I expected university to be a breeze. I imagined having more freedom, less pressure, and enough experience to navigate whatever comes my way. After all, I already knew how to study effectively, collaborate across cultures, manage stressful exam weeks, and adjust my behavior in diverse environments. 

Looking back now, I couldn't have been more wrong. 

My first year challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also taught me lessons that no classroom ever could. If I could go back and speak to myself before my first semester at 91亚色, these are the things I would say. 

Freedom Comes with Responsibilities. 

One of the biggest surprises about university wasn't the workload; it was the heavy responsibilities that came with freedom. Unlike in high school, no professor is going to remind you to do your readings before lectures or check if you're keeping up with the syllabus. At first, I assumed the assigned texts were just optional references or "good to have" material, so I barely looked at them. 

That was my first academic mistake. 

I quickly realized that lectures make more sense when you've already engaged with the material. Yes, the readings can be long, dense, confusing, and boring, but they are never optional鈥攖hey are part of the learning process. If I could go back, I would at least read the abstract, the introduction, the middle sections, and the conclusion before every single lecture. Doing so would have made the discussion questions clearer and allowed me actually to participate in tutorials. 

The university gave me the freedom to direct my own education, but I initially forgot to lay the essential groundwork; there is no 鈥渙ptional鈥� when your grades depend on it. 

Good grades require a different kind of studying. 

I used to think all courses could be passed simply by reading through the material and paying attention in class. 

How wrong I was. 

For 13 years, passive reading and memorization were enough to help me get an A or B, but university demands a completely different approach. Instead of just recalling facts, I had to actually understand complex ideas, compare contrasting perspectives, and think critically. 

I learned this the hard way during my NATs midterm. We were told the exam would cover seven chapters and could feature any type of questions from multiple-choice questions to short answers and fill-in-the-blanks. With no clear format to guide my revision, I spent hours memorizing complex names and their definitions and details that never even appeared on the test. I learned that exams are less about predictable questions and more about understanding concepts. I also discovered my own optimal learning style: to truly retain information, I needed to actively write it down using flashcards and review them repeatedly, rather than just passively re-reading my notes. 

University Is More Than Just Grades and a Certificate. 

Another realization is that the university experience isn't measured only by exam results or the final certificate. 

Participation matters. Consistency matters. Just showing up matters. 

I found that the small, daily efforts I put in eventually carried more weight than any single disappointing grade. Whenever my calendar looked overwhelmingly full, I forced myself to start assignments early rather than pulling an all-nighter before the deadline. Going out with friends before reading, or I just closed my laptop when I was too tired. 

These small habits made a huge difference in my academic progress and mental well-being. 

From a Straight-A Student to Failing. 

Throughout my school life, I had always been an A or B student. then came to 91亚色. 

I remember revising extensively for one specific test, sacrificing time I should have spent preparing for my other courses because I was so determined to do well. When I received my grade鈥攁 35%鈥擨 was devastated. I cried my eyes out and called a friend who had studied in the UK. 

We both looked for alternative universities I could transfer to, checking residence options and visa requirements, because I felt like 91亚色 was testing my sanity. 

Now I can laugh about that, but at the moment, it felt like the end of the world. 

Making Friends Is Not as Hard as They Say. 

Many people warn you that it's hard to make friends as an adult, especially in a massive university setting. 

Surprisingly, I met one of my closest friends during my first week at 91亚色. We happened to be sitting opposite each other in Curtis Lecture Hall; we exchanged a quick smile and started talking, and the conversation just felt natural. 

Building a meaningful friendship takes more time as we grow older and become more selective about our circles and have standards for what types of people we could be associated with; it certainly doesn't mean it's impossible. As someone who used to be quite shy, my advice is simple: step out of your comfort zone. Join a club, volunteer for a program, or attend campus events. Sometimes, a single conversation can completely change your university experience. 

It Gets Better at Some Point.

After surviving my first semester at 91亚色, I finally figured out how to navigate the campus, manage my workload, actively participate in class, and balance my responsibilities. 91亚色 started feeling less like a place I attended and more like a community where I belong. 

鈥楳y final takeaway is that university does not just teach us what鈥檚 written in textbooks or which author said what and when. It teaches resilience, independence, and confidence. 

Looking back, I don't regret my first year at 91亚色, and I wouldn't have wished for it to be any easier. I simply wish I had been more prepared for the realities of adulthood and all the responsibilities that come with it, but ultimately, all these experiences have shaped who I am now. 

By Aline

The post What I Wish I Knew Before Starting University: Discovering New Freedom and Adulthood appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

Honestly, the stories that leave an impact and tug at the heartstrings are not the flashy ones. They are the ones that are raw and relatable. A personal piece on dealing with first-year anxiety, figuring out how to ask a professor for help, navigating campus clubs, or just surviving midterms can deeply resonate with someone struggling through the same problems. Writing builds bridges. A story that feels completely ordinary to you might be the exact lifeline another student needs to read today. It lets them know they are not alone and that others out there are dealing with similar issues. Sharing these invisible experiences through writing creates opportunities to support one another. It offers a little practical advice and reminds us all that university is a collective mess of uncertainty and growth. 

The LA&PS Volunteer Blog is not just an article repository. It is a unique space for community. We want students from every program and background to bring their perspectives to the table. Whether you are passionate about mental health, networking, career hunting, making friends, or creative writing, your voice changes how someone else sees university life. Plus, it is great for you. You get to sharpen your writing skills outside of the classroom, build a portfolio of published work, and gain firsthand experience writing for a diverse audience. This is not another strict essay assignment; it is an opportunity to connect with people and leave an actual mark on your university. 

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that you have to be a "good writer" to have something worth saying. Newsflash: perfect writing does not exist; it is an ongoing process. Readers do not want perfection; they want honesty, creativity, and a bit of vulnerability. Sometimes, asking questions, sharing lessons you have learned, or reflecting on a personal setback is enough to make someone else feel seen and not alone. Whether your story is about building confidence, bouncing back from a failed exam, or just navigating everyday life, it adds a missing piece to our community puzzle. The LA&PS Volunteer Blog only works because our student body is diverse. Your voice belongs here. So, what story are you going to tell first? 

By Chris鈥疌onnell

The post Why Your Voice Belongs on The LA&PS Volunteer Blog appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

At the start of my undergraduate studies, the thought of participating in class made me dread discussions. However, over time, as semesters came and went, I started to realize that staying silent didn鈥檛 just affect my grades; it also meant missing out on contributing to discussions that I actually wanted to take part in.   

This realization pushed me to start making changes. Slowly, I began to participate, and now I join class discussions regularly.   

Through this process, I learned a few strategies that made participation easier. Here are five tips for speaking up in class:

1. Write Down What You Want to Say听

Writing down bullet points of what you want to say before speaking can help keep your thoughts organized. This works for discussions, presentations, and even asking questions. When a task feels intimidating, it's easy to lose your train of thought. Let the points be your guide!  

2. Know What You Are Talking About听

Reading up on the topic of discussion can help you feel confident in your contributions. Complete the assigned readings and make sure that you are up to date with class material. Not only would planning make it easier to engage with the discussion, it would also help in making sure that you don鈥檛 fall behind. 

3. Set Small Goals for Each Class听

Start with small goals, like participating at least once per class. Depending on your course, this could mean answering a question, sharing a thought, or asking your own question. Small repeated contributions build confidence over time and make participation feel more natural. 

4. Find a Comfortable Spot听

Choose a seat in class where you feel most comfortable. Whether it is near the front, at the back, close to the windows, or an aisle seat, pick a spot that makes you feel at ease. Being comfortable in your space makes it easier to be present and participate actively in discussions. 

5. Don鈥檛听be Afraid of Sounding 鈥淪tupid鈥�听

Don鈥檛 let the fear of sounding 鈥渟tupid鈥� or making mistakes stop you! Everyone is learning, and it's completely normal to not always have the right answer or offer the perfect insight. Classrooms are a safe space and the best place to take risks and express your ideas.  

*If speaking up still feels difficult or seems impossible, talk about it with your professor or TA. They may be able to give you听additional听tips or alternative ways to contribute. Share your ideas in any way that you can!听

Just like most things in life, speaking up takes practice 鈥� one step at a time. The first few times can feel scary, but each time you push yourself to speak, no matter how seemingly minimal the contribution is, you are improving your ability to communicate your ideas to others. Speaking up in class isn鈥檛 just about grades; it's about sharing your thoughts, processing the learning material more deeply, and developing your communication skills. Every time you participate in a discussion, you engage in an exchange of ideas where you learn from others, and they learn from you. School is a place for growth and your ideas are valuable 鈥� don鈥檛 be afraid to share them. 

By Yasmin Farah

The post Tips for Speaking Up in Class听 appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

Nowadays, digital presence is crucial not just for networking and social听circle听but also to build up your portfolio to strengthen professional credibility and to听showcase听your skills to peers and employers. Having a digital presence through these networking platforms also provides opportunities to collaborate, engage and learn from experts. Students can听leverage听the benefits of digital presence if utilized effectively for their academic and career success.听听

Here are some ways to strengthen your digital presence and leverage networking platforms:  

• Having a functional and active LinkedIn account is essential. LinkedIn is a catalyst for students and professionals to听showcase听their achievements, skills, education and their learning听experiences听not just with industry-specific professionals but really with everyone that they听are connected with. It is your digital portfolio that tells others about you and your professional achievements. It is crucial to set up your LinkedIn in a professional manner and update it regularly to keep others informed. For LinkedIn, it is essential to set up your profile with a clear headline and write a concise summary听regarding听your strengths, experiences and aspirations. Update other areas such as skills, languages, certificates, experiences, education and others if relevant to you.听听

• Join industry-specific organizations and associations and even better if there are volunteer opportunities. Actively engage and听participate听at听various events, volunteer and take initiatives to create an impact on your peers. By actively engaging and听participating听with organizations and听associations听boost confidence,听strengthens听communication skills and听provides听an opportunity to build relationships with professionals. Join relevant communities and chapters to stay informed about opportunities.听

• There are other social networking platforms that support students and professionals that are institution specific to connect with alumni, industry partners and other听professionals.听听听

Through these networking platforms, there are many more opportunities to connect with peers and professionals that have听replaced traditional pathways of applying for jobs. In today鈥檚 technological era, having a digital presence and听an effective听use of networking platforms pushes students towards more opportunities to build their career and professional lives. It is important to note that networking is an ongoing, continuous practice and not a last-minute effort because effective usage of these platforms positions students and professionals to stand out more than to those who听submit听applications through a standardized hiring system. Students should start using these platforms at their听initial听stages of academic听journey,听which will help ease them more smoothly into the workforce.

By Merab Mushfiq

Merab Mushfiq听is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at 91亚色 whose work focuses on STEM education, mentoring, international students, higher education and student success. She has experience in teaching, student affairs and academic support, with a focus on improving student success within higher education.听听

The post Leveraging Networking Platforms for Career Success听听 appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

It is reasonable to assume that most people go about their day-to-day lives without worrying much about whether they understand the people they interact with, and that minor miscommunications may not have significant adverse consequences. But how about if you are a person on trial? Being able to understand and be understood will not just be a lingering thought, but a constant, restless struggle to be truly heard. In these circumstances, interpreters step in to bridge this gap. 

Having read and studied Diana Eades鈥檚 Book, Sociolinguistics and the Legal Process, as part of my required readings in this course, I鈥檝e learned that language is a significant part of how people experience the law and the justice system. Sociolinguistics, a subfield of linguistics, examines the relationship between society and language (Eades, 2010). According to Eades, 鈥渢he interpreter鈥檚 job is to 鈥榬eplicate the original source language message in the target language that would have the same effect on listeners鈥� (Eades, 2010, p. 70). However, interpreters sometimes face semantic, grammatical, pragmatic, and cultural challenges in the courtroom that can adversely affect the person on trial. For instance, there are semantic challenges when words or expressions in one language have no equivalent in the target language. Nevertheless, no matter how perfectly an interpreter replicates the source-language message, significant cultural differences may render the interpretation nonsensical (Eades, 2010). Non-English or second-language speakers, and individuals with severe hearing loss who are not proficient in English or use English as a second language, may have a harder time working with interpreters. As students, how can we help address these issues in the future? 

I believe that becoming more educated and informed about any issue is the best way to address it. At a surface level, one might think, how can taking one course in university make a significant change? It makes all the difference because it is about seeing the bigger picture. It is about one more person with this educational background in the justice system who is not only aware of the struggles but may also have the perspective to form an opinion, however big or small it may be. 

Although 鈥淟anguage and the Law鈥� was not required for me as a Law & Society student, I recommend that my peers take it. Prior to taking this course, I was cognizant of the power of words in law, but I was not aware that interpreters faced many different challenges. Combining interdisciplinary socio-legal studies with sociolinguistics provides valuable insights into how some people may have difficulty being understood in the justice system. More importantly, these insights can provide perspectives on how future students can take action to help these individuals have better experiences. 

References 
Eades, D. (2010). Sociolinguistics and the legal process. Multilingual Matters. 

By Sarah Fadavi-Anbiayee 

The post The Importance of the Study of Sociolinguistics in Helping ESL Speakers and Non-English Speakers in the Justice Systems appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

Over time, the sweating became harder to manage; humidity and stress made the symptoms worse. A simple task, such as a short ten-minute walk to Shoppers Drug Mart and back, caused me to have to change my underwear when I arrived home. This unusual instance became part of my daily reality. A defining moment happened in class, while I was trying to pay attention to the professor. I felt my body becoming consumed by tiny beads of sweat. First, my hands became wet, followed by trails dripping down my back and chest. I felt my socks becoming moist alongside my underwear. The torrents of water beads eventually soaked through my pants. It was humiliating.  

Hyperhidrosis is not just physical; it affects your mental health, too. It creates anxiety, embarrassment and isolation. I started missing classes and avoided going outside as much as possible. My world became smaller and smaller. It turned into a vicious cycle: the sweating caused anxiety, and the anxiety made the sweating worse. I felt depleted and lost, so I went to see a doctor to figure out what could be done. The doctor prescribed medication to help control the sweating, and for a while, I thought I might finally be getting some relief. Unfortunately, they ended up giving me chest pain. I saw a cardiologist and was prescribed blood pressure medication for stage two hypertension. Now, I am trying the sweating pills again and have a few more tests scheduled.  

One of the things that helped me during this process was the profound support from my professors. I reached out to each of them separately and explained my situation. I had my doctor fill out a student accessibility form, and that was sent to my professors. Some of them graciously waived my participation marks so I could work from home. That kindness made a real difference and allowed me to focus on my health and keep up with my coursework without worrying about my grades being severely impacted because of my absence. Their non-judgmental understanding reminded me that asking for help is not a weakness. Sometimes it is the most important step you can take. That is one of the biggest lessons I have learned through this experience: advocating for your health matters. 

Advocating for yourself can be as simple as returning to the doctor when something still feels off. It can mean asking questions about side effects, requesting referrals, following up on test results or explaining to others how your condition is impacting your daily life. It can also mean asking for accommodations at school or work when your health makes it difficult to function the way others expect you to. None of that is easy, and it can be exhausting to explain yourself again and again, especially when your condition is not always visible in ways people understand. Remember that no one knows your body better than you do. If something feels wrong, it is worth paying attention to. If a treatment is causing new symptoms, it is worth speaking up. If your health is affecting your ability to learn and work, it is important to ask for help.  

I am still in the process of figuring out what will work for me long term, and I do not have all the answers yet. I am trying different medications, attending appointments and hoping to find a treatment plan that helps without creating more complications. Along the way, I have learned that being proactive about your health can make all the difference. I dream of the moment when I will get to wear colourful shirts to express myself instead of being tethered to black to hide what I am going through. I dream of going to class or running errands without worrying about whether sweat will take over my body. I dream of moving through the world with more ease and less fear. Until then, I want others who are dealing with hyperhidrosis or other complicated health concerns to know this: you are not alone. Your symptoms are real, your emotions are valid, and your health matters. 

You deserve care, support, and the chance to be heard. 
Be kind to yourself. 

By Chris Connell

Chris Connell is in his fourth year of English and Professional Writing at 91亚色. He is an aspiring writer and certified yoga teacher. In the evening, he enjoys unwinding in a hot bath with Lush bath bombs, tea, and a good book, often followed by his guilty pleasure: reality TV.鈥� 

The post I Dream of Colour: Learning to Advocate for My Health听 appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

Most of us only give ourselves a few seconds to decide whether something impresses us or whether we should ignore it. In those few seconds, we form judgments based on the cover, not the content, not the person behind it. Unless we already know the author, their name becomes just another word on a page. 

In many ways, this is also how we subconsciously treat the people we see on campus. We form placeholder impressions: simple mental shortcuts that help us quickly categorize others. Instead of adjusting these impressions as we learn more about someone, we often try to fit people into the models we already have, even if that means overlooking their individuality. 

Psychologists often describe these quick judgments as mental shortcuts or 鈥渟chemas.鈥� They allow our brains to process social situations quickly without overwhelming us with information. While these shortcuts are useful, they can also lead us to oversimplify the people around us - and sometimes ourselves!

Over time, I鈥檝e noticed that the way we view others and the world around us affects how strongly we feel that we belong. Everyone looks at others through the lens of their own experiences. For those of us who feel like imposters in new situations, it鈥檚 easy to imagine everyone else as people who 鈥渉ave it all figured out.鈥� That becomes our placeholder impression.

This kind of thinking is often made worse by isolation from other people鈥檚 experiences. When we don鈥檛 talk to others, we fill in the gaps ourselves, and we usually assume the worst about our own place in the room. 

But all hope is not lost. The solution is surprisingly simple: talking. 

Talking to people simplifies what we often overcomplicate; it reveals that everyone has their own struggles. The person who seems confident might be just as afraid to try something new as you are. Maybe they step forward because they once let opportunities slip away and don鈥檛 want to repeat that mistake. Or maybe they push themselves because opportunities were once rare, and they鈥檝e learned to treat each one like something precious. 

Fear doesn鈥檛 disappear. But when we understand why something matters, the idea of trying 鈥� despite that fear 鈥� starts to make sense.

Once we recognize these fears and give them names, they become easier to face. Even more powerful is realizing that these fears aren鈥檛 yours alone to carry. Many of the people around you are quietly carrying the same ones. 

Sometimes, the only thing separating us from realizing that is a conversation. 

Which brings me back to my original point: never judge a book by its cover; the real story lies in the pages we take the time to read. 

By Ayesha Khan

The post More Than First Impressions appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

鈥淪he's brilliant鈥nd beautiful听too!鈥�听The听surprise in the voice. The听too. As if intelligence and a good face are two prizes that听weren't听supposed to land in the same pair of hands.听

As with a lot of manufactured binaries, we've been trained to see beauty and brains as black or white, as a zero-sum game. But what I find interesting about this one in particular is that we only play this game with women. 

The听鈥渂eautiful but dumb鈥澨齛nd听鈥渂rilliant but plain鈥澨齛rchetypes听didn't听come from nowhere鈥攖hey听were constructed. Sociologist Catherine Hakim's work on erotic capital sparked serious debate in academic circles because it forced a conversation people weren't comfortable having:听that attractiveness听operates听as a social currency, and when women hold that currency alongside intellectual authority, the cultural response has usually been suspicion.听Think of the femme fatale: she uses her looks听instead听of her mind, which conveniently makes her dangerous and dismissible at once. Think of the bluestocking: too serious for vanity, therefore unsexed and safe. Two archetypes, one function: to听contain听her, whichever way she goes.听

Run the male version of this experiment. A sharp-dressed, conventionally attractive male professor walks into a lecture hall. Nobody questions whether he prepared. A male CEO who's physically fit isn't described as prioritizing his absover his balance sheet. The beauty-brains tension simply does not activate for men the way it does for women, and that asymmetry is the tell. 

Psychologists call the underlying mechanism the what is beautiful is good stereotype, which is the well-documented tendency to attribute positive traits to attractive people. But research shows this halo effect operates differently by gender. For men, attractiveness tends to reinforce perceptions of competence. For women, it can actually undercut them, particularly in high-status or intellectual contexts. Beauty, for women, becomes evidence of something鈥攋ust not always intelligence. 

This isn't ancient history either.  

In 2015, software engineer Isis Wenger was featured in a recruiting ad for her tech firm, and the internet's immediate response was that she looked 鈥渢oo attractive鈥� to be a real engineer. The ad was genuine. She was a real engineer. But the disbelief was the story that moved.  

It shows up in politics too, and rarely more clearly than in 2021 when Kamala Harris became the first woman ever elected Vice President of the United States. To mark the moment, Vogue ran a cover, but not the one Harris's team had agreed to. Instead of the powder blue power suit shot, the magazine ran a casual, poorly lit photo of her in sneakers. Washington Post critic Robin Givhan wrote that Vogue had 鈥渞obbed Harris of her roses,鈥� calling the image 鈥渙verly familiar,鈥� a cover that, in effect, called her by her first name without invitation. The detail that makes this worse: Harris had reportedly dressed herself down on purpose, anticipating that anything too polished would be called elitist. She played the game. She still lost. 

A fashion student at Montclair State put it plainly when analyzing Harris's signature pantsuit uniform: 鈥淗er appearance would come into focus if she wore dresses or skirts. Her body, makeup, hair, all of that would come into question.鈥� The pantsuit, in other words, was armour. A calculation her male colleagues never have to make. 

And it's all around us. It's the girl in your class who deflects compliments on her work with jokes about her appearance or downplays her appearance in academic spaces because she's learned 鈥� somewhere 鈥� that she'll be taken more seriously if she does. It's the girl who removes her acrylic nails before a job interview, not because they get in the way of anything, but because she's been told, directly or otherwise, that they send the wrong message about how serious she is. It's the girl who keeps two separate Instagram accounts: one for her work, one for everything else, because she already knows that being visibly pretty and visibly accomplished in the same space invites a kind of scrutiny men posting the same content simply don't face. 

Women don't just receive this framework. They internalize it. That's how effective it is.  

Here's the thing about a no-win setup: the point was never to be won. If a woman is beautiful, her intellect is a surprise. If she's visibly intellectual, her femininity becomes a footnote or a loss. The 鈥減aradox鈥� of beauty and brains was never a paradox. All it was was a sorting mechanism, designed to ensure that no matter which direction a woman moved, she could be reduced. 

The question 鈥淚s she pretty or smart?鈥� was never really about her. It's about the discomfort of a woman who refuses to be one thing. 

And once you see it framed that way, the question starts to sound less like an observation and more like an admission. 

So, the next time someone says, 鈥渟he's got beauty and brains!鈥� with that particular brand of surprise dressed up as a compliment, you don't need a lecture ready. You don't need a dissertation. You just need what Elle Woods gave us twenty-something years ago, walking out of Harvard Law with a 4.0 and a courtroom win: 

鈥淲hat, like it's hard?鈥� 

By Yetunde "Abeni" Ojebola

Yetunde is a fourth-year Political Science major at 91亚色 and a writer drawn to the space where culture, gender, and identity collide. She's currently working on a young adult novel set between Lagos and Toronto: a story of family, displacement, and becoming, told in a voice rooted in Nigerian vernacular and the quiet weight of what goes unsaid. Her writing favors the implicit over the obvious, trusting readers to feel what her characters won't name. On TikTok, she's Bits of Bibi, digital proof that disciplined and pretty aren't competing storylines. She writes Study Femme, a Sunday Substack for the girl who refuses to choose between the library and living the life.

The post Pretty or Smart? The Question We Only Ask Women appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

Two Worlds, One Schedule

Balancing dance and university means Kaia鈥檚 days rarely slow down. Most mornings begin early with meal preparation and packing for the day ahead. Alongside textbooks and school materials, she brings dance gear, including heels used in rehearsals and performances. After attending classes at Schulich, she often spends time between lectures studying or completing assignments before heading downtown for rehearsals. The commute itself, about an hour, becomes another opportunity to multitask. Kaia sometimes listens to recorded lectures or prepares choreography for other teaching and dance jobs while driving. Rehearsals typically last around three hours, during which dancers may learn one or two full routines in a single evening, sometimes performing them the very next day at a game. Even after rehearsal ends, the night is rarely over. Additional training sessions help maintain the physical conditioning required to perform consistently at a professional level. By the time Kaia finally drives home, it is often past midnight. Only then does she finish any remaining schoolwork before preparing for the next day, sometimes waking up just hours later for an early lecture. 鈥淚t鈥檚 basically two full-time worlds,鈥� she says. The contrast between those worlds is significant. Business school is highly structured, with clear professional expectations and long-term career planning. The dance industry, by comparison, moves quickly and unpredictably. Schedules can change week by week, and networking often happens through collaboration rather than formal professional settings. Learning to navigate both environments has required Kaia to adapt her communication style, priorities, and daily routines depending on where she is.

Image and Gender Expectations

Performance is only one part of being a professional dancer. Image also plays an important role, particularly in an industry where casting decisions often consider aesthetics and branding alongside skill. Rather than being purely restrictive, these expectations can also shape how dancers develop confidence and professionalism over time. For female dancers especially, appearance becomes closely tied to opportunity, but it can also encourage a heightened awareness of presentation and self-expression. Kaia explains that as dancers transition into adulthood, they learn to embody a more polished and intentional version of themselves that aligns with industry standards. As a Raptors 鈥楴orth Side Crew鈥� dancer, she also represents the organization as a brand ambassador, requiring her to maintain a professional and composed image both in person and online. Over time, these expectations have translated into personal growth beyond dance. 鈥淚鈥檓 definitely more mindful now about how I carry myself,鈥� she says, explaining that the role has helped her become more confident, improve her communication skills, and present herself in a more mature and professional way in everyday life, from how she interacts with new people to even small details like posture and styling.

Skills People Overlook

Kaia believes the discipline required to succeed in dance develops skills that extend far beyond the studio. Professional dancers build strong time-management habits, resilience, creativity, and physical awareness. The training also strengthens memory and coordination, as dancers must quickly learn and retain complex choreography. Dance communities also foster collaboration and support networks that help performers grow both professionally and personally. 鈥淢ost dancers who succeed in this industry are incredibly disciplined,鈥� Kaia says.These skills, she argues, are often overlooked by people outside the field. 

By Macey Misa

Macey Misa is a fourth-year student in Law and Society & Criminology with a strong interest in equity, media, and professional industries. Alongside her academic work, she is involved in 91亚色's Women in Law Association as VP of Marketing. She brings a critical, interdisciplinary perspective to her writing, exploring how industries like dance intersect with professionalism, identity, and legal studies.

The post Labour, Education and Image in Professional, Industry & NBA Dance appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.

My mother has always told me, 鈥淵our face is your passport.鈥� When I was younger, I didn鈥檛 fully understand what she meant. Now I do. The way you present yourself is often the first thing people register about you. It鈥檚 not the full story. It鈥檚 not your intelligence, your values, or your work ethic. But it鈥檚 the introduction. 

And whether we like it or not, human beings are wired to read introductions quickly. 

We notice details. A wrinkled blazer. Colours that clash. Clothes that look rushed. We also notice when someone looks put together, not perfect, not expensive, just intentional. These observations aren鈥檛necessarily about judging someone鈥檚 worth. They鈥檙e about how our brains process information. We read visual cues automatically. 

But here鈥檚 what really interests me: it鈥檚 not just about how others see us. It鈥檚 about how we feel. 

There is something real that happens when you put on an outfit that makes you feel confident. Not something trendy. Not something someone else told you to wear. Something that feels aligned with you. You stand a little straighter. You walk differently. You feel lighter. Bolder. Freer. 

It鈥檚 subtle, but it鈥檚 powerful. 

When you don鈥檛 feel good in what you鈥檙e wearing, part of your mind stays distracted. You adjust your sleeves. You question your choice. You feel slightly off. But when you feel confident in your outfit, that internal noise quiets down. Your energy can go toward speaking clearly, thinking critically, and engaging fully. 

As a Political Science student moving through academic and professional spaces, I鈥檝e noticed this difference firsthand. Presentations feel less intimidating. Networking events feel more manageable. Even ordinary days feel more structured when I feel well-dressed. It doesn鈥檛 mean I suddenly become more intelligent. It means I feel more ready to express the intelligence I already have. 

And that matters. 

Being educated is essential. Knowledge builds competence. Hard work builds skill. But how we carry ourselves also influences how confidently we share those abilities. For me, being well-dressed and well-educated at the same time feels like a powerful combination. One strengthens the mind. The other strengthens the presence. 

I鈥檓 not saying clothing defines value. It doesn鈥檛. A person鈥檚 worth has nothing to do with brands, price tags, or perfection. And not everyone has the same access, taste, or priorities, and that鈥檚 completely valid. But within whatever space we occupy, we all have some level of choice in how we present ourselves. And that choice can shape how we feel walking into a room. 

So, is clothing just symbolic? I don鈥檛 think so. 

It won鈥檛 solve your problems. It won鈥檛 guarantee success. But when you鈥檙e dressed in a way that makes you feel confident, you don鈥檛 just look ready, you feel ready. And sometimes that feeling is exactly what pushes you to speak up, take initiative, or face something you were nervous about. 

Maybe that鈥檚 the real power of clothing. It doesn鈥檛 change who you are. 
But it reminds you of who you already are. 

By Ruthneldha Attilus

My name is Ruthneldha Attilus. I am a Political Science student interested in law and fashion, two worlds that might seem different, but that both shapes how we present ourselves. I pay close attention to how clothing affects confidence, presence, and the way we navigate everyday situations, from classrooms to professional spaces. I hope you enjoy reading the blog. Stay confident!" 

The post Dressed in Power appeared first on LA&PS Newsroom.