Alvernian Vol 61 Issue 1

February/March 2024

THIS ISSUE

Economy

Health

Campus

Pop Culture

Two-Time MVP or Mr. Irrelevant Tony Mongeluzi Contributing Writer

The NFL season seems to have flown by, and we are finally here at the big game. Last year I wrote a similar article on the Super Bowl matchup and each team’s road to get there.

This year we have a Super Bowl rematch from a couple of years ago in the Kansas City Chiefs versus the San Francisco 49ers. We’ll first start with the Chiefs path as they made it last year as well.

The Chiefs season has not had the smoothest year after winning their second Super Bowl in the Mahomes era last year. Compared to previous years, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce individually have both had down years. The offense overall has been the weak point being ranked 12th in the league compared to the defense who has been ranked 5th overall. We would never believe those rankings in previous years, but without a true number one wide receiver it has proven to be an issue. The defense has been a top-five unit all year, and they’ve helped the team cope through certain offensive struggles.

The Chiefs even with issues were still able to dominate the AFC West, but they were not able to claim the first seed, which was clinched by the Ravens.

The Ravens have had one of the best seasons in their franchise history. Even without the first-round bye, the Chiefs still had the home-field advantage going into Wildcard Weekend against the Dolphins.

It was a Saturday night game that saw the Miami Dolphins go from their warm comfortable South Beach weather to the extreme -4-degree weather of Kansas City. Certain people going into the year believed the Dolphins could be a sneaky contender, but the fact that they were 1-6 against winning teams throughout the year put their hopes to bed. The

Flags representing the teams that competed in this year’s Super Bowl

Chiefs sent the Dolphins’ playoff hopes to Dreamland as they rolledt the Dolphins 26-7.

Mahomes didn’t have a crazy game, but standout rookie Rashee Rice went off for 130 yards on 8 catches and a touchdown. The frigid elements proved too much for Tua and the Dolphins as they couldn’t get a thing going on offense.

Then, the Chiefs took the trip to Buffalo to take on the Bills in the Divisional Round. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen matching up in the playoffs seems to many fans like a rerun, but this time Mahomes headed to Buffalo, which has not been the norm for him. Like all the other matchups between the two superstars, this one didn’t disappoint.

Travis Kelce was back to his normal self, hauling in two touchdowns, and Josh Allen went into Superman mode being responsible for three of the Bills’ touchdowns. The game was back and forth heading to the fourth quarter where the Chiefs were up 27-24 with 8 minutes to go.

Buffalo got the ball and on the first play almost had a huge play if Stefon Diggs had just caught the ball.

Despite Diggs’ drop, the Bills went on a grueling drive where they milked the clock down to 1 minute 47 seconds left on the clock.

A 4th and 9 at Kansas City’s 26-yard line meant the Bills had to make a 44-yard field goal. Bass is

a kicker who made 26 of 31 field goals 40-49 yards, so he usually is reliable from this range. The Bills punter Sam Martin with the hold and the kick went up and it was no good. The air exited the stadium as Bass’s kick went far right, and the Chiefs got the ball, ran for a first down, and that was that: A promising year where the Bills had a chance once again failed.

The Chiefs from Buffalo went down south to play many people’s Superbowl favorites, the Baltimore Ravens.

The Chiefs were underdogs traveling to Baltimore as it seemed everyone was fed up with Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift. Ravens fans were ready for their savior, Lamar Jackson, to finally dethrone the Chiefs.

America was turning into Lamarica, but people may have forgotten who Patrick Mahomes was. Yes, Lamar was the MVP and had a top defense like the Chiefs supporting him, but he has always lacked one thing and that is showing up when it mattered most.

At that point, Lamar did just beat the Texans, but he has never been in a game like a Conference Championship. That previous Lamar that people remember from playoff failures in previous years, unfortunately, reared its ugly head. Lamar was just engulfed by the Chiefs stout defense, while Mahomes

Credit: Mick Haupt via Unsplash.com

what’s in

Volume 61 Issue 1

picked apart the highly touted Baltimore defense with quick short passes.

Lamar was able to put together a field goal drive late putting the Ravens within a touchdown. The Ravens’ defense needed a stop, but on a 3rd and 9 Mahomes tossed a prayer up to the Marquez ValdesScantling who came down with it to send the Chiefs to their fourth Superbowl in the Mahomes era.

In contrast to the Chiefs, the 49ers going into this year were seen by fans as one of the only teams in the NFC that could beat the Eagles. It looked like that would be the case, until the Eagles had one of the biggest meltdowns many people have ever seen outside of Cleveland. This meltdown started when the 49ers destroyed the Eagles in Philly. The 49ers then saw themselves as the clear favorites to win the NFC. For good reason, Brock Purdy was able to utilize all his weapons like McCaffery, Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. The defense was also their normal self being easily one of the best units in the league. It also helped that they didn’t have to play a team in the first round as they had a firstround bye.

In the Divisional Round, the 49ers went against a Green Bay team that just demolished a very good Dallas Cowboys team. Many fans Green Bay fans saw

Continued on Page 9

2

Virtual Learning

February/March 2024

Managing Editor/ Layout Sarah Mies Section Editors Emily Barret Daniel Galindo Kaili Klimas Sarah Mies TJ Turkvan-Sinchak Grace Wanner Atticus Wickert Contributing Writers Emily Barrett Luke Bergeer Joseph Fragale Daniel Galindo Duke Garrison Kaili Klimas Sarah Mies Tony Mongeluzi Kyle Rudart Dane Sabarese Peter Smith Sherrin Smith TJ Turkvan-Sinchak Grace Wanner Atticus Wickert Faculty Adviser Ryan Lange The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.

To contact newspaper staff, the office telephone number is 610-796-8358.

Articles submitted for consideration into The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style. Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to ryan.lange@alvernia.edu.

The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length.

The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors.

© 2024 The Alvernian

How Virtual Learning Changed the Snow Day Forever Dane Sabarese Contributing Writer Remember the days when you would flush ice cubes down the toilet, wear your pajamas inside out, and sleep with a spoon behind your pillow all in hopes that you would wake up with a fresh layer of powder covering the roads, wishing it was enough for a snow day? With the emergence of technology, wishing for a couple inches just does not cut it anymore.

For a snow day to occur now there must be a foot of snow, not a single road plowed, and you guessed it... a power outage. It is not enough anymore for there to be a couple inches to give students and faculty the day off. But how did society come to this dark place?

With the emergence of virtual call platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, many school districts and universities have adapted the term “virtual days,” where instead of giving students the day off, classes will be held as usual through these calling platforms. Alvernia University is one of many universities that will use a “virtual day.”

A virtual day will follow the same schedule as a regular day, just substituting the classroom for a zoom call.

And while this will help with classrooms falling behind or not being able to cover material as snow days can

A child having fun in the snow on a day off from school

become frequent occurrences that can push classes behind, students arent all too happy with the idea.

This is what students at had to say about the concept, “Virtual work does not nurture learning the same way in-person learning does.

Thus, having virtual days takes away from the learning experience that we are here to receive.” Most students share a similar thought when speaking on the emergence of the virtual day.

Another student added, “It has made me not look forward to having a snow day and it definitely takes away from the learning experience since I’m not as engaged on a zoom class as I would be in the classroom.”

Faculty also miss snow days. When sitting down with Dr. Caroline Fitzpatrick, Communication professor at Alvernia University, this is what she had to say about

Credit: Brendan Beale via Unsplash.com

t h e alver nian

Vol. 61 Issue 1

the changing of the snow day, “My feelings are mixed.

I mourn the loss of time and reflection that snow days give us in the middle of what would otherwise be a dark time during the winter.

However, as an educator I appreciate the opportunity to not lose learning time in the classroom.”

With things such as “Zoom fatigue” and general mental health concerns taking center stage in recent years, it is important to remember that the occasional day off can help people be more productive. Burnout is a prominent factor in students and even faculty that is more likely to happen with classes being held with not a lot of time off, that leaves us with the question, is burnout affecting college students who are not getting these free “snow” days? It is no question that time off is valuable to the student body, and snow days

allow that break from reality and give everyone a day to regenerate.

Schools used to have a policy where they would make sure to have an allowance for snow days and make sure that teachers can work around these days.

With virtual days, these are not needed as much anymore, however, since burnout and the snow day was something special, having some snow days immune to a virtual day would be a good compromise in the grand scheme of mental health.

When questioned about burnout one student commented, “It is something that can sneak up on a lot of college students because we can get really busy trying to keep up with the next deadline.” Explaining, “Selfcare is the first thing to be pushed to the side when we are overwhelmed, making it even easier for burnout to take over.”

In a day and age where self-care is at the forefront of the mainstream media, it is critical that people take time off as it comes.

With the elimination of the snow day, it will only continue to trap students into the endless cycle of curriculum requirements and schoolwork further leading to declining mental health and increased burnout.

Editor’s Book of the Month Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Read the book before you watch the show!

Lessons in Chemistry is the perfect book to help you kick off International Women’s Month. Follow the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant woman who breaks stereotypes in the world of science.

3

Economy

February/March 2024

Vol. 61 Issue 1

The Fast Food Frenzy Contributing Writer More and more fast-food and quick service restaurants are popping up. Does it bring more benefits than people think, or is it time to slow down?

Fast-food is a staple of American culture. Most people have had a Whopper, a box of Chicken McNuggets, or a chocolate Frosty at least once in their lives. It is easy to pick up a bite to eat after a long work shift or relieve a case of the late-night munchies. “[I get fast-food] usually on a weekend, honestly,” said sophomore student Colin Payne. He usually goes out with friends once every two weeks.

In recent years, plenty more quick-service chains have populated cities and suburbs that are already stuffed with businesses. A full-on invasion of burger chains and fattening food has begun and does not appear to be slowing down in the slightest.

Statista reports that the U.S. fast food market size

has grown significantly. The market size in 2012 was over $230 billion, but in 2022, that number jumped up to $382 billion. Not even COVID19 could cause significant damage, as the industry bounced back larger than ever in 2021 and beyond.

Money is not everything, though. It has been said a million times before, but it still holds true: Obesity is a massive problem in this country. Building even more fast-food establishments will not help this problem, only making it worse! As more locations become available, more people will be enticed to pull up to the drivethru more often. For some, fast-food may even seem like the only option. These enterprises will overshadow smaller, healthier restaurants.

Alternatively, for someone going out for fast-food once in a blue moon, the new number of choices may be overwhelming. College students are familiar with the phenomenon of being overwhelmed by various topics for a paper. When given free rein to write about whatever they want, the

were unable to access before.

Jollibee is a prime example of this phenomenon.

Jollibee is a Filipino chain known for its fried chicken and Jolly Spaghetti. The chain existed since the 1970s in the Philippines but did not make its way to western America until 1998. Since then, Jollibee locations became a California phenomenon and expanded eastward.

The first, and so far, only, Pennsylvania location opened its doors in September 2022 in Philadelphia.

The mass uprooting also provides jobs for construction workers. The more fast-food chains that need to be put in, the more work and payment laborers get. A similar effect would be achieved if

non-fast-food restaurants or businesses from totally different industries filled these spaces instead. This does not mean it has the exact same result, however.

The cost to build a fastfood restaurant ranges from $800,000 to $900,000 total.

In comparison, building a 12,000 square foot grocery store would cost roughly $700,000, and construction of a bank can cost upwards of $5 million! The prices may seem radically different, but a grocery store and bank would benefit the community more than another fast-food joint.

It does not seem like this trend will slow down. There could be many ripple effects in the future. Businesses could close due to the increased competition, and the natural environment could suffer from constant urbanization. Alternatively, this could also lead to more job opportunities and culinary experimentation.

The future is not a good-orbad binary.

Until an exceptionally high or low day comes around... is anyone else hungry?

there’s a little less time to fix things that might be broken. It always sucks when someone’s career is affected.

However, I think that the game won’t be affected too much, and as long as they do not nerf Twitch, I can’t see any reason this would affect me.”

Because of these layoffs, one might assume that Riot as a company is doing poorly, or that Tencent, the company that owns Riot, is running low on funds.

However, this is not the case, and is the reality for most tech companies that are experiencing layoffs right now. While the boom of the tech industry might have slowed down, these companies are learning how to squeeze every single penny they can out of their systems. While companies like Amazon and other big market leaders like Walmart have already learned how to milk every dime, these tech companies are slowly following suit.

While some are upset,

there was a great deal of backlash on X for Rioters who seemed to speak ill about the company. With these comments, people in the community would bring up the generous severance package that Riot was offering members, and claiming that Riot did not owe them anything, and the package they were given was more than generous.

This severance package was reported to include things like a minimum 6 months salary, cash pay, medical insurance, and laptops.

However, as students that may eventually want to work for the tech industry or any game companies like Riot Games, this should not discourage you from trying to get a job with these companies. While gaming companies do have layoffs and they can be scary, we as students should still be working for and to our end goal, and shouldn’t be afraid to apply to any of these companies under the fear of being laid off.

Ephrata is quickly filling with chain restaurants and stores

student may feel stressed by the number of possibilities or even ironically have fewer options at their disposal.

With so many drive-thru restaurants in eyesight, one may feel stuck in thought and decision-making with their growling stomach as a strict timer.

Sophomore student Kayleigh Kight occasionally gets fast food after her latenight lacrosse practices. She said, “Sometimes I don’t really know what I want, so having too many decisions is overwhelming.”

This mass spread is not all bad news, however. One benefit is seeing regional chains expand to uncharted territory. Individuals can have new food experiences they

Credit: Peter Smith

Peter Smith

Should We Riot Over the Riot Games Layoffs?

Credit: Christopher Gower via Unsplash.com

Atticus Wickert Contributing Editor The tech industry continues its trend of layoffs and service cuts with Riot Games joining the pack.

Riot Games, creators of the games “League of Legends,” “Valorant,” and “Team Fight Tactics” announced a round of layoffs on January 22.

“Today, I’m sharing a decision we hoped we would never have to make at Riot,” the Riot statement read. “We’re changing some of the bets we’ve made and shifting how we work across the company to create focus and move us toward a more sustainable future.

This decision means we’re eliminating about 530 roles globally, which represents around 11% of our workforce, with the biggest impact to teams outside of core development.”

With an 11% cut of the workforce, many rioters were out of jobs and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about

How will tech jobs change in the future?

the impacts that the layoffs had. Big-name Rioters like “Riot Llama” who just made the newest three champions were one of the rioters who were laid off before the champion had even come out yet. Riot Cobra, otherwise known as Rob Rosa, was a rioter who was in the process of designing a rework on champions.

“I loved working at Riot, and it will always have a special place in my heart,” Rosa said. “Unfortunately, I was impacted by the layoffs, and have to go my separate

way, but it was a great 7 years. I will always cherish the memories I was able to create while working there.”

Ryan Antonucci, a League of Legends player for Alvernia who plays the role ADC, thinks the layoffs shouldn’t impact the player experience too much, but the community may feel the impact as time goes on.

“I think that it really doesn’t affect too much of the core player base,” Antonucci said, “but losing people on the game always sucks because that means

4

Health and Saftey

February/March 2024

Vol. 61 Issue 1

TJ Turkvan-Sinchak Contributing Editor In recent weeks, the hockey community has found itself at the center of a heated debate over the mandatory use of neck guards, particularly in youth leagues.

The conversation of neck guards has been ongoing for a while but has really gained traction following the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson. Neck guards are a protective piece of equipment that many choose not to wear, but the idea of safety is not the only factor.

This accident is something that has happened before, but it is not as common as other injuries. Not only is it not as common but many have their reasons why they might choose not to wear neck guards. “I personally do not use one anymore and I have not since I was around 16 years old. Originally it was because they would irritate my neck and then I didn’t like how they felt when I skated or when they would fall off on the ice,” club ice hockey player Christian Kehoe said.

This conversation is constantly in and out of the spotlight but seems to never

be taken seriously enough to make significant changes. In 1975 goalie Kim Crouch was making a routine play when it took a turn for the worst when a player jumped over him catching his neck and severing his carotid artery nearly taking his life. Because of the incident, his father created what is said to be the first neck guard prototype so he could return to the ice.

Decades later Crouch still remembers the incident that nearly cost his life and still wonders why leagues do not take this issue more seriously.

“I think the leagues, whatever leagues it may be, that aren’t requiring neck protection now need to seriously look at making sure it is mandatory,” said Crouch (CBC 2023).

In response to the growing controversy, hockey leagues at various levels are reevaluating their safety protocols. Some organizations have already made neck guards mandatory in certain age groups, while others are conducting surveys and gathering feedback before deciding. The debate also extends to professional leagues, where players’ associations andmanagement are engaging in discussions about the potential implementation of mandatory

Neck guards available for sale at sports stores

neck guards at the highest levels of the sport.

While many people might think neck guards should automatically be required there is the other side of the debate where people may think otherwise. “I don’t think it should be, but in the coming years it will be required. There’s already some NHL players opting to wear one with the news of a player getting cut in the neck.

It’s a very rare situation that happens, even in the NHL it’s a rare occurrence.” club ice hockey player Phil Natosi said.

“Whether it’s something that’s mandated directly or on a phased-in basis, that’s something we’ll discuss with

the players’ association,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said to a reporter in early November following a press conference about the incident with Adam Johnson Outside of the NHL, there has been some progress made with other leagues and organizations. For example, the International Ice Hockey Federation, which runs tournaments, is requiring neck guards for all levels of competition. The mandatory neck guards are a direct response to the tragic passing of Adam Johnson. Another league to require neck guards is the Western Hockey League which is a member of the Canadian Hockey League where its two other

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

1. No one expects 100 % out of you all day, every day, in every activity you do. You are human, your teachers are human, your coaches are human, your classmates are human.

Everyone you encounter here at Alvernia has had a bad day before and will have one again. People will

Stress and burnout can be overwhelming

understand if you cannot physically give it your all for a day or two. Life is hard and college is hard, and we all understand that. If you are having a difficult time making it to practice or getting work done before the due date, reach out to your coach or teacher and let them know what’s going

on. They will understand and be there to support you.

2. Your mind and body both need rest. We all know that if you are someone who works out or plays sports a lot you need to take a day off every once and a while or else your

Credit: Anthony Tran via Unsplash.com

Sarah Mies Managing Editor Often times we overwhelm ourselves during our college years. We get involved in sports and clubs. We pick up jobs and volunteer opportunities.

All of this is on top of a class load and a social life.

If there is a lot on your plate, it is inevitable that you become overwhelmed.

Do not push yourself past your limits. Here are some reminders to read to yourself when it is one of those days when you can simply just not be okay.

Credit: TJ Turkvan-Sinchak

Neck Guards are for More Than Youth Hockey

body will not recover, and you can get hurt. The exact same thing applies to your mind. At school, we use our brains to their fullest extent nearly every day. It is totally understandable to need to shut it off every once and a while, so you don’t hurt yourself. Burn out is real and is going to happen if you don’t take brain breaks every now and then. Take a nap, go outside and get some fresh air, drink some tea and watch your favorite movie. Take the rest you deserve after putting in the work.

3. You will not fail from taking one day off. I know it may seem like taking a day off might put you behind. But if you postpone your homework, or miss a practice, or forget about a meeting, it is not the end of the world. You will not fail from taking one day to recover. As mentioned previously, people are understanding, and people

members the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) and QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior League) had already previously implemented neck guards.

USA Hockey, the main organization that represents most hockey leagues and affiliates in the United States, is now requiring all youth members to wear neck guards in competition. However, the requirement only applies to anyone under 18, and is still not required for adult leagues or any league that is not considered U18. “We’ve researched prevention of skate blade lacerations,” said Dr. Michael Stuart, with USA Hockey, in a video put out by the organization. Stuart led the committee that made the recommendation to the USA hockey board.

Although USA Hockey does strongly suggest that adults wear neck guards, there is nothing mandating that.

Even though there’s steps being taken to implement neck guards across the game of hockey there is still the debate whether players should have the choice to wear the protective gear or not.

are forgiving. Treat yourself as a priority.

4. There are resources available to you. We have free counseling services here at school with licensed therapists who can help you manage stress. You can call the Penn Medicine health center at 610568-1467. If your body needs to recover, make an appointment with the Athletic trainers. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your advisor or navigator for class help as well.

It’s okay to not be okay.

Managing school and work and just life can be so hard.

5 February/March 2024

Opinion

Vol. 61 Issue 1

Kyle Rudart Contributing Writer Barbie was not “Kenough” to win nominations for Best Actress or Best Director. Fans are upset by the perceived snub by the Academy Awards, known as the Oscars, in favor of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”

“Barbie” is considered one of the biggest movies of the last couple of years.

According to Fox Business, the film earned the most money of any film in 2023 with a worldwide sum of $1.446 billion to its name. Not only that, but the feminist film was well received by audiences, with its themes resonating with viewers. While some had initially speculated that the film would mainly be a satirical romp through product placement gags, the film’s storytelling captivated audiences.

A standout of the movie was the performance by Ryan Gosling as Ken, Barbie’s accessory, in the film.

Gosling showed comedic chops and pathos in the role. His discovery of toxic masculinity and patriarchy and then bringing it back to “Barbie-land” was the axis upon which the film turned.

Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” performance earned him a nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

But the female cast in the film were not nearly as successful in earning nominations.

Margot Robbie as Barbie and director Greta Gerwig both did incredible work on the film. However, they were not recognized by the Academy in this year’s nominations.

Greta Gerwig is seen by many to be an elite director.

With other films like “Lady Bird” and the remake of “Little Women” receiving acclaim, some thought this would be the time she got recognized for her efforts by creating both a highly popular and critically acclaimed film.

According to Caryn James, a feature correspondent of the BBC, she said on January 24th, the reason she was not nominated, which is educated speculation, is that the movie was not an original film but rather a film based on a previously existing character. But, Todd Phillips’ “Joker” earned a Best Director nomination. (Gerwig was not nominated during that year either despite her significant directorial efforts in “Little Women.”)

Barbie criticizes the corporate world and even the company that makes the line of figures in the first place, Mattel, but was often derided as being just another big budget spectacle film. It is crazy too how the movie the main character is based

upon is actively calling out the company by calling it a monopolistic patriarchy and feels like a ‘good ol boys club.’

Public pressure on Gosling to respond to the controversy puts him in a difficult position. For his part, Gosling has tried to handle the controversy gracefully.

“I am extremely honored to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films.” This is what Ryan Gosling said about his nomination when the backlash really started.

Margot Robbie was asked about being snubbed as well but immediately took the conversation back to Gerwig, as Robbie says she does not need the nomination for validation. Also, Robbie said to Entertainment Weekly in an interview, she commented on what Gerwig was able to do with a property like Barbie, which is seen as a toy for girls, and make it a comedic and dramatic commentary about the patriarchy is insane yet incredible.

Jodi Radosh, who is the department chair of communication and digital media at Alvernia, had this to say about the whole fiasco. “I think it was very disappointing that “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and actress/producer Margot

The Oscars are the biggest awards in the film industry!

Robbie were not nominated for Oscars for best director and best actress respectively.

It really was the whole point of the movie. I am a big fan of this film and its messages.

At first glance the film looks superficial about a toy doll.

But “Barbie” is much deeper than that. The movie has many themes. One of the most powerful is the gender gap that still exists in society.”

While the Oscars are the pinnacle of film awards, it is not the end of what is a good or bad movie. But it is to recognize those for their

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The Oscars Got it Wrong... Again

achievement in whatever category of film it is, and with a task like making a “Barbie” movie and turns out to be a cultural sensation is no easy feat. Is the Academy scared to switch it up and wants to play it safe? Or is there a deeper sentiment behind it?

6

University Life

February/March 2024

Vol. 61 Issue 1

Sarah Mies Managing Editor There is one email an Alvernia student never wants to receive: A hearing notice from the Office of Community Standards.

No one is perfect and it is common for a college student to make a mistake or two.

Getting an official email from the university can be scary all the same. These Community Standards emails come in a very cryptic form with a link to another webpage. You have to enter your school ID number and then it takes you to a very threatening, very intense looking document titled “hearing notice.” This page gives you a date and time and a room that you must report to. It is very similar to an actual court order form. This would scare anyone.

“My initial reaction to the community standards email was ‘What have I do to warrant this threatening email and how will it affect the image of myself that I have created at Alvernia?’”

Dane Sabarese, senior

student and O’Pake fellow, said.

Even the most minor infractions result in a “hearing.” The hearing is often multiple days later, leaving students living in a state of anxiety until that day arrives.

After all that immense anticipation, this “hearing” is a one-on-one meeting with a staff member, a quick notice that what you did was wrong, and a warning not to do it again. “The meeting was very brief,” Sabarese said, “the conversation lasted about 8 minutes, but that stress of having to go to the hearing spanned over five days.” Unless the infraction was a major legal violation, the biggest punishment is a simple slap on the wrist. Why send such a threatening email for what is ultimately a fairly collegial process?

The stated role of the Office of Community Standards is to protect the Alvernia community by upholding the rules and policies laid out in the student handbook. While it is important to maintain

The student handbook contains the rules this office upholds

safety and accountability on campus, some may wonder if this office takes things a little too seriously. “I feel like it is tough because in some cases I understand needing to capture a student’s attention and get them into the office because most students would ignore the email,” Sabarese continued, “but I feel like in most cases the harshness of the emails can add excess stress to students who are trying to do the right thing and are here to get a degree.”

Dr. Kim Lemon is the Executive Director of Community Standards. She

Credit: Sarah Mies

Community Standards or Community Scarers?: Addressing the Anxiety

handles many of the cases with students who break university policy. This is a tough role to be in because it involves being the one to handle tough situations.

“Sometimes I have to do a hard job,” Dr. Lemon said, “I don’t want to make anyone feel like they are a terrible person. Moreso, I want them to understand their behaviors and grow from it.

It is more educational than punishment.”

The Office of Community Standards is necessary to keep campus going properly.

“My philosophy at this

Being an RA: How and Why? Shawn Williams

As college students, most of us live on campus in either the dorms or the pods. But regardless of your rooming situation, you will always have to encounter and interact with an RA. Serving as an RA is a multifaceted experience that goes beyond the mere responsibility of maintaining order in the dormitories.

Instead, it provides a platform for personal growth, skill development, and the creation of lasting connections.

The responsibilities associated with the role of an RA require them to step out of their comfort zones, for the students in their assigned hall. RAs are often confronted with various situations that demand an answer or a solution to whatever problems they might face. These can vary to topics like a dorm issue or even an emergency. In navigating these challenges, RAs tend to have to do more issues and challenges than what they initially signed

RAs keep campus running smoothly!

up for. Interacting with a diverse group of residents exposes RAs to different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences but also enables them to create a more inclusive and supportive living environment for all residents.

Having the role of an RA serves as a gateway to honing leadership skills.

RAs are entrusted with the well-being of their assigned residents and are responsible for creating a positive and inclusive living environment.

Whether organizing community-building events or collaborating with fellow RAs, individuals in this role learn to leverage their leadership capabilities to foster unity and cooperation within the residence hall.

The relationships formed during an RA tenure often extend far beyond the university years. The bonds forged with fellow RAs, university staff, and residents create a network that can prove invaluable in both personal and professional

Credit: Ganriel Wunderlich

Contributing Writer

spheres. The shared experiences of overcoming challenges, celebrating successes, and working collaboratively to enhance the community establish a foundation for enduring connections that can last a lifetime.

Jackson Hoovler is a Junior here at Alvernia and is an RA for Judge Hall. He shared how much he likes being an RA. “I love being an RA.” Hoovler stated. “It allows a new network of friends in the Alvernia community as well as the chance to make new connections with residents.”

This year is Hoovler’s first year as an RA and he wants to continue to be one for the rest of his time at the University.

With being an RA at Alvernia, it comes with all sorts of rewards and benefits.

These benefits include pay, free housing, and free dining.

With all the work that comes with being an RA, having advantages like these can be constructive and rewarding.

The overall benefits of being an RA extend well beyond the immediate responsibilities associated with the role. This position

office is restorative justice and education,” Dr. Lemon continued. Dr. Lemon is very open to meeting with students to discuss the processes and learn how she can do her job in a way that benefits the Alvernia community. “I am the one person on campus no one wants to talk to,” Dr. Lemon said, “I do come from a place of care, it is for their benefit.

This is a supportive office.”

Dr. Lemon works hard to make The Office of Community Standards a positive place. Yet, the office may need a few updates in their system for the betterment of the community.

When the fact that the email is known to scare students was brought to Dr. Lemon’s attention, she was shocked.

She is not on the sending end of those emails and rarely, if ever, sees what they look like. The process for sending out the scary email has been at this campus for longer than Dr. Lemon has been employed. She is open to working with students to update this process and help relieve some of the premeeting anxiety.

serves as a crucible for personal growth, leadership development, and the cultivation of empathy. The experiences gained as an RA not only contribute to the richness of university life but also equip themselves with a versatile skill set that proves invaluable in future endeavors. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by this role, RAs can embark on a transformative journey that shapes not only their university experience but also their broader personal and professional trajectory.

And with being an RA, the rewards given by Alvernia make it hard to pass up this opportunity. So, if you may be interested in getting a job on campus that pays well and includes a great number of benefits, the job of an RA is an opportunity that is hard to pass on.

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University Life

February/March 2024

Vol. 61 Issue 1

Emily Barrett Contributing Writer Many Alvernia students are first-generation college students. A “first-generation” college student does not have someone in their family who had previously completed college. Finding their way through the college system can be challenging for these firstgeneration students.

Nobody in my family had ever gone to college, which makes me a first-generation college student. In my junior year of high school, all everyone would talk about was college applications and where they were going. The only thing I was focused on was just getting accepted. To even be considered for a place at a university was a feat in my eyes. I was lucky, but it always takes more than luck. I worked incredibly hard, and I know others have as well.

One of my dearest friends, Elsa Shala, is a first-generation college student. Born and raised in Kosovo, a country with just 1.873 million people (about twice the population of Montana). She and her family made the daunting decision to try their luck here, in America.

Since the age of 9, Shala has been learning how to be an American and never quite feels

at home.

“Our home country was going through a very hard time when my parents were my age, 21. With a war going on, my parents could not attend college; in fact, they had a very difficult time graduating high school,” says Shala. I went deeper, wanting to understand if there were other driving factors to getting a college degree. “I want to be able to have a career and financially support myself comfortably.”

She says, “My parents also inspired and pushed me to go to college because they did not get the opportunity to do so.” I relate to this statement and suspect many other firstgeneration students do as well.

While juggling schoolwork, Shala maintains a full-time job at her family’s coffee shop. I also relate to this statement and suspect many other firstgeneration students do. “Taking one day at a time is something I like to live by, so I do not get overwhelmed.” says Shala. I asked her what resources or guidance she felt was needed for first-generation students.

She said, “I feel like I am doing and discovering everything by myself. My parents try their best, but they do not have a lot of knowledge when it

comes to the college system, especially in a country that is foreign to them. The education system here in the US is more elevated and complicated than Eastern European education systems.” We have had many conversations with one another about the idea that American society has thrust upon other nations and what harm that can do. She always felt the need to go to college because it is one of the reasons her family moved here. She feels she owes it to her family to get a proper education and a degree.

They are looking to hire in all aspects of business, including accounting, sales, IT, and marketing.

Email Debra Detterer, Vice President of Corporate Sales, at ddetterer@ worldtravelinc.com for more information.

information and to apply.

Trying to find a greater purpose in life is not always what being a college student feels like. Sometimes, I feel incredibly out of place and question how much of this I deserve. The answer is all of it. On my first day on campus, I felt like an imposter. I struggled to make friends, and I still do. I find it hard to ask questions, let alone the right ones. I was lost for a long time, and I mean that literally. I had no idea who to contact or where my classes were, even though I was there multiple times a week and just felt confused.

My good friend Mia Miller felt the same way

First-Gen student Emily Barrett in Kindergarden

Credit: Emily Barrett

First-Generation Students: A Journey of Self-Discovery

when I interviewed her.

“I navigate unfamiliar situations on campus by asking others or looking it up online depending on the circumstances,” Miller states.

I asked her if she had any advice for first-generation students who may just be starting their journey. “Ask every question that comes to your head, no matter how dumb you may think it sounds, and write it down,” says Miller. She and I bonded over our experience here at Alvernia thus far and how far we have come as students.

I wanted to know if she had a support system to rely on when things got confusing or overwhelming. “I am blessed to have a supportive, loving family that encourages me to pursue the education they

did not have the means to do themselves,” says Miller.

I could not agree with her more. .

This campus has provided me with some special moments, good and bad. But I feel fortunate to be here and to have the resources that I have. When I finally got the courage to ask questions, I was given immediate answers. There was always someone at every turn, ready to help me. Whether it was a professor I just met, an advisor who was not mine, or students who could immediately spot the confused look on my face and lead me in the right direction.

They all came together to help me, not knowing who I was or how much it would mean to me one day.

teachers. Visit GMSD.org for more information.

that help with grocery shopping, health/wellness, Medicare counseling, and more. They are currently looking for social workers and marketing interns. Visit Berksencore.org for more information.

Miss the Career Fair? We got You!

Sarah Mies Managing Editor

On Wednesday February 7th the university held a large career fair in CollegeTowne. Employers from all over central and southern Pennsylvania came to scout out talent from all areas of the university for jobs, internships, and fellowships. This was a huge event in which many students attended. However, it may have been difficult for all students to make it downtown in the middle of the day. If you were one of the students who didn’t have the time to stop by the career fair, here are some of the top companies looking for new hires!

World Travel Inc.

World Travel is a leader in corporate-level travel management. Located in Exton, PA, World Travel services so many of our local companies in assisting them in their travel plans.

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Lehigh Valley Health network is hiring for a number of roles in a plethora of different departments. They specialize in providing world-class health care in the beautiful Lehigh Valley.

They are currently in search of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and nurses as well as administrative roles such as marketing and hospitalities.

They also have a multilevel volunteering program for college students that ranges from observation, to clinical, to internship. Visit LVHN.org/careers for more

Fraser Advanced Information Systems

Fraser focuses on providing new and advanced technologies to businesses all over Pennsylvania from their office in West Reading.

They are currently in search of account executives, business development consultants, systems engineers, and field service engineers. Visit fraser-ais. com for more information about careers.

Governor Mifflin School District Governor Mifflin is a top educational school district in Shillington, PA. They are currently looking for teachers with fresh perspectives. Governor Mifflin is specifically searching for special education teachers as well as math and physics

Berkshire Systems Group Inc.

Berkshire Systems Group Inc.- also known as BSGIprovides fire safety, security, and communication solutions for Government Agencies and Commercial Organizations. They offer a number of services including consulting, design, and inspection for companies big and small.

They are offering both careers and internships in the fields of technical sales, systems integrators, systems engineers, and life safety installer. Visit BSGI. com/careers for more information.

Berks Encore

Berks Encore is an agency that focuses on providing different types of care for the senior citizens in Berks County. They have services

There were so many other companies present at the career fair that you should take the time to look into if you are in search for a job! Here are some more: UPMC BCIU

Bethany Children’s Home Reading School District Wawa

Penn State Health

Reading Police Department

Pop Culture

8 February/March 2024

Vol. 61 Issue 1

Music, Movies, and The Brain For a moment, think about the movie Jaws: A shark fin appears in the water and slowly inches closer. Then, you hear music slowly creep in, ‘da dum … da dum.’ Suddenly, the shark is now swimming alongside the boat, and three men stare down at it in fear. Now, think of the movie Rocky: as the iconic theme song plays, the training montage begins. He is running across the streets of Philadelphia and triumphantly makes it up those steps. Now, imagine both of those scenes without any music. It’s not quite the same.

Music’s effects on the human brain have been studied for centuries, and it’s an essential part of the way we experience movies.

As music enters the brain, it increases our dopamine levels, which are connected to senses of pleasure and trigger our emotional responses. Essentially, your body is immediately aroused.

And according to studies from Harvard Health, music activates areas of the brain associated with things like memory, reasoning, and

emotion.

It’s why hearing music in movies like Jaws can alert us and further be why we draw emotional connections with the situation we are presented with. As we are alerted by that low, eerie sound, we additionally become aware of it signaling the presence and predatory nature of the shark, “It had the effect of grinding away, coming at you, just as a shark would do,” John Williams, the composer for Jaws, stated, “instinctual, relentless, unstoppable.”

Jaws also incorporates a musical motif, which is the recurring music and feeling that arrives during specific scenes, or in its case, the foreshadowing of the shark, making scenes more intense throughout the movie.

The role of music in movies both apply to the meaning of the story and manipulate our emotions.

Whether the goal is to make us feel hopeful, sad, or scared, the music choices in a film further tell how capable a film is of conveying a specific theme, feeling, or connection with a character. It’s a way of

Movies have a bigger impact on us than we thnk

further communicating with the audience. For instance, we see this in many people’s interests in horror films. Why are we drawn to them? It is our interest in the uncanny.

The purpose of viewing horror films is to feed the fears, desires, and urges within our subconscious. And for the film to further impact us, the music plays a crucial role. Music can enhance the storytelling aspect. It guides the audience and enriches their experience emotionally, “Music can work in powerful ways to evoke

memories and ideas and thereby engage our thoughts and feelings,” Nanette Nielson, a researcher in musicology, states, “Music can quite contribute to shaping the stories of our lives.”

Movies must use music to their advantage as we are entranced and led to specific moods. It makes the situation, setting, and what the characters are experiencing and feeling all that more real. It further shapes the narrative, immersing us in other lives and stories.

Ultimately, films and their

music truly impact us. Its visuals tie in with sound, enhancing the emotion and immersion into a movie. We are engaged through the medium and its message. We must consider the movie’s purpose and music to fully obtain an experience and a feeling when watching a film. If anything, it feeds something already a part of us psychologically.

Mission Moment “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded” -Maya Angelou

Credit: Jon Tyson via Unsplash.com

Yesenia Maldonado Contributing Writer

Continued

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Vol. 61 Issue 1

Continued from pg 1

flaws in this 49ers team and thought the Packers could exploit it. That weakness is that they can’t mount a comeback when they go down. The 49ers record when down going into the fourth quarter under Kyle Shanahan is 0-30. The game was neck and neck going in the third until Jordan Love passed a 2-yard touchdown to Tucker Kraft. A 2-point conversion would put the Packers up 21-14. At the start of the fourth, the Niners got a field goal to bring it within 4. Brock Purdy got the ball with 6 minutes left and led the Niners on a 5-minute drive capping it off with a Christian McCaffrey touchdown to take the lead with a minute left. Jordan Love got the ball back, but a late pick would seal the Packers’ fate. The Niners’ next opponent would be a tough opponent the Lions.

Could they finally make it to the big game after losing heartbreakingly to the Eagles?

The Lions came to Levi Stadium with high expectations thinking that they could win. Early on it looked like it may come true. The Niners kicker Moody missed a field goal in the first and in the second quarter Purdy threw a costly pick that led to a Lions touchdown. At halftime, the Lions were up 24-7 and their safety Chauncey-Gardner Johnson was waving bye to the 49ers fans. This would prove to be too soon though as the Niners were able to mount an unlikely second-half comeback taking a 27-24 lead in the third. On the next drive, the Lions were in field goal range, and their coach Dan Campbell decided to go for it on 4th down which proved costly.

They turned it over and the Niners got the ball back and scored a touchdown. The Lions scored a touchdown with 56 seconds to go, but it was too little too late.

The Niners came back from a 17-point deficit to punch their ticket to the Superbowl.

The stage was finally set at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The stacked 49ers who on paper have

the best team in football go against the Chiefs who are on the verge of a dynasty.

This was a huge game for Andy Reid and the Chiefs to get their third Super Bowl in five years, but Kyle Shanahan has a lot on the line too. Shanahan in the past 4 times he’s been to the playoffs as either an offensive coordinator or head coach has lost either in the Conference Championship or Super Bowl. With the Falcons as their offensive coordinator, Shanahan was the main culprit for the Falcons’ 28-3 Super Bowl collapse.

With the Niners as their head coach, he’s lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, he lost to the Rams in the NFC Championship and lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship last year. Now, he has had some very bad luck. Against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, if Jimmy G was able to connect on a deep ball to Emmanuel Sanders, this Super Bowl might’ve been Mahomes revenge game against Shanahan and not the other way around. Last year also if all of Shanahan’s quarterbacks didn’t go down, they might’ve been able to give the Eagles a run for their money. That’s all put in the rearview now though. Shanahan now has a chance to silence all the doubters and put a halt to Patrick Mahomes dominance.

The game kicked off with the Niners getting the ball first and scoring a quick field goal. The Niners would then force Kansas City to punt and then go down the field and score a touchdown themselves. 10-0 49ers mid-way through the first. Was it happening?

Would the Niners take down Mahomes and halt the Chiefs’ dominance? It was still too early, but it was looking like it might happen. Both teams traded punts again and then the Chiefs finally seemed to pick it up. At the beginning of the 2nd quarter, the Chiefs were moving the chains on a drive where they would surely score a touchdown. This was all until their young running back Isiah Pacheco fumbled

in the red zone. Right after this play, Travis Kelce was seen on the sidelines screaming lividly in Andy Reid’s about how he wasn’t involved in that last play where the fumble occurred.

Kelce’s frustration was understandable as going into the half, he only had 1 catch for 1 yard. Even with the Niners firmly in the driver’s seat, things weren’t all great as their star linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn achilles while getting ready to run on the field. Both teams realized the impact as players from both sides grimaced at the sight of Greenlaw’s leg giving out.

This was a terrible blow for the Niners, but going into the half they were still ahead 10-3. At this point, it seemed as if the Chiefs were out of it. All these issues on offense were blowing up at the worst time. Even with all these issues, there’s one thing you should never do and that’s count out Patrick Mahomes.

Usher half-time show break* The Chiefs got the ball at the half, but their comeback chances looked even worse after Patrick Mahomes first almost lost a fumble and then threw a once-in-a-blue-moon interception. The Niners couldn’t do anything with the ball though as their first three drives in the 2nd half resulted in punts. Mahomes would put up a field goal drive and then matched that with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Marquez-Valdez Scantling to finally put the Chiefs up for the first time. Brock Purdy made sure this didn’t last long as he orchestrated a 12-play 75-yard touchdown drive.

The extra point was blocked which would leave it as a field goal game and prove to be costly. Mahomes got the ball and led the Chiefs on another field goal drive to tie it. Both teams would then go on to trade field goals to send this game to overtime. This was a roller coaster as no team dominated the whole game.

It would. Interesting to see how each team would approach this over time.

The Niners had won the toss, but would they defer or receive? If they defer, they put their defense out there who had been able to hold Mahomes to only two field goals in the 4th quarter. The Niners could still win if they only allow a field goal so this decision to defer only seemed logical.

Would they make the logical decision? Of course not.

They would take the ball.

This has shown to work for certain teams like the Packers who did it against the Cowboys and that set the tempo for them in that game. There’s a difference between a Wildcard Playoff game and overtime in the Superbowl. Understandably, the Niners’ offense wants to prove they can win this game, but there’s a time and a place for that, and that time and place is not in the Super Bowl. The Niners’ offense had a pretty solid 13-play 76-yard drive, but it would eventually stall out.

They could only muster a field goal giving the ball to Mahomes with 7 minutes 38 seconds left. This seems to be déjà vu for NFL fans as the Niners did the one thing you can never do. They gave Mahomes too much time to go and win the football game which is just what Mahomes does. The Chiefs didn’t even go down and score quick either.

They milked all the clock ending with a Mahomes to Mecole Hardman 3-yard touchdown with 6 seconds left to spare. Chiefs are now officially a dynasty and have won 3 Super Bowls in the last 5 years.

For the Niners, this is heartbreaking. They had been frontrunning all year leading back to last year when they lost to the Eagles. You can’t blame them though. This team was by far the best roster in the NFL and anything, but a Super Bowl is a disappointment. We also now know that Brock Purdy is the real deal. Taking Pat Mahomes to OT is no easy feat. He had some missed throws, but as said earlier this Chiefs defense is nothing to scoff at. Purdy, going from Mr. Irrelevant to now a guy who is going to get a huge bag from some

team in the coming years is nothing short of amazing.

Maybe next year for the Niners. Now for the Chiefs.

Mahomes with a worse supporting cast still threw for 300 yards. Kelce, who had a terrible first half, returned to vintage Kelce finishing with 9 catches for 93 yards. A new face in rookie Rashee Rice also made key catches and an especially crucial catch on 3rd down to move the chains in OT. The last person not mentioned is the real mastermind behind all of the Chiefs success and that’s Andy Reid. With worse personal, Andy Reid never complains and will consistently show why he is the best playcaller and schemer in the NFL. It’s also time to realize Mahomes is officially on G.O.A.T. watch.

In their first 7 seasons, Mahomes destroys Brady’s passing touchdown total as Mahomes has 219 compared to Brady’s 147.

Mahomes also has 2 MVPs to Brady’s 0. They both have 3 Super Bowls though so at this point it comes down to if Mahomes can have enough longevity to break Brady’s records and match his Super Bowls. It is a tall task, but if anyone can do it, it would be Patrick Mahomes.

Will the Chiefs complete the three-peat as Travis Kelce confirmed, or will another team be able to replace the Chiefs as the NFL’s top dog?

10 February/March 2024

TV Trivia Vol. 61 Issue 1

Created by Sarah Mies