BY YAHYA KARIM

Have you ever seen a line of dominoes fall, one after the other? It starts with just one push, and suddenly, every domino in the line topples. This simple action is called the domino effect, and it doesn’t just happen in games, it happens in real life too. Throughout history, small effects have caused huge events to arise, showing the power of the domino effect.

One example of the domino effect in history is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. This small event triggered a chain reaction that led to World War I. After the assassination, countries began taking sides and forming alliances. Tensions grew, and soon, one event after another pulled nations into a global conflict. This war changed the world forever, showing how one event can lead to something much bigger.

Another example is the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. One action, like Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat, inspired others to take a stand. Her bravery sparked: protests, marches, and speeches, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream.” These events built on each other, leading to new laws and greater rights for many people. It started small but grew into a movement that changed the nation.

Even in nature the domino effect has caused changes. A small environmental change like cutting down some trees in an area can lead to soil erosion. This erosion can cause floods that might destroy the environment, heavily impacting both the animals and the communities that reside there.

The domino effect teaches us that small actions can lead to big results, both good and bad. This is why it’s important to think about the choices we make and all of their possible outcomes. In our own lives, a small decision, like studying a little every day, can lead to success. In history, small events have shaped the world as we know it.

Next time you see a row of dominoes, remember that every action counts. No matter how small it may be, or what it is caused by. Whether in history, nature, or your own life, the domino effect reminds us that one small push can make a big difference.

BY KHADIJA KARIM

Imagine walking into a room, all eyes on you. It happens to everyone at some point, right? Now imagine those eyes aren’t just curious—they’re filled with judgment. This is a reality many Muslims face simply because of the diversity represented by a piece of cloth. Islamophobia is a problem in Canada, harming many people. Despite Canada’s reputation for being diverse and inclusive, Muslims often face discrimination simply because of their religion.

Islamophobia shows up in hateful actions and words. Some Muslims face verbal abuse, online hate, or even physical attacks. For example, women wearing hijabs might be yelled at, or have their scarves pulled. This creates fear and anxiety, making people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

Unfair treatment is another issue. Some Muslims face discrimination at work or when renting a home. Others are unfairly judged as dangerous because of stereotypes about terrorism. These false ideas prevent Muslims from feeling fully accepted in society. The effects go beyond individuals and harm communities. When Muslims feel excluded, it weakens the harmony between people and creates divisions. Families may hide their faith to avoid judgment, which breaks trust and prevents that vital connection between diverse groups.

Muslim youth are especially affected. In schools, they face bullying, name-calling, or feel left out because of their faith. Some students feel pressured to hide their identity to fit in, which can harm their self-esteem and confidence. Others struggle with teachers, or classmates who misunderstand, or stereotype their religion. These experiences can negatively impact their mental health and make it harder for them to feel comfortable in educational settings. Schools should be places where all students feel safe and supported, but for many Muslim youth, this is not the reality.

What can we do? First, we need awareness. People should recognize that Islamophobia exists and understand its harm. Schools and workplaces can teach about diversity and promote respect. Governments must ensure laws protect everyone and speak out against hate. Individuals can also help by standing up against Islamophobia. If you see someone being mistreated, support them, or speak out. Being an ally shows that hate is unacceptable.

In conclusion, Islamophobia is a serious issue in Canada. By working together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe and included. Change begins with understanding, and together, we can make Canada a truly welcoming place.

BY KAHA GEDI

Growing up is one of the most beautiful parts of life. It’s a journey filled with so many lessons and experiences, the good and the bad, as well as moments where we can laugh at ourselves and reflect how much we’ve grown. Growth and learning new things aren’t about having the “perfect” childhood, it’s about: appreciating how far we’ve come as individuals, recognizing how strong we are, and being present for how much more we can still learn from life.

2024 has been such a rough year for all of us. Let’s end it reflecting on how much we’ve achieved not just this year, but the years before. There’s a study that shows how we as human beings tend to remember negative memories more than the positive ones mostly due to them being closely linked to intense emotions like anger, frustration, stress, anxiety, or embarrassment. According to medium.com, “There are times when we wish we could just permanently delete our bad memories,” but we should realize that “The bad experiences we’ve survived allow us to feel gratitude.“

Quick question. Have you realized that we could count our problems on maybe one, two, or even three hands, but we can never count the blessings we have in our lives?

I’ll never forget the day, while snooping through my old Google Classroom archives, I stumbled across my grade five class. There it was, random texts from classmates, assignments I’d turned in, all frozen in time. Intrigued, I thought, why not see how well I was doing back then?

I clicked assignments, and read some of my work which was hilarious, and I think how different I write and express myself now. (Thankfully it did change, now that would have been a huge problem)

However, there is one assignment I want to share with you. It finally caught my eye, “Write a sentence using THEIR.” I was like, “Oh that’s so easy, let me see what I wrote.” Then to my surprise, I handed in “kaha put her back pack over their.” Lower case name, no period (I had to add one now, of course), and the wrong use of “their.” Despite my answer being completely wrong, I just laughed at how silly it was, and that moment made me especially grateful for teachers. I admired their: patience, kindness, and willingness to guide students like me, no matter how silly our mistakes were.

Looking back, moments like these remind me that growing up isn’t just about getting things right, it’s about: learning, laughing, and appreciating how far we’ve come. Every strength, every mistake, every awkward moment, and every challenge has shaped us into who we are today. So, as this year comes to an end, let’s take a moment to celebrate our growth, no matter how small it seems, and let us never forget that growing up is never perfect, but it’s always worth it.