Volume 51 – Masthead
Hannah recently completed her HBA in Communications, Culture, Information & Technology and Professional Writing & Communications with High Distinction. Hannah served as the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Vol. 50 and her previous publications include PWC’s official journal of creative non-fiction in Mindwaves Vol. 15 and research in Compass Vol. 9 and 10. She also served as an Associate Editor for Compass Vol. 9 and Vol. 10. In her spare time, Hannah runs her sticker shop The Aesthetics Studio and does freelance writing. You can connect with Hannah on LinkedIn.
Aya is a recent UTM graduate, having double majored in Political Science and Sociology. She’s worked at The Medium for five years, starting in Volume 46 as a Staff Writer, then becoming Opinion Editor for Volume 47, serving as a Columnist for Volume 48, reprising her role as Opinion Editor for Volume 50, and now acts as Managing Editor for Volume 51. Aya’s passionate about engaging in robust, thoughtful, and meaningful discussions through writing and hopes that the UTM student body will join her in doing so!
Samuel is a second-year student at UTM studying Politics and English. He previously worked with The Medium as an Associate News Editor and currently serves as the publication’s News Editor. Samuel is passionate about employing the power of writing to enhance our student community and hopes to help nurture a bright future for The Medium this year. In his spare time, Samuel can be found working out, creating music on the piano and drums, or exploring nature.
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.
Madhav is a third year student completing a double major in mathematics and computer science, and a minor in professional writing. Everyone in UTM has a unique story that makes them special and deserves to be told. As the Features Editor, Madhav wants to narrate these types of stories with creative and descriptive writing. In his off-time, Madhav loves watching anime, reading manga or fantasy novels and listening to music.
Keira is going into her fourth year at UTM pursuing a double major in Communications, Culture, Information, and Technology (CCIT) and Professional Writing and Communications (PWC). When she’s not working or studying, you can find her nose deep in a good literary fiction novel, writing movie reviews on Letterboxd, or even training for the marathon that never seems to actually happen! You can connect with Keira on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Joseph is a recent graduate from UTM, having double-majored in Professional Writing & Communication and Political Science. During his time at UTM, he played on the men’s hockey and soccer teams and was actively involved in the campus’ sports community. Joseph is a strong advocate for a healthy lifestyle, and hopes that as Sports & Health Editor he can encourage students to get involved in campus sports and activities.
Sara Li
Photos Editor
photos@themedium.ca
Sara is in her final year, double majoring Art and Art History and CCIT. Sara is an art enthusiast who loves art making, music, and photography. Her current works mainly consist of small, yet colorful, abstract paintings. Sara hopes to become an influential artist. If you’re interested in her artistic world, please visit her Instagram at: saralisara33. While commuting, she enjoys her diverse playlist, including alternative rock, R&B, and K-pop, with her favorite artist being Keshi. She loves using her camera to create aesthetic images while capturing real-life moments. This is her first time as a photo editor for a newspaper, and she hopes to contribute great photos to the Medium.
May is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga. She graduated in June 2024 as a Dean’s List Scholar with a Bachelor of Arts degree after completing a double major in Criminology and Sociology. Previously, May served as the News Editor for The Medium in Volumes 48 and 50 and brings a wealth of experience in writing and editing. When she’s not busy editing articles, you’ll find May trying out new recipes, hitting the trails for a good hike, or enjoying a bit of retail therapy.
Maja is a fourth-year Forensic Biology Specialist student. She is excited to reprise her role as Copy Editor for Volume 51 of The Medium, having previously worked as Copy for Volume 50 and Associate Arts and Entertainment Editor for Volume 49. Her favourite punctuation mark is the em-dash. Her hobbies include reading books, reading about books, drinking matcha, and referring to herself in the third person. You can connect with her by emailing her at maja@themedium.ca.
Buket S. Baykal
Design Editor
design@themedium.ca
Buket recently graduated from Algonquin College, Interactive Media Design program. With four years of experience in the media office of a leading union in her home country, she has a strong background in design. While studying, she completed an internship at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), further developing her skills. Passionate about design, the arts, photography, and video, Buket is excited to bring her creative expertise to The Medium as a Design Editor. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring various artistic disciplines and contributing to community initiatives as a volunteer.
Skyler recently graduated with her HBA with a double major in Cinema Studies and Women and Gender Studies (WGS) with High Distinction. She discovered her love for writing while doing essays within her fields of study, which inspired her to begin contributing to The Medium. Outside of writing, Skyler practises Taekwon-Do and recently earned her 2nd degree black belt. She also enjoys travelling, baking, watching horror movies and collecting physical media. You can find more of her academic and personal work on her blog.
Diana is a fourth-year student majoring in both Political Science and History. She joined The Medium as a news contributor in November of last year and quickly found news journalism to be one of her passions. As an Associate News Editor, Diana hopes that she can continue informing the UTM community on local, national, and international affairs with the integrity, neutrality and honesty that define her core beliefs on what journalism should be. Outside of The Medium, she is avidly interested in watching anime, playing board games, and nerding over public transportation. You can find Diana’s LinkedIn here for further inquiries.
I am a third-year student at UTM pursuing a double major in political science and anthropology (arts) and a minor in environmental management. Driven by my passion for literature, politics, and community engagement, I joined The Medium in October 2024 as a news contributor and quickly took a liking to journalism. I strive to write informative and evocative news stories that amplify the diverse voices at UTM and beyond.
Celesta is a second-year student at UTM majoring in Political Science with minors in English and French. She began writing for The Medium in her first year as a contributor to the News section, and as an Associate Editor, she hopes to further develop her writing and journalism. Celesta enjoys covering news stories regarding politics and society, with a particular interest in international conflicts. In her free time, Celesta enjoys spending time with friends, reading, writing, and playing video games.
Jia is in her third year at UTM, studying Forensic Psychology. Passionate about exploring the intricacies of human relationships and social dynamics, she hopes to use her position as associate opinion editor to dive into thought-provoking topics that encourage readers to question societal norms and consider new perspectives. In her free time, Jia loves exploring new cafes, collecting jewellery, reading books, and baking sweet treats!
Erin is in her fourth year, pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Physics. She is interested in climate science and looks to explore what it means to live during an ecological crisis. She likes books, playing tennis, 0.5mm gel pens, and oyster mushrooms, and dislikes onions, jeans that are too short, and umbrellas.
Rhianna is in their third year of study for a Psychology Specialist. They do not like to identify themselves merely based on group membership or interests but see it as worth mentioning that they have an affinity for the absurd. Rhianna loves to meet new people and has the lifelong goal of continuing to nourish their curiosity. They value intellectual freedom, authenticity, and compassion above all else.
I am a second-year student, double majoring in Philosophy and English. I believe words hold the power to overcome various humanity issues and change the world for the better. I strive to improve my writing ability and bring knowledge, passion, and joy to society through words. Most importantly, I am determined to make a positive impact in the world. I love to read, write, take long walks, and do anything related to music as my hobbies.
Meet Milica, a caffeine-fueled fifth-year student at UTM, conquering the worlds of English and Art History one espresso shot at a time! When she’s not diving into literary classics or admiring Baroque masterpieces, you’ll find her dumping her thoughts into voice memos—because somehow typing on the laptop is easier than texting on the go. She dreams of mastering all the romance languages (if only she could find the time between classes and coffee runs). Milica finds solace in her favorite pink-hued comfort movie, Legally Blonde, which kick-started her ambition to pursue a career in the legal field.