(un)limited

The Ubyssey's 2023 Magazine explored social, physical and economic limitations and how they interact and intersect with our lives, with story ranging from blending dance genres and the effect of the climate crisis on insect physiology to the impact of student evaluations on faculty promotion.

All in (un)limited

February 27, 2024

In one ear, out the other: The limitations of memory research

While scientists have made immense progress in memory formation research, so much is still unknown. What’s keeping us from fully understanding this aspect of the human brain, and what are memory researchers doing to overcome these obstacles?

Maya Levajac, Illustrations by Bessie Guo

February 27, 2024

What’s the buzz? How the climate crisis affects insects’ bodies

With the climate crisis, insects are facing significant challenges. Rising temperatures can have broad effects on insects’ bodies, leading to physiological and ecological disruptions with long-term effects on the human population according to UBC entomologists.

Vicky Nguyen, Illustrations by Emilija Vītols Harrison

February 27, 2024

Side effects may include: How GLP-1 agonists push the boundaries of medical treatment

Ozempic, like Wegovy and Rybelsus, is part of a group of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. They are successful in helping diabetics control their blood sugar levels, but users noticed another unexpected effect during clinical trials: they were experiencing significant weight loss.

Elena Massing, Illustrations by Cynthia Wang

February 27, 2024

Do SEI surveys measure success or perpetrate bias?

At the end of the term, emails flood into student inboxes with the reminder to fill out teaching evaluations. This is a chance for students to grade their professors’ performance as an educator. However, scholars have questioned the accuracy of these surveys, and how they might mask gender, racial and ethnic biases.

Bernice Wong, Illustrations by Erika Zahorszky

February 27, 2024

What does it mean to ‘serve students’? The AMS is much bigger than its student leadership

At a glance, the AMS works a lot like a public body. But look at the AMS from another angle, and it’s a small business owner trying to turn a profit. So, which is it? The answer, on paper, is neither.

Anabella McElroy, Photos by AMS archives and Isabella Falsetti

February 27, 2024

The missing ingredient: How culturally-relevant food access supports student wellbeing

Food traditions connect people to their homes, their histories and to each other. But many students said their options for affordable culturally-specific food — from seasonings and good tortillas to certified kosher meals — are slim.

Tova Gaster and Mahin E Alam, Photos by Zoe Wagner

February 27, 2024

‘Doing the most that you can’: The invisible struggle after sport-induced injuries

“You start to feel a little bit better, and you’re doing a little bit more, and things are really going great,” Trainor said. “Then you tweak something or it’s not holding up as well. Then all of a sudden, your thoughts are like, ‘Oh my God, this is all for nothing.’”

Caleb Peterson, Illustrations by Lauren Kasowski

February 27, 2024

Stretching dollars: How campus clubs make recreation more affordable

Vancouver is a hub for fitness classes, but for most students, they aren’t an option because of their price tag. The AMS supports over 50 different sports and recreation clubs, who provide options for students to try disciplines without breaking the bank.

Iman Janmohamed and Lauren Kasowski, Photos by Annie Di Giovanni

February 27, 2024

A good excuse

Growing up, I had been different. I usually had fewer friends than other kids and often felt disconnected from the ones I did have. I regularly forgot assignments and exams — teachers would pull me aside and tell me I had so much potential, if only I would do the work. I was beginning to see why.

Annaliese Gumboc, Illustrations by Bessie Guo

February 27, 2024

Impulse and improv: A bond between ink artists and musicians

“All art is expression in some way,” said Emerson Landwehr, a musician and student at UBC. “If you have multiple mediums of art, I think it’s easy to, once you get very invested in one of them ... also have that creatively influence other things, and it can create a sort of feedback loop.”

Elena Massing and Fiona Sjaus, Photos by Zoe Wagner

February 27, 2024

‘Breaking’ limits and ‘locking’ in the unlimited

Breaking, or b-boying, has roots in martial arts and gymnastics. Originating in early 1970s New York, breaking is credited to DJ Kool Herc, the first to string together bass-heavy sections of songs and encourage dancers to come forward and express themselves to the beat.

Stella Griffin, Photos by Jerry Wong, Illustrations by Andra Chitan

February 27, 2024

Time to let go

It’s hard to notice when the things you love begin to hurt you, and harder still to leave them once you realize it. Prioritizing my sanity and wellbeing was scary, disheartening and took longer than it should have.

Shubhreet Dadrao, Illustrations by Bessie Guo

February 27, 2024

POV

Humans seem to only ever think about ourselves. Why are we only ever thinking about ourselves?

Lauren Kasowski, Photos by Maya Rochon, Lauren Kasowski, Annie Di Giovanni and Iman Janmohamed

February 27, 2024

With all my love, to the rain

I hate to love Vancouver rain. / It makes everything smell like decay. / It rots dirt fissures into muddy pools, / But it’s consistent.

Fiona Sjaus, Illustrations by Maya Rochon

February 27, 2024

putting myself first

my mother’s advice: / ‘there is no box’ / was meant to be kind

Lauren Kasowski, Illustrations by Sophia Yang