I’m writing my final News Flash from a spot I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time during my undergrad: the corner couch at CoGro, iced matcha in one hand, breakfast bagel in the other.
When I was asked if I wanted to start a column at The Journal, I didn’t just say yes—I leapt at the opportunity. Pop culture, lifestyle, and unsolicited recommendations have been key personality traits of mine for a while.
For the past year or so, I’ve done my best to keep readers in the loop on trends and personal favourites—whatever is defining my current moment. Let me flex for a second—my first music recommendation was Tate McRae and look at her now. Coincidence? I think not.
News Flash has been a time capsule of my time at Queen’s, so for my final column, I want to recommend the things that have truly shaped these past four years. And to my future grandkids, who I’ll definitely make read this—here’s what your grandma was obsessed with in the final weeks of her degree.
Watch
Choosing a definitive university-era show is no easy feat, but if there’s one that’s stuck with me, it’s Sex and the City. I spent the summer between my second and third year in Kingston, binging it from start to finish—an ambitious feat considering the six seasons and two movies. But once I started, I couldn’t stop.
This year, one of my housemates started watching it, and before long, it became our house’s go-to comfort show. There’s something about its mix of friendship, heartbreak, and iconic outfits that makes it impossible to turn off.
Sure, I’m still a decade away from truly relating to the 30-something year old characters, but Sex and the City serves up life and love lessons for every stage of the game. And for now, I’m more than happy to live vicariously through them.
Listen
Like News Flash, certain songs feel like a time capsule to me, and right now, that song is “Open Season” by High Highs.
It was the first song I added on my road trip playlist as I made the long drive from my home in Winnipeg to Queen’s in first year. It acted as the soundtrack to endless stretches of the Canadian Shield and the anticipation of something new.
Now, years later, the first notes never fail to tug at my heartstrings. It’s dreamy, nostalgic, and a little bittersweet—the kind of song that makes me feel like I’m in a coming-of-age movie. From that first drive filled with nerves and excitement to closing this final chapter, “Open Season” will always be the soundtrack to my time at Queen’s.
Wear
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that there’s nothing quite like spring in Kingston—where the lake breeze keeps you second-guessing the weather app, and a walk to class can feel like two different seasons in the span of 10 minutes.
That’s why a good spring coat is essential. A classic trench for rainy days, a quilted jacket for when the chill lingers, or a trusty denim jacket for that effortless, in-between-season look—the right layer makes all the difference.
Over the past four years, I’ve built quite the collection, and every March and April, they all get their turn in the rotation.
Read
If there’s one book that has left the deepest mark on me as an English major these past four years, it’s Beloved by Toni Morrison.
The novel is truly unforgettable to anyone who reads it, and easily the most impactful book I’ve encountered in my studies—so much so I centred my senior English thesis on it.
The book explores the enduring trauma of slavery through the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman haunted—both literally and figuratively—by the past. It blends history, folklore, and magical realism, crafting a powerful meditation on memory that refuses to be forgotten.
I’ll never forget the moments I’ve shared with this book—dissecting it in classrooms with friends or poring over its pages in late-night study sessions at Stauffer. This novel has shaped my academic journey, and I know I’ll carry it with me for years to come.
Visit
Every Queen’s student owes themselves at least one trip to Wolfe Island.
At the end of first year, a few friends and I decided to squeeze in one last Kingston adventure—a sunrise ferry ride to Wolfe Island. Naively, we trekked to the 7 a.m. ferry, still running on the excitement of spending the past eight months stuck somewhere between BioSci and Gord-Brock.
Upon arrival, we were met with an unexpected twist: no shuttle bus in sight. Enter our saviour—a retired Queen’s professor who, noticing our predicament, graciously offered us a ride to the “town centre.” The six of us crammed into the back of her car, alongside her very friendly Australian Shepherd.
Once in town, we rented bikes and pedaled our way to a remote winery, where we were welcomed with complimentary glasses of wine—thank you, Hank. A little tipsy, we made our way back—this time hitching a ride in the bed of a pickup truck. We giggled our way onto the ferry and arrived on campus just in time for lunch at Lenny.
An island full of surprises and adventure, Wolfe Island is absolutely worth the visit.
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And with that, News Flash comes to a close. Thank you for reading and indulging me! g off from the CoGro couch for the very last time.
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