Mount Holyoke News — Mar. 4, 2022

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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022

Inaugural APAU gala celebrates Black joy and artistry

BY JENDAYI LEBEN-MARTIN ’24 & TARA MONASTESSE ’25 STAFF WRITERS

The night of Sunday, Feb. 27 marked the penultimate event of the Association of Pan-African Unity’s Black History Month programming: a gala hosted in Mary Woolley Hall’s Chapin Auditorium. Approximately 100 attendees donned red, black and green — the colors of the Pan-African flag — and gathered in Chapin Auditorium to celebrate Black joy with a night of music, storytelling and dance.

Co-Coordinator for the APAU Geraldine Louis ’24 kicked off the event by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is widely considered to be “the Black National Anthem,” according to the NAACP website.

Guests were then introduced to keynote speaker Jonathan Gayles, Ph.D., Morehouse graduate and professor at Georgia State University. During his self-proclaimed unconventional Black History Month speech titled “Black and Grounded,”

Photo by Lynn Sleiman ’24 Geraldine Louis ’24 and Ziyadah Zeigler ’23, above, present at the start of APAU’s recent gala.

Gayles spoke over Zoom about “liberatory wellness” and the importance of Black people centering their own mental health.

“Our realities cannot be defined by white supremacy,” Gayles declared.

Kay Brown ’23 performed a spoken-word piece entitled “The Boiling Point.” A critical social thought major, Brown said she enjoys exploring the new meaning given to poetry when it is read out loud to a group of people. Inspired by the chaos that

is her Google Calendar during a hectic semester, “The Boiling Point” is a commentary on the culture of productivity that puts pressure on Black women, advocating for rejuvenation. “[I’ve] always loved spoken word and poetry,” Brown said in an interview with Mount Holyoke News.

“I love playing with rhythms and sounds, and I feel really empowered when I read my poetry out loud.”

Additional performances included an appearance by the Five College West African Music Ensemble, led by Mamou Samake ’21, as well as a dance performance by the Cradle Crew ensemble entitled “360.”

Continuing the theme of spoken word and storytelling, Adjoa Baidoo ’24 performed an Anansesem, a Ghanian folktale about Ananse, a mythical trickster. They said that in telling a story at the gala, they wanted to bring something unique to the celebration.

“At first, I kind of wanted to do a ‘ra ra ra, fuck white supremacy’ poem, as I am known to do … but I also kind of thought to myself, well

I think what would be more helpful and useful would be to share a part of [my] upbringing with folks,” Adjoa explained.

The gala served as the culmination of APAU’s series of Black History Month programming, which included movie nights, trivia and workshops hosted by guest speakers about various aspects of Black culture. The final week of Black History Month centered around the theme “Black and jovial,” which APAU described on social media as representing “Black joy, happiness and all that goodness.”

“Black joy is very important, especially in these times,” Sarah Bell ’25, an attendee of the gala, said. “[Considering] what we have been through for the past two years surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement all over the globe and the pandemic, it is really needed.”

Bell concluded, “I would say that it is important as a Black person to take some time during your day, and you know, just recognize that you’re here and what you’re doing is amazing.”

Senate joined by AccessAbility Services ‘Stop Putin, Stop the War:’ students protest Vladimir Putin’s attacks on Ukraine housing alone and was wondering if there is any support for this type of situation. President of SGA Lasya Following a land acknowledg- Priya Rao Jarugumilli ’23 responded ment by Shula Matthews ’22, the by noting that Public Safety and SerMarch 1 senate meeting began. The vice have the ability to help transmeeting agenda for the night includ- port students by vehicle to isolation ed E-Board updates, open floor an- housing. Ham Hall senator Gus Karnouncements and a Town Hall with patkin ’23 brought up how there is only filtered water on the second AccessAbility Services.

The week’s E-Board updates floor of Ham. Vice President of SGA came from Sophia Jung ’22, who Ananya Singh ’22 stated that this is encouraged senators to send out a due to the College policy of having dining ideas form so that students at least one filtered water station in every Residence can submit recHall. ipes they would Sophia Jung ’22 encourBefore tranlike to see from sitioning into Dining Services. aged senators to send out the Town Hall Jung encoura dining ideas form so that with AccessAbilaged students to students can submit recipes ity Services, Jansubmit family or cultural recipes. they would like to see from kovic reminded senators of the EJ Jankovic ’23, Dining Services.

Ac c e s s i b i l i ty chair of halls, Barriers online added that this is a great opportunity for students report form. Jankovic explained that to see the foods that they want on this form can be used to report barriers, such as snow, that can affect campus.

The Senate then opened the floor accessibility.

The Town Hall was joined by for announcements from senators.

The Jewish Student Union is host- Senior Accommodation Coordinaing the annual Latke-Hamantaschen tor Aaron Ferguson, AccommodaDebate on March 9. The Pre-Health tion Coordinator Zemora Tevah and Association reminded students that Accessibility Coordinator C. Ross. they are hosting a documentary Questions were submitted beforeseries every Thursday at 7 p.m. in hand and were answered in short the Porter Hall common room. The and long answer responses.

The first short answer question Dressage team has a home show on was, “Is there a way for accommoMarch 6.

Next, senators had the oppor- dations to be granted without havtunity to voice concerns from their ing access to a professional signing constituents. Lumeng Yang ’24, the off on it?” Ferguson responded that senator from Abbey Hall, voiced that while this is an ideal that they would one of her constituents recently be- like to work towards, it is not possicame sick with COVID-19 and had ble right now. According to Fergua hard time making it to isolation son, the American with Disabilities

BY GILLIAN PETRARCA ’23 STAFF WRITER

Act requires that a clinical professional certify that a person has a disability. However, Ferguson mentioned that AccessAbility can grant short-term accommodations for students while they wait to get this paperwork turned in.

Another submitted question asked if OneCard readers could have brighter tones and/or brighter lights.

Ross responded by again stating that if students have an AccessAbility issue, they can fill out the Access to Barriers Report Form. This form can be anonymous and is monitored by the Title IX Coordinator, Shannon DaSilva.

The long answer questions ranged from AccessAbility’s outreach process to how they deal with professors not respecting students’ accommodations.

When asked if they have considered changing the name of AccessAbility Services, Tevah responded by stating that they would like to change the name and would love to hear ideas from students about different names.

Regarding the question of how to handle professors not respecting students’ accommodations, Ferguson answered that AccessAbility will not get involved unless a student asks them to do so. He explained that in the past he has mediated such conflicts, and when a concern about a professor is brought forth it has usually been resolved.

The Town Hall concluded with many thanks from AccessAbility Services, who welcomed everyone to come to the AAS Fellows Info & Game Time on Friday, Apr. 8 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in the Great Room.

Sonya Stephens resigns as College president

BY DECLAN LANGTON ’22 & SOPHIE SOLOWAY ’23 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | GLOBAL EDITOR

On Tuesday, March 2, Sonya Stephens announced plans to step down from her position as president of the College in August 2022, according to an email sent to the campus community by Mount Holyoke Board of Trustees chairperson Karena V. Strella ’90. This will mark the end of Stephens’ nine years at Mount Holyoke.

Stephens was appointed acting president in 2016 and in 2018 was named College president.

Stephens is the 19th president of Mount Holyoke.

According to Stephens’ own letter to the community, also released March 2, she informed the Board of Trustees last Thursday — Feb. 24 — of her decision to resign from her position and accept a presidency at the American University of Paris. Stephens shared in the letter that this position at a

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European liberal arts institution will engage her personal and professional interests, though it will cut short her work with the Mount Holyoke community.

“This unique opportunity to advance a contemporary expression of the liberal arts in France — one that brings together so many of my intellectual and administrative interests and commitments — will soon … draw me away from our current and anticipated work together, and from this beloved community,” Stephens wrote.

Discussing Stephens’ impact on the College, Strella cited the endowment surpassing the $1 billion mark, the expansion of financial aid, a balanced budget and the numerous prestigious scholarships — including Fullbrights, a Rhodes scholarship and Gilman scholars — that have been won by students in the past six years.

“Mount Holyoke is well placed to attract an outstanding twentieth president,” Strella wrote.

FEATURES: MHBG Flower Show returns

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Strella also shared that the College will immediately begin its search for an interim president for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Additionally, a search committee will form in order to identify the College’s next permanent president, an endeavor that will employ assistance from a search firm outside of the College itself.

Strella shared that this search process and decision-making will engage community voices, though no formal plans have been released.

“Mount Holyoke will always hold a very special place in my heart, and this was an extremely difficult decision for me to take,” Stephens concluded. “Mount Holyoke is much more than a beautiful campus and a place to work or study: it is a shared experience and common endeavor. … That endeavor will continue, and though from afar, I shall be forever in support of you and of Mount Holyoke.”

Photo by Ali Meizels ’23 Student organizers gathered a crowd at Blanchard Hall to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

BY SAMMI CRAIG ’23 STAFF WRITER

As the Mount Holyoke clocktower struck 5 p.m., the march across campus began. Students walked through On Sunday, Feb. 27, students campus chanting phrases like “Stop gathered on the steps outside Putin, Stop the War” and “Peace for Blanchard Hall to protest Russian Ukraine.” Ukrainian flags were disPresident Vladimir Putin’s attacks tributed to students who didn’t have on Ukraine. Many from the campus posters and, as they walked, stucommunity attended to show soli- dents handed out flyers detailing the darity with Ukrainian citizens and situation to those around them. The condemn the protest ended up war. The protest going off campus “[The protest was] very was organized as protestors

by Maïha Klyspontaneous because obvi- trekked across menko ’23, who the street to the ously nobody knew this was Village is from Ukraine, Comgonna happen.”

Anno Kostava mons and Pear’24 and Mariam sons Hall before G a b i d z a s hv i l i turning back to – Anno Kostava ’24 ’24, who are from Abbey Hall and Georgia and Ella Buckland Hall.

Jacob ’24, who is a Czech citizen.

After circling Mead Hall and RockeThe first step the organizers feller Hall, the protestors returned took in preparation for the protest to the steps of Blanchard to conclude was creating posters that were wide- the march. Organizers thanked proly distributed around campus. testors, students, staff and commu“It was just us sitting in a dorm nity members for joining despite the room and coming up with posters chilly winter weather. and trying to plan it,” Gabidzashvili The protest itself was “very said. spontaneous because obviously noThe four organizers created body knew this was gonna happen,” and distributed all of the posters Kostava explained. plastered around campus. Some Organizers planned and carried posters read “First Moldova, then out the march within the time span Georgia, Now Ukraine? Who’s next? of the weekend. As Kostava noted, Speak Up!” while others read, “слава all of the supplies for the event were Україні! Glory to Ukraine! Your Sup- donated by organizers. While this port Matters. Open Your Eyes, War protest was a solitary event, orgaIs Here.” The posters included scan- nizers encouraged people to continnable QR codes that led to the web- ue to stay informed on the situation, site “rescue.org,” a site dedicated to according to Kostava. informing people about the war in “The least [people] should do is Ukraine and recommendations on educate themselves about the situahow to show solidarity. In addition, tion,” Gabidzashvilli said. organizers held a poster-making sesKlymenko chimed in, noting, sion on the third floor of Blanchard “it’s important to double check all of Hall from 4 - 5 p.m., right before the the information — the Russian proprotest started. Creating individual paganda is very strong.” posters allowed community members to express personal sentiments Editor’s note: Ella Jacob ’24 is a and show their support. member of Mount Holyoke News.

A&E: local artist paints murals in the library

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S&E: cuboid bacteria discovered on worms

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FEATURES

March 4, 2022

. Mount Holyoke News

Mount Holyoke Botanic Garden hosts ‘Brighter Days’ Flower Show

Photo by Carmen Mickelson ’24 Monut Holyoke Botanic Garden is preparing for its annual Flower Show. This year’s theme — for the 50th rendition of the show — is ‘Brighter Days.’

LENOX JOHNSON ’24 COPY CHIEF

The Mount Holyoke Botanic Garden sees brighter days on the horizon. This spring, the MHBG will present its 50th Annual Spring Flower Show for the first time in two years. Home to over 2,000 types of plants from six continents, the Botanic Garden is eager to reintroduce its collection to the Mount Holyoke community with this year’s show, titled “Brighter Days.”

“Plants are absolutely essential to the functioning of the planet,” Botanic Garden Director and Curator Thomas E. Clark said. “I see that as the big overall goal, … bring[ing] that message to people.”

Mount Holyoke Botanic Garden educates community The Botanic Garden, established as an entity by Professor of Botany Lydia Shattuck in 1878, aims to broaden the scope of botanical study.

When the College was founded in 1837, botany and the study of plants were among the original courses of study. The Botanic Garden now operates under the Dean of Faculty’s office as an academic entity.

The Botanic Garden “seeks to work collaboratively and interdisciplinarily with academic departments,” according to the staff handbook. Open to collaboration with professors and students, the Botanic Garden is an invaluable resource for Mount Holyoke’s academic landscape. Its reach has extended throughout an array of disciplines including Biology, Environmental Studies, English literature and writing, interpretive dance, theater and music. “We’ve had an outpouring of interest from all manner of departments wanting to engage with the Botanic Garden in some way,” Clark

said. “It’s a unique place where professors can engage the students or introduce [them] to another environment that gets them thinking differently.”

Student employment within the Botanic Garden aims to introduce students to the vast field of public horticulture, botany and conservation biology. Several student employees have found a sense of peace in their greenhouse involvement.

“Those 10 hours a week are really meditative for me in terms of being able to leave everything else outside of the greenhouse,” Maya Fontanez ’22, a greenhouse student employee, said. “We can leave everything outside and just focus on the present, which is super helpful for me.”

The MHBG aims to work against vehicles of environmental degradation like climate change and deforestation. Clark centralizes this objective in his direction of the garden.

“With all the various injustices in the world, the role that we can play to connect people with plants is really … crucial,” Clark said. “As it says in our mission statement, ‘plants are essential to life’ — not only [to] our lives as humans, but essential to the functioning of the planet.”

In many ways, the Botanic Garden serves as a vehicle to combat growing human disconnection from the natural world. MHBG aims to prevent phenomena like “plant blindness,” or the lack of recognition of plants in one’s environment, as described by the BBC. Hindering environmental disconnection is a crucial part of the MHBG mission.

“In much of the world, plants are all around us [but] for a lot of people, they just fade into the background, … without [their] having any understanding of how they impact our lives, how important they are and how devastating it is when they’re

gone,” Clark added.

As detailed in their mission statement, “the Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden promotes an understanding and appreciation of the botanical world by serving as a plant-based resource for education, research, conservation and inspiration.”

Staff prepares for ‘Brighter Days’ The Annual Spring Flower Show, first conceived in 1979, has blossomed into a central custom of Mount Holyoke culture. This year’s show, “Brighter Days,” is an ode to perseverance and forward-looking optimism — a testament to the light at the end of the tunnel.

The 50th Annual Spring Flower Show’s presentation, originally scheduled for 2021, is the first after a two-year hiatus, following the shut down of the 2020 show, which was open for three days. In years prior, the annual show has attracted a multitude of visitors from within the Mount Holyoke Community and throughout the southern New England area. Before the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, The Annual Spring Flower Show attracted around 5,000 - 7,000 visitors yearly.

Clark, Greenhouse Supervisor Jessie Blum and Lynk-funded summer intern Shannon Bennett FP ’22 began conceptualizing “Brighter Days” during summer 2021. As the academic year progressed, student employee involvement became increasingly instrumental in its creation. The show’s ultimate fruition was made possible by the dedicated work of all involved with the garden.

Greenhouse student employee Mars Jordan ’22, along with Fontanez, Skye McDonald-Newman ’23, Dallas Barron ’25, Sophie Gronbeck ’22 and Leah Pendl-Robinson ’22, experi-

‘The Sentence’ reflects on our complex present

BY EDITH TIERNEY ’24 STAFF WRITER

“Books contain everything worth knowing except what ultimately matters,” Louise Erdrich writes in the early pages of “The Sentence,” boldly setting the tone of her new novel Published Nov. 9, 2021, “The Sentence” is packed tightly with the events of one fictional woman’s life between November 2019 and November 2020. Set in Minneapolis, the novel is profoundly current, deeply human and often raw. It follows an Ojibwe woman named Tookie as she lives through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd and the following protests — all while working in a haunted bookshop.

The story begins when Tookie attempts an unlawful favor for a friend and is sentenced to 60 years in prison. 10 years later, she is acquitted. She gets married and begins working at a small bookstore specializing in Indigenous literature, an obvious reference to Erdrich’s own book shop in Minneapolis, Birchbark Books & Native Arts. The first 30 pages provide dramatic insight into Tookie’s backstory, but they are not what the book is about. The narrative truly begins in November 2019, when, as Tookie narrates, “death took one of my most annoying customers. But she did not disappear.”

Flora was an older white woman who died in her bed one night with no visible cause of death and an old manuscript left open beside her. De-

spite her death, Flora continues to browse the shelves of the store in her ghostly form.

Both Flora’s ghost and the book found beside her corpse haunt Tookie and interfere with what she sees as an otherwise idyllic life as a free woman. The presence of a ghost not only adds a supernatural element to the story, but is also used as a symbol of the novel’s more material hauntings: Tookie’s past and the historic and tragic events of 2020.

As Tookie reckons with her past, she must also contend with the bookstore’s haunting and a fear of not being believed. Over the course of the narrative, she also processes her rise to grandmotherhood and develops her relationships. These events slowly develop Tookie’s complex identity, vital to the beautiful and prominent presentation of humanity in the novel. Adding to the already tangible tension, the story continues into March 2020, following Tookie, her family and the bookstore as they navigate the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and in May, George Floyd’s murder in their city.

The section that covers the pandemic and the protests in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd is the most intense and poignant part of the book. While it is now common to write about the traumatic events of 2020, Erdrich avoids the potential pitfalls of overdramatization and overanalysis. She writes with honesty and clarity, not exaggerating but also not shying away from harsh realities. The narrative is deeply re-

Graphic by Sofía Savid ’24

latable as it follows Tookie’s mental health as she waves goodbye to the last in-person customer before the store closes, as she helps care for her step-grandchild and negotiates with a ghost while packing orders alone in the bookstore. It also follows her as she contemplates her relationship with her ex-cop husband and worries about her step-daughter attending protests.

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enced a sense of accomplishment in show. It’s a sea of color.” crafting the show in tandem.

The MHBG is exercising caution “I think it’s a really almost mag- in its show reopening in accordance ical experience to look at something with College guidelines. that you have helped grow with the Flower Show,” Jordan said. “It’s inBotanic Garden engages credible to see what you and other with visitors people have done, [seeing] someA chief goal of the MHBG, acthing [coming] to fruition [after it cording to Clark, is its development has been] months and months and into a more wholly accessible remonths in the making.” source. The Talcott Greenhouse The show serves to expose the Complex, while beautiful, contains community to what the Botanic Gar- several stairs, narrow ramps and den has to offer. 50 years of knowl- corridors. The group has set out to edge passed from show to show have make the structure more accessible made each event a uniquely intuitive in a way that enhances the space process. The MHBG staff plotted while maintaining its architectural over 5,000 bulbs for the show this fall integrity. alone. Clark views the assembly as a “I think [it’d be] the most won“thoughtful process.” derful thing if we could make this “The full-time staff will start place fully accessible. I think it’s planning it in the middle of the sum- a crime that when people call and mer … [and] the bulbs arrive around say, ‘Are you handicapped accessiSeptember,” Fontanez said. “For the ble?’ I [have to] say, ‘No, not really. next two months [we are] … out- I’m sorry.’ … It breaks my heart to side planting bulbs [for] hours and drive [people] away because of that,” hours.”

Clark said. “For a college that puts Each year, the show is charac- such a high premium, with good reaterized by an entirely new theme, son, on accessibility … this great fadesign and concept. Maintaining cility is unintentionally off-limits to originality and inspiration is an im- a certain part of the population, both portant creative endeavor in forming on campus and off.” a final product. Throughout the year, The MHBG also aspires to exideas for the next tend a higher levshow are always el of engagement “Those 10 hours a week on the radar. to surrounding are really meditative for “There are cercommunities, tainly times … as Clark further me in terms of being able throughout most explained. The to leave everything else of the year when MHBG strives to outside of the greenhouse.” get more people we’re actively doing something involved with major related to their facilities – Maya Fontanez ’22 the show,” Clark and programs, said. “It’s a huge and are eager to amount of time that we put into it re-establish and expand communi— hundreds, upon hundreds, upon ty interaction. “It’d be great to dehundreds of hours.” velop programs with local schools The Botanic Garden is a natu- [or] maybe develop a volunteer proral museum. “Brighter Days” is an gram,” Clark explained. “A big goal opportunity for celebration of this to have is to make this a resource unique asset to the community. “It’s that goes beyond the College and inits own art form. … You’re essential- vite people in conservation as well.” ly showing all the beauty of the natuFollowing the Flower Show, the ral world in one concentrated place. Botanic Garden will be closed again … It’s particularly relevant right to the Mount Holyoke community. now in history … because we’re so However, the MHBG staff are eager disconnected from nature and the to temporarily open the doors this natural world,” McDonald-Newman spring. shared. “[It] makes it almost palat“I think a lot of folks look forable for people. [We] make it beau- ward to the show because it’s a tiful and make it something that much needed blast of spring flowers people can participate in, see and and scents at a time when it doesn’t enjoy — and it smells great, which is feel like winter will end,” Blum said. always a pleasure.”

“It’s been a hard couple of years for “Brighter Days” is heavily in- us all and I hope that folks find a formed by a vast array of color, tran- bit of peace or joy when they walk sitioning from pale yellows, across through. Our staff truly enjoys sharthe color spectrum to deep purples ing our knowledge and love of plants and blues. “People walk [in] and with this community.” shrug off the cold, … [and] it’s like The 50th Annual Spring Flower this weight is lifted. … They’re hit Show will be open to current stuby this wall of fragrance, [which is dents, faculty and staff from March at its] highest [because of] the hy- 7 - 11 and from March 14 - 18, from 9 acinths, the freesias [and] the daf- a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The show will be fodils,” Clark said. “So, they go an- available to these groups at no cost. other few steps, turn to the left, and Check out “Brighter Days” before then … they see the expanse of the it’s growing, growing, gone.

Letter to the Editor: grow your activism In late 2021, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill named after the iconic civil rights activist and congressman, failed to [receive] the votes necessary to be debated in the senate, and effectively died. The provisions of the bill would have strengthened the Justice Department’s ability to examine and preapprove election conditions for states with a history of voter discrimination, particularly against minority groups. In the same month that the bill was axed, The New York Times reported that Senators Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia — two key democratic opponents of voting rights legislation in the last year — have attracted new financial support from conservative-leaning donors.

In such a political climate, it is easy to see how college students can find themselves convinced of their own powerlessness. However, now is not the time to give up on our vision of democracy. As unprecedented as the present may seem, the progress we, as a new generation, aspire to is only made possible by the foundation laid down by those before us, such as John Lewis.

Democracy Matters is a national organization dedicated to engaging young people in protecting American democracy. It has

chapters at universities across the country, and has begun the process of becoming officially recognized at Mount Holyoke College.

Issues of exceptional pertinence for the collective include the advancement of voting rights, campaign finance reform and raising of political empowerment in the local community. However, students often take advantage of the intersectional aspect of the organization’s mission, and call attention to many other issues that are affected by voting rights such as racial justice, reproductive rights and gun control.

The significance of defending the integrity of American elections is not a concept lost on the modern, smartphone wielding, college student. This is apparent just by scrolling through tweets that invoke political action or tapping through the Instagram stories of empathetic tech activists, hoping that their share will create a larger change. Politics is a routine part of students’ daily lives, whether they know it or not.

If you are interested in continuing your activism in a more formal way and supporting your peers in doing so, email Kyung Ju Lee ’24 — lee45k@mtholyoke.edu — for more information on how to get involved.

– Kyung Ju Lee ’24

March 4, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

. Mount Holyoke News

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Mount Holyoke students discuss age gaps and racism in ‘Licorice Pizza’

BY ELLA JACOB ’24 BOOKS EDITOR & COPY EDITOR

Content warning: this article discusses racism and a predatory age gap.

“Licorice Pizza,” a coming-ofage comedy-drama titled after a slang term for vinyl records, follows the story of 25-year-old Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and 15-year-old Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) as they navigate life in San Fernando Valley, CA. The relationship that develops between the two characters is one embued with love and a close bond.

However, this tenderhearted dynamic might be overpowered by a racist instance in which a character, named Jerry Frick (John Michael Higgins), employs a racist Asian accent when talking to his Asian wife. The movie, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has been nominated for three Oscars this year — Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Mount Holyoke News interviewed members of the Mount Holyoke community to gather their thoughts on “Licorice Pizza,” the relationship between Alana and Gary, as well as the racist portrayals of Asian characters.

Maggie Parker ’24 explained that Anderson has built a cult following in the film industry over the years.

“His shots, in this case capturing the thrill of 1970’s Los Angeles, are visually captivating and his characters [are] very human, yet larger than life,” Parker said. “The story he portrays here is never too predictable or cliche, and he has a special way of making it feel personal without exaggerated intensity or plot twists.

It feels almost as if you listened to someone recap an old story from their youth.”

Adji Diouf ’24 echoed this sentiment, expressing that her favorite part of the film was the ’70s aesthetic. “They got the colors, clothes, hair and music just right,” she said.

Although Anderson may have nailed the vibrant ’70s atmosphere, the 10-year age gap between Alana and Gary drew criticism from The New Yorker. In his review, Richard Brody noted the age gap, claiming that “the age difference is definitive: [Gary’s]a minor, and [Alana] doesn’t even consider it.”

Ana Branas ’24 echoed this sentiment.

“I did not like the age gap,” Branas said.

Initially hoping that the movie would appropriately address this issue, Branas said, “For some portion of the movie, it did.” Branas was disappointed, however, by the framing of Gary’s character. “[I]thought it was so odd that the … kid acted older than Alana Haim’s character, and how that kind of replaced the fact that he was 15,” Branas said.

Diouf also addressed the age gap. “I understood that that was just the way things may have been at that time or whatever, but I don’t think that made it any less strange,” Diouf said.

Parker, on the other hand, shared that this discussion concerning the age difference is a “tricky debate.”

“Adult and teenager relationships are not a new subject in film, and I think the most important thing is how directors choose to portray them,” Parker said.

Parker claimed that the film doesn’t create a compelling case that the two main characters are in love.

“They constantly fight, they acknowledge the strangeness of their ‘relationship’ repeatedly and at var-

Graphic by Gabby Gagnon ’24

ious points, both characters pursue others that seem more compatible,” Parker said. “It feels like the viewer should know that both these characters are looking for something in one another that is very fleeting, unhealthy and would not realistically last.”

Parker expressed that the dynamic between the two characters

did not need such an extreme age gap. “[Although] to me it never felt like clear romanticization, it was certainly bizarre and uncomfortable at times,” Parker said. “I found myself unconvinced that any 25 year old woman would realistically go back to a 15 year old multiple times.”

Parker described a part of the film as “a weird portrayal of an-

ti-Asian racism.”

During Anderson’s interview with IndieWire, he spoke about audience criticism from viewers on social media that Jerry Frick, owner of the Japanese cuisine Mikado Hotel and Restaurant, speaks in an offensive fake Asian accent during a scene in which he is talking to his Japanese wife.

“It’s kind of like, ‘Huh?’” Anderson said during the interview with IndieWire. “It’s funny because it’s hard for me to relate to. I don’t know.

I’m lost when it comes to that. To me, I’m not sure what they — you know, what is the problem? The problem is that he was an idiot saying stupid shit?”

When the interviewer, Eric Kohn, explained that the character’s “racism could give people permission to laugh at the stereotype, rather than his stupidity,” Anderson responded, “Well, I don’t know, maybe that’s a possibility.”

“It’s not possible to critique this film without talking about the racist part,” Branas said. “‘Licorice Pizza’ is just another one of those movies that defends racism or age gaps by blaming it on the time and as something we ‘have to address,’ when in reality it’s just an unnecessary feature to a basic story.”

Regardless of criticism surrounding the film, “Licorice Pizza” is still a story which, according to Deadline, had “a huge $83.8K opening screen average from four theaters, which the studio is calling an all-time record.”

Parker said, “Overall, I feel like ‘Licorice Pizza’ is a coming-of-age film about a 25-year-old trying to hold on to immaturity, and a 15-yearold desperately trying to do the opposite far more than it is a compelling romance.”

Local artist Jill Kovalchik brightens Williston Memorial Library with murals

Photo by Tzav Harrel ’24 Local artist Jill Kovalchik painted murals in the dark sections of the library to brighten the space.

BY ROWAN BERNSTEIN ’22 & LUCY OSTER ’23 STAFF WRITERS

Students using the Williston Memorial Library this semester may have noticed the space looking a lot brighter, thanks to a series of mini murals by Jill Kovalchik. The local visual artist, who works as a scene painter at Rooke Theatre, was recently commissioned by Library, Information and Technology Services to liven the library with her art.

After designing a chalkboard

Graphic by Sunny Wei ’23

for Dining Services in the Cochary Pub & Kitchen in 2019, Kovalchik was brought on by Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and former director of Dining Services Rich Perna to paint the menu mural in the library’s Frances Perk Cafe in the spring of 2021. According to Kovalchik, Perna told her that he needed a menu, and she decided to turn that simple opportunity into a chance to create an exciting piece.

“We’re not gonna do just the menu, we’re gonna make it really something real,” Kovalchik said. The

finished product is a painted archway embellished with flowers that blends seamlessly into the stone architecture of the library’s atrium.

After seeing Kovalchik’s art at the Perk, LITS Office Manager Kirsta Denno Bader approached Kovalchik with the mini-mural project.

Denno Bader said that she is always looking for ways to improve spaces within the library, and Kovalchik’s work seemed like the perfect fit.

Kovalchik explained that she chose a unique theme for each floor of the library. She featured birds on the sixth floor, glass on the seventh floor and trees from around the world in the second-floor study rooms. “I wanted [the murals] to be themed,” Kovalchik said, “but I also wanted to keep changing the styles so people maybe didn’t know it was the same artist.”

Kovalchik cited the Gothic architecture on campus as her primary inspiration for many of the paintings. On the fifth floor, for example, a mural depicts a gothic urn filled with lush plants.

“I wanted to bring that [aesthetic] inside to the library as if you were looking out. In this library there are a lot of spaces that are windowless, so painting windows and looking out … made sense,” she said.

A painting on the second floor depicts the front of the library as seen through an ornate circular window, bringing a taste of the outdoors to the inside of the building while

celebrating the architecture on cam- taking pictures of a nature scene in pus. one of the second-floor study rooms, The concept of opening up the saying that it “makes it look like spaces by bringing the outside in [they are] at the beach if you get the seems to be in line with LITS’s mo- angle right.” tivation in commissioning the projIn a piece on the north side of the ect in the first place. According to sixth floor, painted butterflies are Emma Beck ’18, an Access Services scattered across the pillars near the Associate, the murals are partially elevator. Beck singled out this one in response to student feedback over as her favorite. “It’s just really neat the years that the dim lighting and to me how they’re … going across lack of windows in many areas of multiple spaces, and how it’s really the library can come off as dark and spread out,” she said. scary.

“While Near the butthat’s obviousterflies on the ly ideal for the sixth floor is a “In this library there are books’ condimural of a large, a lot of spaces that are tions,” Beck multicolored explained, “it bird wing. On windowless, so painting doesn’t really Kovalchik’s Inswindows … made sense.” create a weltagram page, @ coming environchapinstreetstument.” dios, she shared – Jill Kovalchik Denno Bada reel showcaser added, “We ing her progress wanted to make some of these areas on this piece, as well as photos and a little more inviting. Now, if you time-lapses of other mini murals. walk around a corner or into a room, “The reels that I’ve been making on you might see one of these murals — Instagram have blown up the mural we hope it will make you smile.” business,” she said, explaining that Kovalchik agreed with Beck and she’s now seeing interest from peoDenno Bader about the library’s dim ple and restaurants in the area for atmosphere. “This is a pretty aus- new projects. tere building and [it] needed some “[Scene painting is] hardly a color,” she said. stable job anymore,” Kovalchik said.

Clare Messina-Fitzgerald ’23 has “I’m just taking on murals, and I renever found the library unfriendly, ally actually want to just get back in but said the murals primarily add a the studio and start doing my own new sense of entertainment to the stuff and have a gallery show at space. They added that they enjoy some point.”

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GLOBAL Russia invades Ukraine; US and others impose sanctions March 4, 2022

Mount Holyoke News

BY LAUREN CINCOTTA ’25 & SOPHIE SOLOWAY ’23 STAFF WRITER | GLOBAL EDITOR

Early in the morning of Feb. 24, Russian military forces began invading Ukraine. According to NBC News, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a “special military operation” in eastern regions of Ukraine, but in a matter of hours, land attacks as well as air strikes occurred in eastern and northern areas of the country.

Bryan Nakayama, visiting lecturer in International Relations and Politics, noted that to him, this invasion was not unexpected.

“I had a strong suspicion that Russia was going to invade in December because … the military deployment that Russia was making was consistent with an invasion [and] Putin/Russia seems to have painted themselves into a corner over their demands for Ukraine,” Nakayama said.

As of late Thursday, Feb. 24, there are reports that Russian troops are moving close to the capital of Kyiv. According to CNN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelelnskyy announced that an estimated number of 137 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began. He has also ordered general military mobilization, banning men from ages 18-60 from leaving the country.

In a matter of hours, Russian troops had also taken control of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. On

Photos courtesy of WikiMedia Commons As Russia advances its invasion of Ukraine, air strikes have prompted many Ukrainian citizens to flee the country. Nations including the U.S. are leveling sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion.

Thursday, Feb. 24, U.S. President Joe Biden also announced new sanctions against Russia. “Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences,” Biden said.

He continued outlining sanctions, adding that the U.S. will “impose severe [costs] on the Russian economy, both immediately and over time.” Other world leaders have also taken up economic measures against Russia.

Protests against the invasion are occurring across the world, includ-

ing in Russia, where protesters have been met by a large police presence.

Over the weekend, there was heavy fighting and shelling in Kyiv as well as in other major cities as the Ukrainian president encouraged citizens to defend their country.

According to the British Ministry of [Defense], Russia’s assault was slower than expected “due to acute logistical difficulties and strong Ukrainian resistance,” and Russian forces have sustained significant casualties. Talks were held on Monday morning between Ukraine

and Russia. Zelelnskyy commented that he did not expect the talks to have a huge impact on the fighting but that the government was going to participate “so that no citizen of Ukraine would have any doubt that I, as president, did not try to stop the war when there was a small chance.”

Additionally, in the international community, some nations are leveling sanctions on Russia, including some countries taking individual measures against Putin. The European Union has closed their airspace to Russian aircrafts. Countries in-

cluding the United States have called for the removal of Russian banks from SWIFT, an international banking system, which would severely limit the ability of Russian banks to do international business.

As for the United States, “The U.S. role in the conflict is to minimize direct involvement. Russia’s alerting of their nuclear forces on Sunday indicates a willingness to escalate. The U.S. should continue to levee sanctions and provide limited military aid,” Nakayama concluded.

UMass launches international language revitalization journal

Graphic courtesy of Living Languages Journal

BY SOPHIE SOLOWAY ’23 GLOBAL EDITOR

Scholars from across the world gathered virtually on Monday, Feb. 21 to celebrate the launch of a new language revitalization journal. The Living Language Journal, a multilingual and open-access resource platformed by ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst, plans to host a variety of academic and non-academic writings centering projects in the emerging field of language revitalization,

which aims to re-engage with languages considered endangered by scholars and activists.

An estimated 43 percent of the world’s languages are endangered, according to UNESCO. These minoritized languages — often Indigenous and lacking in institutional support — range from being classified as vulnerable to extinct, denoting the varying degrees to which these languages have been lost.

Language revitalization, the academic field dedicated to halting

these declines in language engagement, offers some solutions to these language crises through a diverse variety of programs that bring minoritized languages into the lives of their particular communities. When successful, languages once considered critically endangered can reemerge in the lives of local community members.

Some of these programs have materialized within the local Massachusetts community.

“Here in Massachusetts, the Wampanoag language was not spoken for more than 100 years. And then this incredible woman [jessie ‘little doe’ baird] decides to go into a master’s degree in linguistics, and then she creates a method to teach the language,” Luiz Amaral, University of Massachusetts Amherst associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese linguistics and editor-in-chief of the Living Languages Journal, said. “Then she started her own teaching methods in her own school and now there’s [an] immersion school in the language, and there are children who are learning Wampanoag right here in Massachusetts.”

While this academic field and its ensuing revitalization projects have increased in recognition in recent years, the field still faces major obstacles. According to Amaral, one such obstacle is a lack of connection between the many communities en-

gaging in revitalization projects.

Without this access to the efforts of other communities, Amaral said that strategies and models developed within one group might not be able to help any number of other communities pursuing similar projects. “The problem that was identified some years ago was that people who work with language revitalization in the local communities — language activists and people who are from the communities — sometimes have limited access to what’s going on in other parts of the world or in other communities, even in the same country.”

In order to achieve its goal, Amaral noted, it was important for the Living Languages Journal to emulate a less traditional model for an academic journal.

“What we wanted to achieve was to create a place [for] people who work with language revitalization but are not necessarily connected to the academia or academic institutions … [to] not only share their experiences and the things that are working in their communities to revitalize their languages, but … also [to] find information about the process that’s been going on in other communities,” Amaral said.

To do so, the journal “combine[s] the needs of an academic journal with the needs of practitioners and people in the field” and publish-

es both academic research papers and personal narratives, according to Amaral. “We want the personal narratives in the chronicles, and we want more research-oriented [papers] with a structural narrative that can teach us about these initiatives [in a] more academic way,”Amaral said.

In another effort to make the Living Languages Journal easily accessible to a wide audience, the journal is multilingual, and is currently being published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. To Amaral, this choice to publish in a variety of languages resisted some values common to academia.

“If you’re talking about language revitalization, we need to be a multilingual journal. And that’s not easy for the North American academia to understand. North Americans and Americans in particular have this idea that ‘if it’s not written in English, why should I care.’ … [But] academia is not centered around one language,” Amaral stated.

To Amaral, this structure represents the widespread utility of the Living Languages Journal as a model for resistant, decolonial academic work.

He said, “I think that our [model] is a very good, concrete example of something that can be done in academia that embodies the mission of decolonization.”

Qandeel Baloch murder case acquittal sparks protests in Pakistan often uniquely targeted women, Al Jazeera reported. Baloch advocated for autonomy for the modern PakiContent warning: this article dis- stani woman that simply did not excusses murder, gendered violence ist in mainstream media. According to CNN, she wore what she wanted, and sexual assault. said what she wanted and lived how Last Monday, Muhammad she wanted, in a manner markedly Waseem was fully acquitted in an more provocative than that of other appeals court of the 2016 murder of Pakistani women with platforms as his sister, Qandeel Baloch — a mur- large as hers.

Baloch’s persona created controder to which he confessed. Waseem’s acquittal, despite both confession versy. However, her murder sparked and evidence against him, is reflec- outrage even among those who initially maligned tive of a larger her. According pattern of failure “While social norms and to Al Jazeera, to deliver justice culture do take a long time in July 2016, Bato victims of femloch was found icide in Pakistan. to change, government asphyxiated to Baloch was institutions can easily help death, which one of Pakistan’s facilitate this change and was planned and first social media stars, rising to they are currently doing an executed by her brother Waseem fame in the early awful job at it.” in retaliation 2010s with enteragainst her ontaining skits and line persona and videos that de– Mishaal Abbas ’25 behavior. He said fined the emergin a press coning vlogging culture of the time — her Facebook ference that he killed her “for honpage was full of pictures and videos or” — specifically, the honor of their of her pouting into the camera and family. He confessed to the killing lip-syncing to music. For Baloch, the during the same press conference, catch was that she and her audience expressing no regret. The trial conwere in Pakistan, a country with tinued until 2019, when Waseem was conservative norms regarding mod- sentenced to life imprisonment, a esty, behavior and expectations that decision that was subsequently overBY HAFSAH ZAMAN MEHDI ’25 STAFF WRITER

Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons Qandeel Baloch, Pakistani model and influencer, was killed in July 2016 by Muhammad Waseem.

turned.

The acquittal — in a seemingly clear-cut case — follows a long-existing pattern in Pakistan’s history of misogynistic violence, in which even high profile cases like Baloch’s are strained throughout the legal

process. Last summer, a man named Usman Mirza videotaped himself sexually assaulting a couple alongside his accomplices in Islamabad.

Despite video footage of the crime, investigators claimed that there was not enough evidence for a convic-

tion.

According to Mishaal Abbas ’25, a student from Karachi, Pakistan, the acquittal of Baloch’s brother and the inconsistent judicial treatment of the case is indicative of Pakistani society’s wider stagnation in its maltreatment of women.

“While social norms and culture do take a long time to change, government institutions can easily help facilitate this change and they are currently doing an awful job at it,” Abbas said.

As the nation approaches the Aurat March — Pakistan’s annual public protest for women’s rights, which will occur on March 8 — conversations regarding misogyny in Pakistan are emerging back into the limelight, and the lack of justice delivered to Baloch and her legacy are sparking outrage once again, in the form of demonstrations across the country.

“Talking about stuff like this isn’t as triggering as it used to be because it’s become the norm in Pakistan to expect the worst when you are a woman,” Azme Tariq ’25, a student from Lahore, Pakistan, said. “While we are taking steps to create change, I think educating an entire nation and creating strict consequences for these actions against women is what will drive this outdated misogyny out of Pakistani society.”

OPINION 5 Legislative elections are globally vital: India and the US March 4, 2022

. Mount Holyoke News

BY KAVERI PILLAI ’23 OPINION EDITOR

2022 is already a year of turbulence with global wars, a pandemic and the anxiety of upcoming midterm elections in the United States.

This election cycle may challenge the Democratic party’s majority in the House and their 50-member stake in the Senate. It is also a year of state legislative elections in India, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party could potentially be overturned in crucial electoral states like Uttar Pradesh. What makes this year of legislative assembly elections so important is the fact that it can dictate India and the U.S.’ moves toward tolerance.

In the U.S., Democrats are facing the possibility of losing their House majority to the Republican party — which is being rebranded to increasingly mimic former President Donald Trump. More Republican representatives are pushing Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims and aligning with his radical conservative ideolPhotos courtesy of Flickr ogy. Recent news of GOP states en- Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party gather to rally in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India (left). The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. houses the meeting chambers for the U.S. House and Senate (right). acting anti-LGBTQ+ laws in schools and their persistent inability to em- theory. An opinion article published the aisle, leading to decreased Dem- legislative seats in the Lok Sabha up found the Rashtriya Lok Dal and brace concepts of racial injustice ex- by The Hill in 2021 compared Biden ocratic support. To draw a com- for grabs.

Samajwadi Party coalition to be the emplifies their choice of intolerance to former Democrat presidents Bill parison, Clinton’s approval ratings Along with several states where answer to their pressing problems. as a mode of governance. India’s BJP Clinton and Barack Obama, who were 13 points higher than Biden’s elections are due this year, UP, for With the RDL attracting votes from operates similarly, establishing itself both lost seats in their midterm are now. After Biden’s mishandling the past couple of terms, has seen farmers and the SL doing the same as a Hindu majoritarian regime that elections. According to a 2009 Gal- of the withdrawal of troops from a BJP government under their Hin- with religious and class minorities, preys on religious and class minori- lup poll, Obama had a 52 percent Afghanistan and the current Rus- du-monk-turned-politician Chief the opposition could be a worthy ties. For two incredibly important approval rating and still experienced so-Ukrainian war, Biden’s party is in Minister Yogi Adityanath. With a opponent to Adityanath’s tyrannical democracies, this treacherous path a net loss of 64 Democratic House danger of losing significant support policy base that is embedded in rule. With this support, the opposito discriminatoseats in the 2010 and important constituencies.

Hindutva, or Hindu identity, Adi- tion will have a guaranteed 26 perry policies can midterms. The The results of this year’s elec- tyanath’s beliefs and speeches have cent, if not more, of the state’s votes. undermine both noticeable up- tions could influence what many also been plagued with Islamopho- While the numbers aren’t incredibly What makes this year of countries’ core roar that came conservative states are doing on a bia, and he has successfully passed inspiring, it gives hope that a strong legislative assembly elecc o n st i t u t i o n a l with the pass- federal level. With increasingly con- legislation in the state that target opposition could challenge the intions so important is the values of equaling of Obama’s servative representatives elected to the minority Muslim community. cumbent. The RDL and SL coalition fact that it can dictate India Affordable Care Congress and a lack of liberal voices His “Love Jihad” law that outlaws this term, regardless of the end reity and fair representation. At and the U.S.’ moves toward Act — which to counter them, agendas concerning unlawful religious conversions sult, will dictate how strong the BJP the end of this most Republi- pro-immigration policies, reproduc- through marriage, looks down on presence will be after March 10. tolerance. year, the new cans vehemently tive rights and anything remotely interfaith couples and the continuThe results of these legislative representative opposed — was targeting often-ostracized individ- ous lynchings and violence against elections in the U.S. and in India chamber will tell us what the voters one reason for the significant drop uals may soon be shoved under the Muslim citizens that occur under will determine the path to securing want for their countries and where in Democrat seats. At the same time, carpet. The U.S. is dangerously close his watch. These are just the tip of democracy. With a global increase these countries are going to go in Republicans won six more seats in to approaching a path of politics that the iceberg when it comes to Aditya- in nationalism, closed borders and their quest to either accept or reject the Senate. This pattern was echoed caters only to a homogenous group, nath’s religious intolerance. Yet, Ad- conservative right wing regimes, the liberality. during the Clinton administration. disregarding policies that would ityanath’s once-strong position in Ut- trajectory of these elections will tell In the U.S., as mentioned in a A 1993 Gallup poll recorded Clin- help marginalized people. This pro- tar Pradesh seems to be challenged us who is voting and for what they Jan. 22 NPR Weekend Edition seg- ton’s 47 percent approval rating. cess of democratic backsliding could by a nascent opposition. A third are voting. In India, for tolerance to ment, there is a pattern of parties Despite this relatively high rating, be quickened if the midterms lean of the Uttar Pradesh constituency, be on the cards for voters, a shift is in power losing midterm seats. Con- in the 1994 midterms, Democrats red. consisting mostly of farmers, rose required in who sits at the table and sidering issues like President Joe lost 52 seats in the House while ReIndia faces a similar issue. Uttar to protest against Prime Minister who makes policy decisions. In the Biden’s low approval rating due to publicans won eight more seats in Pradesh, India’s most populous state Narendra Modi’s laws that allegedly U.S., the Democrats must hold onto economic inflation and management the Senate. Here, too, Clinton’s pol- and home of approximately 240 mil- hurt farmers’ incomes in November their seats for an inclusive and tolerof COVID-19, Democrats losing their icies on tax increase had no support lion people, is considered to be an 2021. These farmers, along with frus- ant democracy to thrive. The choice, majority in the House isn’t an absurd from Republican members across important electoral state, with 80 trated Uttar Pradesh Muslims, have fortunately enough, is in our hands.

Academic interests should be valued beyond the classroom

Graphic by Anjali Rao-Herel ’22

BY ANNABELLE MACKSON ’23 HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR & STAFF WRITER

The older I get, the more I realize how unfairly children and young adults with traditional academic interests are treated by both adults and their own peers. This criticism is a reflection of how intelligence is only valued in the classroom.

This sentiment particularly affects children whose academic interests extend beyond the classroom. Furthermore, school has become less about actually learning new things and more about filling the requirements of academic proficiency that

signifies success in education. Children are not being praised for being voracious readers because classes often treat reading as a checkpoint rather than a way to understand new material. Students whose interests aren’t being supported by their peers or teachers can feel as though their efforts and genuine interests don’t really matter. I know that was the case for me.

I was one of those children who read nonstop. Reading was my main form of entertainment and I did extracurricular research constantly.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to face quite as much of the criticism that others might have experienced due to my

educational background. I was homeschooled until the age of 13, so by the time I enrolled in public school, I was already set in my ways. However, it didn’t stop negative comments from other kids, who said things like ‘Oh, you genuinely like to read?,’ ‘You actually like this?’ and ‘Why do you care so much?’ I was firm enough in my convictions to not let their comments change who I was, but this treatment certainly made me feel ostracized.

I am not about to say that I was some genius child with an eidetic memory, but I had — and still have — an intense obsession with books, which has also fueled my love for

researching obscure topics. These wasn’t what made me feel othered, interests fed directly into how I was it was my love for reading. Some of perceived by fellow students. My my classmates could not fathom that enthusiasm was strange compared I actually enjoyed reading books for to their indifference to the class ma- fun, much less that I spent most of terial, and I felt out of place being my free time doing so. I understood so excited to learn something that that everyone had different interno one else seemed to care about. ests, and I am still baffled that they This is endemic of a larger issue could never understand the same for called “academic apathy” that chil- me. I was always respectful of the dren generally begin to encounter passions of others, but had noses in middle school. Merriam-Webster turned up at me for expressing interDictionary defines apathy as having est in things that they deemed nerdy. a “lack of interest or concern,” and I never felt bullied — the people academic apathy is this concept ap- who mattered to me understood my plied to formal learning. interests even if they didn’t share This concept is not new. John them and I was always supported H. Bishop voiced by my teachers. his concerns on Sometimes, that the topic in the backfired and I understood that everyone Educational Remade me seem had different interests, and I like a goodysearcher journal in 1989, saying, am still baffled that [peers] two-shoes when “the fundamencould never understand the I genuinely just tal cause of the liked what we same for me. I was always problem is our were learning. uncritical acceprespectful of the passions of What bothered tance of instituothers, but had noses turned me the most, tional arrangehowever, was up at me for expressing ments that do when I was critnot adequately icized for the interest in things that they recognize and way I spoke — deemed nerdy. reinforce stuand still speak, dent effort and though I receive achievement.” this response less frequently now.

A more recent example is the As a result of my avid reading, I had 2015 doctoral thesis of a Walden Uni- a larger vocabulary than my peers. I versity student, in which she noted, cannot count the amount of times a “Students [interviewed] shared that peer would stare at me in confusion they believe that their school sees or the number of times I was told to them less as learners and more as “say that again in English.” a means to an end since schools are I handled these problems myself, rewarded or sanctioned based on the but I wish that the adults around me achievement levels of the students.” had done more to help than just comThe lack of flexibility and student in- mend my efforts. I know that sounds put in public schools is what creates conceited, but I would rather have this disinterest, something that was them tell others not to judge me for entirely foreign to me. Over time, I my passions and mannerisms than noticed that my zeal for learning praise me for being the bigger perwas a result of the freedom a home- son. Comparison, even secondhand, schooled education provides; I could breeds resentment, and I fully beadapt my own learning to my curios- lieve that more could have been done ities and avoid some topics entirely to make sure that both my peers and if I had no interest in them.

I felt comfortable and confident in General academic interest our interests and hobbies.

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SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

March 4, 2022

. Mount Holyoke News

Data science OPT creates opportunities for international students

BY ANH PHAM ’25 STAFF WRITER

An announcement went out to students through email on Jan. 21 stating that the Mount Holyoke data science major is now a STEM Optional Practical Training eligible major.

Bri Rhodes, director of International Student Advising at Mount Holyoke’s McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives, explained that OPT allows all students with F-1 visas to work off-campus for up to one year in their field of study to gain additional training and experience. F-1 students whose degree programs are on the STEM list of The U.S. Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Program are eligible for an additional two-year extension.

Rhodes commented, “The addition of data science to the STEM list expands the opportunities for MHC data science students to further their careers in the U.S. that would not have been available before.”

According to Roshonda DeGraffenreid, senior associate director of external relations of Mount Holyoke College’s Career Development Center, data science is a popular major for employment in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 31.4 percent employment growth for data scientists from 2020-2030.

DeGraffenreid explained that rigorous training in statistics, quantitative reasoning and computer programming from a data science education allows students to become effective communicators, capable of reporting and explaining research findings. She further remarked that various organizations, including tech startups, government agencies, large companies and research institutions, are looking for data science majors with expertise in analyzing large data sets.

For some students on campus, pursuing data science means expanding their learning opportunities

and having more flexibility in their futures.

Newly declared data science major Oishika Saha ’24 shared that data science is an interdisciplinary and adaptable major in which she benefits from three different fields — computer science, statistics and math.

Data science becoming eligible for STEM OPT extension had a major impact on Saha’s decision to pursue the discipline. Previously, she had been interested in data science, but she also needed a STEM OPT extension to increase her chance of U.S. employment after graduation.

She noted that if the news had come just one semester later, it would have completely changed her path.

“It would have been kind of tragic to have to change to a computer science course [for OPT extension] because personally I’m not fond of such strict coding,” Saha said. “I just want to use computing knowledge for other purposes. So when I heard data science is eligible for the STEM OPT extension, I rejoiced. I went on to change my advisor and I immediately declared a data science major.”

Saha expressed that data science’s recognition as an eligible STEM OPT extension impacted her education path “big time.” She said, “I need this extension to stay in America for a while. The extension gives me a higher chance of securing a job [in the U.S.]. Plus … if I get a job early on … I have three years of work to pay back my loan instead of one.”

She noted that these three years are important because it would be harder to pay back her loan with currency from her home country, which has a low exchange rate.

Saha sees pursuing the data science major as a gateway to employment opportunities that also allows her to meld her passion for both STEM and art together. Sharing the types of jobs she imagined herself doing with her data science education, Saha said that she wants to be “a data analyst in the business

Photo by Tzav Harrel ’24 Above, the data science bulletin board in Clapp Laboratory showcases announcements for majors.

field. I personally want to go to Asia … Because Japan is like the technological hub right now, I … want to do a gaming job.”

For international students pursuing data science, being eligible for the STEM OPT extension makes a big difference to the prospect of employment in the United States, according to Rhodes. She explained that employers are reluctant to hire students on only one year of OPT, especially considering training investments or sponsorship of the H1-B — a professional visa — needed for employment in the United States.

Since the H1-B visa is subject to an annual lottery for processing, the three-year extension increases a student’s chance of getting their H1-B application chosen, making it more appealing to an employer to invest in them.

The benefits of the OPT exten-

First cuboid bacteria found on marine worms

sion do not stop with employment opportunities. According to Rhodes, an H1-B visa is often a first step to applying for Legal Permanent Resident status. Students on STEM extension are more likely to be sponsored for an H1-B, including getting access to licensed attorneys with experience in immigration law and having legal fees paid by employers, thus minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

Although being recognized for the STEM OPT extension reinforces data science as a lucrative option for international students seeking U.S. employment, Saha suggested that there is improvement needed to make the Mount Holyoke data science major more marketable. She expressed her concerns over the lack of designated data science courses, saying, “[The] courses are computer science courses, math courses and stats courses, and then [in the] final

Climate Activist Spotlight: Mikaela Loach

Graphic by Sunny Wei ’23

ter-long bacteria were shaped like miniscule boxes.

The researchers also found that, Bacteria are microscopic pro- when Ca. T. cuboideus cells begin karyotic single-celled organisms dividing, they build new cell walls that are found everywhere, from the — starting from the end, in contact soil in your backyard to the inside with the nematode, and proceeding of your digestive tract. They come toward the other side of the cell. in all shapes and sizes, from rods to FtsZ, a protein that marks the site spheres to crescents. Now, the first of cell division in many bacteria ever cube-shaped bacteria have been cytoskeletons, was found in Ca. T. found in nature in the form of sym- cuboideus cells in the same pattern biotic organisms living on the skin as the new cell wall. The researchers of aquatic worms known as marine made these observations by stainnematodes. ing the cell wall using a molecule The bacteria Candidatus Thio- that resembles the contents of the symbion cuboideus are cube-shaped cell walls but altered to glow, and by cells discovered using anti-FtsZ by microbiologist antibodies to at“This paper is just such a Philipp M. Weber tach to the FtsZ wonderful example of just and his collaboproteins. Then, rators at the Unithey shone spehow cool, unique, compliversity of Vienna cific wavelengths cated and surprising bacte- of light on the in Austria. The rial cells can be.” team confirmed cells to make the the natural cell wall and FtsZ shape of these proteins glow.

– Amy Hitchcock Camp cube-resembling This technique cells and reis called fluoresvealed how the bacteria reproduce cent microscopy — or, in this specific and maintain their shape in a Jan. case, immunofluorescence, since an21, 2022 report from iScience. tibodies were used to track and stain The researchers used various specific molecules. high-resolution microscopy techFtsZ is an important protein in niques to confirm that the species bacterial cell division that tells the is cube-shaped. According to the cell where to split into two new cells. report, the team took images of the To understand how FtsZ is working bacteria completely covering the inside this special cube-shaped bacsurface of a marine nematode and teria, the researchers used immunoimages of cells at different points fluorescence and 3D microscopy to during the division process. The mi- study the shapes made by the FtsZ croscopes allowed the researchers protein. In bacteria that are spherito see that the tiny two-microme- cal or rod-shaped, FtsZ forms a ring

BY IMAAN MOIN ’22 STAFF WRITER

year they’ll give you a capstone project to do.” She concluded that it feels like “trying to find my way through all three [disciplines].”

Saha said that she pursues data science with an emphasis on economics, but felt like the data science major does not proportionately represent this field. Saha felt that combining the four disciplines related to her major — computer science, math, statistics and her domain, economics — should be the administration’s responsibility to some extent, because they decided to establish data science as a major. She wished, for example, that the department would create courses that combine economics with data science, so she wouldn’t have to rely on separate economics courses to supplement her studies.

Saha compared the data science curriculum at Mount Holyoke to programs at other universities, noting, “In [University of Massachusetts Amherst], they call their course “Digital Humanities.” I find that really interesting.” However, she also shared the inconvenience and uncertainty she associates with taking Five College courses, saying that she “wasn’t sure yet [if she could take Five College courses]” due to the workload of finishing her courses at Mount Holyoke.

Despite proposing improvements for the data science curriculum, Saha is optimistic about the support she will receive when it comes to applying for the STEM OPT extension for data science. She mentioned reading about Mount Holyoke’s partnership with Sprintax — a company that helps prepare tax, visa and employment forms — that would help with the OPT application.

DeGraffenreid attested that students applying for OPT would be supported by the CDC, and that the CDC works closely with the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives to provide international students with career advising, programming and resource development.

Graphic by Sofía Savid ’24

at the site of cell division. However, researchers found that the FtsZ proteins in Ca. T. cuboideus do not make a ring or a closed square in line with the cubical shape. Instead, the proteins form a combination of straight lines and sharp corners that outline the generic shape of a square without touching. According to the report, this implies that FtsZ proteins make the square shape themselves and do not rely on the pre-existing shape of the cell membrane to make a cuboid bacterium.

This is the first ever cube-shaped bacteria found in nature. Some scientists, like Dr. Amy Hitchcock Camp, a microbiologist at Mount Holyoke College, have several questions about the bacteria’s function and relationship with their host nematode.

Camp is fascinated by this study and the questions its findings prompt.

“What is the communication happening between the bacteria and the nematode,” Camp asked. “Are there signals that they’re sending to one another? … How does that cell shape benefit the bacteria, and how does it, in turn, benefit the nematode?”

“This paper is just such a wonderful example of just how cool, unique, complicated and surprising bacterial cells can be,” Camp said.

“They’re not just bags of enzymes, they don’t all just look like spheres or rods, but there are bacteria that have really unexpected and unusual cell shapes.” Camp added, “They employ fundamental mechanisms of how to form those shapes and maintain those shapes.”

BY HELEN GLOEGE ’23 STAFF WRITER

Mikaela Loach is a 24-year old-climate activist from Kingston, Jamaica and based in Edinburgh, Scotland. According to Reformation, Loach is “an intersectional climate activist, podcast host and medical student.” In an interview with Reformation, Loach described how “issues [she] cared about such as inequality, sustainability, animal rights, food rights and more were so interlinked,” and how climate activism allowed her to address all of them.

Loach is a co-host of “Yikes” podcast with Jo Becker, where they “break down the meaning behind … ideas that might not be immediately clear to those who have not spent a lot of time in online activism spaces,” as described by Global Citizen. According to their Acast podcast website, “Yikes” has episodes on topics such as the COP26, fast fashion, Black Lives Matter and capitalism. The podcast has also interviewed other activists, focused on those who champion environmental causes and other intersecting issues, like Vanessa Nakate, Wawa Gatheru, Kenny Ethan Jones and Layla Saad.

In the interview with Reformation, Loach said that she finds herself “inspired by the Indigenous environmental rights defenders all over the world that have no choice but to be fighting this fight for so long,” who “face

violence daily” for their environmental activism.

Loach has been involved in direct action, including “locking herself to an Extinction Rebellion stage and taking part in a four day roadblock outside the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in London,” according to Vogue.

In an interview with Vogue, Loach said, “as a Black woman, putting myself under the risk of arrest was a huge thing.” She described the experience as “really emotional and actually quite traumatic.” Though, she added, “the sacrifices that I’m making pale in comparison to the sacrifices of many Indigenous activists all over the world.”

In May 2021, Loach and two others — Jeremy Cox, an oil refinery worker, and Kairin van Sweeden, an organizer for Scottish independence group SNP Common Weal — “launched a legal challenge against the UK government over its support for the production of North Sea oil and gas,” according to their campaign website Paid to Pollute. The case was heard in early December and received a judgment on Jan. 18. According to the campaign’s website, “the high court ruled against [Cox], [van Sweeden] and [Loach] in their case.” On Feb. 23, the members “made a decision not to appeal the High Court’s ruling,” deciding to “leave the courtroom and take to the streets,” according to the Paid to Pollute website.

March 4, 2022

BOOKS & SPORTS

. Mount Holyoke News

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these new nonfiction recommendations

BY MAGGIE WILLS ’25 STAFF WRITER

March is Women’s History Month, a time to highlight the accomplishments of women and reflect on centuries of work done to advocate for gender equality. These new nonfiction books amplify pivotal moments in women’s history and spotlight the lives of women who have made a difference in the world.

“Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America” by Mayukh Sen

“Taste Makers” sheds light on the lives of seven women who immigrated to the United States and shared their extensive food knowledge with Americans. While their restaurants and cookbooks changed how Americans eat, their stories are seldom told. According to The New York Times, this nonfiction book attempts to change that by sharing the lives and careers of these chefs. Chao Yang Buwei, a medical doctor and author of “How to Cook and Eat in Chinese,” published in 1945, brought Chinese cooking techniques to the United States. Norma Shirley, an immigrant from Jamaica, established and cooked at The Station, a French restaurant with Jamaican influences in Massachusetts. Neither of these women, nor the five others

discussed in the book, received the acclaim their work deserved. According to NPR’s Alisa Chang, the book examines why some foreign cuisines are welcomed in American society while others are not. For The New York Times, Mayukh Sen shared that in writing “Taste Makers,” he avoided using too much personal voice in an attempt to let the women’s voices shine.

Sen is a journalist and historian whose work has been published in Food52 and the New York Times. He frequently writes about food history and stories of individual chefs. According to his website, he currently teaches food writing at Columbia University and lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

“Manifesto: On Never Giving Up” By Bernadine Evaristo

“Manifesto” is the memoir of award-winning author Bernadine Evaristo. According to The New York Times and The Guardian, “Manifesto” sees Evaristo share stories spanning from her childhood to her career as a poet and author. Growing up in Southeast London in the 1960s and as one of eight children of a Nigerian father and a white mother, she discusses her mixed-race identity and how she often felt in between two groups.

Evaristo pushes further, reflecting on her own internalized racism towards her father, as well as the racism that the family experienced

during her upbringing. Evaristo’s also unpacks her complex queer identity, from her unhealthy relationship with a woman at 25 to her marriage to a man later in life.

Evident throughout is Evaristo’s persistence in pursuing her goal of telling the stories of Black British women.

According to the Washington Independent Review of Books, Evaristo began her writing career as a poet in college. She co-founded the Theater of Black Women in 1982 and later established a mentorship program for poets of color called The Complete Works that operated from 2007-2017. Her novel “Girl, Woman, Other,” published in 2019, is her most successful. The novel also won the 2019 Booker Prize, making Evaristo the first Black woman to do so. She currently teaches Creative Writing at Brunel University London.

“The Family Roe: An American Story” By Joshua Prager

This nonfiction book chronicles the life and family of Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States. The woman behind the name is Norma McCorvey, and, according to The New York Times, her story is more complex than readers might expect.

“The Family Roe: An American Story” takes readers

through McCorvey’s tumultuous childhood in Texas, where she was part of a religious and often abusive family. McCorvey had two unplanned pregnancies that she gave up for adoption prior to the 1969 pregnancy that was the catalyst for the 1973 Supreme Court decision. Since then, McCorvey has had a somewhat contradictory life. At times she worked at abortion clinics, and at others worked with pro-life advocates. Joshua Prager dives into the lives of McCorvey’s mother, grandmother and three daughters in hopes of painting a more accurate picture of McCorvey.

The book also reveals details of the Roe v. Wade trial, highlighting how lawyers molded McCorvey into a plaintiff that would be most impactful for their cause.

The book received mixed reviews. Lauren Gutterman of Slate argued that the timing of the book’s release, which coincided with Texas’ SB8 bill, was poor. However, others like Anand Giridharadas of The New York Times emphasized the book’s importance in covering the true history of a watershed moment in the history of reproductive rights.

Prager is a former journalist for The Wall Street Journal. His writing tends to focus on revealing the under-acknowledged details of events in U.S. history. He currently lives with his family in New Jersey.

Graphic by Anjali Rao-Herel ’22

7

‘The Sentence’ is wise, cont’d u

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Over the summer and fall, Tookie and her family and friends continue to contend with the virus and the protests and, of course, the incessant presence of the ghost. At every turn this novel proves itself to be a love letter to literature. Tookie and her friends often discuss what they are currently reading, relate to characters from various books and provide recommendations. There is even a six page list of Tookie’s recommendations at the end of the book.

Books become a coping mechanism for these characters.

The year is a struggle for all of the characters as they grow to better understand each other and their situations, and mostly just try to make it through. “The Sentence” ticks a lot of boxes. It is written for bookworms and those looking for a ghost story, but it is also for anyone looking to reflect on the turmoil of 2020 in the United States or learn about the impacts of incarceration. The novel is an honest and clear representation of what it means to be human in the modern world.

“The Sentence” is available at Williston Memorial Library. It is currently shelved in the “Leisure Reading” section.

US Soccer Federation and Women’s National Team settle equal pay lawsuit

Photo courtesy of Flickr The U.S. Women’s National Team resolved a three-year lawsuit with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

BY GIGI PICARD ’22 SPORTS EDITOR

After a lawsuit that lasted almost three years, the United States Women’s Soccer Team and the U.S. Soccer Federation resolved to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement regarding fair pay for female athletes on Feb. 22.

In a U.S. Soccer press release, the two groups provided a joint statement regarding the settlement and the path to a better future for USWNT. “We are pleased to announce that, contingent on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement, we will have resolved our longstanding dispute over equal pay and

proudly stand together in a shared commitment to advancing equality in soccer,” the statement said. “Getting to this day has not been easy.”

As reported by The New York Times, USWNT first collectively raised concerns about unequal pay in March 2016. Five players — Hope Solo, Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe — charged U.S. Soccer with wage discrimination, citing that they made 40 percent of what the U.S. men’s team made.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” Solo said. “We are the best in the world, have three World Cup championships [and] four Olympic championships.” Solo also said the United States’ men’s players “get

paid more to just show up than we get paid to win major championships.”

In 2016, Federation Spokesman Neil Buethe deemed some of the revenue numbers in the players’ complaint “inaccurate, misleading or both.”According to NPR, 28 players sued U.S. Soccer in 2019 on the basis that female players were regularly paid less than their male counterparts, even though the women were having far greater success in international friendlies and tournaments.

Months prior, the men’s team was unsuccessful in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, while the women’s team would go on to win the 2019 World Cup tournament. Spectators would cheer “Equal pay!” out loud and over social media during and after the tournament. However, in May 2020, a federal judge rejected the women’s claim that the team was paid less for the same amount of work. In July 2021, multiple USWNT players filed an appeal arguing that the judge disregarded rates of pay and that the women needed to win more often than their male counterparts to collect any bonuses.

Statista reported that USWNT is widely considered the most successful team in international women’s soccer. According to Team USA’s website, the team has won four Olympic gold medals and four of the past eight World Cups — in 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019. The U.S. Soccer press release acknowledged these accomplishments, stating, “The U.S.

Women’s National Team players friendlies and tournaments, such as have achieved unprecedented suc- the World Cup. cess [on the field] while working to However, the settlement is not achieve equal pay for themselves yet final; there is another hearing on and future athletes.”

March 7. According to The Athletic, The statement concluded with the status of the settlement is dea commendation of U.S. women’s pendent on “the ratification of a new soccer. “Today, we recognize the collective bargaining agreement legacy of the past USWNT leaders between the USWNT Players’ Aswho helped to make this day possi- sociation and the federation.” They ble, as well as all of the women and both “are currently operating under girls who will a memorandum follow. Togethof understand“We’re so happy ... We feel ing which runs er, we dedicate like this is a huge win ... this moment through the end to them,” the It’s honestly kind of surreal. of March. Once statement read. a new CBA has I feel like I need to take a been ratified, the “We look forstep back.” ward to condistrict court will tinuing to work be able to schedtogether to ule the final ap– Megan Rapinoe grow women’s proval of this setsoccer and adtlement.”

ESPN vance opportunities for young girls reported that, while the USWNT was and women in the United States and seeking over $66 million in back pay across the globe.” rather than the $22 million they got, The Athletic reported that the the team marks the settlement as a results of the lawsuit entail the fed- success and a step in the right direceration paying $22 million in back tion for women’s sports. pay to the women’s players, which “We’re so happy,” Rapinoe told will be distributed in a manner pri- The Athletic. “We feel like this is a vately decided between the parties. huge win — [it is] obviously continAdditionally, the federation will pro- gent upon the ratification of the CBA vide a $2 million fund for USWNT — but it will have equal pay on evplayers’ “post-career goals and erything moving forward.” She concharitable efforts.” Every player tinued, “It’s honestly kind of surreal. has the opportunity to apply for up I feel like I need to take a step back. to $50,000. In addition, U.S. Soccer We’ve all been in the trenches of it promised to provide an equal rate of for so long. I think I honestly don’t pay between the men’s and women’s even understand how monumental national soccer teams in all future this is.”

Game of the Week: Track and Field and Diving compete at DIII championships Diving

BY TAI OWEN ’24 STAFF WRITER

the 5000-meter finals, finishing in 18:26.74 minutes for 17th place. In the same event, teammate Lauren Selkin ’23 placed fifth with a time Track and Field Mount Holyoke Track and Field of 17:27.93 minutes and received All competed against 25 teams at the New England Honors.

“Going into this meet, I felt I was Division III New England Championships, hosted by Colby College on well prepared, followed my strategic plan and performed the way I had Feb. 25 and 26.

Simone Jacob ’22 and Sydney wanted. I was happy [to] achieve my Nash ’22 both ran in the 800-meter goal, improve my time and achieve All New England finals.

Jacob Honors,” Selkin placed fifth and “The competition was said. received All New amazing and it was great Three teams England Honors with a time of to be running alongside and competed in the relays. In the 2:19.98 minutes, pushed by such talented 4x400-meter rewhile Nash came runners.” lay, a team comin 10th at 2:27.01 prised of Olivia minutes.

Johnson ’25, Eli“I am really – Simone Jacob ’22 za Butler ’23, Naexcited to have talie Rodman ’22 earned fifth place at DIII’s,” Jacob said. “The competi- and Amanda Kearney ’22 ran a total tion was amazing and it was great to time of 4:28.71 minutes, placing 19th. be running alongside and pushed by Rocio Perez-Salas ’24, Devan Ravino ’23, Nash and Jacob came in eighth such talented runners.”

Tessa Lancaster ’25 finished in the 4x800-meter relay at 9:49.55 the mile final in 5:26.97 minutes, minutes. Finally, Ravino, Kearney, placing 22nd. Lancaster also ran in Rodman and Johnson competed in

Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke College Athletics Simone Jacob ’22 placed fifth in the 800-meter finals and was awarded All New England Honors.

the 1200-meter distance medley relay. The team took 15th with a time of 13:40.40 minutes.

“I definitely feel lucky to have the opportunity to race at all, given the pandemic, and am grateful that I got to participate in indoor track,” Jacob said.

The team collectively ended day

one in 12th with four points and finished the competition in 20th place with nine points.

Track and Field will attempt to qualify for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field National Championships at the Tufts National Qualifying Meet, hosted by Tufts University on March 5.

Two of Mount Holyoke’s varsity divers competed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Diving Regional Championships at Smith College on Feb. 25 and 26.

Kathryn Murphy ’22 won third place on the 11-dive one-meter board with a score of 413.90 points.

Teammate Sophie Simon ’25 placed 14th with 343.10 points. Murphy secured fifth place on the 11dive three-meter board with 396.00 points, while Simon scored 344.40 to take 14th.

“It was a wonderful experience competing alongside really talented divers within my region. Everyone at the meet was also very supportive and kind to the other competitors, which created a more positive environment,” Simon said. “I am also so proud that I was able to compete alongside Kathryn Murphy.”

Murphy qualified on the one-meter board for the 2022 NCAA Division III Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, which will start on March 16 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

8

COMMUNITY

March 4, 2022

. Mount Holyoke News

College updates guest policy to allow visitors on weekends

BY KATIE GOSS ’23 BUSINESS MANAGER & NEWS EDITOR

Updates to the spring semester guest policy were sent to the Mount Holyoke community on Feb. 18. Due to the College now operating at a Level One status in regards to COVID-19, guests are now allowed on weekends as of Feb. 25. From Fridays at 10 a.m. to Sundays at 10 p.m., students are allowed to have one guest visit. Overnight guests are allowed.

The College website labels guests as “anyone who is not an actively registered Mount Holyoke stu-

dent.”

All guests must register prior to visiting and must check in at the Blanchard Info desk on Friday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday between 12-10 p.m. or Sunday between 12-5 p.m. In order to visit, guests must show proof of full vaccination along with a negative COVID-19 test taken 48-72 hours before they arrive.

Upon check-in, they will be given a wristband that is color-coordinated to signify what hall they will be staying at, as well as the dates that they are approved to stay. Guests are only allowed in the residence hall

where the person they are visiting lives, the dining hall, the lower level of Blanchard and specific parts of the library. Other locations not listed are closed to guests and remain open only for members of the community.

If the guest or student violates any of these rules, the student will lose guest privileges in the future.

The updated guest policy will not be in effect during spring break or the following week.

Photo by Aditi Menon ’25 Mount Holyoke has updated its guest policy, moving to Level One COVID-19 operations.

i HOROSCOPES i

BY MAGGIE DONOVAN ’23 LAYOUT EDITOR & HOROSCOPE WRITER

March 21 – April 19

Try doing a deep cleaning of some daily essentials: scrub your water bottle, wipe your phone and laptop, dredge your floor and carpets and clean out your email inbox. Listen to “Valentine”

by Hope Tala.

April 20 – May 20

Try being the first person to wave hello. Those people you agonize about waving to are probably doing the same thing and regardless, everyone appreciates a little wave. Listen to “GROW” by Malika Tirolien.

May 21 – June 20

Try writing someone a letter. It could be someone far away, a long lost acquaintance or someone on campus you care about — send it to their campus mailbox. Listen to “Don’t Break” by Immanual Wilkens.

June 21 – July 22

Give painting a try — you don’t have to have any artistic inclination for it to be an expressive and stress-relieving activity. Check out the art supplies at the Makerspace. Listen to “El Invento” by José González.

July 23 – Aug. 22

Try making an unexpected fashion move. Wear that shirt at the back of your closet you’d almost written off. Wear earrings or a hat if you usually don’t. Listen to “Were You Watching?” by Norah Jones.

Mount Holyoke News Mount Holyoke News is an independent student newspaper written by and for Mount Holyoke College students since 1917.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Try taking more photos — of yourself, your food, your friends, the sunset or the campus. Take some time to set up the shot and add an artistic touch. Listen to “Honey” by Ravenna.

Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Declan Langton ’22

Publisher Ali Meizels ’23

Managing Editor of Content Liz Lewis ’22

Managing Editor of Web Mariam Keita ’24

Managing Editor of Layout Rose Sheehan ’22

Business Manager Katie Goss ’23

Copy Chief Lenox Johnson ’24

Human Resources Annabelle Mackson ’23

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Try Wordle, if you haven’t already. Listen to “Every Woman” by Vagabon.

Editorial Board News

Ella White ’22 & Katie Goss ’23

Arts & Entertainment Rose Cohen ’22 & Siona Ahuja ’24

Opinion

Tasnia Mowla ’23 & Kaveri Pillai ’23

Books

Cat Barbour ’24 & Ella Jacob ’24

Global

Sophie Soloway ’23

Sports

Gigi Picard ’22 & Emily Tarinelli ’25

Features

Rebecca Gagnon ’23 & Jesse Hausknecht-Brown ’25

Science & Environmental Anoushka Kuswaha ’24

Photos

Rosemary Geib ’23 & Ali Meizels ’23

Graphics

Anjali Rao-Herel ’22

Layout Editors

Zoe Tang ’24, Orion Cheung ’25, Sophie Dalton ’25 & Jesse Hausknecht-Brown ’25

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Copy Editors

David Nejezchleba ’22, Audrey Shannon ’22, Gusty Westaway ’22, Georgia Fish ’23, Lauren Leese ’23, Anna Sophie Tierney ’23, Jude Barrera ’24, Ella Jacob ’24, Eleanor McCoy ’24, Hilary Vergera FP ’24, Mara Zwisler ’24, Max Endieveri ’25, Gemma Golovner ’25, Maura Levine ’25, Zora Lotton-Barker ’25, Meghan MacBeath ’25, Kate Snyder ’25, Rylee Yackin ’25 & Callie Yosick ’25

Web Editors

Abby Wester ’22, Lily Hoffman Strickler ’23, Anika Singh ’24, Zoe Tang ’24, Maira Khan ’25, Thao Le ’25, Aditi Menon ’25 & Chloe Wang ’25

Publication Guidelines

Try stargazing. Bundle up, lay down on the green and lose yourself in the night sky. Maybe even bring a friend. Listen to “It’s Good To Be Here” by the Digable Planets.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Try dying your hair. Whether you go for full traffic cone orange, some subtle highlights or changing up your current color — a new look might be just what you need. Listen to “Zombie!” by Orla Garland.

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Mount Holyoke News does not endorse any of the opinions or views expressed within the pages of the paper, excluding staff editorials.

All content copyright of Mount Holyoke News. All rights reserved. Mount Holyoke News does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or age.

Juggling has been calling you for so long — grab some oranges from Blanch and start practicing.

Listen to “Saint Elizabeth” by Kaia Kater.

Advertising in MHN Interest in advertising in MHN can be directed to mhnews@mtholyoke.edu for pricing and deadlines.

MHN reserves the right to refuse submissions on the basis of, but not limited to, advertisements considered to be libelous, obscene, defamatory or discriminatory.

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Letters Policy Letters to the Editor appear exactly as they are sent to MHN, except for corrections to spelling, grammar and AP style. Letters cannot exceed 500 words. All letters must include the writer’s name and telephone number for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Names may be held upon request with the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. MHN reserves the right to decide which materials will be printed. Email submissions to mhnews@mtholyoke.edu by Sundays at 5 p.m. for publication the following week.

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Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Try taking a night walk. The cold dark air will quickly electrify you. Perhaps it will give you a pocket of time and space to hide in for a short while. Listen to “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz.

Feb. 19 – March 20

Try elevating your meals at Blanch this week.

Add mix-ins and sauces to your mac and cheese, make killer bagel breakfast sandwiches at the salad bar and get creative. Listen to “Martin” by Car Seat Headrest.