Tale of Two Danielas
Two Danielas discuss the importance of building a supportive community and how finding your group of friends makes all the difference—especially when studying abroad.
Discovering Mocktails and Mixology
It’s All About the Style, Experience, and Taste
What makes a good mocktail? What makes them more than just fruit juice? Join me on my exploration into the world of non-alcoholic cocktails.
Island Time Axe Throwing
A Nanaimo Hidden Gem
Discover one of the best things to do in Nanaimo. Today we'll visit Island Time Axe Throwing, a small business aiming to create a safe space for young adults and youth alike. Have fun at this alcohol-free establishment where you can throw knives (safely).
VIU Mariners Hockey ft. Matthew Fleet and Maxwell Struss
Interview by Grace Penner
The Nav’s Grace Penner asks two VIU Mariners—a goalie and a defenseman—about hockey superstitions, what the team does to prepare for games, and more!
From Textbooks to Tuscan Tales
How Liberal Studies became my Florence Fling
Signing up for my first Liberal Studies class felt like an accident, but it led me straight to Florence. Between the endless reading and shared apartments, I discovered two things: Renaissance art is mind-blowing, and bonding with fellow students over a gruelling schedule can turn into one unforgettable adventure.
Saying “Goodbye”
How to love people and places, then leave them behind.
Saying goodbye is never easy. Staying in touch can be even harder. University students share how they maintain meaningful friendships while attending university away from their hometown.
What is Neurodiverse Love, Teigan & Padraig?
Heartstrings Part 3
Teigan and Padraig share their experience as neurodiverse people in love. With the longest standing relationship of anyone we've talked to so far, their relationship has grown from living in a tiny-home, to graduating university, to building a career in their late-twenties. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to repair after a meltdown, build relationships out of friendships, and create systems of mutual care that fill both partners cups.
Destruction Over Dialogue
Palestinian Solidarity Encampment Dismantled After 110 Days
In the wake of Vancouver Island University’s removal of the Palestinian Solidarity Encampment, Lee Groen speaks with Sara Kishawi about the school’s handling of the situation, the Canadian government’s hypocrisy, and what’s next for Palestinian solidarity protests.
VIU Mariners Upcoming Season
2024-2025
Get ready to put your game face on! Varsity sports teams are back fighting for a PACWEST championship title. Mariners hockey will return to defend their BCIHL title, while Mariners baseball will have a strong start in the spring season.
56-Editorial Post Layout
Meet Your New Fashion Fairy Godmother
Excerpt
Good Sport
I feel myself getting caught up in the game by this point. I haven’t even looked at the book I had tucked in my purse. The sport seemed impossible to play. How can the players just repeatedly ram their heads into a ball flying through the air? How can they keep track of everything that was happening? How can they run so fast? How can they get knocked down and instantly get back up to keep playing?
What is Asexuality, Barbara?
Heartstrings Part 2
Alone on the interview couch, Barbara Burgardt, talks about her experience of Asexuality, and the Aro-Ace spectrum. This episode we'll discuss the complexities of loving oneself, as well as love for family, friends, and aesthetics.
Giving Voice to AI
The making of "AI Unveiled: A Glimpse into Tomorrow"
Mike explains how a simple AI video project turns into a machine produced AI historical manifesto, and why working with AI isn't as easy as it seems.
Blue Prints
After the world is ravaged from war, a small group of survivors struggle to stay alive amidst the relentless attacks of the Kombat AI Drones—the KAID. Trained to shield their colony, Ever, Jaxon, Larissa, and Violet pride themselves on being protectors. But a seemingly normal takedown ends with more questions than answers: where—who—do the KAID soldiers come from, and how will the group continue to keep their people safe?
The AI Iceberg
Touching the Surface
Hey Siri, play “I Am Not a Robot” by Marina and the Diamonds.
The Future of Storytelling
AI Infiltrates VIU’s Arts and Humanities
Creative Writing students and professors across departments are grappling with the rise of generative AI. Some people like it, others hate it. The big question is: what does the future hold for flesh-and-blood writers and artists? Sophia Wasylinko dives deep into the world of text and image generative AI and talks to Creative Writing, Digital Media, and Theatre students and faculty to get a better answer. She also shares her experiences and opinions as a soon-to-be graduate who has dabbled, not of her own volition, with these AI tools herself.
Persona Non Grata
After all these years, Eliza sees her organic predecessors—renowned as the smartest species to ever walk the planet—reduced to a pack of primitive animals.
Hey Chat, How Do You Style…?
Meet Your New Fashion Fairy Godmother
Have you ever fantasized about having your own personal stylist? Thanks to the latest advancements in AI technology, that dream might be closer (and more affordable) than you think. Ella delves into the realm of AI fashion assistants to see if they can truly be your virtual fashion godmother.
Nanaimo’s Flowering Jewel
Behind the Fight to Protect Harewood Plains
Just south of VIU lies Harewood Plains—a small, but mostly intact slice of a Garry Oak meadow ecosystem that is home to some of Canada’s most endangered plant species. Currently, it is under threat from development. Join Nav Videographer Ben as he explores the Plains and the fight for its future.
Exploring Humanity in a Digital World
The Past, Present, and Future of Digital Humanities
Maybe you’ve heard the term Digital Humanities before, but you’re not entirely sure what it means. Digital and humanities combined? You might be wondering if it has something to do with cyborgs (it doesn’t). I’m here to make it make sense and to get you excited about the potential of this emerging and evolving field.
VIU Talk Protested by Palestinian Activists
Freelance journalist Jen Gerson delivered a lecture at VIU called “Free Speech in the Digital Age” on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. However, the idea of open discourse came to be challenged in the face of protests from audience members.
Mariners Roundup: VIU Hockey Playoff Preview
Mariners Head In To Playoffs As Regular Season Champs!
NAV Sports Editor Austin Heidt breaks down the BCIHL championship tournament format. The playoff tournament takes place this weekend in Logan Lake, BC.
The Mariners play tonight at 7 PM against UVIC. You can catch this game on the "BCIHL TV" Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@UC4dtN3AZudDXtPgTQnwtoUw) The winner of this QF game will earn a spot in the championship final on March 3, at 1 PM.
Special thanks to Social Media & Web Manager Simon Creighton for the fantastic photography and opening highlight clip.
Thank you to Maxwell Struss and Andrew Riddell for ...
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Reflecting on Human Trafficking in Our Community and Broader Nation
February 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and local Nanaimo advocates are working tirelessly to spread public awareness.
Playing with Heartstrings
Illustration by Charlie Szafron featured in Vol. 55, No. 5: Heartstrings.
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