Author: Student Ambassador Page 28 of 41

Did you know that:

• the fashion industry is the world’s second-largest polluter after the oil industry?
• one in six people work in the global fashion industry, the majority being women earning less than $3 per day?
• 250,000 Indian cotton farmers have died by suicide in the last 15 years, partly as a result of going into debt to buy genetically modified cotton seeds?
• only 10% of the clothing donated to charity gets sold, while much of it ends up in landfills or flooding markets in poorer countries, where it can kill the local industry (a portion also gets recycled)?

These facts were completely foreign to me before watching a documentary screened by CMU’s Peace and Sustainability Committee. Every year, it holds a week of solidarity in order to bring students’ attention to current issues, either global or local. The topic for discussion this year was, “Getting Naked: The Global Clothing Industry Revealed.”

Rebecca Penner, a leader on the Committee, says, “We chose our topic because it is something that impacts everybody; we are all connected in some way to the global clothing industry. As a result, it is important to be informed. Since this is an issue that is already in the backs of many peoples’ minds, we tried to strike a balance between information and practical next steps.”

The week began with a forum where three presenters spoke about how the clothing industry affects us globally and personally. They discussed globalization and its affect on fair pay, how clothing can be an expression of self while still be ethically worn, and how even when we buy something at thrift store, we can still have a consumer mind.

A screening of the “True Cost” documentary was next. The film asks us to consider who really pays the price for our clothing.

Finally, there was a mending workshop and an ethical clothing market.

Many students have taken on the Committee’s challenge to wear one piece of clothing every day during the week, as a reminder of the difference between human need and want. I have been challenged in my own thinking about how I can wear my clothing ethically, staying critically aware of my choices and their affect on people internationally.

Here’s what students said about the clothing challenge:

“I think my favourite part of the week was the clothing challenge. It was the initiative which had the most widespread engagement, and I loved seeing so many people come together to participate. As a participant, I found it to be a daily reminder of how few clothes I actually need. It was also a cool way to engage people in conversations surrounding the wider theme of clothing justice.”– Rebecca Penner

“I have worn this shirt twenty times in the past two weeks.”– Rachel Robertson

“After doing the challenge, I realized that despite wanting to wear a different outfit for each occasion, I only needed one shirt in which I would feel comfortable. It really taught me to understand the difference between utility and want.” – Cesar Flores

Liam Kachkar (in the blue shirt) with Outtatown in Burkina Faso last semester

Applying for scholarships is tedious work. It can feel like submitting a lottery ticket: what are the chances of actually winning? Students can feel discouraged because the chances of being chosen seem slim. As scholarship “investors,” the return on our investment feels low. But is it really?

I began applying for scholarships in grade ten, but I tended to apply at the last minute and was not very invested in the work. I was happily surprised to earn $250 for a paper, but I focused more on the disappointment of my other applications not being successful.

My attitude toward scholarships began to change in grade 12. I was eligible for way more scholarships than all of the former years combined, so I took the work of applying more seriously. I talked to teachers for help, looked for scholarships on my own, and applied before the night it was due… usually!

I applied for one of CMU’s scholarships in early 2016. I was planning to do Outtatown and then CMU, so I decided to apply for both Leadership Scholarships. My mentality for applying was that of a lottery ticket gambler: I’ll put in this ticket (the essay and references) and if the stars align, I’ll get it. To my surprise, I became the recipient of both the CMU Leadership Scholarship and the Outtatown Leadership Scholarship!

Winning this scholarship has changed my view of scholarships in general. Apply for the scholarship, even if it seems unlikely that you’ll get it. Every one of you has a unique story and view of the topic proposed by a certain scholarship; even if your idea is similar to another applicant, who’s to say your essay won’t be better? I once heard the story of a guy who applied for a women-only scholarship, and because he was the only person that applied, he got it!

Whenever I doubt my chances of receiving a scholarship, I think back on that story. What if I am the only person who applies? The donors who offer scholarships want students to apply. My advice is go and apply, even if it feels like you’re applying for the lottery. You never know; your writing might be exactly what the donor is looking for!

Check out a full list of incoming student scholarships you can apply for here. And don’t forget: the deadline is February 28!

Guest blogger Liam Kachkar is a first year Business student.

Money. It’s one of those topics I like to avoid as much as possible, but I tend to stress out about the most. Tuition, rent, textbooks, food; it adds up so quickly!

Here’s the good news: there are ways to get money in order to pay for university! Financial aid has been key to helping me pay for university, and every bit of money helps to make university a little more affordable. Here’s a quick run down of the differences between some of these kinds of financial aid.

1) Scholarships:

CMU scholarships are awarded to students based on achievements and grades. For example, there are entrance scholarships awarded based on your average from high school, and if you keep high grades through university, you also receive “Academic Excellence Scholarships.” Some scholarships are for achievements other than academics, such as leadership.

I received the leadership scholarship at CMU, which is given to students who are involved in leadership in their communities. Receiving this scholarship was one of the things that helped my decision to study here. I felt that by supporting me financially, there were people who believed in my abilities and thought that I could make a positive contribution to the community here.

2) Bursaries:

Bursaries are given based on financial need. They may or may not have other academic requirements, but are primarily based on your financial situation. These can be given from CMU or from an external organization.

3) Grants

One grant that I’ve received is the Church Matching Grant. My church has generously given me financial support, and in response to this generosity, CMU matches the money they have given, up to $500 a year.

4) Student Loans

Student loans come from the government. The best part is, unlike a regular loan, they are interest-free while you are in school. Additionally, you only have to start repaying them 6 months after you finish school.

5) On- Campus Jobs

CMU has a lot of on campus jobs that students can apply for in September, which is a great way to make some money while in school. This means working up to hours a week on campus, doing dishes, vacuuming, live-streaming, or working with the Enrolment Department.

Although money can feel overwhelming, there are ways to make it more manageable. There are many different scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered through CMU, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Some of the best advice that I ever heard is, even if you don’t think you are eligible for a scholarship, just apply! There are people that want to give money 🙂

Laura

Former student Matt Veith cycles across campus

As an international student used to 20-plus weather almost year round, winter cycling sounded like torture to me. Why would anyone in their right mind spend extra time on icy roads and freezing temperatures?

My curiosity led me to connect with some CMU cyclists who commit to getting on their wheels even in the worst days of winter. Marika Veith, a third year Social Sciences student, and Dan Epp-Tiessen, Associate Professor of Bible, ride year round. They shared with me some of the motives that keep them cycling.

Marika explained, “I feel more independent when I am biking as opposed to other forms of transport. I am always late to the bus and in many ways I actually have a more dependable form of transport when I bike. I have CMU’s bike co-op where I can keep my bike and use tools. It takes away some of the overwhelming power that winter has over me. Coming from somewhere warm, winter feels debilitating. When I winter bike, it feels like I am leaning into it and accepting what winter is and not being afraid of it.”

I can relate to Marika’s experience because navigating the city during the winter months via public transit is often frustrating. That’s right — I, the South American, have become one of those winter cyclists. After a couple of bruised elbows and some trial and error, I navigate Winnipeg roads at -20 degrees.

While both Marika and I both enjoy the increased independence of winter cycling, others cycle for different reasons.

Dan explains why he cycles in winter: “I am committed to caring for God’s creation, so I try to drive as little as possible and use as few fossil fuels as possible. Enjoying fresh air and exercise and a 30 minute bike ride is a great way to begin and end the work day. Hopping on my bike in the morning and getting some vigorous exercise is much warmer and more convenient than waiting at a bus stop. Years ago, I read a devotional that encouraged readers to do at least one difficult task each day so that when life becomes challenging we will have some resilience and toughness. Winter biking is one way in which I maintain some physical and mental toughness.”

Winter cycling is a way to connect and embrace the city in a unique way. It has the ability to shift how we experience winter and creates room for conversations around environmental concerns. It also requires boldness and hard work. The community of cyclists, although they winter cycle for a variety of reasons, are happy to come alongside new riders.

César