It's important for all students to make efforts to stay well during a busy and possibly stressful end of the semester and exam period, but those who observe Ramadan may need to take some extra time to plan and consider how to support their well-being.

Eating Well During Ramadan

You are what you eat- it is important to consider that how you eat during non-fasting hours can affect your mood, energy, and stress levels the rest of the day.

Iftar 

Breaking the fast. A common recommendation is to eat 5-6 dates soaked in one cup of milk. Dates are a potassium-dense food, which aids in hydration and restores electrolyte balance. Milk is high in calcium, and water, and is balanced in macronutrients. This combination is perfect for restoring energy. 

Slow down & savour. When you break your fast, try to avoid eating as much as you can and as quickly as you can, allow yourself to enjoy the food and for your stomach to absorb it.

Avoid fried foods. Use the oven to bake your food or use an air fryer instead. Both these methods help to decrease the amount of fat and calories that come from frying. If you must fry or are invited to an iftar dinner with lots of fried goodies, try to limit your intake to one item only. This will allow you to enjoy your treat while not overindulging.

Protein, protein, protein. Be sure to include a source of protein at every iftar to provide your body with the required nutrients it needs after a long day of fasting. Protein can be from meat but also consider plant-based proteins such as lentils and beans.

The importance of snacking. It is recommended to eat at least two small snacks between breaking the fast and going to sleep. 

Hydration

Stick with water. For flavour, infuse your water with lemon slices, mint leaves, and fresh fruit.  Levels of hydration will affect how much energy you have and your alertness during the day.

Suhour: Maximizing energy for the day

Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids and choose fluid-rich foods to make sure you are well hydrated for the day ahead.

Maximize energy. Choose starchy foods for energy, opting for high fibre or wholegrain varieties where possible as these can help keep you feeling fuller and can aid digestion, helping to prevent constipation. 

Prepare this meal (or parts of it) before going to bed. This allows you to sleep as long as possible.

Other suggestions for Suhour:

• Include fruits and vegetables, especially those with high water content (watermelon, cucumber)

• Use whole-grain carbohydrates. Whole grains are high in fibre which means the energy will be absorbed slower in the body helping you feel fuller and energized for a longer time. Examples of whole grain carbohydrates are:

  • Whole grain bread, pita, oats, cereal, brown rice, and wild rice. 

  • Quinoa 

  • Barley

• Fill up on healthy fats. Healthy fats will also help you feel full and satisfied throughout the day and are an important part of a balanced diet. Examples of healthy fats include:

• Avocados

• Nut butters

• Nuts and seeds

• Ground flaxseed

• Hemp seeds

• Make drinking water a priority. In order to avoid dehydration throughout your fasts, it’s important to ensure you’re drinking enough water at suhoor. Aim to have at least 2-3 cups of water while having your suhoor.

Check out the Healthy Muslim for recipe ideas

Physical Activity while Fasting

Regular exercise can help manage stress, increase energy levels and improve focus- so it is important not to dismiss fitness altogether during Ramadan but there are some things to consider. 

Maintain muscle mass. As well as using the body’s stored carbs for energy during fasting, it is likely that your body will also turn to protein stores; this can lead to loss of muscle mass. Resistance training helps to preserve muscle mass, so opt for bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges and push-ups or add in lighter free weights for deadlifts, shoulder press, chest press and rows. 

Limit high-intensity cardio. Keep cardio low intensity during fasting as high intensity will eat up glycogen stores and force the body to use protein for energy. If you want to do some cardio during the day, a walk just before iftar is a good option to safely burn some calories.

Maintenance and recovery. Ramadan is not the time to try to make gains, fasting makes this near on impossible. So focus on maintaining muscle and cardiovascular fitness during this time. 

Timing is everything. Physical activity can further deplete energy stores so you may have to reconsider your nomal fitness routine. Here are some suggestions as to when you get in a workout.

• After your evening meal. While cardio can be difficult on a full stomach, around one hour after iftar is a good time for weight training. On the days you plan to exercise after your meal, you may want to add in a little extra food to fuel your body and ensure you drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

• Between 11 pm and 2 am. For night owls, the best time to work out may be between 11 pm and 2 pm, after your food has had a little time to settle and your body has fully rehydrated. If you have managed to get some rest in the afternoon, exercising at this time can be favourable, as it will still leave you with a couple of hours more sleep until you get up to start the day.

• Between 3 am and 4 am For early risers, the best time to work out may be just before your morning suhoor. This way, you will have energy from the previous night's meal, yet be on an empty stomach. You can hydrate while you exercise and once you are done, eat again to refuel. This method will also get you to get energized for the day ahead.

If your gym is not open 24 hours a day, consider home workouts. If exercising outdoors consider the safety of being out at night- wear reflective clothing, stick to well-lit areas and paths. 

Sleep Schedule

Usually is it recommend that individuals get 7-8 hours of sleep in one block but during Ramadan, this is not possible. Try to get the same amount of sleep over the 24-hour period.

Make a plan before Ramadan which fits in with your schedule and that you can stick to as best as possible. This may involve going to bed earlier than normal. For example, try to go to bed by 11 pm and have four hours’ sleep following iftar, then wake up at 3.30 am ready for suhoor and fajr and return back to sleep at around 5 am for two hours. If you are working reduced hours then this sleep can be a little longer. If not, then a nap after work, but before iftar, can make up for the last one to two hours of lost sleep. Whatever plan you make, try to stick to the same routine daily. 

Power naps. If your energy levels are still low during the day, a power nap can be helpful. Find a quiet place and take a 20-minute nap. Set an alarm to ensure you do not sleep for longer than 20 minutes otherwise your body will go into a deep sleep and you will wake feeling tired and groggy.

Make the environment conducive to sleep, no matter what time of day. Ensure your sleep area is quiet and dark. Earplugs and eye masks work wonders for getting into and staying in a deep sleep. Avoid using electronic devices such as your mobile phone, laptop and TV close to bedtime as studies suggest that the blue light from screens can interfere with quality sleep.

Stress

The end of the semester and exam period is stressful. 

• Practice self-care. Make time for things you enjoy, stay connected with friends and families,  spend time outdoors, practice meditation.

• Talk about it. A problem shared is a problem halved, and hearing from someone else can put things in perspective. 

• SHW counselling- Thunder Bay- call 343-8361 or email health@lakeheadu.ca to book an appointment. Orillia- request an appointment through MySuccess.

• Connect with other students in the Lakehead Muslim Student Association

• Talkcampus- 24/7, global, student, peer support app. Download from the app store and log in with your Lakehead email.

• Naheesa- Mental health hotline for Muslim and non-muslim youth. Call or text 1 (866) 627-3342. Available 7 days a week,m 12 pm-12 am EST. 

• Good2Talk- 24/7, free confidential support for post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454, text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 or connect via Facebook messenger.

• The WeConnect Student Assistance Program is available to those who did not opt-out of the LUSU health plan. It provides eligible students and their dependents with short-term therapy, lifestyle counselling, courses, tools, and events to improve mental and physical health.

If you are staying in Orillia over the break, take the opportunity to explore the community and all it has to offer. Check out the recommendations from Peer Wellness Educator Lead, Emma Goddard.

Spending your February reading week in Thunder Bay and not sure what you will do other than study? I have compiled a list of some of my favourite activities and places in Thunder Bay to visit when I need a breather from my studies. I have sorted them into outdoor activities, indoor activities, and places to get food! Thunder Bay has a lot of great activities and little shops you definitely want to check out while you are here. During my first year in Bartley I found a lot of reprieve in leaving campus and exploring the city, let me share with you where I went!

Outdoor Activities

Although it has reached some pretty cold temperatures recently, hopefully, a few days during the reading week will be warm enough to afford you some fresh air. To begin with some fun physical activities to get some exercise and fresh air I recommend:

• Skating at Marina Park: take a pair of skates and some friends and enjoy a small skating loop near Thunder Bay’s waterfront!

• Vickers Park: Vickers Park offers a skating trail where you can skate through the park on a nicely flooded winding trail.

• Lost Mountain Loop: this hiking trail is great for those looking for a bit of a longer, more physical hike, and is a 6.3km hiking trail located right near Thunder Bay with some very great views. Note that it is winter and the conditions are not guaranteed to be conducive to hiking. More information can be found here.

• Other nice spots to go for a walk around: Hillcrest Park - has great views of the Sleeping Giant, Centennial - has a great number of easy to walk trails with varying lengths, and some nice views of winding rivers

Thunder Bay is also home to Loch Lomond and Mount Baldy for your downhill skiing and snowboarding needs, as well as Kamview for cross country skiing and snowshoeing!

Indoor Activities

As we know though, Thunder Bay weather can be rather harsh and perhaps you want a warmer distraction from your studies-here is a list of ideas for you:

• Tbay Country Market: is a farmer’s market-esque, craft, and food market that is open Wednesdays 3:30pm-6:30pm, and Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm. You must go to the market when you are in Thunder Bay at least once. Everyone can find something at the market for them I promise.

• Goods & Co. Market: is another market with a neat interior and vibe that is relatively new to Thunder Bay this past fall, and has food and merchandise vendors and is another must see while in Thunder Bay!

• Countdown Escape Rooms: though I have not personally been to the Escape Rooms, friends have told me they are a lot of fun, might be something to check out with a group of friends!

• Mario’s Bowl: if you’re a fan of bowling you should definitely head to Mario’s Bowl with some friends!

Food

Thunder Bay has a lot of variety in restaurants and cafes, and I find that there is always some new place I haven’t heard of before until someone recommends it to me! Here are some of my favourite restaurants and cafes in Thunder Bay that I like to go to (rather regularly):

• Sweet North Bakery: Sweet North Bakery has two locations, one is a drive-through and the other is a sit down cafe/bakery in the more downtown Port Arthur area of Thunder Bay. Sweet North has great baking, sandwiches, and drinks. Personally, I recommend any of the sandwiches on their homemade pretzel buns, and definitely their sticky buns!

• Nomad On Bay: is a sandwich bar that makes really good homemade bread and different meats that make for some very good sandwiches. I personally like the Reuben! 

• The Prospector: are you and your friends looking to go out to celebrate half a term over? I recommend The Prospector, with a pretty diverse dinner menu and the best table bread you could ask for, it’s a great place to head for dinner. 

That concludes my list of fun things to do, places to see, and food to eat over your February reading week. I hope it's restful and productive and you take time for yourself to recharge and take the rest of the semester on!

• Max, Peer Wellness Educator Lead, Thunder Bay Campus

Have you ever wished that you could fast forward to the end of university so you could know now what you will learn in the future? Here's your chance to learn about the triumphs and obstacles current 4th year Lakehead University students have faced and gain valuable knowledge about how they approached their student experience with a focus on your wellbeing. Think of this as your wellness cheat sheet!

Lesson Learned #1 Time Management

One of the most common difficulties that students encounter that impacts their wellness is the stress associated with time management. After almost four years of university, what you come to discover is that coordinating your ‘me’ time is just as important as your academic time. We understand that it may be unrealistic to believe that there will be an equal amount of time available for both, which is why we have learned that you’re looking for more of an 80/20 split. If you spend 8 hours a week studying, you have earned 2 hours of time to focus on your passions. Passions don’t have to be a big extravagant hobby either, something as simple as going to see a movie qualifies as a brilliant form of self-care.

Lesson Learned #2 Learning to Self Moderate

One of the biggest challenges of transitioning to a university environment is learning to adapt to being your own best moderator. You get what you put into your Lakehead experience so it is important to be accountable for your actions and study habits. However, being your own moderator doesn’t mean that you’re alone in the process, it just means that you have accepted your role as being the leader. Use your role to access the numerous supports available to you at Lakehead University. Finding the support (counsellor, peer support, academic support, etc) that matches your wellness needs will help you complete your university journey with special respect for your health & wellness.

Lesson Learned #3 Explore all of your Options

Finding your true passion and unlocking your full potential is what university is all about. You don’t have to stay within the realm of what you thought you originally wanted; don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities! Switching your course plan does not EVER mean that you failed or gave up, it means that you have moved onto something new and more suited for your own unique potential. Discovering your true calling is essential to maintaining your wellness.

Lesson Learned #4 Relying on Your Peers

When it comes to facing obstacles in university, one of your best resources is your peers. Developing friendships based on trust and respect will help you to discuss challenges you are facing which gives you a safe space to vent & learn valuable advice. The dynamic relationship between peers is founded on the unique shared experience that you’re both working through. 

Do you want the opportunity to connect with your peers? Peer Chat is a program made by students, for students. It takes the pressure off of traditional counselling methods (which are still amazing options for some- everyone is different) by allowing you to discuss obstacles you are facing with other students and offer your own advice to other students looking for guidance. Follow @lupeerwellness on Instagram to learn more about upcoming Peer Chat meetings!

-Samantha Sawyer, 4th year student and Peer Support Lead 

Food can eat up a large part of your monthly budget and at times you might feel like you have to go the ramen route to make ends meet. There are ways to stretch your dollar and still eat food that is satisfying and provides the nutrients your body and mind need!

Plan Ahead

Don’t let your mood dictate your groceries for the week- take the time to plan your meals for the week and write a list based on that. Try to make use of ingredients in several different meals. You can also try meal prepping or batch cooking so that nothing goes to waste, having a meal ready also curbs the desire to order in on busy days.

Take Advantage of Student Discount Days

Some grocery stores or restaurants have dedicated discount days- if you can make it work with your schedule plan your shopping on those days.

Thunder Bay

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Metro Grandview mall: Get 10 percent off your groceries every Tuesday with your student card.

Orillia

Bulk Barn: Bulk Barn offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays with a valid student ID (source). 

Grocery Store Loyalty Programs

If you hit up the same grocery store week after week, take advantage of any loyalty or points programs they have. These programs are almost always free and allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts. Some programs also offer personalized coupons and discounts to loyalty members.

Apps

As always, there is an app for everything- including grocery discounts- these are ones we recommend.  

• Flipp- Flipp takes the weekly flyers crammed in your mailbox and puts them on your phone or tablet in a clean, searchable app. While you can search for a specific flyer and browse flyers as you would if they were sent to your house, the best capability of Flipp is being able to search for a product, such as milk, to see all the flyers that have it listed and for what price.

• Checkout51- Checkout 51 gives you money back on certain products after you purchase them. Some items will give you 0.25$, while others could give you a few dollars back. The app shows you what products you can get money back on that week so you know what deals you can get ahead of time. After you purchase items on the list you photograph and upload your receipt via the app. The receipt gets checked and once approved (usually within 48 hours) the money you earned gets added to your account. Once you hit $20 a cheque is mailed out to you.

• Caddle- The Caddle app is similar to Checkout 51, but unlike Checkout 51, Caddle is currently only available in Canada. Caddle publishes cashback offers every Thursday and this runs for a week. To claim an offer, purchase the item (usually at any store), scan, and upload the receipt for processing. You can claim multiple offers on one receipt. When your cashback balance reaches $20 or more, it is easy to cash out and receive a check in the mail.

Student Discount Cards

The requirements for student discounts vary- some only need to see your Lakehead ID but others require a specific membership program. Some cost money to sign up so read through their partnerships to see if it is worthwhile.

• ISIC Card- LUSU

• SPC Card

• Unidays

Food isn't the only thing that can get expensive and a lot of companies offer student discount, check out a complete list of Student Deals at https://dealhack.ca/blog/canadian-student-discounts

Naturopathic Services available on Thunder Bay Campus

With cold and flu season upon us, it is likely that you will come down with an illness that shares symptoms 

1.    Q- I have symptoms listed in the Daily COVID-19 Screening questions that are related to a known chronic condition (i.e. allergies) I have. Should I check them off?

A - Assessing symptoms of COVID-19 should focus on evaluating what is new, worsening, or different from your baseline health status or usual state. Symptoms associated with known chronic health conditions, or related to other known causes/conditions, should not be considered unless new, different or worsening.

2.    Q - I received a red QR code following my Daily COVID-19 Screening questions on Lakehead’s Mobile Safety app. May I still go to class?

A - No. If you receive a red QR code after answering your daily COVID-19 screening questions, you are not permitted to access any Lakehead University premises. Follow the directions provided through the Mobile Safety app and contact your instructor to explore options if you must self-isolate for a period of time.

3.    Q - If I have COVID-19 symptoms, can I just get a rapid test?

A - No. Rapid testing is not appropriate for symptomatic individuals. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, complete the provincial self-assessment and follow the directions provided.

4.    Q - I have a negative COVID-19 test but still have symptoms. Can I return to class?

A - It’s important to follow the advice of Public Health when you are unsure about whether it’s safe to leave your home. Contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 625-5900; or the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

5.    Q - I’m sick and unable to attend my exam. What should I do?

A - Lakehead University is temporarily suspending the need for a student who is ill to provide a Certificate of Illness or Incapacitation completed by a medical professional as per University Regulation IV (Examinations – Missed Examinations Due to Illness or Other Extenuating Circumstances).  If you are ill and need to defer an exam, please follow the steps outlined here.

6.    Q - I’m an instructor and I’ve had a student contact me about not passing the Daily COVID-19 Screening questions on the Lakehead Mobile Safety app.  How do I address situations where students are not able to attend campus?

A - As an instructor, it’s important to support students who cannot access campus as a result of feeling sick and/or may be at risk of potentially spreading COVID-19. Please accommodate their learning requirements as much as possible while they adhere to the instructions they will receive through the app and from Public Health in order to help keep yourself, your students, and the campus community safe. 

Click here for more COVID-19 FAQs specific to Lakehead University employees.

7. Q: Is there anything I can do to avoid getting sick?

A- You can take actions to prevent illness this cold and flu season: 

• Practice frequent hand hygiene
• Avoid touching your face
• Get your flu shot
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat well-balanced meals 
• Stay physically active and spend time outdoors
• Find ways to de-stress and relax

Reading week is a great opportunity to reflect on how the semester is going and right the ship if needed. Take time to think about how you are doing, not just academically but with respect to all aspects of wellness (emotional, physical, social, etc.) and think about what can be improved upon for the rest of the semester. A self-care plan can help manage your stress and make yourself a priority. Learning to identify activities and practices that support your wellbeing can help you to sustain positive self-care in the long term.

For each category below, write at least one strategy or activity that you can undertake. You might notice areas of overlap between these categories. It is important to develop a self-care plan that is holistic and individual to you.

Physical self-care

Things that you can do that help you to stay fit and healthy, and with enough energy to get through your work and personal commitments. (i.e. regularly scheduling exercise, walking outside, setting a sleep schedule, meal planning).

Academic self-care

Activities that help you to work consistently at the level you expect of yourself (i.e. keeping up with readings, working with a study group, setting time boundaries).

Emotional self-care

Activities that allow you to safely experience your full range of emotions (i.e. accessing personal support systems, keep a journal, make time for things you enjoy, accessing counselling as needed).

Social self-care

This is about maintaining healthy, supportive relationships, and ensuring you have diversity in your relationships (i.e. spending time with friends and family, joining groups/communities of people with similar interests).

Cognitive self-care

The things you do to take care of and challenge your mind (i.e. reading for pleasure, writing, trying to learn a new skill or practicing one that is unrelated to school or work).

Once you have finished, keep your self-care plan somewhere you can see it every day. Keeping it visible will help you to think about and commit to the strategies in your plan. You can also share it with friends, roommates and family so they can support you in your actions.

Just like an athlete who trains for a competitive event, self-care plans require that you practice the activities regularly. Be realistic with yourself by remembering that it takes time for a new practice to become a routine. There will be moments when you falter and that’s okay. We’re all human.

Your campus fitness guide

Whether you’re looking to be active, meet new people or explore new hobbies, Lakehead has plenty of options. Here are some ways to get involved if you want to get moving this year.

On-Campus Options

Fitness Room

All current Lakehead Orillia students can access the fitness room, regardless of whether they are learning on or off-campus. Only those who have signed and submitted the risk and liability waiver will have physical access to the room.

Turf Field

This year, Lakehead Orillia students have access to the turf fields at the West Orillia Sports Complex for open field use. WOSC offers a full-sized, lit artificial turf field. Perfect for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities, students are encouraged to get active and make use of this space this fall! The WOSC (at Rotary Place) is located at 100 University Avenue, right next door to our campus.

Starting September 23rd, until November 4th, 2021, the fields will be booked for Lakehead students every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Virtual Offerings

If you’re looking for a fun way to connect with fellow Thunderwolves check out our virtual fitness programming:

It's Your Move 5x5 Challenge

• If getting back into school mode has messed up your fitness routine- or it was never much of a routine to begin with- get moving with the 5x5 challenge. Challenge yourself to log 5 days of activity (of at least 30 minutes) for 5 weeks starting on September 27.

• This program is open to current students, staff, faculty, and alumni from either Campus. Students who complete the challenge will get a sticker recognizing their success and all participants who log activity during the challenge will be entered into a prize draw with the winner announced in November.

• For more information on the 5x5 Challenge, visit the Student Health & Wellness Events page.

Teachers on the Move

• Teachers on the Move is a Professional Year BEd student-specific program. Download the Strava app and complete monthly individual and cohort challenges for a chance to get active in creative ways, gain valuable skills and resources...and of course, there are prizes available too! 

• Teachers on the Move has connections to the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum and will help to foster a sense of community among the Lakehead BEd students virtually, as you all continue to study online this year. This Strava club was made so that you can encourage one another and hold one another accountable while studying at home, so comment, give kudos and upload your activities!

• To sign up, fill out the Teachers on the Move Registration Form.

 Get outside

Living in Orillia means you have access to some of the most scenic natural areas in Ontario, right in your own backyard! If you’re interested in getting outside this semester, check out some of the resources below:

• Campus Trails: You don’t even need to leave campus to enjoy the beautiful scenery- check out our campus trail map.

• Hiking in the area: There is no shortage of parks, conservation areas and trails in the area, with some only a bus ride away, use the alltrails app to plan your route in advance.

• Equipment Borrowing: All Lakehead Orillia Students are entitled to borrow equipment for use on campus or at assigned facilities. In order to borrow equipment, please bring your student ID card to Student Central and ask Security. 

• Outdoor Courts and Fields: Want to throw together a scrimmage with friends? Make use of one of our many on-campus fields or head over to the Turf field at Rotary Place on Thursdays from 5-7 pm. On-campus lined field coming soon!

Play sports

Sports can be a fun way to stay active and meet new friends. Here are a couple of ways you can get involved in sports at Lakehead:

• Intramural Sport leagues: Campus Rec offers multiple sessions of Intramural Sports leagues throughout the year. You can sign up as a team or join a team as a free agent to play a variety of sports. No experience is required to play, and all ability levels are welcome. Not sure you can commit- watch out for mini-leagues being offered. 

• Orillia Community Sports Clubs: To learn more about the Community Sports Clubs in the Orillia area visit the Community Recreation page. 

Follow us on social

Learn more about upcoming opportunities and events through Athletics and Wellness by following us on social (@thunderwolvesOR)!

Disagreements happen -between partners, roommates, labmates, teammates- and they can easily be blown out of proportion. In Megan Phelps-Roper’s TED Talk, she urges all of us to talk and to listen to the people we disagree with. Here are her tips for how to have effective conversations:

1. Don’t assume bad intent.

Assuming ill motives almost instantly eliminated the possibility of understanding why someone does and believes as they do. We forget they are human-being with a lifetime of experience that shaped their mind, we get stuck on that first wave of anger, and the conversation has a very hard time ever moving beyond it. But when you assume good or neutral intent, you open yourself up to having an open, non-judgmental dialogue. 

2. Ask questions.

Asking questions helps figure out the disconnect between differing points of view. That’s important because we can’t present effective arguments if we don’t understand where the other side is actually coming from and it gives them an opportunity to point out flaws in our positions.

But asking questions serves another purpose; it signals to someone they’re being heard. Questions give the other person room to speak, but they also give others permission to ask you questions and truly hear your responses. It can change the dynamic of a conversation.

3. Stay calm.

This is way easier said than done! It does take practice and patience, but it’s powerful. If you are finding a conversation becoming heated, resist the urge to lash out and find a way to press pause. The disagreement isn't over but by giving everyone time to breathe or walk away, you have the opportunity to come back to it when everyone is ready and less frustrated. 

4. Make the argument.

One side effect of having strong beliefs is we can assume that the value of our position is, obvious and self-evident; that we shouldn’t have to defend our positions because they’re so clearly right; that if someone doesn’t get it, it’s their problem — that it’s not your job to educate them. But if it were that simple, we would all see things the same way, so make your case.