I probably wouldn’t have blogged about the Stanley Cup Riots, since this topic has been beaten to the ground over the past few days! But after watching today’s MuchMusic Video Awards, I thought I’d mention something about the riots.
Every news station in Vancouver has covered the riots, and generally have come to the same consensus: We are ashamed of the people who started the riots, and that they are not true hockey fans, or even Vancouverites, for that matter.
I am personally really upset that our beautiful city has been trashed and that our reputation has plummeted. I was downtown watching game 7, and let me say, I felt extremely unsafe. I got out of downtown as fast as possible as soon as the game ended. But even during the game, the crowd already seemed to have a negative energy and I feared that I’d be trampled on at any minute.
What really got me mad, was a comment made by Nina Dobrev, who was talking to Selena Gomez at the MMVa’s earlier tonight:
“and I gotta say, the crowd today seems a lot happier than it does in Vancouver.”
Skip to 0:22
I was a huge fan of Nina, as I loved her on Degrassi. But that comment, in my opinion was way out of line. She obviously does not know the whole story, and I find it disheartening that she would group us Canucks fans like that. In every city there are troublemakers, so you just have to take the good with the bad. I still love my city, and I am still a proud Vancouverite.
Today, around 225 Prince of Wales students strutted their stuff across the Chan centre stage at UBC.
Technically Gerry and I weren’t planning on going to the actual ceremony, just to crash take photos with the graduates in the Rose Garden! I felt like such an outsider! Could it really have been just exactly a year ago that I myself graduated from high school? It’s such a weird thought; just a year ago I didn’t know much beyond the Prince of Wales bubble. Just to think of what I would be looking forward to after high school: AUS, SLC, CAP, awesome friends from all walks of life, essays, amazing profs. I feel as if my life has changed so much in just 1 year. Before I couldn’t imagine myself not being a high school student, and I couldn’t imagine all my friends going off to different schools and cities. A year ago just thinking about university seemed so intimidating. My biggest fear was that I would not be able to find myself in university, that I would be lost in the thousands and thousands of people. In high school I knew who I was, what my role was, what was expected of me, and knew the ropes of high school like the back of my hand. It is quite scary, knowing that in a few short months you would have to rebuild your identity and start a new chapter in your life. Now, everything seems normal to me, and I feel like I have really found myself at UBC. I find it really cool that all these grads will go their separate ways, and will learn new things about themselves and create a whole new identity. What awaits them is very exciting. Grad class of 2011, you show ‘em what you’ve got
The Principal, Jim Burnham made a great address to the grads. He talked about what the students have learned here, hopefully will make them prepared for their futures. He talked about how PW is a real close community, that we succeed together, like when PW was named most outstanding in athletics and school spirit. But we also support each other in times of struggle, as when PW lost one of the faculty earlier this year. He also mentioned the pride in being a graduate of such an amazing school, one that is strong in many aspects. I’ve always been proud of PW, but now I feel it even more. I even added “Walesman” (PW mascot) to my twitter bio! I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the PW community.
There were also some really amazing individuals in the grad class. What really touched me was Allison and Alex’s report on the Capture the Cure. Capture the Cure was campaign that PW has been working tirelessly on, to raise money for cancer. There were many events all year long, the biggest one being the “Balding for Dollars” in which many students and staff cut/shaved their hair to raise money and provide wigs for cancer patients. When one of PW’s own students was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, the community of PW really came together in a way I don’t think the school has seen before. They had the most successful fundraiser in PW history, and it was a collaborative effort across the entire school.
From left: Allison, Ms Lee and Alex during the Balding for Dollars event. Pic is from Allison's FB pictures
Anton did an amazing job tying the Canucks into his Valedictory address, and the Grad Song was so good and well harmonized.
I was so happy for the grads, because I remember how it felt like to be walking across that stage. It was nice to sit back and watch them beam from the stage. This was their day, and even the weather held up!
By far my favourite all-encompassing quote of the ceremony, was in Ralph Lin’s little speech said by Scott Morgan as Ralph was walking across the stage.
After a long day at school (yes, a Saturday!) I headed down to the CBC Studios to watch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I believed I could get as good a spot as last time; Game 1 on Wednesday I headed down to CBC studios almost an hour after the game started (due to econ class!), and I got a pretty good spot in front of the screen. How naive was I to think I could do the same on a Saturday…
The CBC Studios had been at capacity since 3pm that afternoon! So I just had to settle for a spot pretty far away, most of my vision blocked because of a tree. Ah well, looking between leaves and branches wasn’t that bad I guess…
What I kind of found funny was a conversation between two women in front of me.
***End of the 2nd period
Woman #1: So does the score carry over from the previous period to the next period?
Woman #2: Yes
Me being a nice polite and all, I suppressed laughter. LOL. She was obviously probably not a Vancouverite. But I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt….maybe this was her first time watching hockey? I can assure you if I watched like, say Cricket, I’d probably be asking pretty absurd questions as well..
Last thought: I also really loved when Burrows did his “bow and arrow” as a tribute to Luc Bourdon. What an amazing guy on, and off the ice
Check out the bow and arrow, 1:23
I also really appreciated the guy on Granville who climbed the light fixture, took off his shirt, waved a canucks flag around, and did some pull-ups, to the delight of the crowd
This morning I stroll into class, coffee in hand, and plunk my bag down and take seat.
As I sit down, I realize that I do not hear the usual weird techno-pop music that blasts from the speakers that Gateman plays at the beginning of every class. I still don’t really get why he does this, but anyways…
I look up, but Robert Gateman is nowhere to be found. Instead, one of the TA’s is setting up instead…
Then the TA informs us that Gateman is in a conference in Ottawa and that he would be teaching us today. That’s pretty cool. I like my TA; he explains things well and really knows his stuff. He also spoke a lot slower than Gateman does, so I didn’t feel as overwhelmed as I usually do at the end of econ class.
Anyways, as I was learning about average total cost and marginal cost curves, I had a random thought come into my head. Have you ever wondered if you have a twin? Well, today I just realized that I found none other than Ryan Kesler’s twin.
Dont you think my TA looks EXACTLY like Ryan Kesler? The pic is a bit blurry unfortunately. I tweeted this newly discovered phenomenon during break. I had a few interesting responses!
@Geeip: Ask him more questions!
@ReneeSiu: What?! You have a TA that looks like Kes??? Jealous…
@NegAmiri: WHAT?? PICTUUUREEE PLEASSEE!!
@Andz205: Yes. Ryan Kesler was teaching us Economics today due to the absence of Robert Gateman
I dunno, think what you like! That was my little discovery of the day…
Guy who sits behind me in Econ discussion class, this is dedicated to you, for your convenience and delight.
So, as many of you know, I am taking Microeconomics with Robert Gateman in the summer term. Let me tell you, it’s definitely no walk in the park.
We just had a midterm 1 last week, and we have midterm 2 next week. No joke, literally 3 weeks ago I had no idea what economics was. Asking around, I got the general sense it was “somewhat math related, but not entirely.”
I just wanted to share a funny story I encountered during my Econ discussion class yesterday.
My TA was at the whiteboard, drawing budget curves to illustrate the various shifts that can occur due to various changes in price, income, etc. Now, I am always one to ask questions. It’s really funny! I always seem to be known as the “girl who asks the most questions.” A classmate once told me that she doesn’t need to ask questions in class, cause she knows that I’ll probably ask them anyway! I don’t mind asking questions. Even Robert Gateman likes you to ask questions that “make him uncomfortable”.
So here’s what happened in my econ discussion class yesterday.
Me: Why does the budget curve shift outwards and not inwards?
Guy whispering behind me: Why did she ask that? Didn’t he just explain it?” **more incomprehensible mumbling and laughing.
I honestly did not care whatsoever. I didn’t even look back to give him a dirty look. After all, I’m paying to be there, so why not ask questions? And you know that saying that if you have a question, probably many others in the room do as well? It’s kind of true.
So, I guess my advice to incoming first years would be to ask as many questions as you want. That’s what the TA’s are there for! And if people laugh at you, so what. As long as you understand, that’s all the really matters. People might laugh, think you’re stupid, etc, but hey, you could have helped someone else who might have had the same question.
“I never have any money in my pocket cause I’m subsidizing your tuition” – Robert Gateman.
Today, after 4 hours of Robert Gateman’s Micoeconomics class, I headed down to the CBC Vancouver studios to watch Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Excited, since it was my first time watching the game downtown on the big screen, but also kind of mad at the NBC scheduling, since my class ended at 6. Oh well.
If you havent watched a game downtown before, it is definitely one of those bucket list to do items. There is just so much energy and excitement, and it is amazing to share the same feelings with a large group of people around you. When Luongo makes that save, we all yell “Luuuuuuu” and and erupt into deafening screams and cheers as Raffi scores the winning goal. We all bite our nails together and squirm as Chara handles the puck. It is really an emotional rollercoaster, watching our boys, but something that we do together.
It is a really great community of hockey fans, and I really love how the city has embraced the spirit of the game. From big Canucks flags draped in store windows, to this
we really support through and through. One of my favourite parts were the spontaneous chants:
“We want the cup!”
“3 more!”
“Go Canucks Go!”
Moreover, I really love the community aspect of the game. The Stanley Cup is not just a win for the team, but a win for our city, and may I daresay, for Canada? Its been a long time since Lord Stanley’s cup has come back to Canada. But hey, even EA sports predicts our win. This is our year!
One of my favourite things to do every year is to attend the EP!C Sustainable Living Expo, held at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.
It’s great to see all the environmentally sustainable things available in Vancouver at this Expo, from food, medicine, clothing, fashion to cleaning products. I love just browsing the aisles for hours and I’m always inspired by the cool things people are doing to be sustainable. Greenest city in the world? I think so! Having an entire expo just dedicated to the environment and free trade products really speaks to Vancouver’s priorities and values. It shows the world that we are green and that going green is not only important, but cool. My favourite part, of course is trying the samples. Way better than costco samples!
EP!C was especially “epic” this year, because Mr George Stroumboulopoulos was a featured presenter. Erin Cebula of Global BC asked George questions and moderated discussion. For an hour on the main stage, he talked about various things, and ultimately, the importance of sustainability.
“That’s what sustainability is, leaving the planet in good shape for future generations”
He even gave a nice shoutout to our “bike-riding” mayor, Gregor Robertson.
Listening to George speak is always a pleasure. He really engages the audience and actively listens to the questions that come to him. What makes him such a cool guy is that he loves chatting with his fans stayed till the very end until everyone who wanted to talk to him got the chance to do so. Thats usually not the case for busy people like strombo, but hey, he’s one of a kind and a class act.
After five weeks of campaigning, English/French debates, townhall meetings and numerous handshakes, Canada went to the polls, and gave PM Stephen Harper what he has been wanting all along; a majority.
Yesterday I sat nervously by my television, watching as the numbers fluctuated, but steadily went up for the Conservative Party. This was the most nervous I felt in a long time (Game 7 between the Canucks and the Blackhawks coming a close 2nd). As the number was hoovering around 154, I knew that the votes weren’t going to go in the Liberal’s favour.
However pleased/displeased Canadians were at the results, no one can deny that this was truly a historic election in Canada, with many firsts. The first majority for Harper, the first time the Liberals received such a low number of seats, the first time the NDP is in opposition, the first time a Green party member is elected. Following all the major news outlets for the past five weeks, I already had a feeling that history would be made, and I really enjoyed watching CBC’s political analysts predict possible outcomes. I was more interested about this election than I have ever been before, as I knew this would be a defining moment in history. But my enthusiasm about this election was also due to the fact this was the first time I would be able to vote!
I must say, I felt quite important putting a small X next to my candidate of choice. I even requested to keep my voting card, and paused for a second, ballot in hand, hovering around the slit to which I was to put my ballot. I realized how lucky I was to be living in a country where I could choose my government. It really made me think of something that Ignatieff said during his last town hall:
“This is Canada. We all get one vote. You get one, I get one, he gets one, she gets one. No one is better than anyone else, we are all equal.”
So even though you might not be happy about the results, that’s democracy folks. I guess this is good time for the Liberals to do some thinking and reflect on what might have gone wrong. Do you think the Liberals need a more charismatic leader? There are speculations about Justin Trudeau…
And me, trying to see the positive side despite the results… WHERE did mini harper come from? I always remember him as being a small kid… anyways I am in no way creepy, remember that. Check out this picture, courtesy of http://iammichellepham.wordpress.com/
So, based on all the status updates by my wonderful high school friends, UBC just sent out their offers of acceptance today. Congratulations!
I know that this doesn’t mean you have accepted your offer, as you most likely will waiting for other offers or deciding on which one you will accept. Either way, this is a pretty exciting time, and maybe after reading this blog post you will be convinced to accept your offer to my “hood”, UBC!
Just this past Monday marked the end of my first year experience as a UBC Arts student. First, I must say how fast time flies. It honestly seemed like yesterday that I was waving my glowstick at Imagine Day…
I was in the Coordinated Arts Program- Global Citizens, and I highly recommend it to all incoming arts students. CAP offers smaller class sizes and assignments that compliment each other. I liked the Global Citizens stream because it really focused on international relations and global issues. There are 4 mandatory course: Sociology 100, Poli Sci 100, Geography 122 and ASTU 100. My favourite course was Geo, as Professor David Ley is probably the funniest prof ever. He’s really British and makes these dry jokes that are funny cause he thinks they are funny! Gotta love that toothless grin. I love that in university all the profs (at least the ones that I had this year) are so knowledgeable and are really passionate about their jobs. And it is also really interesting to talk to them about their specific field of study and their research they do outside of the classroom. I also really enjoyed History 103 with Professor Steven Lee and French 123 with Ann Scott (these courses I took in addition to the CAP courses)
Tip #1: Go to office hours! Profs honestly want to help you do the best you can, and they love when students make an effort
I know many of you will be scared, but dont be! Theres so many services and opportunities for you, and you can really find your niche here. Join a club, student government, or drop by the CSI in Brock Hall. And as many have told you already, academics are really only a part of UBC! There’s so much stuff here, its overwhelming sometimes!
Tip #2: Pick a few things that you dedicate yourself to, and don’t try to do everything! And dont be afraid to try new things, be fearless!
If you have a chance, check out UBC Place and Promise It talks about the President, Stephen Toope, and his visions and goals for the university as a whole.
Lastly, make sure to come by the Arts Undergraduate Society‘s Offices and say hi! I am the AUS VP Academic for the upcoming year, which means I will be in charge of academics in the AUS. So if you have any problems academically, grievances, or would like to attend academic conferences or have any academic questions, or any questions in general, tweet me! Id love to give you advice. I will also be organizing Meet the Dean sessions (you can come and hang out with our Dean of Arts, Gage Averill, whos a pretty cool guy!) and I will also be starting up the Arts Last Lecture again!
Tip #3: Come to our AUS events! We have a really cool party called Mardi Gras in January! We got Hood Internet last year!
So, whether or not you choose UBC as you place of study, I wish you luck with you future endeavors! And I also do realize that post secondary is not for everyone as well. Just make the right decision for you, and don’t choose an institution just because of its name or prestige. Just do what you love and love what you do
Just a little of what we do at UBC, as you’ve probably seen already!
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. -Mark Twain
Hello everyone, hope you had a good weekend! Tanya here, your media coordinator for the SLC 2012.
Today marked the end of the SLC retreat to Camp Alexandra in Whiterock. We had started our 3 day retreat on Friday in the CSI, and ended it amidst the waves and beautiful sunshine at Crescent Beach.
I’ll admit, at first thought, I was a little uneasy about this retreat. I knew there would be fun times and bonding, however, I was quite nervous about how the sleeping situations would be. Based on experience with AUS retreats, these camps usually have small cots that aren’t the most comfy, and lets just say, it is usualy advisable not to look down at your mattress, as it is a classic case of “what you don’t know wont hurt you.” However, after this week I am glad to say I was proven wrong.
We did the typical bonding activities, such as small icebreakers and games to test our communication skills. We also did colour tests (to see what our personality was), some drawing and card games. What was also important was that we also learned more about our individual roles, and how they connect with other portfolios and the whole scope of the conference. But these weren’t just games, they were an opportunity to get to know each other and foster that trust and communication. Because a big part of putting on the conference is helping us grow as leaders. It is quite hard to capture in words, the amount of support I felt from the group. Being the youngest, I was at first a little nervous about meeting these people, as they would be older and have that much more experience. However, bonding with everyone was truly a great experience, and there are definitely many to whom I look up to. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a retreat, you’ll find out that it is the most unforgettable experience. Hard to describe, but for me it was one of the first times I felt so connected with a small group of people, and really made me feel a part of the UBC community.
My favourite part of the weekend would definitely have to be the dress making. In a nutshell, we were divided into groups of 6, and each person had a role. The object was to take a bunch of newspapers and create an outift out of newspaper and tape. There was one model, one tape cutter, and two who worked on the dress. Catch being, only 2 people were allowed the talk, forcing us to communicate via frantic hand gestures and animated facial expressions. I loved this activity because not only did it teach us about communication, but was just so fun and creative. We finished off the activity with a run way show, in which all the models were able to strut their stuff across the Camp Alexandra runway. I must say, Aaron, who modeled a Lady Gaga inspired dress, stole the show as he was hot, bold and fierce, smizing all the way. They won first place!
Overall, however tiring, it was truly an amazing weekend that Ill never forget. For me it was about making those connections, and I really appreciated the many people who went out of their way to talk to a little naive first year like me and made me feel welcome.
This is Tanya, signing off.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
