but about finding someone who will stick through the bad times just like they would the good times, by your side.

People don’t essentially go looking for a long-distance partner, the majority of them just happen to turn into one. A 2019 survey showed that 68 per cent of people had a “limit” for distance within the state lines or closer, opting to look for romantic relationships in proximity. 

It also showed that most couples that end up adapting to long-distance meet either on dating apps or sites. Another reason behind the birth of a long-distance relationship is either moving away to a new region and/or country for further education or work. There comes at least one point in a couple’s life when they have no other option but to lead lives away from one another for a specific period of time. Although this is inevitable in certain situations, some couples move borders just so they don't have to deal with the problem of “distance” altogether. 

Long-distance relationships, however, don’t have to be the worst-case scenario. But only those truly committed—to making a relationship work under tumultuous conditions, and to one another— can make it through.

For centuries, relationships had always contemplated distance. And during the 1800s and a part of the 1900s, there was no technology to keep partners connected over a video call, let alone a phone call. Letters were the sole medium of communication for weeks, even months and yet a good chunk of these relationships resulted in marriages and settling down with one another. Why this example you ask? If they could do it then, you can definitely pull through. But before we get into the “how” to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship, let’s take a look at the difference between trusting the process and knowing when to back out.

People are often confused between setting boundaries for themselves and sticking around for that “special someone.” Making it work in a long-distance relationship does not mean you sacrifice your mental peace, self-respect and stability. While it’s quite a feat to get through the rough patches and arguments in the absence of the other’s physical presence, it’s also important to know where to draw a line for yourself. Long-distance is certainly not for everybody. If it’s with the right person, it’s essential to know that they’ll never put you through a situation where you’re forced to sacrifice your peace. It’s important for you to establish who you are before you establish who “we” are.

Setting boundaries, increasing communication and your level of understanding becomes vital. Without communication, any relationship, especially long-distance ones, would cease to exist. Even the most seemingly mundane piece of information like what the sky looked like to you today or the small snail you passed by that brought a smile to your face needs to be communicated. If your corporeal selves can’t be connected, make sure your emotional selves are wholly attached.

Counseling Psychologist and life coach Pranjul Somani talks about how long-distance is not about “having time,” it's about “making time.” While sometimes it’s impossible to find time between busy schedules, it’s equally important to prioritize your partner and find some time for them during the day. And when that’s not doable, communicate that.  Let them know beforehand and update them about your day over a text if calling seems difficult. All you need to remember is it’s the same person you longed for, the same person you waited for, the same person you have fond memories with and that you do not want to let go. Choose them over the distance, fight for them and trust one another. no matter what.

Here are a few ideas that you can get to know your partner deeper (yes, over video calls!) and spend some quality time together this Valentine’s Day away from one another:

Play the “We’re not Really Strangers” card game: Couple’s Version!

The infamous Instagram page called “We’re Not Really Strangers” came up with a personal game just for couples to not just help you get closer to your loved one but also get to know them better as a person. With over three different levels of “intimacy,” this game will surely make your day a lot better, even though you are away from your valentine.

Hit the gym together

Yes! You heard that right. A virtual date at the gym. Workout together on this special day, hit the same muscle groups, coordinate your workouts and do some cardio (in the gym only please!) Who cares if people think it’s weird or too cheesy? Stretch your boundaries (and muscles!) for the person you love.

Send them hand-written letters via post

Too 1800s for you? Do it anyway. Handwritten letters are more personal and show that you care a lot more than you can verbally communicate. Take it up a notch and add a little bit of your scent on the piece of paper, some of their favorite candy in the envelope or something that’s personal to the two of you. 

Netflix and… sorry, just that

As much as we all would LOVE the option of “chilling” with our partners, maybe next time? Either get all romantic and watch Notting Hill, The Proposal and You’ve Got Mail or change the plantotally by binging some Tarantino flicks, it’s up to you. Grab some popcorn, make some desserts or order in. Either way bond with one another over a few couple movies on Teleparty!

Listen to your favorite music and have a dance party

Be it Apple Music or Spotify, make collaborative playlists together and add some of your songs or discover new songs together. Have one another on video call, stare at each other for hours, work while listening to the playlist or just talk, for hours. Music does half the magic. 

Remember that years from now the past will be a story. The pain you went through will seem worth it, the memories you made will sit framed on the fireplace, you’ll appreciate every second you spend together but most importantly, you’ll be reminded that you fell in love with a person for the little things. It’s not always about the physical touch. Although it sucked that you couldn’t hold their hand when you wanted to, or couldn't give them a hug when they needed it, you made it through space and time and that’s exactly why everything will seem worth so much more; in every universe and in every world, your love knows no bounds.

TMU students follow Wen-Do women’s self-defence workshop as a 'last measure' to feeling safe on campus

Students vocalize their safety concerns as danger arises on campus

By: Aliya Karimjee

The atmosphere in Kerr Hall East is gloomy as students feel uneasy since the sexual assault on Oct. 26, 2022. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

Trigger/Content Warning: This story contains content on sexual assault

Marginalized communities at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are taking their safety into their own hands with the Wen-Do women’s self-defence workshop following a string of sexual assaults at Kerr Hall East. 

TMU has since implemented “security enhancements” in the form of security guards and initiated a partnership with the Toronto Police Service to increase officer presence on campus. 

However, these measures don’t address systemic root causes of violence on campus while neglecting the worries of Black, Indigenous and racialized students who have historically and presently been targeted and surveilled by the police (and the scholastic) institution.

A toxic, heterosexist and oppressive has taught individuals from marginalized communities such as women and Trans folks that walking outside at night or going to clubs is dangerous, but why is it up to them to not be sexually assaulted for simply living their lives?

Alessandra Plancarte, an exchange student in the Creative Industries program and a Wen-Do participant, expresses how unfair it is that women have to learn self-defense strategies and fear going to the bathroom because of systemic violence and harm inflicted upon them. 

Interviews with women on campus unilaterally expressed concerns about safety in Kerr Hall and on campus at large. 

“It feels scary,” said a New Media student Ayah Noor, “there’s always stories we hear about; it’s not like it can never happen to us. It is happening around us.” 

(CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

Safety concerns prompted Wen-Do, a women’s self-defense class designed “for women by women,” to work to promote self-empowerment strategies among marginalized community members.

Leslie Allin, a Wen-Do instructor, coaches students, of all levels of knowledge and experience, to learn self-defense techniques in case of unfortunate circumstances where they must physically or verbally protect themselves.

“Nobody should be following others in washrooms. My understanding of the situation is that the young woman fought back. She confronted the attacker and was able to get away, which took a lot of courage,” said Allin.

Allin demonstrates the importance of yelling to prevent freezing.

In this class, community members are witnessing themselves stepping into power, recognizing that they deserve much more. Wen-Do is hoping to make “ a difference one student at a time,” said Allin.

Isabella Iula, a first-year journalism student and Wen-Do participant, demonstrates a Wen-Do technique. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

Iula said that she believes the Wen-Do class is a good resource, helping her “feel safer, especially as a woman in first-year.”

Consent Comes First (CCF) organizes Wen-Do workshops for TMU community members.

Tiffany Wong, a sexual violence specialist at CCF, followed the class first-hand and felt safer, confident and empowered.

“CCF creates opportunities for people affected by violence to cultivate safety, healing and leadership on their own terms,” said Wong in an email.

As liberationist spaces work towards dismantling patriarchal systems and rape culture that harm communities, Wen-Do wants to anchor folks with tools to fight against gender-based violence and abusers' entitlement to the bodies of marginalized peoples.

As danger is a constant, “having to take a self-defense class is so sad, but it is the last measure,” said Sarme Saseeharan, a graphic communications management student.

“You must be prepared to defend yourself because the school won’t help you,” said Saseeharan.

This V-Day, the stars are aligned

By: Lynette George

Can’t figure out what to do for Valentine’s Day this year? Are you scouring the internet, hunting for the perfect plan? Well, look no further! I have your back. Here’s a comprehensive list of potential date ideas based on the 12 widely contrasting zodiac signs.

ARIES

As the first astrological sign of the zodiac and the fieriest of them all, this Valentine’s Day is for the Aries in your life to let loose. Book a spot at your local rage room and let them have at it. With the perfect way to channel that good old Aries anger, this date will be fun, memorable and the perfect mid-week de-stresser. As the totally real, super famous quote goes, “Break plates, not hearts.” 

TAURUS

Not feeling ready for a kid? Or even a pet? Go out and adopt a plant together! No one loves the environment more than a Taurus so this couldn’t be more perfect. Head over to your local nursery, take a romantic stroll amongst all the greenery and surround yourself with nature. From little peperomias to giant spider plants, feel free to go as big or as small as your heart desires.

Note: Spend some quality time together after, naming the new addition to your life!

GEMINI

With an unrivaled affinity for contests and an almost painful need to win, the perfect date for a Gemini must involve some sort of competition. So this Valentine’s Day, stay inside for a little game night with all the classics - Monopoly, UNO, and Codenames! If you’re not up for the stress of putting it together, go out to a bar and join a community trivia night. Ensure they feel challenged and watch as they take on that winning glow!

CANCER

Cancers love a low-key, low-maintenance date above all else. They’re above fancy frills and instead, prefer to find happiness in the mundane. Give them just that! Set up an incredibly comfortable pillow fort at home, prop up your laptop and watch a movie or show you both love. Ensure you have some snacks ready to go and enjoy staying in together. It’s simple and easy to plan but with Cancers, a little effort goes a long way!

LEO

No one you know is as highly wound up as the Leo in your life. It’s a fact. If you’re shocked by it, you’re probably a Leo! For all the stress your fire sign shoulders each day, you need to ensure that the date you plan is the epitome of relaxation. For V-Day this year, I recommend a spa getaway to take away all that pressure. Feel the peace sink in and bask in the tranquility that follows!

Note: If you’re on a budget, you could head over to a student massage clinic instead!

VIRGO

Virgos love the limelight. They’re social beings with a love for elegance and grace. To top it off, they’re also just a tad bit basic (I’m a Virgo…I’m allowed to say that). So this time, ensure that they feel extra special with a classic dinner date that is just as fancy and luxurious as them! Whether it’s at a restaurant with tiny plates or at home with a scrumptious meal, put in that extra bit of planning and see the absolute joy on their face!

LIBRA

With a strong intellect and a love for learning, the perfect date for a Libra would have to widen their horizons. The stagnancy of a sit-down movie night would simply fail to tickle their fancy! So for Libras, I recommend spending your V-Day at a museum or art gallery around town. This date would result in amazing photos and some phenomenal memories. More importantly, hand-in-hand, you can explore the past as you cement your future! 

SCORPIO

Let’s be honest: all Scorpios are at least a little bit witchy and supernatural on the inside. It’s unique, fun and only a tad bit creepy (I mean this in the most flattering of ways so don’t hex me). So why look elsewhere for date ideas? I say that you should fully lean into it! Find a local metaphysical store, go shopping for healing crystals together and book a tarot card reading. Watch as the sorcery unfolds and have the experience of a lifetime!

SAGITTARIUS

A thrill-seeker through and through, a Sagittarius will not stand for a date that isn’t as energetic as they are! So for this one, I recommend multiple parts to your date night! Plan a scavenger hunt with stops around the city that are meaningful to your relationship. Schedule breaks in between to drop by eclectic cafes or clubs even! Ensure they’re discovering new spots and you have yourself the perfect Saggi date night!

CAPRICORN

It’s midterm season and Capricorns aren’t here to mess around. There’s no world in which they’re stepping out to do anything around this time. Want to find a way to have a Valentine’s Day plan that they’ll actually show up to? A cute study date is the way to go! Get all their favorite snacks, a nice warm drink, along with a pack of their favorite highlighters and enjoy each other's company. 

AQUARIUS

For your innovative, eccentric and rebellious Aquarius, a laid-back approach might be the way to go! This Valentine’s Day, set up the supplies and spend the day painting canvases, cloth bags, vases and more. Crack open a bottle of wine or sparkling cider and you have the most chill date night an Aquarius could ask for. Work on projects separately but come together to create a few pieces as a couple. With no boundaries at all, let your creativity run wild.

PISCES

Ever wondered which zodiac sign was most likely to be a saint? Yeah, it’s Pisces. They’re kind, gentle, compassionate and generous beyond comparison. The soothing water sign loves to help out in any way, so combine it all and head over to a local pet shelter! Volunteer with some amazing little animals and spend your day working for a good cause. Find happiness in the pure joy that is a pet and have the most memorable date together!

Note: If you feel like you found what you’ve been looking for, adopt a pet!

The loveless truth behind the ‘five love languages’

Gary Chapman's love theory turns out to be very controversial

By: Krishika Jethani

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

Content Warning: Homophobia

By now many have heard about the supposed five love languages and without knowing anything about its origin, we’ve begun categorizing ourselves, our partners and the ways we show love using the now-omnipresent classifications.

The five languages are known as acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. But at the heart of these frameworks of love? A homophobic Baptist pastor in the early 90s.

Gary Chapman published his book, The 5 Love Languages, in 1992 and it was directly dedicated to Christian couples in his church. Prior to his authorship, Chapman was a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in North Carolina where he taught couples the importance of love languages. This was before he published his book that platformed his theory to the whole world and not just to the couples he was counseling.

Through his experience working with different couples as a marriage counselor, he denominated these love languages as the only possible ways in which a couple could function. But his theory was grounded in misogyny, notions of the nuclear family, heterosexism and a score of gender norms.

When Chapman’s book was released, not many knew about his homophobic beliefs. In a 2021 article, writer Kristen Mae enumerated the various oppressive statements and beliefs disseminated by Chapman that somehow she had never seen. 

A 2013 comment found on Chapman’s website saw a mother seeking out advice from him after finding out her son was gay to which he said the following: “Disappointment is a common emotion when a parent hears one of their children indicate that he/she is gay. Men and women are made for each other–it is God’s design. Anything other than that is outside the primary design of God.”

Although Mae has found the concept of love languages useful, she is enraged by the thoughts he shared online. Chapman's beliefs seemed to be undercover for many years but she now describes it as the most “insidious form of homophobia.”

When working in the church, Chapman was clear on his beliefs and the couples he counseled looked up to him. A couple was considered compatible, for example, only if their partner knew how to communicate in certain love languages. The only difference was that this theory only accounted for heterosexual couples, according to Chapman.

Although he was never considered a reliable counselor or source, romantic relationships are now being dictated by these five ubiquitous love languages. 

It’s very common to see people base their whole relationship on their love language compatibility. The question is why are we letting a sexist and homophobic pastor’s pseudo-scientific ideologies systematically define the ways in which we should classify and affix validity to our personal relationships. Not only this, but why are we allowing this to measure the compatibility between our partners, romantic or otherwise? 

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Every relationship is different and it shouldn’t be judged by how you give or take love. Linda Carroll, a marriage and family therapist, wrote, “While Chapman’s theory helps explain how to best make a relationship thrive, they are just one part of what makes a successful relationship overall.”

When Chapman released his book, relationships began to depend on the idea as a determinant of romantic success (or probability of failure). 

Carroll describes how a couple, who are now separated, were confused as to why their relationship wasn’t working even though they follow all of their partner’s love languages. They believed the five love languages were going to fix their relationship’s foundational problems because that’s what Chapman so much as guaranteed in his book.

Carroll agrees that love languages can be an important factor in a relationship but she describes how they can always “change.”

“Our love language can change over time and in specific life situations. If we don’t know how to not just speak to each other but also how to really listen to each other, we may be engaging in behaviors that no longer say “I love you” but now irritate instead,” she wrote. If there is already a lack of communication within the relationship, following these love languages will not make these issues disappear. 

Psychologists, such as Dr. Julie Gottman, question Chapman’s theory of love. Dr. Gottman describes the categories as “superficial and rigid” and wonders why there are such narrow boxes when people can easily be more open to different concepts of love. Dr. Gottman uses physical touch as an example. Physical touch does not have to be a love language you immediately want but can rather be something you grow into. At the beginning of a relationship, you might not feel comfortable being touched by your partner but may grow to crave it more in the future. 

Additionally, the touch needs of queer, ace or neurodivergent folks, whose relationships with physical touch are fluid, might change depending on the day, the person or how over/under stimulated they are. 

This doesn't mean you do not fall under the “physical touch” category but rather that a relationship is an inherently ever changing dynamic, so its facets must also be treated as such. These love languages force you to settle into rigid patterns that disallow growth from both you and your partners. 

Love languages don’t just hurt those in love, but those seeking it, namely in the ways the framework has invaded dating app spaces. On services such as Tinder and Bumble, you can share what your love languages are on your profile. In enabling this theory to be taken as gospel, we’ve also assumed a uniformity of experiences among lovers and strangers alike. The person you meet on a dating app is more nuanced than a denomination as one-dimensional as a “gift-giver,” but love languages rob people of their layers before we’ve even had the chance to make their acquaintance.  

Dating app users are apt to use this as a way to analyze whether the person reflected on their screen is compatible enough to swipe on. Using these types of apps hinders your ability to deeply know someone. If you immediately associate them with being a person of “quality time” or of “words of affirmation”, you may not learn a dynamic and modulating way of communicating love.

Chapman’s theory also influences people to believe they should adjust to their partner’s feelings and react in a certain way to fulfill their needs. All partners should have a say in how they feel and how they want to be treated. It’s about learning what makes the other feel good in a genuine way rather than superficially.

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Romantic relationships are not meant to be centered around arbitrary criteria. The beauty of love is seen through various different stages and growth is a very important part of it. If you want to recognize the type of love you crave, you may start with the five love languages as long as you don't get sucked into a vacuum of pseudoscience and let it define you. 

Don't force yourself to stay within five categories because there is so much more to expand from; and there’s also so much more to you and your community. Just because you are not falling under two or three categories, doesn’t mean your relationship will fatalistically come to an end.

Instead of “becoming myopically focused on speaking your partner’s love language,” says Brigitt Earley, “think of the love languages as a starting point for tending to your relationship with a sense of generosity and goodwill.”

To all the singles, keep your head up this Valentine’s Day

Is anticipating the upcoming doom of Valentine’s Day leaving you extra sad and lonely? We’ve got some remedies for your woes

By: Yanika Saluja

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

The new year is not usually great for us singles, especially by the time the dreaded month of February comes around. Our “self-growth” and “focusing on ourselves” resolutions are not even enacted until Valentine’s Day comes to haunt us. I mean, who wants to see their social media flooded with couples who are going out of their way to tell their partner how much they love them (I’m secretly crying inside as I ponder)? 

Every partner-less person handles Valentine’s Day differently. Some might love being single and thank God that they can focus on finishing their assignment when others are out spending money. Some might wish they had someone to celebrate the love-struck day with them, but, with a sigh of acceptance, move about their day. And some people might be like me, screaming into pillows to sounds of.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students have their own opinions on being single this Feb. 14.

Eisha Mueed, a second-year student at TMU, feels great about being single on Valentine’s Day because for her, it’s a choice.

“I think it’s how you look at it; yeah, it’s great when you have two people who have an allocated day where they celebrate love, but it should be more normalized to [celebrate] life every day,” said Mueed.

While we often associate solitude during Valentine’s day with a hatred for all things amour, some, like TMU student Virgil Andre,  simply like seeing love in the air.. He feels really happy for his friends in relationships and is glad that they found someone who understands them during a time as difficult as our adolescent years.

“I think love is a beautiful thing you can see in people,” said Andre.

“Every single person, from the guy you’re working with to a woman you’re seeing on the train ride home to a teenager you see at a grocery store; everyone has someone in mind that they love. And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.”

For TMU journalism student Kyana Alvarez, some single people still manage to enjoy Valentine’s Day.

“I think even if you are single, you can enjoy the holiday as it depends on the type of person. So yeah, I know some of my single friends who like to celebrate Valentine’s in a different way than just romantic love,” said Alvarez

And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.

To all my lovely singles out there who don’t want to spend this day of love moping around waiting for their soulmate to climb through their window like Marcus Baker, I got you covered.

Go on a shopping spree

I believe this is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. Instead of spending money on your partner, spend it on yourself. Pamper yourself. Buy the most random things you’ve always wanted. Discover new stores and go thrifting. Who doesn’t love treasure hunting?

Do something spontaneous

If I went this route, my first stop would be a tattoo shop and then getting scolded by my parents would be tomorrow's problem. Point being, go out and be rebellious. If you wanted that purple hair colour, now is the time my friend. You wanted that piercing? Go and get two of them. Let yourself free and enjoy that adrenaline.

Go on a solo date

Okay, now I know it sounds like something a loner with no friends would do but trust me it’s so much more than that. I prefer dates with myself where I can get a cup of coffee and read my book or watch Netflix to force myself to do something I don’t want with someone else. So, pick out the restaurant or café or even a park you always wanted to go to and don’t wait for someone to take you there. Dress up in your best clothes, and fly solo. Learn to be comfortable with yourself and your company.

Buy yourself flowers

If you have heard the song Flowers by Miley Cyrus, you know what I mean. Now I am sure you must have all wondered what it felt like to get flowers from someone. Even though flowers can be super cliché, but in some sense, it is kind of cute when you get them. You know the best part about flower shops? You don’t need a second person to buy them for you. Pick out the most extraordinary flowers that you see and tap that credit card. You deserve it.

Beat your friends at bowling

Go on a group date with your friends to a bowling alley and show off those skills that say “I might be single, but I can still strike.” Go out and have a fun day with your friends and then go have a nice dinner with everyone or watch a movie together.

To my single, but totally amazing humans out there, try not to be gloomy or feel disheartened if you haven’t found love yet. It will come to you when it’s meant to. Until then, enjoy and cherish the time you have with yourself. So, take a second and wish yourself a very happy Valentine’s day.