The Dawn Chorus
Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the grass is greener, and the air feels fresher than ever. Walking around Nanaimo, I can’t help but notice the plethora of melodies singing in the trees and appreciate all the lovely notes that songbirds have to offer this time of year. Why do songbirds sing? Singing … Continued
Ease the Stress
It’s a stressful time of year for many students. The spring semester is almost over, and exams and final project deadlines loom ahead. But that doesn’t mean the next couple of weeks need be filled with dread. Here are my top four stressbusters to help you feel a little more at ease during the home … Continued
Gearing Up
Buckle up—there’s a new club on campus. The VIU Car Enthusiasts Club, started in January 2022, is currently the fifth car club at any of BC’s postsecondary institutions, according to founder and president Samantha Allan. Allan explained the process getting the club underway: “I started brainstorming and then the brainstorming expanded and expanded, until it … Continued
What’s Your Cup of Tea?
It’s been a long day—homework, class, more homework. Time to relax. I put my coat and books away, and head into the kitchen to boil some water. While the kettle is warming up, I open the cupboard, grab a mug, then take a look at my tea selection. After some careful thought, I choose a … Continued
Dancing Back to Normal
It was Halloween night 2019, and a group of friends and I went to downtown Nanaimo to get our spook on. By 10 pm, the line up to Level2 nightclub stretched down the block. This was fine with us, though—right next door, we knew that the less-packed Old City Station had space to dance inside. … Continued
Leading by Example
*The dialogue in this article was edited for clarity* Women make up 50 percent of the population in Canada, yet this number does not represent leadership positions across the country. In a 2021 study from Stats Canada, it was found that there are fewer women in top decision-making roles. Women were more than two … Continued
The Mariners’ Voyage to The Greatest Stage
After years of waiting, VIU will finally host the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Nationals from March 25–27. VIU was initially going to host the event in 2020; however, the outbreak of COVID-19 sidelined those plans. For some, it represents a second chance, one that resembles “normal life”—what should have been. But for … Continued
VIU’s Volunteer Tutor Program
I joined the VIU Volunteer Tutor Program last August because I was feeling a bit purposeless. I wanted to do something that helped people in a real and immediate way. After tutoring a bit in high school, I felt ready to do it again. The application process was easy. I reached out to the coordinator, … Continued
A Deep Cut into Hairstyling at VIU
VIU is like a contained, thriving community. You can get your car fixed on campus, dine-in with a gourmet meal at The Discovery Room, or even get your hair cut. There are over 20 trade and technical field programs at VIU, and yet they can still be overlooked by the wider student population. Ocea Corfield … Continued
What is Love?
Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. Chocolates and flowers are flying off the shelves like hot cakes, and stores are lined in red, pink, and white. Couples everywhere are planning romantic dates, buying cute gifts, and walking around with cartoon hearts in their eyes. While that’s all well and good, Valentine’s Day can feel like a … Continued
SoundWave
Music is a powerful thing—it brings people together, motivates us to keep going, and allows us to truly be ourselves. Music isn’t confined to a single genre, or length, and it most certainly doesn’t have an age limit. SoundWave, a choir like no other, proves that. Holly Wright was born with a burning desire to … Continued