November 11, 2022

Volume 91 • Issue 9

November 11, 2022

FSUgatepost.com

A Culture Fest to remember!

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST

Afro Carribean Dance Group (ACDG) getting ready to perform at their annual Culture Fest. This event features a variety of performances, including singing, rapping, dancing, and a best dressed contest.

Henry Whittemore Library establishes alumni fundraising group

By Sophia Harris News Editor

The Henry Whittemore Library is hosting an array of upcoming events for the remainder of the fall semester and planning events for the spring semester.

In addition to the events on campus, an alumni fundraising group, Friends of the Whittemore Library, is in the early stages of development.

This group was started by the previous dean of the Whittemore Library, Bonnie Mitchell, and is being led by the current dean of the library, Millie González.

“We’re forming a group to really engage alums and people who either

graduated from Framingham State or worked at Framingham State and really provide information about the library to them and give them the opportunity to give back to the library financially,” González said.

González added the group is “in its infancy.”

Working with Mitchell, they have formed a board of directors for the alumni fundraising group which includes faculty members, faculty emeriti, and members of the community.

She said the board has also created the bylaws for the fundraising group.

Desmond McCarthy, an English professor and a member of the Friends of the Whittemore Library board, said, “It’s an honor to be involved in this vi-

News

sionary initiative, which was the brainchild of our current library director Millie González and our retired library director Bonnie Mitchell.”

McCarthy emphasized the importance of the library to the campus community.

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST “A library is at the center of any university, and we need to do everything SGA pg. 3 we can to provide financial assistance to Whittemore Library and support the CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CENTER pg. 4 many new initiatives and programs that Millie is putting forward.”

He added, “A library is not simply a research center and a repository of information - it’s the hub of an academic SELF-LOVE pg. 6 community.”

McCarthy said the alumni

Opinions

See WHITTEMORE LIBRARY page 5

Sports

Framingham State celebrates military-connected students

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief Coordinator of Veteran and Military Services Christine Denaro hosted a banner signing and an open house for the center this week in honor of Veterans Day. Denaro officially began serving as coordinator Oct. 17.

On Nov. 7 and 8, Denaro hosted a table in the McCarthy Center lobby for community members to write messages on stickers to veteran and military-connected students that were then placed on a banner. The banner is currently located outside the center in Dwight Hall.

“In honor of Veterans Day on Friday,

I thought this would be a good opportunity for the Framingham State University community to recognize the veterans who served our country, and this was just my small way of acknowledging them,” Denaro said.

Also on Nov. 7, Denaro held an open house at the Veteran and Military Services Center for community members to check out the space, learn more about the center, and meet her.

In her new position, Denaro said she has three goals.

She said she would like to increase the enrollment of military-connected students, which is currently approximately 150 students.

Denaro said she would also like to

get those students more engaged with the center. “I hope to create relationships with our community to get resources that they may need outside the college.”

In her role, she said she can help military-connected students with anything from educational to personal needs, including applying to the University and for the education benefits they receive through the military.

Dean of Students Meg Nowak Borrego said beyond the center, military-connected students have resources available to them through CASA, the Counseling Center, and additional educational, medical, and mental health

Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST WOMEN’S BASKETBALL pg. 8 MEN’S SOCCER pg. 9

Arts & Features FIRST-GENERATION FAIR pg. 10 YOUNG NERDS OF COLOR pg. 12

See VETERANS DAY page 11

INSIDE: OP/ED 6 • SPORTS 8 • ARTS & FEATURES 10

NEWS

2 | NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil

Chantrell Frazier

Associate Editor Emily Rosenberg

Chemistry Professor and Mary Miles Bibb Teaching Fellow

News Editors Sophia Harris Branden LaCroix

By Naidelly Coelho Staff Writer

Opinions Editor McKenzie Ward Sports Editor Danielle Achin Asst. Sports Editor Adam Levine Arts & Features Editors Emma Lyons Ryan O’Connell Interim Asst. Arts & Features Editor Raena Doty Design & Photo Editor Maddison Behringer Asst. Photos Editor Christy Howland Zachary Sorel Interim Asst. Photos Editor Adrien Gobin Staff Writers Gerell Boyce Naidelly Coelho Owen Glancy Mark Haskell Jack McLaughlin Kate Norrish Carly Paul Wenchell Pierre Ryan Schreiber Advisor Desmond McCarthy

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TH E GA T E

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Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks

What is your educational and career background?

I am a native of Tampa, Florida, so my high school is Thomas Jefferson High School. It’s a predominantly Hispanic and Black high school in the Tampa Bay area. From there, I graduated from high school in 2012. And then, from 2012 to 2016, I attended a historically Black university called Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, and that’s where I obtained my bachelor’s of forensic science with a concentration in chemistry.

And so during those four years is where I kind of found my interest in research and the sciences. From 2016 to more recently - the beginning of this year, 2022 - I attended Florida International University and obtained my Ph.D. in biochemistry.

What is your job at FSU? I’m a part of what we call the Mary Miles Bibb Teaching Fellowship. It’s a program that they’ve reinstated more recently, which allows me to hold the title of an assistant professor of chemistry here at Framingham State University.

So, my official title is assistant professor of chemistry, but I have that because of the fellowship. And currently, I’m also a part of a new grant that they brought to Framingham State, which is the Massachusetts AGEP [Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate], which is through NSF, so I’m also a part of that cohort.

How did you earn the Mary Miles Bibb Teaching Fellowship?

I literally saw it in an email. When I was finishing up my Ph.D., I was trying to understand if I wanted to go industry, or if I wanted to go academia, and so then I knew I wanted to teach. That was like a calling for me. I just saw how it existed when I was a student, as well as observing it - hands-on as what we call a T.A. when you’re doing your doctorate. So you were a teaching assistant, so you really had the power over your labs.

But in the sense of actually teaching chemistry, I knew that’s something I really wanted to do. And this postdoctoral @Tallows me toSTdo that. It gives fellowship HEGATEPO me the grace to strictly focus on learning how to be a better professor because a lot of times when you get into these positions, you are kind of thrown into it.

So this position allows me to really grow my teaching pedagogy, and allows me to

T TH EGATEPOS

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Courtesy of Chantrell Frazier refine my skills and get better at teaching chemistry.

as I can or make an impact as much as I can while I’m at it.

Do you have any goals for your career?

Ultimately, I’ve always wanted to start a school - STEM-focused school, but that’s kind of a long shot. But currently, at least at Framingham State University, what I want to do is get the students of color who are in the STEM field more involved with STEM activities. So I want to start a forensic science course here at the University. So I’m kind of working on that now trying to figure out the proper channels in doing that. But I definitely want to get the students of color who are in the STEM field, more involved in activities that will help them get experience, as well as make them more appealing to whatever their future endeavors are with medical school, or going to get a doctorate or whatever the case may be. Just really getting them involved and exposing them to the opportunities that exist to do that, because someone did it for me. I only have two years, so let’s think that’s the caveat about the postdoctoral fellowship. It is only a two-year assignment. So, I’m trying to do as much

Do you have any hobbies outside of your work?

I really like to work out, and I really like to play basketball. I’m currently recovering from ACL surgery from six months ago, so I haven’t been able to kind of get involved in the scene. But I truly love working out and playing basketball. I’m excited for the basketball season this year. I will be attending a lot of games to see some of my students who are actually a part of the team. I’m excited about that.

Do you have any advice for students?

Don’t give up. I know a lot of times as a first-year student or even getting ready to graduate, it’s like, “What am I doing? Where do I have to go?” Don’t give up whatever you do. There’s always help available for you.

CONNECT WITH NAIDELLY COELHO ncoelho3@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Saturday, Nov. 5 10:19 Motor Vehicle Accident FSU Police Department Report Taken

Monday, Nov. 7 05:18 Well Being Check Larned Hall Checks OK

Monday, Nov. 7 05:40 Medical Miles Bibb Hall Transported to MWMC

Thursday, Nov. 10 14:45 Panic Alarm West Hall Checks OK

NEWS

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | 3

SGA concerned with lack of communication from administration

By Johan Perez Staff Writer Students expressed concern about a lack of communication from the administration about important matters as well as the level of responsiveness and effectiveness of Student Services during open forum at SGA’s Nov. 8 meeting.

Lorretta Holloway, vice president of Academic Enhancement, was invited to the meeting as part of an effort by her department to discuss with student groups concerns about “roadblocks” students face.

She said the path of a new student from the start of their college career to the finish is not as ideal as it’s usually projected. “We all know that’s not necessarily what happens.”

Holloway said speaking with students directly is important. “Sometimes, other people want to give you help, and they decide what you need as opposed to asking you what you need,” she said.

She said she has already attended several student group meetings, with more scheduled in the near future. “If you’re in a club, and you think your members have a lot to say, I’m willing to try to figure out a time to come meet and talk.”

Student Trustee McKenzie Ward said she was concerned there is no ADA commissioner at FSU. “When I was walking into the Athletic Center today, the doors that open for the handicap button were locked,” she said.

President Dara Barros said students taking a leave of absence without following official protocol have a rough time in the readmission process, “especially [first-generation students] who don’t have parents to tell them how to take it the correct way.”

Evelyn Campbell, outreach and events coordinator, said a majority of first-year students she assists at CASA often fall behind in their assignments, which lowers their morale.

She said the RAMS 101 courses should be tailored more toward “keeping up with work” and “how to persevere if you’ve fallen behind.”

Barros also said the Student Services Center is not “student focused or student ready.”

She said Student Accounts and Financial Aid should communicate more effectively. “There’s times where I get an email saying I have a hold on my account, then two hours later, ‘Sorry, we lied. Financial Aid just hasn’t posted your aid yet.’”

Barros added, “If I wasn’t a student leader and didn’t know how to advocate for myself, I wouldn’t have gone to the Financial Aid Office five min-

utes after I got the email.”

She recommended a more in-depth financial aid session during orientation to teach new students to learn how to read their financial aid packets, saying currently, “they really just speed through it.”

Campbell agreed, saying first-generation students need more information sessions for financial aid. “It is such a difficult task to come to college when your parents haven’t,” she said.

She added family information sessions could help parents of first-generation students as well. “My parents were supportive of me going to college, but they had no idea what was happening. We had to blindly figure it out ourselves.”

Senator Dillon Riley said the COVID-19 pandemic “shook up how universities work.”

He added even as a second-generation student, he still had issues in the registration process. “My mom was trying to help me out and she had no Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST idea what was going on, either.

SGA Advisor Sara Gallegos speaking at the Oct. 28 meeting.

“She’s trying to learn at the same said faculty and staff told her, “Yeah, I each one. time. It’s new for everybody,” he said.

The issues addressed include a Senator Austin Van Lingen said the only found out because of The Gatepost. change of modality in classes, broken staff of the Student Services Center “It makes us feel like we’re forgotequipment and weights missing in the “seems like they had an attitude probten sometimes,” she said.

Athletic Center, ticketing in the parklem.”

Campbell added, “When you’re siting lots, and a request to notify the He said, “Whoever you’re having a ting in the SGA office and I get a text community through email of major conversation with, especially in regard saying they think there’s someone with decisions. to your bill or financial aid, [should] The SGA members said goodbye definitely be speaking in a nicer man- a gun on campus, and then I have to walk through campus terrified because to Sara Gallegos, executive director ner with students.” campus police haven’t told us. …

When of Student Experience and Careers Barros said, “It’s as if they act like it comes to communications, when and SGA advisor, as this was her last we should already know accounting we’re always the last ones to know, it meeting as SGA advisor. The new SGA and how to read our bill.” makes us feel less and less valued each advisor will be Leah Mudd, assistant Sam Houle, SATF treasurer, said his time.” director of student experience and success as a student has “kind of been Holloway confirmed an emergenorientation in spite of the advising process rather cy alert test that was sent to student Ward said Tuesday Nov. 15 is the than because of it.” emails during the fake gun incident Campus Safety Walk at 6 p.m. at the He added in his first advising meetwas already planned and unrelated.

McCarthy patio. ing as a freshman, his advisor told him Vice President Raffi Elkhoury said Ward also said the next Board of to drop his minor because he “didn’t the lack of research opportunities and Trustees meeting is Wednesday, Nov. understand how higher education sufficient technology to perform ex16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Room works.” He said he trusted her and did periments within the STEM majors and on Zoom. so, only to now not be a licensed edShe said she is working on orgaucator after graduation even though makes it difficult for students to learn skills that will be used in future emnizing a student open forum with the that was originally his plan. ployment.

Board of Trustees as an informal event “I had no idea what the ramifica“If you want to go into working in to “make sure the Board of Trustees tions of that decision were,” Houle a lab, you want to have practice with get to know us as students and get to said. certain lab equipment,” he said.

“If the know what the student experience is Ward said the incident of an indischool doesn’t have that, that can defilike.” vidual brandishing a fake gun while The “U-Rock” award was presented driving through campus last week was nitely turn students away or hamper their progress.” to Ben “Bench” Hurney by Riley. He never communicated to students.

Holloway thanked the SGA memsaid Bench was selfless and gave his “We basically found out about it bers for their feedback. time to others even when he didn’t through a chain of everyone tellFollowing up on the Oct. 26 meeting, need to. ing everyone,” she said. “I personally wouldn’t want to come to a campus Barros said she received a document from Dean of Students Meg Nowak [Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is where it’s not communicated to me.”

Borrego detailing each issue addressed Opinions Editor for The Gatepost] Holloway added she had not heard in the Oct. 11 Administrators’ Forum, about this incident until Ward raised it the proposed solution for each issue at the meeting.

Campbell said communication is an that was discussed in follow-up meet- CONNECT WITH JOHAN PEREZ issue for faculty and staff as well. She ings, and the administrator assigned to jperez3@student.framingham.edu

Weather

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Sunday night Nov. 13 Mostly clear, with a low around 33. W wind around 10 mph.

Monday night Nov. 14 Mostly clear, with a low around 28. NW wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday night Nov. 15 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind.

60% chance of rain and snow.

Wednesday night Nov. 16 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. W wind around 5 mph. 40% chance of rain and snow.

Monday Nov. 14 Sunny, with a high near 46. NW wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Nov. 15 Partly sunny, with a high near 46. N wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Nov. 16 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. NE wind around 5 mph. 60% chance of rain and snow.

Thursday Nov. 17 Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. W wind around 10 mph. 30% chance of snow.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

4 | NOVEMBER 11, 2022

NEWS

Civic Engagement Center now open with internship, mini-grant opportunities

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief Framingham State University’s Civic Engagement and Service Learning Center opened this semester, offering internships for students and mini-grants for faculty and staff, according to Susan Dargan, dean of the College of Education and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The center’s mission is to provide volunteer opportunities to students, connecting them with local communities that may be underrepresented and underserved, according to the Framingham State website.

The center partners with MetroWest Nonprofit Network, an organization that aims to provide support to and collaboration with local nonprofits.

Located in the Center for Inclusive Excellence, students, faculty, and staff can visit during office hours from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

These are held by its Faculty Coordinator David Smailes, a political science professor.

This semester, the center is sponsoring four paid internships focused on civic engagement. Interns are assigned a nonprofit to work with and meet regularly with the faculty coordinator to work for the center itself.

The interns worked with Anna Cross, director of MWNN, to find their nonprofit placements.

Dargan said around 2016, a group of FSU employees worked together to file an application for a Carnegie Classification in order to be recognized as an institution for “strong civic engagement.”

Though the group knew the chances of acquiring this classification were slim at that point, Dargan said the application process allowed them to begin taking the necessary steps to one day reach that goal.

Then, the vice president of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement who was leading the charge for this classification left the University.

Subsequently, Dargan said the group did not have the “wherewithal” to complete the application.

She said institutions can apply every two years, and during that in-between time, she asked the University for an administrator position and funding.

Dargan said she was given approximately $18,000 a year, which allowed her to hire a faculty coordinator, offer mini-grants, and provide faculty training.

“Then last year, the Board of Trustees agreed to fund initiatives related to retention and improvement, and there’s a lot of literature that shows that community-engaged learning helps us retain students, particularly in a demographic we’re seeing a growth in in our student population,” she said.

“Our students who are BIPOC tend to really respond well to that kind of training,” she added.

The Board of Trustees granted the initiative a one-year sum of $100,000, she said.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

However, she said the biggest challenge the center faces is not having a leader, adding other institutions typically have a full-time employee in that position.

“What I’m hoping is that we can show what can be done and how there has to be someone in charge of it,” Dargan said.

In the meantime, she said the acting director is the faculty coordinator who will oversee the interns and assist faculty and staff in applying for the mini-grants.

“He’s on the work group and he’s going to be working on the meetand-greet breakfast and things like that,” she added. “Then we’re working on another faculty development institute this summer, which is a lot of work.”

Dargan said, “The faculty coordinator gets $3,500 a semester. It’s not a ton of money. It’s not a course release. It’s a recognition of the work they’re doing.”

Smailes said as a political science professor, he has always had an interest in civic engagement.

He added, “It’s such an important part of community building and democracy.”

After getting involved with a civic engagement group at Westfield State University, where he used to work, Smailes said he has been looking for more ways to get involved.

He said this led him to apply for one of the center’s mini-grants the first year they were offered and ultimately apply for the faculty coordinator position.

“I’m just really excited,” Smailes said. “I think one of the great things about this is that it really brings the community and the University together in a really important way. And I think every time I’ve been involved in civic engagement projects and service learning projects, everybody comes away with something really valuable from it.”

Cross said MWNN reached out to Framingham State regarding civic engagement around 2018 because the organization wanted to “develop a closer relationship” with the University.

“The legislature at that time was going to build in civic engagement as part of their funding, and then decided not to, so that kind of put the whole project on hold,” she said.

However, this year, Dargan reached out to MWNN with a proposal for working with the organization to find internship placements for students, Cross said.

“So the program that was developed with funding by the University to support internships managed by MWNN and building on the relationships that we have in the community with the nonprofits really allowed us to be able to identify organizations that were interested in having interns and then link interns to pretty significant, I think, experiences that they’re having in the nonprofits,” she said.

Cross added the organization is grateful for its partnership with FSU. “It’s really an opportunity for us

to build cultural awareness for us to build a focus lens on equity and justice by having people who can really speak to issues that are happening in their community from a very direct experiential place,” she said.

Britania Lewis, a senior business major, said she is interning for the MetroWest Food Collaborative, a nonprofit aimed at promoting and supporting policies and programs related to equal access to food.

Lewis said she is currently working on the nonprofit’s website and social media presence, while also planning for a legislative breakfast where legislators will meet with the organization and discuss funding.

She said it’s “really great,” but she got “thrown into it” in an “unconventional way” because the first meeting she attended was about the Food Summit and involved legislators.

“It was interesting just to be in the room with these people and having these ideas coming together was great,” she added. “I learned a lot and I’m getting to meet a lot of new people and just be able to collaborate and get work done.”

Lewis said following graduation, she wants to pursue operations or project management, adding her experience at the internship - making new connections and learning more about how those individuals came into their roles - will ultimately benefit her in her career.

She said the “key” to civic engagement is “reaching out to the community and letting people know that we’re here and we’re doing the work and we want you to be part of the work.”

Emily Rosenberg, a junior political science major, said she is interning for the Mental Health Collaborative, a nonprofit in Hopkinton aimed at promoting mental health awareness, which is done in part by the training it offers to schools and corporations.

Rosenberg is currently writing letters to legislators encouraging them to add an amendment to their bills that mandate mental health training because those bills sometimes do not specify when the training needs to be completed.

She added Massachusetts does not have a mental health training mandate, but she is also writing a letter to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu because she is “extremely passionate about mental health.”

Rosenberg said, “She wants to create a stronger platform to support people with mental illnesses.”

She said she appreciates the opportunity this internship gives her to develop research skills for political policy, including mental health education and the platforms of senators and representatives.

Rosenberg added she is also working with students making videos about their experiences with mental health.

“I’ve always been really passionate about mental health education,” Rosenberg said. “I actually came to college wanting to do mental health policy.”

She said civic engagement is im-

portant because she believes people should get involved with and learn more about their community and ways they can help.

Geanny Infante, a senior fashion design and retailing major, said she is interning for Amazing Things Art Center (ATAC), a nonprofit in Framingham with an art and music focus that hosts community events.

Infante said she is working on the marketing logistics for the nonprofit, which involves contacting local businesses about promotional opportunities, creating a route for posting, and a guide for the different requirements a location may have regarding advertisements.

She said she appreciates the time flexibility that comes with this internship as most of it is working from home with no set schedule.

Infante added this allows her to get more experience with and improve her time management skills.

Following graduation this December, Infante said she wants to be part of a production team for which she can design clothes for companies.

When she initially began studying for her degree, she said she was worried about the job prospects related to her major.

“But now new jobs are being created, and a lot of places are hiring,” Infante said, adding her internship experience at ATAC will help her resumé when she begins to apply for jobs in January and February.

Infante said civic engagement is important because “not only are you helping out your local community, but you’re also getting experience yourself and can grow as an individual.”

Dargan said, “We are intentionally having a social justice, anti-racist focus with our work.

“You don’t want to have the kind of white savior mentality with this kind of work, and so there’s some really good literature out there on how to avoid that and how to listen to the people in the community to make sure you’re doing work that is beneficial, and recognizes their strengths at all times and recognizes what people have been through,” she added.

Dargan said her short-term goal for the center is “to see a big increase in interest in participation and community-engaged learning. In the long term, I would love it to be embedded in the fabric of the University, so that people in this community know that Framingham State is there for them.”

[Editor’s Note: Leighah Beausoleil is a member of the MetroWest Nonprofit Network board, but does not work with the Civic Engagement and Service Learning Center. Emily Rosenberg is Associate Editor of The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | 5

Whittemore Library Continued from page 1 fundraising group “is working to help Millie create a vibrant 21st-century environment at Whittemore - not just for your own campus, but for the Metro-West region.”

González said the board has “laid the foundation.”

The next steps will include sending information out to alumni to inform them about this opportunity to become more connected to the Library and Framingham State.

“Making that connection from when you’re on campus, as a student or as a staff member, and then when you leave, you’ll still have the connection to the library. I think it’s really wonderful,” Gonz lez said.

She noted many valuable initiatives at public libraries are funded because of the “friends of the library.”

González said the board will identify specific initiatives or items to better the library and enhance the quality of experience for students.

González said, “We’re very excited for-Tots drive. The campus community tives held for Black History Month as about this.” will be able to donate toys for children well as Women’s History Month.

Kathleen Barnard, the student at a library drop box.

González said the goal is to make events coordinator for the library, said Barnard said they are currently the library more student-focused. She the alumni fundraising group is in the working on planning an event called said students will be surveyed to learn “planning stages.”

“Cocoa by the Fire,” which is an op- what events they would like to see the She added there are “a lot of real- portunity for students to come to the library host. ly great ideas floating around,” and as library and enjoy baked goods, hot “Having a really vibrant, welcomthe board continues to meet, there will chocolate, and tea in a relaxing envi- ing, inclusive library is our goal. And to be more information available. ronment while finals are taking place. bring in all of the ideas from the comGonzález highlighted other initiaGonzález said, “So when you’re en- munity, I think it’ll make it even more tives underway at the library, includ- tering the library or going up to your enriching,” Gonz lez said. ing the community board that is locat- class, you can just have a little bit of Barnard said she would “love” to ed at the building’s entrance. something nice and sweet.” hear more from students and what “The entrance is really the most imShe added looking ahead toward the makes the library welcoming to them. portant aspect because immediately, spring semester, some events they are She added any ideas that students you get a sense of the vibe of what the planning on hosting include a book have for events the library potentially library is all about,” she said. discussion on graphic medicine in could host are welcomed.

González said the community en- partnership with the Veteran and Mili“If anybody has any thoughts on gagement board will be used to adver- tary Services Center. what they’d like to see, I’d love to hear tise events on campus to engage stuShe said the library will also be part- them. That’s always fun for me,” Bardents.

Courtesy of Framingham State She said the library is also partner- Millie González, dean of the Henry Whittemore Library. ing with the Rams Resource Center and University Police for two upcom- nering with the Center for Inclusive nard said. ing events.

Excellence to hold a book discussion.

Ray Dufresne, a junior English major, said, “It would be nice to see them [the library] be more proactive with the students and community - like offering tutoring sessions, donating old books, and doing book drives for children around the neighborhood who might need the support.”

Dufresne added, “Getting color printers that actually print in color would be a plus.”

Sophia Moretti, a senior psychology major, said she would like to see the library host events that are “community-based” and that would bring the campus community closer together so Framingham State would not feel like a “commuter school.”

“I want the library to feel more like a community space … a space where you can make friends,” Moretti said.

Abigayle Versackas, a senior history major, said she enjoys the events that the library hosts.

She said she is “definitely interested The library will be hosting a drop González said in April, there will be in going to Cocoa by the Fire” and is box where the campus community will a week-long event held for National Li- “looking forward to it.” be able to donate items such as coats brary Week, which includes book giveVersackas said she would like to see and canned goods for the Rams Re- aways, book discussions, cake-deco- the library host community-run book source Center. rating contests, and presentations by discussions especially geared toward She said the library will be partner- faculty showcasing their work.

“Indigenous History Month, Woming with University Police on a ToysShe said there will also be initia- en’s History Month, and Black History Month.”

She added a possible allocation of the alumni fundraising group funds would be new furniture.

“I think that would be really nice and overall, just revamping the space would be nice to see,” she said.

Ella Reddin, a sophomore English major, said she would like to see the library become more commuter friendly.

She added she is frustrated with the lack of usable outlets in the library and would like to see more accessible outlets to use.

She said, “I don’t have a dorm to go back to, so sometimes, I hate it when I’m in the library, and its plugs are not working or I’m just constantly trying to plug in the wall.”

Reddin said with the fundraising group’s money, she would like to see an investment in more diverse and relevant books offered by the library.

“Having a really vibrant, welcoming, inclusive library is our goal.

And to bring in all of the ideas from the community, I think it’ll make it even more enriching.”

- Millie González Dean of the Henry Whittemore Library

“For example, whether it’s nice interesting furniture or buying a collection of books, or paying for student worker salaries, those are the kinds of things that when we fundraise big, you know the money that we fundraise will go to those initiatives,” she said.

[Editor’s Note: Desmond McCarthy is the advisor to The Gatepost.]

The sign outside of the Henry Whittemore Library Nov. 10.

Sophia Harris / THE GATEPOST

CONNECT WITH SOPHIA HARRIS sharris9@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

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A journey of self-love

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

By McKenzie Ward Opinions Editor

Veterans need and deserve support On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918, World War I officially ended.

Today, we celebrate and honor not only those who fought in WWI, but all of the people who have served in the U.S. military fighting for our freedom.

Those sacrifices have come from some of our peers here at FSU who are veterans themselves, actively serving in the reserves, or are otherwise military connected.

Today, we are celebrating them.

However, as a community, we need to ensure we are honoring and supporting these students every day.

This support can come in various forms, such as the flexibility and understanding professors can extend to these students when they are performing military duties.

Some students may need to miss classes due to this service or may not be able to complete an assignment on time because they are in a place with no access to the internet.

In general, the move from active duty to college life can be difficult for these students and professors understanding that challenge is crucial to making the transition successful.

We also need to recognize the ways their military experience affects their lives as students.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), military-connected students may struggle with the independence that comes with being in college.

These students have spent much of their time following orders and respecting rank, and therefore have internalized these behaviors, making it difficult for them to think and act independently.

Although, it is important not to stereotype military-connected students because they have their own experiences and they are not all the same.

According to the Coordinator of Veteran and Military Services, Christine Denaro, a student brought to her attention a comment made by a professor that was along the lines of, “I can’t believe how undisciplined the student veterans are here.”

Denaro went on to explain there are a number of reasons why the students that professor

has in mind may be struggling in class, which could include PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, or another unseen cause.

It could also simply be the adjustments the students need to make to college life.

As a community, we need to be educating ourselves about the experiences of our military-connected students and not make assumptions concerning how we think they should be.

We can also be more mindful of the comments made and the questions asked in the classroom during discussions regarding the military.

It is vital we acknowledge the community these students may have lost and the difficulty they have in making new connections.

Many military-connected students may be non-traditional students. Only 15% are traditionally aged college students, according to the VA. These students may also already have families and responsibilities outside of FSU, which can contribute to a sense of loneliness and isolation here on campus.

The Veteran and Military Services Center, located in Dwight Hall, is a great place for these students to find community with those who understand what they have gone through or are currently experiencing.

There, military-connected students can have a quiet place to study and do homework, watch TV, grab a cup of coffee, and hang out with friends, but it is also a place to get information and resources that are specifically aimed at helping them.

Denaro advises military-connected students not to be afraid to ask for help.

“They can come to me with no judgment anything that they need, and I’ll get them the help that they need,” she said. “Asking for help is a sign of strength, so don’t be afraid to ask.”

Military-connected students are essential and invaluable members of the community and deserve to feel that way.

We need to support, honor, and celebrate them.

Veterans and military-connected students: We see you. We appreciate you. And we thank you for your service.

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Gatepost Editorial reflects the opinions of the newspaper’s Editorial Board. Signed Op/Eds reflect the opinions of individual writers. @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

In fourth grade, I would wear the same pink Hollister zip-up hoodie to school almost every day.

It did not matter if it was 30 degrees or 80 degrees, I wore that zip-up if I felt like I needed it.

And I didn’t need it because pink was my favorite color, nor was it because I loved Hollister.

I felt like I needed it because I wanted to hide my arms - one of my insecurities.

For my entire life, my weight has been my biggest insecurity.

I remember being told by my pediatrician I should start eating less because I wouldn’t want to be an obese adult and I was on the track of becoming one.

I wasn’t even 7 years old when she told me that.

I was 9 years old when I began weighing myself using the scale at my grandparents’ house because to me “fat” was a dirty word and I was so afraid of becoming it. This was around the same age that a family friend introduced me to Nabisco’s 100-calorie snack packs which ultimately led me to excessive calorie counting in the years following.

During my pre-teen and teenage years, I spent them struggling with binge eating. Though I managed to lose weight at the beginning of high school, admittedly in an unhealthy way, during my junior year when I went on birth control, it caused an increase in appetite and I quickly gained the weight back.

And now that I am 22 years old and a senior in college, my weight continues to be my biggest insecurity. I will purposely avoid having my photo taken and will delete full body photos of myself that people took before I can see them because of how painful it is to even just look at myself.

Even when I traveled to France during my senior year of high school, I strayed away from taking too many full body pictures of myself in fear that I would “ruin” the photo.

I still regret not having any photos of me in front of the Eiffel Tower.

However, one of my current mental health goals is to practice self-love and my main inspiration is singer and rapper, Lizzo.

Lizzo is known for her songs “About Damn Time” and “Truth Hurts,” but she also has multiple songs about the importance of finding love for yourself.

Lizzo’s song “Soulmate” is not about a romantic soulmate, but instead is about being her own soulmate and finding selflove. When I heard this song for the first time, I began to realize the disservice I was doing to myself for hating my body.

Over the years, Lizzo has served as an influential role model for those like me who continue to struggle with self-love. In an op-ed she wrote for NBC, she stresses the first step of self-love is acceptance, which according to Lizzo is accepting yourself where you are, while knowing you have room for growth and healing.

One of the other important aspects of self-love that I still need to incorporate into my life is to stop negative self-talk.

As someone who is a perfectionist, when I do not meet my own standards, I beat myself up and force myself to obsess over any mistake, both big and little.

As a result of negative self-talk, I have become my own biggest hater. But one of the ways to best confront negative selftalk is to give your inner critic their own name and then cross examine the thoughts.

By thinking of your inner critic as an outside force that you can cross examine and question the validity of their statements, it makes it easier to deal with the negative self-talk.

While learning how to love yourself can be one of the biggest challenges, the reward is more than worth it.

As I am on this journey of self-love, I have major goals for myself that I hope to reach.

My biggest goal is to be able to get back to Paris, take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, and be able to say “I look beautiful,” because I am.

Letter to the Editor As I retire from Framingham State University, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation to all of you that have made these past five years enjoyable. For many of you, I treasure the friendships we have created and expect those to continue into the future.

In particular, though, I want to express my overwhelming gratitude to the hard-working men and women in Facilities and Campus Events. I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to lead these two amazing departments and I am humbled by the support you have shown me. Together we have accomplished so much, but it would not

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have happened without your collective hard work.

“One is too small a number to achieve greatness. No accomplishment of real value has ever been achieved by a human being working alone.” -John Maxwell So much of the work that you do is invisible to the faculty, staff and students…until, of course, an issue arises. But then you shine your brightest! When others are snuggled warm in their beds, our team is on campus clearing snow or restoring electricity after a power outage. When others are at family gatherings or worshiping on a Sunday morning, our team members

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | 7

are on campus cleaning or supporting the churches and other events happening on campus. When COVID-19 shut down much of the campus, Facilities personnel still came to work every day, ensuring that the buildings were clean, keeping the heat on, refilling hand sanitizers, delivering mail, and doing the many things required to ensure that the campus facilities were ready to support the work of the University.

While I know that the campus appreciates what you do, people often are focused on the other important work being done for Framingham State. You do not always get the recognition you deserve. So before I retire, I want to

make sure I say this, one more time, to the teams in Facilities and Campus Events - THANK YOU for all that you do and for making my job so rewarding!

With great appreciation, Patricia Whitney, assistant vice president of facilities and capital planning

Campus Conversations How will you be honoring veterans this weekend?

By Ryan Schreiber, Staff Writer

“If I see a veteran, I plan on saying. ‘Thank you for your service.’ I plan on volunteering at any organization, packing boxes, and doing stuff like that.”

-Alex Szarka, junior

“My dad is a veteran. He was in the Army for seven years stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. So, the way I was going to honor him, to start, I work at a car wash. For Veterans Day weekend, we give a free best wash to all veterans, thanking them for their service…

[My dad] protected various lives serving in the military going through the training and stuff that was required. So, being able to celebrate his day - I call it his day because he’s a veteran. for all veterans, it’s their day. Celebrating that is honorable.”

“I have family who are retired, active-duty members and typically, we always throw a party for them just so they can feel special on that day.

We try to preach them all year long.”

-Maite Denis, junior

-Frankie Hernandez, junior

“By texting all the ones we know, ‘Thank you for your service.’”

“Going to football on Friday and honoring the people who are there.”

-Gwendolyn Carpenter, senior

-Flannery O’Connor, senior

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

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Women’s basketball cruises past Wellesley 3-30 opening night

Adrien Gobin/ THE GATEPOST Rams’ Haidul blo ing pass against ellesley during first home game Nov. 9.

Adrien Gobin/ THE GATEPOST Rams’ ’Connor ta ing a free thro shot during the fist home game Nov. 9.

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor The Framingham State women’s basketball team opened their season with a home court victory over Wellesley College Nov. 9.

The Rams opened the first quarter with a 7-0 run capped off with a Flannery O’Connor layup before Wellesley made it on the board for the 7-2 score.

Wellesley managed to score another five points to the board, but Framingham remained at the advantage heading into the second quarter with the 11-7 lead.

Nearly three minutes into the second quarter, the Blue closed the gap to two points with a jump shot made

by Wellesley’s Jiyun Chae - the only points Wellesley would make for the rest of the quarter.

Framingham controlled the paint with a 23-0 run and kept Wellesley off the scoreboard until the 8:59 mark in the third frame for a score of 34-11.

The score quickly jumped to 4513 with combined points from Rams’ O’Connor, Haidul, Fernandez, and Gwendolyn Carpenter.

With two seconds remaining in the third quarter, Rams freshman Gabriela Redford increased the score to 52 with a two-point buzzerbeater jump shot and kept the Blue at 13 points heading into the final quarter of the game.

Less than a minute into the final frame, the Rams continued to build the lead when Carpenter opened with a three-point jump shot.

With just over four minutes left in the game, the Rams had accumulated 59 points on the board while Wellesley

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Rams’ Carpenter guarding ellesley player during first home game Nov. 9. managed to score 24 points.

Wellesley scored the final points of the frame with a two-point jump shot from Arla Hofer for the 3-30 final score.

The Rams were led by O’Connor, who was the game-leading scorer of the night with 25 points, followed by Haidul, who scored 17 points.

Redford also chipped in six points of her own, averaging a shooting percentage of 50 for her first game.

With the win, Haidul commented on the team’s success after their first game of the season.

“We get along with each other and it really shows on the court,” she said.

“I thought, especially defensively, we were very strong and our offense is going to come together a lot more throughout the season, but I still think we did phenomenally.”

Redford said the team has great chemistry with one another and it really benefits the strong playing dynamic they already have on the court.

FRAMINGHAM STATE WELLESLEY COLLEGE

Adrien Gobin/ THE GATEPOST She said, “Everyone is really close, so it works really well. We always work 100 in practice, so it definitely plays out in our games.”

The Rams will return to the court next week when they travel to Eastern Nazarene for non-conference action Nov. 15.

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu

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Men’s soccer loses in MASCAC semifinals

Adam Levine/ THE GATEPOST Rams’ inha passing ball to teammate during MA CAC emifinal game Nov. .

By Adam Levine Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State Rams were defeated by the Bridgewater State Bears in penalty shootouts after a match that lasted for 110 minutes Nov. 4.

Framingham State attempted 25 shots and took eight corner kicks. The Bears only tallied 17 total shots and had two corner kick opportunities.

Bridgewater State had a strong offensive start, but two offside calls prevented them from taking any shots.

At 9:47, Bears’ Ethan Lofontant’s shot was saved by Rams’ senior goalkeeper James Hartshorn.

Bridgewater State committed a foul that gave Rams’ graduate student Bryce Nardizzi a penalty kick opportunity. He was able to score and Framigham took an early 1-0 lead over Bridgewater at 11:11.

The players’ aggression was evident the entire match. At 11:43, Bears’ Jacob Ramos received a yellow card. At 13:11, Rams’ sophomore defender Michael Champagne received a yellow card.

After Hartshorn saved a Bears’ shot attempt, Rams’ senior Jared Nardizzi took a shot on the Bears’ net that missed wide.

Bridgewater attempted three shots in three minutes. Hartshorn saved the first two, but Bridgewater’s third attempt led to their first goal. At 18:44, Lafontant was assisted by teammates Carsten Boloz and Gavin Norton to tie the match 1-1.

The half continued with the two teams trading off on possessions and

shots.

At 25:35, Bears’ Ethan DeMelo received a yellow card.

Framingham attempted two corner kicks that led to two shot attempts on the Bears’ net. Bridgewater attempted a corner kick with less than 5 minutes remaining in the half, which led to an

Adam Levine / THE GATEPOST Rams battling al ons at goalpost attempting to s ore during the game Nov. .

All eight of these shots, on both sides of the field, were unsuccessful.

Rams’ sophomore defender Lachlan Forgan took back-to-back corner kicks. Neither attempt was directly followed by a Framingham shot attempt, but the Rams continued their

Adam Levine/ THE GATEPOST Rams’ ared Nardizzi i ing ball a ay from goalpost during the game Nov. . unsuccessful shot on the Rams’ net.

The first half ended with the score tied 1-1.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half, four different Rams’ players tallied a combined seven shot attempts.

During Framingham’s attack, Bears’ Will Halben took a shot on Hartshorn.

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offensive strike.

Framingham’s offense did not let up until the 77:32 mark. During this time, Framingham had one corner kick

opportunity and launched seven shots on Bridgewater’s net.

Bridgewater attempted one corner kick and two shots with less than 13 minutes left of regulation time. Both teams traded shot attempts as the end of regulation time inched closer. The Bears’ Norton closed out regulation time by receiving a yellow card.

The first 10-minute overtime was not enough time for a winner to emerge. Each team only took one shot, and, at 97:39, Bears’ Justin Silva received a yellow card.

The second 10-minute overtime allowed both teams to take more shots, but the match remained scoreless. The Bears’ David Nelson and Rams’ Jared Nardizzi both received yellow cards.

Bridgewater and Framigham alternated five shot attempts during penalty shootouts. Framingham’s first four shots were successful, but Bridgewater made all five attempts to secure their victory.

The Rams’ senior defender Brian Sullivan reflected on the season, saying, “Especially today, we showed that we really put in the effort this whole season.”

Although the Rams’ season concluded, Sullivan said, “We definitely put the pieces of the puzzle together at the end.”

CONNECT WITH ADAM LEVINE alevine @student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

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First-generation students recognized at banner signing

By Ryan O’Connell Arts & Features Editor GenerationOne occupied a table in the McCarthy Center’s lobby with two banners showcasing student and staff support through signatures Nov. 8.

GenerationOne is an affinity group focused on first-generation students, connecting them to first-generation faculty and offering them support.

The table was set up to show first-generation students that an organization on campus exists specifically for them, and that the group is committed to their success.

In March 2021, Framingham State University received a “First Gen-Forward” designation by the Center for First-generation Student Success becoming one of 270 institutions recognized for committing to improving the experiences of first-generation students.

According to the University’s Office of Institutional Research, the percentage of first-generation non-transfer students enrolled in an undergraduate degree for the Fall 2021 semester was 51%. The statistics for 2022 are not publicly available.

Alexandra Hebert, a senior psychology major, said she describes herself as a first-generation student. She said she understood first-generation students as students who were the first in their family to pursue a degree higher than an associate’s.

Hebert said she chose to enroll in college to better help her chances of getting a job, and to further educate herself. She added college was always emphasized when she was in primary and secondary school, and felt it was the next step for her.

She said she thought FSU provided enough support for first-generation students, and thought requirements for the University were usually well documented and self explanatory.

Hebert said the Rams 101 course also helped her to understand what was expected of her as a student.

She added the community was a big help in adjusting to college life. “Other peers, my RAs my first year here, professors and just staff in general, I feel like they’re all pretty welcoming and there to answer questions and help guide you.”

Evelyn Campbell, a sophomore marketing major, said neither of her parents attended college, but she had always wanted to earn a degree.

“Honestly, it was a no-brainer for me. I kind of just always loved school. … I’ve always fantasized about going to college,” she said.

Campbell added as an honors student, she takes her education very seriously and feels college can provide young people with an array of opportunities. “I just feel like there’s such a

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benefit in learning that you won’t get otherwise.”

She said she couldn’t remember many challenges she’s faced at FSU due to being a first-generation student, and added she thought the University did a good job providing support networks for students who were the first in their families to attend college.

Campbell said FSU wasn’t initially her first-choice school, but she feels

FSU does a good job of supporting first-generation students, it could do more to help educate parents on the institution’s expectations and requirements.

Samantha Medeiros, a junior hospitality and tourism major, said being first-generation is both something to be proud of and a challenge. “It’s kind of like an accomplishment for my family, in a way,” she said.

“It’s also really difficult to figure

Ryan O’Connell / THE GATEPOST (Front) Juniors Samantha Medeiros and (Back) Callie McMahon signing the first-generation students’ banner Nov. 8. confident in the decision she made.

“I planned on going to a different college, but it just didn’t end up work-

things out on my own, so having help on campus is really important,” she said.

“Three years ago, you could tell me I would be at college and I would laugh in your face.

I never thought I would be, but I’m very happy I’m here.”

- Matthew Brady Freshman History Major ing out. I wasn’t getting the support I needed from them, so FSU was my backup school,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like my backup school anymore. I really made this place my home.”

Campbell said she “couldn’t imagine not being here,” and attributed her success to the number of opportunities she’s been offered at the University.

She added although she thinks

Medeiros said she didn’t think of attending college until high school, when a teacher introduced the idea of higher education to her.

“My high school teacher actually … told me what college was. Since my family never even graduated high school, I didn’t really know, and she opened up many opportunities for me, so I’m really grateful for her,” she said.

She said although sometimes navigating the campus and completing paperwork is confusing, the University’s resources have been very helpful to her.

“CASA is really good with helping.

I actually work in the office as a mentor myself, so I’ve kind of felt like I wanted to give back since I’ve gotten so much help from the school,” she said.

Medeiros added she believed the University does a good job of supporting first-generation students already, but didn’t know about GenerationOne before the fair, and thinks they should advertise it more.

Matthew Brady, a freshman history major, said he considers himself a first-generation student.

Brady said he’s adopted, and although his adoptive parents both have degrees, his birth parents do not. “My parents who adopted me they actually both went here, which is the reason that I’m here.”

He added in the past, he didn’t think he’d end up in college, but was happy he was wrong.

“Three years ago, you could tell me I would be at college and I would laugh in your face. I never thought I would be, but I’m very happy I’m here,” he said.

Brady said he only decided to enroll thanks to a friend - he said he saw the work his friend was doing, and knew he could handle it, but didn’t enroll until he saw all the facilities the school had to offer.

“He took me here one day to go play basketball in the gym, and I saw the workout room, saw the library, I saw the dining hall, I saw McCarthy - I saw everything and I was like, ‘There’s no way this place is real,’” he said.

He added he was currently in dual enrollment with the Navy, and wanted to earn his bachelor’s and potentially master’s degree.

“I want to gain the most education I can. I want to take a lot of classes.

You know, I’m paying to be here, so I want to do well,” he said.

Brady said it wasn’t hard for him to be an independent person, and to accomplish what the school demanded of him, but said sometimes, it’s challenging to balance a personal life with school, as well as remaining independent.

He added while sometimes, he doesn’t feel comfortable asking for help, he knows FSU would be there for him if he ever sought it. “I have so much more support than I ever thought I would have here.

“I love everyone here - this place is family now,” Brady said. “Rams for life!”

CONNECT WITH RYAN O’CONNELL

roconnell1@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

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Veterans day Continued from page 1 benefits they receive through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Benjamin Day, Counseling Center director, said his office has “extensive” experience working with military-connected students.

“Many of our licensed therapists have backgrounds in trauma-informed counseling, especially for individuals with PTSD,” Day said.

“While our trauma-informed counseling services can be accessed by all students, many military-connected students may find this approach useful for their particular needs.”

Denaro said when it comes to the transition from service to education, veterans may struggle with feeling disconnected from the University community, especially if they are older, have families and responsibilities outside of school, and/or generally have more life experience than the average student.

She said when military-connected students are discharged, they are “kind of thrown into the abyss” because they are transitioning from always being told what to do to trying to navigate the independence of college life.

Denaro added veterans may also struggle with a loss of camaraderie as they have departed from the same group of people they have been with for years, but said the center can be a place “where veterans can congregate and get that sense of camaraderie back.

“They support each other,” she said. “It’s such an amazing thing when you see two veterans who don’t even know each other and they just connect. It’s quite amazing. They’re really good for each other.”

Nowak Borrego said the best way for the community to support military-connected students is to encourage them to come to the center and point them toward resources.

She added, “When they recognize that the trouble the student is experiencing is actually that of a veteran student, again, referring them over to resources that might be more related to their experience.”

Denaro said she would like to host a webinar for faculty and staff informing them on what they should know about military-connected students.

“A veteran came to me when I first started and had expressed that one of his professors said something to the effect of, ‘I can’t believe how undisciplined the student veterans are here,’” she said.

She added this is “concerning” to her because that “lack of discipline” the professor is seeing could be caused by an unseen cause, including PTSD or a traumatic brain injury.

“But again, he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know,” so she said she would like to provide that information to the FSU community.

Denaro said her advice to mili-

tary-connected students is not to be afraid to ask for help.

“It’s so ingrained in them that asking for help is a sign of weakness,” she said, adding at one point, it was for them because it could affect promotions in their jobs.

“So they’re still afraid to admit that there’s a problem, but they can come to me with no judgment - anything that they need, and I’ll get them the help that they need,” Denaro added.

“Asking for help is a sign of strength, so don’t be afraid to ask,” she said.

Nowak Borrego said in her role, she advocates for resources and tries to check in and be supportive in any way she can, including answering questions and helping to fix anything that may not be working for military-connected students.

She said she and Denaro work together to help students who are deployed manage their responsibilities at the University.

Nowak Borrego added they “try to assure that we are not disadvantaging them for choosing to be deployed.”

As an example, she discussed the students who are members of the National Guard and were being deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic for various short-term activities.

She said they will “work with their faculty and our institutional policies to make them feel appreciated, supported, and successful as a student here, while also managing the responsibility and service to the United States.”

Nowak Borrego said Framingham State also “collaborates with Boston College to offer an ROTC opportunity.

“Students can participate in ROTC classes here at Framingham State, and then they work on the unit at BC to do military commitments,” she added.

Nowak Borrego said, “I think our military-connected students are wonderful assets to our classrooms and our student population because of the experiences they bring.”

She said she would also like to highlight how the resources offered through the center are also for students who may have family enlisted in the military or want to enlist themselves.

She added they can come to the center and talk to Denaro and other military-connected students and find the “people who care because they [military-connected students] themselves were hoping they had people back at home who cared.”

Glenn Cochran, associate dean of students and student life, said although the majority of military-connected students are commuters, there have been a “good number” of them in the past who lived in the residence halls.

Cochran said Residence Life hosted a veteran- and military-themed floor in the past, but because of the pandemic, they have not continued to do

so.

Kathleen Barnard, student engagement coordinator for the Henry Whittemore Library, said the National Library of Medicine has a selection of books categorized as “graphic medicine.”

“There’s a whole bunch of graphic novels out there that are first-person experiences and the idea behind graphic medicine is to help patients learn through other people’s experiences and in a very accessible way,” Barnard said. “One of the ones that they have is specifically for veterans.”

After hearing about this, Barnard said she wants to possibly host a discussion in collaboration with the center about this book.

In regard to Veterans Day, she said, “Make sure to thank veterans on Veterans Day. They sacrifice a lot and their families sacrifice a lot, so just make sure to thank them.”

Alex Morais, a senior, said he served actively in the Marines for five years and continues to serve through a reserve element.

Morais said he likes to come to the center to “calm and sort of decompress either before or after the gym, and I’ll use it in between classes.”

He said he recommends military-connected students to come to the center and use the resources it has to offer even if it is just to use the microwave or fridge, adding he was not initially aware of the place his freshman year until “I started poking around and I recommend they do the same.”

Morais said for him, the transition from service to education was “difficult.

“What I always say is, ‘I miss the clowns and not so much the circus,’” he added. “You lose a lot of the strong connections you have with people.

“My biggest piece of advice I would give myself is that you can still maintain and develop strong connections within, and outside, of the military,” he said. “You don’t have to embrace we have a saying - ‘embrace the suck,’ with each other in order to have that strong connection. You can still find people that share the same traits and values.”

JohnMichael Chase, a senior English major, said he enlisted in the National Guard in 2017 and continues to serve.

Chase said his transition from service to education was “painless” as Framingham State is “adaptable and welcoming to service members, especially many of the professors, who have been very understanding of the flexibility that’s required for soldiers who have different drill schedules and things that need to get done outside of normal class time.”

This “flexibility” is key to how the community can help military-connected students like himself, he said.

He added typical college students may have the weekend to read and

complete homework assignments, while students like himself will have limited time and internet access.

Chase said he recommends all military-connected students to “capitalize” off the educational benefits that are offered to them.

“I am going to college having paid nothing but for gas and books,” he said. “That’s not even to mention all the different industry certificates they can get, especially for the IT world, which they can get reimbursed for.

“This might not be common knowledge, but many of the trainings that we have done in the military are transferable into college credits,” he added. “That can potentially shorten your degree. For myself, my own training essentially gave me a free minor in computer science.”

Stevie Margotto, a senior business management major, said he was active in the Navy from 2013 to 2017 working as a parachute rigger.

Margotto said the transition to college life was “difficult,” but the center and its resources were helpful for him.

He added, “My biggest piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to reach out. There are so many people out there that want to help - they want to make it easier for us to continue to be successful.”

Spencer Carlin, a junior computer science major, said he was active in the Marines for five years following his graduation from high school in 2014.

“The transition back to life/college was mentally challenging at first since the tempo of the military is so stressful and fast all the time,” Carlin said. “After some time of convincing myself and understanding that it’s OK to be doing nothing, occasionally, that mental burden goes away a little.”

He said the community can support military-connected students by being understanding of the different lives they lead and how “mentally taxing” it can be.

Carlin said his advice for new veterans is to “understand that taking time to take care of yourself and personal issues is OK. Stay on top of assignments before it gets stressful for you.

“If you think you’re really stressed out because of assignments or exams, imagine the worst day you ever had in the military - I know you’ve had one and compartmentalize your academic chaos the same way you did for the military chaos on that day,” he said.

“It works wonders.”

He added, “Faculty and staff here will work with you to help you solve the issues at hand. You should use their services.”

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL

lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

Cast and production team of ‘Young Nerds of Color’ visits FSU

By Raena Doty Interim Asst. Arts & Features Editor A panel of scientists and artists from the Central Square Theater visited the McCarthy Forum to talk about their experiences working on the play “Young Nerds of Color” Nov. 9.

The play is about the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and how they relate to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The content of the play comes from the synthesis of over 60

interviews by BIPOC in STEM. The panel included Des Bennett, dramaturg and community engagement manager for Central Square Theater; Kortney Adams, an actor in “Young Nerds of Color”; Eboney Hearn, executive director of the Office of Engineering Outreach Programs at MIT and interviewee for the play; and Melinda Lopez, playwright.

After Adams began the discussion by reading two short scenes from the play, Lopez started the conversation by speaking on how she chose to write

Raena Doty / THE GATEPOST (Left) Des Bennett, Eboney Hearn, Kortney Adams, and Melinda Lopez at the “Young Nerds of Color” panel Nov. 9.

the story.

“Why are there so few representations of scientists of color on the stage? And as theater makers and as people who embrace science, love science, practice science, this seemed like a good question to investigate,” Lopez said.

She said she mostly tried to keep the interviews intact when writing because the original interviews were “so compelling, so dynamic, so mind-blowingly fiercely proud” and she didn’t want to change them.

Hearn spoke next on what it meant to her to be part of the interviewing process when creating the play.

“I just remember breaking down.

The questions touched me in a way and I couldn’t really formulate answers in a way that I’m used to - just being able to talk - because it was like two worlds were crashing together,” she said.

She explained the “two worlds” were the force of enthusiastic, young BIPOC and the force of despair.

Adams talked about her experience as a BIPOC scientist and artist, and how they interact. She said she always saw a deep connection between science and art in a way that doesn’t always make sense to other people, particularly white people.

The panel then discussed the importance of diversity in STEM. Hearn said she used to get defensive about that question before her work shifted to diversity, equity, and inclusion training, because it felt like

it was asking her to justify her existence in STEM. But she understands now answering helps people comprehend the importance of social progress.

“I see science as a tool for helping us - everybody. And so for me, I think that the questions we’re asking have to also be representative of the people who we need to serve and make things better for. And so for me, diversity is important because there are questions that need to be asked and answered,” she said.

Lopez said the question reminded her of one of the interviews used to write the play.

In this interview, a chemist described being the only person of color at a convention of 300 people. She said this creates a “feeling of being hyper visible, and then at the same time, not being seen for the contributions that you can bring.”

Hearn said “Young Nerds of Color” is not intended to be a story about the trauma of BIPOC in STEM, but rather a call to action to make the world better.

“This is to celebrate the joy of the experience,” she said. “There are challenges, but not all of us are coming from the same experience. As folks of color, we’re actually quite diverse in our upbringings and our experiences and our knowledge, and let’s celebrate that.”

CONNECT WITH RAENA DOTY

rdoty@student.framingham.edu

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ - a triumphant tribute

By Jack McLaughlin Staff Writer “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is the hotly anticipated sequel to its 2018 predecessor. The film serves as a tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who starred in the titular role in Marvel Studios productions until his untimely death in 2020.

The film focuses on the nation of Wakanda struggling to move on following T’Challa’s passing. Wakanda has been attacked by other nations more frequently as their possession of the precious material vibranium is concerning the rest of the world due to its capabilities.

Shuri (Letitia Wright) is struggling to properly mourn her brother’s death, but is confronted by Namor (Tenoch Huerta), who demands an allegiance against other countries as his civilization of Talokan is under threat due to the vibranium they own.

This film proves to be Marvel Studios’ best this year. It’s a slow burn drama centered around the ideas of grief and loss with all the dazzling action we come to expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The writing proves to be a sizable improvement over most MCU entries. The lack of a reliance on cheap punchlines and trendy humor gives this story the proper serious tone it

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is going for. There are moments of brevity sprinkled throughout, but this movie is first and foremost going for a more dramatic feeling.

A particularly good scene between Shuri and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) in the first hour explores the film’s idea of grief in an expertly crafted and performed scene that stood out far beyond most attempts at emotion in Marvel films.

Action scenes are fairly scarce in the first two acts, at least for Marvel standards. Audiences are instead given more moments to understand the inner dilemmas these characters are facing, and these end up being more entertaining than any of the action.

The third act is composed almost entirely of action that detracts from the over two hours of dramatic build up. It unfortunately felt like it stumbled back into the MCU formula of requiring the film to end in a huge drawn out climax.

What made this third act different, however, was that the characters, particularly the villain, were given plenty of moments to make the audience empathize with them and give the action emotional weight.

Namor is a perfect villain for this type of story. He is a character who is simply trying to protect his people, and is willing to do anything in order to achieve that. It’s hard not to sym-

pathize with his plight throughout.

The film does terrific work making you not want to disagree with his concerns with the main characters.

Namor’s scenes with Shuri in the middle of the film perfectly explore this idea of a sympathetic villain. The bond they establish throughout these sequences make it all the more riveting once their conflict truly begins.

A new face introduced to this story is Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne).

She is mostly included here to set up her character for the eventual show centered around her, but her importance to the story will not go unnoticed and will certainly leave you wanting more of her.

The near three-hour run time will make audiences cautious to enter the theater this weekend, and that’s reasonable as it does take a lot of time and devotion to properly get invested into the story.

The first hour is paced slowly, bouncing from many different locations and characters that it will be surprising that there is still a large chunk of the film left. Fortunately, everything within this first hour is so entertaining that I believe most of the audience will be content with a slower start.

When leaving the theater, audiences will be left with a Marvel film that will offer more than what they

go in to expect. A compelling cast of characters with plenty of runtime to explore them and the heavy themes they experience will leave you with the best tribute to Chadwick Boseman the cast and crew could have done.

Rating: A-

Wakanda forever!

CONNECT WITH JACK MCLAUGHLIN

jmclaughlin7@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | 13

‘Midnights’ - a long lost storybook of Taylor Swift’s humanity

By Emily Rosenberg Associate Editor Less than a year after her record-breaking “Red (Taylor’s Version)” hit streaming platforms, the release of Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album attracted enough fans to crash Spotify.

“Midnights,” released Oct. 21, soon made Taylor the first artist in history to hold all top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.

The album is a collection of some of the most intense songs of her career, without turning off casual listeners.

It is also notable that Jack Antonoff of Bleachers was a co-producer of the album, making “Midnights” the first album Taylor and Antonoff produced solely together.

“13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life,” is the phrase Taylor used to market the project. The concept gives the album continuity and makes the listening experience enticing and curious because we all have midnight crises and epitomes.

The album’s single “Anti-Hero” is a catchy anthem for any human who isn’t a narcissist. Lamenting about how she sometimes feels like “everybody is a sexy baby” and she’s a “monster on the hill,” Taylor’s lyrics are provocative and melodramatic, which arguably work perfectly for a song about self-doubt.

Of all the topics Taylor has covered in her career through songwriting, “Anti-Hero” is a landmark for her,

proving to her fans that not only is she an imperfect human, but she feels major insecurities too.

She also does it with charm and humor, especially in the self-directed music video where she pokes fun at Taylories in a scene where her “children” are trying to decipher a “secret message” left in her will. This is similar to how Swifties assume Taylor leaves secret codes in all of her social media posts.

On the fifth track, “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” she sings the lyric, “I hosted parties and starved my body like I’d be saved by the perfect kiss.”

Here, Taylor continues the album’s theme of insecurity, discussing the devastating reality of an eating disorder she admitted to having in the “Miss Americana” documentary.

“You’re On Your Own, Kid’’ is a heartbreaking track that runs smoothly to replay, especially considering bits of the instrumental will allow you to literally picture Taylor running aimlessly and helplessly through the city.

Songs such as “Lavender Haze” and “Karma” are upbeat car jams.

And “Vigilante Shit,” another groove where she sings about how she’s been dressing for revenge, is a sexy, badass, bass-driven theme song for a villain that sounds like it was stolen off of “Reputation.”

Unfortunately, “Snow on the Beach,’’ featuring Lana Del Ray, sounds too much like a Del Ray song even though you hardly hear her on the track.

This was highly criticized by the media. Taylor is notoriously known for inviting female artists to feature on her tracks only to provide background vocals or a short snippet.

One of the album’s mellow songs, “Labyrinth,” a personal favorite of mine, is reminiscent of Swiftie gem, “The Archer” from “Lover,” both songs wrestling with having anxiety through the eyes of a partner.

At first, the lyrics sounded stupidly simply when she repeats the same phrase “Oh no, I’m falling in love,” over minimal electronic instrumentals. After a second listen, or in my case, 30th, the build up to the phrase is a masterful representation of how it really feels to be in-like with someone over and over again after years of self-inflicted hate.

“Mastermind” is also a slower piece which beautifully builds up to the album’s finale which is almost like a

breath of sparkling fresh air after a long journey through Taylor’s traumas and questions.

After releasing five record breaking albums since 2020, Taylor has no need to prove anything as an artist.

However, what “Midnights” expresses exceptionally well is even with all her success with her fans, will she ever be truly satisfied with herself?

This, along with the themes expressed throughout are ideas she’s kept throughout her career but could never write about because she did not have executive control over it. The tales she tells on this album are like a long lost autobiography of her younger and current self.

“Midnights” is intricate, delicate storytelling which we can always count on from Taylor.

CONNECT WITH EMILY ROSENBERG

erosenberg@student.framingham.edu

Rating: A

Taylor Swift truly is a ‘Mastermind’

Courtesy

of Spotify

‘The Dragon Prince’ comes back more heartwarming than ever

By Raena Doty Interim Asst. Arts & Features Editor After a nearly three-year hiatus, “The Dragon Prince” is back with an expanded cast of characters, vibrant animation, and a beautiful score. The fourth season was well worth the wait.

The first three seasons tell the story of humans and elves learning to reconcile shared bad blood and rewrite history going forward. The fourth season takes place two years later after the dust has settled and there’s finally resources to start rebuilding.

There were plenty of loose ends from season 3 coming back to haunt everyone, though. Claudia has finally managed to resurrect her father Viren, and now they must find a powerful elf named Aaravos, who is trapped in a magical prison.

At the same time, Callum, now High Mage, Ezran, now officially king, and Rayla, who has been missing for the past two years, realize that Aaravos is close to escaping and embark on a journey to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The introduction of Claudia’s new boyfriend, Terry, is very welcome. He provides an interesting point of view in the story as an elf who is both sympathetic to Claudia’s dark magic and afraid of getting blood on his hands.

The subplot about the Sunfire elves who lost their home because of Viren’s actions in Season 3 was my favorite. They now live in tents in a camp, hosting humans as their guests.

Janai, the queen of the Sunfire elves, wants to marry Amaya, the human general of Katolis, but her younger brother Karim is urging her not to make it official.

The conflict between the humans and elves is very exemplary of the themes of the season because there are no villains and heroes. Rather, the conflict is about whether to make things right with restorative justice or punitive justice.

Janai and Amaya’s relationship being featured so prominently is heartwarming. Though there have been LGBT+ relationships in seasons past, none of the others have been quite as important to the main plot.

I did find some of the gaps between Season 3 and Season 4 a bit strange.

Anyone who read the graphic novel “Through the Moon” by Peter Wartman and Xanthe Bouma will anticipate Rayla’s initial disappearance in the season, but no explanation is given for why she came back when she did, or what she was doing for the two years she was gone. Anyone who didn’t read the graphic novel won’t know why she left in the first place.

I also want to know more about how Claudia and Terry met. Why is Terry sympathetic to dark magic, despite no elves other than Aaravos ever feeling the same? Why did he leave his family and home for Claudia?

The season ended rather abruptly, but knowing that it will be back through Season 7 makes it easy to forgive.

But in general, Season 4 came back with a bang: great music, great characters, great design, and as ever, great humor.

The first three seasons repeatedly showed it is the youth who will have to shoulder the weight of the mistakes of their parents, and it is exactly because they are so young that they are able to do this. The characters were flexible, kind, and courageous.

In this season, everyone is a little bit older, and rather than telling the viewer to be a youthful spirit with the courage to stand up for what is right, the series shows what it will mean to pick up the broken pieces of a history filled with bad blood and old rivalries.

The work will be hard, Season 4 says. Conflict will happen and there may not be clear lines of good and bad. But it is still worth it to do the work for the sake of those who will be here in 20, 50, 100 years.

After two years of a pandemic

and political turmoil decades in the making, that’s exactly the message I needed to hear.

Rating: A-

A breath of fresh air

Courtesy of Netflix

CONNECT WITH RAENA DOTY

rdoty@student.framingham.edu

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14 | NOVEMBER 11, 2022 14 | NOVEMBER 11, 2022

ARTS & FEATURES PHOTOS

Culture Fest Best Dressed

Afro Caribbean Dance Group (ACDG) held its annual Culture Fest Nov. 5 featuring singing, rapping, dancing, and a best dressed competition.

Spread and photos by Leighah Beausoleil, Editor-in-Chief

@The Gatepost || FSUgatepost.com @TheGatepost FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

Puzzles

43. Spanish seasoning 44. “Illmatic” rapper 45. *Like some videos of growing plants 49. One way to spell meat on a stick 53. Player in a Georgia fiddle contest, in a song 54. G.I. ration 56. Part of a history book 57. Investor with a limited role ... or the unpronounced letters in the first words of the starred clues’ answers, collectively?

61. Glove worn at home 63. Like Dock Ellis’ perfect game 64. Model Hadid 65. Zone 66. Illinois airport 67. What to tap to open an app 68. Roof topping 69. Blew away 70. ___ shui

ACROSS 1. General activities?

5. “The Way” singer Jill 10. Spanx product 13. Give off, as light 14. Plains dwelling 15. Unfilled space 16. Package sealer 17. Echo Dot assistant 18. Word after a mistake 19. *HOMES for remembering the Great Lakes, e.g.

22. Eye exam providers: Abbr.

23. Smooching on the bus, for short 24. Hole digger’s tool 26. “Lady Marmalade” singer LaBelle 28. *Seed that chocolate comes from 32. Artist Yoko 34. Small doggo 35. Constellation found in “solar activity” 36. *“Pay attention to this!”

42. Praiseful poem

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | 15

40. Impostor 41. Home to Nebraska and Alaska, briefly 46. Musical about Peron 47. Word before “Yachty” and “Peep,” in rap 48. Vast realm 50. “No fi ghting!”

51. Crater Lake’s state Puzzle solutions are now 52. Revealing to all exclusively online.

55. Gave stars on IMDb, say 58. NYC or LA neighborhood 59. Defrost 60. “I don’t have to work tomorrow!”

61. Wrestling surface 62. Investment initials

DOWN 1. Spill cleaner 2. Seyfried of “A Mouthful of Air” 3. Most ready to be picked 4. Champagne flute part 5. Get up 6. Relating to the abdomen 7. Intl. oil cartel 8. It might contain an emoji 9. Quickly unboxes 10. New writer’s hope 11. “Let ’er ___!”

12. Often-skipped parts of videos 15. Words to study, for short 20. Offer one’s two cents 21. Fresh hop or hazy beer 25. ___ Grey tea 27. Small kiddo 29. Milky-white gems 30. Ill-tempered dog 31. Formal objection 33. Available in stores 36. Parcel of land 37. “Look what ___!”

38. School term 39. Part of a jockey’s uniform

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PHOTOS

16 | NOVEMBER 11, 2022

Recycled Runway

Carly Paul / THE GATEPOST

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST

On Nov. 7, The Fashion Club presented its annual Trashion Show, which challenges student designers to create original designs out of uncoventional materials.

Congratulations to Designers Jake Measmer, Katie Sharpe, Lola Mwilelo, Yessemia Gamez, Britania Lewis, Odilia Mendez Barrondo!

Congratulations to the beautiful models who brought their brilliant creations to life!

Adrien Goben / THE GATEPOST

Spread by Design and Photo Editor Maddison Behringer @The Gatepost | FSUgatepost.com