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Audio recording tin flute , Gabrielle Roy

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Indigenous Voices of Today

Visiting the Indigenous Voices of Today exhibit at the McCord Museum was a powerful experience. Listening to Lassie Wylde’s story about the trauma of residential schools losing belongings, language, and even names was deeply moving .While exploring, one object stood out: gambling trays. Their purpose wasn’t clear at first, but learning they were used for dice games by women added depth to my appreciation for Indigenous traditions. The exhibit also highlighted the racism and discrimination Indigenous peoples have faced, a stark reminder of ongoing injustices in the world.

The museum’s guides made the visit engaging, sharing stories with patience and enthusiasm. Overall, the experience left me with a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and resilience.

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Oma-ja

I recently went to see Laure Prouvost's artwork, Oma-je, at the PHI Foundation. This tour gave me the chance to embrace something new and venture outside of my comfort zone, as I have never had a strong interest in art. In addition to challenging my viewpoint, this display was enlightening and revitalizing.

Through a multisensory experience, Prouvost's art examines topics of relationships, family, and memory. Her grandmother is given particular attention in the exhibition, which chronicles the lives of her ancestors. Every space provided a different experience by combining noises, textures, tastes, and sights to evoke feelings and tell a compelling story.One room in particular caught my attention; it was dim, had a table and a teapot, and a video that showed her grandparents' everyday activities and her grandfather's absence. It had an eerie but fascinating vibe. Warm tea was offered to guests in a separate room, providing a reassuring diversion from the early chaos. The encounter felt whole because of this contrast between pandemonium and serenity, which brought out the links and distinctions in her story.

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Careers in English

Visitors recently came to our class to discuss the variety of employment options open to English graduates. Their observations were motivating and helped me realize the wide range of opportunities this degree presents.

Teaching, especially teaching English as a second language, was one of the preferred career paths they highlighted. This calls for professional teaching credentials in addition to a passion for language. I've always loved dealing with younger students, but teaching teenagers in particular piqued my interest because it offers a unique combination of rewards and challenges.

I was also interested in the publishing industry. My passion for literature is ideally matched with the thought of working with books, either as an editor or even as a writer. I've been inspired to further investigate my own alternatives after listening to these pros discuss their experiences. Through volunteer work, internships, or additional education, I feel more prepared to design a fulfilling professional path that fits with my values and interests.

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Angelique, Lorena Gale

One of the most powerful scenes in Angélique is Scene 14, where Angélique, pregnant and talking with César, dreams of freedom. César's acceptance of their shackled existence stands in stark contrast to her optimism. César encourages Angélique to be happy with what they have, but she refuses to give up her resolve and clings to her memories of a free life. This tension draws attention to Angélique's tenacious resistance and refusal to give up, as well as the psychological and emotional costs of slavery.

Their feelings are brought to life when reading this scenario aloud, which heightens the impact of Angélique's disobedience. Her strength is shown by her refusal to accept her situation and her readiness to act, which gives her character more dimension. Gale's Angélique has a profound impact on its audience by deftly capturing the intricacies of persecution, optimism, and resiliency in such circumstances.

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Beans

I recently had the chance to see the film Beans, which was directed by Tracey Deers and chronicles the story of a 12-year-old Mohawk girl navigating the Oka Crisis of 1990. It is a profoundly poignant tale. Given that Beans must deal with the ugly reality of bigotry and violence, the 12-year-old's perspective adds a special emotional dimension. One particularly memorable moment is when her family is harassed and subjected to taunts and bricks while traveling to a motel. This instance demonstrates the psychological harm that such hatred may inflict on kids.

Bean's outburst toward another child, which demonstrates how profoundly her events have impacted her, is the culmination of her perplexity and rage. The movie highlights her development in spite of the hardship.The film is a must-see because of Kiawentiio Tarbell's outstanding performance, which perfectly conveys the depth of Beans' feelings. Beans effectively illuminates the hardships faced by Indigenous communities by drawing on Quebec's past, inspiring audiences to consider empathy and justice.

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The Wolves

I went to see The Wolves by playwright Sarah DeLappe as part of my visit to the Segal Centre in Montreal, directed by Krista Jackson and Jimmy Blais. In this play, we see the lives of a high school girls' soccer team shared among their practices, touching on their personal experiences.

The costumes appeared realistic soccer uniforms, while each person displayed some accessories or hairstyles that gave individuality to every girl. This pointed out so well the unity and dynamics of both a team and a plethora of personalities. The setting was an inside soccer field with the audience seated on either side, bringing an immersive experience. We were put on the field as it was a real soccer match; life was unfolded right before our eyes.

However, the most striking thing for me is that the play has to say about such heavy topics as abortion and grief and social pressure, but along with it has hilarious scenes with friendships. All the characters appeared real, with each one facing a different individual challenge. I liked #46, whose spur-of-the-moment candor made everything funny, but tense between the group.

And it worked rather well: you could see everything but you were also right there next to the audience. The sound and light played their part in creating atmosphere-from elation or jubilation in victory to sadness in defeat. Although much of the dialogue was difficult to catch some of the time, it was still very well done-emotionally deep.

It reminds us rather sharply of the complicated lives of teenage girls-their identities and pressures and resilience. Upon leaving the theater, I could not help but think how these same issues are relatable and timely among today's generation.

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Essay Proofreading

one of the most useful practices in this program has been exchanging essay proofreading with classmates. I don’t just review their work they look over mine, too. It’s a simple but effective way to sharpen our writing skills. By sharing feedback, we gain fresh perspectives and catch mistakes that might slip past our own eyes. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

When I proofread a friend’s essay, I often spot things they might have overlooked. Reviewing their work makes me more aware of common mistakes, and this awareness carries over to improving my own writing. Plus, there’s something satisfying about giving constructive feedback and knowing it’s genuinely helping.

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Study/ do coursework somewhere you don't usually work

I usually stick to studying in my room since it keeps me away from distractions and interruptions. It feels like the best option because every time I try to study outside whether it's at a café or somewhere more public I find myself zoning out and not getting much done. The quiet, controlled environment of my room lets me stay focused and on track, whereas studying outside tends to pull my attention in too many directions. So, while the idea of working in new places sounds nice, it just doesn't seem productive for me.

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Do a physical activity

I decided to combine a 30-minute jog with a gym session. The physical exertion had a surprisingly positive impact on my mental clarity, helping me focus better when I got down to studying afterward. Not only did the workout boost my mood, but it also gave me a much-needed mental reset, clearing away distractions and allowing me to stay more present and engaged in my coursework.

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Sakura After Chekhov

When we watched the play Sakura After Chekhov and let me tell you it was quite the experience. The set design was minimal, which was a clever way to reflect the characters financial struggles. No fancy furniture or decorations, just a few essential pieces here and there. And then came the special effects: projections, lighting changes, sound effects basically, they went all out to make sure we knew where we were without overwhelming us. The actors even wandered around the whole theater, making me feel like I was part of the action. One moment they were in the garden, the next they were in the living room, and suddenly we were in someone’s bedroom no boundaries whatsoever. One scene that really stuck with me was the cutting of the trees. The sound of the woodcutter was intense it felt like a metaphor for loss. Or maybe it was just loud for the sake of drama? I’m not totally sure. Either way, the director seemed to be going for some deep, symbolic stuff. The whole production had a modern twist that made it a fun experience, even if some moments left me scratching my head in confusion. Overall, it was a fresh take on a classic, and even though I was a little lost at times (both figuratively and literally), it was totally worth it!

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Why study literature ?

I initially applied for literature because I figured it would be a clever way to ease into my first semester at UdeM before diving into the more technical waters of the computer science program. Not only will it sharpen my English skills and help me sound more sophisticated (or at least attempt to), but it’ll also give me the chance to meet new people and broaden my horizons. After all, literature and history are like cousins—both full of drama, intrigue, and questionable decisions. Plus, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to enrich my student experience by adding a bit of cultural depth before I inevitably get lost in a sea of algorithms.By immersing myself in literature, I’m not just gaining a stronger command of the language, but also stepping into a world where words are as powerful as code (and arguably more dramatic). It's like booting up my imagination, which, let’s face it, is an underrated asset when navigating both life and tech. Also, let’s be real being able to quote Shakespeare or dissect a novel at a party is way more impressive than debugging a program… at least until you need a website fixed.

This program offers a unique way to view the world through stories, characters, and complex themes, which, I’d argue, is just as important as knowing how to code an app. Plus, every techie needs a solid backup plan, and maybe being a well-read literary critic is mine!