Cardinal Points issue 8 - fall 2020

SUNY Plattsburgh’s independent student newspaper since 1997

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2020

VOLUME 103 - ISSUE 8

CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM

Flu shot importance rises with COVID-19

BY EMMA VALLELUNGA News Editor

Fall means the beginning of flu season, but with the coronavirus still a major health concern across the U.S., some are contemplating whether getting vaccinated this year is worth the risk. Both doctors and medical experts at SUNY Plattsburgh believe now more than ever is the best time to get a flu shot.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Student Health and Counseling Center used to provide students with free flu shots at flu shot clinics every fall semester, which was paid for with the student health fee as part of tuition. But during the fall 2018 semester, the health center couldn’t afford to pay the $14,000 for vaccines out of pocket without raising the student health fee for students.

So in order to keep the clinics going while also saving money, the health center began partnering with local pharmacies like CVS and Kinney Drugs to administer vaccines.

As long as the patient brings their health insurance information to their scheduled appointment at the clinic, the pharmacy would bill their insurance for the shot, which costs nothing for the health center and does not increase the student health fee.

“We’re only funded by the health fee, which is what [students] pay,” SHCC Finance and Operations Manager Laura Rosenbrock said. “We try to make sure we don’t increase your fee as much as

possible.”

Flu shot clinics on campus are usually held a few times at the end of September or early October. The first clinic this semester was Sept. 24 in Algonquin Hall to accommodate social distance protocols. The clinic was originally scheduled for earlier in September, but COVID-19 pool testing became a SUNY mandate, forcing the health center to reschedule with CVS. Rosenbrock said about 300 people received flu shots that day, but due to scheduling conflicts with CVS and weekly COVID-19 testing conducted by the health center, Rosenbrock said there likely won’t be another one.

“We didn’t give out as many flu shots we were hoping for,” Rosenbrock said. “We would love to do another flu clinic, but we can’t. We might’ve been able to squeeze two earlier in the semester if COVID testing didn’t need to be done.”

Rosenbrock also said the number of people getting flu shots tends to fluctuate year-toyear. Last year, about 600 to 800 shots were given during at least two scheduled clinics. Although only one clinic was held this year, Rosenbrock said she believes the decrease is due to timing and the current population of students.

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FERNANDO ALBA/Cardinal Points

Student Health and Counseling Center Registered Nurse Sean Brennan handles COVID-19 test samples from off-campus students in Algonquin Hall Sept. 22.

COVID-19 cases spike Over 12 days, 29 students test positive for COVID-19, 117 students in quarantine

BY DREW WEMPLE Staff Writer

After almost seven weeks of pooled COVID-19 testing with zero positive cases, SUNY Plattsburgh is now beginning to see its first spike.

Administrators and faculty within specific offices are continuing to keep students informed and safe in light of an increase in cases both within the campus community and Clinton County.

Within the past week, 29 new total cases have been reported. There are now 117 total students in quaran-

tine; 80 on-campus and 37 off-campus. There are also two students in cautionary isolation but have tested negative in a rapid COVID test.

SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi held a virtual town hall meeting Oct. 16 to discuss the recent positives.

“I believe it is important to be both open and transparent with the campus community,” Enyedi said. “The goal is to provide a clear summary of where we are, provide further updates and answer your questions.”

Over the course of his 45 minute town hall meeting, Enyedi discussed several key things having to do with the college’s recent rise in cases. The first being that the college has temporarily stopped all Cardinal athletics and one of the

nursing clinicals.

“This wasn’t directed by public health orders but by a desire to be proactive and careful,” Enyedi said.

Enyedi also made another crucial point in response to questions surrounding whether the pooled testing results have been faked or skewed. The campus sends their results following every testing session to SUNY Upstate Medical University to be reviewed.

“It’s a real lab with real results being used across the SUNY system,” Enyedi said.

On Wednesday, Enyedi’s email update said pool testing continued with 1,496 samples taken over the past two days.

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Women’s March voices opposition to President

BY EMMA VALLELUNGA News Editor

About 200 people sent a strong message Saturday in Plattsburgh that women are valuable and deserve a seat at the table.

“There’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t be marching for our rights right now,” event organizer Nicole Berlingeri Nelson said.

In coordination with the fifth annual Women’s March in Washington D.C., the large crowd walked the streets and sidewalks of downtown Plattsburgh for an organized Women’s March titled “Our Future, Our Choice, Our Fight.”

Plattsburgh’s march joined more than 300 marches and demonstrations scheduled across the country this month.

While a central focus of the national march surrounds the contentious presidential election, protesters in Plattsburgh denounced President Donald Trump’s attempt to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat before the election and the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the high court.

Berlingeri Nelson, a SUNY Plattsburgh graduate student, co-organized the march after realizing the city and its people deserved a platform to voice their opinions during an important turning point this year.

EMMA VALLELUNGA/Cardinal Points

Protesters marched in downtown Plattsburgh Saturday afternoon during an organized women’s march, denouncing President WOMEN l A2 Donald Trump’s attempt to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court before the election.

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CASES Continued from page one

Oct. 15

An on-campus student came into the University Police station asking to speak to an officer about an Instagram scammer who was requesting money.

The investigation is pending.

Director of Facilities William Circelli reported an illegal mural painted in a stairwell in Myers Fine Arts Building. A student was identified, and Student Conduct charges were filed.

Oct. 16

Students came into the UP station to report statements of harassment left on a decorative pumpkin.

The investigation is pending.

Campus COVID-19 Tracker Number of active COVID-19 cases within SUNY Plattsburgh community: Number of COVID-19 cases in precautionary isolation within SUNY Plattsburgh community:

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NEWS

News Editor Emma Vallelunga

Enyedi also described if and when the college would move to remote learning. The New York State Department of Health has set a 100 active case threshold for determining whether a campus moves to remote learning for two weeks.

Teachers and faculty would be given an advanced warning if this were to occur. During that time, students would still be able to live on campus, barring a continuous spike in cases. Upon return to in-person classes, students would be required to undergo more COVID-19 testing, as well as an increase of SUNY uniform safety sanctions.

These uniform sanctions were put in place Oct. 1 and emailed to all students by the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success R. Lizzie Wahab.

This was the direct decision of SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras.

“These aren’t a new set of rules,” Director of Campus Housing and Community Living Stephen Matthews said.

“It’s basically an attempt to standardize each college’s reaction to students violating COVID protocols.”

Violations include but are not limited to: failure to self-isolate, failure to quarantine, prohibited on-campus gatherings and failing to comply with health protocols. The penalties can include

suspensions from housing, academic suspensions and even potential dismissal.

“There’s definitely an overlap between these new sanctions and our existing COVID protocols,” Director of the Center for Student Involvement Cori Jackson said. “Most students have done a good job, but it’s important for all students to understand the consequences.”

Both Matthews and Jackson sent another email to students Oct. 2 reinforming all students about the new uniform sanctions. The email also commended students for their work so far in following COVID protocols.

“We see this as an opportunity to inform first,” Matthews said. “It’s never fair if you don’t know the rules you’re playing by.”

Faculty and staff have also taken on a different role other than just inform and enforce. In an email update regarding cases numbers sent Oct. 18, Enyedi also informed students that faculty have been helping quarantined and isolated students “quarantine buddies.”

Quarantine buddies are faculty and staff members performing tasks and favors for on-campus, isolated and quarantined students. Isolation is when a student is physically ill, quarantine is when a student has displayed symptoms but has a negative test or has come in close contact with a student who has tested positive.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

There are currently 100 quarantine buddies, according to Michele Carpentier, the assistant vice president for student affairs and the director of Special Programs.

“They form a relationship with these students and give them someone to talk to,” Carpentier said. “They are also doing favors for these students that the school isn’t offering, like shopping.”

These quarantine buddies are a part of several groups lending their time to help isolated and quarantined students. The Student Support Services office has also offered students a chance to earn volunteer hours by delivering food to students in quarantine and isolation. Those quarantining or isolating in Banks or Harrington Hall will order food delivered to them from Clinton Dining Hall food from a menu delivered to them every night for the following day.

Carpentier also added that the school will begin offering those students a chance to participate in virtual activities. These activities will include excersie videos, DIY project videos, zoo tours and other various online games.

“We will continue to do our best in keeping our campus community safe and updated,” Enyedi said.

Email DREW WEMPLE

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29

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EMMA VALLELUNGA/Cardinal Points

Number of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in quarantine on-campus and within SUNY Plattsburgh community.

Number of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in quarantine off-campus and within SUNY Plattsburgh community.

80 37

CP Corrections There are no errors to report this week.

If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Protestors held signs that varied in issues from women’s rights to anti-Trump during Plattsburgh’s Women’s March.

WOMEN Continued from page one “There’s a lot of things happening right now that we don’t agree with, but the cherry on the cake was definitely that nomination,” Nelson said.

“Plattsburgh was not registered for anything, and I saw that, and I recognized a need for it because we’re a very eclectic town and city, and we need to make sure we’re a part of this historic moment.”

MARCHING ON The rally began at 11 a.m. with a gathering by the gazebo at the US Oval.

In order to comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols, people stood in small groups socially distant and wore masks on the former Plattsburgh Air Force base.

Organizers also brought hand sanitizer and bottled water for the participants before and after the march. Almost everyone came with handmade signs, colorful flags or homemade costumes.

Messages on each sign varied in issues, from women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and Black Lives Matter to anti-Trump and anti-Amy Coney Barrett protests.

Some participants sat on park benches around the Oval as “benchwarmers,” symbolizing a peaceful protest to keep RBG’s seat vacant until after the election.

“Today, we are march-

ing alongside thousands of our sisters and brothers across the nation to demand change,” Nelson said to the crowd before the march.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative to stand up for what you believe in.

Today we march forward because we refuse to step backward.”

even being raised around politics, my parents never discussed a political career with me.

“So talk to your daughters and students about running for office. But it’s also self doubt that prevents women from running. Women are the biggest self doubters. We need to stop that.”

SHOWING SUPPORT City of Plattsburgh Democratic mayoral candidate Chris Rosenquest was there to show his support for the cause and said the showing at the rally was motivating and moving.

“We need to keep highlighting the inequities in our community, and that starts local,” Rosenquest said.

“We still are in a pandemic, and people should still be safe, but we’ll do both. We’ll come out, we’ll protest and we’ll fight for what’s right, but we’ll continue to do it safely.”

Democratic candidate for State Senate Kimberly Davis talked about a woman’s right to be included in politics and how more women should seek careers in local government.

“Women are less likely than men to be encouraged by parents, teachers or party leaders to run for office,” Davis said to the crowd.

“Women underestimate their abilities. They assume there is much needed, and they need to be more qualified than men to run for the same office. My father was a town chair of our local political party for a short time, and

FEELING SAFE Marchers walked from the US Oval to downtown.

They chanted “Women’s rights are human rights,” “Don’t fill the seat,” “Vote him out,” and “We dissent,” along the way.

They continued down Margaret Street and back to Broad Street to return to the original route. Cars honked in support as the march went by, and one woman continually hit a cowbell to lead the marchers in the right direction.

Brooks Fraser and her three friends drove into town from Saranac Lake and Keene just for the march.

“I was excited that there was a satellite event close enough to get to,” Fraser said.

“I just moved from Manhattan, so I got to go to all the events there, which were much bigger, but I love that there’s enough numbers here to put something together like this.”

Fraser said she didn’t feel unsafe participating in the march during the pandemic. She knew everyone would be outside wearing masks and socially distant, so the fear of catching the virus wasn’t her biggest concern.

“That wasn’t really a thought, to be honest,” Fraser said.

“While it’s in the back of my mind, it’s not going to stop me from coming out and doing something like this to support (the cause).”

COMING TOGETHER Katie Kalluche and her friends Erin McGill, Joshua Kretser and Meghan Lannon made large individual letters to spell out “We dissent” and stood in line together for everyone to read.

“We are trying to honor RBG because it’s so important for women to hold more offices,” Kalluche said.

“We’re not going to be able to do that if we don’t show up.”

Kalluche said her nineyear-old son Cooper, who proudly held up his W and E signs as they walked Saturday, was extremely willing to come with his mother for the march.

She said even with the pandemic, teaching her son to fight for what he believes in was more important.

“I asked my son if he wanted to come today, and he said if it was a regular march or parade, he wouldn’t have come.

He said, and I quote, ‘Because we’re marching for women’s rights, I’ll do it.’”

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the Oct. 20 issue of The Press Republican

Email EMMA VALLELUNGA

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News Editor Emma Vallelunga

NEWS

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Plattburgh’s march, which joined more than 300 demonstrations across the U.S., started at the US Oval with speakers like Kimberly Davis, a State Senate candidate, before marching to dowtown Plattsburgh and back.

Joshua Kretser, Katie Kalluche, Meghan Lannon and Erin McGil march down Peru Street last Saturday in Plattsburgh’s Women’s March.

This Week in Photos: Rights

Photos by Fernando Alba

Co-organizer of Plattsburgh’s march, Madeline McGrath, raises her fist in response to chants supporting women’s rights at the US Oval last Saturday.

Marchers head down Margaret Street last Saturday on their way back to the US Oval. Wearing maks and staying socially distant when possible were requirements for Saturday’s March.

Drivers passing by marchers on Peru Street honk their horns in support.

The fifth Women’s March came earlier than expected.

Usually held in January, the nation-wide demonstration was held last Saturday in opposition of President Donald Trump’s attempt to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat with an election underway.

Chants of “Women’s rights are human rights,” “Don’t fill the seat,” “Vote him out” and “We dissent” filled the streets of downtown Plattsburgh as about 200 marchers made their way down Margaret Street.

A marcher holds a Pride flag as they march down Peru Street with other demonstrators.

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NEWS

News Editor Emma Vallelunga

VACCINE Continued from page one

DAKOTA GILBERT/Cardinal Points

Title IX office celebrates domestic violence awareness

BY CHANNING PRINS Staff Writer

Domestic violence is more prominent than people think.

“One in four women and one in nine men will experience some form of domestic violence sometime in their life,” Kelsey Harland, a senior majoring in social work and an intern at the Title IX Office at SUNY Plattsburgh, said.

The Title IX office has been hosting events all month to help bring light to a bigger situation. This year in particular is very important. COVID-19 has worsened domestic violence.

“We have seen, especially across the nation, COVID has just impacted those who are experiencing domestic violence at a higher rate than most things. Hotlines have increased use because in a lot of ways you are isolated,” Zyajiah Nadler, violence prevention, education, and outreach coordinator for the Title IX office said. “In the four months we were on lockdown, many people were isolated with people who may have been harming them, whether it be physically, sexually or emotionally.”

The office has hosted many events during the month of October over the years, but with the pandemic, they have had to come up with creative ways to bring awareness to domestic violence.

A user-friendly activity calendar is available on the office’s Facebook and Instagram page for people to pick which activity or event they’d like to register for.

“We create a calendar

that just has actionable items that people can do every single day because we know people are remote and people are just in different stages of availability as well,” Nadler said.

In addition, the Title IX office asked that the main entrance of Hawkins Hall be illuminated with purple lights for the whole month of October to support the cause.

Another event it held was a workshop that Harland hosted to speak about important topics in relation to domestic violence. Other events included “Is My Relationship Healthy,” where the group went over the 10 signs of a healthy or unhealthy relationship according to The One Look Foundation.

“Oftentimes, we don’t know how to identify it,” Nadler said. “We may question ourselves a lot especially when it comes to emotional values, gaslighting and just all things power and control really. It’s very important to know how to identify.”

Harland also spoke about other things during this event, such as the difference between domestic violence and dating violence.

“Domestic violence is when two individuals have a child together and/or live in the same household,” Harland said. “[Dating] violence is anyone you have a remote prenamic partner, like a relationship with.”

Student involvement is at an all time low right now with events being mainly online due to COVID-19.

Nadler said their turnouts have been fluctuating.

“For some of our

events, we have had 23 people. [In] the one with Kelsey, we had 12 people,” Nadler said. “[We] had some with three.

We’re still trying to figure out what is the best time. Getting people to come out when they are so incredibly tired of Zoom can be difficult.”

Not only is it difficult getting students to attend events, it’s also hard to bring awareness to something if no one shows up.

“I feel like if it was in person more people would have showed up,” Harland said. “But since it’s on Zoom, not everyone wants to go to an event on Zoom, which I totally understand.”

For the rest of domestic violence awareness month, a full list of the office’s events can be found on social media, including a Netflix screening, a talent show and workshops like “How to Shoot Your Shoot Consensually” and “Violence in Communities of Color.”

However, there are other ways for students to get involved that don’t involve online activities.

Internship applications for the Title IX office are still open and accessible on the SUNY Plattsburgh Title IX website, and the deadline is Nov. 6.

“Anyone can be an intern if your application is accepted and the interview goes well. Students should definitely be more involved with Title IX,” Harland said. “It’s a great place for resources if you experience violence.”

Email CHANNING PRINS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

“For our clinic, less students are on campus, and less faculty and staff are on campus,” Rosenbrock said. “I also think some people got it before the clinic. If we had it when we initially planned it, we probably would’ve had more people.”

Doctors across the world are concerned about how the flu will interact with COVID-19 during the pandemic. SHCC College Physician Dr. Deirdre Schaefer said the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar with only slight differences, such as a sudden loss of taste or smell.

“As a medical professional, I usually have to test for both,” Schaefer said.

“There is such a tremendous overlap between the two symptomatically.”

Even without the pandemic, Schaefer advocates for getting a flu shot every year in order to decrease the risk of infection, not just from the flu but potentially coronavirus.

“The biggest emphasis that we’re trying to make in the medical community is it’s always been important to get your flu shot, but [it’s] even more so now,” Schaefer said. “We have COVID as this tremendous crisis medically, and then we have flu, and they can happen now together.”

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Schaefer acknowledged some people may be too afraid to go into a doctor’s office or pharmacy to get a flu shot during the pandemic but said the benefits outweigh the risks, based on the fact that the flu vaccine is proven effective to prevent infection.

“One of the questions people have is, ‘Can I get them at the same time?’ and the answer is absolutely yes,” Schaefer said. “So if that can happen, what can you do to protect yourself? Well we’re so lucky because we have a flu [vaccine]. It’s even more important than ever to protect yourself from the flu because right now, I can’t say that about COVID.” When it comes to whether students at SUNY Plattsburgh are too scared to get a shot right now, Schaefer said it’s hard to get an exact number of how many students are vaccinated if they pay for a shot outside of the clinic, but she hopes they know how important it is.

“In the community, I will say that there’s no reason for anyone in Plattsburgh to not get [a flu shot],” Schaefer said. “All of the pharmacies offer it. So I say [to students], please go get one, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy and efficient the pharmacies are getting that taken care of.”

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News Editor Emma Vallelunga

NEWS

Student Association elects voting members

BY ADEEB CHOWDHURY Staff Writer

The Student Association recently approved new voting members to its committees and justices to the SA court, as well as adopted a resolution recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Day. The senate meeting Oct. 15 began by welcoming new faces. Osasumwen Osa was approved as the chief justice of the SA court, and Pilar Balader Herrero and Mac-Olivier Lalanne were welcomed as associate justices. SA President Rudaba Ahmed lauded the new justices of the court, describing the dedication and work ethic she had personally witnessed from each of them.

“I have been consistently impressed by the commitment and integrity of all three justices,” Ahmed said. “I pledge my full support and am excited for the future of the court.”

The Academic Affairs Board also saw two new members receiving approval. Jacob Claypool is the new secretary of the board, and Alexa Dumas joined as a voting member. Academic Affairs Coordinator Ahmed Metwaly voiced his eagerness at working with

the pair, particularly citing Claypool’s firm work ethic and Dumas’ charisma and willingness to learn. Dumas shared Metwaly’s excitement as she described what had motivated her to join the board.

“I’ve always had a constant drive to help and educate my fellow students on various issues,” Dumas said. “I think that, as well as my outgoing personality, will really help me make a difference.”

Kathleen Gill and Courtney Tyson were approved as voting members of the Board of Elections. The board’s coordinator Gabrielle McGinley said the two new additions will make waves within the committee, emphasizing Gill’s resolve and constant involvement as well as Tyson’s top-notch organizing skills.

The Public Relations Board also approved Tsion Assefa, Ililan Abebe and Carter Mosher as voting members.

Coordinator Naomi Tegybelu introduced the members and described them as devoted, consistent and steadfast in their work.

The meeting also saw the approval of a resolution recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Day,

introduced by Vice President Jennifer Stanton. The resolution states the SA’s mission to acknowledge, promote and support events that spread awareness of domestic violence, as well as recognize every third Thursday of October as Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day. “The legislative review board worked very diligently on this resolution,” Stanton said. “I’m glad to finally present it to the senate as it’s such a crucial and important issue.”

Senators also discussed various plans and projects for the near future. Senator Jonnell Richard described her plans for a forum where students can talk about issues with housing and landlords, as well as where landlords can post listings. Senator Aminata Traore pitched a project to help educate students on how to fill out a ballot properly, given that voting in the U.S. presidential election is currently underway nationwide.

Email ADEEB CHOWDHURY cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

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FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2020

Gen Z could determine future of U.S.

BY OLIVIA BOUSQUET Staff Writer

Move out of the way Boomers, it’s time for Generation Z to flood the voting booths and mail-in sites Nov. 3.

The 18 to 23-year olds account for one-in-10 potential votes cast in the General Election. But will Gen Z finally use their growing numbers to vote after years of having the lowest voter turnout?

In the 2018 midterm elections, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z accounted for 62.2 million votes casted, which surpassed the 60.1 million votes casted by Boomers and prior generations. According to the PEW Research Center, a non-partisan think tank, Gen Z voter turnout was only 4% of all votes or about 4.5 million votes. However, they should account for about 10% of the 2020 votes — if young people actually go out and vote.

“Older voters in 2016 supported Donald Trump and then back to 2012, the older voters also supported Mitt Romney. So, if the older voters are a smaller percentage, that would affect the election. If the younger voters were a larger percentage,

that would affect the election as well,” SUNY Plattsburgh political science professor Harvey Schantz said.

“The age composition of the electorate can make a difference in the outcome of an election.”

According to Schantz, polls this electoral season have shown “an erosion of support” from the older generations toward Trump, after his lack of action against preventing COVID-19 spread in the U.S. With Republicans crossing political alignments, Trump is in trouble.

However, those polls also show more people believe Trump would be able to recover the economy better than Biden. This election is no longer about economic prosperity, but about an opportunity for the American people to decide on the moral standpoint the government will take.

The voter turnout of young people plays an important role in how the government’s party lines fall beyond the White House. As the Trump administration propels the environment toward irreversible damage, the future for Gen Z’s children looks bleak.

The election gives people the chance to stop the

HANNAH DOWNS/Cardinal Points

current administration from further harming the environment and repealing rights from its citizens.

Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Treaty Agreement, a global framework of 192 countries that is set to avoid dangerous climate change quickly after his 2016 election.

Why should old people get to destroy the environment when they won’t be alive for the repercussions of their actions? But how can young people worry about the environment when they are fighting for fundamental rights? A conservative Supreme Court will be a driving factor in overturn-

ing rights minority groups fought for. A retraction of Roe v. Wade, the right to an abortion, will take away women’s freedom over their own bodies, which is something men have never experienced. It’s important to learn about how the government works and the policies for candidates to understand the impact they will have on citizens.

“People are taking the opportunity to educate themselves and so many people are putting stuff out there on different platforms that people can’t just rely on what their parents tell them about politics and different views,” Abby Bone, a childhood education senior, said. “[Young people] see beyond their parents and older generations’ view of things, and they’re making up their own mind.”

Gen Z is already “more racially and more ethnically diverse” than other generations, according to a PEW study. The youngest generations’ make-up consists of 55% white and 45% nonwhite individuals. The diversity of Gen Z makes their dislike toward Trump and his administration unsuspecting. He has made racist, sexist, ableist and homophobic remarks

against marginalized groups on more than one occasion.

On Nov. 25, 2015, Trump made inappropriate hand and verbal gestures to mock Serge Kovalski, a reporter with disabilities, at a campaign event. On June 16, 2015, Trump called Mexicans rapists and responsible for bringing drugs and crime into the United States. In 2019, Trump proposed to eliminate existing standards requiring oil and gas companies to monitor and repair methane leaks.

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, the new policy could lead to an additional five million metric tons of methane emissions per year. On June 12, 2020, the Trump administration finalized a Department of Health and Human Services administrative rule that would allow health care providers to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.

At the first 2020 presidential debate, Trump told a white supremacist group to “stand back and stand by” after given the opportunity to denounce white supremacy.

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Trump handles COVID diagnosis with irony

BY JESSICA JOHNSON Opinions Editor

This is who y’all conservatives idolize? That’s crazy.

Throughout the past twenty years, Republican President Trump’s views and actions come directly from a place of ignorance, white privilege and complete and utter stupidity. He honestly acts like a cry baby, whining about women having the right to their own bodies, and has consistently tried to rollback legislation on abortion laws in the U.S. by appointing conservative judges in federal courts, subsequently aimed at enacting increasingly sweeping abortion bans such as testing the legal integrity of Roe v.

Wade, the 47-year-old ruling that legalized abortion.

The nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, a super conservative candidate, for a seat on the Supreme Court after Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Sept. 18, has been backed by Trump, as her first order of business is to try and overturn the ruling.

Though, ironically enough, when Trump contracts COVID-19, using cells derived from aborted fetuses, abortion isn’t a problem.

Oh, the hypocrisy.

After Trump — the same man that suggested during a White House coronavirus task force briefing April 23, that injecting cleaning products into the body will cure coronavirus when William Bryan, acting head of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, outlined new findings that bleach could kill the virus within five minutes — and first lady Melania Trump both tested positive for COVID-19 Oct. 2, Trump graciously relayed a message from The White House on his Twitter account. Within a few days, he had been given an “experimental antibody cocktail” as a COVID-19 cure, adding that “hundreds of thousands of doses were nearly ready,” even though Regeneron’s drugs have not been approved by federal regulators yet, according to BBC News.

The treatment Trump received is

SAREEM JABBAR/Cardinal Points

a mix of two monoclonal antibodies, manufactured by Regeneron.

Those antibodies are synthesized outside the body and then infused into patients to help fight off the infection, not completely cure it.

According to the New York Times, for decades, fetal tissue from abortions has been crucial to scientific research into treatments for conditions from birth defects to Ebola.

Fetal tissue has also been important for studying the immune system, especially as a key to designing treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases like COVID-19. These derived cells used in the possible curable vaccine are called the 293T line, and were derived from the kidney tissue of a 1970s aborted fetus. A similar cell line, Per.C6, was obtained from the retinal cells of a 1985 aborted 18-week-old fetus.

If fetuses shouldn’t be allowed to be aborted, then why was Trump praising a drug that uses them?

He also discusses how every American should have access to the drug. Even though abortion is wrong in his eyes. Make up your mind, Donald.

Nevertheless, it’s a pretty strong remark for someone in power, who can virtually get anything he wants. Meanwhile, the pandemic,

which he virtually could have prevented or done anything about during the early stages in January, has already killed more than 207,000 Americans.

But don’t worry guys — our leader, a misogynistic, racist, homophobic cheeto has quickly recovered from COVID.-19 Therefore. we’ll all be fine!

That is, if we had access to the same treatment, especially in poverty ridden areas of the U.S., which we subsequently don’t. The views Trump has held on coronavirus has drastically changed from calling it a hoax, to believing it was the “China virus,” to now testing positive and asking the country for sympathy amidst the presidential election.

His views on abortion itself has also drastically changed since 1999, when he told NBC’s Tim Russert: “I am very pro-choice,” Trump said. “I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I listen to people debating the subject. But still – I just believe in choice.”

How sweet of you to give women the support to control their own bodies, Donald. So, why’d you switch up, as soon as you wanted to run for President in 2012?

“I’m pro-life, but I changed

my view a number of years ago,” Trump stated to Christian Broadcasting Network in 2011. “One of the reasons I changed — one of the primary reasons — a friend of mine’s wife was pregnant, in this case married. She was pregnant and he didn’t really want the baby.

And he was telling me the story.

He was crying as he was telling me the story. He ends up having the baby and the baby is the apple of his eye. It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to him.”

However, did he ever stop to think it may have not been the greatest thing for the wife? Poor men — be sad you didn’t get the child you wanted. If you want a child so bad, maybe you should birth it, breast-feed it, deal with the postpartum depression that may come from it and the financial implications.

Oh wait — you can’t. You will never understand. So stop trying to control our bodies.

According to ABC News, about 40,000 infants are placed in foster care every year. More than 20,000 children each year never leave the system — they remain in foster care until they “age out.” In 2019, more than 672,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care, stated by Children’s Rights, an organization that holds govern-

ments accountable for keeping kids safe and healthy. On average, children remain in state care for more than a year and a half, and 5 % of children in foster care have languished there for five or more years.

The problem is, women may not be prepared for a child, and are now being forced into a lifetime commitment. They may not have access to resources to raise a child properly, and end up having to give it up to the foster care system.

On a topic that deals with real human lives, this is not something one can continually look at from a single-axis point of view, such as Trump does.

The fact that Trump stated Regeneron was “a blessing in disguise,” and that he “heard about this drug, and just took it and stated that “it was incredible,” truly shows how wishy-washy he is in his views. He can not judge women for having an abortion — as every situation is different — and then act like using aborted fetus cells, to make sure he lives, is okay.

It’s simply not.

Email JESSICA JOHNSON cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Opinions Editor Jess Johnson

Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Aries have all the rage, boldness

BY ABIGAIL AZADIAN Contributor

Aries, y’all are something else — the first sign (and y’all love to tell people that!) In this case, first doesn’t necessarily mean the best, but Aries love to be the best at everything.

Being the first, they are the baby of the zodiac cycle, and it can feel like they are starting from ground zero in their lifetime. They have to learn many lessons before going onto the next. First, they have to learn to control their emotions, specifically anger. Aries are the hotheaded, loudmouth airheads during a night out. During a bar fight, put your money on the Aries.

Aries with another Aries is probably a war

or the most wild night ever. There is no middle ground between two Aries. They are both simultaneously fighting to have all eyes on them.

The same goes for Leos, but Leos have more grace which makes them genuinely charismatic. Aries would not know grace if an angel came down from heaven to explain it to them. Aries will do nothing but drive Sagittarians nuts. Aries carry the most chaotic, boundless energy that it is even too much for a Sagittarius to handle.

An Aries’ fire carries smoke that crowds the air. Libras, Aquarians and Geminis alike will eventually need a break from Aries to breathe. Libras and Aries are sister signs, and represent polar op-

posites; Libras represent partnership and Aries represent… themselves (and it shows.) Aquarians like to have their space, and Aries likes to invade peoples’ spaces.

Aries know no boundaries when they want attention. Likewise, Geminis have a lot of energy, but it’s mostly mental energy.

This makes Aries physical restlessness exhausting for them.

Water signs rain on an Aries’ one-person parade.

Pisces and Cancers are both too friendly and kind to be around Aries’ brash and abrasive nature. Aries really don’t care about peoples’ feelings — only attention.

JASON PARENT/Cardinal Points

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‘On the Rocks’ needs a twist of lemon for taste

BY CAMERON KAERCHER Staff Writer

Ever since her cinematic debut in 1999, Sofia Coppola’s films have consistently captured film fans’ attention. If her last name sounds familiar, she is actually the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, who directed all-time classics like “Apocalypse Now” and “The Godfather.”

As a writer and director, she has made impressive individual works despite being raised by an intensely formal filmmaker. Her debut, “The Virgin Suicides,” is a haunting story of lost adolescence that still feels mysterious 20 years after its release. The Oscar-winning screenplay for “Lost in Translation,” captures the hazy feeling of being out of place and out of time. The film is also recognized for cementing Bill Murray’s reputation as a serious, dramatic actor.

In Coppola’s latest film, produced by Apple TV+, she reunites with Murray for a less dower work.

“On the Rocks” stars Rashida Jones as Laura, a mother juggling raising two daughters and dealing with serious writer’s block. Her husband Dean, played by Marlon Wayans, is always on the go with his new business.

Yet, this constant movement starts to plant concerns ZOE NGUYEN/Cardinal Points over his fidelity. Laura’s concerns are only made worse when her chauvinistic father, Felix, played by Bill Mur-

ray, comes to New York City and feeds into Laura’s fears over her possibly unfaithful husband.

The most interesting part of the film is how genrefluid it is. Murray’s presence assures you that it is a comedy, and he is clearly happy with a role that isn’t a flat-out cameo rooted from a tired franchise. It is also a relationship drama, but it never reaches the exposed nerve tension of last year’s “Marriage Story.”

Last but not least, it is a spy-detective flick as Felix and Laura run around the city following Dean. There is a fun, indulgent car chase sequence about halfway through, which adds some action to the plot as well.

A good portion of the film sees the characters riding in cars around the city, and as they journey through NYC, it starts to feel reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood.” Oddly enough, both films are capturing bygone eras; Hollywood in the 1960s and NYC pre-pandemic. One can feel an odd sense of nostalgia from a scene where the characters go into a club, full of people enjoying themselves — without a mask—, for a drink.

As both the writer and director, Sofia Coppola balances everything quite well. The story clearly comes from a place of love, but it also comes from a place that not all of us recognize.

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‘The Gentleman’s Guide’ doesn’t disappoint

BY MAHPHARAH KHAN Contributor

“It is impossible to explain how you can love someone so much that it’s difficult to be around him. And with Percy sitting there, half in shadow, his hair loose and his long legs and those eyes I could have lived and died in, it feels like there’s a space inside me that is so bright it burns.”

Bisexuality during the 18th century was forcibly hidden, not uncommon.

If homophobic people understood that gay relationships have existed since the beginning of time, we would be living in a drastically different world.

Mackenzie Lee’s “The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” follows Henry “Monty” Montague as he embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe before he inherits his father’s estate. He’s

accompanied by his sister, Felicity, and his best friend, Percy. Monty does not only have a massive crush on Percy — he’s in love with him.

Lee has a BA in history and has thorough knowledge of what life was like during 1700s Europe. Lee states the Grand Tour was a journey through the notable cities of Europe, usually undertaken by high-class white men after completing their formal education. It was popular from the 1660s1840s, and the tour was meant to culturally expand oneself by visiting famous landmarks, observing art and architecture, and by mingling with the upper-class. Of course, teenagers will drink, party and gamble, so this was meant to get the partying “out of their system” before they entered the serious world.

Monty and Percy are two opposites who complete each other; Monty

BELLA FRIEDMAN/Cardinal Points

makes quick-witted, funny, and sarcastic remarks 90% of the time, while Percy is a softy who is kind and compassion-

ate toward others — and has an extra soft spot for Monty. Monty’s recklessness gets him into trouble most of the time, but his

self-reflection and effort to be a better person wins the reader over.

Lee manages to mesh a serious and light-hearted tone in this novel. It confronts heavy topics but still manages to convey its message: treat everyone like f—g human beings. Scary enough, basic human rights are still being argued about in 2020.

Homophobia seems to manifest in the same ways, no matter what the century. Monty flashes back to the times he was growing up, and what it was like to grow up with an emotionally absent and violent father. When Monty is sent away to boarding school, he kisses a boy and exchanges letters with him that are found when his room is searched. He is expelled for the explicit nature of the letters, and the headmaster eventually explains to Monty’s father the details for his expulsion.

“It’s running circles in my mind, all the vicious details of that week — my father’s face as the headmaster explained what had happened. The way that, after a while, he’d been hitting me for long enough that I heard more than felt the blows landing. All the things he called me that I’ll never forget.”

Emotional and physical violence enacted towards the LGBTQ+ community is always a foreground for murder — and they certainly have been murdered over the centuries.

Percy comes to see Monty after he returns home, when Monty verbalizes for the first time that he wants to die. He describes it as being a peculiar feeling, but also reminisces how he felt calm and relieved when he was kissed by that boy behind the dormitories.

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Opinions Editor Jess Johnson

Friday, Oct, 23, 2020

Editorial

COVID slyly sneaks up on students

SUNY Plattsburgh is finally seeing its first spike in COVID-19 cases on-campus, and it doesn’t bode well for students who are just trying to finish a semester that already feels overwhelmingly stressful.

In some ways, we were waiting for the coronavirus to sink its teeth into us. It was bound to happen eventually.

Nine weeks into the fall semester, students are not only being tested regularly for the coronavirus, but also receiving phone calls from contact tracers and told they need to isolate themselves — for who knows how long — if they do test positive.

Quarantined students on and off campus could’ve only come in contact with one of the positive cases, not knowing whether they have the virus but remain locked away from the world for the safety of everyone around them. It took one

positive student. We don’t know who they are or what they did to contract the virus, but we don’t need to.

Whatever they did put all of us at risk.

These are scary thoughts.

Imagine being a college student who can’t leave their dorm room or apartment.

Imagine being a college student who has to do all of their coursework online and attend their classes remotely for two weeks straight.

Imagine being a college student who can’t go to the dining hall to eat dinner with a few friends. Imagine being a college student who can’t go to a party and have a little fun or drink a little alcohol after a hard week of academics. Imagine being a college student who tests SAREEM JABBAR/Cardinal Points positive for COVID-19 and then starts showing sympimagine how they could be pens when cases continue toms. All of these thoughts feeling right now. to increase in our commucould be going through the There’s a lot of uncertain- nity. There are things we mind of a student at SUNY ty surrounding what hap- as students simply don’t Plattsburgh in isolation. Just

CHANGE Continued from page six There is not enough space in this entire issue of Cardinal Points to detail all the terrifying remarks and reforms Trump and his administration have done over the last four years. But, the majority of Gen Z is fed up with Trump’s immature behavior in office. This January, a research poll by PEW found that 61% of Gen Z voters were “probably or definitely going to vote for the Democratic candidate for president.” This was three months before Trump decided to do nothing about COVID-19 or the start of protesting against police brutality.

Biden may be another old white man in power, but he would be a step in the right direction. The young generation needs to understand the implications for the future that are based on the election. Scientific evidence of climate change is currently being denied by Trump and his continuation in the White House would further remove protections around the environment than his administration has already done.

COVID-19 will not resolve itself anytime soon with a president who denies the harm of the virus and will not implement mask mandates in order to protect Americans. And if Trump wins, he will pull back more freedoms and rights from minority groups by selecting more conservative judges. This means a threat to marriage equality, harsher immigration policies and a woman’s right

ZODIAC Continued from page seven Scorpios and Aries are both ruled by Mars and would probably end up in a war with each other — and Scorpios would win.

Aries are too impulsive and obsessed with winning every battle whereas Scorpios let things build and choose when to attack. Aries’ fire might be withered away, but they are sure to reignite soon.

Continued from page seven It is difficult to forget that Coppola grew up with one of the most successful American filmmakers of the 70s.

The word privilege gets used quite often these days, but it does apply to this film’s world. Laura and Felix are able to walk into restaurants without any lines, at another point they are able to pack a suitcase and leave for Mexico the next day, and at one point — that borders on parody — they snack on caviar in a convertible.

The real “on the streets” poverty of NYC, captured in Kah-

ENGAGING Continued from page seven Percy says to him: “Don’t be dead. I’m sorry you were expelled and I’m sorry about your father but I’m so glad you’re home and I … really need you right now. So don’t wish you were dead because I’m so glad that you’re not.”

“Gentleman’s Guide” does not only exclusively discuss the lives of white people — Percy is biracial. Monty tends to be an ass (while being a most charming one), so when Percy describes the difficulty of his position in the world, it helps him empathize with Percy when he witnesses the racism he experiences, or when Percy tells him.

Percy also has epilepsy. Mental illness was not a complex and compassionate conversation; it carried a heavy stigma, as it still does today to a certain extent. This stigma, and Monty’s occasional selfishness, bleeds over when Monty witnesses Percy have a seizure for the first time.

Monty is upset when Percy tells him that

to choose.

Unlimited access to information is right at Gen Z’s fingertips. They just need to be willing to research to further inform themselves.

“Gen X and Millennials did not have the access to social media and knowledge as easily and quickly as we do today.

You see 24-hour news sources like the New York Times, Washington Post and NBC that we didn’t have 20 to 30 years ago,” Erica Haley, a public relations junior said. “While Gen Z has these resources that are allowing them to know what’s going on more, and be more educated.”

Gen Z has expressed their thoughts about the current state of this country by protesting against police brutality, restrictions on women’s rights and discrimination of the LGBTQ community. Boomers and other generations have scoffed at the overconsumption of phones and social media, but this has only empowered Gen Z and brought them closer together.

The true problem is how polarized the United States has become. Every issue is a political one – left versus right, blue versus red. Human rights should not be fought in courts or on the streets. There is no liberty or happiness in a country that will strip you of your rights to fit their political agenda. All Gen Z needs to do is vote to remove Trump out of office.

Email OLIVIA BOUSQUET cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Earth signs would feel like a parent figure to an Aries. Their sense of stability and responsible nature makes them the ultimate dominating force. Aries may think they have it all, but any Earth sign would actually know how to get s—t done. Aries would just throw something together at the last minute and hope for the best. Taurus and Aries are neighboring signs and can both be immature. However, an Aries is way too temperamental and too quick to anger for a Taurus liking. A Virgo would try too hard to fix the problems an Aries creates

TASTEFUL

know. We know at least 100 active cases will cause the college to shut down, but we don’t know how long it would take to get to that point. We know the quarantine or isolation period is roughly 14 days, but we don’t know how our own individual immune systems will handle the virus before, during or after contracting it. We know all classes are prepared to switch to online learning if necessary, but we don’t know how this would affect our GPAs or academics in the long run.

One thing SUNY Plattsburgh should be proud of is its testing process. Without a solid plan for aggressive testing and contact tracing from the beginning of the semester, we could’ve ended up like SUNY Oneonta, who shutdown all in-person classes last month after 700 students tested positive. Our testing is necessary in order to find positive cases in our

with their impulsive tendencies. It is all the little things that an Aries doesn’t pay attention to that would cause a Virgo to go nuts.

An Aries is a Capricorn’s nightmare because Aries act like it is their purpose in life to be defiant for the sake of being defiant.

Aries are a wildfire — big, bold and destructive. They often set fire to their warpath, and it will eventually turn to burn them in the ass.

Email ABIGAIL AZADIAN cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

lik Allah’s documentaries, might only be a couple of blocks down from this film’s world, but they feel like two different universes.

“On the Rocks” might make viewers yearn for the pre-pandemic days, but it will make fans of Coppola’s work nostalgic for her early works. She used to be an exciting filmmaking voice that was willing to set a biopic of Marie Antoinette against an electric post-punk soundtrack in “Marie Antoinette.” “On the Rocks” is far from a bad movie, but it pales in comparison to the auteur’s previous works.

he hoped he’d never have to tell him about it. Percy says he’s been lucky in not having seizures around Monty. Monty becomes more concerned with the fact that Percy didn’t tell him — but Percy checks him as soon as he starts.

“I’m not the light-skinned son of an earl so I haven’t the luxury of talking back to everyone who speaks ill of me.”

While “Gentleman’s Guide” is a novel that is worthy of its introspective discussion surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, racism, ableism, feminism, parental abuse and alcoholism, it should also be noted for its fun and engaging aspect. Monty streaks through the gardens of Versailles for Christ’s sake — after being caught with a girl in the duke’s apartments, and then finding out later he accidentally stole a trinket box from him.

“Can’t you control yourself? Ever?”

“I’m sorry, are you getting on me to behave? You aren’t exactly a saintly enough candidate to be delivering on a morality lecture, darling.”

This is the beginning of how Monty ends up in deep trouble. It takes them from Paris, to Marseilles, to Barcelona,

community, and knowing about those cases as soon as they happen is helpful, but that doesn’t mean students are comforted to get an email from President Alexander Enyedi about how many new cases have popped up within the past 24 hours.

More students could test positive today, tomorrow, next week and the week after that. We have to stay conscious of our risk spreading COVID-19, but in an environment where disease naturally spreads, college students are going to do what college students want to do.

At this point, it’s a waiting game. We’re waiting for the cases to stop rising, for the people we love to stay safe and for the days to end without too much anxiety before we go to sleep at night. We’re waiting for COVID semester to be over.

86%

14%

Taken from 100 participants

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Fernando Alba

Managing Editor Jess Johnson

Opinions Editor Jess Johnson

News Editor Emma Vallelunga

Graphics Editor Nghi To

FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Multimedia Editor Sareem Jabbar

Photo Editor Audrey Lapinski

Web Editor Mataeo Smith Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy Advertising: Maureen Provost Peter Taylor Luka Tsiklauri

Contact CP: Editorial Board: 518.564.2174 Advertising: 518.564.3173 Fax: 518.564.6397

Email CAMERON KAERCHER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

out to sea and eventually to Venice, where Percy finally acknowledges and reciprocates his feelings for Monty. There comes a price with them being together, however: Monty would not inherit his father’s estate and would be cut-off financially — probably forever. Of course this is alarming for Monty who has lived a privileged lifestyle for so long, but this conflict aids him in his growth. Would he rather be happy and live life on his own terms with Percy, or live an overly comfortable life while his father berates him for his existence?

Monty chooses Percy in the end. Monty knows that he is making sacrifices to be with Percy, but so be it — Percy is too. If he were to go back home in England, he would be sacrificing his humanity and right to live a happy life.

“And now Percy has his arms around me and Santorini and the sea are spread like a feast before us and there is sky all the way to the horizon. And what a sky it is.”

Email MAHPHARAH KHAN cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Award Winning

Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Perez puts care into producing PSTV

BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Staff Writer

Alexandra Perez, a senior TV video production major, hopes to become a producer for ESPN. She could also see herself being a news producer because she has grown to love news being a part of Plattsburgh State Television on campus.

Originally, Perez came to SUNY Plattsburgh to pursue a degree in journalism.

But she realized it wasn’t really for her. After talking with her friend Nicole Liebowitz, a current junior, Perez decided on a new path of study. At the time, Liebowitz was a freshman majoring in TV video production and told Perez to take a video production class. Perez ended up loving it and changed her major two weeks into the semester.

Perez started off as a crewmember for PSTV. “I feel like that really made me fall in love with the major and fall in love with what I wanted to do,” Perez said.

John Chambers, a professor of Perez’s and the adviser for PSTV, said when she first joined as a crew member, she was quiet but became a leader over time.

“She was kinda quiet and observant when she first joined us and now she takes charge of the entire room of 30-40 students sometimes,” Chambers said.

Liebowitz worked alongside Perez on many assignments and they took many of the same classes.

Jason Parent/Cardinal Points

Alexandra Perez spends a lot of her time in the Plattsburgh State Television studio working as the executive producer. At the last PSTV award ceremony, she recieved 10 awards.

Like Chambers, Liebowitz has been able to see her growth throughout their time together.

“Alex has definitely grown overall as a person and has become more confident in the work she does,” Liebowitz said.

She recalls a time when she and Perez were managers at PSTV and worked on a project together they both felt a little uneasy about accomplishing. But Perez took charge and reinforced Liebowitz when she felt stressed. Liebowitz said Perez only grew from there and became the executive producer of PSTV this semester.

Perez said being execu-

tive producer and being in charge of more than 30 people has it’s days. She sometimes finds it hard to manage schoolwork and other aspects of her life. But she makes time for everything in her busy schedule.

“I think everything in my life means something to me in some way. So I always try to make time for everything,” Perez said.

Chambers mentioned PSTV is a large time commitment and Perez shows up every day. Her hard work has paid off because she has learned every system in the TV station and students can go to her if they need assistance.

In fact, Perez said that being executive producer has been rewarding because she gets to see the crew members learn and understand concepts while having fun doing it.

Additionally, Liebowitz said at an award ceremony for crew members in PSTV, Perez received 10 awards, the most out of the class.

“She put her all into listening to the producer’s vision of the show and executing it regardless of the position she had to do,” Liebowitz said. “Regardless if it was camera, or audio, whatever position she was told to do, she did it with flying colors and got awarded for it.”

Liebowitz can further see Perez’s passion for her major being a close friend in her daily life. She said that they talk about entertainment all the time. They often watch movies and TV shows together and put their knowledge to the test by assessing the camera work or editing.

Perez is also vice president of the Broadcast Education Association on campus. Through this, she has been given the opportunity to go to Los Angeles and participate in panels run by individuals involved in the media field.

She is a new member of the Theta Alpha Lambda sorority, and has been do-

ing as much community service as she can. She has helped the Salvation Army and donated items to them. Perez also recently participated in the adopta-highway program, which works to clean up highway roadsides.

She has a colleague who works for a local Burlington TV station who she observes and has learned from. This is just another way Perez tries to stay involved.

Although COVID-19 has attempted to dampen the last moments of Perez’s college career, she was grateful she could come back to campus this year.

She finds herself spending most of her days making sure the TV studio is clean.

“I’d rather be safe than sick,” Perez said.

As Perez prepares to leave SUNY Plattsburgh, Liebowitz reflects on how she has seen Perez blossom in a field she loves.

“I’ve seen her hussle here to get tasks done and I know that would only become better in an actual workplace setting,” Liebowitz said.

Perez says she doesn’t know if she will ever be prepared to leave but with all she has gained, she thinks she will be OK in the real world.

“I think I have a good head on my shoulders, maybe not all the time,” Perez said. “But for the most part, I feel like my dedication, hard work will get me through life.”

Email Natalie St. Denis cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Hale adjusts to unconventional season

BY ANGELICA MELARA Staff Writer

Sophomore hockey forward and business administration and supply chain management major Mitchell Hale was excited to start back up with practices and start hanging out with his friends/teammates more often.

But just as the Men’s Ice Hockey team is about to start its practices again, new cases of COVID-19 have started popping up around campus.

Hale started playing hockey when he was 4-years old.

“I was a very energetic kid growing up and loved watching the Buffalo Sabres,” he said.

Those characteristics stayed with Hale all his life, according to the hockey head coach Steven Moffat.

“Mitchell Hale is a happy, golucky kid, always has a smile on his face but is also ultra competitive,” Moffat said. “He’s also an outstanding student, and it shows through his academics.”

During his games, the fans who are watching can see how dedicated Hale is to the sport. He puts his all on the ice and wears his heart on his sleeve, Moffat said.

“Mitchell plays the game the same way every day. He’s consistent in his approach to the game and how he prepares during the week. You know what you are going to get, Moffat said. He plays a 200’ and keeps the opponent honest. You know you are

GABE DICKENS/PROVIDED PHOTO

Mitchell Hale started playing hockey when he was four. He has always been energetic and a fan of watching hockey. He was looking forward to the upcoming season, but it was cancelled due to the number of new COVID-19 cases on campus. in for a battle when you go up against Mitch.”

When it comes to his training and practices, Moffat said Hale is an athlete who understands when it’s time to get down to business.

“He knows when he can let his guard down and has opened

up,” Moffat said. “He’s let his personality come out since he arrived on campus, and he’s much more comfortable now.”

Not only has Hale been on the team since his freshman year, but during his time at SUNY Plattsburgh, he’s been able to join the Student-Athlete Advi-

sory Committee to represent the men’s hockey team.

Hale, much like the other athletes at Plattsburgh, is keeping up with his academics. His original interest in business administration and supply chain management started after having worked different summer jobs in

the past years.

“I’ve worked at a golf course, an amusement park, a casino,hotel, horse track and at an inground pool construction company,” Hale said. “I was interested in becoming a big time manager like some of my old bosses.”

When it comes to sports, Hale is going to have to wait a bit longer to be able to practice on the ice.

“I could not skate all summer and couldn’t go to an actual gym due to them being shut down,” Hale said. “However back up at school, we have small groups on our team that have started working out at the school gym since it’s reopened.”

Hale and the rest of the team have been following the school and state rules regarding COVID-19. He mentioned they stay active by going golfing, rollerblading and hitting the gym.

Although graduation for Hale seems to be a long while away, when he looks into the future, he hopes to play pro hockey for a few years either in the states or overseas.

“Maybe I’ll go to grad school,” Hale added. “After that, I’ll find a job that I like and maybe move down south and get myself a puppy.”

Email ANGELICA MELARA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Student Art Spotlight Roldnardy Norelus Sophomore art major concentrating in graphic design

“Hi everyone, My name is Roldnardy Norelus. I’m a sophomore studying at the Art Department in SUNY Plattsburgh. I’m an Art major student, planning on concentrating in graphic design. I’m originally from Montreal, but I’m also from Peru, New York. It’s an honor and pleasure to be featured in this week’s Student Art Spotlight. I hope you enjoy the art work.”

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Bobbitt talks theater, anti-racism

BY ALEXA DUMAS Contributer

The SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre Department sponsored A Conversation in Artistic Leadership with Michael J. Bobbitt, the artistic director at the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts last Wednesday. This Zoom event included Bobbitt discussing his experience in music and theater, antiracism movements in theatre, and a live Q&A. Ben Wright, the department’s technical director, and adjunct lecturer discovered Bobbitt on an anti-racism platform over the summer. Wright immediately felt he was a great candidate to talk to theater students.

“His insight about theater management is what really appealed to me,” Wright said. “I just liked the way he talked about theater and the way he talked about running a business.”

Wright contacted Bobbitt about the opportunity to speak to the Production Leadership class taught by associate professor Erika Guay, and students involved in the Music Arts Management major. Once Bobbitt agreed to speak with the class, the theater department decided to open the workshop to the entire campus.

“We will happily have him as a guest in our class,” Guay said. “You don’t squander a great opportunity like that.”

At the beginning of the workshop, Bobbitt took the time to establish his experience in the arts and especially his work in musical theater. Some of his titles include arts leader, educator, playwright, director, choreographer and anti-racism advocate.

“It is kind of crazy how much he has accomplished. He’s a seriously motivated person,” Wright said. “He is incredibly generous with his time.”

Some of Bobbitt’s work has included

adapting children’s books into musicals. His most notable include “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds,” “Jumanji” and co-writing “Garfield the Musical with Cattitude” with Jim Davis, the author of the “Garfield” comics.

Guay had the opportunity to interview Bobbitt during the Q&A portion of the workshop. The questions were submitted by students in the Production Leadership class and viewers in the chatbox.

“You don’t get not excited to talk to somebody who has so much life experience professionally,” Guay said. “That just sort of blows your mind.”

Bobbitt answered numerous questions ranging from working professionally in the theater to current events, such as his anti-racist work and the future of theater due to COVID-19.

“I think Michael was a great resource,” said Dwayne Butchino, performing arts coordinator. “I think he was a very charismatic person, and I think he really kind of spoke to everyone about everything that is kind of going on right now with race relations.”

Bobbitt touched on many aspects of race and sexuality, especially in the theater. As he identifies as a gay black man, he explained how he has redefined aspects of hiring and wants to have a more diverse board of directors on productions.

“Michael Bobbitt has tossed that playbook out and has his own way of hiring people and creating culture,” Wright said. “Michael doesn’t get caught up on what you’ve done. He gets caught up on what you are, what motivates you, what you care about, what’s important to you. Are you willing to learn?”

He also discussed the future of theater relating to the current pandemic.

Bobbitt said many professionals have brainstormed moving theater outdoors, making it digital and even creating new films dedicated to different drama works.

CHATS Continued from page twelve The event is completely virtual through zoom, allowing anyone to participate. Pellerin said he is the host of the event with the alumni joining as a co-host. Pellerin will start the conversation by prompting a few introductory questions to the alumni. The student participants can listen like if they were the audience, but the floor is also opened to students if they have questions.

Due to the virtual format, the sessions can be recorded, and the two previous sessions are available for viewing on the Career Development Centers website under the events page. They will also be recording all future Cardinal Chats for those who cannot make the pre-scheduled event date.

“In the long term, we are hoping to make a library of all the events on our website,” Pellerin said.

The first session was with Brin Daley-Keyser, who graduated in 2017 with a degree in finance.

The second session was with Shauna Beni, who is also from the class of 2017 and an editorial assistant at Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine. Her undergraduate major was in broadcast journalism.

Querida Sydney, a senior double majoring in TV video production and audio production, said she had a really good experience at the event and said it was helpful to her because it can be difficult to get a job in her field of interest, especially with a major network. One tip she learned was to find the things from her undergraduate experience that will make her resume stick out from her peers, who are now competitors.

Sydney thought the event was very informative, and was definitely worth while to attend. She felt that connection she made was important to her college experience. She said she would highly recommend other students to attend the event.

Angelique Hall, a freshman, with a double major in english writing arts and finance, with a professional writing certification minor, said she wanted to go to the event because she was interested in the topic, even if the alumni’s past major was not similar to hers.

ALEXA DUMAS/Cardinal Points Michael J. Bobbitt is the artistic director at the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown Massachusetts. He spoke about his experience in music, theater and anti-racism movements in theater.

“He’s envisioning smaller types of events. Outside, in different types of locations, and with this there have been movements toward doing like a dinner theater in people’s homes,” Wright said. “A digital dinner theater in peoples’ homes.”

The New Repertory Theater has introduced more interactive plays for the Watertown, Massachusetts, community.

Bobbitt explained new and exploratory events currently happening in virtual theater.

“It is very important that people see the arts and I think it is more available right now,” Butchino said. “I think theater as a whole is going to learn from this.”

Another aspect of Bobbitt’s work has been giving back to his community.

When his Washington D.C. theater, Adventure Theatre, put on their production of “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” a mother reached out to him about not being able to see the show because of her child’s sensory issues. Bobbitt

would not allow this from stopping a child from seeing their production.

“I knew a little about his sensory theater,” Guay said. “But when he started talking about it I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe he did all this for sensory theater.’”

His cast created a theater program for children that have sensory issues and autism. His work inspired the first Broadway production to include sensory theater with Disney’s “The Lion King.”

The theater department hopes to continue inviting professionals to talk about their expertise and experience within the arts. They hope to keep providing opportunities for students to become more involved with theater, and the arts in general, especially during COVID-19.

Email ALEXA DUMAS

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

She said the event was very helpful because she got to hear her experience, and thought her persistence in finding an internship and a job was very admirable. She also said she enjoyed the format of the event, how organized it was and how it was like a discussion.

Hall thought the alumni were very attentive when listening to questions to give the best advice to give them. She also said Shawna Beni was very thorough, articulate and detailed when talking about her experience of how she got to where she is now.

Even with COVID-19, Hall said this event gives hope to people who are unsure about college and if it is worthwhile. She said Cardinal Chats can motivate students, having them realize that alumni were in their shoes at some point, and they can achieve as many things as they have, too.

“I feel like it gives hope to people that we’re not alone. We have these people who may not be in our same class, but we are all connected by this one school,” Hall said.

Pellerin said it is especially important to have a program like this during COVID-19 because it can be done virtually, but the concept of the event is important all the time for students.

“I have been trying to develop something like this for a while, and with everyone being so much more comfortable with video catching now, this was the perfect time to do it,” Pellerin said.

Pellerin said that he has seen how powerful informational interviews have been for students in the past, helping students understand their future career, helping students get an internship or get a job, and that is why he feels this program is so important to have on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.

Students can register for Cardinal Chat events with their SUNY Plattsburgh email address through Handshake. Once the student is registered, they receive a confirmation email with the zoom link and a reminder email 10 minutes before the event.

The next session of Cardinal Chats will be held on Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. with Rob Hartman, who graduated in the class of 2018 as the next guest. He currently works as a staff consultant of cybersecurity at Ernst & Young Global Limited and his undergraduate major was management information systems and analytics.

Email NICKIE HAYES cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

BY ABIGAIL AZADIAN

ARIES

CANCER

March 21 - April 19

June 21 - July 22

Frustration will be a common theme this week. You might feel like you have hit a roadblock. It’s okay to be frustrated but don’t become pessimistic.

This week will bring more stress and anxiety than typically felt.

You also might feel like you are part of a support network for other

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Don’t be surprised if new surprises, revelations, and unveiling of secrets come your way. This is a time period of radical change and whatever chaos comes your way will be worth it in the end.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

This week you might feel like you are finally able to be yourself. However, don’t be surprised if you feel restrained later on. You might feel like your vision is limited.

LEO

July 23 - August 22

You might feel out of it or in a daze this week.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

This week will bring a fresh start or sense of renewal you have been waiting for. You might have felt the need to seclude yourself, but now you’re ready to be a social butterfly again.

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

September 23 - October 22

December 22 - January 19

This week will bring a fresh start or sense of renewal you have been waiting for. You might have felt the need to seclude yourself, but now you’re ready to be a social butterfly again.

Tension will rise this week, but they have also been rising. Try to keep it as calm, cool, and collected as possible.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21

You’ll probably won’t know how to express yourself and your worldview. It’s okay to feel confused.

Don’t get too trapped in your head or overanalyze.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

This week you’ll feel more calm than before. There is still a lot on your mind and you might feel like you’ve taken on more than you can withstand. Take time and ease with the obstacles you’re facing.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18

You might feel things more intensely this week for better or for worse. It can be overwhelming or chaotic, but the change will be necessary and valuable to you.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20

This week will be anxietyinducing and overwhelming for you. You might feel like too many things are out of your control.

Take care of yourself and do what you have to do to get better.

Student art spotlight, A10

Cardinal Chats help students, alumni network

BY NICKIE HAYES Staff Writer

This semester, the Career Development Center added a new program called Cardinal Chats to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. The initiative connects students to alumni. The Career Development center runs and manages the event.

Morgan Pellerin is the host of the chats, and is the assistant director of the career development center. Connecting students to alumni is the primary objective of the initiative, but Cardinal Chats are also supposed to model an informational interview.

Pellerin explains that an informational interview is when students speak with someone in their career field of interest, who is already established within the field to learn what it entails. This may include what it takes to become successful, what steps the alumni took as a college student to get where they are now, or conversely what they wish they had done as an undergraduate.

Informational interviews can be very informative for students, allowing them the opportunity to see if this career path is something they are truly interested in, or if the career path meets their preconceived expectations. This can help the student decide whether this is the right career for them.

The interaction between the student and alumni creates a connection that allows for various networking opportunities. Pellerin recommends every college student do an informational interview during their schooling experience, but he knows not everyone is comfortable doing one.

Thus, the Cardinal Chat initiative was created to model what an informational interview is like. The event is a space where students can come to listen, learn what types of questions to ask and ask the alumni any questions they may have.

One of his goals of the Cardinal Chats is to show students that informational interviews are not as daunting as they might seem, making students feel more at ease in these types of situations and show the value of these types of conversations.

Pellerin said it is important for students to connect with alumni because they have the knowledge of what really happens in the field that they are in. He hopes some of the connections made through the Cardinal Chats can turn into future mentorships.

What occurs in a typical Cardinal Chat includes background information about the alumni, including their major and their current employment. The event delves into what they like about their job, and what makes them excited to keep doing what they do. Pellerin also asks questions like what the challenges are of their job, and if they feel advanced education is necessary for the progression in their field.

CHATS l A11

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Nghi To/Cardinal Points