SPRIN
Beep Beep
Meet Zander
Hartman
PM #40020055
He took on Albertas
biggest politicians in
the Bill 10 debate
P LU S :
mer
u
o
Y r sum
ck,
a
p
starter
Dead
g
in
lk
The Wa
n
xploratio
and an e
r
u
o
t
into wha
ally
selfies re
t us
u
o
b
a
say
k spritz, you
With just one quic at popular
th
can sound just like dent everyone
stu
foreign exchange
swoons over.
abelfishian
Using patented B Instant Accent
,
Nanotechnology ble language
si
spray activates invi gue and instantly
n
receptors on the to tic lilt that says,
exo
delivers a worldy, d therefore really
an
Hey, Im different Get to know me!
g.
incredibly interestin
centuates!
c
a
it
e
il
h
w
s
n
e
h
Fres
WARNING: Excessive use may cause: lip numbness and/or chapping, tongue
discolouration, swelling and/or peeling ,stuttering, drooling, loss of taste and/or
smell, yellowing of and/or loss of teeth, shortness of breath, giddyness, spontaneous
laughter, memory loss. Do not allow spray to come into contact with children, fabrics
or small pets. May contain nuts. Keep away from open flame.
17
whats inside
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
4
Welcome to Grip
A message from a Grip contributor, plus an
introduction to three of our writers
Be the Change
Feeling overwhelmed by doom-and-gloom
scenarios? Follow these suggestions to make a
positive impact on the world around you
BY CHRISTINE GREEN
Yours to Keep
How do you know when its time to tell a secret?
BY JASMINE BLACKETT
18
21
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
14
36
COVER ILLUSTRATION: KIEL HUNKA
Fan Fare
Robb Nashs message of strength
strikes a chord
BY CHANTELLE FOISIE
38
46
Portfolio
The creative spirit thrives in Alberta!
Check out photography, art and words
submitted by teens across the province
53
Dodge
Sonny finds himself saddled with
a big decision
54
Last Word
A starter pack for your
summer vacation
Explorations in
the Underworld
Hashtags are the
newest way to talk
about depression,
self-harm and suicide
42
44
GRIPMagazine
03
04
From a Grip Contributor
ello readers, and thanks for cracking open the final issue
of Grip.
The team behind Grip Venture Publishing, Alberta Health Services
and youth contributors from across Alberta have been hard at work to
deliver you teen-driven content for nine years. Issues of the magazine
published in the spring and fall have included book, CD and
game reviews, debates on timely topics, feature
articles and interviews that have exposed all of us to
the sheer breadth of the teenage experience.
This issue addresses the topic of choices and
how they affect our lives. Our contributors consider
the decisions we need to make, big and small from
what TV shows to watch and books to read to what
schools to apply to and whether or not we should spill
a secret. In this issue we also feature stories about the
use of self-harm hashtags in online communities, the
recent debates about GSAs in Alberta schools and an
ode to the pro and con list.
Some choices are easy to make, and some require
long deliberation. Recently, Alberta Health Services
chose to make this the last issue of Grip. It wasnt an
easy decision no doubt lists were written, passionate
discussions were had and many phone calls were made.
In the end, someone had to sit down and make the final choice that
this would be the end of the road.
Grip has brought humour, inspiration and encouragement to
thousands of students from Alberta during its time in publication.
Young writers across the province have had the chance to be published
in an uplifting and challenging environment. There is no doubt that the
hole left behind by this landmark publication will be noticeable and
how incredible is that?
In that spirit, lets make a choice. A choice to never give up and to
hold the mandate of Grip in our hearts even as this publication comes
to an end. Young people deserve a voice, deserve a community and
deserve help. We can continue to provide those things for one another.
Thank you to the amazing team who has worked so ceaselessly for
this magazine! Thank you to the contributors who have consistently
shared their words for nine years and to the artists who have made
those words look so darn good. Thank you to those who have edited
our work, those who printed and distributed it across the province and
to those who have contributed expert advice for all our questions.
Enjoy this issue of Grip, and best of luck on the journey ahead. Weve
got every faith in you, and the choices youll make.
J.M.M. Lewis
GRIPMagazine
Contributors
Spring 2015 | Volume 9, No. 1
PUBLISHER
Ruth Kelly
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Rachel Carr
MANAGING EDITOR
Mifi Purvis
EDITORIAL ADVISORS
Charles Burke
Andrea deBoer
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ben Rude
PRODUCTION MANAGER
PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS
Fiona Marchetto is almost 12 years old. She has written for publications such as Press Plus 1, the Canadian Film Review and runs her own
blog, Calgary Kid Critic (calgarykidcritic.wordpress.com). In 2013, she
was also a judge in the Calgary International Film Festivals Youth by
Youth Competition. She has also been playing the violin for eight years
and has opened for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Check out her
book review on pg. 10.
The content of this magazine is provided for general informational purposes only and
is not intended to replace consultations with your doctor or to provide medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any personal medical and health questions that you may have.
Printed in Canada by Transcontinental LGM Graphics
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40020055
Contents copyright 2015 by Alberta Health Services. Content may not be reprinted
or reproduced without written permission from Alberta Health Services.
The views expressed in Grip are the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of Alberta Health Services or Venture Publishing
GRIPMagazine
05
06
it HAPPENS | News
News
GRIPMagazine
MY DUSTY
BOOKSHELF
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
Nachos
This recipe is super simple and
it is easy to get creative with,
depending on what you like and
what you have in the house:
Grab a baking tray, some tortilla chips, vegetables,
cheese and any other toppings you like. Spread the
chips evenly on a baking tray and cover with a handful
of cheese. Next, cut up vegetables like peppers or green
onions to garnish the dish with. Once these vegetables
are sliced up, go ahead and sprinkle them on top of the
cheese-covered chips. Place in the oven or microwave and
cook until the cheese has completely melted. Remove from
the oven and indulge while studying.
Potato Skins
This recipe takes a bit longer,
but the end result is worth
the effort:
First youll need some
potatoes, salt, pepper, butter
and optional bacon bits or
green onions. Preheat the
oven to 400oF (200oC), then wash and cut the potatoes
into thin slices. Butter both sides of the potato slices and
sprinkle them with the salt and pepper. Cover a baking
tray in aluminum foil and spread a thin layer of oil or
cooking spray on it. Place the seasoned potato slices on
the tray then pop them in the oven. Turn the slices after
15 minutes or when they look golden brown, then cook for
another 15 minutes. Once the potatoes have cooked, add
the cheese and any other toppings you want before placing back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Dont put the green onions on until after the cheese is
melted and youre about to eat!
GRIPMagazine
07
08
it HAPPENS | News
News
Text Your
Way Through It
By Taylor Masters
GRIPMagazine
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Psychological distress
Relationships
Friendships
Depression
Suicide
Anxiety
Family
Loneliness and isolation
Their parents
Self-esteem
TEXT: 587-333-2724
PHONE: 403-264-TEEN
CHAT: calgaryconnecteen.com
GRIPMagazine
09
10
it HAPPENS | Reviews
Rev
Beach reads
The Only Thing to Fear
By Caroline Tung Richmond
REVIEWED BY FIONA MARCHETTO
GRIPMagazine
Girl Online
By Zoe Sugg
REVIEWED BY JASMINE BLACKETT
eviews
Grip reviewers recommend some books to help
you laze away those summer days
GRIPMagazine
11
Rev
12
it HAPPENS | Reviews
Summer sounds
Make these the soundtrack to
your summer vacation
The Pinkprint
Nicki Minaj
REVIEWED BY IRTIZA OYON
GRIPMagazine
views
The 1975
The 1975
REVIEWED BY MARLEE SALAS
13
14
it HAPPENS | Reviews
Game Time
Off th
Title: Carcassonne
Platform: Board game!
Number of players: 2-5; best with 2 players
Age: 13+
Average time to play: 40 minutes
REVIEWED BY MEESHA WITTKOPF
GRIPMagazine
The only
word th 15 letter
a
spelled t can be
without
repeatin
g
uncopy a letter is
rightable
!
Fairy t
ale
are more s
than tru
e
not beca :
use
they tell
u
that dra s
gons
exist, bu
t
because
they
tell us th
a
dragons t
can
be beate
n
Neil Gaim .
Coraline an,
Your body
is creating
and killing
15 million
red blood
cells per
second!
he Wall
t
More girls should star
joining boys teams so
it is a tradition and it
wont be so special.
Mone Davis
Lucky you : a ne
w study
has found that
teens
need more slee
p th
theyre currently an
ge
While some scho tting.
ols
are addressing
th
implementing la is by
te
times, you now r start
have a good
excuse to sleep
in a bit.
The m
hunt f agazine Gla
o
s
writin r mythic w s Buffalo is
riterly
uppin
g cont
g
Guild
p
e
of Alb st! Sponsor ower with its
erta, G
its firs
Poetry
ed by
t
t
previo Prize will b lass Buffalo he Writers
s 2015
e awa
usly u
rded t
from a
npubl
o
i
n
age of Alberta re shed poem the best,
receiv
sident
30. Th
ed
$500 a
e winn
under
n
Fall 20 d will be p ing poet re the
c
u
to sub 15 issue. Th blished in t eives
e dead
mit is
he
For co
J
mplet uly 31, 2015 line
e subm
guide
.
li
glassb nes, please ission
v
uffalo
.com/c isit
ontest
est country is
Did you know? The worlds new
and located in
Liberland, which is seven km sq
ional anthem
southeast Europe. It has a flag, nat
was founded
and provisional government and
k its a joke.
on April 13, 2015. Some people thin
GRIPMagazine
15
HELP
wanTeD
16
Got a question that no one can answer, or that youre too afraid to
ask your parents, teacher or best friend? Experts at the
Alberta Health Services can answer the most persistent question
you have related to any topic: relationships, school, sexuality,
puberty, drugs, love, life and the pursuit of happiness.
So what are you waiting for?
Find help at:
Kids Help Phone:
1-800-668-6868
Mental Health Help Line:
1-877-303-2642
HEALTHLink:
8-1-1
This past January, two teenage girls in Ontario
lobbied their provincial government and
succeeded in having the provinces new sex
education curriculum include discussions
surrounding consent. In this issue of Grip,
weve asked AHS sexual health specialists
Tammy Troute-Wood and Heather Cobb to
help us answer: How do I know what consent
really is and what do I need to know about
consent in my personal relationships?
Sexual activity includes kissing, sexual
touching and sexual intercourse (e.g. oral,
anal, or vaginal). The choice to have sex is
very personal. Consent means all partners
agree to the sexual activity and everyone
understands what theyre agreeing to. Partners must give and get consent every time
they have sex.
Consent is:
needed for every sexual activity
understanding what you are saying yes to
asking your partner if they understand what
they are saying yes to
checking in with your partner and accepting that they or you can change your mind
Consent CANNOT be given when:
a person is drunk or high
a person is forced, threatened, bribed,
intimidated or offered rewards to do
something sexual
Sexual activity without consent is sexual
assault.
What if Im 12 or 13?
According to the law, a 12- or 13 year-old can
consent to sex if the partner is less than two
years older and not in a position of authority.
Help Wanted is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultations with your
doctor or to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified
health providers with any personal medical and health questions that you may have.
GRIPMagazine
THE
CHOICES
ISSUE
Everyday, were
faced with dozens
of choices some of
them minor, some of
them life-changing.
This issue of Grip
looks at how we
make choices, how
to consider what
lies ahead of us,
how to plan for our
future and what we
can do to make the
decision-making
process easier.
18
21
YOURS TO KEEP
24
26
30
32
SOME TIPS TO HELP MAKE YOUR PRO AND CON LIST THE BEST THAT IT CAN BE
GRIP CONTRIBUTORS GIVE YOU ADVICE ON THE BIG JUMP FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO
THE REAL WORLD
GRIPMagazine
17
18
The
BIG
Choice
Often, big life decisions can seem
insurmountable. One teen shows
us how he took on the pressure of
making a change
By Evan Tran
When I sat down with pen and paper, I knew the daunting
task ahead of me: making a choice that would change the course of
my education, and emotional well-being, forever. No pressure, right?
GRIPMagazine
GRIPMagazine
19
20
High school was a difficult period in my life.
It was in my first year of high school, when I
began struggling with mental illness that had
yet to be diagnosed. I was experiencing repetitive thoughts and the constant feeling of gloom.
I had no real friends, and I was in a constant
state of emotional anxiety about the people I
was spending time with. I felt trapped.
I began to consider switching schools. To
help me narrow down my decision, I made a pro
and con list that juggled the good and the bad
of staying put. It didnt surprise me when the
con list was more exhaustive than I would have
expected: I was stuck in a very toxic group of
peers that hurt my self esteem and my school
made me feel like I was trapped in a dungeon.
Despite being in a sea of peers, I felt alone. With
this in mind, I felt that the only logical choice I
had was to switch schools.
After I made up my mind,
the next step was convincing
my parents. This was hard my
grades were actually really good
at the original school. Also, high
school only lasts three years and
this one was a five- minute walk
from my house. In the end, the
choice to change was a personal
one, something I had to prove to
myself. I would later realize that it wasnt just
the actual choice that put my emotions at ease,
it was also the freedom that came from switching schools. I needed to rule out if my environment was causing this agony in my emotions,
or something else. That being said, I was taking
quite a huge risk. The high school that was
causing me so much trouble was the same one
both of my elder siblings went to, and graduated
from back when they were my age. Additionally,
this school had a good track record of producing
honours students. I suppose part of the reason
I was so adamant on changing schools, once I
had made up my mind, was that Id had good
grades my whole life, but never had any feeling
of companionship from my peers. That feeling
was just so overwhelming that I thought no
matter where I went my grades would stay high.
Thus, the pain of staying became stronger than
the pain of uncertainty.
Initially, changing schools made me feel
nervous. What if the new school I picked was
check out open houses and send in the application for a new school. Having a deadline helped.
Setting a time limit is also helpful for smaller
decisions, such as what to wear in the morning.
Try picking your outfit the night before, using
an egg timer.
Pros and cons: Sometimes all it takes are
two columns on a sheet of paper. Writing out
the positives and negatives and seeing them
visually will help you get a sense of how your
choice may affect you.
Accept that you cant have it all: Switching
schools for me meant closing the door on the
possibility that things would get better at my
current school. But Miller recommends letting
the past go. Decisions force us to close the door
on other possibilities. Live in the present, he
suggests, where choices today will make a difference in the future.
More thinking is not always
better thinking: Miller says that
research can reach a point of diminishing returns, becoming more confusing than clarifying. Good decisions
can be based as much on intuition as
on assessment. Likewise, the agony
of choice can be almost addicting.
Instead of obsessing over past wrongs
and possible missteps, become a
compassionate and curious detective whose job
isnt to judge the choice. Instead, learn about
yourself and find the good in all of your choices.
Trust your intuition: Intuition is an impression; it can be an important source of information you dont fully understand. Just be wary of
confusing it with impulsiveness an emotional
need within a particular moment.
Just make a choice: Pay attention to the new
reality and see what is working, what isnt, and
then make a new choice based on this new
information. Dont judge the choice or yourself.
The most helpful aspect is learning, and then
taking that knowledge to create better future
decisions.
Some decisions dont work out as expected;
that doesnt mean you did anything wrong.
Even after making all the right decisions, sometimes the unexpected happens. It does you no
favours to blame yourself for what happened.
You couldnt have known then what you know
now, so dont be hard on yourself.
GRIPMagazine
Everything
You Need
to Know
About
Mindfulness
By Irtiza Oyon
Mindfulness seems like such a simple concept that we tend to
pass right over it. How can deep breathing improve our lives, anyways?
Well, it turns out that practising mindfulness daily can help you with anything from eating healthier to managing conditions like anxiety. Grip spoke
with Kaitlin Niksic, a health promotion coordinator at Alberta Health
Services, about how to make mindfulness work within your lifestyle.
What is mindfulness?
Kaitlin: I believe mindfulness is a way of being, where youre fully in the
present moment. This means that you are aware, moment to moment, of
your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment.
What are some benefits to being mindful?
Mindfulness can benefit everything from remembering where our house
keys are to reducing or even preventing anxiety, depression, addiction
and sleeping disorders. For me, the biggest benefit has been an increase
in happiness and a greater feeling of contentment.
What situations is mindfulness useful in?
Mindfulness can be used during difficult conversations to be in-tune
with our emotions. When you feel frustrated, mindfulness can help you
pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judging them. This
can help you to look at the situation without seeing a right or wrong
way to think or feel in a given moment. Using mindfulness can help
you to understand and communicate better. Another great example is
when taking exams. Mindful deep breathing can help you stay calm and
focused on the questions. Mindfulness is also a great way to simply taking a break from thinking and instead just be.
GRIPMagazine
21
22
Be the
Change
T
Show you care by what you wear. Wear a rosy t-shirt on Pink Shirt Day to
stand up to bullying, or sport a wristband to support your favourite cause.
Invite the guy or girl who sits alone at lunch to join you and your friends.
Celebrate a day on social media. For example, if youre a budding
environmentalist, celebrate Earth Day by posting a picture, using a hashtag or
sending a tweet about environmental issues on April 22.
Send a thank-you note to someone who deserves it.
Make your voice heard by signing an electronic petition on www.change.org.
Take the time to actually listen to a person who needs someone to talk to.
Your genuine support could save a life.
Boycott a product if its produced in a way that clashes with what you believe
is important. If you love animals, then do not buy makeup that uses animal
testing, and opt for cruelty-free cosmetics instead.
Pick up a piece of litter when you see some on the street.
Visit a click-to-give website like www.greatergood.com. When you click
a button on these websites, the page of advertisements you see funds the
charities the websites support. Its a completely free way to fund donations to
causes you care about.
GRIPMagazine
By Christine Green
Order fair trade tea, coffee or hot chocolate when you buy your
next hot drink.
Ignore a hurtful post on social media, or report it if necessary,
instead of sharing it and spreading gossip and cruel messages.
Write short but encouraging messages on sticky notes and stick
them on lockers at school, on bathroom mirrors or other places.
If you have a relationship that requires repair, apologize or take
steps to make amends. Doing this can show that you are willing to
forgive what happened and you may even regain a friendship.
Buy something extra to give away to someone. If you are buying a
snack, why not buy another and give it to a friend or someone you
pass by?
Bring a reusable bag along with you when you shop to avoid using
a disposable plastic bag.
Give up your seat on the bus to a person who needs it.
Offer your skills and a bit of your time to tutor or coach someone
for free. Maybe you are a math whiz and can help your younger
brother with his homework, or show your friends little sister how
to perfect her soccer skills.
Call a family member just to say hi and ask how they are doing.
Even a quick chat shows you care about them and can brighten
their day.
Bake something delicious and give it to a family in need, or anyone
else who could use a sweet reminder that they are not alone.
Encourage others to engage in acts of kindness too, and start a
chain reaction for positive change!
GRIPMagazine
23
24
GRIPMagazine
GRIPMagazine
25
26
How to Pr
Theres no point making a pro and con list if
you dont do it effectively. Here are some tips for
making your list the best it can be
By Lyndsie Bourgon
Choice
#1
Choice
#2
Be sure to include
both choices on the
same page
GRIPMagazine
PRO
Keep it short!
Write it down - our brains
have a way of internalizing
stressors. Writing helps!
ro & Con
CON
Make sure your expectations are realistic
Dont rush the process
Assess your pros and cons by rating them
1-10
Uncertain?
Not all outcomes can be
predicted - list these
in their own column
GRIPMagazine
27
28
Whats Stop
Sometimes being
daring and bold is right.
How do you draw the line
between smart risk
and stupid risk?
By Sandy Xin Xu
pping You?
What are some ways that I can learn to
balance possible risks?
When we talk about risk at the AHS, we talk
about smart risk. Smart risk recognizes
that risk taking is a necessary part of learning
and gaining confidence in life, and respects
your right to make your own decisions. But
injuries are predictable and preventable and
your choices can determine whether the risks
you take result in injury. An important concept of smart risk is the stupid line. This
is the line of choice that separates smart risk
from stupid risk. The line is different for each
person, depending on your experience and
confidence with an activity, the law, social
norms and the environment. Really, only you
can define your stupid line.
Are there any guiding rules for good
risks and bad risks?
Yes! Each smart risk comes with a strategy
that you can use in a variety of contexts.
Look first before doing any activity. Stop,
think and check out the situation.
Wear the gear, like a helmet, knee and elbow pads or
proper footwear and clothing.
For example, always put on a
helmet and buckle it up before
getting on your bike.
Get trained. If there is training available
for an activity, get it! Learn from the experts.
For example, take a drivers education
course before attempting to take your drivers exam.
Buckle up. Always wear your seatbelt, no
matter how short the ride. Its the law.
Drive sober. Never drink or take any drugs
before driving. Not only is it very risky, its
against Alberta Graduated Driver Licensing
(GDL) law.
GRIPMagazine
29
30
Making the
Grip contributors through the
years give you some advice on
the big jump from high school
to The Real World
While
be ta
I felt
king
like
mos
I sho
a ful
t of t
l cou
uld
he o
only t
rse l
t
wo co
her s
oad
urses
huge
tude
like
at
co
n
a majo urse load in first. I am s ts, I decid
ed to
o glad
r adju
my fir
take
stme
I didn
st yea
gettin
nt fro
t tak
r, bec
g use
m
e
a
d
o
h
u
na
ig
t
s
o
e its
emot
h sch
unive
defin
ional
ool to
rsity li
it
e
e
u
n
ly
f
n
e
e
iv
rgy. B
takes
haven
y hav
up a lo ersity. Jus
t bee
ing a
t
t of tim
n sev
li
g
erely
enjoy
hter c
e and
stress
ed m
o
u
r
se loa
y first
ed ou
d, I
t and
year o
have
Chr
verall
istine
.
Green
ng
strivi
dents
u
t
o do a
s
t
nce
day
e
i
a
c
r
s
u
ou
uch
n ho
For y
ow m
ake a
h
t
,
r
e
+
t
th
t
A
ma
r wi
for an
hou
et. No
s
n
a
m
proble one, just ons can
ti
.
et d
trac
habit
you g
r dis
itive
e
s
o
h
t
p
a
no o
it into
form
trans
n
n Tra
Eva
GRIPMagazine
Leap
sity taught
ar of univer
for a
My first ye
ch you plan
ter how mu
at
m
) there is
o
n
ke
ta
at
me th
u want to
yo
e
re
uve
eg
d
ke what
the way yo
life event (li
nt happen
o
w
it
lly
at
a
th
likelihood
m I origin
e progra
always the
ar
th
to
is
in
ience th ye
didnt go
azing exper
am
ise.
planned. I
an
w
er
ad
th
h
e met o
to, but Ive
ight not hav
m
wanted
ges
I
o
an
h
w
ch
le
et peop
last-minute
and have m
be open to
to
n
ar
le
is to
My advice
ur plans.
mps in yo
u
b
r
o
urnier
Louise Fo
h school a year
I graduated from hig
n of saving up to
early, with the intentio
n go to university.
travel Europe and the
impulse
Instead, I made an
to China for
e
ov
m
to
decision
ugh it was an
four months. Altho
it definitely threw
amazing opportunity,
I never made it to
a wrench in my plans.
moved out on my
Europe, and instead
rs. I didnt decide
own for a couple of yea
dy in university for
what I wanted to stu
once I did, I felt
two whole years, but
ion. If you feel
so secure in that decis
ing going into post
indecisive or are dread
it! Take time and
secondary, dont rush
first. Jay Lewis
get to know yourself
I wa
s ac
surp
rised tually
free s
a
uppo t all of th
e
offer
r
t
m
y un
s,
ivers
acad like coun
ity
emic
selin
g,
supp
supp
ort, c
ort, s
are
up
with
disab port for s er
tude
ilities
just f
nt
un e
vent and even s
you
s for
are
s
tude
pay
univ
nts
ing
ersi
to a . If
t
y
to ta
tten
, it m
d
ke a
ake
dva
serv
ntag s sense
ices
eo
th
Ch
ristin ey offe f the
r.
e Gre
en
Im in m
y secon
d year o
had to m
f univers
ake a lo
ity now
t
of choic
and Ive
or not
es, inclu
I wan
ding w
t
e
d to d
the cho
hethe
rop a c
ice to se
r
lass . I
e an adv
right dir
made
is
or to pu
ection, a
sh me in
nd in th
through
the
e end de
the clas
c
id
ed to sti
s
a
nd ende
higher g
ck
d up pa
rade tha
ssing w
n I thou
ith a
ght. C
atherine
Lieu
ber
e Cham
ic r and th
e
tt
o
P
ur cho
y
o
In Harr
It is
s
y
, far
a
s
e
r
re
truly a
mbledo
u
e
D
g,
w
ts
t
from Ho
wha
of Secre
ty away
show
li
t
a
e: Its
a
re
ic
h
r
v
t
u
d
rry,
great a
s. In o
ll
e
i
ti
t
s
t
i
es, Ha
l
s
i
its wha
evil, it
ur ab
you are;
ood and
n
than o
g
o
n
e
rs
,
e
r
e
e
o
rs
p
e
m
d of
lp oth
ttle betw
what kin
er to he
d the ba
t shows
volunte
a
n
a
th
warts an
c
o
le
e
d
tt
n
n
, anyo
is the li
t you ca
do it? It
example
r
not wha
to
o
d
F
e
n
.
a
o
m
the ti
rowd
ose to d
m the c
ally take
o
fr
you cho
tu
c
rt
a
a
y
p
a
man
t us
a Sirajee
but how
e that se
Reshm
we mak
.
s
ty
e
li
ic
a
o
n
h
c
ur perso
shape o
GRIPMagazine
31
32
The Grass
GRIPMagazine
is Greener
I
Making decisions
each day is essential
to becoming an
effective adult, as
it allows us to trust
ourselves.
Due to these negative connotations, most
people avoid regret by avoiding decision making
altogether. As Dr. Zelt says, we use coping mechanisms like procrastination and avoidance rather
than making a wrong decision and regretting it.
But he adds that not taking action can result in an
uninformed choice, or even no choice whatsoever.
So while these mechanisms help us, albeit artificially, deal with the fear of regret in the short term,
they end up harming us in the long term. In the
end, its better to regret something that you did
than wish youd done something you chose not to.
GRIPMagazine
33
34
She Said
Two Grip writers debate the
real meaning behind selfies.
Are our selfies truly a
reflection of ourselves?
By Sandy Xin Xu
HER OPINION: YES.
Its more than just your average pop
culture trend. The Oxford English Dictionary
declared selfie word of the year in 2013, and
defined it as a photograph that one has taken
of oneself. And in a survey conducted by Samsung, 30 per cent of users said their phones
photo albums were packed with those notorious
and misunderstood photos. If so many people
take them, why are we engaging in this debate?
Critics say selfies are a product of narcissism
and egomania. They bemoan the hours a person
might spend capturing his or her most desirable
face for the world. But isnt that the focal point
of the 21st century? We micromanage our Facebook profiles to project the ideal version of ourselves. We monitor the
I believe that we should status of our LinkedIn
give some credit to selfies pages and resumes
for putting control over so they scream: Im
our public image back in competent and a
our hands. workaholic to future
employers. Whether
we like it or not, impression management is the
passport to living in a society engulfed by social
media, and selfies are simply another byproduct
of our desire to connect with others.
GRIPMagazine
She Said
Do selfies make
you look cool
or the fool?
By Taylor Masters
HER OPINION: NO.
In todays society, we are bombarded
with images of the statuesque woman who
has it all or the ripped man with hordes of
women chasing after him. We know that these
standards are unattainable, and yet we still
strive to reach that level of perfection. Selfies
are just the newest way of trying to achieve
impossible standards. At their worst, they
can act as a gateway to eating disorders and
self-esteem issues. Its hard to be a teenager in
an age of social media, when nothing online is
really a secret. We share some of our innermost
thoughts online as a way to vent our feelings
and emotions. We fool ourselves into thinking
that since we cannot see the faces of those on
the other side, they dont really exist.
Through the power of the share button and
liking, people that you dont know can comment on how you look in that selfie. By turning
the camera inward, we open ourselves up to the
scrutiny of faceless strangers, making us even
more self-conscious about how we are seen. I
think that selfies enforce an egotistical point
of view that whats on the outside matters a lot
more than what is on the inside.
In my experience, posting selfies rarely
GRIPMagazine
35
36
Just for
Today
Robb Nashs message of strength strikes a chord
By Chantelle Foisie
GRIPMagazine
Im
Im not
not someone
someone who
who hasn't
hasn't made
made
mistakes,
Im
someone
willing
mistakes, Im someone willing to
to
start
over.
start over.
a titanium
plate in his
head and chest.
Now, Nash makes
music. Maybe youve
heard of him: he travels
the countr y speaking and
performing, inspiring teenagers
to overcome their str uggles. He
continuously tells his personal story,
hoping to get through to teenagers that life
is something worth living. So far, he has
spread his message to one million students.
After the accident, Nash struggled for
years trying to find his purpose in life.
Eventually,
he came to
realize that there
wasnt a reason why he
was hit. It was a coincidence,
not the world trying to punish
him. After struggling with his anger
and depression, Nash decided he wanted
to help others, so that they dont have to get
hit by a semi-truck to start making better
choices in their lives. Dont wait until youre
dying to start living, he says. He believes he
is lucky to get a second chance. He lives by
the words: Make today count.
Nash travels with his talented drummer,
Jonny Holliday, and a promotional team
throughout Alberta. His message has
struck a chord; he has received hundreds
of suicide notes and countless razor blades
sent by students who have been inspired
to reach out for help or made the choice to
stay alive, stop using drugs and alcohol, stop
self-harming and to make today count. Im
not someone who hasnt made mistakes, Im
someone willing to start over, he says.
I was so
in s p i r e d b y
Nashs message
that I decided to get
a tattoo on my left arm in
August 2014. That was the arm
where I had been self-harming for
years, and I made the promise never to
make a cut there again. I was also suicidal
at the time, but when I heard Nash talk and
sing, I wanted to stay alive for just a little
bit longer. My tattoo says Just for Today
and the words are from Nashs song, Thief
of Colours (my favourite one of his). The
impact he made on me was so huge that
I decided to start getting help for my own
mental health problems. I am happy to say
that I kept my promise and scars are fading
on that arm. If youre looking for pain today,
youll find it, Nash says. But if youre
looking for strength, youll find that too!
Nash and his crew work hard to convince
teenagers to keep moving forward and
that life does get better. He has been
recognized by many people for the work
that he has done with youth. Through his
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other
social media accounts, he keeps in contact
with all his fans, and has a great team of
people following and supporting him in his
travels. Nash will continue to travel across
Canada to spread his message and music
to thousands more young people. There is
a purpose to live and there is enjoyment in
life. Heres to the things that I wouldnt
have seen, if I didnt keep walking, he says.
Make today count!
GRIPMagazine
37
38
GRIPMagazine
This is
Zander
Hartman
By Lyndsie Bourgon
39
40 Thisis
Zander Hartman
GRIPMagazine
GRIPMagazine
41
42
E plorations
IN THE
Underworld
GRIPMagazine
All I had to confide in was an old notebook, and now that had been taken
from me. I felt misunderstood a feeling those that search these secret
hashtags know well.
Its been more than five years since that day, and a bit less than that
since I last cut. At the time, we didnt have hashtags. If you wanted online
support you had to go to the bowels of the Internet, which often looked like
a scary and anonymous chatroom. I never found anyone to lean on. I dont
think hashtags used by self-harmers are meant to corrupt or to glamourize.
I think theyre just a way for people to feel less alone because cutting, like
many mental health issues, is isolating. I spent way too many nights crying
on a bathroom floor with a razor blade to advocate against a sense of community for kids and teens like me.
COPING STRATEGIES
According to Mellan, there are strategies you can use when feeling
the urge to engage in self-harm. The trick is finding the right strategy.
Here are a few to consider:
Take a mental vacation: Close your eyes and imagine yourself
anywhere you want to be. Once you pick a place, go through all five of
your senses. What do you smell? Are you at home and is the smell of
your moms chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house? What
do you hear? Are there birds singing? Ocean waves crashing? What do
you taste? Are you eating with friends? What do you feel? Is there sand
between your toes? Whats around you? Once youve gone through all of
your senses take a couple deep breaths and just be in your safe place.
When youre ready slowly open your eyes.
Keep a journal of the times you did not self-injure: Write down
empowering messages for yourself and why you didnt self-harm.
Exercise: This releases the same endorphins as self-harm. Along with
being a healthy option, it also has the benefits of lowering anxiety and
enhancing mood.
GRIPMagazine
43
44
GRIPMagazine
The Walking
A
By J.M.M. Lewis
GRIPMagazine
45
46
Portfolio
In each issue of Grip, we feature creative works from
our readers poetry, personal essays, short stories,
illustrations, comic strips and photography.
Clay Sculpture
JAMES MACDONALD
GRIPMagazine
Midterms
BY LAUREN H BERRY
My mind is elsewhere,
Theyre called midterms but they feel so final and the nights studying
seem so endless,
Dates approach taunting and the universe is laughing,
Repeating verse after verse of Science, English, Social, and Math trying
to go fast.
The questions are on paper but the answers are set in stone,
I feel faint and alone,
8:00 a.m. coffee 12:00 p.m. Red Bull,
Its all part of the cycle how fast the gears on your brain can go.
How much can really be retained and how can anybody remain sane,
I cant think about what will be lost or gained,
My mind is elsewhere
I. Am. Broken
HEEYEONG PARK
GRIPMagazine
47
48
Portfolio
Untitled
ELIZABETH ALLOWAY
GRIPMagazine
Untitled
JORDYN OLTH
Clay Sculpture
JAMES MACDONALD
GRIPMagazine
49
50
Portfolio
Portfolio
Untitled
SOPHIA LENGLE
Depression
SYDNEY DESJARLAIS
GRIPMagazine
o
BIG CATCH
PANDY MA
Composite
JARED PROPP
GRIPMagazine
51
52
Portfolio
Portfolio
Reflections of Sgt. Hollis
AN EXCERPT FROM A SHORT STORY
BY SOPHIA LENGLE
Untitled
SOPHIA LENGLE
Untitled
ELIZABETH ALLOWAY
GRIPMagazine
GRIPMagazine
53
54
Last Word
Humour
Schools OUT
A starter pack to help get you get ready for those summer days
GRIPMagazine
WARNING: Odour may attract bears, squirrels, skunks and wolverines. Some
users experienced birds attempting to nest in toques and/or facial hair. Overuse
may cause users to enrol in forestry school or experience delusions of having the
ability to operate a chainsaw or logging truck. Discontinue use if you experience
burning, itchy eyes, facial numbness, or scaly, bark-like skin patchiness.
Carrot
Teen
Cheese
Puh-leez
Sorrentino
Sunrise
Oompa
Loompa
Burnt
Orange