Tuesday, October 30, 2012 La Roche College • 9000 Babcock Boulevard • Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • 412.847.2505
Vol. 17, Issue 2
Lower stress! Student Relaxation Strategies by Nate Marsh
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he college environment and all its entanglements can easily overwhelm a student in pursuit of a college degree. According to a study done by the University of Buffalo, college students spend approximately 15 hours in the classroom per week, accompanied by 15 hours of homework per week. Thirty hours paired with the rising cost of college and the common practice of obtaining a part-time job during the school year to help pay for loans significantly increases the stress level of students. Freshman have even more stress to bear with their first venture into living away from home and dealing with finding new social circles. It is no surprise college students consider themselves more stressed now than ever before, according to a study titled “The American Freshman: National Norms.” Students need to find ways to vent their stress or sacrifice their grades and happiness. After all, “all fun and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Yogi Lama Gursam, 53, a Tibetan Buddhist, recently visited La Roche College and offered meditation sessions to those in search of true relaxation. As a former student, I realize how stressful college can be, Lama
Gursam said. He added that meditation is one of the most beneficial things a student can do to better his or her performance. It is all about awareness, Lama Gursam reminds his group— an awareness of your mind and body. All of your focus must go into your breathing. However, there is a balancing act to perform and it is vital. You must breathe from each nostril equally, and think but not think equally, but yet not put too much effort into it or you over-think. It is an art to let your mind forget about all emotions and inner thoughts and focus only on the air going in and out of your lungs, but focus only enough to breathe naturally. Proper meditation takes practice, Lama Gursam says. It is a simple idea, but it is difficult to perfect. Students will benefit from this more than almost anyone, he goes on to say. The stress from school and work can overpower the mind. All it takes is ten minutes a day of quiet meditation and the results will be apparent. He assures that performance in the classroom will increase with the student thinking more clearly and comprehending information more easily.
See Stress page, 3
©Shay Badolato
La Roche College glistens in the sunset on an October day.
The Swig Vote by Steven Young
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oes the pull of a beer tap affect the pull of a voting lever? According to a survey of 33 people on and around the La Roche College campus, their beer choice says a lot about their politics. Pennsylvania-brewed Yuengling was a popular choice, taking a third of the poll. Fans of the amber lager leaned more towards the right, with 45 percent identifying themselves as Republican, 36 percent as Independent, and 18 percent as Democratic. The voting interest among Yuengling
drinkers was good with 91 percent of that group planning on voting this election. Miller Lite drinkers showed a strong preference towards the GOP with 50 percent of the drinkers in favor of the Republican Party. The Independents among Miller Lite drinkers made up 33 percent and the Democrats took the remaining 17 percent. Miller Lite advocates were the most likely to say they will hit the voting booth with 100 percent saying they plan to vote. The craft and imported beer drinkers were predominantly Democratic and Independent with both taking 44 percent each; Republicans
rounded out the last 12 percent. They may be willing to pay a little more for their beer of choice, but are less willing to exercise their right to choose. Only 78 percent plan on voting in the upcoming Presidential election on November 9, 2012. Fans of domestic beers, such as Budweiser, Busch, Coors Lite, and Pabst Blue Ribbon may be strongly Republican, but are the least likely to go out and vote. The GOP dominated the poll, showing 57 percent in favor of the Republican Party, 29 percent Independent, and 14 percent identifying themselves as Democrats.
see Swig page, 7
What does beer choice say about politics?
This publication reflects the views, attitudes, interests, and tastes of the writers, editors and contributors to The Courier. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty and staff of La Roche College.
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Opinion The La Roche Courier < October 30, 2012
Getting Out the V—O—T—E by Grant Wentzel
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s we grow up, we hear about the importance of voting often. I’m sure you once had Uncle Sam tell you about the privilege and importance that we Americans have in deciding who will run our country. It’s the major chance for your voice and opinions to be heard. Your vote could help pick the president who may help citizens benefit from the recovery period of a major economic crisis, so march down to the nearest voting registration center and bring your blah, blah, blah. I know what you’re thinking: voting and politics just isn’t your thing, and you don’t have the time to wrap yourself up into something so serious. Well, to break it down for you, voting isn’t all that boring,
nor difficult, and here’s why: Very important – Yes, it is true, your voice and opinions need to be heard in this economy. The candidate that you decide to help elect for president represents your views and concerns in our society and country. Put to you this way: a census that comes out every year shows the different ethnicities, ages, annual income, etc. of people who vote ever year. The political offices check to see which specific parties are creating most of the voting panel. If college students haven’t registered and voted, college issues (such as the terrifying tuition costs) will not be addressed because they would be found less important than, let’s say, medical benefits that unions have to offer full-time employees, (a.k.a. American citizens 25+ years old). Opportunity – It is your opportunity to help elect government officials. Unlike countries such as
Fiji, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, (and the list goes on), where citizens don’t have the opportunity to vote for their leader, we in America do have that right. Could you imagine having no sayso in this country, the country that you wake up and fall asleep in every day? Time consuming – If you think registering to vote is going to be time consuming, then you are simply uniformed. There are various ways to go about registering. There are local drives and events everywhere to vote, ranging from two days at La Roche during a voter registration drive sponsored by The American Association of University Women to concert lines (yes, I have been asked to register while waiting in line to see a Lady Gaga concert). Other ways to register are simply the Internet, such as logging onto turbovote.com and registering in a matter of minutes,
or going to the county seat in the county where your permanent address is located to pick up a voter registration application. Economic policies will affect your future – “Most expect Social Security benefits to be gone or greatly diminished by the time college-aged individuals reach retirement age, an age that will be higher than it is now. Politicians continually make decisions about higher ed costs and student loan policies. These and other issues prove you have an important economic interest in every election.” (education-portal.com) So as you can see, the importance of registering and voting are extremely high. What’s so wrong with telling the country what you have to say? Just imagine that it’s your ex trying to show you up at the next upcoming party. I’m pretty sure you would tell him or her what you would have to say.
probably get into a fight every week.” As a graphic design major, he spends many long nights, far above the average student, doing homework in La Roche College’s studio. Adding to that stress level is his position as an RA several nights a week doing rounds around campus. “With all the long hours of work I have, it’s nice to have a way to just let loose.” Verbene works out about three to four days a week, but admits if he had it his way it would be five to six instead, if time would permit. For the hour and a half to two hours he spends in the weight room, the outside world is oblivious to him. “Essentially you’re fighting the weights,” Verbene says, “and the realization that you get to take
your stress and frustration out on the weight provides some mental relief.” When asked if he believed other students should partake in his method of stress relief, Verbene said: “Everyone should do it. The world would have a dramatic decrease of violence if most people went to the weight room.” In an environment such as a weight room or gym, you get to be one on one, fighting yourself, as Verbene explained it. You have no one to impress or any expectations to live up to but your own. Having that type of freedom for a little bit of time and being able to physically exert your energy away from your studies or work is the best relief in the world, according to Verbene.
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Morgan Webb, 20, a junior psychology major from Greensburg, PA, has her own form of relaxation that is becoming all the more popular in the United States. “I have done yoga for six years,” Miss Webb says, “in particular Vinyasa flow.” Unlike traditional forms of yoga, Vinyasa flow, also called hot yoga, is practiced in a room with steam heat and is more fast paced, whereas other forms of yoga focus more on meditation. “It helps me relax and I’m able to forget about everything else going on in the world around me. All the stress goes right out the window.” The art of yoga is popular among many eastern religions, including Buddhism. It requires focusing on every muscle of your body to place yourself in intricate positions, taking all of your focus away from
your inner thoughts and putting it into perfecting the innumerable positions. “It’s all about centering yourself and your breathing and focusing on the moment,” Webb says, a similar concept to Lama Gursam’s meditation. “Along with this, exercising and stretching the body through yoga helps to calm the mind as well.” However, where meditation requires stillness, yoga works the muscles and forces your mind to forget about its mental stress. Yet another popular way of relieving stress for college students is weight lifting. Nick Verbene, 21, a graphic design major and Resident Assistant in Bold Hall, has been lifting since the seventh grade and noted while laughing, “If I didn’t work out, I would
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Sports The La Roche Courier < October 30, 2012
Under the bucket: men’s LAX coach unwrapped by Nate Marsh
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he fastest sport on two feet in the United States has taken huge strides in the past several years, making it the fastest growing sport in the country. Participation in the Native American sport of lacrosse has tripled in colleges and high schools nationwide, according to Inside Lacrosse magazine, and has no signs of stopping. Sean Doyle, 25, was recently named the head men’s lacrosse coach of the La Roche College Redhawks, now in their third year. He joins the large influx of young coaches now in charge of collegiate programs that are expanding nationwide. Born in Irondequoit, New York, Doyle has been through nearly all the sport has to offer since he started playing lacrosse in 1995. Irondequoit High School is consistently one of the most competitive teams in the state of New York. Doyle began his lacrosse career in the third grade, and since then he has yet to enjoy a spring free of lacrosse. In high school, he was heavily recruited as an All-American midfielder, as well as a quarterback and defensive back for schools including Syracuse University. Ultimately, he decided to play lacrosse because the practices were more fun and it was a more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, Doyle suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the spring of his senior year of high school, requiring surgery and making his college recruitment chances much more difficult. After his surgery, Doyle enrolled at Herkimer Community College to rehab his knee and to gain more experience before going to a four-year college. In his two years with the HCC Generals, Doyle was fortunate enough to play in the National Junior College Championship game against renowned Onondaga Community College, a vastly famous lacrosse factory producing superstars for D-1 colleges such as Cody Jameson, now of the Toronto Nationals in Major League Lacrosse (MLL). “It really was unexplainable,” Coach Doyle said of the experience. “It’s just a euphoria of emotions.” Herkimer lost in the championship game that year. ollowing his time at Herkimer, Doyle enrolled at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. He did not choose the school for its prestige in the sport, being
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in an area quite unfamiliar with the sport, but to “create something new” and to “leave [his] mark” on something new. The Bellarmine Knights, upon Doyle’s arrival, were going into their third year, led by Jack McGetrick, aka Black Jack. At Bellarmine, Doyle switched to attack for the team, and in his senior year finished seventh overall
to be the best he could possibly be; Doyle fondly recalls memories of being told to run for entire practices as a consequence for the smallest transgressions. “He was definitely one of the biggest reasons I decided to be a coach,” said Doyle. Unfortunately for Doyle and the lacrosse community, Black Jack lost his life in a battle with prostate cancer in the fall of
perience that few have the opportunity to acquire. Over the years, he has found what drills work and what drills are a waste of time and how to inspire his players with an energy and enthusiasm few coaches have with the game. “I like to keep practices really upbeat and relaxed,” Doyle said, “but when it comes down to it, business is business and you have to get stuff done and be ready to get some real work accomplished.” While coaching at La Roche, Doyle tried out for several MLL teams during the spring of 2012, making the cut with the first year Ohio Machine playing out of Sandusky, Ohio. “It’s overwhelming to be able to call yourself a professional athlete. You find yourself representing everything and everyone around you who brought you to that point throughout your career.” The best players in the world play in the MLL, and being able to play with them and against them is a humbling experience, according to Coach Doyle. It also makes for a satisfying experience to see the improvements he’s made since playing in third grade in upstate New York. s for the young Redhawks lacrosse program, currently in its third year, Doyle has nothing but the highest expectations for the program, seeing it going forward strongly. “There will be bumps and hiccups, but that’s the nature of the sport and a young program, and that’s what makes college sports a ball,” Doyle said. “With continued support from the faculty and students, the sky is the limit.” For the sport of lacrosse as a whole, Doyle is waiting for it to go to the next tier of popularity. “Hopefully it will get back in the Olympics again soon since so many new countries are starting to have teams,” said Doyle. Lack of money and needing more kids to participate in new areas of the country are “the only things holding the sport back,” he said. Doyle shares the Redhawks’ potential as a young, up-and-coming coach in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). With the passion that he brings every time he picks up a lacrosse stick to “snipe g-notes,” (goals to the lay person) on a 6’x6’ on the Ohio Machine’s practice squad, there is no telling what good fortunes the future has in store for both the new coach and his young team.
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© Julianna Zito
Sean Doyle, La Roche College’s LAX coach. in points in his graduating class of 2010 nationwide, quite an accomplishment since he graduated with Tewaaraton Trophy recipient (college lacrosse’s Heisman Trophy) Ned Crotty, now of the Rochester Rattlers of the MLL. Coach Black Jack played a major role in Doyle’s life, acting as a father figure to him and the whole team and being someone safe to talk to about any troubles. Black Jack also taught Doyle how to push himself
2010, only a few short months after Doyle’s graduation. Doyle found his way to La Roche by “a great grapevine of connections” throughout the lacrosse community, and also by having a brother in the Pittsburgh area. Being named as the assistant coach in 2010, Doyle again found himself in a less-than-hotbedarea of lacrosse in Pittsburgh, but he plans on changing that. From playing on the many club and collegiate teams, Doyle brings a plethora of ex-
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Entertainment The La Roche Courier < October 30, 2012
Culture 101: Five things college students
should do before they graduate By: Sammi Deem A few weeks ago I found myself sitting in a job interview at an insurance company. They were going on and on about how great it is to work there because they get all kinds of opportunities to go to plays, the opera, etc. It suddenly hit me. When I graduated and got a big girl job, I would have to sometimes go to these types of things. The same might be true for you. Therefore, I have created a guide to navigating these types of events (that is in no particular order). Everything from dress to behavior to how to prepare is covered. Keep in mind, most of my insights come from lessons learned (and usually they were learned the hard way). Enjoy!
This kind of skill could be useful in business meetings, client relationships, and even travelling abroad for business or pleasure. It is also helpful if you ever find yourself at an Italian opera wondering why you can’t seem to follow along. Believe me, it happens. You can often see foreign films at theatres that feature independent films. For example, foreign films are common at the The Oaks in Oakmont (where students get a discount, so make sure you take your I.D. with you!).
3 Go to the Opera It’s not as painful as you think.
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Go to a restaurant that features a culture you have never experienced.
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Go to a movie that is not in your first language (or any other language that you know). Yes, I know, pluperfect conjugations still bring back nightmares of your high school Spanish class. However, experiencing something that is familiar, like a movie, in another language will prepare you for other things that might require you to listen to people speak in languages you don’t know.
music is great, and if you’re lucky you will get to stare at someone as gorgeous as Matthew Morrison all night. Keep in mind that appropriate dress for the symphony and Opera is semiformal. You certainly don’t need to wear your prom dress, ladies (although you will see people that dressed up), but you don’t want to be the person that others whisper about because you’re wearing jeans. That is A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
Pittsburgh is rich with food from other cultures. From the Strip District to hidden treasures in the North Side, you can experience much of the world without ever leaving the city. Keep in mind that many Thai and Indian restaurants will ask you how spicy you want your food. Usually it is on a scale from 1-10, and 10 might require you to sign a proverbial waiver before eating it. It really is that spicy. Nicky’s Thai Kitchen is the best Thai food I have ever had and a good first step into the foreign foods arena. It is always a good idea to make reservations for all these restaurants. They tend to be small and in very high demand.
The sets and production aspects are amazing and the stories are fun to follow. It follows the traditional patter of love, death, and vengeance most of the time. Italian opera is the best. Be aware that the subtitles are on a screen above the stage so it is difficult to watch both. It is always a good idea to grab a study guide (which are usually available in the lobby), and get an idea of the storyline before the opera starts. Then when the show begins, you can somewhat ignore the subtitles and just watch the action. It is honestly so much easier and kind of fun too!
2 Go to the symphony I know what you are going to
say, I used to say it too. I promise you though; the symphony is more than just a good place to catch a nap. If you are allergic to classical music, start with one of the shows in the Pittsburgh POPS! series. The
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Go to a restaurant that involves more than one course. No, Applebee’s Two for $20 deal does not count. Try an upscale restaurant that may require you to manage the correct fork or forks. This is something you can easily pair with your adventure to the symphony or opera (besides, you’re already dressed up anyway!). Another good reason to do this is because it gets you in town earlier than everyone else. Nothing stinks more than having to park six blocks away and book it down Penn Ave. in heels (from what I hear, guys, your dress shoes are not that comfy either). Be aware that these kinds of nights out can be pricey. Dinner alone can be anywhere from $25-$40 a person (better to plan to spend more and be surprised). A good baby step into the upscale restaurant world is Six Penn Kitchen. It is owned by Eat n’ Park and their menu is pretty easy to navigate and absolutely delicious. It is always good to make a reservation at any restaurant that sets the table with more than one fork.
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Netflix Picks by Steven Young
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etflix has a lot of great movies and television shows, but sometimes the selection is so vast that it’s hard to find something you want to watch. To help shorten your search, here are some of the interesting videos available on Netflix instant stream. If you’re looking for an interesting documentary, check out “The Devil Came on Horseback.” The film is about a former U.S. Marine, Brian Steidle, who takes photographs and documents the on-going genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The movie features several interviews with Nicholas Kristof, the New York Times columnist who helped bring Steidle’s story to the media. The documentary has a lot of graphic images and shows the horrors of the genocide in Darfur. It is a well-done documentary and gives a glimpse of the work of Nicholas Kristof, who will speak at La Roche on Monday, October 29th
at 7 p.m. You might be downright distraught about the NHL lockout. If so, take a look at “Goon.” Sean William Scott (Stifler from “American Pie”) plays Doug Glatt, a dimwitted bouncer who finds his calling as an enforcer on a minor league hockey team. The film has a lot of crude language and humor, but in the end it’s a love letter to all the “tough guys” in hockey. If you’re in the mood to waste a day watching a television series, a good choice is “Freaks and Geeks.” The series lasted for only one season and focuses on the high school experience of two groups, the burnouts and the geeks. The show has a young cast of future stars, featuring James Franco, Jason Segel, and Seth Rogan. The show is a great way to pass the time if you’re stuck indoors on a rainy weekend. If you don’t subscribe to Netflix and are curious about it, go online at www.netflix.com and sign up for a one-month free trial.
Dear Lady Desempares , Every weekend I stay on campus, but I can never find anything to do! I end up spending my time just sitting in my room. What should I do?! Sincerely, My room is boring
Dear My Room, There are plenty of activities in the area to do! Just grab a group of friends and some money and close that door to your room! Get in a car and head out. There are many places to go. Hungry? Drive just a few minutes and you will come across tons of restaurants. Some of these restaurants include Olive Garden, El Campesino, TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut and many more! Want to shop or just walk around? Ross Park Mall is just three miles away and has lots of stores. Want to see a movie? Use your La Roche I.D. to see a movie for just $5 at Rave Cinemas. Want to play laser tag? Laser Storm, only $6 a game, is just a few minutes away. Don’t have a friend who can drive? There are still many things you can do around campus. Try going for a walk and enjoying the beautiful scenery around the campus. Walk down to the North Park Lounge or Luciano’s, both of which are in walking distance of the school. Hang out in the Bold Union Room or in CC Square and play pool. If you still insist on staying in your room for the weekend, invite some friends over, order a pizza, make some popcorn and have a movie night. Especially with Halloween coming up, have a scary movie marathon to get everyone in the spirit of Halloween. The main key is to find some friends on campus and do whatever makes you happy. Sincerely, Lady Desempares P.S. Calling all students: If you have an issue you’d like Lady Desempares to discuss in the next issue of the Courier, send your question to LadyD@gmail.com.
Mumford and Sons Keep Raising the Bar by Sammi Deem
©mumfordandsons.com
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umford and Sons has been an explosive force on the folk-infused alternative music scene for the last few years. Debuting in 2007, this Londonbased quartet left an impression on European audiences that will be hard to forget. Starting out, Mumford and Sons became a well-known member of London’s “underground folk scene,” according to iTunes. Other upand-comers sharing the scene with Mumford and Sons included Noah and the Whale and Laura Marling, iTunes continues. In 2009, Mumford and Sons gained some traction with American audiences following the release of their first full-length album, Sigh No More. In 2010, they gained even more exposure in the U.S. when “Timshel” from Sigh No More was featured on the C.W.’s hit television series One Tree Hill. The emotional content of the episode fit the mood of Mumford’s music and tone, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. Other hits from Sigh No More included “The Cave,” “Little Lion Man,” and “White Blank Page.” On September 24, 2012 Mumford and Sons released their newest record, Babel, in the United States. The album opens with “Babel,” which is a powerful folk-infused acoustic track. The undeniable voice of lead singer Marcus Mumford soon follows with a manifesto that would inspire anyone to stand strong regardless of what obstacles he or she might face. “We wanted to do something unashamed. We’re confident and happy to be where we are as a band — everything that’s happened with us has exceeded expectations, and it’s all been a surprise. It’s all much bigger than what we were prepared for. So when we came to recording this record we had a choice: to shy away from that, or to realize that people dig what we’re doing, and make something robust, with that energy” Ben Lovett, vocalist and keys player, said in the band’s biography featured on their website.
Another top track from Babel, “I Will Wait,” is a high-energy love letter that sings like a ballad, while remaining true to Mumford’s fastpaced eclectic style. This track features a broader range of instruments and voices as Marcus Mumford is not the only voice heard. “I Will Wait” relies more on the band’s collective voice, making this track an appropriate follow-up to “Babel” as a sort of a victory chant. In more of a traditional ballad fashion is the short yet emotionally naked track “Reminder.” Featuring an acoustic guitar and Marcus Mumford’s pure and strong voice, the listener is confronted with the pain and truth of love lost while lured in by a great hook and something distinctly different for Mumford and Sons. “There’s a bit more obscurity in this album and “Reminder” is a really emotionally identifiable song. I think “I Will Wait” was the same. And in terms of making the best record we could, we felt like we needed those songs,” Marcus Mumford said in the band’s biography featured on their website. These tracks are just a taste of what is sure to be a highly successful album for Mumford and Sons. They continue to reveal their personality through their distinct sound and sold out U.K. tour. Though only one U.S. date has been announced for a show in Los Angeles. There will be more to come. In the meantime, one can surely get a new music fix in the solemn, quiet manifestos that make up Mumford and Sons’ newest album Babel. To learn more about Mumford and Sons visit their website www. mumfordandsons.com. Other artists that Mumford and Sons fans might enjoy include: MUTEMATH Arcade Fire Noah and the Whale E x pl o s i ons in the Sky If you have a suggestion for a movie, music, or book review, send your thoughts to Samantha.Deem@stu.laroche.edu.
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (September 13, 2012) The American Association of University Women (AAUW) promotes equality for all women and girls, lifelong education and societal change through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Sister Matilda Kelly AAUW Incentive Grant is part of the North Hills-McKnight branch’s effort to encourage women to complete their undergraduate college education. Each winner will be awarded $2000 to be used to that purpose. The winners for 2012 are Kristin Collins and Julie McVay. Kristin Collins is a La Roche College senior, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice who plans to graduate next May. She is a student in the New Castle program and was selected for membership in Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Julie McVay is also a LaRoche College senior and intends to graduate this December. She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology and is completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Imaging. Her long-term goal is to obtain specialized radiological training in mammography. Julie A. Makuta, M.A. Assistant to the Dean of Students Conferencing Services La Roche College 9000 Babcock BLVD. Pittsburgh PA 15237 412-536-1071 Fax: 412-536-1048
Editor-in-Chief Shay Badolato Entertainment Editor Sammi Deem Contributing Writers Nate Marsh Steven Young Grant Wentzel Lacey Lau Advisor Eileen Garred
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Swig continued from page 1
Domestic brew drinkers’ political views may side with the elephant, but come Election Day, 57 percent of them say they won’t stampede to the voting booths. Drinkers of the most popular beers in the survey show a strong propensity toward the Republican Party. As a practicing Mormon, Romney is not allowed by his religion to drink beer, but Romney’s
vice-presidential running mate Paul Ryan might be wise to try to attract press coverage in Pennsylvania by sipping a Yuengling or a Miller Lite. President Barack Obama is a fan of craft beers and has created “White House Honey Ale.” To win over Pennsylvania, he would be wise to use craft beers to sweeten the hearts of Independents.
©Steven Young
Costume plans and frightful attractions by Lacey Lau
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alloween is one of the craziest and most festive times of the year, especially for students of La Roche College. There has been talk around campus and in classes about what students intend on doing in the upcoming days before Halloween and on the haunted holiday itself. Haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and costume parties are among the plans. Megan, a graphic design major, was enthusiastic when it came to talking about Halloween. “Fall is my favorite time of year, mostly because I love the weather and Halloween. I feel that it’s a time for everyone to express themselves and not have people judge them for it.” Megan is one of those students who love to dress up for Halloween—even at the age of 21. “I plan on dressing up as Tinkerbell this year,” Megan says. “I enjoy dressing up as characters from movies that I loved when I was younger. Peter Pan was one of my favorites.” Britney, an education major, is also a kid at heart when it comes to Halloween. “It has always been a tradition in my family that we all get together on Halloween and take all the children in our family out trick or treating. It’s a chance for my family to spend time with each other without sitting down for a holiday dinner,” she explains. For Britney, Halloween is like other holidays with lots of family time, but instead of giving out presents, they get candy. “My family always plans out a theme. This year the kids are going out as the cast from The Wizard of Oz. It’s an adorable idea and the children already have their costumes all ready for when Halloween comes.” Nikki also has a positive outlook on Halloween, but she considers a potential religious aspect of the day as well. “I do recognize that it is more than just dressing up and getting candy. Historically, Halloween has connections to Satan, witchcraft, and other things that can be seen as evil,” she points out. Religion is an important aspect when it comes to most holidays, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be any fun. Nikki does not allow religious views to take
the fun out of Halloween for her. “I personally view Halloween as a secular holiday, so I enjoy it for fun. I intend to dress up as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader this year.” As for another student, Lauren, Halloween is just a fun time to hang out with friends and dress up. “Halloween lets people be something they have always thought would be cool. This year, I haven’t figured out my costume yet, but I will soon.” These La Roche students want to have fun and enjoy a holiday that allows them to act like they are young children again. As we get older, holidays are not as exciting for us as they were when we were kids, but Halloween is one of those extra-fun holidays at any age! It brings out the kid in everyone. There are a great many Halloween attractions going on in Pittsburgh that La Roche students can take advantage of when they’re not busy with their studies. The Scarehouse, which is located in Etna, has gotten amazing reviews this year and is ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions.” The Scarehouse offers three haunts for one ticket price of $20: The Forsakes, Pittsburgh Zombies, and Creepo’s Christmas in 3-D. This haunted attraction is located minutes from downtown and not far from La Roche. It’s definitely worth the money and the trip. Another popular attraction that has been getting good words around campus is Fright Farm. This attraction, located in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, is not any ordinary haunted house. Once the sun sets, guests are taken on the Haunted Hayride, filled with horrifying scenes and terrifying monsters that will make you scream. This blood-curdling Hayride, which makes its way through the roads of Rich Farms, leads you to the Haunted House attraction of the farm, which is a terrifying experience you will not find anywhere else. Another horrifying attraction of Fright Farm is The Terror Maze. It’s easy to get lost in it and you find yourself on edge the whole way through. For the price of $25, you will definitely reach your goal of being frightened beyond belief.
Interested in writing, layout, or photography? The La Roche Courier needs writers for news articles, feature stories, sports coverage, and entertainment. Photographers, illustrators, and page designers are always wanted. If you are interested in joining our staff, please contact our editor: Shay.Badolato@stu.laroche.edu