Friday, September 19, 2025 Volume LVII, Issue 5
SPORTS
Women’s soccer remains undefeated after matchup with No. 3-ranked Christopher Newport
Darcy Chew Executive Editor
This past weekend, the Case West ern Reserve University women’s soccer team solidified their spot as a top 10 nationally ranked Division III team with their draw with No. 3-ranked Christopher Newport Uni versity and 6-0 shutout against Ohio Northern University.
Friday’s game played at Ohio Wes leyan University against Christopher Newport was a highly anticipated matchup for the Spartans. Fourthyear forward Andrea Silva commented on the team’s energy going into the game and the significance of the win.
“Friday was a huge game that’s been on our calendar. A lot of people have been looking forward to it for months,” Silva said. “We went in with a very strong game plan and very confident in the way that we want to play. And I think we executed that really well. To be honest, we went in, and in my opinion, I think we outplayed them. We kept them to one nothing for a really long time.”
Fourth-year co-captain and midfielder Jamie Goldfarb also shared similar sentiments.
“We knew going in that Christopher Newport would be one of the toughest opponents we’ve faced, so our focus was on doing the little things right—sticking to the game plan, trusting our scout and each other, and not playing scared,” Goldfarb said. “We treated it as an opportunity to measure ourselves against one of the nation’s best, and the atmosphere was really exciting. It reminded us of why we love playing at this level, and I was really proud of how the team showed up and played for each oth-
went back and forth with Christopher Newport outshooting CWRU 9 to 5. However, second-year goalkeeper Ellie Palaian recorded 2 saves to keep the score tied at 0-0. During the 63rd minute, fourth-year forward Alexis Sassower fired a strike to the upper corner of the net to put the Spartans up on the board. Twenty minutes later, the Captains scored an equalizer on a free kick, resulting in a tie between the No. 8-ranked Spartans and No. 3-ranked Christoper Newport.
With the Spartans usually taking a more offensive approach, Christopher Newport put the team’s defense to test. First-year Mia Modrovich shares her experience as one of the key players on the backline.
“This game was definitely the first big test for our defense, but I think as a unit we really rose to the occasion,” Modrovich said. “We knew we would need to do the little things right as our coach always says, and I think we did just that. We were constantly communicating and working through problems as they came up. We were moving the ball quickly throughout the back and keeping our composure to stay in control of the game. It was truly such a great experience, and the
tential we have to achieve something special this season.”
Overall, CWRU outshot Christopher Newport 19–14, becoming just the second team since 2019 to do so. Sassower’s goal marked the first conceded by Christopher Newport this season, snapping a shutout streak of more than 420 minutes to start the year.
The following Sunday, the Spartans finished their five-game road stretch against Ohio Northern University with a 6-0 victory over the Polar Bears.
The dominating win began with fourth-year midfielder Ceci Dapino scoring just 77 seconds into the game. Goldfarb later notched two consecutive goals in the first half to increase the Spartan’s lead, and their domination continued into the second with three more goals by Dapino, Silva and third-year forward Avery Reiman who recorded her first career goal.
The Spartan offense registered 26 shots with 16 on goal, and Palaian made 3 saves to earn her sixth career shutout.
Goldfarb attributes the team’s success to their team dynamic.
“Our offense has really clicked
this year because we’ve emphasized movement and trusting ourselves and each other in the final third,” Goldfarb said. “We have multiple players who can step up and score, which makes us tough to defend. Compared to previous years, I think our chemistry is the biggest difference—we have more dynamic movement and different attacking personalities that add to the versatility of our team.”
With these two wins this past weekend, the Spartans moved up three spots in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 ranking to place No. 5 in the nation. They are joined by UAA competitors Emory University, University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Brandeis University and Carnegie Mellon University in the top 25. The squad has four more non-conference games before hosting the University of Rochester on Oct. 4, including their Senior Day game against Calvin University this Saturday.
“Senior Day is really special: it’s a chance to reflect on the four years I’ve had here and the people who have shaped my journey,” Goldfarb said. “It’s also a really special tribute to everyone in my class who has dedicated so much of their college experience to this team. Playing a home game with my teammates, in front of everyone’s family and friends, means a lot. It’s bittersweet, but I am grateful for everything this program has given me.”
The team will celebrate their nine graduating athletes—defender Emma Struck, Dapino, forward Maggie Farra, Sassower, midfielder Mackenzie Mueller, midfielder/forward Julia Flynn, Silva, Goldfarb and forward Molly Shamah—before the game kicks off at 1 p.m. on DiSanto Field.
Courtesy of Marcelo Dapino
Cleveland citizens are taking a stand against ICE raids
Rebekah Repp Contributing Writer
The Cleveland Heights community is taking a stand against the mistreatment of immigrants and fighting for the freedom of all noncitizens and residents. The group Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights was formed in April, 3 months after workers from a local restaurant were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On Jan. 26, armed ICE agents entered Cilantro Taqueria in Coventry Village in search of an employee with a criminal record. After they found the employee no longer worked there, they instead arrested six other employees without any incriminating evidence. Five of the workers were later released due to their clean criminal record, while one remains in custody because of a prior removal order.
Soon after the incident occurred, community members and business owners joined together to create change. What started as a small group of volunteers canvassing the communi-
ty for support grew to include 77 businesses.
To show its support and formally join the group, each business signed a pledge which reads: “I stand with the other business and community members here in Cleveland Heights in soli-
darity with immigrants in our city. I pledge to protect the rights of our immigrant community members here in Cleveland Heights to the best of my ability.”
The group has a nine-page proposal that states its ideals, beliefs and plans to
guarantee community safety. The proposal starts by emphasizing the people’s rights, the importance and diversity of Cleveland Heights’ citizens and the problems already faced by citizens of the city and country. It proceeds to list nine sections, ranging from “Legal Counsel for Immigrants” to “Support of Crime Victims.” Each section states a requirement for public officials and law enforcement to follow, a further explanation of citizens’ rights or their demands for the city.
Aside from fighting for immigrant rights, the group also aims to educate community members about their rights and the rights of those around them. They host meetings, trainings and post information on their social media in order to help Cleveland Heights’ residents be prepared and educated.
In an interview with Spectrum News, Verónica Martínez, one of the newer members of Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights, said, “Our plans for the future it is to continue gathering, to continue uniting and to continue working. We’re going to continue preparing people, so they know their rights.”
DHS proposal could reshape the international student experience at CWRU
Noah Paniagua Contributing Writer
For decades, international students in the United States relied on “duration of status,” the simple promise that as long as they maintained normal progress in school, they could stay. The “duration of status” rules allowed them to reside in the United States for the length of their educational program in addition to any authorized practical training. Moreover, students did not need to apply for an extension of stay or leave and re-enter the country if their studies ran longer than expected. Their only requirement was a legal student status. That flexibility may soon disappear, though.
F-1 visa holders are typically international students who study full-time at a U.S. academic institution, while
J-1 visa holders are those who participate in educational or cultural exchange programs. On Aug. 28, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule that would replace open-ended duration of status with fixed admission dates for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Instead of staying until their program ends, students would be admitted for no longer than four years, with a shortened 30-day grace period. To extend, they would need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), submitting fees, biometrics and possibly facing interviews.
DHS frames the change as a matter of oversight. Officials argue that the rule would reduce fraud and strengthen national security. But higher education advocates see a different picture. According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the proposal “would impose burdensome require-
ments on students and scholars while undermining U.S. competitiveness in international education.”
The proposal’s reach is broad. English language learners would be capped at 24 months of study, graduate students would be barred from switching programs midstream and F-1 students would no longer be able enroll in another program at the same or lower level after finishing one.
Supporters of the proposal argue that accountability is necessary, especially in a system with millions of nonimmigrant students and scholars. At the same time, some observers note the potential impacts on international enrollment and whether stricter control is the answer. International students contributed more than $41 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018, according to NAFSA, and universities depend on their presence to strengthen research
and diversify perspectives. Changes to the policy could influence students’ decisions to study in the United States because countries like Canada, the United Kingdom or Australia offer alternative immigration pathways.
According to NAFSA, “replacing duration of status with fixed deadlines introduces risks for students and institutions alike. It could make U.S. study and research less predictable and less attractive.”
For now, the proposal remains just that: a proposal. DHS is accepting public comments until Sept. 29. However, this proposal has sparked conversation about the roles of government oversight and openness in higher education. For Case Western Reserve University students and faculty, the question is not only how to comply, but also how immigration law may soon influence the pace of education.
Cleveland Clinic joins worldwide effort to improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Riya Kulkarni Copy Editor
The Cleveland Clinic has joined a worldwide effort to revolutionize diagnoses for Alzheimer’s disease. The hospital announced in August that it will participate in the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC-SP) Accurate Diagnosis project, which aims to use bloodbased tests for earlier and more accessible diagnoses.
The clinic is now part of a collection of eight sites in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States that look to use blood-based biomarkers for more accurate and timely diagnoses. The Cleveland Clinic specifically plans to incorporate this diagnostic method at its Center for Geriatric Medi-
cine. Additional support will come from Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health for patients seeking confirmatory testing and new therapeutics. Saket Saxena, M.D., is a geriatrician at the center and the principal investigator on this project.
“Participating in this program is an important step toward integrating a timely clinical and biological diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease into dementia care pathways, which is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and access to appropriate resources including therapeutics,” said Saxena in a news release by the Cleveland Clinic.
The Davos Alzheimer’s Collective (DAC), launched in 2021, aims to improve Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses. With their worldwide approach to research and clinical trials, the collective
attempts to develop a network which will close the gap in treatment in different populations, allowing diagnoses to be accessible.
The DAC-SP intends to bring together worldwide leaders and healthcare experts to collaborate on solutions to Alzheimer’s, creating a blueprint that outlines the best method of integration of these diagnostic methods. Their Accurate Diagnosis project focuses on the blood-based test itself and its implementation, like the trials that will take place in Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, they will develop a cognitive assessment toolkit that provides a standard protocol and training resources in primary care settings.
Alzheimer’s disease affects one in 10 people older than 65 and one in three people over 85 years old. It involves
the gradual decline of memory, mood, coordination and spatial reasoning, behavior and personality, reasoning and language, to the point where these changes are not noticeable by the patient.
With the DAC blueprint, accurate diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease will be more available for populations of different incomes all over the world.
“We are committed to advancing timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in all resource settings, around the world, ” said DAC Founding Chairman George Vradenburg in a news release from the Cleveland Clinic Newsroom. “The Accurate Diagnosis project in Cleveland Clinic will help catalyze healthcare system change and will make patient-centered care and support more widely accessible.”
Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights was created with the intent of helping the Cleveland Heights community protect themselves from ICE raids. Tyler Sun/The Observer
CAMPUS
Campus celebrates birthday of Spartie, school mascot
To celebrate the beginning of the year and the spirit of Case Western Reserve University, this Saturday, the University Spirit community will be holding a 14th birthday for Spartie, CWRU’s plush mascot. Students, faculty and community members are welcome to the event,
COMMUNITY
which will be opening the weekend’s football game against Westminster College. It will be held on the Wyant Athletic and Wellness Center field from 5-7pm. There will be cake, ice cream, as well as crafts, such as friendship bracelet making and temporary tattoos.
Ohio Representative Max Miller hopes to deploy National Guard in Cleveland
Ohio’s 7th district representative Max Miller asked Governor Mike Dewine to authorize the deployment of the National Guard to Cleveland. On Sept. 15, Miller wrote an opinion editorial in the Washington Times, urging that the National Guard is needed to alleviate crime in the city. He states that “[his] constituents in the suburb are afraid to go into the city, families no longer feel safe walking down the street and small businesses are being boarded up.” His article references President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. which “helped stabilize the situation,
provided a visible presence, [deterred] criminal activity and [supported] local law enforcement.” Before the article’s publication, President Donald Trump allowed for the deployment of troops in Memphis, Tennessee, and Dewine says that Cleveland needs the same support to “[restore] order and safety.” In response to the opinion editorial, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, who represents Cleveland, said, “deploying the National Guard to Cleveland is unnecessary, unserious and flat-out counterproductive” because despite popular belief, crime in Cleveland is decreasing.
NATIONAL
President Trump’s Medicaid cuts are projected to limit access to care and behavioral health services. Half of all U.S. children are covered through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and with the cuts, non-disabled adults on Medicaid will be required to get a job to maintain their coverage. New requirements, such as six-month eligibility redeterminations and work requirements, will take effect in Jan. 2027, resulting in an expected 10% or roughly 320,000 enrollment drop, over the next decade, in Ohio alone.
In July, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which included a 15% cut to Medicaid spending starting 2027. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid is a “joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.” In Ohio, Medicaid covers a comprehensive range of medical services, ranging from doctor visits and hospital care to specialized programs like HealthTrek for children
INTERNATIONAL
US Energy Secretary delivers Vienna statement, dodging the climate crisis
In Vienna, Austria, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright delivered the US National Statement at the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday. He emphasized the need for nuclear power and the use of artificial intelligence, disregarding the impact and implications of the Trump administration’s cuts to other green efforts like weather and climate research. Wright, who is a former gas representative, has
been known for a variety of dismissive statements toward the climate crisis, such as calling climate change “not incredibly important” for affecting the “quality of your life,” deeming the Paris agreement “silly,” and organizing a group of select individuals to report a downplay of the crisis. He backed the Trump administration’s measures to halt the offshore wind industry, accentuating instead its high electricity costs.
Crocker Park Wine Festival is a philanthropic effort for UH Rainbow Babies
This past weekend in Westlake, Ohio, visitors enjoyed the Crocker Park Wine Festival on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and 2 to 10 p.m., respectively. The festival returns annually, and this year marked its 14th year in business. Pre-purchased tickets for general admission were priced at $35 until Sept. 11.
The festival has always been a philanthropic effort; when it first began, the festival supported a variety of nonprofit organizations. For the last couple of years, it has been held in support of accessible healthcare for the North-
eastern Ohio community. More specifically, it’s geared to fundraise for our local University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, a leader in pediatric care. This money helps the hospital fund pediatric research, family-centered services and care and vital programs, such as their Family and Child Life Services.
According to the Crocker Park Wine Festival’s website, “UH Rainbow [offers] compassionate care and innovative treatments to children from across our region. [The support] directly helps UH Rainbow continue its mission to heal, discover and educate.”
The festival brought together a large part of the community, attendees and
volunteers alike. During the festival, attendees were able to enjoy over 150 wines made locally, nationally and internationally. Local eateries joined in on the fun as well, catering food for attendees to pair with the wine.
Volunteers signed up to give back to the community while also meeting new people and enjoying the event. They set up, tore down and helped staff wine, spirit and beverage vendor tables, directly supporting fundraising for UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the festival’s primary beneficiary. After that, they were left with time to spare to enjoy the music and food. Bands in-
cluded 732 The Electric Duo and Backtraxx on Friday and Jump the Gun and Funkology on Saturday.
The festival’s turnout was great, gathering roughly 5,000 attendees over the weekend. This isn’t surprising, given the spirited environment and its reputation among the community.
“The vibe is lively, welcoming and festive,” event organizer Máire Reynolds said. “Guests stroll through Crocker Park sampling wines, enjoying bites, listening to live music and browsing vendors. It’s a relaxed yet vibrant setting that appeals to both wine lovers and community members.”
Oliva Wen Contributing Writer
The Crocker Park Wine Festival returned this past weekend for its 14th year. Courtesy of Madelyn Liberati/Crocker Park Wine Festival
The annual event raised money to help fund University Hospitals pediatric research and family-centered services. Courtesy of Madelyn Liberati/Crocker Park Wine Festival
"Caught Stealing," blink and you'll miss it
Helen Cai Contributing Writer
Content warning: Minor spoilers for “Caught Stealing.”
How many movies compel us to feel the raw emotions of a flawed “town boy” who is trapped in between a rock and the hard place of New York’s ungentrified Lower East Side—and also a converted cat-lover?
Based on screenwriter Charlie Hurston’s book of the same name, Darren Aronofsky directs the touching, gritty movie “Caught Stealing” starring Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz. During the week of Aug 29, “Caught Stealing” made 7.8 million dollars on box opening weekend, placing in third and surpassing “The Roses,” which was released on the same day. After Labor Day, it grossed 9.5 million dollars internationally and has performed above average in the domestic box office. In looking at the 9.8 million dollars made by “Jaws”’ four day run, the film’s success is not something to dismiss. While the film may not have made itself as known compared to “Jaws”’ 50th anniversary theater appearance or James Gunn’s “Superman,” its action scenes will leave you sitting at the edge of your seat, immersing yourself in the dark humor of the 1990s.
Henry “Hank” Thompson (Austin Butler) is thrust into the Mafia scene after becoming the victim of fallout from debt accumulated by his neighbor, Russ—a drug dealer for a criminal syndicate. Russ leaves behind his angry cat, Bud, for Hank to take care of while going to London to visit his sickly father. The thrill of the movie stems from the constant twists and turns nailed into the plot, as well as
Hank’s motivation to stay alive despite his struggles with survivor’s guilt and alcoholism. The fights, although not the main star of the show, contain impressive choreography and even more impressive acting.
In addition to rich performances, the physical elements of the film stand out. The settings of “Caught Stealing” are not given enough credit. They consist of a Chinese supermarket with fish piled everywhere, a bar mitzvah in a small white house that shelters members of an Orthodox Jewish community and shoddy apartments that ground the film unmistakably in the gritty 1990s New York.
The violence is almost always onesided in nature, leaving Hank persistently threatened and crushed by gang members who wield guns. This power dynamic might seem off-putting, but it is exactly this which depicts the overwhelming greed and cruelty of the Mafia. The Mafia in this film is not glorified, it is shown as a cruel and violent force. The choreography in the action scenes emphasize the dark setting and Hank’s suffering. He confronts misfortune after misfortune and mobsters who will stop at nothing to retrieve the millions of dollars hidden by Russ, especially if it means hurting the people Russ loves. As an ex-baseballer and current bartender, Hank must fight for his life outside of a stadium … with a baseball bat, instead of firearms.
The realism of Hank’s character is best showcased through his addiction. After having a ruptured kidney removed (a result of his run-in with two Mafia members), Yvonne, his girlfriend, tells him that he is unable to drink ever again. He tells her and Bud that he can and will stop, and proves it by dumping his entire alcohol stash into the toilet. However, he
ends up running back to alcohol as he is peer-pressured by his barmates to drink a shot, and in the process, selfsabotages himself and pushes away the woman he loves. He is incapable of dismantling his survivor’s guilt and forgetting the horror-inducing image of his severely injured knee, both being reasons why he abandoned his baseball career in high school. It is not until much later in the film that he is forced to confront these two traumatic things, and even then, the audience is left to wonder whether he actually overcomes them when he returns back to his hometown.
Although Hank’s unshakeable determination makes him a widely liked character among the film’s audi-
ence, Yvonne’s role tends to be overlooked by those who simply see her as “Hank’s girl.” He never explicitly tells her about his newfound involvement with the Mafia, but Yvonne continues to support him closely, treating his bloody nose with a tampon and fixing up the stitched area on his torso with her limited medical supplies. Her forgiving but stubborn nature portrays her as an independent woman who can still be in love. She puts up with Hank, but also recognizes her own worth and does not hesitate to push him away when he drunkenly insults her.
If these reasons alone don’t convince you to catch “Caught Stealing,” then the biting cat should.
“Silksong:” the most anticipated indie game ever, lives up to the hype
Milo Vetter Staff Writer
Being able to write about “Hollow Knight: Silksong” as a finished product is a surreal experience. The development took place over six long years of near-total silence from the developers—six years of agony for anyone who enjoyed its predecessor, “Hollow Knight.” To illustrate this agony, consider the concept of “Silkposting”—the practice of pretending, in increasingly cruel ways, that Silksong-related news had been announced, and that the viewer had missed it. For example, one 2024 Reddit post consisted of a fake tweet from the developer, Team Cherry, claiming that the reason for the long delay was the development of a collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), supposedly called “silkies.” In the end, the final wait was ironically short- the release date was announced on August 21, and “Hollow Knight: Silksong" came out September 6. The reason for the long silence was revealed in a Bloomberg interview with the developers: as an indie studio coming off a breakout hit, Team Cherry had unlimited funding, a passion for design and lacked both a public relations department and an executive to enforce deadlines. In the interview, one developer also referenced “silkposting” with a fabulous quote: “Feels like we’re
going to ruin their fun by releasing the game.”
In a fitting end, “Silksong” managed to hurt its consumers one last time by preventing them from purchasing on release. Most larger games have preorder windows. This practice is often decried by consumers as it locks in sales before reviewers can pass judgment, but it also has the practical purpose of easing traffic on online vendors. Team Cherry failed to anticipate this need, which is why “Silksong’s” release caused every major online game vendor to crash as over a million people simultaneously tried to buy one game. However, "Silksong" has now reached over 5 million players—not bad for a game made almost entirely by four people.
Now, is the game worth it? Yes. Team Cherry delivered a product that matches—and in many places, surpasses—the original “Hollow Knight.” In an economy where inflation has finally shattered the industry law that no video game can cost more than $60, "Silksong" is a steal at $20. "Silksong" is a shining example of how keeping a game development group small can result in great art at a cheap price… though we certainly paid for it by having to wait this long. For the uninitiated, I would strongly recommend playing “Hollow Knight” first, as "Silksong" is a sequel in every sense of the word. In order to unpack that claim, we first
have to understand what makes “Hollow Knight” unique in the first place. First, there’s the stellar premise and plot. Both “Hollow Knight” and "Silksong" take place in a mini bugworld. The two-dimensional world is designed to make the player feel like they’re looking into the side of an anthill as they uncover secrets in dark passages within a decaying feudal kingdom composed of every type of dangerous insect under the sun. But the biggest way "Silksong" departs from its predecessor is the protagonist. In “Hollow Knight,” you played as “The Knight,” a silent protagonist who is cute but ultimately boring. The prompt for interacting with other characters is not “talk”, but rather “listen”—it makes the player feel like they’re merely observing this bug world, rather than truly shaping it. "Silksong" stars Hornet, a character who was previously an antagonist and later an ally of The Knight. Hornet is, in contrast, oozing with personality. Armed with a razorsharp needle on a thread of silk, she’s like if Princess Mononoke were raised by spiders instead of wolves. Compassionate when warranted, but lethal to anyone considered a threat. This is a great fit for a sequel—in the perilous world of “Hollow Knight,” it feels great to be hostile and dangerous in return.
Continue reading on page 6
Following six long years of development, "Silksong" lived up to the hype built up over all that time. Courtesy of Inhus
Henry "Hank" Thompson (Austin Butler) and cat Bud (Tonic) in film "Caught Stealing." Courtesy of IMDb
“My Life with the Walter Boys” second season, same problems
Esha Bagora Social Media Editor
After an agonizing two-year wait, Netflix’s teen romance series “My Life with the Walter Boys” has finally returned with its highly anticipated second season. Based on Ali Novak’s popular Wattpad novel, the show picks up where it left off, with Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez)’s emotional cliffhanger departure to New York, leaving viewers wondering whether she'll choose the brooding bad boy Cole (Noah LaLonde) or the sweet, dependable Alex Walter (Ashby Gentry). Unfortunately, while Season 2 delivers on some fronts, it stumbles in others, creating a viewing experience that's satisfying and frustrating in equal measure.
Season 2 represents a notable improvement in terms of narrative focus compared to its predecessor. The series has wisely chosen to streamline its storytelling approach, reducing the overwhelming number of subplots that made the first season feel scattered. This more concentrated narrative structure allows for deeper character exploration and creates a more cohesive viewing experience.
The production values have undergone a significant upgrade, with each episode featuring more elaborate set pieces and cinematic moments that elevate the overall quality of the show. The fictional Colorado setting continues to serve as a stunning backdrop and the series makes increasingly so-
phisticated use of its picturesque locations to enhance both romantic and dramatic scenes. The visual storytelling has matured considerably, creating moments that feel genuinely cinematic rather than purely televisual.
However, Season 2's most significant weakness remains its central romantic triangle, which continues to feel increasingly forced. The constant oscillation between Jackie's feelings for Cole and Alex has become the show's biggest liability, preventing meaningful character growth and overshadowing more compelling themes.
Rather than allowing Jackie to develop as an individual dealing with trauma, grief and the complex dynamics of joining a new family, the series remains stubbornly fixated on which Walter brother she'll ultimately choose. This romantic myopia undermines what could be a much more sophisticated exploration of belonging, healing and found family dynamics. The love triangle also suffers from a lack of clear stakes or meaningful consequences. The brothers' rivalry feels manufactured, and Jackie's indecision begins to read as character inconsistency rather than realistic emotional confusion. The series would benefit significantly from either resolving this triangle definitively or finding ways to make it serve larger thematic purposes.
The series continues to struggle with managing its large ensemble cast effectively. While the decision to focus on fewer storylines is gener-
ally positive, it has resulted in some characters feeling underutilized or disconnected from the main narrative thrust. The absence of certain characters prominent in Season 1 creates an uneven feel that disrupts the family dynamic that forms the show's emotional foundation. Some subplots feel tangential to Jackie's central journey, existing more to service individual Walter family members than to contribute to the overarching plot. This creates a sense of fragmentation that undermines the series' attempts at more focused storytelling. When dealing with such a large family unit, every character needs clear purpose and connection to the central themes, something Season 2 doesn't always achieve.
The extended gap between seasons has created both anticipation and challenges for Season 2. While the long wait built significant audience excitement, it also made the emotional thread difficult to maintain. Viewers may find themselves struggling to reconnect with character relationships and emotional beats established nearly two years ago, which diminishes the impact of certain plot points. This temporal disconnect is particularly problematic for a series that relies heavily on emotional momentum and intercharacter relationships. The romantic tension that should feel urgent instead feels distant, and character decisions that might have felt organic with better continuity instead appear somewhat removed.
The series continues to possess significant untapped potential in its exploration of grief, family dynamics and identity. Jackie, who has lost her family and must learn to trust and love again, provides rich material for character development that often gets overshadowed by romantic complications. The Walter family structure itself offers opportunities for examining different models of masculinity, family loyalty and personal growth that remain largely unexplored. The fish-out-of-water elements that made the initial premise compelling deserve more attention than they receive, particularly as they relate to class differences and cultural adaptation.
Season 2 of "My Life with the Walter Boys" represents both progress and stagnation. The series has clearly evolved in terms of production quality and performance, yet it remains hampered by narrative choices that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the first season, it serves as a reminder of what the show could be with braver storytelling choices. The season succeeds as comfort viewing with beautiful scenery and romantic escapism but fails to fully capitalize on the deeper themes and character development opportunities inherent in its concept. For a series with such promising foundational elements, Season 2 feels like a missed opportunity to evolve beyond its genre constraints into something more meaningful and lasting.
Don't sleep on “The Wishbone Pajama Show”
Penelope Cloonan Life Editor
This past week, I took contributing writer Anlin Wei’s advice and went to see Conan Gray live in Cuyahoga Falls’ Blossom Music Center for “The Wishbone Pajama Show.” I have been a Conan Gray fan for a few years now but had yet to see him live. As such, when it was announced he would be starting his tour in Cleveland (and pointedly not my hometown—who skips New York?) I was over the moon. It is safe to say that Conan Gray’s new tour is a winner.
One of the best things about going to the opening night of a tour is that the setlist is a complete surprise. I have a bad habit of searching up setlists before arriving at a concert; while it can be nice to be prepared, staying present and truly immersed in the show is a welcome alternative. Be warned, though, most of the setlist will be disclosed in this article. The show was presented in four acts, with small interludes in between to form a story about want, love, loss and freedom.
Act I: “A wishbone never breaks even” opens the show with a bang. Gray dove straight in with more upbeat songs including “My World,” “Neverending Song,” “Bourgeoisieses” and “Wish You Were Sober.” Though the first three are not my favorite tracks from his discography, he does a good job of quickly getting the audience comfortable. Exemplified best in “My World," Act I of the show is about the nature of life itself, making a place in the world (be it yours or someone else’s) and the frustration that may come with that. It is a bold start that works. In response to Act I comes Act II: “I got the short end of the stick.” If Act I is about being aware of the nature of the world, Act II is about recog-
nising the unfairness of love and life, about being in touch with your feelings and freely wanting. With “People Watching,” “Eleven Eleven” and “Nauseous,” the audience is invited to truly feel with Gray. Sometimes life works out and you can rely on hope, but love can also leave you wanting. Act III: “I took the long way to realization” was a particular favorite of mine, as it starts the journey of healing. Continuing all the ugly emotions from Act II, Act III allows the singer to realize where that sadness and rage is coming from and direct it somewhere. May it be finally confessing in a healthy way in “This Song,” recognizing a toxic family dynamic in “Family Line” or expressing jealousy in “Heather (Lost Verse),” Act III sees Gray reflect, take love into his own hands and do something with it. Act III built a lot of the show’s character. Despite the devastatingly emotional tone of his body of work, Gray makes the show a great time. He had
a larger six-piece band—including a cellist—supporting him. With such powerful vocals, a full band gave him an almost orchestral quality that did not go unnoticed. From glittery sailor outfits to cute, bedroom-like sets, even the visual identity of the show is unique. The presence of acts suggest a narrative, and Gray delivers. To break up the set, Gray included a game with a surprise song. Gray and an audience member break a wishbone; if he gets the long end, he picks, if they get it, they do. According to the singer, this was the first time he got the long end of the wishbone. Like a gracious host, Gray let the audience member pick, choosing “Astronomy” over “Fight or Flight,” which are two of my favorite songs, so no complaints from me. The game (not the surprise song) was a nice lighthearted break before returning to the emotional experience that was the rest of the show.
Act IV: “I looked for love, and I
found it” was a swift end. “Actor,” “Maniac” and “Vodka Cranberry,” follow each other and tell stories of a once great love that is now slipping away. Though short in length, the impact of these songs is great, and, as is typical with Gray’s work, I was left feeling sad but seen. Following Act IV was a two-song encore including “Memories” and “Caramel,” songs about never forgetting the aforementioned once-great love and having the good and bad stick with you. That is how I feel about this show. I will never forget this experience, the good, the bad and the ugly. Those qualities are, of course, the performance, the walk from the parking lot and my tears during my favorite song “Memories,” respectively. Though I remain confused as to why he skipped New York, “The Wishbone Pajama Show” was a worthwhile way to spend a Thursday night, and I can only hope to see Conan Gray in Cleveland once more.
Conan Gray's "The Wishbone Pajama Show" is certainly no show to sleep on. Courtesy of LiveNation
“Silksong” from page 4
Now, let’s touch on one of the biggest challenges Team Cherry faced. Should a sequel try to be a continuation of what made the original so great or a bold foray into new territory? The gameplay style presents this exact problem, but worse. What exactly does it mean to feel like you’re playing the second game in a series? Should it be more complex to play? The same controls, but more difficult? Or should it return the player to the place of comfort they feel when they play the original, and just place the player in new situations with the same toolset? The answer lies in what the original game is about in the first place. “Hollow Knight” is a game about struggle and exploration. Accordingly, "Silksong" should feel new and uncomfortable, even to a veteran.
Team Cherry has accomplished
this by leaning into Hornet’s reputation as a lightning-fast hunter. "Silksong’s” gameplay prioritizes speed; Hornet can run so fast that the player can only safely traverse the world at full speed once they memorize its layout. Similarly, combat allows the player to be lightning-fast and deadly—but only once they know exactly what they’re up against. This is a genius way of solving “the sequel problem”; The Knight’s movement was precise, but sluggish for anyone who knew the landscape. Whereas “Hollow Knight” was tough but fair, "Silksong" is relentlessly, even hilariously cruel. In "Silksong", your primary spot for a breather is a bench, which heals you. And yet, somewhere in the world, there’s a bench that’s boobytrapped, killing you before you have the chance to save. What better way to communicate that survival is a
struggle than to keep a player on edge at all times, even when they’ve found their (supposed) lifeline?
The presentation also receives a major upgrade. Hollow Knight was infamous for its samey visuals, but "Silksong" ups the ante by making each area visually distinct and memorable, such as a cave made entirely out of multicolored bells and populated with spiders using a bell as a hermit crab-style shell. Another notable aspect is the outstanding orchestral score. Christopher Larkin has outdone himself in accompanying the visuals of "Silksong’s” expansive and decaying world with appropriate levels of musical grandeur, tragedy and excitement.
Furthermore, there’s a lot that’s new in "Silksong." One notable addition is that of a fleshed-out quest system. “Hollow Knight” had a cou-
ple of unimportant side quests, but "Silksong’s" quests are unique. Many are fetch quests, but each macguffin has an original model and acquisition animation, which is almost unheard of in video games. Combined with the fact that the game is difficult enough to make every quest reward feel valuable, these are some of the best questlines I’ve seen in a while. The only thing “Silksong” lacks is choice—"Silksong"’s plot allows the player to shape the fate of the world, but what really brings worldbuilding to the next level is giving the player real control over what that fate will be. (Though, of course, having to design branching storylines means more development time, and I think that the player base has had quite enough development time.) You owe it to yourself to give this artistic masterclass a try.
Opening night at the Cleveland Orchestra: tales of life, love, and loss
Anlin Wei Contributing Writer
The Cleveland Orchestra’s opening weekend approaches. The 202526 season at Severance Hall kicks off with a three-day run: Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 28 at 3:00 p.m. The run will begin with the U.S. premiere of Bernd Richard Deutsch’s “Urworte,” his final work commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra during his tenure as a Daniel R. Lewis Young Composer Fellow. “Salome’s Dance” from Richard Strauss’s “Salome”—the operatic adaptation of an Oscar Wilde play by the same name—is set to follow. Closing the program is Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro,” one of his last completed works before his steep mental decline and one of his most famous.
The Cleveland Orchestra is more than worth watching. They consistently rank among the top 10 symphonic orchestras in the world, with an energy, musicality and technical prowess consistently praised by critics and audiences alike for over a century. The orchestra’s unrivaled sound, along with the setting of Severance Hall just a few steps off-campus, will leave both dedicated fans of classical music and new listeners in awe.
Student tickets are $15 and become available the week of the concert. This program is truly special, offering the audience a variety of sounds from different eras and composers and exploring the struggles and successes of life (“Urworte”), desire (“Salome’s Dance”) and madness (“Boléro”).
Deutsch’s “Urworte” is a sixty-minute piece for orchestra and choir set to Goethe’s poem “Urworte Orphisch” (Orphic Primal Works), which establishes five fundamental forces that govern human existence: Daimon (Destiny), Tyche (Chance), Eros (Love), Ananke (Necessity) and Elpis (Hope). The piece explores the tension between control and instinct, and choice and compulsion: the everyday and lifelong struggles of being human. Its monumental length and ability to build towards grand, sweeping moments echoes the rising and falling eras of a life. The orchestra’s scale also mirrors the likes of Mahler and Bruckner, featuring a robust brass section, doubled woodwinds and prominent percussion, which aid its visceral, emotional impact. Earlier this year, the world premiere of this piece was met with widespread acclaim, leaving American audiences eagerly awaiting this titanic work.
Strauss’ “Salome” adapts Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name,
which itself is derived from a biblical story. The tale is set in King Herod’s palace, populated by the king’s wife Herodias—his brother’s widow—Jochanaan—John the Baptist—who is held prisoner, and a young captain Narraboth who is in love with the king’s stepdaughter, Salome. Salome becomes desperately infatuated with Jochanaan, who rejects her and beseeches her to find God. Narraboth, after witnessing Salome begging for Jochanaan’s kiss, fatally stabs himself—leading King Herod to slip in the pool of his blood. The king is suddenly overcome with hallucinations and begins relentlessly pursuing Salome, eventually promising that he will give her anything if she will dance for him. Salome confirms the king’s intent to fulfill that vow, then agrees. “Salome’s Dance” plays as she seduces her stepfather, removing her seven veils in the process. Having pleased the king, Salome calls in her favor—the beheading of Jochanaan—for which she meets an equally terrible end. The removal of the veils, which originated in Wilde’s play, led to moral outcry from the performers and audience for its overt erotic nature. Ultimately, this dramatic, scandalizing work was met with fear and pleasure alike and became one of Strauss’ most famous and widely recorded operas. Ravel’s “Boléro” was composed shortly after the composer entered the early stages of mental decline, and many have theorized that the obsessive nature of the work reflects the
composer’s awareness of this cruel process. The fifteen-minute piece begins with a lone snare drum playing the central motif, an idea that will be passed from instrument to instrument, before being blasted at the end by the entire orchestra. This theme is developed through different timbres and melodies, but maintains that original rhythm as the piece builds from a quiet whisper to an emphatic shout. Ravel distills the feeling of being trapped and screaming for salvation to no avail. The piece ends abruptly on a discordant chord, as if Ravel is finally accepting that he cannot escape his fate. Though the composer was highly critical of the work, it was lauded by critics and audiences, perhaps for its ability to capture the unglamorous, but universal, feeling of surrender. These pieces illuminate often unseen or hidden aspects of humanity— the conflicts that define a person or destroy them. I implore anyone who has felt the desperate tension between their logical mind and momentary impulses, who has felt the undeniable pull of tragic love, or who has felt imprisoned in their own mind to see this concert with the Cleveland Orchestra on Sept. 26 to 28. Even if none of these themes resonate with you, allow the gravity of a sensitive, wondrous, skilled performance from one of the best orchestras in the world to take you on a journey. Keep an eye out for the $15 student tickets that become available starting Sept. 22. I hope to see you all at Severance.
Courtesy of MITO SettembreMusica via Wikimedia Commons
The Observer’s inaugural Performative Male Contest draws a crowd
Penelope Cloonan Life Editor
This past Wednesday, Sept. 17, The Observer hosted their inaugural Performative Male Contest at KSL Oval. Crowds gathered to watch the 13 competitors do what they do best: perform. The competition was one of many at various college campuses and public squares, taking inspiration from the internet performative male trend of the same name. These men drink matcha, read feminist literature, carry tote bags, think music is purest through vinyl or wired headphones and are, of course, Clairo and Laufey’s biggest fans. This act is meant to attract the women they claim to love so much. Our winner was Raaghuv Vazirani, noted Mather Center employee and dual wielder of tote bags and feminist literature. The other contestants gave a good show, lamenting the woes of the patriarchy with button ups and wired headphones flowing in the wind. They were all 6’5” by the way. Stay tuned for video coverage of the competition and interveiws with competitors online!
All photos courtesy of Tyler Sun/The Observer
Don’t let ambition be your side-hustle
Isabel Haytayan Contributing Writer
“Have you found an internship yet?”, “What clubs are you in?”, “How’s your resume?” These questions are often asked to college students by professors, family members and peers. And yet, finding a response is often daunting.
Expectations of excellence underlie the college experience, and students are constantly expected to exceed them. In some ways, this makes sense: students and their families sacrifice time, money and other opportunities to attend university in hopes of
increased success and job prospects for the attendees. Unfortunately, this intense pressure to achieve greatness culminates in a layer of urgency that saturates college campuses—a constant need to hustle.
This “hustle culture” derives from the common feelings of anxiety and fear for the future. These emotions, as well as constant social comparison, compound into a compulsive need to be productive. When success equates to productivity, stopping for even a moment can feel like a decline in your worth.
This mentality is not only toxic, but can have adverse effects on mental health and (ironically) productivity. It
urges an all-or-nothing mentality that can increase stress, anxiety and burnout. The constant pressure also takes a toll physically: the all-nighters, poor diet and never-ending work characteristic of stereotypical college life can weaken the immune system, causing increased risk of illness. Students often disregard other aspects of their lives as well, neglecting relationships and hobbies. This lack of a work-life balance can contribute to poor mental and physical health as well as subpar academic performance. Students seem to forget that no one can do their best work when exhausted, sleep-deprived and stressed.
Although hustle culture has seen an uptick in recent years, it is not incomprehensible why it exists. It has been nurtured in students, sometimes since they were children, through a variety of mechanisms.
One way hustle culture has wormed its way into everyday life is through recent social media trends. Influencers, celebrities and peers often romanticize their work through posts on Instagram or TikTok, posting “study with me” videos or vlogs about their healthy habits. In conversations, peers normalize lack of sleep, almost bragging about how little sleep they got and how many consecutive hours they studied. These instances may seem innocuous, but in actuality, they glorify toxic overwork, tightly packed schedules and a lack of balance.
The current job market also makes it hard to justify getting some rest. Students are having a harder time finding work after they graduate. In a recent study, college graduates accounted for 12% of an 85% increase in the national unemployment rate since 2023, which is significant because this demographic only makes up 5% of the overall labor force. Additionally, college students are commonly underemployed, performing work that does not require
Insta-poetry, instant satisfaction
Lily Zhang Copy Editor
In 2019, an article from The New Republic (an American media organization) awarded Rupi Kaur with the title “Writer of the Decade.” Her poems, most notably, the ones from her collection “Milk and Honey,” have gained her a mass social media following on Instagram. After her rise to fame, many have attempted to emulate similar forms of poetry on social media. This style of writing, consequently, has been dubbed “Insta-Poetry.” Of course, where there is popularity, there is negative and positive criticism. In Kaur’s case, many question whether or not her work is considered poetry.
As a student in an introductory poetry writing course at Case Western Reserve University, I can admit that whatever flimsy definition of poetry I had in mind before has, with every poem I have read in class, only become more muddled. However, one sentiment rings clear: poetry is hard to digest. It takes me multiple combthroughs to even begin situating myself within a poem, and I often leave with more questions than answers. It takes time, critical thinking and, most times, further research into aspects like historical context and author biography for a poem to truly take shape within a reader’s mind. In other words, reading poetry often requires invest-
ment without an immediate return.
Sun Paik, a writer for the Stanford Daily, agrees with this sentiment, saying that “a poem is a constant game of uncovering.”
Thus, the inherent attractiveness of Kaur’s work may be that it’s just … easier. After all, a lot of things that exist in life are hard to digest, whether that be our emotions, experiences or relationships. It’s understandable why many might turn to Kaur for leisure, so a reader doesn’t need to mull over a single phrase for fifteen minutes to learn something. But does this mean that Kaur’s work is surface level? And, furthermore, by making poetry more “simple” does Kaur make it more accessible?
Unfortunately, making something more accessible does not mean that it should be watered down. If I wanted to make piano more accessible, for example, I would still want a student to start on a physical piano, not from a piano app on their phone. Playing something on these two mediums is very different and grants completely different experiences. Rather than making the piano more accessible, I have completely changed my definition of what a piano is. And, although it might be unfair of me to dub Kaur as a piano app in a world of grand pianos, it’s still important to think about how Kaur is molding the definition of poetry through her work, for better or for worse. Regardless of the uncertain poetic
their degree. 45% of college graduates are underemployed ten years after they graduate, with 88% of them working jobs that typically require only a high school education or less.
Certain elements of hustle culture can be advantageous, though. When applied in moderation, being surrounded by an environment that promotes hard work can give way to increased productivity. The mental fortitude needed to push oneself can lend well to maintaining high levels of motivation and inspiration. And taking ownership of and responsibility for one’s fate is a well-worn path to professional success. However, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and overwork. Strategies such as prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, managing time wisely and, especially, taking breaks can foster healthy productivity. Most importantly, setting boundaries and finding a balance between school and other, just-for-fun hobbies is key to having a well-rounded life. Leave time for randomness, whether that is self-care, socializing or exploring a new place, having designated downtime can make all the difference when it comes to stress management.
With our futures on the line, it makes sense that students would subscribe to the hustle culture mentality. In a world that defines us based on our productivity, it is difficult to detach our worth from our resume. Still, it is unhealthy to find release within a culture defined by external validation and toxic self-optimization. Working hard for your dreams is not an inherently bad thing—it’s admirable. Overlooking the negative culture that excessive emphasis on performance creates is detrimental to mental and physical wellbeing, though. Ambition is healthy, but exhaustion is not. Without adequate relaxation, we risk undermining all we’ve worked so hard for.
nature of Kaur’s work, one thing is true: her work caters to the masses of not just social media, but our current generation in a way that the works of others do not. And that might be a little bit concerning. Social media has shortened everything, including our attention spans, and it has now made its move on poetry as well. The New Republic’s statement that Kaur “understands better than most of her con-
temporaries how future generations will read” rings a bit more loudly now, perhaps as a warning. At the end of the day, however, art is supposed to make us feel. And if her poetry makes a person experience emotion, good or bad, then it is art. But it is still productive to think about why this type of poetry connects with us and how the mediums through which it is conveyed changes the art form.
Sophie Shimeall/The Observer
Jana Ashour/The Observer
Uncertainty isn’t unsatisfactory
Snehal Choudhury Staff Writer
For students in their final year, it’s mandatory to think about post-graduation plans. I plan to apply to PhD programs with industry positions as a backup, but after hearing about the less-than-ideal job market and academic funding cuts, I’ve become worried and anxious because I don’t know what to expect in the coming months.
What I’ve described is uncertainty. Uncertainty is a psychological state where we either don’t know what is happening or what will happen next. It is usually associated with the probability of an event oc-
curring. Uncertainty can range from the lighthearted, like live sports, to the more serious, such as the economy or the outcome of an illness. Our natural inclination is to knowingly experience something bad rather than anticipate it potentially happening. One study showed that people who had a 50% chance of receiving electric shock experienced more stress than those with 100% chance of shock.
We don’t understand uncertainty that well, which only intensifies its scary and negative effects. Gaining knowledge about what we’re experiencing can be comforting and equip us with better coping mechanisms.
Why do we hate uncertainty? The answer may lie in our evolution. As
Silence holds power
Afshan Ara Staff Writer
“I don’t do politics” is a phrase we have all heard at some point in our lives, or perhaps, even said ourselves. It is often combined with a shrug or a chuckle in an attempt to change the topic of a conversation or shift attention away from the political taboo. At first glance, it seems like a statement of personal preference, similar to the way that someone might say they don’t enjoy dancing, drawing or sports. Unfortunately, politics are not something you can opt out of without repercussions. In today’s atmosphere, “not being into politics” is a sign of somebody accepting the world they are in, surrendering their voice and agreeing with decisions that are made in their absence. Currently, policies shape the way we live, so subscribing to apathy is not holding a neutral stance—it’s holding a useless one.
Superficially, politics may seem like shouting matches between candidates who make empty promises on national television. However, it is meant to be an outlet by which a larger group of people choose to organize their lives. Policymaking affects the workplace, school funding,
hunter-gatherers, we faced immediate dangers to survival, such as predators and starvation. These factors are linked to uncertainty, making us associate uncertainty with threats to our survival and seek patterns to gain control over our environment. When the brain perceives danger, we release stress hormones that cause a fight-or-flight response with physiological signs like increased heart rate and sweaty palms, which you might recognize as anxiety. Anxiety was a response to help us escape the immediate threats of the past. Nowadays, uncertainty is not as immediate, but our brains react the same way, which can reduce our attention spans and working memory.
Some people tolerate uncertainty better than others. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is the tendency to react negatively to uncertainty. People with higher IUs spend a lot of time worrying and are indecisive from fear of doing something wrong. Their desire for immediate resolution to uncertainty makes them reliant on certainty-seeking tendencies such as reassurance-seeking and procrastination. High IU is a shared element of several conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism. People with high IUs may also develop problematic behaviors like workaholism or inaction to cope with feeling powerless.
Perhaps you recognize yourself in what I’ve described. Due to postgraduation uncertainty, I have oscillated between worrying to existential dread and inaction because everything feels so out of my control.
However, uncertainty is not something to avoid. It is not inherently bad or scary; our brains are hardwired to see uncertainty badly and the consequent side effects we experience cause its negative connotation. Taking this perspective helps us view uncertainty objectively and develop the mindset to embrace it, which is critical as uncertainty is the only certainty in life.
Thinking objectively allows us to see uncertainty’s upsides. If we ac-
cept that it’s okay to not know everything, we become curious, openminded and can creatively solve problems. You may even find that uncertainty makes life interesting. Most importantly, embracing uncertainty is good for our mental health as it decreases our IU.
Psychological flexibility helps us embrace uncertainty. This entails staying in the present, taking time to process our feelings and finding a healthy, non-maladaptive path to move forward. Staying in the moment means acknowledging your thoughts and feelings. The demonstration of selflessness, like volunteering and expressing gratitude for the good things in life, keep us grounded in the present and allow for us to be happier.
While processing our feelings, remember that uncertainty and its associated baggage is only temporary. Trust me, that elusive clarity will eventually come. Perhaps you’re a worrier like me and tend to catastrophize with irrational thoughts. Strip their power by framing them as mere passersby, not dictating reality or our future actions.
To maintain your sanity, it’s important to shift focus from uncontrollable societal or external factors, like the current funding situation or job market, to individual or dayto-day actions that you yourself can truly control. If you are scared of the possible outcomes of taking a certain path, think about the worst that would happen—it probably isn’t that bad. In light of uncertainty, confiding in others who often provide advice can give meaningful emotional support. Connecting with others can make us feel less alone in our circumstances, which is liberating in itself. Many of us are grappling with unusual and trying circumstances, which can be scary. But remember that these tough times will pass, and you are resilient enough to get through this. The key to resilience is welcoming uncertainty with open arms, which is only possible if we first let go of our negative preconceptions surrounding it.
accessibility to healthcare, safety of neighborhoods and the right to navigate our futures. It is impossible to be unaffected by these decisions because everything from the roads you drive on, the tax deductions from your paycheck and the price of your medication is dictated by the people elected to represent us.
Most likely, what someone means when they say they are “not into politics” is that they feel politics are messy, unpredictable and too far from their control. This is completely understandable and even somewhat true. Several political systems are polluted by immense corruption and polarization. Where such dysfunction is prevalent, people may feel powerless because their existence may not change the state of things. However, being apathetic towards current issues does little to solve them. Just as running from problems is not very helpful and avoiding them altogether can make them worse. As less people pay attention, there are fewer voices left to call for accountability, and the people who end up making decisions are those with extreme money or power. Silence invites power-hungry manipulators to the game which, in this case, is our nation’s government. A com-
mon argument is that individual participation does not really matter because it won’t change a vote. This has been proven wrong time and time again by history, especially during the civil rights movement and the struggle for women’s suf-
frage. Even though bringing about change all at once is difficult, it is even harder to do without action.
Continue reading on page 9
Anna Trusova/The Observer
Silence from page 9
This mindset makes politics seem like an external force instead of a collective movement. By definition, a democracy is based on participation, and if enough people start to embody the idea that it is useless, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Being politically engaged does not mean that someone must run for office or involve themselves in heavy dinner debates on issues daily. Instead, it consists of vot-
EDITORIAL
ing, reading the news critically, joining community organizations, advocating for participation and even having thoughtful discussions with friends. Although small forms of engagement, these acts create a culture where participation is encouraged and ensures that policies start to reflect more voices. Politics continue whether people choose to participate or not. If you choose not to engage then you are handing
over your power. And while it may not seem a big deal to you, stepping aside hand-delivers your ability to enact change to other undependable constituents. This can harm people who do not have the luxury of doing nothing.
Politics are not a hobby that people are supposed to enjoy. They are about community effort, advocating for yourself and others and recognizing the impact in our daily
lives. Politics shape us. They’re the seat belt you put on before starting the car, the high school experience you received from your teachers, the grocery bill at the register. Choosing to have a stance is not about being the perfect activist, but about being heard in the decisions that will govern our nation. Pretending you have nothing at stake is not a position of strength, but the abandonment of responsibility.
Breaking news: You need to get off your phone
Editorial Board
At this point in time, the academic semester is gaining traction and, in turn, taking a toll on our mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the storm of assignments, moving from one deadline to the next—all Case Western Reserve University students have been through it at one point or another. But now, academics are not the only thing we are focused on. There is also the political state of the world to contend with.
Following a week full of hate-filled discourse between the left and right political spheres, it’s understandable if you feel helpless. Sometimes it seems as if there will never be any sort of meaningful social progress in our society. But drowning yourself in your social media feed and schoolwork simply aren’t practical ways to preserve your mental health—and neither is the negative rhetoric you may find yourself returning to with each “breaking news” headline that flashes across your phone screen.
As the summer heat begins to fade and we start to experience our last few weeks of warmth before entering a semester-long Ice Age, this is a sure sign that you need to spend some time outside. The winter season does more than freeze the sidewalks we take to our classes. We tend to become vitamin D deficient, which causes us to feel symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness and mood changes, depending on its severity, which is why it is vital for us to get outside and enjoy ourselves during breaks in our schedule while we still can.
Go on a walk around Wade Lagoon or plan something fun to do with your friends over the weekend. Dedicate time to be off of your devices and away from your schoolwork to prioritize your health. Explore Little Italy, Coventry or Downtown and focus on the beauty of living in a city. For many of us, we won’t be in Cleve-
land or college forever, so appreciating what we do have access to is vital at times like these.
Oftentimes, it is easy to see the negatives. They stick with us like gum on the bottom of our shoes, reminding us that they are there with a squeak at each step. And because we are so chronically online today, it is easy to convince ourselves that these negative online opinions are shared with the people you encounter in everyday life—that you’ll step outside and hear something awful. Yet, time and time again, it has been proven that stepping away from your phone and engaging with people in real life will (usually) only dissolve these harmful thoughts that you have. Oftentimes, people are much more nuanced than we give them credit for, and if it takes talking about your concerns with people outside of social media to ease your anxiety, then by all means do it.
Sometimes, though, it seems we have the opposite problem and choose apathy rather than concern when it comes to controversial and differing political opinions. We feel like speaking up about certain things will only create division rather than productive discussions. We worry about losing the people close to us or boring them enough to lose their interest. Or, the topics simply do not feel close enough to home to warrant a discussion in the first place. Yet, if we are not open about our feelings on hard topics or pretend we don’t see them then we may internalize their effects and feel even worse than we would have by opening up.
This comes with an important caveat, though. While we should speak up about injustices, it is not our fulltime job. It is incredibly easy to get burnt out by consuming too much news—the 24/7 access to news is a fairly new phenomenon that humans do not seem built to handle. Being more intentional about when and what we are consuming can help
to keep us from being sucked into a scroll of doom whenever breaking news hits.
So take this article as a sign to slow down and disconnect. Whether that
means putting your phone on “do not disturb” or leaving your computer at home when going out with friends, we all deserve to give ourselves grace at this time.
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Spartans finish week two of competition with mixed results
Ellie Palaian Sports Editor
Men’s Soccer
The Case Western Reserve University men’s soccer team moved to 5-0-1 on the season with a strong week on DiSanto Field. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Spartans dominated Oberlin College 3-0, scoring all 3 goals in the first half. Third-year midfielder Ohta Kamiya opened the scoring with a penalty in the 10th minute, followed by third-year midfielder Adam Pluszczyk five minutes later and second-year midfielder Owen Guffey, who scored his first collegiate goal, capped the half.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Spartans battled The College of Wooster to a 1-1 draw. Pluszczyk scored in the 18th minute, but Wooster equalized off a corner with only seven minutes re-
maining in the game.
CWRU bounced back quickly on Sunday, Sept. 14, defeating Allegheny College 5-0. Senior co-captain and goalkeeper Bradley Winter recorded his 17th career shutout, setting a new program record. Five Spartans scored, including second-year forward Amir Awais, fourth-year midfielder Camden Larson, Kamiya, first-year midfielder Micah Rossen and third-year midfielder Sean Wilson, who capped the decisive victory.
The Spartans hit the road on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to face Marietta College, where they delivered another commanding performance. A 3-0 victory over the Pioneers not only secured the win but also added to Winter’s newly set shutout record, bringing his career total to 18.
The Spartans will next be sent on the road to face Kenyon College on Sept. 20.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the CWRU football team suffered its first loss of the season, falling 28-38 to Wabash College.
The Spartans entered the matchup coming off a weather-shortened 17-17 draw at Rowan University the previous week, and once again were forced to battle through delays. Kickoff against Wabash was pushed back an hour due to storms, and the game was later interrupted by two more lightning stoppages. With the Wabash stadium lacking lights, play eventually resumed several hours later at nearby Crawfordsville High School.
Despite the interruptions, the game remained tightly contested. Wabash struck first with an early touchdown, but CWRU rallied to take the lead at halftime with 2 touchdowns from third-
year quarterback Sam DeTillio and a touchdown from second-year defensive back Jack Kavcic. The teams were deadlocked 21-21 at the end of the third quarter, before Wabash pulled ahead with a field goal and 2 touchdowns to make it 38-21 with under five minutes remaining. The Spartans cut into the deficit with a late touchdown by thirdyear wide receiver Liam O’Brien at the 1:05 mark, but their onside kick attempt was recovered by the Little Giants, who ran out the clock to secure the win.
The game marked DeTillio’s first start of his career. He completed 13-of19 passes for 176 yards while running the ball 17 times for a team-high 40 yards and 2 touchdowns.
CWRU will look to rebound when they open PAC conference play in their home opener against Westminster College on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. on DiSanto Field.
Volleyball
On Friday, Sept. 12, the CWRU volleyball team played in the Muskie Invitational, facing Muskingum University, Mount St. Joseph University and No. 15-ranked Marietta College.
The Spartans opened the day against host Muskingum, battling through a full five-set match. CWRU took the first set after a clutch kill from fourth-year co-captain and blocker Amanda Ngo, but Muskingum responded to take the next two sets.
The Spartans rallied in the fourth set and, with key plays from fourth-year blocker Kiya Levy and fourth-year cocaptain and outside hitter Kalli Wall, secured a 3-2 victory in the decisive
fifth set.
Next, CWRU faced Mount St. Joseph, winning in four sets. After taking the first two sets, the Spartans dropped the third 25-20 following a late run by the Lions. In the fourth, Wall’s backto-back kills helped CWRU pull ahead, and an attacking error by Mount St. Joseph sealed the match.
Later that afternoon, the Spartans fell to Marietta College in straight sets. Despite keeping the first two sets close, trailing 28-27 in the second, CWRU couldn’t recover. Marietta dominated the third set to finish the sweep.
The Spartans moved to 4-8 on the season, and will next compete in the 45th Annual Ohio Northern University Invitation Sept. 19-20 in Ada, Ohio.
Men’s Tennis
This past weekend, the CWRU men’s tennis team competed in both the Youngstown State University Invitational and the Denison University Invitational, splitting the roster to send equal numbers of players to each event.
At the YSU Invitational, which featured CWRU, Youngstown State, Division I programs Duquesne University and Xavier University, and Division II Edinboro University, the Spartans went 14-11 in singles and 3-5 in doubles. Fourth-year JT Bilski and second-year Jon Totorica both went 2-1 in singles, reaching the ‘A’ draw quarterfinals, while first-year Shay Gupta advanced to the finals of the ‘C’ draw, finishing 2-1.
Meanwhile, at the Denison Invi-
tational, a round-robin event with DePauw University, Carnegie Mellon University, Kenyon, and Denison, CWRU posted a 29-11 singles record and 9-8 in doubles. Five Spartans, including first-years Ben Fernandez and Ethan Jacob, second-year Rohit Jain, and third-years Santiago Salazar Garza and Derek Shiffer, went undefeated in singles. Third-year Trey Lambright also went 3-0 in doubles, teaming with graduate student Bryce Ware for a perfect 2-0 record.
Combined, the Spartans went 4322 in singles and 12-13 in doubles across both Invitationals. CWRU will next split the team again for the Everybody vs. Cancer Rocket Invite (Sept. 19-21) hosted by the University of Toledo, and the Blue and Gold Invitational (Sept. 20) hosted by Allegheny College.
Phillip Kornberg/The Observer
Football
Phillip Kornberg/The Observer
Courtesy of CWRU Athletics
Courtesy of CWRU Athletics
Weekly Scores
Men’s Soccer vs Wooster (9/13) vs Allegheny (9/14) at Marietta (9/17)
Women’s Soccer
Winter makes history, breaks alltime men’s soccer shutout record
Ellie Palaian Sports Editor
at Christopher Newport (9/12) T 1-1 at Ohio Northern (9/14) W 6-0
Football at Wabash College (9/13)
Volleyball T 1-1 W 5-0 W 3-0 L 28-38
Muskie Invitational at Muskingum (9/12) W 3-2 vs Mount St. Joseph (9/13) W 3-1 vs Marietta (9/13) L 0-3 vs Oberlin (9/17) W 3-0
Upcoming Games
Women’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer vs Kenyon 9/20 vs John Carroll 9/24 vs Calvin 9/20
1 p.m., DiSanto Field vs Penn St.-Behrend 9/24 7:30 p.m., DiSanto Field
Football vs Westminster 9/20 7 p.m., DiSanto Field
Volleyball
45th Annual Ohio Northern University Invitational at Ohio Northern vs Millikin 9/20 vs Albion 9/20
Men’s Tennis
On Saturday Sept. 15, Case Western Reserve University fourth-year co-captain and goalkeeper Bradley Winter etched his name into program history, recording the 17th shutout of his career. The clean sheet broke the Spartans’ all-time shutout record, previously held by Ben Yabrow, who tallied 16 shutouts during his career from 2008 to 2011.
Winter tied Yabrow’s mark just five days earlier, in a 3-0 win against Oberlin College on Sept. 10. His latest shutout now establishes him as the program’s new standard-bearer in goal.
In soccer, a shutout is credited to a goalkeeper who completes a full 90-minute match without conceding a goal, a testament to both individual skill and team defensive strength.
“If I’m being honest it was more of a relief than anything else especially with how many people were talking to me about it this past week,” Winter said. “It was one of my personal goals for the season so it was extremely fulfilling to finally break it. The goalkeeper who previously held the record reached out to me, along with some of my UAA counterparts, and that was pretty cool to see. I know it’s my name on the record sheet but I wouldn’t be doing any of that without the guys on our team defending and running for me, and without Coach Poe’s preparation and investment into me.”
On Sept. 14, the Spartans rolled past Allegheny College with a domi-
nant 5-0 victory, improving their record to 5-0-1 on the season. Fourthyear goalkeeper Winter preserved the clean sheet with a diving save, securing both the shutout and his place in the program’s record books.
Winter has anchored the Spartans in goal since his sophomore season, amassing more than 3,300 minutes between the posts. Across 38 career appearances, he has registered 97 saves while conceding just 26 goals. A two-year captain, Winter is recognized not only for his consistency in net but also for his leadership and steady presence on the field.
“Of all the teammates I’ve had, I have never been around a more motivating, mature and knowledgeable person,” second-year forward Amir Awais said. “No matter the situation, he is the one pushing the level of our team and making us strive for excellence. Without Brad, I’m confident that not only our current team, but our entire program would not be where we stand today.”
Head Coach Carter Poe agreed with Awais, adding that Winter has truly earned the respect of his teammates.
“As a leader, he embodies our core values and everything we would want in a men’s soccer player,” Poe said. “He’s a high character young man with a great attitude, he works relentlessly and he’s extremely selfless. As a result, he commands a lot of respect from those around him because of how hard he works and how much he cares for his peers.”
Off the field, Winter has built an equally impressive resume. In 2023, he earned All-UAA Honorable Mention and CSC Academic
All-District recognition, followed by All-UAA Second Team and another CSC Academic All-District honor in 2024. Beyond athletics, he serves as co-president of Case Western Reserve’s chapter of Consult Your Community and is set to graduate this spring with a degree in Finance and Business Management.
“It’s definitely surreal to be a senior this year and sometimes I still feel like a freshman just arriving at Case Western,” Winter said. “The best thing about our team and culture is that I had amazing mentors and upperclassmen who took care of me when I arrived and now it’s my turn to pass that on. I’ve been super fortunate to be surrounded by great coaches, teammates, and friends who all have made the past 4 years such an amazing experience.”
The Spartans return to action on Sept. 20 against Kenyon College before opening UAA conference play on Oct. 4 vs Rochester. Winter aims to carry the team’s momentum forward and has set high expectations for the season ahead.
“I can’t emphasize enough how great the group of guys we have is on the team and I know that will carry us forward especially as we play tougher teams in the upcoming weeks,” Winter said. “I’m super excited, specifically, for UAA play because of how the team has started off and how last year went. We are the underdogs heading into conference play which gives us everything to play for. I think this fact, coupled with the talented team we have, bodes well for an exciting run in conference play. All we can do is focus on one game at a time and getting better everyday.”
Everybody vs Cancer Rocket Invite 9/19-21 Blue and Gold Invitational 9/20
Women’s Tennis
ITA Fall Regional Championship 9/19-22 9/19
Cross Country
All-Ohio Classic 9/19
Fourth-year goalkeeper Bradley Winter officially broke the men’s soccer program shutout record, breaking a record that lasted for more than 10 years. Phillip Kornberg/The Observer