Beauty Standards: The Thief of Joy

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” as quoted by President Theodore Roosevelt, highlights that constantly comparing ourselves to others can cause us to feel dissatisfied with our lives. Beauty standards are a common source of this misery. Beauty standards are society’s perception of attractiveness. This often includes ideal facial features, body weight, skin tone, etc. However, the establishment of these standards are extremely toxic towards certain demographics, particularly young girls.  read more

Choosing a Career Path: How Reason Overrules Passion

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

Passion drives us to work towards something because we feel strongly about it. Reason doesn’t influence us in the same way as it’s based on rationality rather than feelings. When determining what career path to follow, it’s easy for us to fluctuate between relying on these two concepts. However, while passion is inspiring, reason follows a more strategic plan that ensures success. read more

The Exploitation of AI Leans Towards a Degrading Society

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

The use of artificial intelligence has increased exponentially within the past years, with society becoming overly dependent on it because of its accessibility. Whether it be using AI for help with assignments, writing emails or everyday struggles, it has started to become a reliable source for quick answers. However, the increased use of AI is harming the world more than it is benefiting it. read more

Overconsumption is Consuming Our World

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

Purchasing excess amounts of unnecessary items has recently become a trend over the past year. As a result, excess clutter and waste from unused products accumulate. Social media has also played a large role in this trend by promoting these negligent actions and glamourising them. The normalization of this has continued to negatively impact us as a society due to our wasteful habits and lack of consideration for the environment. read more

A Longer Break Results In Brighter Students

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

The winter break has come to an end as students now begin to resume the remaining month of semester 1. The short break has allowed students to receive a rest from school and catch up on homework and studies. Unfortunately, this short period of time ends annoyingly fast for many, leaving students with less time to rest and be with their families. However this issue can simply be resolved by extending the break’s duration, allowing students and even teachers to enjoy their holidays for longer. read more

Black Friday Is Scamming You

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

Black Friday is a day many look forward to as sales begin to commence and prices begin to drop. The holiday is a phenomenon that causes many to go into a frenzy by lining up early in the morning and emptying stores within a few hours or less. However, the holiday has recently raised concerns as people begin to question its credibility and realize the malicious motives behind it. read more

Have Taylor Swift’s Concerts Impacted Toronto for the Worse?

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

It is not new news that Taylor Swift is here in Toronto performing for her Eras tours. She is everywhere, promoting her sold out concert with posters on public transport, large billboards throughout the city and much more. She is all the rave and, until Taylor leaves, it’s all you will hear about. However, this concert is doing Toronto more bad than good as the city stops focusing on its priorities to cater to Swift’s concert and fans. read more

The Overlooked Language: American Sign Language

Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER

American Sign Language, ASL, is a common language used for deaf communities throughout the United States and Canada. However, this language is often only used by deaf people or people who require communication with someone who is deaf such as a family member. This generally creates a misconception that ASL should only be used for certain groups, making it difficult for deaf people to communicate with others beyond their hearing group. Thus, ASL classes should be offered in school to increase its recognition. read more