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  • Ten Modern Books Every Student Should Read (French version available)

    Ten Modern Books Every Student Should Read (French version available)

    Do you groan when you hear about the books you “should” be reading in High School? Do you roll your eyes when your parents or teachers mention “Catcher in the Rye”, “Fahrenheit 451” or “To Kill a Mockingbird”? While these are indubitably classics, and you should read them, fear not. Here is a list of ten modern takes on those classic themes. Even better, they all have film adaptations!

    1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
    This is a heartbreaking story about two teenagers falling in love in the face of terminal illness. It’s a raw, irreverent look at what it means to really be alive.

    2. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
    Charlie is a mentally challenged patient who undergoes a boost in intelligence in a medical experiment. His journey mirrors that of a mouse named Algernon, also in the same medical trial.

    3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
    Set in 1960’s Mississippi, this story explores lines between race and class during a violent period of America’s history. Three extraordinary women are introduced as they navigate race relations in the suburban south.

    4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
    This book follows Oskar as he pieces together clues left behind by his father, killed in the 9-11 attacks in New York. He explores themes surrounding the bombings of Hiroshima and Dresden to find a sense of peace while solving the mystery.

    5. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
    This murder mystery, told from the unique vantage point of a teenaged rape-murder victim, displays the grief and frustration of a family who lost a daughter too soon.

    6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
    A post-apocalyptic story of a communist-like government, keeping citizens in line using a yearly survivor game. Likened to Lord of the Flies by some, the story evolves into one of revolution, love, and survival against all odds.

    7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
    This book follows Charlie, a shy introverted student, learning to live his life from the fringes.

    8. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
    Pi is a Tamil boy who survived over two hundred days lost at sea with a Bengal tiger. This is his story, which explores the theme of spirituality and faith vs practicality.

    9. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
    This book, set in the south of 1964, explores racism, family, and divine female power through Lily and her adoptive mother.

    10. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
    A science fiction read that explores childhood, war, and leadership. Ender is a very young genetically enhanced child beginning military training with his friends to become a leader to save the world.

    Hopefully this list provided new reading material, as well as new authors to explore. Happy reading, and while we’re at it, consider checking out: Orwell’s Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, or anything by William Shakespeare. With themes spanning coming of age, jealousy, good and evil, and human morals, these stories never go out of style.

  • January 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    January 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $20,000
    Awards Available: 150
    Award Deadline: January 15, 2026

    Automotive Women’s Association Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 15
    Award Deadline: January 16, 2026

    President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (York University)
    Scholarship Value: $N/A
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: January 26, 2026

    Schulich Leader Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $120,000
    Awards Available: 100
    Award Deadline: January 28, 2026

    Ryerson University President’s Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 12
    Award Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Arts & Humanities Neen Hodgins Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $11,000
    Awards Available: 72
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Commerce 1981 Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Ontario Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Trent University Prestigious Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Rodney Cooper Bursary in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    MacLauchlan McKenzie Scholarship in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $4,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Richard Lewar Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $21,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 40
    Award Deadline: March 6, 2026

    BEGIN Program
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 125
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Torquil H. Burns Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $450
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Bill Eansor Award
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Air Base Property Corporation Entrance Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Grant and Jack Burton Entrance Bursary
    Scholarship Value: $300
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for January 2026

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for January 2026

    SAA Native American Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: January 31, 2026

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 14, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • How to Make Goals and Stick to Them (French version available)

    How to Make Goals and Stick to Them (French version available)

    It is very common for people to make goals, especially during the New Year. Although many people make goals, not everyone is able to achieve them. They may lose motivation or even forget about the goals they have made as time goes by. If you have trouble making goals and sticking to them, the following tips are just for you.

    • Choose Realistic Goals

    When making your goals, you should choose ones that are realistic. Decide on a goal that you know you will be able to achieve. During this process, don’t forget to keep your weaknesses in mind. This will help prevent you from giving up on your goal. You should also believe that it is possible. By believing that you can achieve your goal, it will increase your chances of reaching it.

    • Write Your Goals Down

    Writing down your goals will help you clarify what you want to achieve. It will also help motivate you to work towards your goal. If you’d like, you could keep notes around your house to remind you. You could write little notes and put them on your mirror. Each time you look in your mirror, the note will remind you to work on the goal you are hoping to achieve.

    • Set Aside a Bit of Time Each Day

    Each day, or as often as you can, try to set aside some time to work on your goal. It does not have to be too much time. A good amount is 15 minutes. Doing this every day will create a habit. Once it is a habit, it will help make achieving your goal much easier.

    • Get Others Involved

    Sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to achieve your goal. It may be easier if you get others involved. Tell people about your goals! They could help motivate and inspire you to work towards them. If you share your goals, you may find people that also are looking to achieve the same goal as you are. This allows you to share tips and learn from others.

    • Reward Your Accomplishment

    Each time you get one step closer to achieving your goal, you should reward yourself. This is a good way to measure your progress. Be proud of the hard work you’ve been putting in. This will help you avoid constantly thinking that you’re still too far from your goal. It will help keep you from giving up. You could start with smaller rewards and increase them as you get closer to accomplishing the goal you’ve set for yourself.

    Although goals are commonly made during the New Year, you can create a goal any time of the year! It could be something big or small. As long as you work hard to achieve it and not give up, you will be able to reach the goal you have created for yourself.

     

    Resources

    Florentine, Erica. “Simply Ways To Stick To Your Goals.” Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/165638-13-simple-ways-to-stick-to-your-goals-be-more-productive.

    Imafidon. Casey. “6 Things To Do Every Day To Ensure You Stick To Your Goals.” Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/6-things-every-day-ensure-you-stick-your-goals.html.

    Steinbrecher, Susan. “10 Quick Tips to Help You Stick to Your Goals.” Inc. https://www.inc.com/susan-steinbrecher/10-quick-tips-to-help-you-stick-to-your-goals.html.

  • Start Your Saving Goals – Before You Even Start Saving

    Start Your Saving Goals – Before You Even Start Saving

    The end of high school is nigh. Beyond the horizon lie opportunities, challenges, and the great unknown. You, on the other hand, are freaking out. You might wonder if you will make enough money while in college or university, if you will be ready for the work world, or how to even start when you still feel like a kid. It is scary, but it is a fright that many people face. There are steps you can take to start thinking of your savings goals now in order to make them happen in the future.

    First of all, get thinking! Take an honest look at your current situation. Are you entering the post-secondary world carrying the weight of student loans? Will you be living on campus? Are your parents assisting you in any way? Make a list of all your expenses and calculate how much you will be spending each month. It is important to know the terms of your student loans, how much you have to pay, and for how long. When you have a clear understanding of your financial situation at the moment, it makes it much easier to create realistic and helpful savings goals.

    Get banking! If you do not have a chequing and savings account with a bank, register straightaway. Look into online banks, such as Simplii Financial and Tangerine, that offer no-fee accounts and higher interest rates for savings accounts than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. This way, you are keeping track of your money and taking the first steps with a simple but effective savings method. Getting a no-fee credit card is another crucial step. Yes, the woes of credit card debt are well-known and have many articles written about them. However, using a credit card now will allow you to build a strong credit rating that will help you with future milestones, such as being approved for a mortgage for your first home. By banking and using a credit card, you can keep track of your funds electronically and work towards your goals.

    Get working! College and university will keep you busy, but the flexibility of class hours will allow you the flexibility to find part-time work. Even if you are supported by your parents or do not need the money, getting a job will build your experience, get you into the habit of saving part of your income every month, and help you decide the career path you want to traverse. The more experience you have handling income and expenses, the clearer your savings goals will be. You will have a better understanding of how much you should put away for the future, and how much you can spend now on things you want, including vacations and other adventures. Although not saving is problematic, saving without living is even worse.

    Finally, think ahead! Talk to financial advisors, family, and friends to get a sense of what budgeting and saving will look like after you are done school. Consider the sort of work you will be looking to do, where you want to live, and the type of life you imagine for yourself. Do you want to buy a car or a house? At what age would you like to retire, if ever? It may seem daunting or impossible to truly answer all these questions. Starting early is the best way to get it right.

    Sources:

    Passy, Charles. “7 money moves smart graduates make in their first year after college.” MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-first-year-after-college-7-tips-for-a-better-life-2015-05-20

  • Some of my personal goals for this year to inspire yours

    Some of my personal goals for this year to inspire yours

    By Avreet Jagdev

    With 2025 in the rearview mirror as we enter a new year, many of us have begun reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. What goals have we achieved? Where do we have room for improvement?

    Going into the new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your habits and start thinking about where and how you’d like to change. I’ve already taken the opportunity to sit down and write down some of my personal goals for next year. Here is what I’ve come up with, in case you need some inspiration for your own 2026 goals:

    1. Build a sleep schedule

    The pandemic impacted us in many ways — for me, it resulted in quite the hit to my sleep schedule. Ever since school and extracurricular activities were moved online, I’ve had trouble maintaining a regular sleep schedule. My largest goal this year is to get 8 hours of sleep a night, and ensure that I go to bed and wake up around the same time daily.

    1. Strengthen my daily routines

    This second goal goes hand-in-hand with the first, as a sleep schedule is essential to an effective daily routine. My goal is to have a strong morning routine that sets me up for a successful day, and a relaxing night routine that prepares me for a good night’s rest.

    1. Improve my spending and saving habits

    If there’s one thing most students seem to have trouble with, it’s managing their finances. In the upcoming year, one of my goals is to better spend and save my money, so that I am setting myself up for financial success for years to come. I plan on doing this by budgeting monthly and tracking what I spend my money on.

    1. Make time for friends and family

    It can be easy to get so caught up in school and work that your personal relationships get pushed to the side. In 2023, a resolution I’d like to work on is setting time aside to bond with family and friends. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee date, or studying together, I want to ensure that I make enough time to cultivate my relationships with those I love.

    1. Make time for myself

    Just as importantly as the previous goal, in the upcoming year I want to spend more time for myself. This means journaling, stretching, engaging in self-care activities, and doing whatever else makes me happy and fulfilled.

    1. Move my body

    In 2023, a priority of mine is my physical health, which means that I need to make sure to incorporate movement daily. This may mean purchasing a gym membership or going on daily walks – as long as I get my heartbeat up!

    1. Read for pleasure

    It has been a long time since I picked up a book for fun, but a goal of mine this year is to fall back in love with reading! To do so, I’m going to start with my childhood favourites: Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

    Those are a couple of the goals I have committed myself to for the upcoming year. What are yours?

  • Living with Your Parents: The New Normal

    Living with Your Parents: The New Normal

    Go to school. Graduate. Get a job. Move out. Build your life. This straightforward trajectory feels increasingly like the life path of yesteryear. More and more young people are remaining in the nest and living with their parents despite having graduated. On one hand, a weaker economy and bleaker career prospects have played a part. However, there are other factors to consider when looking at this phenomenon.

    In 2011, approximately four out of every ten Canadians in their twenties lived with their parents. This is a noticeable increase from 27 percent thirty years prior. Employment and incomes have been definite factors in this change. These two influences peaked around the 1960s and 1970s and have been in downward trajectories since then. The labour market has provided much greater success for women since the 1960s, and their growing prominence in the workforce has also had an impact.

    Economics is not the only facet of this situation. Major cultural shifts include people choosing to marry at a later age. Most young adults lived with a romantic partner from the late nineteenth century onwards. This has slowly changed throughout the last several decades. Marriage allows for a multi-income household, and without that support, it is no surprise that more and more young adults choose to live at home with their family instead. Metropolitan areas have become increasingly populated as the preferred living location. The choice to remain in these cities has the repercussion of dealing with a higher cost of living. 42 percent of twenty-somethings lived at home in 2011, whereas that number for Torontonians was 57 percent.

    Multigenerational living arrangements are becoming more prevalent across Canada. Young adults belonging to a visible minority group or whose parents migrated to Canada were more likely to live at home in 2011. Certain cultures have different viewpoints on when children are expected to leave home. For many, it is common for parents and their offspring to cohabitate. As Canada’s multiculturalism continues to grow and flourish, it is not surprising that this practice is carried out here. Young adults can reap the financial advantages of this, while also gaining emotional support by not having to live alone. The older generation also does not have to live alone and have the practical support of their children to help them with household matters. As the population in general continues to age, it is not uncommon for younger people to support their older parents as much as they possibly can.

    The stigma of living with one’s parents is slowly but surely changing. As rent and housing prices continue to skyrocket, it is practical to withhold from plunging into those expenses. The transition from finishing school to securing independence is being seen as a more fluid journey, as opposed to the simpler steps that it once entailed decades ago. Young adults may not have the immediate job opportunities or easy entry into the housing market that their parents had. However, they do have the support of those parents and greater freedom in exploring different career paths and entrepreneurial endeavours.

    Go to school. Graduate. Go back to school. Work. Move out. Quit. Move back home. Start your own company. The steps to adulthood are blurrier and more winding than they were before. While there are tougher circumstances in regards to employment and the economy, there are also life choices, cultural shifts, and a changing world to consider. Independence and adulthood are less straightforward than they once were, but young adults also have opportunities unlike ever before.

    Sources:

    Fry, Richard. “For First Time in Modern Era, Living With Parents Edges Out Other Living Arrangements for 18- to 34-Year-Olds.” PewResearch Center. http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/05/24/for-first-time-in-modern-era-living-with-parents-edges-out-other-living-arrangements-for-18-to-34-year-olds/

    Milan, Anne. “Diversity of young adults living with their parents.” Statistics Canada. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-006-x/2016001/article/14639-eng.htm

  • Are New Year’s Resolutions a Good Idea? A Look at the Pros and Cons (French version available)

    Are New Year’s Resolutions a Good Idea? A Look at the Pros and Cons (French version available)

    The New Year is often associated with having resolutions. People want to begin the year by resolving to improve various areas of their lives, whether it concerns their well-being, helping others more, etc. While they’re meant to have a positive impact, they also possess negative implications as well.

    If you’re considering making New Year’s resolutions, here’s a look at some of the pros and cons:

    Pros

    They’re Great For Starting The New Year On A Positive Note

    Making resolutions can be a great way to motivate yourself for the new year. This is especially referring to certain resolutions involving things that you’ve always wanted to try. Do you like the idea of starting your days with affirmations? Are you planning on breaking any unwanted habits and/or replacing them with good ones?

    Resolutions Can Be Effective If They’re Reasonable and You Put Your Mind To Them

    Resolutions are also great when you know you can actually execute them. For example, carving some time out of your schedule (when possible) to research and carry out good recipes or improving your culinary skills are reasonable measures to take if you’d like to eat more nutritious, home-cooked meals.

    Of course, nobody knows what you’re capable of better than you. Sticking with resolutions can be challenging, but if you’re determined enough, adopt the logical avenues, and set expectations that are realistic, you’ll likely yield favourable outcomes.

    They Might Also Be Something Fun To Do With Others

    Following through with a resolution can also be fun and more likely to be successful when people hold each other accountable. Though this depends on how you prefer to work on resolutions (and what they are), choosing to do them with others is an option that may lead to the desired long-term commitment and even enhanced productivity. For example, if you resolve to exercise more, you could do so with friends at a nearby gym on a regular basis and encourage one another while doing so.

    Cons

    These Resolutions Are Often Associated With Being (Unintentionally) Short-Lived

    More often than not, New Year’s resolutions are associated with being short-term or not even taken seriously. Despite feeling motivated initially, some eventually encounter a lack of motivation and stop pursuing them after the first week of January or other events occurring in their lives (understandably) interfere. Sometimes, people also find themselves so caught up in the excitement and optimism during this time that they make their resolutions unrealistic/too ambitious.

    They Can Be Easily Forgotten

    As people frequently see resolutions in an unfavourable light, they could also be subjected to being forgotten. Unless they’re physically written down somewhere, extremely important to you, or arranged so that you’re reminded of them every day, resolutions are commonly set aside.

    Overall, New Year’s resolutions have a good purpose, but also don’t have a reputation for lasting very long. It’s great when you commit to them and enjoy yourself throughout, but life can get in the way. If resolutions are something you’re considering, ensure that they’re worth your while. With everything considered, what’s crucial is making choices that are right for you.

  • Ways to Make New Friends in Post-Secondary (French version available)

    Ways to Make New Friends in Post-Secondary (French version available)

    For new students, the environment of post-secondary and prospect of making friends can be overwhelming: There are so many people! How do I talk to them?

    Making friends in post-secondary does not need to be a daunting task. In fact, there are many opportunities to make friends even in this era following COVID-19, where learning is both online and offline.

    Tips For Making Friends In-Person

    1. Participate in Group Work

    Some courses will require group work by default, so why not take the opportunity to try and connect with others?

    Turn that mandatory participation aspect of a course into something that goes beyond the classroom! People usually exchange contact information for school-related purposes, but interactions do not need to be restricted to those topics.

    There is no rule saying that contact with group members needs to be strictly through a school relationship. Feel free to ask your group members if they want to hang out sometime, even if it’s something small like getting a coffee. Even if those interactions do not all result in friendships, there is no harm in reaching out. A friendly gesture can brighten someone’s day.

    1. Immerse Yourself in the School Community

    Immerse yourself in your school’s community by attending school events, participating in clubs, volunteering on campus, or working on campus! These are great ways to constantly meet people in situations outside of the classroom.

    In a classroom, some people may be focused on the lecture at hand (or perhaps dozing off, depending on the student), and it can be hard to know the best time for a conversation. Outside of the classroom, school events, clubs, and work provide something that is a conversation starter in itself!

    Discuss thoughts about the event that you are at, the club that you are in, or the job that you are working at. Those are already topics that you and the individuals around you will have thoughts on and will likely be willing to talk about.

    Tips for Making Friends Virtually

    1. Make Use of Discussion Boards

    If you take an online course, chances are that you will be asked to introduce yourself to both the professor and your classmates on a discussion board. Do not be afraid to describe yourself beyond your field of study and why you are taking the course.

    Listing simple things about yourself, like a hobby or a piece of media that you enjoy, can be used to connect with other students.

    Having a shared interest in common also helps with keeping contact for a long period of time. Sometimes you might befriend someone in a course, but once the course has finished, there may not be enough incentive to keep in contact.

    A classmate who only discussed course material with you has less incentive to keep in contact than a classmate who discussed your favourite show, among other topics.

    1. Find Internet Spaces Related to Your Institution

    A school’s online platform, like Canvas or Brightspace, is not the only place where students will congregate. There are plenty of other spaces online, affiliated or unaffiliated with your institution, where students can be found. Facebook is ripe with groups for students, as well as Reddit, the latter of which tends to have specific subreddits for post-secondary institutions (r/UBC or r/UofT, for example).

    Discord, another messaging platform, has “Discord Student Hubs” for this purpose: to meet other classmates within the same school. It requires users to input their school email address, and they will see a hub that is restricted to those with school-affiliated emails for the same institution.

    According to a 2021 article, some students at Ryerson University think that the “Discord Student Hubs” system has helped — their Ryerson Discord hub has served as a support network, as well as connected students to people that they may have never met in-person otherwise.

    A Final Important Tip: Talk!

    You will always be surrounded by people, virtually or not. Strike up a conversation, compliment a person’s outfit, introduce yourself, or ask something about a course as an icebreaker. If you live in your institution’s residency, get to know your neighbours or other people living on the same floor.

    The longer you wait, the harder it will be to establish a connection. Even a simple “hello” is a good step! Present yourself as approachable, let people know that you are open to discussions, and be optimistic. Friendships are things that develop more and more with each interaction.

    Keep everything in mind, and good luck! It can be scary at first, but everything gets easier the more you try. If you keep trying, those friends will eventually come.

     

    Sources:

    Leal, L. “The Online Student’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Peers in the Age of COVID.” Biocord, 25 Aug. 2020, https://medium.com/biocord/the-online-students-guide-to-making-friends-and-finding-peers-in-the-age-of-covid-fb0dc568d6eb.

    O’Connor, Ryan. “Discord Launches Student Hub for Ryerson University.” The Eyeopener, 15 Sept. 2021, https://theeyeopener.com/2021/09/discord-launches-student-hub-for-ryerson-university/.

  • International Day of Pink (French version available)

    International Day of Pink (French version available)

    What is International Day of Pink?

    Not to be confused with Pink Shirt Day which takes place in February, International Day of Pink is a separate day of bullying prevention. Whereas Pink Shirt Day focuses on advocating against bullying more broadly, International Day of Pink advocates against bullying stemming from discrimination towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Bullying continues to be common among young people. One in three Canadian adolescents has reported being subject to bullying, and that number must be higher if unreported incidents are considered. The COVID-19 pandemic has only further exacerbated the amount of bullying, subjecting more children to harmful experiences. For LGBTQ+ individuals, the rate of bullying is even higher compared to their cisgender and straight peers, and that cannot go unnoticed.

    Therefore, although the days have similar goals in mind, a distinction and recognition of these issues is important. In researching this topic, I found several articles that seemed to use “Day of Pink” and “Pink Shirt Day” interchangeably, so pre-existing coverage only serves to stir up more confusion.

    The Origin of Pink Shirt Day and International Day of Pink

    Both Pink Shirt Day and International Day of Pink shared the same moment of origin: in 2007, two grade 12 students at Central Kings Rural High School in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, saw a grade nine student being bullied. This student was called homophobic insults and was threatened to be beaten up, all for wearing a pink shirt.

    To show support for this student, Shepherd and Price bought 75 pink t-shirts and spread their plan of wearing pink through email, Facebook, and MSN Messenger. They planned to create a “sea of pink” the next day.

    This operation was not without risks, though. Through a call with school administration, the pair were told that they could face being expelled if any incidents occurred due to this “sea of pink.” They decided to go through with the gesture regardless, knowing that something like this needed to be done.

    This moment started both Pink Shirt Day and International Day of Pink, with the former focusing on a more general goal to stop bullying, and the latter focusing on bullying stemming from homophobia and transphobia. In terms of International Day of Pink, the situation inspired Jer’s Vision, now the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), to promote the International Day of Pink.

    Why is International Day of Pink Important?

    According to a 2021 Trevor Project report, LGBTQ+ youth are subjected to significantly higher rates of bullying compared to their cisgender and straight peers.

    In the past year, 52% of LGBTQ+ youth enrolled in middle school or high school reported being subject to in-person bullying or cyberbullying. The rates of bullying towards LGBTQ+ youth were higher in those enrolled in middle school (65%) compared to those in high school (49%).

    Students who were enrolled in schools that were more open to LGBTQ+ diversity reported 30% lower odds of being bullied within the past year. The study only further proves that, while 15 years have passed since the original event that created International Day of Pink, bullying continues to be an issue — especially for LGBTQ+ youth. The more that schools can promote days catered towards equality, like International Day of Pink, the less stigma LGBTQ+ people of all ages will face.

    Remembering the Root of the Issue

    As Susan Lambert, a former president of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), stated in 2011 that she did not want the message of Pink Shirt Day to become “diluted” – it is not a generic bullying day. Lambert went on to say that the day is supposed to recognize those who help stop LGBTQ+ discrimination and to stand up for those who are affected by it.

    It appears that Pink Shirt Day has now taken that identity of encompassing a broad view of bullying, and Day of Pink, its less-covered counterpart, takes the mantle of championing the fight against LGBTQ+ stigma.

    Although the article that covered Lambert’s statement conflated both days into the same meaning, Lambert’s statement still rings true to this day. We must remember that the original bullying incident that sparked change for Pink Shirt Day and Day of Pink to exist was rooted in homophobia.

     

    Sources:

    “Bullying and Suicide Risk among LGBTQ Youth.” The Trevor Project, 14 Oct. 2021, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/bullying-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-youth/.

    Culbert, Lori. “COVID-19: Isolated Youth Online More than Ever, Increasing Risk of Bullying and Other Cyber Crimes.” Vancouver Sun, 1 Jan. 2021, https://vancouversun.com/news/covid-19-isolated-youth-online-more-than-ever-increasing-risk-of-bullying-and-other-cyber-crimes.

    Peristerakis, Julia. “Travis Price’s Act of Kindness.” Canadian Museum for Human Rights, https://humanrights.ca/story/travis-prices-act-of-kindness.

    Steffenhagen, Janet. “B.C. Politicians Accused of Ignoring LGBTQ Students.” Vancouver Sun, 22 Feb. 2011, https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/b-c-politicians-accused-of-ignoring-lgbtq-students.

    “Travis Price – Creating Pink Shirt Day.” YouTube, uploaded by Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 21 Jun. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zpw_KAEhDY.