Margins Magazine - Volume 4 Issue 4

MARGINS 

I V . I V

VOL. IV | ISSUE IV 

MARGINS 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

& EQUITY STATEMENT 

We shall neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the 

dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or 

offensive environment in our physical and digital spaces. It is our collective 

responsibility to create spaces that are inclusive and welcome discussion. 

Any form of discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated. Hate 

speech rooted in, but not limited to, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, sexist, 

racist, classist, ableist, homophobic, or transphobic sentiments and/or 

remarks will not be tolerated. We all have an obligation to ensure that an 

open and inclusive space, free of hate is established. Any behaviour that 

does not demonstrate an understanding of these principles and/or creates 

an unsafe atmosphere will not be tolerated. 

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to 

those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous 

people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. 

It is important to understand the long-standing history that has brought 

you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that 

history. Colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our 

mindfulness of our present participation. 

The first step is to acknowledge that we, Margins Magazine & The UTSC 

Women’s and Trans Centre, are on the traditional land of the Huron- 

Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit 

River. We would like to sincerely pay our respects to their elders past and 

present, and to any who may be here with us today, physically, mentally, 

and spiritually. Today, these lands are still the home to many Indigenous 

people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity 

to work on this land. 

Visual Credits: Dmirty Fisenko 

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MARGINS 

A NOTE FROM THE 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF. 

Hello hello once again! 

Doesn’t time fly by so quickly? We’ve reached February 2021 now and so far, 

I’ve personally stayed committed to drop-kicking myself out of my comfort 

zone to disrupt the mundanity of life in a pandemic. Intentionally pursuing 

novelty in my work, projects, and hobbies has helped me to break through 

stagnancies and truly connect deeply with what I hold important. Don’t get me 

wrong though, it definitely isn’t sunshine and rainbows all the time… sometimes 

you just got to go with the flow as you navigate new roads while remaining 

hopeful, grateful, and grounded. 

In this issue, we explore the theme of Anew to signify moving forward again with 

a tinge of optimism to push past challenges in our ways of being and existing 

across different spheres. Editor Farah Ahmad speaks with YWCA Canada’s National 

Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications Anjum Sultana about the 

Feminist Economic Recovery Plan which centres around recovery, changing structures 

and breaking barriers that adversely affect vulnerable groups during the 

pandemic. Writer Zachariah Highgate explores the cultivation of creative spaces 

in conversation with Co.LAB Toronto’s Studio Director Lyza Manalo. We also have 

several pieces around mental health, well-being, and online learning. Hope you 

enjoy checking out all the lovely pieces within Margins Magazine! 

I leave you with this quote today, I leave you with this quote by Nikita Gill today: 

“When you emerge from the burning, covered in the ashes of the person you once 

were, remember how even the most devastating wildfires burn away debris and 

nourish the soil so that new trees can grow”. 

Till next time, 

shagun.kanwar 

Shagun Kanwar, Editor-In-Chief 

wtcmargins@gmail.com 

Visual Credits: Paweł Czerwiński 

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MARGINS 

A NOTE FROM THE 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR. 

'TIS THE SEASON TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED~ (of course self-care is included 

as well!) 

I 

think since the start of this year, I've really gotten to know myself and 

my worth better and because of that, I've been able to do the things 

that I would normally be so scared of doing. Right now, I'm doing a lot of 

mental health advocacy work, and holy moly I'm so grateful for the people 

I'm working with! Whenever I think I've learned everything on social inequity 

in the mental health field, there's still so much more out there. But, I'm still 

happy and grateful to be learning every day. 

More importantly, Happy Black History Month! In this issue, we have a 

lot of submissions from so many talented Black poets, and we're excited to 

share you with you all the talent and the power of these voices! Shagun and I 

didn't plan this, but we're excited it came together so well! In addition to this, 

the theme of ANEW was a big one for us for this year since everyone is leaving 

a period of chaos and moving into a different period with new opportunites 

for us to work with. 

I’d like to finish my director's note by sharing this gem of advice I have 

recieved from the lovely people in my life (i'm looking at you Shagun!): You're 

a makeup of the people you surround yourself with. With that said, if you find 

yourself feeling awkward or confused with yourself while around people who 

contribute to that unwelcoming feeling, LEAVE!!! You were given this life with 

a purpose that is up to you to create and understand, not to others. If people 

can't respect that, you're much better off without them. Anyways, please 

continue to give yourself and those around you good vibes! 

With much love, 

Arya Bhat, Creative Director 

arya.bhat@mail.utoronto.ca 


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MARGINS 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shagun Kanwar 

MANAGING EDITOR Nadia Adam 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Arya Bhat 

ILLUSTRATOR Tashfia Sharar 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kyana Espiritu 

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alexa DiFrancesco 

EDITOR Farah Ahmad 

EDITOR Ziyan Nadeem 

WRITER Bhanvi Sachdeva 

WRITER Maisha Maimunah 

WRITER Saman Saeed 

WRITER Sanah Malik 

WRITER Sofia Suleman 

WRITER Theevya Ragu 

WRITER Zachariah Highgate 

MARKETING DIRECTOR Maidah Afzal 

MARKETING DIRECTOR Radhika Gupta 

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY 

Ariellah 

Eesha Sondhi 

Huma Khan 

Katherine Abraham 

Tabassum Khan 

Varsha Sureka 

CREATIVE PIECES 

Boyiejide Jude 

Khadija Rashid 

POETRY 

Adetoye Samuel 

Akinmayowa Adedoyin 

Shobo 

Allan Lake 

Anika Munir 

David Nwafor 

Emmanuel Shadrach 

Johnson Goodness Oluchi 

Kelli J Gavin 

Kristine Loren Galima 

Maina Ann 

Olanrewaju Oluwadamilola 

Marvelous 

Peace Everest 

Unwuchola Victor 

You-Jin Kim 


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TABLE OF 

CONTENTS 

12 

In Conversation 

With: Anjum Sultana 

40 

In Conversation 

With: Co.LAB TO 

Writer Zachariah Highgate speaks with Lyza Manalo, 

one of the founding directors of Co.Lab Toronto, 

a female-owned dance studio that is currently in its 

development stage. Read more about the journey 

behind cultivating an inclusive, creatie space and 

the personal experiences that lead to its inception. 

Editor Farah Ahmad speaks with Anjum Sultana, the 

National Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications 

at YWCA Canada and UTSC Alumna Class of 2014 about 

the Feminist Economic Recovery Plan. Read more of their 

insighful conversation about the plan, its impact, and a 

glance into the future. 

74 

Artist Feature: 

Eesha Sondhi 

22 

26 

30 

34 

36 

38 

50 

52 

56 

Artist Series #1 - Huma Khan 

Artist Series #2 - 

Tabassum Khan 

Dreamed of & Prayed For: 

Kelli J Gavin 

All We Need - Anika Munir 

Time - Emmanuel Shadrach 

You Instead - Maina Ann 

Watercourse - Allan Lake 

Purpose (plural) & Messy 

Starts: Khadija Rashid 

The Blossomed Flower 

Bhanvi Sachdeva 

58 

62 

66 

70 

72 

76 

86 

An Open Letter to My High- 

School Self - Theevya Ragu 

Collection of Poems 

Kristene Loren Galima 

How WIBA’s RadioHER is 

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: 

Alexa DiFrancesco 

To Be, Or Not To Be? 

Sanah Malik 

The Girl With the Red Balloon 

Maisha Maimunah 

Psychological Health Society 

Saman Saeed 

Salvation Avenue 

Akinmayowa A Shobo 

88 

90 

92 

98 

100 

101 

Opting Out of My Comfort Zone 

Boyiejide Jude 

I Long for A Place - David Nwafor 

We Are - You-Jin Kim 

Battle Down - Adetoye Samuel 

Resurrected Pains 

Unwuchola Victor 

Peace Everest 

. 

In this issue, we highlight the work of artist Eesha 

Sondhi titled “Naturally Grateful”. Born with the curiosity 

gene, she aspires to become a Clinical Psychologist 

in her mission to help in the fight of destigmatizing 

mental illnesses and healing in the community. 

Read more about the inspiration behind her work! 

102 

104 

106 

108 

114 

116 

Again - Olarewaju O Marvelous 

I Became The Person I Needed 

Kristine Loren Galima 

My Morning 

Johnson Goodness Oluchi 

Metamorphosis - Arriellah 

Artist Series #3 

Katherine Abraham 

Hope - Varsha Sureka 

Visual Credits: Paweł Czerwiński


MARGINS 

IN CONVERSATION 

WITH: 

ANJUM SULTANA 

by Farah Ahmad 

I had the opportunity to chat with Anjum Sultana, an award-winning public policy 

and communications specialist. In this interview, we spoke about her work on 

the Feminist Economic Recovery Plan and she gave us some insight on policy recommendations 

to address the inequalities faced by women during the COVID-19 

pandemic. 

Anjum Sultana is a policy professional based in Toronto, Ontario. Anjum holds an 

Honours Bachelor of Sciences in Health Studies, Psychology and Neuroscience from 

the University of Toronto as well as a Masters of Public Health from the Dalla Lana 

School of Public Health. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about 

the intersection of public health, human rights and social determinants of health, 

focusing on the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities. 

In 2020, Anjum was named Global Women of Distinction by the NGO Committee on 

the Status of Women. She will be honoured before the 64th session of the United 

Nations Commission on the Status of Women. 

She currently serves as the National Director of Policy & Strategic Communications 

at YWCA Canada, which is the largest women’s multi-service organization in 

Canada. Anjum is recognized by Progress Toronto as an inclusive city builder and 

a principled supporter of progressive policies to make our city a healthier, happier 

and more equitable place to be. 

The Feminist Economic Recovery plan was put forward by YWCA Canada and the 

Institute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School 

of Management. The plan proposes a new path for the Canadian economy in light 

of the COVID-19 pandemic, one that focuses on changing the structure and barriers 

that have made some groups more vulnerable to the pandemic and all its fallouts. 

This plan discusses a variety of policy recommendations centred around 8 pillars 

for recovery that focus on supporting the care economy, investment into social 

infrastructures and supporting women-owned businesses. 

TW: domestic abuse, COVID-19 

FA: Thank you so much for taking the time 

to meet with me to talk a bit about the 

Feminist Economic Recovery Plan. Before 

we start, could you tell us a little bit about 

yourself? 

AS: My name is Anjum Sultana. Currently, I 

serve as the National Director of Public Policy 

and Strategic Communications at YWCA. 

Before I came to the role here, I spent a lot of 

my early part of my career in health equity 

and public health. Following my degree at 

the University of Toronto Scarborough, I did 

a master’s in public health. As I was doing 

[my master’s] I had worked internationally, 

then also worked in Toronto, – in doing so 

I was seeing work around issues related to 

immigration, refugees, and migration. That 

was a place where I could bring my global 

health interest as well as my interest in urban 

health equity to the City of Toronto. 

And so, right after my master’s, I did a fellowship 

at the Wellesley Institute which is a 

think tank that focuses on the social determinants 

of health and how that can be an 

avenue to teaching health equity. I was working 

on issues related to housing and employment 

and training programs, all looking at 

it through an equity lens and also looking 

at things like citizenship - for example, how 

is that a health equity issue. Whether or not 

you’re a citizen has a determination of if you 

can vote. And as we saw, you know, earlier 

this week, right, elections are very consequential. 

So who can and can’t participate 

in democracy matters for our well-being in 

a broader, more holistic way. 

Fast forward a couple of years, an opportunity 

came up at YWCA Canada. Throughout 

my career, I did a lot of research and analysis, 

but I was hungry for how to take that and put 

it into action into that public policy space, 

and I got a taste of that at Wellesley. So when 

this role came up, I was excited and now I’m 

leading this work, and doing this through a 

pan-Canadian lens, advancing gender equity, 

and looking at the same issues I was looking 

at Wellesley like housing, employment & 

income security, but through a gender lens 

now. 

FA: Awesome. That’s great. And that sort 

of feeds into my next question. I was wondering 

if you could tell me a little bit more 

about the YWCA? 

AS: Yeah, so YWCA Canada is the nation’s 

largest and oldest gender equity organization. 

So that means we’ve experienced multiple 

pandemics and multiple types of emergency 

situations. When COVID hit and when, 

on March 11, the World Health Organization 

called it a pandemic, even before that date, 

YWCAs across the country were mobilizing. 

We have 31 YWCAs that work in 300 communities 

across the country and in real-time, 

they are seeing the devastation of this pandemic, 

not only on health, and well-being like 

physical health and mental health, but also 

the devastation on the economic well-being 

and social infrastructure. We were seeing 

this happen across the country, we were 

stepping up and taking action. At the same 

time, we were also realizing again what we 

were fighting for before the pandemic is even 

more important. 

We need universal child care because we 

saw how the absence of child care grinds the 

economy. We saw gender-based violence and 

we have been calling for a national action 

plan regarding gender-based violence. But 

in the pandemic, we saw gender-based violence 

increase, and how, because of the lack 

of coordination and participation of different 

sectors of society, people are falling through 

the cracks. Similarly, our income security 

programs are insufficient and inadequate for 

the needs of the communities that we serve. 

So again, this is another place where we need 

to see policy action. Realizing that these challenges 

were happening on the ground across 

the country, we put forward a pan-Canadian 

policy report, talking about recovery through 

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MARGINS 

a gender lens and talking about how we need 

to center women, two-spirit and gender diverse 

people in these conversations. Unfortunately, 

it is mathematically impossible for us to have 

a recovery if we don’t center the communities I 

mentioned while looking at it through a gender 

and intersectional lens. But also, we will roll 

back all of the progress we have made over the 

last 30 years and so, it’s not even just addressing 

what we are losing right now, but also setting 

us up for the future. 

FA: Could you talk a little bit about the overall 

process of the feminist economic recovery 

plan and who were the key contributors 

to the plan? 

AS: Yeah, so this was a joint report by a YWCA 

Canada and the Institute for Gender in the Economy 

at the University of Toronto. I’m very proud 

to say it, from tip to tail, from the writing to 

the analysis to the design to the website, it was 

all done by young women, in particular, young 

women of colour. That’s something that was 

really important for us. And it’s something that 

we talk about directly within the plan around 

supplier diversity and how we need to have set 

asides in public procurement processes for businesses 

that are run by women, gender diverse 

people and people of racialized communities. 

That’s something within our plan we made possible. 

So those were the two organizations we 

had at the core. Additionally, we had expert 

reviewers from civil society and also within the 

YWCA movement. As we are a pan-Canadian 

organization, several YWCA advocacy directors 

are expert reviewers. 

Before the plan came out, we hosted a number 

of webinars on gender equity during the pandemic, 

talking about what has been the impact 

on the care economy. What is it that people are 

seeing in real-time in their communities, and 

all of that was informing this plan. So it was a 

multi-layered process. We focused on pan-Canadian 

perspectives on gender equity and for 

the YWCA, we have certain areas that we’re an 

expert in. The plan was not ever meant to be 

the ‘be-all-end-all’- we encourage organizations 

if you want to look at feminist recovery 

through an international lens around foreign 

policy do so if you want to look at it through 

an environmental justice lens, please do so. 

Ours was a place where we created an opening 

for that dialogue and it’s been great to see 

that dialogue across the country and across 

the world too. 

FA: Could you describe the gendered 

impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic on 

these communities that you’ve mentioned? 

And then how does the recovery 

plan address these issues? 

AS: Yeah, so a few different ways. So right 

away, when the pandemic hit, the sectors 

that were most devastated [and] that grinded 

to a halt, are predominantly women majority 

sectors, so hospitality, tourism, and retail 

services. In addition, the jobs that did stay 

put were even more reliant on the central 

economy and those essential workers are 

predominantly women. In the health sector, 

over 70% of healthcare workers are women, 

whether it’s in cleaning or it’s in cashier 

positions at grocery stores. We were seeing 

women who were particularly devastated 

by the pandemic because where they work, 

those jobs were shut down, they completely 

lost those jobs, or they lost hours. At the 

same time work did increase, because the 

sectors where we needed more people are 

predominantly women. 

At the same time, I’m just talking right now 

about paid work, unpaid work also increased. 

We’re seeing many parents, especially moms, 

especially single mothers, having to deal with 

not only working perhaps either in an essential 

job or a job that could be done remotely, 

taking care of additional care duties, and also 

homeschooling. Right now in Ontario, children 

are not going to go back physically to 

school till January 25 and we don’t know if 

that’s gonna be the date, right [since extended 

to mid February]. 

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Visual Credits: Blanche Studios


MARGINS 

So we’re seeing on multiple fronts, economically, 

they were devastated. We were also 

seeing already before the crisis, housing and 

homelessness are big issues. So that has 

increased precarity, but also gender-based 

violence. We’re seeing on multiple fronts, 

women experiencing incredible challenges 

and yet, our policy responses are not as [adequate 

as the] economic recovery plan came 

into play. Canada has never experienced 

something like this before, or the world with 

the specific gender impacts I mentioned so 

we can’t use a traditional approach, we need 

a new way of doing things. That’s what the 

feminist recovery plan offers – it’s a new playbook 

on how to deal with these types of crises. 

And I’ll say, for example, in previous recessions, 

predominantly male majority sectors 

are most impacted. So what is the solution? 

Let’s invest in more bridges, more roads, more 

physical infrastructure. Because who has been 

impacted in this crisis is different, we need to 

do things differently to address their unique 

needs and that’s what this plan offers. 

FA: That’s awesome. So it’s been a couple 

of months since the plan has been released. 

How do you think that the government 

has responded? And how have other organizations 

also taken in what you’ve put 

forward? 

AS: Our job is to essentially identify when 

government policies are not working for the 

people. That’s what we did with the Feminist 

Economic Recovery Plan, we put forward the 

perspectives of the people we serve through 

our analysis, through gendered and intersection 

lenses. From what we’ve seen, it has been 

promising, so we put up the plan at the end of 

July. By September, we saw the federal government 

commit publicly to a feminist recovery, 

so that was in the speech from the throne. 

Then we saw in the fall economic statement, 

money put towards an action plan on women 

in the economy and National Secretariat on 

early learning and childcare, and money for 

re-skilling and training programs for women 

who have lost their jobs because of this crisis. 

Those were all recommendations that were 

echoed in our feminist recovery plan and was 

really promising to see. 

Now, the piece of the puzzle is, we saw some 

investments in childcare that are promising, 

but we need investments in the order 

of billions. A couple million here and there to 

develop a Secretariat is important, but what 

we need is an actual system. We need the 

provinces and territories at the table because 

they play the central implementing role along 

with the municipalities. So that’s what we’re 

looking at for March 2021, to see significant 

investments to build a system that works. 

But we’ve seen some promising pieces – 

across the country we’ve also seen other levels 

of government and other civil societies 

organizations put out their plans, which was 

exactly what our goal was. So ours is the first 

nationally focused plan in the world. Since 

the plan was launched, we saw people in Australia 

look at developing their own plan, the 

UK and Austria have put out a plan. We’ve 

seen a plan come out by African feminists, 

we’ve seen a plan come out in South Africa. 

So we’re seeing this globally, this momentum 

for a feminist recovery. 

In Canada, we’ve seen feminists deliver and 

the province of British Columbia put out a 

province-wide plan and similarly in the City 

of Ottawa, we’ve seen a localized plan. So 

we’re seeing this momentum build. The goal 

now is to actually see that [momentum] create 

policy change and we’re just starting to 

see that. 

FA: I think that feeds into my next question 

really well, we talked about childcare and 

how the 2021 budget didn’t include child 

care work. You talked a little bit about 

having provinces at the table when discussing 

child care because they’re essential 

in implementing this type of policy. Do 

you sort of have an idea of what you see 

in the future regarding child care, maybe 

in the March 2021 federal budget? 

AS: Yeah, in the federal budget, we’re hoping 

to see billions of dollars in investments in child 

care. Not only does it address the realities of 

parents who need to work and a place for our 

children to go to also learn, but it’s also a job 

creator. Jim Stanford, at the end of December, 

actually put out a study looking at the fact 

that investments in child care, if we did it in the 

same model that Norway has, we would actually 

see potentially $29 billion in revenue per 

year. So in a way, investments in childcare could 

pay for itself. Not only that, it actually increases 

job creation, not only do you have to have early 

childhood educators, if we’re actually building 

more childcare centers, that’s actually jobs in 

construction as well. 

Investment in childcare creates 1.5 times more 

jobs compared to an equivalent investment in 

construction. So, you just actually get more 

bang for your buck, because like I was mentioning 

before, in previous recessions, the tool has 

been more infrastructure development, [which 

leads to] more jobs in construction. But, if you 

put the same money in childcare, you actually 

get more jobs, and you get a public service that 

is actually needed. 

FA: Going into, I guess, the last point of the 

recovery plan, specifically, one of the principles 

talked about a shadow pandemic. Could 

you talk a little bit about what a shadow 

pandemic is? 

AS: Yeah, so the shadow pandemic is the pandemic 

around gender-based violence. So I’ll 

be clear, gender-based violence was a significant 

issue well before this crisis. But unfortunately, 

because of the crisis, because of the 

nature of COVID, not only has it increased, 

it’s transformed gender-based violence. So 

what do I mean by this? So one example is 

more online hate. So more of us are spending 

time online because we have to physically 

be distanced. What we’re seeing is in the public 

realm, as especially young women, young 

women of colour are participating, we’re seeing 

gender-based violence increase in those 

spaces. We’re seeing gender-based violence 

increase in people’s homes because of that 

increased control that an abuser may have. 

We are hearing of women who are not able 

to access their cell phones and the internet 

and they’re being trapped. Also, some women 

have experienced threats of eviction or 

eviction itself, because their abusive partners 

are essentially saying if you retaliate, 

you’re going to be put on the street. So we’re 

seeing just devastating domestic violence. 

We’re also seeing people who were perhaps 

precariously employed or face challenges in 

accessing their full workplace rights are also 

experiencing potential challenges and gender-based 

violence. So I’m thinking about 

people who are living caregivers, who are 

domestic workers, who have to sometimes 

work in homes, during this crisis. That’s been 

something we’ve been keeping an eye on, the 

potential and the actual, increased abuse of 

domestic workers and living caregivers. 

We’re also seeing our shelters being very 

taxed and so in some ways, in some parts 

of the country, shelter use has increased 

because people are experiencing more violence, 

so they are reaching out. But we’re also 

worried in some communities where we’re 

not seeing as much engagement because 

people [forced into] making the decision 

between do I expose myself to COVID or do 

I expose myself to gender-based violence. 

[This] really speaks to that housing insecurity 

and affordability issue. So that is something 

we’re also working with public health authorities 

to ensure that the messaging around 

public health doesn’t make people feel that 

they can’t reach out for help. That’s also 

been one of the pieces of the puzzle. We’re 

hoping to ensure that people who need shelters 

[know they] are still open, shelters are 

still here, we are an essential service [and] 

we have not closed. And that’s been a huge 

part of the challenge around gender-based 

violence. 

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MARGINS 

Visual Credits: Blanche Studios 

FA: Yeah, I think that perfectly captured the 

interdependencies across many different 

issues. Jumping to the next question, could 

you talk a bit about the National COVID 

Economic Recovery Task Force? I believe 

that the plan has called for it and I think 

it’s since been implemented? 

AS: Yeah, So that’s a great question. One of the 

things we have noticed is that in many parts of 

the world, unfortunately, women have faced 

not only the brunt of the crisis but are also 

the leaders in terms of the workers who are 

addressing the crisis. However, they actually 

don’t make up the leadership table of many of 

these COVID recovery task forces. So for us, at 

any table where we are talking about COVID, 

there needs to be a gender equity lens, there 

needs to be the people who are most affected 

at that table. In fact, there was a survey of 

30 countries primarily OECD countries that 

found that only 23% of these COVID Recovery 

Task Forces are filled by women and that is 

a big disservice. 

One of the things that we did see the federal 

government put out, that we are actively 

following is this idea of an action plan on 

women in the economy, and that this action 

plan would have a task force attached to it. 

So in the fall economic statement, there was 

actually a budget line attached to this for 

the next two years. What is unclear is who is 

on the task force and if there is going to be 

intersectional representation. Young women, 

for example, have been deeply impacted by this 

crisis. Black, Indigenous and racialized women 

have been deeply impacted by this crisis, and 

predominantly have experienced the brunt of 

the pandemic. So when we talk about women, 

it’s really important to not lose that race and 

age lens. That is what we’re looking for in this 

COVID task force that the government is putting 

out, but we haven’t seen details yet. Maybe in 

March, we’ll see more details. But the goal is, 

even with the vaccine rollout, we’re seeing that 

we actually will be living with COVID for at least 

the next year, if not the next couple of years. 

So we need a task force built for time and built 

with the right communities at the table. 

FA: There have been discussions regarding 

a snap election, most likely in the 

spring. Do you think that the principles 

found within this economic recovery 

plan could be seen across political parties 

as they begin to campaign? 

AS: That’s a great question. I’ll say first and 

foremost as a charity, we’re nonpartisan so 

we don’t support any individual party. We 

know who has been impacted the most, 

the data is there, it’s very clear and that 

was the purpose of the plan, [to] assemble 

all the right data, but then also create 

and identify key solutions. For us, it doesn’t 

matter which political party is in power, 

these issues are not going to go away and 

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MARGINS 

Visual Credits: Blanche Studios 

the solutions we have offered are solutions that will make the economy work for everyone. 

For us, that is the biggest piece of the puzzle. 

I think one of the fundamental things every single party needs to look at for any platform 

they put out is what is their intersectional gender-based analysis, that is going to be very, 

very important. Right now we have something called the Canada Budgeting Act. So as you 

have probably seen in the budget there is towards the end, even in the fall economic statement, 

there is a starting base to identify whether this policy measure will affect women 

more, or this will affect youth more. We’re starting to see some analysis of policies through 

an intersectional lens, the same thing has to be done for platform recommendations. The 

thing is, there are so many policy recommendations that have been put forward for generations, 

I talk about childcare but we have been talking about this for 50 years, 50 years. 

I’ve been talking to policy wonks who’ve been doing this work for 30 years and they said, 

they’ve never seen a policy window quite like COVID-19, where things are seen as possible 

that weren’t seen before. 

As a member of civil society, my job is to essentially make sure people are aware of the 

solutions that are possible. If we do have a snap election, for every single party we will 

be doing a report card, if you will, of the different policy platforms that come out and we 

will be actually putting it against this economic recovery plan. We have the roadmap right 

there for parties to take on and that’s something we’re going to be looking at very closely. 

I’ll say our top priority is childcare, we need to see a substantial childcare plan. We need 

to see substantial focus on housing and homelessness. That is something COVID-19 has 

shown us: if you don’t have a home, that is terrible for health, not just individually, but 

public health. For us, the other big piece of the puzzle is gender-based violence. So if you 

don’t see these three things addressed in a meaningful way, along with of course recovery, 

20 

that’s something we’ll be disappointed by. 

FA: So the last question, I guess we spent a lot of today talking about some long 

term goals and sort of what we’ve seen so far. How do you measure success? Is it 

appropriate? 

AS: Yeah, that’s a great question. I think as an organization in this very challenging media 

landscape, it’s challenging to make issues matter to people. I think one of the big indicators 

of success for us was when we saw in the speech from the throne, an explicit mention of 

a feminist recovery. I think that is actually unheard of in many countries around the world 

and I know other civil society organizations and other countries are pushing for that. So 

that really spoke to the advocacy and the success we were able to have in terms of shaping 

the public discourse. 

I think another measure of success was how many different types of organizations have 

essentially started to talk about this issue. For us, what has been really promising to see is 

how chambers of commerce have started to reference our report and start to talk about the 

importance of child care, and a she-recovery in addressing this through a feminist recovery 

lens. So that’s been interesting to see. I think the biggest test is, we’ve done our part of 

civil society to put forward policy solutions. Part of our job is also to push public pressure 

and we’ve done that immensely. Through the media relations we’ve been doing over the 

last three to four months, I think the key now is knowing the balls in the court of the government. 

So it’s up to them to essentially get their different players at the table because 

we’ve made very clear what the economic, gender equality, and health equity arguments 

are. So now we’ve done our part, but we’re also holding the government accountable to 

follow through. 

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MARGINS 

ARTIST SERIES #1. 

by Huma Khan 

@khan.huma.102 

@huma_ullah43 

Huma Khan is an artist that works with both acrylic and mix media. She 

tries to experiment with a multitude of varying tones of diverse colours 

and patterns. In her paintings, she likes to utilize textures as needed. Her 

primary medium of expression is abstract art. In her works, forms of nature 

acquire a different appearance and significance in their corporeal states 

that are at times overloaded, burdensome, broken, and perhaps even tortured. 

She brings out the emotional intensity utilizing coarse straw-like 

lines. She hopes for viewers to find themselves pausing and pondering 

over the fabric and patterns of existence itself while enjoying her art. 

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MARGINS 


by Tabassum Khan 

@Tabassum Yusuf 

Tabassum Khan is an artist based in India that primarily works with acrylic 

ink on paper. In regards to her work, she draws inspiration from nature, 

both the all-encompassing light and dark sides. 

Usually, birds are seen as light and joyful beings of mellow temper, and 

associated with a celebration of hope & the freedom of flight. Some pets 

and other animals, even in their wild state, may serve to amuse. However, 

in Khan’s art work, they acquire a somewhat different appearance and 

significance. Their corporeal state is at times overloaded, burdensome, 

broken and even tortured. She brings out the emotional intensity of these 

themes using coarse, straw-like lines. Finally, she delves into the warp and 

weft of their pain, fear, the occasional joy and more frequent blackness. 

Viewers may be reminded of certain issues in our troubled times relating 

to environment and violence. The red blotches at places represent corpuscles 

strewn here and there. The wound-inflicting fangs and claws, and 

prey erratically moving away, are reminiscent of the constant struggle for 

survival. The pony’s wings are not yet fully articulated, but the pressure 

bows it down. Various creatures and critters have been set adrift - with 

pulsating, euphoric energy, yet a strange wave of stillness covers them. To 

view these images offered in black and white, and in colours as well, is to 

find oneself pausing and pondering over the fabric and patterns of existence 

itself. To treat life in its multiple dimensions and aspects is always 

a challenging task in the creative arts, yet Khan delivers. 

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MARGINS 

dreamed of & prayed for. 

by Kelli J Gavin 

Kelli J Gavin of Carver, Minnesota is a Writer, Editor, Blogger and Professional 

Organizer. Her work can be found with Clarendon House Publishing, 

Sweetycat Press, The Ugly Writers, Sweatpants & Coffee, Zombie Pirates 

Publishing, Setu, 300 South Media Group, Cut 19, Otherwise Engaged, 

Flora Fiction, Love What Matters, Printed Words and Southwest Media 

among others. Kelli’s first two books were released in 2019 (“I Regret 

Nothing - A Collection of Poetry and Prose” and “My Name is Zach - A 

Teenage Perspective on Autism”). She has also co-authored 18 anthology 

books. With two more books to be released in 2021, she is also working 

on a collection of fiction short stories. 

@KelliJGavin 

www.kellijgavin.blogspot.com 

You wild child 

The child I dreamed of 

The child I prayed for 

I thought when you were in the womb 

That you were trying to find a way out 

You’d kick and stab me 

Elbows and feet and knees and head 

There wasn’t enough space 

You made sure to let me know 

I prayed over you to calm you down 

But you kept fighting the good fight 




The child who came too soon 

Who screamed the moment 

The air hit you in the face 

You never stopped screaming 

Until you were in my arms 

You quieted if only for a moment 

And then you were hungry 

Your scream could be heard everywhere 


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The child who never was still 

You played like it was your job 

You crawled because you always had 

Important things to tend to 

You began to walk and then run 

Because it got you there faster 

No slowing you down 

The world was waiting for you 




The child who turns everything 

Into a song 

So much movement 

Never able to hold still 

Why walk when you can dance 

Why sit still when you can explore 

I see more of you these days as you race away 

Than I do of you returning to me 




You may not need me as much 

As you did when you were small 

But the sight of you approaching 

Brightens my day and makes me smile 

My arms are always open for you 

To dive into 

To take solace in 

And know you are loved 





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all we need. 

by Anika Munir 

Anika is a second year student at the University of Toronto Scarborough 

doing a double major in Public Policy and City Studies. Anika is passionate 

about writing, politics and law. She believes in creating a positive change 

in the world through advocacy for mental health, youth issues and affordable 

housing! She has various hobbies which she enjoys doing like hiking, 

cooking and learning new things. She finds staying active is essential to 

a healthy lifestyle and enjoys taking part in activities which allow her to 

be active and most of all, allow her to have fun! 

@anikamunir 

@munir_anika 

Anika Munir 

A New Year! 

A fresh beginning. 

Yet, you and I walk the same paths. 

Not with one another. 

But apart. 

Once, we had walked these paths together. 

Close and in step with one another. 

But not this year. 

This year we are learning to be apart. 

Learning to let go of the memories we once shared. 

Learning to be happier perhaps with someone else. 

Learning to love ourselves without the validation of another. 

Learning that we can do anything if only we believe in ourselves. 

Learning to put ourselves first. 

We are learning. 

Maybe that is all we need. 

It may feel hard at this moment. 

Thinking about you. 

Thinking about us. 

But we need this. 

We need to learn and let go. 

Of what could have been. 

But couldn't be. 


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time. 

by Emmanuel Shadrach 

Blue is the eyes of faith. 

True, the gods are not to blame, 

When all we do is resign to fate, 

To kiss and embrace what we hate. 

A time is coming; 

When shadows will be, 

Wandering up and down the hills 


When injuries won’t heal, 

Adding to the pains we feel. 

“The 

time is 

coming.” 


When all will depend on fate, 

Taken unaware by friendly baits. 

The time is coming. 

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MARGINS 

you instead. 

by Maina Ann (The Unfelt Pen) 

mainaswordworld.wordpress.com 

This poem is about a girl who has her heart broken, and is trying to 

move on, to find what she once lost, and love anew. A girl can dream. 

@the.unfelt.pen @TheUnfeltPen Maina Ann 

Tonight, just like every other night I’m awake at a dark place 

Awake in the city that has more broken hearts than happy faces 

Passing by them, you could tell just by our empty gazes 

With mine reflecting a love story with no happy ending too 

I’m wishing we could turn back time, maybe I’d unmeet you 

Or travel into a future where you’re no longer what I think of 

I’m reminiscing on the times you were glad to have me in your life 

Guess that leaves you unhappy now that you held the knife 

Stabbing me countless times, now my heart is drained off blood 

All I have is tears on my pillows too much it could flood 

The times you told me I was perfect just the way I were 

That I didn’t have to change anything leave alone cover my scars 

You said I snored beautifully, later I was the cause of your insomnia 

You said I had the cutest lips, then why did I catch you kissing her? 

Sad! My lips no longer smile to the story of our memories 

Neither do my hips sway to the sound of your heart beating 

I wish I’d say you look happier with her in your arms going down 

But then I’d be lying because you also have the empty gaze now 

Like you lost gold in the river bed in the mud 

Guess I’m wrong, maybe you’re happier and I’m glad 

We gave love a chance, I wasn’t ready for the hurt 

So tonight, just like every other night I’m awake at a dark place 

In a stranger’s bed wishing it was you instead on my face 

Maybe this bottle of whiskey will drown with it all this pain 

And I will find someone like you once again 

Like a love I once knew 

Anew! 

Just maybe! 

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MARGINS 

IN CONVERSATION 

WITH CO.LAB TORONTO 

Lyza Manalo 

by Zachariah Highgate 

For this issue of Margins, I had the opportunity to speak with Lyza Manalo, one of the 

founding directors of Co.Lab, a female-owned dance studio that is currently in its development 

stage. We spoke about the inclusive space Lyza and her team hope to create 

within Co.Lab and the personal experiences that lead to its inception. Lyza was candid 

when speaking about her experience as a dancer in Toronto and I appreciated her honesty. 

Zachariah Highgate: Thank 

you for sitting down to speak 

with us at Margins Magazine! 

Before we begin, can we just 

get a quick bio [from you]? 

Lyza Manalo: Thank you 

so much for having me! My 

name is Lyza Manalo, I am 

twenty-three years old, born 

and raised [in] Toronto. I am a 

co-director of Co.Lab studios 

and I grew up dancing my 

whole life, since I was three. 

I literally don’t even remember 

my first dance class 

[but] basically I was a classical-trained 

studio kid growing 

up and then after high school 

I kind of transitioned more 

into the dance industry 

[and] drop-in class culture. 

[That was] where I was more 

exposed to the Toronto dance 

community and the Toronto 

dance scene. I’ve been on a 

couple [of] dance teams and 

dance companies since then. 

I’ve also trained on a HEELS 

dancing company as well, 

which was a pretty inspiring 

experience being in a room 

full of women [where] everyone 

[is] cheering each other 

on and non-judgemental. 

That was one of [the] most 

exciting companies that I 

was on. Fast forward, with 

COVID-19 and everything 

happening, everyone’s lives 

are kind of on pause so I had 

a little bit of time to think. 

Co.Lab [is a] project that’s 

been in my back pocket for 

a long time and you never 

expect your dreams to come 

into reality so soon. You 

always have these plans [that 

might happen] further down 

the line. This is my dream, 

this is what I want to do. I’m 

twenty-three years old, I 

never would have thought 

I would be a studio owner 

at this age, but here we are. 

ZH: Congratulations! When 

we get into it, [our readers] 

will see how much is going 

on. With that in mind, tell 

us about the Co.Lab creative 

space and what 

you are working towards. 

LM: Co.Lab is primarily a 

female-owned and femalerun 

dance studio. However, 

the idea that we have 

for Co.Lab is a little bit different 

than the traditional 

dance studio, in the sense 

that we want [a hybrid] 

creative space that welcomes 

all walks of art. We 

just want to create a space 

where artists feel welcome 

to come as they are, as their 

true selves, and we really 

want to promote multimedia 

collaborations. [Those 

multimedia collaborations 

could be] dance, poetry, 

visual arts, photography... 

we just want to bring all of 

those arts together because 

we feel like there is kind of 

a disconnect within the 

dance community. If you 

Studio Director 

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MARGINS 

were to ask around, there would probably be less than a handful of main 

videographers or photographers that people know of, but Toronto is such 

a huge city with [a lot] of talented artists. I feel like we just really want to 

connect all of those people together. Another really big aspect of Co.Lab 

is that we stand on the values of respect, transparency, and inclusivity. 

One thing I noticed as I entered the dance community [was that] I had 

the chance [to work at] a couple of the big-time dance studios in Toronto 

and I felt like the studios never really promoted values as much as they 

should have. I feel like when I go to a space, especially a dance school, 

I want to know what that place stands for, what their goal is [and why] 

they exist. I feel like that was just lacking so I really want Co.Lab to have 

all of those aspects and hit those marks that those studios were missing. 

ZH: That’s amazing, thank you for sharing that! Your website states 

that Co.Lab is committed to “creating and maintaining an environment 

that meets the ever changing needs of the Toronto art community”. 

Could you elaborate on what you feel those needs are? 

LM: Basically, that statement was built off the idea that we wanted to cater 

to artists in their simplest forms, which is as [individuals and humans] 

within a community. Being active members within the dance community, 

both myself and my co-director Kristina [have had] multiple conversations 

with our peers and [have listened] to their conversations and worries. 

We just felt like there was so much lacking within the existing spaces 

in our city and [that] there was a lot of representation missing, especially 

with female leadership, [as well as] BIPOC [and] LGBTQ+ representation. 

It’s crazy because Toronto is such a diverse city [with] so much talent and 

culture. It was just baffling to me that so much of that was being missed within 

an arts community and we really wanted to cater to the simplest needs 

of artists as humans which are safety, inclusivity, and just representation in 

general. I feel like with Co.Lab and our values, we’re really hitting that mark. 

Kristina and I are both pretty new within the Toronto dance community. 

We’re actually about the same age, [and] we’ve been in this community 

for less than ten years. As new female leaders, we just want to be good 

examples and show what the new generation is bringing into the community. 

I feel like the Toronto dance community has kind of been stuck in the 

same pattern for a long time in terms of the dance studios and the culture... 

even the vibes. The community, the cliques, and the expectations... everything 

has kind of been the same. I feel like, especially with 2020 being such 

a pivotal year, this is our time as leaders to kind of catalyze change and 

acknowledge that we want to welcome more empathy [and] humility. We 

know that being a new leader comes with being able to acknowledge when 

you’re wrong and when there is room for growth [as well as] room for learning. 

With Co.Lab, we want to create a space where people know that they can come 

to learn, not only as a dancer/artist but also as a human. I feel like [that’s] very 

important because where we’ve been, to this point, has been very [much] tunnel 

vision; you work, you practice, you rehearse, you do this all for your own 

personal gain. The dance community has really pulled me to [love] the art more 

than I ever have in my whole life. I really want to be able to better that community 

vibe and better that community in general as a whole as an upcoming leader. 

ZH: Great answer, thank you for sharing that. 

LM: To summarize that, we just want to cater to artists as humans 

first because if we cut it back down to the core, everyone’s human. 

Dance is always secondary, art is always secondary, [because] 

we’re all humans first and that’s what we should be catering to. 

ZH: Very well said, thank you for explaining that! Speaking of which, 

how have your personal experiences influenced the motivation behind 

this project and the importance of its creation? Do these experiences 

tie into the need for the platform to be female-owned, female-run 

as well as BIPOC, LGBTQ2+ friendly as you’ve highlighted already? 

“It was just baffling to me that so much 

of that was being missed within an arts 

community and we really wanted to cater 

to the simplest needs of artists as humans 

which are safety, inclusivity, and just 

representation in general.” 

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MARGINS 

Kristina Soliman 

LM: Honestly, I don’t think Co.Lab would be 

alive today if it weren’t for the experiences 

I’ve had. As I said, I kind of grew up [with a] 

studio technical background. The studio I 

grew up at was actually family-run and the 

studio director was female. She’s one of the 

strongest, most determined, most resourceful 

individuals that I know. She was a mentor 

of mine growing up and she’s actually 

my boss now because I work at that studio. 

So, I think growing up with having her 

as a mentor really shaped me as a woman 

and kind of allowed me to believe that 

I could do anything, as cheesy as it sounds. 

She started her business in a church basement... 

it was the smallest studio and now 

she’s one of the biggest studios in Toronto. 

I was exposed to the real Toronto dance community 

in the industry. Taking my first classes 

when I was seventeen, it was an interesting 

time for me. I was definitely discovering myself 

a lot, which we all are at that age. When I was 

taking classes, I recognized that there [were] 

no instructors that I could directly relate to or 

connect to. As a Filipina-queer artist, it was 

hard for me to find someone that took on 

those same identities. As I continued to search 

for that kind of connection, I was welcomed 

into the HEELS community which I mentioned 

before. I trained a lot under Kaela Faloon, a 

big HEELS choreographer in Toronto. I was in 

her sensual healing company and even then, 

in a room full of women, I found it hard to 

find connection with myself and my identity. 

Studio Director 

ZH: Wow! 

LM: It just really inspired me. As long as 

you have a start, that’s all that matters. As 

long as you have that beginning, no matter 

how big or how small, that’s all that matters 

and it grows from there. I think that she 

has been a huge inspiration in my life. That’s 

why I feel like it’s so important to highlight 

female power. I can’t even name more than 

five dance studios in Toronto that are femaleowned 

and run. Which is sad because I know 

so many powerful females in my own life, I 

can’t imagine how many other female powerhouses 

there are in the city, you know? 

She’s been a huge influence to me as a 

female. If I skip down the line a little bit, 

when you’re a studio kid [and] reach the 

age of like seventeen, eighteen... that’s when 

you’re technically graduating from the studio 

so [you can go] out into the big world 

[and] get into the industry [to] chase those 

dancer dreams. That’s when I started taking 

drop-in classes and I got into the dance studio/drop-in 

studio culture [which is where] 

LM: There’s one really pivotal experience I had 

[that] I bring up whenever I talk about Co.Lab. 

There was one workshop in Toronto [with a] 

choreographer from LA. He’s a HEELS choreographer 

named Yanis Marshall. He is a huge 

HEELS dancer. Every HEELS dancer in Toronto 

took his class and I [attended] with all my 

mentors [and] classmates. It was huge, [there 

were] almost 100 people there. At the end of 

class, he called out different groups to come 

[and] do the choreography. He would say 

“okay, any five, any boys and girls…” and then 

it came to a point when he said “anyone that 

identifies as LGBTQ+, come out on the floor.” 

There [were] probably less than ten people 

that went out on the floor and to me, [being] 

maybe eighteen at the time, I went into like 

a full panic attack, as crazy as [that] was. [I 

knew] he was also a queer artist as well [so to 

me, that was a] perfect opportunity [to] come 

out in my true colors and I couldn’t do it. I 

didn’t end up doing it and that’s one of the biggest 

regrets I have in my life. Now when I think 

back to it, the reason why I [didn’t do it] wasn’t 

because I was intimidated by him, I was scared 

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MARGINS 

of what the Toronto community would 

think [since] there was no one else like me 

in the community, you know? I just felt like 

as soon as that would happen, I would 

kind of be the outcast in the Toronto community, 

especially the HEELS community. 

That experience really opened my eyes 

and it really made me feel like something 

was wrong there. Something was wrong 

in our community that needed to be fixed. 

I was eighteen, so I knew that something 

felt wrong but I didn’t know what to do 

yet. Now with Co.Lab, I just feel like this is 

my opportunity to make sure no one else 

has that experience. I want every artist to 

come into our studio knowing that we want 

them to come as their true selves, regardless 

of what that is. To be a genuine artist, 

you have to come as your true self, you can’t 

fake it till you make it [because] that only 

lasts so long. So with Co.Lab, I feel like it’s 

been a build of taking from numerous experiences 

within my life. Without my experiences, 

Co.Lab definitely wouldn’t be alive today. 

ZH: Wow, well thank you so much for sharing 

that! I think that’s so interesting. It really 

points out why you guys have the scale and 

the scope you have on where you want [Co. 

Lab] to go and what you want to see based on 

experiences you have had. Maybe the absence 

of support [while knowing] the kinds of experiences 

you would have [wanted to have] 

allowed you to now say “okay, let’s make that 

space” so that other people can have that. 

LM: For sure and like I said, Kristina [and I] 

were both very new to the community so 

the idea of opening a studio is very daunting. 

You have the more experienced dancers who 

have been here forever looking at you thinking, 

“who do you think you are?”. Kristina and 

I come from a support circle that is literally 

the best support circle you could ever have. 

[We have] so many strong females behind 

us [and] so many supportive males as well. 

Everyone just has our back and even when 

we first launched Co.Lab, we were getting an 

overwhelming amount of support and that 

support is what pushes us through every 

day, whenever we hit roadblocks. We really 

appreciate everyone’s support, everyone’s 

messages, everyone’s shares... just know 

[that] Co.Lab wouldn’t be what it is without 

the people and without the experiences. 

ZH: That’s great to hear! Speaking of which, 

what can you tell us about where you are in 

the process of creating this space and how 

can people continue to support it? 

LM: Co.Lab launched pretty recently, the 

idea officially incorporated in September 

of 2020. We launched our first “Welcome 

to Co.Lab” video (“All Day Long” on 

Youtube) in November and [it featured] 

females from at least ten Toronto teams, 

so there [were] over fifty females in that 

video. It was kind of a sign of unity, a sign 

of change, and [a] new beginning. With 

that video, we kicked off our GoFund- 

Me campaign. This GoFundMe campaign 

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“All Day Long” (kickoff video) 

[was] created to help us with the financials 

needed to find a location and [assist to push this fundraiser, grow our social 

been doing so far. We’ve really been trying 

with] renovations. That launched [at the] media presence [on Instagram] and [promote] 

the new launch of our website. We’re 

end of November, shortly after the video 

[was released]. Since then, we’ve collaborated 

with a lot of local businesses and I feel like COVID-19 has definitely slowed 

currently still looking for a couple locations. 

also local artists to have some giveaways down the process but it’s a blessing and 

and collaborative fundraisers [to] keep the a curse [as it] gives us more time to prep 

momentum going. Over the holidays, we and plan but obviously we’re itching to get 

did a #CoLabLovesLocal and basically collaborated 

with a bunch of local businesses dio. It’s out of our hands [but] we’re doing 

that space and get everyone into our stu- 

[to create] these local care packages. It what we can. [In terms of our timeline], 

was almost like a raffle [through Co.Lab’s we’re hoping to be up and running fully by 

Instagram page] and the winners won [an Spring 2021. We’re [also] going to continue 

entire] bundle of Toronto local goodies. our GoFundMe until the end of January. 

That was one of our ways [of showing] 

appreciation to our local businesses here. 

We’ve also recently launched another 

fundraiser called “Co.Lab Gives: Relief” 

geared towards collecting funds for the 

recent typhoon victims in the Philippines. 

Kristina and I both being Filipinos, 

we strongly connect with this cause and 

there have been multiple typhoons in the 

Philippines within the past couple months. 

We really wanted to give back to that, so 

we collaborated with six photographers 

[to sell] their prints [on] our website. 30% 

of [sales] go to the photographers to support 

their artistic journey, 50% goes to 

the Philippines and 20% goes towards our 

GoFundMe campaign to help us with [our] 

location. That’s pretty much what we’ve 

ZH: Sounds like there’s a lot in the 

works [and] a lot already going on! 

With Margins’ theme of renewal for this 

issue, what are you hoping to see come 

out of 2021 for Co.Lab and beyond? 

LM: With 2021, we just hope Co.Lab can 

be that beacon of hope and a fresh start... 

kind of like the sun after the storm. We 

want every artist to be able to call Co.Lab 

their home and their sanctuary where they 

can come to at any point in their life. We 

want Co.Lab to be a place that brings people 

together. I think our biggest goal [is] to 

bring people together, stay true to our values, 

and do it for the community. Obviously, 

we want to be globally recognized, but 

we’re doing it for the Toronto community. 

“Building A Better Community Together” (official intro & fundraiser video) 

There you have it! It’s great to see all the things Co.Lab is working on to support 

their initiative and we can’t wait to see them up and running this year! 

@ co.labto 

@ _lyzam 

Co.LAB Toronto 

www.colabto.com 

@ kristeeny_ 

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Visual Credits: Tim Gouw


MARGINS 

watercourse 

by Allan Lake 

Originally from Saskatchewan, Allan Lake has lived in Vancouver, 

Cape Breton, Ibiza, Tasmania, Perth & Melbourne. Poetry 

Collection: Sand in the Sole (Xlibris, 2014). Lake won Lost Tower 

Publications (UK) Comp 2017 & Melbourne Spoken Word Poetry 

Fest 2018 & publication in New Philosopher 2020. Chapbook 

(Ginninderra Press 2020) My Photos of Sicily. 

Makeshift dam creates a pond that looks 

idyllic as ponds do if a creek is coaxed 

to fill a hollow along its wilful way. 

Reedy home for awkward swamp hens, 

posing swans, luminous egret and so many 

bit birds that make up for lack of fame 

by repeating their bit, with gusto. 

Rotting log a jetty for philosophical 

herons who enlighten fish for a living. 

Dusk brings out the secretive rakali. 

In nearby eucalypts, conifers, solitary palm: 

currawongs, mynas, wattlebirds, cursing 

cockatoos, improbably painted parrots. 

Nature doesn’t often take back urban hectares 

in groaning cities that bulldoze as they breathe. 

One meteor or virus could change this but 

here a shy creek, flowing through a golf course 

in flood-prone suburb, decided the thing. 

Rarely used nine holes would revert to what 

was always holy. Sand traps returned to ‘weeds’ 

for which discerning rock pigeons are grateful. 

Modest entrances replaced sections of offensive 

fence, small signs prohibiting golf appeared 

and then the project sighed to a halt, allowing 

whole thing to settle and welcome the few 

who happened along, who may tell themselves 

they too can return to nature and believe this 

to be true for a peaceful hour or two. 

Constant traffic just beyond leafy perimeter 

but I hear bird calls; coiffed football oval 

over north fence – I shall not look. 

Course of my life took me far then farther 

from my native land but not to mountains, 

not where land meets sea. Resigned, 

I reside within city but this whispering 

watercourse this ghost golf course, 

its grassy fairways, incidental ‘forest’ 

allow mind to wander within a hint of 

Eden that will have to do for me. 

Visual Credits: Marek Piwnicki 

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MARGINS 

purpose (plural) & messy starts 

by Khadija Rashid 

Khadija Rashid is in her fourth year at the University of Toronto Scarborough, 

pursuing a double major in Population Health (Co-op) and Mental 

Health Studies. She is passionate about the social determinants of health 

and believes that housing and healthcare should be accessible to all. She 

is a big fan of libraries, the enemies to lovers trope, and good storytelling. 

She is now trying to devote some time to write more creatively to express 

herself, she hopes her words positively impact others in some way. 

@khadij_rashid 

This piece is meant to provide some comfort and solace to all my fellow 

peers who are also struggling to choose one purpose, one goal, one thing. 

I just wanted to remind others (including myself), that it is okay to have 

many things that pull at you, you owe it yourself to explore all avenues, 

purpose never has to be singular. Also, to my fellow twenty-somethings, 

we still have so much time to have our many hopeful starts. 

Like many others, I too have experienced a pandemic birthday; my twenty-first birthday. 

The first nervous step into the new terrain labelled as your golden years, the defining 20s. 

However, this year just felt different and not different in the obvious ways, (duh... we are 

living through an unprecedented pandemic so I cannot even enjoy cake with my friends). It 

felt unusual because this year I allowed myself time to sit with feelings about what I wanted 

my future to look like, what did I want to be putting out in the world? And as cliché as it 

sounds; what does my purpose feel like? Those are the heavy questions that would most 

likely be squished and filed away in the back of my mind for my future self to deal with. 

Those questions would rarely be revisited earnestly pre-COVID because I was simply too 

busy with the actual “full-time university student” gig and all the expectations that come 

with that occupation. Truthfully, those big questions made me feel like my time to be someone 

worthy of being was running out. I knew those big questions would make me place 

boundaries on what I could accomplish even before getting started. 

If we do more reflecting, let’s go back to when I was on the cusp of turning eighteen and 

was getting ready to graduate and begin my journey into post-secondary education. I was 

still not exactly sure of what I wanted my future to look like, what I wanted to pour my 

heart and soul into. Moreover, I grew up with the notion that you had to figure out one 

big thing you were good at and direct all your energy towards achieving that goal. I had 

interests (too many to be exact), and I knew that I wanted to create positive change for 

others, but again it was not one thing, but I was not yet concerned. Eighteen-year-old me 

held such high regard for the process, carried so much hope that future me would figure 

it out and the next few years would not only grant me the luxury of time but also provide 

me with comfort in knowing that I was not alone in not knowing what I wanted the fruits 

of my existence to look like. 


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MARGINS 

I am now twenty-one, in my final year of university, and even after spending more intentional 

time with myself this year, I am unable to point at just one thing. I am incapable of 

saying, “yes this is my calling, this is what I want to be the best at.” However, much to my 

eighteen-year-old self’s surprise, I am okay with where I stand. I am okay with the realization 

that I do not need to have one all-consuming purpose that makes a home in my chest 

and does not leave. I want purpose (plural). I appreciate that life, my life, is not meant for 

one thing; we are meant to be exploring, messing up, and just enjoying the mechanics of 

the process. 

I have a list. 

This list, which initially only existed in my head, was unwritten. Now it has made a home on 

the pages of my journal and it remains unfinished. This list includes items I want to accomplish, 

no timelines yet, but the items range from creating health policies that ensure housing 

for all, to wanting to write for a tv-show, to wanting to publish my words somewhere, 

to wanting to travel everywhere and collect stories. There are even days where I am like I 

would love to own a small pottery studio and just make pretty pots and wear funky jewelry. 

What amuses me most is that I have not even touched a professional pottery wheel yet. 

However, I am unwilling to shut down the opportunity before I have had a proper chance 

to explore it, I owe myself that. 

With any realization that truly matters, comes sets of other worries and doubts. I know that 

I want my life to be full of opportunities, full of possibilities, desires, and wants, but now 

comes the actual starting part. The worry that I do not have enough time to cultivate these 

varying goals, that I will not be able to make space for them. This worry may seem silly in 

retrospect, I know that if I look at it reasonably, I have only dipped one foot into the pool 

that is my life. I have time. But in the era (exacerbated by social media), where it feels like 

the talented and the accomplished get younger and younger with each passing year, it is 

hard not to sit in self-doubt. I have always struggled between bridging my intentions for 

my goals and the process that needs to occur to accomplish them. I always struggled to 

put into words why that was the case. It was when I started spending more quiet time with 

myself because of the pandemic, that I realized that I feared that if I tried and still failed, 

my grand illusion of who I could be if I had just tried harder would shatter. 

That fear spearheaded my inability to start, to begin, and I will not be the first person to 

say it or the last but starting takes so much out of you and from you. Starting requires you 

to open up, it demands time and care, and vulnerability. Nevertheless, I also believe if you 

trick your brain into jumping in, just going for it, when you relabel “starting” as a process 

that is supposed to be messy and confusing and frustrating, it becomes easier. If we normalize 

that starting can be as small and as big as we want it to be, we are more likely to 

open up to the possibility, and be more hopeful. 

We give beginnings too much power, too much hold over ourselves that when our starting 

points are not polished, we end up believing nothing will work out. Starting does not 

have to be revolutionary, those beginning ideas do not have to be world-shattering. We can 

take them at face value; as just starting points. The action of starting acts as the medium 

in which your idea becomes more, allowing the idea to feel like something you now have 

control over. 

Am I still afraid of starting? Yes. Do I still at times not know where to begin? Also, yes. However, 

with the knowledge that in this life I am not supposed to be only doing one thing, and 

with the comfort that “starts” are supposed to be messy, difficult, and uncomfortable, I am 

more equipped to find the joy in my many starts. The land of comfort does not feed your 

soul, it just delays the inevitable. I know that I will still have days where I feel like I do not 

have enough time, but I have to wrestle with the idea that I can just start today, and see 

what happens. Your desires, and goals, and wishes can always change, you are allowed to 

have multiple paths that tug at you, and you owe yourself in this uncertain, unpredictable, 

life to explore everything that calls to you. I hope after reading this, it makes you take a 

closer look at your personal list, because you will always have time, and how you will begin 

is only yours to define and carry. I hope we can all find the unbridled joy that exists in our 

hopeful starts. 


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MARGINS 

the blossomed flower. 

by Bhanvi Sachdeva 

I was born from the ashes 

Of those who were prohibited 

The flower who grew from the - 

Shrivelled earth. 

She, whose skirts were formed from lies - 

The lies of her wilted past - 

The lies that hinder our present and the ties 

That tied us too tight. 

I grew up believing in sacrifice 

But she - 

Tolerance. 

Her and I - 

Her vs. I. 

I stood up to raise my sheath - but 

Got shunted right back down. 

It’s time we change, change - 

The water, that bore us. 

Trace the lies that hinder our present and the ties 

That tied us too tight from our future. We were 

born from the ashes 

Of those withered. 

Our efforts will bring her justice. 

For I am her daughter. 

I bloom in water and dirt. 

I make no mistakes 

For I write a memoir. 

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57 

Visual Credits: Shambam


MARGINS 

AN 

OPEN LETTER TO 

MY HIGH-SCHOOL SELF. 

by Theevya Ragu 

As I’m more than halfway through completing my degree, 

I find myself wanting to reconnect with you, the eighteen 

year-old me. Although I’ve done this multiple times over 

the last few years, I don’t think I ever fully reflected upon 

this, or had the chance to express my thoughts openly. 

While catching up with one of my highschool friends 

recently, we reminisced about our lives three years ago 

and found ourselves laughing about things that we had 

thought to be so important then, racking our brains over 

how we could’ve been that nonsensical. By the end of 

our conversation, I was left with this dying frustration of 

“I wish I just realized all this sooner.” Although I recognize 

that I’ve matured, and have a much better grip on 

my life, I was curious as to whether I was experiencing 

some of the same dilemmas now as I was then, but just 

blindly unaware of it. This letter isn't me telling you what 

you should do better or avoid, instead this is a reminder 

to myself now of how far I’ve come, and how far I still 

have to go. 

Visual Credits: Rodion Kutsaev 

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MARGINS 

“I’m reminding myself 

to stay calm and 

focus on the present.” 

The most important lesson, that I’ve come to terms with over the past few years, is that it’s 

completely alright to not have everything figured out yet. Yes, you’re making an important 

choice about what you want to study, and possibly what you would like to pursue as 

a career but this isn’t a do-or-die decision. It seems inconceivable to me now to ask the 

same individual who is deemed not mature enough to drink alcohol, to decide their future. 

The system didn’t work in your favor, and it still doesn’t. I know what you’re going through. 

You’re confused and frustrated. You’re worried because you don’t have the answers to 

questions like: "Why haven’t you decided which college you want to go to yet?”; “If you’re 

going into the life sciences program not to pursue medicine, then what else do you want to 

do as a career?”; and a lot of “Is it a good university?" Believe it or not, I’m in my third year 

of university now and still don’t have all the answers. Lately I find myself staring blankly 

into the distance when I get questions along the lines of, “So where are you going to work 

after you graduate?”; “What kind of jobs will you apply for?”; and “Are you going to do your 

Masters right away?”. 

I’m fighting a constant battle in my head to prepare for what comes next, but also reminding 

myself to stay calm and focus on the present. The only difference between now and 

three years ago is that I’m not strategically doing things for the sole purpose of, “this will 

benefit me in the future.” Yet I’m more focused on what will benefit me now. I suggest to 

you, the high-school me, to do the same. 

You already know that it’s more important to pursue a career that you’re passionate about. 

The problem with that is, you don’t actually know where your interest lies. It’s interesting to 

me how easily humans are able to fool and manipulate themselves. You’re subconsciously 

thinking that medicine would be a safe and secure career path, so you’re manipulating yourself 

into thinking that this is what you’re passionate about. You’ll realize soon enough that 

this is entirely false, particularly, when you find yourself not feeling the least bit saddened 

about not making it. Again, it all comes down to knowing who you are and acting upon that. 

Funny enough, as many times as people will tell you to keep focused on your current goals, 

you’re going to soon realize that those goals have no meaning. You’re looking at those around 

you and at the list of college admission requirements when identifying your priorities and 

what matters most. You’re fooling yourself if you think it’s all about the grades. I’ve come 

to realize that doing well in school isn’t determined by the final result. I remember seeing 

my final highschool grades, and feeling a wave of disappointment that lasted for months. 

Ironically now, I can’t even remember what those grades were. Yet, all the other first hand 

experiences I had in school, the skills that I’ve gained from that, have stuck with me and 

allowed me to explore so many opportunities that I could never have gotten with my grades. 

Speaking of experiences, please, please, please, be present in the moment. I also mean, 

literally be present. Think twice before you choose to skip school assemblies, sports days 

or school dances. You will never get an experience as enriching as this again. 

I may sound like I have everything figured out now, but who knows, I might be writing 

another open letter to the 21-year old me a couple years down the line. As much as I want 

you to understand and grasp all of this, I also want you to make each and every one of these 

mistakes. Veer from the destination you were supposed to end up in, if it means that the 

road is just slightly smoother. 

“Veer from the destination you 

were supposed to end up in.” 

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MARGINS 

pride & proud 

by Kristine Loren Galima 

We choose the path often taken; 

we break familial patterns that are expected; 

we love with a love unwelcomed; 

yet we still stand with pride and proud. 

Hello! I am Kristine Loren Galima. I am passionate about politics and law; being a 

criminal lawyer is the end goal. I like writing. I believe it is the one space where my 

thoughts are not judged, and where I can fully and freely be myself as the free flow 

of ink in sheets. Writing is a way for me to suppress the repressed. My pieces reflect 

instances of human personal struggles - of fitting in, of meeting expectations, of 

finding the right reasons. I hope that writing and reading gives you the solace I get. 

Many have not found their voices yet – 

maybe because of fear of pressure and tradition, 

of feeble-minded people invalidating emotions, 

or of the devoted who read us the story of Creation. 

Time will come, you will speak with pride and proud. 

It is never a fault to love. 

It is never a fault some love cannot be fully grasped. 

Afterall, people choose what they understand. 

Many are not ready to witness a love so liberated. 

So, in spite the despites, love the way you love with pride and proud. 

@kristineee.g 

@dstwgl 

May the world repay you hundred folds more than the love you show; 

find not happiness, but wholeness and joy that overflows. 

Be free. Break chains. 

There are more willing to accept than reject. 

Celebrate yourself, 

with pride and proud. 


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MARGINS 

time 

thank yourself 


Once upon a time, you wished: 

to never grow up, 

to go back to being a kid, 

to be someone greater than what other people think you are, 

to revisit happy memories, 

and to never have the need to part ways with people. 


You have surpassed lonely nights. 

No one knows about your silent cries. 

People called you ambitious for dreaming high; 

sometimes forced you to take their path of liking, 

yet you continue to persevere, 

making them question why. 

But you: 

grew, 

are never a kid again, 

are not yet the person you aspire to be, 

became sad, 

could not take back time, 

and bid your good byes. 

Once upon a time, you thought that your true enemy: 

is yourself, 

your expectations, 

your failures, 

your inability to not excel at everything, 

your mind. 

Not knowing that the real enemy in life is Time. 

Progress lies not on smooth water, 

but on a one-step forward and 

two-step backward walks. 

Thank yourself for listening to yourself, 

and not on peoples’ talks. 

Thank yourself for knowing you are not 

living under someone else’s time frame 

but your own. 

You are so much more than your failures; 

forgive yourself for selling yourself short. 

But, thank yourself for handling yourself, 

for understanding your complexity, 

for keeping on. 

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MARGINS 

How WIBA’s RadioHer 

is Breaking the 

Glass Ceiling 

by Alexa DiFrancesco 

UTSC’s Women in Business Association (WIBA) is a club that aims to empower, encourage, 

and engage women pursuing business-related ventures. Last year, the organization 

launched its own podcast, RadioHer, in which women in UTSC’s Management program 

share their experiences and tips to succeed in the classroom and workplace. Margins 

Magazine recently sat down with Freni Jivani, an executive member of WIBA, to discuss 

all topics related to digital media, networking, and breaking the glass ceiling. 

MARGINS: How did you get involved with 

the Women in Business Association at 

UTSC? 

“I used to follow the Women in Business 

Association on Instagram. Last summer, 

during COVID-19, I was looking for ways to 

get involved, and one of my friends – who’s 

also the president of the club – she posted on 

her story about applications and I thought 

it looked interesting. Even though I’m not a 

Business student or a student in the Management 

Economics program, I’ve always wished 

to pursue innovation or entrepreneurship. I 

thought that this would be a great opportunity 

to get involved. Additionally, this club is 

small and super tight.” 

MARGINS: How was RadioHER created? 

“When we were discussing possible events 

of the year, we thought that we would do a 

students panel. This would feature students 

from different programs to talk about their 

journey at UTSC. A lot of management students 

are taking co-op courses as well, so 

we’d ask about their co-op positions and 

what they’re planning to do after graduation, 

as well as some skills that they found helpful 

when seeking a job. We were worried about 

the idea because we didn’t know whether 

people would attend due to, you know, time 

difference; UTSC students are all around the 

world. We were concerned about how to make 

a student panel interactive; when someone’s 

sitting in front of a screen and listening to the 

speakers for like one to two hours, it can be 

quite hard to pay attention. 

Keeping all these factors in mind, we’re 

always also taking inspiration from [other] 

established Women in Business associations 

and universities. We came across a podcast 

that empowered women in business. They 

would have an episode every week that would 

feature an industry professional, and that 

professional would speak about her experience 

about leading an empire. After finding 

it, we thought that a podcast would be [a] 

perfect way to share student experiences. 

But it’s also convenient for listeners, because 

they can listen to it on their own time; when 

66 

Visual Credits: Valentina Conde 

67


MARGINS 

they’re cooking, or when [they’re] taking [a] 

walk or run in the morning.” 

MARGINS: How does the podcast decide 

which guests to invite to the show, or 

what content to talk about? 

“This season, we have six guests. The Management 

program at UTSC has different 

specializations; there’s Accounting, Human 

Resources, Marketing, Finance and Strategic 

Initiative. We’ve tried to secure at least one 

guest from each of these specializations so 

that we can appeal to a wider audience. We 

also looked at different clubs, such as the 

Accounting Students Association and DECA, 

to find women who are taking leadership 

positions. We reached out to individuals 

through Instagram, email and LinkedIn. The 

Instructional Centre has posters of students 

in the Management program and those that 

have been awarded Student of the Year. Every 

time we went to that building and [saw] the 

posters, we remembered potential guests 

from there.” 

MARGINS: How often are podcast episodes 

released? 

“Our episodes are released on a bi-weekly 

basis. We started making content at the end 

of October, and our last episode is going to 

be on the eighth of February.” 

MARGINS: What’s your favorite episode 

that you’ve made so far and why? 

“The host of our episodes are different team 

members each time, so it’s really hard to say. 

Our episodes are not only focused on students 

from different specializations; they’re 

also focused on different themes. For example, 

our first episode was based on co-op, 

but our episode that was just released was 

based on entrepreneurship. Our guests bring 

in different perspectives, so each episode is 

really unique in that sense. There have been 

different methods that have helped people 

succeed, whether that be finding a mentor, 

being part of The Bridge, or reading a helpful 

book. 

I like all episodes, but I think that my favorite 

would be the recent one about entrepreneurship 

with Elya, who’s a second-year 

student at UTSC, specializing in marketing. 

Alongside her sister, she recently co-founded 

a company based on essential oils. It was 

really interesting to know that she had been 

brought up in a family of entrepreneurs. She’s 

originally from India, but her parents moved 

to Madagascar. They [didn’t have] many connections 

and they didn’t have the financial 

means to become established right away. 

She saw her parents grow from a tiny room at 

their house – that initiative has been passed 

down to her and her sister and [who have] 

combined [their] expertise to develop something 

of their own.” 

MARGINS: How does RadioHer change 

UTSC as an institution? 

“In tough times like COVID-19, every student 

wants to grow, establish their careers, or 

make use of the resources that are available 

on campus. When someone thinks of business, 

only men would come to their mind, 

as if men are the pioneers or the ones that 

pave the way for others. But if other women 

from UTSC can be successful, who are 

in the same classes, the same program, or 

the same room [listening], then they can be 

successful, too.” 

MARGINS: What are your future plans for 

the Women in Business Association or 

RadioHer? 

“The Women in Business Association’s March 

event is focused on entrepreneurship. The 

club wants to build relations with Toronto-based 

entrepreneurs and companies to 

bridge the gap between students and professionals. 

We look forward to hosting a conference 

one day and inviting different speakers. 

Visual Credits: Mohammad Metri 

I feel like sometimes students who are not in the Management and Business programs might 

be reluctant to join the club, because they may think that only students in those programs 

can move forward in the business industry. That’s not true. A lot of social innovations stem 

from people who aren’t initially in a business program. One of the speakers that we’re trying 

to get for an entrepreneurship event graduated with a degree in International Development 

Studies from McGill University. She’s created a brand that uses vegan ingredients 

[and] materials to create bags. She did this because sustainability is very important, and 

especially when issues such as climate change and global warming are coming into [the] 

picture and everyone’s realizing the importance of these issues. There are different programs 

to join with the Women in Business Association – maybe someone wants to create 

a company that’s based on superfoods, or make a skincare company. Our club wants to 

encourage women to take initiative. [We provide tips and answers that students are] not 

getting in their classes, such as: how to establish a business or how to expand the business. 

Our club is a great way for them to learn more about what they could do in the future. 

@wibauoft @WIBAUTSC wiba.utsc@gmail.com 

RadioHer on Spotify 

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MARGINS 

“To Be, Or Not To Be?” 

by Sanah Malik 

It’s a simple frown, maybe a full-blown argument - only when you choose the road 

seldom taken. It’s a difficult choice, to pursue a dream or not. It takes guts and 

determination, but these jerks and taunts stir up the mind’s inhibition. A “Doctor”, 

an “Engineer”, perhaps a “Lawyer”, you strengthen your core, but it’s all a mindless 

bore. What you see is what you become, you spend countless hours trying to crack 

that sum, but what if you wanted to pursue the Arts? Maybe, do it better than Renoir? 

All that life provides are two roads, and only one leads to the appeasement of the 

social circle. 

There’s a wrap around your head, you’re too blinded to see your own interests. What 

if, it’s all just a hoax, what you do isn’t their concern anymore? But you are constantly 

reminded that humans are social beings, shaped by their surroundings. If the 

cousin can do it then so can you, the aunt and uncle know their exact way through. 

You simply slog for a few years to complete your tasks, they assure you, that it’ll be 

calm at last. I wouldn’t blame them you see, after all their hard work, they deserve to see 

a “perfectionary”. 

Visual Credits: Anthony Intraversato 

However, the choice is upon you, “Would you dream and grind, or simply grind to survive?”... 

“To be, or not to be,” that is the question after all. It starts with a stand, you will 

ache to start unplanned - far from a joyride, this is how legends learn to fight. Clear your 

head from all obstructions, you might start a revolution. Get rid of all stereotypes, pursue 

whatever frees your mind. It’s a capitalist approach- to monetise on interests, strategize on 

ways to get the green bills. Don’t forget, it’s a battlefield and the enemy is far from weak. 

It is tougher when it’s inside your mind, imaginary limitations can make anyone want to 

hide. The world changes when your perception does, if you want it bad enough, you’ll get 

it done. The woods are lovely, dark and deep but you have promises to keep and miles to 

go before you sleep, and miles to go before you sleep. 

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Visual Credits: William Farlow 

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MARGINS 

The Girl With The Red Balloon. 

by Maisha Maimunah 

Visual Credits: Eric Ward 

Once upon a time, in a tiny little sketchbook, there lived a girl. Unlike princesses 

in fairy tales, she had no defining features of long hair or big eyes. She was just an 

ordinary girl living in a vibrant world with butterflies and rainbows. 

Until she fell down the dark rabbit hole where the pages were white, and the ink 

were black. It was explicit and bland. The answers were yes or no; there was no grey 

area let alone crayons of colours. She tried so hard to fit in, but the pages did not let 

her stay. She sometimes bled colours, something the world she lived in, was afraid 

of. One day, after shifting from one page to another she came across a red balloon. 

When she touched its string, her colours disappeared. She began carrying it around. 

The balloons absorbed her colours, and she began to fit in. She could now finally fit 

in. She had friends and the pages didn’t drive her out. 

As time passed, the balloon got heavier with colours. Everything was well until a 

storm of erasers came and wiped away all the ink. She was all alone again…. 

The owner of the sketchbook did not like the heavy balloon, so she erased that as 

well. The colours inside dripped onto the empty page, creating vibrant rivers. Her 

world was bright again. With her balloon gone, she realised she had all the colours 

needed to create her own little world. She always had it; but it took a storm and a 

blank page for her to realise it. 

72 

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Visual Credits: William Farlow


MARGINS 

NATURALLY GRATEFUL 

by Eesha Sondhi 

@eesha_sondhi 

@Eesha-Sondhi 

Eesha Sondhi is currently a third year international student from India, 

and is pursuing the Specialist Program in Psychology at the University 

of Toronto- Scarborough campus. Her major interests in the field include 

Evolutionary Psychology, Social Psychology and its subfield – Behavioural 

Economics. Additionally, she finds Art History quite intriguing as a subject 

as well. She aspires to become a Clinical Psychologist in the future and is 

driven towards destigmatizing mental illnesses and creating a safe space 

for people to come forward, share their stories, and heal. 

The inspiration behind my sketch, depicting our early primates in a state 

of deep ponder, comes from an intriguing fact that I read last year in a 

book about the Human Evolution. According to it, even after billions of 

years of natural selection, us Homo Sapiens may still not be the end goal 

of human evolution. What’s fascinating about this fact is that no matter 

how far we have come from where we started, there is still so much left 

for us to improve upon and even get better at and that is okay. We are all 

complex and flawed beings. But at the same time, I cannot help but be 

glad of the fact that we are still better than a version of ourselves that we 

used to be at one point in life. And perhaps, that’s the beauty of change; 

it makes you grateful for the present and hopeful for the future. 

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MARGINS 

COMMUNITY 

CONVERSATIONS: 

PSYCHOLOGICAL 

HEALTH SOCIETY 

by Saman Saeed 

I conducted an interview with Gulpreet Abrol, co-Vice President of the Psychological Health 

Society (PHS). PHS is a UofT student group that focuses on creating educational, leadership, 

philanthropic, and social opportunities for students with a direct focus on mental health initiatives. 

This interview explores the initiative as a whole, alongside the mental health crisis 

at the university. 

fact, during my interview with the president 

we just clicked, and I felt as if I could spend 

hours discussing mental health and ways to 

give back to the community. When I met the 

team as well, I felt as this is where I belong. It 

was such a supportive environment because 

I knew that not only will they share my beliefs 

and perspective, but they would also allow 

me to grow as an individual. 

SS: You are absolutely right. There is so much 

stigma around the world regarding mental 

health. Even here in Pakistan, people just 

don’t want to talk about it, and they pretend 

like everything is fine. Given that, it is always 

an amazing feeling when you are a part of 

something which is moving towards better, 

and you know the greater good. So, as you 

mentioned you are one the leaders, could 

you share a few specific goals of PHS as an 

organization? 

Saman Saeed: Thank you for taking the time 

out to speak with me about mental health and 

the Psychological Health Society. I really appreciate 

this. Could you just tell us a little about 

yourself, your role in the PHS and about PHS 

in general? 

Gulpreet Abrol: Sure! I am a second-year student 

at UTSC. I am doing a double major in 

human biology and mental health studies. I 

joined PHS last September, and I am currently 

Co-Vice President of the Leadership Department. 

My main responsibility is to hold training 

sessions for all the new executives. I train them 

in the field of mental health and teach them 

how to organize events specific to increasing 

student engagement, especially during this 

pandemic. As an organization, this is our primary 

goal. We want students to be involved 

and feel as if they have a safe community that 

they can rely on. 

We host monthly events, the most recent was a 

research outreach workshop for students. We 

want students to benefit the most out of our 

events. In the following months, we are looking 

at events that we have been planning for a 

long time. Also, being a part of PHS is not just 

about being a part of the leadership group, the 

team itself is very welcoming - it is just a great 

environment, especially during this pandemic. 

I feel as if I found my place while learning 

some very important skills. It is a really nice 

experience overall. 

SS: Yeah, it definitely sounds like a really good 

experience and extremely wholesome too. So, 

what inspired you to join PHS? 

GA: There are few reasons, the first is that 

while I was in my first year, I saw all these 

events that PHS was holding. For example, 

they had a “Words to Inspire” event during Valentine’s 

Day where they were giving out roses 

and you could write notes to your loved ones. 

Being in a university, I had never seen that. I 

mean I saw it in high school, but it was really 

nice to see someone take such a good initiative 

to create such a warm environment. So, 

I followed their Instagram , DM’d them asking 

for opportunities and they would always reply 

in a really welcoming manner such as “we 

would love to have you, keep on checking for 

opportunities,” since this was in the summer. 

Another thing that inspired me was an initiative 

called “Humans of UTSC” where people 

would share their struggles with mental health 

and how they overcame it, and I felt as if the 

community needs to know that it’s okay to 

have struggles and that there are people who 

support you. It was very unique, that PHS was 

very focused on students and creating a safe 

space for them. 

Lastly, the idea of having a psychology club at 

the university was really inspirational for me 

because of my background - I am from India 

where there are so many stigmas surrounding 

mental health growing up, so I always wanted 

to be a part of a community that valued 

my beliefs and shared my perspectives. In 

GA: Basically, I don’t think that PHS has a 

specific goal because we aren’t just catering 

towards holding events. We are basically trying 

to address mental health as a whole. So, 

we have poems and prompts going up every 

week. We have “Thursday Thoughts” and 

“Self-Care Sundays”. We have one individual 

just focused on finding mental health resources. 

PHS finds educational, leadership and philanthropic 

resources and social opportunities 

for students. However, at the end of the day, 

our focus is mental health. Essentially, we take 

various aspects and combine them in order to 

have a holistic approach towards addressing 

mental health. 

The goal is also to have an inclusive community, 

do something good for the community, 

at least for me because I try to fill those 

gaps in our community. Other than that, our 

long-term goal, which was recently established, 

is that PHS wants to become an official 

non-profit organization in the Greater Toronto 

Area (GTA). We really want to focus on being 

there for the community aside from being a 

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university-based initiative. So, all these little 

things are what makes PHS what it truly is. 

SS: That sounds really interesting! So, I know 

PHS holds events and other activities to 

reach these goals, but how have you been 

working towards these goals during the 

pandemic? 

GA: During this pandemic, we have conducted 

a lot of research regarding marketing 

strategies and actually building a brand for 

ourselves. Last year there were a few members 

interested in contributing to the brand 

image, so we decided on themes and how 

we wanted our page to look, and this was 

really important because we aren’t meeting 

people in-person. They are only seeing us 

through our social media platforms, which 

is why we need these platforms to represent 

us authentically. 

As a result, we tried a lot of new marketing 

strategies and our top priority for events 

became a value proposition. This is primarily 

when events actually hold some value for 

the students by directly contributing to their 

education and/or social & personal growth. 

For example, for this research outreach workshop, 

we thought of doing something that 

the students need so we put up polls on Instagram 

to gauge what the students are interested 

in. We also invited professors because 

that seemed to hold educational values for 

the students. 

Lastly, we take into account advice for everyone, 

and at the end of the day, since it is all 

online, we have to test our events before 

putting them out there. We have multiple 

test drives, and we divide up responsibilities 

such as putting people in charge of letting 

students in. We do all of this just to ensure 

that students have the best experience that 

they possibly can. That said, while everything 

was relatively important to achieve our goal, 

our top priority was marketing strategies. We 

recently held a training session for students 

interested in becoming event executives. We 

provided them with event templates and told 

them to create an event themselves. We then 

held 15-minute interviews with them where 

they talked about the events and why they 

were interested in being part of a mental 

health community. We then accepted all of 

them for different positions because it meant 

so much to us that they showed up and took 

initiative. These little things make the community 

feel whole and helps people stay connected 

during this time. 

SS: Yes, a lack of engagement is one of the 

hardest things people are dealing with. So, 

I think that you all took a great initiative. 

Moving forward, I would love to hear your 

thoughts on the ongoing Mental Health 

crisis at U of T, especially in context of this 

pandemic. 

GA: To be honest, a lot of things have gone 

down last year, and I read a lot about mental 

health, and what is happening in the community. 

So, I wouldn’t say that the university 

is not doing something, I would say it’s not 

doing enough. Programs are being established 

but students are unaware of these programs. 

A lot of students find it hard to come 

out of their shell and share their experiences. 

They aren’t being reached out to personally, 

which is something that a lot of students 

need. I myself have been to counselling sessions 

at the Health and Wellness Centre. I 

have heard a lot of opinions from students 

using the Health and Wellness Centre such 

as that they feel as if the professionals aren’t 

listening to them and are just there out of 

obligation. 

At the end of the day, the system is established 

but it is not focused on the students. 

Students need to be reminded that the university 

cares and that they are systems in 

place to help them. For example, they could 

send daily emails, assign personal academic 

advisors or just take more obvious measures. 

I mean online exams have been made 

a lot more difficult, especially with time 

constraints. Additionally, there is a lack of 

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belonging and an overwhelming feeling of isolation 

within the UofT community. I especially 

wonder about the quiet people, the introverts 

who don’t really speak up or reach out for help. 

In my opinion, this is something that university 

really needs to take into account especially in 

our current situation. It is necessary that these 

people feel at home at UofT. I think the university 

just needs to be there for us a lot more than 

it is right now. 

SS: I completely agree. So, that said, are there 

any specific ways that the PHS is addressing 

these concerns? 

GA: Yes definitely. For example, we have a Google 

Document containing a lot of resources that 

students may need. These resources aren’t just 

limited to stress and anxiety, but a wide variety 

of disorders. As previously mentioned, student 

engagement is our main goal, so we have many 

things pertaining to achieving these goals. For 

example, we have prompts being put up on 

our page and we have “Thursday Thoughts”. 

We also make it a point that everyone shares 

these because we aren’t just aiming for the UofT 

community. We want to make sure that we are 

reaching as many people as possible. We just 

want to be there for everyone no matter what, 

whether it is a simple conversation or if people 

want to share their stories. We, as an organization, 

also try to find the gaps in mental health 

in our community and then we aim to fill those 

gaps. 

Another point that I would like to speak about is 

that Hannah, one of our Co-Presidents, is a part 

of the Health and Wellness Centre team focusing 

on mental health, and she recently created 

this Google Form asking students about mental 

health and available services. This is the way 

that PHS acts as a bridge between the students 

and the university; we try to find those faults 

in the system and communicate these to the 

university. We also try to encourage students 

to step out, make them comfortable and just 

let them know that it is okay. We are here for 

them. 

SS: That’s really sweet. I love that message. 

I think UofT definitely needs that bridge 

between the students and the administration, 

and I’m glad PHS is acting like one. Now 

moving on to something more specific, I’ve 

heard a lot about grief during COVID-19 and 

it surfacing in various forms. There has also 

been a rise in anxiety and PTSD, especially for 

those who had the COVID-19 themselves or 

lost someone to it. How has PHS addressed 

grief and what are some specific tools for 

navigating the various forms of grief? 

GA: We have been trying to have a direct 

focus on anxiety, stress and grief during these 

times. As you know, October is known as Mental 

Health Awareness month and during this 

time, the Health and Wellness Centre has PHS 

as a platform to give a presentation on the 

work we have done. During the presentation, 

I specifically focused on anxiety and stress, 

and how to cope with it. People can recognize 

their anxiety and stress, but they are not 

being offered the tools to actually deal with it. 

I conducted a lot of research, found breathing 

exercises, and other little things that could 

help students. We just try to communicate 

that we are there for people. You can’t just 

stop someone from grieving, because if they 

can’t grieve, they won’t be able to heal. 

So, we at PHS make it a point to tell them that 

it is a process and that it will take time. In the 

meanwhile, we keep posting prompts like 

“describe your perfect day” or “how are you 

feeling?” because even if people don’t reply, it 

will at least make them think or start a conversation, 

even if it is just with themselves. During 

the winter break, people were away from their 

families, and to support these students, PHS 

was sharing basic exercises to help them figure 

out how to manage their mental health. We 

obviously couldn’t tell them what to do, but 

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we tried our best to guide them by providing 

them with resources. We also let them know 

that it’s okay to go through it. So, yeah essentially 

coming up with resources and making 

them accessible to students is the main way 

we help people with grief. 

SS: Alright, so moving on to managing mental 

health, do you have any tips or tools that 

you use to manage your mental health? 

GA: Definitely! I mean I think about this every 

day. Every individual has different coping 

strategies. What I tell myself is that everyone 

needs to find their unique coping strategies. 

You need to know yourself first, and then 

you need to come up with something that is 

going to take your mind off the things that 

you’re worrying about, while at the same time 

recover from it. For example, I am really creative 

so my outlet for all my worries and all of 

my anxiousness is through writing. I write if 

something’s bothering me, I write at the end 

of the day, just like a simple reflection, I write 

whenever I’m having a really, really horrible 

day. In my opinion, it is a great outlet because 

you can revisit it after a month and appreciate 

your growth. 

If you feel that you need to talk to someone 

that is not your family or your friends, you can 

join an online mental health community: a 

place where you can share your stories and 

gain perspective. Sometimes we think that 

if we are going through something, we may 

not be able to come out of it. It is a cycle of 

self-pity, but it is really important to break 

this cycle. As individuals we usually tend to 

know what’s wrong with us, we know if we 

are not healing and we know what we need to 

do to get better. You know there’s no shame 

in talking to a therapist; they are beautiful 

people. They want to listen to you, and they 

want to help you heal. So, I guess just finding 

your own unique coping methods, for 

example, if someone is good at art, they can 

attempt to paint their emotions, rather than 

continuously wallowing in self-pity. These are 

the little things that I try to include in my dayto-day 

life. 

I also make it a point that I am talking, writing 

and just communicating. I just try my best to 

let out my thoughts, to not let them accumulate 

because one day it will all become too 

much for you, and at that point, it will not be 

in your control. Recently, what I’ve also realized 

is that we as individuals let our emotions 

control us, instead of the other way around. 

We have to come up with strategies to control 

them, which I understand is not easy. I 

sometimes still struggle with it, but I do try. 

For example, I write these notes on my wall to 

remind myself how grateful I am. I also remind 

myself of my strength and the fact that I can 

overcome my fears and anxiety. Even if it 

involves just standing in front of a mirror and 

talking yourself up, do it. I promise that you 

won’t look stupid. 

SS: For sure! All these little things definitely 

help. So, I am a First Year Learning Community 

Leader and I get this question a lot: how 

can students balance their workload, their 

social life and personal time? Do you have 

any advice? 

GA: I guess we all struggle with that. You 

know everyone has a different perspective 

on this but the way to achieve this balance is 

by knowing yourself. You need to know how 

much time you need for your academics. For 

example, I am a slow learner so I make sure 

that I dedicate extra time for studying because 

I recognize that I need that. At the same time, 

once I am done with any work that I have, I 

reward myself by either hanging out with my 

friends or just listening to music. Then, at the 

end of the day when I reflect on my day, that 

is more of my personal time. Also, having a 

social life isn’t something that people should 

be compelled to have. It should be something 

that they enjoy, rather than something you’re 

forced into. If one day you feel like hanging out 

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with your friends for five hours, but the next day you don’t feel like it, then it’s completely 

fine. So, I think it’s all about balance, and seeing what works for you. Do things that you 

want to do and make you happy. 

SS: Yeah, it all basically comes down to what you want and how you manage it. So throughout 

the interview, I have heard amazing things about PHS and I would love to know how 

students can get involved. 

GA: There are some opportunities right now, so PHS is looking for content writers for our 

Marketing Team. Basically, it’s a volunteer position, and if you enjoy writing research and 

advocating for mental health, you can apply and become a content writer. At the same 

time, it really does depend on your own niche. If you just want to write about a specific 

topic, that’s also okay because like I mentioned, PHS has a very welcoming environment. 

During the summer the team will also establish new executive positions for the 2021/2022 

academic year so students can look out for that as well. Lastly, if positions are not available, 

just email the department or even reach out to them through Instagram. Share your 

ideas, show interest and your talents, and the team will definitely try to find a place for 

you. PHS also has opportunities for you to give back to the community; for example, computer 

donations to students in the GTA who need them. So, even if you can’t be a part of 

the team, we do still make sure to have those opportunities where students give back to 

the community. Students should definitely reach out, it’s a beautiful club and there are so 

many wonderful opportunities. 

@phs.uoft 

@phs.uoft 

SS: Well, that’s it for my questions. Thank you so much for your time, it’s been great talking 

with you. 

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salvation avenue. 

by Akinmayowa Adedoyin Shobo 

Akinmayowa is a life science researcher, writer and volunteer for community 

development projects. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Considering the theme ‘Anew’, the poet re-creates the theme using a religious 

setting. This poem transcends what people associate with the new year, and it 

talks about the courage to start afresh, perhaps after an unpleasant situation 

such as an illness, loss of a loved one, & heartbreak among others. 

@frankly_dedoyin @DedoyinShobo 

Shobo Mayowa 

Shobo Mayowa 

Do you need a rebirth? 

A sparkling new life 

Of miracles, 

Devoid of ill winds. 

A perfect haven of pure tranquility 

Something energetic, 

Assuring as the daylight 

Down this eerie path of Becoming 

Come beloved! 

Or 

Is it a fresh boom? 

To send all doom to a bottomless grave 

That kills fears 

A clean slate? 

Devoid of yesterday shame 

Free of the muckiness 

Of all mental prisons. 

Do you dream of a sweet tomorrow? 

A harvest of the most enthralling, 

Collages of happiness. 

Love unconstrained 

Bound by a sash of undying hope as the Sun, 

Something electric, 

A touch of healing to a hopeless soul? 

Come Beloved, 

To the Salvation Avenue. 

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opting out of my comfort zone 

by Boyiejide Jude 

At the age of twenty, I felt the need to pursue my dreams and aspirations. As you know, 

we youths just plan without thinking of possible things to come, negative or positive. 

We just draft down our thoughts, making them travel on a smooth lane, not thinking 

about its rough edges. 

At this stage of my life, I had planned to be the most watched actor on TV. Be that TV 

personality that everyone would love to be like. I knew within me that I had the gift to 

be a star but what I did not know was that great things required sacrifices. I expected 

my talent to find me movie roles. I never wanted to settle for less. I needed a one time 

major role. So I waited, waiting for the right opportunity, with no stress, no struggle. 

After all, the bible did say, knock and it shall be opened. But I forgot one thing, I had 

to walk to that door in other to knock. 

At twenty two, I realized, I had wasted two years of my life, hiding under my comfort 

zone because I needed no stress. 

Now, i know better. I realized I never really knew my limitations because I was hiding 

under my comfort zone. I realized I had to make sacrifices. And to make that sacrifice, 

I had to come out of my comfort zone and begin my dream not as a fast rising star but 

as a learner who one day will brighten the sky. 

Sometimes all we need to do, is travel far from our comfort zone, wear our garment 

of humility and take that one risk. A risk that can change our lives. 

Boyiejide Jude (aka De Loner) is currently a student studying law at the Ambrose 

Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. An admirer of good writing and music, 

he is a poet, author, and a playwright, whose topic of interest focuses on nature 

and all that it has to offer. The quote that guides his life is, “The lotus flower is 

beautiful, the mud is what makes it unique”. 

This piece advises young ones to always crawl out of their comfort zone and 

pursue their dreams. Your comfort zone only limits your limitations. 

@judeo_prince 

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i long for a place. 

by David Nwafor 

David Nwafor is a Nigerian-born creative writer and poet. He is 

currently studying Linguistics at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, 

Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State. 

He has written many creative works and some have appeared in 

different publications. These publications include a novel titled “The 

Wiped Tears”, published by Omega in 2014, “A Drop in the Ocean”: 

The Poemify Magazine Issue 2; “Mmesoma”, a short story, made the 

AE-FUNAI Short Stories Anthology 2019; “I Will Arise” was published 

in the Poetry Planet International Book Anthology in 2020. 

This poem “I Long For A Place” is a poem of peace, love, and unity. 

We need each other in order to build a good country, home or city. 

I have searched for shelter 

In this raining world 

Where will I find solace 

My heart is broken like ashes 

Who will tailor it? 

Life - a river without bridge 

When will there be boat 

to cross this precarious state 

I now gasp for breath 

In a place, I once called home 

How long shall we continue 

To live in this deep slum 

Of discrimination, religious bigotry and corruption 

Won’t the sun rise 

In this dark side 

I hope for a smiling tomorrow, 

A place without pot holes 

Which connect other roads 

I long for a home, 

Where love is not silent 


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You-Jin Kim is a queer spoken word artist who has been performing for more 

than five years across a multitude of platforms. She has performed for popular 

TDSB events such as Louder than a Bomb, PRISM, and IGNITE, as well as UTSC 

events such as ARTSIDEOUT and Festival of the Arts. Her poetry has been published 

in Young Voices, as well as performed by Canadian Stage. Kim's works 

often reflect her struggles with her personal identity that encompass sexuality, 

loss, forgiveness, and love. 

@youarejin 

we are. 

by You-Jin Kim 

we are born 

born on planet earth 

no idea of the future set ahead of us 

saved time and time again by humankind’s benevolence 

a blank slate of nothingness 

an empty canvas ready to be painted on 

we grow up and learn new lessons 

lessons that we sometimes have difficulty comprehending 

nevertheless, we try 

we try 

and then, they strap us into a rocket 

telling us to shoot for the moon 

that even if we miss, at least we’ll land among the stars 

but we missed and now? 

now, we are drifting 

in the middle of space, with no sign of life anywhere around us 

there is no such thing as a shooting star 

no wishes to be made 

only obstacles to be overcome 

every encounter with an asteroid has us shivering in fear 

it’s jarring to lose the ability to breathe 

lungs caged in by our ribs, heart pounding to the beat of a broken clock 

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its minute hand stagnant 

but we soon forget the taste of oxygen, and get used to the 

darkness that swallows us whole 

forgotten, too, are the sounds of the human voice 

and instead, echoes begin to haunt us 

they hear our breaths, memorize the length of our eyelashes 

and the temperature of our skin 

they will follow us to our deathbed, and even then, taunt us 

with the volume of our misery 

but we need only close our eyes to realize that they cannot 

they cannot. 

we drift and drift 

perhaps into oblivion 

forgotten by humanity itself 

left to waste away in the middle of nowhere 

to wade through the stars 

ones that shine brightly even long after they’ve disappeared. 

we no longer know where we’re headed 


we try 

and one day, we are found 

brought back to planet earth 

the place we once called home 

it seems like a foreign land 

nothing is as we remember it to be 

even the faces of our loved ones seem unfamiliar 

the hope and excitement of being found is soon replaced with horror 

and dread 

we are no longer the people we used to be 

but we have nowhere to run 

at least in space, we never had to feel the excruciating weight of 

expectations and hope 

we have nowhere to run 

not that we can 

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we have forgotten how to walk under gravity’s pressure 

it seems to crush our every step 

until our knees give way and we are on the ground 


we try 

after all, we have no other option 

so we fall, again and again 

knees bruised and hands shaking 

elbows bloody and head aching 

until eventually, 

eventually 

we get used to the taste of oxygen 

used to the sound of humanity 

and used to the weight of gravity 

the clock starts ticking once more 

the colour of our cheeks return 

and a hand is held out to us 

to pick us up whenever we fall 

saved time and time again by humankind’s benevolence 

and on the days that gravity attempts to crush us 

when it feels like the world is against us 

atlas will keep holding it up 

no matter the toll on his own back 

and on the hardest of nights, when even lifting our heads seems like too much 

we will look up at the dark sky 

and know… that orion will not forsake us 

he will help us build our own constellation 

full of the stars we’ve handpicked from our own lives 

a personal compass to guide us back home whenever we are lost 

and if we ever feel like we are burning out 

if you ever feel like you are burning out 

just remember… 

such is the cost of being a star 

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battle down. 

by Adetoye Samuel 

Forged in a trivial season, 

I set out on a mission, 

Out of the field, 

To seek a truth. 

Birds cloud the sky, 

Turning a bright day into a night, 

The swarm to and fro, 

In a manner i couldn’t depict. 

Something was wrong. 

Unseen,these arrows came, 

From a bush far from the spot i lay, 

Many as uncountable, 

That seems to cluster. 

I dodged many, fighting with a stand, 

Fought the challenges that could take my life. 

Just then from a mist in the air, 

That arrow came and struck me in the shoulder. 

I found it so hard to orient myself, 

As shards of pain detonated along, 

In the spot matted with blood. 

I felt i had lost, 

In sorrow,world and the battle spot. 

Kneeling on my knees, 

As a sign of weakness. 

The birds watching my pains, 

Rejoice so wrenched, 

In their dark circle of interest. 

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resurrected pains. 

by Unwuchola Victor 

Unwuchola Victor is a Nigerian poet, short story writer, and blogger. When he 

is not writing, he is busy screaming his lungs out for his favourite club, Chelsea. 

He enjoys reading African novels. 

@Florianachile victorwrites.art.blog 

Why do our hearts stir with anger 

When we see those that burdened our minds with pain? 

Why does our joy disappear 

With memories that scarred our feelings? 

Why is our laughter 

Replaced by a pitiful sadness 

When we fail to forget our source of sorrow? 

Why do our thoughts beam with hatred 

When past misgivings are resurrected 

From our sealed archives? 

Maybe, 

Our souls are bereft of happiness 

Because we bury our pains 

In our loose and fragile hearts 

Tearing us bit by bit 

Without realizing 

We would feel less pain 

When we refine our buried grudges with forgiveness 

ugwuegbu peace everest 

by Peace Everest 

Peace Everest is a student at the University of Port Harcourt, a newbie in 

creative & content writer and a potential public speaker. 

@Peaceful Everest 

@Peace Everest 

For so long I’ve been filthy, 

drenched in the sea of darkness. 

I’m without form and messy, 

craving and seeking to be reformed. 

Down from the very sole of my feet, 

I yearn to be regenerated. 

ANEW 

For a while I’ve wandered in negligence, 

straying from the path of prudence. 

Lost in the implication of my carelessness, 

deep beneath the borders of my heart, 

emanates the desire for a rebirth. 

After tarrying in the fiery furnace of refining, 

I have emerged with a radiant purity. 

Now I am reborn! anew as a suckling 

babe, 

transformed and renewed, 

after my filth has been watered. 

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101 

Alas! I’m anew and reinvigorated! 

I am reborn! 

Like a new born baby!


MARGINS 

again. 

by Olanrewaju Oluwadamilola Marvelous 

Olanrewaju Oluwadamilola Marvelous is a poet and a part time story 

teller who believes word are as powerful as they are dangerous. She 

has over a 100 poems to her credit. She is a great lover of books, music 

and sports. 

@biggdammy_ 

today, i felt my breath. 

like; 

a representation of a pencil sketch. 

a semi bad painting ready to be made away. 

it had to be a red color background, 

freely to depict pain or loss. 

it had to have black shades at the upper layer 

to describe a rare dark atmosphere, 

possibly to make it displeasing for views. 

imagine birds turning to their dwelling place, 

after foreseeing a thunderstorm. 

imagine clouds overshadowed the moon, 

seizing its light, painting it as a no lifer. 

it had to have the breeze too, 

hoping and pleading for rest. 

imagine a strange girl in fetters, 

like a lad arraigned in a courtroom, 

in the exact midpoint of the paper, 

with a greyed colored hairstyle, 

succumbed to the ground on one knee, 

in the way a spinster would make his 

intentions known. 

imagine a dagger walked through her, 

like she was its resting place. 

imagine blood gushing out, 

thinking they’ve been caged for too long. 

maybe i could crave another sheet, 

maybe I could embrace my pencils’ grip, 

maybe I could begin a start, 

like the first day of creation. 

maybe i will feel my breath again. 

i will. 

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i became the person i needed 


It has been months of self-isolation, 

of being distant and forming bonds with no physical connection. 

I have always thought I needed people for happiness; 

that I needed friends to give me comfort and make me laugh. 

But I began embracing my own self, listening to my own sobs, 

counting and guiding myself to slowly breathe again. 

I have always thought that being alone is lonely; 

that my mental & emotional stability depended on someone – 

of another person giving me solace. 

Now, I am working on gaining it myself – 

on gathering my stormclouds 

to offer myself a moment of respite. 

I used to dismiss my parents when they talk of death and separation. 

I was complacent they will live long enough to see me succeed; 

their expiration date longer than soon. 

But I realized the only success I can measure right now 

is being good at making the people I love feel that I love them, 

instead of waiting for the final bow. 

For the longest time, I latched on to the saying ‘there is always light after the tunnel.’ 

And then I questioned, ‘Why does the light always at the end?’ 

‘Why can’t light be present in darkness?’ 

That was when I saw myself as a horse with blinders – 

only focused on what is at the end, 

and not currently living the present. 

I have always made myself an available torch to others. 

Often forgetting that I need to be light to myself, too. 

It has been months of self-isolation, 

of being distant and forming bonds with no physical connection. 

I used to not stand my own presence, unable to bear my thoughts, 

but comes with self-isolation blossomed my ability to make peace with myself. 

It has been a long time since the last time. 

I did not change. I just healed. 

Then became the person I needed. 


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my morning. 

by Johnson Goodness Oluchi 

“I lost a companion who was everything to me. It broke me and made me lose myself 

daily even with this hurt I still try to come out all loving and caring hoping that one 

day I'll find someone who'll breathe on me the breath of love. I wrote this poem with 

my ex-lover in mind. But when writing I found out that it's not just for him alone but 

to every other person who is broken, that each morning brings healing to their soul 

for Joy cometh in the morning.” 

I gasped for air 

As i drowned in my emotions 

The will to live was no more 

I lost a companion 

One who i shared my everyday with 

We breathed same air 

Each day without him 

Was an illusion 

I was lost in my self 

I wanted a revival 

A revival in man form 

I needed someone 

Who would breath on me anew 

The breath of love 

For where there’s love 

There’s life 

Every morning 

Opportunities dawns anew 

A new beginning for each heart 

I hope my morning comes 

With anew lover 

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“BLOODSHOT” 

“METAMORPHOSIS” 

by Arriellah 

@arriellah @artspiration.paint 

Arriellah is a Sri Lankan-born, Toronto-based, self-taught artist, who dabbles 

in visual art with acrylics and watercolours. She likes exploring themes 

around connecting with nature and being your true unrestrained self. In 

her spare time she also hosts paint nights, with the vision of creating a safe 

space for kids and adults to explore their boundaries without judgment. 

A perspective that elaborates my journey of self-realisation and actualisation 

which draws parallels to how we all go through individual struggles, 

overcome them, and blossom into our true selves. 

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“INNER DEMONS” 

“BLOSSOM” 

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MARGINS 

“SYNCOPATION” 

“SYNCOPATION” 

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MARGINS 


by Katherine Abraham 

@aikarterinaphotography 

@katie_abraham 

Katherine Abraham is a photographer in every spare moment she gets off 

work and her literary career. She is the author of Yesterday Once More, 

Silenced by Love and Some Days are Forever. An Indian Adventist, Katherine 

is a teacher by profession, who has studied Law, Literature and 

Journalism. She writes poetry and prose for various online publications as 

well as Anthologies. She is also the host for a New Podcast Series entitled, 

Chasing Hope. Her fourth novel “Every Sunset Has a Story” is now with 

the publishers. Her short story, The Great Controversy between Faith and 

Fear has been accepted by the Red Penguins Publications, USA, recently. 

Katherine especially loves landscape photography and regularly travels 

abroad for this. She also does portrait photography in her spare time. 

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“HOPE” 

by Varsha Sureka 

@varshasureka 

www.varshasureka.com 

Varsha Sureka, an Indian settled in Dubai, is a proactively creative and 

self-taught artist, with a Master’s degree in Human Resource, a mom, a 

music lover, highly energetic and skillful. Her love for art emerged right 

from a very tender age and it has been her eternal love since then. 

Varsha brings with her a wide range of art forms which includes Abstract, 

Resin, Landscape, Mixed Media and Clay work. With her art forms, she 

believes in giving words to the unsaid, enriching them with life. 

Her artworks have been exhibited in major art galleries, hotels, malls, 

premium shops and parks all over Dubai, worth mentioning out of which 

are her works with "Live Limitless”, "Arab Cultural Club. Sharjah", "Paris- 

Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi", "Oasis Mall, Dubai", & "Dubai Outlet 

Mall". She has been invited as a judge and mentor for many renowned 

events and competitions all around UAE. 

She has also done some amazing works with the NGOs for the specially 

abled kids to lift them up and she stands firm for Equality. The cultural 

diversity of UAE has always been a strong area of interest for her and her 

paintings depicts the same. She has been the most sought-after artist for 

"Equality Paintings" in Dubai. 

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“CORONA WARRIORS” 

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise of hope. 

There’s a lot that has been going around the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 

or COVID-19, but let’s take a moment and see the other side of it. 

Through this artwork of mine, I want to take the opportunity to spread a 

strong message among everyone. While going down the memory lane, 

something that stuck my head was the mural art on the walls at Al Satwa 

of @ernestzacharevic I then took that as the base and glorified it with 

our corona warriors, The Front Liners. Here’s my artwork showcasing 

the joy of the children dressed as a doctor, police, worker & army officer 

playing the wheel game that probably most of us have tried. 

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margins 

Magazine 

UTSC Women’s and Trans Centre 

In-House Publication

Margins Magazine - Volume 4 Issue 4

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