What Does it Take to be a Gamer?

Attendees at GDX try out games that were developed locally. Photo used with permission from GDX and credited to Leanne Klimek.

I’ve attended comic book conventions and entertainment expos – overall, I consider myself a nerdy person. However, if I called myself a gamer, I’d be a disgrace to the entire gaming community and frankly, humanity. In fact, the extent of my gaming experience is limited to Candy Crush, if that even counts.
But do you know who is a gamer? Deanna Dombroski, a petite girl with short dark hair and a lot of quirkiness. Deanna is a fellow U of A student and she fits the definition of what I would expect a gamer to be – BUT, she’s also managed to expand my definition of what it means to be a gamer – and a game developer. It turns out that anyone can be a gamer – but it takes a special quality to be a game developer.

Working with her colleague Derek Kwan (a U of A alumni who possesses what I can only describe as the purest form of enthusiasm for games that I’ve encountered), the pair, along with other members of the U of A’s Video Game Art and Design Club, came together earlier this summer to produce the Edmonton Game Discovery Exhibition (GDX). Lucky for me, one of my friend’s convinced me (with very little effort on his part) that I should go. So I did.

While attending the event, I got to try out indie games that were locally made, learned that approx. 54% of Canadian’s are gamers, and met students and new grads, like Deanna and Derek, who showed a lot of passion for their work.

Yes, I was astonished when I first heard the 54% stat, but in hindsight, it’s no surprise, I am now more aware of why over half of Canadians are playing games. Games are fun, interactive, provide hours of entertainment and can be played with many people – but what’s the fuss?

As Deanna was quick to point out to me, game development is not something that everyone has the talent or determination to pursue. “People sometimes assume that games are only made by programmers. Games need artists, writers, musicians, actors, directors, managers, producers and developers. A lot more goes into games than people think.”

And she’s right. In fact, as Derek explained, GDX was started because games need to pull together a large number of different talents, skills, and interests.

A group of GDX volunteers. Photo used with permission from GDX and credited to Leanne Klimek. 

As I learned from many of the students I talked to, GDX allows artists and developers to connect and network in an environment that facilitates learning and discovery. By creating these relationships, GDX helps to create a better game industry in Alberta, which in turn allows local developers and artists to build better games.

And really, isn’t that what we all want? Better games? Better experiences? Better ways to spend our time than just playing Candy Crush? And shouldn’t we, as we play those games, maybe take a few extra moments to think “hey, somebody made this” – scratch that, we should be thinking “hey, think of ALL the people who came together to make this!” That’s what I’ll be thinking from now on, when I do my effort to bump that 54% up to 55% (or more likely 54.0000001%).

Attending GDX allowed me to understand that games are indeed, art. Just like learning to play a new instrument or practising ballet – games take time, and a lot of patience.

Games transport players to different worlds and new realms that we can only imagine. Games sometimes tell us stories with depth and meaning – and other times they just tell us to shoot the bad guys.

After attending GDX and learning more about the game industry, it has come to my attention that the work of my fellow U of A students is highly important for this growing industry and contributes to a unique and growing community in Alberta.

And now I’m pretty sure I want to be a gamer (but not a developer – that’s way too complicated).

Melissa - YouAlberta Contributor

Melissa is a second year BA student in Global and Development Studies at Augustana. Her favourite pastimes are drinking tea, eating chicken wings, rock climbing and playing her ukulele. Melissa loves wearing bright red lipstick to match her hair and her sarcastic personality!

An Indigenous Graduate’s Open Letter to the University of Alberta’s Class of 2016

Lately, when I think about convocation I tear up. I suspect this is precisely the kind of emotional and conceptual force that “convocation” is meant to carry. It is the cumulative end-point of years of study, research, leadership, and athletics (or a combination thereof), an event that draws together disparate kinship networks in the name of celebration. Perhaps tears are the most perfunctory response.

Especially so, for me, because I wasn’t meant to be here. The university – as a concept and a geographic formation – hasn’t historically made Indigenous flourishing possible. And, those of us that do get here are often first-generation post-secondary students. In fact, the high school dropout rate amongst Indigenous peoples in Canada is four times higher than the national average.  This is to say that there are sturdy walls that keep Indigenous peoples from getting to the university, walls that have been propped up over centuries in the wake of colonial public policy- and law-making practices.

To be Indigenous and a university student is to be an alien and a shape shifter; is to be a soldier and a civilian all at once. There have been days when I wanted to let the walls swallow the whole of me. Sometimes our hearts only know how to shatter, but we built love from the rubble anyways.

When Indigenous students graduate, we are conjuring bits and pieces of worlds that can hold new forms of collective Indigenous life. The University of Alberta, then, is part of a political movement. During my four years here, I was able to cultivate a social justice ethic and was mentored by instructors and professors attuned to experimental forms of pedagogy invested in making the social habitable for people like me. I learned how to imagine futures I wouldn’t have thought livable four years ago.

At the University of Alberta, there are Indigenous students, staff, and faculty from across Turtle Island, and we have formed makeshift communities of support and care alongside our allies. I know that the lives of Indigenous students have been and continue to be radically changed here.

I couldn’t write this letter as if my advice could be taken up in the same way by each student in the Class of 2016. Instead, I want to acknowledge my fellow Indigenous graduates and the communities that hold them up. I want them to remember that they are construction workers, that they are tearing down walls they were never meant to see the other side of. You are making room for others like us. You are glowing, and it is beautiful.

Most of you in the Class of 2016, however, come from different communities and cultures and histories. So, I want to remind you that the University of Alberta traffics in dares and dreams, and that it asks you to uplift the whole people in the boldest ways. I want to urge the Class of 2016 to extend this ethic beyond the classroom by working to make the world more workable for Indigenous peoples. In a country that was confederated through Indigenous suffering, I can’t think of anything bolder.

kinanaskomitin,

Billy

Billy-Ray Belcourt, BA (Hons.)

Billy-Ray Belcourt is from the Driftpile Cree Nation. He is a 2016 Rhodes Scholar-elect and completed a BA (Hons.) in Comparative Literature at the University of Alberta. He blogs and writes poetry at nakinisowin.wordpress.com

10 Reasons to Celebrate PositiviDay

April 8: the last day of classes - the day that everyone’s looking forward to. To make it even better, UofA Compliments is hosting their annual PositiviDay! There’s no better way to end the year than with a day full of fun activities to get your mind off finals and relax! Come out to Quad on April 8th from 11:00am to 3:00pm to enjoy a variety of fun activities aimed to make your last day of class the best day of the semester! If you’re not convinced yet, here’s 10 reasons why this is an event you shouldn’t miss!

1. Because you deserve a break before finals!

I think we can all agree that it’s been a long year. You’ve worked really hard and should have a well-deserved break before venturing off into exam territory. Come down to Quad to forget about finals for a few hours and feel those ‘last-day-of-school’ vibes!

2. Because it’s a chance to see your friends! 

Through all the hectic schedules and seemingly endless midterms, it can be hard to see your friends as much as you’d like. Luckily, PositiviDay is the perfect opportunity to text that friend you haven’t seen in a month and actually catch up! There will even be a bunch of wonderful activities so your conversations aren’t all about finals, which we’re trying to forget.

3. Because it’s a chance to show some love!

Not only can you bring a friend with you, you can also get customized compliments attached to helium balloons (balloons!) for the people you care about! Or you could shower yourself with some love with a compliment written just for you by one of our volunteers!

4. Because bouncy castles!

Does this one even need an explanation? The best way to deal with exam stress is to bounce away from it, right?

5. Because not only is there a bouncy castle, there’s even a ball pit (courtesy of jack.org!)

A bouncy castle and a ball pit?! Double the fun!

6. Because there will be puppies! 

UofA Compliments has teamed up with the Sundance Canine Rescue Society to bring you pet therapy right in the middle of quad! Come out and bask in the warm weather with a cute pup. It would make for one heck of a cute selfie!

7. Because the weather is gorgeous! 

Now I know this is Edmonton and we can’t really guarantee anything, but it sure looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous day on the 8th! Flaunt your best summer outfit and get some much needed vitamin D!

8. Because you can get some rad body art!

Temporary, of course! For just $3-$15 (depending on how fancy you’re feeling that day) you can have some henna put on by one of our volunteers!

9. Because there will be food! 

And not just any kind of food, cupcakes! Satisfy that sweet tooth with a delicious baked good that you really do deserve for all the hard work you put into school.

10. Because of all the other cool activities there will be!

If I tried to list all of them you wouldn’t have time to come check them out! Activities will include a Photo Booth with props for you and your friends (a great chance to make memories!), super talented student performers, and activities planned by the Canadian Mental Health Association and Relaxation Superstation!

Now if all that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will! See you there :)

Anahat Virk - Guest Contributor

Anahat Virk is a 1st year Psychology major at the University of Alberta. Anahat believes the support she received from her school community helped her a lot, and that’s why she joined UofA Compliments. If not studying for an exam, you can find her spreading positivity to everyone around her!

4 Reasons YOU Should Be a YouAlberta Blogger

It's time.... time to start your final round of assignments, time to start your summer job search (if you haven't already), time to start thinking about what courses you might take next year, etc. And, it's time to consider becoming a YouAlberta Blogger. Here are just four of the reasons why you should:

Reason 1: You're fierce

At least when it comes to your photo game. #Pose

Reason 2: You feel the need to support your fellow students

Whether you're sharing their stories, spotlighting their achievements, or saying "yeah, if I were a food, I'd consider being a pickle too," you've always got their back.

Reason 3: You appreciate a good gif

And (ideally), you even know how to make one. 

Reason 4: You're an explorer

That's right - when it comes to discovering student life at the U of A, you've got this.

You can learn more about becoming a YouAlberta blogger by visiting our posting on the University of Alberta's Career Centre site. It will list all of the qualifications you'll need (i.e. you'll be a U of A student in 2016/2017; enjoy and are event good at writing, videography, design, and photography; you GET social media; you have stories to share and if you don't, you'll find them).

Applications will be accepted until April 4, 2016.

Join us!

Learn How to Apply

Breaking Barriers

Recent Science graduate Sean Graham shares his experience as a participant of the U of A's Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI). And spoiler alert! His undergraduate research project has gone well beyond mere interdisciplinary theorizing.
In 2013, I received funding from the Undergraduate Research Initiative to develop a new approach to modernizing Canada’s Single Member Plurality (SMP) electoral system. At the time, I was pursuing a degree in both physics and political science. This made the project a great opportunity for me to utilize the knowledge and skills I had acquired from both of my areas of study. I was first able to draw on my political science background to develop a new electoral system – called Dual-Member Mixed Proportional (DMP) – that would address the democratic shortcomings of SMP in the Canadian context. From there I was able to make use of the computer programming skills I picked up while studying physics to test this new system on past Canadian federal and provincial elections. The comprehensive approach I was able to take in working on this project not only increased the quality of the end result greatly, it also provided useful experience in how to bring a broad set of skills together for a single project.

After completing this work, I was fortunate to have the Department of Political Science sponsor a public lecture about my new electoral system. This provided significant assistance in getting the word out about my research. Indeed, as a result of this lecture, I was invited to present DMP to political science classes at the University of Alberta and advocacy groups, such as Fair Vote Edmonton. However, with no government in Canada considering electoral system reform in 2013, the opportunities available to generate a broader discussion about this kind of research were very limited.
That changed last year. PEI announced that it was going to make another attempt at reforming its electoral system by conducting a plebiscite on the matter in 2016. The new government in Alberta struck a committee to review the Election Act, which may include a discussion about electoral system reform. Finally, the federal election last October brought the Liberal Party back to power with the promise that the next election will be decided by a new electoral system.

In addition to reaching out to the federal political parties, I have made formal submissions to the appropriate committees in Alberta and PEI. While the process in Alberta has barely begun and the federal process hasn’t even started, PEI has made some meaningful progress on this file. Last November, its Special Committee on Democratic Renewal released its first report, which recommended that four alternative electoral systems be considered for inclusion in the plebiscite to be held later this year. I am quite honoured to be able to say that DMP is one of these four alternatives. With the second round of consultations now concluded, the Committee will be finalizing the plebiscite question, which will be made public sometime in the spring.

Without the Undergraduate Research Initiative, this project would not have been possible. Being a student in the Faculty of Science pursuing a research topic in political science disqualified me from the traditional research funding opportunities. By specializing in interdisciplinary research, the Undergraduate Research Initiative fills an important void left by the other research funding programs. It is my hope that the Undergraduate Research Initiative will be able to continue funding research projects like mine and continue to break down the often ridged barriers between different academic disciplines.

Those interested in learning more about my electoral system research should visit DMPForCanada.wordpress.com. And those just as interested in learning about other undergraduate research activities should definitely check out FURCA the Undergraduate Research Initiative’s annual, campus-wide celebration of undergraduate research, showcasing the research and creative achievements of undergraduate students across all disciplines.

YouAlberta Spotlight: Meet the CRO

It’s that time of the year again… SU ELECTIONS! This year, YouAlberta decided to have a chat with the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) to learn more about her important role in the upcoming SU Elections. We also asked her a bunch of random questions.... YouAlberta random questions. So, meet Jessica Nguyen, the University of Alberta Students’ Union’s CRO!




Of course, no YouAlberta interview would be complete without asking the YA Random Questions!



For more information about the SU elections, please visit the SU's election page.

And don’t forget to VOTE, UAlberta! :)

9 things you didn’t know about Campus Saint-Jean

So you may or may not know this yet. But. The University of Alberta has many campuses. Yes. There is more than one. There are in fact 5 campuses, 4 of which are in Edmonton  -  and of those four campuses there is one which particularly close to my heart: Campus Saint-Jean. You may have read our piece in October “The Ghost of Frère Antoine,” and if you didn’t know about that interesting fact, then you’ll definitely want to consider this list the 9 other things you may not have known about CSJ. Now, in this list I won’t be giving you something you could find with three clicks and a quick google search. Nope. I’ve carefully (or clumsily) collected 9 tidbits of information that should satisfy your curiosity.

1. Every room in Residence Saint-Jean has a bathroom.

Yeah. And they share a kitchen per five residents. Not much else to it. Just a neat little fact to ease you in to this list. Taking it slowwwww.

2. Saint-Jean is about as old as the University of Alberta!

(Oblate Grandin Archives)

The University of Alberta was founded in 1908 and so was Saint-Jean! Sort of… When Campus  Saint-Jean was still the Juniorate Saint-Jean, it was actually first founded in 1908 in Pincher Creek. The Juniorate moved to Edmonton in 1910 and officially settled in where it is now in 1911.

3. Campus Saint-Jean wasn’t always… Campus Saint-Jean

What’s a Juniorate you might ask? Well, it was a centre where men could train and learn how to properly be members of a religious order. In this case it was the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who built the Juniorat Saint-Jean. In 1941, after the closing of the Collège des Jesuits, the Juniorat accepted to teach subjects that were not religious and was then renamed Collège Saint-Jean. In 1970, the Collège Saint-Jean started offering university level masters programs in education and thus was known as the Collège Universitaire Saint-Jean. In 1976, the Oblates sold the college to the University and Sain-Jean became a new faculty with a diverse range of programs and it wasn’t until 2005 that the name Campus Saint-Jean was finally given. Juniorate to College, to University College, to Faculty, to Campus. Many names but one thing as stood through the ages and that is : Saint-Jean.

4. They make and research music. And it’s great.

CSJ is home to the first (and only) acoustics lab in the country. At the Bel Canto Vocal Acoustics Laboratory, Professor Laurier Fagnan researches and analyses vocal acoustics and visually displays them with special tools so that singers may visually see and improve their voice. Cool. Not only that, Professor Fagnan directs the Chorale Saint-jean (a choir). Composed of students, faculty members and members of the community, the Chorale Saint-Jean is the largest francophone choir in western Canada and has toured in Quebec and Europe. 

5. Not just another French education school

Myth: Campus Saint-Jean only has an education program.

Fact: CSJ actually has undergraduate programs in science, arts, education and has bilingual programs in nursing and business. Not to mention the first year engineers who can take their classes in French (raw raw frengineers) and the graduate programs in Canadian studies and education.

6. Saint-Jean students get to pie their Dean.

Ok. So that’s kind of true. It did happen and who’s to say it won’t happen again someday? The “pie” incident in question was a fundraiser organised by the francophone community in Alberta and if ten thousand dollars were raised the Dean was to be pied. Dean Pierre Yves-Mocquais insisted that it be students who pie him and… well I’m still a student so that’s a good sign… right?

You can watch it here.

7. There is research. And a lot of it. 

Image courtesy of copyrightuser.org

Remember that vocal acoustics lab? Well, that’s only one part of the research that goes on at CSJ. Campus Saint-Jean isn’t only an interdisciplinary post-education institution: it’s also an interdisciplinary hub for research. It includes two research institutions: The Institution for Canadian studies and the Institution for Francophone heritage in western Canada. On top of that, professors at Saint-Jean conduct other research such as (but not limited to) molecular structure calculations and three-parameter s-wave central potentials. (Exciting stuff.)

8. Politics don’t seem to scare away Saint-Jean alumni

Randy Boissonault, MP elect for the Edmonton-Centre riding, is Campus Saint-Jean Alumni! Plus,  he also served as Students’ Union president, was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, co-founded Literacy Without Borders and is one of the founders of Startup Edmonton. 

Senator Claudette Tardif is amongst the first women to graduate from Saint-Jean. She went on to become professor and Dean of Faculty Saint-Jean before becoming Vice-President of the University of Alberta. Shortly after that she was appointed to the Canadian senate in 2005.

9. They take their hockey seriously.

The game of hockey has been around at Saint-Jean for about as long as… well about as long as Saint-Jean itself! Dating back to the early 20th century, the Oblate fathers of the Juniorat Saint-Jean would create an outdoor rink where the students could play hockey. Teams composed of Saint-Jean players have held many names as well such as Canadiens, Les Frontenacs, Les Satellites, Les Ours Dorés (play on “Golden Bears”) and finally hold the name of Les Centurions today. Former Saint-Jean students have also played in the NHL such Johnny Gottselig who played for the Chicago Blackhawks between 1928 and 1946 while his teammate Valentin Edward « Vic » Hoffinger who was also from Russia and from Saint-Jean joined him in 1927. Recently, Saint-Jean alumni Mario Giguère has taken up a Don Cherry like persona and publishes hockey stories in Le Franco the weekly francophone newspaper. The current hockey club at CSJ, Les Centurions, now host a Heritage Classic hockey game every year where alumni face off against the young students in the hopes of asserting their hockey prowess against the younger skaters. After having lost last year’s cup, the Anciens (the ancients) alumni team have won this year’s game to reclaim the trophy. 

Colin - YouAlberta Contributor

This is Colin is franco-albertan, hailing from the rural town of Saint-Paul where they have a landing pad to welcome any potential alien life forms. Weird? Maybe, but what's really weird is how many awesome people there are in that town. He loves sports, books and movies and he might love Lego a little too much. Colin is currently taking a victory lap with a political science major and economics minor over at Campus Saint-Jean, and he wants you to know that if you haven't had the chance to go there yet, you're missing out.

5 Things That Prove Your Profs Aren't Inviting You To I-Week Simply to See Them Present

There are so many events that happen at the university, I know, I know, you get loads of emails every day from  different departments or clubs you subscribed (or didn’t subscribe) to, inviting you to come to their event. But International Week is different – trust me!

In the past I learned a lot from I-Week more than I ever thought I would. I gained practical experience, new friends, and knowledge. This year there are SO many different events at I-Week – anyone can find something that interests them.

Check out my top 5 sessions that I’m going to see at IWeek 2016:

1. KAIROS Blanket Exercise – January 25 3-5:50 PM 

Watch video

It’s not just because I’m a history student, I know many people find history to be yawn-worthy, but this is a fun and interactive way to learn Canada’s important and interesting Indigenous history. For me, It’s important to know the core historical elements of the place you’re living, or it’s hard to understand the present, and this is a perfect way to do so (and in under 3 hours, score).

2. After Paris: COP 21 and Beyond – January 27 2-3:20 PM

Climate change is something that affects all of us, and will affect our children and their children. If there is one thing that really pertains to all of us – it’s this! Would you like to be able to say “that’s because of global warming” with some conviction because you know what the experts are saying about it? #globalwarming #iknowthings 

3. How to Implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Locally – January 27 4-4:50 PM 

Do you ever wonder how you are going to transfer your degree to the real world? Well, the knowledge you can gain from this session will definitely help, and will show you how you can help move forward sustainable development in your own neighbourhood.

4. International Affairs Speed Networking Event – January 26 5-7:30 PM Tory 3-36 

If you’re still wondering how you are going to transfer your degree to the real world, this is the perfect event for you. This will give you the opportunity to talk to people with a variety of international careers and get some practical advice from them on how to get your dream career.

5. ISIS and Syrian Refugee Crisis: Canada’s Response – January 28 7-9 PM

If there is something that is talked about right now among co-workers, families, politicians, and otherwise, it’s this. We have all heard something about the refugee crisis. As the generation who will go on to deal with these issues in the not-so-far away future, I see this as a very useful session for everyone to go to, to get informed, form opinions, and learn about how Canada, specifically, is responding. 

TLDR: 

I-Week is super informative and if you’re like me and hate, or just don’t watch the news, this is a good alternative or additive. It will keep you informed on the goings-on of the world. It might even give you a current events conversation starter that you never knew you were capable of. 

Kaitlyn - International Week Enthusiast

Kaitlyn is a 22 year old history nerd, certified makeup artist, lover of travel and keeper of a travel blog, and a fourth year university student. When not at school, she works at her home-based cosmetics business, volunteers at animal rescue societies, and binge watches Gilmore Girls.

Places I Have Volunteered (Or Would Love To If I Had More Time)

Volunteering has been a big part of my life since I started university four years ago. Through volunteering, I was able to give back to the university community, meet new people, acquire new skills, and gain experiences that I will never forget. The benefits of volunteering are endless! As we start another academic year of exams and all-nighters, YouAlberta has decided to compile some of my favourite volunteer opportunities available on campus. Whether you’re a first year student looking for campus involvement or a senior (oops, fourth or fifth year) student wanting to give back to the community, here’s a list of tried-and-tested student services that offer amazing volunteer experience to students ON campus!

USchool 

USchool is a program run by the University of Alberta Senate to help educate, inspire, and connect socially vulnerable students (grades 4-9) to the University of Alberta. Students will participate in week-long activities that are engaging and fun. USchool is currently looking for volunteers for the Winter 2016 semester.

Blogger’s note: I volunteered for USchool for one year during my second year. Photography days (with a campus tour) are my personal favourite! P.S., Volunteers will also receive a thank-you letter from the University Chancellor at the end of the semester.

Safewalk

Safewalk is a safe and reliable alternative to walking alone around campus at night. Safewalk is free of charge and is available to any member of the surrounding community including undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and members of the public. Volunteer applications for the Winter 2016 semester are due on Monday, January 18 at 5pm.

Campus Food Bank

The Campus Food Bank (CFB) is a non-profit charity that provides emergency food hampers to the university community. The CFB believes that students should hunger for knowledge, not for food. Volunteer applications for Winter 2016 are now closed. However, CFB is also recruiting volunteers for the Spring and Summer terms.

Blogger’s note: I am senior volunteer/team leader at the CFB for two years now! Please don’t hesitate to ask me if you have any questions on how to get involved with the CFB.

The Landing

The Landing provides a safe student space and support for gender and sexual diversity on campus. They offer regularly scheduled drop-in hours, education sessions, and other services such as peer mentorship, referrals, and more! The Landing recruit volunteers every Spring. However, event volunteers are needed throughout the year!

Sustain SU

Sustain SU is a Students’ Union service that provides peer-to-peer learning and support for all undergraduate students to incorporate sustainability in every aspect of the university experience. Please visit the Sustain SU for more information on how to get involved with their projects and initiatives.

Peer Support Centre

The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a Students’ Union service that offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental place to talk to someone for support. No issue is too big or too small. The PSC accepts volunteer applications from March to late July every year.

Orientation

Orientation aims to provide programs that aid in the transitioning of students from high school into university smoothly and effectively. Be bold. Be a Bear. Volunteer applications for Orientation 2016 will open in late January.

Blogger’s note: I was an orientation leader for the Faculty of Arts for two years (2014 and 2015). “I got UAlberta spirit, yes I do, I got spirit, how about you?”

And last but not least, don’t forget to check Infolink Volunteer Registry!This is a helpful database to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you (on or off campus)!

From this volunteer to you: Be part of the ripple effect! Have a great semester ahead and have fun volunteering! :)

YouAlberta Spotlight: Learn a New Language with the SVCC

Hello. Bonjour. Hola. Kamusta. こんにちは (Konnichiwa).

I am multilingual. I can speak, read, and write in Tagalog, Kapampangan (a Filipino provincial language), and English. Recently, I studied Japanese/Nihonggo to fulfill a requirement for my BA degree. Having the ability to speak different languages has helped me greatly in life (especially since moving here to Canada). My multilingualism has allowed me to more profoundly appreciate cultural differences, it’s improved my communications with others, and most importantly, it’s helped me make new friends.


While I would strongly recommend learning a new language (or two, or three, or even more), I also recognize that learning a new language is a daunting and expensive task. (After all self-help books, e-learning programs, and formal classes are quite pricey). So, when I stumbled upon a Student Volunteer Campus Community (SVCC) poster in the Tory Building, a student group that offer free (yes, FREE!) language sessions to the university community, I knew that I had to learn more about them. Luckily, I was able to spend one Saturday with the group - and although I did not learn a new language (because a day just isn’t long enough) - I did learn about their outstanding community service and I think that you might just appreciate their story. 

So, meet some of the SVCC crew - Eevannis, Seo-Whi, Magdalena, Lincoln, Seth, Chantelle, and Amy - and pick up a tip or two about learning a new language. (You might even be tempted to sign up for their language sessions – which are FREE!)

Who Are They?

Tips for Learning a New Language

Languages (Currently) Offered

Cantonese

English

French

Korean

Mandarin

Spanish

FREE Language Sessions

Saturdays, 10am-12pm

Education Building

University of Alberta

*Editor's note: An earlier version of this post listed "French" twice under "Languages (Currently) Offered" and missed "Spanish." We've corrected our error.

----
About the Author

Kevin

Kevin Chavez Laxamana is a 4th year Anthropology Honors student. He hails from the Philippines and has been living as a proud Edmontonian for half a decade. When he is not busy, which is a rare occurrence, Kevin enjoys long walks, volunteering, and binge-watching past seasons of Survivor. He aspires to become a ‘cool’ social scientist while trying to get his Twitter account verified (though he doesn’t tweet much). His most prized possession (for now) is a signed copy of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake.

YouAlberta Spotlight: The Bike Library

I bike to school every day, and find that at least once a week… something usually breaks. I’ll pop an inner tube, my chain will snap, or my brakes won’t break (since they’re pretty worn). More recently, my DIY pannier (that’s “rear bike bag” in cyclo-language) fell apart and landed on my rear wheel. (It was actually pretty dangerous since is caused me to swerve in front of oncoming traffic.) In any case, when it comes to my bike, things get expensive. Parts aside, bike shops can charge more for labor than an auto-mechanic, and as someone who’s both frugal and stubborn, I won’t have any of it.


So, I often find myself in the Sustain SU Bike Library. Tucked away in SAB, the Bike Library rents bikes out to the U of A community. And even better, it has a full array of tools, as well as some more common parts (for a good price), to help get you and your bike back on the road without severely bankrupting you. I like being able to do the work myself, and since they have mechanics and volunteers on hand to help you DIY your repairs, you can rest assured you won’t screw anything up too badly.

But – don’t take my word for it – take a look at the video and see what makes this community bike library such a campus gem.

Bike Library Hours:

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2-5 p.m.
Wednesdays: 12-3 p.m.

Location: 

1-13 South Academic Building (SAB).
Please follow the directional signs and enter through the back of the building.

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Shadi

Shadi Merhej, a soon to be graduate of the Specialization in Mathematics and Economics program, is a fond admirer of the Spring and Summer, Bluetooth speakers, and ItDog. Shadi is currently working in the Students' Union as staff member with Orientation, and plans on eventually doing graduate work in the incredibly cool field of Econometrics. In his free time, Shadi enjoys his bike not breaking, and people not yelling at him to stay off the road.

YouAlberta Spotlight: U of A Compliments

The great Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Meet Batool, Evan, Fahim, Mishma, Mitchell, Nicole, Shirley, and Tyler - these students are among the many amazing U of A Compliments volunteers making the University of Alberta a safe, inclusive, and loving environment. Through the use kind words, U of A Compliments has become an avenue for university students to have a positive effect on their peers and the general campus community. U of A Compliments has shown how simple yet kind gestures can have a positive impact on those in our campus community.

YouAlberta sat down with the group to learn a little about why they do what they do. Here's what we learned:

Who Are They?

What Do They Do?

What Advice for Do They Have for Students?

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About the Author

Kevin

Kevin Chavez Laxamana is a 4th year Anthropology Honors student. He hails from the Philippines and has been living as a proud Edmontonian for half a decade. When he is not busy, which is a rare occurrence, Kevin enjoys long walks, volunteering, and binge-watching past seasons of Survivor. He aspires to become a ‘cool’ social scientist while trying to get his Twitter account verified (though he doesn’t tweet much). His most prized possession (for now) is a signed copy of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake.