Magazine

The Ubyssey's 2023 Magazine explored social, physical and economic limitations and how they interact and intersect with our lives, with story ranging from blending dance genres and the effect of the climate crisis on insect physiology to the impact of student evaluations on faculty promotion.

In one ear, out the other: The limitations of memory research

While scientists have made immense progress in memory formation research, so much is still unknown. What’s keeping us from fully understanding this aspect of the human brain, and what are memory researchers doing to overcome these obstacles?

Maya Levajac, Illustrations by Bessie Guo February 27

What’s the buzz? How the climate crisis affects insects’ bodies

With the climate crisis, insects are facing significant challenges. Rising temperatures can have broad effects on insects’ bodies, leading to physiological and ecological disruptions with long-term effects on the human population according to UBC entomologists.

Vicky Nguyen, Illustrations by Emilija Vītols Harrison February 27

Side effects may include: How GLP-1 agonists push the boundaries of medical treatment

Ozempic, like Wegovy and Rybelsus, is part of a group of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. They are successful in helping diabetics control their blood sugar levels, but users noticed another unexpected effect during clinical trials: they were experiencing significant weight loss.

Elena Massing, Illustrations by Cynthia Wang February 27

Do SEI surveys measure success or perpetrate bias?

At the end of the term, emails flood into student inboxes with the reminder to fill out teaching evaluations. This is a chance for students to grade their professors’ performance as an educator. However, scholars have questioned the accuracy of these surveys, and how they might mask gender, racial and ethnic biases.

Bernice Wong, Illustrations by Erika Zahorszky February 27

What does it mean to ‘serve students’? The AMS is much bigger than its student leadership

At a glance, the AMS works a lot like a public body. But look at the AMS from another angle, and it’s a small business owner trying to turn a profit. So, which is it? The answer, on paper, is neither.

Anabella McElroy, Photos by AMS archives and Isabella Falsetti February 27

The missing ingredient: How culturally-relevant food access supports student wellbeing

Food traditions connect people to their homes, their histories and to each other. But many students said their options for affordable culturally-specific food — from seasonings and good tortillas to certified kosher meals — are slim.

Tova Gaster and Mahin E Alam, Photos by Zoe Wagner February 27

‘Doing the most that you can’: The invisible struggle after sport-induced injuries

“You start to feel a little bit better, and you’re doing a little bit more, and things are really going great,” Trainor said. “Then you tweak something or it’s not holding up as well. Then all of a sudden, your thoughts are like, ‘Oh my God, this is all for nothing.’”

Caleb Peterson, Illustrations by Lauren Kasowski February 27

Stretching dollars: How campus clubs make recreation more affordable

Vancouver is a hub for fitness classes, but for most students, they aren’t an option because of their price tag. The AMS supports over 50 different sports and recreation clubs, who provide options for students to try disciplines without breaking the bank.

Iman Janmohamed and Lauren Kasowski, Photos by Annie Di Giovanni February 27

A good excuse

Growing up, I had been different. I usually had fewer friends than other kids and often felt disconnected from the ones I did have. I regularly forgot assignments and exams — teachers would pull me aside and tell me I had so much potential, if only I would do the work. I was beginning to see why.

Annaliese Gumboc, Illustrations by Bessie Guo February 27

Me and my lines

In my life, there is a Before and an After.

Aditi Mankar, Illustrations by Bessie Guo February 27

The Aquatic Centre is an underrated seasonal depression cope

This point in the year is brutal — the 4 p.m. sunset and the thick exhaustion that settles into the darkness. But inside the pool, it’s always bright. The deep water of the lap lane is cool, while the hot tub and sauna are warm.

Tova Gaster, Illustrations by Bessie Guo February 27

For the thrill of the chase: UBC’s love affair with Storm the Wall

Our drive to challenge ourselves makes us chase activities that push our physical limits in unique ways — hence, the birth of Storm the Wall. The annual student tradition requires students swim, bike and run before summiting a 12-foot wall.

Renée Rochefort, Photos by Koby Michaels February 27

Calling out for Mom

When my nana was first diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, we knew keeping her at home would be difficult. But in the middle of a pandemic, we didn’t want to put her into a facility where visitation restrictions could stop us from seeing her if she took a turn for the worse.

Brianna Reeve, Illustrations by Yukiko Takahashi-Lai February 27

putting myself first

my mother’s advice: / ‘there is no box’ / was meant to be kind

Lauren Kasowski, Illustrations by Sophia Yang February 27

With all my love, to the rain

I hate to love Vancouver rain. / It makes everything smell like decay. / It rots dirt fissures into muddy pools, / But it’s consistent.

Fiona Sjaus, Illustrations by Maya Rochon February 27

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