Mashiyat Ahmed

Opinion Editor (Volume 51); Associate Opinion Editor (Volume 50) — Mashiyat (Mash) is a third-year student studying Neuroscience and Professional Writing and Communication (PWC). As this year’s Opinion Editor, Mash hopes to use her writing, editorial, and leadership skills in supporting student journalism in the essential role it plays in fostering intellectual freedom and artistic expression on campuses. When she’s not writing or slaving away at school, Mash uses her free time cooking cultural dishes, striking up conversations with strangers, and being anxious about her nebulous career plans. You can connect with Mash on her LinkedIn.

News

U of T partners with Nissan to innovate research on electric mobility
The novel partnership strengthens U of T’s commitments to a net-zero future.

Mashiyat Ahmed September 21, 2025September 21, 2025

On August 26, the University of Toronto (U of T) signed a multi-year partnership with Nissan North America to collaborate…

Opinion

Education has always been a privilege
As the world goes back to school, it’s time for us to reflect on the worth of our degrees amidst Israel's genocide in Gaza

Mashiyat Ahmed September 10, 2025September 10, 2025

In late 2024, I was on video call with a Palestinian woman named Leena Almadhoun, a local organizer, student, and…

Magazine Articles

Censorship is evolving, but so is journalism

Mashiyat Ahmed April 12, 2025April 2, 2025

An interview with journalist Emma Paling on fostering hope in an age of distorted realities. From a young age, I…

Features

A final sign-off and a heartfelt “See you next year!”
The editors of The Medium say goodbye and welcome a brand new chapter.

Mashiyat Ahmed March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

News It’s been a thrilling and memorable year as News Editor! From the first pitch email I sent in August…

Arts

I am not a “Sade Girl,” I am just a woman who loves Sade
Reflections on loving myself through loving Sade.

Mashiyat Ahmed March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

The Nigerian-born British singer-songwriter Sade, short for Helene Folasade Adu, is much more than a musical and fashion icon. With…

Culture Corner | Opinion

Culture Corner: more than just makeup
Connecting cultural and gender identities through kohl.

Mashiyat Ahmed February 23, 2025February 23, 2025

I solemnly admit that sometimes, when I look into a mirror, I don’t feel beautiful unless I am wearing makeup….

News

Community voices shed light on missing persons cases in Ontario
As a disproportionate number of Black youth go missing, important questions about the systemic response to these crises raise concerns about media attention and accountability.

Mashiyat Ahmed February 2, 2025February 5, 2025

On December 18, 2024, multi-media creator Shana McCalla issued an online petition calling for immediate action by law enforcement forces…

Arts | Poetry Corner

Poetry Corner

Mashiyat Ahmed January 20, 2025January 19, 2025

All of My LoveMaryam Uddin I’m richest when I see a glimpse of my smile in your eyes,And I’m proudest…

Opinion

The nostalgia industry
Why the increasing commodification of nostalgia is politically dangerous, especially now.

Mashiyat Ahmed January 20, 2025January 19, 2025

Directed by Woody Allen and set in Paris, the 2011 film Midnight in Paris follows a writer named Gil as…

Opinion

Surviving (and learning) in a subscription economy
Students are sick and tired of being forced to keep a separate piggy bank to pay for course materials and content they don’t even own!

Mashiyat Ahmed January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

“I cannot believe I have to pay 170 dollars just to be able to access the test questions for this…

Features

A dialogue between the centuries
An interview with The Symposium about the importance of discussion-based learning in philosophy education and beyond.

Mashiyat Ahmed January 20, 2025January 19, 2025

Back in the first year of my undergraduate studies, my friend informed me about a book club that a couple…

Opinion

Psychedelic substances need to be used with responsibility, care, and context
As the popularity of these drugs increase, youth should learn about the cultural and contextual story before experimenting with magic mushrooms, or we risk repeating historical harms.

Mashiyat Ahmed January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

In psychology, the ego is the mental glue that holds together someone’s enduring sense of who they are—their identity—and, in…

News

The fight against food insecurity on campus
As food insecurity on campuses continues to rise, UTM’s Food Center works to ensure students have the support they need.

Mashiyat Ahmed November 4, 2024November 3, 2024

According to a new report from Food Banks Canada, food banks across Canada are experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitors,…

News

“There is only one solution, it’s the student revolution,” UTM students participate in peaceful protest in solidary with Palestinians
UTM students gather in a peaceful protest and walk out in recognition of Palestinian resilience and resistance, joining a global wave of protests to address Western complicity in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Mashiyat Ahmed October 15, 2024October 15, 2024

On October 7, students at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) participated in a public walkout on campus to demand…

Opinion

Language is civilization’s first weapon
Words are powerful, and we get to decide whether they are weapons of pain or tools for peace.

Mashiyat Ahmed October 7, 2024October 6, 2024

In all my psychology classes, language’s role in shaping the course of human existence, everything from our minds to society…

The independent student newspaper of the University of Toronto Mississauga since 1974.