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  • Algonquin College’s Free the Tampon campaign: The importance of menstrual products being free and available on campus

    Algonquin College’s Free the Tampon campaign: The importance of menstrual products being free and available on campus

    By Avreet Jagdev

    Algonquin College launched their “Free the Tampon” campaign a couple years ago. In a video they published to YouTube, they shared that the average person spends eighteen thousand dollars on menstrual products in their lifetime, which is why “it’s time to free the tampon”. The college has made menstrual products freely available across their campus, listing ten locations where tampons and pads are freely available to anyone who might need them.

    In addition to providing an increase in access to menstrual products such as pads and tampons, the free the tampon campaign aims to spark a “campus-wide conversation to help stop period stigma”. Period stigma is a term for the discrimination faced by women, trans and genderqueer who menstruate. It not only leads to a lack of access to menstrual supplies such as pads or tampons, but also includes the verbal and systemic shaming of menstruating people, and results in a lower overall quality of life for those who are impacted by it. The impacts of period stigma are disproportionately felt by those in developing countries, and those of lower socio-economic status.

    Algonquin College’s “Free the Tampon” campaign is a great step towards combating period stigma on campus, through the increase of access and opening up a conversation surrounding menstruation. Other post-secondary institutions, including the University of Toronto and University of Victoria, have taken similar initiatives to make menstrual products free and available to its students and community members. The University of Victoria acknowledges that lack of access to menstrual products can cause students to miss classes, or other academic and extracurricular activities. Like Algonquin College, UofT also aims to address menstrual through their free menstruation products initiative.

    Sandy Welsh, UofT’s vice-provost of students explains that access to menstrual products is an issue of equity. In addition to providing convenience, free menstrual products help reduce financial barriers, and alleviate the anxiety of being in need of a menstrual product when they aren’t freely available.

    The statistics reveal shocking numbers about menstrual access in Canada: 63 per cent of people who menstruate have had concerns about not being able to access menstrual products, and 34 per cent have faced budget and affordability issues regarding menstrual products. This is why Algonquin College, and many other schools across the country, have begun taking action to increase access to pads and tampons.

    Although progress is definitely being made, period stigma and in-access to menstrual products remains a huge issue in Canada, as well as globally. Initiatives such as free tampons and pads on post-secondary campuses are an important step in the right direction. They help tackle period stigma by openly talking about the issue, instead of upholding the narrative that menstruation is a private matter that should be left undiscussed. In addition, the access to period products helps make post-secondary campuses more equitable and inclusive spaces by ensuring people who menstruate don’t have to deal with barriers to accessing the products they need.

  • How the pandemic changed me.

    How the pandemic changed me.

    Content Warning: Domestic Violence and Mental Health

     

    Looking back on the last four years, I realize how much about me and my life has changed because of the pandemic.

    When the world shut down, I was in the tenth grade. I was just beginning to understand who I wanted to be. Also, I was in a brand-new relationship.

    The pandemic was an extremely isolating experience. During a time of my life where I was meant to be out with friends, in high school, and working, I was stuck in my home. Within two months I felt completely hopeless. As someone who struggled with anxiety prior to the pandemic, my anxiety skyrocketed with this new world. I turned to my doctor, and I was lucky enough to be put on anxiety medications. Those medications made an enormous difference. The hopelessness diminished, and I felt more human again. Then things picked up with my relationship.

    Unfortunately, what I thought was going to be a healthy relationship turned into a domestic violence situation. For the year and a half of a shut-down world, I lived with a man who abused me. And this was not an uncommon occurrence. Time Magazine notes that “growing evidence shows the pandemic has made intimate partner violence more common – and often more severe.” The isolation of the pandemic turned dangerous and stressful. Not only was I struggling severely mentally, I was pushed into a situation where I was physically unsafe. With these things combined, I was not capable of leaving my house. I was trapped by my mind and a person. I couldn’t go to work, and I was attending school online to avoid being outside; 2020-2022 were undoubtedly the worst years of my life.

    The good news is none of those things lasted forever. Once the world started to reopen and things became accessible, my relationship ended. I was free from isolation and could make choices for myself again. At first, I had to work through all the torment and try to understand exactly what happened to me. This process was long. I only felt better and safer a year after the relationship ended.

    Presently, I am amazed at my progress. I am now surrounded by friends and family who love me wholeheartedly and gently. I am working part time and am a full-time college student. I’ve started therapy. And finally, I feel ready to get off my anxiety medication. The pandemic was a terrible time for me, and everyone else. However, looking back on it now, I think I learned and grew so much. I learned that love is not supposed to hurt. I learned it is okay to take a break and seek help. And I learned I am a strong and capable person.

    If you had told me three years ago, I would attend college, be working, and have a social life I would have laughed in your face. These concepts all seemed so out of reach for me. And now that I have them, I feel like I can do anything. I implore you to look at your own experiences and appreciate how much you have grown. Be proud that you are not who you once were. You are capable, strong, and so wonderful. You are worthy of great love, excellent support, and a life you are proud of.

     

    References

    https://time.com/5928539/domestic-violence-covid-19/

  • Coping with the mental health impacts of the death of a friend or family member

    Coping with the mental health impacts of the death of a friend or family member

    Seven months ago, I lost my grandmother. She was my last grandparent, and so the loss hit me very hard. I have quite a large family, but she was definitely the glue that held us together. Losing a loved one is a troublesome thing to work through. Despite it seeming like the grief will be impossible to work through, there are small things you can do to make it easier.

    I suffer from anxiety, and a panic disorder, so big changes disrupt my mental stability. Losing my grandmother was a drastic change in my life, and therefore, disrupted my mental state. My first piece of advice is to not go through your grief alone. Grief is something everyone will go through, and it is important to find support in others to not feel so isolated. If you are dealing with the death of a family member, look to your other family members for support. They are experiencing the same sort of loss as you are, so it may be nice to discuss your feelings with them.

    Another thing to keep in mind is to not be afraid of your feelings. During a time of bereavement, sometimes it’s comforting to avoid emotions all together and numb out these negative feelings. When you do this, your body holds on to your stress and the negative feelings will present themselves in physical symptoms. By allowing yourself to feel whatever you need to, there’s a release of tension. Expressing emotions is very freeing. Let yourself be free.

    Third, know that the grief will lessen. I can’t say the feeling fully goes away; however, it will become more manageable. Eventually, the heaviness of grief will leave your shoulders and a small part of it will rest in your heart. Grief sticking with you isn’t a bad thing. It allows you to remember your loved one and keep them with you. As author Jamie Anderson said, “Grief I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you wanted to give, but cannot.” It is never a bad thing to love.

    If you are finding your grief is far too much for you to bear, therapy is always an option. There are many different therapy types, and each individual therapist has their own style. You can find one who specializes in bereavement counseling, so you can specifically discuss the loss of your loved one. Another option is to find bereavement groups. Some groups are specifically for widows or parents who have lost their child. In these groups, you will find people going through a very similar situation as you. Finding people who can relate to your situation is very comforting.

    Overall, the most important thing is to remember you are never alone when dealing with loss. There is someone who is experiencing, or who has experienced your situation. They may have good advice on what to do. Never be afraid to reach out to someone if you need help.

  • The Job Market in 2023: A Look into What Is in Demand

    The Job Market in 2023: A Look into What Is in Demand

    Despite the constant dread about a recession hitting Canada soon, the Canadian labour market is actually on the upswing. According to a Labour Force Survey in January 2023, the employment rate rose by 0.8 per cent in the beginning of 2023, and the country has been able to hold the unemployment rate down at a steady rate of 5.0 per cent.

    The provinces which enjoyed a healthy increase were Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Furthermore, industries that showed growth were wholesale and retail trade, health care, social assistance, and educational services.

    In any case, Canada has a lot of things to look forward to in terms of the job market. Here’s a quick look at the most in-demand jobs for the year 2023:

    Web Developers

    In the early days of e-commerce, website designers were in high demand. However, as technology became more advanced, it has become a must for companies not to drown their website visitors with information, but rather to engage them. This is where a web developer comes in as not only can they build websites but they can make them more engaging by making them more interactive. They can develop applications or programs and thus are needed in any industry –– whether large or small corporations, for-profit or not-for-profit, and even government! A web developer is a job that might not have even existed earlier in the lives of some job seekers. If you’re one who has a penchant for program languages and coding, then a career in web development can be for you.

    Customer Service Specialists

    Because of our need for convenience and promptness these days, it has been necessary for all companies, no matter how big or small they are, to have a department dedicated to address clients’ or customers’ needs as quickly as they possibly can. We call on someone for assistance whether it’s to ask for a refund for a misplaced order, or to validate a transaction that’s been blocked by a credit card company, or to correct the address on a food order. Without customer service, we’ll all be at a lost, so thank goodness for customer service specialists.

    Warehouse Workers

    Thanks to the pandemic, many customers have now turned to online shopping for their shopping needs, not only for clothes and electronics, but even for basic needs like food and groceries. In fact, even in a post-pandemic world, the number of consumers who rely on online food and grocery shopping rose to 49 per cent according to research firm eMarketer. This translates into a constant and ever-growing need for warehouse workers to fulfill those e-commerce purchases and ensure that they are delivered to the appropriate recipients.

    Financial Advisors

    With the emphasis on financial literacy and the plethora of investment opportunities available these days, it’s only fitting that one of the most in demand jobs are professionals who have plenty of knowledge in this area, so one can reap the benefits of their investments under a minimum amount of risks. Financial advisors work with private individuals or institutional clients (from banks, insurance companies, or mutual fund organizations) to determine their financial needs, devise a financial plan, establish short-term and long-term financial goals, and suggest investment options, such as stocks and bonds. If you have an aptitude for number crunching, this career is for you.

    Registered Nurses

    Pre-pandemic and post-pandemic, we all owe a lot to health care workers like registered nurses who work hard to keep us and our loved ones healthy and safe. It’s an understatement to say that the pandemic took a heavy toll on them, but it only proves how they play an important role in keeping everyone in good health.


    Sources

    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230210/dq230210a-eng.htm

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/these-are-the-top-15-trending-jobs-in-canada-for-2023-1.6227368

    https://www.cpacanada.ca/en/news/pivot-magazine/online-grocery-shopping

  • Library Technician – Marilyn Cameron

    Library Technician – Marilyn Cameron

    Susan Huebert talks with library technician Marilyn Cameron about her career and education.

  • Emergency Physician – Dr Jennifer Bryan

    Emergency Physician – Dr Jennifer Bryan

    Erin Rebello has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Jennifer Bryan about her work, education, and the impact that the pandemic has had on the healthcare system.

  • My Campus Life: The First Day

    My Campus Life: The First Day

    I just completed my first semester of college. And looking back on it, I feel as though I have grown and discovered plenty about myself. My first day was nerve-wracking. The campus seemed daunting as I walked up to its front doors. I had only been to campus once prior, to pick up an orientation package. However, I did not know where any classes were. Also, I did not know anyone from my small town who was going into the same program or college as I was.

    I always struggled to make friends as a kid and ask for help, so I knew my first day would be tough. Taking a deep breath, I walked into the school. I had arrived half an hour before my class began because I knew I would get lost. I wandered down a hallway I had been in at the orientation, and tried to find my way to the wing my class was in. Within five minutes, I realized I was completely lost. Looking back now, I was a little too independent for my own good.

    I wandered around for another ten minutes before I gathered the courage to ask someone for help. I found an older student with a “volunteer” shirt on and approached her to ask for help. She was quite nice and led me to my classroom. I let out a breath and walked into the room. After the fiasco of finding my class, I was not up for much socializing. I sat in the back, close to the door awaiting the start of class. My professor decided today was a good time to do small group discussions. So despite my aversion to talking to new people, I turned to the few people sitting near me and started a discussion.

    My first day was full of stress, but it helped me realize a few things. First, I am capable of good things when in an uncomfortable situation. Second, asking for help is not as scary as I thought it was. Asking for help solves the problem you’re facing faster than trying to work through it yourself. And finally, college was not as scary of an experience as I was led to believe. College is a wonderful time to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and experience new things.

    My advice for other students is very simple. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. This is applicable to so many aspects of life. For me, I never knew I was capable of being social in uncomfortable circumstances. The uncertainty of a new experience can create an idea that you are not good enough to complete the task laid out before you. In college, you should embrace this uncertainty. Make yourself uncomfortable, express yourself in new ways and discover wonderful things that you never knew you were capable of. College is a blank slate –  it is up to you to decide what you want to do with it.

  • Paris Climate Accord and Canada’s actions

    Paris Climate Accord and Canada’s actions

    The Paris Climate Accord, also known as the “Paris Agreement” is an international effort “to tackle climate change and its negative impacts.” On December 12, 2015, at a UN climate change conference, world leaders came together to create this agreement. This agreement is legally binding and includes almost 200 countries. Over the course of five years, there is an action plan for climate change. Every five years these goals are updated. Every country involved in the Paris Agreement has taken different paths to take action against climate change.

    Canada has a goal to reduce their carbon emissions 40-45% lower than the 2005 emission level by 2030. To do this, the country has implemented a carbon pollution pricing system. The federal government left how severe the pricing would be up to the provincial governments. Another way Canada is reducing their carbon emissions is by investing in eco-friendly means of travel and energy production. Canada is investing $28.7 billion into public transit, $26.9 billion into green infrastructure, and over $500 million to organizations to generate clean growth. Canada has also followed the lead of other countries to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero emissions means that the country will either produce no greenhouse gasses, or they will offset the emissions enough. Despite the billions being invested into greener initiatives, little change has actually been made.

    At this moment in time, Canada is making slow progress to their goals. Despite the nation as a whole having set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, seven out of twelve provincial governments did not have a set target. Out of the five remaining governments, only New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were on track to reach the overall target they set. Initially, Canada had set on reducing carbon emissions by 2020. However, when that goal was greatly missed, they shifted their focus to reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

    On a positive note, Canada made waves by implementing a single-use plastic ban nationwide. Six different categories of single-use plastics were banned, such as foodservice ware, checkout bags and cutlery. In this ban, the manufacturing, importing and sale of these items are no longer allowed. This ban is not immediate. In December of 2022, foodservice ware, cutlery, checkout bags, stir sticks and straws were no longer allowed to be manufactured and imported in Canada. By December of 2023, these items will no longer be sold. And in December 2025, Canada will no longer be able to export these items.

    There is still hope for Canada to start reaching its goals. In the next seven years if each province and territory step up to the plate and take strides to lower their greenhouse emissions, the initial goal of the Paris Climate Accord won’t seem so far out of reach.

     

    Sources

    https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/2_Canada.pdf
    https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement
    https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_otp_201803_e_42883.html#hd3a https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/single-use-plastic-overview.html

  • Just Graduated and Doing Nothing: Advice and Strategies for Recent Graduates Who Are Just Sitting Around Feeling Lost/Confused

    Just Graduated and Doing Nothing: Advice and Strategies for Recent Graduates Who Are Just Sitting Around Feeling Lost/Confused

    Graduating from post-secondary school is an interesting time. For many, this means that your journey with academics has come to an end and you’re moving on to the next stage of life. Though exciting, it can also be quite daunting, especially if you now find yourself just sitting around while feeling lost or confused.

    If you’ve been like that and you’re just sitting around as a result, here are some pieces of advice and strategies to navigate this situation:

    Advice For Feeling Lost/Confused

    Try Exploring Other Fields If Your Interests Have Changed

    Is questioning your original choice of field the reason why you’re feeling confused? Do you find that you’ve developed an interest in other fields? In that case, look up how to go about pursuing them, e.g. the required education, associated practical training, etc. Of course, there’s no urgent need to make any commitments or concrete decisions concerning this since you’ve just finished school, but you should consider it if you’re having doubts regarding what you initially chose to pursue.

    Look After Your Mental Health

    Transitioning from school to the real world can be challenging as you’re probably experiencing pressure to start establishing yourself professionally now that you’ve graduated. Therefore, it’s understandable if feeling lost is further causing feelings of anxiousness.

    Looking after yourself remains crucial, so try engaging with anything that helps you relax. You could set aside time on a regular basis for a hobby. If you haven’t already, try yoga and meditation. The breathing exercises they involve are known for being very helpful in this respect.

    All in all, it’s evidently important to know that you must take measures to address your current circumstances as you’re now entering the workforce. However, you should also refrain from being too tough on yourself. This could cause additional stress that wouldn’t benefit you in any way.

    Strategies To Navigate This Situation

    Try Working an Odd Job or Volunteering In The Meantime

    As this is a confusing time and you’re unsure about what to do, try working an odd job or volunteering. These are good ways to also be productive while you decide on any long-term, professional pursuits. There’s a possibility that doing so could provide you with other opportunities you’ve never considered before as well.

    Research Career Coaching Services

    Career coaching services are for helping people find and pursue the right career path. Many can assist in every step of the process, from creating the best related goals for you to refining your job application documents. Overall, seeking career coaching would be beneficial as, with this guidance, you’ll likely develop a better sense of where you’d like to end up.

    Having just graduated, it’s normal to feel lost/confused at this point in your life. Remember that starting the career you’re meant to have likely won’t happen right away, so remain patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you consider taking the pointers above while looking after your well-being, you’re on the right path to effectively improving you current situation and making the correct choices for you.

  • Quality Control Technician – Galen Miles

    Quality Control Technician – Galen Miles

    Susan Huebert interviews Galen Miles, a quality control technician in plastics manufacturing.