March 6, 2019

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 6 MARCH

22

2019

VO L U M E 5 3

BLACK HISTORY MONTH WRAPS UP NEWS Board of Trustees Candidate Unhappy with Mazzochi's Replacement Process p4

FEATURES

Review "Green Book": Better than "The Help" p12

OPINION Insomniac Special: Maximizing your Potential by Saying No p14

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE WEEKLY WEATHER FORECAST Made Possible by the COD Meteorology Department WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

27°F 10°F

0

%

PARTLY CLOUDY

PARTLY SUNNY

29°F 20°F

30

%

38°F 23°F

0

%

CHANCE OF PM SNOW

43°F 33°F

MOSTLY CLOUDY

60

%

RAIN

SUNDAY - TUESDAY RECAP As we head into the upcoming weekend, numerical model guidance remains very consistent in developing a large western trough to the west with a significant storm system developing across the plains on Saturday.

The track is still up in the air somewhat but it looks like this will be a mostly or all rain event across our area in northern Illinois. Rain would move in from the southwest during the late morning and afternoon hours on Saturday, continuing into the overnight hours as the area of low pressure approaches. By Sunday morning, colder air will wrap around and into the area, potentially changing over any leftover precipitation to snow.

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INDEX

3

NEWS······················ 04

No public input sought in Board of Trustees’ new appointment

FEATURES··············· 06

How CRISPR gene-editing technology is revolutionizing medicine

OPINION·················· 14

The Insomniac Special: Accomplish more by doing less

SPORTS··················· 18

Courier Spotify Playlist: Boy Bands

COFFEE BREAK······ 22

Crossword, Sudoku Puzzles, and more

COD Courier Student Newspaper

@codcourier

@codcourier

ON THE COVER THE TEAM

SRC 1220 • 630-942-2689

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF···························· Tessa Morton ASSIGNMENT REPORTER················· Joey Weslo NEWS CORRESPONDENT················· Karla Villegas Pineda

Black History Month closes with Caribean cuisine and reggae music

Muhammad Mirza Annas

OPINION EDITOR····························· Kimberly Wilson STAFF WRITER································ Miguel Contreras III STAFF WRITER································ Madison Venckus STAFF WRITER································ DeAnte Washington HEAD PHOTO EDITOR······················· Alison Pfaff ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR·············· Lindsay Piotter GRAPHICS EDITOR··························· Brandon Beckwith ASSISTANT GRAPHICS EDITOR········· Jessica Tapia SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER················ Brooke Shapiro ADVISER - Jim Fuller fullerj103@cod.edu

ABOUT US The Courier is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, except for the first and last Wednesday of each semester and the week of spring break as a public forum with content chosen by student editors. One copy free, additional copies available upon request.

The Courier does not knowingly accept advertisement that discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws.

Deliver all correspondence to SSC 1220 between regular office hours or mail to the Courier, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137.

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NEWS

WHY WASN’T PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT IN COD BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ NEW APPOINTMENT? Deanne Mazzochi at COD Board Meeting, 2018

Alison Pfaff

Secrecy. Sudden and undemocratically lacking public input.

That’s how Dan Bailey, candidate for College of DuPage’s Board of Trustees in the April election, characterized the board’s process to appoint Heidi Holan to former Trustee Deanne Mazzochi’s seat. Bailey said the appointment is a disservice to the school’s best interests.

“A public election would have happened if Mazzochi had not delayed the process of resigning,” said Bailey. “The open position should have been added to our ballot and potential candidates could have had the opportunity to get on the ballot.”

Bailey’s criticism comes from Mazzochi’s decision to not immediately resign from the board following her election as a Republican representing the 47th District in the State House of Representatives.

Mazzochi instead resigned on Feb. 21, enabling the board to appoint her successor.

Mazzochi said her decision was in the best interest of the college.

She said the extra time allowed her to help fill administrative roles after the sudden departure of former COD President Ann Rondeau on Dec. 31. Mazzochi also wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the board.

Board Chairman Frank Napolitano believes Mazzochi wasn’t required to resign since she had been

serving both roles since being appointed to the State House seat in July 2018.

Napolitano said because Mazzochi’s resignation was less than four months to the next election, the Illinois Community College Act requires the board appoint a replacement within 60 days or have the ICC Board find an appointment.

“The ICCB appointed Kathy Hamilton’s replacement following a very difficult and divided time in 2016 when the board could not come to a consensus replacement,” said Napolitano. “The board didn’t want to go through that process again. The board interviewed two individuals that expressed interest in the potential appointment and settled on Holan.”

Bailey said in 2016 the board called for volunteers and considered 26 candidates after Hamilton resigned. He stressed the public knew who was under consideration. He blamed the 2016 failure on an unprecedented lack of cooperation. “(2016) should not taint the good practice of asking for volunteers and then vetting and choosing from among them in a way that allows community input,” said Bailey. “Mazzochi’s reasons may be good, but the will of the electorate, the people the board members represent, should be considered and respected.”

He stressed a month or two

Joey Weslo, Assignment Reporter wesloj@dupage.edu should be allotted to ensure the right decision is made in a transparent process.

“Would the people have selected Holan if given a choice?” asked Bailey. “She did lose two elections for state representative.

There needed to be time to evaluate her positions.

The public wants someone who values public education and teachers, and someone who fully supports the mission of this great institution.”

Napolitano highlighted Holan’s prior position on COD’s budget committee and her strong family ties to the college.

“We look forward to working with Trustee Holan as we continue to chart the future of this institution,” said Napolitano.

Holan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Elmhurst College.

As the Republican candidate, Holan was twice defeated in 2014 and 2016 by Democratic State Rep. Deb Conroy to represent District 46. In a competitive district, Holan lost the 2016 election by 18 percent.

Her campaigns were endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Illinois Federation for Right to Life. She is

Heidi Holan

Courtesy of Jennifer Duda

highly rated and supported by the National Rifle Association for her position on upholding gun rights.

She campaigned on a bill to freeze property taxes and a plan for local governments to reduce expenses.

Holan also touted tuition vouchers, education savings accounts and opportunity scholarships as a way to permit parents to send their children to schools of their choice.

While campaigning, she said the current educational system “forces taxpayers to fund those inferior (public) schools.”

Holan will complete the remainder of Mazzochi’s term ending in 2021. Afterwards, Holan will decide whether to seek another term, this time elected by the public, or attempt to follow in Mazzochi’s political footsteps after gaining experience and political connections from her time on the board.

NEWS NEWS

5

THERE’S A COD SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOU Kimberly Wilson, Opinion Editor wilsonk767@dupage.edu

College of DuPage is offering over 130 scholarship opportunities to students for the upcoming fall semester. According to Financial Aid Representative Diana Christopher, the college usually receives 2,000 to 3,000 applications for scholarships out of over 28,000 students. That means only 10 percent of COD students even try to get free money they may already qualify for.

Christopher stated the reason for the low application rate varies, and that the requirements for each scholarship may be a contributing factor. “Some scholarships are major specific. It really depends on the student population.”

In an attempt to combat the low

application rates, the college pursues several different promotional avenues to encourage more students to apply. “We do Popcorn Wednesdays, emails, TV, marquee, classroom visits, posters and bookmarks,” Christopher said.

According to Linda Jenkins, a paralegal studies professor and paralegal club advisor at COD, the scholarships available for paralegal students have been awarded every semester.

“We try to get the word out in class, though our website, on our blog and in club meetings. We email blast almost everyone in the program,” Jenkins said. “ It just has to be publicized all over the place so

students know. That’s the goal, to help the students.”

In an effort to encourage as many students as possible to apply, Christopher also emphasised the ease of the scholarship application process.

As long as you are a registered COD student, you need only log on to cod. academicworks.com to apply.

“There are a variety of scholarships: merit based, program based, need based and interest based.

There is something for everyone.”

The deadline to apply for fall 2019 COD scholarships is March 15. To find out more about scholarship opportunities and apply, visit the aforementioned Academic Works website or the ‘Paying for College’ tab on the COD website. You can also gain information from the Office of Student Financial Assistance in the Student Services Center (SSC) at room 2220.

There are a variety of scholarships ... There is something for everyone.

-Diana Christopher

6

FEATURES

Northwestern Center for Genetic Medicine researcher studies edited gene-lines extracted from mice with genetic diseases

Jennifer Kurz

DO WE ALREADY HAVE THE POWER TO ERADICATE GENETIC DISEASE? HOW CRISPR GENE-EDITING TECHNOLOGY IS REVOLUTIONIZING MEDICINE Joey Weslo, Assignment Reporter wesloj@dupage.edu Are the first children of a new generation, free from inheritable and genetic disease, already born?

Do we already possess the technology to eradicate muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, edit out sickle cell anemia, and prevent contraction of HIV? The international scientific community has condemned He Jiankui, a Chinese professor, who claims to

have used CRISPR, a gene-editing technology, to engineer the world’s first genetically-edited babies. Jiankui claims to have altered twin girls’ embryonic DNA to eliminate a specific gene, making them resistant to contracting the HIV virus.

Dr. Eugene Wyatt is a research assistant professor at the Northwestern Center for Genetic Medicine. He believes Jiankui’s actions

were inexcusable because not enough research has been conducted into potential side effects associated with gene-editing technology, called off-target mutations.

CRISPR uses “molecular scissors” to cut, replace or alter specific strands of DNA. However, the scissors in the past have proven unpredictable, causing off-target mutations in the DNA. These un-

expected damages can cause problems later in life and be inherited by future generations.

“The big leap for CRISPR is inevitable,” said Wyatt. “How fast do we want the technology to move? What ethical steps should we take along the way before leaping into something like embryonic editing?”

Wyatt researches for the Trans-

FEATURES genic and Targeted Mutagenesis Core, specializing in using CRISPR to make mouse models of human diseases. This enables researchers to better understand each disease and engage in drug or therapy development for future applications.

He described the human genome as a basic alphabet constructed with different based-pairs instructing a cell to make proteins.

The four fundamental bases (A, C, T and G) in the DNA are arranged allowing different ways of producing proteins, giving the individual different genetic traits. Each protein has a unique signature providing a specific function, shape and localization.

“If a person has 900 specific single-based pairs encoding gene A, a deletion, or mutation in one of those specific pairs, makes the gene non-functional or dysfunctional,” said Wyatt. “CRISPR focuses on the gene’s signature and allows edits of specific regions of the genome with immense precision.”

In 2015, a similar gene-editing technology, TALENs was used in London to reverse an aggressive form of leukemia. The technology ZFNs was used in California to edit out a gene called CCR5, which the HIV virus uses to infect cells. CCR5 is the same gene Jiankui used CRISPR to eliminate in the embryos of the twin girls.

Wyatt said CRISPR avoids the targeting restrictions the other technologies face and makes precision edits to almost any region on the genome.

Wyatt’s core directly injects mouse embryos using CRISPR, or tests on mouse embryonic stem cells to evaluate the consequences of gene-editing actions. Their technology is so precise, researchers can place a fluorescent tag on the end of a specific gene to study where, and when, the gene is expressed in the cell.

“People come to our core with genes that cause cancer, cystic fibrosis and different types of muscular dystrophy,” said Wyatt. “Our research enables us to make disease-specific cell-lines and correct the disease mutation. We then observe how this CRISPR-edited cell-line functions. Is it truly repaired? What are the potential downstream effects?”

The public’s hesitation to embrace the technology centers on the unknown risks.

“The research we’re doing on mice is what scares people for human application,” said Wyatt.

“We’re creating germ-line edits that will be propagated to the next generation.”

The public also fear CRISPR engineering will lead to the practice of eugenics - controlled breeding to design a superior human race. The ethical concern is “designer babies” will create a world of genetic discrimination with vast inequality amongst who can, and cannot, afford to create children with desirable physical traits.

Thomas Kulanjiyil, professor of philosophy and teacher of bioethics at the College of DuPage, believes the ethical community must continue to exercise caution when applying the technology to human reproduction.

“If one person in China without the approval of his university can do this, who has the ability to do it next?” asked Kulanjiyil.

“As we develop gene-editing, who will control the ethical and applicable parameters of such a technology? When we are ready to use the technology, are we considering all the safeguards and scrutinizing all the potential effects?”

Kulanjiyil believes if the ethics and medical communities work in tandem, gene-editing can represent a dynamic future with the potential prevention of certain inheritable diseases.

7 “Society will never totally agree on applying scientific advancement, but if we can responsibly mitigate risks, progression is inevitable,” said Kulanjiyil.

the process of manipulating the human genome as not simply a modification, but an unnatural overreach.

They fear an alteration will transform what it means to be human.

We have to constantly ask ourselves, ‘What are we trying to lead the species to? Are we merely trying to eradicate damaging diseases, or are we trying to create a better gene-pool and eliminate undesirable human traits?

-Thomas Kulanjiyil Wyatt said gene-editing technology is moving at such an unprecedented pace, it’s crucial to bring the public into the discussion.

“Are designer babies with genetically selected hair and eye colors two-years away?” asked Wyatt.

“Absolutely not. However, applicable uses ex vivo to treat diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy could be two years away.”

Ex vivo involves extracting cells out of the patient and editing the cells through CRISPR. The cells are then thoroughly analyzed for potential off-target effects and inserted back into the patient carrying the corrected genes. Wyatt explained ex vivo carries less risk of potential off-target mutations than altering embryonic stem cells.

“The public have the ethical responsibility to determine what level of risk for each drug or therapy we deem acceptable,” said Wyatt.

“With control and slow-based implementation, we can appreciate CRISPR’s full possibilities and what unlocking the human genome really means.”

Kulanjiyil said some objectors see

“We have to constantly ask ourselves, ‘What are we trying to lead the species to?” said Kulanjiyil.

“Are we merely trying to eradicate damaging diseases, or are we trying to create a better gene-pool and eliminate undesirable human traits?”

Kulanjiyil said with our rapidly changing world, ethics must provide a consistent bedrock for our human reasoning.

“Ethics provide humans a moral basis, and as science and technology evolve, ethics must always decide what is best for the human community,” said Kulanjiyil.

CRISPR technology is being adapted for use in fields as diverse as agricultural development to medical research and therapeutic application. Wyatt’s lab relies on the precision of CRISPR to research muscular dystrophy cases with a specific-point mutation, requiring a singular base-pair alteration in the DNA. The ease of CRISPR’s application allows continued on page 8

FEATURES NEWS

8

“When we link the endonuclease enzyme Cas9 with a specific DNA researchers to edit multiple genes sequence, it’s like scissors that can simultaneously if required by the cut wherever we intend,” said Wydisease. att. “The beauty is in the simplicWyatt said CRISPR was dis- ity. The possibilities are endless.” covered when researchers noticed little repeat sequences at the end of bacterial genomes. The scientists discovered the sequences represented a bacterial immunity against invading phages.

He said bacteria can get sick by phages just like humans. CRISPR represents immunity through a type of inoculation. The bacteria evolved to chop up an invading phage and incorporate little pieces of the phage’s DNA into its Wyatt is excited by the potential own genome. When threatened of therapeutic applications of CRISinfection by a similar phage, the PR as a gene-therapy. He said bacteria would send out CRISPR unlike current therapies that only machinery of its own DNA, to in- treat the symptoms but not the disfiltrate the intruding phage’s DNA ease itself, CRISPR theoretically and chop it up to prevent infection. permits permanent corrections in continued from page 7

the patient’s edited genes.

Wyatt said further research is required to tell if introducing a corrected gene in a patient with a disease, like muscular dystrophy, will correct all the other negative

major boom in the biotech industry resembling the dynamics of the space-race.”

Wyatt believes every day new physicians and researchers are coming in with a greater appreciation and ability to manipulate the human genome. As a society, we are opening more possibilities and manifesting more power than ever before. We are on the cusp of revolutionizing mankind’s relationship with its own destiny.

“This evolution is happening, whether we are ready or not,” said Wyatt. We must continue to exercise caution and work together. The CRISPR train is coming effects associated with years of liv- down the track.” ing with the illness.

“CRISPR will allow us to create some cell-based therapies that are amazingly powerful,” said Wyatt.

“From public institutions to private enterprises, there’s currently a

Unlike current therapies that only treat the symptoms but not the disease itself, CRISPR theoretically permits permanent corrections in the patient’s edited genes.

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For more information, visit cod.edu/transfer.

Explore your transfer possibilities with Illinois public universities.

Wednesday, March 13 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Student Services Center (SSC), Atrium ©2019 College of DuPage. All rights reserved.

FEATURES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CLOSING CEREMONY On Thursday, Feb. 28, students and faculty were invited to attend the Black History Month closing ceremony in the cafeteria.

Caribbean cuisine was provided by Garifuna Flava and was sold out well before the event was completed. Live music was provided by the Indika Reggae Band.

Photos by Muhammad Mirza Annas

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FEATURES

SERIAL KILLERS WHY THE FASCINATION? Madison Venckus, Staff Writer venckusm1845@dupage.edu

There’s something about serial killers that not only imposes fear and disgust along with fascination and validation. Most Americans know the monsters: Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Son of Sam — just to name a few. Killers like these men are transformed

into celebrities and TV personalities, making it all more realistic.

What is it about serial killers that fascinates us, and how does social media and TV play a role?

“There’s something kind of deep and innate about humans needing to know what the worst things that

Ted Bundy, who will be played by Zac Efron in the film “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.”

our fellow humans are capable of,” said COD English professor Brian Brems. “People are fascinated by stories of murder because they’re pulled towards the darkest impulses we have as human beings for some reason.”

The fame and attention that surrounds serial killers blurs the difference between fact and fiction. In many ways, the crimes a killer committed seem too violent to be true.

It’s difficult for the average human who feels love, remorse and pain to comprehend murdering innocent people, Brems said. The inability to understand this drive pushes us to try to understand why serial killers do horrible things to strangers.

“Most of us like to think we’re not capable of doing something like that. So we’re intrigued by stories that present people who are capable of these things. It’s like a rollercoaster in some ways. It’s a safe way to experience a thrill of violence and horror without actually having to experience it,” Brems said.

Real life killers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer tend to have different motives for their crimes compared to fictional killers like The Joker. These nonexistent killers were driven by money or power while serial killers just have an internal desire to inflict pain on someone else. This ulterior motive is what draws the attention of viewers.

The way serial killer stories are told to viewers either through documentaries, movies or podcasts has an effect on how the information

is received. Brems highlighted the difference between highbrow and lowbrow films.

“A highbrow film is more intellectual and has a more intricate plot line, while a lowbrow film focuses more on basic gore and vulgar scenes. An example of a lowbrow movie would be something like the ‘SAW’ movies. A highbrow movie would be something like ‘The Zodiac Killer,’” Brems said.

“The Zodiac Killer” follows a hypothesis of who the killer is throughout the movie and focuses on the mystery and hunt to catch him. “SAW” focuses on the brutality of a killer’s crimes rather than the killer himself. This switch in focus from the crimes to the killer is what causes people to normalize a killer rather than make them out to be a monster.

In movies made about serial killers, it is common for the killer to be played by a good-looking, sought-after individual. An official teaser from the movie “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” features the handsome Zac Efron playing Ted Bundy.

“The controversy over this is the casting of a movie star that has a screen persona associated with his physical look in the role of a murderer. He is an object of desire for some audience members. When you put that sort of screen star in the role of a sadistic murderer and killer not everyone is going to be happy,” Brems said.

This phenomenon is seen in “American Psycho” where Chris-

We’re intrigued by stories that present people who are capable of these things. It’s like a rollercoaster in some ways.

-Brian Brems

FEATURES tian Bale plays Patrick Bateman or in the movie “My Friend Dahmer” where actor Ross Lynch plays Jeffrey Dahmer. Casting physically attractive actors in murderous roles isn’t new, but online groups of fans have begun to fetishize the serial killers themselves rather than the actors, making them the object of desire.

“Maybe it was always there, and we just weren’t seeing it as much because the online world did not exist before. This sort of confessional relationship we have with social media has made it easier to express our innermost feelings and with the internet. There is always going to be someone to confirm it,” Brems said.

Beyond movies, documentaries and podcasts have become popular ways for individuals to hear about serial killers and their crimes.

Programs follow a relaxed manner

with a dominant narrative voice and background music. This way of delivering information creates an eerie feeling for the listener.

“I think there’s something about the audio format that can get under people’s skin. There’s something about someone with a smooth sounding voice talking directly into your ears that creates a sense of intimacy,” Brems said.

Whether we like it or not, serial killers are human beings, too.

We’re fascinated by the thrill and excitement of these larger-thanlife crimes just as we would be by any horror movie. The truth encompassing these stories is what causes us to feel guilty, but in the end serial killers offer us a safe way to explore even our deepest thoughts and feelings from the safety of our own home.

11

Jeffrey Dahmer, who was played by actor Ross Lynch in the film “My Friend Dahmer.”

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FEATURES NEWS

12

"GREEN BOOK" IS NOT "THE HELP" IT'S BETTER

DeAnte Washington washingtond1614@dupage.edu On Feb. 24, Peter Farrelly and the cast received an award for best picture at the 91st Academy Awards for their film, “Green Book.” This Oscars was a celebrated imbroglio; Green Book’s winning caused controversy in the film society. Director Spike Lee left in a distasteful manner after losing to “Green Book.” This insinuated an untouched topic that has been overlooked for years.

This year, two movies were nom-

inated for best picture that were directed by African American men - Ryan Coogler and Spike Lee. Coogler directed one of the top-grossing films of 2018, “Black Panther,” and Lee was the director of “BlacKkKlansman.” All three films had a black lead, but “Green Book” was directed by a white filmmaker. When Farrelly won the best picture, it reminded people of color the only time African American stories are valued is

when a white man tells their story for them.

I had to take further action and watch the movie myself to see if it was worthy of the best picture or if the Oscars were once again in favor of the majority. Going into the film, I had to keep my bias outside of the movie theater. I came in completely blind, not having any background knowledge of the film except for what a ‘green book’ was 50 years ago.

As I patiently waited for the previews to finish, I couldn’t help but form questions. What is everyone so worked up about? What does the race of the director have to do with the movie? Was the plot of the movie told truthfully and raw?

The movie starts off in 1962 at a New York City nightclub. I was introduced to Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortenson. It only took approximately 10 minutes for me to feel disgust while watching as Lip threw away two cups used by two black men hired to do repairs at his home.

I had only assumed this would be

another version of “The Help.” If Mahershala Ali came in with custodial attire, I would’ve demanded a refund. As a black audience member, I am tired of movies where the black character is depicted as voiceless, hesitant, and uneducated for half of the movie. Then, the white person who “doesn’t see color” comes to the rescue and determines the black character’s self worth for them. To my surprise, when Tony Lip stepped into an office with decadent decor, out came Don Shirley, played by Ali. He walked with his hands behind his back in a sophisticated manner and sat on his ‘throne’. After that scene, it was hard to leave my seat.

I have never recalled a movie that took place in the ’60s where it captivated an educated, wealthy black man.

I was optimistic about the treatment Shirley would receive because of how well he “fit the part.”

Except, it was the 60’s, and any black person could have all the wealth in the world and still be dehumanized and segregated for the

There is a whole pocket of people who don’t feel represented in media, who don’t feel represented in the world, who don’t have a place

-Mahershala Ali

13 color of their skin. It was a twist on “Driving Miss Daisy,” except put into a black person’s perspective -what if the roles were switched?

Was I expecting the south to be cordially inviting to black people?

Absolutely not. But to see someone of his status portrayed in this time, I was dumbfounded.

Leaving the theater, there were various types of emotions from the audience. Some were pleased, some intrigued and others left unfulfilled. The movie was heartfelt, compassionate and groundbreaking. I think the race of the director had no impact on this film’s chance of winning. I still think it is important black people have a chance to tell their stories. I also believe there should be more black directors. If this were to be directed by a black director, I would

hope it would be judged on the quality of the film, and not the color of who directed it.

Ali spoke with Vanity Fair recently about why he wanted to take on this role. Ali had his own views on media today and the representation of African-Americans who are neglected by their own community because of their status.

“There’s so many African-Americans who are told by other African-Americans that they’re not black enough, as well as [by] white people. ‘Oh, you don’t sound like me.’ ‘You’re not really from the hood.’ And so there is a whole pocket of people who don’t feel represented in media, who don’t feel represented in the world, who don’t have a place,” Ali said.

Shirley is the epitome of the identity crisis African-Americans face

today if they are not the ‘stereotypical’ black person in America.

There were some parts in the movie I felt were not addressed and made clear. I would’ve like to learn more about Shirley’s past and why he felt out of touch with his family and his race. This would have enriched the climax of the movie when Shirley gets into an argument with Lip and steps out of the car. Shirley expressed the difficulties of not being accepted by white people or black people and his struggle with what it means to be a man. This was not ignored but, in my opinion, it was downplayed. Farrelly could have brought us more glimpses into Shirley’s past life. This would have helped the audience understand why he could speak several different languages, or why he felt out

of touch with his own race. However, I believe these omissions had nothing to do with the director of the movie being white.

“Green Book” did not disappoint.

It was a true masterpiece showcasing great work from both the director and the cast. It differs from the other movies that take place during the Civil Rights movement. It’s not like “The Help” or any other movie that portrayed African-Americans as needing a white savior in order to earn respect from others. Lip played a part in maintaining Shirley’s safety, but Shirley had a different attitude from most black people portrayed in movies like this. He was persistent and spoke for himself. This movie shows black excellence and perseverance from start to finish.

NOW HIRING: SPORTS EDITOR The Courier is looking for an individual who is interested in sports and writing. This is an opportunity to get paid to watch and report on games around campus.

If interested, please contact

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14

NEWS OPINION

Photo by Lindsay Piotter

Miguel An gel Contrer as

III

Staff Writer

THE INSOMNIAC SPECIAL TRY SAYING NO!

ACOMPLISH MORE BY DOING LESS

Thoughts, feelings, or spontaneous schemes for world domination?

Let me know! macontrerasiii@gm ail.com

I paced unendingly and absent-mindedly around the island.

Shreds of chicken stuck between my teeth, taunting my tongue as it unsuccessfully slid across them.

Sleeplessness clung to the black rings beneath my eyes like a shadow extending towards my chin. The tingling in my brain unshackled my deepest thoughts, if only I could grasp them. Each time I attempted to contemplate one of them for more than an instant it would slip into the ether.

I planted myself onto a kitchen stool. I tossed my increasingly heavy head towards the stove. The digital

clock shone green on the mounting pile of chicken bones: 4 a.m.

Class in 6 hours.

The looming threat of tomorrow’s fatigue couldn’t be shaken. Sleep deprivation. Self-ridicule. Hysteria.

Those most unlikely ingredients concocted an idea that has reshaped my life.

We have more potential than any other point in human history. We have more knowledge at our fingertips. We can connect to more people all over the world. We have access to more resources. And we have more paradigm shifting technologies that once were inconceivable.

Yet, we falter. I falter. It’s not from lack of trying. People with dreams of success work themselves to dysfunction every day. Our true problem is from our inability to say “no.”

I’ve seen myself do it before.

My own dream of success was to become a professional League of Legends player. I knew it was unrealistic. That didn’t impede my commitment, but it scared me. Outwardly, I embodied a quote from a classroom poster: “If you shoot for the moon and miss, at least you’ll land amongst the stars.” Inwardly, that unconscious fear of what could happen if I didn’t make it to the

OPINION League Champion Series spurred me into tunnel vision.

The standard for League of Legends professionals is 8 hours of play a day. In the best high school scenario, sleeping takes 8 hours, school takes 7 hours, and League takes 8 hours. I had 1 hour left for whatever else was required. I became a master of manipulating that remaining hour and completing everything.

Not really. In reality, I made a lot of sacrifices. Relationships, homework, sleep and exercise all were deprioritized. I knew that cycle wasn’t sustainable, but League players are recruited young. If I didn’t manage to find an opportunity for myself coming out of high school I might miss my window forever. Until that happened, nothing else was more important.

I earned that opportunity when I played League of Legends at Lourdes University on scholarship.

The grind didn’t level off now that

I’d climbed the first rungs towards my dream though. It only became harder, and it was self-inflicted.

If I wanted to play like a professional I needed to practice like a professional. If I wanted to overcome my competition I had to practice harder than them, too. Playing collegiate esports directly exposed me to that competition and motivated me more than ever before.

I had more free time in college, but it didn’t go towards ensuring my physical, mental and social health.

It just meant more League of Legends. I poured every available waking hour into practicing. Certain that if I was to become a pro it would be by virtue of my steadfast commitment and work ethic. When I learned about shooting for moons and landing in stars I forgot to read the poster next to it: “Work smarter, not harder.”

I met the bane of League of Legends player existence: Burnout. I

North Central will be at College of DuPage on: March 6, 2019 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

March 19, 2019 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

March 13, 2019 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

April 4 2019 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

15 stagnated, lost tolerance and became toxic. The unsustainability of the cycle finally came to fruition.

Ironically, playing less League of Legends games would’ve meant more progress. There was never going to be a point where I didn’t have the option to practice more, but there also was never going to be a point where I could blatantly disregard my humanity. That’s the key.

We suffer from overstimulation.

It’s impossible for a person to consume the amount of content available. The solution isn’t to produce less content. The solution is to be selective.

We falter because we’re fallible to the leisure seeking facet of the human mind. That’s not a condemnation of our biology; it’s a reason to teach ourselves something new.

I didn’t become a ghoulish chicken fiend circulating my kitchen because of League of Legends. I got that way because I decided to pur-

sue something new the same way I did before. I took that epiphany as an opportunity to break the cycle.

Admitting unhappy truths to ourselves can bring us the most happiness. We spend a third of our lives sleeping and 92 days of it on the toilet. There isn’t enough time in life to do everything you want to do, and there’s a chance we all die in nuclear holocaust anyway.

We lead finite lives. Planning our hours to accommodate progress towards what we seek to accomplish is how we can maximize our great potential should we so choose. But it needs to include time for just being alive. People, guns, war and drugs all kill, but so does stress.

Forgetting that and doing too much is the quickest way to fulfill less potential and hurt ourselves.

Self moderation is a lifelong discipline to practice. It’s not easy, but it could help lead us to the greatest version of ourselves.

Transfer and

Be central

at North Central College.

VISIT OPPORTUNITIES Saturday, March 9 - Transfer Information Session Friday, March 29 - Transfer Information Session northcentralcollege.edu/transfer-visit-registration Transferring into North Central College means helpful planning with knowledgeable counselors, generous academic scholarships and financial aid, and customized campus visits.

Join the conversation and use #BeCentral and #WeAreNC

CALL

EMAIL

LEARN

630-637-5800 admission@noctrl.edu northcentralcollege.edu/transfer

16

LEVEL UP PODCAST WITH KENNETH MCKINNEY

FRIDAYS ON CODCOURIER.ORG

17

College of DuPage Board of Trustees Candidates' Forum Monday, March 18, 2019 Turner Conference Center – SRC 2000 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Open to students, faculty, staff, and citizens in District 502.

Meet the Candidates *** Ask your Questions Non-partisan *** No Endorsements Brought to you by:

College of DuPage Adjuncts Association (CODAA) and Student Leadership Council (SLC) Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres served during the event.

18

SPORTS NEWS

3 0N 3 INTRAMURAL SOCCER Photos by Alison Pfaff

NEWS SPORTS

19

20

Reach Your Full Potential.

You’ll find a warm welcome and a friendly community at Elmhurst College. More than 500 students transfer to Elmhurst every year, so we understand your needs—and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Money and Forbes magazines rank Elmhurst among the top colleges for your money. Plus all transfer students receive scholarship support.

OPEN HOUSE April 27

Check-in and events begin at 8:30 a.m.

Meet faculty and students, learn about admission and scholarships, and explore the campus!

RSVP at elmhurst.edu/openhouse

ELMHURST IS COMING TO THE COLLEGE OF DUPAGE! March 13 & 19 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2nd floor, near Starbucks

Ask about our Guaranteed Transfer Admission program.

Individual appointments are available.

Email brian.pollastrini@elmhurst.edu for more information.

Office of Admission | admit@elmhurst.edu | (630) 617-3400 | elmhurst.edu/transfer

NEWS NEWS MUSIC

21

STAFF PICKS

s d n a B y Bo

I’ve Got You McFly

To untangle the rhyme of a young girl’s heart, is to hold the keys of every promise the world has to offer. Unlocking the padlock, barbed in secrecy, tinged in resolution. There are no pretensions. There are no false desires as found in elder years. Every fiber of being longs for simplicity. To know someone, somewhere shares your affection.

To know your impression is printed upon another’s thoughts. The young heart desires the comfort of knowing the burden isn’t theirs to share alone. Somewhere along the way, our parents forgot the secret at the heart of life. They’ve forgotten how fun it is to dance and sing in the rain.

-Joey

Drag Me Down One Direction

As much as I will admit I never had a One Direction “phase,” I vividly remember the summer this some came out (2015) really enjoying it when it came on the radio. The song hypes me up and makes me feel like no one can.. Well… “Drag me down.”

-Alison

I Want it That Way Backstreet Boys

Growing up in the 90’s all young women had a difficult choice to make.

Backstreet Boys or NSYNC. Sure, there were other popular boy bands at the time but the choice really came down to a battle between these two. Was it Nick Carter or Justin Timberlake that made your heart flutter? Did you rock out to “Everybody” or “Bye Bye Bye?” I was a Backstreet Boy fan from the start. Almost two decades later I still know all the words to this song. Looking back, I will say I am slightly disturbed that a 13 year old Tessa had a crush on a group of men who would never pass as a ‘boy band’ today. These five men looked like grown adult men playing ‘boy band’ dress up. It does not change the fact that their songs are classic examples of what a boy band bop should sound like.

Cheesy, catchy and nostalgic. I’m glad boy bands are coming back into popularity, but I hope those baggy, ill-fitting outfits never do.

-Tessa

Love Bug Jonas Brothers

I don’t listen to boy bands often but I’m also not a hater. The Jonas Brothers were iconic and their song “Love Bug” is catchy enough to be immortalized in the minds of thousands. But for those of you who don’t know: The lovebug (Plecia nearctica) is a species of march fly found in parts of Central America and the southeastern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. It is also known as the honeymoon fly or double-headed bug. During and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days.

I never thought that I’d catch THESE love BUGS again…

-Miguel

Lullaby GOT7

With a topic being boybands, where else would I turn to but the country revolutionizing the term worldwide? GOT7, one of Korea’s top K-pop groups, produces a high tempo melodic dream in “Lullaby”. The track features fun samples, and the song generally illustrates a colorful mood that flows well from verse to chorus. While the lyrics are mostly in Korean, an English chorus saying, “Sweet talk to me babe, it’s magical,” sums up the theme of song perfectly.

-Karla

I Want You Back The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 has been one of my dad's favorite bands since before I was born.

This inevitably makes them one of my favorite bands as I grew up listening to them. The group of five boys grew up in Gary, Indiana and included the than young Michael Jackson. Every year we went to Michigan my dad insisted on stopping in Gary to visit the Jackson house. “I Want You Back” is a great song, but I think the memories I have with it are what make it one of my favorites.

-Madison

YOU CAN FIND THE FULL COURIER SPOTIFY PLAYLIST AT CODCOURIER.ORG

COFFEE BREAK

22

DOODLE PROMPTS

-Traffic Cone -Mr. Potatohead's new feet -T-rex Arm Wrestle

On this blank space, on your homework, or on a vacant white board, doodle to your heart's content.

THEME:

20TH CENTURY

ACROSS 1. Nibble away 5. *Information space 8. School support org.

11. Royal Indian 12. Short for Dorothea 13. Oak nut 15. And others, for short 16. Seat of intellect 17. Branch of philosophy 18. *War to end all wars?

20. Lump of stuff 21. Type of examination, pl.

22. Owned 23. Downer 26. Wiggle room 29. *___-Wan of "Star Wars," a 20th Century Fox film 30. Tends to fire 33. Affirm 35. Grabbing tool 37. Blade drops 38. ____ ballerina or ____ donna 39. *Village People song 40. Verse with repeating lines 42. Bartender's Triple ____ 43. Panhandler 45. *"Cheers" owner 47. Any high mountain 48. Like yellow polka dot bikini 50. Tropical edible root 52. *First on the moon 56. Holy See's administering body 57. Focuses 58. *____ Lady, a.k.a. Margaret Thatcher 59. Newspapers and such 60. December 24 and 31, e.g.

61. Vena ____ 62. Common conjunction 63. Itty-bitty 64. Fence piece

DOWN 1. Increased in size 2. *North Atlantic Alliance, acr.

3. Slightly open 4. Whack 5. Mark from a lash 6. Is dressed in 7. Dry riverbed 8. *Walt Kelly's comic strip (1948-1975) 9. *Aldous Huxley's journey 10. *Mandela's org.

12. Foil 13. Aquarium scum 14. *Conflict without active fire 19. One step to success?

22. "For ____ a jolly..."

23. Half-rotten 24. *Manhattan Project invention 25. Don't do this to words!

26. Raunchy 27. Dispatch boat 28. *Aden Emergency locale 31. Skunk's defense 32. *"The Century Trilogy" author Follett 34. *Space ____ 36. *First in space 38. Manufacturing site 40. *Tupac's genre 41. Vomiting 44. Triumph maliciously 46. Song words 48. Treasure collection 49. Event host 50. U, on the road 51. Like Mojave 52. "____ ____Good Men" 53. Singular of #21 Across 54. Most luminous star 55. Buzzing pest 56. Number cruncher

NEWS COFFEE BREAK

23

Achieve More.

Together.

• 80 undergraduate majors • Adult accelerated degree completion programs • Counselors on-site to make the transfer process easy Our most popular transfer majors include computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing, healthcare leadership, business and aviation.

Learn more about our on-site undergraduate programs: • 3+1 Computer Science degree • 3+1 Criminal Justice degree • Enhanced 2+2 Teacher Education degrees (Early Childhood Education with Endorsements in Special Education and ESL, Elementary, Special, and Combined Elementary/ Special Education)

Scheduled On-Site

3+1 Advising Session

Dates and Room Locations: cod.edu/academics/transfer_programs/ 3plus1_advising_sessions.aspx

(815) 836-5250 • admission@lewisu.edu

lewisu.edu/transfers

NOT ANYMORE

Get the knowledge and power to make your campus safer.

Not Anymore is an online training program designed to help students deal with the issues of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, bullying and alcohol and drug abuse.

Visit the student portal to find a button for the Not Anymore site to complete the training “Preventing Sexual Violence.”

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE’S ANSWER TO INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE.

©2019 College of DuPage. All rights reserved. DS-19-17679(1/19)

Your participation in this training equips you with the knowledge you need to promote safety for yourself and others.

Visit cod.edu/notanymore to learn more.