Mount Allison students and the Sackville community alike are preparing to lace up their running shoes to walk, jog and run in this year’s Relay for Life. The upcoming Relay for Life is the first time that the organizational committee is made up of Mt. A students exclusively – in previous years, the event was organized by the town.

The Relay for Life is a nationwide event founded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to show support for those impacted by cancer in any way. The funds raised for this event contribute to the cost of research and ensure that there is adequate support available for those battling cancer.

“This event is a cornerstone for the CCS and is hosted all around the country,” said Jaden Snethun, the event’s marketing captain. “I think this is an event that can bring together large parts of the students, Sackville and surrounding communities. There will be a touching ceremony to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, a celebration of survivors, and lots of memorable, fun activities and musical acts throughout!”

“While they fund life-saving medical research, the [CCS] also provides patients with prosthetics, wigs, travel, mental health support and much more – all free of charge for the patient,” said Eden Lunn, the Relay for Life’s participant engagement team lead. Lunn outlined the importance of participating in such an event: “The CCS is almost completely reliant on events like Relay for Life to be able to provide these services to those battling cancer.”

Sarah Doak, the event experience team lead, encouraged everyone to get involved and show support for anyone affected by cancer. She also encouraged feedback: “Attend and tell us how we can do better next year, especially concerning accessibility.”

“We want supporters, survivors and anyone of any age who wants to help us make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer,” said Snethun, encouraging students and residents of Sackville alike to participate.

The action-packed event will take place on March 22 from 4 to 10 p.m. in Mt. A’s Athletic Centre. This year’s fundraising goal is $16,500, and all donations can be made on the Relay for Life Mount Allison webpage.

Links to sign up individually or as a team can be found on any of the Relay for Life’s social media platforms. For more information or any questions about the event can be directed to mountarelay@gmail.com.

Mount Allison students and the Sackville community alike are preparing to lace up their running shoes to walk, jog and run in this year’s Relay for Life. The upcoming Relay for Life is the first time that the organizational committee is made up of Mt. A students exclusively – in previous years, the event was organized by the town.

The Relay for Life is a nationwide event founded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to show support for those impacted by cancer in any way. The funds raised for this event contribute to the cost of research and ensure that there is adequate support available for those battling cancer.

“This event is a cornerstone for the CCS and is hosted all around the country,” said Jaden Snethun, the event’s marketing captain. “I think this is an event that can bring together large parts of the students, Sackville and surrounding communities. There will be a touching ceremony to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, a celebration of survivors, and lots of memorable, fun activities and musical acts throughout!”

“While they fund life-saving medical research, the [CCS] also provides patients with prosthetics, wigs, travel, mental health support and much more – all free of charge for the patient,” said Eden Lunn, the Relay for Life’s participant engagement team lead. Lunn outlined the importance of participating in such an event: “The CCS is almost completely reliant on events like Relay for Life to be able to provide these services to those battling cancer.”

Sarah Doak, the event experience team lead, encouraged everyone to get involved and show support for anyone affected by cancer. She also encouraged feedback: “Attend and tell us how we can do better next year, especially concerning accessibility.”

“We want supporters, survivors and anyone of any age who wants to help us make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer,” said Snethun, encouraging students and residents of Sackville alike to participate.

The action-packed event will take place on March 22 from 4 to 10 p.m. in Mt. A’s Athletic Centre. This year’s fundraising goal is $16,500, and all donations can be made on the Relay for Life Mount Allison webpage.

For more information about this year’s event, check Relay for Life’s Facebook page, MTA Relay for Life, or @relaymounta on both Instagram and Twitter. Links to sign up individually or as a team can be found on any of the Relay for Life’s social media platforms. Any questions about the event can be directed to mountarelay@gmail.com.

How to help yourself, and those around you

In March of 2018, Global News reported that nearly 40 percent of men and women in Atlantic Canada have, at one point or another, experienced sexual harassment.

Historically, many public counselling and human rights services have long wait times. Thankfully, Mount Allison students who have experienced sexual harassment can quickly access confidential services right on campus.

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual behaviour or attention. Examples include subtle pressure for sexual activity; sexually suggestive gestures, notes, teasing or jokes; pressure for dates or for sex; inappropriate or offensive sexual remarks; sexually demeaning comments; sexual graffiti or offensive illustrations; requests for sexual favours in exchange for grades or other benefits; embarrassing attention or sexually suggestive favouritism shown by an instructor, coach or other person with authority and power over the subject; and disparaging remarks about one’s sex, gender, sexual orientation or way of expressing these.

Similar to Mt. A, most schools and workplaces have had policies concerning sexual harassment since the 1980s.

Those who have experienced sexual harassment have reported having further health-related problems. Effects can range from discomfort to devastation. They can last a short or long time, and often have a “ripple effect” of negative symptoms affecting others in the same living or study environment. In 2018, Occupational Safety reported that these health issues include increased levels of stress, sleep and eating disruption, and the development of anxiety and depression.

It is important to reach out if you feel as though you have experienced sexual harassment. Additionally, if you feel as though you have witnessed any form of sexual violence at Mt. A, speaking out and becoming an ally for those suffering can make a huge difference during the recovery process. To learn more about supporting others, consider participating in a training for Mt. A’s active bystander campaign, Take “A” Stand.

If you feel as though you are experiencing or have experienced sexual harassment, do not hesitate to contact SHARE at 506-540-7427 or share@mta.ca. SHARE will listen, believe you, support you, and provide confidential advice and referral to additional services if you so choose.

If you believe that there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911. If you wish to file a complaint about discrimination or harassment based on sex, gender expression or sexual orientation outside the University system, you can call the New Brunswick Human Rights Commision (toll free) at 1-888-471-2233. SHARE has experience helping people complete human rights complaint forms and can help you if that is your preference and need.

Last week, an intimate group of Mt. A athletes gathered in a quiet Avard-Dixon room to discuss key issues surrounding mental health for students balancing school with demanding athletic schedules.

The student-run executive team for the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI) this year is made up of four student athletes: Heather Richards is the treasurer, Mike Cormier is responsible for communications, and Kathleen Morrison and Elizabeth Baker are the co-leads. These four individuals are working together towards ending the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in student athletes.

SAMHI, an initiative with a presence in universities across the country, was brought to Mt. A by a former mental health educator as well as Pierre Arsenault, the director of athletics and recreation.

According to the SAMHI website, “SAMHI works to educate Canadians about the vulnerabilities of student athletes. We aim promote the mental well-being of all student athletes. And we work to support those struggling with a mental health concern or illness.”

Cormier, who is a goalkeeper for the Mounties soccer team, hopes that the group will have a large impact on Mounties athletes and offer help to those who need it. “Our team got up and running in the winter term of last academic year. Our primary goal then was to lay the groundwork for this year, where we are hoping to really expand our presence on campus,” he said.

“The benefit to having a group like SAMHI on campus is that it is an organization for athletes, by athletes,” Cormier added. “Mental illness is heavily stigmatized, and the stigma surrounding mental illness in athletes is immense. SAMHI’s mission is to eliminate mental illness stigma in post-secondary sport and facilitate access to the resources needed to maintain and improve mental health.”

Baker, a badminton player and defense for Mounties soccer, said she hopes that SAMHI will promote an open dialogue about mental health, as well as create support for athletes at Mt. A. “This initiative creates a liaison between student athletes, the athletic department and mental health resources on campus. We provide support, education and mental health awareness to all of our student athletes. SAMHI members are allies and champions of mental health,” she said.

“It lets [student athletes] know we are aware of the unique challenges student athletes face with regards to mental health, and we are focused on improving the overall student athlete experience,” she said.

Morrison, a forward for Mounties basketball, hopes that this initiative will have a positive impact across campus. Ultimately, she has high hopes that SAMHI will encourage athletes to seek help in order to improve their overall wellbeing. “This initiative aims to raise awareness for the importance of athletes’ mental health and provide resources for student athletes and coaches at Mount Allison,” said Morrison. “We have a group of passionate athletes working towards the goal of ending the stigma surrounding mental illness in general and in sport, and bettering this needed conversation across campus.”

“This initiative is a powerful tool to keep the conversation going about mental health all year long, especially in a department [like athletics] where this topic sometimes gets forgotten or is not acknowledged enough,” Baker said.

To stay up to date with SAMHI on campus, take a look at the official Instagram page, @samhi_mounties.

The Mount Allison women’s field hockey team is focused on maintaining the momentum that comes with their second-ever league win after their game against UNBSJ.

The team has been a growing and active member of the Atlantic University Field Hockey League since 2014. They currently compete against teams from across the Atlantic region, such as UNB, STFX, and various universities in between. The team typically competes in three tournaments per regular season, as well as one tournament in the spring.

Head coach Julia Bland has returned this season for her second time coaching the team. Bland has had experience coaching for sports teams, but no previous background for coaching field hockey. “I decided to coach the women’s field hockey team because I was interested in getting involved in sports again, and I had some good friends on the team. I had soccer and coaching experience, so applying that to field hockey works well.”

Roisin Kierstead is the team’s centre full back/centre midfielder and one of the team’s co-captains. Kierstead has been playing field hockey for seven years – three of which have been with the Mt. A women’s field hockey team.

She has seen an improvement in the team’s performance this season. “This team, like Mt. A’s team only a few years ago, is very new. I think that our victory against [UNBSJ] highlights how far we have come as a student-managed team,” she said. “Much of this progress can be attributed to the relentless dedication of our coach Julia Bland and other exec members, all of which have stood as enthusiastic examples for our other members and helped to unify the team.”

As a young team, this group of women do face some challenges. “I think our greatest weakness is lack of experience as a team, which we work on during practice through rigorous drills, and with each game we get a little better!” Bland said.

As a result of this, every player shows incredible commitment to the team. Bland outlined the team’s typical week: “Our weekly schedule includes an evening practice, a fitness practice, early morning practice, study hall and a bi-weekly weekend scrimmage – and we’ve had record attendance this year!”

As for Kierstead, there are various factors that supported the team’s most recent win. “As a team, I suspect that we will continue to work on the speed and aggressiveness of our offensive play, specifically by taking advantage of turnovers,” she said. “Now that I am partially part of the offensive line I am very excited to have an enhanced opportunity of contributing to this.”

In order to improve as a team and add more wins to their record, Kierstead predicts that the team will continue to focus on movement of the ball and maintaining possession of the play. “Across all positions, this is an area that we are working towards improving,” she said. “That being said, I think that each of our players can perform particularly well defensively and that this has become our greatest strength.”

Bland would also like to point out that the team is currently looking for a head coach: “One thing I’d like to add is that we are looking for a full-time coach, preferably an adult with field hockey or coaching experience. Although student coaching is extremely fun and rewarding, this would give some continuity to the team so that it can keep developing!”