Monthly Archives: November 2014

By: Anna K.

Hello Vanier residents!

For some of you, next week will bring to you the first (of many) sleepless nights. Yes, my friends, finals season has arrived. Now, the question that many of you may be asking yourselves is, “How should I study?”

To begin, this is usually how an unproductive UBC student (the bear) progresses through the course of finals:

Clearly, this is a disaster in the making. Why should any student go through this agonizing and tiring process? Luckily for you, YOU have the power to change this and take control of your study habits!

Here are some tips to help you make the most of studying:

• Make a schedule of how you will spend your time for each day, BEFORE finals start (pre-planning is key). Include daily goals and SHARE them with someone who will encourage you.
• Try a variety of study methods: teaching others, reading out loud, drawing diagrams, or making cue cards!
• Try multiple examples, especially end-of-chapter questions and practice exams.
• Study in environments that encourage you to focus. This differs for everyone, but cafes, libraries, and designated study areas (i.e. STUDY HALLà Dining Hall after 8:30pm) are great choices.
• Make sure you have access to good lighting (and outlets, if needed).
• Bring lots of healthy snacks with you and plenty of water to stay energized and well-hydrated.
• Aim to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep everyday, and around 8 hours the day before your final.
• Exercise as much as possible because it 1) activates the brain areas necessary for working memory, 2) modulates stress, and 3) improves immune-system functioning during your study period.
• Include fun, short breaks! We all get tired and we all get distracted, but choosing to spend your time aimlessly will lead you to peril. Instead, schedule in something fun and MAKE SURE to set a limit for the event.
• Save big rewards until AFTER finals.
• Set a personal weekly goal of how many hours you intend to study for. You can calculate how productive you’re been by using this formula:

PRODUCTIVE HOURS = Focused hours (studying, reading, writing) − Distracted hours (exclude eating, sleeping, washroom breaks, exercise)

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! J

Don’t forget…

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By: Curtis Wong

Animated films and television series are extremely polarizing for a lot of people. Some love the possibilities afforded by a literally blank canvas, while others can dismiss it entirely for lacking realism and, subsequently, immersion. When it comes to anime, chances are you’re either an otaku (borderline-obsessive), or you are baffled as to why it exists in the first place. Time to break down exactly why you need to start watching it.

Why is anime important/relevant to me??

You’d be surprised at how much commonality there is between your favourite Hollywood blockbusters and anime:

1. The Wachowskis were heavily influenced by and borrowed sequences from the 1995 anime film Ghost in the Shell for their 1999 hit The Matrix.
2. 2010’s wildly popular Inception borrows heavily from Satoshi Kon’s 2006 film Paprikain terms of theme and plot (dream layers and manipulation).
3. In the opposite direction, Gonzo Studio’s Gankutsuoutakes Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo and sets it in an alternate time/universe (similarly to what Baz Luhrmann did to Shakespeare, with his 1996 film Romeo and Juliet).

 So why is anime so limited in the West?

1. For the most part anime is presented in Japanese, or if subbed, in “Engrish.” Thankfully with the rise of the internet this has improved with fansubs, but even that can’t save the catchy but lyrical monstrosity that is Spice and Wolf’s ending theme (don’t look it up, it’s as bad as you can imagine).
2. On a related note, language and cultural barriers are often attached, so breaking these barriers requires active watching and context. From this, if something requires extensive context or background knowledge, you lose out on some part of the work.
3. Sexposition! I would elaborate, but I want to keep it PG here! Contemporary western shows have excessive fan service too, don’t get me wrong, but public opinion tends to frown upon sexual content in lieu of excessive gore. (Unless it’s Game of Thrones. Then you get both. Thanks HBO!)

So understanding all of this, I’m still intrigued! Where do I start?!

Excellent question – also one that is difficult to answer! There is just so much out there, in terms of genre, art style/visuals, storytelling, and characters that it is largely based on your own preferences! However, I do think that there is a consistent starting point that should be used as a prerequisite into a more-depth foray into anime (to ease the transition, so to speak)!

• Anything/Everything Hayao Miyazaki

So much of what he has produced are considered classics, and rightfully so! His works are accessible to all ages, have consistently amazing soundtracks (thanks Joe Hisaishi!), and most feature strong female leads! If I had to pick an order to watch his films, I would start with Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), then move on to Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2002) before watching everything else that he’s made.

• Cowboy Bebop (1998)

My first completed anime series, and still my favourite series of all time – not just with anime. Premise: space cowboy and crew collecting bounties with a ragtag crew à la Joss Whedon’s Firefly. The English dub is fantastic, its dialogue is on-point, it is emotional from moments of hilarity to intense sadness, and it has some existential crisis-inducing themes.

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)

A story of two brothers caught up in a world of magic and political intrigue, and their attempt to reclaim their physical bodies following a botched attempt to revive their deceased mother. Solid plot and themes that don’t require heavy attention when viewing, but there are A LOT of episodes to watch (which also offers a very rewarding experience to complete).

• Clannad and Clannad Afterstory (2008-2009)

A coming-of-age tale for high-school students Tomoya and Nagisa: the former a sullen teenage boy with familial troubles, the latter an older female classmate that is part of a loving family, but is troubled with an ailing health that has left her behind her schooling a couple of years. The pair navigate family, friendships, love, and being lost in the world following graduation. *Disclaimer: this one’s a tear-jerker.

• Anything/Everything Satoshi Kon

This category’s a doozy. The popular Tokyo Godfathers (2003) is up there among my favourite holiday titles. Fans of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks (1990-91) or Blue Velvet (1986) will love the film Perfect Blue (1997) and absurdists will love Paranoia Agent (2004); all of his works involve regular people leading questionable double-lives out of the spotlight. Aspiring film studies majors, look no further than Kon for his amazing editing and attention to detail.

• HONOURABLE MENTIONS (in no particular order):

• 5 Centimeters per Second
• Ghost in the Shell
• Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (centered around Daft Punk’s album Discovery with absolutely no dialogue, produced in part by Daft Punk themselves!)
• Attack on Titan

• There’s too much to list! #cantstopwontstop

Anyway, get out there and start watching!

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By: Josua Quisias

You may have seen some posters around campus and residence advertising about something called the SLC (or maybe you haven’t). Well, whether or not you’ve seen the posters, here’s a quick run down on what the SLC is, and why you should consider attending.
The SLC stands for the Student Leadership Conference. It’s happening on January 10th, 2015, and it’s all about promoting leadership, growth and development on campus to current and aspiring student leaders on campus and beyond, no matter what facet of leadership you’re involved in. As a delegate, you will get to experience our two keynote presentations, and when you register, you’ll get to customize your schedule for the day based on the many workshops, highlighted projects, and featured presenters that they have to offer. It’s also a chance to network with other students, exchange ideas, and to learn from each other’s experiences. Essentially, it’s an inspiring day that’s full of both personal and professional development. You’ll also get to find out about involvement opportunities on campus where you can apply what you learned at the conference and continue your growth as a leader. No matter how you choose to get involved, the SLC is your ‘Next Step’ to realize your full potential.
Last year was my first time attending the SLC, and it was fantastic. It’s a busy day, full of learning and discovering, but it was definitely worth it. I was able to share with a number of people a little bit about my experiences with leadership, as well as learn from others. One of the best parts about the SLC is the fact that it is organized by students, for students. The entire planning committee consists of your fellow students who work diligently to provide you with the best experience possible at the SLC. On top of that, your fellow students put on the majority of the workshops and highlighted projects that you can attend. Like I said, it’s a day to get inspired about what you can do with your time at UBC. Take this chance to look for ways to make the most out of your university years.
Need more reasons to go to the SLC? Well, here they are:

1. UBC students get $20 off their registration fee.
2. The SLC occurs on the first Saturday after term 2 starts, so academic commitments are at a minimum.
3. Some of your RAs are on the planning committee.
4. Some of your RAs are presenting.

Still not convinced? Check out www.slc.ubc.ca for more information, and to read up on all of the different workshops, highlighted projects, and featured presenters that you can go to! Registration opens on Nov. 18th.

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First year university is a crazy, exciting, and hectic time in a student’s life. You make friends, you make mistakes, and maybe you even make the grade. Here are some things that I learned in my first year at UBC:

1. Trust me, making friends is waaaaaay easier than you expect. Everyone is just as eager to talk about where they’re from and what faculty they’re in. Don’t be shy and go introduce yourself!
2. You’ll meet TONS of people in your first week at UBC. And you’ll probably never speak to half of them again. And that’s okay.
3. It may be awkward to have to ask for someone’s name again, but it’s even more awkward to still not know it halfway through the year (some personal experience on this one).
4. You’ll eat waaaaaay too much pizza. Dominoes and Mercante, anyone?
5. As much as it may suck, it’ll benefit you in the long run to lock yourself in your room on a Friday night and catch up on your work.
6. You’re not paying all that money just to walk back and forth from rez/the bus loop to your classes. Take some time to really explore the campus. Watch the sunset from Wreck Beach. Explore a building that you’ve never had a class in.
7. A pro tip to making friends in class: go up to someone and ask them if the seat beside them is open. Even if you know it is, ask. It’s a super simple icebreaker to use and followed by a quick introduction, you can get the conversation rolling in no time.
8. Unlike high school, chances are that you’re not the smartest person here, and no one expects you to be. Try hard, but don’t beat yourself up over it.
9. Expect a drop in grades. Those high 90s won’t last you forever. It will hurt the ego to come out of high school with a 97 in Chemistry and receive a 68 on your first midterm.
10. And finally, if you’re lucky, the memories that you make during your first year will change your life.

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By: Danika Hammond

“The University of British Columbia Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.”

We’ve heard this many times, but do we know what it means?

To be located on the traditional and ancestral land of the Musqueam people means that the Musqueam nation has been living on this land and practicing their traditions and culture since time in memorial. At the Museum of Anthropology, there is a bountiful collection of artifacts used by the ancestors of the Musqueam, found in this area.
To be located on the unceded land of the Musqueam people means that the nation never yielded or formally surrendered their territory to the people who currently occupy it.

Who are the Musqueam?

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) are hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people and descendants from the Coast Salish. Their traditions are based in fishing, hunting, and gathering. They are also known for their skills in weaving. The Musqueam have a strong kinship system and traditionally live in bighouses with extended families. Their population is over 1,000 and they continue to have strong connections to their culture and traditions. To learn more about the Musqueam people, go to http://www.musqueam.bc.ca.

Where are the Musqueam people?

At UBC, students don’t necessarily see the presence of the Musqueam people. Musqueam elder Larry Grant spoke of this predicament, saying, “We are the people of the land that are still here, but we’re invisible.”

The Musqueam band currently has 3 reserves located in Vancouver, Richmond, and Delta. The parcels of land were agreed to in the spring of 2008 and are located on the map below.

While it is important to know that we are located on the territory of the Musqueam people, it is equally important to know and recognize that they are still here. The Musqueam people are practicing their traditions and passing down their cultural wisdom to future generations.

UBC’s relationship with the Musqueam people

The University has made steps to partner with the Musqueam people through several initiatives. UBC offers Musqueam 101 and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language courses, and named two houses in Totem Park for the Musqueam people (hem’lesem’ and q’elexen). In 2006, UBC signed the Memorandum of Affiliation, which further strengthened the partnership. To learn more about their relationship, go to http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/community-youth/musqueam-and-ubc/.

The purpose of this article is to help make the Musqueam people more visible in our community, highlight the relationship between UBC and the Musqueam, and most importantly, shine light on the fact that the specific Musqueam Nation who owns this territory are very much alive and present today.

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By: Yun Kang

I have been involved with Best Buddies for about 4-5 years now (since Grade 11) and have loved every experience that has come along with it. I wanted to present this wonderful opportunity of volunteerism to the first years as it not only allows you to build friendships and community, but also helps you discover who you are as an individual. If you’re up for having a blast while building friendship, continue and read along!
Best Buddies is a program that pairs students, just like you, with another student or individual in the community with an intellectual disability in order to develop friendship and community. For those of you that are not familiar with the term intellectual disability, it is a term used to describe any condition that includes a lifelong impairment to a person’s ability to learn or adapt to their environment; some examples include Autism, Down Syndrome, and William’s Syndrome.
Before I share my current experiences with Best Buddies, I would like to share a word of caution to those who are interested in embarking on this journey to friendship: you are not volunteering to ‘help them out,’ but you are actually building friendship through this program. During my first year with Best Buddies, I had not known the true values behind this program and had simply tried to be a mentor and a teacher to my buddy, rather than being friends with her. I guess I had the foolish misconception that I was ‘better off’ than my buddy was since I was not born with an intellectual or physical disability. However, what I did not know at that time was that people with disabilities, whether they be intellectual or physical, are very much like us and that they, too, simple want a buddy to hang out with. I advise you to please take caution and not approach them as if you are at a better place than they are, but simply as a person, an individual, and a friend.
Now, to share some of my personal experiences with the Best Buddies Program, I am currently paired with a beautiful girl. She has the most radiant smile that I have ever seen and she constantly reminds me that there are simple joys and wonders in life that we often forget as we grow older – she still giggles at watching flowers blossom or the sun shining through her window. I have learned over the past 6 months that she loves flowers, to dance, and to go on a stroll, and that she truly appreciates the time we spend together. I am not going to lie, there were some hard times with her, as she is unable to speak or move due to cerebral palsy; there were times where I just wanted to quit because I couldn’t communicate with her or had to watch her experience painful and frightening seizures. But, at the end of the day, I am always so glad to be able to be there for her and to truly be her friend, by trying to figure out what she wants to do for the day or what would make her happy.
I challenge you all to take part in this wonderful organization and to build friendships like no other. Sure, they will be tough at times, but you will truly learn that any good cause can only be reached by enduring hardships – not by yourself, but together.

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By: Maggie Tung

Are you constantly repeating “I need to go to the gym” but never make it out of your bed? Maybe you’ve given up exercising altogether? Well, don’t fret, because there are so many ways to get the benefits of exercising but not actually having to go to the gym!
Here are 7 ways to exercise without realizing it!
1. Take the long route
Little steps add up! Take the longer path to your class. If you’re going anywhere off campus, get off the bus one stop early before your destination and walk there instead. Take the stairs up to your room instead of the elevator.
You can also spice it up by speed walking… leave one or two minutes later than what you would usually for class so it forces you to walk faster!
2. Cleaning your room
Go all out, put your sneakers, listen to your music, and give your room a thorough clean! Vacuum while doing butt kickers, wipe down your table and do squats at the same time, fold your clothes while doing v-sits… make it into a game. This will make BOTH seemingly tedious tasks fun!
3. Stand and flex
Are you waiting in line for food or for the printer in Irving? Instead of just standing there, flex your muscles! An easy way of doing it is flexing your abs for 10 seconds and repeat that 10 times…and that’s your abs workout! (It doesn’t hurt that it makes time go faster, and it won’t draw any unnecessary attention!)
Sitting and flexing in class works too! Do you sit with your back straight during class? It may seem simple but it actually requires muscles to be tense for an extended period of time! (I can personally attest to this!)
4. Dancing
Dancing is a great way to move and it passes the time very quickly. Drop into a dance class or even just jam out in your room to your favourite song! There are plenty of dances to try, from hip-hop, street jazz, contemporary, ballet, or even the salsa and waltz! Take lessons just for fun and learn some new moves!
Check out the many AMS dance clubs available on campus, such as UBC Dance Horizons (http://www.dancehorizons.org/wordpress/), UBC Dance Club (http://www.ubcdanceclub.com/), and Unlimited Dance Club (http://ubcudc.wordpress.com/).
5. Join a team
This may seem obvious, but joining a recreational sports team will get you moving! You’ll definitely be more motivated when you have team counting on you, and it is going to be fun once you start playing.
Try some of the UBC Recreation teams (http://www.recreation.ubc.ca/) or your Vanier Ultimate Frisbee team! (https://www.facebook.com/pages/VUL-Vanier-Ultimate-League/436056299780462)
6. Get to know your city
Take a walking tour around the city, go on one of the many hikes that British Columbia has to offer, or even just go shopping! These are fun ways to not only get to know your city, but to make you work for it!

It boils down to this:
1. Exercising does not mean that you have to use an elliptical machine for an hour… it is just something that will raise your heartbeat and move your body in ways that it is not used to!
2. Diet is the most important aspect if you want to become healthier! Exercising is important, but watching what you eat and when you eat is going to give you your results.
3. Little things add up! Every single decision to exercise (or not to), as well as everything else in life, can lead you CLOSER or FURTHER away from your goal. Don’t complain if you have not committed to staying on track!
4. Just do it! The first step is always the hardest; it is so easy to think of doing it rather than putting the thought into action! Say yes before you say no, and do it before you talk yourself out of it!
Have fun and live healthy!

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By: Blair Smith

Oftentimes, I find myself studying in Vanier after the dining hall is closed, and wanting a snack to fill my always-present food craving. I’m sure that you’ve been in the same boat – you’re trying to write that paper or do that Webwork assignment, and you just want yourself a nice chocolate bar, a coffee, or even those green seaweed things.

But where to go? What destination is best to go to fulfill your post-7:30 snack cravings? I present to you my list of awesome snack destinations!

First up is our tried and true Vanier option: Hubbard’s!
This shop is open from 5 to 11:30, and carries a variety of convenience items. It is run by the dining hall staff and is located in the commonsblock beside the front desk.

Typical snacks that you can purchase here:
– chocolate bars
– chips
– pop
– various microwave dinners, and sushi trays
– frozen pizzas (unless you have a toaster oven, you may not be able to make these)
– ice cream novelty items (such as magnum bars, Klondike Kandy Bars, and popsicles
– hot drinks, currently featuring hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino, and Caramel Cappuccino
– Slushies, featuring iced coffee and a fruit flavour
– and more!

Benefits:
– it’s really close to your house
– you don’t have to leave residence, so flip-flops are an acceptable footwear option
– it’s really close to your house
– it uses the flex dollars on your meal plan card
– did I mention how close it is to your house?

Cons:
– it uses flex dollars, which many people use up quite quickly
– it closes as 11:30 (or earlier) and even when it is open, it often is closed for 10-15 minutes here or there
– they do not have much of a selection. There are your typical chocolate bar and candy selections, as well as a Pop collection; however, they can often have reduced stock due to running out of things before their next shipment

Sick of the same old convenience store snacks? Here are some other options past 8:00:

Tim Hortons on Main Mall in front of the Great Trek Cairn
A popular Canadian coffee and doughnut shop, “Timmy’s,” as many call it, sells cookies, doughnuts, the popular Timbits, iced drinks such as the Iced Capp and Frozen Lemonade, and various coffee drinks. This year it is open until 10:00 on weekdays.

Pros:
– it is a short walk (5-10 minutes depending on where in Vanier you live)
– it serves real coffee!
– Timbits are the perfect snack to share with friends
– it takes Meal Dollars!

Cons:
– it’s far from Vanier, compared to other options
– the ‘healthy snacks’ options are quite limited/don’t exist here
– it only really specializes in coffee and doughnuts
– closed on weekends

Dominoes Pizza
An international pizza chain, Dominoes has an assortment of pizza items. Though pizza is often considered a meal, if you really believe in yourself, any pizza is a personal pizza. They also sell cheesy bread and a Chocolate Lava cake (sometimes referred to as the ultimate snack trilogy by myself, just now). They deliver before 2:00 AM, and charge a 2.75 fee.

Pros:
– they deliver to the Vanier Loop
– they are open until 2:00 AM
– pizza
– a large pizza is perfect to share with your study buddies (or keep to yourself, if that is what you want…)
– if you are not feeling a whole pizza, you could save the rest in your floor fridge for tomorrow’s lunch
– it uses flex dollars

Cons:
– not the healthiest option
– it’s a lot of food to get as a snack
– it is expensive, compared to other snack options, and uses up your flex dollars
– it is customary to tip your delivery person, an added cost

Magda’s in Totem Park Residence
This is Hubbard’s, but with a grill operating to 11:00. It serves grilled cheese, hamburgers, regular and featured fries, and sometimes chicken fingers. It also features the same selections as Hubbard’s does.

Pros:
– grill food after the Dining hall closes
– you can explore Totem’s commonsblock
– the food portion uses meal dollars

Cons:
– it is basically the same as Hubbard’s
– it is far away (10 minutes or more)
– they sometimes close earlier, or don’t have the grill open
– their menu and stock runs out frequently
– anything but grill food uses flex dollars

There are many other options, and I urge you to explore! Also, remember that everything is good in moderation, so try to keep those unhealthy snacks to a minimum, but don’t feel bad about having some sugary treats now and again! Happy study games, Vanier, and may the snacks be ever in your flavour! (Get it? The “Hunger” Games reference?)

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Hi Vanier,

I hope you’re having a great term so far and enjoyed all the Halloween festivities.

I’ve had a chance to meet many of your since Opening Day, but I still have a lot of people to meet. If you don’t remember me, I’m the person that was running to all 12 houses during your house meetings on the first weekend you were here. Seeing as I was attempting to make it to all 12 houses, I didn’t get to say much and wanted to take the time to tell you a little more about me and my job here.

My title is Residence Life Manager (aka: RLM) and my office is located in the Commonsblock. I am a professional staff member and I work full time to create the best possible place for you to study and live in at Place Vanier Residence. I supervise the Residence Coordinators and Residence Advisors and work closely with the PVRA. I collaborate with the Front Desk, Building Services and Food Services to ensure we provide the best possible service to you, the residents that live here. I love being able to live and work at UBC even after graduating from here, because I get to meet awesome students like you from all over the world, and attend the great programs that RAs and council put on. The part of my job that most of you may have heard about is meeting with students about standards violations. These meetings do have their perks. Many of you would never talk to me if you didn’t have to so these meetings are a great way to meet you! (However, I do welcome the opportunity to meet you not on those terms…)

By now, you’ve had a chance to see how life in Residence works. I’m sure you’ve noticed the differences from here and at home. There are probably some things you love about residence and some things you miss from home. I’ve lived in Vanier for many years now. While my experience changes each time I’m living here in a different role, I want to share with you the top ten things I appreciate about residence:

1. You’ve made new friends…and it’s so easy for you to see them!
2. The dining hall has so many exciting new options every day – like the daily Congee specials.
3. The bathroom is cleaned for you… enough said. Trust me; you’ll miss it once you have to clean your own bathroom.
4. If you want to talk at 2am, you can probably walk down the hall and find someone else who is also up.
5. It’s easy to find a place nearby to study. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to procrastinate and avoid studying, just for breaks.
6. If you ever need help with a subject (like my challenge from undergrad – O-Chem), there is likely someone in your house that can help you out. Check out iStudy if you can’t find someone.
7. University is not all about the books and classes. Every week, Advisors and the PVRA plan activities for you…and most of the time, they’re free.
8. You never have to watch TV alone… and we all know Modern Family and hockey games (cheering on the Canucks if you’re a fan like me) are much more enjoyable when other people are around.
9. You can get up for class 20 minutes before your class begins…and you can come home for a nap between classes. My favourite was running to class across the street to the Geography building.
10. There is always someone to turn in Place Vanier to if you need support – the Advisors, the Residence Coordinators, the Front Desk staff, myself, AMS Tutoring, the Nurse, Chaplains, and so many others. Whether or not you use the services, you are supported in residence.

Regardless of where you come from, it takes some time to adjust to living in residence and it takes some people more time than others. You can learn a lot here, and not just in the classroom. You can learn about study skills, essay writing, and study at Study Hall in the Dining Hall, you can learn about healthy eating and how to make the most of the Dining Hall, you can learn that if your upset or frustrated, there are people you can talk to on your floor and around Vanier but most of all, you will learn that the onus is on you. If you want to learn, you have to make that choice and take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Put yourself out there, get out and get into all that Place Vanier and UBC have to offer.

Stop by my office in the Commonsblock and say hi! Or even just wave as you pass by!

Happy November, Vanier!

–        Joey

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An Academic Update from your A+ Friendly Advisor Reed, he aced it.

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75oGfroMpUA

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