Class feature: AUCRI 160

BY OFURE EIGBE / STAFF WRITER

For this feature, the Dagligtale News will be focusing on Criminology 160 and professor Geraint Osborne. We spoke with him after reading week, and this issue, we will be sharing some of his thoughts on this course, and some of the interesting research he has done so far.

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Geraint Osborne, AUCRI 160 Professor.

The Dag: Can you tell us about the course you teach and some of your education experience?

My name is Geraint Osborne. I am a sociologist who teaches several courses in the Law, Crime, and Justice Program. Currently, I teach AUCRI160: Crime, Community, and Corrections. 

The Dag: What are your favourite topics from the course?

I would say my favourite is Corrections and Wrongful Convictions. I grew up in Kingston. It is the penitentiary capital of Canada, so I’ve always been aware of and interested in them. They also speak on freedom, one of our central Canadian values. The decision to put someone behind bars should not be a light one. I think there is an overuse of penitentiaries, and Indigenous people and people of colour are unfortunately over-represented there. Wrongful convictions interest me because they occur far too often, and people are unaware of the contributing factors and how easily they could happen to them under the right circumstances.

The Dag: Can you tell us more about your research? 

Since coming to Augustana in 2000, I have researched and published on a range of topics, including the use of prisoners in scientific experiments, senior citizens and their fear of crime, women’s experiences in war work during WWII, cannabis use and normalization, and, currently, a study on women’s experiences with sexism in the craft beer industry, which I am conducting with Dr. Geoff Dipple.

I have also collaborated with Dr. Stacy Lorenz on his research on hockey violence and masculinity and with Dr. Shauna Wilton on the role of university professors as public scholars. 

The Dag: What is the strangest/funniest thing someone told you about your course?

Over the years, I have had a lot of kind comments from former students who have told me how my research methods and courses prepared them for grad school or their chosen profession, or that my courses encouraged them to switch majors and take sociology, or that later in life they still think about the issues and ideas I addressed in my courses. I can’t think of anything funny that a student said about my course. Students come up with funny nicknames for my courses, like the qualitative research methods courses, which involve a lot of observation and interviewing, which students have called “Osborne’s Creeper course.”

I used to teach a theory course on Symbolic Interactionism, where students learned about theory, approaches, and concepts. After that, we apply them to the topic of exotic dancing. We would visit a “gentlemen’s club” and interview and observe the exotic dancers and staff. The students referred to that as “the Stripper course.” Most of the course had nothing to do with that, but the name stuck! In my Sociology of Deviant Behavior class, a young married couple told me that the section I covered on sexuality helped save their marriage. I reminded them I was not a therapist or marriage counsellor! I also had a student complain that she found my criminology theory class too upsetting because there was too much material on crime, violence, and criminals. I don’t know what she expected from a criminology course, which was strange! 

The Dag: What are some of your hobbies?

I volunteer as the Artistic Director for Rose City Roots Music Society and am part of the programming committee for the Bailey Theatre. I enjoy working and hanging out with like-minded people and bringing live music to Camrose. I also like to go for runs, play chess, read, watch films, and drink craft beer. In the summer, I head for my family cabin in Eastern Ontario, where I enjoy swimming, canoeing, and hiking. 

Making Space to Grieve and Grow

BY SHELBY PAULGAARD / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As we’re entering (or maybe more accurately, right in the middle of) one of the busiest times of the year, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that for some students, midterms and papers may not be the only thing on your plate. It can feel alienating to be dealing with personal problems while also trying to keep up with school work. It can feel like you’re alone, the only one dealing with these things, or cause you to downplay what is really going on in your life. When everyone seems to be stressed and dealing with a lot, it can make you feel like your own feelings aren’t as valid or are an overreaction.

I’m hoping this can be a sign for anyone who needs it right now: you’re not overreacting, your feelings are valid, and you can take as much time as you need to get through whatever you’re going through. As much as it can feel like deadlines are suffocating, most of your professors will understand if you need a couple of days to catch your breath and deal with whatever you need to deal with. It can be hard to remember sometimes, but they were all students once, too, and they all probably had at least one semester that made them feel like they were drowning.

Sometimes it feels like school–or even just life in general–is a set of steps you have to take, in the same order, and at the same time, as everyone else in order to be successful. This isn’t true. The truth is that we’re pushed to stay on this track, but some of us have to swim an ocean to get to the next step while others have to jump a puddle. Slowing down to take the time you need to cross that ocean is something you will never regret. If you need to let your grades drop a few percent while you take care of yourself, it’s worth it. If you realize you need to drop a class because it’s draining you and piling on top of everything else, do it! I know it’s hard to take that withdraw on the transcript, but luckily, your mental health is worth so much more than a couple of letters.

Make sure you stay mindful of what others might be going through this time of year. We are all stretched thin, but you might not ever understand the extent of this stretch on others unless you listen and do your best to be compassionate. It isn’t a competition; we are all just trying to keep our heads above water. Make some time this month to spread some love, and it might just come back around to you. And if you’re going through something hard this semester, my heart goes out to you. You are strong and brave for working through it, but you will be just as strong and brave if you lean on those who love you. Good luck, everyone, stay healthy, positive, and take care of yourselves. We’re almost in the homestretch now!

Existential

BY KING KHARS / FREELANCE WRITER

A nostalgic wave rushed to my head

and I was sent to past paralysis

The clock of time gifted by God

sways left and right

like the hypnotist’s golden watch

mastering mesmerization

A flood of memories crash my mind

at the shore of my skull


And crack I find the key to the universe

Jake Gudjonson: The Mindset and Preparation of a Hockey Player

BY PRECIOUS AKANINYENE / STAFF WRITER

Jake Gudjonson is a third-year university student majoring in Psychology, and an avid hockey player from Golden, BC. From a young age, he was immersed in the sport due to family influence and has been playing ever since. In this interview, Gudjonson shares his experience as a hockey player, his preparation before games and his most memorable moments.

For Gudjonson, the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical one. He relaxes before games and narrows his focus on the upcoming challenge. He tries to keep his mind from wandering by controlling what he can control and not letting things out of his control disrupt his mental state. In terms of physical preparation, he has a casual approach consisting of some light jogging and stretching before playing ping pong and soccer to stay warm and loose.

When asked about his favorite part of playing hockey, Gudjonson emphasized the camaraderie with his teammates and the feeling of winning together. “Nothing better than winning on a Saturday night at the Encana,” he said.

Gujonson faced a significant challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting hockey. He struggled to stay focused on the sport, but he overcame it by continuing to work and prepare for upcoming seasons.

As for the team’s performance this season, Gudjonson described it as “unreal.” He praised his teammates for their dedication and effort every night. Their goal is to push for the ACAC championship for the rest of the season.

One of Gudjonson’s most memorable moments was winning his first playoff series with the Vikings. It was a long time coming after a junior career that did not see much playoff love. Gudjonson advises aspiring players to keep pushing forward, learn, and get better with each obstacle along the way. “It does not matter the route you take, or how many teams do not want you, all that matters is that you keep moving forward,” he said.

Jake Gudjonson’s experience as a hockey player emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and camaraderie with teammates. His journey demonstrates that with hard work and determination, one can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Vikings player Jake Gudjonson. Photo submitted.

Interstellar Flight

BY SAM AL-KHALILI / STAFF WRITER

Lachrymosely, it rained

on two weathered, lonely lives.

Saccharine lips

and lightning’s awe

struck witness,

birthed flames and

a sudden breath

sheltered our Fire.

O Candlelight, of what words

flew across the sky to graze

the softening of your brow?

O Shadow, of what doubt

falls short of reminiscence?

North of a promise never forgotten.

like the light of a summer’s cottage kiss.

A heat cooled by a calm wind south

on your gentle terrain and

I remember your voice.

The voice that touched a star.

North of a promise ever forgotten?

Like the unison of our eyes.

A shared vow like if to leap was to kiss,

a cliff was spoken for and if we meet again,

we are to fly once more with

wings ever so effervescent.

Take a Hike: Packing for Miquelon Lake Provincial Park

BY RYLEE MACLENNAN

With the snow slowly melting and spring steadily approaching, you may be planning a trip or two for the summer. Being a student, trip planning can get expensive fast: accommodations, park passes, food, gas – the list goes on! So look a little closer to Camrose and plan to spend a day amongst the trees, birds, and beavers. Try Miquelon Lake Provincial park. If you’ve never been there, you can hike, walk, bike, and learn to your heart’s content. Here is how to pack for a day hike at Miquelon – from someone who has accidentally hiked a mountain.

Let’s be clear: you can camp at Miquelon lake, but as a student, you might not have the money, but you want to *feel* like you’re getting away, even if just for a day. So a day hike is a great option for you! I’ll cover what to bring for a walk, a 1-2 hour hike, and an all-day hike, as all need various levels of preparedness. I’ll also include a few walks and hikes to get you started blazing your trail.

A Walk (because no one wants to get all sweaty):

Trails to take: 

  • Shoreline path: paved and has a gorgeous lake view
  • Grebe Interpretive Path: paved and is a great learning experience

What to bring:

  • Good walking shoes, no flip flops or heels, just a decent pair of shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty
  • A full water bottle
  • Cell phone
  • A snack (or a few!)

A Few-Hour Hike (because you like to hike but aren’t too hardcore… yet):

Trails to take: 

  • Holdsworth: unpaved and looks at the magnificent forests around Miquelon lake – and you might meet some of the furry residents of the park!

What to bring:

  • Good walking shoes; I’d recommend investing in a pair of hiking shoes if you plan to do more hiking in the future, but runners work fine as well
  • More than one water bottle. I personally take 2-3, just in case
  • A cell phone
  • A flashlight
  • A snack and a meal that is easy to eat on the trail
  • A rain jacket or other warm jacket
  • Bandaids and blister pads
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • A hat
  • A backpack to store everything in. This can be any backpack that is comfortable to wear

A Day Hike (because you like to feel the blood pumping and the birds chirping):

Trails to take: 

  • Backcountry trails are unpaved and have the most challenging hikes at Miquelon. You are guaranteed to see wildlife. Another positive is that you choose the length of the hike, and it can be made anywhere from 2km long to 10km long.

What to bring:

  • Best hiking shoes, these shoes should be well broken in and be comfortable to wear for hours on end
  • Lots of water; know that these hikes can take 5+ hours to trek and have many hills
  • A cell phone and another communication device as cell service will not reach that far out
  • A flashlight 
  • Many energizing snacks 
  • A full meal (or two)
  • Electrolyte drink
  • Layered clothing, rain jacket, hoodie, and warm jacket
  • A complete and well-stocked first-aid kit
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • A hat
  • A lighter
  • A knife (for safety and emergency)
  • A daypack or structured backpack to store everything

There you have it: everything you’ll need to bring on your next trek to Miquelon! Know that all the trails are monitored, and if you get lost, or in case of a mishap, the maintenance crew will come through about once a day. So while this isn’t guaranteed, you won’t get too lost without someone noticing. Finally, make sure to leave the trails better than you found them, and that preparedness is key!

unspoken words.

BY AISHI NAYAR / STAFF WRITER

discovery; essential to revitalize plateau.

endless, expressive, euphoria,

my body ecstatic. 

my heart racing, 

my mind, 

mesmerized.

every layer inspires growth.

even if forbidden,

I explore.

for passion has no bounds,

it’s pointless to stay within limits.

clarity with every movement,

color brings about dimension.

cherishing the masterpiece,

for what makes art unique,

is its incompletion.

vigor through life,

investigation of purpose through differences,

resilience is necessary.

contentment turns into fulfillment,

haven is then attained.

inching closer,

admiration swells.

nervousness turns to relaxation,

hesitancy into excitement.

comforted through the life around me,

I breathe.

silencing the complexity,

I propel forward,

the past left behind,

the future, a mystery.

I sense all around me.

mindfulness;

present in the moment.

for the most beautiful things are felt,

never spoken.

– Aishi Nayar

Miss Know-It-All: Dear Unhappy

Hi 🙂 My friend and I have known each other for almost 2 years, and everything seemed to be going great, but these days he always throws “us dating” remarks anytime we’re together, and I have told him several times that I don’t want to be in a relationship and focus on what’s ahead of me, but he won’t stop pestering. I really don’t know what to do with him now 😦 Sincerely, Unhappy

Dear Unhappy,

I’m really sorry to hear that your friend doesn’t realize that you are after all, just friends 😉 (Cue Anne Marie song). But in all seriousness, if you’ve already mentioned how you feel about getting into a relationship, he has to realize that and respect your decisions. Otherwise, this could potentially affect his future interactions with you. If you feel uncomfortable in this friendship and like he isn’t respecting your boundaries, then it’s not worth keeping, more so if it also stresses you out. In my opinion, friends are there to share and relieve your burdens, not add to them. My advice would be to let him know all of this. If worst comes to worst, you may have to set up an ultimatum: him accepting being friend-zoned, or the end of this relationship. If he values you enough, he should be able to understand that there are some boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. 

That being said, do give him the time and space to make this decision, because if he is serious about you as a potential love interest, this may indeed be a hard choice for him to make.

Good Luck!

Miss Know-It-All