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Five study tips and tricks

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Exam season is stressful, and many students are feeling overwhelmed and tired. However, a good study schedule with breaks can help in this busy season! Here are five study tips and tricks to help you get through finals.

1. Schedule deadlines and exam dates

First, grab a pen and start by outlining all critical deadlines and exam dates. Then sort them depending on the dates and importance. Prioritize your work. Allocate adequate time to each section, ensuring you can revise properly and submit your assignments on time. 

Suppose you need help determining where to begin or how to plan your schedule. In that case, Memorial University of Newfoundland has an academic success center. They provide various resources ranging from peer-assisted learning, events and workshops, help center and learning support. For more information, please visit https://www.mun.ca/munup/academic-success-centre/ Students can also use test banks, mnemonics and quizzes to practice their syllabus.

2. Study in a distraction-free environment 

Studying in a distraction-free space will help you concentrate. Tidying your room and lighting your favourite candle are simple but effective ways to motivate studying. If students would like to book study spaces at MUN, they may do so online by visiting the Study Spaces page on the Memorial University Libraries website at: https://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/studyspaces/

3. Stay hydrated and eat regularly 

Be sure to eat and hydrate well. Multiple studies suggest that students who eat healthy fats, nutrients and fibre-rich foods tend to solve problems easier and remember information. Students studying on campus might find this helpful article to find food of their preference

For those who prefer home cooking and would like easy recipe ideas, please visit https://themuse.ca/benefits-of-eating-the-rainbow/

4. Take breaks and rest

The brain requires rest to remain focused. Some applications, such as Pomodoro and my Study Life, might come in handy. Sleep and rest also help students’ concentration and academic performance. 

Students are encouraged to unwind and take breaks in between sessions. For example, Students can walk around Long Pond, located behind the Business Administration Building. Memorial University also offers free gym memberships to its students at The Works

5. Stay calm and focused

Exam season is stressful, but following the tips above can help you stay calm and focused. Discipline, consistency, and a positive attitude go a long way!

Do your best and good luck with your exams!

Snow “just kind of okay,” says MUNL international student

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With the recent influx of snow descending on St. John’s, our campus has been redesigned in a flurry of winter beauty and spirit. This winter beauty may be nothing new to St. John’s locals and other domestic students of Canada. Still, we must remember that only some on campus are familiar with the frozen phenomenon in person.

With nearly 4,000 of Memorial University’s 20,000 students hailing from over 100 countries, it is no surprise that many first-years on campus have never seen snow.

In celebration of the fresh snowfall, The Muse interviewed an international student about their first experience with Canadian winter. We invited a first-year engineering student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to weigh in on his thoughts surrounding the flurries.

“It’s okay,” the student stated during the interview.

The Muse inquired about his prior snow experience, and he replied that he had never seen snowfall in person. This fact did not seem to significantly influence his emotional reaction to the snow.

“It’s alright. It’s kind of cold. That’s okay, I guess. I’d really like to get to classes. I have a lab in ten minutes,” said the student.

Eager to find out what most of our equator-adjacent student population has to say about the snow, The Muse asked about the general attitude towards the sudden weather changes among the student’s friends.

“They think it’s okay,” he commented.

He clarified that this would be his final comment on the matter by turning and walking toward the Core Science Facility. However, shortly after the interview’s completion on Thursday, the twenty-fourth, The Muse received an email from the interviewee requesting to change his official stance on the snow.

According to student reports, a large-scale snowball fight event occurred outside of the Gushue Dining Hall around the time of the email. The student we interviewed was heavily involved, reportedly losing the fight to a fellow engineering first-year.

“It’s melting down my back,” he hastily wrote. “This is a nightmare.”

MUNSU delivers pink slip to MUNL President Vianne Timmons

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Disclaimer: The Muse was notified of MUNSU’s protest in advance— allowing for planned coverage of the incident. The Muse did not participate in the protest

President Vianne Timmons had to abruptly close Memorial’s Report to the Community event yesterday (Friday, December 2nd) as members of MUNSU silently protested and delivered a “pink slip,” implying President Timmons was fired on behalf of the students. 

President Timmons (in red) leaving the left side of the stage along with Chief Risk Officer McDougall.

The pink slip cited President Timmons

  • failure to secure sufficient public funding for Memorial University
  • Misspending of existing public funds on lavish salaries, office renovations and administrative bloat
  • Exploiting international students via differential fees
  • Saddling students with insurmountable student debt
  • Failure to develop a university budget that does not double tuition fees and ensures accessible education for all.

Following the silent protest, the events’ live cameras shut down, and the President was consulted by other administrative staff.

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President Timmons consulting Chief Risk Officer McDougall as MUNSU steals the spotlight shortly before opting to end the event early.

After the Community Report concluded early, Timmons uncomfortably thanked attendees for coming but was drowned out by music from the event. MUNSU then blocked Timmons from the audience with the giant-sized pink slip as she urged attendees to partake in refreshments and snacks offered at the back of the room.

Timmons closes the event as protestors work to block her visibility.

After the event, Memorial’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Greg McDougall followed the MUNSU members out of the auditorium. 

McDougall informed MUNSU of administrative frustrations and plans to block the unions’ presence at committee meetings- a threat that some MUNSU members do not believe to be permitted by the MUNL’s regulations.

Chief Risk Officer confronting students at the Signal Hill Campus

NTV has claimed that the video above was taken by “MUNSU protestors” however it was reported for students’ interest by The Muse.

In a press release, MUNSU stated the “MUNL administration has proven time and time again that they are committed to silencing student and faculty voices in their pursuit of profit over people.”

The Muse will update as this story develops.

Part three: Allison Wragg’s update from Harlow

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Memorial University is one of two Canadian universities with a campus in the UK. At MUN’s Harlow Campus in Essex, students can take advantage of programs and internships in various subjects, including biology, business, education, pharmacy, fine arts and music. This semester, The Muse is following up with some students on their adventures abroad.

Allison Wragg, a third-year student at MUN, writes about her experiences at Harlow Campus.

Reflecting on Harlow

When reflecting on my time living in the UK, I could write about a million and one things. From first-time experiences in London and travelling all over Europe to the incredible work experience in the Innovation Corridor, many positives exist. Though there are countless things to write, I’d like to highlight my experience at Harlow Campus.

From the moment we arrived on Harlow campus, the staff were nothing but kind and considerate. They all had students on campus before and knew we were likely scared and unsure of the experience we would have. They became a comforting presence whenever we had questions about our rooms, suggestions for what to do in the UK, or even what snacks to buy at Tesco. The staff have always been happy to answer anything we’ve asked.

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Image credits: Allison Paige Wragg

‘Amazing staff’

As someone who’d never lived away from home, packing my bags and moving nearly 4,000km away from everything I was familiar with was daunting. I was curious to know what support we would have on campus and who would be around if we never needed anything. Despite my fears, I am so happy I decided to come to Harlow. Any of my previous uncertainties melted away when I first met the community that surrounds the students who come to live on campus.

Each morning, we’re greeted by cleaning and housekeeping staff who are tottering around doing their daily duties as we wake up. Though they’re often busy ensuring all students’ accommodations are comfortable and clean, it’s rare if they don’t stop for a chat. Though it started as small talk, I loved learning more about their lives throughout the trip. From their families, past travel stories, and even one who shared her passion for saving an old tree from being cut down, getting to know all of the housekeeping staff as they work on campus is always a highlight.

Heading downstairs, you’re greeted by four office staff each with their own stories. These four are likely the funniest group you would ever meet and are quick with a joke as soon as you swing by the front desk. One quick question can quickly turn into an hour of water cooler gossip with these folks, so it’s always best to avoid it if you want a productive day.

The little things

It’s also important to mention that this office staff officially founded weekly crisp rankings on campus and immediately invited students to join. Each week a new staff member brings in a bag of crisps for everyone to try, and everyone gets to rank them on taste, texture, appearance, and moreishness. Though they had to explain a few terms, like crisps meaning chips and moreishness meaning how likely you want more, we were thrilled to be in on their game. Though it doesn’t seem like much, even the gesture of letting us join their goofy weekly crisp rankings helped us feel more at home on campus.

As well, it’s impossible to go without mentioning the afternoon/evening receptionist whose kindness goes above all else. Within our first few weeks, she made us feel at home by bringing our cohort some pears she had picked from a tree in her backyard that she thought we would enjoy.

Once it hits 5:30 pm, all students are eager to head to the portals to greet the two on-campus cooks, not just for their incredible meals. Firstly there’s an ex-rugby player who has since dedicated his time to his passion for travel and cooking. Though living in the UK, we’ve tasted dishes from all over Europe thanks to his experiences. There’s also the queen of sweets on campus, who serves an incredible dessert each night with a loving smile.

Of course, this only goes with a daily catch-up chat where she’ll listen closely to everything you say. I once mentioned a love for mint chocolate in passing, and the next day she brought in a mint chocolate bar I’d never tasted before for me to try. She always thinks of the students on campus, even when we aren’t around.

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Image credits: Allison Paige Wragg

Finally, I have to mention the security staff. After coming in from a night at the nearby pub, it’s become a tradition to ask one of the very friendly security guards, who we’ve lovingly nicknamed “P-Bear,” what movie he’s watching. He has a binder full of DVDs which he rotates through on night shifts. He’ll usually respond with something horror related and follow up with some ghost stories, which certainly aren’t my cup of tea but are fun to listen to nonetheless.

Home away from home

To any students worried about coming to Harlow campus, don’t be. It’s easier said than done from my perspective as someone who’s been living here for a few months now, but I can reassure you that your experience living on Harlow campus will be incredible. Though it’s been fun to travel around Europe and explore new places, at the end of each trip, I always look forward to coming back to my new home, and that truly speaks volumes when you consider just how cool it is to explore Europe.

Harlow has truly become a home away from home for the other students and me. So to any students who may be worried about living away from home for the first time, know that here you’ll always have a support system through the constant caring and generous attitudes of not just the staff but the new family you’ll find on Harlow campus.

MUN Clubs and Societies: Memorial BAJA

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MUN BAJA is a student-led society. The team participates in a yearly event by designing a competition-spec Baja buggy to compete with other north American schools in competitions across Canada and the United States.

As explained by Andrew Harris, who is in the student body, this club aims to give students a chance to undertake a hands-on approach to engineering design. This comes in the form of designing and fabricating a Baja buggy from the ground up and tackling various challenges. From 3D design and metal work to electrical work and even work that does not necessarily pertain to engineering, like reaching out to sponsors, networking, and developing sales pitches for our competitions.

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New students can directly join in new projects and are brought up to date on projects. Once briefed, they can start attending team meetings or even help develop the Baja buggy! To join interested students, you can email one of the two co-leads, Andrew Harris, at aharris19@mun.ca or Logan Palmer at lrpalmer@mun.ca.

Follow the team on their Meta Page @memorialbaja to follow their progress and be updated about the latest events!

Part II: Pandemic Publication Celebration

Part two of the English Faculty’s Pandemic Publication Celebration on November 17th featured readings from ­­­­four new books written by MUNL English professors.

Like the first part of this event, the night was a great success. Dr. Joel Deshaye hosted Drs. Pedri, Geck, and Ormsby as they read from their recently published works.

Read about Part I of the Pandemic Publication Celebration here.

A Concise Dictionary of Comics and Experiencing Visual Storyworlds

Dr. Nancy Pedri took the floor with readings from her two new books, first reading from A Concise Dictionary of Comics and then from Experiencing Visual Storyworlds.

Dr. Pedri

Dr. Pedri is the English Department Head at Memorial University. Her primary research fields include comics studies, word and image studies, and photography in literature. She frequently teaches courses in these areas and has published numerous articles and edited several books on these diverse topics. Some of her previous edited (and co-edited) collections include: 

  • Picturing the Language of Images (2013) 
  • The Narrative Functions of Photography in Comics (2015)
  • Enlightening Encounters: Photography in Italian Literature (2015)

She received the James Phelan Award in 2012 for the article “Focalization in Graphic Narrative,” which she co-authored for the journal Narrative.

(Photo credit: https://ohiostatepress.org/books/titles/9780814215029.html)

Dr. Pedri’s Concise Dictionary of Comics facilitates the study of comics for students and scholars alike. When Dr. Deshaye asked Dr. Pedri why she felt a dictionary of comics was necessary to assemble, she responded that there was an absence of consistent terminology in the field of comics and that such a dictionary could provide scholars with an anchor for their work.

The dictionary includes over 1000 terms related to the study of comics with clear and—as the title indicates—concise definitions. Some of these definitions accompany lively illustrations from the graphic artist Chuck Howitt that provide a visual example of a given term. Additionally, the dictionary contains a bibliography of current scholarship on comics. Dr. Pedri read some of these definitions and displayed Howitt’s images during the book launch.

Concise Dictionary of Comics Cover with authors names
Experiencing Visual Storyworlds Cover

She then turned to her second publication, Experiencing Visual Storyworlds, a collection of essays she co-edited with Silke Horstkotte, which “illuminates how comics express what characters and narrators see, think, and feel.” The book explores previous definitions of focalization, or “the filtering of a story through the minds of characters and narrators.” She read from the book’s opening, including her expanded definition of focalization. This topic is of such interest to her, she explained to Dr. Deshaye, because it allows readers to explore their favourite characters in greater depth and thus makes reading comics a more dynamic and personal process.

Beer and Brewing in Medieval Culture and Contemporary Medievalism

Next, Dr. John Geck read from Beer and Brewing in Medieval Culture and Contemporary Medievalism which he edited alongside Rosemary O’Neill and Noelle Phillips.

Dr. Geck is an Associate Professor at MUNL whose scholarly interests focus on medieval literature, particularly the historical contexts of late medieval English drama and medieval literary place and space. Dr. Geck’s previous publications include

  •  ‘On the yestern day, in Feverere, yere passeth fully’: On the dating and prosopography of Mankind (2009), 
  • For Goddes love, sir, mercy!:’ Recontextualising the Modern Critical Text of Floris and Blancheflor’ (2011)
  • Interrogating Chivalry and the Hunt in the Auchinleck Guy of Warwick (2012).
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Beer and Brewing in Medieval Culture Cover

Dr. Geck’s book, Beer and Brewing in Medieval Culture and Contemporary Medievalismprovides “a cross-cultural analysis of the role that alcohol consumption played in literature, social and cultural history, and gender roles in the Middle Ages.” The book examines medieval beer production and consumption elements, which are frequently exploited for modern-day marketing purposes. In doing so, it also raises questions about some of the problems associated with such medievalist tendencies.

Before diving into his reading, Dr. Geck spoke with Dr. Deshaye about the evolution of women’s roles in beer culture from ancient Egyptian goddesses to medieval beer “wenches” to Hooters waitresses. Beer and Brewing dedicate three chapters to exploring the gender roles historically associated with beer in great detail.

Dr. Geck then read from the chapter on Beer and Brewing he wrote, entitled “Codex Cervisarius: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Medievalism of Craft Beer in Quebec and Ontario.” His reading drew attention to the role of nostalgia in the beer market using different examples of current beer labels that contain medievalism’s. His reading highlighted some of the dangers associated with nostalgia by pointing to specific brands that use crusades and colonial imagery in a nostalgic way. However, he also highlighted several modern designs that play with medieval images and nostalgia far more positively.

Shakespeare and Tourism

To wrap the night up, Dr. Robert Ormsby read from the book that he edited with Valerie Clayman Pye called Shakespeare and Tourism.

Dr. Ormsby at podium
Photo credit: Memorial University Department of English

Dr. Ormsby is an Associate Professor of English at Memorial University who teaches early modern English drama. His research is centered on Shakespeare’s literature, Shakespeare in performance, and theatre history. Previously, Dr. Ormsby has authored performance-oriented editions of Julius Caesar (2006) and Coriolanus (2014), he also edited The Shakespearean World alongside Jill Levenson (2017) and his essays have appeared in journals such as Cahiers Élisabéthains, Modern Drama, and Shakespeare Bulletin.

Shakespeare and Tourism “provides a dialogical mapping of Shakespeare studies and touristic theory through a collection of essays by scholars on a wide range of material.” The collection traces the evolution of Shakespeare tourism using examples from around the world to illustrate the importance of this thriving industry.

To preface Dr. Ormsby’s reading, Dr. Deshaye asked the author to discuss the purpose of writing about tourism that revolves around Shakespeare. Dr. Ormsby explained how studying Shakespeare and tourism in conjunction with one another can offer valuable insight into both fields that could not be gained otherwise. Such studies bring to light vital aspects and concerns of cultural heritage in the places where Shakespeare tourism can be found.

Shakespeare and Tourism Cover

Dr. Ormsby’s reading drew from his chapter of the book: “Festival Shakespeare and Newfoundland as Tourist Place.” This reading provided a local example of vibrant Shakespeare-centered tourism by discussing Perchance Theatre in Cupids. It also explored how Shakespeare tourism can evolve even within a given tourist sight by indicating that this theatre’s focus has shifted in its decade of operation.

A Word from the Authors

I spoke with the three authors personally at the end of the evening and first asked each to elaborate on what initially inspired their respective projects.

Dr. Pedri shared that her inspiration for writing A Concise Dictionary of Comics came from a somewhat heated debate about the imprecision prevalent in the field of comics with a fellow comic scholar, Diana Schutz. Fortunately, this heated discussion led the two scholars to realize that there was a need for a volume like Dr. Pedri’s dictionary to fill in some of the gaps in the field. In the end, Diana Schutz ended up providing Dr. Pedri with continued encouragement throughout her project, and Dr. Pedri even decided to dedicate her dictionary to her.

Similarly, Drs. Geck and Ormsby, the idea for their projects, came to light during literary conferences. Dr. Geck approached the idea for the book  Beer and Brewing during a medieval international congress. Dr. Ormsby, who had already been studying the correlation between Shakespeare and tourism, first considered expanding the topic into a book during a conference with his co-editor Valerie Clayman Pye.

The authors had differing responses, however, concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their publications. For Dr. Pedri, the pandemic presented her with some unforeseen free time that allowed her to focus on her two books, whereas for Drs. Geck and Ormsby, the pandemic’s effects were primarily adverse as it impeded their research projects and even forced some of their collaborators to back out of the project.

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Photo credit: Alexandra Brothers

The authors also shared some of the most rewarding aspects of their projects with me.

Dr. Pedri has received positive feedback about her dictionary, as people express the utility of the resource.- feedback which is incredibly gratifying. She is happy to know that her project has a practical use that can allow her field of interest to become more accessible to everyone. In terms of Experiencing Visual Storyworlds, Dr. Pedri explained that she was very excited to bring her various interests together and collaborate with other scholars on the topic.

Seeing so many people with different perspectives come together to work on such an interesting topic was especially rewarding for Dr. Geck. He was also pleased to be able to explore his interest in beer and brewing at length.

Dr. Ormsby likewise talked about the benefits of collaboration and how much he enjoyed reading other scholars’ work on the subject. He also explained that he loves writing about Newfoundland tourism in particular and is a fan of the work done at Cupids, so he was happy to be able to dedicate a chapter of his book to this topic.

Alternative Protein Sources for Students

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Featured Image by Shayda Torabi on Unsplash

Protein consumption is vital. Our body requires protein to repair cells and generate new ones. Protein also helps in keeping our bones healthy, promoting muscle growth and improving skin health. As students and working adults, protein should be a non-negotiable part of our diet. Consuming protein does not have to be expensive. In this article I will discuss some affordable yet easy protein sources.

Firstly, consuming protein powder is a very easy way to meet your daily protein goals. There are multiple types of protein powder available in the market as of now, ranging from Whey Protein (including concentrate, isolate, and casein) and plant-based protein. Before selecting one, be sure to read the nutritional labels and consult a professional if needed. One scoop of protein powder is usually between 20 grams to 25 grams. 

Another amazing protein source is Greek yogurt. In a 100-gram serving, there are approximately 10 grams of protein. Greek yogurt is very versatile and can be used as a marinade, snack, and even breakfast! They can be blended with fruits to make the most beautiful smoothie bowls as well.

One other very affordable source of protein is tofu. In a 100 grams servings, there are approximately 8 grams of protein that boosts metabolism. It is also a good vegan and vegetarian. Tofu can be deep-fried, baked and even pan-fried. The possibilities are endless.

Alternatively, one cheap protein option are soya beans. In a single serving, there are approximately 50 grams of protein. Soya chunks need to be soaked in water for at least a good hour. They can then be used in stir fry meals and in curries.

Lastly, eggs are a great source of protein. A medium-sized egg has about 7 grams of protein. Eggs can be shopped in bulk throughout the island and are comparatively cheaper than meat and chicken. It can be consumed boiled, fried and the possibilities are endless.

For high-protein meal ideas, I will be attaching links to the Women’s Health Magazine and Healthline:

For high-protein meal ideas, you can visit the links below:

Womens Health Magazine – 25 High-Protein Meals:

Healthline – 16 Foods for High Protein Meals:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/high-protein-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

Getting ready for the Canadian Winter

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Featured Image by Steven Wright on Unsplash

Winter in Newfoundland, while beautiful, can be pretty tough—especially for newcomers to the province. Temperatures can drop down between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius, sometimes lower. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prepare for the cold weather. 

1. Keep SAD at bay

In the winter, colder and shorter days can increase the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Like depression, SAD symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite, weight gain, insomnia, increased irritability and stress, and many others. About 15% of Canadians will experience a mild case of SAD. To prevent this, ensure you stay active and receive plenty of Vitamin D through sunlight. According to Health Canada, food sources of Vitamin D include milk and milk products. 

2. Update your winter wardrobe

Winter jackets, good boots, earmuffs, hats, and gloves are essentials. Many stores around town sell affordable winter wear. The Fall 2022 MUN Student Handbook by the Internationalization Office provides some great advice about buying winter clothes and shopping Black Friday sales on November 25th for great deals on sweaters and coats. Extra layers will help you stay comfortable as the weather gets cold while embracing all the winter vibes!

3. Stock up on food

In case of an emergency or heavy snowfall (like Snowmaggedon!), stocking up on food can be incredibly important if people are stuck at home. To prepare for such conditions, people can buy canned goods like tuna and soup and dry goods like chips, biscuits and energy bars. Water and toilet paper are also important to store in case of emergencies. If power is shut off due to extreme weather conditions, having a portable battery charger and battery-powered lights can be very useful.

4. Have fun!

Newfoundland offers many exciting winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and winter festivals. In November and December, many great markets pop up in St John’s for some Christmas shopping—these include the Festive Market at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, the Winter Wonderland Market, Etsy’s St. John’s Holiday Market, and the Last-Minute Christmas Market. Also, take pictures of your first snowfall and grab a warm cup of coffee!

Update: The Period Priority Project

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November 6th, 2022, marked the six-month anniversary of the Period Priority Project.

“As of today, 13 026 menstrual products have been distributed,”

The Period Priority Project has made incredible strides since the Muse spoke with its founder, Leisha Toory, back in July. Over the last few months, they have distributed far more menstrual products, extending their reach outside Newfoundland. The Period Priority Project has made menstrual products more accessible in Nova Scotia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and the Yukon. 

There has also been significant growth in terms of support. Many people have reached out and donated through both Instagram and Twitter. This includes monetary donations of up to $1000 by individuals not known personally by the project or its founder.

Free menstrual product stations on campus,

Menstrual pads and tampons are available in the gender-inclusive washroom on the third floor of the Queen Elizabeth II library (L3020). Toory chose this on-campus washroom because it is open to all who experience menstruation.

Other menstrual product stations can be found in the Arts and Administration lobby (AA2018A and AA2018B) and on the 4th floor of the Core Science Facility (CSF 4200C).

Follow @periodpriorityproject for updates on when each station is refilled!

Workshops at PWC

A free workshop is now being held at Prince of Whales Collegiate (PWC) for anyone interested in making reusable cloth pads. No prior sewing experience is required, and all materials are supplied. The workshops take place every Monday and are open to all high school and university students. 

If you’re interested in attending the workshop, send a direct message to their Instagram linked below!

Accessibility to reusable pads

With access to clean water, reusable pads are both an accessible and sustainable choice, which can quite easily be taken for granted. When looking to supply reusable menstrual cups to communities in the Yukon, Toory ran into an unanticipated barrier. 

The Yukon continues to struggle with a lack of clean water supply. This has inhibited Toory from sending reusable menstrual cups as they cannot be cleaned without access to clean water.

“There is still so much that has to be done in many different aspects,” said Toory.

What’s to come…

The Period Priority Project aims to make menstrual products as accessible as possible; this includes having access to free menstrual products in women’s shelters and, hopefully, one day, taking the concept of a food bank and creating the equivalent for period products—a ‘period supply bank’ if you will.

Toory’s goal is to open a building within our community that can supply free menstrual products, as no one should have to choose between food, shelter, and menstrual products.

Numerous people have also shown interest in reusable pads and period underwear. Sustainability is essential to the Period Priority Project; however, so is affordability. With further funding, Toory plans to make sustainable, environmentally friendly products far more accessible.

This project has already developed immensely over the last few months. Toory has impacted many lives through her advocacy and promotion of menstrual equity. Her project continues to contribute to a crucial conversation surrounding menstruation, emphasizing the importance of talking openly and tearing down the stigma surrounding this topic.

Donations

Donations can be made directly by contacting The Period Priority Project through their Instagram or Twitter page.

For more information on donations and the project itself, reach out to The Period Priority Project through one of the following social media platforms:

Avalon Expo Pop-Culture Convention Sees Excitement and Local Buzz

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It was a busy weekend at the Holiday Inn in St John’s as the annual Avalon Expo convention went ahead.

Located on Portugal Cove Road, the Holiday Inn hosted the Expo, which saw many excited people from various pop-culture communities and fans attending the annual convention.

The room appeared to be buzzing with excitement as people expressed their interest in many fandoms, communities, and entertainment cultures.

Additionally, it was common to see many people cosplaying and dressing as their favourite characters.

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Local Vendor Dressed up as Deadpool

“It was nice to see people into geek culture gathered into one place and be passionate about similar things,” said Sonny, a Memorial student and first-time attendee.

“The best part about it is all the different folk coming together as vendors and having some really interesting things on sale,” says Sonny.

The room was packed with vendors and booths selling and offering various merchandise such as comics, video games, collectibles, art, posters, board games, Legos, Funko Pops, and more.

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Local Vendor selling various art
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Local attendants cosplaying

The Expo also had various guest stars in attendance, such as Jenny Yokobori, a voice actor, Irma Gerd, an artist and Lori E White, an animator.

Avalon Expo estimates that the weekend event saw over 1000 people attending the convention.