Daniel Che

Jisara Wuttikreekiat Tag(s): Expository Fear is a universal response that plays a critical role in human survival for millennia. Whether it’s a primal reaction to predators or the anxiety caused by modern-day stressors, fear triggers a cascade of physical and psychological reactions that prepare the body to confront or escape danger. But what exactly happens when we experience fear, and how do our bodies and minds react? Psychologically, the four fear responses are fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. The experience of fear begins in the amygdala, a part of the brain, that when activated by possible danger, elicits a fear response. The moment we experience fear, our brain re-routes our energy to the amygdala, slowing down processing in other areas. This can make it difficult to speak or make rational decisions when we are afraid. When we experience the fight response, our brain is trying to ward off danger by defeating it. If the danger is real and can be overcome with physical strength, this can be an effective tool to keep us safe. If our brain does not feel that it can successfully fight off danger, it may decide to try to escape, triggering a flight response. Another fear response is to freeze or to try to remain very still and quiet until the danger passes. “Fawning” is a fear response where the brain decides to try to please whoever is triggering the fear to prevent them from causing harm. Other than our reaction to fear, some behavioural symptoms caused by fear include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, and dilated pupils. This is because when we face fear, the heart pumps faster to circulate more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and brain. This prepares the body for quick action, whether it’s fighting the threat or fleeing from it. In the same manner, breathing accelerates to deliver more oxygen to the bloodstream. This oxygen is critical for muscles to perform at peak efficiency during potential physical exertion. However, a common misconception is that feeling anxious means that a person has a mental health condition. Many people occasionally feel anxious from time to time. But when anxiety becomes frequent, out of proportion to a situation, or persists after the situation is over, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. When an individual has severe anxiety, they may experience a panic attack, which causes an intense feeling of dread or panic that reaches a peak before subsiding, differentiating it from the common feelings of being anxious. In conclusion, fear has been an essential part of human survival for millennia, shaping our psychological and physiological responses to threats, whether real or perceived. Although fear is a form of human nature, it can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to conditions like anxiety disorder. As Halloween approaches and we embrace the thrill of fear for entertainment, it’s important to recognize the value of fear while also understanding its impact on our minds and bodies.

Morgan Xiao Tag(s): Social Issues Homelessness in Vancouver is a huge issue that has yet been solved. Ever since 2024, over 2000 people have been recognized as homeless. Homelessness was not an issue for Vancouver until the 1980s. Prior to 1980, the increase in property value due to an economic shift affected many citizens negatively. The decline of industries also increased the unemployment among the working class. After the 1980s, homelessness has been more visible in Vancouver than ever since. Due to the shift from resource-based to service-oriented industries, many were left unemployed, increasing the risk of homelessness. During this time, housing prices sky-rocketed due to an increase in population and demand, leading to higher rates of homelessness. Leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, there was increased public discourse about homelessness. It has cleaned up the Downtown Eastside, and efforts of cleanup of other areas beside it were made, huge initiatives that aim to add, beside the most vulnerable population’s available housing and resources, even if not the most effective or sustainable debate.

Isita Ghanta Tag(s): Perfectionism, Identity Hello, you “So, this is research for our new technology. You are giving us permission to see inside your head. Yes?” The man’s voice, low and steady, echoed in the sterile room. Emilia Chen sat in her chair, tapping her foot nervously. One- Fifty dollars for an hour of her time—it seemed simple. But the phrase “see inside your head” made her uneasy. She hesitated, her pen hovering over the consent form. She needed the money, so she signed. After all, it wasn’t like they could really see into her head, could they? They led her into a room where another girl sat, legs crossed, looking effortlessly cool. Her blonde hair cascaded in perfect beach waves, and her striking green eyes gleamed against the fluorescent lights.“Stephanie,” she said, offering a hand with a lazy smile. “Steph, if you want.” “Emilia,” she replied, taking it. The moment their hands touched; Emilia felt an immediate pang of insecurity. Steph looked like a model off-duty, with her low-rise jeans and casual beauty— something Emilia could never quite manage. “Which department are you in?” Emilia asked, desperate for something to feel superior about. She was at Yale, after all. Steph shrugged. “I don’t go here. Dropped out of high school. I work at the Applebee’s down the street. My uncle got me this gig.” Emilia blinked in surprise. “Oh.” The two sat down as the moderator entered, explaining the procedure. “We’ll ask a series of questions. You’ll answer, and the monitor will display the true thoughts inside your head.” The screen flickered ominously behind them, ready to expose their private selves. “First question: What are you doing with your life, and do you enjoy it?” Steph spoke first. “I work at Applebee’s and do side gigs. It’s cool. I have freedom, you know? I don’t have to follow anyone’s rules like all the girls here.” She nodded at Emilia, a subtle challenge in her eyes. The monitor flashed: Wrong. “I regret dropping out. I cried when my friends got their college acceptance letters.” Steph’s face turned crimson; her confidence shaken. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. All eyes turned to Emilia. “I’m working towards a bachelor’s in biomedical science at Yale. I plan to be a neurosurgeon, and yes, I enjoy it. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain.” The monitor buzzed: Partially true. “I also enjoy being the golden child. This major was chosen for me.” A lump formed in Emilia’s throat. She hated the words on the screen—hated how they made her feel exposed. She forced a smile and looked away from Steph, who was now staring at the floor.“What were your high school stats?” the moderator continued. Steph went first again. “I did workplace math. I was in special ed a lot. I didn’t take science after grade 10, and I mostly just hung out with my friends. We partied a lot, smoked sometimes.” She laughed awkwardly as if it were no big deal. True flashed on the monitor. Emilia’s turn. She rattled off her achievements like a resume. Emilia’s turn again. “I was in the IB program at Semiahmoo and maintained a strong GPA. In grade 10, I published a few articles online and played volleyball for the school team. I’ve also competed in some regional fencing tournaments, though I never reached the highest levels. I performed a few small cello recitals to raise money for dementia research, submitted a project about dementia care to a conference, and did volunteer work at Surrey Memorial, assisting with research on dementia, I have around 200 hours of volunteer experience, helping with animal care and hospital support.” The monitor lit up: True. Steph stared at her, wide-eyed, as if Emilia was some kind of alien. Emilia waited for the usual rush of satisfaction she felt after listing her accomplishments. But today, all she felt was… nothing. “Last question,” the moderator said. “Do you regret anything, Emilia?” Emilia’s heart raced. Why were they asking her this directly? She swallowed hard. “No… not really. I mean, I get tired sometimes. But it’s worth it.” The monitor paused before flickering again: False. “I am exhausted. I never stop. I don’t know who I am without my achievements.” The room fell silent. Emilia could feel the weight of Steph’s gaze but couldn’t bring herself to look up.As the session ended, they collected their money. Both girls walked out into the hall, where an awkward silence settled between them. Steph broke it first. “You know, you’re not as perfect as I thought.” There was no malice in her tone, just something akin to understanding. Emilia laughed bitterly. “Yeah, well, neither are you.” They stood there, two girls who had chosen opposite paths but were both weighed down by the same fear—the fear of mediocrity. Emilia had burned herself out trying to be the sun, the brightest in every room, the perfect daughter. She’d forgotten that it was okay to simply be… enough. And Steph, once the brightest flame in her high school days, had let her fire flicker out, caught up in chasing fleeting moments of freedom. She had forgotten that fireflies—small, imperfect, but still glowing—had their own light, too. They weren’t so different after all. Both had regrets. But standing there, for the first time, they felt seen, and understood in a way that needed no words. This was their life, shaped by their choices, and their mistakes. And despite the regrets, it was theirs and theirs alone.

Andrew Miao Tag(s): Perspectives, Self Growth “Things are different now. You’re older. You won’t be treated the same, talked to the same, or listened to in the same way. You can’t remain the same anymore…” At that moment, a realisation struck me. You’ve probably read or heard something similar before. So, what insights do I have to offer? Transition– Change. Can you remember how much you grew from grade five to six? Or what your haircut looked like in your first year of high school? Can you remember your favourite pair of shoes from seven years ago? Maybe you think these minor changes are superficial– or perhaps insignificant in the grand scheme , and yet, humans love talking about themselves more than anything. When you travel somewhere new, you share your experiences with friends. When you ace a test, you tell your parents. But if we enjoy talking about ourselves so much, how come we struggle to recall such simple changes in our own lives? On the other hand, some changes are harder to ignore–moving to a new city, switching schools, getting rejected from your dream university, going through a divorce, or losing a parent . People dwell on these for weeks, months, even years. Yet, they are also just changes–life transitions, some of them are quite common. Still, accepting them can be difficult. Moving on can feel impossible, even when these changes are inevitable. The real question here isn’t whether these events are worth dwelling over, but: How much of my life am I going to spend upset or regretting past changes? Transition is an interesting thing. It happens every day, sometimes so subtly that you don’t even notice it.Other days, it’s so vivid you can feel it with your eyes closed, hear it in your sleep, or smell it in the air. Transition is inevitable; it’s essential for civilization–and for each individual. Perhaps we should pause and appreciate the transitions in our lives, no matter the emotions they stir: sadness, happiness, anger, fear or anxiety. After all, they shape our character. So consider this: Will you see the cup half empty, or half full?