Monday, April 11, 2016
Volume 98
Issue 20
Campus Life
Campus Life
World News
Entertainment
Exam Nights
Top EC Yaks
Men’s Baseball
EC Buzz
Need a place to study late? Check out this flyer!
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Funny yaks to make you laugh!
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The team splits double header with Hilbert.
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How to deal with the stress of finals week!
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EC’s First Dance Marathon a Success! By Emily Bush ’18 & Carissa Neary ’19 Contributing Writer & Staff Writer
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n April 2nd, over 100 students remained on their feet and danced for eight hours straight at Elmira College’s first ever Dance Marathon. The event, which took place at St. Anthony’s Community Center, celebrated Elmira College Dance Marathon’s, or ECDM for short, efforts to raise money and awareness for neonatal and pediatric care and services at Arnot Health, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital system. However, we celebrated more than just money that evening; we celebrated and rejoiced life, specifically the lives of local Miracle Children, children who have been impacted and often times, saved, by the medical care they received at Arnot Health. If it was not for the medical care they received at Arnot Health, many of the Miracle Children in attendance at ECDM would not be here today. This year’s theme was Hollywood. We had Miracle Children and Families in attendance - they were the Stars of the Show. We rolled out the red carpet for the Miracle Children to work their way to the stage with their family as “Sky Full of Stars” played. The families then spoke about their experience and why they are grateful for everything and organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network. In the words of Katie Smith, “As a mom to a miracle child, it was heartwarming to see so many EC students helping to raise money to support the children of our area.” Throughout the night, EC performance groups and soloists took to the stage to showcase their talents and take part in this memorable event. ECDM’s own performance
group, the Morale Committee, headed by Monica Matt ‘17, frequented the stage every hour in their tye-dye shirts and tutus to perform or teach their version of the famous “Line Dance,” an integral part of every Dance Marathon in North America. It is tradition that every dancer and Dance Marathon participant learns the “Line Dance,” so by the end of the event, everyone can dance to the mashup of popular songs in unison. The best part about the Line Dance is that you do not have to be a dancing expert to participate because bad dancing saves lives. Just moving
Photo by Megan Barney ’17 your feet saves lives! Be on the lookout for a video of the final performance of the ECDM Line Dance in the next couple of weeks! The suspense continued to build throughout the night as more donations came in, and everyone eagerly awaited the final reveal. Everyone wanted to know just how much money ECDM raised in its first year on campus. At 11:45 P.M., the wait was finally over; the last few dollars had
See DANCE MARATHON Page 2
April 11, 2016
Campus Life Dance Marathon From Page 1
been accounted for, the final calculation was completed, and the members of the Finance and Sponsorship Committee along with Executive Committee were ready to hold up their signs displaying the total. After some reshuffling of the numbers, which further added to the suspense and excitement of the moment, the amount of $10,693.13 was projected to the crowd. Elmira College Dance Marathon had raised $10,693.19 For The Kids (FTK), surpassing its original goals of $5,000 and $7,000. Many students were overwhelmed with the overall effects of ECDM. Brianna Blackmore ‘17 said, “It was one of the most amazing and important things I have done while at Elmira. I can’t wait to do it again.” Another student, Heather Mustavs
‘19 said, “It was amazing to see all of our hard work come together, all for the kids. The event was wonderful with the music and the dancing. It was a perfect celebration for all of our fundraising efforts. I am already looking forward to next year.” Thank you for welcoming us on campus with open arms! We are forever grateful for your support! We cannot wait to see what ECDM 2017 brings! No matter what, we will continue to “Make Miracles Happen One Step at a Time.” See you in the Fall! #FTK #ECDM2016 #ElmiraProud #DancingEagles Photo by Jessica McKlevis ’18
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April 11, 2016
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Dance Marathon
April 11, 2016
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EXAM NIGHTS
At North Presbyterian Church, 921 College Ave
We Provide: • Food • Beverage • Internet • Space
The When: Exam Nights runs Sunday-‐Thursday, 6PM to 3AM, April 10th-‐14th during Final Exam Week.
The What: North Church opens its doors for students to study throughout the night into the early morning.
The Where: North Presbyterian Church is located at 921 College Avenue. Take a look at this satellite view of Google Maps…
April 11, 2016
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Nerds Show Up For Nerdology By Haley Brown ’17 Campus Life Editor
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erdology: A foreign concept to the students of Elmira College. That is, until they met Chad and Seth Saturday night. These two comedians brought their inner nerd to a trivia game for any EC students that wanted to participate. There was a rather successful turnout, especially with finals coming up. Students gathered around tables and booths in Mackenzie’s late Saturday night to join in this form of trivia. All of the inner nerds came to the forefront as people answered questions in ten-minute rounds. Campus Activities Board worked hard to put on our last event of Term two, and the last event before May Days. Throughout the night, it was obvious that people were having fun in a way this campus hasn’t in a long time. Students were smiling, laughing at Chad and Seth’s nerdy jokes, and all around having a good night. Students were given the opportunity to win prizes all night long, in every round. If you got up to do your best Yoda impression, you got a prize for the best advice. If you could make yourself and a partner into a rollercoaster, you got a prize. There were over 200 dollars worth of prizes to be given away, and everyone seemed to get something. CAB has worked with this company before, although
Photo by Giovanna De Loca ’17 not these specific people, when they hosted Murder Mystery. The company really works hard to make sure everyone is happy throughout the process and that all goes smoothly. Rachel Alibozek ’17 had this to say about the event: “I thought it was a lot of fun and a few people showed up, which is great! It was a wonderful event and the acts that come from this company are always fantastic!” Those of us who were behind the scenes planning the event (Emily McCabe ’17, Rachel Alibozek ’17 and myself) were all very pleased with how the event turned out and the numbers that we got during the event. It was truly a great success for all involved.
Club Spotlight:
Student Association Executive Committee By Emily McCabe ’17 Contributing Writer
I
know that there are tons of different clubs that have SA either as their acronym or as part of it, but the members of SA executive committee do a lot of things for campus that may not be recognized by everyone. Did you know that SA execs planned the Senate Gala, the Academic Banquet, Finals Countdown, and also hold Senate, and try their best to resolve student issues? I definitely didn’t know this before I took a position where I was automatically included onto the SA exec team. You can come to any SA exec members with concerns that can remain anonymous if you like, and they will be
brought to all of us, who will do our best to try and come up with a solution. Also, if anyone has ever been to Senate on Sunday, then you know that SA executives present weekly reports to the Senators to keep everyone informed. Senators are also encouraged to bring
forward their ideas about certain issues or problems that are affecting the campus and the student body. Student Association Executive positions are very important, and even though we are not recognized by most on campus, it doesn’t matter because just the fact
Photo by Elmira College Student Association that we are making a difference on campus gives the position a charm and a gratification that cannot be achieved any other way.
April 11, 2016
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Overheard at EC “Cooking this pizza was the longest two and a half minutes of my life.”
“Should I write ‘plethora’ or ‘a plethora?’” “Just write ‘myriad.’” “You still need the ‘a.’” g.” if there wasn’t swayin ira m El be ’t dn ul wo t “I
ed in my eye.” p p ri d st ju d ea h re fo “My
“I just wish he’d chok “Get them away from e me! on a donut. They have They give me anxiety. ” holes in them, so he’d “Peanuts give you an xiety…?” be okay. But it’d be amusing!” “I look like a sad,
wet otter.”
“Are they sheep?” “The only tests “No.” that matter in “W hat are they?” life are pregnancy “Lambs.” tests and cancer “Lambs are tests.” sheep!” “That was deep.”
“Can your brain freeze from the outside?”
“Meat chickens remind me “Why do people always “I bought a plant tod ay!” of America because they’re “But you just bought hate on boners?” a tree...” fat and lazy.” “I know, sometimes I “I think he’s going get urges.”
to get n a t a k fired.” “He already ld wor u o h s y l u t o n “Y “I hope so, he just pu Appare . k r a nched p fell in love t n amuseme ife just piques.” someone in the crotch!” with Kristen your love l ies.” n r a c e h t over Stewart.” “Yeah, with all “Well this is gonna go
“Ew.”
function.” “Drinking is a bodily
like a fart in church.”
“I wanted to see if the texture was as weird on my fingers as it was in my mouth.”
Top EC Yaks
April 11, 2016
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Chamber Singers Sign Off By Carissa Neary ’19 Staff Writer
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his past Tuesday, the Chamber Singers performed in their Winter Term Concert. Along with seniors departing, this concert marked the end of the singers’ time performing with the Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Seeley. The concert’s theme was Folk Songs from Around the World. Besides from just the Chamber Singers performing, the Chiclettes, EC Naturals, and Silent Voices joined them on stage. When asked about her experience with the Chamber Singers, Emily Rosebush ’16 said, “Chamber Singers has given me a strong feeling of community and friendship the past few years and it has been a joy to come together as a group. I’m sure that the choir will be headed in a great new direction next year, but Dr. Seeley will be greatly missed. He has been an incredible mentor for all of us.” Shannon Dole ’17 was one of the audience members and had this to say about the concert: “I really enjoyed the folk music and the passion that went into every song.” Congratulations to a wonderful run for all the seniors in
Interested in writing for the Octagon? Becoming a staff writer? Contributing your thoughts on just one event or topic? Contact octagon@ elmira.edu for more information!
Photo by Carissa Neary ’19 the performance groups, along with wonderful years and performances put on by Dr. Seeley.
April 11, 2016
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April 11, 2016
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Roaming Reporter Question: What are you most excited about for Term 3?
Photo by elmira.edu
Emily Rosebush ’16: “Preparing to graduate and be an adult!”
Matt Hoyt ’16:
“Living that island life in the Bahamas. Then coming back for my birthday and graduation!”
Hope Levy ’16:
“Being in Australia, hugging koalas.”
Casey Alencewicz ’17:
“Learning about food and tattoos!!”
Karli Pochkar ’16: “Traveling to Europe!”
Liz Roosa ’16:
“Cheering on the Penguins in the playoffs.”
Emily Daigneault ’17: “AUSTRALIA!”
Rebecca Whitney ’18:
“Going to the Bahamas and get my hands dirty and doing some field work. I just want to go out in the field and get my hands dirty. I don’t want a vacation.”
Michaela Johnson ’17: “Student teaching! FINALLY.”
Ellie Knapp ’16:
“I’m most excited to sleep in every day and enjoy the afternoons in the sun!”
Elizabeth Paolucci ’17:
Walking across campus and seeing lots of students outside hanging out, doing work, and enjoying the nice weather!
Jessica Brower ’16:
“My independent study as a research assistant for Dr. Graf.”
Sara Andrews ’16:
“Bowling with my amazing friend Nicole Gentile! And spending time outside in the warm weather, if it ever gets warm here...”
Photo by pintrest.com
April 11, 2016
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Sports
Women’s Lacrosse Flies Past New England College By Liz Roosa ’16 Sports Editor
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he Elmira College women’s lacrosse team travelled to New Hampshire to take on New England College on April 3rd. It was a good day for the Soaring Eagles as they came away victorious, winning 16-5. Elmira was first on the board less than five minutes into the first half with a goal from Kylie Connell ‘17 unassisted. Connell scored again just two minutes and two seconds later assisted by Laura Powell ‘16. New England got on the board less than a minute later and only fifty seconds after that tied the game at two. Hayley Baker ‘19 scored unassisted at the 11:04 mark to reclaim Elmira’s lead. Twenty-four seconds later Moorea Spoljaric ‘16 put another in for the purple and gold assisted by Baker. With sixteen minutes left in the first half Marisa Carr ‘18 extended the Elmira lead assisted by Spoljaric. Fourteen seconds later Baker put another in unassisted. New England responded with just under eleven and a
half minutes to play in the first. Elmira scored again at the 21:05 mark with a goal from Sarah Hughson ‘18 assisted by Powell.In the final minute of the first half New England scored once more only for Spoljaric to respond nine seconds later to leave the score at the half 8-4. The second half of the game was all Elmira. The Soaring Eagles scored three times before New England responded. The first was Kyra McDonald ‘18, unassisted, the second was Baker, unassisted, and the third was Hughson, also unassisted. After what would prove to be the Pilgrims’ final goal Elmira scored five more times. McDonald put in her second goal of the game assisted by Spoljaric. Macy Huntley ‘19 scored her first goal of the season
Photo by the Department of Athletics assisted by Hughson. Baker scored her third goal of the game assisted by Kiersta Pino ‘18. The final two goals of the game were both scored by Spoljaric unassisted. Elmira won 16-5. Lindsay Wargo ‘17 made three saves in the victory.
Baseball Splits Double Header With Hilbert By Liz Roosa ’16 Sports Editor
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oming off some rough games against St. John Fisher the Elmira College baseball team came back as they hosted Hilbert College in a double header at Dunn Field. The Soaring Eagles took the opening game 10-9 while Hilbert took the second game 8-5. Hilbert started the first game strong, scoring five times on four plays in the first inning. Elmira began their scoring in the second with a single up the middle that brought in Will Jenkins ‘18 and Brian Wehmeyer ‘16. Elmira continued their streak in the third with a double that brought in Rey Colon ‘18. The Soaring Eagles managed to score once more in the third when a single to left field brought in Conor Bawiec ‘18 to leave Elmira trailing 5-4 going into the fourth inning. Hilbert managed to score once in the fourth and neither team managed to score in the fifth. It was the sixth inning that saw a shift in momentum for the purple and gold. A throwing error brought in Rob Simpson ‘16 to bring Elmira back within one. A double to center field sent three players home: Colon, Bryce Plante ‘18, and Cameron Heggie ‘18, which gave Elmira an 8-6 lead. The Soaring Eagles still weren’t finished in the sixth as a single brought in Dylan Bellinger ‘17 to extend Elmira’s lead to 9-6. Hilbert found some success in
Photo by the Department of Athletics the sixth, bringing the score within one. A single to left field in the seventh inning brought Wehmeyer in to make the score 10-8 and although Hilbert scored once in the seventh it wasn’t enough and Elmira took game one 10-9. Elmira opened the scoring in the first inning of the game two with a single to Center field that brought in Heggie. From there Hilbert went on a run scoring six runs on five plays in the first and adding another in the second. Elmira scored twice in the third, first when a double sent Heggie in and then when a wild pitch allowed Bellinger to come home. Hilbert scored once in the third to make the score 8-3. Elmira scored twice in the fifth, with another double bringing in Heggie and a single to right field bringing in Dennis Rudolph ‘18. It was not enough, however, as Elmira dropped the second game 8-5.
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Softball Falls on the Road to Alfred
Photo by the Department of Athletics By Liz Roosa ’16 Sports Editor
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fter starting the season off strong with four wins the Elmira College softball team looked to extend their winning streak as they headed to Alfred University for a double header on April 2nd. Unfortunately the defending Empire 8 Conference champions had other plans as the Soaring Eagles fell 11-5 and then 13-5. In the first game Alfred began the scoring in the first inning with a home run that sent two players across the plate for an early 2-0 lead. Elmira cut the deficit in half when Emily Carlin ‘17 hit a home run to score in the second inning. The Saxons scored on a wild pitch to make the score 3-1. In the third inning another home run, this time from Julianne Heggie ‘16, brought the Soaring Eagles within one. That same inning is when Alfred really heated up in terms of scoring with two home runs sending in two
players a piece to make the score 7-2. Elmira scored again in the fourth first on a walk that brought Emily Clark ‘19 in and then a wild pitch that brought Sam Chadbourne ‘19 in to make the score 7-4. The Soaring Eagles scored again in the fifth to bring the score within two thanks to another home run from Carlin but Alfred went on another spree that brought four more Saxons over the plate to win 11-5. Once again Alfred opened the scoring in the first inning for game two as a player scored on a hit out to right field. The purple and gold got to work in the second inning when two walks sent in Carlin and Jacquelyn Heggie ‘16, and a single sent in both Carolyn Corcoran ‘19 and Chelsea Storch ‘17 giving Elmira an early 4-1 lead. When Alfred next came up to bat they quickly caught up with and surpassed Elmira to take a 5-4 lead. Elmira’s final score of the day came in the third inning on another single that sent Clark in. From there the Saxons tore away to eventually win game two 13-5.
NHL Report: Current Playoff Picture
By Liz Roosa ’16 Sports Editor
I
t’s getting down to the wire and the playoff spots have nearly all been
claimed. Here’s this week’s NHL playoff picture. These standings are as of April 6th. Beginning with the
Western Conference’s Central Division there are no changes as all three playoff spots have been claimed. The Dallas Stars sit in first with 105 points and a 48-23-9 record. The St. Louis Blues are in second place in the division again with 105 points and a 48-23-9 record. In third again this week is the Chicago Blackhawks with 101 points and a 47-26-7 record. In the Pacific Division there have been some shifts in position but all three teams have guaranteed a playoff spot. The
LA Kings sit in second this week with 99 points, and a 47-28-5 record. The Anaheim Ducks move up to first with 99 points and a 44-24-11 record. The San Jose Sharks are still in third place with 96 points and a record of 45-29-6. No change in the wild cards for the Western Conference this week and both teams have now secured a playoff spot. The Nashville Predators currently have 94 points with a 40-26-14 record. The Minnesota Wild have 87 points and a record of 38-32-11. In the Eastern Confer-
See NHL Page 15
April 11, 2016
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Leach’s Hat Trick Not Enough Against Nazareth
By Liz Roosa ’16 Sports Editor
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he Elmira College men’s lacrosse team couldn’t have asked for a better result for their senior game. Before the game began the team recognized seniors Mike Collins ‘16, Nick Cola ‘16, Carter Shinkaruk ‘16, TJ Leach ‘16, AJ Bourdon ‘16, Bryce Richmond ‘16, Skyler Pradelski ‘16, Jarryd ten Vaanholt ‘16, Griffin Knight ‘16, and team manager Scott Ferron ‘16. After that the team went to work, taking home a 15-4 victory over Alfred State. Elmira started off the scoring with just under six minutes remaining in the first quarter with a goal from Anthony LaRusso ‘17, unassisted. Just fourteen seconds later Nevin Olney ‘18 put one in assisted by Bourdon to put the Soaring Eagles up by two. The purple and gold were the first
to strike less than five minutes into the second quarter with an unassisted goal from Pradelski. Less than two minutes later Leach added an unassisted tally to further extend Elmira’s lead. Sixteen seconds after Leach’s goal Olney scored again assisted by Kevin Schutt ‘19. Alfred finally got on the board with less than four minutes remaining in the second quarter and scored again with less than a minute and a half remaining. However, it would be the Soaring Eagles with the final goal of the quarter as Wyatt Katsos ‘17 put one in assisted by Cola to give Elmira a 6-2 lead going into halftime. The third quarter saw four more goals for the Soaring Eagles. The first scored at the three minute mark was from Pradelski unassisted. Olney added another only forty-five seconds later. Pradelski scored again with just
Photo by the Department of Athletics over eight and a half minutes remaining in the quarter and Leach closed out the scoring with just over five and a half minutes left. The score at the end of the third quarter was 10-2. Alfred managed to get the early tally in the fourth scoring on a man advantage just eighteen seconds in. Just under two and a half minutes later Pradelski responded unassisted. Two minutes and fifteen seconds later Leach added another for Elmira assisted by LaRusso. Just over a minute and a half later Pradelski struck again followed less than a minute later by LaRusso. With 6:15 remaining Alfred managed another goal but it would be the Soaring Eagles who would score the final goal of the game as with 4:15 remaining Shinkaruk netted his first goal of the season unassisted. Cam Prior was in net for Elmira and made 11 saves in the victory.
NHL
From Page 14 ence’s Atlantic Division the Tampa Bay Lightning have fallen to second but clinched a playoff spot with 95 points and a 44-30-5 record. The Boston Bruins have fallen out of contention for the moment and the Detroit Red Wings now sit in third but do not yet have a guaranteed playoff spot with 91 points and a 40-
28-11 record. The Florida Panthers have moved up to first place and guaranteed a playoff spot with 101 points on a 46-25-9 record. The Metropolitan Division is led yet again by the Washington Capitals. The team has 117 points courtesy of a 55-17-7 record. Falling to third place but now with a clinched playoff spot
is the New York Rangers with 99 points and a 45-269 record. Moving up to second and earning themselves a playoff spot is the Pittsburgh Penguins with 102 points and a 47-25-8 record. Like the Western Conference there was no change in wild card lineup this week although only one team has secured a playoff spot. The
Philadelphia Flyers have 91 points and a 39-26-13 record while the New York Islanders have 97 points with a 44-26-9 record and a ticket to the playoffs. Those are the latest standings. Be sure to check back next term once playoffs have begun to see all the latest around the NHL. Photo by shstigertracks.com
April 11, 2016
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World News China: The Highest Execution Rate In The World
Photo by CNN By Chris Kokes ’18 World News Editor
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mnesty International has put out some alarming statistics about the world’s top executioner. This country was responsible for over 30% of the entire world’s executions, killing off over 1000 people in 2015. They also happen to be one of our biggest trading partners. That’s right, China has been listed as the world’s number one executioner. This is shocking even further because the exact statistics aren’t even available, as China has made this data secret and hidden from the world. What is known is that China, along with Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, all make up for over 50% of the worlds ex-
ecutions. Even though the number of executions worldwide has fallen, the number of executions in China has remained the same. The worst part about these figures is the number of botched executions and trials surrounding the same. There have been many incidences where one person has been tried and convicted of a crime meriting execution, only to have another person confess to the crime later, such as the case of Huugjiilt, an inner Mongolian teen. Amnesty International has admitted that these figures cannot be exact, as the data from China is kept extremely secretive. However, China has not disputed reports of being the top executioner in the world, and has shown no indication of slowing down this rate anytime soon.
ISIS Carries Out Mass Abduction By Chris Kokes ’18 World News Editor
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ore terror has occurred in Syria as ISIS captured 300 cement factory workers early on Thursday. ISIS militants at the factory carried out this mass abduction, and prisoners were seen being loaded onto buses, presumably to be taken to areas more firmly controlled by ISIS. As of right now, there are an estimated 215-300 prisoners who were taken. This abduction is just the latest in a series of ISIS controlled and funded attacks and hostage takeovers. However, this is the first mass abduction to take place in a significant
amount of time. It was also alarmingly close to the central city for the Assad regime, Damascus, leading to questions about the regime. Speculation exists that a mass abduction so close to the regime’s base of opera-
Photo by virtualjerusalem.com tions indicates either extremely low levels of security or possible outright support of the terrorist group.
April 11, 2016
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Opinion
My Favorite Article of the Week:
“7 Harsh Realities of Life Millennials Need to Understand” By Nicole Derosia ’17 Staff Writer
S
o, whilst making my daily rounds through social media, I came across this lovely article on Facebook called “7 Harsh Realities of Life Millennials Need to Understand.” This article lists seven things that (hopefully) most adults already understand about life, but the up-coming youth can’t seem to grasp. I agree with and have experienced situations regarding each bullet point on the list, and it’s sad when you realize how relevant this article and these problems really are. Here are the points that it makes: “Your feelings are largely irrelevant.” This is so undeniably true. In the long run, no one will care if your feelings get hurt, especially if it’s your boss.We all know that one person who can’t take even the lightest constructive criticism, even if it is for the better. Then that person expects you to care about their feelings and do everything possible to make them feel better. Frankly, if you get offended, it’s your own fault. In the real world, no will be willing to go out of their way to avoid your feelings. Offensive things will get said and feelings will get hurt, but no one should have to cater to you, and they won’t. Instead, learn to take these things in stride, and use criticism and offensive comments to make yourself better for the future. “You cannot be whatever you want.” Absolutely true. If you think you can go to college, major in theater, and become a movie star, you are living a lie. The chances of that actually happening are slim to none. If that’s what you want to do with your time and money, so be it, you have a right to do that. Having said that, is it fiscally responsible for you to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a major that won’t get you anything in life? I do have a friend, though, that goes against this theory and my own. They went to school for the same thing, and I, having planned out my life for the next twelve years, didn’t think that this was a good choice. However, they proved me wrong. They have been in multiple plays featured in New York City, and even has their own agent now, I believe. However, this does not mean that it will happen to you! “Gender studies is a waste of money.” This goes along with the last point. The best advice I can offer is to know what you want to do with your under-
graduate degree, because it matters when you’re sitting on your couch with no job. At least you have your Bachelor’s degree, right? Wrong. And when you go to complain about it, just know that people likely won’t care, as mentioned in the first point, especially if you payed that much money for irrelevant qualifications. “If you live in America, you’re already in the 1%.” This I don’t agree with as much as the other points. Of course, it is true and should be recognized that the United States is better off than most countries in the world. However, what does this country’s success have to do with another’s? Sure, the US has a powerful influence over the global economy, but feeling bad about the condition of other places in the world isn’t going to help them. This generates comments like, “Don’t be sad because other people have it worse.” This is the same as saying, “Don’t smile because other people have it better.” Both simply perpetuate the problem and do nothing to solve it. Instead of making everyone else feel bad, get off your pedestal and contribute yourself. Donate to relief funds, or better yet, take time off from your useless major and travel over to help. “You don’t have a right to it just because you exist.” I wholeheartedly agree with this point. If you noticed though, it does contradict the latter point. The article states, “Just because you’re here and breathing doesn’t mean society owes you anything.” I don’t understand. If that is true here, which I believe it is, why should it be false everywhere else? Something else we can all learn from this is that
Photo by probablynotjoebiden.files.wordpress.com logic is important. On the other hand, this point perfectly explains why I don’t support things like universal healthcare or free college. Where do you think that money comes from? The government? Guess where the government’s money comes from: you. Realistically, and going along with other points, there are too many people in college with useless degrees anyway. Why would I or any other taxpayer want to pay for your useless major when I can’t even pay for my own? The United States government is a democracy; the point of establishing a democracy in the United States was to limit the power of the government! Do you know why the colonies rebelled? Taxes! Do you know what’s going to happen if universal health care, free education, and the like become a reality? More taxes! Long story short, no one should have to pay for you and your poor choices. “You do have the right to live as you please, but not to demand people to accept it.” People will have opinions, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, two things should be noted. You can, by all means have an opinion and voice it, but that doesn’t mean people will listen or want to. Even if people don’t listen, you have no right to demand they listen. Just like you don’t have a right to demand people to agree with you, you don’t have a right to demand that people not voice their own opinions. As mentioned, people
See MILLENNIALS Page 15
April 11, 2016
Page 15
Millennials From Page 14
will hurt your feelings, but that doesn’t mean that their feelings don’t get hurt too. If you have a right to voice your negative opinion, then so do I. “The only safe space is your home.” Big Brother! Not even homes are safe nowadays. This does NOT mean that you are safe behind your computer screen from everyone in the outside world. The Internet, though useful, is also very dangerous. It also enables people to be absolutely ruthless when they have the
safeguard of the screen between you and them. Don’t develop the tendency to attack people on the Internet because you don’t have to deal with them face to face. Learn to handle your problem head on with someone IN PERSON. However, if you can’t handle any of the things mentioned in this list, then your home, completely cut off from the rest of the world, is probably the safest place for you. This article is very straightforward (and so was I) with the harsh realities of
the world. You can agree with the article, you can agree with me, or you can’t, but that’s the beauty of it all. You have a choice. However, when you go out into the real world, you should probably know these few things. The link for the article is http://www.infowars.com/7-harshrealities-of-life-millennials-need-tounderstand/ if you are interested in reading it.
How to be a Good Friend By Emily Daigneault ’17 Opinion Editor
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s a young woman in this society we live in, it’s nearly impossible to not have some catty fights and some bad friends at least once in a lifetime. (Face it - we are bred to hate each other.) That said, it’s not always society to be blamed. Oftentimes, people can just be bad people who make poor decisions and do not consider the feelings or opinions of others. I myself have had very unfortunate experiences with so-called “friends.” If I had to choose some ideal friendship qualities, without being too specific regarding my personal interests, here is what I would have:
1) Listen.
It’s crucial in any relationship to have good communication. Otherwise, there’s a disconnection and the relationship can suffer from lack of compromise. If you want to be a good friend, it’s really important that you give the other person opportunities to express themselves. Whether it’s venting about a bad day or sharing stories about a crush, let the other person talk. It will be your turn eventually, but for now...
2) Don’t make it all about you.
It’s nice to be able to relate to someone’s story, and that can really be a great contribution to a conversation, but don’t direct all the attention to you. If the other person is tired, don’t own tired; let them be tired, too. It’s not always about you. It is sometimes, but a healthy friendship is having a balance of “help me out” and “let me help you out.”
3) Think before acting.
If something you will do may affect your friend, think of every consequence of every decision before acting. People sometimes forget to consider others’ needs or wants when they are focused on their own, but when it comes to being a good friend, it’s very important to think of how everyone in a situation will be affected.
4) Never make excuses.
Photo by bedoorbluemoon.files.wordpress.com If you screw up, own up to it. Don’t make excuses to cover up your mistakes. It’s very insincere and not honest to the person you are friends with. It’s normal to make mistakes, and any good friend will forgive you for them, but any good friend will also apologize when they are wrong.
5) Don’t talk crap.
If you have a problem with a friend, confront them about it. Don’t spread rumors about them or complain about them to another person. This plays largely into communication, along with trust. A solution can only be made if the other person is aware of the issue. But consulting a third party won’t help matters, and may even make them worse. Friendship is pretty simple if you stick to the basics honesty, compassion, and loyalty. All of these things can contribute to a healthy and secure friendship. Take it from someone who has had their fair share of bad friendships.
April 11, 2016
Page 16
Entertainment EC Buzz:
6 Ways to Handle Stress During Finals Week By Alyssa Wilson ’17 Entertainment Editor
1. Take study breaks!
Although you have tons of material to prepare for prior to your final, it’s super important to take a break now and then! Staring at PowerPoint slides or handwritten notes can get tiring and boring. If you really want to study most successfully, make sure you take a few minutes every so often to look away from the blinding sheet of white to enjoy Pinterest, a chat with your friends, or anything that will give you a momentary reprieve!
2. Call your parents
The thing about distance is that it really does make the heart grow fonder. Even if you don’t always see eye to eye with your parents while you’re home, I bet they’d be super supportive and helpful if you gave them a call to vent a little about finals. I know my parents are pretty proud of me for being mostly done with my Bachelor’s degree, and I’m sure your parents are just as excited. Not everyone has the drive to get a degree, so you rock just for being here, and your parents know it too!
Photo by memefort.com
5. Eat
3. Form a study group
I’m not saying eat more than usual or worse than usual, but sometimes stressing makes you forget to eat. Don’t! Your body needs that food to keep going, so take a little break to go grab some food (and make sure some of it is sugar!). You definitely have 15 minutes to run to the cc. Trust me. Your brain will thank you if it doesn’t have to work as hard to function. Seems reasonable right?
4. Go to the animal shelter to get away
We’re in college now, and the saying to live by in college is “quality not quantity.” That goes for studying too! Make sure you’re managing your time well and studying the material as best you can. Don’t try to flip through an entire term of notes in a couple of hours (been there, done that) because you’re definitely not going to learn as much as you could have with better planning! Besides, there are good levels of stress that push you to keep studying, and there are bad levels of stress that make you throw your notebook across the room and curl into a ball under your blankets. Quality studying is good stress. Quantity studying is bad stress. Which sounds better to you?
I’m the kind of person that learns best when I teach someone else. I didn’t know that until I came to college, but you learn something new every day, right? Forming a study group is a great way to learn, and it gives you outside conversation rather than cramming a bunch of information in your head for hours on end. Grab some friends, score a study room in the library, and make sure you chat in between studying because a little social interaction can go a long way!
There’s nothing better than animal therapy. Really. If you get the chance to take a study break and head over to the animal shelter, just do it! Pet a kitty or a puppy and just love on them. The best way to stop focusing on your stress is to focus on something else and what better than adorable animals? Nothing. The answer is nothing.
6. Study efficiently
April 11, 2016
Page 17
Things to Keep You Entertained This Spring By Nicole Derosia ’17 Staff Writer
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ooking for things to do this spring? Of course, spring marks the beginning of many people’s favorite season where the sun shines and it gets warmer outside. Apparently, that won’t be happening this spring, so here are a few things to keep you entertained during this unseasonably cold weather! Play with snow! It has been snowing quite a lot recently, so there’s plenty of snow to make a snowman with! There are other things you can do with it, like make snow angels and have snowball fights. There is even enough to sled! Why not enjoy the spring snow. Buy a winter coat! It’s getting colder this spring, so it might be a good idea to bundle up. Make it an outing
with your friends to go buy coats, boots, and other winter apparel this spring to stay warm. Make snowflake cutouts! There is still snow around, so get in the spring spirit by making snowflake cut outs! They are a lot of fun for a group and can be made any way you want them, so be creative! Bake gingerbread cookies! There is nothing like to warm, spring welcoming smell of the winter seasonal gingerbread! Make gingerbread men, cookies, or even a gingerbread house! There are potentially no limits on what you can do with gingerbread. Drink hot chocolate! Nothing warms you up like hot chocolate. Whenever you are done spending your spring day making snowmen or buying winter coats, there is no better way to warm up
than to enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. Make a blanket fort! If you are completely done with below freezing temperatures, then this activity is for you! Get together some of your friends, bring chairs and blankets, and make a fort together! It’s a great bonding experi-
Photo by dpchallenge.com ence and will make you feel like a kid again. Watch Netflix! You just made a fort, what a great place to watch Netflix! Get some popcorn and candy to go along with your gingerbread and hot chocolate and have a movie marathon!
Movie Review: [REC] By Nicole Derosia ’17 Staff Writer
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f you are looking for a film in Spanish with lots of suspense, violence, and blood, look no further! If The Notebook is your thing, then the movie [REC] is not for you. This movie, which inspired the American film Quarantine, is a take on zombies which portrays them as fast and aggressive. The film utilizes the style cinéma vérité, meaning that the camera is handheld by one of the characters. Also, the film is in Spanish, so be prepared for subtitles if you don’t speak Spanish (like myself). The film begins with the young crew from a local film station going to a fire station to observe the firemen at work. Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) and Pablo (Pablo Rosso) travel with two of the firefighters to a call from an apartment building in which the residents were complaining of screams coming from a locked room. They, along with local authorities, break down the door to find an old woman, bloodied and wandering aimlessly in her apartment. While trying to figure out what was wrong with her, she bit one of the police officers. They rush him downstairs, leaving one of the fire-
Photo by wikipedia.org fighters there to control her. They are helping the cop, when the firefighter falls down three flights of stairs to the lobby where they are all waiting. Now, with two people critically injured, they try to leave the building when they find themselves locked in from the outside. They are warned by authorities outside that they must remain inside the building, or drastic measures would be taken. Confused, they search for ways out of the building while stabilizing
the police officer and fireman. They are warned again that they are not allowed to leave the building until a health inspector drew blood samples to check for infection. What this infection was, no one knew. The health inspector enters, and they find out that the building was being quarantined because a new and deadly enzyme had begun with a dog in the building, infecting everyone that its saliva came into contact with. These infected “zombies”, which wouldn’t die, rampage through the building, taking down the residents one by one. Ángela and Pablo, the only two remaining, run to the last place to hide, the penthouse. When they get there, they discover the origin of this enzyme, and that the church was trying to find a cure. However, unable to do so, the priest working on the project locked the infected girl in the penthouse, where she would presumably hurt no one. And of course, she was still there. You can figure out the rest. This movie was good if you like zombie movies with lots of suspense, surprise, and blood. Quarantine was terrible, and this one was just as unenjoyable. I would not recommend this movie, but if this is the genre for you, then watch at your own risk.