Natalia Iwanek (she/they) is a currently completing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Political Science at Athabasca University.
The most recent AUSU Council Meeting took place on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Katherine Hadden. Also in attendance was The Voice’s Council Meeting Reporter Natalia Iwanek. Key items included Policy Revisions, Council Reports, and the Indigenous Student Representation Committee…. Read more »
Misrepresentative and often dehumanizing single narratives are often seen in literature, film, art, and media. These stories are frequently one-dimensional and often-inaccurate portrayals of communities, often resulting in mistreatment and violence from society and internalized oppression and diminished self-worth for those affected. In her immensely popular 2009 TED talk, The Danger of a Single Story,… Read more »
Recent attempts to redress historical societal injustices through grassroots social movements and convictions of high profile individuals reveal a move toward the creation of a more inclusive society; one in which the lives of those historically silenced are now being increasingly heard. The attempts to rewrite often inaccurate and offensive narratives that surround many communities… Read more »
Amidst protests decrying police brutality facing Black Americans and new Albertan legislation that may be affecting the very right to protest, we enter Pride month, a celebration of queer rights, whose origins can be traced back to a riot. Despite the cancellation of this year’s Pride parades because of the pandemic, June remains a joyful,… Read more »
Historical societies, museums, and governments often use archives as a way to “preserve historical material and make them available for use.” And while in the past archives have been predominantly physical, in recent times, archives are increasingly becoming digitalized. In particular, Athabasca University’s Thomas A. Edge Archives and Special Collections, the official repository for AU’s… Read more »
English majors and voracious readers alike are well versed in literature’s many benefits. From escaping unbearable realities to uncovering startling truths to confronting our deepest fears, literature connects readers with the world by revealing insight into the common human experience. Through themes of time and place, literature reminds us that, despite our uniqueness, our individual… Read more »
While many brick and mortar students and educators have struggled with the recent unexpected transition to online education, the very nature of AU’s unique educational model has allowed the institution to bypass many issues. Although many aspects of life and work have been significantly altered for AU staff, faculty, and students, our educational system has… Read more »
The most recent AUSU Council Meeting took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exception of Councillor Ian Stewart. Also in attendance were The Voice’s Managing Editor Karl Low and Council Meeting Reporter Natalia Iwanek. Key items included COVID-19, Council Reports, and the… Read more »
Although the recent pandemic driven transition to online education may have appeared relatively seamless and rapid, various issues have surfaced at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. Despite the benefit of an existing online format, struggles have been reported here at AU as well. Various students on the AU app have expressed concern with increased… Read more »
This year’s AUSU Annual Members’ Meeting took place on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 5:00 to 5:30 pm MT. All Councillors were in attendance, with the exceptions of Councillors Darcie Fleming and Kathryn Hadden. Also in attendance were The Voice’s Managing Editor Karl Low, Meeting Reporter Natalia Iwanek, as well as students Mitch and Mark…. Read more »