My name is Dumebi Nasa-Okolie, and I am known as Oluoma or Oma. I am seeking the position of Student Director at Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications (WLUSP) to foster a connection between STEM disciplines and journalism.
With experience as the News Director for Radio Laurier and a background in ethical reporting, I understand the power of responsible storytelling. I have attended NASH 87, collaborated with student media professionals, and worked to amplify diverse voices on campus.
If elected, I will advocate for:
Ethical journalism practices and transparency
Increased collaboration between WLUSP sections
Integrating data-driven storytelling to enhance reporting
Expanding media opportunities for students from all backgrounds
By combining STEM and journalism, I aim to introduce data to support impactful, fact-based reporting. Let’s shape the future of student media together!
Vote Oluoma for Student Director!
Over the past three years, I have been actively involved with Radio Laurier, progressing through various leadership roles. In my first year, I volunteered as an After Class show host, followed by a role as MC/AC Show Manager in my second year. Currently, in my third year, I serve as Program Director. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong passion for publications and am eager to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors in my final year at Wilfrid Laurier University. I bring a diverse skill set, including strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities. My dedication to the growth of WLUSP is unwavering, and I am committed to providing fresh perspectives that will enhance the organization’s impact. I would be honoured to contribute my experience and enthusiasm to the Board of Directors, helping to shape its future.
Genre-bending Kitchener native Courtney Wolfe has a new single out, and it’s a must-listen. Born and raised in Kitchener, Wolfe started playing music at a young age. While she plays some covers, her real passion lies in songwriting and she has an impressive discography to prove it.
“Truly, there’s no better feeling for me than when I write a song, and I’m happy with it and excited about it.” Wolfe said about her love for writing. Wolfe’s music boasts an indie vibe with alt-pop sounds. Listening to her discography, you’ll be taken through several different genres and subgenres as her sound shifts over time. When asked about her influences, Wolfe named singer-songwriter Halsey — citing her similar knack for jumping between genres.
Wolfe’s current genre tends to relate to whatever she’s listening to at the moment, but whether you’re in her pop or rock era, each song comes with the ambience and thought evoking lyrics you can expect from a Courtney Wolfe single.
“I want people to recognize that it is my style, even though it can be a different genre,” Wolfe said.
On March 14, Wolfe released her newest single “Last Call”. With strong vocals, a catchy chorus and emotional lyrics it delivers a listening experience you won’t forget. Not one to shy away from openly writing about their experiences both good and bad, Wolfe wrote “Last Call” about her struggle with alcohol addiction, a previous relationship and her decision to get sober.
“I feel like the whole song is just about how that habit was destructive, and how I’m choosing to let go of that,” Wolfe said.
Writing about her experiences helps Wolfe let go and understand things from her past. She hopes that anyone who struggles with addiction or regret from past choices will hear “Last Call” and understand that they are not alone. There are others feeling the same way, and it is possible to move past your mistakes.
“If they’re still stuck in that toxic behaviour or whatever it is, then I hope that they can listen and have it be a freeing reminder that this is the last call — whatever that may be.” Wolfe said.
Throughout her career as a songwriter, Wolfe is no stranger to writing emotional lyrics that speak to a variety of listeners. From coming out as bisexual in 2022 with her single “She” to themes of addiction and healing in “Last Call”, Wolfe embraces the freedom of writing about her life and her emotions even though it can be a bit scary at times. When talking about growing up and starting out in Kitchener-Waterloo, Wolfe fondly remembers playing around the city — specifically Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, Revive Karaoke and Room 47.
When asked about her preference between performing concerts in large venues or small sets in little bars, Wolfe had positive things to say about both.
“I feel like some of the best shows I’ve had were probably at Maxwell’s, I think the energy and when there’s a lot of people, like they’re focused on the music, I think that that’s a really cool vibe. But I feel like the pressure gets taken off when I am just in like a pub and people are eating… I like them both.” Wolfe said.
You can see Wolfe perform live in Brampton on April 19 for the Helping A Friend In Need Fundraiser presented by Bros Before Lows, a non-profit raising awareness of men’s mental health through music and community. She’ll also be in Sarnia on July 18 for the Revelree Music Festival.
This article is cross-published with Radio Laurier.
Contributed Photo/Kali Rees
The 2024-25 season was an overall successful year for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks’ indoor track and field team. It was characterized by record-breaking performances, individual achievements and significant team development.
The Golden Hawks showed continued perseverance throughout the season. At the Ontario University Athletics Track and Field Championships, the team set multiple new program records, highlighting their growth and competitive tenacity throughout the season.
The OUA Championships were a highlight, with the team setting five new program relay records during the season, four of which occurred at this event. Overall, the year marked multiple stand-out performances from a plethora of different athletes. The Women’s 4 x 400 blitzed the program record with a time of 3:57.29, set by Abby Byers, Chloe Poulter, Anisah Sabree and Alyssa Zinn at the Ravens Last Chance Meet.
Etua Kaddu advanced to the semifinals in the 60-metre sprint, making it to the semifinals in the 60-metre dash at the OUA’s. At the same event, Markeiths Flannigan secured seventh place in the triple jump with a distance of 13.44 metres.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ian Clancy and his coaching staff, the Golden Hawks made significant strides. The emphasis on breaking program records and achieving personal bests indicates a focus on development.
The season showcased a blend of experienced athletes and emerging talents. Notably, Anisah Sabree participated in all three relay events at the OUA Championships — a rare achievement. Additionally, athletes like Chad Thorpe, Nolan Kuhlberg, Chloe Poulter and Abby Byers contributed significantly by competing in multiple relay events, highlighting the team’s versatility.
The 2024-25 indoor track and field season for the Golden Hawks is one of optimism for the future. The culmination of record-breaking performances, individual growth and effective coaching sets a solid foundation for future success. With many of the athletes set to return next year, 2024-25 marks a season of optimism for the Golden Hawks.
Contributed Photo/Pete on Flickr
The Wilfrid Laurier University varsity cheerleading team has had a season to remember filled with great achievements, dedication and talent.
Known for their presence at Laurier football games, the cheer team amps up the crowd with their impressive stunts, high-flying baskets and spirited cheers.
But their impact goes far beyond game day performances. Behind the scenes, they put in countless hours of practice, tirelessly perfecting every routine to ensure they shine on the competition stage. Their efforts paid off as they took the cheer world by storm this season, proving they are far more than just sideline supporters.
They proved themselves on both national and international stages, taking their routine all the way to Orlando, Florida to compete at the International Cheer Union World Championships.
They competed in both Game Day and Premier divisions, with two separate routines to showcase their skills. They competed against six other teams in the Game Day division, where they placed third with a perfect routine and flawless technique. This earned them the Nations Cup for the highest scoring Canadian Game Day team. The Premier division is highly competitive, with a total of six teams competing. The Golden Hawks placed third with a solid performance. While they had a minor fall in their second stunt, resulting in a 1-point deduction, they recovered quickly and finished the routine with great technique.
Following the World Championships, they took their routine back to Canada with renewed energy and focus, ready to showcase their talent at the Power Cheerleading Athletics National Championships.
Competing in the Game Day and Premier divisions again, they came out on top of both categories. With an impressive overall score of 130.3, the Premier team placed first, coming in about two points ahead of the University of Guelph.
The Game Day team came out ahead of the Brock University varsity team as well, placing first out of two with an overall score of 171.4.
Both teams displayed great technique and were awarded for it, leaving with the title of PCA National Champions.
The Golden Hawks earned the reputation of being one of the strongest university varsity cheerleading teams in Ontario. They redeemed themselves with a stronger performance compared to last year, when they placed third at PCA Nationals. This year, they proudly took home the title of PCA National Champions, a testament to their dedication and growth as athletes.
They will continue to build their reputation for both competitive success and spirit-building at school events as they start training for the next season. Try-outs, held on May 10, will be the beginning of a new journey for a new group of Golden Hawks hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2024-25 season athletes and earn the title of National Champions.
Contributed Photo/519 Sports Online
On Feb. 28, the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks men’s and women’s curling teams capped off historic seasons, each winning their U SPORTS gold medal matches against Carleton and McMaster, respectively.
The men’s team, led by fourth-year communications studies skip Kibo Mulima, finished the season 16-7. Mulima, a key part of Laurier’s 2023 national championship team, credited their success to striking the right balance between competition and support.
“We pushed each other to get better, but did it constructively,” he said. After losing to Carleton in the OUA final, Laurier got its revenge with a 6-5 win in pool play before defeating them 7-4 in the championship match.
“We had a game plan,” Mulima said. “We kept them at bay, worked our way back to tied with hammer, and made key shots when needed.”
Tied 3-3 after the fourth end, Laurier seized control with a crucial deuce in the fifth. A stolen point in the sixth extended their lead to 6-3, forcing Carleton to chase. “We kept rolling on that momentum and maintained control to the end,” Mulima said.
The teams traded single points in the final ends, but Laurier’s defensive play sealed the win, marking their third national title in four years. The women’s team, led by fifth-year communications studies skip Emma Artichuk, finished with an impressive 25-4 record.
“Laurier has become the school for top curlers,” Artichuk said. “It’s well-funded and has strong coaching, which made this season’s success important.” The team won both the Toronto Intercollegiate Bonspiel and the McMaster Invitational, but fell short in the OUA final as they lost 5-3 to McMaster.
“We had a big lineup change mid-year due to scheduling conflicts,” Artichuk said. “That was a setback, but we adapted.”
Head coach John Gabel praised the team’s resilience. “We set clear goals, held each other accountable, and the athletes fully bought in,” he said. Laurier got its chance at redemption against McMaster in the U SPORTS gold medal game.
“We knew it would be tough, but we trusted our skills and past experiences,” said Scotia Maltman, a third-year education major.
Laurier jumped ahead in the second end before McMaster tied it 2-2 in the third. The Hawks regained control with single points in the fourth and fifth, but McMaster responded with a crucial two in the sixth to tie it once more.
“With the time change, long games, and a tough week, we were exhausted, but the adrenaline kept us going,” Maltman said. “Especially on Emma’s last shot, we were locked in.” With the game on the line, Artichuk delivered the winning shot in the final end.
“I was nervous, but we knew it was our best chance. There’s no better feeling than making the shot to win it all,” she said. Coach Gabel wasn’t surprised. “Emma holds herself to a high standard, and that passion spreads to her teammates,” he said.
Laurier’s sweep marked the first double gold in U SPORTS curling history. “We were all crying and cheering,” Maltman said. “And when the guys won, we swarmed together as a big group.”
“A lot of teams never get this opportunity,” Mulima added. “Winning both championships, 10 feet apart — it was incredible.”
Contributed Photo/Tim Harrison
When your career starts on social media, it’s hard to be known for anything else. The music industry’s history as judge, jury and executioner has left behind a trail of TikTok stars who tried and failed to make it. Among the broken dreams and short-lived careers, you can find a lucky few who pulled off the impossible — one of these successes is Addison Rae.
Growing up in Louisiana, Rae danced competitively from the age of six and laid the groundwork for her future career. In 2019, she started posting dance videos to TikTok and quickly gained a following. As of February 2025, Rae’ s TikTok account has 88.5 million followers and 5.2 billion likes. That’s like if asthe entire population of Wilfrid Laurier University followed the same account over 3,500 times.
As her fame and following grew, Rae quickly used the opportunity to branch out and create a portfolio that wasn’t solely contained on TikTok. She signed with WME talent agency in 2020 and started a podcast with her mother before making her entrance into the music world by releasing a single called Obsessed in 2021.
Other ventures she pursued at the time include a fragrance line, cosmetics line and acting in the Netflix film He’s All That. Despite overall negative critic reviews of the She’s All That remake, Rae’s collection of projects showed that she could be so much more than just a TikToker, and she was well on her way to being the It Girl she is today.
Her real music breakout came after she had some unreleased songs leak on YouTube. To Rae’s surprise, the tracks became popular, and she ultimately released them as an EP in 2022 titled AR. With hit songs like Nothing On (But The Radio) and a feature by Charli xcx, she was thrown into the pop world, ripped jeans first.
Since that initial EP, Rae has kept her pop hits streak alive with a series of releases and features, each one showcasing electrifying club vibes.
Last year she was featured on A.G. Cook’s remix of Charli xcx’s Von Dutch, which she followed up with her first major label single Diet Pepsi. These songs immediately captured Gen Z and with strong bass and vocals they can be heard in almost any party or club in the world.
Rae’s other releases include the single Aquamarine from this past October, and most recently High Fashion which came with a promise of a full album in 2025.
High Fashion mixes a groovy beat with ethereal synths and echoed vocals which pairs it perfectly with the song’s music video. Directed by Mitch Ryan, also known for directing Olivia Rodrigo’s Obsessed music video.High Fashion’s music video depicts Rae dancing through scenes of smoke, rain, white powder and fashion all while the lyrics flash on the screen in bright pink block letters.
With a music video clearly inspired by Britney Spears, High Fashion compares the high one gets when buying new clothes to being on drugs. As the chorus repeats, “I don’t need your drugs. I’d rather get, rather get high fashion,” Rae depicts how retail therapy can produce a feeling that doesn’t compare to anything else. Through a focus on fashion and club imagery, Rae easily captures the attention of Gen Z.
In a world where one can struggle their whole life to break free from social media stardom, Addison Rae does so with grace and immense talent. Her next album is practically guaranteed to be a hit, and I for one, can’t wait to listen.
It’s Addison Rae’s world, and we’re all just trying to keep up.
Contributed Photo/Addison Rae on YouTube
Canadian agriculture is typically boiled down to a handful of animals:; geese, moose and maybe a loon resting on the lake. However, Ontario is a place filled to the brim with a variety of diverse animals and plants. So, what kind of creatures can be found populating the backyards of the Kitchener-Waterloo region?
An urban region of Ontario, Waterloo provides a unique mesh of cityscapes, farmland and open space. Combining natural spaces with residential and commercial areas creates complex support for the wildlife sharing our habitat. In the urban regions, the abundance of accessible food is important for raccoons and squirrels, who have evolved into scavenging from humans for survival. Other urban creatures such as skunks, possums, mice and rats fall similarly into this category.
Up in the Waterloo skies is a broad range of avian creatures. Hawks, gulls, woodpeckers, mourning doves, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, swans, blue herons and mallards are all common bird species found in the region. Rarer birds that can be found are snowy owls, Iceland gulls, and Carolina wren. Alongside the birds are eight different species of bats that help control the bug population of Ontario.
The bug life of Waterloo is almost too extensive to properly describe. Bugs such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, beetles, fireflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and thousands of other species and their variations make up Waterloo’s insect ecosystem. As Ontario is the most diverse environmental region of Canada, the variety of insects is vast,colourful, spread across the area,and helpes boost the botany of Waterloo.
The flora of Waterloo is just as impressive as the insects, with a multitude of native Ontario plant life. Flowers such as the Coral Bean, red tubular flowers that bloom on stalks up to 6 feet tall, or the Black Dalea, a low-growing shrub covered in violet blossoms that provides shelter for mammals. Since the Waterloo region is a Moraine biome, a ridge or hill of loose rock left behind by a glacier, there is an enormous amount of biodiversity described as a green oasis, the Moraine allows wildlife to remain healthy and connected to the earth.
Alongside the wildlife, Waterloo houses a booming farm industry. With a total of 1,409 farms, 65 per cent being used for livestock, Ontarian farmers bring farm animals such as cattle, horses, mules, goats, swine, sheep, mink, chickens, hens, roosters, foxes and nutria to boost the agriculture of the area. Farmlands also bring forth agriculture and economy and in 2020 the Kitchener-Waterloo region alone saw a revenue of 21.1 million dollars through its farmers, with 652.5 dollars total throughout all of Ontario.
It is important to stay clean and eco-friendly. Often, it is easy to forget the impact humans have on the planet and just how much beauty is missed when there is no time set aside for it. There are a variety of accessible parks and trails in the Kitchener area to explore, each with great value and beautiful hiking trails. It is important to be kind to the land and to the animals that share it. The world is at your doorstep.
Contributed Image/USFWS Mountain-Prairie on Flickr
Among the many groups on campus working to draw awareness to important issues, the Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 902 and the Wilfrid Laurier University Palestinian Justice Club are two that demonstrate the power student voices can have.
PSAC 902 is a union group that represents graduate teaching assistants at Laurier. The organization collaborates with other clubs at Laurier, including the WLU NDP, Laurier’s Women and Gender Studies Society and the WLU Rainbow Centre. WLU PJC is a student club that spreads awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza through numerous events. They have collaborated with other local Palestinian awareness groups such as UWaterloo Voices for Palestine, KW Palestine and Occupy UWaterloo, among others. Both groups have also collaborated on events together, such as the UW Divest from Genocide rally on March 28.
One of the most notable events ran by the WLU PJC this term includes their Gaza Will Rise event, which took place on March 24 in the senate and board chambers on the Waterloo campus. With 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. timeslots, the free event led attendees through a detailed workshop on the struggle of the Palestinian people alongside a masterfully created art display of before and after maps of Gaza.
Similarly, PSAC 902 has been active on campus this term and is due to hold their annual general meeting on April 7 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Roles up for application this year include chair, deputy-chair, co-chief steward of the Waterloo campus, administrative officer, co-chief steward of the Brantford campus, treasurer, communications officer and equity officer.
“They operate by really coming together and supporting those who either need to be unionized or those who are on strike currently. Additionally, they do other methods of activism and really help to bring student and faculty voices together to make sure that everyone really has a fair and equitable shot on campus,” said Meeka Geyer, co-president of the WLU NDP when asked about how PSAC 902 operates.
Of the events held by PSAC this year, the open mic was the favourite of Wallis Scott, a general member of PSAC 902 and co-president of the WLU NDP.
“People created spoken word poems and spoke from the heart about some of the experiences they’re having today. A lot of it was queer focused and a lot of it was focused on some of the conflicts that are taking place throughout the world,” Scott said.
Hosted on Jan. 31 in Arts 1E1, the open mic was organized by PSAC 902, WLU NDP, Laurier’s Women and Gender Studies Society and the WLU Rainbow Centre. Filled with spoken word poems and community collaboration, the event brought students together while educating them about the union’s activities. Hillary Pimlott, associate professor in the communication studies department at Laurier, concluded the night with a comedy show.
“It was really just a good time I think for everybody involved. It was very funny,” Scott said.
The dedication of both clubs to encouraging student engagement with important social and cultural issues is inspiring and demonstrates the strength of Laurier’s student body.
Bronte Behling/Editor-in-Chief
Moving to Canada was supposed to be my main-character moment — new city, new adventures and maybe even some aesthetic café-hopping. Instead, I found myself navigating a life where winter feels like a personal attack. India’s heat never prepared me for the kind of cold that freezes your brain.
Before moving, I thought I was prepared. I had my visa, my university schedule and a very optimistic mindset. However, I lacked a proper winter coat, an understanding of why everyone here is obsessed with Tim Hortons, while also wondering if I was getting scammed at the grocery store (spoiler alert: I always was — why is everything so expensive?). Somewhere between adjusting to the cold and realizing I had a lot more to learn than I thought while finding moments of connection in unexpected places, I started to carve out my own spot here.
As a second-year communications student from Delhi, India, moving to Canada has been a wild ride so far. As I continue to adjust, I’m learning what it truly means to find a balance between where I came from and where I’m headed.
The first few days were harder than I expected. It took me a while to fully grasp that I was really on my own in a foreign country, far from everything I knew. I had to figure things out by myself, and that was a tough pill to swallow. Making friends didn’t come easily, especially since I tend to be more introverted. Orientation week was a lifesaver — it gave me a chance to connect with others and realize I wasn’t as alone as I thought. I’ve realized that building a social circle takes work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things
about this experience.
Academics on the other hand felt like a complete 180. Back home, I was used to a different approach to learning — using laptops for class was practically unheard of. Adjusting to the teaching style here was a challenge and for a while, it felt like I was playing catch-up. The group projects, endless readings and constant push to contribute to class discussions felt like a lot to juggle. But after some time, I started to find my rhythm. I began to embrace this more interactive approach, realizing that it was pushing me to think more critically.
The transition wasn’t just academic, it was cultural too. Back in Delhi, I was used to food being available at any time — whether it was 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., you could always grab a quick snack. Here, if it’s past 9 p.m., you better hope you have some leftovers or you’re out of luck. Socially, it was a bit of a shock. Back home, people greet each other with energy — shouting, laughing and chatting in crowded spaces. Here, the polite Canadian silence is common and if you’re a little too loud you might just get the “shush” stare.
The best part however, is that people actually follow traffic lights. In Delhi, jaywalking is practically an Olympic sport. Here, it’s like a whole new world where crossing the street without the green light is a serious crime. It’s a lot to adjust to, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
The past two years have been a rollercoaster filled with highs and lows, feeling homesick during festivals and celebrating birthdays with my friends over FaceTime calls so I don’t feel left out. But with every challenge has come growth. I’ve learned so much about myself, resilience and about what it really means to build a life in a new place.
From little wins like mastering the art of cooking for myself to the bigger ones
like creating meaningful friendships that make this place feel like home, I’ve come a long way. It hasn’t always been easy, but as I continue to grow and navigate this new chapter, I’m proud to say that I’m not just surviving — I’m thriving. Now, with some of my closest friends by my side, I’m ready to embrace whatever the future holds, moving forward with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.
Contributed Photo/Sadiya Teeple
Spring is finally here — and after several months of surviving the cold, snowy conditions winter in Waterloo has to offer, students are thrilled spring has finally arrived. Stepping into the sunshine, students are ready to bring new energy and excitement to the Golden Hawk community. The campus comes alive with social events, outdoor activities and a renewed sense of connection among students. Spring also brings fresh motivation for academics, extracurriculars and personal goals. The shift from winter cold to spring warmth is more than just a seasonal change — it’s a reset that brightens the mood, boosts motivation and brings life back into the Waterloo campus.
As the sun begins to set later and the temperature rises, more students can be seen soaking up the sun between classes. The campus, once empty during the winter months, now buzzes with activity. The concourse is busier than ever, with student groups hosting booths and events, while lecture halls see increased attendance. It’s almost like the campus itself wakes up alongside its students into a livelier, more engaged atmosphere.
There’s an undeniable change in the air. Students who once rushed from building to building, bundled up in heavy coats, now take their time and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a study session in the science atrium, a coffee break on the patio at Veritas Café, or a leisurely walk through campus, there’s a sense of enthusiasm. The energy shift is contagious, and the campus feels more connected.
Spring at Wilfrid Laurier University isn’t just about the students, it’s about the campus itself coming to life as well. Snowbanks melt away, making way for green grass and budding trees. Even flowers begin to bloom, adding pops of colour along pathways. The iconic Waterloo Park, just a short walk away from campus becomes a go-to spot for students looking to take in the fresh air.
There’s science behind the springtime mood shift. Increased sunlight and warmth help boost serotonin levels, making people feel happier and more energized. Seasonal depression, which affects many students during the darker months, starts to fade and is replaced by a renewed sense of motivation.
As mentioned, mood improvements during spring are partially due to increased sunlight exposure, which boosts serotonin levels. Cheryl Currie, an associate professor of public health at the University of Lethbridge, notes that as light levels increase in the spring, most people naturally experience higher serotonin levels which lift their mood.
In the spring, this change is reflected on campus, where students are more engaged in their studies, participating in activities and enjoying their day-to-day lives. With the return of warm weather, Laurier students embrace a variety of spring traditions. The annual March Open House also brings a wave of prospective students, adding to the excitement and energy on campus.
As the semester comes to an end, spring offers the perfect boost to finish strong. It’s a great time to take advantage of the weather, find motivation in the changing season and push through final assignments and exams.
Whether it’s studying outside, trying something new or even taking a moment to appreciate the fresh start that spring provides, this is the time to embrace the season’s energy. Spring at Laurier is more than just a change in seasons, it’s a shift in mindset, atmosphere and community spirit. The finish line is in sight.
Contributed Photo/April Capeling