Category: Campus Life

Sometimes we need a little extra help when learning new things, and that is okay. We can find people to help us understand; these people can be called tutors.

How do you know you might need a tutor in the first place? Usually people hire a tutor when they are having a really hard time understanding what they are being taught. You might be able to tell on your own, or maybe your teachers or parents might suggest it.

Ask your teachers or school guidance counselors for recommendations, or if the school offers any tutoring services. Some schools may have a tutoring program where students can help tutor other students that are struggling.  Alternatively, you may hire a professional tutor. There are places you can go that offer tutoring services like Oxford Learning Tutoring. You can look online, but you should do this with a parent or trusted adult for online safety.

Once you have found a tutoring service you need to find a tutor that will help you based on your needs, make sure to know what classes you need help in. A math tutor won’t be much help if you are struggling with history! It will also help to know how you learn best. Not everyone learns the same way and being taught in a way that makes it easy for you to understand can make a world of difference.

If you feel you need a tutor or you are recommended to get a tutor, discuss it with your parents and teachers. You might feel a little embarrassed at first but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting extra help, especially if you need it.

Oxford Learning Tutoring – https://www.oxfordlearning.com/

By Maryam Sheikh

My Explore page on Instagram is constantly made up of recipes from various different food bloggers and health specialists. I’m quite the foodie, so this doesn’t surprise me; however, the number of different diets out there does!

I’ve come across vegan, gluten free, paleo, keto, and dairy free diets, just to name a few. While it can get confusing at times, it amazes me how creative people can get with their food choices! Experimenting with different meals can add an element of joy to your day, and finding recipes that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle is always a plus. Recently, I have seen an increase in plant-based diets, so I thought it would be interesting to learn more about them.

People choose to go plant-based (or meat/animal product free), for a variety of reasons. Some have allergies or environmental concerns, others adhere to religious guidelines, and some simply strive to shift towards a healthier lifestyle.

In this article, I will provide an overview of the “flexitarian” diet and provide some tips on reducing meat intake in order to shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

For starters, let’s discuss where the term “flexitarian” originates from. The term is a combination of the words “flexible” and “vegetarian,” essentially indicating that those who follow a flexitarian diet try to limit their meat intake and instead focus on plant-based meals.

The flexitarian diet provides a great solution for people who want to be more conscious of their impact on the environment without requiring an intensely restrictive approach. Eating out and consuming meat/animal products from time to time is completely allowed.

So, when exactly did the flexitarian diet become popular? It all started when Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian nutritionist, coined the term in her book called The Flexitarian Diet. It was ranked a top plant-based diet by US News & World Report. Her book includes recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, advice, strategies for healthy living, and more.

The diet promotes protein through the consumption of foods other than meat, such as beans, lentils, peas, nuts, and seeds. It also places an emphasis on eating a plethora of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other legumes. A low intake of red meat can potentially lead to low iron levels, so it is recommended that flexitarians incorporate alternative sources of iron in their meals.

The flexitarian diet is a great option for individuals looking to slowly decrease their animal consumption. It encourages people to focus on eating natural food instead of processed food. It also limits added sugar and other sweets. In addition, it can help in protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions along with land and water use.

Overall, the flexitarian diet targets people looking for an eco-friendly, healthy, and flexible lifestyle. It can be adapted to each individual’s personal needs, making it accessible and comprehensive. Moreover, it is not restrictive, which helps those interested in adapting it at their own pace. Meal options are endless and many recipes average five main ingredients.

How does one get started? I’ve gathered some tips that can help!

1. Reconsider portion sizes.
   • Change your meal portions so that meat isn’t the focal point of your meal. Instead consider including it as a side dish and opt instead for veggies or lentils as your main dish.
2. Add a twist to longtime favourites.
   • Think about how your favourite dishes can be tweaked to allow for less meat intake. For example, consider replacing beef or chicken in tacos with beans or tofu!
3. Spice up your grocery list.
   • Look for new food items to add onto your list. Gather inspiration from food bloggers, websites, and cookbooks. This way, you will be excited and motivated to alter your diet!

Remember, each person has different dietary needs! Always remember to nourish your body with what is best for you. Trying something new once in a while doesn’t hurt, but please ensure that you are proceeding with a lifestyle that ensures you get all the energy you need to function optimally.

Sources:

https://www.dawnjacksonblatner.com/about-dawn/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/flexitarian-diet-guide

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a29538790/what-is-the-flexitarian-diet/

Can you imagine how pancakes or waffles from your favourite diner would taste like without maple syrup? It will be difficult! Maple syrup makes these breakfast staples extra delicious. We celebrate how we love this sweet concoction by way of National Maple Syrup Day on December 17. 

One does not really need to think long and hard to find out how important the maple tree is for Canadians. Just look at our flag: it bears a red maple leaf, and that’s recognizable around the world. One quick glance at it, and everyone knows it means Canada. Maple trees are admired for their fantastic ability to withstand drought during dry months, as well as provide shade during the hot and humid days.

Of course, for those more aesthetically minded, maple trees are a favourite because they are a sight to behold once autumn sets in as their leaves can turn into a plethora of wonderful colours: yellow, orange, red, and all shades of brown. Take a photo underneath a maple tree during the peak of the fall season, and it will be totally “Instagrammable.”

There are 13 species of maple trees which are native to Canada, but only three of them are a source of maple sap, which eventually is turned into maple syrup. These three are namely sugar maple, black maple, and red maple. Out of these three, the red maple is the primary. You can easily tell a sugar maple by its densely rounded crown. During fall, the leaves turn into an alluring shade of yellow-orange. A sugar maple tree can grow as high as 80 feet though the average size is 50 feet.

To derive sap from a maple tree, the tree needs to be about 25 cm in diameter, which is usually means the tree is between 30 to 60 years old. In addition, specific weather conditions are necessary for an ideal sap flow. Daytime temperatures should reach above 0°C and overnight lows should be below 0°C. Fortunately in Canada, where brutal cold winters are common, these specific temperatures are not hard to come by.

The maple sap has had a long history with Canada, even before the country was created. Aboriginal people relied on the maple tree sap as a food source. This is confirmed in the 1609 book by Marc Lescarbot titled “HIstoire de la Nouvelle France,” where he wrote that indigenous peoples would get juice from trees and derive a sweet-tasting liquid. These were indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands, including the Abenaki, Haudenosaunee, and Mi’kmaq.

Settlers copied this technique by bearing a hole in the maple trees in the sprig, collecting the liquid, and boiling it for a long time.

On the other hand, it’s believed that the Anishinaabe started the technique of maple curing for food preservation. This was how their communities kept food stored for winter months when food was scarce.

By the late 1700s and early 1800s, maple sugar production began among settlers, and the rest as they say is history. Today, Canada accounts for 75 per cent of the global market for maple syrup.

Maple sap production schedules vary though from year to year, depending on a lot of conditions. For most maple syrup manufacturers, they look into how high wild leeks are or listen for the call of woodcocks to pinpoint when the season ends.

Sources 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/maple-syrup-buddy-sap-1.5108976

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/maple-sugar-industry

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-if-maple-syrup-stops-flowing-like-it-did-in-the-springs-of-my-youth/

https://www.reference.com/history-geography/maple-leaf-important-canada-11cdb429e152b3a8

https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/tap-maple-tree/#:~:text=Just%20like%20humans%20need%20to,60%20cm%20for%20three%20taps.

https://www.thespruce.com/thirteen-species-of-maple-trees-3269671

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/maple-syrup-day/

By Erin Rebello

With the holidays just around the corner it’s about time to start bundling up with cozy sweaters and fuzzy slippers! Though it can be difficult to find that perfect blend between warm and stylish, the guide below is filled with winter and fall finds that are sure to appease your inner fashionista. Grab a steaming mug of hot cocoa as we review these top 8 winter must-haves!

8. PUFFER JACKET- Many of the items on this list are classics, but the puffer jacket is an emerging trend. Though this piece of outerwear has been ignored for the past few years, it’s managed to fall into style this winter and is making waves across the nation. Jackets tend to cost a pretty penny but they also usually last for a couple of years. They are, however, a necessity when the sub-zero temperatures begin to roll in. With some savvy shopping, you might be able to snag yourself one of these snazzy jackets for under $25. Check the thrift stores!
9. BOOTS- Similar to the jacket, boots are an investment piece and last for years. Most people own two types of boots- work boots and formal boots. Work boots are great for casual purposes in the winter, such as trips to the grocery store or winter yard work. These boots can–and should–be roughed up! Formal boots on the other hand, tend to be more stylistic and might include decorative clasps or tassels. Though they are less functional than work boots, formal boots are great for special occasions and work great for Christmas parties!
10. PYJAMAS- Though these seem pretty basic, a great pair of pyjamas can make or break your holiday season. There is one–and only one– rule for pajamas: they must be comfortable! That’s… about it! Any piece of clothing can be pyjamas so long as they’re comfortable enough to sleep in. Though you can find really cute festive sleepwear sets, an old t-shirt from summer camp and a pair of paint-splattered sweatpants works just as well!
11. FLANNEL- While it’s true that flannel isn’t really an article of clothing, this type of fabric embodies the spirit of Christmas so perfectly that it had to be included on this list! With its soft texture and cozy feel, flannel makes for great casual wear, pyjamas, and even accessories! Most of the time, you’ll find this plaid-printed fabric on pyjama bottoms, long-sleeved shirts, and the inner lining of jackets.
12. JEANS- Ah denim, the perfect material for just about any season. I love wearing jeans for the winter because they pair well with just about anything! Fitted shirt? Check! Baggy sweater? Double-check! Comfy moccasins? Check, check, check! Jeans also come in a variety of different colours, cuts, and add-ons such as buttons and rips. I prefer to go with a classy boot-cut pair in a shade of darker blue. Acid wash skinny jeans are another one of my personal go-to pants!
13. ACCESSORIES- No outfit is complete without the addition of a variety of accessories. From jewelry to scarves to a sturdy purse, accessorizing is crucial to a great look and also great functionality. For starters, it’s important to ensure that you have what you need to keep warm, including mittens, hats, and scarves. I believe that mittens are superior to gloves in nearly every way, but it really comes down to personal preference. Since my jackets are usually solid-coloured, I love to go out with a patterned hat and scarf set. Pom-poms also look super cute when sewn into the tops of hats or the tassels of mittens.
14. SOCKS- Number 2 on my top list would have to be festive socks. Though normal socks can become boring and plain over time, Christmas-themed socks are perfect for the holiday season! With a variety of designs, from holiday wreaths to sledding penguins, you’ll never be bored (or cold) with a pair of Christmas socks to add some spice into your life. Many people also choose to wear their festive socks throughout the year, which is an ultra-win!
15. SWEATERS- Although it took a while to come up with the perfect list of seasonal clothing, the very first style idea that came to mind was the classic sweater. Layers are crucial during Canadian winters, and sweaters provide just that! Not only that, but you can also find some great sweaters for really cheap if you head to your local thrift store and shop around for a while. With a variety of options, a sweater is arguably the most versatile piece of clothing and goes well with any outfit. Though hoodies and crewnecks never go out of style, the quarter-zip seems to be the most on-trend sweater this season.

Writing down your goals is crucial. Keep a notebook where you can write down exactly what you want to achieve. This has been tested and measured for more than seventy-five years, and it is shown that people who actually spend the time to write down their goals are much more likely to achieve them. When you write down your goals it is like giving yourself an internal challenge. Your mind will now go after those goals with tenacity.

Your mindset refers to the way you think and talk to yourself throughout the day. Are you using positive and encouraging self talk? It is amazing how many people put themselves down and talk themselves out of accomplishing their goals. When you find yourself thinking that you can’t do something or that someone else is smarter or better than you are, stop it immediately. You can sabotage your success more than someone else can. You have complete control over the way you talk to yourself, so be positive and encouraging every single minute. The harder you work at this the better you will become.

Learn as much as you can about the areas that interest you. Never stop learning because that is the day that you will go stale. Becoming a lifelong learner will open doors and bring you opportunities. Find the joy in being a student. But do not stop there; implement what you learn as quickly as possible so you will know what questions to ask to move to the next level with whatever you are doing. We cannot learn by sleeping with a book under our pillow. We must take immediate action and find the breakthrough that comes with that.

You can achieve anything you want in your life. Write down your goals, use positive self talk, learn as much as you can, and take action with what you have learned. When you put these things together they become an effective system of getting things accomplished in your life.

Now that things have wrapped up in university and you’re on your way to the real world, there are lots of things you’ll need to devote your time to. Aside from finding work and maintaining a place to live, you’ll also need to think about your social life. It might seem like you’re not going to see your friends again, but there are lots of ways you can keep up with them and meet new people too.

Your friends from university or college will no doubt be worrying about the same things you are, but even if you can’t see them every day you can meet new people and make budding friendships in various ways. Even if you are entering into post-secondary, the following can still be applied:

Meetup.com

One of the best places you can go to is a website called meetup.com. This website devotes its time to putting together an assortment of group meeting based on personal preference. You can choose which activities you’d like to get involved in and find out which meeting you’d like to go to based on your selection. For example, if you’re interested in sports, you can meet up with people going to a baseball game or playing a game of pickup football. You’re all in the same boat where none of you know each other, but part of the fun is meeting new people.

Book clubs

There’s nothing better for some people than getting together and discussing literature. What better way to meet new like-minded people than to join a book club? You’ll all read a book before getting together to discuss it and share your ideas. Sort of like The Finer Things Club, which we all know was the most exclusive club on The Office.

Volunteering

If you want to do some good for your community while also meeting new people, you can volunteer some of your time to a charity of your choice. Whether it’s with animals or with people, you’re bound to meet lots of new people on the job. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you did some good in the long run.

Join a class

It might not sound like the best idea to attend more school right after you graduated, but the good news is that you can pick a class based on the things you never got to study in school. Did you want to learn a new language? Maybe you want to know how to bake something without setting the fire alarm off. A night class is a terrific way to meet new people, make new friends, and obtain that skill you’ve been itching to learn. Not to mention, where did you earn some of your best friends? In school!

The most important thing to remember when meeting new people outside of school is that you’ll need to put yourself out there. It might not be super easy, but these are some of the places you can go to start a new friendship and potentially meet some of your new friends.