I asked GenZ how they use A.I. in 2026.Many are using it to pass their classes and some avoid it entirely, but like any tool it depends how you use it.

There have even been many cases of people using A.I. for their emotional needs, developing into romantic partners.

I am hoping that A.I. will make life better for all of us. It can seem doom and gloom, but I am praying for the best.

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Jessica Soman is a young business owner and graduate student in sociology who brings a rare level of intentionality to both the marketplace and the academy. With a research focus on online violence, youth, and women, she doesn't just study social structures; she actively shapes them through her entrepreneurial ventures. By bridging these two worlds, Jessica demonstrates how a background in sociology can transform a business from a mere commercial entity into a vehicle for genuine advocacy and structural change.

For Jessica, social justice is an operational standard rather than a hollow slogan. She uses her sociological training to view systemic inequality as a structural and interconnected reality, one that requires an understanding of history and social attitudes to truly dismantle. In her day-to-day operations, she moves beyond the performative language often found in the business world by formalizing mentorship, clarifying expectations, and designing systems that reduce bias. By refusing to be complicit through silence, she shows that young entrepreneurs can lead the charge for equity by embedding fairness directly into their hiring, leadership pathways, and accountability structures.

In the realm of education and teaching, Jessica prioritizes accessibility over academic jargon. She believes that researchers have a responsibility to bring themselves to the audience’s level of understanding, whether they are speaking to fellow academics or the eight-year-olds she works with. Rejecting the power hierarchies of "traditional education," she identifies as a mentor whose authority is grounded in shared participation: a philosophy influenced by her experience coaching swimmers, leading an esports team, and the lessons learned from her own mother. Through this lens, she has discovered that human behavior is far more nuanced than textbooks suggest, finding that resilience often masks vulnerability and that dignity is a far more powerful motivator than most expect.

Managing the rigorous demands of graduate-level research alongside a growing business requires a strategy of discipline, ethical precision, and long-term thinking. Jessica views these two paths as complementary investments rather than competing urgencies, using "artificial deadlines" and strict self-care routines to maintain her energy. Her research on women’s identity management in gaming has directly influenced her professional life; after observing how women self-censor to avoid hostility, she implemented clearer communication norms and conflict resolution processes in her own organization. She remains a firm believer that research without application risks irrelevance, while business without reflection risks harm, proving that the marketplace and the "ivory tower" can and should work in tandem.

Ultimately, Jessica Soman serves as a powerful example of how academic insight can be synthesized with professional ambition to create a more inclusive community. Her journey illustrates that the most effective leaders are those who allow empirical evidence to discipline their ambition while letting real-world practice test their theories. By following her passion and refusing to choose between the two worlds, she not only uplifts those around her but also provides a blueprint for the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs to follow their dreams with both heart and data.

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Today I asked University Students at the University of Alberta if they are happy. There were so many beautiful people from all walks of life today. I am incredibly thankful to have talked to such wonderful people with their insights.

Happiness is super subjective. There are many ways that make each individual happy. It is our job to find out what makes us happy and keep on doing the things that we love.

I hope that you find your happiness and never give up on your dreams.

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Lil J is an Edmonton rap artist who has built his reputation on the foundation of being a hard worker who remains motivated no matter what people say. In an industry that often demands conformity, he has carved out a unique space for himself by prioritizing his own creative evolution and maintaining a thick skin against outside noise. This relentless drive is what defines his journey, as he consistently puts in the work to stay ahead, filming and creating daily to ensure his trajectory remains upward. By focusing on his own craft rather than comparing himself to others, he has developed a resilient mindset that serves as the engine for his growing career in the 780.

In the realm of music, the title of "King of Edmonton" represents a commitment to perfecting his craft and seeking out sounds that break away from the local norm. His sonic identity has evolved significantly, moving toward a blend of aggressive and melodic production that allows for deeper storytelling and more authentic self-expression. Tracks like "Chandelier" and "The Only J" serve as direct responses to the skeptics, using their doubt as fuel to prove his capabilities. For Lil J, the music is a constant search for the right production that fits his voice, driven by a desire to stay in his own lane while ignoring the distractions of the comment section.

When it comes to content creation, Lil J maintains a disciplined balance between the studio and social media through a strict daily routine. By dedicating forty-five minutes to music and fifteen minutes to filming, he ensures that his output remains consistent without burning out. He avoids the trap of chasing viral trends or "selling out" for views by only posting content that feels true to his personal brand and interests. Rather than engaging with critics or getting lost in online culture, he prefers to let his work and his unwavering consistency speak for themselves, trusting that his authentic approach will resonate more than any passing fad.

Fashion serves as a vital extension of Lil J’s personal expression and his "unshakeable" motivation, heavily influenced by the style and comfort of artists like Young Thug. His look is a mix of high-end and street style that reflects the reality of living in Edmonton while allowing him to stand out from the crowd. He views his clothing as a form of armor that gives him the confidence to accomplish anything, prioritizing comfortability over following every trend that comes along. By repping his hometown through specific pieces while maintaining his own aesthetic, he aims to inspire his fans to be comfortable in their own skin and stay true to their own visual identity.

Ultimately, Lil J's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and a disciplined work ethic in the face of a tough rap scene. By balancing the technical demands of music production with the modern necessity of content creation and a distinct fashion sense, he has built a brand that is both professional and deeply personal. He continues to move forward with his head down, focused on his goals and unbothered by the opinions of those on the sidelines. As he prepares for his next projects, his message remains clear: stay in your lane, work hard, and let the results do the talking.

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Today I asked GenZ: What is Love?

There were some very interesting answers from such beautiful people from all walks of life.

I think the meaning of life is love and the connections that we make are all that we have.

Many people try to replace love with money, status and power. This leads to bitterness and emptiness in the end.

If you are a person devoid of love then show others and make others feel loved. Inturn they will try to do the same for you.

love you <3

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Ishaan Sidhu is a Business Economics and Law student at the University of Alberta who views his academic journey through the lens of high-performance discipline and strategic foresight. Balancing a rigorous courseload with a background in competitive athletics, Ishaan has cultivated a mindset that treats challenges as opportunities for iterative growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. In this discussion, we dive into how Ishaan leverages his history in sports to build internal resilience, his economic philosophy on protecting wealth and multiplying career freedom, and his approach to networking as a means of unlocking "unspoken" real-world knowledge.

Ishaan attributes much of his academic focus to his "internal governor," a voice of discipline forged through the repetitive and often unglamorous training required in competitive sports. By adopting a "next shot mentality" from basketball, he has learned to detach himself from the emotional weight of public defeat or academic setbacks, treating past failures as sunk costs that should not impede future performance. This athletic background also dictates his approach to professional collaboration; rather than trying to force "buy-in" from others, Ishaan focuses on setting a consistent standard of effort, knowing that dependability and unglamorous work eventually compound into trust and greater responsibility within any team environment.

Regarding financial literacy, Ishaan shifts the focus from simple earning potential to the strategic protection of capital and the power of compounding. His study of economics has taught him that true wealth is built by managing risk and maintaining a long-term perspective, rather than just trading time for a high salary. He differentiates between calculated risks and gambles by assessing the survivability of the downside and the potential for the upside to open new doors. Ultimately, he views financial stability as a tool for career optionality, allowing young professionals to bypass immediate cash flow needs in favor of high-growth opportunities that provide greater long-term value.

In the realm of networking, Ishaan moves beyond the surface-level exchange of business cards to seek out the "unspoken" context of how economic and legal theories are applied in the real world. He prioritizes relationships with individuals whose actions align with their aspirations, valuing genuine exchange and mutual accountability over transactional interactions. Perhaps his most significant realization is the power of the "student identity," which he views as a golden ticket that grants access to high-level professionals who are often eager to mentor the next generation. By approaching these figures as a curious learner rather than a competitor, Ishaan has found that the undergraduate years are a unique window for building a foundation of mentorship and insight that textbooks alone cannot provide.

Through the intersection of physical discipline, financial intelligence, and intentional relationship-building, Ishaan Sidhu demonstrates how a holistic approach to student life can prepare one for the complexities of the professional world. His journey underscores the importance of the "internal governor" in maintaining consistency, the role of financial literacy in securing personal freedom, and the necessity of proactive networking to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. As he continues his studies at the University of Alberta, Ishaan remains focused on the "next shot," trusting the process and the small, right decisions that lead to long-term success.

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Today I went to the University of Alberta to ask students on their purpose. Everyone had such beautiful answers.

I am positive that with hard work and determination we can all fulfill life's purpose. There is so much meaning and beauty in this life.

I believe in you! Keep on going!

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Lana Antonio is a woman whose life is a masterclass in the art of living with purpose. Whether she is navigating the clinical demands of her role as a dermatology nurse or spearheading initiatives through her non-profit, People Helping People, Lana remains anchored in a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and inclusive change. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a vibrant force in the creative and modeling industry, where she utilizes her platform to foster genuine human connection. Her journey is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and the arts, proving that whether one is healing skin or telling a story through a lens, the ultimate goal is to uplift and see the humanity in others.

In the realm of mental health, Lana’s perspective is uniquely informed by her daily work in dermatology, where she witnesses firsthand how physical conditions can fracture a person’s self-esteem and social identity. She challenges the traditional stigma that views physical self-care as vanity, arguing instead that appearance is a vital component of confidence and a legitimate gateway to opportunity. Beyond the clinic, she is a vocal advocate for dismantling the misconception that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness. By comparing mental health check-ins to the casual way we discuss the flu or physical ailments, Lana champions a culture where therapy and resource-sharing are normalized. Her personal commitment to boundaries and self-compassion serves as a reminder that rest is not a luxury to be earned, but a fundamental requirement for anyone dedicated to pouring into the lives of others.

When it comes to her creative output in modeling and digital spaces, Lana views the camera as a tool for storytelling rather than a pursuit of mere aesthetics. To her, modeling is an act of honoring the labor and dreams of designers, while the production itself serves as a source of collaborative inspiration that fuels her own mission. She navigates the often-performative nature of social media by grounding herself in radical authenticity, frequently asking herself if her choices would remain the same if societal judgment were removed. This mindset allows her to use her "creative lens" to challenge harmful beauty norms, a philosophy deeply reinforced by her medical background which reminds her that all bodies are diverse and fragile. By prioritizing alignment with her own values over the pressure to be liked, she creates a digital impact that is as intentional as it is visually compelling.

Lana’s dedication to advocacy for inclusive change is best exemplified through the evolution of her non-profit, People Helping People. What began as a childhood impulse to buy toys for others matured into a structured organization born from a successful winter donation drive for Edmonton’s unhoused population. For Lana, true inclusivity is a practice of quiet, consistent advocacy and, most importantly, the act of listening to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. She highlights the systemic failures that occur when solutions are designed without consulting those in need, particularly noting the lack of accessible mental health resources for the unhoused and the barriers faced by trans individuals in the creative industries. She encourages anyone looking to start their own journey in advocacy to begin with the small, actionable step of analyzing their own biases and fostering empathy within their immediate circles.

Ultimately, Lana Antonio’s story is one of integration, melding the precision of medicine with the vulnerability of the arts to create a life of service. Her work reminds us that advocacy is not always about grand gestures; it is found in the uncomfortable conversations that break down barriers and the intentional choices we make to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. By living authentically and leading with empathy.

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