Aadyabir Singh

Swoosh, Spsss, Crash. My fingers stick to the side of the building as I look over the criminals I webbed up dangling from the streetlight wires, like butterflies about to emerge from their cocoons. I aim at the tallest building and leap off the wall my legs cling to. Being Spiderman is difficult work, but the amount of joy I get from saving people and the freedom I experience while swinging through New York City is pure euphoria.  As I reach the apex of my swing, I thrust my legs towards the clouds and land back on my couch.  “What are you doing?” My mom asks. “Stop now or your stomach is going to tangle and you won’t be able to eat.”  I sit there, silent, still taking in the amazing adventure I just went on. The extraordinary experience that just occurred. Returning to reality seems disappointing, but I know I can become Spiderman again the next time I get bored.  I miss those days. Being able to transform into a superhero with ease, and the amount of happiness that comes from just that. It’s something that is much easier as a child.  It’s boredom that creates character. It’s boredom that allows you to create that joy and personality.  I was recently reminded of these glory days during my work with a teacher. We were preparing for a fun presentation for Children’s Day and she presented me with an anecdote. It was about how this kid that was in her class confidently walked in with two iPads, sitting comfortably and high on his shoulders like a rich man carrying stacks of money.  She told me, “How can these kids know how to log into YouTube, but not know their 123’s.” She continued to tell me about how disrespectful her set of children was, and how they all were carbon copies of one another, saying the same silly sayings, only they weren’t things 7 to 8-year-olds should know, but the slang of high schoolers.  “We were not like that at all when I was that age. What was I doing at that age?” And the thought of transforming into Spiderman emerged in front of my eyes and somber feelings swam through my body. The internet is an amazing place. The amount of information, knowledge, and joy you can receive from the World Wide Web is one of the greatest advancements of human age. However, the ease of access to the amount of brain rotting, personality killing, and NPC creating content is unfathomable. The prominence of this world of trends and viral things that everyone is forced to see is not only accessible but already a critical part of the lives of billions of people now, children massively included.  The personalities of children are monotonous, toned to what is popular on TikTok, and usually these characters are not unique, not kind, and often rude, due to them being open to the same things that make older kids popular. When they get bored, they are instantly able to hop onto the easiest form of entertainment that are built for short attention spans, which is default in children nowadays, and attention-catching, trapping them for hours. It’s how children nowadays differ from the past, and we cannot fault them for this either. It is just how the world has developed.  Being Spiderman was one of the happiest memories I have as a child. Boredom was the best blessing and it  allowed me to delve into my own mind and find who I was. This Children’s Day, I want to appreciate kids today working through this world that has developed. But I do hope that one day they can have the glorious experience of staring up at the ceiling and counting the popcorn, transforming into a superhero. Article by: Leon Zhang

Feminism (1920s – 1930s) The feminist and women’s suffrage movements played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights, challenging the restrictive gender roles that had historically limited them. The Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association, established in the 1870s, arose in response to these long-standing injustices. In 1918, women were finally granted the right to vote in federal elections in Canada, marking a significant victory. Women continued to advocate for their rights, gaining access to education and divorce. In 1937, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, marking a monumental milestone for women in male-dominated fields. World War II (1930s – 1940s) World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in history, raged from 1939 to 1945. Driven by territorial ambition and resentment toward the Treaty of Versailles, Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, igniting the war. During this time, Adolf Hitler’s regime committed atrocities, including the genocide of over six million Jews and millions of others, targeted by the Nazis’ racist ideology. The war concluded in the Pacific with the Battle of Okinawa, which ended on July 2, 1945, while Germany had surrendered earlier on May 7, 1945. These six years of turmoil reshaped the world. Civil Rights Movement (1940s – 1950s) The civil rights movement emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, to combat racial discrimination and promote equality for African Americans. The movement aimed to address the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic disenfranchisement. Landmark events included the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled school segregation unconstitutional, and the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This movement not only transformed American society but also inspired global calls for justice and equality, highlighting the ongoing struggle against oppression. Movies (1950s – 1960s) The 1950s are often considered the golden age of Hollywood, with stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean epitomizing the era’s glamour and rebellion. Iconic films such as Rebel Without a Cause and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes continue to captivate audiences, demonstrating the lasting impact of their themes. This period also marked the rise of Elvis Presley, whose 1960 hit “It’s Now or Never” sold over 20 million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles ever. The introduction of color television was another monumental leap, transforming how audiences experienced film and television. The Moon Landing (1960s – 1970s) On July 20, 1969, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission achieved a historic milestone by landing astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. Armstrong’s first step onto the lunar surface, accompanied by his famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” symbolized human achievement. Later that year, Apollo 12 became the second mission to reach the moon. This era marked a triumph of science and technology during the Cold War, fueling American pride and igniting a passion for STEM fields. Walt Disney (1970s – 1980s) In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida, expanding Disney’s influence by pairing theme parks with on-site hotels. Although Disney had debuted Disneyland in 1955, this new development solidified Disney parks as cultural icons. Disney’s rise to prominence began in the 1930s with innovative, family-friendly animated films that captured audiences nationwide. Known for its lively animation and timeless storytelling, the Disney brand remains a cherished part of many childhoods. Indigenous History (1980s – 1990s) In 1996, Gordon’s Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan—the last residential school in Canada—closed, symbolizing an overdue end to the government’s policy of Indigenous assimilation. Residential schools, part of a broader movement exemplified by the Indian Act, aimed to integrate Indigenous children into Western society at the expense of their culture. Recent Indigenous activism has focused on reclaiming rights, revitalizing languages and traditions, and advocating for justice and reconciliation, striving to heal from the legacies of colonialism. The Internet Revolution (1990s – 2000s) The advent of the internet and the launch of the iPhone opened new frontiers in technology, giving people unprecedented access to information. In 2007, Apple released the iPhone, revolutionizing communication and daily life. Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube soon followed, allowing content creators to reach global audiences. These developments reshaped social interactions and set the stage for ongoing technological advancements that continue to impact society profoundly. The Asian Wave (2000s – 2020s) The Asian Wave brought Asian pop culture to the global stage in the 2010s and 2020s, with K-pop at the forefront. Known for its catchy melodies, intricate choreography, and polished aesthetics, K-pop groups like BTS and Girls’ Generation captivated international audiences. Anime also gained widespread popularity, with series like Dragon Ball Z and Attack on Titan capturing fans worldwide. Psy’s “Gangnam Style” went viral in 2012, breaking YouTube records and cementing K-pop’s influence. This wave not only reshaped global entertainment but also fostered greater appreciation for Asian cultures. Artificial Intelligence (2020s – ?) In recent years, artificial intelligence has advanced at an unprecedented pace. OpenAI, founded less than a decade ago, developed ChatGPT, one of the most advanced AI chatbots. By 2025, nearly 77% of devices are expected to integrate AI. Despite AI’s usefulness, some pioneers, such as Geoffrey Hinton—often called the “Godfather of AI”—have raised ethical concerns. As AI continues to evolve, it promises to shape the future, sparking both excitement and apprehension about its potential impacts on society. Article by: Joy Anna

In the past, psychologists primarily defined intelligence by a measure known as the intelligence quotient, or IQ. However, as new studies have emerged, some conducted ethically, others more controversially, our understanding has expanded. We now know that intelligence is influenced by multiple dimensions, not just IQ scores, but also factors like emotional intelligence. In this article, we’ll explore three primary theories of intelligence:   Spearman’s Theory of General Intelligence, Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. A British psychologist, Charles Spearman, proposed the theory of general intelligence. His ideas suggested that intelligence is defined by a single factor, known as the “g factor”. An individual could either have it, or not; there is nothing in between. He believes that those who scored highly on one mental ability will also perform well on other cognitive tasks. Although Spearman’s theory simplifies intelligence, it laid the foundation for future research and sparked debates that encouraged alternative perspectives on how intelligence should be understood and measured. That led to Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences first proposed in his book, Frames of Mind, in 1983. He challenged the theory of ‘g factor’, believing that intelligence comes in multiple forms. In his model, Gardner identified eight distinct types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligence. He argued that intelligence is separated into eight categories, rather than one. For instance, someone with high spatial intelligence may excel in art, while a person strong in logical-mathematical would perform well in physics.  As time progressed and more theories emerged, in 1985, Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence became viral. His ideas are composed of three main components: analytical, creative, and practical intelligence. Analytical intelligence, which is close to traditional IQ, involves logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Creative intelligence refers to the ability to adapt to new situations and generate novel ideas, while practical intelligence is being “street smarts”. According to Sternberg, all three components are essential for a well-rounded understanding of intelligence, as each type supports different aspects of life. If an individual with strong analytical intelligence but weak in practical skills, they would have a difficult time navigating in life despite his intelligence in analytical skills. This theory, unlike others, highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability, especially in rapidly changing environments. All in all, these three theories demonstrate the complexity of intelligence and how its definition has evolved beyond a single measure. Even with today’s technology, psychologists still struggle to define exactly what intelligence is, unable to agree upon a definite definition. But, we are understanding it more and more with extensive research and hopefully, one day, we will be able to define intelligence. Photograph by Audrey LuArticle by Jisara W

I’d always known there was an unspoken difference about my grandfather. It was in the way he looked out the window, eyes tracing an expanse far beyond the horizon, like he could see another world out there. Word around the town was that he’d been a hero, that he had done things he’d never talk about. To me, he was just Grandpa: quiet and steady, with shaking hands whenever he stirred his coffee. Eventually, on a rainy afternoon, my curiosity got the best of me. Unsure of what to expect, I asked him, “Grandpa, why did you go to war?” He didn’t answer. When our eyes finally met, I saw a soft pair of black pearls, carrying a sadness I couldn’t quite understand. Finally, he spoke. His voice was steady, yet accented with an explainable heaviness. “Young men go to war,” he began. “Sometimes because they have to, sometimes because they want to. Always, they feel like they’re supposed to.” The empty air was now filled by the lingering weight of his words, heavy and unspoken. Grandpa took a long breath, as if he was reaching back through the years, wanting me to see what he’d seen. “When I went,” he said, his voice softer, like he was talking to himself as much as to me, “I thought I was doing the right thing. They told us we were brave to go, that only cowards stayed behind.” He looked down at his hands, rough and worn, like they still remembered the feel of a rifle. “Somewhere along the way, people started confusing courage with fighting. And they called laying down those arms cowardice.” I sat there, quiet, feeling the weight of his words settle in. The war wasn’t flags or parades, not like the stories they told in movies. It was something else, a reality bigger and darker, stretching far beyond any battle. Grandpa’s gaze drifted to the window, toward a world he once thought he could protect. “I lost friends out there,” he said, his voice brittle. “Good men who thought they were doing the right thing. We all did, believing that courage meant going forward, that we were heroes just for being there.” His voice broke, just enough. “But after… when it was over… I started to see that maybe real courage was finding peace, forgiving myself for all the things I couldn’t change.” I looked at him, feeling my heart race, as if I were holding a fragile memory, a piece of his past he’d hidden away. He looked back at me, eyes soft, filled with an emotion almost like regret. “It’s easy to tell someone that bravery means fighting,” he said, his voice barely a whisper now. “But sometimes, the bravest thing is to walk away. It’s facing what you’ve done, what you couldn’t stop, and choosing to keep going.” I nodded, even though I didn’t fully understand. Yet, I felt closer to him than ever, like I was carrying a part of his story now, a burden he kept to himself for years, decades. I considered him not as a soldier with a weapon, but as he was now, sitting across me, facing a world that still held expectations for him to be strong. The silence settled between us, not empty, but full, filled with all the things he’d never said, all the things he’d carried alone. In that silence, I realized courage wasn’t what I’d thought. Sometimes, it looked like this—a man who had put down his arms but continued on, day by day, his story held quietly in his heart. Glancing at his rough hands and wrinkled face, it hit me: He was a hero, not just for going, but for coming back, for learning to live with what he’d seen and lost. Sitting there with him, I made a promise to remember, to carry his story not as a badge of pride, but as a legacy to honour. When he spoke again, it was barely more than a breath. “Don’t let anyone tell you what courage is. Sometimes, it’s doing what everyone else is afraid to do. And sometimes… it’s letting go.” Photo by Jeffery JiangArticle by: Andrew Miao

The idea for ‘the nook’ was sparked when a worker at our school store rudely dismissed me, saying, “You came early, I will NOT sell you any noodles. Get out.” At first, I assumed he owned the store and immediately wanted to compete, driven by the idea of stealing his customers. My frustration only grew when a friend complained, “All they do is buy stuff from Costco and resell at higher prices!” It was one of those casual protests, but it stayed with me. Fueled by a mix of annoyance and ambition, I began crafting a business plan. I envisioned ‘the nook’ as a food corner where students could buy snacks, lunches, and drinks at affordable prices, while experiencing the warmest service imaginable.  People often say, “The worst they could say is no.” But my principal said “no” six times in a row, insisting it was impossible to open another school store. I mentally calculated the money I was losing and grew bitter with the school store’s monopoly.In a seemingly desperate move, I approached the teacher who managed the school store, proposing a collaboration. I’d operate under their name and give them a share of the profits. He agreed, but it was postponed for months until I presented him with an 80-response survey, all confirming students’ eagerness to buy from ‘the nook.’ Finally, he asked, “What do you need to start? A table?” That moment felt like a highlight of my high school career–I could almost hear the sound of coins pouring in.  But, they didn’t. On my first day, a few students tried to steal snacks and mocked ‘the nook.’ I angrily snatched back granola bars, questioning why I’d started this venture. Where I had once felt triumphant, I now felt defeated. One day, as I was storing products in the school store’s freezers, the teacher shared how all their profits went toward scholarships, school merchandise, and pizza parties for students. Suddenly, my initial motivations feel misguided. Was I trying to compete against a community resource, assuming the worst about them? That day, I promised myself that I would support and not oppose our student community. When we sold out of our initial Costco stock, I began sourcing from local businesses, adding items like soap bars, chocolate, tea, chips, and soups. The local shop owners we partnered with shared how our collaboration has strengthened community ties. One even mentioned the therapeutic nature of such connections, though I laughed it off at the time. Another moment of realisation came during a friend’s presentation about his depression. He shared his experience of being abandoned and losing a friend to violence. He spoke about how, while people often seem desensitised to death due to social media and video games, witnessing it firsthand can be devastating. My friend had been one of those affected, withdrawing from society. Government aid barely covered his needs, and he had to work to afford expensive therapy. Looking at ‘the nook’s’ small money box, I decided to give him our first $157 in profits. He insisted on helping, so he became a new member to the team, working to pay for therapy. As the year went on, our team grew to ten student workers, all earning money to support their well-being. “Your store has become a beacon of hope,” my friend wrote in a letter he gave me at graduation. “Not just providing the financial support I need to continue therapy but also creating a sense of community and belonging that I had been missing.” He is improving, attending therapy once a month instead of twice a week.  Eventually, ‘the nook’ collapsed–literally. As I scrambled to gather scattered coins and snacks, hands reached out to help: old customers, new ones, even the kids who tried to steal granola bars. In that moment, as I thanked everyone repeatedly, I saw the impact ‘the nook’ had made. It’s apparent that it had become more than a food stand; it built a community I was proud to be a part of. Story by: Jessie Luo

It had just begun raining outside on the lowly distant streets; Skylar Grace, making a quick note to prepare an umbrella, sunk deeper into her toasted warm parka jacket. Upon looking outside the window, the late evening world presented itself as a black sea of speeding Christmas lights and neon snakes. Being on a sky train seemed, right now, to be the equivalent to being on a flying car that’s racing through a dark, high abyss. One could barely see the edges of the railing; they only saw the moving, colourful city beneath it. Sky trains, Skylar decided, were one of the best ways of transportation. She couldn’t remember the first time she’d been on one; it was a fairly popular way of transit starting when she was young. It was always an adventure— a rollercoaster almost. The train could take you around towering skyscrapers and dive underground to the pitch black subways of Downtown.  Despite the warmth provided by many layers of clothes, Skylar felt avalanches as the cool metal frame of the train benches dug through to an uncomfortable spot on her spine. As she straightened up, a pleasant female voice filled the train car, “Next stop, Waterfront Station.” A tousled dark haired boy, sitting slumped across the width of the train from her, perked up slightly at the sound. He was sleeping soundly moments ago. His hands stuffed in his pockets and long legs sprawled in front him. Now, he drew his eyes over to Skylar and pointed up in the vague location of the speaker.  “Is this where we get off?” he asked. Skylar nodded, then pointed her chin at the brown messenger bag resting next to him.  “Get out your umbrella, Theo. It’s starting to pour,” she said. What seemed to foreshadow a light drizzle while they were walking to the train station was turning out more violent than she had anticipated. The raindrops hit the sides of the train with a pop, as if they were ping-pong balls instead of small water specks.  Vancouver, they all thought at once. Photograph by: Eden ChenArticle by: Leon Zhang