Fayth Paul – Spoke

OPINION: Highway speed increase could cause more anxiety for teens learning to drive

Learning to drive can be a terrifying experience for some, especially if you’re taking your final test on a highway. For teens, an increased speed limit on some highways could add to that anxiety, which could detour them from completing their full G licence. In Ontario, for an individual to complete their G licence, they must first meet the requirements of completing their G1 and G2 tests along with knowing … Continued

OPINION: Minimum wage increases, but it’s not enough for single living expenses

When we graduate high school, most dream of seeking a higher level of education to discover themselves and achieve their dream jobs. But for some, this type of education is not possible, resulting in them seeking either part-time or full-time employment that pays only minimum wage. On April 5, the Ontario government announced that the minimum wage will increase to $15.50 per hour from $15 per hour beginning Oct. 1, … Continued

Local Facebook group brings kindness to Waterloo Region, designs crosswalk for next National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Just one act of kindness can go a long way. It could turn a person’s day into one they will remember. Just think how you could grow that goodwill with many acts of kindness. In May 2020, during the pandemic, Sheena Merling created a Facebook group called Act of Kindness (AOK), a group designed to take initiative and do something kind for someone else. Whether it’s paying for someone’s order … Continued

VIDEO REVIEW: Shatter Me will shatter you using all the words imaginable

Reading is a great way to relax, but it can also improve your mental health. You can put your current world behind you and dive into one that will sweep you off your feet; you can meet new and interesting people along the way. Shatter Me is a dystopian novel written by Tahereh Mafi. Mafi uses exceptional writing and description that will transport you into a world that could potentially … Continued

REVIEW: Montreal and poutine, the most Canadian combination ever

Chicago is known for its famous deep-dish pizza, Italy is known for handmade pasta, and France is known for macarons. Here in Canada, poutine tops my list of famous Canadian food. Poutine originated in the 1950s in Quebec; a French-speaking province located in eastern Canada. It is fried with a distinct flavoured gravy that will melt in your mouth. Oh, and don’t forget those fresh cheese curds on top. But … Continued

FEATURE: If you are looking to travel again, there is no place like New York

Travelling has been a real struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those living away from their families. Vacations and family traditions have been broken, causing an emotional outcome for some hardcore travellers. But there are signs that Ontario and the rest of the world is starting to welcome back visitors. For me, this creates a longing to return to New York City where I had an exciting first visit … Continued

REVIEW: This Is Us is a well-crafted show that leads you down a path of emotions

At some point in our lives, we will experience some sort of loss or traumatic event that will change us. In NBC’S This Is Us, you will experience those losses in every way possible. This Is Us follows the Pearson family; Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore), Jack Pearson(Milo Ventimiglia), Kate Pearson (Chrissy Metz), Kevin Pearson (Justin Hartley), and Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown), as they work their way through life and … Continued

AUDIO: College students see some hope for homebuying after Premier Doug Ford announces plan to tackle housing prices

Home buyers have suffered and faced rejection many times during the pandemic when looking for a home for themselves and their growing families. On Jan. 19, 2022, Premier Doug Ford announced a plan to help fix that problem and make housing more affordable for those moving out by themselves or starting out and looking to begin their life journeys.

AUDIO: Local residents conflicted with Ford’s decision to ease restrictions beginning Jan. 31

Premier Doug Ford announced on Jan. 20 that beginning Jan. 31 Ontario’s Stage Two restrictions will be eased slightly, allowing businesses to get back on track. While some residents agree with this decision, some also feel that it is too soon to have everything function at a normal pace.

How to make your Christmas more affordable

Christmas gift giving has changed during the pandemic. From online shopping to in-person shopping, holiday crafts have become the new gifts of Christmas. Many groups and stores have made accommodations to encourage this change. A group called Dollarama DIY Crafts and Hacks was created on Facebook to make life easier and bring more light into the Christmas spirit during the pandemic. The group takes cheap items that are found in … Continued

Conestoga student wins first place in post-secondary category at the Backyard Homes Design Competition

From electric cars to solar panels, we are a generation that is adapting to these new eco-friendly creations. But, the future of construction will include details with far more advanced solutions and materials to demolish our carbon footprints. On Oct. 29, 2021, the City of Kitchener revealed the winners of the first Backyard Homes Design competition. The competition is designed for people of all ages to submit a blueprint of … Continued

Students struggle to complete their driver’s licences during COVID-19 pandemic

As the year comes to a close, some students are struggling with the possibility that they may not receive their full G driver’s licence before it expires. In March 2020, Drive Test centres closed for more than three months, reopening at the end of June, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The centres also had to cancel thousands of road tests, pushing them back nearly a year. In the summer of … Continued

VIDEO: New rezoning proposal leaves local residents with mixed feelings

A housing proposal to demolish a Kitchener house at 210 Heritage Dr. and replace it with multiple townhouses has riled some neighbours while others approve of it. The large property consists of a corner unit with a multiple-car garage, driveway, and a backyard bigger than the house itself.

Conestoga grad teams up with local restaurant to encourage healthy eating

When your passion is brought to life, sometimes it’s hard to look back and see how far you have come. It took a lot of work and passion, but Christie Collins finally made it happen. Collins graduated from Conestoga College in 2006 from the Food and Beverage Management Program, where she learned the basics and overall skills needed to be in the hospitality industry. As a child, Collins used to … Continued

Author: Fayth Paul