Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was an incredibly religious celebration or was treated as one before the drinking and merriment started in earnest. You can access a sermon from the Memorial University library by a very zealous Rev. Doctor Howley at the Cathedral in St. John’s (Howley, 1869). Canada’s province, Newfoundland and Labrador, recognize St. Patrick’s day as a public holiday due to their historical connection to Ireland. At least one attempt has been made by another province to have it recognized as a civic holiday and was turned down because of its connection to religious practices (Janice Tibbetts, 2004). However, for most, it is an extremely secular holiday, which can be seen especially in celebrations all over the world.
Enough green dye is dumped into the Chicago River every year to turn it green for several hours. Very specifically, the emerald green that has become associated with St. Patrick’s Day. The story of how this started is that it was not an accident. A plumber had spilled the dye on themselves to check for leaks in the pipes, and the manager noticed it was the perfect shade for the upcoming celebrations. Being a little too zealous with the idea, they ended up using enough dye to turn the river green for an entire week. The tradition was kept with far less vegetable-based dye (Langan, 2022).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, they have El Dia de San Patricio, a mixing of cultures in part due to Buenos Aires’ sizeable Irish population. The parade is one of the largest in the world. Interestingly, the celebration is not always the same day as others internationally. Most festivities start on or during the week of March 17 and continue the day(s) after, but in Buenos Aires, the live music and events can start well before.
Starting initially to introduce Irish culture to Japan, there have been as many as 15 different parades held in the country, the most prominent in Tokyo. The main parade is led by an individual dressed up as St. Patrick, includes all forms of Irish and Japanese music and dance, and has members of the countries’ sports teams. An Irish reporter who travelled to Tokyo to attend the celebrations has fascinating observations about how the cultures are mixed around the celebrations and beyond (O’Doherty, 2019).
Consumerism and other factors have made St. Patrick’s Day a more secular celebration than past times. Parts of it have also been forgotten. This includes some practices of celebrating the day after, such as Shellagh’s day or The Saint’s Wife. But it is clearly still an important cultural event for those of Irish descent and is a unifying identity internationally.
References:
Dermody, K. C. (2019, May 24). 18 of the World’s Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Events. Trips to Discover. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.tripstodiscover.com/18-of-the-worlds-biggest-and-best-st-patricks-day-events/.
Howley. (1869). Sermon preached by the Rev. Doctor Howley in the Cathedral, St. John’ s on the feast of St. Patrick, 1869.
Janice Tibbetts. (2004). MP proposes mid-winter day off, suggests St. Patrick’s Day: Final Edition. Edmonton Journal.
Langan, S. (2022, February 18). Watch: Dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick’s Day is mesmerizing. IrishCentral. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/st-patricks-day-chicago-river-green.
O’Doherty, C. (2019, May 24). Irish Tokyo: why Japan hosts 15 St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals each year. IrishCentral. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/japan-st-patricks-day.
Mid-semester, sleep might seem hard to find. Many students are stressed and overwhelmed with midterms, assignments, and preparing for exams. However, it is still essential to take care of yourself and make time for sleep.
For reference, I have struggled with sleep apnea for years. When I was sixteen, preparing for my Cambridge Exams, I started neglecting my sleep. I woke up at 5 am, took mathematics classes for three hours, then went to school for eight hours, and then back to tuition after school. Once home, I would have dinner and dive into my homework again. I slept for barely four hours a day. This went on for months. The hard work indeed paid off, but I was left exhausted for years. It came to a point where I had no motivation. I was depressed and had to opt for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
CBT-I has provided me with some great tips and data, which we will discover together.
1. You need a comfortable environment for a good night’s sleep
The ideal room temperature to sleep well is around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Your room needs to be tidy, cool, quiet, and of course, dark (if preferred).
2. Ensure that your bed is a clean space.
Wash your sheets regularly and make your bed every morning. Keeping your room tidy and clean will automatically make it appealing.
3. Invest in candles.
I have found this to be very therapeutic. I usually buy lavender-infused candles as they help me with my anxiety. You may even opt to purchase lavender oil for its calming and relaxing properties and spray some in your bed.
4. Invest in your bedding!
Studies show that most people complain about back pain when sleeping. The solution is simple. Invest in your bedding!
5. Take a hot shower right before bed
Taking a hot shower before bed really helps. It loosens up phlegm, helps blood circulation in muscles, and provides a sense of relaxation. There are many excellent shower products you can use to increase relaxation, such as massage bars and your favourite scented shower gel.
6. Decrease caffeine.
My caffeine intake has been very high over the years. This resulted in worsening my sleep apnea. If an individual gets enough sleep, they will not need caffeine to fuel their day. Beverages such as coffee and energy drinks make it hard to sleep past a certain hour.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Yap (Via Unsplash)
7. Diet matters.
Consuming the correct number of vitamins and minerals helps have a healthier body. Fruits such as nuts are very beneficial as they are natural melatonin.
8. Moderate consumption of melatonin.
In addition to making changes in my diet, I have also increased my melatonin intake. The small tablets can be found easily at your local supermarket, and if consumed in moderation, it poses no threat!
9. Exercise
Keeping fit and active promoted a night of better sleep. My body was exhausted whenever I worked out, and sleep came naturally.
10. Meditation.
This is a classic example, yet many people do not know how to meditate. It is simple: sit upright, concentrate and practice breathing exercises. Calm, gentle music might help with concentration.
Photo Credit: Windows (via Unsplash)
11. Turn off any devices an hour at least before bedtime.
You may put your phone on “do not disturb”, set the ringer loud in case someone needs it urgently, set your alarm, and let your phone charge.
12. Read.
While your phone is off, take time to read. Your eye muscles have to work hard when reading, so they tire easily. So, grab a book/magazine of your liking and dive in!
To conclude, insomnia is real and affects many of us. However, with simple yet effective ways, one can find the pleasure of a good night’s sleep again. It requires a willingness to adopt more health-sustainable practices and use them regularly.
MUNSU has identified its polling issue, which forced a postponement in the 2022-2023 General Election.
In a tweet issued this afternoon, MUNSU states:
The MUNSU General Election remains delayed as @MemorialU ITS works to identify and repair coding issues within the Webvote system. We will provide an update to confirm election dates as soon as the system is repaired- the election will not be able to occur this week.
The issue identified was found within the code as 50 plus candidates were logged in the system as the Bangladeshi Student Association (BSA) and MUNSU General Elections were combined.
"There was an issue in the code that has been there for many years. This issue would only be experienced if there were 50 or more candidates, which has never been encountered to date. It was only discovered with this vote as MUNSU combined the BSA with the MUNSU General Election”
ITS has further identified a second issue within the coding that is impacting certain faculties. They have been in constant contact & have been running hundreds of tests in their test environment. We appreciate the patience and kindness of our MUNSU members as we work to fix this
The MUNSU General Election Polling has been postponed.
In a tweet issued on Monday, MUNSU announced:
“We are very disheartened to announce that we are making the decision to postpone the online webvote for the 2022-2023 MUNSU General Election as a result of errors and inconsistencies with the @MemorialU Banner system”.
We are very disheartened to announce that we are making the decision to postpone the online webvote for the 2022-2023 MUNSU General Election as a result of errors and inconsistencies with the @MemorialU Banner system. pic.twitter.com/iG4svoijjA
Voting was set to occur from 9 am on March 14th, ending at 9 pm on March 15th.
Plans changed, however, when students started reporting issues in submitting their polls shortly after the webvote opened.
Komran Mackey reported the software was improperly considering one of the finance representatives as an advocacy representative.
The Muse live-tweeted about the situation:
With the MUNSU general election opening this morning, some students are unable to vote properly through MUNSU Webvote. @MUNSU35 states that they will provide updates on social media regarding this issue.
MUNSU has informed us that a large amount of votes caused issues on the backend. With MUN IT on holiday, MUNSU has attempted to correct the backend as much as possible but some issues persist. If issues persist past 6:00pm, voting may be extended. Worst case, conducted in-person. https://t.co/lWnIt1cobq
Less than two hours later, the online webvote was postponed for the 2022-2023 MUNSU General Election, with no further word.
In the statement issues by MUNSU, Memorials banner system and COVID-19 difficulties were blamed- although one student believes the pandemic was used as a scapegoat excuse.
Candidate impact
While MUNSU is working hard to resolve the issues regarding the webvote, several candidates have voiced their frustration.
Bruce March states the situation was a surprise that caught him off guard.
“I was anticipating a normal election day. It’s definitely concerning when issues surrounding the vote arise and of course, that shakes trust in any electoral process. From my understanding the issue arose from problems with the banner system on the university’s end and MUNSU is doing all they can to handle this”.
Emily Dyer also says this situation has “definitely been frustrating since me, and a lot of other candidates have been working very hard during our campaign.” However, she is sympathetic to our student members, so many of them were excited to vote in this election. This delay has to be really frustrating for them in particular. However, it was unforeseen for the MUNSU staff, and they have been working really hard to resolve the issues. It sucks all around for everyone involved, and I hope it can get resolved soon”.
Turning Point for MUNSU?
Eva Redmond commented on the webvote situation: “While the issue is not the fault of MUNSU, as it’s an issue with MUNL’s system, it raises an interesting topic about MUNSU’s preparedness.”
MUNSU’s 2022-2023 election started on the wrong foot with an extended nomination period and has been described as “super hectic” by a student who prefers to remain anonymous.
Questions have been raised regarding the lack of backup plans. Why was the vote conducted when MUNL IT was on holiday?
Although MUNSU has been described as great with communicating by all candidates, the campaigning experience was primarily positive.
One candidate feels the elections policy needs a lot of revamping.
Eva Redmond states, “It needs to be more accessible and accommodating. The policy is too strict while at the same time not strict enough. The rules are vaguely written leaving a lot up to the CRO and candidates being fined due to improper information with regards to specific rules”.
The Canadian Blood Services have organized a blood donation clinic at Memorial University on March 16th (Wednesday) and March 17th (Thursday). The donation event will be conducted at the Bruneau Building Atrium. As the number of donations has decreased drastically due to the pandemic, the need for blood donors across Canada today is exceptionally high.
Eligible donors are encouraged to eat some salty snacks and drink 500 mL of water before their appointment, to improve the recovery of blood volume. Donors are also required to answer the wellness questionnaire provided before their appointment by an employee.
Appointment bookings, as well as more details about donor eligibility and the blood/plasma, stem cell, organ and tissue donation process, can be accessed at blood.ca. Various volunteering opportunities with the Canadian Blood Services are also available at blood.ca.
Canadian Blood Services’ are coming to MUNL this week.
Blood is the liquid that courses through the vessels inside our bodies to keep us functioning. It regulates body temperature, transports nutrients and hormones, removes waste products from organs, clots its platelets when injured, the list goes on.
Blood is vital to keep us alive, and so many people desperately need your blood donations.
As Canada’s biological lifeline, the “Canadian Blood Services’ collect life essentials such as blood, plasma, stem cells, organs, and tissues from generous donors for medical transfusions and transplants. The good news is– they’re coming to MUN on the 16th and 17th of March 2022! Please get ready to donate, you could save someone’s life!
The upcoming MUNSU elections will take place on March 14th from 9 am to March 15th at 9 pm. Voting is accessible online through MUN Student Self Service, and polling stations will be open for help at the QEII Library, the science lobby, the University Centre (UC).
Sixteen candidates are running in the 2022 MUNSU General Election.
MUNSU’s Executive comprises five positions. Below are brief descriptions of each role as stated on their website:
Director of External Affairs, Communications, and Research– Union’s spokesperson and connection to the external community.
Director of Advocacy– The Director of Advocacy leads all MUNSU’s advocacy initiatives.
Director of Student Life– The Director of Student Life organizes events to enrich your student experience.
Director of Finance and Services– The Director of Finance and Services is responsible for managing MUNSU’s budget overseeing Union services.
Director of Campaigns– The Director of Campaigns organizes and mobilizes to fight for students’ right to an accessible education.
Each executive position is full-time and will last the duration of Memorial University’s 2022-2023 academic year.
Find full candidate descriptions HERE on MUNSU’s website.
Disclaimer: Candidate descriptions do not depict the views of the respective MUNSU candidates. They do not reflect the views of The Muse or its staff in any way, shape, or form. All images are from the MUNSU Website.
The Muse has recapped each executive candidate’s town hall Q&A and linked the available bios from MUNSU’s website in preparation for voting. Each candidate’s description has a word limit of 300 words and underwent minor grammatical editing and formatting by the staff of The Muse. However, the content of the answers was left entirely unchanged by these adjustments per the candidates’ released information and statements.
Executive Director of Campaigns (Acclaimed)
Isabel Ojeda (She/her)
Isabel Ojeda is afourth-year Political Science student involved with CFSNL for two years. She is heavily involved in the Education Is A Right Campaign and believes the union needs to have a strong stance regarding Tuition Hikes. Isabel will work to amplify the student movement. She knows the history of MUNL’s tuition freeze. She is looking forward to seeing MUNSU in a less hectic situation as we move forward from hybrid learning. Isabel is also looking forward to meeting students who wouldn’t access social media posts. In her perspective, the most beneficial organizing happens when you can reach people on the ground.
Executive Director of External Affairs, Research, and Communication Candidates
Emily Dyer (She/they)
Emily is the Social Research Assistant for CFS undergoing two main projects, one studying municipal issues and researching housing insecurity for students here in our province. Emily was also a former Communications Outreach coordinator for non-profit violence prevention Avalon east and the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their dispositions, lived experiences, and professional experience can help her advocate and uplift student voices that need to be heard. Emily believes in the power of unions and notes. We (MUNSU) are critical for students, and previous administrations haven’t hit the mark regarding student needs. Emily emphasized, “a vote for me is a vote for no more complacency regarding MUNSU,” and that she is not here for “a line on my resume.” They also believe they can make MUNSU the best union it can be alongside the rest of the executive directors. “A vote for me is a vote for experience, knowledge, and real determination to do good.”
@emilyforexternalaffairs on Instagram
“Vote Emily for External Affairs” on Facebook
Eva Redmond (She/her)
Eva is passionate about communications and has worked as social media coordinator for NLEats and doing volunteer marketing work for SASF, Mosaic Campus Church, and relay for life. Her involvement with the undergraduate community and the Student Union at MUNL began from her first semester, growing her as a person, student, advocate and leader. She emphasizes that having been involved with many different communities at MUNL will help her form a background and understand various perspectives within the undergraduate community. She plans to lead with passion, presence, and purpose. She wants to break the barrier between student and director and create a space where students can come together and work together towards a common goal. Her purpose is to build union to a place where all undergraduate students can feel welcome and excited to be involved while never giving up on the fight for education.
@eva4externalaffairs on Instagram
Husam Basemah
No information available on Candidate at time of publishing.
Executive Director of Finance and Services
Mashrur Rashid
Mashrur’s goal as he runs for Executive Director of Finance and Servicesis to tap into the untapped potential of students. He plans to keep what’s working and add what’s missing- while maintaining the present systems and culture, such as the Attic’s diverse workforce. At the same time, he wants to implement valuable resources many students are unaware of, such as Safe Drive. Mashrur plans to tap into student resources. For example, he would like to see Computer Science and Engineering students make apps and websites. In this case, the web developers will benefit financially while the student body will benefit from the services. Mashrur was also previously involved in MUNSU through student residences, but since residences left MUNSU- Student res experience has plummeted. As a result, he will use his knowledge of residences processes to revive the bridge with MUNSU and student residences through financing and connections to recreate the bridge that was there before. Mashrur also wishes to promote more events and cultural events between MUNSU and student life for more engagement and student benefit.
His philosophy for this position is: “I ask not what my community can do for me, but I ask what I can do for my community,” Students are the present, and He does not fear responsibility instead welcomes it.
Armin Hossain
Was not present for the Town Hall. The candidacy description is available here on MUNSU’s Website.
Farah NowreenOishoiza (She/her)
Was not present for the Town Hall. The candidacy description is available here on MUNSU’s Website.
Ren Holmberg
No information available on Candidate at time of publishing.
Executive Director of Advocacy
Mackenzie Broders (She/her)
Mackenzie is a double major in Musicology and Philosophy from Fogo Island, currently living in St. John’s. She is running for the Executive Director of Advocacy because she is tired of the university administration not listening to students and MUNSU allowing the administration to do so. Mackenzie is the co-president of the Music Society, has organized community events, acquired funding for various initiatives, and helped develop a pre mentorship within The School of Music. She is willing to be vocal in advocating for students groups, individuals, and the entire student body. If elected, Mackenzie plans to review outdated policies and endorse better healthcare for international students and gender-diverse individuals. Mackenzie was also the first to fill the trans student rep position, which she proposed at CFS’s Fall general meeting. Mackenzie believes students in this province deserve an executive that will stand for them and represent what they need and want. Executives need to be in it for the students.
@mackenzie4munsuadvocacy on Instagram
Jawad Chowdhury (He/him)
Jawad is a 3rd year Comp Sci Student and International student. He moved here three years ago, loves St. John’s, and has worked at MUNL since his first day here. Jawad values diversity, inclusion, and opportunities on campus and has served the undergraduate student community through various roles.
@_.jawad.____ on Instagram
Faisal Abu Ghazaleh (He/him)
Faisal is a 2nd-year business and International student from Palestine, currently living in St. John’s. He has worked a MUCEP position with MUNSU for the fall and winter 2021-2022 semester and is a huge advocate for human rights. Faisal states, “Advocating for human rights has been his thing his whole life, so advocating for student life comes very naturally because I come from an area where you need to advocate for human rights in order to survive”. As a result, Faisal promises to advocate for student rights no matter how small or minor the issue, as that is important to MUNSU.
@faisalforadvocacy on Instagram
Bruce March
Bruce March is a3rd-year political science and economics student. He believes advocacy is very important, and there are many good things to be done in this role. Bruce hopes to advocate for students by helping them better deal with professors and housing issues. He wants to help students navigate MUNL’s regulations and legal systems and help students better understand the student code of conduct. Bruce wants to get involved with the various issues on campus, such as freedom of expression and talk to students about the tuition hike and how it will unfairly shift the burden of debt on students away from the university. In addition to opening up the conversation regarding MUNL’s crumbling infrastructure, accessibility, and the unjust levels of austerity and budget reductions happening to our departments. Bruce states, “we deserve to have a quality education so we shouldn’t be cutting programs that are important to them.”
@brucemarch4directorofadvocacy on Instagram
Executive Director of Student Life
Emmanuel Gonese (He/him)
Emmanuel Gonese is running for the Executive Director of Student Life because he wants to revive the experiences he acquired in his first two years at MUNL. Emmanuel has lived in residence for two years (Bowater). He wants to put energy into making Welcome Week & Winter Carnival an excellent experience for others. He wants students to know there is a larger community on campus. His plan, if elected, would be to form a Winter Carnival committee early. Emmanuel highlights his experience with societies and his team player personality- which will help events run smoothly. He also plans to support clubs and societies with ratification that are not directly affiliated with a faculty. He wants to highlight the diversity and variety MUN offers and help form new clubs and societies to represent the diverse culture and ideas of the MUN Student Body. Emmanuel also plans to promote local talent at events and open mics once The Breezeway renovations are complete.
@emmanuelgoneseforstudentlife on Instagram
Hasnain Saki Kabbya
Hasnain was not present for Town Hall but released a statement. Here is a summary:
Hasnain is a 2nd-year business administration student and international student from Bangladesh. He is running for this position because he believes he can undertake any task entrusted to him in the role. Hasnain will also strive to achieve continued triumphs in our community – an extremely engaged and promising force of the future. He believes an organization runs smoothly to ensure that all agendas and undertakings are dispatched under what regulations demand. He has acquired a passion for working well with people through extensive work with welfare organizations in Bangladesh. As an international student, he is thrilled to receive the trust people have shown to him and looks forward to keeping a functional committee that strives for united and steadfast growth. Hasnain states: “as an executive director of student life, it will be my duty to ensure dynamic involvement with the extended student community on campus.” He also highlighted his extensive efficiency in conducting student workshops about everything from peer support to study nights! Hasain promises only to enforce the continuity of such activities, which we are only privileged to do for our beloved and ever-growing student population!
Ely Pittman (She/they)
Ely Pittman is a 5th-year student studying law and society and English literature. Since her second semester, they have volunteered with undergraduate communities, helped plan and organize events, advertised opportunities around campus, and inspire students to become leaders. If voted in, Ely claims they will make student life accessible, exciting, and interactive. This includes bringing back events on campus such as live performances and game nights.” Ely has noticed that student life has declined over the past two years. Hence, she believes MUNSU needs to up our social media presence and host more online events to create a welcoming and safe environment for all. Ely believes, “students who do not feel safe coming to campus should have an opportunity to be involved at MUNL, whether it is through online study sessions, live streams, or social media challenges.” They also believe “since going online MUNL students have been feeling uninvolved and uninspired missing vital experiences that help them thrive as students, make new friends, and become the leaders I know they can be.” As a result, Ely promises she will help advertise clubs and, societies, student events and promote volunteering on campus as much as possible.
“Vote Ely Pittman to make campus experience as accessible, empowering, and inspiring as possible.”
@ely4studentlife on Instagram
MD Mansurul Hasan Tuhin
MD Mansurul Hasan Tuhin wants to help out students with new plans and further promote scholarships and available funding as the tuition freeze fazes out for new students coming up. Mansurul plans to advocate for students from all different countries provinces to help them feel at home, supported, and included in student life. In addition, Mansurul states he wants to “advocate for those of different colors and cultures, equal rights for everyone whether gender, culture, color, religion: everyone is a human being.” He believes MUNSU can work as a team to make education better. He will help manage internal operations regarding clubs and societies supply funding for those in need while providing more representation in MUNSU. Mansurul also wants to add more sports and increase programming to help improve basic knowledge for another hybrid year for Winter Carnival & Breezeway.
Voting starts on March 14th at 9 am and ends on March 15th at 9 pm. Voting is accessible online through MUN Student Self Service, and polling stations will be open for help at the QEII Library, the science lobby, the University Centre (UC).
The NL Alliance for Peace and Solidarity held a Peace Rally this past Sunday, March 6th, in response to the rising conflict in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts across the world, including in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, and Somalia.
The Alliance is a new organization formed by Chief Organizer Nathan Roberts and other like-minded volunteers. They also invited other groups to assemble a coalition that advocates for peace, including the Social Justice Co-Op, Federation of Labour, ARC-NL, and MUNSU.
When speaking with The Muse, Nathan Roberts explained, “It’s clear to us that Newfoundland & Labrador needs a rekindled peace movement, and this rally will be the beginnings of that.”
Rally participants holding signs (Photo by Abby Cole)
The focus of the rally and the Alliance is on what Canada can do to maintain peace worldwide and what Canada should do in response to the rising conflict in Ukraine. They advocate for Canada to end the sale and distribution of weapons for de-escalation. They also advocate that Canada leave NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an intergovernmental military alliance between 28 European Countries and 2 North American Countries, including Canada and the United States).
Chants heard at the rally include “No to war in Ukraine!” “No to war in Palestine!” “No to war in Somalia!” and “No to war in Yemen!” with leader Nathan Roberts emphasizing “No war anywhere!” and “Do not send Arms anywhere, to any country!”
Statistics were shared at the rally to educate the crowd on the severity of ongoing crises across the globe. Including that 5.6 million people have fled Syria, with 45% under 18. In Palestine, between 2011-2021, 3572 Palestinians and 198 Israelis have died in the conflict, including 806 Palestinian children and 14 Israeli children. And in Somalia, 7.7 million people, including 5 million children, will require humanitarian assistance in 2022 due to conflict, food insecurity, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the recruitment of child soldiers in the country.
The Alliance believes that Canada is not taking the right approach to maintain peace in Ukraine and denounces the increase in sanctions, deployment of troops and funds, and its commitment to NATO. The Alliance believes instead that peace efforts should remain in the hands of the United Nations.
In a press release, the Alliance emphasized, “History has proven the only way forward as a globe is an unwavering peace & diplomacy!”
Protest sign leaned up against the Colonial Building at Peace Rally (Photo by Abby Cole)
The Alliance plans to continue advocating for world peace and invites other people and organizations to join them. “The working classes of the world demand peace, and for every person in every country to band together to end poverty, end suffering, end climate change; not waste our resources on bombs, arms, and death!” – The Organizing Committee of the NL Alliance for Peace and Solidarity.
Collins Dictionary defines science as the study of nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge we obtain about them. In the short term, it is the study of everything and anything surrounding us to understand how things function around us.
It includes listening, observing, and watching. Science is broad, ranging from biology to zoology, astrophysics, and even my favourite, astronomy! As of right now, the Faculty of Science, Memorial University offers eleven fields where undergraduates can thrive, namely:
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Ocean Sciences, Physics, and Physical Oceanography and Psychology. But why science? What drives people to pursue their education in those fields? To shed some light on this, I interviewed two of Memorial University’s own students: Makeala Blake and Darren Li. Both undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science were asked 15 questions each.
Makaela was the first student to be interviewed. She has candidly shared some of her personal experiences and advice with us!
Question 1:Did you have a role model to influence your choice to pursue a Bachelor of Science? Makaela: I didn’t really have a role model that influenced my choice in choosing a Bachelor of Science. I kind of made a choice on my own.
Question 2: Why science? Makaela: I love learning about how and why the brain works
Question 3:How did you choose your field of study? Makaela: I started neuroscience competitions in high school. That’s how I got my fascination for psychology.
Question 4: What courses have you done yet that you find most interesting? Makaela: I love the abnormal psychology and neuropsychopharmacology courses I’m taking this semester
Question 5:Biggest achievements and failures? Makaela: My biggest achievement would be getting into my program and getting 3 scholarships. My biggest failure is not getting into honours this year.
Question 6:What is the hardest part of being a science student? Makaela: The hardest part of being a science student for me is the labs. I’m not a lab person who is super strange for a science student.
Question 7: If you were free to choose, what topic would you specialize in? Makaela: I would love to specialize in pediatric/child psychology
Question 8:What is the funniest/most memorable thing that has happened to you in your field of work? Makaela: Locking myself in the bathroom stall in the Bruneau Centre on my first day of class my first semester and having to crawl out under the door.
Question 9:Do you think women are well represented? Makaela: I don’t think women are well represented yet. But I think in the next few years, we will be levelling a previously male-dominated field.
Question 10: Do you feel that enough funding is being allocated to science students? Makaela: I would love to see more funding in the way of scholarships for science students, especially women in STEM. The scholarships I received were a game-changer for me.
Question 11:Do you come from an academic family? Makaela: My mom is a registered nurse. My grandparents don’t have any post-secondary education but always encouraged me to pursue a university degree.
Question 12: How does your family feel about your career/study choice? Makaela: My family is primarily supportive of my study choice.
Question 13:Is it hard to manage work-study life? Makaela: It’s been a task to budget my way through my degree and balance work and school responsibilities.
Question 14: What is your favourite way to decompress? Favourite activities? Makaela: I love going to the Zumba class at The Works
Question 15: One piece of advice to your younger self? Makaela: I would tell my younger self that life gets a lot better after high school and keep hanging on.
Photo Credit: Memorial University (Via Flickr)
Next up, we have Darren Li. Darren has shared his passion for marine science with us while letting us on some tidbits related to his experiences in his field of study.
Question 1: Did you have a role model to influence your choice to pursue a Bachelor of Science?
Darren: Not really. I’m doing it because it’s my passion. I love marine science.
Question 2: Why Science?
Darren: I love marine science.
Question 3: How did you choose your field of study?
Darren: My passion for science and marine life!
Question 4: What courses have you found the most interesting?
Darren: Biggest achievement at MUN has probably been awarded the Book Prize. My biggest failure was finding a part-time job when I first came here. Turned out it was a good thing, though, since I got a MUCEP afterward, and I don’t think I would have been able to cope with both.
Question 6: What is the hardest part of being a science student?
Darren: Knowing that you need at least an MSc if you want a successful career (unlike other streams like commerce)
Question 7:If you were free to choose, what topic would you specialize in?
Darren: I don’t really want to specialize, and as far as possible, I’ll try to avoid it in my career. One of the best things about being an oceanographer is that the job is diverse and so you can spend your career doing lots of different things!
Question 8:What is the funniest/most memorable thing that has happened to you in your field of work?
Darren: Just before COVID-19 hit the province and the university went online in March 2020, I was awarded a SURA and was looking for a supervisor to take me for a research project. However, due to the incoming lockdown, many profs didn’t want to take new students because of uncertainties associated with it. I was desperately looking for a supervisor until the last day when I knocked at Dr. Suzanna Dufour’s office asking if she was taking on new students. She said no, but recommended I ask a few of her colleagues. I went back home a bit disappointed but still emailed the list of profs she gave me nonetheless. I subsequently received a reply from Dr. Amanda Bates, who was working on an online project! I was so thrilled; I’ll never forget these moments.
Question 9:Do you think women are well represented?
Darren: In science? Not really, but I see lots of efforts being made to change things. However, I do believe in meritocracy and am against women being chosen for an opportunity over men if the former is less suited for the task.
Question 10:Do you feel that enough funding is being allocated to science students?
Darren: Not really. I feel being a science student can be very demanding and yet science professionals are not as well remunerated as other fields (for, e.g., finance)
Question 11:Do you come from an academic family?
Darren: No, my parents are business people.
Question 12:How does your family feel about your career/study choice?
Darren: They don’t really like it because they think marine science does not open doors to many opportunities.
Question 13:Is it hard to manage work-study life?
Darren: At times, yes, and times it’s okay
Question 14:What is your favourite way to decompress?
Darren: (Recently) Tennis, hanging out with friends, going to church, reading the Bible.
Question 15: One piece of advice to your younger self?
Darren: Trust God no matter what. He will never abandon you.
Learn more about Memorial’s Faculty of Science HERE
Heritage NL has awarded four properties within Newfoundland and Labrador to hold the title as historic properties through historic designation. Heritage NL was established in 1984 to preserve the architectural heritage within Newfoundland and Labrador, designating buildings and other structures as Registered Heritage Structures to preserve their history.
The four new properties to receive this designation are located in Cartwright, Pouch Cove, Fortune Harbour, and Summerside. Dr. Lisa Daly, a Chair of Heritage NL, stated that “The buildings that are designated are important parts of our history. They reflect multiple parts of our culture.”
The newly designated Historical Structure in Cartwright is a Hudson Bay Company (HBC) building built in 1926 for their staff under the district manager, Ralph (William) Parsons (1881-1956). The building is believed to be built by a crew from Coley’s Point, but it is unclear if this is the case. Outside of being an HBC building, it was home to a Newfoundland Ranger and his wife in the late 1930s. During World War II, the house was rented out by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for $15 a month. When the RCAF took up residence in the home, two towers were erected on either side of the property to aid in aerial navigation.
Hudson Bay Company Building, Front View, in Cartwright, NL, courtesy of Dale Jarvis via ICH Blog
In Pouch Cove, the Pouch Cove Clifton Lodge (Society of United Fisherman’s Lodge #42) has received the Registered Heritage Structure status. The Lodge was founded in 1900 and received its name of “Clifton” after James A. Clift, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge located in St. John’s. At the time, the building’s original construction cost was $700. In addition, there was voluntary labour and donated building materials involved. The building held many events outside of Lodge meetings until the mid-1970s.
Pouch Cove Clifton Lodge in Pouch Cove, NL, courtesy of Dale Jarvis via ICH Blog
A family home in Fortune Harbour has been awarded the Registered Heritage Structure status. The home was likely built for a Gillespie family between 1830 and 1850. It was eventually purchased by Nellie Ballard and has remained in the Ballard family for three generations. The home is seen as an excellent surviving example of a true ‘second generation’ style of a saltbox house. It is considered a second-generation saltbox house as the homes of the second generation are generally larger in both footprint and height than original Saltbox houses.
The Gillespie/Ballard Home in Fortune Harbour, NL, courtesy of Dale Jarvis via ICH Blog
Finally, a homestead in Summerside has also been designated as a Registered Heritage Structure. The homestead belonged to a Loder family and was continuously occupied by the Loders until the mid-1990s. The homestead was first settled by John and Mary Ann Loder around 1850 when the couple moved their growing family from another community in Newfoundland. This led them to become the first permanent residents of Summerside, NL. After success in trades, the family built the present house sometime in the 1860s or 1970s, becoming their family home for generations.
The Loder Home in Summerside, NL, courtesy of Dale Jarvis via ICH Blog
As designated by Heritage NL, all four buildings that have received their designation display some form of Newfoundland history. Architecture, outside of being buildings, have stories that aid in understanding where Newfoundlanders started and how far we’ve come as a province.
