Volume XXXII Issue 1 October 6 2023

“The Amy” Takes Scripps By Storm: The Joy of the Inauguration and the Dessert

Juliette Des Roisers ’26 and Belén Yudess ’25

Editor and Copy Editor Intern

Pigs may not have taken to the skies, but on just as momentous a note, Scripps finally has an inaugurated President! On Sept. 8, Amy Marcus-Newhall was named the 11th president after serving as interim twice in the last seven years. “I deeply appreciated the presentations from faculty, student, and staff representatives, as well as from two former students, my two daughters, and other members of our greater Scripps community,” shared MarcusNewhall. “Each of them was meaningful, supportive, and moving and demonstrated not only their commitment to me as the President but also to Scripps College.”

Marcus-Newhall has been an integral and longstanding member of the community, serving as part of the faculty since 1992 as a social psychologist in the Psychology Department. She was also the first Associate Dean of Faculty, and also acted as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. Although she considered retirement, her passion for Scripps convinced her to stay on and accept the position of President following former President Suzanne Keen’s sudden resignation last spring.

As the new year began, invitations and email updates heavily publicized her inauguration, and were met with acceptance and anticipation from the student body. As a result, on the day of the inauguration, Scripps students flocked to the highly decorated lawn for a day filled with nostalgia, reflection, and hope.

The event began as faculty filed into their seats on Elm Tree Lawn, dressed in their doctoral regalia robes and welcomed by the lovely violin of Anna Ravid ’25. During the ceremony, attendees applauded speeches from familiar faces such as SAS President Lily Dunkin ’24, esteemed faculty, and members of the Board of Trustees. The ceremony was opened by the words of Chair Laura Vausbinder Hockett ’85 and closed by President Marcus-Newhall’s daughters, Rachel and Emily, before the audience heard from the President herself.

“I deeply appreciated the presentations from faculty, student, and staff representatives, as well as from two former students, my two daughters, and

other members of our greater Scripps community,” shared Marcus-Newhall.

“Each of them was meaningful, supportive, and moving, and demonstrated not only their commitment to me as the President but also to Scripps College.”

Following the ceremony, Scripps students, faculty, and alumni filled Bowling Green for an evening of festivities following the official ceremony and inauguration of Marcus-Newhall. The night consisted of a formal dinner, dessert, and dancing. The young and the old of the Scripps community were seen smiling and sharing lively conversations, with elderly couples striking goofy and heartwarming poses at the photo booths and children prancing around the dancefloor to the upbeat tunes of the live band.

“The band was stellar, and it was fabulous seeing the students and guests dancing and enjoying themselves,” reflected Marcus-Newhall. Much to

Scripps students’ excitement, she was seen joyously dancing barefoot and taking photos with students throughout the evening.

A notable addition to the celebration was the desserts provided by the dining services team. Guests could choose from the mouth-watering apple crumble or the chocolate tart appropriately named “The Amy”.

“Although I didn’t get a chance to taste the scrumptious dinner or the ‘Amy’ dessert during the evening of festivities, I heard from attendees how delicious the food was,” said MarcusNewhall. “Our dining services team is so thoughtful that they provided me a box of the ‘Amy’ desserts on the Monday following inauguration! I am a big chocolate fan, so I definitely enjoyed those.”

Marcus-Newhall, is excited for her terms as President of Scripps College. “As President, I am committed to the Scripps mission of educating our

students to make a difference in the world,” she said. “My highest priority is to provide this exceptional education to students who are admitted to Scripps, regardless of their financial status, and for all students to feel a sense of belonging and support while attending Scripps.”

Ultimately, Marcus-Newhall has many aspirations for the remainder of her time at Scripps that will carry on beyond her term.

“Moving forward, I hope to share my passion for Scripps, my excitement about our future, and my dedication to working with our community to highlight what we do so well and to improve in areas where we could be even better,” Marcus Newhall said. “I will do so with a collaborative leadership approach, building, sustaining, and nurturing relationships.”

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Get to Know Your 2023 First Year Class President: Mekala Kumar

Why International Students Lack Support From Scripps Congresswoman Judy Chu: Championing Reproductive Rights

Photo Courtesy of David Torralva

Embracing Camp in the Instant Queer Classic: "Bottoms"

Congresswoman Judy Chu: Championing Reproductive Rights in the Face of Ongoing Threats

By Molly Booth ’25 Staff Writer procedure.

OnSept. 11, Scripps Presents hosted Congresswoman Judy Chu for a discussion on the current state of reproductive rights and reproductive justice in the United States. In conversation with Dr. Noah Nattel from Planned Parenthood, Chu talked through the impact of Dobbs, the fight to get the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) through Congress, and future threats to reproductive rights.

Representative Judy Chu, who proudly represents Claremont in Congress, has long been an advocate for reproductive rights. Her work on this issue gained even more significance and recognition in the wake of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned the ruling of Roe v. Wade, a ruling that had previously upheld the constitutional right to an abortion. Since the Dobbs decision, at least 24 states have either banned or imposed restrictions on abortion, and these policies have had widespread impacts. Rep. Chu’s visit to Scripps College was part of a national tour designed to raise awareness of the reality of abortion access in the post-Dobbs world.

Firstly, Rep. Chu discussed some of the restrictions imposed by these 24 states. Many states have implemented mandatory waiting periods stating that a person seeking an abortion has to wait a given period of time before getting the procedure. Along a similar vein, many states also now require an ultrasound to be taken before the abortion takes place. Rep. Chu stated that the creators of these restrictive policies made these rules to force people to reflect on the decision with the hope that time or seeing the fetus would cause people to change their minds and not follow through with the

Another main impact of the Dobbs decision is the state-wide closing of abortion clinics in several of these states. In territories where abortion has been deemed illegal, there are no clinics, and in almost all states that have put restrictions on abortions post-Dobbs, many abortion clinics have been shut down. The main impact of this is, for many people, access to safe and legal abortion now requires significant time and financial burdens to travel outside of their state. For those who cannot afford to do so, they are forced to carry to term or resort to non-licensed means.

Even in California, a state known for its dedication to reproductive rights, the impact of the Dobbs is felt. Rep. Chu and Dr. Nattel discussed how clinics in California have seen an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions. Not only does this affect the availability of appointments for California residents, but it also takes an immense toll on those who have to travel out of their home states to escape harsh abortion restrictions.

Dr. Nattel also brought up the harsh reality of the pressures that are now put on medical practitioners in more conservative states. In states with abortion restrictions and bans, doctors can have their medical licenses revoked if they perform an abortion in any way the state deems illegal. As a result, many doctors take their services to states where this risk is not present. This leads to some people in areas with a shortage of doctors finding themselves facing difficult decisions about delivering babies and seeking abortions.

Rep. Chu asserted that she is committed to protecting reproductive rights from future threats. One of her focuses going forward is passing

the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), a comprehensive act with the main goal of protecting reproductive rights. The act aims to mandate the legalization of abortion with the goal of protecting abortion seekers as well as abortion providers. It has gathered more support than any other reproductive rights bill that has circulated through Congress. In fact, WHPA has been passed in the House of Representatives twice but has been unable to make it through the Senate. Currently, Rep. Chu is looking to the future, past the elections of 2024, where Democrats hope to gain a majority in the Senate. She feels that if Democrats and their allies are able to take control of the Senate and retake control of the House, WHPA could be successfully passed. She encouraged those attending the talk to increase their civil engagement, from calling representatives to writing letters expressing support for the bill.

One particular comment of interest was made by Dr. Nattel, who brought up the current controversy surrounding Mifepristone, a drug used for both abortions and managing miscarriages which some political actors are seeking to ban. The current blurred lines between political agendas and healthcare decisions have made “everything fair game” according to Rep. Chu, and there is no telling how far the reproductive restrictions will go.

Given that the reproductive rights landscape is facing even more challenges, ensuring safe and easy access to abortion remains at the top of Rep. Chu’s list of priorities. When ending the informative session, Congresswoman Chu and Dr. Nattel highlighted the importance of continuing to fight to protect reproductive rights. In the words of Dr. Nattel, “Roe was always the floor” and now we are tasked with the necessary job of protecting our rights.

ResLife is Not the Same As It Was: Transitions in ResLife Leadership

By Belén Yudess ’25 Copy Editor Intern

OnSept. 12, Area Coordinator for Residential Life Montserrat Aguilera completed her final day of employment at Scripps College after being hired by the University of California, Irvine (UCI). Following her departure, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Jess Nelson was named the new supervisor of Residential Coordinators as the Office of Campus Life looks for a permanent replacement.

Although Aguilera had only recently become part of the Scripps community, her comedic commentary and wholehearted obsession with Harry Styles gained her popularity among the Campus Life staff. She actively worked to develop genuine and thoughtful relationships with her student staff, an attribute that GJW Residential Coordinator Addie Rogers ’24 will miss. “It was honestly really sad for me when I first found out about Montserrat’s [departure] because although initially [she was] just my boss, she definitely became a figure that felt much more like a friend,” she said.

Rogers, who continuously embodies the enthusiasm and passion for the job that Aguilera valued, is optimistic about the directorial transition and

working with Nelson in this temporary role. “I’m still happy to be doing the job, I’m happy to get to know Jess and figure out this new dynamic. I think that it’s still going to be a great year.”

Nelson also recognizes the commitment to building community amongst this year’s team, and notes that her own desire to create community is part of the reason she chose to come to Scripps. “I attended a similarly sized college [as Scripps] for my undergrad; the relationships and experiences I had with the staff and faculty there motivated my career,” she said. “I found Scripps to be just as warm of a community, which is why I wanted to work [here] and be part of the team that helps build community!”

Nelson’s current position consists of many roles which prioritize fostering community such as leading New Student Programs and Orientation (NSPO) and planning and executing Office of Student Engagement (OSE) programming. This experience, coupled with Nelson’s own background in ResLife, makes her confident in her ability to carry out these new duties successfully. “I spent the first 5 years of my career in ResLife and am excited for the opportunity to dip my toes back into it,” she said.

Nelson’s prior involvement with

student leaders has also given her a chance to become familiar with this year’s Campus Life staff as she begins to bond with this year’s RC’s, a task she is looking forward to undertaking.

“In my usual role, I don’t work quite as closely with student leaders, so I am enjoying getting to know the RCs,” said Nelson. “They are a great group of creative, funny, and caring individuals. I look forward to continuing to connect with them and see the impacts they make at Scripps.”

“I found Scripps to be just as warm of a community, which is why I wanted to work [here] and be part of the team that helps build community!” - Jess Nelson

Aguilera’s departure was an abrupt change, but Rogers believes that this has caused her to reflect on her personal approach to being an RC. “I’m just trying to kind of find a new outlook on the job and focus a lot more on my connections with the residents,” said Rogers. “Not that I wasn’t doing that before, but I feel like my relationship with my supervisor was a much bigger part of it before and now it feels like I have to take a step back from that and refocus myself predominantly on my dorm.”

TSV Editorial Staff 2022-2023

Aanji Sin ’24 Editor-in-Chief

Alyssa Wend ’24

Editor-in-Chief

Ellen Hu ’24

Editor-in-Chief

Isabel Suh ’24

Head Design Editor

Elita Kutateli ’26

Design Editor

Nawal Hassan ’27

Design Editor

Hannah Fawley ’27

Design Editor

Ellen Wang ’25

Copy Editor

Juliette Des Rosier ’26

Copy Editor

Frances Walton ’26

Copy Editor

Ashley Ta ’27

Copy Editor Intern

Belén Yudess ’25

Copy Editor Intern/Social Media Manager

Carah Allen ’26

Webmaster

Photo Courtesy of LASPA Center for Leadership

Life in Tandem: Atsuko Okatsuka Takes Center Stage for Scripps Presents

By Ellen Hu ’24 and Alyssa Wend ’24 Editors-in-Chief

OnSept. 21, comedian Atsuko Okatsuka joined Scripps Presents for a stand-up performance followed by a Q&A session. The event drew Scripps students and the wider Claremont community, filling Garrison Theater to an almost fullhouse.

Named on Variety’s list of “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” Okatsuka is a Los Angeles based comedian who gained notoriety following her 2019 performance at The Ice House in Pasadena. Her debut stand up special, The Intruder , was released on HBO Max in 2022 and has since been named “Best Debut of 2022” by The New York Times and listed as one of Vulture’s “Best Comedy Specials of 2022.”

The event commenced with Okatsuka’s introduction by Scripps’ Director of Events and Conference Services, Marcy Robinson. After an enthusiastic round of applause, Okatsuka drew an initial round of laughter after running onto stage while striking various poses to Doja Cat’s “Light That.” Okatsuka then thanked Scripps and humorously commented on how “this feels like a formal event, let’s loosen up!” Her next comments did just that, as she said how she was surprised by “how many normal people they were able to fill this space with … none.”

The stand-up began with Okatsuka stating, “I know my people,” and how her general audience is made up of “weirdos.” This elicited laughter and cheers as she walked across the stage, making eye contact with audience members closest to her. Okatsuka continued her description of her people, transitioning to how her

husband and her are also weirdos.

To support this, she addressed her dream of purchasing a tandem bike for the two of them. The bike, she elaborated, would be the perfect couple activity because it would draw attention while also being an undesirable item to steal, much to the amusement of the audience.

She jumped to marriage and childhood, questioning whether marriage is really a mature move and thinking about how she doesn’t know what children are ever saying. “You have to be like, ‘Oh my god! That’s so good!’” she mimed, receiving a round of laughter from the audience.

She ended her set with a discussion of her grandmother’s choice to purchase a land plot to be buried in, specifically focusing on how she did not get a say in where the plot was.

“I just thought we’d do it together, considering I’m the one who’s going to be doing the visiting,” Okatsuka posed. In this section, she addressed her immigrant history, pointing to how her grandmother chose a location far away because it was cheap.

“She forgot that I’m an immigrant too,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience. “I will bury her in my backyard — that’s 100% off!”

Following a brief break after her performance, Okatsuka sat down with Assistant Director of Events and Conference Services at Scripps, Centia Batz. Okatsuka acknowledged that this was one of the first times she had sat down for a Q&A immediately after a set, explaining “usually I leave; I run far, far, away.” She followed this up by beginning to ask questions of the audience before Batz clarified that she would be answering, not asking, the questions.

The pre-written questions took a

serious turn from the lighter content of Okatsuka’s routine. The theater went quiet as Batz first asked about Okatsuka’s experience of living in the US as an undocumented person. Okatsuka broke the silence by joking that “this is a shift in energy” and was “like PBS news hour.”

Okatsuka went on to elaborate about how being undocumented “wasn’t fun,” but it also didn’t inhibit her from living life. Others had asked similar questions during her upbringing, assuming that she was coming from a “war-torn country” instead of Tokyo. Although she also felt strange about coming from Tokyo, she “realized how many things [she] could do as an undocumented person” and was surprised. “We were also Americans, we just didn’t have papers.”

If anything, “I was scared for the future,” she said. Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to do things that were considered normal, like going to college or learning to drive were her main concerns. “Or owning a gun,” she said. “But I could still own a tandem bike.”

Although the rest of the questions had the same tone, Okatsuka remained upbeat and commented that “This is how comedy works, it’s good … It’s the duality, you know, we’re all unwell.”

Batz then inquired about Okatsuka’s family reacting to her becoming a comedian, wondering if they were concerned about the instability of this career. Okatsuka recounted how so much of their lives were so unstable due to them living in a garage and her mother’s mental illness. Because of this, she said, “what’s me becoming a comedian?”

Their reaction was an example of

why Okatsuka didn’t resonate with the Asian-American families she saw on TV where they wanted their children to become doctors. Her family, she joked, said, “Oh, we’re just happy you’re alive.” To this, she reacted, “It’s like I had a white family,” eliciting loud laughter from the audience.

The questions continued to dive into Okatsuka’s family history. Batz began her next question by asking, “So you touched on your mom’s mental illness, and how did that form your own …” while Okatsuka said “my own mental illness?” The confusion prompted the audience and Okatsuka to laugh, as Batz clarified, “your own mental health.”

“Honestly we do a lot of the same things. I love talking about it and normalizing it.” Her mother has schizophrenia, which is when someone hears voices in their head and sometimes responds. Okatsuka compared this to her practicing her stand-up and rehearsing her lines to herself with different inflections. “What’s insanity?” she questioned as the audience began to cheer.

From the experience of watching her mother growing up, Okatsuka became a more empathetic person. In her stand-up, she said she could ask the audience questions that she and her mom both have. This has made her love people and the human condition more, and she said, “I use that in my arts.”

In the last part of the Q&A, Okatsuka answered questions from the audience, including how to find your voice and perspective as a comedian, how she chose her fashion style, and how to find your tandem bike partner. As the event drew to a close, Okatsuka thanked Scripps for having her.

Alyssa Wend ‘24 • The Scripps Voice

Unchallenged, Undefeated, and Unstoppable: SAS President Lily Dunkin

Ashley Ta ’27 Copy Editor Intern

One fateful afternoon, SAS President Lily Dunkin ’24 was on her way to tour Pomona as a prospective student when she decided to pop into Tiernan to check out the pool. Thanks to an act of kindness from the student working at the front desk, Dunkin got a glimpse of her future home and has since paid the act forward throughout her time at Scripps.

“We just take care of each other,” Dunkin said. “Have you ever walked around and people just smile at you? That doesn’t happen at other schools.”

One of Dunkin’s favorite parts of her job as SAS President is not only helping other Scrippies, but also facilitating discussion and project management among SAS members. For Dunkin, this rarely means commanding the room because, as she quotes Ella Baker, “strong leaders don’t need strong leaders.” Instead, Dunkin focuses on being a leader who’s a reliable listener.

“We just take care of each other. Have you ever walked around and people just smile at you? That doesn’t happen at other schools.” - Lily Dunkin ’24

Achieving diversity on the SAS team is one thing according to Dunkin, but using it to better fix problems is another. “We can capture a wide range of student interests with multiple events because we have a diverse student government,” she said. “We have international students, first gen, students from all different backgrounds.”

Another notable part of Dunkin’s job is acting as a liaison between Scripps students and administration, whether it’s connecting students to the right officials or bringing up student concerns during administration meetings. One of Dunkin’s biggest priorities, however, is making sure every student feels they not only have a place at Scripps, but a reliable community.

One of her goals this year is to continue the progress she made last year: hosting events that people felt comfortable showing up to alone. She was most proud of hosting trivia nights against all the different years, movie nights, and themed study sessions in Denison Library during finals week.

“I was so proud of the events that we threw,” Dunkin said. “The best part was putting all this work in,

having everyone watch Jennifer’s Body , and have everyone laugh at the same time…with a group of new people…which can be hard in schools that are small.”

Through her experience within her community back home, Dunkin has cultivated a great sense of collectivism. Growing up in Colorado, she explained “[when] you go to a party, you come early and stay late and you always bring something.” These values have shown to be synonymous with becoming a great leader who builds the Scripps community.

Dunkin genuinely cares about fixing problems by being a good listener and continuously following up on them. “When people come up to me I take it to heart [and I want to be] someone they can rely on,” she said.

Dunkin’s mission to build community has been infectious.

Even though her presidency has just begun, she continues to inspire the first year presidential candidates and future SAS presidents to do the same. Dunkin advised future SAS Presidents not to quit their day jobs, not to let SAS consume their lives, and to stay involved in the community through other means.

“Lean on your predecessors, and we’ll build up the legacy of Scripps together.” - Lily Dunkin ’24

Dunkin also suggested getting acquainted with SAS archival material. “Read my notes and read the notes of the presidents before me and the presidents before them,” she said. All the notes of past presidents have been saved on a collective Google Drive, detailing what meetings commenced, what events were hosted, how projects were run, and a plethora of other

knowledge passed down from a great legacy of presidents.

These materials have been useful for one of her most recent projects: getting students back on the Board of Trustees. Because it’s been the status quo for students to stay out of the Board in recent years, she had to go back and look through the bylaws and the notes of the presidents from four to five years ago to assess how this was previously done. If there was any information she needed that she couldn’t find in the bylaws or Google Drive, the past two presidents were a phone call away.

Overall, Dunkin is excited to take on new projects and serve the Scripps community. “Lean on your predecessors, and we’ll build up the legacy of Scripps together,” she said.

Ellen Hu ’24 • The Scripps Voice

Get to Know Your 2023 First Year Class President: Mekala Kumar

Audrey Green ’27, Dahlia Roe ’27 Staff Writers

Mekala Kumar knows what it is like to adjust to a new place. After being uprooted from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, she and her family evacuated to Houston where she has resided ever since. From this experience, she knows how to find comfort in unfamiliar terrain, something all Scripps first years are trying to do now. The class of 2027 needed a representative who would not only bring them closer to each other, but seamlessly integrate their wants and needs into the wider Scripps community especially since college is not a place familiar to most. Kumar can definitely advocate for the incoming class. In fact, her ability to adapt is just one of the many impressive things about our newly elected first year president.

This year, Scripps College had several worthy candidates for first year class president. Each proposed various goals and ideas that they wished to bring to the table of Scripps Associated Students (SAS) on behalf of the newest Scripps class. They all ran campaigns that called for a more diverse campus, a priority of uplifting student voices, and the unification of the first years across campuses. They had proposals for collaborative activities, including bake sales, inter-campus events, educational workshops, and an increase in other student bonding events. The candidates also kept students engaged throughout the presidential race with pop-up booths, social media, and even giveaways.

Kumar chose to focus her campaign on inclusivity and approachability. She wanted to make SAS “a more casual place, where [students] can openly express concerns,” hosting town hall forums for new ideas and feedback, and hosting more inclusive events and parties for the 5Cs. She spoke specifically about connecting SAS and the student body more through the SAS social media platform, including relaying information to the student body through infographics and flyers.

Now that the first-year class has elected Kumar, she hopes to utilize the skills she acquired by being involved with her own community through representative positions at school, planning committees for Homecoming and Prom, being

the founder of the Desi Student Organization, the president of the Student Activism Club, volunteering opportunities for a service project that worked to aid the Houston Women’s and Children Shelter with over 1500 menstrual products, and so much more.

In an interview after her victory, Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining your cultural and individual identity in a diverse group — a skill she hopes to bring to a campus with many personalities, ethnicities, home turfs, and values. Her family is Tamil, from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India, and because she knows how important her own traditions are, she looks forward to helping others hold on to the things that are dear to them and joyfully sharing traditions between the first year class. While some families may look to assimilate

using common American names, her experience was the opposite: “My dad, as an immigrant, wanted to name me a pure Tamil name in order to keep our sense of culture … My name is an extremely essential part of my identity because it shows the connection I have with my culture and with all my ancestors. My name comes from the Tamil word ‘megham,’ for sky or cloud.” You may recognize her around campus, she said, with her “jhumkas, a necklace with [her] name in Tamil, and other pure gold jewelry.”

Outside of Kumar’s political and academic career, she has a passion for video games, from Pokemon to Just Dance. Growing up, she found that playing video games was a bonding experience for her and her sister, and as she got older, video games became one of her main hobbies. At Scripps College, Kumar

hopes to return to reading and take up cycling.

Even before being elected firstyear class president, Kumar involved herself with the Scripps community. She is a part of the 5C South Asian Student Association, the Asian American Sponsor Program, and the Scripps Comic Book Club. Most recently, she joined the Scripps College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Her sensitivity to caste discrimination, which affected her grandfather in India, where he became a crusader for the abolition of the caste system, will fuel her desire to continue his social work. At home and school, Kumar has a drive to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds. “I want to make a lasting change in the world.”

Frances Walton ’26 • The Scripps Voice

Being Lonely Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone

Belén Yudess ’25 Copy Editor Intern

Onehour. One hour is all that divided me from my cozy, bunked GJW triple and home; yet it felt like there were a thousand miles, two plane rides, and a wild detour on a horse that separated me from everything familiar. Though this may sound dramatic, and to be fair LA traffic can produce the same travel time as that excursion, it was my first time away from home.

I had never gone more than a day without seeing my parents. I had never gone to sleepaway camp, had never stayed at a friend’s or relative’s house for more than a night, and the week-long senior retreat I was dreading got canceled because of COVID-19. Although I had prepared myself for the moment by rewatching the Gilmore Girls episode “The Lorelai’s First Day at Yale” the night before my departure, I was a mess when the time came to say goodbye to my parents. As I kissed them goodbye in the Rose Garden and watched them walk away (cinematic gold), all I felt was a growing dread for the journey ahead.

Although I cannot pinpoint the moment I stopped feeling so alone and started to feel a part of something new and beautiful, there are several people, like my vibrant first year roommates and wonderful friends, who

taught me that being by myself was an opportunity rather than a burden.

It is ok to be lonely. Even after you find your footing, it is ok to feel stuck, nervous, or scared. Everyone combats loneliness in different ways, and everyone goes through it. Allow yourself to go through the process and know that you will find the people who understand all your quirks (such as an unreasonable obsession with avocados).

If you are feeling overwhelmed adjusting to college life or are unsure how to get out of your shell, here are a few suggestions:

1. Attend hall events, OSE events, and RC hours. Although you have probably heard this advice at least 100 times, attending these activities allows you to meet other people in your hall, your ResLife staff, and get a tasty snack or creative decor on your way out! These events are also typically led by older students, so it’s a wonderful time to ask questions and meet people in other grades who you may not normally interact with!

2. Get involved in that CLORG, job, production, intramural, or program that you scoped out on Instagram! Another run of the mill response, but joining that activity (even if you are not entirely sure what it does) may help you find others who share your interests and passions. These more structured forms of programming

also allow for a buffer when getting to know someone and give you a set time and place for those who value an organized schedule.

3. Find your happy place. Everyone needs time to recharge their social battery, and the 5Cs have a surplus of splendid spots to explore! There are the more popular hangouts like the Motley, the Pitzer mounds, and Pomona’s quad for more active places to unwind and see familiar and new faces. If you’re in need of a quieter and aesthetically pleasing place to reflect and take a breather, the Denison Library courtyard, Pitzer swings, or the park at the beginning of the village are just a few known nooks (besides the super secret ones the squirrels gossip about). Combating loneliness does not always require being around a ton of people, sometimes it’s seeing a friendly smile or going somewhere and treating yourself to something that brings you joy!

4. Have patience: It’s ok if your Barbie Dreamhouse or mojo dojo casa house (whatever floats your boat) of a college life is not clicking right away. It’s ok if you still feel weary about classes. It’s ok if your friend group is changing. It’s ok if you are homesick. Wherever you are at right now is truly where you are meant to be. Being in college does not mean you have to have everything figured out, including your major, extracur-

riculars, social situation, or even your room set-up. Be kind to yourself and have patience with everything you are going through, both the highs and the lows. The nights you stay up until 3 a.m. finishing that midterm paper, or watching a goofy rom-com with friends, or even just sitting in the dark by yourself are parts of your journey; appreciate and learn from them. You’re doing incredible just by doing what is right for you!

Loneliness comes in waves, but so does joy, belonging, and stability. There are days that will be filled with so much love, laughter, and all of the corny yet very real emotions that come with being a college student. But even amidst all of the excitement and energy, there will be pangs of loneliness and feeling out of place. I have those moments a lot, and when I do, I take a deep breath and stare at the plethora of Snoopy quotes I have plastered around my room (I live in Routt) and blast Ricky Montgomery to ground myself. This regrouping looks different to everyone, though, and all that matters is that yours makes you feel safe and supported.

Once again, it is totally ok to feel lonely, but remember that you have the power to overcome any challenges and a community of superb, spectacular Scrippsies that are here to support you along the way!

Materialism and America: How Has American Democracy Shaped Consumer Culture?

By Alexandria Smith ’27 Staff Writer

At the core of the United States, since its emergence as a country, is the desire to secure happiness. This individualistic nature and the country’s large degree of social mobility and opportunity has made Americans more materialistic than other nationalities. Materialism is defined as the act of valuing material possessions over spiritual or humanitarian values. In this context, materialism is used to express both the desire to amass large amounts of wealth and objects that signify that wealth.

America’s free market economic structure has made room for exponential competition. America promises each citizen that through hard work and ingenuity they can succeed. This belief, at the root of a country so large, has created an interesting dynamic between the desire to achieve greatness and the need to amass wealth.

The United States became the largest successful democratic Republic at the time of the nation’s birth. The broadness of economic opportunity in the United States allowed democracy to flourish. There was never one American lifestyle and no established aristocratic class. Without an aristocracy, all Americans became instantly equal and were allowed to succeed

in their field if they played their cards right. However, as the country industrialized, there was a stark movement away from individual trade and towards the art of being wealthy.

One of the most defining and crucial characteristics of American democracy is that the government does not act as a parent. Across many aspects of American life, this principle is unfortunately realized through an absence of affordable healthcare, no guaranteed maternity leave, and the growth of economic disparity. America as a country takes a noteworthy stance on social issues. This view on society seeped into the free market as the predominant government regulation on the market is the prevention of monopolies, leaving the environment and worker rights not regulated enough. This allows individuals to act freely, but it also requires them to satisfy their own needs. With individual rights being a pivotal aspect of American freedom, being successful has become directly associated with securing happiness. The shrinking gap between success and the strong voice of freedom leaves room for Americans to quickly become money-driven and obsessed. Individuals reflect the priorities of the government and no longer consider the art of giving back to society, because if the government doesn’t prioritize it, why should the

individual?

Modern social media has created a new market. As social mobility has decreased under modern free market capitalism, social media fills this lack of social mobilization by equalizing the consumer. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are a place that gives everyone an opportunity to feel rich and influential. The US and these platforms promise similar things: if you are special and work the market well, you will succeed.

Though in different terms, social media sells itself as a way to increase an individual’s wealth represented in their ability to amass followers. Social media has become the biggest tool in the recent decade for promoting consumer culture. According to Statistica, “The United States is the largest advertising market in the world and in 2018 $51.3 billion was spent on social media advertising.”

The persuasive nature of these platforms is derived from the social and economic perspective of the country as a whole.

Often the social media content that is most popular depicts wealthy individuals, a status signaled by their clothes and style. According to the Global Web Index (GWI), 54% of social media users use social media to research products and 71% are more likely to purchase products and services based on social media. These

young viewers feel compelled to exist within these ideologies and social norms. Social media forces people of all ages and statuses to engage in consumerism and become addicted to the idea of American success.

TikTok, though not an American company, has been a prime example of this phenomenon. By presenting yourself in a certain way, you can instantly become famous. This fame brings you likes and followers, which, in the modern market, is almost as valuable as money was to the first members of American democracy.

It feels easier to develop fame and fortune on these sites than it does to accrue money within the real American market. This idea is ingrained in young minds, getting them hooked on a new and nearly more destructive form of American materialism. Instead of this drive pushing them into the workforce, it encourages them to buy into this new digital hierarchy of what is profitable and what is not. Now the American individual is in and of itself a product.

The influence of materialism is seen more now than ever before and the ties between these social ideologies can be drawn back to the building of American democracy. It is important to look back to history before falling into this “new narrative” of what brings American life value.

Why International Students Lack Support From Scripps

Maria Duan ’27 Staff Writer

Working in college has long been one of my goals, as I’m sure it has been for many others. It’s one of the ultimate shows of growing up, taking responsibility, and feeling adult. As someone who has gone to school in the U.S. for almost a decade while being a “nonresident alien,” I had always been aware of the extra paperwork and processes that would come with working at Scripps. What I hadn’t foreseen was the sheer lack of support from the administration during the process.

Before the pandemic, there was a resource called International Place, funded by all the 7Cs, that provided extensive support to international students as well as a physical hub for gatherings and events. The resource was dissolved during the pandemic year, presumably to cut costs.

Furthermore, Scripps has yet to find someone to fill the role of International Student Coordinator after Ge-Yao Liu resigned in the spring of 2022. Currently, Dr. Marissiko Wheaton-Greer, Assistant Dean and Scripps Communities of Resources and Empowerment (SCORE) Director, oversees the social events and other kinds of internal support while Kelly Hogencamp works as both a full-time Registrar employee and the Designated School Official (DSO). Elba Mandujano, Assistant Director of SCORE, also oversaw the international student pre-orientation this year. Ideally, the International Student Coordinator would be responsible for the additional responsibilities all three administrators currently take on.

This year, with the combined effects of Wheaton-Greer being on

leave, no International Place, and no International Coordinator, the resources Scripps has been able to offer for international students have been significantly limited.

For international students, a major step that comes with working in college is obtaining a Social Security Card. After receiving a job offer, the student may begin collecting documents for the application. Of these supporting documents, two can only be obtained from the school. One is an official employment offer letter from the direct employer and the other is a letter from the school, usually signed by Hogencamp.

I went to the Social Security Number (SSN) Office immediately after meeting with Hogencamp, as advised. Upon glancing at my official employment offer letter, the government

worker informed me that I needed a wet signature. I was confused what that even was. Turns out, it just means that my employment offer letter didn’t have a penned signature. My direct employer had sent me a PDF of this document, and unbeknownst to either of us, it was inadequate.

I had no choice but to leave emptyhanded. How could such a small detail be so integral? To add insult to injury, a group of international students from Pomona College had been there at the same time as me, accompanied by someone presumably from their international office. They had arrived a little while before me, so I got a front-seat view of their successful appointments.

After emailing around and getting another employment offer letter, very clearly wet-signatured, I was

back at the SSN office the next day. I remember holding my breath when the government worker said, “this doesn’t match your passport name,” referring to one of my Scripps letters. For a split second, my mind raced. Did Hogencamp put my preferred name instead of my legal one? Will I have to come back for a third time?

Thankfully, I successfully turned in my SSN application this time. Though the letter used my preferred name, my legal name was still in it. Had I gotten a less understanding government worker, I probably would have been turned away again.

Why weren’t these details caught earlier? Why had no one told me about the technicalities beforehand? Rectifying things like wet signatures and name changes immediately fell upon me, even though I was not the one writing these documents.

This year Scripps has overlooked its international students. While there are still events and programs being put on for international students within Scripps and the 5Cs, there have been no organized efforts to help them otherwise. Important trips, like going to the SSN office, to cell service stores to get new phone numbers, or banks to start new accounts, are significantly more complicated without logistical assistance. Transportation to the location or making sure all documents meet the requirements can relieve a lot of stress.

International Place will probably remain a thing of the past, but there is still hope for a new addition to the SCORE office. As Scripps works to hire a qualified and motivated individual to help international students, we can only hope that in future years Scripps will become better at supporting its international students.

Scripps’ New Alcohol Policy Is Unclear and Unproductive

Aviva V. Maxon ’24 Staff Writer

The rollout of the new Alcohol and Drug Policy in the Scripps Guide to Student Life came as a bit of a surprise. The first students to learn about it were the early arrivals, who came back to campus for job training and planning to ensure the Scripps community could thrive this year. Many, myself included, were surprised by the announcement which was sent out to students days before the semester started.

The policy states that no hard alcohol is permitted on campus, even for those aged 21 and over. Beer and wine are still permitted for those of legal age. There are two main concerns with this policy change: a lack of clarity on what is actually being restricted and an incongruity with the policies of the other four campuses.

Scripps’s policy is by far the most restrictive of the five alcohol policies. Both Harvey Mudd College and Claremont McKenna College will serve alcohol at school-sponsored parties and events; Pomona College also allows alcohol at school and club-

sponsored parties and events. Pitzer College does not expressly allow alcohol at its parties and events but does not actively restrict students in consumption.

The policy’s wording does not clarify if what is banned is chosen based on the percentage of alcohol in the drink or by type of alcohol, so it is unclear if premixed drinks or hard seltzers are permitted. I asked multiple people on the ResLife team for clarification and all I was told was that no hard alcohol is permitted.

I never expected Scripps to put out an alcohol policy allowing free consumption on campus (for those of age), but I also did not expect a more stringent policy to be put in place. For many, drinking is part of the college experience and social life. Does drinking need to be the center of those? No, but it can be important for many.

The new policy gets to a deeper issue at Scripps: the policing and enforcement of our gatherings and events on campus. SAS-hosted parties are the most restricted of any of the college-thrown parties on campus (see the 2023 Halloween Party).

Students are supposed to register for birthday parties and any event with more than 10 people through the Office of Student Engagement (OSE). The Dean on Call regularly shuts down Scripps parties well before quiet hours. As Scrippies, we are held to a different standard than our counterparts at the other 4Cs.

Try as I might, I cannot come up with a reason for this other than upholding the image of a docile woman. At this institution that vocalizes female empowerment and brings women to the table, they still expect us to be quiet and stay in our place. There is nothing wrong with some students playing music and dancing. In fact, it is good for us. I know that some of my most important memories with friends involve parties, big and small.

We are at Scripps for an education, which happens in and out of the classroom. The social scene is just as important to our time at Scripps as our academics, so why is Scripps limiting our ability to fully participate?

Scripps also spews harm reduction during New Student Programs and Orientation and then enforces

policies that actively go against that. While the goal is no underage drinking, everyone knows that is unrealistic. Safe, informed consumption is possible.

Scripps should move to a policy like the other colleges. Instead of being unclear and restrictive, Scripps’s guidelines should be clear and easy to understand. Students should be able to make informed decisions and know how to be safe when they choose to partake. As a community, we have the power to change our culture around parties and alcohol. By coming together and talking about what we want from the social culture at Scripps, and then enacting that culture, we will create the Scripps we all want.

Ultimately, everyone wants us to be safe and cared for at Scripps. We need to create a culture of care that ensures our safety while also allowing for exploration and fun. Showing the college that we can be responsible for ourselves and each other will only benefit us and prove their outdated ideas of how people at a Historically Women’s College should behave.

Ellen Hu ’24 • The Scripps Voice

Suspending Disbelief and Embracing Camp in the Instant Queer Classic “Bottoms”

By Anna Peterson ’25 Staff Writer

Following the explosive hype around this summer’s Barbenheimer, I was apprehensive to enter the back-to-school season with a new collection of films to review. How could movies like Saw X and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie live up to the cinematic excellence achieved just two months prior? It seemed nearly impossible.

However, my fear was relieved and my dreams of movie magic were revived with Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott’s Bottoms. Taking place in a wacky and otherworldly caricature of high school, lesbian besties PJ (Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) concoct a plan to create a “fight club” to win over their unattainable crushes Isabelle (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber).

As the film progresses, the club transforms into a safe space for many of the girls at the school to forge friendships and bond with one another. But, things take a turn for the worse when the club interferes with the school’s football team.

Quarterback Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine) and his right-hand man Tim (Miles Fowler) make it their mission to shut the club down for good.

With due warning, I’ll admit that this movie is over-the-top. But, I think that’s what makes it so good. It fully embraces its exaggerated nature and never retreats. The film doesn’t compromise its campy nature with more “serious” scenes to appeal to critical acceptance within the academy.

This campiness is amplified by the actors’ utilization of physical comedy. More specifically, Galitzine and Fowler collaborate well to produce large emotional reactions that poke fun at the stereotypes

associated with high school jocks and sports culture.

Bottoms also taps into the phenomenon of suspending the audience’s belief. Throughout the film, there are bombs, excessive fight scenes, discussions of juvenile detention, and football members who never remove their uniforms. In this way, the movie invites viewers to join in and laugh along with the chaos.

Beyond these aspects, I must also applaud the film for its spectacular cinematography. In the final fight scene, the camera follows the girls as they pummel football players into the field, immersing the audience in the visceral gore.

Furthermore, they employ techniques like slow motions to engage the viewer. At the end of the

movie, PJ delivers her final punch to one of the Huntington football players in an extended slow-motion sequence, with blood splattering across the screen. This technique was crucial in captivating the audience’s attention towards the film’s theatrical essence and creating an unforgettable conclusion.

While Bottoms proves successful on many fronts, it does have its shortcomings. Unfortunately, I think the movie heavily relied on Gen-Z and social media humor. For a lot of members in the audience, it was difficult to connect with some of the comedic elements of this film as it felt unfamiliar. I also think that these jokes may not hold up in future watches and quickly become outdated.

In addition, some of the bits

played out by Senott and Edebiri became elongated and even awkward at some points. During the opening of the film, Edebiri delivered a monologue that, while comedic, stretched on for over a minute in the silent theater. The nuanced Gen-Z humor that Edebiri uses seemed less apparent and effective to the audience.

Bottoms delivers a wild and unapologetically exaggerated take on high school life and queerness, where its absurdity is part of its charm. While it may not resonate equally with all audiences, its unique blend of humor and audacious storytelling makes it a standout film in the comedy genre. If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in a hilariously dramatic and unabashed film, then Bottoms might be for you!

Send Noods — Except for Chow Mein

By Kayla Mar ’27 Staff Writer

Many students, especially students of color, get excited to see their cultural food served in the dining halls. I too find that same excitement; so when I saw chow mein on the Malott menu for the first time, I was ecstatic. Finding comfort in food you grew up with and simultaneously sharing it with those who may not be familiar creates a distinct bond that allows you to take pride in your culture.

I love Malott. The feeling of stumbling through the dark brown doors, grabbing a plate of food, and cozying up in the sun-baked wooden chairs outside is a dining experience unlike any other at the consortium. However, my strong affinity for Malott stops short at their chow mein.

I recall my first encounter with Malott chow mein. It was one of

my first meals in college this past August, and after a full morning of orientation presentations and ice breakers, I hurriedly made my way to the newly comforting Malott. Excited for my first taste of Asian food since leaving home, I gathered some noodles onto my fork and stuffed my mouth full, waiting for the wonderfully flavorful food to grace my taste buds in the same way I had become accustomed to since moving into college. Yet, the only flavor I could discern was the singular bell pepper strip among a vast sea of noodles.

The bland noodles were simultaneously rubbery and dry. Sparse bell peppers and onions only added texture. No amount of added sauce could fix this. From each step of production, the amount of love and energy, the amount of effort and time to create such vast vats of this dish for the people of Claremont, all to end up on my plate half eaten,

unappreciated, and underseasoned. Based on my initial reaction to Malott chow mein, it may be surprising that I willingly had a second encounter with the dish.

Call me naïve, call me idealistic, but I choose to live life with confidence in the good of the world. I bravely bit into the noodles with simple optimism. Surely there was no way it was nearly as bad as I remembered. It was.

So there I sat in front of Malott, the sun shining a borderline uncomfortable warmth, a plate full of chow mein, and utter disappointment.

I like to think of myself as a positive person, as demonstrated in my second chance – one who can see the good even in the bad. However, for the Malott chow mein, I cannot.

College is a time for not only exploring yourself, but to also expand your knowledge of the world. The same applies to cultural foods; food

is one of the most easily accessible ways to share and explore culture, and with such a diverse Claremont community there is a plethora to receive and experience. I am critical of Malott’s chow mein because the dining hall is no stranger to serving positive representations of various cultural dishes: delicious Korean bibimbap reminded me of my own mother’s cooking and chicken pot stickers made me reminisce about summers spent with my grandma. Serving my cultural dishes allows me to proudly showcase my heritage to my friends who may have never had the opportunity to try these dishes before, which is a sentiment held by people of all ethnic backgrounds. Of course, not everyone needs to like every dish from every culture, but serving a dish that is most faithful to its authentic form is the most effective way of sharing and learning about cultures around the globe.

Photo Courtesy of MGM Studios

The Land is Inhospitable (and so Am I) for Mitski

By Emma Sweeney ’27 Staff Writer

Folk and country music have always been storytelling genres with unique senses of tradition, something Mitski utilizes as she explores what has been passed down to her: pain, change, memories, and love in her new album The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We

The opening song of The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is “Bug Like an Angel,” a new personal favorite of mine. Mitski presents the listener with the story of an individual who has inherited the tradition of alcoholism from their family, sending them into a cycle: breaking promises, bent over in sickness, and vowing never to drink again. The repeating chord progression reiterated these cyclical feelings.

Continuing with societal and familial traditions, “I’m Your Man” focuses on patriarchal traditions. Mitski sings “I’m Your Man” from the point of view of what she considers to be the patriarch in her mind. Personally, I adore this song and how it describes society’s tendency to put men on a pedestal and celebrate them for their masculinity while the patriarchal system does more harm than good. In this song, Mitski’s inner patriarch states that it is unfortunate that people adore him so unquestioningly, and that one day society will learn that he never deserved the divinity handed to him.

The second song on the album is “Buffalo Replaced,” another favorite of mine that discusses change through American expansion and industrialism. This song also discusses how hope is blind to circumstance and maintains itself for people to survive.

“The Frost,” the eighth song on the track, shares a similar theme. It focuses on isolation, pushing others away, and actions that cause the

speaker to live in a world with no one to speak to and no one to witness them. I tend to read into things (which is good considering my Editors-in-Chief need me to hit a word count), and this song took me right back to seventh-grade physics and the observer effect in quantum mechanics. By observing a situation, the observer fundamentally changes the circumstance. Without an observer, Mitski is fundamentally different. Who are we when there is no one left to influence us?

The next three songs tell a story of memories, regrets, and maladaptive behaviors. Mitski dives into these topics expertly, although not covering every aspect as she only has so much time. I enjoy listening to her music surrounding these themes, as it not only acts as a reminder that one is not alone when struggling, but it also allows one to explore and understand oneself through Mitski’s interpretation. This three-act play begins with the fourth track, “I Don’t Like My Mind.” This song tears me apart as she details how being left alone with her thoughts is torture, especially when caught in a loop of past decisions and mistakes.

Mitski follows this with the various ways she tries to occupy herself: loud music, hard work, and overeating. The last of these coping mechanisms causes her to become sick, creating a new painful memory. The song ends with her begging to keep her job, a metaphor for her coping skill of selfexploitation. Musically, this song has more country influence as she croons with an air of desperation.

“The Deal” tells a story of wanting to give away one’s soul to end the pain. Without a soul, one has no memories or emotions, allowing the cycle of hurt to finally end. As Mitski gives her soul away, she describes seeing a bird as the manifestation of her soul leaving

and flying away with all of the joy she has ever and will feel. “The Deal” ends with Mitski repeating herself as the music overtakes her voice, echoing in the background until it is lost, implying that to remove one’s soul is to remove one’s entirety.

In the final act, “When the Memories Snow,” Mitski details attempting to push aside negative memories to get rid of the pain while leaving her on the edge of a breakdown. Her emotional turmoil leaves her wondering if she should take a break and only express herself with her imagination, something she can orchestrate to give solely positive responses.

These three songs connect not only thematically but narratively. They tell a story of struggling with mental health, wanting to lose the ability to feel due to that struggle, and since that is impossible, wondering how to deal with everything without breaking down. This almost cyclical tale is unsatisfying but very realistic. There is no easy fix for these kinds of struggles and Mitski encapsulates that through the baby steps of progress we see in the last song. Healing is possible but one must be patient and I love that kind of cautious optimism, as it feels more genuine than an automatic happy ending.

The third piece, “Heaven,” is about the wonders of being in love and the intimacy of it all on display. Although I agree with the message, I do not particularly like this song. It is too repetitive and contrived, but maybe I’m just lonely.

The next love song on the album is “My Love Mine All Mine.” Mitski laments that she cannot leave behind the one thing she truly owns for the rest of the world: love. Her body, material possessions, and other people will leave or fail her eventually, but love is ever present and gives a

renewed sense of life and worth. This song is so catchy and tugs at my heartstrings. It is definitely repetitive but in this case, there is perfect dreamy emphasis.

“Star” is a song about two people whose love has come to an end. To Mitski, love is a star. Although it may fade or travel far away, it is still beautiful. I love this message and agree with it wholeheartedly. This song has a beautiful build-up that absolutely entrances me every time. “Star” then ends with notes that sparkle like the celestial bodies themselves. This song is so heavenly and left me feeling like I was floating.

The last song, “I Love Me After You,” is one of my top three songs on the album. This piece tells the story of learning to love oneself after the end of a relationship. Mitski opens with soft humming and lyrics about self-care, then crescendos into pursuing selfconfidence. The song ends with Mitski expressing that she is proud of who she is, and at last, happy to be herself. This song perfectly encapsulates how lovely it feels to finally leave a toxic relationship and rediscover yourself, something I have personally experienced. As this song hits close to home, I feel very connected to it and although I don’t find it as musically appealing as some other songs on this album, the content of the lyrics is what I gravitate toward.

Although it isn’t my favorite, I enjoyed this new album. I will certainly be listening to it repeatedly to look for anything I missed in this review. I believe the main takeaway from this album is that although the land is inhospitable, and so are we, aspects of life such as joy, love, and people are worth the suffering.

Audrey Green ’27 • The Scripps Voice

The Doctors Are In: Advice From Your Elders

People with some qualifications maybe

Some of us are nearing the end (or middle) of our time here. And we have gained some knowledge, so we thought that we would do you all the public service of sharing our knowledge and advice no one asked for.

Q: What happened to Nina HoweGoldstein (Harvard ’25)?

We are not Nina, but we are all Jewish. Nina is now roaming brighter pastures in Massachusetts. They will be missed, but not that much. How could you leave The Scripps Voice? So rude. But in their honor, we will raise a glass of Motley hojichachacha as 5C a cappella groups sing their praises for all to hear at 2 a.m.

Q: What is flex? What is Claremont cash? How do I know which I am using?

Flex is what happens when you tighten your muscles. Claremont Cash is like cash, but it is on a card, but unlike a credit card, you can only use it in Claremont. I would think it’s fairly easy to tell if you are spending money on a card or tightening your muscles, but I guess that's not my business.

(For a real answer, see the TSV back to school issue from last month)

Q: Why does everyone assume I’m gay when I say I go to Scripps?

Well, honey, this was news to me, too, but it was kind of gay to go to a (historically) women’s college. I mean, you chose a place where you would be surrounded by other (historically) women all the time. That’s pretty gay. And I’m sorry to say that the boygenius shirt you wear *ironically* and your decision to drink oat milk because of *dietary restrictions* aren’t convincing anyone.

Q: Where is the best place to cry on campus?

• There is no best place to cry, but here are some ideas.

• Your room while your roommate is on the phone with their family or long distance partner. Be sure to sniffle extra loud.

• Office hours. It will definitely help you get an extension.

• The parking garage.

• The Nucleus construction site. Nothing cheers me up like big machinery and a male-dominated workforce.

• Mallot, between 12-1 p.m.. No one will notice you crying since they’ll be too busy getting into fistfights for the last strawberry in the salad bar.

• In line for a drink in the Motley. Similarly to an extension, you may get a free matcha-chacha (Sidenote: You may end up bawling after the CMC football man behind you berates you for taking away his raspberry matcha-chacha, how dare YOU.)

Q: I’m not besties with my roommate.

Well, dear reader, this is not a question. But that sucks, dude.

Maybe borrow their clothes, dress up like them, and pretend to be them. Follow them around, sleep in their bed. If you cannot be besties with your roommate, why not become your roommate? Take over their life. Suddenly there is no roommate, just you alone with your new personality. We are living in the Motrix after all!

Q: I heard Harry Styles lives in Froutt. Why haven’t I seen him?

Like his mother, Montserrat, he left us. Harry didn’t want to leave us, but did not have a choice. He will be missed. But if you happen to run across other members of everyone’s favorite boy band, One Direction, let the Froutt RC’s and CC’s know; we’d be happy to have them live in the best dorm ever!

Q: Why isn’t there an animethemed dorm?

Ask the CC’s to change your dorm theme, except Belen, she is contractually obligated to make everything Snoopy-themed.

*Get your big titty anime girls elsewhere, this is a family-friendly publication.*

Q: The semester is already a quarter over and I don’t have a partner!

Once again, not a question. Get on the apps, go to parties, go to queer events, and become your own partner. There’s a lot of yearning for a partner in college, and frankly, you need to be comfortable with being alone before you really can find a partner. It’ll happen when it's

supposed to, and in the meantime, just notice that everyone around you is so hot. And most importantly, you are too!

Although we both wear green on Thursdays (not Wednesdays), Yoda we are not. Hopefully our advice will help you navigate the rest of your semester, or at least provide an entertaining read while you peruse The Scripps Voice during the witching hour (2-3 a.m.)! If you’re partaking in the latter, go to bed!

Note: We are not responsible for the results of following our advice.

Note 2: If you have questions, DM @scrippsvoice on Instagram and we might answer your question in our next issue.

Aviva V. Maxon ’24 and Belén Yudess ’25

By Izzy Silva ’24 Horoscope Columnist

Fall Horoscopes

This fall will bring you lots of surprises, twists and turns, and perhaps a roller coaster. Literally … going to an amusement park is suggested for you, Aries.

Leo! Fall is coming in hot — literally! You should get into tea this season. I recommend the rooibos type.

I know you are waiting for it to be really cold so you can wear many sweaters and think about your upcoming birthday. For now, set your AC to 64 and pretend!

Aries

March 21 - April 19

Leo July 23 - August 22

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 21

Fall is a season where you are able to buy so many candles. But be careful –use one of those air wick scent things instead. Plus, they’re cheaper!

Virgo

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Summer was your peak!

It’s okay to be a little disappointed your time to shine is over now. However, you now have the chance to carve a pumpkin and give it two faces!

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Go to a waterfall before it gets too cold! You can mysteriously ponder life and pretend you’re in a music video.

Happy late birthday! Go buy yourself a birthday gift. It is okay to do something for yourself for once!

August 23 - September 22

Libra, this is your prime! It’s like the sun is shining on you and the moon is giving you little kisses on the cheek. Savor the next month and sleep-in every day (drop your 9 a.m.!).

Libra

September 22 - October 22

Start planning your Halloween costume now. I suggest creating it from scratch. You will stand out this Halloween — this is your year.

Capricorn

Now that the semester is in full gear, your stress levels are increasing. I suggest challenging yourself to let things just be. You have got to relax, Capricorn. Go get frozen yogurt or something!

December 22 - January 19

A trip to Ikea is in your future. Swedish meatballs (or the vegan ones) will bring you an immense amount of joy. Oh — and the lingonberry juice!

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

This month I challenge you to spend 10 minutes a day journaling. Instead of words, however, use little tiny drawings. You have a lot to think about …

Cancer

June 21 - July 22

Scorpio

June 21 - July 22

Marshmallows

By Rebecca Allen ’25 Staff Writer

I’ve walked down Eleventh Street countless times at dusk.

I’ve seen the sun when it was nothing more than a blazing orb, melting into the horizon.

This evening, I run errands.

And I roll the windows down, feeling the wind on my hands.

I cruise through boulevards and squint forward, weaving through traffic.

I drive past pharmacies and imitation liquor stores, car parks and taco stands and it’s not the same.

Pisces

February 19 - March 20

New Year Contemplations

By Aviva V. Maxon ’24 Staff Writer

the anticipation of a takeoff laying next to a foreign body flying through the sky a magic metal machine carrying hope and lust away from the ground, up, up, up, up, up the air stale and tight – lingering longer than is needed

to explore, wonder known streets unseen, hearing the screams, sirens calling lost souls in short long short short long long and the magic metal machine takes away

gentle hellos, goodbyes – tender broken cracked whirring bring back home the lust of new beginnings, beholden lost love

falling to pieces, broken tiny spikes put back together a little different than last time – moving faster running running to the future we hold tiny little spikes put together a new person built day by day by day

anticipation wearing off – into relief as the magic metal machine soars closer to real life sweet new life sweet new years

A Peek Behind the Bar: Inside the Motley’s Reopening

Kinsey Ho ’27 and Belén Yudess ’25 Staff Writer and Copy Editor Intern

Lit up and brilliantly alive, Sept. 21 saw the long-awaited annual opening of the Motley. The Matrixthemed opening party, dubbed The Motrix, saw hordes of leather-clad, sunglass-ed students flocking to the newly renovated cafe to partake in signature drinks and enjoy live music provided by Fischli’s Animals and Tea Room. Posters outside invited attendees to make the iconic Red Pill/Blue Pill choice, and the entirety of Seal Court buzzed with anticipation at the return of the cherished coffeehouse.

With another pun to continue the tradition of last year’s reopening theme, The Mot Gala, The Motrix was the brainchild of the Motley’s management team, run by co-head managers Rachel Corbett ’24 and Angie Rivera ’24. Management also noted that community engagement manager Nayla Dayal ’25 was integral in ensuring the success of the planning and execution of the event!

“I think the Motrix was really special because it was the first time everyone had seen what the new Motley looked like,” Networking Manager Avalon Brice ’24 said. “I think that night all of us were super excited that people were ordering all our fun drinks and just having fun.”

Aside from the eccentric decorations, the Motley also featured a special drinks menu with names including the Red Pilled, Blue Pilled, Main Frame, the Oracle, Neapolitan, and the Trinitea. Although the Motley staff did an excellent job cultivating an energetic space, Dayal emphasized that the inclusion of student bands added an additional layer of enthusiasm to the night.

“During these openings, they always pull it together and are so willing to perform,” she said. “It’s so sweet of them because they work tirelessly leading up to the opening to practice and rehearse, and they are so talented.”

The Motley looks slightly different than what returning students might remember. The combined efforts of the all-students management team and Facilities transformed the space, retaining the lively ambiance and exposed-brick charm signature of the Motley while updating it with fresh decor, furniture, and a brand-new bar with tiles hand-painted by the Motley’s creative and hardworking staff.

The work of various Scripps Facilities personnel is commendable, such as Garrett Solomon and Kevin Mullis from Media Services, who upgraded the Motley with new and improved sound equipment. The managerial staff was also essential in communicating with Facilities and organizing the space in preparation

for a September opening!

Dayal explained that one of the main goals of the remodel was to expand the seating area to acclimate the large crowds that constantly populate the space. Brice seconded that rationale and added that the new design improved the working situation of the baristas. “The remodel was very necessary,” she said. “Our bar has expanded so much. There’s so much more room for the baristas to make drinks and no one’s bumping into each other. It’s just a better environment.”

barista team is lovely,” said CoBarista Lead Laila Hannum ’26. “I just feel like the Motley is such a great environment and I think that the energy of the meetings has been very positive. There has been lots of laughter and people wanting to get to know each other. I’m just really grateful.”

But while some of the drinkmakers may be new, pastries and other delicious treats will continue to be provided by Homeboy Industries. The company is one of the largest gang rehabilitation programs in the world.

to all aspects of her experience. “I think the thing that makes this work unique is that it’s a job but it’s also your social time because all of us are really good friends and we spend a lot of time here just having fun and chilling out,” she said. “I think it’s really nice that we work so hard on this place, but then also have such a lovely social community coming out of it. I feel in a way working here has shaped my experience at Scripps.”

“We’re super excited to have this space and I think we’re really trying to incorporate the Motley energy that everyone loves and feels.” -Avalon

Brice

’24

The team hopes to personalize the space further in the future to highlight the Motley’s rich history and culture that is unique to Scripps. “We’re super excited to have this space and I think we’re really trying to incorporate the Motley energy that everyone loves and feels,” said Brice brightly. “We’re looking for student art to be put up and we want to incorporate new people because there’s full new classes of people that haven’t been in the Motley and want to take up their own space here. We also want to incorporate our history because not a lot of people know about it. I want to meet with Jennifer at Denison because they have a lot of archival Motley stuff.”

The opening also comes with some brand new staff members, invigorated and ready for the crowds to flood in. “This year’s

“In our past mission statement it said that we aspire to be a socially responsible business — that’s still true, but we’re reworking ways that we intend to do that,” said Special Products Manager Edwina Polynice ’25. “One of the ways that we intend to do that is picking through the businesses that we work with. I think being ethical comes in all different ways. Whether or not the business hires people fairly and treats their workers fairly comes into play.”

Although the Motley’s traditional tree mural has been uprooted, the strong and uplifting sense of community has remained and continues. This sentiment is not only shared amongst the frequent patrons of the coffeehouse but also among the vibrant Motley staff. “I’ve made some of my best friends working here,” said Brice. “I love every person that I work with and each holds a special part in my heart … and I get to see other people come in and smile, and experience the joy that the Motley brings.”

Dayal echoed her gratitude for her co-workers and her ability to work in a position that contributes

Dayal also professed her hopes for future use of the space as a place for CLORGs and students to congregate. She urged anyone interested in booking the Motley for an event to reach out!

The Motley team encourages students to stop by and experience

“I think it’s really nice that we work so hard on this place, but then also have such a lovely social community coming out of it. I feel in a way working here has shaped my experience at Scripps.” - Nayla

Dayal ’25

this exceptional camaraderie for themselves while also enjoying a delicious strawberry peach matcha, raspberry mocha, or whatever drink their heart desires!

If you have any event ideas, suggestions, or questions, please feel free to reach out to staff during the cafe’s hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends or through their Instagram @motleycoffee!

Sara Wilkson ’27 • The Scripps Voice