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find all articles here : https://thevarsity.ca/author/jazmeetsaxena/
THE VARSITY IS Univeristy of Toronto's STUDENT PAPER SINCE 1880
AS OF JUNE 9TH 2026 JAZMEET SAXENA STATES THE FOLLOWING :
I am only a mere writer for the newspaper as I am only in my third year at University of Toronto
I have joined the copywriting team, where I will review many articles within the coming months // Fall Semester
Thank you for your time, wishing everyone well. - Jazmeet Saxena
Recent incidents in and around public transportation illustrate the dangers of commuting
By Jazmeet Saxena — Published January 25, 2026
Content warning: This article contains mentions of violence, harassment, assault, and death.
Picture this: you’re walking towards your usual subway stop, trying to make it to an exam. When you reach the station, you see a light in the corner of your eye — or is that fire?
According to CP24, this is what commuters experienced at Kennedy Station on December 28, 2025. At around 6:30 am, a man approached someone waiting on the subway platform and attempted to set their jacket on fire; thankfully, the victim was not injured. The following morning, at Scarborough Town Center, the man allegedly set fire to a jacket that was forgotten on a seat. He was later spotted outside the entrance of the mall attempting to light another person’s clothes on fire.
He was arrested on December 30 and has since been charged with nine offences in relation to these incidents, including arson, assault with a weapon; and four counts of failing to comply with probation.
This is just one of many recent cases of violence in and around Toronto’s public transportation network. Subway riders wait for trains with their backs against the wall, while streetcar riders check for stray needles on seats. These random attacks in the commuting network are something U of T students are worried about more every day.
Is this the new norm? On November 5 2025, The TTC announced a new initiative to increase security and social aid personnel, and enhance security surveillance camera usage. But the frequency of violent incidents on the network seems to be continuing uninterrupted, which raises questions about whether these safety measures are effectively preventing harm.
Repeat offenders
In early January, two people were assaulted with sharp weapons at Dufferin Station, one of the busiest stations on Line 2, without provocation. The survivors were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the perpetrator fled the scene.
Stories like these are creeping closer to campus, and random attacks are especially frightening for students whose campuses are connected to various transit stations.
In January 2023, CityNews published a timeline of random TTC attacks, and the sheer number of incidents shows an alarming trend of public transit crime. A CBC article from November 2025 highlights that public transit crime peaked in 2023, and fell slightly in 2024.
However, recent headlines and news stories don’t stop us from feeling like public transit crime is still soaring — and according to the CBC article, “these rates still remain well above those from a decade ago.”
The article also highlights a potential root cause of public transit violence. Transportation consultant David Cooper suggests otherwise in an interview with CBC News: “Much of the violence is committed by a relatively small number of people who have repeated encounters with officers…”
On December 11, 2025, a man allegedly waved multiple knives on the Yorkdale subway platform. He was later arrested and charged by the Toronto Police with possession of dangerous weapons and failure to comply with a probation order.
Both this perpetrator and the one behind the Kennedy firesetting case caused violence while violating probation orders. Both were repeat offenders, like Cooper points out.
The Government of Canada reports that the number of criminals under probation has always been higher than those in custody. The last report was from 2023, when out of a total of 106, 344 offenders, approximately 59 per cent were out on probation, 7.7 per cent were on a conditional sentence, and 33.3 per cent were in custody.
In December 2025, 20-year-old UTSC student Shivank Avasthi was fatally shot while walking in the Highland Creek Valley beside campus. There are eight different transit routes that stop at the UTSC campus, and a large portion of the student body commutes. The perpetrator was later identified as a repeat offender.
It’s difficult and sometimes inaccurate to point to one cause for public transit crime. No one group can be blamed for the entirety of public transit crimes. However, many Torontonians express frustration with cases of violence caused by individuals with criminal histories or who are out on parole for recent crimes.
Similarly, in cases where mental health and substance use are also linked to a crime, people express the demand for more resources for those struggling. No one wants to point the finger at just one group, because that risks demonizing people who simply need help. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a safe and accessible city for everyone.
Gendered violence on public transit
Amna Bakr, a second-year journalism student at UTSC, told The Varsity that she does not always feel safe commuting, and explains how being a woman commuter incites unique challenges and fears.
“As a young woman, I always have my phone in my hand when I’m on the bus, in case anything happens,” Bakr said. “I also usually try to sit at the very back of the bus, so that I’m aware of my surroundings. I usually feel unsafe around male passengers that behave weirdly around me.”
While Bakr’s case doesn’t illustrate a crime being committed, it does highlight an important aspect of commuting for female students: the anticipation of crime or harassment. An article in Violence Against Women explains that on public transit, “women have a much greater fear of crime than men.” While men fear crimes like robbery, women fear crimes like sexual assault and harassment.
These fears manifested for Ashley Thorpe, a second-year UTSC journalism student, when she was harassed and physically assaulted on a GO Train after attending a Blue Jays game near Union Station. On the train, Thorpe was sitting with her legs stretched on a seat across from her when two men joined the quadrant.
One of the men began complaining about her legs being on the seat, but Thorpe rejected his request to move her legs since she felt she was not disturbing them by sitting as such. The men resorted to verbally harassing her before one forcibly removed her legs from the seat, and another sat on her.
“I texted the constantly advertised GO safety and security line,” wrote Thorpe in an email to The Varsity. “They had me explain what happened, give a description of the men, and list what train car I am in, only to tell me that the one employee on board was not going to help me.”
Instead, while still on the train with the men who assaulted and continued to verbally harass her, Thorpe was advised to “walk to the accessibility coach where the employee was” and ask for assistance.
“I felt nervous to do this because all three seats around me were now filled with these…men, which made me feel boxed in. I explained that to the person on the line, and they said there is nothing they can do.” Thorpe was extremely shaken up by the assault, and later filed two police reports.
The small, enclosed, and poorly lit areas make public transit a prime space for women to experience unsafety. Walking through unlit corridors or outdoor pathways, and being stuck in an enclosed subway car for extended periods of time heightens the risk level of commuting by isolating women, leaving them with fewer opportunities to navigate dangerous situations.
In Thorpe’s case, despite alerting the transit authorities and Toronto Police Services (TPS), she still felt like the assault was inadequately addressed. “I filed two police reports because the process was so complicated. Oakville GO’s safety officers told me I had to file with TPS, since the assault took place while leaving Exhibition GO [in Toronto]. Then, TPS told me I actually needed to file with Peel Regional Police.”
While Thorpe was content with speaking to the two safety officers at Oakville GO, her gratitude did not extend to the Metrolinx company they represented. “As a company, [Metrolinx] are greedy and useless,” she wrote. “[Having] no employees on board to ensure customer safety is appalling and thoughtless.”
Thorpe’s comment about Metrolinx being “greedy” is not unique. Many transit riders express frustration about how prolific Metrolinx is with catching fare evaders, and yet when it comes to responding to assaults and attacks, that energy is seemingly nowhere to be found.
Incidents like Thorpe’s illustrate not only a common pattern of violence against women in and around public transit, but also a lack of interest in ensuring public safety in general. In 2025, a Reddit user posted on r/toronto about feeling “powerless” after being harassed on the TTC. They allege that a male passenger forcibly crowded around her as they entered the train, where he “spilled his drink on [her] bag,” and smirked mockingly at them while they “asked him to stop.”
“I later reported it to the TTC,” the Reddit user wrote, “but I honestly don’t expect anything to come of it.” This lack of faith in the TTC’s ability to provide support for people who experience harassment exemplifies a major problem with the current reporting system.
Taking proactive and preventative measures
I believe everyone has the right to a commute without having to worry about their safety. The TTC expansion of video surveillance and extra security personnel raises an important question: are preventative measures alone enough to deter violent crime and protect commuters?
Cameras may assist with investigations after an incident has already occurred, yet they do little to help while crimes are actively occurring. Security and social personnel play a more active role in stopping a crime while it’s being committed, but they are not the most effective tool at preventing incidents altogether. This disconnect highlights a broader concern that current safety measures don’t address the root causes of public transit crime.
While mental health and substance use are often cited as issues to be targeted in order to subside criminal activity in and around public transit, public safety is both the responsibility of the public transit organizations that move commuters, and the city they call home.
It is necessary to create an environment that makes people feel like the help they seek when they witness or experience violence will manifest in repercussions for offenders, rather than complacency from the organizations that are supposed to provide safety. In Thorpe’s case, this would have looked like an immediate response from GOTransit’s “77777” emergency help line.
The violence that happens on public transit becomes part of our everyday realities, where the spaces we require to get to class, work, and visit our friends and family have become sites of anxiety.
Witnessing, experiencing, or even merely hearing about dangerous encounters in public transit can contribute to making the commuting experience a fearful one. Strengthening preventative measures is key to ensuring all students, commuters, and Torontonians can travel and exist without fear.
Exploring plant-based restaurants and cafés near the three campuses
By Rayn Lakhani, Grace McHugh, Jazmeet Saxena — Published October 5, 2025
Looking to fuel up with some healthy plant-based meals near your U of T campus? This list compiles a few of the surrounding cafés and restaurants at each campus that specialize in an exclusively to near-exclusively vegan menu.
UTM
Community Resto
Located approximately a 15-minute drive away from campus in Port Credit, Community is a plant-based restaurant that serves a variety of classic homestyle dishes for brunch, lunch, dinner, and beyond. There are also a number of gluten-free and organic dishes, all served for about $23 or less.
Whether you are looking for breakfast, poutine, burgers, salad, or anything in between, Community has crafted a thorough menu with many plant-based alternatives to traditionally non-vegan dishes. There is also an amazing selection of drinks and sweet treats to enjoy!
Nourishmoi
Like Community, Nourishmoi is also located in the beautiful Port Credit neighbourhood, approximately a 15-minute drive away, and has an extensive menu of plant-based protein items, such as chickpea shawarmas, black bean burgers, and tempeh bake’n.
With a menu featuring a diverse range of cuisines, you would be hard-pressed to find something here that you don’t like! Additionally, meals are even more affordably priced, with all mains served for around $20.
Happy Taco
This trendy taco spot in Port Credit is a local-favourite vegan restaurant, as recommended by reviewers on local plant-based eatery guide, Happy Cow.
Serving tacos made with jackfruit and butternut squash cheese, the chain, which also operates near the UTSG campus, offers some delicious Mexican plant-based cuisine.
UTSG
Bunner’s
Bunner’s is a vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free bakery just a short walk south into Kensington Market.
This vegan community favourite offers numerous grab-and-go treats like muffins, whoopie pies, cupcakes, scones, cookies, brownies, and my favourite, their Nanaimo bars. If you are looking for a meal here, they sell prepared meals like pot pie and butternut squash mac and cheese. Just in time for fall, they have a seasonal selection of pumpkin-flavoured sweets, so go try that pumpkin spice cinnamon bun!
Pro tip: bring your student ID for a 10 per cent discount!
Alternity
Alternity is just down the street from Woodsworth College, perfect for a quick fix for the health-conscious student. They serve invigorating teas, lattes, coffees, cacao elixirs, and smoothies, all made with plant-based milk. They offer a few vegan and gluten-free meals, such as salads, wraps, and a soup of the day, all for under $15. I highly recommend their cardamom rose tea latte or the 5 Mushrooms cacao elixir.
Their lounge is spacious and inviting, offering a perfect nook to finish a paper in. Bonus: their menu includes notation for organic ingredients!
Saigon Lotus
Saigon Lotus boasts a plethora of vegan Vietnamese cuisine at its sit-down restaurant. From their chicken-imitating vegan pho to fried rice to vegan butter chicken, they have a dish under $20 for everyone! Their menu features a number of Vietnamese drinks, such as their malva nut and basil drink and various-flavoured bubble teas.
They have two locations on both sides of the St. George campus, at Kensington and Yonge, with their Yonge location being just a short stroll from Victoria College. Climate win: their Kensington location offers takeout meals with the option of reusable Suppli containers.
Tenon Vegan Sushi
Tenon Vegan Sushi is just a short stroll down Bloor St, and you’ll find this gem in the Annex area. With nearly all menu items under $20, the restaurant includes Japanese and Thai-style dishes, such as a vegan Soy Chick’n Karaage and a vegan General Tsao Soy Chick’n. The restaurant also offers plenty of sushi rolls, all creatively and deliciously made vegan.
While it is a sit-down restaurant, the service is quick and reliable, perfect for a between-class meal.
Almond Butterfly Cafe
Almond Butterfly Cafe is a gluten-free cafe on Harbord just down the street from Robarts Library.
While they mainly specialize in gluten-free items, they also have vegan baked goods, as well as vegan-accommodating drinks and sandwiches. Most sandwiches here contain eggs or meat, but with modifications, the Garden Melt, Avocado Melt, and Cream Cheese Veggie sandwiches can all easily be made vegan. I highly recommend the vegan cupcakes, just be sure to check the ingredients label provided in-shop.
They have a small patio, perfect for soaking up some sun while finishing readings.
UTSC
Right on campus, La Prep is your go-to spot for vegan Asian sesame wraps and a variety of fresh salad bowls for as low as $4.95! Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy snack between classes, making plant-based eats easy and affordable.
Only a 10-minute drive from campus, this juice bar is the place for refreshing drinks! Offering cold-pressed juices and vegan smoothies for as low as $14.50.
Found inside Malvern Town centre, this quick 12-minute drive from campus can bring you delicious plant-based Filipino dishes. Try the fiesta noodle or rice, or a salad roll with peanut sauce for only $7.50.
These restaurants and cafés are ideal for U of T students at each campus looking for quick plant-based options nearby.
How the NDP’s identity crisis and Canada’s two-party system left voters with no choice
By Jazmeet Saxena — Published September 27, 2025
In the recent Canadian federal election, the New Democratic Party (NDP) was stripped of its momentum. They not only lost official party status, but also saw Jagmeet Singh resign as party leader after losing his seat in his riding of Burnaby Central.
For some, these changes may seem like part of a natural course in politics, where parties rise and fall all the time, but this isn’t just a story about one party losing power. I believe that the NDP’s collapse is a symptom of a deeper structural failure within Canadian democracy.
I believe that, during the 2025 federal election campaign, Singh threw mixed messages about the NDP’s previous and future support for the Liberal Party’s agenda, leaving voters feeling like they must vote strategically between two popular parties. I also feel that the NDP’s alienation from its voters and its identity crisis were exacerbated by the mainstream media’s failure to provide coverage on smaller parties, further reducing the ideological political spectrum within the Canadian democratic system.
This problem is larger than just the NDP; it lies within the core of our system.
The two-party system
The dilution of Canada’s multiparty system during this election wasn’t unpredictable. In theory, Canada’s electoral system should offer a chance for diverse parties to grow, evolve, and represent different voter interests. However, it was clear from the start that the choice in this election was between the Liberal and Conservative parties.
Currently, our political system has become largely divided between the Conservatives and the Liberals. The focus on these two parties shuts out other voices, leaving little chance for any other parties to garner attention. I think that as our elections become a fight between two sides, we lose the meaning of how Canada’s democratic system is supposed to work.
Many people don’t entirely support the Liberals or the Conservatives. Yet, they vote for one out of fear that the other may win. These voters worry that if they vote for a less popular party –– such as the NDP –– their vote won’t ‘count’ in the grand scheme of the election, leading to a win for a larger party that they dislike. So, instead of choosing the party that aligns with their values, voters cast their ballots for the lesser evil among the more prominent parties.
This kind of thinking implies that people’s true choices don’t matter, which prevents any real change from happening. When this pattern of voting persists, it leads to non-major parties losing power, such as in the case of the NDP.
NDP’s identity crisis
In addition to the impacts of strategic voting, I don’t think that the NDP’s identity crisis helped the party’s situation either. While the NDP has tried to appear as a more progressive alternative to the Liberal Party, their past support for Trudeau has entirely weakened this message. As a result, Singh’s recent attempt to attack Trudeau mostly came off as disingenuous.
On January 7, Singh, in a statement on Trudeau’s resignation, stated that the Liberal Party has “let down Canadians” and “do not deserve another chance.” Yet on March 22, 2022, he signed a deal to keep Trudeau in power until 2025 in exchange for progress on some of the NDP’s priorities, such as pharmacare and dental care.
By previously backing the Liberals, the NDP blurred the line between being its challenger and its partner. I believe that this confusion greatly hurt them in this recent election, allowing the NDP to go from being partners of the Liberal Party to barely holding on to power after losing party status.
The NDP’s mixed message regarding their support of the Liberals made it difficult for voters to trust the NDP’s leadership. Those who wanted the party to be a clear alternative to the Liberals felt betrayed or confused as to what they truly stood for.
At the same time, those who were skeptical of Trudeau’s government saw the NDP as part of the problem rather than the solution. Yes, they wanted to push their own policies while working with the Liberals. But in doing so, they surrendered their independence in the eyes of Canadians, giving voters the impression that the parties were too similar.
Media visibility
The NDP itself isn’t the only one to blame for its decline in votes. Political narratives are largely shaped by the media coverage; it’s easy to see that most of the mainstream coverage focused on emphasizing a race between the Liberals and Conservatives, sidelining the NDP.
Despite the NDP’s efforts to represent bold policy ideas such as wealth taxes, expanded health care, or climate justice, their messaging struggled to break through. Reporters often framed the election as a two-way fight, leaving less space for others to compete/participate.
Even during televised debates, moderators directed the attention towards Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, treating Singh like a third wheel. In the English-language debate, which was aired on April 17 by CBC, Singh spoke for the least amount of time, falling significantly behind Poilievre and Carney.
Media coverage doesn’t just reflect public interest; it shapes it. If people don’t hear about NDP policies, they may assume the party doesn’t have a relevant plan. Media visibility matters, and within this election, it was lopsided.
When alternative voices are sidelined, it contributes to a shallow form of democracy; one where bold ideas are ignored and only the most ‘electable’ stories are told. In such a climate, it’s no surprise that the NDP struggled to be seen as a serious voting option.
Moving forward, the NDP needs to rethink how it connects with voters and what it truly stands for. Instead of latching onto other parties, they need to establish a clearer message about their goals and values. If this pattern continues, it risks undermining the multi-party system at the core of our democracy.
People need to know exactly what the NDP has to offer that other parties can’t. This means standing firm on their promises and defining themselves again without confusion or compromise.
Jazmeet Saxena is a second-year student at UTSC studying journalism.
A look into the employees’ demands for higher wages and ground pay
By Jazmeet Saxena — Published September 1, 2025
Over 10,000 flight attendants went on strike against Air Canada from August 16 to 19. Workers formed large picket lines outside Toronto Pearson International Airport, protesting what they described as ‘unfair wages’ and ‘unpaid labour.’
The strike forced Air Canada to cancel about 700 flights daily, disrupting travel for roughly 130,000 people each day. The airline suspended operations of both its main airline and low-cost carrier, Air Canada Rouge. The strike ended on August 19, after a tentative agreement was reached, but flight attendants will still need to vote on whether they accept the new terms.
The build-up to the strike
In 2015, Air Canada flight attendants signed a 10-year collective agreement, or a legally binding contract between the airline and its employees that sets out their wages, benefits, and hours.
When the contract expired this past March, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents workers among many others, entered negotiations with Air Canada.
The talks quickly stalled over pay — flight attendants demanded compensation for duties performed before takeoff, such as boarding, deplaning, and safety checks, which are typically unpaid.
Natasha Stea, an Air Canada flight attendant and president of CUPE’s air cabin crew division in Montréal, argues that unpaid pre-flight work reflects systemic gender disparities. About 70 per cent of flight attendants are women, and they perform duties such as boarding, deplaning, and safety checks without pay. By contrast, pilots — who are predominantly men — receive full compensation for their work, highlighting a historical pattern in which roles dominated by women are undervalued compared with male-dominated positions.
Responses from Air Canada and the government
Air Canada’s final offer before the strike proposed a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years. CUPE rejected the offer, arguing that the raises remain well below inflation and are insufficient for the current cost of living.
In response, the Canadian government invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, allowing Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, to enforce binding arbitration, in which a neutral third party determines the terms of a new agreement.
The federal labour board issued a back-to-work order under Section 107. However, CUPE chose to defy the order and continue the strike.
The resolution
After three days of striking and nine hours of talks facilitated by a government-appointed mediator, CUPE and Air Canada reached a tentative deal on August 19. Flight attendants will receive compensation for at least 60 minutes of their pre-flight duties at 50 per cent of their hourly rate. Additionally, cabin crew with under five years of experience will receive a cumulative wage increase of over 20 per cent, while those with more experience will receive a 17 per cent increase.
Flight attendants will begin voting on whether to accept the wage increases on August 27. This voting only concerns these increases, while the agreement to raise ground pay is binding regardless of the outcome.
However, many flight attendants are unhappy with the deal. The new wage increases are substantially lower than those received by the airline’s pilots in 2024, who received a 26 per cent increase in hourly pay in the first year and a 42 per cent cumulative increase over four years. With total inflation in Canada at roughly 30 per cent over the past decade, flight attendants were seeking a salary increase to better offset rising costs.
Voting on the deal ends on September 6; if it is not approved, a third party will determine the final terms of the agreement.
Students reflect on their summer plans in and around U of T
By Jia Bawa, Jazmeet Saxena, Jacquelyne Goligher, Xarnah Stewart, Maahi Patel — Published July 11, 2025
‘Summer break’ is an evocative term. We often like to imagine summer break as a distinct period from the academic overload of the fall and winter semesters. We excite ourselves with the prospect of returning to hobbies and pursuits we don’t have time for during the school year.
But summer ‘break’ is a misnomer for many of us. While for some, the term evokes picturesque scenes of beach trips and sunbathing, for others, it elicits the daunting image of sweaty lecture halls and sterile workplaces — and taking on summer courses or extra hours at work hardly seem like breaks.
This compendium highlights some examples of the different ways that students spend their summers, aiming to uncover the fluidity of the concept of summer break.
— Shontia Sanders, Volume 146 Features Editor
Stopping to smell the cherry blossoms
I first noticed pink magnolias and cherry blossoms blooming outside Robarts Library in April, while studying for my exams. I knew then that I was witnessing the slow beginnings of a seasonal change, one which would hopefully usher in more freedom, less stress, and brighter, sunnier days. Summers in Toronto are one of my favourite parts of living in the city — the streets are teeming with lively markets, patio season is in full swing, and public parks pulse with life. The city feels reborn, and — at least for a little bit — so do I.
Still, I’ve noticed how difficult it is to slow down and recharge from the draining academic seasons. Even during the summer, when most students intend to enjoy a well-deserved break, I still feel like if I’m not doing everything I possibly can to advance myself academically or professionally, I’ll fall behind.
During the school year, I love to daydream about all the activities that I’ll finally be able to do in the summer. But I’m often jolted out of those reveries by the harsh reality that the pressure to be productive doesn’t vanish as soon as the semester ends — no matter how much I’d like it to.
I’m therefore trying my hardest to make this summer count academically and professionally: I’m taking summer courses and working in a campus research lab. But I’m also making sure to prioritise my personal goals: I’ve carved out time to travel, and am excited to enjoy my moments of downtime, between working and studying, and simply be.
In the midst of stress, cherry blossoms are blooming — and we should embrace that compulsion we all feel to stop what we’re doing and admire them for a few minutes, no matter how busy we may think we should be.
— Jia Bawa
Working my way up
After two long years of searching, I finally landed not one, but two jobs. Just in time for summer, I’ll be working as both a warehouse associate and a security attendant. Admittedly, I was originally looking for less physically demanding positions, like a sales associate or receptionist. But after two years, I realized that if I wanted to make money, I had to be more open-minded.
For my security job, I had to complete various pre-employment certifications, which ranged from video modules and quizzes to formal exams. Scheduling these around finals for school was tiresome, so I’m happy to have finally reached the summer, where my academic workload is minimal.
When I’m focused on my academic work during the school year, I take immense pride in devoting my attention to studying, readings, and crafting literary essays — my journalism major allows me to build upon my childhood fascination with the media journalism industry. As much as I value these periods of intense academic focus, I also enjoy my summers because they allow me to use that drive to keep myself busy when I’m out of school, earning my way forward.
I’m not alone in this, as many U of T students use their summers to make money and support themselves. Some of us get full-time jobs, others juggle part-time work, and few are lucky enough to snag summer internships. This summer, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in a position where I can work toward my financial goals.
One of these goals involves working toward buying a car, since I don’t live near campus. Hopefully, I’ll be able to afford it by the end of this year. While travelling and partying sound much more fun than working all summer, I’m okay with giving them up to focus on my future.
This summer, I’m learning that success doesn’t only happen in school; it can come from a warehouse floor, a security desk, or anywhere you show up and give your all to achieve your goals.
— Jazmeet Saxena
Navigating the job-hunt jungle
My final exams finished during the last week of April, marking the official end of my first year at U of T. At last, I’m free from the burden of coursework until September. It’s lovely to embrace the outdoors again after all the April rain and winter snow. My recent hobby of strolling along Queen Street and popping into indie bookstores has given me a new sense of freedom, but I fear it won’t last long.
While using the summer as an endless vacation is tempting, the reality of living expenses keeps me in check. I’m a commuter student, so the costs of daily transit trips demand my attention. In competitive environments like U of T and Toronto in general, it is often difficult to find the work opportunities necessary to pay these expenses. This difficulty only amplifies my disappointment and anxiety when, despite my best efforts, it seems like there are no workplaces that will have me. Sending out application after application only to receive nothing in response is increasingly demoralizing.
At least I know there are others in the same boat. The combination of high interest rates and a surplus of job seekers is shrinking hiring pools and making finding a summer job growingly competitive. Connections have become key, and if you have none, it’s almost impossible to get a foot in the door. For U of T students, opportunities like the Work Study Summer Program are always an option, but only if you can also commit to taking summer classes.
Rest and relaxation become elusive concepts when I’m constantly forced to contemplate my future. In the fleeting moments when I can take my mind off Toronto’s frustrating job market, however, I begin to appreciate the quotidian beauty of summer’s arrival. In my neighbourhood of East Toronto, flowers are in bloom, sprinklers are running, and the emerging sun has finally allowed people to read outside coffee shops. These seemingly mundane sightings remind me that summer is the season to pause and enjoy the little things in life, not to get wrapped up in stress and worry about things which are, admittedly, out of my control.
— Jacquelyne Goligher
The heat of jealousy
The last time summer was fun for me was when I was thirteen — I still played competitive soccer; my family went back home biannually to Trinidad; and I read Rick Riordan’s literary masterpiece, Heroes of Olympus, for the first time.
I feel such nostalgia for childhood summers because I could experience freedom from responsibilities and social pressure. Now, summer evokes an unprecedented sense of jealousy, as my Instagram feed is flooded with pictures of friends travelling overseas, going on road trips, relaxing on the beach, and partying. My summers as an adult consist of only one thing: being sweaty, muggy, slimy, clammy, and stuck at work.
I wear many hats in the summer, just never any that anyone else wants to try on. I have to work seven days a week to pay for school — last summer, I worked three jobs at the same time. While everyone else seems to be enjoying a break, I’m either stuck in an oppressively hot office, standing in front of a sales counter, or pulling weeds on the side of the road. The heat of the sun mixes with the heat of my jealousy, leaving me hot with frustration.
The most fun I have in the summer is indulging in a rare night out with friends. But even then, I’m forced to play pretend. I pretend that I have more money to spend than I actually do; that I’m happy to be clubbing in the same city I’ve been in for what seems like forever; and when my friends ask me how I am, I pretend that I’m happily enjoying myself.
I weasel my way through the summer and eagerly await the start of school. I’d rather rot away at school than at work — at least then I know I’m not alone in my misery. I get to feel like everyone else.
— Xarnah Stewart
The perfect summer is all about balance
At U of T, the fall and winter semesters are packed with endless assignments, exams, and exhausting late-night study sessions. We barely have time to sleep or do things that make us happy. That’s why my summers are all about balance. While there remains some work and extracurricular activities to keep up with over the summer, it’s equally important to dedicate time to rest.
One way I plan out a balanced summer is by making a ‘summer to-do list’ on my phone’s notes app. My summer plans include regularly going to the gym, fixing my sleep schedule, working part-time at the U of T bookstore, preparing for my fall courses, and rotting in bed.
After ordering countless late-night takeout meals over the past eight months, going to the gym is a major summer priority for me. Similarly, I’m going to fix my sleep schedule by consistently being in bed before midnight. Maintaining consistent exercise and sleep routines will help me build my health back up after neglecting it during the school year. I hope to carry that routine forward into the fall and winter semesters as well, which is why the increased free time I have in the summer is perfect for building new habits.
I also plan to continue working part-time at the U of T bookstore, as I have for the past year. Making extra money over the summer helps me justify my impulsive spending — which admittedly increases when I’m done with classes and have more free time. Using a bit of work to fund a bit of play is central to maintaining balance in the summer.
During the busy school year, it is often difficult for students to dedicate time to both our academic and our personal interests. As such, I’m dedicating my summer to a hobby I am passionate about, but didn’t have time for during the school year: learning about ancient Egyptian history. I hope to enrol in a minor in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, so having the summer to expand my knowledge is a perfect way to balance hobbies with academics.
Finally, I want to dedicate considerable time to ‘bedrotting’ this summer. Activities like endless social media scrolling, binge watching and re-watching TV series, indulging in spontaneous mid-day naps, and finishing a book in a single sitting are essential to the practice of bedrotting. These relaxing activities make up for all my overexertion during the school year. And like I said: the perfect summer is all about balance.
— Maahi Patel
Why New Year’s resolutions fade and how to embrace change on our own terms
By Jazmeet Saxena — Published January 6, 2025
Every year, we experience the same cycle. “New Year, New Me” as the saying goes. Suddenly, we’re motivated to drastically change ourselves. Whether it revolves around outer beauty or inner growth, this desire seems to strike everyone in January.
Gyms become crowded with overly ambitious and disingenuously committed individuals supposedly ready to bring forth a better version of themselves. However, almost 70 per cent of Candians fail to stick to their New Year’s resolutions.
If you ask me, the real winners in this scenario are the industries: beauty and wellness, diet and nutrition, and self-help and personal development. New years resolutions give these industries the opportunity to capitalize on society’s short-term obsession with self-improvement.Therefore, I believe that we must all be more conscious of what real change looks like as we enter the new year, and realize growth can happen all year round.
The need to change
As humans, I believe most of us feel a natural need to evolve. While change is a part of life, forcing it isn’t. However, when New Year comes around, I often hear talk about vision boards and friends asking, “So what’s your New Year’s resolution?” This, I believe, reinforces the pressure for unnecessary change.
“Oh, maybe I’ll go to the gym, or I’ll stop dating and just focus on myself,” we hear ourselves say as if any of that ever lasts. True change requires discipline and a genuine desire to change. For most people, I believe it’s not that we lack motivation — it’s that we haven’t fully committed to putting in the effort.
Then why do we even try if, subconsciously, we know we’re eventually going to give up and start the same cycle next year? I think this happens for one of two reasons. One: to match the efforts of those around us, which basically means we’re just being influenced. Two: to impress ourselves and feel good, even if it’s only for the moment.
Going to the gym feels great when you go once or twice. Then, you start getting tired and lazy. “Oh, but it’s so hard to reach the protein intake, and it’s so tiring to force myself to keep going and, man, do I hate controlling my diet!” I’ve noticed that a lot of people tend to want results without the effort.
This is where cosmetic, fitness, and fashion industries thrive, promoting products with flashy slogans like ‘This weight loss plan will help you lose 10 kilograms in one month!’ This also fuels the popularity of self-help books, cookbooks, supplements, fitness gear sponsorships, and almost every store is running a New Year’s sale.
The human desire for change is clearly a huge profit to many industries.
Student experiences
Naysa D’Souza, a first-year journalism student at UTSC, wrote in an email to The Varsity that the new year makes her anxious. She sets ambitious goals but hasn’t been as passionate about them in the last two years. She wrote, “None of my goals are not compulsory, [but] I still always want to see improvement in myself.”
In my opinion, this is realistic — working sustainably toward your goals is better than overloading yourself. Just because social media presents an ideal of people quickly becoming rich and fit through extreme ‘glow-ups’ doesn’t mean you need to chase that unrealistic standard. Instead, I believe we should focus on just being better, not perfect.
Also a first-year journalism student at UTSC, Dunia Mohammed Abdel Karim Khalil wrote in an email to The Varsity that, “The new year isn’t adding any new emotions onto me.” She always has goals, and the New Year neither adds or removes any; they remain consistent throughout the year. Although, she did work on a vision board throughout the year which, she wrote, “helps me picture what I want and need in life.” She specifically focuses on internal growth and advises other students not to pressure themselves.
So what do I do now?
To truly achieve your goals, you need consistency and discipline. If the idea of having a fit body and overall healthy lifestyle excites you, imagine how fulfilling it would feel to truly achieve it. Whether you want to be a millionaire by 25 or change for the better, you won’t get there by merely wishing for it every New Year.
Change can happen at any moment. Don’t wait for society’s expectations — do it the second you feel the strength to. If you want to nourish your mind with healthier information, for example, limit screen time and try reading a book instead. I recently ended my year reading Being and Time by Martin Heidegger, and even just one day of a digital detox can work wonders. The right book can hook you and pull you away from the draining habit of mindlessly scrolling on social media.
Remember, goals should evolve over time, and the pressure of a fixed deadline can be more demotivating than anything. If you stay dedicated to your personal growth in a healthy, sustainable way, I’m confident that meaningful change will follow. True growth occurs regardless of the calendar.
Jazmeet Saxena is a first-year student at UTSC studying journalism.
The ultimate guide to UTSC’s food scene
By Jazmeet Saxena — Published December 3, 2024
There are numerous different places to dine at UTSC, offering a variety of choices like sushi, coffee, bubble tea, and much more. While some food spots offer options, ranging from around one dollar to $36, The Varsity spoke with students who expressed concerns over affordability on campus.
Food options
When it comes to pricing, UTSC has a large variety for students. The most affordable and accessible option would be Tim Hortons, with a range of donuts, drinks, and snacks in the two dollars range. Tim Hortons is located between the Academic Resource Centre and the Bladen Wing, with prices ranging from $1.51 for a honey cruller donut to $36.15 for a classic breakfast bundle that serves 4–6 people.
There are two main food hubs at UTSC: the Student Centre — operated and managed by the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) — and MarketPlace which is managed by American food services provider Aramark under a contract with UTSC administration.
The Student Centre has a lot of options, such as a Subway on the main level. Prices range from $1.19 for a chocolate chip and M&M’s cookie to $13.29 for a six-inch steak and cheese sub combo. Other options include KFC, Asian Gourmet, Hero Burger, Pita Lite, and the INS Market.
Downstairs is the SCSU’s pub-style restaurant: 1265 Bistro. The menu is simple but budget-friendly. Prices range from $3.25 for a canned pop to $14.00 for fish and chips.
MarketPlace in the Humanities Wing also has many options. Bento Sushi is one of the cheapest, with prices ranging from $1.94 for miso as a side dish to $11.66 for a salmon combo.
Student eating habits
While some affordable dining options are available at UTSC, students believe that there needs to be more affordable options at UTSC.
Dunia Mohammed Abdel Karim Khalil — a first-year journalism student at UTSC — wrote in an email to The Varsity that she prefers to bring food from home to save money.
“I always recommend Pita Lite, as I love shawarma,” wrote Khalil. “I eat around once a week [on] campus for the sake of saving money.”
Variety is important to Khalil and she believes that UTSC’s diversity is reflected in the many halal options available.
Alex Bustos-Salinas — a first-year journalism student at UTSC — wrote in an email to The Varsity that she eats at restaurants on campus like Pita Lite and Tim Hortons, but that she “Often bring[s] food from home, [and] very rarely eat[s] on campus.”
Affordability is the biggest issue here, “I would hope that [the food gets] slightly cheaper. [It] doesn’t need to be by much[,] but why does most of the food cost over 20 dollars?”
Other students have also shared concerns over affordability and the nutritional value of campus food options.
In a statement to The Varsity, a UTSC spokesperson wrote that “A variety of food options are available at UTSC and across the other campuses to meet a range of food preferences, dietary needs and budgets.”
They mentioned that UTSC has many initiatives to achieve this, such as inviting local vendors and food trucks: “Working with vendors to ensure they are providing meals at a variety of price points that include suitable protein options,” and “Offering special menus by staff that feature their traditional recipes.”
UTSC also hosts food popups and ensures they “use certified and sustainable seafood and provide high-quality protein options at Harmony Commons and the Market[P]lace.”
The campus intends to add new permanent food vendors on campus, recently adding Blessinglicious — a Nigerian street food restaurant in Scarborough — in the Kina Wiiya Enadong Building. UTSC will announce two new vendors soon.
“We invite students who have feedback to join our Food User Committee,” wrote the spokesperson. “Staff follow up on all feedback provided, whether that’s working with existing vendors or bringing new options to campus.”