Immortality? Yes Or No?

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

When I was younger I used to be so afraid of dying. I’d think about my death, how I’d want to die, and hope that it wasn’t painful. I thought a lot about the afterlife too. Is there a heaven? Or is it just nothing? I think a lot of these thoughts stem from my Catholic school upbringing. I mean really it’s most of what we talk about, living our best Catholic lives on earth so that when we pass on we can go to heaven and have the “eternal happy life” I was taught about. But as I’ve grown older and come to my senses, I’m not too afraid of dying anymore. I mean it happens to everyone at some point right? So why fear it? Me and my friends like to chat about this subject from time to time, maybe we’re weird but we always come up with a good ol’ pros and cons list for immortality. Like if you really could, would you want to live forever? It’s honestly a pretty complex topic, but also maybe it’s not for you. Maybe you’re completely set against it or on the other hand maybe you’re constantly researching new technology and following all the latest health trends to make your life longer. Either way it’s an odd topic but one I just can’t put down and I’m always super fascinated to hear what other people have to say about it, but here’s what I have to say about it all. (And I will play devil’s advocate here and go on either side of the picture.)

How many times have you heard the phrase “Life is too short”. I bet a ton right? Maybe everyone who says this is right – maybe life is too short. Having a never ending lifetime would mean the possibilities are endless. But if the possibilities were endless and you had 365 x infinity days to learn every language, try every sport and visit every country then would you even be motivated to get it done? If there is no time constraint then maybe you would get lazy, maybe you wouldn’t make the most of your days and you’d take life for granted. Having a limited amount of days means you need to make the most of the time you have, I think having no pressure would just make you less motivated to try new things and live your life to the fullest.

But if you had the rest of forever, think of all the cool stuff you’d get to see. I always think about how my grandma grew up without phones or internet and now she has a full on Instagram account. She got to see a whole technological growth right before her eyes, but it would just keep getting cooler and more interesting as time went on. You could see the rise and fall of entire civilizations, geographics change, and watch the whole world grow right before your eyes. That could either be really cool or really scary. What if everything is going to start to change for the worse and right now is your primetime of life, would you really want to watch the world go downhill and live to be a part of it?

You know that feeling when you finish a TV series and suddenly don’t know what to do with your life? It’s like the one thing you were really into at the moment and now what do you do? You have to find a new show but at the moment you feel like nothing can compare. Now imagine that feeling on a universal scale. After you’ve done everything, seen everything, and experienced everything, what’s left? What if eternal life just becomes… dull? Would life lose meaning if you had unlimited time? Would you begin to take it for granted or would you still live everyday with a positive attitude. I feel like your attitude towards it all has to do with a lot of it. If you’re going into it with a positive vibe everyday then I guess that would make it less dull but if you have the mentality of “ughh here we go again another day” then I think after a while it would wear down on you.

One point that I always keep going back to is how you’ve seen first hand just how much the cost of life has risen, so if it just keeps going up and up would you have to keep working forever? And what about the retirement age? Technically that wouldn’t affect you cause you wouldn’t be physically aging and still in good working condition. Say you’re going to be 33 forever. And you’d have to work the same day job forever until you die to afford to live. I’d not like that one bit. I’d much rather work till I’m 65 and be able to retire and live out the rest of my days in peace spending time with family and friends. Wouldn’t the 9-5 life become extremely mundane? I mean for the most part a lot of people in the world are eagerly anticipating the retirement age, so if you never got to reach that would you really be enjoying your life?

What if it was only you who got to live forever? I think this one single point has the power to change the whole debate. It’s totally different if everyone got to live forever. Then you’d all be in the same boat and it’s all you know. But if it was just you living forever alone I think that would be so hard. You’d have to watch so many people come and go. Generations of friends, family, and loved ones pass away. Over and over. How many heartbreaks could you go through before you start emotionally detaching from everyone? Would relationships even feel the same if you knew they had an expiration date while you didn’t? I think this one point is my deciding factor. You’d get to watch so many nieces, nephews, grandsons and granddaughters be born and just know that one day you’ll have to go through the heartbreak of losing them. I’d rather not have to deal with it and be content with knowing that we’re all on the same cycle of life and I won’t be the only one left alone time and time again.

So, if you had the choice to live forever would you do it? It’s tempting, especially when you think about all the unfinished business you have in life. And of course if you have a big fear about what comes after life, I guess it would be nice to avoid that fear entirely right? But would it really be worth it if we had to watch everyone we love disappear, or if we ended up feeling like a relic of a past world? I think that’s what’s special about life, that it is limited. That makes us want to live everyday to the fullest and get out there and make those special memories. You don’t want life just to pass you by So, what do you think? Immortality, yes or no? And more importantly, how would you spend your extra centuries if you said yes?

Spending The Summer In BC

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Summer is just around the corner. Well, not just around the corner, you do have to get through spring first buttttt time flies and before you know it the sunny weather will be here. As a college student I always like to make the most of my summers. I mean us students are practically locked in a library and glued to our computer screen for 8 months out of the year so when the summer comes I’m ready to get outside and go away. Throughout the year I’m always patiently waiting for the summer. Dreaming of the days I can shut my textbook and write that last final and just be carefree for the summer and go off on adventures. But then the summer comes around and what money do I have to spend for these adventures? Basically none. It makes sense though, I had barely any time to work and the little money I did make was spent on textbooks, tuition, and caffeine. But as a third year college student living in BC I’ve cracked the code to making summers fun within the province. And even though my TikTok and Instagram feed is always filled with people living out their Euro-Summer dreams once June rolls around, I’ve learned to make BC summers just as fun. I think the recipe for making the most out of a summer are weekend getaways. Just little trips you can do for a change of scenery are the best. I mean BC is such a beautiful province and there is so much to discover.

Victoria

Taking the ferry to Victoria for a weekend getaway, or even just a day trip, is always a cool experience. The city has so much to offer, and what makes it truly special is all the different vibes it has. For those who love the outdoors, Victoria has a laid-back island feel, with stunning beaches. You could easily spend an entire day wandering along the shore and exploring all the beaches. Some of my go to’s Willows Beach and Spiral Beach.

If you’re more of a city adventurer, downtown Victoria has a vibrant energy with its mix of charming boutiques, lively pubs, and good eats serving everything from fresh seafood to classic comfort food. The Inner Harbour is a must see, where you can watch street performers, check out the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel, or hop on a water taxi for a different perspective of the city.

Victoria is also rich in history and heritage, giving it an old-world charm. If you’re fascinated by history, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are a great thing to spend the day exploring.You can take a guided tour, or even just standing outside and catching a glimpse while sipping on a coffee is super cool too.

Tofino

Since you already took the ferry over from the mainland, why not extend your trip? One of my favourite places in the world is Tofino. It really is the “Hawaii of Canada”. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or just walk along the beach with a good book, nothing beats the Tofino vibes.

If you’re looking to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle, Tofino’s beaches are the perfect place to start. Long Beach, Chesterman Beach, and Cox Bay are all stunning spots where you can spend the day walking along endless stretches of sand, getting a tan, and watching the surfers carve through the Pacific.

Beyond the beaches, Tofino is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. You have Pacific Rim National Park right there which is honestly breathtaking. There are so many trails to explore and it’s unbelievable how gigantic the trees are, simply stunning.

Tofino is so quaint and has so much charm with amazing local restaurants, coffee shops, and markets. Whether you’re grabbing a famous Tacofino burrito, warming up with a cozy cup of coffee from Rhino Coffee House, or enjoying some craft beer from Tofino Brewing Co, the food and people are unbeatable.

No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, an outdoor adventure, a peaceful escape from the city, or a mix of both, Tofino offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will make you want to return again and again. There are loads of amazing campsites and hotels scattered along the coastline to choose from.

Bowen Island

Continuing with the island vibes, Bowen Island is the perfect place to get away from the city if you’re just looking for a day trip. There’s so much to see and do but it’s small enough you can get away with seeing it all in just a day. Bowen is so quaint and cute you find so many cute shops and cafes to wander in and out of, grab a nice meal, and if you’re feeling adventurous and wanting to get some steps in there are so many trails around the Island, and of course you can’t forget the beautiful beaches.

Whytecliff Park

Wanting to stay local but still looking for a relaxing escape? Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is the place to be this summer. It’s absolutely gorgeous with a main beach, grassy field, cliffs to jump off of, and when the tide is out there is even a rock you can walk out to and climb up and explore, it’s super cool. If you’re lucky you might even be able to catch a couple of whales splashing around the ocean, I’ve been able to see some orcas a few times there.

Lynn Canyon

If you’re looking for a chance to cool down this summer Lynn Canyon is my favourite spot for a cool dip. The water is so clear and so refreshing there’s no better place to go for a dip than Lynn Canyon. There are also a lot of spots where you can climb into the water too, just walking up and down the trail along the river you will be able to find a good little spot to get in. My go to is always bringing some snacks and spending a hot July afternoon at the canyon with some friends, the perfect North Vancouver summer afternoon.

Spanish Banks

If you love a good sandy beach then this is the beach for you. Spanish Banks in Kitsilano is probably the best sandy beach in Vancouver. If you love to skimboard or even just want to get into it then this is the perfect spot to break the board out and give it a go. There are a lot of concession stands for those snack breaks as well. I love to throw a football or toss a volleyball around with friends, play some cards, and get a tan on. It’s really just a slice of heaven in the city.

You have to admit, BC summer’s are pretty unbeatable, I mean we got it all. Whether you’re staying on the mainland or adventuring out to the island there is so much to see and do. So once June comes around and you’re looking for summer activities to get there and take in the sun before Raincouver comes back, then check some of the ideas out and I’m sure you’ll be having a great summer.

Dissecting Taylor Swift Lyrics: Part 2

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Two weeks ago I wrote a piece on dissecting lyrics. Sometimes I only listen to a song for the beat. If it’s catchy and fun and puts me in a good mood then maybe that’s all I need from it. But from time to time I’ll be listening to a song and the lyrics really hit me. “Did they really just say that? They are a mastermind!” I love the process of going through lyrics and lines in a song and uncovering what they are really trying to say. Getting in the brains of other people is fun right? I think so. Trying to uncover secret meanings and get inside the mind of artists is so interesting to me. One artist in particular really makes it fun to dissect her lyrics for me. This artist has 404 songs, that’s a lot to cover, obviously I wasn’t able to get that done in one piece. So welcome back to Dissecting Taylor Swift Lyrics: Part 2.

Taylor has always been prominent in pop-culture but In the past couple of years she really has taken off, releasing 4 brand new albums since 2020, going on tour for her iconic Eras Tour, with 149 shows spanning 5 continents, and of course, she’s in the spotlight in the sports world for dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. From a non-Swiftie perspective I can (sorta) see why there can be a misunderstanding with the type of artist she is. You may know her from “Love Story” or “You Belong With Me” but I’m here to show you that she has evolved a lot since those days and her lyrics are more meaningful then “it’s a love story baby just say yes”.

Along with dissecting lyrics I’ll also touch on ones that are just clever. Lines and lyrics that make me think “how did she even think of that”. The ones that bring me chills because how can a person create such interesting and engaging lyrics to relate to everyday feelings. Basically I want to prove to you that Taylor Swift is more than just a pop artist who sings about breakups, she is a lyrical genius.

DISCLAIMER: I will use the word presumed because obviously we cannot get into the actual mind of the one and only Taylor Swift, this is just what is presumed.

Last April, Taylor Swift released her latest album The Tortured Poets Department. The title of this album matches perfectly with the music. It’s a melancholy feeling yet it is so poetic. So it’s only right I start with some songs from this album and the first song I’m going to touch on is one that really gives me chills and is so clever to me “How Did It End”

“Say it once again with feeling/ How the death rattle breathing/ Silenced as the soul was leaving”

Have you ever had something happen to you that leaves you literally breathless and trying to catch air. It’s like when you find out or see something that you didn’t want to know and it leaves you so shocked your system can’t keep up with your brain. How Did It End is a song that looks back on the past really questioning what went wrong and how did it all end? It’s also almost like a goodbye, with the “silenced as the soul was leaving”.

When I was little with friends a core memory is singing those rhymes “Jessi and Daniel sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G” it used to have us laughing in tears after, to little girls it’s hilarious at the time. I grew up listening to Taylor Swift, so as she has gotten older and the music matures so have I. When I heard this next lyric in How Did It End, it kinda left me with my jaw dropped and an anxious stomach.

“My beloved ghost and me/ Sitting in a tree/ D.Y.I.N.G”

These lines are nostalgic almost and it’s an odd feeling to look back on with growing up and how time flies so fast. One day you’re on the swings singing about your friends in grade 4 kissing and the next you’re a young adult listening to heartbreaking songs that you only wish you didn’t have to relate to. It’s a line that leaves an odd taste in my mouth. I love how clever she was with that rhyme change, but really Taylor, you didn’t have to make me that sad and nostalgic.

Continuing with the Tortured Poets Department, I think one of the reasons I love this album so much is because it’s still predominantly about breakups and relationships but it’s a completely different take than her previous albums. This album is not at all those “Shake It Off” vibes where she’s going through the breakup in a light fun way, you can tell with this album she took it in a mature way, showing that these feelings were painful.

Have you ever been really into someone or maybe even in a relationship with someone where everyone just disapproves of that other person? It’s an awful feeling and you feel the judgement so hard. I mean after all it’s someone you really value yet other people are just not seeing those same sides of the person that you see. But afterwhile maybe you begin to see why these people feel that way about that person. Maybe they aren’t so good for you, the relationship is thrilling and seems so good to you, you just can’t take that step away. Taylor’s song “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” kinda emasculates those feelings perfectly.

They shake their heads saying “God help her”,/ When I tell them he’s my man/ But you’re good Lord doesn’t need to lift a finger/ I can fix him, no, really I can.

The dopamine races through his brain/ On a six-lane Texas highway

Taylor is talking about being with someone so exhilarating and exciting but in reality they probably aren’t the best for you, maybe deep down you know it, but everyone around you can definitely see it.

The feeling of getting old to people is something that I know a lot of people can relate to. Once you’re not this new shiny person anymore and people get to know the real you and see your flaws and quirks, if they aren’t your true friend they can get scared and pull away. Taylor hits these feelings of fear of abandonment in her song “Nothing New” right on the dot.

“Lord what will become of me/ Once I’ve lost my novelty?

So have I proved to you that Taylor Swift is a lot more than just basic song lyrics? I mean I think I’ve laid it out all pretty good right here, she is the lyrical genius I said she was! Even if you aren’t a fan, I think it’s still fun to dissect these lyrics and get into her brain, and who knows, maybe once you check these songs out you’ll be a new found Swiftie.

Social Media: A Double Edged Sword

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Social media is a double edged sword. On one hand, it’s good. It keeps us connected, keeps us creating, informed, and entertained. But on the other hand, it can make you feel bad, really bad. One minute you’re scrolling through Instagram liking your cousin’s engagement posts, the next you’re wondering if you need a nose job and spiarling into a pit of comparison, dread, and jealousy over your high school bully being accepted into law school. It’s no secret that social media plays a huge role in your daily life, it’s just ingrained in us now, almost a part of us. I bet the first thing you do when you wake up is check your social media accounts. And hey, to clarify, I’m not judging, because this is what I do, I wake up, actually not even fully awake, and I’m already scrolling through Instagram. What a nice wake up call right? Be honest, social media doesn’t leave you feeling any better than you were when you got on right? So are you putting yourself into the position of endlessly doom scrolling into stress and self-donut? Or do you get off social media feeling like this new and improved best version of yourself?

Before I completely trash social media and tell you that it’s doing you absolutely no good (and I know, I know, I use it too, I’m guilty of all of this) I can give it credit for the good things about it. As someone who’s family lives all over the world, social media is a way to connect us. I get to see what my little cousins are up to from their parents’ social media, or what my crazy uncle has been re-tweeting, it keeps me in the know of their lives from quick day to day scrolls. It feels good not to be totally cut off from them and be able to see what’s going miles and miles away. Social media can also be an educating thing. Whether it’s mental health awareness, political movements, or social justice causes, social media platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok have changed how we can get in the know of important things going on around us. It’s also such a great way to get creative and connect with people. Podcasts for example, there creative, educational, and inspiring 10s across the board from me.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Social media can be extremely harmful for you and you might not even notice it. It’s a trap. It sucks you right in and you get addicted to scrolling and you just dip yourself into a hole deeper with each swipe and click. Scrolling through Instagram can make you feel like everyone has a better life than you. Someone’s on vacation in Greece, another person just graduated from college, and your high school crush is getting engaged. Meanwhile, you’re still trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet properly, let alone put it on your bed first try without realizing you got the wrong corner. It’s the comparison trap. You start by comparing lifestyles, then maybe you compare material items, like other people’s bags, clothes, and jewellery, and then you start to compare your physical image to others. You just wish you were them, and it sucks but you just can’t put the phone down. But what you have to realize is Instagram and social media is just a highlight reel, that perfect couple you see posting all the time is probably in some stupid argument all the time, and that person vacationing Greece could have a lot of stuff going on behind the screen that you just don’t see. They’re not showing their bad days, their financial struggles, or the 100 attempts it took to get that “candid” selfie. Everything can be edited so you have to remember, you aren’t seeing the photo be taken right then in person, so how can you be sure it’s real? Social media can force you to compare your life to other peoples and create some serious FOMO. Even if you’re perfectly happy staying in on a Friday night, one look at a Snapchat or Instagram story can make you feel like you’re missing out on the best night of your life. Seeing other people constantly doing fun things can make you feel like your life isn’t exciting enough, even if you were totally fine five minutes ago. It gives you that feeling that you’re doing life all wrong, that you need to be living by other peoples standards and ways of life to truly be fulfilled which is all so wrong.

Social media doesn’t just affect your mental health by way of comparison, there’s doom scrolling too. Ever spend an hour reading bad news and then feel like the world is ending? That’s doom scrolling, and it’s a major problem for mental health. Social media is great at keeping us informed, but the constant stream of negativity can make the world feel way more chaotic than it actually is. This just brings you to feelings of crazy anxiety, stress, and a feeling of helplessness. It’s like your finger is stuck on auto pilot, just swiping and finding the worst each time, it’s an awful cycle. But it’s not entirely your fault, social media apps are literally designed to be addictive. The endless scroll, the notifications, the random rewards of likes and comments, it’s all meant to keep you hooked. There has even been research done on the colour of the buttons and notifications on which ones get the most clicks. It’s absolutely insane, no wonder the whole world is glued to a screen, social media was built for us to become addicted.

The internet can be a brutal place, but people just feel way more comfortable and confident behind a screen, but with this comfortability, it can lead to people just feeling way more comfortable to be mean behind a screen. Cyberbullying is a massive issue, from comments under posts to direct messages cyberbullying is out there more than you know. Even if you haven’t been directly affected by cyberbullying I’m sure you’ve seen a comment under a post once or twice that is just so appalling and unnecessary, you wonder who could ever say those things.

Like I said before, social media is a double edged sword. A blessing and a curse. It can connect you but at the same time isolate you.. Inform you, but at the same time overwhelm you. It can entertain you, but at the same time, it can really drain you. Again, I’m no saint and I really should be listening to what I’m saying, but it’s addicting, it’s hard to stop. But the trick is to use it as mindfully as possible, which isn’t the easiest task. So, next time you find yourself deep in a TikTok hole at 2 AM, ask yourself “Is this actually making me happy?” If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to put the phone down and go catch some probably, much needed Z’s.

Getting Ghosted

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

If you haven’t been ghosted, consider yourself lucky. But I mean we’ve all been there at one point or another right? Maybe even a job. You send in your resume, you get the interview, you do the interview, andddd you never hear back. You got ghosted. How about a great first date. You think it goes well, you guys plan to go on another, you text a bit and then one day, no response. You got ghosted. It stings, and it’s a universal experience you’re more than likely to go through at one point or another.

It’s an odd feeling. Whether you were close to this person or not, being cut off without an explanation can leave you with so many unanswered questions. Not getting closure makes it basically impossible to move on, afterall, getting that closure, those last few words for understanding is what helps you heal. So not getting that makes healing a whole new game. Usually, it’s for the best, if they didn’t even have time to write you a quick text (at the bare bottom minimum) then good riddance to them, time to move on. But if it’s someone you really valued as a person and maybe even intended for whatever that relationship was to carry on way into the future, then ouch, ya it stings.

Ghosting has really taken off in this digital age. I mean it makes sense, there’s so many platforms out there and with people hiding behind the screen they just think it’s easier to break things off by literally just breaking the conversation. In highschool, SnapChat was the biggest culprit. To be honest and real there were many times in highschool I got ghosted, most of them I didn’t even care or think twice, but some, wow you would’ve thought I was engaged to them, I was a full blown mess. But rightfully so, I mean it sucks to have a connection with someone (or so you think) and then just be thrown off a cliff the next day. At a young age too, when your brain is not at all developed it leaves you with that “well why wasn’t I good enough” feeling when in reality, that person just sucks and doesn’t have the courage to write a simple text. Good riddance. It’s the ultimate disappearing act. Ghosters should just go to the circus and do an act with a magician where they disappear right off stage and are never seen again (probably the only thing they’d be good at ever too). If you’re on a dating app then I’m sure you know the struggle. You think you and this person could make it off the app into real life, the banter is great, the conversations are deep and thennnn they vanish into thin air.

Being ghosted is like riding an emotional roller coaster that you didn’t sign up for. One minute, you’re feeling on top of the world, texting back and forth, planning your next hangout, and getting excited for all these future possibilities you’re building up in your head. The next minute, you’re staring at your phone, wondering if you’ve said something that sent them running. It’s a feeling of denial. You’ll probably check your phone a million times, grabbing your phone at every single buzz, ding, and ring, hoping you got it all wrong, and maybe they just got hold up at work. You go to bed, then wake up and realize, oh, this is happening.

Once reality sets in and you come to the terms that wow, this person really did ghost me, you will probably feel angry and frustrated. How did you let this person who is wayyyy out of your league do this? Then you’ll start asking yourself questions. “How did I let this happen to me?” “Was I not interesting enough?” and of course the common one “how could they just disappear?”. It’s a confusing time, you thought this person could’ve been end game (probably just a second date) and now poof, just like that, gone.

Then you’ll bargain. You’re trying to figure out ways to fix it. Maybe they’re busy, right? You start drafting follow-up messages, trying to write out the perfect text that won’t seem too desperate but will still get them to respond. You’ll convince yourself that one more message will do the trick. Or maybe their birthday is just around the corner so you wait for their birthday, send them a text and wait. The harsh reality is that they probably won’t respond. I mean the hardest part they had to do is already done already, they ripped their band aid off by stopping the conversations, why would they put themselves through that again. But who knows, maybe they are in a good mood, feeling friendly, you get a response back! This is everything you wanted right? Maybe you guys will banter back and forth for a bit and then shocker, if they did it once, they can do it again. I hate to say it but you did this to yourself my friend. Now you just have to start the healing cycle from the beginning, so maybe next time, leave the happy birthday text out of the equation.

Being ghosted is never fun, but it’s not the end of the world. It’s tempting to send a “Why did you ghost me?” message, but it’s usually not worth your time. Why would you give someone your precious time when they didn’t even have the human decency to give you literally 1 minute of theirs? I promise after sometime you’ll come to terms with it. The feelings will come and go. After some time and a little self-reflection, you’ll realize you’re better off now. You realize that their silence isn’t your fault, and sometimes people just aren’t as invested as you are. At this point, you can either move on or just laugh about it because, honestly, it’s kind of funny at the end of this, this person was that immature they couldn’t just pick up the phone and type out a simple sentence, so I said it once and I’ll say it again, good riddance!

Cramming Chaos

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

If there’s a collective thing all college students are good at, it’s procrastination. No matter how many times we tell ourselves, Next time, I’ll start studying early. You always end up in the same place, frantically flipping through notes at 2 AM, fuelled by caffeine, stress, and the distant hope that sheer willpower can replace actual preparation, and if all else fails, just fill in C on the scantron. It literally happens to me every time, I walk into a midterm, ready to bolt the other way, I take it, and then I walk out with the same response “at least we have the final we can study and do well at”. Sounds familiar right?

It always starts the same way: absolute denial. Maybe you forgot about the exam. Maybe you convinced yourself there was still plenty of time. Either way, reality hits and bam, next thing you know the exam is tomorrow. “Are you ready for the test tomorrow?” Cue the five stages of academic grief:

Denial – No way it’s tomorrow. How did this week fly by?
Anger – It’s not my fault I skipped so much class!
Bargaining – If I study all night and skip breakfast, maybe I can cram everything in, I got this.
Depression – There’s no way I’m passing. Maybe I should just drop out.
Acceptance – It’s in God’s hands now.

But us college students don’t give up. We are paying our life savings (literally) in tuition and we cannot afford to (financially and mentally) fail this exam. Cue the caffeine. No all nighter is complete without coffee, energy drinks, matcha, whatever it may be to keep your brain firing and awake, or even just alert enough to absorb some sort of information. Beware of the inevitable caffeine crash, though. There’s nothing worse than powering through an all-nighter only to get to the exam and be struggling to keep your eyes open, this happens to me far too often.

Since time is not on your side with the last minute cramming methods, efficiency is everything. Forget deep learning, this is about getting as much information into your brain as humanly possible in the shortest amount of time. Even just slightly touching on a top topic so if it comes up in a multiple choice question you’re ready to go. Here’s how:

The Skim & Pray Method

Read through your notes at light speed, highlighting everything that looks important.

The YouTube Crash Course

Find a 10-minute video explaining the entire semester’s worth of material. Preferably with animations. Khan academy is always my go to for quick math explanations

The Group Study Hack

Meet with friends who actually studied and let them summarize everything for you. It’s a win-win situation, they get to study by repeating back to you and you get a sense for what will be on the exam! Perfect!

One thing about me is that I’m not built for an all nighter life. I’m a girl who needs her sleep. 8 hours minimum. Regularly, I’m in bed by 10 and ready to count some Z’s but those 2 times a year (midterm and finals). It’s go time for me. Surviving an all nighter and taking an exam the next day is not for the weak. It’s something that requires practice and serious skill. You need to get to know yourself and know how your body works before you master the all nighter. But there’s always that inevitable wall you reach around 3am. The wall that makes you question if this all is really worth it. But you can always push through.

Set Study Goals – Break down topics into 30-minute chunks so you don’t get overwhelmed. To be honest, there’s no way you’re going to learn a whole college course in one night, keep it realistic and focus on things you know will be on the test.
Use the Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. Repeat until your soul leaves your body. I found this method on TikTok and to be honest, it does the trick for me. 25 minutes is just enough where I’m locked in the whole time. (I know I know, this generation has a horrible attention span)
Snack – Having little bites to eat here and there, keeps me awake. My other hack is to find a small sweet treat you like (mine is skittles) and give yourself one each time you get a question right or move on to the next chapter. This always keeps me motivated to keep on keeping on.
Move Around – Every hour, stand up, stretch, or do jumping jacks. This keeps your brain from melting. It gets hard but what’s harder, failing your exam? Or moving around a little to stay awake?

Of course, the time will come when it’s time to sit down and write this thing. If there’s 2 things I took away from elementary school then this is it. 1 skip a question if you aren’t sure, you can always come back to it (unless it’s an online exam where your teacher has it set to one question at a time and once you answer then you can’t go back, then good luck) and 2, take a breath, in the grand scheme of things, this is just one single exam you will take in your life. It’s not going to be the end of the world. There’s probably more exams and assignments to come that can boost your grade anyway (and if this is the final and you need a 92% to pass the course, then good luck). But there’s a couple more things you can do to feel a bit better about this exam.

Skim Everything Again – A last-minute review can maybe point out a couple multiple choice answers right?

Fake Confidence – Even if you have no idea what’s happening, answer questions with conviction. Teachers can smell fear. Fake it till you make it right! You are so ready for this!

Guess Smart – If all else fails, go with C. It’s not scientifically proven, but it feels right.

Cramming isn’t ideal, but let’s face it—it’s a college tradition at this point. At one point or another you are going to have to deal with this, if you didn’t then are you even human? Will you ever learn your lesson and develop better study habits? Probably not. But as long as caffeine exists, last-minute studying will always have a place in academia.

Good luck, fellow procrastinators especially just in the midst of midterm season. You got this, and hang in there.

The Wrath Of Group Projects

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

I strongly dislike group projects. And of course, for starters I should mention how I know they do prepare us for work life, collaborating with your co-workers and all that, but having these group projects in school just drives me up the wall. At least in a job you are all there hopefully because you enjoy what you do and because it makes you money. But in school, you and your classmates probably all want to do different things post grad, just can’t get on the same page, and probably have different work ethics. But if there’s one universal thing that I think students can bond and be on the same page on, it’s hating group projects.

Every group project consists of the same seven archetypes of students, no matter what the class, the teacher, or the assignment. It’s like the universe itself has decided that these roles must exist in every academic group work setting. If you’ve ever been in a group project (which, unfortunately, you have), you’ve met these people:

The Overachiever (in other words the group leader)
Ok to be completely yes, I do like taking the role of the group leader on, but not in the controlling scary way, I just like to know that what I want done will get done, I don’t mind taking a little extra on to ensure a good grade, but let me stress, I’m not crazy. But let’s look at the scary overachiever, the one that is relentless, and at times, a bit too forward. They send the initial text, create the Google Doc, write out the plan, and—by the end—probably just do the whole thing themselves out of sheer survival instinct. They are fuelled by rage, caffeine, and the knowledge that their entire GPA is riding on people who haven’t responded to a single email. They will plan pointless group meetings when at the end of day, probably could’ve all just been sent with a quick text or email. You’re either happy you’re in their group cause that means a little bit of free riding or you’re dreading the unneeded stress that’s about to come with this.

The MIA

Then at the opposite end of the spectrum we have the person who is always missing in action. You probably have seen them a couple times at the beginning of the school year and then never again. They were technically assigned to your group, but are they real? Do they exist? No one knows. They’ve never responded to a message, never shown up to a meeting, and if they did, they just nodded in the Zoom call while playing video games in another tab. The night the project is due they either pull it together and hand in a masterpiece or that parts get a zero.

The Control Freak

The Overachievers’ evil twin. This person insists on approving everything, assigns way too many deadlines, and rewrites your entire section because they “just wanted to clean it up a little.” They send seven follow-up messages in the group chat at 2 AM. They have no faith in the team and they will make sure that you know your part of the project is bad. Every little detail or suggestion you bring up is immediately shot down because they think that you will never be at the academic level that they are.

The Disappearing Act

This is the Ghost’s more chaotic cousin. They show up in the beginning, make some confident claims about what they’ll contribute, and then vanish until the night before the project is due. Suddenly, they resurface with an excuse and a hastily written paragraph or something you can tell is 100% Chat Gpt’d. Their work is so bad that the Overachiever has to redo it anyway.

The Bare Minimum

This person has mastered the act of just sliding through the cracks. This person technically contributes, but just enough to avoid outright failure. If they’re assigned a slide in a presentation, expect a single bullet point and a blurry image copied straight from Wikipedia. Their favourite phrases are “What do you guys need me to do?” and “Can someone check my work?”. They will do what they need to do, but never expect much out of them.

The Hit Or Miss

Maybe you’ve had this person in a group project once and they completely blew your expectations out of the water. They hit the mark with everything, got it done ahead of time, and maybe even helped out some other members. Then you get them in your next project and they are a complete trainwreck, a real hit or miss. They are willing to put in the work sometimes if it’s something they are really interested in, but if it’s not up their alley, they tune it out.

The Ideal Member

And of course, there is the ideal member. They just get it. They want to get it done right, they strive for good grades, they don’t need all those pointless after school meetings, and they are able to get along with everyone. They know what they need to do, and they do it right. They come to the group with a positive attitude and bring some great ideas. A solid 10/10.

But the group members don’t just make or break the group flow, there are a lot of outside factors as well. For insistence, the group chat. The group chat is where all the suffering begins. The Overachiever starts it off with an enthusiastic, “Hey guys! When do you want to meet up to start working on the project?” Silence. Crickets. Absolute void. Then, 48 hours later, one person finally replies with, “Oh sorry, just saw this! I’m good with whatever.” Translation: I will be of no help. Three days later, someone else says, “Same!” And another, “I work a lot, so I’m not sure when I’m free.” Congratulations, your project has already failed. Of course the ideal member will chime in here and there suggesting that roles get assigned and you guys get on it, but the control freak will have none of that, they are relying on this meeting.

After the meeting that probably never happened gets sorted out, (probably just a quick zoom call where everyone is over it and zoned out) it’s time to get to the actual work. Once it’s clear that barely nothing is getting done right, the Overachiever caves and starts putting everything together. The Bare Minimum finally submits their part, and it’s riddled with typos and looks like it was written by a third grader who just discovered Microsoft Word. The Ideal Member gets their part done right and now the control freak is comparing their work to everyone else’s. It’s a mess. Everyone is frustrated. The Disappearing Act is really just nowhere to be found and it’s due at midnight.

Then of course, presentation day comes along. The control freak and the ideal member take over while the overachiever is in the corner having a panic attack. Then it’s over, you probably won’t talk to them again, you’re traumatized, and then bam, 2 weeks later, the teacher assigned another group project. What do you think about group projects? Are you over them just as much as me?

Your Vancouver Weekend Itinerary

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

I don’t know about you but this week flew by for me. Like what are you saying it’s already Friday?! This is what usually happens for me the week after a long weekend. You start off a little out of sync on Tuesday, trying to shake off that long weekend mode, and then by the time Thursday rolls around, you’re finally finding your rhythm and getting into the groove of things. And just when you think you have a handle on the week, bam! It’s already Friday. It’s like the universe just fast-forwards time as soon as you start feeling productive. But hey, I’m not complaining, bring on the weekend! But the only problem with this is you were probably so focused on getting back on track this week that you had no time to plan out your weekend! But don’t hit the panic button just yet, lucky for you, I’ve got this weekend in Vancouver covered with some awesome ideas, spots, and plans I think you should hit up this weekend.

Vancouver Sevens

Starting off with a bang, guess what starts today. The Vancouver Sevens better known as the Rugby 7s. This isn’t just your average rugby tournament. It’s a rugby party. If you were wondering why you’ve been seeing people walking around Vancouver in wild costumes, this is why. These games are basically just sped up intense rugby games with only seven players per team (instead of the usual 15) and in short 14-minute matches. This makes for jaw dropping action the whole time. Off the field, BC Place kinda turns into a zoo. The drinks flow hard and fans are known to get a little bit rowdy. You can expect a little bit of everything, it’s a mix of die-hard rugby fans, casual sports lovers, and people who just love a good excuse to party. The energy inside BC Place is unmatched, you’ve got fans singing, dancing, and making friends with complete strangers. The famous “South End” of the stadium is where things get particularly rowdy, with fans bringing the chaotic energy you love to see all day long. This year, teams from around the world, like New Zealand, Fiji, and South Africa, will be battling it out for the title. Canada will also be hitting the field, hoping to make some noise in front of the home crowd, (hopefully our good Canadian energy from last night’s Four Nations win will carry on into Rugby). To be honest I’m actually not sure where the costumes come from but all I know is that it’s just the dress code, so if you’ve got that old group Halloween costume collecting dust in your closet this could be the perfect time to pull it out. The Rugby 7s start today and will continue on through Sunday. You can buy 1 day passes into BC Place but if this sounds right up your alley and you want to spend the whole weekend partying it up while watching some rugby, 3 day passes are available too.

Bowen Island Day Trip

Rugby and partying not really on your ideal itinerary this weekend? No problem. I think a lot of Vancouverites forget just how close to Bowen Island we are, and if you got a free day this weekend it could just be the perfect opportunity for you to escape the city and go be an Island dweller for a day. You can hop on the ferry from Horseshoe bay and in 20 minutes you’re there. No car needed, you can explore the island by foot. If you’re in the mood to hike and explore the outdoors Bowen has so much to offer, but if you want to avoid the rain there are so many cute shops and coffee shops that you can pop in and out of. It really is the perfect day trip if you’re looking to have a mellow weekend away from the craziness that Vancouver brings.

The Art Of Banksy: “Without Limits” Exhibition

If art is your thing, then you should 100% check this out. I went last year and I thought it was one of the coolest art shows I’ve ever been to. It’s an impressive street art exhibition of Banksy’s greatest works, with over 200 pieces! You can see original artworks, prints, photographs, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. Located right in Gastown, this is something you don’t want to miss and it’s also the perfect thing to do with this rainy weekend ahead of us.

Guilt and Co

Keeping in the Gastown area (hint: maybe this is something you do after the Banksy exhibit) head over to Guilt and Co to catch a live music show. This cozy underground joint offers 2 early shows a night, (an earlier act and a later act). They serve up delicious food and drinks making it the perfect late night Friday or Saturday spot. I will point out that there are no reservations and it’s all first come first serve so make sure you’re prepared to either wait in a line or head over earlier to save your spot.

Granville Island Market

Nothing screams a Vancouver weekend morning to be more than the Granville Island public market. This market is a food lover’s dream. You can grab everything from fresh produce and seafood, to delicious pastries and donuts, and even some awesome sit down restaurants. Local vendors offer everything from handcrafted cheeses and charcuterie to fruit and veggies, even handmade art pieces and jewelry. And let’s not forget the coffee, because every great market adventure needs a solid caffeine boost. The views are stunning too, overlooking False Creek and if you want to get to the other side of town you can hop on the Aqua Bus for under $10 and it will take you straight Downtown.

Jerry Sienfeld

The Sunday scaries are real, and whether you’re dreading going back to work or hitting the books after a great weekend of fun, there’s no reason to stop the weekend flow Sunday morning because of a little case of the scaries! Jerry Sienfeld will be doing 2 shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre! This show presented by Just For Laughs Vancouver is the perfect way to close off the weekend and get your mood right for the week ahead.

No matter what you’re into or what you’re feeling up for this rainy weekend, Vancouver has something fun going on for you. Whether you decide to catch a couple of games and get the party vibes going at Rugby 7s, or want to explore Granville Island’s food scene, or maybe even feel like a calming day on Bowen is the move, there’s no shortage of things to do. So grab your friends and make the most of it! And hey, if all else fails, there’s always a good coffee shop or brewery waiting for you. Whatever you choose, enjoy the weekend, Vancouver never disappoints!

The Rise Of Women’s Sports

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Even just a couple years ago, both the coverage and culture of women’s sports were incredibly different. In the last couple of years women in professional sports have been on an unstoppable rise, proving time and time again that they too belong on the biggest stages. From record breaking viewership numbers to multimillion-dollar endorsement deals, female athletes are finally getting the recognition and coverage that these hard working athletes deserve. This journey hasn’t been easy though, years of fighting for equal pay, respect, and opportunities have positively altered the coverage and culture of women’s sports.

There have always been legendary women in sports like Billie King Jean, Nadia Comanechi, and Wilma Rudolph (the list goes on). These women paved the way for women’s sports, but in recent years, the momentum has shifted dramatically. With social media giving athletes a direct platform to connect with fans and advocate for change, female athletes are more visible and influential than ever. And let’s not forget about the women who were absolute trailblazers in combat sports like Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes. These women shattered the notion that women’s fights weren’t marketable. Their dominance in mixed martial arts opened the door for female fighters and created a whole world for women combat sports.

Numbers don’t lie, and the stats prove that women’s sports are thriving. The 2023 Women’s World Cup broke viewership records, with millions tuning in from around the world. Fans were also able to interact over social media which created even more coverage and awareness for these women. NCAA women’s basketball is also a perfect example of just how much women’s sports are thriving with players like Caitlin Clark drawing crowds that rival the men’s games. Women’s NCAA basketball has seen a huge spike in attendance and TV ratings which is so awesome considering the fact that it’s college level basketball!

Even male dominated sports, women are showing up and showing that they are right where they belong. The Seattle Kraken took on Jessica Campbell as the assistant making her the first ever women’s coach in the NHL. First. Ever. Every time I see her behind the bench I get chills and smile seeing all the little girls behind the glass with their signs and Campbell jerseys cheering her on from the stands. Jessica is literally forging the path for women in the NHL and I’m loving watching every second of her career. Formula 1 has seen a surge in female involvement, and female referees are now officiating in major leagues like the NBA and NFL. Off the field or ice, women are making a huge impact there too. Female broadcasters like Hazel Mae and Erin Andrews are setting the standard for female broadcasters which is so fun to see. I think it’s an amazing thing for young girls to be able to look up to these powerful women and see that they can have a career in sports in and out of the game.

One of the biggest battles still being fought is equal pay. While progress has been made (like U.S. women’s soccer securing equal pay with the men’s team) there’s still a long way to go. Salaries in women’s sports have historically been shockingly low compared to their male athletes, no matter the sport. The WNBA only recently saw a major pay increase after years of advocacy from fans and athletes. Sponsorships and endorsements are helping with brands finally recognizing the marketing power of female athletes. Just look at tennis star Naomi Osaka, who has become one of the highest-paid athletes in the world thanks to major sponsorship deals. And it’s not just about salaries, prize money is increasing too. The Women’s World Cup saw a massive jump in prize money in 2023, with FIFA pledging to close the gap even further in the coming years. The same is happening in tennis, where equal prize money in Grand Slam tournaments has become the norm rather than the exception.

For years, one of the biggest arguments against investing in and covering women’s sports was that they were “profitable”. But recent trends tell a different story. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are investing heavily in female athletes, recognizing that their influence extends far beyond the playing field. These brands are putting many female athletes as the face of their campaigns and ads. I’ve seen so many cool and engaging sponsorship deals with athletes like Alex Morgan, Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, and Coco Gauff that prove that women’s sports are no longer something to be putting on the back burner. Companies are seeing the massive marketing potential and brand loyalty that comes with supporting female athletes. Which is in turn creating more traffic for those brands and more coverage for these amazing women.

You have to contribute the rise of these women to social media. Whether it’s scrolling through social media or streaming, women’s sports is becoming a whole lot more accessible to watch. With male dominated sports taking up TV coverage, fans no longer have to rely on major networks to showcase women’s games and are taking up to streaming services to tune in. Women are taking control and putting things into their own hands with their own social media coverage. Using their platforms to advocate and promote sports is definitely creating more awareness and growing their fan bases without waiting for mainstream media attention.

So where is women’s sports heading? Well you can certainly say that the rise of women in professional sports isn’t a trend, it’s a movement that’s here to stay. With increasing investment, better media coverage, and continued advocacy, the future looks brighter than ever. Leagues are forming and getting bigger and a perfect example of this is the PWHL (Professionals Women Hockey League) . Most importantly, young girls now have more role models than ever before. Athletes who prove that no matter the barriers, they can achieve greatness and equality in any sport.

Women’s sports should be celebrated and these women’s accomplishments should be recognized. At the end of the day sports are sports and sports are fun. This isn’t just a victory for athletes, it’s a win for everyone who believes in equality, hard work, and the undeniable power of female athletes. Women in professional sports are rewriting the rules, proving their worth, and inspiring future generations. The journey isn’t over, but one thing is clear, women aren’t just competing, they’re dominating.

Friendship Breakups

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

Break ups suck. We all know that. Whether you’ve gone through one personally or have just seen it on TV, there’s no other way to describe it than it sucks. You go through the motions—crying, eating your body weight in ice cream, listening to sad songs that feel way too relatable and of course, try to go no contact to cut yourself off from that person and heal. It sucks. It hurts. It’s awful.

But you know what hits even harder? A friendship break up. And I’m not talking about the gradual drifting apart where you both just kind of stop texting and those hangouts and coffee catch ups you mean to plan just never end up happening. I mean the kind of friendship breakup that feels like someone ripped a chunk out of your soul, to put it simply, you just lost your best friend. I will die on the hill believing that friendship breakups hurt more than romantic ones. I mean that was the person who helped you get through those romantic break ups and tough times, and then suddenly one day, things just aren’t the same.

Let’s be real – most romantic relationships don’t last. That’s just statistics. From pointless relationships in highschool, to fun summer flings, and those relationships in college that last for max 2 years, I hate to say it, but most of those will come to an end. Friendships are supposed to last a lifetime. There’s this statistic that if a friendship is longer than 7 years, it will last forever. Well, I can prove that that is wrong. I had a 14 friendships that came to a crashing halt last year. All the way from kindergarten to college.

When you break up with a romantic partner, there’s usually a conversation. Maybe it’s messy, maybe it’s emotional, but at least you get some kind of ending. There was probably some valid reason for the breakup, a big fight, or maybe even they cheated, either way it had to end. But the main case for a friendship breakup could leave you confused, wondering what changed so fast and where it all went south.

In romantic relationships, first impressions matter, you’re going to wanna dress up for a date, make sure you say the right things, just overall put your best foot forward, I think you can admit that there is a bit of a “filter” put on the first initial dates right? Well not in a friendship. Those friends from early on see the unfiltered authentic version of yourself, they took you in exactly as you come. There was no need for you to put on any sort of a show for your friends. No dressing up, no makeup, no thinking twice about what you’re going to say. That’s why it hurts so much to lose that person who fully accepted you for you. Just like the dating pool, the friend pool is hard nowadays, it isn’t so easy meeting new people, so when you lose that one you thought was a lifelong friend, it stings.

Friendship loss is always a weird thing, but especially if you are still close with the people within that same social circle. It’s an odd feeling. You hear so much about this person from other people when you used to have daily phone calls and hangouts about what was going on in their life. You used to be that first point of connection but now, you hear about what they are up to through other people. Then of course if you guys were in the same social circle, you’re bound to run into each other from time to time. A birthday party or a celebration? Chances are you guys are both going to be in the same room. But how do you go about that? I feel with ex partners you can try to be civil or just ignore, you probably could have gotten the vibe of how things are going to be when you were breaking up. But a friend, there’s no playbook for these situations.

When you break up with a partner, people expect you to be devastated. They check in on you, bring you ice cream, offer to slash your ex’s tires (or at least talk trash about them for moral support). But when you lose a friend? People don’t always know how to react. It’s not that talked about. I mean you lose more romantic partners than friends, so it doesn’t get brought up that often right? There’s no “friendship recovery” guide. No dramatic breakup playlists. No sad movies specifically about losing a best friend. It’s this weird, silent grief that nobody acknowledges, even though it can hurt just as much, if not more, then losing a romantic partner.

My best friend and I had a pretty bad falling out around this time last year. It was weird, it was a bit of a drift away but when we went to talk about it everything bubbled up and it started a pretty heated argument. Neither of us are one to argue so I was left with the feeling of where the heck did that come from. We chatted a few times after and I occasionally see her out at the bar or at friends’ birthdays. But there is always such a weird vibe when I see her. I really don’t even understand what made this happen. It’s so odd to me how you can go from knowing someone inside and out to not even knowing what they are doing for work now. We rarely see each other now, but I really do think of her everyday. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about us being friends again, cause I do every day, I just don’t see how that’s possible right now. I never got any closure, I’m constantly left with the feeling of wondering what went wrong, way worse than any breakup I’ve gone through.

Losing a friend hurts more than a breakup because friendships are supposed to be the relationships that are unbreakable. It’s a platonic love that I’ve learned can end just as bad as a breakup. So if you’re grieving a lost friendship, know to miss them, to feel angry, to wish things had gone differently. Taking the time to heal from this is just as important as anything else. It’s not just losing a friend, it’s losing someone that was supposed to be the person that’d be there forever, and that kinda loss deserves to be acknowledged.

Evolution 107.9

Altering Radio

Author Archives: Kamryn Hamagami-Postill