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Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success. Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

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Claude Brulé

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Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year. That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

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Serenitea workshop serves up mental health education and support

Students organize Serenitea workshop to benefit The Royal and promote mental health

Aicha Chamor

Photos: Aicha Chamor

July 26, 2024
Revised: July 26, 2024 11:56am

Photo: Aicha Chamor

Ximena Luna (right),Lokender Singh (centre) and Pratit Singh (left) explaining the game to workshop attendees

The Serenitea mental health workshop, the third event #ShattertheSilence was held on July 23 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Commons by Algonquin College public relations students (ACPR).

The Serenitea workshop was organized by the ACPR team as part of their #ShattertheSilence campaign, which aims to create a welcoming space for people to openly discuss mental health. The workshop offered coffee, tea and brownies to foster a comfortable atmosphere for discussion.

Lokeder Singh,Markya Docilhomme,Ximena Luna,Kenyon Elechi,Navjot Singh and Pratit Singh (left to right), Tatanisha Rigga (Second to left) equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator of student association at Algonquin College. — Left to right: Lokeder Singh, Markya Docilhomme, Ximena Luna, Kenyon Elechi, Navjot Singh and Pratit Singh, organizers of the event, with Tatanisha Rigga (Second from left) equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator of Student Associations Photo credit: Aicha Chamor

“If you want to start a conversation with a friend, the first step is always having a coffee,” said Lokender Singh, a member of the group organizing the event.

The student organizers collaborated extensively on all aspects of the Serenitea workshop, from production and setup to facilitating the day’s events. Their efforts are part of a broader partnership with The Royal Mental Health Care Centre.

“I think they’re doing a fantastic job for themselves and also for their client the Royal, and more importantly they are highlighting the value of having those conversations to shatter the silence about mental health,” said Bradley Moseley-Williams, a professor and coordinator of public relations program.

Throughout the workshop, more than 30 attendees engaged in interactive games, including question cards to learn more about supporting mental health. The ACPR students also shared tips about mental health and reminded attendees about the services available at Algonquin College.

Zing Zhang, an animation student, was passing through the student commons when he noticed the event, approached the ACPR students and heard about the concept and purpose behind the activity.

” I donated because I know how mental health is important for students, especially for international students,” said Zhang.

Sunjung Byun, an accounting student at Algonquin College, said, ”Mental health is a very important thing for human beings and I feel so lucky to attend this event,”

Algonquin Colegge's student show their support by donating money to the Royal — Algonquin Colege's students show their support by donating money to the Royal Photo credit: Aicha Chamor

“The money that ACPR campaigns give to non-profits, in this case the Royal, are always given with no strings attached,” said Lois Caracas, a level 2 public relations student. “This means that it’s up to the Royal to allocate the funds where they know they most need it.”

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Aicha Chamor

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Algonquin student card and U-Pass to be replaced by merged card

The two cards will become one, starting next semester

James Gray

Photos: James Gray

July 25, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 3:39pm

Photo: James Gray

Students board an outbound bus at one of Algonquin's two bus stops, across the street from residence

Algonquin’s AC card and U-Pass card will be replaced by a new merged card in the upcoming fall semester.

The new card will continue to provide free passage on Ottawa public transit, access to the gym in X-building and optionally to pay at college-run cafeterias and all other functions of the two cards.

The merged card will also take over the AC Cash system, which allows discounted purchases at college-run restaurants. — The merged card will also take over the AC Cash system, which allows discounted purchases at college-run restaurants Photo credit: James Gray

Additionally, the new card will not need to be renewed at the Card Services office as U-Passes must currently be.

Existing cards will cease to function on September 1.

Students will be able to get their new card from the office on E-building’s ground floor, room E120, or a second help desk in the D-building cafeteria. These will open on Aug. 12, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and continue into an unknown date in the fall. No appointment is needed to get this card.

The name of the new card is currently unknown. But similar merges will take place at Ottawa’s other post-secondary institutions.

Incoming students are reminded to submit a photograph of themselves for the card before coming to pick it up. Students who have already done so do not need a new photo for the new card.

The Card Services office in room E120 manufactures student cards, U-Passes, and soon, the merged card. — The Card Services office in room E120 manufactures student cards, U-Passes, and soon, the merged card Photo credit: James Gray

Algonquin students’ reactions to the news were mixed to positive. Rohan Mulchandani, a level 2 event management student, said he likes the concept but would disapprove of an increase to the fee to replace a lost card. However, a representative of Card Services said that the fee will remain the same.

Other students commented:

“It’s kind of annoying that I have to go pick [the new card] up. I don’t really use my student card, just my U-Pass. But I guess it might be easier to just carry the one card.” Christina Hollands, level 2 web development and internet applications student.
“I think it would be helpful, less of a hassle.” Casper Waterman, level 1 community and justice services student.
“I’m not a student anymore, but yeah, I think it would help.” Brad Beekmans, graduate of the music industry arts program and employee at Algonquin’s theatre.

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Bluesfest invests in Algonquin professor

Singer, songwriter and professor Danielle Allard was chosen to perform at music festival

Angel Belair-Poirier

Photos: Angel Belair-Poirier

July 25, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 2:24pm

Photo: Angel Belair-Poirier

Danielle Allard, singer-songwriter and Algonquin College instructor, jamming on her live stream

Danielle Allard has found a way to combine her passion for music and teaching here at Algonquin College. On the evening of July 5, she performed in front of hundreds of people as part of Bluesfest at the Barney Danson Theatre.

Allard has been a professor at Algonquin College for over 10 years, teaching in a multitude of programs. Presently, she is teaching music industry and art for the School of Media & Design. She also taught Level 1 students of the public relations program last spring.

“I enjoyed performing the opening and closing [of the show], which was a new title track from my recent album, Invader, because we had built a lot of mystery around it. The way we went on stage separately and I wore the costume of the album and video series, people hadn’t had the chance to see it in person. The crowd was lovely,” said Allard.

Her instruments are the guitar and keyboard. Allard has three albums: Chameleon, Invader, Passing Notes and one single called “7 years.” She has a new album planned for February 2025. Her music can be found on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The pandemic opened a new world of virtual performances for Allard, and she now performs live three days a week.

The cover of Allard&squot;s debut album, "Chameleon". — The cover of Allard's debut album, Chameleon

Allard also uses Twitch, a livestream community that allows her to broadcast her performances over the internet. The community also brings artists together and they can exchange knowledge.

“I have learned how to play new instruments on this platform,” said Allard.

“She has fans from Europe, she needs to coordinate the time of her performances with their times at home,” commented Lois Caracas, a former public relations student of Allard’s.

The Patreon crowdfunding platform can also be a revenue stream. Subscribers to Allard’s Patreon pay five dollars a month and get access to many live performances.

“People spend hundreds of dollars to see a concert, but now they can spend just a small amount and get livestream performances right at home, and this helps support local artists,” said Allard.

Allard is a self-proclaimed “loop artist and dinosaur enthusiast.” A loop artist is someone who works with the repetition of specific words or sentences. This is reflected in her album Invader. Allard is an all-genre singer, as long as it feels right, she explains. Her songs are meant to bring people together, encourage vulnerability, compassion and enthusiastic affection.

Allard is a native of Carp, a small community near Ottawa. She won the Solo Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Capital Music Awards.

Allard posing with her trophy from Capital Music Awards

“I was also picked up for the Ottawa music program. If you call the City of Ottawa right now, and you are put on hold, there is a good chance you will hear my single ‘7 years‘,” said Allard.

She started writing at seven years old. Her family doctor had recommended she write to help with her anxiety, to avoid medication. She started writing in a journal every day.

“She is so knowledgeable, understanding, structured, patient and open to help her students,” said Markya Dorcilhomme, a level 2 student of public relations.

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Wildfire ravages historic Jasper

Local CTV News A “wellness and social club” called Altea Active is set to open in Ottawa’s west end later this year. The franchise will be on Carling Ave., in a former Canadian Tire building. It will include fitness studios, a “one-of-a-kind Hot Yoga Studio,” guided exercise classes, indoor pickleball courts, and a three-lane 25-metre […]

Steven Dalloo

Photos:

July 25, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 1:57pm

Local

CTV News

A “wellness and social club” called Altea Active is set to open in Ottawa’s west end later this year.

The franchise will be on Carling Ave., in a former Canadian Tire building. It will include fitness studios, a “one-of-a-kind Hot Yoga Studio,” guided exercise classes, indoor pickleball courts, and a three-lane 25-metre lap pool.

“The club will offer youth programming through the aquatic facility, which provides kids swimming lessons, and the Active Kid’s Club, which includes a mini gym, arts and crafts, and interactive game zones for junior members,” said Altea representatives in a statement.

National

Global News

A wildfire has been blazing through the Alberta mountains and finally hit the town of Jasper on Wednesday. The exact extent of the damage is unknown, but assumed to be severe with many buildings destroyed.

“This is simply our community’s worst nightmare,” said Mayor Richard Ireland.

Alberta will be receiving federal government aid to help fight the wildfires.

International

CBC News

The United States Department of Defense released a report warning of “destabilizing” activities in Canada’s far north, including potential Russian jamming of global positioning system (GPS) satellites.

The Pentagon fears that the possible actions of Russia could destabilize the United States, Canada and its allies. The 18-page assessment also notes increased naval cooperation between Russia and China, including a joint bomber flight in international airspace near Alaska yesterday.

The Arctic might have its first practically ice-free summer by 2030, and the loss of sea ice will increase the viability of Arctic maritime routes, which could lead to Russia or other aggressive states attempting to seize control of Canadian waters.

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PR students host fundraising dinner for mental health awareness

People came together to eat and talk about mental health at the Food for Thought event

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

July 25, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 12:56pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Kathleen Ramsay (left) and Louise Ramsay (right) are served dessert by a student waiter at the Food for Thought event

Algonquin College’s public relations students held a charity dinner on July 20 to raise money for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

The event, titled Food for Thought, was the first part of the #ShattertheSilence campaign organized by the program.

The event was a three-course meal, for which the entry fee was $65 per person. It included a silent auction. Forty-six people attended the event, leaving only two seats empty.

The event started with Sophia Wojdak, the co-campaign manager, welcoming people and introduced the guest speaker from the Royal.

Ingrid Gingras was the keynote speaker at Food for Thought and told people about the Royal's work battling mental health issues. — Ingrid Gingras was the keynote speaker at Food for Thought and told people about the Royal's work battling mental health issues Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Ingrid Gingras, vice-president of communications and donor experience at the Royal, said in her speech: “Today, four in one Canadians are living with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Shockingly less than 20 per cent of those seeking help receive adequate care.” She explained that depression is the most common mental health issue the Royal sees, and how current approaches are not perfect treatment. She further said that the Royal has made “groundbreaking strides in preventing suicides” through community support and innovations. “Community support is key in turning new ideas into research, transforming these discoveries into breakthroughs, integrating them into care. Community support enables us to continually evolve mental health care and significantly improve lives.”

The first course was served at 6:30 p.m., promptly followed by a recipe video, then the entrée and the last course.

Bradley Moseley-Williams, professor and program coordinator in the public relations program, also spoke at the event to express pride for his students, “Every year the students go out in the community and they make it better. They take their education; they take their talent and they take some challenges.”

The silent auction was opened at the end for 20 minutes. People put in bids on many items, including paintings and a ring with the starting price of $195, which sold for $500. All the money from the silent auction also went to the Royal.

The student organizers: Harjinder Singh, Shristi, Amita Jethi, Dawson Richards, Sophia Wokdak, and Nathan Draaistra (left to right) with Ingrid Gingras (centre) from the Royal, and Bradley Moseley-Williams, professor in public relations. — The student organizers (left to right) Harjinder Singh, Shristi, Amita Jethi, Dawson Richards, Sophia Wojdak, and Nathan Draaistra with Ingrid Gingras (centre) from the Royal, and Bradley Moseley-Williams, professor of public relations (second from left) Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Gingras said: “Tonight was amazing, everyone [here] is so open to hearing about mental health, and supporting mental health and it was really wonderful.” She was impressed with the Algonquin students’ conduct and organization.

“The idea of [this] event was really fantastic and on-point, which is to support mental health by coming together with food and enjoying each other’s company.”

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Garden and Grow fundraiser to help people have fun in garden

The second event for #ShattertheSilence took place amid the peacefulness of plants and trees

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

July 25, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 12:55pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Professor Jason Vodden took attendees on a tour of the horticulture grounds, including a vegetable garden and greenhouse

Garden and Grow, the second event for the #ShattertheSilence campaign of the Algonquin College’s public relations (ACPR) students was held on July 20, 2024 at the horticulture building.

The entry fee was $20 for each adult, and children were given free entry. There was also a silent auction table, with gardening tools for auction. All the proceeds will go to the Royal, Ottawa’s main mental health care centre.

Left to right: Suhkmanpreet Kaur, Abhireet Dandiwal, Julia Bland, Roxanne Kayizaniza and Viergine Fortune from the ACPR were the organizers of the Garden and Growth event. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

The event started with a seminar on the physical and mental health benefits of gardening by horticulture professor Jason Vodden. He talked about plants’ evolution, their benefits and how they can help people.

“Living in a city, there’s a lot of noise pollution, a lot of pollution-pollution, and it leads to feelings of isolation, and sometimes, just the busyness can lead to anxiety,” said Prof. Vodden. “I don’t know if any of you have ever gone and sat outside before, in a green space. It doesn’t take long to just feel a little bit more relaxed.”

The seminar was followed by a break so people could mingle and enjoy refreshments like juices and pastries.

Prof. Vodden took everyone on a tour of the horticulture grounds, which are built on four acres of land and have three years of collections of plants. The first stop was the outside garden, which houses many varieties of plants and trees, then the vegetable garden, and last, the greenhouse. “It has 34 species of plants and this place is something I am very proud of,” said Prof. Vodden.

The third and last part of the event was a planting session, where people paired up, mixed soils and planted succulents according to Prof. Vodden’s instructions. People got to take these plants home in a free tote bag.

Ethan Walls (left) and Jonathan Mihigo (right) planting succulents as part of the event. — Ethan Walls (left) and Jonathan Mihigo (right) planting succulents as part of the event Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

“It was lovely and well done. I love the awareness it is raising,” said attendee Emily Deraiche-Grossberg. “I think learning about plants is good for the environment and a good way of giving back.”

Julia Bland, one of the organizers and an ACPR student said, “I am thankful people came and enjoyed the event, it was amazing. Mental health and plants are co-related, and it was a great way to teach people more about that.”

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Algonquin College Public Relations students announce charity events for The Royal

Students are hosting a number of fundraising events in support of The Royal and mental health awareness

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: This year's fundraisers include Lois Caracas, Manpreet Kaur and Roxanne Kayizaniza. Photo credit

July 23, 2024
Revised: July 23, 2024 12:45pm

Photo: This year's fundraisers include Lois Caracas, Manpreet Kaur and Roxanne Kayizaniza. Photo credit

Public Relations students have raised more than $500,000 for numerous Ottawa area charities since 1986. L-R

Public Relations students at Algonquin College have organized a number of events in support of mental health awareness and The Royal, one of Canada’s foremost mental health care teaching and research hospitals. Their mission is to “help people living with mental illness and addiction recover faster,” according to a press release.

The students have put together four events to take place through July: Garden and Grow, exploring the benefits of gardening on mental health; Mic Drop the Silence, featuring local artists and headlined by Organ Eyes and Monqiue Messier; Food for Thought, where attendees will have the opportunity to eat and learn at a dinner hosted by the Algonquin College Public Relations (ACPR) students, and guest speakers will discuss the connection between food and mental health, and Sertenitea, a “mental health pitstop” and workshop in the E building of campus.

“We are really excited to raise money for a good cause,” said co-campaign manager Dawson Richards. “In first semester we had a big vote to decide which charity to fundraise for, and The Royal had a lot of momentum behind it.”

The Public Relations program plans to raise thousands of dollars over four events — The Public Relations program plans to raise thousands of dollars for The Royal over four events Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Another co-campaign manager, Sophia Wojdak, thinks these kinds of events can help connect people to everyday ways to help strengthen and support their mental health.

“People rarely address the connection between nutrition and mental health, and this event helped to start that conversation for a lot of people,” said Wojdak.

Being open and communicative is a central focus of the four events. Research shows that speaking about experienced mental health struggles can help reduce stigmas, raise awareness and educate others.

“This will be a great informative event,” said Kenyon Elechi, a member of the group organizing Serenitea. “I am very grateful and excited to be a part of it.”

The Food for Thought event took place on July 18. Garden and Grow tickets are $20, but free for children. The event will be held at the M building on July 20. The Serenitea mental health workshop will be held on July 23 in the E building and is free to attend. Mic Drop The Silence tickets are $15, and the event will be held on July 24 at The Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street in the ByWard Market.

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Algonquin student is runner-up at provincial pageant

Pageants today are about "more than pretty dresses," says PR student

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

July 19, 2024
Revised: July 19, 2024 1:54pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Sophia Wojdak, an AC student, was second runner-up at the Ontario Regional Canada Pageant

Sophia Wojdak, a level 2 public relations student, was the second runner up at the 2024 Miss Ontario Regional Canada Pageant.

“I was the former Miss Teenage Edmonton, because I’m from Alberta, and the former Miss Northern Alberta as well,” said Wojdak. She has been doing pageants for four years now. This was her second time competing in the Miss Ontario Regional Canada Pageant.

Wojdak says that pageants are a lot different than most people think. “I think people have an idea that pageants are all just pretty dresses and baton twirling and it’s really not that,” she explained. “A lot of it is fundraising, public speaking preparation, panel interview preparation, and each delegate has to have a personal charitable platform.”

For this pageant, Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer was the primary charity of the organization. “But everybody has to have a personal philanthropic platform,” Wojdak explained, “so mine was Consent on Campus, which was promoting sexual assault survivor resources and consent education on university campuses.” She says that doing research for the platform, fundraising for the organization, preparing for the interview and speeches are the big parts of preparation for the competition.

“Sophia used her pageant platform to raise awareness, understanding and money for issues and causes that are important to her,” said Bradley Moseley-Williams, coordinator of the public relations program. “I also found her interest and concern to be genuine, and she was effective at making presentations about these issues. She spoke in class, at pageants and leveraged the value of various social media channels to get the word out.”

“My favourite part is just meeting all the other women that compete,” said Wojdak. “I’ve made a lot of really good friends through pageants. You make a lot of good connections, not just personally, but also professionally.”

Hailey McDonald, Miss Prince Edward County, met Wojdak in person for the first time at Miss Ontario, Regional Canada 2023 Pageant in May 2023. “Sophia is the sweetest during pageant week,” said McDonald. “She’s extremely bubbly and energetic no matter how busy we are, and she always keeps the mood fun and light-hearted. I’m pretty sure she was the one cheering the loudest for me when I placed in the top six.”

Sophia Wojdak (left) and Hailey McDonald (right) at the Ontario Regional Canada Pageant's final day. — Sophia Wojdak (left) and Hailey McDonald (right) became friends at the Ontario Regional Canada Pageant Photo credit: Ontario Regional Canada Paegant

Jewel Lindemann, Miss Cambridge, said the same thing. “When I won a side award for the competition, Sophia was cheering the loudest and you could tell that she was genuinely so happy for me.”

Wojdak says that she didn’t have to deal with anything negative while competing in the pageants, other than just dealing with the misconceptions and stereotypes on what the paginate actually is.

“When I tell people I do pageants, most people are positive about it and think like, that’s cool or whatever. But some people think that, it’s like objectifying or it doesn’t really have to do with people’s community work or their intelligence,” Wojdak said. “There’s a whole scholastic exam that’s a big part of this pageant, and, like, I won the scholastic award so I was very proud of myself. But it sucks sometimes when you tell people like, oh I do pageants and they think, ‘oh it’s just about being pretty’, ‘it’s just about wearing a dress’, it’s whatever.”

Wojdak wants people to understand that pageants are not just about pretty dresses but much more than that. — Wojdak wants people to understand that pageants are not just about pretty dresses but also about scholastics, public speaking and philanthropic community work Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Wojdak knows that the pageants are a lot of work and is not sure if she will do them in the future.

“I hope to get a job in PR going out of school and I just don’t know if I’ll have time for it.” Wojdak said. “But if I don’t have time to compete again, I would still love to go and watch pageants and volunteer at them and help. I’ve been able to help with some kids pageants in the community and I always really like doing that.”

To women competing in pageants, Wojdak has this advice: “Even if you walk away and you don’t win or you don’t have the experience you want, just remember that you still do take lessons away from that experience and you still get to make great friends and you still, you know, get to have that experience.”

She says that she started pageantry because she wanted to grow.

“I have to kind of ignore what naysayers said about what pageantry was, [who] thought that I was dumb for wanting to do it. Pursue the things you want to do to help your community, and help yourself, and then make you happy. And don’t care too much about what other people have to say about it.”

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Agrani Tiwari

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Put the phone down, idiot

Picture this: You’re doom scrolling away, happy as a pig in filth, thumb flicking down the screen when suddenly, wedged between a meme about House of The Dragon and a recipe for gluten-free funnel cakes, you see it. Someone is wrong on the internet. Not only are they wrong, but you know you’re right. Struck […]

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

July 18, 2024
Revised: July 25, 2024 9:14am

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

When we engage in rage online, we're not doing justice to the communication skills humanity has taken centuries to develop, argues Tyler Reis-Sanford

Picture this: You’re doom scrolling away, happy as a pig in filth, thumb flicking down the screen when suddenly, wedged between a meme about House of The Dragon and a recipe for gluten-free funnel cakes, you see it. Someone is wrong on the internet. Not only are they wrong, but you know you’re right.

Struck with divine fury and righteousness, you engage, launching into your well- thought-out argument. You cite sources, send links, attack this online troll with facts and logic. You bombard this petulant know-nothing with a well-articulated, scientifically backed barrage of informational explosives.

This, of course, goes nowhere. The only reward for your righteous crusade against those nameless, faceless brainless accounts is further aggravation. You roll your eyes, toss your phone down and sigh. “What an idiot,” you say to nobody in particular.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the world, that same person you were arguing with slams their phone down and says the same thing about you.

Social media is here to stay. Whether or not it’s a necessary tool for our survival is irrelevant; whether it’s even useful is irrelevant. Facebook, Instagram, the platform formerly known as Twitter, they’re not going anywhere. They simply make too much money; money they make from you and your engagement. Do you know what kind of engagement makes them the most money? The kind that makes you mad.

Rage-baiting is not a new term, or even a new concept. The idea is simple, people are more inclined to focus on and remember the bad. It’s why you remember the one rude server you had, and not the 100 perfectly kind and lovely ones. It’s why you remember the teacher who was strict and mean. It’s why Facebook’s internal documents show their algorithm prioritized anger and posts that elicit it.

For young people in the age 18-29 demographic, social media is the most popular form of consuming news. Consider first that these billion-dollar private companies have a fiduciary responsibility (meaning they are legally obliged to act in the best interest of) to shareholders.

They are required to take actions that make the most money for the people who invest in them. Nowhere are they obligated, or even encouraged, to design a platform that acts as a conduit for sane, rational, reasonable discussion.

In fact, as you now know, the voices that get amplified are the ones that stir the pot. The squeakiest wheel yelling into the online ether, simply asking to be greased by its loudest, rudest, most obnoxious supporters and detractors. Regular people looking for their dose of thumbs-up fuelled dopamine, and screaming back into the void to get their next hit. Served up and steaming, your daily dose of rage-slop.

Social media is reducing us. It is making us lesser. Fortunately, we don’t have to engage this way online. There are endless things to argue about in this complicated world, ranging from the colour of a dress, what defines genocide and whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza. The good news? We can argue about them in person, too.

Communication theory is the study of the numerous ways humans have explained and interpreted each other over our long history. It also outlines the numerous things that are lost when communicating online.

Many successful ingredients to communication have evolved for humans to signal and perceive. A change in tone might suggest sarcasm. Body language might represent humour. Gestures and volume could indicate levels of anger. We’ve evolved myriad ways to communicate, consciously and unconsciously, the minute details that help the receiver of information decode the full extent of our message.

Most experts agree that 70 to 93 percent of communication is nonverbal. For the most part, what we say isn’t nearly as important as how we say it. When we engage in these serious conversations online we’re trading in our millenia-old ancestral toolkit for emojis and caps lock. I’m no expert, but I’d be willing to argue that’s a bad deal.

This isn’t to say that social media is the devil and we all need to burn our phones. There is plenty of good to be found online, and even in social media. The matter is complicated and intricate; even now I recognize the irony of typing these words onto a keyboard so that someone might one day read them while scrolling on the toilet.

There are, however, some conversations that are worth having in person. Let’s all try our best to remember that the next time we engage online, and let’s also try to remember that the next time we engage in person.

At the risk of sounding like your grumpy grandfather, shaking his fist at the sky, let me give us all (yes, even me) a small piece of advice.

Put the phone down, idiot.

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Tyler Reis-Sanford

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Tyler Reis-Sanford

Algonquin continues work on Indigenous representation after Kwey language video series launch

Director of Indigenous initiatives says “very important activities” are coming up

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

July 18, 2024
Revised: July 18, 2024 1:22pm

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

The intersection of Wajashk Private and Wàbisheshi Private at Algonguin College's Ottawa campus

Algonquin College launched the Kwey video series as part of its commitment to embracing the traditional Anishinàbe language on campus.

The videos feature Algonquin’s director of Indigenous initiatives, Anita Tenasco, teaching words in the language while giving information on Indigenous topics.

In April, the college introduced four city streets with Indigenous names on the Ottawa campus. The new streets are Wajashk Private, Nigig Private, Adjidjàk Private, and Wabisheshì Private. These are named after animals in the Anishinàbe language— muskrat, otter, crane and marten, respectively.

Tenasco, who has been the director of Indigenous initiatives since January, and is herself part of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community, played an integral role in the project.

“This was a project that I committed to when I started my work back in January,” said Tenasco. “Other First Nations students see that our college’s leadership values our languages, understands the need to revitalize our languages and really honours part of the true history of the territory.”

Algonquin College is located on unceded Algonquin Anishinabek territory, and classes, ceremonies and events often start with a land acknowledgment. The idea of a land acknowledgment is fairly well known, but not every student understands the significance.

”It’s fair to say I don’t know as much as I should,” said level two business analytics student Rajesh Ganji. “I am new to Canada but I know it’s important. I know there is a history, I just don’t know what to look it up.”

The Mamidosewin Centre is Algonquin College’s Indigenous student hub. The Kwey video series says that Mamidosewin is Algonquin and Ojibwe for “meeting place” or “walking together,” and it’s a place where students can learn more about Indigenous cultures and the land that Algonquin College is built on.

Tenasco describes the Mamidosewin Centre as “so important to First Nations students… a safe space to access resources, to access indigenous knowledge keepers”, and “a home away from home” for Indigenous students.

The Mamidosewin Centre also hosts events for non-indigenous students, such as information sessions and film screenings.

”I think at the core we need to acknowledge that we’re still here, that we were here first and we’re still here,” said Sydney LaRoux, an Algonquin College student who is part of the Inuit community. “A lot of people dance around indigeneity, there is a lot of history people get uncomfortable about, but that makes it that much more important to talk about.”

June was National Indigenous History Month, but Algonquin College has more material planned for the future.

”We’re planning a series for the fall [of] 2024. It will be about welcoming people to the territory, back to school… with phrases to talk about accomplishments and studies and success and perhaps even feelings,” said Tenasco. ”Truth, reconciliation, indigenization and most importantly in all of this, building meaningful relationships with the host nation of Ottawa and the host nation of the territory is so crucial.”

The Mamidosewin Centre is located in Algonquin College's E-building. Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Tenasco also mentioned other events that Algonquin College was might hold in the future, including but not limited to special guest speakers, important elders teaching student about their communities.

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