main – Page 4 – Algonquin Times

Five study tips to get you through exam season

Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a budding freshman, end-of-semester exams and projects can get the best of you. Here are five tips to keep you sane during a stressful academic season

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

December 2, 2024
Revised: December 2, 2024 3:10pm

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Ashley Hurst, right, enjoys studying with her friends, and finds that they can help keep each other accountable.

As the end of the fall semester approaches and deadlines get closer and closer, students are trying to learn how to face a demanding workload.

Managing a healthy work life balance while staying on top of challenging academics may be difficult, but these five tips from experts and Algonquin College students should help even the most caffeine-addicted academic.

Tip 1: Understand what kind of learner you are

“We do a lot of work just to understand which students learn in what kind of way,” said Joshua McMillan, an Ottawa Carleton District School Board teacher. “If college students want a leg up without stressing themselves to the bone, learning what style of study best fits them will help.”

Identifying learning styles like auditory, visual and kinesthetic allows students to tailor their individual needs, and can help make studying more engaging and effective. Consider taking a l earning quiz to identify what style of learner you are.

The Student Learning Centre (SLC) provides resources for Algonquin students to study, work, and prepare for exams. Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Tip 2: Change your scenery

Changing your environment can help you consider things from a new perspective, and allows your body and mind to reset.

A report from Human Spaces Global, a design and research company that focuses on creating “human centered spaces,” found that workplaces that include natural sunlight and greenery are significantly more productive and creative than those who don’t. If you’re stuck on a final project, hitting a wall, or just out of energy, consider moving to another workspace, or even changing who you’re working with.

“It’s more fun to study with people,” said Ashley Hurst, a Level-3 early learning and community development student. “But take breaks in between, get up and move around.”

Tip 3: Take a break

Although taking a break may seem counterproductive to getting more work done, a study by researchers at Cornell University has shown that “brain buster” study breaks allow the mind to reset.

“I set my alarm every 45 minutes, and take a break for 15 minutes,” said Emily Thomas-Moore, a Level 1 paramedic student. “It’s something a friend told me in high school. If I didn’t take breaks I would literally go insane.”

Tip 4: Prioritize your tasks

Making sure you have a firm grasp on what is due when is extremely important, especially in a program like paramedic studies, which has seven exams for Level 1 students like Emily Thomas-Moore.

“I sit down, get my list together, plan it out all in advance,” said Thomas-Moore. “When I set a schedule, and just use the time I set aside to actually study or work instead of scrolling I usually do well.”

Try using a physical calendar to keep track of due dates, schedules, study times and lists. Prioritization tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and the ABCDE method can help flustered students decide which tasks need to be done first.

Tip 5: Remember the big picture

At the end of the day, college is just a handful of years in your life. There are plenty of successful people who failed classes, dropped out of entire courses, or never went to college at all.

Remember to prioritize your own well being, Algonquin College offers a number of support services for students going through any number of issues.

News

Tyler Reis-Sanford

See more articles by
Tyler Reis-Sanford

Celebrating Hindu Heritage month while navigating modern issues

November is a time to celebrate the Hindu community's contributions while addressing incidents of hate

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

December 2, 2024
Revised: December 2, 2024 1:44pm

Photo: Emmet Paradis

Vansh Sharma, a third-level esthetician student at Algonquin College.

For Vansh Sharma, a level 3 student in the esthetician program, November’s Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more deeply about the spiritual and cultural aspects of Hindu culture.

“I was born in a Hindu family so I believe that having spiritual knowledge is more important than having contemporary education,” said Sharma. “It’s a representation of our culture and the knowledge that great saints and our ancestors have provided us from past generations.”

While November’s Hindu Heritage Month in Canada is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Hindu Canadians to our diverse society, it also comes at a time when the community has faced distressing incidents.

“Since January 2022, over 20 incidents of reported vandalism, desecration and/or break-ins at Hindu Temples or places in Canada with hate or bias-motivated graffiti,” according to Vishwa Hindu Parishad Canada. “Six Temple break-ins happened within the last few weeks.”

“There have been instances where Hindu students have faced bullying and been exposed to Hindu phobic content in schools and educational institutions – under various pretenses influenced by anti-Hindu organized elements,” according to VHPCanada.

This year is significant as it marks the third annual Hindu Heritage Month, according to the statement from the Minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities of Canada, Kamal Khera on Nov 1.

Hinduism, with roots dating back over 5000 years, is the world’s oldest belief system and third-largest religion. Canada is home to nearly 830,000 Hindus.

The Hindu community in Canada is diverse, with roots in different countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Africa and Mauritius, according to Minister Khera’s statement. This diversity is reflected in the many languages spoken within the community, with Hindi, Bengali and Marathi being among the most widespread.

Hindu Heritage Month was first officially recognized in Ontario in 2016 through Bill 56, the Hindu Heritage Month Act. The act states that November was chosen partly because it often aligns with Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu celebrations.

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, typically falls in either November or October, depending on the lunar calendar. As described in the Hindu Heritage Month Act, Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil.

Sharma highlighted why this month is important.

“This month helps educate others by telling them how Indian traditions are celebrated and worship deities and every single element in our nature,” he said.

Minister Khera highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguarding the right of communities to worship safely. She mentioned the recent launch of Canada’s first-ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate, which includes the Canada Community Security Program to support communities at risk of hate-motivated crime.

This belief extends to many aspects of life. “I love and I am proud of how in my family we’ve been worshipping animals, rivers, holy spirits, plants, planets, stars and even a piece of land before building a house on it,” said Sharma.

News

Emmet Paradis

See more articles by
Emmet Paradis

What’s happening at the campus Food Cupboard in the lead up to the holidays?

Connections, the campus store, launched a holiday fundraiser to support the Students' Association's Food Cupboard

Yuye Jiang

Photos: Yuye Jiang

December 2, 2024
Revised: December 2, 2024 12:41pm

Photo: Yuye Jiang

Anywhere from five to 20 students will visit the Food Cupboard each day to pick up necessities, says Abigail Harrison.

While many are immersed in the festive spirit as the holidays approach and the semester draws to a close, for some Algonquin College students food insecurity has become a greater challenge.

To address this, the campus store, Connections, first introduced a new initiative during its annual “Family & Friend Holiday Sale” on Nov 20. During the event, customers voluntarily donated at the checkout to support the Food Cupboard, helping students who faced food insecurity on campus.

“Since it’s the first time we’re doing it, I don’t really have a specific amount that I’m looking for,” Abby Muir, the Food Cupboard coordinator said. “But I walked by the Connections store the other day and I saw that it was super busy, which made me very excited, because any contribution to the Food Cupboard is valuable.”

The entrance of the Connection store, featured a large digital sign announcing the start of the holiday event, with a display of arranged products. Photo credit: Yuye Jiang

The Need Behind the Holiday Fundraiser

The Food Cupboard has provided crucial support to countless students facing food insecurity in recent years, but Muir said that one of their current challenges is balancing student awareness of the service with ensuring resources reach those who truly need assistance.

“Usually we see a big rush of students at the very beginning of the semester, and now we’re kind of in a little bit of a slower period right now, but it’s still increasing. Like crazy,” Muir said. “So I would hope we try to balance it so that, you know, there is enough awareness for people that need it, but not so much awareness.”

At the Food Cupboard, popular items are often basic essentials that are indispensable but can be costly in grocery stores.

“Most popular items are always the fresh items like fresh milk, eggs, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables,” Muir said. “Beans and canned vegetables and canned meat are really popular as well, because they are good for students who are looking for a sort of quick meal, if they’re rushing between classes or going to work.”

How Do Students View the Food Cupboard?

Although the Food Cupboard provides timely assistance to students, many still hold misconceptions about using the service.

“I’ve never heard any friends of mine are using the Food Cupboard, and yes, I understand people might feel embarrassed about that,” said Alexandria Milne, a Level-3 business marketing student. “But actually, everyone has a really busy schedule and some people can really hard to find a job these days.”

Milne compares this phenomenon to the growing trend of thrifting, which has become popular across generations.

“I know thrifting used to be for people who can’t afford pricey clothing, but now it’s a trend,” Milne said. “So maybe we also need to change that stereotype.”

The Future of the Fundraising Initiative

The Connections store’s fundraising initiative has also provided new resource support for the Food Cupboard. While there is no clear fundraising goal or amount yet, this effort opens the door for more extensive fundraising opportunities in the future.

Chadwick Brennan, a Level-1 project management student at the college, believes that broader promotion is needed to encourage more participation.

“People typically don’t tend to donate at checkout, so this isn’t the best way to get people to do it,” Brennan said. “Maybe setting up donation stations around campus, like other food banks. You’d see donation baskets around the campus, and if you have something extra from home, you could drop it in there.”

Muir also mentioned that, in addition to material donations, many departments and student organizations on campus are working together to raise resources for the Food Cupboard.

“As you’ve heard, we have connections with the college, and we’re trying to get creative with our collaborations and with our food drives and stuff like that,” Muir said.

If you would like to learn more or support the work of the Food Cupboard, please visit the AC food security fund page. If you are facing challenges with food or winter essentials, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

News

Yuye Jiang

See more articles by
Yuye Jiang

First Person: Battling anxiety with magic

One day this summer, seemingly everyone around me started playing Magic: the Gathering. I don't know what it was, but something about it instantly clicked for me

John Hopper

Photos: Michael Lam

December 2, 2024
Revised: December 4, 2024 1:25pm

Photo: Michael Lam

The exhilaration the author feels while playing against others is enormous. "It’s become a hobby that I’ve greatly grown to appreciate," Hopper writes.

It was a mid-August evening, and I’d just gotten off OC Transpo’s infamous 88 Terry Fox bus. The heat was debilitating and the anxiety-inducing finals in my life were increasing my stress levels tenfold. None of this mattered to me, however, because I was going to play Magic: the Gathering.

Over the summer, I was laid off from a job I had been working at for nearly five years. It stung bad. The lack of secure income on top of stress from summer classes led me to become the most stressed I’ve ever been. It was as if I were Atlas holding the world, but it was the relentless weight of my anxiety. I was in desperate need to find a healthy way to alleviate my mental burden.

I’m not religious by any means, but it was as if a higher being answered a prayer I never dared to vocalize. One day, seemingly everyone I was close to picked up the same hobby at the same time. Friends from secondary school, colleagues from work or acquaintances from previous co-op placements: everyone I knew started playing this card game called Magic: the Gathering.

Magic: the Gathering is a trading card game that was first launched in 1993. The game features a variety of different formats to play, with the main goal to reduce your opponent’s life total from 20 to zero. The game is incredibly influential in the card game industry, and greatly increases in popularity every year.

I don’t know what it was, but something about Magic: the Gathering instantly clicked for me. Was it the enticing artwork? Was it the wall of text on every card? Or was it an ignorant outsider’s perspective comparing the game to Pokémon cards? In hindsight it was definitely the latter.

Getting into the game was much easier than anticipated, as my hand was essentially held the entire time by the one friend who did know how to play the game. My friend Jacob Uras let us borrow old decks he constructed when he was much younger, which shielded us from the game’s largest barrier of entry: its cost.

“Magic: The Gathering is super fun, and a great escape from reality. I use the game as an excuse to go outside and socialize. I feel most people who play the game feel this way,” said Uras, a biology graduate from Carleton University. “It can be hard to put yourself out there, so I thank Magic for that.”

Magic: the Gathering is a hobby that requires one to spend money. My previous experience with card games made me assume that the game was going to be an expensive endeavor. While the hobby can be expensive for those who are heavily invested, it was actually pretty digestible price-wise as a new player.

The card games parent company, Wizards of the Coast, has been committed to making the game as accessible to newcomers as possible. Starter decks can be purchased at any major retailer at an affordable cost. This was pleasant to hear as someone who has recently become unemployed.

“The constant release of new cards and the amount of rules can be overwhelming to new players. It’s great that Wizard of the Coast promotes these starter decks because it really bridges the barrier of entry,” said Michael Barber, an employee at local card store Wizards Tower in Barrhaven. “Many people who haven’t touched a card game in their life will come in because they’re curious and leave with a starter deck because it’s the cheapest and easiest way to get into the game.”

While I didn’t really understand the game at first, and arguable still don’t, Magic: the Gathering is an incredibly enjoyable game. The exhilaration I felt playing against others was indescribable. It’s become a hobby that I’ve greatly grown to appreciate. Even if I find myself falling out of it, I will continue to appreciate the game for help bringing me back to reality.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Opinions

John Hopper

See more articles by
John Hopper

Algonquin College students ring in the season at the Ottawa Christmas market

Students kicked off the holiday season with a magical tree lighting at Lansdowne Park

Grinje Randa Bringi

Photos: Grinje Randa Bringi

December 2, 2024
Revised: December 2, 2024 9:48am

Photo: Grinje Randa Bringi

Shivangi Ambbaliya, Shagunpreet Kaur, Gurpreet Kaur, and Mansi Modgil pose inside the Aberdeen Pavilion, enjoying their first Canadian Christmas market

The holiday spirit officially arrived for a group of Algonquin College students on Nov. 22 as they ventured to the opening night of the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park.

Held at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, the event was filled with bright lights, festive food and a warm sense of community.

For international students like Shivangi Ambbaliya, Shagunpreet Kaur, Gurpreet Kaur and Mansi Modgil this was a cultural introduction to Canadian Christmas traditions.

“Back home, Christmas isn’t celebrated on this scale, there are huge celebrations going on here,” said Ambbaliya. “It’s kind of like our Diwali, so we’re finding our festival in this Christmas.”

Crowds gather at Lansdowne Park for the Ottawa Christmas Market's grand tree lighting ceremony, set against the festive backdrop of the historic Aberdeen Pavilion. Photo credit: Grinje Randa Bringi

As all first-year developmental services worker students, the group was experiencing the Christmas market for the first time.

“We are looking to explore a new culture and try new things, and of course, clicking lots of photos,” said Shagunpreet.

Stepping into the market you’re met with the smell of warm apple cider and gingerbread cookies wafting through the air and the sound of carolers singing near the giant Christmas tree. Vendors lined the indoor and outdoor spaces, offering handcrafted ornaments, holiday treats and seasonal drinks.

Families huddled around fire pits to stay warm and children posed for photos with Santa Claus.

The highlight of the evening was the countdown to the lighting of the massive Christmas tree. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe addressed attendees with a short speech, thanking public servants for their dedication and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

At the end of the countdown, the crowd erupted into cheers as the tree lit up.

Marketing student Mercy Ejeye poses in front of the glowing Christmas tree Photo credit: Grinje Randa Bringi

“It took a long time to see the tree be lit, but the anticipation made it fun,” said marketing student Mercy Ejeye, who came dressed for the occasion in a festive sweater that read “HOHOHO” and tailored pants from her favourite brand, Atelier.

The Ottawa Christmas Market runs until Dec. 31, giving locals and visitors ample opportunity to soak in the holiday cheer.

“Christmas is the most festive period of the year, where you actually get to see people be the happiest and we’re celebrating the love of Christ, and I love that,” said Ejeye.

For more information about the Ottawa Christmas Market, visit ottawachristmasmarket.com

News

Grinje Randa Bringi

See more articles by
Grinje Randa Bringi

Travelling by train? Five simple tips to make sure others have a pleasant ride this Christmas

Five people share their train experiences and offer tips on how to behave well on the train

Laiyiady Lam

Photos: Laiyiady Lam

December 1, 2024
Revised: December 1, 2024 4:22pm

Photo: Laiyiady Lam

Do you know how to be a polite and considerate traveller when taking the train during the holiday season?

The bells of Christmas are about to ring and the streets are filling with festive cheer. Buildings, trees and shop displays are being adorned with colourful lights.

After a semester of intense study, you may be planning to travel by train to explore cities around Ottawa and soak in the enchanting Christmas atmosphere during the holiday season.

But beware — sometimes, small, thoughtless actions during your journey can turn things sour. Do you know what not to do on the train?

Here are five tips from frequent train travellers to ensure you and other people have a pleasant and smooth journey on VIA Rail this holiday season:

1. Keep your shoes on

Train journeys sometimes can be long, and your feet might feel uncomfortable. However, for the sake of others — and their noses — please keep your shoes on.

Mitchell Fong, a Level 3 radio and podcasting student, shared his experience on a VIA Rail trip from Montreal to Ottawa three years ago.

“The person sitting behind me would put their foot up and take their shoes off,” he said. “That’s like a pretty crappy thing to do because no one wants to smell stinky feet on a two-hour train ride.”

Andrea Sofia Potente, a student from the same program, agreed with Fong.

“I find it uncomfortable,” she said. “These behaviours show a lack of respect for fellow passengers.”

2. Mute your phone

Headphones exist for a reason. Playing music or videos without headphones on a train can disrupt the peace of those around you.

Alice Fournier, another radio program student, shared her experience with noise on the train.

“One time someone was right behind me, and they kept watching the same TikTok over and over and over,” she said. “It was like a really high-pitched version of the song and just cutting through my headphones.”

The noise lasted for 50 minutes. If she had another chance, Fournier said she would have turned around to address the person directly.

“I don’t think other people want to hear someone else’s music,” Fournier said. “It’s not always to your taste.”

A signpost at the Fallowfield VIA Rail station featuring their branding. Below the sign is a banner displaying the slogan 'Love the Way.' The background reveals a blue sky with soft clouds illuminated by the warm glow of sunset. — Avoiding the behaviours mentioned in this article will help you enjoy your trip! Photo credit: Laiyiady Lam

3. Clean as you go

Keeping the space tidy is essential for a pleasant travel experience and shows consideration for others.

Potente recalled her experience riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Tokyo six years ago.

She said the trains in Japan were always spotless. However, she noticed that public transportation in Canada sometimes had trash left behind.

“I just find that sad,” Potente said. “We need to be considerate to others.”

4. Keep your volume down

Nobody wants their train ride to double as your personal podcast. Keeping your voice low is key to a peaceful shared travel experience.

Cameron Kirkey, a former master’s student at Trent University who frequently travelled around cities near Ottawa, said it is important to speak quietly on trains.

“Try to use inside voices as much as possible,” he said. “You never know where people are coming from, they might just want to sleep after a long ride.”

5. Don’t be so cold

Sometimes, a little kindness can go a long way during train travel.

Martin Taller, the program coordinator of the tourism and travel program at Algonquin College, encourages young people to lend a helping hand during their journeys.

“Luggage is often a big issue, especially during peak travel seasons,” said Taller. “It can be exhausting for a lot of older people, so it’s always good to offer help.”

What should you do if you encounter a situation similar to those shared in these tips?

“If you have a problem, let the conductor know — they’ll help you,” Taller said.

If nothing happens to you, sit back, relax and enjoy your trip!

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Features | Home Feature

Laiyiady Lam

See more articles by
Laiyiady Lam

Paramedic student hopes to build a RAV4 community through rubber ducks

Can a paramedic student unite Toyota RAV4 drivers by copying a popular Jeep trend of leaving them rubber ducks?

Stephanie Taylor

Photos: Stephanie Taylor

November 29, 2024
Revised: November 29, 2024 4:09pm

Photo: Stephanie Taylor

Matthew Young, a second-year paramedic student, has embarked on a mission to build a community of RAV4 drivers. He enjoys spending his time driving around the parking lots at Algonquin College Woodroffe's campus ducking other RAV4 drivers.

Matthew Young, a second-year paramedic student, has always loved Jeeps. Unfortunately, by the time Young was 17 and starting to drive, he couldn’t afford one, leading to him purchase a Toyota RAV4 instead. Young doesn’t regret this decision, he loves his RAV4. However, he found RAV4s to be missing one key thing Jeeps do have: a community.

“So you’ll always see Jeep people waving at each other,” said Young. “I learned really soon after getting my car that RAV4 people do not wave at each other. I’m really trying to change the culture though. So I’ll start with the school and then I want to grow from there.”

To “change the culture,” Young has decided to do what Jeep drivers do, and leave rubber ducks in the door handles of RAV4s he sees on campus.

In between classes, Young will drive his RAV4 around the parking lots on campus, searching for other RAV4s.

“If I see one with an empty spot next to it, I’ll park next to it with all my ducks laid out on my windshield, and then I’ll duck them,” said Young. “So, when they come and see their car, they’ll see my car next to theirs and a little present on their RAV4.”

One of the first people Young ducked was his friend Damrong Saynorath, a fellow paramedic student. Saynorath drives everywhere with his rubber duck.

“My friend gave me my first rubber ducky for my car, and it has been my mascot ever since,” said Saynorath. “It watches my back when I’m ripping down the road in my RAV4 and keeps me safe, even when it comes flying off my dashboard.”

Saynorath said it makes him happy to see his duck “quacking along as he drives.”

The ducks Young gives out aren’t all the generic yellow. Colour and accessories on the RAV4 can determine the kind of rubber duck Young gives out. But, where does Young get these ducks? The answer is claw machines.

Whenever Young goes out – he particularly likes mini putt and arcades – he tries and finds a claw machine with rubber ducks in it. Young said he has found claw machines with ducks in them in Toronto, the Niagara Region and just outside Kingston.

“I spent like $10 on just throwing in coins, collecting as many ducks as I could from somewhere not Ottawa,” said Young.

Matthew Young, second-year paramedic student, will leave ducks in the door handle of RAV4s. Photo credit: Stephanie Taylor

He has made small progress towards his mission, having ducked fewer than 10 RAV4s.

Oleksandr Gerasymov, a first-year welding student and long-time RAV4 owner, has not – so far – been one of the lucky recipients. He is excited about the possibility of being ducked.

“I would love if someone leaves a rubber duck on my car,” said Gerasymov. “It brings people together, and I think it’s a fun way to make someone’s day just a little bit better by doing small things like leaving a duck.”

Young graduates from Algonquin College in April, but hopes to continue ducking people after his time at the school ends.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Hero | News

Stephanie Taylor

See more articles by
Stephanie Taylor

First Person: While my policing dream died, I’ve learned a lot along the way

Maybe you won’t reach your goals. However, what determines who you are is your ability to get back up and keep going

Linda Verreault

Photos: Linda Verreault

November 29, 2024
Revised: November 29, 2024 2:39pm

Photo: Linda Verreault

The author's new goal is to become a professional freelance writer.

I took a deep breath and dived into the pool’s cold waters at the Orleans Recreation Complex. I was learning to swim and to overcome my fear of water, having almost drowned as a child. After months of training, I could now meet the prerequisite of swimming two lengths of a pool dragging a weighted dummy in order to try out for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

At 23, I was a single parent of two kids under two and I ambitiously set out to become an RCMP police officer. Growing up police officers were an integral part of my life, and I admired them and looked up to them.

My journey took me eight years and included returning to high school and then going to the University of Ottawa for a bachelor of social science, criminology and women’s studies. The journey, however, was not a smooth one.

I took the entrance exam for the RCMP and failed. The recruiting officer suggested I write the Ottawa Police exam as a practice run. I was not stressed and aced it, scoring one of the highest scores of all the applicants.

After I was called in to an interview with Ottawa Police. I showed up with my long hair cut shoulder length, wearing a sleek black pencil skirt, a black tailored jacket, a crisp white shirt and three-inch heels. I was dressed for success.

After the interview I was asked to participate in Ottawa Police Service’s Thomas G. Flanagan S.C. Scholarship. I had to write a formal paper on race relations within the Ottawa Police.

I won and received the award at a ceremony on Dec. 8, 1994. It remains one of the proudest moments of my life.

All that was required now was the physical obstacle course. As I was determined to become an RCMP officer, however, I turned down the offer from the Ottawa Police.

I still had one more obstacle to overcome. In order to attend the RCMP Regina Academy, I had to find a care provider for my kids. I naturally turned to their father, but he refused and hindered my process by placing court restrictions on allowing me to leave the province with the kids.

I had been training for years, running 1.5 miles in nine minutes; surpassing all physical requirements. I was fit and strong and ready. So, at that point I reconsidered the Ottawa Police offer and booked my physical testing.

But it was just not meant to be. Two weeks before the testing I fractured my tibia and the bones in my ankle, a permanent lifelong debilitating injury.

I would never become a police officer. My goal would never be realized. I was defeated after years of following the stepping stones to reach my objective.

Even today it still hurts and remains a defeat I have never fully been able to accept.

“Linda is an honest, trustworthy, loyal individual. I have known her for 32 years, and her character has never faltered,” said, Francois Richer retired Canadian Security Intelligence Services personnel. “If she had become a police officer it would have been an asset to their organization.”

I took what I learned and worked for Justice Canada, for Odawa Native Friendship as a criminal court worker, Children’s Aid and as security personnel for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Governor General’s estate. I formed friendships and worked with many RCMP members.

“I am confident Linda would rise to the challenge of whatever is placed before her. I wish her luck in any endeavor she may choose,” said Lt. Gene Kikcio, former RCMP member and trainer at the Reginal Academy, depot division.

Today, I find myself back at school with the goal of being a writer to advocate for underrepresented voices. I want to give them a platform to share stories that deserve to be heard.

When we are young, we all have dreams and goals. Mine was to become a police officer. I failed in obtaining that goal. However, what determines who you are, and is your strength, is your ability to get back up and keep going. Sometimes your destiny still lies in front of you.

Recently I was approached by human resources for the RCMP and asked to apply to work as a civilian member. Who knows, maybe in a roundabout way my dreams will come true after all.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Opinions

Linda Verreault

See more articles by
Linda Verreault

Project management students host successful networking event with zero budget

The graduating class transformed the Observatory into a vibrant hub of learning, connection and inspiration

Grinje Randa Bringi

Photos: Grinje Randa Bringi

November 29, 2024
Revised: November 29, 2024 1:28pm

Photo: Grinje Randa Bringi

Level 1 project management students Olutayo Oladosu and Comfort Abla Nkegbe.

Students and professionals shared laughter and meaningful conversations in the Observatory during a project management networking event on Nov. 21.

The event was a triumph and a testament to the grind, resourcefulness and professionalism of the Project Management Connect organizing team, which pulled off an inspiring and high-impact evening without spending a single dollar.

“Our main objective is to ensure that students gain valuable experience and knowledge in project management,” said Dylan Dixon, an organizing team member and event host.

Despite operating on a zero-dollar budget, the team leveraged volunteer efforts, creative problem-solving and teamwork to create an event that surpassed expectations. For three hours, attendees engaged in an evening of networking and dialogue featuring a panel of six industry experts who shared valuable insight.

Dylan Dixon, a Project Management student, member of the organizing team, and host of the networking event. — Dylan Dixon, a Project Management student, member of the organizing team and host of the networking event. Photo credit: Grinje Randa Bringi

“We had to rely on volunteer efforts and creative problem-solving to pull this off,” said Dixon. “It was really much about teamwork.”

The panel shared stories of their successes and challenges while highlighting that soft skills are just as important as technical expertise in excelling as a project manager.

Attendees left the event feeling motivated and informed, with many praising the seamless professionalism of the evening.

What made the event truly remarkable was not just the expert panel or the engaging discussions, but how the organizing team, operating with no financial resources, orchestrated an experience that felt polished and purposeful.

From assembling an expert panel to managing logistics, the team demonstrated the essence of project management: achieving meaningful results with limited resources.

The event’s impact resonated deeply with attendees such as Comfort Abla Nkegbe, an international student from Ghana, and Olutayo Oladosu, a student from Nigeria, who both reflected on the evening’s key takeaways.

Nkegbe, a Level 1 project management student with a background in logistics and management in Ghana, said the event reshaped her understanding of her existing skills.

“I came to Canada from Ghana to study project management, and this event has been an eye-opener,” said Nkegbe. “There are many things I’ve been doing and didn’t expect or perceive to be project management skills. So now I know that I was already doing project management before this course.”

Oladosu, also a Level 1 project management student from Nigeria, left the event energized and eager to implement the panelists’ advice.

“I took away two key things,” said Oladosu. “The first is volunteering. That’s something that’s going to stick with me. I’m going to start volunteering, whether it’s with the Project Management Institute at Algonquin College or even at the public library. I’m going to jump right into that.”

He also reflected on the adaptability of project management skills.

“The second thing I learned is that it doesn’t really matter what I’m doing, I can always apply my skills,” he said.

This theme of resourcefulness and adaptability echoed throughout the evening, amplified by the advice of panelist Temisan Sagay, a senior corporate project manager.

“If you only have one hour per week to volunteer, make it the best hour,” said Sagay. “Volunteering doesn’t have to take up all your time, but it’s a critical step in setting yourself apart.”

Project Management Connect 2024 wasn’t just a networking event — it was a blueprint for future cohorts to follow. The graduating class not only showcased their skills but also set a high standard for event management and professionalism.

Karely Lam, graduating Project Management student and Project Management Connect team member. Photo credit: Grinje Randa Bringi

“I absolutely loved working with this group,” said Karley Lam. “We all have the same drive and the same objectives. It was never a question of, are we going to do it? It’s how we’re going to get it done.”

The Project Management Connect team created a blueprint for success, proving that with resourcefulness and teamwork, exceptional results don’t require exceptional budgets, just exceptional people.

News

Grinje Randa Bringi

See more articles by
Grinje Randa Bringi

Swifties experience the magic of Taylor Swift at tribute show

Katy Ellis delivered an unforgettable tribute performance, complete with surprise moments and the energy of a real Taylor concert

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

November 28, 2024
Revised: November 28, 2024 3:32pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Katy Ellis making a heart at the audience after the Lovers song.

People who couldn’t go to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour went to the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Nov. 23 and got the thrill of of a live show performed by a tribute artist.

“I got us tickets because we’ve both been trying to get to Eras, but couldn’t,” said Autumn Tarabocchiq at the Katy Ellis tribute show.

Tarabocchiq came across it on Instagram and decided to get tickets for herself and her friend who is from the U.S.

Ellis, a seasoned performer with a deep love for Taylor Swift’s music, captivated the audience with her flawless renditions of some of Swift’s biggest hits, spanning from Fearless to Midnights.

Ellis, who has been performing as a tribute act for over a decade, said that her journey began when people started telling her she sounded like the superstar. As a trained musical theatre performer, Ellis brought a unique blend of acting through song, a quality that resonated with her audience throughout the evening.

“I’ve been doing this for 10 years now, and it all started from those early performances in musicals, and then cruise ships,” said Ellis during an interview after the show. “But Taylor, she’s always been the one for me. Her music, her energy it’s all so relatable.”

Katy Elis performing Enchanted which she says is one of the harder ones to perform. — Katy Ellis performing Enchanted which she says is one of the harder ones to perform. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

From You Belong With Me to Shake It Off, the setlist was a perfect mix of Swift’s chart-toppers, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm. The show’s immersive experience didn’t just rely on musical talent; it was Ellis’ dedication to capturing the essence of Taylor’s Swift’s stage presence. From her signature outfits to her energetic dance moves, Ellis truly embodied the spirit of the star, making it an unforgettable experience for the audience.

“The fans are everything,” said Ellis. “The Swifties are so nice. There’s such a wholesome energy in the room when I perform. It’s one of the best parts of this job —connecting with people who love Taylor just as much as I do.”

Fans loved how she put so much effort into everything, including costumes and set recreation.

“This is the closest I’ll get to seeing Taylor live, and it’s been an incredible experience. The energy, the outfits — everything was spot on,” said Diane Colley. “I’ve never been to a tribute show before, but this was amazing. Even though it’s not the real thing, the performance made it feel like we were there.”

Diane Colley (left) and Autumn Tarabocchiq (right) at the intermission of the show. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

But people who have seen Taylor Swift live also said this was a nice experience and a lot like the real thing.

“It was so good,” said Tegan Bondi, a hotel and restaurant operations student at the college. “We travelled to Amsterdam for the Eras show and this was just as good.”

As the night ended, the crowd left with smiles, knowing they’d experienced a piece of the magic of Taylor Swift, thanks to Ellis’ incredible tribute. For the Swifties, it was a night to remember, filled with music, memories and the undeniable bond of fandom.

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Hero