The Wolves are on a hot four-game winning streak and in second place in the Ontario College Athletic Association standings
Angel Belair-Poirier
Photos: Angel Belair-Poirier
November 22, 2024 Revised: November 22, 2024 2:35pm
Photo: Angel Belair-Poirier
Left to right Gabrielle Paquette (setter), Danika St-Louis (libero), Jordan Faig (libero) and Anne-Marie Valente (defensive specialist).
The Wolves women’s volleyball team won all three sets on Nov. 16 against the Fleming Phoenix at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
The players were on fire and the team’s communication on the court was exceptional.
Algonquin Wolves women's volleyball team, standing for the National Anthem Photo credit: Angel Belair-Poirier
“We were focused and wanted this win to keep our winning streak going,” said Isabelle Tourangeau, the Wolves’ middle hitter.
Tourangeau got one of the last kills in the third set of the game. Carys Tenthorey set her up flawlessly dead centre of the court for an unstoppable spike, leaving the Phoenix breathless, and the fans in the stands in awe. Tourangeau jumped up, which seemed to be in slow motion, and delivered a powerful spike. The power behind the ball was undeniable.
Left to Right Ella Howell (right side), Isabelle Tourangeau (middle hitter) Photo credit: Angel Belair-Poirier
Notable powerhouses on the team were Cambria Alford and Riley Lancia. Alford started the first two with setter Gabrielle Paquette.
Paquette has the ability to put the ball right in the attackers’ hot zone. Paquette reads the game as if it was a romance novel she’s written herself. She gets the second ball every time and within seconds she has to decide what will be the best play for her team. Playing the game isn’t just a physical game, Paquette has to think quick on her feet making her the mastermind of the game.
Left to right Gabrielle Paquette (setter), Danika St-Louis (libero), Jordan Faig (libero), Anne-Marie Valente (defensive specialist). Photo credit: Angel Belair-Poirier
Lancia and Alford’s power was obvious to all the spectators. They hit a total of 25 kills between the both of them and eight digs on defence.
“I just went out focused and ready to have fun,” said Lancia, the Wolves’ middle hitter.
The Wolves came out playful, joking and smiling as if they had already won the game. Their charisma and domination was apparent and the opposing team knew it was going to be a tough game from the get-go.
“We have a good calibre of players this year. We have three rookies starting for us, and they have all been impactful. We also have a third-year setter who makes the engine run. We have a mix of players from first year to fourth year who have gelled well to help us achieve the record we have had so far,” said Everton Senior, head coach of the Algonquin Wolves women’s volleyball team.
The communication on the Fleming team was disorganized, which caused them to bump into each other when trying to hit the ball multiple times during the game. The flow to their game had numerous hiccups causing them to lose all three sets, 25-18, 25-14 and 25-13. Their confidence slowly decreased in each set, displaying a constant decline on the scoreboard.
The Wolves delivered a commanding straight-set victory over the Huskies on Nov. 15
Steven Dalloo
Photos: Steven Dalloo
November 21, 2024 Revised: November 21, 2024 2:53pm
Photo: Steven Dalloo
Natasha Lauzon, Gabrielle Paquette and Carys Tenthorey celebrating.
The Algonquin Wolves women’s volleyball team delivered a commanding performance on Nov. 15, defeating the George Brown Huskies in straight sets at the Jack Doyle Athletic and Recreation Centre.
The game started slow for the Wolves as they were trying to find their footing. The Huskies tried to set the tone for the game, but the Wolves made quick adjustments to get the game on track.
The quiet air in the moments of the match was punctuated with callouts from players and the sound of coach Everton Senior yelling adjustments needed for the Wolves to dominate the game.
“We started off a little slow. I think it was a little quiet in the gym tonight, but we were able to find our energy and we were able to find a rhythm and ride the wave,” said Riley Lanicia, who plays the middle positions for the Wolves.
The Wolves were able to run tactical sets and control the pace of the game early and deal a blow to George Brown. The Huskies could not recover from the pressure.
The first set told the story of the Wolves’ domination, but in the eyes of Senior, the game wasn’t his team’s best performance.
“The goal is to get the win. I thought we kind of had our B-minus game for the most part but I think we cleaned it up in the third set and played a lot better” said Senior.
“Volleyball is a game of tactics, and the team that makes the least mistakes will triumph. It is about getting to realize the finer points that it is basically our errors that are keeping the team in the match and if we can just clean up little things, we should be a lot more successful,” said Senior.
With the win, the Wolves improved to 6-2 overall and strengthened their position in a strong OCAA eastern division. With a three-game win streak, they were taking the momentum into Saturday’s matchup against Fleming College. This will be crucial to the Wolves’ route to the top of the OCAA standings.
“I think it’s good,” said Wolves left side Cambria Alford. “I mean, we kind of looked at Fleming and we know it might not be like the same level of competitions that we played before, but we just need to make sure that we keep our head in the game because we just don’t want to lose it.”
For years, I was told my pain was in my head. It took one doctor to finally believe me—but the fight for answers isn’t over
Caroline Kirkey
Photos: Laiyiady Lam
November 19, 2024 Revised: November 19, 2024 7:32pm
Photo: Laiyiady Lam
"This journey of advocating for my own health might never fully end," writes the author. "Despite the relief of finally being validated, the road ahead still feels unsteady."
I felt like throwing up. Next came crying, relief, anxiety and fear. Sitting in the obstetrician and gynecologist’s examination room at age 17, I could feel my legs shaking. “There seems to be an issue,” said my doctor. Finally, after more than six years I was told that I wasn’t crazy, and I was not imagining things.
Growing up as a young woman I encountered difficulties with my reproductive system. I could always remember beating myself up saying in my head, “something’s wrong with you.” When talking with friends about the issue, they told me they did not have the same problems, and when I talked to my mother about the situation she didn’t understand.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Women’s health topics, including periods (menstruation), eating disorders, gender-based violence, and reproductive health conditions, often carry a stigma, and many do not feel comfortable talking about these important issues.”
Like so many women, I have found myself becoming both a patient and a researcher, piecing together answers from what I can find online, from others’ stories and from my own instincts.
I remember when I was around 14 years old, my face red as a tomato from crying, my body wildly shaking, and my mother trying to comfort me in the bathroom. “Maybe you’re just doing it wrong,” she said.
That day I realized even my own mother couldn’t help me; she could not understand what I was going through.
After that, I ignored the problem for six years. Until my mother suggested going to see an OB-GYN.
Nothing could have prepared me for the examination. You have a total stranger looking at the most intimate parts of your body and you are left completely vulnerable.
I’m in a small medical room with blue walls, lying down on the gynecological examination table. I’m tense, extremely tense. I can feel every muscle in my body tightening more when the OB-GYN examines me between my legs with her surgical tools.
“Ah!” I yelled out. My OB-GYN looked at me with worry in her eyes. “Does that hurt?” she asked me. I nodded my head trying to get my legs to stop shaking and forcing the tears in the corners of my eyes not to fall.
The OB-GYN finally stopped and looked at me. “There seems to be an issue,” she said. To most people that statement may make them feel petrified, for me it brought tears of relief.
Once the examination was over my OB-GYN explained the issue to my mother and I. There was something wrong, but it was never my fault. It was something I was born with, and I would need surgery to fix the issue.
I had the surgery. However, when my OB-GYN retired I found it difficult to find a doctor who could understand the trauma I was still facing. Often, my concerns would be dismissed, or I would be looked down upon like a wounded animal.
Thirty-year-old, Iman Abdulmoneim a programmer officer for Fulbright Canada, knows the feeling. “Recently I was going through something, and I thought it had to be medical, and the first time I brought it up even with work colleagues or doctors, they just brushed it off,” she said.
“They were like, oh you are just feeling hormonal, or you’re feeling emotional, or you’re stressed out, just try and change your life, they kept saying these weird things.”
Michelle Edmond, a 61-year-old retired educator, agrees. She knows the challenges of trying to be taken seriously, saying how many doctors still dismiss her physical concerns as merely psychological issues.
“It makes you feel like as if you are making stuff up in your head,” said Edmond.
Edmond says that when she would go back to the doctor with the same issue the doctor wouldn’t even acknowledge her problems.
After my surgery I thought everything was over and done with. With my OB-GYN retiring and having a new OB-GYN, I am still experiencing complications with my reproductive system today and I find myself having to do my own research online to find possible solutions.
Abdulmoneim says she has also gotten inaccurate diagnosis from doctors which has led her to doing her own research on her medical conditions.
“I did my research and I acted upon it, I showed her what I found, and we went through the steps, and she was a bit in shock, but it ended up that she believed in me,” said Abdulmoneim.
Pew Research Centre says, women are more likely than men to go online to figure out a possible diagnosis.
This journey of advocating for my own health might never fully end. Despite the relief of finally being validated, the road ahead still feels unsteady.
Edmond, Abdulmoneim, and countless others share similar battles, navigating a medical system that often shrinks women’s concerns to mere “hormonal” complaints.
We’re left searching for answers, not just for the sake of relief, but for our peace of mind. We know our pain and concerns are real, and that we’re not, and never were, “crazy.”
Maybe things are changing. Maybe more women speaking up will shift this tide of disbelief. But until then, I’ll keep speaking and keep searching.
As the women's basketball chases gold this season, the three Hirst sisters want to do their part
Claire Donnan
Photos: Leah, Anna, Libby), after a successful practice. One thing they are most looking forward to is hopefully taking Anna to her first provincials. Photo credit
November 18, 2024 Revised: November 18, 2024 5:20pm
Photo: Leah, Anna, Libby), after a successful practice. One thing they are most looking forward to is hopefully taking Anna to her first provincials. Photo credit
The Hirst sisters (left to right
On a Monday evening in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre, the Algonquin Wolves women’s basketball team are hard at work on the court, training for another year. A player dribbles the ball and tosses it to guard Leah Hirst.
“Anna,” she calls as she throws.
Leah makes a face and shakes her head as she receives the ball. That’s her little sister’s name, not hers. But when you’re one of three sisters on the same varsity team, name flubs are par for the course.
The Hirst sisters – Libby, Leah and Anna – are gearing up for a unique year. After all, this will be their first and only year playing on the same team together before Libby graduates from the bachelor’s in nursing program with uOttawa and Algonquin College. The girls – along with coach Jaime McLean – have a goal in mind: the gold medal.
According to the women, joining the Wolves wasn’t an instantaneous decision – especially for Anna, who was scouted this past year.
“For a while I was really on the fence of if I actually wanted to play or not,” said Anna, who is beginning her first year in the uOttawa/Algonquin nursing program, and her first year as a guard on the women’s basketball team. “But then it just kind of hit me one day when I was playing basketball, I was like ‘You know what? If I have to go and sit in the stands and not play with you guys [her sisters] next year, I’ll be so miserable, there’s no way I could not play with you guys if given the opportunity.”
Leah, the middle sister and a third-year in the same program, was recruited several years prior. The Wolves team came to her high school for a scrimmage, and after participating in summer training camps Leah joined the team.
Libby joined first, during her grade 12 year. The post player and fourth-year student in the nursing program has been on the team the longest, and before this year, had never been on the same team as Anna.
Back in the gym, the women run drills, practice shooting and train for upcoming games, supervised by their coach McLean. While he’s said before that recruitment is more about choosing the correct program and school, McLean is excited to have the Hirst trifecta.
“It’s actually kind of fun, it’s really neat to see Anna coming in,” said McLean. “At first you could tell she was really nervous of coming into Leah and Libby’s space. But it was really fun to watch Leah and Libby just not care about it being ‘their space.’ They want her to be a part of it. They want her to learn and to gain what they’ve gotten here.”
Practice continues, with drills focusing on teamwork and skills. Libby, Leah and Anna run in and out, working in different combinations and on different teams for exercises. Sometimes Leah and Anna are together, sometimes Libby and Anna, sometimes all three, sometimes none.
“I’ve played with Leah, every other year I guess in my basketball career growing up I was with Leah,” said Anna. “We always played really well together, like sister telepathy … and I’ve never played with you [Libby] but I know it’ll come.”
Leah’s team loses a drill, and her sisters cheer her on as she completes her pushups. Anna helps her complete the exercise while Libby counts reps and cheers her on.
“It’s so fun to celebrate your successes, it’s just as fun as celebrating mine,” said Anna.
“It’s also nice to have people who will give you the honest truth,” said Libby. “Like if you’re doing something bad, you [her sisters] will be able to look at me and be like ‘Libby why are you doing that’ versus somebody else who may feel awkward about it.”
However, being on a team together has been about more than just playing. The girls have fallen into a routine for practices and games.
“Last weekend we did a trip, New York State, and Jaime [McLean] put us three in the same room,” said Leah. “We all call our parents on one phone at the end of the day.”
“For O Canada we all line up next to each other,” said Libby. “We have a few traditions.”
Other traditions include matching their hairstyles for games, shouting “Sisters!” when another Hirst enters the changeroom, packing each other snacks and of course, the Starbucks run.
“It’s kind of a tradition, whoever has the meal plan with res does the Starbucks run before we leave, so this year it’s Anna,” said Leah. “She knows her job. We get a Venti pink drink and a cake pop before we travel.”
McLean said having the three girls on the team together has also been interesting, given how different their play styles are.
“All three of them play different positions,” said McLean. “It’s actually kind of fun where like, a lot of siblings when they come in will all be very similar because they grew up playing together. The three of them have a lot of similarities but their games are all very different.”
With all three sisters together, McLean is looking forward to the season – and to the potential medal at the end.
“It’s sort of a challenge of like: We’ve done bronze, we’ve done silver – can we go get that gold,” said McLean. “It’s not easy to get to that gold medal game, but to win that game is even harder, right? We’ve been there once, to try and get back to do it again is difficult. But I think it’s a challenge that these girls are up to.”
From there, McLean would love to take on nationals.
Ultimately, being on the Wolves team together for this one year has given the Hirsts something they didn’t expect: more time together.
“We don’t see each other at all until practice,” said Leah. “I get excited, even when I’m dreading practice I’m like ‘oh I’ll get to see them,’ because I haven’t seen them since Friday.”
Anna agrees. “It’s a better night for me at practice when my sisters are there.”
Featured Hero | Featured Story | Sports & Recreation
George Brown tried to swipe defeat from the jaws of the Wolves
Steven Dalloo
Photos: Steven Dalloo
November 18, 2024 Revised: November 18, 2024 5:01pm
Photo: Steven Dalloo
Ryan Lincoln spiking the ball back to the Huskies.
The Algonquin Wolves men’s volleyball team powered past the George Brown Huskies with a 3-1 victory on Nov. 15, delivering a commanding performance that thrilled the home crowd.
The Wolves started the game slow with serves going out of bounds but easily gained the advantage due to the glaring size difference between the towering Wolves and the noticeably smaller Huskies. The Wolves hammered the middle players of the GeorgeBrown team.
Through the first and second setsthe Wolves maintainedcontrol and established a pace that the Huskies could not match.
With the stands of the Jack Doyle Athletic and Recreation Centre populated with Wolves fans, the team was able to make adjustments to counter anything the Huskies had in store for them. Wolves fans tried knocking George Brown players off their game, even by calling out to the Huskies players.
“We have a very versatile roster. I’d say that we have a very good cohesion with each other, and we have a roster where we could shuffle the lineups however we want and we could still have a pretty good strong competitive lineup. So, that advantage helps us when someone’s not playing as well or someone needs a little bit of a break,” said Wolves outside hitter Julien Tran.
Set three was a different story. The Huskies rallied and the game slowed down as each team tried to capitalize on the othermistakes. The game boiled down to a tense affair.
Mateo Nunez Kruus returning the ball to the Huskies. Photo credit: Steven Dalloo
George Brown responded with resilience in the third set, tightening their defence and forcing mistakes from the Wolves. The Huskies’ adjustments paid off as they levelled the match and momentarily halted Algonquin’s momentum.After a few tenseserves, theHuskies were able to claw the third set away from the Wolves.
Tran described his approach to handling tense moments in a match.
“Just a mindset that I’m ready and I’m willing to give everything that I have on the court,” said Tran. “If everyone can focus on their own job on the court during a rally, it helps overall rather than thinking of personally about myself it is more of, how can I give this to the most? How can I give my team the win?”
Each rally was hard-fought, with players diving for saves, and contesting the net and playing for each other.
In the closing moments, the Wolves broke free, sealing the set and the match with decisive plays that left the home crowd roaring with support.
The team was able to stop the Huskies’ momentum and take the victory, boosting the Wolves’ season record to 2-6.
Wolves regroup after a Huskie rally. Photo credit: Steven Dalloo
“I am here for the guys mostly. I just love the sport, I love the guys, I love the chemistry. I think part of my role in my goal is to become a better person and better leader, better mentor for some of the younger guys and hopefully leave this team in a better place,” said Wolves outside hitterVictor Landry.
The team hopes to carry this positive energy and play into the rest of the season.
“We got to keep pushing we got to show everyone that this was not just one off and that we can do this every single game,” said Wolves head coach Jelle Kooijma.
The Wolves were scheduled to play the Fleming Phoenix the following day.
The faculty bargaining team and the College Employer Council are hashing it out in negotiations, conciliation and scheduled mediations
Itel Sapozhnikov
Photos: Itel Sapozhnikov
November 18, 2024 Revised: November 18, 2024 12:54pm
Photo: Itel Sapozhnikov
Sam Beamish, an Algonquin-Carleton joint student, is the class rep for his Bachelor of information technology networking program.
As news of a potential faculty strike began to make its way through Algonquin College’s campus, some students started to worry.
Sam Beamish is a first-year bachelor of information technology networking student. His program is collaboration between Algonquin College and Carleton University.
“Am I going to go to my Carleton classes for the two weeks, month, however long, but not have my Algonquin classes?” said Beamish.
“There’d be a big disconnect in my learning and I feel like I’d be on some weird uneven ground.”
He first caught wind of the situation from his professor and noticed the topic was spoken about discretely.
“I thought it was interesting that I was the only one that was told,” said Beamish. “How does that affect me as a class rep?”
Beamish said his peers would approach him seeking clarification, but due to insufficient information he was unable to answer their questions. Beamish said he tries to keep up with the updates as often as possible with his busy schedule.
A strike mandate vote was held from Oct. 15 to 18, with a turnout of 79 per cent of Ontario college faculty who voted in favour of proceeding with the strike mandate.
The faculty bargaining team held the vote because of the stalled discussions with the College Employer Council (CEC).
“It is our hope that the results of the vote sends a clear message to the CEC that we will not bargain concessions that seek to walk back our collective agreement rights,” said Tracy Henderson, the president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 415, which represents faculty at Algonquin College.
Algonquin College’s faculty consists of more than 900 full-time and part-time professors, librarians, counsellors and instructors.
According to Henderson, the faculty union works under a collective agreement that lasts up to four years. Currently, members are working under an agreement that expired on Sept. 30, 2024.
Since July, the two parties have been at odds over a new collective agreement. The union has said it’s concerned about wages, workload and employment stability as it negotiates a new contract with colleges.
Graham Lloyd, the CEO of CEC said the CEC sees the union’s 100-plus demands and large increases to costs as unworkable and unrealistic.
Henderson said the union believes the CEC avoided bargaining for a fair and negotiable collective agreement.
The CEC and the college’s faculty bargaining team have participated in four days of conciliation.
So what happens now?
They have agreed to proceed with mediation. The process involves a mediator listening to the bargaining team’s proposals and the CEC’s adjustments.
“The proposals put forward by the faculty bargaining team are reasonable and necessary for faculty to continue to provide our students with the level of quality education you (students) deserve,” said Henderson. “Our working conditions are your (students) learning conditions.”
Henderson said the union has decided not to escalate any labour actions while the mediations take place.
“We remain hopeful that the parties can come to a fair, negotiated collective agreement through this mediated process,” she said.
Henderson is not the only person hoping for a positive outcome. Lloyd feels the same way.
“The CEC would like to reach an agreement with the union and negotiate a new collective agreement without disrupting student learning,” he said. “We optimistically believe mediation will help the parties achieve a new collective agreement.”
Both parties will be participating in a non-binding mediation from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8, in hopes that a neutral third party will be able to help the two sides come to an agreement.
Lloyd said there will be no strike during the fall semester due to the procedures and the process occurring within the timeline of the negotiations.
Beamish, who was worried about a potential strike happening during the fall semester, he said he supports the faculty’s cause.
“I understand that some of them (faculty members) may be underpaid, and they feel underrepresented, and I want them to have that equal representation,” said Beamish. “I don’t want it to go to a strike, but if that’s what needs to happen for them to feel represented fairly, then more power to them.”
Hate the 88? So do these students, who offer their best advice to navigate the bus route
Claire Donnan
Photos: Claire Donnan
November 18, 2024 Revised: November 18, 2024 10:46am
Photo: Claire Donnan
Prabhleen Kaur (left) and Gurveer Kaur (right) are frequenters of the 88 bus. They advise students to plan ahead, checking the Transit app and bus schedule to be aware of bus delays.
It’s no secret that the 88 bus is a contentious route.
With Reddit and Instagram pages devoted to hating it, people feel strongly about the Hurdman-Terry Fox route.
However, given the bus passes directly through Algonquin College, many students have no choice but to use it to commute to campus.
So, what’s a student to do in order to make it on time? Here are the top five tips for surviving the 88 bus, from students who know it best.
1. Be on time (you and the bus)
While it’s important for the bus to be on time, arriving to your stop at the right time is key to ensuring you aren’t late to your class.
“First you should be on time, then the bus should be on time,” said Prabhleen Kaur, a project management student at the college. “Actually, I don’t know if the bus will be on time or not. But you should be on time.”
2. Check the Transit app and the bus schedule
Prabhleen also advises students use the Transit app to track buses in real time.
Gurveer Kaur, another project management student, also suggests students check the bus schedule ahead of getting to the stop.
“Check the bus schedule, that it’s on time,” said Gurveer. “Every time, the bus is delayed.”
3. Choose your stop strategically
According to Nicolas Viau, a visual development for entertainment student, not all Algonquin College bus stops are created equal.
“Go to building CA or Baseline [station], you usually get more spots [on the bus],” said Viau. “Unless you’re going towards Terry Fox, then go to E-building.”
Nicolas Viau chooses his bus stop strategically, opting to wait at building ACCE when going to Hurdman, and building E when going to Terry Fox. Photo credit: Claire Donnan
4. Sit in the right spot
Around rush hour, 88 buses tend to be quite full. But Alex Gonzales, a radio broadcasting-podcasting student, said there are ways to find space on full buses, if you know where to look.
“Get on the corner, back corner of the bus,” said Gonzales. “Normally it gets crowded in the middle and the only way to get air is going to the back of the bus.”
Gonzales tucks himself into a corner of the bus, in order to get some air and space on full, rush hour buses. Photo credit: Claire Donnan
5. Don’t get on the first one you see
Alex Ramos, a TV broadcasting student, said you should be choosy about the 88 buses you take.
“Take a double decker,” said Ramos. “Go on the second floor. There’s barely any people there first because it’s always filled on the first floor.”
Ramos doesn't simply hop on the first 88 bus that arrives, instead opting to take a double decker bus when travelling on the route. Photo credit: Claire Donnan
When people think about some of the busiest days on campus, a Saturday usually doesn't come to mind
John Hopper
Photos: John Hopper
November 15, 2024 Revised: November 15, 2024 4:26pm
Photo: John Hopper
Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) provide housing and accommodations information to future students.
Algonquin College hosted its fall open house on Nov. 9, with many future students in attendance.
Multiple venues across the campus hosted booths for upcoming prospective students to interact with. The main booths, which focused on different programs, were present at the Marketplace cafeteria in D-building, with other venues located in C-building and ACCE building.
While booths in the cafeteria relating to specific programs were the busiest, many booths focusing on campus services also gained a lot of attention.
The International Education Centre booth returned to Algonquin College’s open house following its debut last term.
Erin Byers, international admissions officer, was present at the booth, engaging with prospective students.
“We’ve been doing this since last term, and it was great. We’re going to keep doing this,” said Byers.
The Mamidosewin Centre, the college’s Indigenous support and cultural resource centre, also attended the event with a booth.
Summer Wabasse, event communications officer at the centre, said that the presence of their booth is important to Algonquin.
“The Mamidosewin Centre helps support and empower our Indigenous communities here on campus. Indigenous communities are integral to the college’s identity and philosophy,” said Wabasee. “Having a booth here gives this community a platform, allowing us to reach out to potential Algonquin College students and share our goal.”
Future students were able to attend tours hosted by the Students’ Association throughout the campus. Tours were available at the college, Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) and the residence building.
Amir Sheik-Youssouf, a prospective Algonquin College student, said that he’s looking into potential programs.
“I just finished my tour around and it’s not as overwhelming as I thought it would be. I saw veterinarian students had a table set up and went to check it out. There’s a lot of really cool (programs) here. A lot that I’m interest in,” said Sheik-Youssouf.
Aside from programs and campus services, the SA hosted a variety of events and guest services throughout the open house. The SA hosted booths that provided free popcorn, detailed henna art and an over-sized Connect Four board.
Photo of Ben Willows (left) and Dorren Taubman (right) representing the Algonquin College's Perth Campus at their booth Photo credit: John Hopper
While the event was hosted at the Woodroffe campus, representatives from the Perth and Pembroke campuses were present as well. Ben Willows, senior officer at the Enrolment & Financial Aid Register’s Office at the Perth campus, said that there are study options outside of the Ottawa campus.
“The Perth campus is proud to be apart of Lanark County, and our community has been growing steadily. We specialize in agriculture and nursing programs, which has grown in popularity since the pandemic,” said Willows.
The fall open house at Algonquin College provided fun and an insightful experience for upcoming and current students.
Amid the chaos at the end of the term, Algonquin College students embraced a moment of calm, transforming blank tote bags into vibrant works of art
Yuye Jiang
Photos: Yuye Jiang
November 15, 2024 Revised: November 15, 2024 2:51pm
Photo: Yuye Jiang
Hui Chen is holding her tote bag featuring a heartwarming design of her dog. She will find a place to hang it in her house because it symbolizes comfort and it's a reminder of home.
Lorian Joy Catura sat in front of a deep blue-black sky, her paintbrush gently dabbing the canvas. Each drop of white paint spread across the tote bag, transforming a simple fabric into a quiet starry night.
“This tote bag reminds me of my best friends,” she said. “She and I would always go out together at night during COVID time in our hometown. She taught me how to paint stars, and the bag shows the memory of us under the starry night.”
Catura is a Level 1 personal support worker student at Algonquin College. For many students who attended the tote bag design event at the AC Hub on Nov. 12, making their own tote bags was more than just crafting — it was an opportunity to de-stress, express creativity and explore themes of sustainability.
Students gathered around long tables armed with paintbrushes, markers, patches and a variety of watercolour paints. Surrounding them was lively music, free winter treats and apple juice. They quickly immersed themselves in the creative process, temporarily turning their complex thoughts into limitless creativity.
Catura explained the meaning behind the text on her starry tote bag. “‘Carpe noctem’ is a Latin phrase that means ‘seize the night’ or “enjoy the pleasure of the night,'” she said. “So, this bag feels like a piece of that memory.”
Carpe noctem” is a Latin phrase that means ‘seize the night’. Catura painted the night sky of her hometown and the misses of her friends on a tote bag. Photo credit: Yuye Jiang
For Catura, the event provided a break from the heavy workload and her recent placement work. “Because we’re dealing with a lot of residents or patients every day,” she said. “It’s a good thing that we have this kind of activity to release some stress.”
The event gave Catura a break from a heavy workload and her recent job placement. “Because we’re dealing with a lots of residents or patients every day,” she said. “It’s a good thing that we have this kind of activity to release some stress.”
Rebecca Lafontaine, the event programmer at AC Hub, said this is the second time that her team hosted the tote bag painting event at the College.
“We hope students can have a couple hours where they’re not focused on studying, jobs or stressful things. They can just take a couple hours to relax, get creative, calm down,” Lafontaine said. “Especially if they’re sitting with students around them. They make friends, potentially, which is always a great thing and just to feel proud of what they’ve created.”
Creating your own tote bag also serves as a statement of sustainability, aligning with the views of Hui Chen, a Level 1 interactive media design student at Algonquin College.
Chen recalled how, when she first arrived in Canada, she would often buy fabric bags from the supermarket. Although the bags were made from eco-friendly materials, the number of them eventually piled up. This craft event made her realize that having her own personalized tote not only helps avoid unnecessary waste, but also saves money.
“Since I painted this tote bag, I definitely won’t lose it easily,” Chen said. “It has personal meaning, and every time I use it, I’ll feel happy. This approach also benefits the environment.”
Chen, who has a passion for painting as a daily hobby, attracted a lot of attention with her tote bag — a design featuring a girl holding a fluffy black dog, with the bright blue words “Hayley & Mei” written across it. For Chen, the tote is not just an eco-friendly accessory, but also an emotional keepsake.
Hui Chen opened her photo album and showed off her white bichon, the little guy who brings her warmth. Photo credit: Yuye Jiang
“It’s my bichon that I brought with me from China. Since it was my first time leaving home and coming to Canada, I was worried about feeling lonely, so I brought him along,” she said. “This way, I don’t feel as lonely because I know there’s a little dog waiting for me at home every day.”
At the end of the event, each student left with a unique tote bag — something they could use every day, not just for carrying books and essentials, but also as a form of self-expression and emotional connection. The event reminded everyone that sometimes, a paintbrush and a blank canvas are the best ways to de-stress, and a splash of colour can make a big difference.
Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story
Inflation is squeezing budgets, but students can take advantage of discounted prices at some businesses
Zixuan Li
Photos: Zixuan Li
November 15, 2024 Revised: November 15, 2024 1:20pm
Photo: Zixuan Li
The produce section with fresh fruits and vegetables at Loblaws.
For many students, affordability is the top priority when making purchases. With the increasing cost of living, it has become more challenging to balance budgets and meet essential needs.
From 2018 to 2023, the cost of living in the Ottawa-Gatineau area rose by 16.7 per cent, according to Statistics Canada’s Market Basket Measure, which reflects the basic living costs for a family of four.
A bar chart showing the trend in Market Basket Measure Thresholds in Ottawa-Gatineau area from 2018 to 2023 Photo credit: Zixuan Li
As the cost of living rises, affordability has declined, leaving students struggling more with their finances. Algonquin College students are feeling the impact on their budgets more than ever.
“Grocery prices are reaching massive heights. The bus is also getting a little expensive. Many people like me have to pay hundreds per month just to come back and forth commuting to college,” said Annalee De Silva, a part-time academic upgrading student.
From grocery prices to rent, daily expenses are mounting, and many students are seeking ways to manage costs while focusing on their studies.
Silva said she noticed many young people today like living with their parents to save on rent.
A Line Chart showing how average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment changed from 2019 to 2023 in Ottawa Photo credit: Zixuan Li
Dalia Sambo, a Level 1 information resources management student, used to drive to school since she lives outside of Ottawa. However, due to high gas prices, she has started taking the bus instead of driving to save money. “It’s way more expensive now,” she said of gas prices.
For some students, even small luxuries have become a challenge.
“Whenever I go (to a restaurant or a café) with my friends, I always try not to order too many things because it will cost me more,” said Jeel Patel, a Level 1 environmental management and assessment student. “I have to think twice before buying something.”
For students, every dollar saved is crucial as they navigate the pressures of rising living costs. Fortunately, students can also use their AC Cards to get things at reduced prices.
Here’s where Algonquin College students can save a buck:
1. Grocery Savings
Metro: 10 per cent off on Tuesday at Metro Beechwood Avenue and Metro Lincoln Heights, and seven days a week at Metro Rideau.
Bulk Barn: 15 per cent off on Wednesdays for bulk purchases.
Tip: you can plan meals around current sale items and maximize grocery discounts by using Flipp.
2. Fun and entertainment
The ByTowne (cinema) : Get $4 off every ticket and a free movie during the month of your birthday with student membership ($7.30)
Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Premium: Most streaming services offer special student rates for music and video, with discounts on monthly fees.
3. Shopping
Student Price Card: For $11.99/year (or free with CIBC banking), students gain access to discounts up to 30 per cent at over 450 brands including Foot Locker, Apple, Adidas and UGG.
ISIC Canada Card: Accepted in over 100 countries, this international student ID offers savings for students travelling abroad or around Canada.
Student Beans and UNiDAYS: With a student ID, students unlock discounts from favourite brands in fashion, tech and more.
Discounts are good, but sometimes they can be dangerous. With Black Friday approaching on Nov. 29, many students are eager to take advantage of the biggest sale of the year.
Kyle Jorgensen-Lane, manager of Financial Aid and Student Awards at Algonquin College, reminds students to be prepared and mindful when shopping. “Don’t let sales drive what you buy,” he said.
Many stores and sales displays are specifically designed to appeal to human psychology, encouraging shoppers to make impulsive purchases. To avoid falling into this trap, students should be strict with themselves and stick to their pre-planned list.
“Ask yourself, ‘Why didn’t you think of it before?’ Probably it is because you don’t actually need it,” Jorgensen-Lane said.
