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.

Op Ed | Opinion

It’s really tough loving Gloria Steinem
As students, we should problematize the praised and polished legacies of the white public intellectuals and icons whose wisdom is mainstreamed at the expense of black and brown voices.

Mashiyat Ahmed September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

On September 2nd, American feminist activist and journalist Gloria Steinem passed away in her New York City home at the…

Lost in Translation: Queerness in culture
Queerness is as old as humanity.

Mashiyat Ahmed March 23, 2026March 26, 2026

Queerness is as old as humanity. Yet, our world attempts to discredit figures and experiences of queer people beyond the…

Op Ed | Opinion

Straight on Mondays, Gay on Tuesdays: The Biphobia Epidemic
Why has biphobia become so normalized in queer friendly spaces and relationships?

Mashiyat Ahmed March 23, 2026March 25, 2026

Bi-negativity. Bi-erasure. Biphobia. Monosexuality. Yet, there are a lot of aspects of my bisexuality that feel painfully foreign to me….

“Students will bear the brunt”: CFS-O straps in for fight against Ford government’s OSAP and tuition changes
The Canadian Federation of Students—Ontario says it plans to sustain its opposition to the province’s cuts to OSAP and tuition fee increases.

Mashiyat Ahmed March 23, 2026March 26, 2026

On February 12, the Provincial government announced significant changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which will come into…

Op Ed | Opinion

Skipping class is not just an addiction or personal failure. It’s a structural problem.
Why did I learn better by skipping class than I did by forcing myself to show up?

Mashiyat Ahmed March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

The first time I showed up for one of my classes last semester was on the day of the midterm…

News

“The power of choosing your own narrative”: Afghan students host panel discussion and Iftar dinner to celebrate diasporic experiences
Lives Across Nations highlights diverse Afghan experiences beyond mainstream narratives of war, trauma, and geopolitics.

Mashiyat Ahmed March 9, 2026March 19, 2026

On February 27, the University of Toronto (U of T) Mississauga (UTM)’s Afghan Students’ Association (ASA) hosted Lives Across Nations,…

Op Ed | Opinion

Canadians should not be celebrating carney. We should be scared.
A closer reading of PM Mark Carney's speech at Davos reveals troubling truths about our country's future.

Mashiyat Ahmed February 23, 2026March 11, 2026

In January 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. His assertive,…

Op Ed | Opinion

Is cyber celibacy the analogue resistance we’ve been searching for?
Building your own library isn’t the same as building yourself

Mashiyat Ahmed January 25, 2026January 27, 2026

The resurgence of physical media has become undeniable. In 2021, I discarded my CD player because it broke, and even…

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…

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