McMaster’s 5:30 a.m. athletes: the rowing team

C/o Yoohyun Park

Meet a McMaster sports team who finds themselves with very minimal media share — the rowing team. They were founded in 2002 and are composed of varsity, junior varsity and novice teams. The rowing team attends numerous regattas, the most recent one being the invitational regatta hosted by the University of Guelph. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McMaster Rowing (@mcmasterrowing)

With the lack of media attention comes a few problems for the team, the largest one being a lack of incoming members. Jacob Bresolin is the captain of the men’s rowing team. 

“Definitely without having a lot of media coverage and not much attention, it’s hard to keep numbers up and keep people interested in rowing. And definitely it’s a big turn off when you tell them that we have to wake up at 4:30 in the morning,” said Bresolin.

Sarah Oresnik, the captain of the women's rowing team, further echoed this message, conveying the difficulty of member recruitment, especially through the pandemic. 

“With COVID, we’ve had a couple of years of students graduating, so we lost a lot of our varsity members, and we didn’t have novice teams for at least a year,” said Oresnik.

The novice teams are made up of those who have an interest in rowing but have never rowed either competitively, or even at all. 

“The way novice works is it’s for people who have never rowed before and have never rowed a race in their life before, and we train them for a year and teach them how to row a race. And then if they come back for another year, they have the chance to be on the JV or varsity team straight out of novice,” explained Bresolin

While joining the team may be easier, having the will to stay on it is much harder. 

“I think keeping your cool and staying in time are the hardest parts about it,” said Bresolin. “And basically staying focused and keeping yourself from getting frustrated when things don’t go right. Especially when you’re in a boat with a lot of people, there’s a lot of factors that you can’t control.”

Oresnik agreed and explained her mentality regarding the sport. 

“When you get frustrated, [you have to] focus even more, keep your head in the boat, follow the swing of the person in front of you,” said Oresnik.

However, according to Bresolin, these hardships build great relationships. 

“Being at practice is another way that we actually build our team spirit and our team bond, just by rowing together every morning. The struggle builds friendships,” commented Bresolin.

"Being at practice is another way that we actually build our team spirit and our team bond, just by rowing together every morning. The struggle builds friendships."

Oresnik agreed, “Yeah, you’re all going through the same experiences, and it really brings you together.”

The rowing team’s next race is the weekend of the second of October, and will be hosted by Brock University in St. Catharines. In preparation for the event, the team will be heading to Trent University for an exhibitional race on Oct. 2. 

“This weekend, we are heading up to Trent University to row a bit of a longer race, it’s called a head race. It’s about five kilometers down the Trent course. . . It cuts through the campus, so it’s a really cool race. There’s a lot of energy at this regatta, so it should be a fun time,” explained Bresolin.

C/O Avel Chuklanov, Unsplash

Prioritizing work and school over social commitments is something to be proud of

By: Ardena Bašić, Contributor

The stereotype surrounding university and college years often involves abundant partying, going to events and socializing in general. While this is one way of ensuring one doesn’t miss out on “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities, it sometimes needs to take a backseat to other priorities, namely school and work. While this might lead to some FOMO — fear of missing out — it is important to respect such prioritization when it arises and realize that the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

Even most schools recognize that social gatherings are an integral part of student life, ensuring that there are plenty of on-campus events to bring students together. Homecoming and Welcome Week activities offer such examples. While the concept of meeting and engaging with new people is intriguing in and of itself, most people also feel pressure to do so in order to ‘fit in’ and not miss out on such experiences. 

Unfortunately, it is quite arduous to try and attend all these events while balancing other responsibilities. It is crucial to realize that, while there is always a party around the corner, education and work needs to be prioritized to foster a stable and prosperous future. While this is an understandable concept, peer pressure and trying to adhere to the ‘norms’ of a post-secondary education may blur that important notion. 

The idea of FOMO has become even more pronounced after COVID-19. For more than a year, the majority of our get-togethers have either been cancelled or done through a screen. What’s more is that our obligations have also been more flexible, with many schools, jobs and extracurriculars being moved online or to a hybrid format to accommodate these unprecedented times. 

It is clear to see why most people, especially students, are eager to get back to a ‘new normal’. Yet, we also need to return to finding a balance between the things we want to do, and the things we need to do. 

It is clear to see why most people, especially students, are eager to get back to a ‘new normal’. Yet, we also need to return to finding a balance between the things we want to do, and the things we need to do.

Ardena Bašić, Contributor

When we decide to forgo an event in favour of an assignment or an extra work shift, we should really be proud of ourselves for being able to make that decision. When there are so many things on our plate, it can be difficult to be honest with ourselves on what we really need to focus on. 

This is especially true given that transcending societal norms can be daunting, especially  considering the potential reactions from one’s peers. Instead of seeing yourself as a “buzz-kill” the next time you skip a party, reconsider that perspective to realize the effort you are putting into yourself and your future development. 

Alongside overcoming the barriers to making such a decision, putting in a little more work over play can also help ebb the difficulty one has finding employment or a spot in a post-graduate program. Although the potential increase in grades from extra study time may not be applicable everywhere, the skills in work ethic, time management and organization are invaluable for most employers.

Although the potential increase in grades from extra study time may not be applicable everywhere, the skills in work ethic, time management and organization are invaluable for most employers.

Ardena Bašić, Contributor

Moreover, if time is spent on part time and internship opportunities, that will allow for an even wider range of capabilities and relevant experiences to bolster one's resume. It may not be transparent at first, but a work-life balance — or even a scale with a slight prioritization towards work — pays off graciously in the long run. 

While you may think partying means you’re enjoying your youth, there is more to this stage of life than just socializing. This is the time when we are working to search for what we are passionate about, find out what our true life goals are, and continue to grow and learn each and every day. Despite what may come from missing out on one area of life from time-to-time, there are always endless new things to discover behind another door.

Photo by Travis Nguyen / Photo Editor

Why the way mathematics is taught does a disservice to its students

“What are you studying?”

This is the question all university students continuously face. It’s an easy icebreaker, a well-meaning inquiry, a pointed question and just about everything in between. 

As an Arts & Science student, I have a lot of flexibility in what courses I can take. At the moment, most of my courses are in math or political science. Without fail though, whenever I explain this to someone, they immediately latch onto the former. I’ve gotten reactions ranging from horrified, “You’re taking more math courses?” to strained comments such as, “Wow! I could never. But good for you.” 

I can count on one hand the times I’ve received an enthusiastic or an equally excited response. Because I do find math exciting. That’s why I’m studying it — not because I’m exceptionally bright or talented, but because even when I find it difficult and frustrating (and I often do), I enjoy math.

What I don’t enjoy, though, is the way it’s often taught. Math, like any field, relies on its students having a solid foundation. You need to be able to count, then you need to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide, in the proper order, and then you need to understand functions and transformations and so on and so forth. 

If you’re missing even a portion of one of these building blocks, it’s incredibly difficult to move forward. That’s likely why there is a strong emphasis on this kind of computational learning in mathematics, on memorizing multiplication tables, formulas and theorems. But to have a truly strong foundation in mathematics, you also need to be able to solve problems, to think and reason mathematically. 

 But to have a truly strong foundation in mathematics, you also need to be able to solve problems, to think and reason mathematically.

NISHA GILL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

But this deep comprehension is more difficult to teach. It’s not easily tested and it takes different students different amounts of time to arrive at this point. When you only have so many weeks in a semester to cover a large range of material, it’s not always possible to help everyone achieve this understanding.

This kind of deep comprehension is why I love math. I enjoy understanding the theory behind computations, deriving theorems and proofs and working backwards to see how and why certain formulas and theorems work the way they do. It’s thrilling to finally figure out the way to solve a problem, to watch as all the pieces come together, all the numbers and variables lining up and falling into place. 

Most of the work I do, at the Silhouette and otherwise, involves this same kind of problem-solving: working with the pieces of information I’m given, figuring out how to find the pieces I’m missing and coming up with a solution. It’s this deep comprehension that allows me to connect mathematics to the other areas of my life, but it’s also the one consistently missing from math education. 

Over the years, there has been debate, particularly at the elementary school level, about how we should approach mathematical education. There is the traditional approach, which has been heavily endorsed by Premier Doug Ford and his government, which relies heavily on computation and rote memorization. On the other hand, there is the more recent “discovery” or inquiry based approach, which instead encourages problem-solving and experiential learning. 

Most math teachers would argue that you need a mix of the two to ensure success and I would agree. Computation with comprehension clearly isn’t working, but comprehension needs computation to be clear and concrete.

But that’s still not the way it’s typically taught. In my experience, math education is also often fragmented, with approaches varying from teacher to teacher and curricula from place to place even within Canada.

But that’s still not the way it’s typically taught. In my experience, math education is also often fragmented, with approaches varying from teacher to teacher and curricula from place to place even within Canada.

NISHA GILL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Additionally, the topics themselves are rarely linked together in a cohesive and clear way that highlights the remarkable network of connection that actually exists between them and the rest of the world.

All of this comes together to contribute to the most insidious and damaging belief about mathematical education: the myth that you’re either good at it or you’re not. 

The number of times I’ve heard people say “Well, I’m just not a math person,” or “Math isn’t for me,” is too many to count. When I ask people why they say this, they’ll give me an anecdote, usually from elementary school, sometimes high school, about how they couldn’t figure out fractions or understand derivatives. 

Students are sorted into these camps early and often get stuck within them because this myth allows no room for improvement or growth. And when we not only deny students the opportunities to improve, but also teach them from a young age there are certain things you just can’t get better at, this is where the damage is done. 

Developing a strong comprehension of mathematical concepts and understanding how to think mathematically are key to helping students improve and ultimately debunking this myth. I’m not saying everyone would love math if only they could understand it. The same way not everyone loves English or Chemistry, there are going to be people who won’t enjoy math but I think a great deal more might if they could see it this way. 

Andrew Mrozowski/Editor-in-Chief

McMaster University attempts to discourage students from partaking in any homecoming festivities

On Oct. 1, Hamilton Police Services went through the Westdale area with a letter addressed to McMaster students from the Student Support and Case Management department.

"As we head into the weekend and the excitement of our first home football game of the season, we would like to remind you to keep safety, respect and your neighbours top of mind. This is especially important given this time of a global pandemic when there is heightened anxiety resulting from unsafe gatherings," stated the letter.

A letter sent to students by Student Support and Case Management encouraging not to partake in homecoming parties


Homecoming parties are not a new occurrence at McMaster University. In 2019, the Silhouette reported on a "fake homecoming" which occurred as a result of McMaster University moving the homecoming match to the end of reading week. FOCO was attended by an estimated 2000 students filling the street of Dalewood Ave. While HPS gave out tickets at this event, no arrests were made.

This year, the Marauders are set to play their first game at Ron Joyce Stadium against the Western Mustangs on Oct. 2, 2021. Historically homecoming has taken place on the day of this match. It is expected that this will continue regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is corroborated by users on the McMaster sub-Reddit claiming that the street party will once again be returning.

"To safeguard the community, McMaster will be ramping up its security presence on campus and in the surrounding neighbourhoods this weekend. Hamilton police will be watching for any unsanctioned and large-scale parties in the area," stated the SSCM letter.

"To safeguard the community, McMaster will be ramping up its security presence on campus and in the surrounding neighbourhoods this weekend. Hamilton police will be watching for any unsanctioned and large-scale parties in the area,"

McMaster University Student Support and Case Management



On Sept. 17, HPS released a statement indicating that there would be an increased police presence as it was suspected homecoming parties would begin on that weekend due to the Marauders' football season commencing at Western University.

Queen's University, University of Guelph and Western University have appeared in the news recently due to large street parties resulting in thousands of dollars in property damages.

At time of publication, Hamilton Police Services have taped off a lawn on Dalewood Ave. in preparation for homecoming. HPS mounted units can also be seen patrolling the Westdale area. Similar reactions by the Hamilton community to homecoming have occurred in pre-pandemic years.

According to the letter delivered to student-homes, McMaster Security Services will be working closely with HPS to monitor the area for large gatherings of students, both on and off campus, that break both provincial and municipal COVID-19 by-laws. SSCM also cited the McMaster Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, specifically with regards to the health and wellbeing of McMaster community members. If students are found to be in violation of the Code, academic repercussions may occur, such as suspension or expulsion from McMaster University.

"As a reminder, anyone found in violation of bylaws and laws - by hosting large gatherings for example — could be subject to charges, fines and possible sanctions under McMaster's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities . . . If violated, the Code allows for a range of sanctions up to and including suspension and expulsion," stated the SSCM letter.

"As a reminder, anyone found in violation of bylaws and laws - by hosting large gatherings for example — could be subject to charges, fines and possible sanctions under McMaster's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities . . . If violated, the Code allows for a range of sanctions up to and including suspension and expulsion,"

McMaster university Student Support and Case Management



Students who live on near where the party is set to occur have expressed their concerns, largely due to COVID-19.

"I think [the homecoming street party] is very dangerous, for not only the students, but the community surrounding McMaster. You don’t know who is vaccinated and who’s not. Even if you are vaccinated, you can still carry it and transmit it, so it’s very dangerous with that many people. You know with people our age, they likely won’t be wearing masks which makes it even more unsafe," said fifth-year earth and environmental science student, Andrew Smith.

Another student and Dalewood resident, who was granted anonymity by the Silhouette Editorial Board due to her proximity to the street party, echoed Smith's concerns.

"Regardless of COVID, big gatherings can cause lots of damage and put people at risk. Add COVID into the mix and you know stuff is going to happen and things are going to spread. People won’t be distancing if everyone is crowded into such a small street," said a second-year engineering student who resides on Dalewood Ave.

This is a developing story.

Subscribe to our Mailing List

© 2024 The Silhouette. All Rights Reserved. McMaster University's Student Newspaper.
magnifiercrossmenu