The McMaster Thespian Company's production showcases the timeless appeal of classical theatre
By: Shelby Foster, Arts and Culture Contributor
"To be, or not to be, that is the question." But why our campus and why now? That's my question.
With the McMaster Thespian Company having wrapped up their fall production of Macbeth and beginning production for yet another of Shakespeare's plays, one has to ask themselves, why does Shakespeare have the McMaster theatre community in such a chokehold?
To get to the bottom of this question, I sat down with some of the cast and crew of MTC's Macbeth to talk about the production and understand what it means to be engaging with Shakespearian classics as modern-day students.
According to the UK National Theatre in their 2024 Macbeth deep dive, the timelessness of Shakespeare has been accredited to his appeal to themes such as love, death, ambition, power, fate and free will —experiences that transcend time.
As Annika Venkatesh, director of MTC's Macbeth, put it, "The themes are relevant because the themes are human." In addition to Shakespeare's heart-string-plucking work, his works are in the public domain, which has led to further opportunities for creatives to engage with them beyond reading the original works themselves, including but not limited to putting on university productions.
"Shakespeare is so infused in our culture already and in ways we don't even understand; we enjoy She's The Man, Lion King, 10 Things I Hate About You. Understanding the source material and letting ourselves enjoy and empathize with it are definitely things that we can strive to do through our theatre," said Venkatesh.
Understanding the source material and letting ourselves enjoy and empathize with it are definitely things that we can strive to do through our theatre.
Annika Venkatesh, Director of Macbeth
McMaster Thespian Company
As highlighted by Venkatesh, Shakespeare's impact on Western culture is undeniable, but his plays take center stage on a much more personal level for those directly involved with theatre.
"I remember being 15, reading Macbeth and I thought, "This was my dream character"," said Maya Psaris, a first-year PhD student who played Lady Macbeth in MTC's production. Through MTC, Psaris was enabled to pursue all of her passions by having classical theatre accessible on campus.
"I have a split brain in terms of my passions. I love research, psychology and child development . . . my other passions are acting and theatre," Psaris explained. "Being able to balance both of those two is really important to me."
When asked how their involvement with the MTC interacts with their studies, here is what one of Psaris' castmates had to say.
"It's definitely helpful," said Abbey Hanson, Lennox actress and third-year English and theatre student. "I feel like I have a better understanding of reading Shakespeare and understanding what's going on . . . also any performing experience helps with being in theatre, building up the resume, learning new things, learning different directing techniques that you will experience."
Hanson suggested that involving yourself with MTC as an English or theatre student may help in furthering your career development in direct ways. Venkatesh, alongside directing Macbeth, is a third-year nursing student and argued that the importance of engaging with theatre spans beyond your field of study.
"There's a lot more overlap between theatre and any other field of study than people expect there to be," said Venkatesh. "I go to clinical placements or to work; I go to the hospital . . . so I can talk with them [patients, colleagues] about books, plays, music and theatre. Especially with Shakespeare, everyone has some kind of story. Whether it's just them hating it in high school or talking about going to Stratford every year."
There's a lot more overlap between theatre and any other field of study than people expect there to be.
Annika Venkatesh, Director of Macbeth
McMaster Thespian Company
These unique individuals, all from different backgrounds, are united by one thing in common: the humanity that theatre highlights.
If you want to experience Shakespeare for yourself, MTC is currently preparing for their winter show, Twelfth Night. You can get in on the action by following MTC on Instagram to watch the production process and get the inside scoop. Keep an eye out for performance date announcements, read the play for yourself and, of course, consider seeing the show!
The Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts highlights why this ballet remains central to the holiday season, year after year
The Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet—it's a timeless tradition, a cornerstone of the holiday season that continues to captivate audiences year after year. With its themes of imagination, connection, and transformation, it has a way of resonating across generations, drawing people into a world of wonder.
For over 23 years, the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts has been connecting people through ballet. Dec. 6 and 7, 2024 marks their 10th annual rendition of The Nutcracker at the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, blending classic elements with creative touches to create a memorable experience.
Melania Pawliw, co-founder and artistic director of the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts, shared how for many families, The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition and a first step into the world of live theatre. “For young audiences, The Nutcracker is usually their first introduction to the ballet,” said Pawliw.
For young audiences, The Nutcracker is usually their first introduction to the ballet.
Melania Pawliw, Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and the enchanting story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince invite audiences to dream, telling a tale that feels as fresh as it does familiar. Pawliw shared that while The Nutcracker is performed year-round in Europe, in North America it has become synonymous with the holiday season, embodying a sense of community and celebration. “[In Europe] it’s just a ballet like any other ballet.” said Pawliw.
What makes the Hamilton Academy’s production distinct is its ability to marry tradition with accessibility. “Any ballet we do, we stay close to the original storyline and choreography,” shared Pawliw, “We always adapt the choreography to add so many new parts, because it creates more opportunity for children to be in the production.”
Drawing inspiration from Vasily Vainonen’s original choreography, this rendition introduces fresh elements such as a live orchestra and choir, elevating the performance in new and exciting ways. “We always look for ways to expand the production.” explained Pawliw.
Community involvement is at the core of the Hamilton Academy’s approach. With over 100 roles available, dancers from Hamilton and surrounding areas audition to take part, including both young students and seasoned professionals. This mix of backgrounds creates a unique environment where children can gain experience that inspires personal and artistic growth.
Pawliw shared that the most rewarding part of her job is watching young dancers evolve from smaller roles to leading characters over time.
For those new to ballet, The Nutcracker presents a lively and immersive experience. “It’s a holiday celebration that brings people together,” said Pawliw. From the elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance to the mesmerizing Waltz of the Snowflakes, every detail is designed to delight. The live orchestra brings Tchaikovsky’s score to life, surrounding the audience with the richness of his timeless music.
It's a holiday celebration that brings people together.
Melania Pawliw, Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
As the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts continues its annual tradition of bringing The Nutcracker to life, it reaffirms the arts’ power to connect and inspire. They have not only kept the tradition of The Nutcracker alive but have also expanded its impact, making the ballet a shared experience that connects people through the beauty of performance and the holiday spirit.
The Nutcracker invites everyone to celebrate the season’s joy together. Performances will take place on Dec. 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. Don’t miss this classic holiday tradition!
The Holiday Market has quickly become a beloved tradition, bringing good cheer and holiday spirit to campus
The McMaster Holiday Market took place in the arts quad and McMaster University Student Centre from Nov. 25 to 28, 2024 and was open from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. each day. Speakers playing holiday music and a variety of light displays were set up around the arts quad to create a festive atmosphere. This event was run as a collaboration between the MSU, MSU Campus Events, the Alumni Association and the Student Success Centre.
The market had vendors both outdoors in wooden cabins and at tables in the student centre. MSU Campus Events offered student vendor tables for $10 per day and advertised the application form on their Instagram in early November.
In an interview with The Silhouette, Thomas Saab, the MSU Campus Events director, shared that the planning for the market starts in September. “I meet with AVTEK and we go over, we walk through the space and based on our notes last year look at what we want to change as far as the decorations and the layout, so all the physical spaces,” said Saab. The next stage of planning involves coordinating with the SSC and Alumni Association to plan entertainment and activities.
According to Saab, new to the market this year are fireplaces and propane heaters, additional decorations and a snow machine. “I love the snow machine. I think it adds a completely new layer to the event. It just makes it a little bit more magical. That was my vision going in, I wanted to go from a cute little event to a magical event,” said Saab.
I love the snow machine. I think it adds a completely new layer to the event. It just makes it a little bit more magical. That was my vision going in, I wanted to go from a cute little event to a magical event.
Thomas Saab, Director
MSU Campus Events
New programming for the event includes a live reindeer petting zoo, taking place this afternoon and a screening of Home Alone happening tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the Hub. This year’s market also featured live ice sculpture carving and caroling performances from members of the McMaster University Choirs.
The SSC partnered with Hospitality Services to offer a special Taste of Home menu, available at La Piazza from Nov. 25 to 29. The SSC asked international and exchange students to submit traditional dishes from different cultures. The selected dishes were rajma chawal, jollof rice with chicken and plaintain, lasagna Bolognese and stir-fried beef noodles
The SSC also set up a wood and plexiglass dome in the arts quad, which served as a spot for students to take photos. Students could enter a draw to win a dinner in the dome through a form on the SSC website. The winning student got to enjoy dishes from the Taste of Home menu with three of their friends.
Saab shared he had hoped to include a maple taffy station. “We wanted to do maple taffy [like in] the old village and Quebec. We wanted to include that but it wasn’t within the budget this year so hopefully next year we’ll be able to add that as a fun snack for students,” said Saab. Saab estimated that the MSU contributed over $20,000 towards the budget for the market.
With its impressive array of decorations, vendors, food and activities, the McMaster Holiday Market is a must-visit event. Stop by the arts quad today to kick off your holiday season!
School of the Art’s fall major theatrical production explores love and power through a reimagining of Greco-Roman mythology
From Nov. 8 to 17, 2024, the school of the arts presented Woven Hearts, this year’s fall major theatrical production, in the Lyons Family Studio in L.R. Wilson Hall. Divided into two acts, the original production incorporated a series of Greco-Roman mythological figures and stories, drawing from Ovid's poem Metamorphoses.
Woven Hearts was produced by students taking the course iARTS 3MP6 – Devised Theatre Production. Through this course, students get hands on experience with production aspects like set and lighting design, costume and makeup design and choreography. These students also serve in key roles such as stage managers, script supervisors and assistant directors.
The central set piece for Woven Hearts was a loom that stretched from floor to ceiling and across the width of the theatre, splitting the stage in half. The Lyons Family Studio is arranged so that the audience sits on opposite sides of the stage, facing into the centre of the room.
Throughout the show, the actors interacted with the threads of the loom in various ways, pulling them aside to walk through the loom, leaning against them and entangling themselves between them. Different textiles were also woven into the loom to create imagery for certain scenes.
Peter Cockett, a SOTA associate professor who directs the fall major each year, discussed his selected source material.
“I wanted to do something about love, so we turned to a classical source, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, that has all these stories about love. And when we went to that source we discovered that it also had a lot to say about power and it actually was really political in our times, especially around issues of consent around this very patriarchal world of Ovid’s poem,” said Cockett.
Cockett emphasized that the fall major goes beyond just retelling old stories.
“I don’t think they’re important because they’re classical . . . but they’re here. They’re constantly being told and retold. They’re being idolized and idealized. So I think taking them on and seeing what they’re really about and changing them, that feels important still,” said Cockett. “But I think the most important thing is what the audience is responding to, which is this notion of centering love and the potential for a kind of altruistic social love that humans are capable of.”
But I think the most important thing is what the audience are responding to, which is this notion of centering love and the potential for a kind of altruistic social love that humans are capable of.
Peter Cockett, Director and Writer
Woven Hearts
In the spring 2024 term, Cockett taught THTRFLM 3PR3 – Text-based Devising: Research and Development, which is where the devising process for the fall major began. Cockett explained that the process involved studying Metamorphoses before writing and designing the entire production around the themes and stories from the text.
Mikey Gough, a fourth-year theatre and film studies student, described his experience working with Metamorphoses.
“There’s this instinct to have a lot of wonder surrounding the Greek myths, have a lot of positive associations. There was a lot of excitement . . . and when we were really kind of getting into the meat of them, I feel like we were running into these issues . . . it feels like they’re so harmful at times. And I think that friction, that incongruence with the wonder we had surrounding the stories and our problems with them is almost where we found our thesis,” said Gough.
Throughout the devising process, Gough and his peers asked questions like: “What about these stories are we not liking? What do we want to leave behind? And why? And what are these kind of new interpretations which we somehow or we suddenly find super beautiful?” said Gough.
Gough shared that he had heard positive reactions from others who watched the production.
“People in my age group, other students . . . have found it really moving. They’ve really enjoyed the upward arc of the show, which I would say there is . . . and I’ve heard a lot of people saying that the dose of hope it brings in our unprecedented times is really refreshing and important to see,” said Gough.
I've heard a lot of people saying that the dose of hope it brings in our unprecedented times is really refreshing and important to see.
Mikey Gough,fourth-year theatre and film studies student
Woven Hearts Actor
The annual SOTA fall major is a testament to the artistic talent of McMaster’s student body. Each production is creatively designed to convey an important message to its audience. Cockett shared that next year's production will focus on prison abolition, with a research-based devising process set to begin in January 2025.
Despite the difficulties of student budgeting, we can make eco-conscious decisions and manage the emotional cost of "eco-guilt" even when green living feels out of reach
Many students today feel a strong desire to live sustainably, motivated by environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward the planet.
However, the rising cost of living presents significant challenges. Organic food, eco-friendly products and slow fashion often come with higher price tags, which makes green living seem unattainable for students juggling rent, groceries and tuition.
This creates a growing tension between values and finances, leading students to question how much they can afford to care and whether their individual actions will truly make a difference.
The reality is that many sustainable products are priced beyond the reach of the average student. For example, organic produce can cost up to 60% more than non-organic options. Organic farming is more sustainable than non-organic because it reduces chemical inputs, promotes biodiversity and enhances soil health through natural practices like crop rotation and composting.
Similarly, bamboo toothbrushes and other eco-friendly alternatives are more expensive than conventional plastic ones. Even thrift stores, once considered an affordable staple for students, are experiencing rising prices due to increased demand for second-hand fashion. This trend places additional financial pressure on students, making it difficult to prioritize sustainability when basic needs are already a challenge.
Fortunately, living green doesn’t always have to come with a steep price tag. There are several budget-friendly strategies that students can adopt. One effective approach is meal prepping, which not only saves time but also reduces food waste.
Public transit offers both a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to driving. Additionally, participating in clothing swaps or thrifting through student-led events provides access to sustainable fashion without breaking the bank. These small changes can make a meaningful environmental impact while keeping expenses low.
On campus, McMaster students have access to several sustainability initiatives that align with eco-conscious living. The OPIRG community garden provides an opportunity to learn about organic gardening and supports local food security. The university’s Zero Waste Club promotes waste reduction through accessible recycling and compost stations across campus.
Despite these opportunities, many students still experience eco-guilt—a feeling of anxiety or frustration stemming from the belief that they aren’t doing enough for the planet. Social media platforms often exacerbate this guilt by portraying an idealized version of sustainable living that feels impossible to achieve.
Young people, in particular, report feeling overwhelmed by the expectation to be environmentalists while also managing academic pressures and financial stress. The weight of these expectations can make it hard to see the value in small, everyday actions.
Simple actions like switching to reusable water bottles or reducing single-use plastics matter, even if they seem small. Additionally, advocating for systemic changes, such as supporting divestment campaigns, can amplify students' impact beyond individual choices. McMaster's institutional efforts to implement greener policies are often more effective in addressing climate change than any single person’s actions, making advocacy a powerful way for students to contribute.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Despite the prevalence of climate change, students shouldn’t feel burdened by the idea that every action must be flawless or that every product they buy must meet the highest eco-standards. Instead, the focus should be on making intentional, thoughtful decisions that align with both their budget and their values.
Composting, reducing food waste, or choosing public transit are all practical ways to contribute to environmental efforts without adding financial strain. It’s also important to recognize that sustainable living is not an individual burden—it’s a collective effort. In this vein, we shouldn’t feel that an occasional unsustainable action invalidates our overall efforts.
While we may sometimes make non-eco-friendly choices—such as forgetting to bring a reusable bag to the grocery story—this doesn’t erase the impact of our eco-friendly efforts, like bringing reusable water bottles to campus or reducing single-use plastics. Small choices, even when inconsistent, build on each other to create a more sustainable lifestyle over time.
For instance, choosing to take a longer shower one day for self-care doesn’t erase the positive impact of habitually reducing water consumption by turning off the tap while brushing teeth or doing laundry with cold water to save energy.
Students can take comfort in knowing that progress, not perfection, drives meaningful change. By balancing eco-conscious habits with financial realities, we can live sustainably without sacrificing our well-beings. When we embrace progress over guilt, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also cultivate a more compassionate approach to sustainability—one that celebrates small victories and encourages collective action.
In a world where rest feels like laziness and hustle culture is glorified, mental health is at an all-time low
By: Nada Bouchalkha, Opinion Contributor
When was the last time you felt that wave of unforgiving guilt for taking a lazy day? Maybe it crept in after skipping your workout or missing a lecture you knew wasn’t going to hold your attention.
That relentless voice urging you to do more, achieve more and be more - we all know it too well. But here’s the truth: that internalized voice has a name - hustle culture. Recognizing it is the first step toward taking back control.
Everyone’s relationship with hustle culture is different. But if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to let go of its hold.
The mantra that "the grind never stops" becomes so deeply embedded in our thinking that we begin punishing ourselves, by depriving ourselves of sleep or denying ourselves leisure activities and forcing us to cancel plans or abandon hobbies. This misplaced sense of guilt often leads to deteriorating mental health, burnout, exhaustion and even physical illness brought on by stress.
The constant need to keep up, coupled with the fear of falling behind, can feel exhausting. But life isn’t a race and sometimes, slowing down is more beneficial than you think.
At university, an environment where success is measured primarily by your GPA and busyness, it’s easy to feel like taking time for yourself is a sign of weakness. Social media reinforces this pressure, saturating us with carefully curated videos of high achievers that highlight only their best days. The constant need to keep up, coupled with the fear of falling behind, can feel exhausting. But life isn’t a race and sometimes slowing down is more beneficial than you think.
This toxic cycle traps us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. It becomes near impossible to appreciate the little things in life when you’re constantly operating in survival mode. True satisfaction cannot be achieved when success is endlessly redefined around productivity because it leaves no room for self-acceptance.
Whether this resonates with you as a student taking on too many courses or as someone juggling multiple jobs at once, the question remains: if being productive comes at the expense of your mental health, is it really worth it?
Allowing yourself to rest is the first step towards balance and learning what healthy productivity looks like.
Healthy productivity is about achieving a balance between work and well-being. As a student, this means setting realistic goals and allowing yourself to slow down. After all, every step forward, no matter how little, will contribute to your growth.
It is important to grant yourself compassion for the days that you don’t meet the high standards you set. By nurturing both your personal and professional development, you can not only achieve success but also grow as an individual.
There is a unique tranquility in allowing yourself to embrace the little things like napping, spending time with friends, going on a walk, or even doing nothing at all.
It’s essential to discover your sense of purpose beyond merely material achievements and productivity-driven goals. There is a unique tranquility in allowing yourself to embrace the little things like napping, spending time with friends, going on a walk, or even doing nothing at all.
It has be said that the most successful animals are those that are the laziest. Even in nature, survival often depends on conserving energy rather than constantly expending it. Similarly, the constant chase of productivity without rest can leave us burnt out, detached from our goals, disconnected and unfulfilled.
You should feel a sense of pride not only during your "hustle" but also in your moments doing nothing at all. Though doing nothing may seem easy, social pressures can make it feel surprisingly difficult, especially for students who are endlessly pressured to prioritize grades and build a “perfect” resume.
Embracing downtime and investing in leisure activities that restore us are not signs of laziness or weakness. Rather, they sustain our mental health and make us more productive in the long run.
So, this isn’t to say you should drop everything and become a surfer, unless of course that is your true calling. But if being "lazy" means taking care of yourself, then by all means do so.
Several student groups collaborated to host Diwali Dhamaal, an unforgettable celebration on McMaster’s campus
In celebration of Diwali, McMaster’s South Asian music club MacGeet, the McMaster Gujarati Students’ Association, McMaster’s chapter of Aim for Seva, the McMaster Indian Association and the McMaster South Indian Students Association came together to launch Diwali Dhamaal.
The event took place on Nov. 7, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Hub.
Diwali, commonly known as the festival of lights, is an annual celebration observed by several religions originating from India that marks the triumph of light over darkness. In preparation of Diwali, celebrants clean and decorate their homes with diyas and gather to enjoy delicious food and sometimes observe fireworks. It is one of the biggest celebrations in India with varying traditional celebrations depending on religion and region.
MacGeet is a McMaster South Asian music club that brings its community together through music and performance spanning various South Asian cultures. Jaisal Samra and Sharanya Badalera are the co-presidents of MacGeet and discussed the significance of hosting a Diwali celebration on campus with other clubs.
“I think it’s a lot about inclusivity. So we don’t pertain to a specific geographic South Asian area. We’re very open in terms of representing all of South Asia. And that’s one thing that’s really important to us . . . because South Asia is so diverse and so culturally unique, giving them an opportunity to interconnect is really important,” said Samra.
Samra also emphasized the importance of making this event accessible for all McMaster students. “So we didn’t want price to be a barrier for students to not be able to come because they don’t want to pay. And that’s really one big important thing for Diwali too, you’re supposed to be able to share and enjoy it with as many people as you can and just make this a really nice time,” said Samra.
That’s really one big important thing for Diwali too, you’re supposed to be able to share and enjoy it with as many people as you can and just make this a really nice time.
Jaisal Samra, Co-President
MacGeet
The event featured live performances by MacGeet and Gujarati Students' Association, mehndi, diya painting, food and a polaroid photo booth. Mehndi is a temporary skin decoration created with henna and a diya is a small lamp that is lit on Diwali.
“I’m excited to see the performances. I think those will be really good because the Gujarati Students’ Association are doing this dance and we're doing the singing,” said Samra.
“After the full team performance, the rest of the performance is just there for people to listen to as they walk around . . . you walk around, you mingle with people, you enjoy some activities and snacks. It’s like everything is ongoing,” said Badalera.
The dress code for the event was cultural attire which left attendees and club members very excited for the event. “We’ve told people on social media the expected attire. So people are going to be dressing up and looking very nice in traditional clothing,” said Samra.
Hosting this cultural event in collaboration with various student clubs allowed for an increased level of representation that showcased various traditional aspects of the celebration.
“I know that people can go to certain events and they maybe feel left out or they feel like they don't have proper representation. We’re hoping by including a diverse amount of clubs that we’re able to hit on a lot of target points and generally just contentment,” said Samra.
Badalera further explained the event's goal of leaving attendees with the feeling of community. “I hope people feel a sense of community when they leave, feeling nice that they got to spend time with people from their community and just have fun celebrating such an important festival,” said Badalera.
I hope people feel a sense of community when they leave, feeling nice that they got to spend time with people from their community and just have fun celebrating such an important festival.
Sharanya Badalera, Co-President
MacGeet
Samra highlighted the importance of hosting these events to strengthen cultural connectivity through personal experience. “I know growing up I struggled with being connected to my culture and it’s been a really tough journey for me. So I hope to be able to inspire others to find their culture as well,” said Samra.
“It’s also nice because there’s a lot of students who may be international and won’t be able to go home to celebrate it,” said Badalera.
If you missed this celebration. you can keep up with all these clubs on Instagram. Keep an eye on MacGeet, McMaster Gujarati Students’ Association, McMaster’s chapter of AIM for SEVA, the McMaster Indian Association and the McMaster South Indian Students Association for more fun, accessible cultural events and opportunities!
SWHAT hosts Walk-A-Thon to support Interval House of Hamilton, donating $1 for every walk in November
Each November, the Student Walk Home Attendant Team hosts a Walk-A-Thon, where they contribute $1.00 for every walk conducted during the month to a local charity. This November, SWHAT will be raising funds for the Interval House of Hamilton shelter, which provides support services to women, with and without children, who have experienced abuse or violence.
SWHAT is a McMaster Student Union volunteer service which walks home students who live on and off campus. The service operates seven days a week from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., running from September to April. When students request a SWHAT walk, the service will send two volunteers to escort students to their destination. SWHAT walkers are equipped with a flashlight, radio and umbrella if needed.
SWHAT is located on the second floor of the McMaster University Student Centre in room 234. To request a walk, students can visit MUSC 234 during operating hours, schedule a walk by booking online or call SWHAT at 905-525-9140, extension 27500. On the request form, SWHAT indicates that all information will be kept confidential.
Jonathan Guan, the coordinator of SWHAT, spoke to the Silhouette about this year’s Walk-A-Thon, highlighting SWHAT’s goals to raise both awareness and funds for Interval House of Hamilton. “November is already our busiest month. So we figured it would be a great opportunity to also push a campaign, not only to increase visibility for SWHAT but also to support a local cause”, said Guan.
November is already our busiest month. So we figured it would be a great opportunity to also push a campaign, not only to increase visibility for SWHAT but also to support a local cause.
Jonathan Guan, Co-ordinator
SWHAT
In last year’s Walk-A-Thon, Guan noted that SWHAT donated approximately $200.00 to Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, a local charity that offers programs and services to Indigenous populations in Hamilton, Brantford and the surrounding areas. Guan also expressed hope that SWHAT would meet or surpass this amount in donations for this year’s event.
One challenge that Guan highlighted is that as the colder months set in, students tend to book fewer walks. “Whenever I hear people becoming hesitant, I’m like, don’t worry about it. This is why we’re here. We are all in the office, eager to go on walks so don’t let the cold weather be a dissuading factor to the booking,” said Guan.
Whenever I hear people becoming hesitant, I’m like, don’t worry about it. This is why we’re here. We are all in the office, eager to go on walks so don’t let the cold weather be a dissuading factor to the booking.
Jonathan Guan, Co-ordinator
SWHAT
In addition to the Walk-A-Thon, SWHAT has launched a weekly initiative called SWHot Chocolate in Mills Library, every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. During this time, volunteers and executives provide small cups of free hot chocolate to students while also raising awareness about SWHAT’s services.
To participate in the Walk-A-Thon, students are encouraged to book walks online, by phone or stopping by in-person.
McMaster Community Garden’s new expansion is underway, adding green space and improving accessibility for students on campus
The Community Garden at McMaster is expanding behind Burke Science Building and is set to open in Spring 2025. The expansion will double the garden's growing capacity and feature a fully accessible garden, including wheelchair-accessible paths, raised garden beds provided by Raised Beds Canada and a variety of accessible gardening tools and seating areas.
The Community Garden, a student-led initiative launched
Throughout the growing season, the garden cultivates a variety of produce, such as carrots, kale, strawberries and golden raspberries. The garden also features a grapevine that spans the entire perimeter and a cherry tree.
Thush Gnanamuttu and Olivia Rowan, the 2024-2025 coordinators for the Community Garden who oversee all decisions and manage the volunteer team, spoke about the design of the upcoming expansion.
“We worked with accessibility groups including Maccess, Facility services and other on-campus accessibility consultants on the work of the design. A lot of the work this summer was making sure it was a collaborative design and a lot of thought was put into the features,” said Rowan.
We worked with accessibility groups including Maccess, Facility services and other on-campus accessibility consultants on the work of the design. A lot of the work this summer was making sure it was a collaborative design and a lot of thought was put into the features.
Olivia Rowan, Co-ordinator
Community Garden
Gnanamuttu and Rowan mentioned that the new garden will feature raised garden beds at varying heights, designed to be more wheelchair-friendly and accessible to all. They also noted the addition of an accessible picnic bench that was donated by the McMaster Class of 1954. “We wanted to bring a bench in here because it would be cool to run educational workshops and just have this as a space that volunteers can enjoy as well,” said Rowan.
Gnanamuttu and Rowan acknowledged the hard work of their volunteers, who assisted in building the garden beds, picnic table and garden shed.
“It's really important to have community-centred green spaces where people can learn about gardening, get a break from the work they’re doing but also do something really meaningful to support their community and we see that with all the volunteers that come in. They really feel like they have a sense of purpose,” said Rowan.
It's really important to have community centered green spaces where people can learn about gardening, get a break from the work they’re doing but also do something really meaningful to support their community and we see that with all the volunteers that come in they really feel like they have a sense of purpose.
Olivia Rowan, Co-ordinator
Community Garden
The coordinators also shared their plans to add a Little Free Library in front of the garden expansion. Their goal is to place books about sustainability and gardening education in a public bookcase, allowing people to exchange books as they pass by.
The coordinators recognized several sponsors who helped design and execute the expansion, including OPIRG McMaster, the McMaster Okanagan Office of Health and Wellbeing, McMaster Facility Services, Raised Garden Beds Canada and Little Free Library.
Newly formed McMaster Sudanese Student Association blends advocacy with community through a night of shai and wanasa
In its first official year of operation, the McMaster Sudanese Student Association hosted its Shai x Wanasa event. On Nov. 13, 2024, in the Burke Science Building, students gathered for a evening of games, Sudanese refreshments and conversation.
The MSSA is a student club that aims to empower and build the McMaster Sudanese community. Leen Elshikh is one of the two co-presidents of this association and highlighted the importance of club's recent ratification as a Sudanese student.
"I mean as a Sudanese person myself . . . there's this identity crisis, because some of us come in different shapes and colours obviously. But some of us have always felt like we're not African enough or Black enough to fit in with that side of the community. At the same time, we're also considered Middle Eastern and there is a lot of internal racism within the Middle Eastern community, so you don't fully feel accepted there either ... so it's honestly just great to see our community come together and build a home away from home at Mac," said Elshikh.
It's honestly just great to see our community come together and build a home away from home at Mac.
Leen Elshikh, Co-President
McMaster Sudanese Student Association
Elshikh recalled the tough beginning stages of the club's formation to truly gather the Sudanese community at McMaster. "It was tough last year, especially because I was not very well connected in the Sudanese community personally . . . also, we didn't have a big following, we weren't ratified, we didn't have the resources to build ourselves up so Sudanese people couldn't find us," said Elshikh.
Where as now, Elshikh has witnesses the club's current expansion and positive reception to their events. "I don't know what happened this year but I'm very thankful and very happy. Our events have been really, really big . . . Wednesday [Shai x Wanasa event] was over 60 people and that was shocking to me. I didn't even know there were 60 Sudanese people on campus that is crazy," said Elshikh.
"That's what Sudanese people call tea, we call it shai. And wanasa is what we call conversation," said Elshikh when asked about the title of the event. Traditional Sudanese tea was served at the event and baked goods that are normally enjoyed with it.
The event began with conversation among attendees to get to know each other. "A lot of people are first years and they really want to get to know people who look like them . . . so we gave them an opportunity to do that and then the rest of the time was trivia games," said Elshikh.
"Another thing I love about this club is we've also been integrating advocacy through our work in the club," expressed Elshikh.
One way the MSSA displayed their integration of advocacy was through a trivia game where participants guess the cost of items shown. "The prices of a lot of things in Sudan have gone up exponentially in the past year because of the war and because of a lack of access to resources. So we thought playing this game — yes, it's a game and people get to guess and have fun and work together in teams — but it was also a way to raise awareness," said Elshikh.
The McMaster Sudanese Student Association also provided a credit and debit card machine to allow participants to voluntarily donate. "We are working with a charity that's called Sadagaat Ontario. It is a Sudanese charity and they're working to help people in Ontario raise money and send it to Sudan in a way that's actually actionable," said Elshikh.
The night ended with a Jeopardy game where students were divided into two teams.
"We played a game of jeopardy . . . people got to remember things about when they used to live in Sudan and what they used to eat and where they used to go and stuff like that," said Elshikh. "Just to end it off on a light note and bring that semblance. We always want to end it off with community, we hope that people leave and think yes we did hear about some hard things but in the end we still have community."
We always want to end it off with community, we hope that people leave and think yes we did hear about some hard things but in the end we still have community.
Leen Elshikh, Co-President
McMaster Sudanese Student Association
Elshikh encourages students to become more educated on other cultures and diversify their McMaster experience. "Step outside of the same ideas and the same things that you're used to and learn something new. Learn about a new culture, learn about a new tradition, go to a club's event that you have no idea about simply to learn and to support and to just grow as a person and be more culturally aware," said Elshikh.
This club represents a beautiful culture that is working towards increased visibility at McMaster and bringing together its community. "For Sudani students at Mac I want to let them know they're not alone. I want to let them know that this is a space for them," expressed Elshikh.
The MSSA looks forward to continue bringing Sudanese culture to McMaster. Learn about a new culture or appreciate your own through the McMaster Sudanese Student Association's Instagram. Stay tuned for more culturally immersive and educational events!
