It was only recently that I became confident in my ability to write an article like this one. 

The start of every September in Kingston is thrilling, as Queen’s prepares to welcome its next batch of students. This year, I was part of that, alongside the rest of the class of 2023. 

There’s no denying that climate change and money are closely intertwined. Whether it’s big industry polluters cutting corners to save (or make) a buck, carbon taxes in the news, or the cost of cleaning up after yet another extreme weather event, dollars and cents contribute to the dialogue around our planet’s decline.

 “Being environmentally conscious within your dorm room.” Sarah Mccleary, Comm ’23″Use less single-use plastics.” Kayla Melbourne, ArtSci ’21″Getting reusable straws and sorting your garbage.” Kate Girard, ConEd ’22

“Wait, so you’re going to be a first-year when everyone your age is in second year?”

“Being carried in a thundermug.” Jazlyn Evans, Nursing ‘22

We all think grades matter, but not always for noble reasons.

When you return home after your first semester at Queen’s, you might struggle to describe why it feels so special to be part of the Queen’s community.

“Probably Orientation Week.” Callum Stephenson, Kin ’20 “For all of my friends to come back to town.” Olivia Doheny, ArtSci ’20 “How peaceful Kingston is.” Sophia Ku, ArtSci ’20

For as long as I can remember, I have identified as a gay man. 

“The Staples back-to-school ad.” Sarah Bennett, Comm ’21   “Move-in day.” Sujay Menjunatha, MEng ’19   “Going to the pier.” Justin Woods, Comm ’21

“The scenery.” Sarah Fang, ArtSci ’20“Queen’s campus.” Ting Ding, M. Eng. ’19“The pier.” Victoria Preston, Kin ’21

May marked Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month is particularly close to my heart—not only because I recently started working for the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, but because I was sexually assaulted at Queen’s.

Internationally, female athletes can accomplish amazing feats—but they often fail to receive the same recognition as their male counterparts.

“The money.” Brigid Goulem, Vol 146 Arts Editor“Creating less than 2 minute videos with Amelia.” Christian Soriano, Vol 146 Assistant Video Editor“Tessa.” Chris Yao, Vol 146 Photo Editor“Meryl Sleep…” Claudia Rupnik, Vol 146 Assistant News Editor

“Dried sardine treats.” Paula, ArfSci ’21“Chocolate almonds.” Paige Kedrosky, ArtSci ’19″Oranges, scurvy is real.” Rikin Arora, ArtSci ’19″Coffee, pistachios and wine, in that order.” Lucas Towns, ArtSci ’21  

While on the surface free tuition for all post-secondary students seems like a progressive change, as a whole, it wouldn’t make a difference in the overall quality of education at Canadian universities.