BYCOVER (she/her)MarkAbbey ELMHURST UNIVERSITY ISSUE 09/13/221
The is necessarily (he/him)
In our printed 2022 Orientation Issue published on Aug. 15, an article discussing the Doctorate of Nursing Program (DNP) falsely reported that the program was to start this fall, instead of next fall. All online publications of this article have been changed to reflect this. With every issue, The Leader is committed to quality journalism to serve the EU campus community, and we apologize for this error.
I hope you enjoy the issue and as you start to settle in, Elmhurst University becomes more familiar and welcoming.
Even if you do not want to join us, I ask that you continue to support us by reading our issues throughout the year. A lot of work goes into making this paper, and we are appreciative of all the support that we receive from both students and staff.
reflect those of the paper or its staff and are not intended to represent those of the EU at large. No text, photos, or art can be reproduced without direct permission of The Leader. CONTACT US Elmhurst University 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 General Inquires & Letters to theleaderadvertising@gmail.comtheleadernewsec@gmail.comEditor:ADVERTISEWITHUS: Numair Younus (he/him) Photo Editor STAFF Adriana Briscoe (she/her) Staff Writer Viviana Huaracha (she/her) Staff Writer Nayrin Banuelos (she/her) Staff Writer Juan Munoz (he/him) Staff Writer Karmyn Flesch (she/her) Staff Copy Editor Darion Jeffries
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
US
Dear Leader Reader,
Staff Photographer
First, I want to thank you for picking up and reading this newspaper. The students on The Leader staff have taken on a hard task, balanc ing the start of the school year with working on our first regular bi-weekly issue.
the student-run newspaper to the students, faculty, and administrators of Elmhurst University. The Leader is not submitted to any person or organization for prior approval. The contents are the decision of the editor in agreement with the editorial board. Opinions expressed in The Leader do not
Ryan Windle (they/he)
If you are new to reading The Leader, this issue is the typical paper that we will be publishing every other week. Here, you will find news stories about events on campus and around
Eric Lutz (he/him)
ADVISER
about something that you feel needs to be covered. This is a great place for your work to be published and to get feedback from your campus community.
Staff Copy-Editor Delanie Graziano Cartoonist(she/her) Selkie BodmerCartoonist(they/them)
Olivia Rueff (she/her)
Staff Photographer
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
This newspaper is your opportunity to grow in your writing skill, and allows you to report
CORRECTION
@ElmhurstLeader @ElmhurstLeader@elmhurstleader ELMHURSTLEADER.COM EDITORIAL BOARD Ryan Windle Editor-in-Chief(they/he) Rachel Fratt (she/her) Head Graphics Editor Abbey Mark (she/her) Head Social Media Graphics Ilana Garnica (she/her) Chief Copy Editor Emmy Shaffer (she/her) News Editor Alyssa Kuehne (she/her) Sports Editor
ABOUT
BYPHOTO (he/him)YounusNumair
the world, music columns, student opinions, and student sports features.
Happy Reading!
Leader
Again, if you are reading this paper and think this is something you would want to partake in, you can join us here at The Leader when ever you want. I am always an email away and am willing to tell you more about what we do here.
Mia Bernaso l (she/they)
If a student has any questions about Monkeypox, Molina recommends that the student reaches out to the Wellness Center.
Some symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes on the face/and or body. While cases have been reported mostly within the LGBTQ+, it is important to note that there should not be a stigma toward this community and that anyone still can contract the virus.
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 ISSUE 1 THE LEADER 3
On Thursday, May 19, 2022, the first case of Monkeypox was detected in the United States. While first discovered in 1958, the first human case was reported in 1970. 52 years later, an outbreak of the virus has taken over the world.
“It replicates their response at the beginning of the [COVID-19 pandemic].”
“I wish we knew [more] so we can be aware instead of being in the dark about it so we can at least do something to help control it if need be,” said Garcia.
In an email to The Leader, Molina stated more details about Elmhurst University’s plan in case a student were to contract Monkeypox.
Pritzker, declaring Illinois a disaster area, stated in a press release that while rare, Monkeypox still is a serious disease.
After this email, there have been no further updates from EU as the virus has continued to spread. This left some students fearful of entering back onto campus on Aug. 29 for the first time since May.
Ryan Windle (they/him) Editor-in-Chief
He continued, “While monkeypox, as a disease, differs significantly from COVID-19, we believe that using a similar reporting protocol is the most effective way to quickly and confiden tially connect people to appropriate resources while notifying those who potentially could be exposed.”
“I’m not overly concerned but it’s still in the back of my mind,” said Creek.
“I’m upset by the lack of response to Monkey pox on campus,” said EU senior Ericka Creek.
“MPV is a rare, but potentially serious disease that requires the full mobilization of all avail able public health resources to prevent the spread,” said Pritzker. “I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure smooth coordina tion between state agencies and all levels of government, thereby increasing our ability to prevent and treat the disease quickly.”
The lack of transparency from EU has also raised concerns in senior Stephanie Garcia.
Of those cases, 1,141 of them have been from Illinois. On Aug. 1, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a public health emergency.
“As we prepare for the beginning of the new academic year, the University is committed to the safety and well-being of our campus community,” said Molina in the Aug. 4 email. “The University is closely monitoring the monkeypox virus outbreaks at the state and local levels, and we will notify the campus community of any updates that may affect the campus’ mitigation or response efforts.”
MONKEYPOX VIRUS LOOMS OVER STUDENTS HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL THIS FALL SEMESTER
“In the case of a student or employee con tracting monkeypox, the University is providing a confidential reporting system and contact tracing in the same way it continues to do for COVID-19,” said Molina.
“We have seen this virus disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community in its initial spread,” said Pritzker. “Here in Illinois we will ensure our LGBTQ+ community has the re sources they need to stay safe while ensuring members are not stigmatized as they access critical health care.”
BYGRAPHIC
(she/her)FrattRachel
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, there have been a total of 56,609 cases of the virus reported as of Aug. 22, with 21,894 cases being from the United States as of Sept. 9.
While no cases have been confirmed at EU yet, some students are still fearful of what could come next, and if Monkeypox could impact their lives the same way COVID-19 did.
Three days later, Marc Molina, assistant vice president for student affairs, sent an email out to the Elmhurst University community stating the plans that the University is putting in place.
THE LEADER4
BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
The COVID-19 Task force stated, “Isolation/ quarantine spaces will not be available in the residence halls this fall. If you are positive and cannot go home, you must isolate in your residence hall room, on campus apartment/ house or your off-campus apartment/home.”
from Covid-19 until at least day 11.”
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
“It’s confusing how we can go from 14 days of isolation to only 5, but it also proves how far we’ve come,” stated an anonymous student. “There’s more resources and more informa tion on [COVID-19] and I guess we just have to continue to listen to the CDC and hope one day we can fully get back to normal.”
NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Viviana Huaracha (she/her) Staff Writer
In the Aug. 12 email from Elmhurst University’s COVID-19 Task Force, the new isolation period in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was shared.
As the 2022 fall semester began, new proto cols were put into place. Wearing masks on campus is still not required, and new students and faculty must show proof of vaccination unless they have a valid exemption. Further, there has been a change in the isolation pe riod and isolation sites for students who live on campus.
In addition, the COVID-19 Task Force is re questing students and staff that test positive for COVID-19 to fill out the “Self-Reporting Form”. This form can easily be found at the bottom of the email, or by searching “Self-Report Form” on the Elmhurst University website.
For students who live on campus and test positive, there has been a major change. Per the Aug. 12 email, there will be no more iso lation sites on campus.
It’s hard to remember what life was like be fore COVID-19. Almost three years later, and something new about COVID-19 is learned every Duringday.the spring semester of 2022 Elmhurst University lifted the mask requirements, making wearing a mask optional. Elmhurst University’s Task Force kept a close eye on cases and reported through email on April 25 only 12 positive COVID-19 cases on campus. Some EU students were left with mixed emo tions after the mask mandate was lifted on “[Icampus.felt]free, now that covid is not what it used to be and masking is optional, it has made the school environment more comfortable for me,” stated one EU student who asked to remain anonymous.
Students and faculty can continue to do their part by making sure they sanitize regularly and wash their hands as often as possible, especially when touching one’s face or eating. Hand sanitizing dispensers are available in al most every hallway for public use. If classrooms have wipes available, it is recommended to use them to wipe down desks before putting personal belongings down.
The goal is to continue to keep EU a non-fully remote campus, and to always take precau tions when possible.
The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to update the campus on cases and any new protocols that are to come.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
The CDC website reports that, “regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick
In response to these new protocols, some students were left with more questions than answers.
The email stated, “If the test is positive, we ask that you stay home and isolate for five days. If after 5 days of isolation you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation on day 5.”
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
Numair Younus (he/him) Photo Editor
The start of the school year can either make or break your college experience. While we may be concerned about where our next class is, or trying to get back into the swing of things, oftentimes we find ourselves already looking towards the finish line. While you imagine that day, what is something that you are looking forward to this year?
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
David Liang
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
“I’d say developing relationships and building connections with other students and staff. Also to learn more how to introduce the concepts I’ve learned through out my courses into real-life sit uations since I’m a senior now.”
“I’m looking forward to graduat ing and leaving a legacy here at Elmhurst, success here can pave a way for other students like me.”
Shara McDaniel
THE LEADER 5
“Since I do help run the Asian club I’m looking forward to all the in-person events coming up this year and bringing the communi ty back together. We’re planning a lot of events coming up soon. We’re planning on having an ori gami and boba tea event soon.”
Daphnet Paulino
“I like that loans are being forgiven and that students can be debt free,” said Michaels. “I just wonder what it will do to our economy and what potential consequences could oc cur from it.”
The Director of Student Financial Services, Nathan Hancock, felt excited about this an nouncement. While it doesn’t solve the issue of college affordability, he believes it is a good first “Anystep.type of relief for students in this higher education environment is great,” said Hancok. “We’ve seen the rising cost of tuition at espe cially private schools, even public schools, and the amount of resources haven’t grown along with those tuition charges, so I think giving borrowers some much needed relief is Whileawesome.”thisannouncement is life changing for many loan borrowers, students need to under stand that everyone has a different financial situation. While one individual may have their loans forgiven, another might not. It all depends on each individual’s financial situation.
“People should be vigilant and be careful about who they share information with,” said Hancock. “I would advise anybody to take a look at their own situation at Student Aid.gov and try to do their best to figure it out themselves, but we are also here to help if they have questions.”
On Aug. 24, President Joe Biden announced his decision to forgive federal student loans. According to CNBC, federal loan borrowers who received a Pell Grant, a type of aid for low income undergraduate students, can receive up to $20 thousand in loan forgiveness and up to $10 thousand if you did not receive a Pell ReliefGrant.willbe made available to married couples or heads of households who earn less than $250 thousand and borrowers who make less than $125 thousand a year.
Emmy Shaffer (she/her) News Editor
THE LEADER6WHAT
BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
Elmhurst University student Ellison Michaels is glad student loans are being forgiven, but has concerns about how it may affect the economy.
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NEW STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PLAN
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
“The debt relief is extended to those that have a loan prior to the start of this year. We’re still seeing a lot of students coming in asking about it, but if you are a new student and you just took loans for this fall, you don’t qualify…
yet, unless you have pre existing loans,” said HeHancock.continued, “There is going to be some uneasiness with people borrowing loans at this point because they may think they’re just going to be forgiven. I don’t want students to go down that path expecting something that may not be Applicationsthere.”forloan forgiveness will be avail able starting in early Oct. and could take ap proximately four to six weeks to be approved. However, students should be weary of any one who contacts them asking for personal information in order to relieve their loans. If contacted, students should be careful and contact Student Financial Services for help if they need it.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
authority,” according to NPR.
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
Blake Macias went to peaceful protests to spread awareness on why they feel that Roe v. Wade is an important decision, and they said they want to seeer-upshigh
demonstrate more empathy.
As of Aug. 26, most abortions are banned in at least 12 states, and two other states ban abortion at around six weeks of pregnancy, according to The New York Times.
In a 5–4 decision, finalized on June 24, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that granted Americans the right to an abortion.
“I remember getting home, and I just bawled my eyes out to my mother,” Schmidt said.
According to CBS Chicago, the overturn oc curred after a case involving a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
EU junior Eaden Hvarre also felt that state governments need more consistent and open communication with each other.
Illinois Right to Life Executive Director Amy Gehrke also celebrated the decision, calling it “an incredible victory for our nation,” according to CBS RegardlessChicago.ofpersonal opinion, all members of the EU community are welcome for support at the Wellness Center.
THE LEADER 7
Elmhurst University junior Claudia Schmidt was coming home from vacation when her grandmother told her the news about Roe v. Wade being overturned. Schmidt never ex pected the overturn to actually happen, and recalled being reminded of Gilead, a fictional totalitarian and patriarchal society, from the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
According to CBS Chicago, Republican Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood called the decision “a huge victory for the sanctity of life.”
Amy Swarr, director of Counseling Services, also wrote a message to students on behalf of the Wellness Center staff in an email to The Leader.
Emily Bernadi, director of student health, wrote in an email to The Leader that if students are concerned about pregnancy or becoming pregnant, they are encouraged to book an appointment at the Wellness Center. Bernadi added that there are multiple resources available to students, such as free condoms in the Wellness Center lobby, several options of over-the-counter and prescription birth control pills, and the “morning after pill.”
PHOTOINTERNET SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
Adriana Briscoe (she/her) Staff Writer
“I personally think we have to come back and learn how to have dialogue with each other and seek better understanding and try to elim inate the polarization that’s been happening,” King said.
On behalf of the SCOTUS majority, Justice Sam uel Alito wrote that Roe v. Wade — following high court decisions that reaffirmed that ruling — should be overturned because they were “egregiously wrong,” and the arguments were “exceptionally weak,” and “so damaging” that they added up to “an abuse of judicial
OVERTURN OF ROE V. WADE SPARKS REACTIONS FROM ELMHURST UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Bruce King, vice president of equity and inclusion at Elmhurst University, said he felt “shocked” and “disappointed” by the overturn. As a father of a daughter, he felt pain over the idea that a right was taken away from her.
Moving forward, King wants to see more open communication happen between people.
“I think it affected me personally just from a standpoint of knowing that the government can take away my rights,” Hvarre stated. “And I know that’s always been a possibility but to actually witness something so blatantly — that I view as a human right — being taken away without second thought was just a very shocking moment.”EUsophomore
“Instead of having something like [the over turn], instead create more education and more resources for people to educate to prevent so many things instead of this big decision which hurts so many people,” Macias explained. “And just actually try to be inclusive and try to be empathetic with people and understanding.”
While many people throughout the EU com munity and the country at large felt shocked and disappointed about the overturn, others expressed contentment with the decision.
“As a father of three and a Pro-Life advocate, I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision in the Dobbs case, returning the question of abortion to the states and to the people,” LaHood said.
“We know the decision has created a lot of emotions and reactions among our students,” Swarr wrote. “We’d like all EU students to know that we are available to them for support and counseling—they can walk into the Wellness Center or call us at (630) 617-3565 to schedule an appointment.”
“We wanted to make sure students had a quality program and one that helps them get to the next level in their career,” said Salvador. “The program got the highest level of approval, and if that takes longer, it’s okay.”
The Department of Nursing and Health Sci ences Chair, Diane Salvador, explained that approval for these programs takes time and
UNIVERSITY PUSHES BACK DOCTORAL OF NURSING PROGRAM (DNP) TO FALL 2023
The program is completely online in order for students to have flexibility and get the clinical hours needed towards their degree, which is incorporated into the program.
EU sophomore Nicole Lyskawka, an under graduate nursing student, believes the nurs ing program provides great opportunities for students to learn and evolve.
The DNP program was approved in Oct. of 2021 by the Higher Learning Commission. As part of the approval process, the Higher Learning Commission interviewed both nursing faculty and students. This took longer than anticipated, which resulted in the program being pushed back until next fall.
Emmy Shaffer (she/her) News Editor
“I love the constant support from both the pro fessors and students in the nursing program,” said Lyskawka. “I’m excited for clinicals to help me gain experience with a variety of patients and nurses in different specialties.”
BYGRAPHIC (she/her)MarkAbbey
Initially set to start this fall, Elmhurst University’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has been pushed to fall of 2023.
NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
THE LEADER 8ELMHURST
The DNP hopes to provide a valuable pro gram for the students and give them the skills needed to succeed as a nurse.
understood why it needed to be moved to next fall.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
The DNP is the first doctorate level program offered on campus and is designed for work ing nurses. According to an article posted on the EU website, the students go through the program as a cohort to provide support from each other and find study partners.
THE LEADER 9 NEWSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
Nicholas Celozzi found inspiration for his newest film, “The Class,” when he overheard a conversation between his daughter and her friends.
UP AFTER SCHOOL WITH “THE CLASS”
Ilana Garnica (she/her) Chief Copy Editor
VanAkenTroyBYPROVIDEDPHOTO
The cast contains a group of young actors, such as Charlie Gillespie from “Julie and the Phantoms” and Lyric Ross, from “This is Us.”
He continued, “It was pretty quiet at the time because we still were living under pandemic limitations, so the crew brought a lot of ex citement while they were here, along with the chance for quite a few of our students to work behind the camera.”
With Nicholas Celozzi having derived his inspi ration for the film from his daughter, Juliette Celozzi, she later ended up landing a role within the movie.
THE LEADER
CATCHING10
With Elmhurst University’s President Troy Va nAken’s approval, “The Class” was able to be shot with complete creative freedom, allowing
Also featured in the film is Anthony Michael Hall, who played Brian Jackson, the nerd, in the original 1985 film.
“As someone who enjoyed movies like ‘The Breakfast Club’ and who’d heard Debbie Gibson on the radio, it was a lot of fun having ‘The Class’ film on our campus last summer,” said VanAken.
“I was, like, the last one casted, so I peeped the IMDB when I was, you know, auditioning and everything. And it seemed, like, you know a good group of other kids my age. And I was like, ‘Well, this seems fun, I feel like we’d all get along.’ And we did, which was amazing,” Sebastian said.
“The Class” was written and directed by Nich
Having grown up in Elmhurst and later moved to Hollywood to pursue his career in acting, returning to Elmhurst was a very surreal feel ing for him due to not visiting the suburb in a long “There’stime.something very real about it, I always loved the people back there,” said Celozzi. “It felt great, I felt really good about it.”
Despite already acting in a few movies prior to this one, such as the 2011 documentary “Momo: The Sam Giancana Story,” Juliette Celozzi still felt nervous about auditioning for her role.
FilmsMonaco©BYPROVIDEDPHOTO
ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
“I realized the things they were discussing were the same things I was discussing when I went to high school,” said Celozzi. “The difference is, there was a lot more at stake with them. There was a lot more now that kids are chal lenged with; with the internet, social media, and invisible bullies.”
olas Celozzi, and was filmed on Elmhurst University’s campus in the summer of 2021, giving some EU students the opportunity to work on the film.
Nicholas Celozzi specifically chose Elmhurst University as the set of his movie because it provided a sense of realism, bringing the cast and crew back to the high school experience they were trying to emulate. With the help of professor Kristyn Jo Benedyk, “The Class” was able to make EU its home for a short period of “Thetime.cinematographer of the film, Pete Biagi, was the [cinematographer] on a film I directed in 2012. He knew that ‘The Class’ needed a college campus and that I was teaching at EU, and so he called me and asked if I thought the college would be open to it,” said Benedyk. She continued, “I connected the producers with everyone at EU who needed to be involved, and they made it happen very quickly.”
In “The Class” Juliette Celozzi plays Allie, a rich and quirky teenager. “The Class” also stars Mi cheal Sebastian, who portrays an emotionally troubled teenager named Michael.
President Troy VanAken with students who worked on the film.The cast of “The Class” poses at Elmhurst University.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
the cast and crew to shoot scenes in various areas around EU’s campus.
He continued, “Nonetheless, the same fears and idiosyncrasies and wants and loves still existed. And I realized it was just something we all passed down to everybody going to high school, it never changes.”
Released on Sept. 9 across digital streaming platforms, “The Class” follows six high school teenagers as they attempt to navigate a makeup class in order to graduate — a modern version of the “The Breakfast Club.”
Juliette Celozzi poses on set of “The Class”
Link Throughsaid. the process of working with the camera department, Link found her passion for “Workingcinematography.withthecamera department kinda, like, inspired me to go into cinematography, for grad school. So now that I’m a senior, I want to go to grad school for cinematography. So actually, I’m glad I had that opportunity because now I know what I want to do after college,” Link said.
Juliette Celozzi said.
In order to create their characters, Juliette Celozzi and Micheal Sebastian were given the chance to tap into their inner teenager once again.
After receiving the news that “The Class” was going to make EU its home, Benedyk emailed her students about the opportunity.
“I said to him, ‘Look, I want to let you loose. I want you to do what you feel, you know if you have a lot of improv that you’d like to share, go for it. Surprise these kids as much as you want’,” Nicholas Celozzi said.
“That was something I felt passionate about.
FilmsMonaco©BYPROVIDEDPHOTO SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
“Preparing for the roles, I definitely watched more teen focused shows…And kind of like reflecting on my own high school experience and what I really wanted at that time…So, like, that put me back in that younger kind of mind set,” said Juliette Celozzi.
President Troy VanAken with Anthony Michael Hall.
For the young actors he and Debbie Gibson, 1980’s pop sensation turned actress, served as mentors.
“It was so nice working with both of them, you know? I’d grown up watching ‘Weird Science’ and ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’,” said Sebastian.
“Themovie.first day, I kind of watched the trailer. And then the second day I did a few runs for the costume department…And then the last week was my favorite week because I got to work with the camera department. I got to clap the slate and take camera measurements.”
There were the obvious comparisons [to ‘The Breakfast Club’] … So I said to myself, ‘Out of The Breakfast Club, which one of them, the characters, would have grown up and become a teacher? Or then an assistant principal?’” said Nicholas Celozzi.
“It made me really learn a lot, from what they do to prepare for roles, and always giving compliments to us on set. They were always so encouraging, it was wonderful,” said Ju liette Celozzi.
“The obvious choice was Anthony Michael Hall.”
He continued, “This being my first film, you know, you want to stick to the script and you’re afraid to go off script sometimes. And he’s a pretty funny guy, so he improvs a lot, so I felt more comfortable improving a bit more as we go on during filming.”
After reaching out to Hall, the pair spoke on the phone for several hours discussing how different the film was from “The Breakfast Club”. Despite having some similarities to the 1985 film, “The Class” touches on deeper topics and the stakes are higher for our young cast. However, when it came to being an executive producer and actor, Nicholas Celozzi let Hall do his thing.
“Debbie, by nature, is a very nice person, she’s a very caring person,” Nicholas Celozzi said. “Outside of her career, music career, I didn’t realize that she was mentoring and she was teaching young kids.”
“Any interested students sent their resume to the film’s producers. Luckily, I think the film was able to bring every interested student onto the set, which was a great opportunity for the students,” said Benedyk.
“Like I said, my character is very edgy and all that, so I felt like I needed to get into that mindset. I definitely watched a lot of teen movies, and all that drama, just to kind of see what it was like to be in high school again,” said PriorSebastian.tocasting the up-and-coming stars, Nicholas Celozzi reached out to Anthony Michael Hall.
While the cast was being mentored, various students at EU were provided the opportunity to help work on the movie, which gave them an opportunity to truly learn what it is like to work in the film industry.
“I actually auditioned on a table read, one of the first one’s, in front of the producers and some of the cast who had already been cast ed. So that was very nerve wracking for me, just, like, having that be my one chance. But, it went really well and everyone was really supportive…so it was an enjoyable experience.”
Sebastian, on the other hand, spent his time listening to lots of Nirvana.
“I knew the students were in good hands with Pete involved. I was able to visit [the] set one day and it made me so happy to see all my Digital Media students buzzing around, walkie talkies in hand, looking like they had been in the film business for years,” said Benedyk.
Gibson scored her role within the film because of how similar she is to her character, Miranda.
VanAkenTroyBYPROVIDEDPHOTO
THE LEADER 11 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
One student involved in helping this movie come to life was Jade Link, a current senior majoring in digital media and Spanish. She stated that she was an extra in some scenes and also assisted with other areas within the
Hall was immediately sold on the idea, and quickly began to help as much as possible.
THE LEADER12 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 PHOTOSINTERNET SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
TWICE really lets their emotions out in these songs, with guitar and strong drum beats taking the lead on all these songs. As well to these powerful instruments, the members of TWICE sing in their lower register, which exudes fierce, sharp energy.
This same fierce energy is prevalent in the songs “Basics” and “Trouble,” which are more of the typical pop sound that listeners are used to. These two songs have a strong house music feel, which makes you just want to put both songs on blast.
K-Pop has recently seemed to be heavily inspired by retro styles of music. With each release, an old era is modernized, and given a K-Pop twist. This helps in making the songs unique and in a league of their own.
“When We Were Kids” sounds like the per fect ending credits
When the chorus finally hits, the computer has fully loaded, and the music becomes vibrant. The music is suddenly overcoming the ear with passion and that unique Y2K sound that has you wanting to immediately add this song to your iPod to show all your friends.
THE LEADER 13
If a Britney Spears song met the Spice Girls, with an “Austin Powers”-inspired true crime music video, that is the vibes that the lead single, “Talk that Talk,” gives.
being one of their shorter releases, with its length only being two minutes and 57 seconds, it somehow does not feel like the song is rushed at all. Once it ends, you immediately want to hit replay again to keep the vibes going.
“TALK THAT TALK” AND WALK THE WALK WITH TWICE’S LATEST ALBUM, “BETWEEN 1 & 2”
Hearing a more rock-inspired song shows lis teners that TWICE are not the girls they used to be seven years ago. They have evolved, and are ready to have listeners evolve with them.
ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
Needless to say, “Basics” is my new favorite TWICE song.
It would not be the Y2K era without a cheesy song to end everything out, having you think about what you believe is “Between 1 & 2” as you reflect on the past.
For some songs, it feels like too many genres are trying to be pushed onto listeners. It can overwhelm the senses and takes away a little bit from the music at hand because you are too busy trying to figure out the style of each song. Nevertheless, TWICE still delivered with this album, and after a long wait, it was well worth it. Now, if you do not mind me, I’m going to go back to the “Basics,” and am going to keep playing that song on repeat.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 PHOTOINTERNET
song to your favorite movie. It has a lighter and uplifting tone, almost motivating you to do something, and make a change in the world. The perfect end to an almost perfect album. While this album is an amazing work from TWICE, it seems like at times it is lost in trying to find its own sound amongst all the inspiration that was used to create it.
The lower rap stylings of Chaeyoung on “Basics” really hit the spot. While I wish I had some unique words to write about this song, I am always just too busy being enamored by the song to form a thought.
This era has had a huge impact on my life, and wherever I see something stemming inspiration from it, it is guaranteed that I will be a huge fan, no matter what it is.
K-Pop girl group TWICE has burst onto the scene with their latest album, “Between 1 & 2.”
While the instrumental is simple, with an almost tropical synth beat sounding like an old computer booting up, it helps you focus more on the lyrics.
Ryan Windle (they/him) Editor-in-Chief
What really hits the spot in the chorus is when you get to the confident vocals, to the lighter tone of member Sana who has the hook of the chorus, “Talk that talk, just one word, talk that talk L-O-V-E.”
Imagine a prominent movie from your childhood. For me, when I think of movies that I grew up watching, I picture movies from the Y2K era, such as “Mean Girls” or “Legally Blonde.”
This song stands out, showing a more mature version of TWICE. The song has strong feminist energy, with the message being that they will not wait around for people who are uncertain in love anymore. They know what they want, and no longer are they “Shy, Shy, Shy.”
The song sounds like you are on an undercover mission, on the hunt to find your perfect love, someone who will “Talk that Talk.”
With the lighter tone, it makes you feel like you are in a lucid dream, and then you are quickly snapped out of it when the consistent beat comes back in while the members start to rap, and exude the confidence of the more mature DespiteTWICE.thissong
However, not all of the songs on the album are light and fun. Some songs, such as “Queen of Hearts” and “Gone”, feel reminiscent of the ever popular rock genre.
THE LEADER14 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
THE LEADER 15 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
THE LEADER16 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and butter. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour mixture and oatmeal separately to the creamed mixture, blending well after each addition. Sir in apples.
Drop by rounded tsp on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly brown. with
PreheatInstructionstheoven
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 Recipes
to 375 F. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 6 dozen Ingredients2cupsflour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup butter 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups oatmeal 1 tart
Ryan PHOTOINTERNET
Apple Cookies
THE LEADER 17 ARTS + CULTUREELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
Oatmeal
Start apple peeled and finely chopped
The best place to start would be to ask students how they can further serve our community. For starters, some students don’t actually like to be called Hispanic. Some prefer the terms “Latino” or “Latina”. Further, implementing heritage appreciation can go a long way.
The HSI designation is an incredible achieve ment for Elmhurst University, and it holds so much merit. However, now that EU is an HSI it’s time to actually serve the Hispanic com munity in more aspects than just giving us grants and implementing cultural literacy in the Theclassroom.Latincommunity is one that is made up of so many different cultures. Each culture is beautiful and has so much to offer the world. However, when you lump us together and just assume that we’re a part of one culture, you’re inadvertently closing yourself off to any other possibility. While the sentiment is there, and it’s seen, EU should be working with Latinx students to truly illuminate our individuality.
While there is some overlap between cultures, each culture is rich with its own heritage, food, and traditions. For Puerto Ricans, our parents make mofongo, arroz con gandules, and Whilepasteles.everyother culture in the world may have some traditional dish associated with rice, arroz con gandules is a Puerto Rican specific dish that always feels like home to
There’s so many incredible Latin cultures that deserve recognition, and to just lump us together under the umbrella of “Hispanic”, or further assuming Hispanic means Mexican, is incredibly damaging to an individual.
People hear the word “Hispanic” and do not bother to do further research into who, or what, an individual is. It’s as if the moment the word “Hispanic” is used to describe someone, that’s it. Nobody bothers to dig further.
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM OPINIONS ISSUE 1 THE LEADERTHE18
Last year EU was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) due to a number of Latinx students enrolling and attending school for more than three years. If EU is going to be a HSI, it’s time they look at the terminology used and do more to respect the students that fall under this umbrella term.
The problem with the word “Hispanic” isn’t an easy one to discuss. For Latinos, this word connects us to our ancestors and coloniza tion. For white people, they often think every “Hispanic” person is the same, or comes from the same origin.
me when I eat it.
Despite these beautiful cultures all being vastly different, more often than not white media will paint us with one broad stroke.
Make your students who come from any and all Latinx heritages feel as though they’re seen and heard. Lumping us under an umbrella isn’t as appreciated as one may think. There’s more to us than just “being Hispanic.”
As a Boricua student at Elmhurst University, I’ve often found myself surrounded by students who don’t necessarily look like me. However, when I have been around other Latinx students I’ve always heard us referred to as “Hispanic”, which is a term not many individuals appre ciate being called.
As an adult, I can say that some of those faculty members were indeed racist.
Ilana Garnica (she/her) Chief Copy Editor
From the time I was a child I could remember people looking at me differently. My primary school teachers knew my ethnicity and didn’t treat me the same as most students. I was in the office more times than I care to admit.
For Mexicans, there’s traditional dishes and parties one celebrates, the biggest and most widely-known party being the quinceañera. Of course, the quinceañera has spread across many other Latin cultures, however it’s import ant to note that the tradition originally stems from Mexican origins.
Puerto Rican, and further Taíno, history is in credibly rich and beautiful. However, rarely any attention is actually brought to it. If Elmhurst University is going to be a HSI, then it actually needs to be an HSI.
Flash-forward to adulthood and I’m once again faced with racism, this time at my job. A customer berated two women for speaking to each other in Spanish, as if it were a problem. It’s easy to sit back and stay quiet when you’re an eighteen year old with anxiety problems, despite knowing how wrong it is.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)MarkAbbey
For some individuals, their ethnicity is what defines their being, it’s what connects them to their heritage and their communities. However, when it comes to the Latin community they’re often clumped into one category: Hispanic.
CONCERN WITH ELMHURST UNIVERSITY BEING A HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION
I’m proud of my Puerto Rican heritage for a multitude of reasons. After the eugenics project the United States attempted to perform on Puerto Rican women in the 1930’s, my blood line remained strong and prevailed. After the paper genocide committed against my Taíno ancestors, our blood line prevailed.
This is your time to reinvent yourself, try some thing new, and break free of the life you have been living. You have the ability to do quite literally anything, from changing your hairstyle to getting a tattoo. With your new ability to adapt, you can once again find the motivation in yourself to make your time in college worth it.
ISSUE 1ELMHURSTLEADER.COM EDITORIAL THE LEADER 19
GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT FOR OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES OF AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
At the time, it seemed as if we weren’t learn ing anything new, we were just trying to pass the class without much thought. Due to this, some of us have lost motivation to do good in school entirely.
While you may not have been thinking of the positives during this time, there has been some good that has happened, and you may not have even recognized it.
You are capable of more than you think you are. Take this time to broaden your horizons, over come all obstacles,the and grow as an indi vidual.
EDITORIAL
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)FrattRachel
Letters to the editor can be submitted below or sent to leadernewsec@gmail.com. Letters must include your full name and Elmhurst University affiliation. All letters should be 300 words or less in length. The editors retain the right to edit letters before publication. Don’t forget to spellcheck. The Leader is the student-run newspaper speaking to students, faculty and administrators of Elmhurst University. The Leader is not submitted to any person or organization for prior approval. The contents are the decision of the editor in agreement with the editorial board. Opinions expressed in The Leader do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or its staff, and are not intended to represent those of EU at-large. All text, photos and art cannot be reproduced without direct permission of The Leader.
It will be a long journey, but giving yourself the time and patience you need will benefit you. If you are hard on yourself, it will do you a disservice.
Letter to Editor Submissions
Many of us have missed pinnacle parts of our teenage years due to COVID-19, and now with new viruses on the rise, some parts of our college experience are now at risk.
While you may be frustrat ed with the challenges of coming back to school, it is im portant to remember that nothing will ever be perfect the first time you do it.
material at hand. Whether it is a lecture-based class or an online course, it is important that you are paying attention and are not just skating Collegeby.is truly what you make of it. While it may be hard to get out of the old habits we created, if you do not do so, then this experi ence will feel like a waste of time.
Inschoolwork.class,make sure you are actively engaging in the
careTakeof yourself, know when you need a break, and make sure that you have patience with yourself. We have been through too much to let the little things affect us, give your self credit for your journey, and how far you have made it.
Still being able to put one foot in front of the other and get out the door is a major accom plishment. Stepping onto Elmhurst University’s campus, you have already shown that you have found your strength and are ready to start a new challenge.
Being able to adapt quickly is a skill that all of us have acquired. When the world went online, we quickly learned how to navigate it for the time being. Now, when something happens, it can be easy to think of quick solutions in order to make sure that a goal can be achieved.
Now, as a college student, it is your time to gain that motivation back. Too much of your money is being spent on this. Creating a schedule is the easiest way to help gain control and know when you should be putting in the work. Setting aside time during each day can help you get back into the habit of doing
This could be a lot to take in. What were supposed to be the best years of our life have turned into a time of existential dread, with each day bearing bad news of the new world that we will have to live in.
THE LEADER20 CARTOONSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
CARTOON BY Selkie Bodmer (they/them)
CARTOON BY Delanie Graziano (she/her)
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
THE LEADER 21 FALL WORD SEARCH OPINIONSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SCARECROWFLANNELPUMPKINAUTUMN HALLOWEENSWEATERLEAVESCIDER SQUIRRELFESTIVALHARVESTAPPLE SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
THE LEADER22 SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 BYGRAPHIC (she/her)MarkAbbey
Elmhurst University welcomes student athletes from all over the country, and some from all over the world. Each first-year athlete brings unique experiences and memories that enrich the EU community.
Kadin Cornell, new offensive lineman, looks forward to playing for the Elmhurst University football program.
One of the reasons Molly Roberts chose Elm hurst University cross country was for Head Coach Jordan Bartolazzi.
THE LEADER 23
school. Hopefully, he has a similar game during his time at EU.
Cornell chose to play for EU’s football team because of the coaches, and he is not the only one.
there is a family culture in cross country, and that is what makes it special to him.
“It’s a sport where the work that you put in, you should expect to see those results, so I’m a big believer in that,” said Bailey.
His experience in high school might help him with that goal. Cornell was a three-year varsity starter and he received All-Conference his senior year.
Cornell has goals for his team and for his time at EU. The goals include,“Hopefully just mak ing the team better. We haven’t been great recently, but getting more talent in, hopefully winning.” said Cornell
He hopes to help his new team with the leadership skills he gathered from being the captain of three sports during his senior year.
“I didn’t think I was going to get that and I feel like cross is one of the only sports where that will happen,” said Roberts.
UniversityElmhurst
Similar to Roberts’ experience, Preston Bailey’s high school cross country team had a closeknit atmosphere. Which was why his favorite high school memory was when his graduated seniors surprised him with their support at his last Baileyrace.believes
MOLLY ROBERTS
PRESTON BAILEY
Roberts said, “I thought out of all the coaches I had met with, he was the most welcoming. Regardless of my times in high school, he was like ‘you can improve in college and you will get better. We will build a good program for you to get you better’.”
BYPROVIDEDPHOTOS
Cornell fondly remembers winning his senior year Homecoming game against a tough
He stated that while Elmhurst University was not his first choice, his decision to attend EU, “...was 100% the correct decision.”
KADIN CORNELL
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
Alyssa Kuehne (she/her) Sports Editor
“I’m here kinda for myself to develop my times and my running career for myself. Position doesn’t really matter to me, but I’m also here to be a part of the team,” stated Bailey.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ARE BROUGHT TO ELMHURST ATHLETICS BY NEW STUDENT-ATHLETES
SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
Roberts is excited to create another cross country family and to see just how much she can accomplish. She is also a fan of how close the team is, which is similar to her high school Despiteteam.being the only senior on her cross country team in high school, during senior night her team still made sure to celebrate her at their dual meet, involving the competing team in the celebration as well.
“For us, we just need to continue to focus on improving in everything we are doing,” said McDonald. “Finding a way to do more each and every day whether it is a practice, a lifting session, a meeting, in the classroom, finding a way to get better every day.”
Uczen continued, “I think our running backs, Aiden Pollock, Julian Cavallo, Zach Norman, guys like that are, they’re going to be the staple of our offense as we keep going this season.” According to the players and coaches, the team is constantly improving. McDonald shared a key moment of growth last season when the team won its first home game in five years. He said it really kicked off their “expect to win”
SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
THE LEADER 24ELMHURST
Junior Charlie Uczen commented on a few of his teammates’ skills they showed in Sat urday’s game.
The Elmhurst University football team is using this fall season to improve their program in order to, “build a better community for, not just our team, but for Elmhurst as a whole,” according to offensive lineman Chris Pedersen. The team has put a great deal of work into their offseason and spring season, building up players’ confidence, individual skill, teamwork, and team culture. A lot of focus has been on the incoming freshmen to expand the new talent and preserve the fresh energy the new class has.
“I think the defense looked really good. I think the d[efensive] backs had a lot of really solid plays,” said Uczen. “Just today, one of the publications that does ratings for players online, we had Colton Kraus, who ended up being the highest rated d back in Division III in the country from that game, so that was really cool,” Uczen said.
Pedersenmindset.
noticed an increase in the team’s offense and depth perception. He appreciated that the goals and improvements the team is pursuing are not only focused on the new comers, but the older players as well.
“Our whole group together has been deter mined to come back and climb and we’ve been showing it through practice,” said Pedersen. “I’m just excited to see what we do next.”
BYPHOTO WoltmanSteve
Despite the hardships the players faced in the game, the team still had a few great plays.
The Elmhurst University football program has the potential to become an impressive challenger in the CCIW conference as long as the team continues to gain and enhance its talent, skills, and teamwork.
UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM STRIVES TO BUILD PROGRAM UP THIS SEASON
The team’s effort was put to the test on Sept. 3 in their first game, where they competed
“We are constantly re-evaluating everything we do,” said McDonald. “And there were definitely a number of things from last Saturday’s game that we are looking at as we get ready for our next home game on Sept 17th vs Augustana.”
against the nationally ranked team University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
Elmhurst University’s football team suffered a 68–0 loss against their opponent. Coach McDonald disclosed a struggle with ball se curity during the second quarter, which River Falls was able to take advantage of in order to increase their lead.
Alyssa Kuehne (she/her) Sports Editor
Head coach Jeff McDonald expressed what the team needs in order to reach its goals.
THE LEADER 25 SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
CROSS COUNTRY RACES TO THE FINISH LINE IN SEASON START
BYPHOTOS (she/her)RueffOlivia
Elmhurst University’s cross country team competed in their first meet of the season with seven other schools at their home course, Eldridge Park, on Friday, Sept. 2. At the Earlybird Invitational, the women’s team placed second in their four kilometer race, and the men, racing a 6k, placed fourth overall. Senior Alyssa Rafuse got second place in the women’s race with a time of 15:57.4. Five of the men’s team finished in EU’s top ten with a less than two second difference. The pack consisted of freshmen Aaron Paz Castelan, Preston Bailey, Aiden Ihms, sophomore Chris tian Gleba, and senior Xavier Ahaud.
Alyssa Kuehne (she/her) Sports Editor
Roelli.AlyssaPictured,
Pictured, Lauren Mack.Pictured,DylanMoran.
Pictured, Christian Gleba and Xavier Ahaud.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
THE LEADER 26ELMHURST
“Once I start something, I can’t not be good at it, so now I am here breaking personal and school records,” said Bobich.
“We fight like sisters, we love like sisters, and we support each other like sisters,” said Rachel Fratt.
first meet of the year, Bobich broke the school’s record for a two day score; she beat her record from last year, advancing from 162 to 156.
For Gruber, he wanted to make sure that he was still doing something that he loved during his retirement. After obtaining his teaching certi fication from the United States Golf Teaching Federation (USGTF) he found his position at Elmhurst with the help of his son.
The Elmhurst University women’s golf team has already made their mark on the Oak Brook Golf Club, practicing on the course at 6 a.m. sharp on a chilly Thursday morning. “Mentally, this wakes me up,” said Lindsey ForO’Donnell.mostcollege students, waking up at five a.m. is not a decision they would want to make, but these golfers have grown fond of this lifestyle and their team.
The team has already begun breaking records in their first couple tournaments. In the team’s
Regan Bobich tees off on a short par three.
“My dad works in the industry, so he introduced me to it, and through there it has been a way for me and my dad to bond,” said Keller. For others, it was a way to prove something
“A couple of weeks later he told me Todd at Elmhurst was looking for one and I should call him. I did and we had a great conversation and he hired me in last September - a dream come true.”
The growth the team has experienced together has multiplied immensely with the addition of these two coaches.
BYPHOTOS (she/they)BernasolMia
In the same tournament, the team placed third overall and set a new record for the school’s two day score by shooting a 663, which was 6 strokes better than the previous record.
Helping guide the team towards their success is head coach Melissa Schwab and assistant coach Mike Gruber, who both took over the team last year; Schwab started in the fall and Gruber in the spring.
The Elmhurst Women’s Golf team is co-cap tained by junior Rachel Fratt, Head Graphics Editor for The Leader, and senior Taylor Fuchs. The team also consists of freshman Emily Roberts, sophomores Mia Bernasol, Regan Bobich, and Morgan Keller, junior Lindsey O’Donnell, senior Zha Zha Davis, and graduate student Kailey Godfrey.
UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM TEES OFF THEIR RECORD BREAKING SEASON
“My son who played golf in the CCIW at North Central currently is the Assistant Womens’ Basketball coach at UW Parkside in Kenosha” said Gruber. “He knows a lot of coaches in the conference so I asked him if he knows of [anyone] that is looking for someone to be a technical coach to help either the men or women, I would be very interested.”
the former Head Women’s Golf and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach resigned and with out any hesitation, I knew I wanted to apply for the position.”
Golf team poses during an early morning practice.
“I love them, I feel like they are way more personable, and I feel like I am more friendly with them,” said Keller. “I feel like they are more concerned with my needs other than golf, which I really respect.”
Emily Roberts hits a long drive on her tee shot.
As well as breaking records, the team placed first in the Governors State Invite held on Sept. 7, with a collective team total of 330.
“I knew I wanted to become full-time in coach ing because of the positive influence and impact coaches have on student-athletes,” said Schwab. “Once fall 2021 came around
Some of these women started golf as a way to bond with their fathers. What was initially a fun hobby soon turned into a serious passion, and they knew that playing in college was something on their radar.
Ryan Windle (they/him) Editor-in-Chief
For Schwab, coaching is always something they have been interested in, starting their time at EU as a part-time assistant for the Women’s Basketball Program.
SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
to themselves and try something new.
As they walk up to their next ball, the con versations shift to the next play, what the best move is to make. The women become each other’s coaches at that moment, which allows Schwab and Gruber to catch up with each player.
“If they aren’t playing the back-9 at 6:30 am during the week, you will certainly find them at the putting/chipping greens or driving range,” said Schwab. “Additionally, they love to go back to Oak Brook Golf Club, our home course, in the afternoon to work on more specific aspects of their game.”
for EU this year, even though at times they may feel like they are not being received as well as they should be for their accomplishments. Sometimes, the golf team feels that other students at EU are not aware of the team’s existence.
“I tell people I’m on the women’s golf team and they are like ‘oh we have that?” said O’Donnell. “Lately, we are getting a little bit more atten tion because of the record breaking, that we deserve, but it still is not enough,” said Keller. “As a team, and what we are doing, we deserve more than the credit that we get.”
“They have a good balance,” stated O’Donnell. “Mike helps us more with our swings, and Schwab helps with motivating and uplifting [the team]. They both level each other out really Makingnice.”sure that the team practices together, and not individually, is something new that the two coaches have implemented on their team. While each member still practices on their own time, having team practices has helped build morale and create a more supportive team culture.
Golf team with first place trophy from Governor’s State.
“I’ve played on a lot of teams in my day in many sports and I have not seen a group this close in the support they provide for each other,” said Gruber. “They really have a strong work ethic.”
While the atmosphere is fun, there still is a fo
cus that is evident in practices. Once someone steps up to the tee box, the team gets back to the task at hand and has a razor focus on each member’s move.
Each shot is met with a variety of responses from the team, ranging from “nice shot” to a scream of joy when someone hits a 200 yard straight drive.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
Gruber commends the teamwork that the team has displayed, and is proud to be a part of a team that is so supportive of one another.
BYPROVIDEDPHOTO SchwabMelissa BYPHOTO WindleRyan
The team chatting while walking to their next shots.
Even in their early-morning practices, the sup port the women have for one another shows. Walking from hole to hole, the team often shares funny stories about their lives, or they talk about the latest social media trend that they want to do as a team.
The time and effort that these women put in is a huge reason why they already have been out performing and becoming a successful team
THE LEADER 27 SPORTSELMHURSTLEADER.COM ISSUE 1
With a strong start to the season, all eyes should be on this team to see what they accomplish next, and to commend them for bringing at tention to the golf scene at EU.
HAPPY FALL FROM THE LEADER STAFF! JOIN US AT OUR WEEKLY MEETINGS EITHER IN OLD MAIN 107 OR ON ZOOM EVERY TUESDAY FROM 11:45-12:45
