UM Outdoor Adventures hosts over 70 local climbers for its third annual bouldering competition
Sports // Page 12
UMPD Chief David Rivero to retire after 18 years of service
Unraveling the magic of love in the Ring Theatre’s ‘Almost, Maine’
A&E // Page 8
By Jenny Jacoby Editor-in-Chief
Sophomore accounting major Jackson Kuster had spent months pouring his heart into extensive federal internship applications.
Over winter break he interviewed with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and landed a position in their administrative branch. It’s the only internship offer he received.
Just a few weeks later, his supervisor informed him that the offer had been rescinded in the wake of President Donald Trump’s 90day federal hiring freeze.
“I read through the entire executive order when it came out, and I was like, this isn’t looking good for me.” Kuster said. “When I got the email, I wasn’t shocked. I was mostly disappointed.”
President Donald Trump’s historic federal hiring freeze and firing spree has eliminated thousands of jobs and placed thousands more on indefinite hold. For students sitting on the cusp of internships or post-graduate jobs in the government, the freeze has been devastating.
“I would have had a really cool internship this year and most likely next year as well and a solid track to a well paying career,” Kuster said.
The U.S. government traditionally opens up tens of thousands of internship positions for the up and coming class of government employees. In 2023, the Biden administration set a goal of hiring 35,000 interns across federal agencies after discovering 8% of federal employees are under the age 30.
Many of these positions are advertised on the USA Jobs database.
“There used to be like, 60 pages of results. Now there’s only two or three at any time,” Kuster said.
Kuster is one of several students who have had internships revoked months before they were slated to start leaving them without summer employment plans that are often seen as the getaway to a full-time opportunity.
Addie Murphy is a sophomore health science major that recently landed a position as a research assistant at the Miami Veterans Association.
She had just finished all the paperwork and blood work required to start the job when she received an inviting email in her inbox. Her job acceptance had been revoked
because of the hiring freeze.
“I was very nervous about what this meant for my position since I love my position and love getting to do research,” she said.
The freeze did not prevent Murphy from volunteering her time at the VA, but removed her credentials, official employment status and source of income.
“I was very fortunate that I was still able to be an unpaid volunteer in the lab, but I am now not allowed to interact with any patients or become a paid employee,” Murphy said.
Unpaid work is a frustrating reality for students whose internship-level paychecks are often not high.
“My salary would have been not that large. So in the grand scheme of things, there wasn’t that much money coming out of the federal government’s paycheck,” Kuster said.
Now Kuster will have to search the private industry for a replacement position.
“It makes me concerned for the job market for this summer and for the next few years, since all these people who used to work for the federal government now have to get jobs in the private sector,” he said.
In addition to the hiring freeze, the threats to cutting research funding, from National Institute of Health grants to climate and diversity related projects, have also concerned students hoping to pursue further education.
Mathematics major sophomore Victor Jaimes has always hoped to pursue a PhD after graduation. While two years away from walking across the stage, Jaimes is already doubting what he field has to offer.
“The part that’s scariest for me is how grad school is going to work once I graduate,” he said. “I want to apply to PhD programs in 2 years and I’ve been seeing that a lot of universities have drastically cut down their acceptance rates and directly saying it’s due to the funding cuts.”
While reductions in admissions have not been reported at UM, several other schools have slowed their acceptance of students.
The University of Pittsburgh, University of Southern California and Vanderbilt University have all paused graduate or doctoral program admission.
“I have heard about people either being waitlisted, flat out rejected or even accepted and then being retroactively rejected,” Jaimes said. “That’s something I’m really worried about because I really want to study in the U.S., but if the funding issue isn’t fixed then I might have to leave to study somewhere else.”
By Patrick McCaslin Staff Writer
The University of Miami received nearly $273 million in foreign contributions since 2020. That includes contracts spanning several years, annual gifts and restricted gifts which include rules about how the gifted money is spent.
“It makes sense that the University is accepting donations, but transparency is something that people would appreciate,” said Yassid Martinez, a senior studying business tech and marketing.
The United States requires all universities
to disclose amounts received from foreign governments that exceed $250,000. The mandate is part of a law enacted over 30 years ago to promote transparency about foreign funding in U.S. higher education.
Much of the contributions to UM are in the form of contracts, the details of which are unclear.
For example, UM began a $3.3 million contract with American Samoa in 2022. At the same time, it has funded research into Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia on the island.
Some line items include the reason for the contribution, but most are ambiguous.
By Keira Faddis Contributing Writer
After 45 years in law enforcement, including 19 years with the University of Miami Police Department and almost 27 years with the City of Miami Police Department, Chief David Rivero is hanging up his uniform for the last time.
“The thing I’m going to miss the most is the people. I tell my cops every day to really make sure all of these kids who go to school here make it, because one of them might have the cure for cancer,” Rivero said, holding back tears.
Rivero is set to be replaced by Lieutenant Trevor Shinn after his retirement in April.
“David always wants to develop his team members,” Shinn said. “Whether it is an officer, a sergeant, or his command staff too.”
Rivero’s time at UM is marked by his personable approach to police work. He even includes his personal phone number on his business card, believing it helps foster a stronger connection with the campus community.
“I had a parent call me one day. He lived on the West Coast, and he goes, ‘Look, can you help my daughter? She lives in a dorm and her room is full of
ants.’And I said, ‘We’ll take care of that.’”
Rivero came to UMPD as a major from the City of Miami in 2006 with the goal of making campus safer.
“When I first started, we had over 300, sometimes 400 crimes a year, to now having 70 or 80 crimes a year,” Rivero said. “We’ve broken the record for the lowest crime year four times in the last six or seven years.”
He’s also responsible for coining UMPD with their name. When he first arrived, the police department was actually called the public safety department, “so it really didn’t have that ‘police’ image [he] was looking for.”
He advocated for use of the iconic ‘U’ logo, which was previously reserved for athletics, and was granted use by former president Donna E. Shalala. From there, Rivero helped the department rebrand, changing everything from its badges and logos to its cars and forms of communication.
Even though being a police officer makes up so much of his life now, it was not Rivero’s original plan. He graduated from Miami Beach High School and received a full scholarship from Washington University in St. Louis to play baseball and pursue a degree to become a doctor, which was his dream for years.
After a year of struggling through
his chemistry class, he eventually gave up his scholarship and moved closer to home to continue his studies at Florida International University. While he was at FIU, his sister started dating a police officer at the Miami-Dade Police Department. Rivero joined his sister’s boyfriend for a ride-along, and immediately fell in love with it.
“That was it. In that one day we got into a chase, a bar fight and a shoot out. I came home and told my mom ‘I’m going to be a cop,’” he said.
“She didn’t talk to me for like six months.”
His mom quickly became his biggest supporter. She pinned his badge when he celebrated his promotions from sergeant to lieutenant, captain to commander and finally to major at the City of Miami Police Department.
When he began working in the 1980s, Miami was considered the murder capital of the world. Drugs, riots and corruption were rampant in the city. The fast-paced, adrenaline-filled days made him fall in love with being a cop, and he knew then he would never get tired of it.
“It never crossed my mind, being a cop. But once I got into it, it was an addiction. I couldn’t get enough of it,” Rivero said.
He considers the greatest case he has
worked on to be Operation Greenpalm, a 1996 political corruption investigation into elected officials in the City of Miami. He spent 15 months investigating a $20 million bribe between Manohar Surana, the city budget director and a computer salesman with the FBI.
Rivero recalls that his team wore wires, hid cameras, broke into offices, disabled alarms and executed search warrants in the middle of the night for this investigation. They were able to successfully arrest the budget director, the city manager, a city commissioner, two lobbyists, a county commissioner and the seaport director through the investigation.
“The sad part was that everybody pled guilty to the crimes, so we never got to show all the work we did in a trial,” Rivero joked.
The decision to retire didn’t come easy for Rivero. It was a job he felt he could do forever. But the draw of spending time with his wife traveling and with his three grown children pushed him to transition the role to someone new.
“We’re in the fourth quarter, twominute warning of our life, and we need to enjoy those last two minutes,” he said.
His advice for the new leadership of UMPD is to embrace change, particularly when it comes to technological and creative advancements.
“It never crossed my mind, being a cop. But once I got into it, it was an addiction. I couldn’t get enough of it.”
David Rivero UMPD Chief of Police
By Keira Faddis Contributing Writer
Lt. Trevor Shinn will be stepping in as the next University of Miami Police Department chief, inheriting the responsibilities from soon-to-be-retired Chief David Rivero who served 19 years in the role.
Shinn joined UMPD nine years ago, after nearly 30 years with the North Miami Police Department.
His vision for the future is centered around campus safety, community engagement and professional development within the department. In doing so, he plans to strengthen the department’s relationship with the campus.
“My role will be about not just
enforcing the laws, it will be shaping campus safety, shaping the culture of our own police department here,” Shinn said. “Shaping the relationships with our key campus partners, students, faculty and staff.”
He believes that strong relationships are one of the most important aspects of leadership, and hopes to inspire and change the lives of both students and his team of officers.
His office plans to implement the Beyond the Badge program next year, which is designed to create conversations about the perceptions of the police department. It will also allow students to experience a simulator to see different situations through the eyes of an officer.
“We want to hear the perceptions
that our community members have on us, but we would also allow them to understand our role and some of the things that drive our decisions,” said Shinn.
UMPD currently offers different community outreach and education opportunities which Shinn also aims to expand on. Continuing officers’ training in things like crisis management and incident training are top of his list.
“I have to ensure that our personnel are getting the best training and are prepared to respond,” Shinn said. “We do some large scale exercises with a lot of different agencies in our campus partners. So we’re going to expand on that, and we’re going to continue to look for the best equipment.”
By Daniella Krasney Contributing Writer
Residents of Mahoney and Pearson Residential Colleges are growing sick of the dust, debris and mildew found in their nearly 70-year-old rooms, which is a persistent issue in Miami’s humid climate.
Elena Faz Garza, a freshman living in Mahoney Residential College, says that she was hospitalized after prolonged inhalation of debris from the air vent located next to her bed.
“The particles got stuck to the mucus in my lungs and grew, and I had minimal lung capacity. I could not breathe,” she said. “I missed a month of classes and had really bad pneumonia. And now I have asthma.”
Garza said it was not until she was hospitalized and her parents demanded service that the school took action. Once her air vent was cleaned and the filter was replaced, her health issues disappeared.
Garza expressed frustration about her concerns not being taken seriously by UM officials from the beginning.
“It’s something that could have totally been prevented if it had been addressed the first time I brought it up,” she said.
Garza is not alone. Sage Jackson, a freshman living in Mahoney, says that her mold allergy worsened the moment she arrived on campus.
“The first few weeks here, my eyes were puffy, I couldn’t breathe, I was sneezing and my nose was running,”
she said. “I know there is so much mold in the bathrooms because every time I shower I uncontrollably sneeze and my eyes get itchy.”
According to the University of Miami’s Housing and Residential Life website, good cleaning practices can help prevent mold, such as keeping windows closed, keeping the bathroom doors closed and keeping air vents unobstructed. It is the responsibility of residents to ensure proper cleaning of minor mold buildup that naturally occurs in Miami’s hot and humid climate.
Residents’ main concern is mold accumulation in areas beyond their control – such as air vents and ceilings –where maintenance services offer little assistance. If mold and mildew persist, HRL says that students should submit a service request and staff will “take measures to correct the problem as quickly as possible.”
Jackson says that service requests are unhelpful and do not address the underlying issue.
“I asked [Facilities and Operations] to clean the vents in the bathroom but they said they cannot do that,” Jackson said. “I can see into it and it’s disgusting. They said all they can do is change the air filter in our air conditioning vent.”
According to a report by the New York Department of Health, common signs of mold exposure include nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing and difficulty breathing, cough, throat irritation, skin irritation and headache. NYDH explains that humidity, like
that in Miami, increases the risk of mold accumulation and stresses the importance of proper precautions to prevent and remove it.
“In all situations, the underlying moisture problem must be corrected to prevent recurring mold growth,” the
Charlotte DeAngelis Contributing Designer
NYDH report says. “Mold growth in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can pose buildingwide problems.”
The University of Miami responded to The Hurricane’s interview requests with a statement.
“Since the start of this current academic year our Facilities Department has received several work orders for reported mold in residential buildings, primarily in bathrooms and around air conditioning units,”the University of Miami said. “There have been no confirmed cases of mold in any of these reports and in all cases mildew and/or dirt buildup due to high moisture levels were found and were addressed via established cleaning protocols.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mildew itself is a type of mold, though less harmful than other more toxic varieties. While mildew is common in damp conditions and can contribute to minor respiratory infections, it does not pose the same serious health risks as species like black mold.
Eliezer Rosado, the Pearson Residential College senator in UM’s Student Government, echoed similar concerns for his constituents. He spoke from his own experience cleaning mold from the communal washing machines and dryers.
“I hear from other people about how this is affecting them and how they’re getting sick. You shouldn’t have to clean out mold if it’s not your fault,” he said.
Rosado is drafting legislation for Student Government to improve the frequency of facility checks and cleanings.
“The bill is not just for mold, it’s also for facility checks, so we will have cleaner common areas,” he said. “It’ll be a space where we can enjoy being in it.”
Rosado emphasized that mold is not just a nuisance but a health concern af-
By Lazaro Chavez Staff Writer
The University of Miami announced a limit of six guest tickets per graduating student for the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony on May 9.
“The decision to limit ticket allocations to six per graduating student was made after careful consideration of several factors, including venue capacity, public health guidelines and the challenges we faced during previous ceremonies to make sure
everyone would have a seat,” the Office of Commencement said in a statement.
“This year’s ticket limit is intended to help us ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable ceremony for everyone, while avoiding the overcrowding issues that occurred in recent ceremonies.”
The University has previously enforced guest limits, most notably during the pandemic. More recently, a ticketing system had been introduced in Fall 2024 to address overcrowding during the previous spring commencements.
Some students welcome the deci-
sion with open minds. Sarai Henry, a psychology major, prefers the ticket number to be capped.
“It makes people really think about who they want there on such a special day,” Henry said.
Senior broadcast journalism major Max Keller noted that while he felt the decision was reasonable, he understood how it might cause problems.
“I can see how that would be limiting for bigger families, but I don’t know if there is another solution,” said Keller.
In addition, the University also con-
fecting students’ daily lives and productivity. He believes cleaner facilities will improve physical well-being, academic performance and mental health.
“The mold would be affecting their well-being because if they’re sick from mold, they’re less likely to focus in class. It could affect them mentally,” he said. “This is a problem for everyone, not just the people who have mold in their room.”
Research supports Rosado’s concerns. A study published by the American Journal for Public Health found that living in damp, moldy conditions was associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Two key risk factors included physical health issues caused by mold exposure and the sense of powerlessness residents feel when they cannot control their living environment.
For students like Garza who say their health concerns were ignored by HRL, this research underscores a frustrating reality.
“If there’s mold in my vent and I can’t breathe, I’m not lying. I’m not making things up,” Garza said.
Mahoney Residential College, completed in 1958, was designated for men, while Pearson Residential College, completed in 1962, housed women. In the 1970s, Mahoney and Pearson were connected on the first floor and became a coed facility.
According to UM, “[The university] also is exploring plans to either renovate or replace Mahoney, Pearson and Eaton Residential Colleges.”
firmed that students who wish to attend a friend’s graduation must also purchase a ticket.
“For a student to attend another student’s commencement ceremony, they must secure a guest ticket from the graduating student’s guest allotment. All guests are required to have a ticket to attend the ceremony, and guest tickets can be transferred to another student,” the Office of Commencement explained.
As the spring 2025 ceremony approaches, students are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure their families can attend.
“It makes people really think about who they want there on such a special day.”
Sarai Henry // UM student
By Elena Fallow Contributing Writer
The University of Miami’s Panhellenic Association recently announced its collaboration with Raide, a clothes sharing app dedicated to uniting sororities while promoting sustainability on Feb. 10 with a post on the @raideapp Instagram .
Raide was designed by students for students. Kennedy Foristall, the CEO and co-founder of Raide, was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority at Florida State University, where she noticed a constant need for event-specific clothing.
“I remember my friends and I would always raid each other’s closets for events because we didn’t want to buy clothes that we would only wear once,” she said. “Sharing clothing is an age-old habit.”
She started brainstorming ways for people to share their clothes while earning money, realizing how challenging it is to
balance a job while managing a full-time student’s workload.
“Renting is the future of fashion,” Foristall said. She also wanted to bring sororities together while providing a sustainable and convenient clothing option. She then pitched the idea of an app to her friend and co-founder, and Raide was created.
So far, Raide has partnered with nine Panhellenic organizations.
“Our partnership with Panhellenic is something that we are continuing to grow as we grow,” Foristall said. “We really try to figure out what ways we can serve their members uniquely and individually.”
At UM, Raide’s goal is to unite and strengthen the Panhellenic community. With the recent collaboration underway, Foristall sees this goal becoming a reality.
Paola Arriaza, a junior and Chi Omegas director of sisterhood, wholeheartedly agrees.
“I think there is something so innately
girl-coded about sharing your clothes with your girlfriends,” Arriaza said. “There’s just something so beautiful about that.”
Not only does Raide foster sisterhood through sharing and borrowing clothes, but it creates conversations.
“For example, if I take my dress to a girl and she starts telling me about everything she did in my dress, it creates a bigger sense of community,” Arriaza added.
Similar conversations are being held at FSU, Texas A&M and Clemson. “I’ve heard stories of girls that have even gone out to coffee after a rental, and that is how friendships form,” Foristall said.
Aside from bringing sororities together, Raide has significantly impacted the environment.
“I feel that it promotes sustainability because you’re reusing items instead of just going out and buying something new,” Arriaza said. “You’re looking at what people on your campus have to offer, and you’re able to take advantage of
those opportunities rather than shopping from stores like Shein or Amazon.”
In an Instagram post on Sept. 20, 2024, Raide shared sustainability statistics following their 1,000th rental.
Those 1,000 rentals have saved approximately 792,516 gallons of water, prevented 10,000 to 20,000 kilograms of CO2 emission, kept 2,500 to 5,000 pounds of clothing out of landfills and saved enough energy to power 75 houses for a month.
Another benefit Foristall mentioned is the lack of shipping costs for students.
“Your carbon footprint builds the more steps you add to the process,” Foristall said. “With it being just college students and most campuses being very walkable, it is easy to remove the shipping aspect.”
Raide aims to continue helping the environment and communities for as long as it is around.
“Raide is not going anywhere, and hopefully, our partnership isn’t either,”
Foristall added. The app will continue evolving to ensure that the product fits users’ needs.
One special feature is the style studio. The style studio was an instagramonly feature that shared collages of outfit inspiration using pieces of clothing listed on Raide. The feature was then added to the app after an increase of demand from users.
“They’re basically event-curated shopping pages,” she said. “When we partner with the VP of events and they let us know about an upcoming event, we create a curated page of all the listings on the UM app that would work for you to wear to that event.”
“Hopefully, people will keep opening their closets and seeing how Raide can fit into their life,” Foristall said.
To learn more about Raide and what the app offers, check out their Instagram or website. And, as Foristall says, “happy raiding.”
By Ross Kluger Staff Writer
The First-Year Leadership Council of the University of Miami’s Student Government will bring support for all students to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks and refine their individual skill sets during the LAUNCH leadership summit at the Shalala Student Center on March 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Student body president Roy Carrillo Zamora recalled his involvement in FLC, mentioning that in 2022, he contributed to the founding of LAUNCH.
“I was part of the FLC team that started LAUNCH in Spring 2022,” said Carrillo Zamora. “It was so great to help start a conference that expanded the leadership development that SG has provided for a century to more students. Through LAUNCH, I met some amazing student leaders who are now staples on campus.”
Participants will gain access to unique tools and resources, such as professional development and effective leadership advice. Starring a series
of workshop activities and inspiring keynote speakers, these events will empower students with practical skills they can carry with them throughout their college careers.
Carrillo Zamora believes these tools are a pivotal opportunity for all students.
“LAUNCH remains not only one of the best places to learn how to excel at the U, but a magnet for the next generation of student leaders,” he said.
Student body vice president Josh Abel spoke on how the conference has evolved since its inception.
“LAUNCH originally started during COVID, meant to bridge the gap between students and help them get more involved on campus…When I became Vice President, I really wanted to create a summit that was unlike anything else offered here. Oftentimes, I think leadership summits teach the same material over and over again, which can feel repetitive, said Abel.
Abel continued discussing his goals and aspirations for the conference, as well as what he hopes to see in its participants.
So, for our outcome at LAUNCH,
while it isn’t tangible immediately, it’s something you’ll see yourself grow into over the next four years. It makes the experience all the more rewarding for me, because I’ll get to watch the evolution of our future student leaders,” he added.
As vice president, Abel oversees and mentors the council and has played a huge role in the development
of the conference.
“At the end of the day, the key to success isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing something really, really well,” he said.
In addition to his efforts, the four project coordinators have also helped organize LAUNCH: Alex Barrowclough, Drake Johnson, Jana Faour and Jensen
Ring. They manage the committees for Marketing and Outreach, Hospitality and Assessment, Logistics as well as Sponsorship and Finance, respectively.
Beyond the educational features, LAUNCH offers networking events, a student leader panel and chances to connect with peers across disciplines.
“My favorite part of the event is how it brings together all of our emerging leaders into one space,” said former FLC member Fernando Sepulveda Sagaseta. Garrett Eisenhuth, an event leader last year, expressed his excitement for the conference.
“LAUNCH Leadership Summit is the premier way to kickstart your involvement on campus. There’s no better opportunity to learn about what it takes to become a student leader here in Miami,” said Eisenhuth. “Last year’s event was an incredible experience for all involved, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what this year’s FLC cohort can put together.”
You can find more information and how to register on SG’s Instagram (@ umiamisg). The deadline to register is March 22.
By Katie Karlson Opinion Editor
Nearly half of Americans don’t leave their homes every day, and it’s easy to see why. With ever-evolving technology, the prevalence of work-from-home jobs and the invention of DoorDash, many people don’t have a reason to go outside.
Consider where you spend the majority of your time. Most likely, your answer is home, followed by work or school. So, how can we combat this loneliness epidemic when most people are limited to an existence concentrated in just two places?
We need to bring back the “third place.” That’s defned as a public space where individuals can spend time and engage with others in unstructured conversation free from their daily responsibilities. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg cre-
ated this term in his book, “The Great Good Place,” arguing that people need to spend time in three spaces to be happy: home, work and a third place. Third places include gyms, coffee shops, community centers, markets, parks and any casual, public space where communities can come together.
A report issued in 2023 by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shows that America has entered a loneliness epidemic that impacts one in every two adults.
Murthy declared that this epidemic is “more widespread than smoking, diabetes, or anxiety.” This age of isolation is harmful because, according to the CDC, loneliness comes with serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and depression.
Engaging with people besides those you live or work with helps broaden your
perspective and offers proven health benefts through socialization. According to MedicalNewsToday, humans are an inherently social species. In-person contact produces dopamine and makes our brains release neurotransmitters that help regulate stress and anxiety. This contact even helps with memory formation because people learn best when learning for social reasons, such as teaching someone else or holding an intelligent conversation, instead of simply performing on a test.
Even if you choose to be alone or to go to the third place with someone you do live or work with, spending time in your community can help you feel more connected to others. SummaHealth also found that “the amount and quality” of a person’s relationships matter, so socializing with friends and family is still incredibly important and encourages healthy habits.
Unfortunately, third places are disappearing rapidly. Since the pandemic, people have relied more heavily on technology, and small businesses have struggled. The pandemic also created a new culture where an increasing number of people now work from home, merging two previously distinct spaces (home and work) into one combined area. The Wall Street Journal found that more and more professionals work from the area where they sleep, which can cause people to start associating work-related stress with a space meant for rest.
Making sure that you get outside enough to socialize can feel like a trivial concern when infation is running rampant and many young adults are unable to afford homes. Especially in Miami, where even a simple meal averages about $25, quick meet-ups with friends add up quickly. A latte costs more than an entire
lunch cost 25 years ago. Between outrageously high food prices and having to pay for expensive parking or an equally expensive Uber, social outings are not as accessible as they used to be.
As a college student, it’s easy to go directly from class to my dorm without interacting with anyone. If I didn’t live with three roommates, I could probably go days without having a meaningful, inperson conversation.
I don’t have the perfect solution to the loneliness epidemic. It’s easy to tell people to go outside, but the reality is that these third places are becoming few and far between. If not having a third place is affecting your mental health, there are still ways to get the social activity you need.
You can fnd an open mic or trivia night similar to what UM offers at the Rat. You can join a run club, book club or a workout group. While paying for these classes might not be ideal, they are easy and fun ways to prioritize your health and meet a new friend. Most cities still have cafes and bars where you can order an appetizer and take time for yourself. While not all of these places and activities perfectly ft the requirements of a third place, you still beneft from being around others and engaging in activities other than pure work.
I also take advantage of the gorgeous Miami weather and make a point to study outside for a few hours. Most of the time, someone I know stops by to chat. I also set a goal to eat lunch with a friend once a week, even if the lunch is a quick 30-minute break between my classes.
The benefts of socializing and building a community relationship are intangible, but I understand that third places are not accessible for everyone. You can advocate for third places by asking your city planner to leave space for parks and do your best to support small businesses. If you have one takeaway, it’s to look after your mental and physical health and make an effort to socialize and build a community.
Take time to do something for yourself, meet with a friend and distract yourself from everyday stressors. When our days as college students are packed full of obligations, it’s important to carve out time for things you enjoy, as well as to take a break.
By Olivia Pretto Contributing Writer
When the University of Miami went test-optional in 2020 to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic, high school students across the country envisioned themselves strolling through the palmlined pathways of UM, their “dream school” fnally attainable. However, this dream may soon be over. The university announced its plan to reinstate standardized testing requirements for fall 2026 applicants, leaving prospective students wondering: Has their dream school just become out of reach?
As UM transitions back to requiring standardized test scores, the impact on future applicants will be signifcant. While the university aims to create a more standardized metric for admissions, the reality is that this policy may disproportionately affect students who lack access to tutoring, prep courses and multiple test-taking opportunities. The policy risks adding yet another barrier to an already daunting admissions process.
The University of Miami has experienced record-breaking numbers in applicants since a historic 16% increase from the 2021 to 2022 admissions cycle. In the fall of 2024, 54,000 students applied, an overwhelming difference from the fall of 2019’s less than 39,000 applicants. In the past few years, we’ve witnessed a rise in UM’s popularity, leading to an impressively low 19% acceptance rate for the class of 2028. Despite these surges in applications, the university has held true to its test-optional policy, managing the infux in numbers with a true holistic review
Founded 1929
An Associated Collegiate Press Hall Of Fame Newspaper
NEWSROOM: 305-284-4401
editor@themiamihurricane.com
BUSINESS OFFICE: 305-284-4401
FAX: 305-284-4404
For advertising rates call
305-284-4401 or fax 305-284-4404.
for applicants who decided not to submit scores. This process provided a safety net for students who qualifed for admission to UM but faced challenges with standardized testing, whether due to limited access to tutoring, test-taking diffculties, or struggles to meet the university’s competitive score requirements.
Without requiring test scores, UM selected diverse and highly intelligent undergraduate ’Canes who refect the resilience and determination of our school community. In the 2023 admissions cycle, UM held true to its diverse student body with a stagnant rate of enrolled students of color, with only a -1% dip since 2022. Since the fall of 2021, UM has adapted to the rising trend in admissions without the need for SAT or ACT scores, thoughtfully selecting students based on other factors that demonstrate their intelligence. Other vital aspects of university admissions like extracurricular activities, recommendations, grades and class enrollment, showcased intelligence and overall ability for future students that aligned with UM’s values. So why bring it back now?
Mira Sayegh, a sophomore majoring in microbiology, Spanish, and political science, submitted her test scores upon admission to UM after dedicating considerable time in high school to excelling on the SAT.
When asked if she thought it was unfair that other students were able to beneft from the test-optional policy, she acknowledged both sides of the argument. “I think the SAT and standardized tests in general are one of many metrics that are useful in a certain way and also not so useful when it comes to admissions and applications,” Sayegh said. “Because when it comes to those types of tests, it
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenny Jacoby
MANAGING
NEWS EDITOR Ashley Sewall
OPINION
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
boils down to people who are very prepared and smart but also people who have access to certain resources.”
Her message addresses an equity gap often overlooked in standardized testing: these tests don’t just measure capability, they often refect the level of resources available to students. Sayegh, who had access to private tutoring, admitted that she was fortunate compared to others.
“I was very blessed to be able to do tutoring and can acknowledge that not everyone has access to that,” she said.
This disparity creates an uneven playing feld where students from lowerincome backgrounds or underfunded schools may not be able to perform as well as their wealthier peers despite equal or greater academic potential.
A Harvard University study found that “children of the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans were 13 times likelier than the children of low-income families to score 1300 or higher on SAT/ACT tests.” This statistic highlights the signifcant role that fnancial resources and educational opportunities play in shaping future academic outcomes. Students who invested in tutoring and prep classes were able to take endless practice exams and learn calculated testing strategies to ensure an increase in their score. However, even if a student were to spend money and time on tutoring to prepare for the SAT, doesn’t it become more of a measure of pattern recognition than intelligence.
Another issue regarding standardized testing is whether it truly assesses a student’s abilities to perform highly in undergraduate education. The content of the SAT and ACT are not intended to measure IQ, supporting the argument that
changes in score do not equate to changes in intelligence.
A medical study assessing the validity of the SAT/ACT as an exemplary standard of intelligence for college admissions said, “Certainly, the SAT as a measure of intelligence is primarily concerned with the latter. However, other cognitive traits not measured by the SAT surely infuence the effective cognitive performance necessary to be successful in academic settings, leaving a wide swath of intelligent behavior that should be investigated in relationship to academic achievement and other measures of success.”
This sentiment aligns with the ideology of a holistic review process, ensuring that all applicants receive a comprehen-
sive evaluation of their achievements and potential to succeed in higher education. As UM shifts back to a mandatory testing requirement, the holistic review process that once allowed students to showcase their strengths beyond a single test score is now at risk of being overshadowed by numerical benchmarks.
Ultimately, UM’s decision raises an important question: Is this policy truly about ensuring fairness, or does it place another obstacle in the way of students who already face systemic disadvantages? As students navigate an increasingly competitive admissions process, one thing remains clear: intelligence and potential should never be reduced to a test score.
GRAPHIC
COPY
BUSINESS
FACULTY ADVISOR
Antonio Mora
FINANCIAL
Steve Priepke
SENIOR FINANCIAL
ASSISTANT
Michelle Starbeck
Miami Hurricane is published biweekly
and is
and
by
students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business offce of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200.
LETTER POLICY
The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card.
ADVERTISING POLICY
The Miami Hurricane’s business offce is located at 1330 Miller Drive, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200. The Miami Hurricane is published every other Wednesday during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed for free on the Coral Gables
By Emily Anderson Contributing Writer
In a town that doesn’t quite exist, under skies that glow with impossible beauty, love falls, breaks and sometimes floats away. “Almost, Maine” invites its audience to step into a world where emotions defy gravity and hearts are just as fragile as the northern lights.
Written by John Cariana and first premiering in 2004, “Almost, Maine” is set in the chilly, mythical town named Almost. The play itself consists of nine short stories, each exploring the many facets of love–– falling in it, losing it and discovering it in unexpected ways.
From a woman literally carrying her heart in a paper bag to a couple discovering the physical weight of their love, the stories’ whimsical nature invites both the audience and performers to experience love in all its scary, exciting, and deeply human forms.
The show premiered at the University of Miami Ring Theater on Feb. 27. Kate Bevilacqua and Diego Rodriguez, who played Glory and East respectively, made people who watched believe in the make believe with their heartfelt performances. Meanwhile,
the love story between Oliver Whitehouse’s Jimmy and Lexi Rosenbloom’s Marci brought a comforting warmth to the chilly setting, adding depth and emotion to the evening.
The set itself was intricate, immersive and lifelike, even from my seat in the back row. From the blue-toned backdrop to the pale drapery hung above, every detail of the set created the perfect snowy environment. The stage design was simple, yet effective, with delicate frost-like patterns on the floor and sculpted trees that evoked the quiet beauty of a Maine winter.
The northern lights effects through the use of blue and purple light also played a huge role in creating the show’s dreamlike atmosphere, reinforcing the magic and wonder woven into each scene.
The blue and purple lights created northern
lights that evoked a dreamlike atmosphere. As they would often appear when characters were at war with their hearts, it grew to symbolize love’s hardships.
Lighting was not only used to just illuminate the stage, but to transition between scenes. The subtle changes in light seamlessly blended into the next, mirroring the way love itself can fade, transform or unexpectedly take shape.
The comedy felt perfectly timed, with the actors delivering each line and reaction with precision. Embracing the quirky, offbeat nature of the characters, the cast made their interactions feel both
genuine and effortlessly entertaining.
This rendition of Almost, Maine was also so funny, resulting in both the audience and myself laughing out loud. E.V. Cummins as Marvalyn and Oliver Whitehouse as Steve had a standout dynamic, blending physical and verbal comedy in a way that brought out their character’s endearing awkwardness.
Whitehouse’s inability to feel pain led to some great physical comedy. It all began with his casual admission that he couldn’t feel pain, prompting laughter from the audience as he and Cummins hilariously injured both themselves and each other in exaggerated ways. However, beneath the humor, there was something deeply touching in Whitehouse’s realization that love, like pain, is something you don’t always see coming.
Similarly, Will Sobel’s Casey
and Kate Pawlowski’s Sam were nothing short of magical. Pawlowski’s hesitancy to embrace a relationship with Sobel––rooted in fear of not being accepted––was apparent, while Sobel carried a quiet longing to be seen and loved.
The contrast between fear and unwavering acceptance made their dynamic one of the most emotional moments in the entire show, beautifully capturing the vulnerability of love and the power of simply being wanted as you are.
As a whole, “Almost, Maine” is a must-see if you are looking for a fun show with bright comedy, fun characters, and human-like stories. From the heartbreak to the unexpected joy, the play captures the full spectrum of emotion in a way that lingers long after the curtain falls.
It’s a story about love and loss, about finding yourself when you thought you were lost—or when you believed you had already been found. And, in the end, it’s about holding onto hope.
Though the Ring Theater is no longer showing “Almost, Maine,” there’s still more magic in store this semester. Look at the theater’s website to get a ticket to their upcoming hit shows like “New Box New Musicals” and “Seussical: The Musical.”
Joel Wainberg // Staff Designer
By Bri Pearson Assistant A&E Editor
For 75 years, the Lowe Art Museum has brought art to the heart of the Coral Gables campus. The first official museum in the City of Miami, the Lowe has worked to preserve and present art to students and the general public from across the world.
The collection of work, now more than 19,500 pieces, dates back as far as 5,000 years and features the work of some of the greatest artists of modern history, including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Andy Warhol.
It all started with a donation from Miami philanthropists Joe and Emily Lowe. The couple funded the construction of the stand-alone museum and as-
sembled its first collections of primarily Asian, Ancient American and African art in 1950.
In honor of the anniversary, the University hosted a party and auction on Saturday, March 1. Museum members dressed their best to take home some of Lowe’s finest pieces.
The museum gave over 40 Miamibased artists a few weeks to transform ordinary wooden painting palettes into a piece of their soul. They used various techniques and styles to make their palette stand out.
“[The competition] is just beautiful,” Janwas, a participating artist, said. “For you to be able to create something completely different than the other artists on your own terms and language, it’s beautiful.”
With bids starting at $500, art aficio-
nados lined the walls to get their prized picks. Guests of all ages scanned QR codes to submit their price. Bidding ended at 9 p.m. as guests sat at tables lined in navy blue linen for their main dinner.
For 81-year-old artist Tina Spiro, the night’s biggest reward came from displaying her Jamaican inspired palette art. Pulling from her Caribbean and New York roots, Spiro covered her palette in red paint and used light purple and black strokes to mimic a sundown.
“With events like these, you get lots of bids on your pieces,” Spiro said. “Last year, I had the highest bid. Somebody did the maximum price right off the bat.”
UM students reap the benefits of the annual auction with bids going to Lowe’s academic initiatives.
For more information about the Lowe Art Museum visit lowe.miami.edu.
By Grace Andruzzi Contributing Writer
Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t just about golden statues—it’s a runway where fashion history is made. The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a spectacle of risk-taking styles, with A-listers serving looks to be remembered.
From ball gowns dripping in crystals to bold, boundary-pushing ensembles that redefined red carpet glam, this year’s fashion was anything but predictable. So, who dazzled, who shocked and who left us speechless?
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler, the renowned comedian and actor, added a touch of humor to the 2025 Oscars with his unconventional attire. During host Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue, Sandler appeared in the audience wearing a bright blue oversized hoodie paired with dark blue basketball shorts.
When O’Brien playfully commented on his casual outfit, Sandler quipped, “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up.”
While his outfit may not have been conventional, it sure did catch everyone’s attention and for sure will go down in the history of Oscars outfits.
Sydney Sweeney
Even though she was not nominated, her outfit was nothing less than show stopping. She made a notable appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, dazzling in a custom pink Miu Miu gown adorned with crystal embroidery.
This dress was stunning, with a delicate sweetheart neckline accentuating her curves with effortless elegance. The fabric shimmered under the lights, thanks to intricate crystal embroidery that cascaded down the gown, adding a dazzling, ethereal effect.
She paired the look with soft waves in her hair, a classic diamond necklace and subtle yet luminous makeup, completing a breathtaking red carpet moment.
Monica Barbaro
Barbaro showed up for her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “A Complete Unknown,” and her outfit did not disappoint. Although she did not win the award, her presence marked a significant milestone in her acting career.
Barbaro graced the red carpet in a custom pale pink Dior Haute Couture gown. The dress featured a beaded bodice and a voluminous skirt, exuding elegance and sophistication. She accessorized with Bulgari jewelry, including a choker-style necklace and an oversized ring, complementing her ensemble.
Her hair was styled into a high, windswept updo with face-framing pieces and her makeup was kept rosy and simple, with pink blush and fluttery eyelashes. This look captured elegance and sophistication.
Andrew Garfield & Timothee Chalamet
While these two did not walk the carpet together, they were perfectly in sync with their fashion choices, both opting for sleek, monochromatic suits that exuded effortless sophistication.
Garfield was not up for any awards of his own, he simply attended to support his girlfriend, Monica Barbaro, with her nomination. Garfield showcased his impeccable style in a monochromatic ensemble.
On the red carpet, he wore a chocolate-brown Gucci suit paired with a silky caramel shirt, complemented by deep-brown shoes. He accessorized with chunky black glasses featuring burnt-orange lenses, adding a modern touch to his classic look.
Chalamet was nominated for Best Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown”. Although he didn’t win the award, his outfit sure did cause commotion. On the red carpet, Chalamet made a bold fashion statement by wearing a custom butteryellow leather suit designed by Givenchy’s Sarah Burton.
The double-breasted ensemble was paired with a matching silk shirt featuring a bejeweled neck closure, showcasing his penchant for unconventional and trendsetting styles.
Cynthia Erivo
Erivo arrived on the red carpet in a custom Louis Vuitton gown crafted from dark green velvet. The design featured exaggerated hips, shoulders and a pointed collar, creating a dramatic silhouette reminiscent of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Stylist Jason Bolden curated the look, which included blue-hued smokey eyeshadow, nude lips, diamond earrings, cocktail rings and a bejeweled hand-sculpted manicure. Beyond its theatrical inspiration, Erivo’s attire honored Hattie McDaniel, the first Black woman to win an Oscar.
The gown’s design elements were thoughtfully chosen to reflect McDaniel’s legacy and Erivo’s connection to her character.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña swept away the audience with her first Oscar win ever, being awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” She also swept the red carpet away with her outfit.
She wore a custom burgundy Saint Laurent gown with a strass-adorned bodice and satin ruffled “bubble” skirt, complemented by sheer opera gloves and Cartier jewelry. Saldaña’s natural, glowy makeup and sleek brunette waves completed her elegant look. The bubble dress was unquestionably a statement dress, something people don’t see everyday.
Halle Berry
Berry may have attended the 2025 Oscars as an award presenter, but her red carpet outfit sure did say winner She dazzled the red carpet in a custom Christian Siriano gown adorned with 7,000 mirrored crystals. The strapless design featured a structured bodice and a mermaidstyle skirt with a dramatic train, creating a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of a disco ball. She accessorized with Pomellato jewelry and styled her hair in a sleek flipped-out bob.
Bruna Marquezine
Bruna Marquezine, the celebrated Brazilian actress known for her roles in “God Save the King” and “The Burning Heart,” graced us with her presence at the Oscars this year.
Marquezine’s graceful presence on the red carpet further solidified her status as a rising fashion icon in the global entertainment industry. For the occasion, Marquezine wore a custom Atelier Versace gown that oozed timeless elegance. The dress featured a form-fitting silhouette with intricate detailing, showcasing the brand’s signature craftsmanship. She accessorized with understated yet sophisticated jewelry, allowing the gown to remain
the focal point of her ensemble.
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande’s Performance Outfits
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered a memorable performance of “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked,” to open the show. Ariana Grande transformed from her red carpet appearance into a captivating performance look. She donned a Schiaparelli Haute Couture sequin ruby red gown with a red high heel on her back. This ensemble paid homage to her role as Glinda in the film, aligning with the evening’s tribute to the home of entertainment, Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba in “Wicked,” wore a white Vivienne Westwood dress embellished with floral details. This attire complemented the performance’s tribute to the city and added a poignant layer of depth to her performance.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner turned heads this year at the Oscars, especially after skipping the red carpet. She wore a custom black sequined gown by Miu Miu, featuring a daring cutout design that highlighted her figure.
She accessorized with 50 carats of Lorraine Schwartz natural black diamonds, adding a touch of glamour to her look. Kylie attended alongside actor Timothée Chalamet, which also created buzz.
The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a true celebration of fashion, with each outfit telling its own unique story. From the bold and playful styles of Adam Sandler and Kylie Jenner to the regal elegance of Monica Barbaro and Zoe Saldaña, the night showcased an impressive range of creativity and sophistication.
Whether it was through intricate detailing, daring silhouettes, or timeless glamour, the fashion at this year’s Oscars will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of all who witnessed it. The 2025 Oscars red carpet was nothing short of spectacular, and these show-stopping looks will continue to inspire and influence the fashion world.
By Brandon Blanco Contributing Writer
Students can find themselves stressed out and feeling negative when preparing for midterms. The University of Miami is here to help guide its students through the semester and exams with countless campus resources.
Here are ten tips to help you dominate your midterms:
Create a study plan
Everyone knows when their midterms will be. Create a plan for when and how to prepare properly. A study plan can help you manage and keep track of what to study for and the time needed to get ready.
Using a physical or online agenda can help you form the perfect study schedule for you. Listing your available times and deciding which content to review then puts you on the right track.
Stanford scholars whose study was published in Psychological Science reported that students who take a strategic approach in preparing for an exam, such as a study plan, see their grades improve by an average of a third of a letter grade.
Use study techniques
Simply reading notes or a textbook will not always be the best action. Techniques such as note cards, active recall, and having someone test you on the subjects can
help you remember the most important information in the long run.
A Harvard study showed that students can retain more information when using study techniques compared to only reading notes or chapters from a textbook.
Prioritize the subjects that need the most attention
Take time studying the material you’re not as confident with, and don’t focus too much on what you already understand.
The Camner Center for Academic Resources offers tutoring on all subjects if you still do not understand the material after studying on your own or with a group. Appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tutoring is not offered during the summer term.
Review past exams, questions, and PowerPoint slides
Chances are there have been a handful of quizzes or exams before a midterm. Use those as a reference to what can be on the midterm and review all of it as practice.
Reviewing past exams can make or break your grade. Previous exams may include similar questions to those on your midterm.
Find or create a study group
If you’re nervous about an exam, chances are you aren’t the only one. . Create a study group to help each other and make some friends along the way.
The library or courtyards around campus are great places to meet up. If you’re friends with your classmates, you could even meet in a common room or dorm study space. Study together at the Library or one of the countless courtyards on campus.
No distractions
Place your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and in another room at your house. Close out all applications on your laptop, too. Fewer distractions mean more focus and better retention..
Give yourself a certain amount of time to review the material with zero distractions. Think of it as an agreement between you and yourself. Scrolling through social media and studying for a midterm or any exam is a recipe for disaster.
Get a full night of sleep
Not enough sleep can lead to headaches, lack of focus, and not feeling prepared for the midterm. Take care of your body and mind with the correct amount of sleep every night.
Keep your body fueled with energetic foods
Stay hydrated before and during your exam, and eat healthy foods to avoid feeling weak, sluggish, or tired. Foods like nuts, fruits and eggs will help.
Students looking for great brain food in the dining hall’s menus and nutrition facts online.
Have a positive attitude
Be kind to yourself. Self-deprecating or insulting thoughts won’t help your performance or your self-esteem.
The Counseling Center is available five days a week with professionals there to help students deal with midterm stress and find healthy coping methods. Group therapy sessions offer priceless conver-
sations that can turn a mindset around to one that is ready to conquer anything in its way.
Do not overwork yourself. Take regular or scheduled breaks to not overwhelm yourself or get in your head. Midterms can be challenging, but with proper preparation, you can walk out of that classroom feeling like a superstar.
By Charlotte Balcells Contributing Writer
The Montreux Jazz Festival went all in for its second year in Miami. Originating in Switzerland, this 3-day festival celebrates the latest and greatest names in jazz music. The first night’s performers were rising star WILLOW, Grammy-winner Jon Batiste and BBC Young Jazz Musician Award winner Justin Lee-Shultz.
The festival’s energy was unforgettable. As soon as you walked in, it was as if you couldn’t help but feel excited. Each and every perfor-
mance gave you the overwhelming urge to dance. There was room to groove with the small venue only holding 1,500 people.
Willow Smith kicked off the first night. Her performance was exhilarating. You could feel the heart and soul she put into her music through her voice. She did multiple songs from her most recent project as well as some of her older songs such as, “Wait a Minute!” She wore a beautiful orange dress that flowed like water. The yellow and orange lighting scheme with the song’s ethereal twist made her look sun-kissed.
Jon Batiste kept the party going on. He sang an uplifting anthem
hitting the stage. Batiste asked the crowd to sing back as he called out. He shared the spotlight with other artists like Justin Lee Shultz. Their invigorating rhythms put everyone on their feet.You can feel the love and care these artists put into their work every second.
Chaka Khan, a 70-year-old Grammy-winner known as the “Queen of Funk,” took the stage by storm on day two. The crowd couldn’t get enough of her performing her greatest hits with such a powerful voice and stage presence. After all this time, she is still kicking and showing no signs of slowing down.
Janelle Monae closed the show.
Her performance is indescribable. Monae’s presence captivated everyone. Her energy was infectious. Her dancing was incredible and her raw vocals were enough to have your soul leaving your body. She did a special rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Killing me Softly”. It was impossible to feel any kind of negativity during her set, her music was rejuvenating. Everywhere you looked someone had a smile on their face and a sway in their hips on both nights. The Montreux Jazz Music festival is one of a kind. It offered a unique concert experience and performances that made hearts skip a beat.
By Gray Gerber Contributing Writer
With spring break right around the corner, everyone is gearing up for some much-needed relaxation. Whether you’re planning to hit the beach, travel to a new place or visit home, here’s how to make the most of your week off.
Plan ahead
Before you start traveling, it’s essential to get an idea of what you’re going to be doing. Take some time to look up local customs and any travel advisories on the place you are staying.
Make sure your passport and travel documents are up to date. They can take months to come in if you have to renew it, so plan ahead. Share your travel plan with a friend or family member so they know where you will be and can check on you if necessary.
Keep your battery charged
This one shouldn’t be a problem for a college student. Keep your phone charged. Being lost in a new place is stressful enough, but being lost without access to the internet is even worse. Spend some
time perusing maps around the area you’re staying in to get familiar with it. If you are going somewhere abroad, make sure to research what kind of outlets your destination uses and invest in an outlet converter if needed. Otherwise, you won’t be able to plug in your phone. Plus, consider bringing a portable charger if you will be walking around all day to make sure you don’t run out of battery taking photos.
Drink safely
There’s a way to drink responsibly. Think marathon, not sprint. Know your limits, and don’t push them too hard.
Stay hydrated, especially if you’re somewhere hot. Never accept a drink from a stranger, and watch bartenders make your drinks. Amazon sells tester strips to determine if a drink has been spiked, which can be great when going out to busy clubs and bars. Additionally, it’s easy to find drink koozies to cover the
Sovannreach Po // Graphics Editor
top of a cup online.
Always have a designated driver or some kind of Uber plan in place. If a friend is starting to look like they’ve had a bit too much, don’t hesitate to take them home or to get checked out by a doctor.
Keep track of your stuff
Keep your phone, wallet, passport and any other valuables safe at all times, especially the passport. If that gets lost, and you’re in a foreign country, your spring break is about to become a temporary leave.
If the place you are staying in has a safe, keep documents and other belongings in it at all times unless you need them on your person. Avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics.
Be aware
Whether you’re exploring a new city or resting on the beach, stay aware of your surroundings. Spring break can get rowdy, so it can be a good idea to keep an eye on behaviour that’s starting to escalate.
Trust your instincts, and if something seems sketchy, it’s probably best to avoid it. Keep to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. If you are traveling solo, look into joining a tour group or finding a buddy.
Know the location
Different places have different rules. Educate yourself on local laws and regulations to make sure you don’t accidentally cross a line. Make sure you know drinking ages, dress codes, and behaviour in public places. This will make for a smoother trip without any run-ins with law enforcement (it happens more than you think). Additionally, make sure to memorize the local helplines. Many countries use 112 instead of 911, but make sure to confirm the number for the place you are staying. Write it down in case your phone dies so you can always call for help.
Going with a group or a close friend ensures you have someone watching out for you at all times and makes you less of a target to sketchy individuals. Having the extra security and support takes a big burden off of the stress of a trip. For big groups, make a group chat to keep contact with each other, and use systems like a check-in time to keep tabs on everyone.
Enjoy your vacation while minimizing risks. Remember, a little preparation and awareness can go a long way in ensuring a memorable and safe spring break.
By Keira Faddis Contributing Writer
If you are looking for a thrill-packed afternoon with friends this spring break, look no further than the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition.
For its 73rd year, this annual event is packed with rides, entertainment and food, making it a great option for a fun weekend plan. The fair will be open from March 13 through April 6, 2025, except for these select dates; March 17, 18, 31 and April 1.
To make the most of your day and save some money, it recommended that visitors plan ahead and purchase tickets online. Admission tickets currently cost $12 when bought online, but will increase to $14 at the start of the fair, with onsite tickets available for $16.
If you’re interested in experiencing all of the rides, unlimited ride tickets currently cost $30 when bought online, but will increase to $35 at the start of the fair and onsite tickets are available for up to $40. March 13, 19 and April 2 will have reduced admission tickets only costing $5. If you think you would like to go multiple times, consider purchasing the season pass tickets for an online price of $32 or $36 onsite.
The fair will feature dozens of rides across its three ride areas: Majorland, Kiddieland and Kiddieland Too. Majorland will feature more intense rides designed for an older age group, like the Cliff Hanger, Orbiter, Pharaoh’s Fury, Swing Tower, Zipper, Zero Gravity and the Mega Drop. Kiddieland and Kiddieland Too will have smaller rides like the Tea Cups, Wacky Worm and a variety of slides and merry-go-rounds.
“I grew up going to the fair quite a lot because of middle school competitions that were held there, but afterwards my friends and I would always stay for the rides,” said Joelle Worcester, a sophomore at Miami Dade College who grew up attending MiamiDade County public schools.
There will also be various cash-only carnival game stalls. ATMs will be available onsite.
If you want to skip the rides, your admission ticket will include the daily entertainment and attractions on the fairgrounds. Some highlights include pig races, a petting zoo, the Jukebox on Ice ice skating show, a circus, a K9 frisbee show and Funkanometry, a dancing duo. Visitors can also browse stalls where vendors sell unique handmade crafts, clothing and souvenirs.
At the Arnold and Edwards Halls
at the expo center, local Miami-Dade County Public School projects will be on display for attendees to view and for fairgrounds judges to evaluate. Winning projects will be awarded up to $150. The Jack Griffith Playhouse, also located at the fair’s expo center, will host local student performers every day of the fair.
It’s also the perfect place to fill up on your favorite classic fair foods like hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, burgers and corn dogs.
Alongside the classics, the fair will be holding a competition to crown the winner of the 2025 Foodie Awards: Retro Rewind Edition. These awards include the Critic’s and Fairgoer’s Choice awards. The Critic’s Choice will be voted on by media professionals and local personalities, while Fairgoer’s choice will be voted on by fairgoers by scanning QR codes at food stands. The
awards will be announced on March 20 and April 4, respectively.
With so much to see, do and taste, the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition is an event you don’t want to miss.
“It was really fun. It’s awesome for a gym this size to do a whole fnals round and it was a great competition for a university gym.”
By Luke Sims Co-Sports Editor
Hanging on by a finger and jumping through the air between holds, South Florida’s small but committed climbing community traversed the Outdoor Adventures bouldering wall for its third annual Battle of the Boulders. This red-point style bouldering competition hosted almost 75 climbers from all over South Florida, including 36 UM students, challenging them to complete a gauntlet of 32 climbs.
“It was a great time. It was the first time I’ve ever been in any climbing competition. It was very challenging but everyone was super supportive” freshman musical engineering major Rex Roche said.
Battle of the Boulders is OA’s signature climbing competition, bringing together climbers across Florida.
“I do a lot of competitions down here in South Florida and this was my first time at this gym,” John Young, a route setter at Boulder Block in Pompano Beach, Florida who finished third in the men’s open division said.
Young drove over three hours to get to the competition. “Qualifiers were great. I appreciate the setters putting on a really good final for us and I had a really good time. I hope to come back next year.”
The competition invites climbers of all experience levels to vie for a spot in the finals across four days of climbing. It’s all a part of Outdoor Aventure’s mission to get students engaged with the outdoors.
“I like the community. I like how it brings people together. This is definitely a beacon of culture and community that you don’t really see
in a lot of intramural sports here on campus. So it’s good that there’s a place like this that brings people together not just on campus but in the wider community as well,” second year graduate student Nick Tong who is studying music engineering competed in the men’s open division final.
Before the competition could begin, the OA student setters painstakingly placed every hold, transforming the 14-foot bouldering wall into a 32-route, over 200-hold, competition platform. Every single hold needed to be taken down and replaced with unique and challenging routes for the preliminary round that took place on April 27th and 28th.
“It was a really fun and challenging process to get this event together and I couldn’t be more proud of the result,” senior economics major and senior route setter, Dan Bennett said. “Our team worked really hard and it culminated in a great community building event. It was amazing to see so many people come together over a shared love for climbing and a chance to compete.”
14-feet may not seem high, but with various different types of grips and footholds scattered across the wall in convoluted arrangements, it can make for mighty challenges to the climbers attempting to scale to the top. Some are giant slabs that are a struggle to hang onto, while tiny crimps provide little area to cling to at all. The routes required immense balance, strength and endurance to get all the way to the top.
Climbers could enter into one of three divisions: beginner, intermediate, and open in both men’s and women’s categories.
“This was my first Battle of the Boulders and it was definitely harder than I thought it was going to be,” Sophomore, political science and criminology major, Kylie Cohen said. “It challenged me to do things that I probably wouldn’t have done before. When I did complete something, it made me feel so hyped up. It was awesome.”
To win the competition, climbers were awarded points for how many
climbs they could complete. The harder the climb the more points were awarded. Competitors could also earn a bonus for flashing a route, or completing it on the first try.
After the conclusion of the qualifying round, the walls were reset in just 13 hours to create the final six routes for the men and women’s final rounds. The 10 finalists had five minutes to complete each route.
Only two of the finalists were UM students, Tong and junior mechanical engineering major Emily Zhu.
Dylan Hewins, a setter at local rock gym Velocity, took home the top prize for men, while Riley McCallum, a setter at Boulder Bloc in Popmano won the women’s competition.
“It was really fun. It’s awesome for a gym this size to do a whole finals round and it was a great competition for a university gym,” McCallum said.
This was the biggest turnout from outside of UM that OA has had. The excitement for this event has spread and people from all interest levels were excited to try their hand at the bouldering competition.
“It allowed us one time to all come together in the same place at the same time and cheer each other on and show each other what was possible,” Roche said. “It allowed us to see some climbers from outside the school and see them come and support us and climb with us and see what the University of Miami climbers can do.”
While an exhausting week for OA employees, the team only hopes to see BOTB and interest in climbing grow in the future.
“BOTB has been both the most challenging and the most rewarding experience of my time at OA.,” senior oceanography major and head setter at Outdoor Adventures Alee Winkler said. “Overseeing the event was a big learning experience for me, but overall I am so proud of what our team accomplished as a whole and that we were able to contribute to pulling the climbing community closer together.”
Top: Competitor Ryley McCallum in the middle of her fnal route in Battle of the Boulders at Outdoor Adventures on Sunday March 2, 2025. Middle: Outdoor Adventures setting team at Battle of the Boulders at Outdoor Adventures on Sunday March 2, 2025. Bottom: Second year graduate student studying musical engineering, Nick Tong starts frst route in Battle of the Boulders at Outdoor Adventures on Sunday March 2, 2025.
By Zach Cohen Staf Writer
After smooth sailing against Princeton last weekend in Coral Gables, Miami hit some rough seas in Gainesville. Dropping the first two games to the No. 7 Florida Gators, the Hurricanes salvaged the series finale and with a 13-7 win against their in-state rivals.
In the top of the fifth inning, down 4-2, Miami’s bats came alive. With no outs and freshman Michael Torres on first via a walk, sophomore third baseman Daniel Cuvet lined a base hit down the middle to make runners on first and second. Redshirt junior Max Galvin proceeded to load the bases on a fourpitch walk.
Cuvet’s base knock took Florida’s starting pitcher out of the game. The right-handed Jake Clemente threw four innings, striking out six, walking four, giving up two hits and hitting three batters. This resulted in him giving up four runs.
In prime position for a great opportunity, junior Jake Ogden got plunked to score a run and keep the bases loaded. Senior Dorian Gonzalez Jr. opened up an onslaught of hitting with a base hit, scoring one. Tanner Smith and Bobby Marsh also came through with base hits. The Hurricanes took a 7-4 lead after fve innings.
Miami capitalized after a rough defensive first inning, including an uncharacteristic showing from start -
ing pitcher Brian Walters. Hayden Yost, the leadoff man for Florida, skied a deep and high fly ball to left field, where Galvin lost it in the sun for a ground-rule double in his first at-bat of the game. The Gators went on to score two runs in the first frame.
Walters, in 4.2 innings of work, allowed six hits, four runs and a strikeout, moving his ERA to 2.87.
The ’Canes came back in the sixth inning with more offense. After Cuvet reached base on an error and advanced to second, Galvin sent him home on a base knock. Ogden hit the ball right up the middle, allowing Galvin to score as he stole second base before Ogden’s hit.
Carson Fischer, a graduate, righthanded pitcher for Miami, entered the game in a relief role to throw 2.1 innings. He allowed two runs to score, giving up four hits and striking out two batters.
Miami continued to pour on runs in the eighth inning. Gonzalez singled to left to load the bases. Smith then took first on a walk, and Marsh doubled down the right field line to clear the bases. Tacking on four runs, the score kept Miami in front, 13-6.
Gonzalez had a great afternoon at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Even though Florida (11-1) did score a run in the ninth, Miami (93) would go on to win 13-7. After two lackluster hitting performances, the Hurricanes came out with 14
By Ashley Freedland Staf Writer
The University of Miami women’s tennis team fell 4-2 to Boston College on Sunday afternoon at the Flynn Recreation Complex. Miami (2-5, 0-2 ACC) came out strong in doubles play. Alexa Noel and Maria Paula Vargas secured a 6-3 victory over Seren Agar and
hits, three more than they had all series. With Miami’s win, it moves the all-time record against Florida to 136-136-1.
The Hurricanes will head home happy as they get ready for a showdown against their crosstown rival, the Florida International Panthers. The game will take place at loanDepot Park on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Melissa Borges Contributing Photographer
Redshirt junior and right-handed pitcher Brian Walters winds up for a pitch against Princeton on Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 2025
Nada Dimovska. The Hurricanes forfeited the other two doubles, moving on without an advantage.
Xinyi Nong and Raquel Gonzalez fell 6-2, while Jaquelyn Ogunwale and Aely Arai lost a close 7-5 battle, giving Boston College (5-8, 1-3 ACC) the early lead.
In singles play, Miami faced setbacks early on. Vargas fell 6-2, 6-2, at No. 6, while No. 78 Gonzalez lost 6-1, 6-3, on Court 2.
Arai put Miami on the board with
By Sarah Landau and Ali Campbell Staf Writers
Miami women’s basketball ended its season off on the right foot with a 82-63 road loss to California on Sunday evening. The Hurricanes waved goodbye to their season and failed to qualify for the 2025 ACC Tournament with the loss.
After a slow start to the frst quarter, Haley Cavinder picked up the offense to cut Miami’s defcit to six points. Cavinder led the Hurricanes with 16 points in addition to her four assists. Cal stepped on the gas after the frst quarter, sinking shots and working around Miami’s poor defense. The Golden Bears’ ability to get offensive rebounds created second-chance opportunities that gave them an immense advantage over the ’Canes throughout the game. Cal outrebounded Miami 39-26 and 11-5 on the offensive glass.
Miami’s low 3-point percentage contributed to its loss. While Cal shot 42.3% from the perimeter, knocking down 12 of their 28 attempts, the Hurricanes made only four of their 18 shots from beyond the arc, good for a woeful 22.2% clip. Cal’s performance was spearheaded by graduate student Ugonne Onyiah, who scored a career-high 26 points and secured 10 rebounds for the Golden Bears. Miami looks to rebuild its team for next season, as it loses key members of the squad, such as the Cavinder twins, Cameron Williams, and Natalija Marshall.
The Miami Hurricanes took the road to Chapel Hill on Saturday afternoon to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center. Despite a strong individual performance from senior Matthew Cleveland, the Hurricanes were unable to keep up with the Tar Heels’ offensive effciency and ultimately fell 92-73, extending their losing streak to fve games.
The Hurricanes were without starting big man Lynn Kidd, who had scored in double fgures in four consecutive games prior to this matchup. However, the ’Canes welcomed back Cleveland, who had missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury. Cleveland wasted no time returning to form, recording his 12th 20-point game of the season with a team-high 25 points. He also posted fve rebounds and fve assists, becoming just the seventh player in the ACC this season to post at least 25 points, fve rebounds and fve assists in a single game. His early efforts would keep Miami (6-23, 2-16 ACC) in the contest, as he scored 14 of his points in the frst half on an effcient 7-of-13 clip from the feld.
Senior Brandon Johnson would also step up in the absence of Kidd, scoring 20 points, which marked his frst 20-point game of conference play this season. However, Johnson and Cleveland were the only players to reach double fgures in the game. Despite their contributions, Miami struggled to contain North Carolina’s (1911, 12-6 ACC) high-powered offense.
a dominant 6-0, 6-4 showing, followed by Noel’s 6-2, 6-3 win, lessening Boston College’s lead to 3-2. With two matches still ongoing, the Hurricanes hoped for a late rally, but the Eagles took home the win when Muskan Mahajan defeated Ogunwale, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.
Miami will return home to face Penn on Wednesday, March 12, at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center in Coral Gables, Fla.
To close the frst half, the Tar Heels fnished on a 15-4 run, leaving the Hurricanes in a 46-31 defcit at halftime. The Tar Heels were able to maintain control coming out of the half, as they knocked down six of their frst seven shots to jump out to a 58-37 lead within the frst fve minutes.
Freshman Austin Swartz provided a spark by hitting a 3-pointer at the 7:10 mark of the game, marking his third of the contest and narrowing the lead to 14 points. However, North Carolina remained dominant throughout, and Miami was unable to close the gap to within 10 points during the second half.
The Tar Heels shot an impressive 58.9% from the feld and 55.6% from beyond the arc in the contest, which was more than enough to secure the victory over the Hurricanes. North Carolina was led by junior Ven-Allen Lubin, who scored a teamhigh 19 points on an exceptional 9-of-10 shooting mark. The forward also grabbed fve rebounds and a block, but it was a well-rounded effort for the Tar Heels, as they had six different players score in double fgures during the game.
By Sebastian Font Staf Writer
The No. 30 Miami Hurricanes closed out their pair of weekend matches with a 4-0 sweep of the Boston College Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
Continuing their doubles excellence on the year, Miami got ahead by securing the doubles point in quick fashion. Senior Martin Katz and junior Antonio Prat quickly dispatched the BC (2-3, 0-2 ACC) pairing of Aidan Pack and Jack Vassel, 6-1.
Junior Nacho Serra Sanchez and sophomore Leonardo Dal Boni clinched the point for the Hurricanes (7-2, 2-0 ACC) with a 6-4 win against Liam O’ Leary and Caleb Saltz. With the 1-0 lead, UM kept its foot on the gas going into singles play.
Prat set the tone with back-to-back 6-1 wins over Vessel before No. 48 Katz took consecutive 6-2 wins over Saltz. Both Prat and Katz continue to impress on the courts, putting their veteran experience to good use.
Continuing the theme of matching sets, Serra Sanchez took a 6-2, 6-2 win over Andrew Ilie to clinch the match.
The Hurricanes are riding a fve-
match win streak that dates back to January, with impressive wins over teams like UCF and SMU.
Miami will continue its homestand next Tuesday against South Alabama and hope to remain undefeated at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.
Singles Competition
1. #48 Martin Katz (UM) def. Caleb Saltz (BC) 6-2, 6-2
2. Antonio Prat (UM) def. Jake Vassel (BC) 6-1, 6-1
3. Nacho Serra Sanchez (UM) def. Andrew Ilie (BC) 6-2, 6-2
4. Leonardo Dal Boni (UM) vs. Mai Gao (BC) 6-2, 2-4, unfnished
5. Mehdi Sadaoui (UM) vs. Aidan Pacl (BC) 6-1, 2-4, unfnished
6. Jules Garot (UM) vs. Connor McDonald (BC) 6-3, 1-5, unfnished
Doubles Competition
1. Martin Katz/Antonio Prat (UM) def. Aidan Pacl/Jake Vassel (BC) 6-1
2. Leonardo Dal Boni/Nacho Serra Sanchez (UM) def. Liam O’Leary/Caleb Saltz (BC) 6-4
3. Mehdi Sadaoui/Jules Garot (UM) vs. Andrew Ilie/Matthew Overvelde (BC) 4-4, unfnished
By Brendan Caferty Staf Writer
Florida native Carson Beck, former quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, is taking his talents from the SEC to Miami.
In his two seasons in Athens, Beck established himself as a viable SEC starting QB. His junior season saw Beck throw just under 4,000 yards on 302 completions, with 24 touchdowns to six intercep-
tions. With a four-team playoff, Georgia’s sixth in the nation ranking was not enough to secure a postseason bid in 2023, cutting Beck’s best career season short.
This past year, Beck experienced a mild regression, throwing for nearly 3500 yards and doubling his picks to only four more touchdowns. Additionally, Beck suffered a season-ending UCL tear in the SEC championship, lowering his already depressed draft stock.
So, is he the saving grace for a diminished Miami offense or a potential detriment? Miami head coach Mario Cristobal believes the former.
“He’s athletic, he’s smart, and he’s got superior arm talent,” Cristobal said to reporters in January. “He’s accurate, he can extend plays, but he can also sit in the pocket.”
With the creative offense UM’s football program has historically promoted, it’s clear that Cristobal was looking for a multi-tool quarterback that could ft in this scheme.
Cristobal also touched on the impact of Beck’s injury, stating that although his recovery timeline after examinations is “ahead of schedule,” there is no denying that Beck is missing crucial preseason time to develop chemistry with his receiving core.
Yet, Cristobal is not worried. He referred to Beck as a “great human being” who has “demonstrated leadership qualities,” including the desire to make himself and the team great.
While Beck showcases talents as the highest-ranked quarterback out of the transfer portal this offseason, it is undeniable that the hype surrounding him brings skepticism. He comes in with high expectations that aren’t immediately backed up by his inconsistent last two seasons of play.
Beck will have to work through these inconsistencies with a new-look Hurricanes offense.
Top targets such as Xavier Restrepo, Elijah Arroyo, Sam Brown Jr. and Jacol-
by George all entered the draft, and Isaiah Horton left for Alabama by way of the transfer portal.
Beck is not the only SEC player to fnd his way to Miami. The addition of LSU receiver CJ Daniels is one of several new pieces in this new UM offense. Another notable introduction is that of sought-after prospect Malachi Toney.
Beck won’t be entirely alone, with the prospective receiving core featuring some combination of Daniels and returner Joshisa Trader on the outside, with Toney and nowsophomore Ray Ray Joseph in the slot.
While there is hope for the season, the outcome will rely on Beck’s injury timeline and the chemistry he builds with his offense in his shortened offseason.
With the Hurricanes’ Week 1 matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Beck will face an early test, and fans will be quick to judge what the SEC buzz was all about.
V’s Take is a satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended. Unapologetic. Bold. Unfiltered.
My boyfriend doesn’t show up for me how I want him to. How do I fix this?
V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest running column.
The remake of everyone’s favorite animated dragon movie is one of the most anticipated films for summer 2025. But it’s got me wondering, what if dragons aren’t the only things we can train to help us fly?
Yes, I’m talking about your man.
Now, it’s never a good idea to think you can change a man, but there’s nothing wrong with recognizing a little room for improvement. After all, there would be no “girlfriend effect” if brave women had not taken the risk of turning ick-inducing, skinny jean-wearing boys into men with full hygiene routines.
The secret to having a boyfriend that does the most for you isn’t to sit idly by and hope for a revelation of the male species. You have to open your mouth (not in the usual way I suggest).
You have to communicate.
At this age, few men have had a serious relationship. Even fewer have had one that wasn’t doomed to fail. With little experience under their belts, how are they supposed to know when your “I’m fine” text doesn’t actually mean that?
Is he not dressing to match your standards on a date? Give him a kind (but subtle) suggestion
on how to create a new look using what he has in his closet or, if it’s really that bad, take him shopping.
Did he write off your four part text essay about your feelings? Tell him how that made you feel even worse, and respond with a detailed template of what to say next time.
Conversations about your needs should be a regular part of any well-functioning relationship.
We can’t expect men to know it all. You have to explain what showing up for you looks like and do your part in the relationship.
To quote everyone’s icon Michelle Obama, “I have to be responsible for my own happiness.”
This applies to everything from knowing when you need a shoulder to lean on to when you need to be distracted from the world with some classic dicking down. What’s wrong with sending a subtle wikiHow on “A Guide to Giving your Girl Good Head.” Being direct is the way to go.
And if he still isn’t fitting the bill, then it may be time to let it go.
