HALIFAX, NS — Each new year, many are inspired to make changes in their lives, whether that be reaching fitness goals or giving back more to their community. For third-year student Marcus Hubert, that desire for change manifested as a newfound devotion to recycling. “My family’s Christmas ski vacation really gave me a new appreciation for this beautiful planet. It was natural that my New Year’s resolution would be centred around the environment. The first step I’m taking will be to minimize the waste I produce,” explained Hubert.
Hubert’s five Hilroy notebooks from last semester have sat — almost entirely untouched — on his desk since September tenth of last year. In fact, after brushing a layer of dust off of them, Hubert ripped the nearly blank first pages — all titled “syllabus” — out of each one. In preparation for the new semester, he crossed out the subject name on the cover of each notebook with a black sharpie, then carefully re-titled each first-page “syllabus” in eager anticipation of the upcoming semester.
“It’s just so incredibly important that we pivot away from our wasteful lifestyles in an attempt to heal the planet,” Hubert said. “Honestly, I might not even write in these notebooks at all this semester either — that way I can save them for next year. I’m an auditory learner anyway.” Academic advisor Liz MacLeod commented on the matter, saying, “While Marcus’ environmentalism ought to inspire the rest of the Dalhousie community, his study habits really shouldn’t — he’s facing academic probation if his marks don’t look up this semester.”
By Grace Brown