News: Divinity school to house anti-HIV center Page 6
Opinion: New mail truck becomes symbol of clean future Page 10
Sports: Baseball team opens their season with promise Page 12
Life: Short film collection opens virtually Page 16
Old Gold&Black
WAKE FOREST’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1916 VOL. 107, NO. 16
T H U R S DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 5 , 2 0 21 “Cover s the campus like the magnolias”
wfuogb.com
Students struggle with mental health In an Old Gold & Black survey, students tended to rate their mental health low on a 1-10 scale BY AINE PIERRE News Editor pierav20@wfu.edu After two weeks of modified Orange status, rising COVID-19 case numbers and a near-constant cycle of rumors, miscommunication and anger, mental health on campus seems to be in a precarious spot, according to a new Old Gold & Black survey. The survey, which polled 25 Wake Forest students about the state of their mental wellbeing, was conducted between Feb. 23 and 24. Freshmen made up 44% of the sample; sophomores and seniors both made up 24% and juniors made up the remaining 8%. No graduate students responded to the survey. The survey asked respondents to rate the quality of their mental health on a one-through-ten scale, with ten being great and one being awful.
See Mental Health, Page 4 Graphic by Olivia Field/Old Gold & Black
While the university's official messaging on the COVID-19 surge emphasized that student organizations were not at fault, administrators privately told Greek Organizations their members were the source of spread.
Understanding the spread: COVID-19 and Greek life Communication concerning the Feb. 4 COVID-19 spike initially overlooked the role of Greek life BY OLIVIA FIELD Senior Writer fielor17@wfu.edu On Feb. 4 at 1:47 p.m., university administrators sent an email to the campus community with a warning: if cases continued to grow at the exponential rate of more than 150 in 48 hours, Wake Forest would have no choice but to establish a lockdown under Red operating status. The email also informed students that the university would be moving to a modified Orange operating status. The “unsustainable trends” were attributed to “social activity — small and
large gatherings, on and off-campus parties, and groups congregating at bars and restaurants. In these cases, masks were not worn, gathering sizes were ignored, and social distancing was not respected.” At approximately 8 p.m. that evening, presidents of Greek organizations received an email from Fraternity and Sorority Life Director Betsy Adams. The email, which was obtained by the Old Gold & Black, repeated the above quote with one key difference: it was followed by an acknowledgment that “a concerning number of these cases are associated with official or unofficial chapter functions.” Although it was never disclosed to the full university community via official communication, the Old Gold & Black has confirmed that 90% of positive cases between Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 can be attributed to Greek life.
Admin optimistic as COVID-19 cases fall As Governor Cooper lifts some statewide restrictions, Wake Forest will proceed with caution BY ELIZABETH MALINE Senior Writer malied17@wfu.edu
According to Dean of Students Adam Goldstein, much of the social activity that can be traced back to spread was connected with sorority rush. “Social activities contributed to the surge in positive cases in our community, and we can trace much of that to events hosted — officially or unofficially — by fraternity and sorority members,” Goldstein said. Adams did note that the Historically Black fraternities and sororities that make up the National Panhellenic Council did not contribute to the spike. As of Feb. 19, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Sigma Alpha Epsilon have both been placed under interim suspension pending conduct investigations.
Two weeks after an extreme spike in COVID-19 cases prompted tighter campus restrictions — including the closure of the ZSR Library and the Benson University Center — there has been a steady decline in new cases. According to the university’s COVID-19 dashboard, there have been a total of 91 reported cases since Feb. 12. This stands in stark contrast to the 117 cases that were reported in a single day on Feb. 8 at the height of the surge. “We want to congratulate our students for flattening the curve,” Vice President for Campus Life Penny Rue said. According to Rue, as of Wednesday asymptomatic testing from this week shows just 11 positive cases of the 1,650 students who were tested, a positivity rate of .66%.
See Greek, Page 5
See COVID-19, Page 7
OGB
“ up front: Keep it up Bottom line This column represents the views of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board.
The sun has risen on a new day at Wake Forest University. COVID-19 cases have receded, students are departing from quarantining in dreary hotel rooms and campus is beginning to buzz with life once again. At long last, we can enjoy the company of one fellow Demon Deacon in the dining halls, study in the library and even get back to working out in the gym. With the upcoming removal of the statewide North Carolina curfew, Wake Forest may have finally stumbled upon the patch of good luck it so desperately needed. But good luck doesn’t derive spontaneously. It is the smart decisions made by our student body during the past few weeks that have resulted in the lifting of some of these restrictions. By
It is the smart decisions made by our student body during the past few weeks that have resulted in the lifting of some of these restrictions." choosing not to attend parties, being diligent about mask-wearing and practicing social-distancing, we have each made a difference. It is for these reasons that we would like to extend sentiments of gratitude and congratulations to the Wake Forest student body. Unquestionably, the last few weeks have been stressful and challenging to navigate. Neither students, faculty members nor administrators were prepared for the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases we experienced, but even after facing so much
adversity, we have managed to weather the storm and allow this semester to continue in person. Kudos to the administrators who worked tirelessly to find solutions to complicated problems on the fly and ensure the safety of all within the Wake Forest community. We all deserve a pat on the back after the long string of doomsday announcements and strongly-worded emails that flooded our inboxes. Let’s all take a moment to enjoy this one. Here at the Old Gold & Black, the lifting of campus restrictions means that we’ve returned to publishing a print edition after a two-week-toolong hiatus. While we did our best to keep you all updated and informed by publishing pieces on our website in the interim, we’re thrilled to have regained
our identity as a dual-threat publication. You have our word that we’ll continue to serve as a newspaper created by and for the students of Wake Forest University. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we keep in mind that our work remains unfinished. Now is not the time to become complacent — we cannot allow the virus to infiltrate our community again. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we’ll keep encouraging you all to remain diligent in your mask-wearing and social-distancing practices. These are the cornerstones of our defense against the virus, and hopefully someday soon we won’t need them as much. For now, however, hold the line and keep the faith.
Old Gold&Black
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSIT Y SINCE 1916 ALEXANDRA KARLINCHAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF karlae18@wfu.edu
BEN CONROY PRINT MANAGING EDITOR conrbd19@wfu.edu
>> NEWS
Cate Pitterle, pittcj20@wfu.edu Aine Pierre, pierav20@wfu.edu
>> OPINION
Connor Mcneely, mcnecb19@wfu.edu
>> SPORTS
Christina DeNovio, denoca20@wfu.edu Essex Thayer, thayse20@wfu.edu
Asst. Jake Stuart, stuaja20@wfu.edu
>> LIFE
Micah Porter, portmj19@wfu.edu Selinna Tran, transn19@wfu.edu
>> PHOTOGRAPHY
Katie Fox, foxkg19@wfu.edu
>> SOCIAL MEDIA
Anna Bloch, blocae19@wfu.edu
>> ADVISER
Phoebe Zerwick, zerwicp@wfu.edu
CHARLIE BENEDICT BUSINESS MANAGER
benecc19@wfu.edu
WILL ZIMMERMAN ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR zimmwj19@wfu.edu
>> POLICIES
The Old Gold & Black is published Thursdays during the school year, except during examinations, summer and holiday periods, by Triangle Printing of Durham. © 2014 WFU Media Board. All rights reserved. The views expressed in all editorials and advertisements contained within this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the OGB. As part of our commitment to reporting news fairly and accurately, we will not remove any previously published content. If an error in either our online or print content is brought to our attention, we will revise the originally published article with an appended correction. In order to facilitate thoughtful and appropriate debate, profane, vulgar, or inflammatory comments on our website are not allowed and will be deleted. For more information on our commenting policy, please see our website. We reserve the right to reject advertisements deemed inappropriate. Our full policy, and how to advertise with the OGB, can be found on our website.
>> SUBMISSIONS
The OGB welcomes submissions in the form of story tips, columns and letters to the editor. Letters to the editor should be fewer than 500 words, and columns should be around 500 words. Send yours via e-mail to karlae18@wfu.edu the Monday before publication. We reserve the right to edit all letters for length and clarity. No anonymous letters will be printed.
>> ONLINE MEDIA
Web: wfuogb.com Facebook: facebook.com/ogb1916 Twitter: @wfu_ogb Instagram: @wfu_ogb Snapchat: @wfu_ogb
Want to write for us? Email wfuogb@gmail.com
Page 3 | Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | News
Deacon Profile: Elefteria Euripides Were your parents on board with all of this?
BY COOPER SULLIVAN Staff Writer sullcg20@wfu.edu
My parents raised me saying “you can run the world if you want to” and “you don't want to say 10 years later ‘ah man I could have done that’.” So I thought especially during a pandemic, why not start now, it's the perfect time. Even Mark Cuban was saying that. He was like “this pandemic has opened up so many doors because people like you, college students, are thinking of solutions to fix problems.” This is going to be a period of change because a lot of people are putting their heads together. Especially with this pandemic exposing so many issues. So many new companies are probably going to be coming out soon and I guess I just want to be one of them.
Elefteria Euripides is a freshman from Charlotte, N.C. who plans to major in communications and minor in entrepreneurship. On Feb. 16, Euripides was a part of a nationally-broadcast forum with Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and “Shark Tank” investor, alongside two other students. This discussion was hosted by the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which has a Wake Forest campus chapter. Euripides sat down with the Old Gold & Black to discuss how she came across this opportunity, her past business ventures and her future plans at Wake Forest. How did you become involved with the NSLS? I actually just joined a week before the interview. I thought it was a pyramid scheme. I didn't know what it was, but now I know I definitely want to get involved with the Wake Forest chapter. This is something I want to do because I definitely want to set myself up for success in the future and be a leader. I’ve always been interested in starting my own company. I've always been interested in entrepreneurship, and I’ve had this mindset that I want to be my own boss one day. I don't want to have a nine-tofive office job. So that's why I got involved. And then I saw that Mark Cuban was doing [this talk] and I thought it was a great opportunity because he obviously has tons of expertise and knowledge about the industry. Where else could I get better advice?
If you joined a week prior, how did you get selected to speak with Mark Cuban? So this is the funny thing. I basically got an email saying “you got selected to be in the NSLS'' and they sent me an email right after saying that their first talk of the spring would be with Mark Cuban. So I looked into it, and again as I said, I thought it was a scam at first, because “wow, Mark Cuban!'' I talked to my mom and I said “Mom, this is such fake stuff” and she said to just try, so I was like “alright I'll try to talk to Mark Cuban.” I had to submit a video of me asking a question. Basically the question was “Mr. Cuban, what advice do you have for small businesses to survive in
It sounds like your family is a big inspiration for you, are there any other entrepreneurs in the family?
Photo courtesy of Elefteria Euripides
this unpredictable pandemic?” I sent it in and they said I was selected to talk to him. I got lucky. Were there other questions that you wanted to ask him? There were, but I got to talk to him before and after the show. It was really cool because I was talking to him and asked, 'What do you find to be one of the most important traits to have if you want to start your own company?' He said, "You have to be agile, and you have to be creative. The main advice I can give to you is be nice because all the people that you are nice to now can be connections [down the road]. If you have a bad reputation no one is going to want to work with you. And just be optimistic about what you are doing." I learned a lot from him. Overall, it was a great experience. It's also funny because when I was little I actually applied to be on Shark Tank.
What was your idea? This is crazy. Oh my God, I can't even think about it, this is so lame. I’m Greek — oh, and [I'm also introducing a] swimsuit line incorporating a lot of my culture into it. So, it's based on my Greek-Mediterranian background because my culture is a big part of my life. But basically, it was a Greek — do you know what an acai bowl bar is? — something like that for baklava, like an ice cream baklava bar. I had the idea but I only had a prototype [at the time]. Was it for some kind of automated machine? It wasn't necessarily a machine, just really the idea. I had a manufacturer in line but I can't remember much. I was either 10 or 12 when I did this. I didn't know where I was going with it, but now I've matured and know what I'm doing.
My grandpa started his own restaurant, so that's the start of it. He came to this country from Greece, and he decided to start from scratch. So that instilled the mindset into me that I want to start something that will help others. I'll actually tell you the idea for my business. I’m thinking of starting my own female swimsuit fashion line, and I want to get a good message out there. I'm trying to promote body positivity and confidence in young women. I didn't want to just start something. I also want to put a message out in the world and inspire change. Is that what you want to do right after graduation? You know I’ve thought about this a lot, but I'm going to be very honest, I could see myself going somewhere like New York or even going back to Charlotte and doing something in finance or business a little bit just to raise funds, so I don't go in there empty handed. Because you definitely need funds to start a company. I’m thinking if I work for a little bit and then set this for maybe five years after graduation, that would be awesome. I don't know where it's going to be in my near future but I know I definitely want to make this happen. Editorial Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
SG GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY JESS SCHMIDT SG Beat Reporter schmja19@wfu.edu
I. Executive Reports President Miles Middleton reported on his meeting with Provost Kersh this past week regarding university actions to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases. Secretary Caroline Walker shared about the new virtual office hours being hosted by the Student Government Executive that will allow Wake Forest students to meet with the executive to ask questions or share concerns. These hours, including their respective Zoom links, will be published soon. Chief of Staff Drew Skilton reminded students that the constituent concern form is still up and ready for students to send in their concerns. Staff Advisors Tim Wilkinson and Shauna McNeil shared that the food trucks on the lower quad were a success with over 260 people in attendance, and are looking forward to more food truck Tuesdays.
II. Committee Reports The Academic Committee began planning for Faculty Appreciation Week. It will most likely take place the week of April 4. The Campus Life Committee and the Public Relations Committee shared that they have begun to work on logos for Mental Health Week. The Physical Planning Committee reported that they are working on answering constituent concerns that have been sent in through the constituent concern form and the Student Organizations Council was excited about resuming the chartering process for student organizations. III. New Business The Senate introduced and passed Resolution 10 to co-sponsor an event held by the Alexander Hamilton Society featuring a Zoom call with former CIA Director David Petraeus. The resolution passed with 42 in favor, one against and three absentees.
News | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 25, 2021|Page 4
Mental Health: Isolation stresses students Continued from Page 1
Of those polled, 52% rated themselves below a five, and 36% rated themselves above a five (fives made up 12% of the answer pool). No respondents rated their mental health above a seven. “To be blunt, [mental health is] not good, at least for myself and the people I spend my time with,” said freshman Caroline Parrish. “It’s difficult to find places to spend time with friends (especially if the weather is bad), and being completely alone for days at a time feels like punishment for a crime I didn’t commit.” According to the survey, isolation and quarantine were major sources of stress, with approximately 78% of students identifying them as major stressors. “While at the quarantine hotel, I barely received calls or anything from the university and no one asked about my mental health,” said sophomore Charlotte Lanier. Another major source of stress for students were classes and workload, being identified by approximately 48% and 44% of respondents, respectively. “We are all having a hard time balancing the stress of school [and] high expectations from professors even during such a stressful time,” one junior, who asked to remain anonymous, said. Notably, only 11% of respondents named fear of getting COVID-19 as a major stressor.
Students have also had mixed reviews on the university’s programs to improve mental health. A freshman, who asked to remain anonymous, named the university’s wellness meetings as something that helped them improve their mental health. On the university’s behalf, the administration has been trying to assuage student concerns about mental health through
the use of daily stories, events on Manchester Plaza and by attempting to improve the understaffed counseling center. “It’s a huge pressure on students; it’s a huge pressure on everyone,” said President Nathan Hatch. “People have been working 18 hours a day and weekends: it’s the whole community. I think we need to help each other … I would en-
courage students [to take time off and support friends].” Overall, though, respondents are asking for just a little bit more help. “A lot of students are struggling right now,” said senior Samantha Horowitz. “Wake [Forest] needs to prioritize students’ concerns about mental health and listen to what they need.”
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
Of the students surveyed, none rated their mental health above a seven on a scale of one to ten. Seventy-eight percent of students cited isolation and quarantine as major sources of stress.
WFU students leave mark on inauguration A Wake Forest student and alum both worked behind the scenes at the inaugural ceremony BY CATE PITTERLE News Editor pittcj20@wfu.edu
This year’s presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 was far from nor-
mal — with waving flags in place of massive crowds, social distancing among the few guests in attendance and threats of violence after the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Behind the scenes, numerous planners brought an unconventional, but still solemn, ceremony to life. Among those planners were multiple Wake Forest students and alum-
Courtesy of Matthew Mondello
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), including Mondello and Blodgett, after the inauguration.
ni. Senior Matthew Mondello served as an intern on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). Jackson Blodgett, a 2020 graduate, served as Staff Assistant on that same committee. “On a normal day, [my job] would entail answering phone calls from other offices in Congress,” Mondello said. “We always knew [the inauguration] was going to be unique because of the coronavirus pandemic, so eventually my responsibilities included escorting attendees to get tested for COVID-19, which was a mandatory requirement leading up to Inauguration Day.” The threat of violence hung over the ceremony after the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. The perimeter around the inauguration was heavily guarded, with National Guard members deployed across the Capitol grounds. “It was unfortunate that the National Guard had to be deployed and that they had to carry heavy weaponry,” Mondello said. “But I was grateful that they were protecting us. I felt confident, safe and secure.” Mondello noted that Washington, D.C.’s environment changed after the riots, though. As a lifelong resident of Arlington, Va., he was accustomed to pomp and circumstance surrounding typical inauguration ceremonies. This year, however, was different.
“I’ve been used to [a certain] environment pretty much all my life, but as the general public well knows, D.C. has undergone changes, obviously. It’s kind of isolating at times,” Mondello said. “You’re used to seeing tourists walking around. But with the COVID-19 pandemic and due to security concerns, [there was] an absence of pretty much everyone except staff.” Mondello, who started his internship about a month before the Jan. 6 riot, was planning to go into work that day. He said he was called lastminute and told not to go in for safety reasons. “I was watching this all unfold on my television screen, there were a lot of layers of what I was feeling,” he said. “First was, that’s the route I take to get to work every day, that’s where I was standing just a few days ago. And there’s another layer of, wow, that’s the United States Capitol.” Though Mondello found out about the internship from a family friend, his experience had a surprising connection to Wake Forest. Blodgett, who served as a Staff Assistant in the JCCIC, was Mondello’s residence advisor in his freshman dormitory. “We would be in the same committee together, which was nice,” Mondello said. “He’s a Deacon.”
News | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 25, 2021|Page 5
Greek: Organizations suspended after spike Continued from Page 1
“Unfortunately, members of the fraternity and sorority community made decisions that didn’t follow social distancing guidelines and enabled the spread of COVID-19. Those decisions included gatherings of various sizes in spaces on and off-campus,” Adams said. “Recruitment generates a lot of excitement, as does returning from an extended break. I think the combination of everything helped facilitate the surge.” Although much chatter on campus surrounding the spike in COVID-19 cases earlier this month attaches the exponential growth to Greek life, initial university communication on the matter varied depending on the audience. For instance, Sociology Professor Hana Brown told the Old Gold & Black that, during the faculty-wide meeting on the afternoon of Feb. 5, university administrators and Dr. Chris Ohl specifically stated that student organizations were not the cause of the spike. “They were insistent in that meeting that the spiking coronavirus cases had nothing to do with campus organizations. That was the word they used, it wasn’t ‘organizations’ — it was really just a friend here and a friend there hanging out after a break. They repeated that line many times: ‘It’s just, you know, a couple of friends who really missed each other, just like you missed your family over the holidays’,” Brown said. “And so they didn’t explicitly say that it wasn’t Greek organizations, but they didn’t respond to any of the many comments and questions that were being sent in the chat from faculty about Greek organizations. They repeatedly [said the spike was] not traceable to campus organizations.” Brown shared via Twitter that, despite the reassurance given to faculty that transmission was not related to campus organizations, she learned that Hatch had emailed Greek organizations that the spread can be traced back to fraternity and sorority activity. Brown later updated the tweet with a note that faculty were given the 90% data point on Feb. 8, and told the Old Gold & Black that department chairs were informed of the connection on Feb. 4. “That contrast and those opposing positions really felt intentionally misleading on the part of the administrators who were in that meeting,” Brown said. “And I found that disheartening and frustrating, because if anything has to be the foundation of our COVID response on campus, it has to be honesty and trust. And so when the administration knowingly spread inaccurate accounts of the role of Greek life in the current surge, I think they violated both of those. So that was a violation of both honesty and trust.” The lack of communication from university administrators described by Brown was also echoed by Kappa Delta President and junior Hannah Hill. While speaking with the Old Gold & Black on Feb. 13, Hill stressed the complicated nature of handling the spike and providing sufficient communication with students. However, in Hill’s view, the university was unsuccessfully juggling two tasks: attempting not to place blame on the public stage while also trying to hold Greek organizations accountable for the spike. “It’s almost like they’re talking out of both sides of their mouth. They’re trying to say — because I don’t think the school wants to get rid of Greek life — they’re saying to the people who are upset and would say ‘oh we need to get rid of Greek life,’ I think they’re saying ‘oh it’s not Greek life’s fault’,” Hill said. “But then to [Greek organizations] they say ‘it’s your fault you need to get your stuff together,’ so that’s been really frustrating.” Since the initial spike in cases, university officials and Fraternity and Sorority Life staff have met with Greek organizations and their leaders multiple times. The first of such meetings took place on Feb. 5, and both Goldstein and Hatch were present. According to a student who was present during the Feb. 5 meeting and preferred for their identity not to be disclosed, both Hatch and Goldstein reprimanded organization leaders for the rise in cases and placed specific blame on Greek life activity for the spike. Of the two organizations currently suspended, Kappa Kappa Gamma was the first to be placed under investigation. The Feb. 4 issue of the Old Gold & Black’s Police Beat .details the breaking up of a Kappa Kappa Gamma party at the Vintage Sofa Bar on Jan. 27. Although the
Graphic by Olivia Field/Old Gold & Black
Campus administration sent conflicting information on Greek life’s role in the recent spike of COVID-19 cases. The Old Gold & Black confirmed 90% of cases were traced to Greek organizations. Old Gold & Black has been unable to confirm a connection between this event and their suspension, Adams explained that “any student organization — including fraternities and sororities — that is alleged to host an event that violates the above policy is referred to Student Conduct for investigation.” Beyond specific communication related to the COVID-19 spike, many leaders of Greek organizations and students alike have expressed concern relating to the general conduct process. Panhellenic President and junior Emily Conway shared that, while she thought the school has been transparent regarding positivity rates and testing, policies surrounding student activity have been less clear. Despite these concerns, both IFC President and junior Nate Seegel and Conway told the Old Gold & Black that IFC and Panhellenic chapters have been working closely with university officials since the initial spike. “I would like to see the school’s policies regarding COVID regulations be a little less ambiguous and [more] easily accessible,” Conway said. “However, as a Panhellenic council, we see that challenge and have been working to clarify [the situation] by providing a simplified breakdown of rules and regulations to each chapter president. I think that the situation’s gravity has been made clear to each chapter’s executive board through our meetings with Dr. Hatch, Dean Goldstein and other university staff.” Sharing a similar perspective, Seegel said, “I think the administration has improved its communication with fraternities and sororities in response to the recent spike. In retrospect, had we been able to predict the spread of the coronavirus on campus better, there could have been more effective and broader communication.” A Feb. 23 letter from Panhellenic leaders emphasizes the work that Greek organizations are doing to address the spread. “We recognize that there is still work to be done as a Panhellenic community to motivate our members to create a safe and healthy environment for all. We do not condone any behavior that goes against the university’s guidelines. We are actively working to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 by establishing specific guidelines within our chapters,” the letter stated. In a similar vein, Seegel emphasized to the Old Gold & Black the work that fraternity presidents are doing to ensure that another spike does not occur. “I am disappointed in any actions by individual members of fraternities that may have contributed to the spread of COVID-19 on campus. As an IFC, we set clear expectations for a virtual recruitment process. If we receive direct allegations that a chapter violated the virtual recruitment plan set forth at the beginning of the semes-
ter, we have an internal accountability system that we can utilize. We are prepared to do so,” Seegel said. The ramifications of the spike have reverberated outside of Greek organizations with equal force. After hearing rumors of the university moving to Red status, Junior Christopher Cates was not surprised. Living close to Campus Gas and hearing stories of alleged fraternity parties, Cates was taken aback by the degree to which the university withheld information from faculty and nonGreek students. “It frustrates me because it was such a lack of accountability,” Cates said. “I think there should be clear communication on what actions are being taken to address [the role of Greek life].” Moreover, Cates said he believes non-Greek affiliated students bear more of the brunt of COVID-19 on campus than those in Greek organizations. “Most non-Greek affiliated students are not partying, we are taking precautions, we are not having fun. And then you have students who are partying, and yes they get [the virus], but they all are wealthy, they can deal with the price of a doctor’s visit or a hospital bill, and are able to go to the Best Western, do the module, and go on with their lives,” Cates said. “Then some of us, we are on scholarship and have to keep up with school, and many of us come from low-income families and communities in which COVID-19 is such a risk for us — there are a lot of people who don’t have insurance and can’t afford to go to the doctor or risk themselves by partying.” Brown, through her lens as a sociologist, echoed the idea that the COVID-19 experience can be much different for students depending on their socioeconomic background. “We know that students who are part of Greek organizations are more affluent than the student body as a whole at Wake Forest. And that means that COVID-19 is being spread through and by affluent students who have the resources to deal with getting COVID-19 and missing class — you can go quarantine at your family’s second home and be fine. The students who are having to struggle their way through this are the same students that the university is expecting to make sacrifices right now,” Brown said. “And those are the students who don’t have those resources — they don’t have a vacation home they can go to, they don’t have parents who can buy them a plane ticket. In some cases, they don’t even have a permanent home they can go to. Those students and our staff as well, who are the most marginalized, need to be front and center in our COVID response. And right now, they feel like afterthoughts, to put it politely. And that’s kind of what COVID looks like on the global scale, too.”
Old Gold & Black | News
Page 6 | Thursday, February 25, 2021
Divinity school to house anti-HIV center The new Gilead COMPASS Coordinating Center at Wake Divinity will combat HIV stigma in Southern faith communities BY JULIA OCHSENHIRT Asst. News Editor ochsja20@wfu.edu
The Wake Forest School of Divinity has earned a $5 million grant from Gilead Sciences to house a new center that will fight the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Southern faith communities. The center is the latest expansion of Gilead’s COMPASS Initiative. The three other COMPASS centers are housed at Emory University, the University of Houston and the Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC). Wake Forest will join the SAC in combating stigma but will focus specifically on religious communities. “Expanding to faith felt really natural for us,” said Korab Zuka, Gilead’s Vice President of Public Affairs. “In our listening tours, organizations and individuals that were impacted by HIV always spoke about the dual education they were receiving [about sexual health] in school and church. We were already working in schools, but we weren’t addressing the church.” The center at Wake Forest Divinity will train local religious organizations to address HIV/AIDS stigma, create infographics and videos, distribute grants to organizations and churches and use storytelling to facilitate stigma reduction. “We’ll be highlighting the stories of people living with HIV and the perspectives of faith leaders on HIVrelated stigma,” said Allison Mathews, executive director of the new center. Mathews hopes to focus the work of the center in Black churches. Historically, the Black church has been
heavily involved in social justice movements, but some communities have perpetuated stigma against HIV/ AIDS. In recent years, however, the tides have turned. Mathews noted movements like the Poor People’s Campaign, which is led by a Black minister and promises to fight for the LGBTQ+ community alongside other marginalized groups. “This is a perfect moment for us to think about how we reframe the role of the Black church in addressing the HIV epidemic,” Mathews said. “We have that history of social justice, and we have newly changed attitudes and an opportunity to build the infrastructure to address stigma [against HIV].” The School of Divinity underwent a rigorous application process and was chosen in part for its existing infrastructure and focus on the intersection of faith and health. “There’s a faith-health track [at the School of Divinity], and the fact that Wake Forest Baptist Health is merged with Atrium Health expands the reach of the work we can do into Charlotte and parts of South Carolina and Georgia,” Mathews said. “The Divinity School has been engaged in this sort of work around the impacts of health,” said Jonathan L. Walton, Dean of the School of Divinity. “It shows up in our curriculum, our Pathways to Ministries program, and the daily and professional lives of many of our faculty members.” Gilead also searched for an organization with a demonstrated commitment to justice and inclusion, which Walton described as two of the Divinity School’s core values. “The Divinity School was founded as a just response to exclusion and intolerance,” Walton said. “Ever since then, we’ve welcomed the victimized and villainized, whether it’s women, people of color or same-gender-loving brothers and sisters.”
The center is currently engaged in the hiring process. Mathews anticipates building a five-person staff: herself, Principal Investigator Shonda Jones, a creative program manager, an administrative assistant and a financial manager. The center will begin to welcome requests for grant proposals in late spring and start training faith-based organizations by the end of the summer. Zuka emphasized that the COMPASS Centers are part of a much larger fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “We hope we’re able to contribute in a meaningful way to ending the epidemic, but it’s going to take more than just Gilead or our partners. It takes everyone,” Zuka said.
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest School of Divinity
The center will award grants to faith organizations, create materials and conduct trainings.
Students demand better communication
Resident advisors and students are calling for greater transparency from administration on COVID-19 policies BY AVERY GEHRING Contributing Writer gehrah18@wfu.edu
Almost two weeks after the student-organized protest on Feb. 13, residential advisers (RAs) and other students continue to seek more transparent communication from Wake Forest’s administration. Though cases have subsided, the protest highlighted a growing feeling of disconnection between administration, faculty and numerous student groups on campus. Organized mainly by RAs in response to purported miscommunication between the RA community and administration, the protest also seemed to expose a larger shared experience with many other student and faculty groups on campus. “[The administration] really wasn’t communicating with us about [COVID-19 policies] at all,” said Chidi Ilobachie, a resident advisor in Polo Residence Hall. Before the protest, RAs and several administrators held a meeting regarding the state of Wake Forest’s COVID-19 positive case count. According to some RAs, the information shared by administrators failed to communicate specific policy changes or how they would be enacted. “We didn’t really know where any of these policies were coming from,” recalled North Campus Apartments Residential Advisor Shade White. “When it came down to talking about what [policies were] implemented, it was all surface level. It was all about what they were going to do but not how they were actually going to do it.” Some, like Ilobachie, have observed an improvement in the university’s communication since the protest. That optimism is not shared by all, however.
While there have been reported improvements from the RA community in terms of communication and consideration, the letter the protestors wrote to administrators was ultimately never directly addressed by university administration. Rue Cooper, a residential advisor and co-organizer of the protest, wants to see further transparency from the university. “The administration will never directly address student concerns. It just becomes part of general conversation. It would be nice if they would give us a transparent response, even if it’s out of their control,” Cooper said. Though RAs were a major force in organizing the protest, other campus groups have noted inconsistent communication from administration officials. Students involved in the Greek life community, for instance, received an email from President Nathan Hatch regarding their responsibility for the increased case counts. Accord-
ing to the email, over 90% of COVID-19 cases at the time came as a result of Greek-related events. However, only members of Greek life received the email, meaning other students and faculty members received that information second-hand. “I would like to see the school’s policies regarding COVID-19 regulations be a little less ambiguous and [more] easily accessible,” said Emily Conway, president of the Panhellenic Council. “Sometimes it seems like navigating the Our Way Forward website is a bit overwhelming.” As some students believe transparent communication is still elusive, the university looks to a possible shift to Yellow status. Yet, as case numbers continue to fall, the protest serves as a reminder from the student community that future policy changes must be more transparent.
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
Students leave signs outside of the office of President Nathan O. Hatch to protest perceived poor communication from campus administration on coronavirus-related policies.
Old Gold & Black | News
Page 7 | Thursday, February 25, 2021
COVID-19: Falling campus cases spark hope Continued from Page 1
That is a significant drop from last week’s positivity rate of 1.7% and even more significant from the 4.9% positivity rate two weeks ago. Mark Petersen, Vice President for University Advancement, acknowledged the difficulties that students faced during the two-week lockdown the university implemented under the modified Orange status. “We know that it was difficult to go through a period like that, and the tendency will be to let go,” Petersen said. “That said, no one wants to go back to that kind of lockdown, so we are confident that our students will keep the masks on and be mindful of safe practices that will keep us from that kind of spike.” Rue agreed that if students continue to abide by COVID-19 guidelines, the university can avoid another spike. But these recent declines do not completely rule out that possibility, especially since neither Rue nor Petersen could provide any update on when the vaccine may be available to students. With a day off from school coming up on Tuesday, March 2, students who attend class online and are planning to travel for a long weekend are discouraged from doing so by the university. “I can understand that students would want a long weekend, so I’d ask that we all think about the inevitable price of travel,” Rue said. “Who wants another two weeks of tightened restrictions?” According to Petersen, students have been safely traveling home to quarantine and have been smart about their interactions. The university is asking students who will be traveling for an extended period of time to report that travel to Residence Life and Housing, as well as to their professors.
“Whether students are here or at home or anywhere else, if they keep to the basic guidelines that we all as a country have been following they will be safe,” he said. Luckily for students, Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will be lifting the 10:00 p.m. curfew on Friday. Since the curfew was enforced by the state, Petersen said that the university will no longer be enforcing the curfew either. Cooper also announced that the state will allow 30% indoor capacity at bars, 15% capacity at sports venues and 50% capacity at gyms. According to Petersen, the university will consider these modifications in their own decision making, but did not explicitly say whether campus will transition to the previous level of Orange operating status, or Yellow.
“We are encouraged by the trend lines we are seeing and the decision of Governor Cooper to ease restrictions in our state adds further optimism that together we can return back to our desired operating status — Yellow, where we started back in August,” Petersen said. This semester has brought unprecedented challenges. Though the university recorded 608 cases during the entirety of the fall semester, there are already 831 recorded cases just one month into this semester. Increased cases have also brought increased conduct cases, as students face consequences for failing to abide by COVID-19 guidelines. However, the university recently removed the conduct dashboard from the Our Way Forward site, making previously public information private once again.
Katie Fox/The Old Gold & Black
As COVID-19 cases fall across campus, administrators hope to avoid another spike while remaining optimistic about a possible move to Yellow status soon in the semester.
NASA’s Perseverance rover reaches Mars The rover will search for signs of ancient life, return rock and mineral samples to Earth, and test creating oxygen on Mars BY CONNOR MCNEELY Staff Writer mcnecb19@wfu.edu On Thursday, Feb. 18, NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover reached the surface of Mars. The car-sized machine’s 300-mile journey to the distant planet and its completely autonomous entry, descent and landing mechanisms were the result of more than a decade of scientific research and ingenuity. Now, for its mission lasting over two Earth years, NASA’s most advanced rover to date will explore its new home, the Jezero Crater. A central part of the rover’s mission will be to search for ancient signs of life on the surface of Mars. Perseverance is equipped with X-Ray technology, ground-penetrating radar and other biosignature detection technology that will analyze and spot potential organic molecules. “This rover is, at its heart, a robotic geologist and a mobile astrobiologist,” Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s planetary science division, told Scientific American. “We’re really going after the ability to identify which rocks might be most likely to have preserved the organic fingerprints of life in the past.” However, the real success of the mission will be achieved once a space agency sends a spacecraft large enough to return rock and mineral samples. “The science that Perseverance will do is going to inform our world for decades,” Bobby Braun, the director of planetary science at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Scientific American.
The Perseverance rover is the crucial factor in the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. Scientists will study the sample suite that Perseverance will collect in the coming years after a future mission is deployed to collect the dozens of sterilized tubes packed into the bottom of Perseverance. With a target date set at the latter part of this decade, NASA and the European Space Agency hope to bring home what could be the most important scientific discovery in human history. Additionally, the information and evidence that Perseverance collects could catalyze eventual human exploration and settlement on Mars. The Perseverance rover contains a Mars Oxygen InSitu Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE), which produces a small amount of pure oxygen from Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide. Experiments like these will blaze the trail for human travel to Mars — an increas-
ingly suitable alternative to the already fragile environment of Earth. Perseverance is currently pursuing the next phase of its mission to launch its mini-helicopter, Ingenuity. The craft recently sent a positive signal to the mission team and will be charging for the next 30 to 60 days. After this period, Ingenuity will attempt a test flight in preparation for its mission to survey the area of the Jezero Crater. Both Perseverance and its sidekick Ingenuity will need to survive the freezing temperatures of Mars in order to achieve success on their various missions. Temperatures reportedly can drop as low as negative 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If the flight of Ingenuity is successful, NASA has reported that “over 90% of the project’s goals will have been achieved.” The progress of the Perseverance can be tracked on its Twitter account (@NASAPersevere).
Photo courtesy of NASA
The Perserverance rover landed on the Jezero Crater Feb. 18. It will explore the crater for evidence of ancient life and provide crucial insight into the prospects for human life on Mars.
OPINION OLD GOLD & BLACK
“ culture
T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 1
PAG E 8
Online Editor:
at : w w w. w f u o g b . c o m
C o n n o r M c N e e l y, m c n e c b 19 @ w f u . e d u
A s s i s sta n t E d i to r :
C a p M c L i n ey, m c l i c p 19 @ w f u . e d u
The views expressed in all opinion columns represent those of the article’s author, not the opinions of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board
Sex & Dating
Hookup
Casual sex can lead to both crushing physical reduction and fulfilling anonymity
Isabella Mason Staff Columnist masoif20@wfu.edu
Hookup culture provides all parties involved a really interesting perspective. If you engage in hookups, you’re probably sexually frustrated. If you don’t engage in hookups, well, you’re probably sexually frustrated too. I say this with love, truly, from the deepest part of my heart: hookup culture sucks. It’s absolute garbage. I, fresh out of a relationship, may or may not have dipped my toes into the deep and murky Tinder waters. It was less of a love-finding experience and more of a science experiment. Casual sex is at the core of hookup culture. In order for an experience to be categorized as a ‘hookup,’ typically, there is a sexual element to it, if not sexual intercourse as a whole. One fas-
leads to highs and lows
I say this with love, truly from the deepest part of my heart: hookup culture sucks. It’s absolute garbage.”
sex. For you, this might be great! For others, this could be the worst kind of sex possible. For some, this could lead to miscommunication, which can lead to serious traumatic events, or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, or, in our day and age, the transmission of COVID-19. “The anonymity promotes a lack of accountability,” says another friend in Brown’s book. Hookup culture is a vessel in which people are allowed to exist as something other than what they are. If you’re a dork, but you want to not be a dork, then don’t act like a dork in your Tinder profile. The people I may or may not have hooked up with are people I know very little about — who know very little about me. Again, this could be great — what a breath of fresh air to not be known! It could also be terrible. Being anonymous allows you to get away with some pretty terrible things. The things that make casual sex great, like anonymity, instancy and vulnerability, are the things that make it bad. So, clearly, it’s a balancing act. You can leave a hookup feeling empowered and on top of the world.
However, oftentimes you leave feeling confused, bored and a little ashamed. Hookup culture has been around for a long time, predating Tinder by a long shot. But technology has revolutionized it to the point where connection with another living, breathing human being is instant. Swipe right, match and invite them over. It’s that easy (especially if you don’t have fish pics in your profile) which is why it’s that dangerous. I think I was left confused by the hookup culture when the communication between two individuals ceased as fast as it did. It’s within hookup tradition that when they leave your room, you two no longer know each other. It’s weird. It doesn’t make sense to be close enough with someone to be physically intimate, but not enough to say ‘hey’ in passing. But that’s what makes hookups great, right? No baggage. I don’t think I’m built for hookups. I enjoy getting to know people, spending quality time with them, and being visible and vulnerable. Hookup culture reduces me to my body. I think I’ll delete Tinder.
How are we going to handle is one there.” And to that I would change when it confronts us? respond, “Ah, but there is.” Or, at When our lake dries up, what least, there was. Maybe everyone knows this, but remains?” over a century ago, there really used to be an expansive lake that skinny in Kansas as there are in sat below the Reynolda House. North Carolina. The quaint little boathouse on the Anyway, on my walk, I always old shore is indicative of the fact stop in the clearing made by the that people used to recreate in stone bridge above the waterfall the body of water and take in its and the field. I love the sound of splendor. Over time, however, it the crashing water below. On a sounds like it grew to be quite exsunny day, I always try to picture pensive to maintain the manmade myself doing homework on the structure sustained by the dam at bench next to the serene pool of which I marvel during my walks. water, which seems to be taking So, instead of drudging out the a deep breath after its big tumble lake however frequently was necesfrom above. After trying to find sary, Lake Katherine slowly filled any fish or turtles in the brown, in to what she is today. Trees filled churned-up spill zone (I still have in where there once were ripples, yet to spot any), I turn around and and now trickling streams pass on look out at the expanse of glorious through. Lake Katherine. For some, this tale may seem to Now, perhaps some of you would be a tragic one. If you would like like to say to me, “Cap, there’s no a good lake near campus to jump lake on the other side of the wa- into on a hot summer day, then terfall bridge. In fact, you are a maybe it really is. But for me, the complete idiot if you think there reason I adore gazing out at Lake
Katherine is the question that it provokes: How are we going to handle change when it confronts us? When our lake dries up, what remains? Today, Lake Katherine is now a wetland preserve that harbors innumerable species of animal and plant life which otherwise would not be able to live there given the old expanse of water. The message that I hear when I look at the foliage and creeks that are now Lake Katherine is really one of ultimate optimism. She is a reminder that unplanned changes can — and often do — yield marvelous results. As we all are enduring this era of the pandemic, it is critical that we find sources of inspiration that encourage us. Even if we experience fundamental change such as Lake Katherine’s, our existence can still result in something extraordinarily positive. Take a deep breath, go on a walk and soak up all that Lake Katherine is and was so that you too can find the peace that is felt in her presence.
cinating thing I drew from my experiences, which I won’t go in-depth with because I’m pretty sure my mom reads my articles, is that those very things that make casual sex bad, are some of the things that make casual sex good. Allow me to divulge a bit. In Adrienne Marie Brown’s incredible book about the politics of pleasure, Pleasure Activism, there is a chapter titled “The Highs, Lows, and Blows of Casual Sex.” Mind you, I read this book before heading into Tinder-land. In this chapter, Brown asks some friends and colleagues about what they think the worst part of casual sex is, and some essential notes came out of this chapter. “The worst thing is, there is an element of not knowing each other, it leaves one open to vulnerability and to being harmed, at worst,” says one friend. Agreed. Hookup sex is just that — casual, often empty and meaningless
Lake Katherine“ creates peaceful example of change Natural Environment
The removal of a great natural environment introduces introspection Cap McLiney
Asst. Opinion Editor mclicp19@wfu.edu
Whenever I am on Wake Forest University’s campus, one of my favorite things to do is to take a stroll over to Reynolda Village. I know I am not alone in taking this pleasure as I always see so many other students as I walk under the shade of the remarkably tall tees that comprise the shady wood along the path. I tend to find myself with my neck cocked back like a turkey in the rain as I gaze up at their long trunks, which seem to stretch up higher than any skyscraper I’ve ever seen. I really don’t think we have any trees as tall and
Opinion | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 25th, 2020 | Page 9
“ vote showcases bravery Senator Burr's Impeachment Trial
The decision to indict Trump stands as an important display of bipartisanship Charlie Benedict Staff Columnist benecc19@wfu.edu
Dear Senator Burr, as a fellow member of the Wake Forest community, a brother of Kappa Sigma and a patriotic American, I’d like to thank you for voting to convict former President Donald J. Trump. It can’t have been an easy decision, but you fulfilled your constitutional duty to listen to the arguments presented and serve as an impartial juror. Ultimately, you saw what the majority of your constituents saw, that President Donald Trump was guilty of inciting a violent riot on
Democracy is stronger when holden to one man or woman. both parties respect the Your vote gives me hope that a sanctity of precedent and sane, rational and compassionate democratic governance. ” Republican party can emerge from the smoldering ruins of Mr. Trump’s cult of personality. Democracy is the seat of American democracy. stronger when both parties respect While in a perfect world, doing the the sanctity of precedent and demobare minimum to preserve democracy and the rule of law shouldn’t cratic governance. America funcbe worthy of praise, but we are cur- tions better when politicians from rently undergoing serious challeng- both sides of the aisle are able to es which show us that democracy meaningfully contribute to legislation. Although not enough of your cannot be taken for granted. Your vote was an unfortunately Republican colleagues showed the uncommon example of doing what’s same courage and bravery that you right, not politically expedient. You did, your vote did not go unnoticed. While your vote doesn’t absolve were censured by the North Carolina GOP, who erroneously believe you from all criticism, it’s reassuring that the majority of your constitu- to know that people like you will ents want you to be nothing more still stand up and do what’s right, than a partisan shill. You were right even in the face of political backlash. to call out the North Carolina Your friendship with Virginia SenaGOP’s complete and embarrassing tor Mark Warner is a good example abdication of conservative princi- that despite political differences, ples. You were right in saying that people can still commit to truth political parties should never be be- and decency. I hope that for the re-
mainder of your term, you continue to uphold your constitutional duty to the people of North Carolina. I hope that you do your best to help steer the Republican forward, away from Donald Trump. I hope that you give President Biden, his administration and your Democratic colleagues a fair shot at governance. You don’t have to always agree with them —neither I nor the majority of your constituents, want you to — but you must continue to operate in good-faith and vote your conscience. Senator Burr, thank you for realizing that when armed rioters broke down barricades and stormed the Capitol, they were attacking the essence of America. Thank you for realizing that words matter, especially the words of a sitting President. Thank you for doing what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. Thank you for voting to convict former president Trump.
the fight to make the Senate work again and there are plenty of reasons why D.C. should be a state regardless of the national implications. Currently, D.C. is a US territory and falls under a similar category of oversight and federal representation as islands such as Guam and Puerto Rico. D.C. does have some special privileges, as it’s allotted three electoral college votes and is given a representative in the House. While this representative can make oral arguments and introduce legislation, they cannot vote on anything. D.C. is a major American city, home to 705,749 people. That is more than Wyoming and Vermont and is close behind Alaska and North Dakota. Giving D.C. statehood would be beneficial in increasing the representation of black people in congress, as 46% of the D.C. population is black, a demographic that is underrepresented in the Senate. D.C. is highly likely to elect a Democratic member of the House along with two Democratic Senators, as D.C. has voted for the Democratic Presidential nominee every single election since it was given electoral votes in 1961. By giving Democrats two more Senators, it could fundamentally change the way the Senate and the Republican party operate. Such is the case because the chamber
would become far more balanced. D.C. statehood could force Republicans to fight to keep a foothold in the Senate, meaning they might change their party platform to be more aligned with the majority of the country. There are also ethical reasons as to why D.C. should gain statehood. For instance, United States’ territories don’t pay federal income taxes, except in the case of D.C. In fact, D.C. pays more in federal income taxes per capita than every other state. Since D.C. is not a state, it also does not have control over its national guard or its local government funding — the federal government does. The issues federal control can cause were made clear during the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6th, when the former president delayed sending in the D.C. national guard. Had it been under the control of the local government, the national guard would have surely been deployed hours sooner. The case for making D.C. a state could not be more clear. Nationally, it would help to balance the power of the Senate and increase the representation of minority voices in congress. Currently, D.C. residents are treated as second-class citizens, being taxed the most per-capita in the country without adequate representation in congress. Didn’t we have a revolution some 245 years ago based on similar ideas?
“ D.C. statehood could solve Senate problems American Politics
Decision to include D.C. would benefit minority voices in United States Congress Jacob Schaffer
Contributing Writer schajj19@wfu.edu
The Senate is broken. There is no more ignoring the fact that the upper chamber of Congress cannot perform its most basic responsibility: to legislate. The last major piece of legislation passed through the Senate was former President Donald Trump’s tax plan in 2017. Since then, legislation has been mostly judicial appointments and low-stakes bills. The Senate has routinely failed to address the country’s biggest issues, including the climate crisis, gun control and new civil rights protections. While it is easy to oversimplify the lack of major legislation to general issues, such as bipartisanship or divided chambers, the complicated truth is that the Senate is no longer representative of the nation. However, making Washington D.C. a state could help solve this issue. There are many flaws to the modern United States Senate. One of the most obvious is the fact that every state is allotted the same amount of Senators, meaning that smaller
...the complicated truth is that the Senate is no longer representative of the nation.”
states, such as Wyoming and Vermont, are given the same amount of Senators as bigger states, like California and Texas. But California has 39 million more residents than Wyoming. California is also far more diverse, with only 36% of its state population being white, compared to Wyoming’s 83%. These sorts of disparities prevail throughout the Senate and allow for the minority to block legislation that the majority supports. Furthermore, the current 50 Senate Republicans represent 41.5 million fewer people than the other 50 members of the Senate, and Republicans still have more “safe” seats in the chamber. See any problems? There are many solutions to fixing the Senate and keeping the Republicans from using the anti-Obama, obstructionist playbook during the Biden administration. This is important because many of the issues in the country need quick, decisive legislative action. Some of the most practical actions that could be taken to fix the Senate include ending the filibuster and allotting Senators based on population. However, the case for D.C. statehood is equally vital in
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Page 10
Opinion | Old Gold & Black
“ Big-little relationships find unique success Greek Life
Virtual recruitment has led to strong connections between bigs and their new littles Ansley McNeel
Staff Columnist mcnear19@wfu.edu
In the spring semester, Wake Forest is typically abuzz with the hustle and bustle of in-person activities for young women who have recently joined sororities. Although members are still trying to get to know each other, this semester has been different because all new members and Greek activities have been online due to the COVID-19 spike. In the beginning of this shift to completely virtual activities, I heard many conversations surrounding anxieties that new members would not be able to get to know each other very well before making big-little pairings. However, I have found myself really enjoying some of the benefits of Zoom during this exciting process. First, I have found that many more new members have individually reached out to me than I was
I have found myself getting to know more girls on a deeper level than I knew at this point last year.”
expecting. Last year, I would meet older members by attending large group gatherings. As such, these meetings were often informal and it was difficult to actually keep in touch with some of the girls I had met. With the individual activities that have been further emphasized this year with regards to COVID -19 safety, I have found myself getting to know more girls on a deeper level than I knew at this point last year. Another benefit of my sorority’s transition to all virtual events was that when members were in quarantine or isolation, these members did not feel like they were being left behind in the process of searching for a big or little. Because it was standard to be Zooming or FaceTiming, there were no difficult transitions necessary for students upon entering quarantine. In an unexpected way, Zooming and FaceTiming added some normalcy and security back into the lives of members who had to quarantine or isolate. Next, the progression of virtual events over this process has been
surprisingly enjoyable for me. Although I am not particularly good at integrating technology into my daily life, my friends and I found a couple of interesting and fun games that can be played virtually. These are really great ice breakers for events with five or more people online, and they still allow us to start sharing a bit about ourselves in our downtime between rounds of the games. It is also important to note that even these virtual events are much smaller than many of the events that members attended in the pre-COVID-19 era. Even the largest of Zoom dinner dates or game nights lend themselves well to strong interpersonal connections between members. One other unexpected benefit that I have found in virtual events is that I can structure my days with more ease than I could last year. Because most campus operations are suspended, many people have more downtime than they had last year. There are fewer club meetings and other events to attend on any given day. Thus, it is easier than before to find a time to Zoom or FaceTime a younger or older member. This ease of contact is also furthered by the fact that travel time has been eliminated. While this may seem like an insignificant detail, it does save people who live
off-campus 15 minutes going each way to and from campus to meet up with someone. While it is true that it is disappointing to not be able to see our potential littles and bigs in person throughout this process, it is also true that we will have plenty of time to see them in safe settings when the COVID-19 spike on our campus has died down and Wake Forest has regained control of the situation. Even if we feel dissatisfied at times with the limited amount of in-person, individual meetings that have been permitted, we are all still very grateful to be meeting our new members at all. Personally, I have been looking forward to having a new pledge class of younger members to get to know since I started my sophomore year. I know how much it meant for me to be welcomed, sought out and loved when I was a freshman in my sorority. It is such a privilege to be on the other side of the big-little process now. I honestly do feel that I know a significant number of the new members very well. I can personally attest that the process has still been extremely positive for me, regardless of the significant limitations on methods through which littles and bigs can meet.
to the USPS’s delivery vehicles was made 30 years ago. Yes, you read that correctly. Decades of ineptitude and unwillingness to change transportation and policy methods have allowed companies like Amazon to dominate them in competition and efficiency. Packages have also seen an astronomical production rise and now dwarf the current amount of letters that are being circulated. The new USPS truck will have way more space for packages. The truck will also have safety updates that are long overdue. These include a collision-avoidance system, airbags and cameras. But the biggest advancement is in the electric power of the new trucks. However, though there are electric vehicles in this new fleet, the USPS missed out big time on a contract with Workhorse Group, which was willing to go all-electric. Regardless of this miss, the silver lining is that the USPS gas-powered trucks waiting to be made will have the ability to be retrofitted to electric power. So it wasn’t that difficult to make a successful change on the ole’ USPS truck. If you’ve thumbed through your social media feed, you have
probably seen how much of a positive impact this change will have on the USPS as a whole. You will never be the same when you step out from your door on an afternoon or morning and see a Pixar car sitting next to the curb. I don’t need any studies or polls to confirm that people’s lives will be deeply enriched by the sight of a truck that looks like a mechanized duck. The 2023, Oshkosh-produced mail truck is the harbinger of a new era of transportation. The development and implementation of electric vehicles are two of the most important focuses of the US government. “The federal government also owns an enormous fleet of vehicles, which we’re going to replace with clean electric vehicles made right here in America, by American workers,” President Joe Biden said in a press briefing. It is essential that more changes like this are made in public infrastructure. And, personally, I would really appreciate living and driving in a world where cars don’t cough out environment-killing fumes, but rather look like adorable, colorful little bubbles.
“ becomes symbol of clean future New mail truck Technological Innovation
The new USPS truck proves to be an important first step in a clean, innovative future Connor McNeely Opinion Editor mcnecb19@wfu.edu
On Tuesday, Feb. 23rd — my birthday — the USPS sent a shockwave through the internet with the unveiling of its new delivery truck. It was the best birthday present ever. This new development may have single-handedly sustained my dream of a world with smaller, weirderlooking cars. I’m sure you’ve seen them in increasing numbers everywhere you go. Those electric vehicles with rounded edges and a bubblelike shape that zip up and down the street — yes, they can only zip, they don’t have the capacity or appearance required to roar down the road. These cars are undeniably cute and the best part about them is that they will be a crucial part of our planet’s safer future.
The 2023 Oshkosh-produced mail truck is the harbinger of a new era of transportation.” If you haven’t gotten a good look at these new postal service vehicles, I suggest you Google them or find their hashtag on Twitter (#USPS) which is still trending. Unfortunately, they won’t be rolling down your street until two years from now. The USPS gave a contract for their next-generation wave of vehicles to Oshkosh Defense. This is part of the USPS’s 10-year, multi-billion-dollar plan to provide a greener delivery fleet. Honestly, this design will be a huge improvement on the Grumman LLV. The name of that old truck automatically disqualifies it from any echelon of coolness. I’m going to completely disregard the existence of Leroy Grumman and make this statement: no one should ever name their truck, or anything in general, “the Grumman”. I might as well continue to educate my audience on why the old USPS doesn’t work right now and why it won’t work for the future that we are about to enter. The last update
SPORTS
T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 1
PAG E 11
Online at: www.wfuogb.com Twitter: @sports_ogb Editors: Essex Thayer, thayse20@wfu.edu Christina DeNovio, denoca20@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Men's basketball falls to NC State Jericole Hellems and Dereon Seabrom both scored 14 points for the Wolfpack BY CHRISTIAN ODJAKJIAN Staff Writer odjact18@wfu.edu
The Wake Forest men’s basketball season hit a new low Saturday afternoon after back-to-back home blowouts versus two .500 level in-state rivals. Following the loss to Duke, NC State (10-9, 6-8), took care of business against the Demon Deacons (6-11, 3-11), to the tune of an 80-62 win. “I thought [NC State] Coach [Kevin] Keats had his team excited and ready to play today,” Wake Forest Head Coach Steve Forbes said after the game. “They enforced their will on us both offensively and defensively.” The contest was knotted up at 14 apiece nine minutes into the game, until freshman guard Cam Hayes hit back-to-back threes, sparking a 19-4 run for the Wolfpack. NC State led 51-35 at halftime. Wake Forest didn’t pass the threshold of 51 points themselves until there were just over four minutes remaining in the second half.
Forbes was not happy with the shots his momentum for the final leg of the season. “I’m so proud of these guys,” Coach Keats said of his team. “I thought it was players were taking in this game, and said Instead, it was followed up with two very the best team basketball we’ve played all he wanted the ball to be swung more ef- uninspiring performances. fectively and more often. He mentioned “I felt like on Monday and Tuesday season.” in the press conference that the few times our players approached practice as if we Early foul trouble for sophomore Ody Oguama and poor offensive play from there was more than one ball reversal in had beaten Florida State,” Forbes said. “I freshman Emmanuel Okpomo forced a possession, players were getting to the thought they were way too comfortable. I or getting fouled. Both NC State and tried to change that, but obviously I didn’t the Deacs into playing small for much rim Duke were very disruptive on defense and do a good job.” of the first half, where they were exposed did not allow Wake Forest to settle into That type of complacency won’t get it defensively by a potent NC State offense. any type of offensive groove. done in the ACC, even in a down year. Oguama and junior forward Isaiah MuThe regression in the last two games is Wake Forest will look to avoid dropping cius, two very important players for Wake especially frustrating due to the encour- three straight at home with an afternoon Forest, played a combined seven and a agement that the near-upset of No. 11 battle against the Clemson Tigers on Feb. half minutes in the first half. Florida State offered. The overtime loss, 24. Clemson has the No. 13 defense in the The Wolfpack were very balanced in which easily could have been a regula- nation according to Kenpom.com’s effithe win, with seven players scoring be- tion win, ideally would have generated ciency ratings. tween eight and 14 points. Freshman guard Dereon Seabron and sophomore forward Jericole Hellems each scored 14. Wake Forest guards Ian Dubose and Davien Williamson scored 20 of the team’s 35 first-half points. Dubose finished the game with a team-high 14, and Mucius and Williamson joined him in double figures with 11 each. The Demon Deacons were outscored 19-1 by the Wolfpack on fast-breaks. All 11 players that saw the floor for Wake Forest committed a turnover, to which Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics Forbes said he couldn’t remember another time that has happened to one of his Junior forward Isaiah Mucius goes up for a layup attempt in the paint, notching two of his 11 points in the 18 point loss. teams throughout his coaching career.
Women's basketball loses to No. 4 NC State Poor shooting haunted the Demon Deacons, who shot 31% from the field BY ESSEX THAYER Sports Editor thayse20@wfu.edu
In a massive matchup between a red-hot Wake Forest team and the No. 4 ranked Wolfpack, the Demon Deacons fell short in a big way. The loss leaves Wake Forest, who will play their final two games of ACC play on the road, squarely on the NCAA tournament bubble. The Demon Deacons are searching for their first tournament bid since 1988. NC State began the first quarter on a 4-0 run, immediately putting Wake Forest on their heels. Following a two-pointer from senior Ivana Raca, Jakia BrownTurner knocked in a three, giving the Wolfpack a five-point lead two minutes into the game. Trailing early, the Demon Deacons found a way to attack the lead; a three-pointer from senior Gina Conti and a two from sophomore Alexandria Scruggs brought Wake Forest within one. A bucket from junior Christina Morra gave the Demon Deacons their first lead of the evening. With 1:30 remaining in the quarter, Brown-Turner hit another shot for NC State, beginning what would become a 6-0 run in their favor, giving
them an 18-11 lead. With seconds remaining on the clock, Raca stole the ball and found Scruggs for a buzzer-beating layup, bringing Wake Forest within three at the break. Raca started the second quarter off with a three-pointer, tying the game. NC State responded with two buckets of their own from behind the three-point line, extending their lead to six. Wake Forest ended NC State’s run with a streak of their own, kick-started by Raca, who hit two shots from the free-throw line. Sophomore Olivia Summiel joined in with a big offensive rebound and put-back, and Raca made a jumper to tie the game. In a quarter filled with streaks, NC State responded once again with one themselves, scoring seven straight points, capped off by an and-one conversion by Kayla Jones. After a two-pointer from freshman Jewel Spear, the Wolfpack rattled off two consecutive three-pointers, taking them into the half with a 39-26 lead. Three-pointers proved to be the Demon Deacons’ downfall in the first half, as they went 2-8 from behind the line, while NC State converted 5-11. To begin the third quarter, the Wolfpack once again opened with a streak, scoring six straight points, extending their lead to 19. Much of the run can be attributed to sloppy play from Wake Forest, including on the defensive glass. There, Eliza Cunane, who was three inches taller
than any Demon Deacon on the floor, grabbed several rebounds. In the post-game press conference, Head Coach Jen Hoover expressed her feelings on the mismatch. “[Cunane] is one of the best post players in the country … she kind of had her way with us … she’s a great player who can score in a variety of ways,” she said. With 5:56 remaining in the quarter, Hoover called a timeout with her Demon Deacons down by 18. Wake Forest responded strongly coming out of the timeout, scoring six straight points, including a spectacular falling finish from sophomore guard Kaia Harrison. Cunane broke the streak by using her frame to force herself into the paint, scoring an easy layup. With three minutes remaining in the quarter, Summiel knocked down a long three-pointer, causing the Wake Forest bench to erupt. The hype was soon quelled by a 5-0 run to end the quarter for NC State. That was the story of the night for the Demon Deacons, who would find short spurts, only to be beaten down repeatedly by long Wolfpack runs. In the fourth quarter, NC State maintained their lead throughout, not giving Wake Forest any chance to insert themselves back into the game. A lone bright spot is that players who do not usually get much playing time were able to hit the court, including freshmen Demeara Hinds and Nevaeh Brown. Elise Wil-
laims, an early enrollee from the high school class of 2021, also saw her first minutes on the court in a Demon Deacons uniform, scoring one point from the free-throw line. On Williams’s debut, Hoover explained, “She’s just so coachable and just a winner … I just felt we needed to go ahead and give her that shot.” Following a week off due to the cancellation of Duke’s season, Wake Forest will travel on the road for their final two games of ACC play against Miami and Florida State. The Demon Deacons currently are listed as one of ESPN’s “Last Four In” in their most recent bracket.
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics
Senior guard Ivana Raca scored 18 points in 34 minutes of action.
Page 12| Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Sports
Baseball opens their season with promise Wake Forest won two of three games against Northeastern, including a shutout on Feb. 20 BY JAKE STUART Assistant Sports Editor stuaja20@wfu.edu
Friday- Wake Forest 8, Northeastern 6 Freshman infielder Brock Wilken hit a two-out, three-run homer in the eighth inning of his collegiate debut to propel No. 17 ranked Wake Forest over Northeastern 8-6. He described it as “the sickest moment of my entire life.” The Demon Deacons got off to a hot start with a monster 392-foot grand slam by catcher Shane Muntz. Wake Forest’s pitcher Ryan Cusick struck out six of the first ten batters he faced while allowing just one hit. The score was 5-0 in favor of the Deacs entering the fourth inning, and it seemed like they were on track for a dominant opening day game. In the sixth inning, the Huskies of Northeastern marched back with three unanswered runs. With the Huskies’ outfielder Ben Malgeri on third, infielder Ian Fair sent a ball to center field that brought their first run home. Three batters later, outfielder Jeff Costello doubled to left field, bringing home a pair of runners and making the score 5-3. The momentum remained on the side of the Huskies as they scored a run in the seventh inning and two more in the eighth inning, taking the lead for the first time in the contest. The struggle continued for Wake Forest until sophomore infielder Pierce Bennett got on base with a HBP in the seventh inning, ending a streak of 12 straight runners retired by Northeastern. It wouldn’t matter though. Wilken stepped up to the plate in the eighth inning with juniors Michael
Ludowig and Bobby Seymour on base and came up clutch, sending a ball over the wall as he clenched his fists together and jumped up before trotting around the bases. One can only imagine what was going through the young freshman’s head as he saw the ball head over the fence and out of the David F. Couch Ballpark, clinching the first win of the season for Wake Forest on opening day. Saturday- Wake Forest 9, Northeastern 0 Fleming, Bennett, Seymour and Ludowig lifted the Demon Deacons to a dominant shutout win over the Huskies. The offense continued its fiery dominance, scoring eight runs in the first three innings. The pitching from both veterans and newcomers was also superb. The Demon Deacons started hot and never looked back. In the first inning, Seymour kicked the scoring off with a one-out RBI single that brought home Bennett. Ludowig stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and one out, cranking a single and extending the Wake Forest lead to 2-0. The second inning was much of the same for the Demon Deacons. The bases were loaded once again, and Seymour scorched a ball to center field to drive in another run. Ludowig answered the call again, doubling to left field to drive in two runs. Wake Forest continued to put the pressure on in the third inning, tacking on three more runs. The score was now 8-0 and the Demon Deacons were beginning to pull away. Keep in mind this game was against Northeastern pitcher Sebastian Keane, who was drafted by the Boston Red Sox during the eleventh round of the 2019 MLB draft, and was the 2019 Perfect Game Massachusetts player of the year.
He also set his high school’s all-time career strikeouts record and North Andover’s single-season record for wins. Keene also ended the shortened 2020 COVID-19 campaign No. 23 in the NCAA in wins. On the other side, pitcher Will Fleming got himself out of a one-out bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning, striking out one and getting a flyout to end the inning. He went six scoreless innings, striking out five while giving up six walks, picking up his first win of the season. The bullpen finished the final three innings with six strikeouts and gave up just two hits. Sunday- Wake Forest 11, Northeastern 14 In a game not lacking excitement, the Huskies prevailed over the Demon Deacons in thrilling fashion. Unlike the game one day prior, Sunday’s game featured five lead changes and wasn’t decided until the final out. The Northeastern Huskies opened the scoring with a two-out single from third baseman Ian Fair, but Wake Forest pitcher Shane Smith got out of the inning relatively unharmed. Smith came back in the second and struck out the side, redeeming himself. In the second inning, with Shane Muntz on first base, Wilken crushed a ball to center field that made the score 2-1 in favor of the home team. The Huskies battled back in the top half of the third inning, using a pair of Demon Deacon errors and two singles of their own to capitalize on a trio of runs, pushing the score to 4-2 in favor of the Huskies. Wake Forest would finish the game with five errors, an obstacle tough to overcome. “I thought our defense was atrocious today,” Coach Tom Walter said after the game.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Demon Deacons applied some pressure with runners on second and third and only one out, but couldn’t bring the aforementioned duo home. In the fifth, Jared Dupree smoked a solo home run into the trees in deep center field, extending the Northeastern lead to 5-2. Michael Turconi followed up his excellent performance Saturday with an RBI single in the fifth to bring Wake Forest back within two. Still, Wake Forest needed a spark to take control of the game. The sixth inning was one of beauty for the Demon Deacons as they scored six runs and regained the lead off a collection of hits from Costello, Bennett, Turconi and Chris Lanzilli. Just when it seemed as though Wake Forest has secured the lead, the Huskies struck back. In the seventh, Kyle Peterson hit a single over the head of first baseman Bobby Seymour, bringing two Huskies home and tying the score at 9. With the bases loaded and a new pitcher, Teddy McGraw, in for the Demon Deacons, Scott Holzwasser launched a grand slam to center field breaking the score open and enhancing the Huskies’ lead to 139. The Huskies added one more run in the eighth, but the Demon Deacons matched it with a home run to right field by Lanzilli, his third hit of the night, making it 14-10. In the bottom of the ninth, Wake Forest added another run and sent Seymour to the plate with two runners on and the potential to tie the game. He would ultimately ground out, ending the wild game at 14-11 in favor of the Huskies. “Any time you score 11 runs in a baseball game you should win,” Walter later commented. Wake Forest looks to build on the strong 2-1 start when they battle Coastal Carolina on Feb. 23 at Couch Ballpark.
Philadelphia trades Carson Wentz to Colts The Eagles receive a 2021 thirdround pick and 2022 secondround pick in return BY NICK HAYMAN Contributing Writer haymnh19@wfu.edu Major news from the NFL broke last Friday, as the Philadelphia Eagles announced that they will finally be parting ways with quarterback Carson Wentz. The Eagles dealt Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a third-round pick in this year’s NFL draft and a conditional second-round pick in the 2022 draft. Wentz’s five-year stint in Philadelphia was quite the roller coaster, with an MVP-caliber season in 2017-2018 when the team won Super Bowl LII, as well as a tumultuous 2020, where he led the league in turnovers (despite being benched for the last five weeks of the season). The potential that Wentz showed early in his career made it difficult for the Eagles coaching staff to bench him. However, a 3-7-1 record in 2020 was enough
for head coach Doug Peterson to sideline Wentz and start rookie Jalen Hurts, whose running ability added a new dimension to an Eagles offense that was stagnant under Wentz. Now, almost a month after they ousted Peterson from his head coaching position, the Eagles front office decided to move on from Wentz and continue the Hurts experiment (assuming they do not draft a quarterback with their No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming draft). Moving forward, the Eagles’ organization is deeply entrenched in the rebuilding phase. After giving Wentz a contract worth $128 million just two years ago, the Eagles had to take a cap hit of $34 million on Friday just to let Wentz go. Additionally, the Eagles have holes at most positions in their starting depth chart. The offensive line gave up a league-high 65 sacks and ran 14 different offensive line combinations in 16 games last season. The receiving core has lots of potential (Jalen Reagor, Travis Fulgham and Greg Ward Jr. showed flashes of solid play last season), though they are young and inexperienced. On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles secondary does not scare opposing quarterbacks due to the
lack of true playmakers and shut-down corners on the back end. On the other side, it appears that the Indianapolis Colts got Wentz for a bargain. Considering the Colts’ depth chart has no glaring holes in it, they do not lose much by giving away their third-round pick this year. Also, the 2022 conditional pick that they gave the Eagles has some interesting strings attached to it. If Wentz does not play more than 75% of Indy’s snaps on offense next season, the pick is downgraded to a mere second-rounder. This is an important caveat because of Wentz’s shaky history with injuries. Wentz has had two separate season-ending injuries: one ACL/MCL tear in 2017, and one fractured vertebra in 2018. Of course, the conditional pick could be a first-rounder if Wentz is successful in Indianapolis. However, that is not going to anger any Colts fans considering they would have just found their new franchise quarterback. The future in Indy looks bright. Wentz will have no shortage of options to give the ball to: wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr. both had solid sea-
sons last year, and Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines are looking like one of the top RB duos in the NFL. Up front, the Colts have a stout offensive line led by 3-time All-Pro Quenton Nelson. On top of that, the Colts had a top-10 defense in the NFL last year that will only get better as their young players continue to improve. The Colts have many reasons to be excited about the 2021-2022 season, but one question remains: can Wentz make a comeback and return to his old form?
Yong Kim/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS
Philadelphia plans to move forward with first-round pick Jalen Hurts.
Sports | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Page 13
Deacon Spotlight: Cole McNally BY BRY RICHARDS Staff Writer richbn19@wfu.edu
Hailing from Mount Airy, Md. Wake Forest goalkeeper Cole McNally is no stranger to soccer’s extraordinary world. McNally began playing soccer under his father’s wing at the tender age of three before transitioning to club soccer with Bethesda SC Academy, helping his team reach the 2017 USSDA Tournament’s quarterfinal. McNally, a former member of the U.S. U-14 and U-16 National Teams, made his collegiate debut this past fall in a 3-0 victory over UAB. With the Wake Forest soccer team beginning their spring season soon, McNally is definitely a player to watch this year. Bry Richards: What inspired you to play soccer? Cole McNally: Soccer has been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember. Given that my dad played soccer at Virginia Tech in college, I have been immersed from a young age. I started playing when I was three and my dad coached my first team. Ever since then, I have been in love with it, and my dream was to become a pro player. So it started from a young age, but it took me to where I am now. I loved it when I started, and I’ve loved it ever since. BR: Is there a story behind you choosing to play goalkeeper, or did you settle into the position by chance? CM: That’s a good question. At first, playing soccer, I always played in the field and everything like that. And I loved it, and then I tried out for my first club team. Because I was a bigger kid at the time, they just threw me in goal. And it just kind of stuck since then. So I was about 11 when that happened, and ever since, all I have been playing is goalkeeper. BR: Some athletes have pre-game rituals, such as sleeping with a banana or tying their shoes a certain way. Do you have any particular superstitions? CM: For me, the only big thing I do is, after we break our team huddle. I run back, touch the crossbar, and then go down to my knees and just say a quick prayer. After that, I’m ready to go for the game. That’s the only pre-game ritual I have. BR: What does an average soccer practice look like at Wake Forest? CM: Wake, credit to them: our coaches do a great job making the training intense and sharp and getting the most out of us that they can. I feel fortunate that I get to train in such a great environment every day. Essentially, because we’re goalkeep-
ers we work individually and partake in goalkeeper drills with a goalie coach for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then, we go with the team for about 45 minutes. Typically, practice goes from specific drills to possession and eventually turns into scrimmaging or gameplay at the end. That’s what a typical session looks like, but the intensity and sharpness are always very high as people are always very focused. It’s a really good environment. BR: You’ve already had significant experience playing on a big stage at Bethesda Academy. Are there any words of inspiration or playing tips that have stuck with you from your time in high school? CM: For me, it’s just always to keep moving forward. There have been setbacks that I’ve had to deal with in my career, but through it all, I’ve just kept the mentality that I can’t change the past, and I just have to focus on doing what I can. Keeping that goal in my mind has motivated me, and helps me deal with setbacks or whatever I have to face. BR: With mentors like Andrew Pannenberg, Dominic Peters and Dane Brenner, what have you learned while redshirting your freshman year that you will take with you during the upcoming spring season? CM: Yeah, credit to them. All three of those guys are incredible people and have helped me so much. I think the biggest thing they told me is just to trust the process. I think about times, especially when I was younger, where I felt like I wasn’t getting what I wanted to get out of different things. But through it all, they were there supporting me, pushing me to be better. I’m super thankful for them, the people they are and what they’ve done for me so far. And I’m also super grateful for that redshirt year. It was an incredible learning experience for me, and I wouldn’t have it any different with those three guys by my side. BR: As a student-athlete, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed with school work and performing during games. How do you stay on top of your work and still have the ability to practice on the soccer field?
is such a key factor to the success of a student-athlete, and the success of a student in general. That’s definitely something I prioritize a lot.
BR: How has it been preparing for the spring season? How do you think that your role has grown with this team?
BR: Being one of the country’s highest-ranked goalkeepers, you had offers from schools like Stanford and Duke. What made you want to pick Wake Forest?
CM: I think preparation for the spring has been going amazing so far. As I said, I have to give all the credit to my teammates. We have a really special group of hardworking guys. They have great character, and just want to succeed for both themselves and the guy next to them. So with that being said, it’s been an amazing preparation period so far. But, parts have been tough; we lost a lot of older guys in the fall. Now we have a young, fresh team. So being an older guy, I’ve had to take a new leadership role. But I’m prepared for it. I’m ready to give my all for the team and the guys next to me. I’m here to help everybody in the team succeed because that’s what it’s about, and it’s what my mentality is. I want to help the team. I put the team first and try my best to help this team succeed. When you have such amazing guys around you, it makes it just a pleasure to compete and train every day. So I feel super fortunate to have the teammates I have.
CM: I think I really feel like Wake, overall, is my home and one of the greatest places in the country, in all aspects. Wake was my first visit. I fell in love with this place as soon as I stepped on campus. Not to mention the family atmosphere here. The atmosphere at Wake Forest is incomparable to anywhere else in the entire country because, when you come here, you’re part of a family. I felt that as soon as I stepped foot on campus. Whether it be the amazing teammates I have around me ... [or] my coaches ... I feel super fortunate. Wake Forest’s administration [has] such amazing people. It really is just a family atmosphere here. I don’t think you’d get that anywhere else in the country, so I feel super blessed to be at this place and to be able to call it my home. BR: Is there a unique story behind picking your jersey number, 31?
BR: What are your plans after Wake Forest? Do you aspire to play profesCM: There is not. Basically, all the sionally? other numbers were taken. I got 31, but I like the number a lot. Every CM: My goal ever since I was three time I see it, it becomes significant to years old has been to play profesme as I think about where I started sionally. So, I always say: God’s timand where I’ve come since then. For ing, God’s plan. All I have to do is me, it’s very humbling to wear the number, and I identify with it a lot. work my hardest and get as much I just love the motivation. It makes success as I can out of Wake Forest. me want to continue to work hard And then, from there, I give it up to and to continue to push myself. [The God and just trust His plan. It’s also number] 31 had no significance to my understanding that I’ll work my me my whole life, and then I came hardest to control what I can, and here where it was just put onto my I leave the rest up to Him. I would lap. Now, it’s something I really iden- love to play professionally, it is the tify with. It just makes me remember biggest dream of mine. But first the redshirt season and allows me to things first, I want to get as much as reflect on how far I’ve come since I can out of Wake Forest and bring then. So I do like it a lot, and I iden- as much success to Wake for us as I possibly can. tify with it a lot as well.
CM: I think you hit on a great point. Time management is a huge part of being a student-athlete and a college student. It’s just about prioritizing time, setting aside time and just working on stuff diligently. It’s super easy to just say, ‘I’m going to push this off a little later,’ and sometimes I found myself guilty of that. But, it’s really just about prioritizing time, Courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics taking some time aside, and working diligently so you can get ahead and Wake Forest goalie Andrew Pannenberg, who was drafted by get things done. Time management Orlando City in this year’s MLS Draft, running with McNally.
Page 14| Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Sports
Barcelona suffers massive loss to PSG Kylian Mbappe impressed, scoring three goals to take down Lionel Messi and Barcelona BY CHARLES HORN Staff Writer horncs18@wfu.edu Kylian Mbappe sealed his hat-trick with an expert first-time finish, placed in the far right corner of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s net, capping a 4-1 victory for Paris Saint-Germain in spectacular fashion. The next day, Erling Haaland surged through the Sevilla defense in a dominant two-goal performance, and the Norwegian striker credited Mbappe’s performance as inspiration for his brilliance. As Mbappe celebrated his hat-trick by striking a statuesque pose at the corner flag, Lionel Messi trudged back to the center circle, a fitting image for the seeming changing of the guard. While Haaland excelled in Seville, Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus limped to a 2-1 loss to Porto, with a late goal salvaging any hope of a second-leg comeback. At 22 and 20 years of age respectively, Mbappe and Haaland represent the future of the global game, but also a departure from the unprecedented two-player dominance of Messi and Ronaldo that has defined the sport over the last decade and a half. Different pathways have brought the two youngsters to the pinnacle of the European game, and both have eyes set on generational dominance. Since becoming the world’s most expensive teenager in 2017 following a reported $220 million move from Monaco
to PSG, Mbappe’s ascent to the top has been meteoric. His breakout occurred at the 2018 World Cup when Mbappe excited and intrigued the global audience with dynamic runs, brilliant footwork and expert finishing for the victorious French side. In a way, the tournament secured Mbappe’s legacy before it was ever able to be questioned, as he helped France the elusive World Cup trophy that has evaded both Ronaldo and Messi at just 19. But Mbappe was only getting started, as his prolific goalscoring record and continued improvement demonstrate. Playing alongside Neymar, Mbappe has rampaged through the French league and has recorded an impressive 24 goals and 17 assists in 41 career Champions League appearances. Despite being the son of former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Alf-Inge Haaland, Haaland’s road to the top was more circuitous, beginning his career with his hometown club of Bryne FK before moving to Molde. Haaland slowly grew into his role, winning Norway’s Breakthrough of the Year award and securing a move to Red Bull Salzburg, the Austrian team owned by the energy drink conglomerate. In 2019, the mythos began, as Haaland scored nine goals in an under-20 World Cup match against Honduras. So began a torrid streak that has truly not yet ended. Haaland recorded three domestic hattricks in a month, scored in his first five Champions League matches and has delivered a host of memorable quotes, celebrations and his trademark succinct post-match interviews.
Then it was off to Dortmund for Haaland, as the German club fended off interest from other European giants by offering immediate playing time, world-renowned player development, and a promise to let the young Norwegian leave for $91 million should he stay until 2022. This buyout clause, while still a gargantuan sum, is a steep discount on a player of Haaland’s caliber and potential, given a still unproven Mbappe moved for more than double that amount in 2017. Haaland began his Dortmund career with five goals in his first 70 minutes, and two substitute appearances that demonstrated the youngster’s generational talent. This season, Haaland has scored eight goals in just five Champions League appearances, along with 17 goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances, contributing to his remarkable 43 goals in his first 43 Dortmund games.
Both Haaland and Mbappe are perennial fodder for transfer rumors to the European giants of Barcelona and Real Madrid, which seems an inevitability for Haaland and a probable outcome for Mbappe. The Qatar-financed PSG, with its seemingly infinitely deep pockets, could secure Mbappe’s services for as long as the French star desires, with the 22-year-old negotiating a contract renewal that will surely offer a hefty raise on his already lucrative $500,000 a week salary, which comes out to more than $25 million a year. Mbappe and Haaland seem set to dominate headlines and fixtures for years to come, pleasing their Nike sponsors and earning millions for their agents. But the colors and badge for which they craft their legacies remain to be finalized, with the rest of the European game anxiously awaiting the next move of the mercurial youngsters.
Charlie Ortega Guifarro/Miami Herald/TNS
Antoine Griezmann warming up with his teammates before a pre-season match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Spring Training begins for the 2021 season Major League Baseball expects to return to their normal 162game schedule BY BRY RICHARDS Staff Writer richbn19@wfu.edu Spring training is officially underway in Florida and Arizona after the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected the MLB’s attempt to postpone the start of spring training and the regular season by a month. Under the assumption that the pandemic will not disrupt the regular season, players are expected to continue their standard 162-game season, rather than MLB’s attempted plan to conduct only 154 games. For most teams, players will begin to report back to camp on Feb. 17, where they will undergo COVID-19 tests before taking the field. Pitchers and catchers are to report first and work out for a few days, and position players will join a few days later, starting full-squad workouts. In response to questions about spring training, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman told reporters, “All 30 clubs are still operating on a bit of a vague, general framework. But we’re ready to go and doing as much planning and prep as we possibly can.” With the MLB showing dedication to continue the 2021 season as planned,
each team is mandated to have reported by Feb. 26, as the collective bargaining agreement requires players to report to spring training by at least 33 days before Opening Day. The Cactus League (located in Arizona) and the Grapefruit League (located in Florida) begin their exhibition games on Feb. 28. Spring training games were initially ordered to start on Feb. 27 but were postponed for a day after the league revised the schedule following concerns about travel during the pandemic. As the training camps in Florida are much more spread out than those in Arizona, a road trip can take hours, instead of 45 minutes as they do in Arizona. In response, the Grapefruit League was granted the ability to revise its schedule. Games in both Arizona and Florida will begin with a limited amount of fan attendance. The Boston Red Sox have already announced their plan to have 24% capacity at their games in Fort Myers. It is also expected that the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals will have limited attendance. With the regular season beginning Thursday, April 1, it is too early to predict what attendance will look like for each team during the regular season. However, it has already been stated by the Tampa Bay Rays that only 7,000 fans will be al-
lowed at Tropicana Field at the beginning of April. Not only will attendance look a bit different during these upcoming games, but there will also be some changes to gameplay. There may be only seven innings in spring training games, or in some cases, even just five. Teams will also have the ability to end an inning before three outs if the pitcher has reached their pitch count. This adden-
dum will allow managers to figure out how many pitchers they would like to use on a specific day and thus limit the number of players on the field. After March 14, games will go back to their regular play, consisting of nine innings, unless managers choose to shorten them to seven. Later in the spring, regular players can play the full nine innings, and starting pitchers are likely to throw more.
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Mookie Betts celebrating during the 2020 World Series, looks to bring another trophy back to Los Angeles in 2021.
Page 15| Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Sports
NBA to hold All-Star game despite ire Despite controversy around the league, the NBA All-Star Game will take place in Atlanta BY MICHAEL PITTS Contributing Writer pittmw20@wfu.edu
On March 7, 2021, NBA All-Star Game No. 73 will tip-off at 8 p.m. EST, broadcasted on TNT live from Atlanta, Ga. in the State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. There will, of course, be two teams: the East and the West. The teams for the All-Star Game will be picked the same as last year, with a live draft on TNT by the two captains from the Western and Eastern conference, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, respectively. So far, we only know the starters from each conference. These include Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Luke Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, and were announced last week. The draft will air on TNT on March 4. The two captains will have an entire pool of starters and reserves to choose from, all voted in by the fans and media. In keeping up with CDC protocols and ensuring the safety of the players, coaches and team personnel, the Saturday night activities like the threepoint contest and the skills challenge will take place a few hours before the big game, and the dunk contest will be held during halftime. Since the game is in Atlanta, home to multiple wellknown HBCUs, the NBA will be honoring and highlighting several HBCUs
to raise awareness around the serious impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. The league will also host special performances by HBCU musical groups along with unique storytelling and other surprise content from famous HBCU alumni and current students. The NBA will be bringing back the bubble format they used for the playoffs last year, which was effective at keeping COVID-19 at bay. COVID-19 protocols inside the bubble include private travel to and from Atlanta. Players and coaches will be staying at the same hotel and will not be allowed to leave once they check-in until the All-Star weekend has concluded. The mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, has spoken publicly to discourage fans from traveling to Atlanta to party, and explained that this game is purely for entertainment and a “made-for-TV event.” The All-Star game is scheduled for a Sunday, but not everything is a feelgood story about the weekend. There has been controversy among players and coaches about having this game and weekend occur at all. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, the most voted-for player in the league with over six million votes, has publicly stated that the game is a “slap in the face,” and should not be happening. And not only due to the pandemic. Another reason is that the season started only 70 or so days after the NBA Finals concluded, and teams never had a proper off-season. “I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star game this year,”
Stacy Revere/Getty Images/TNS
LeBron James was one of the NBA’s first players to express his anger regarding the league holding an All-Star game. James said. “I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star game.” Furthermore, players are apprehensive about this weekend because the NBA had already told players before this season that there would be no AllStar festivities. To reschedule the weekend with little warning retracts what was previously said, and has taken players by surprise. These players thought they would get a little break, recover and recalibrate before the start of the second half of the season. To stray from that could derail their performances, especially with the second part of the season being very important as it pertains to playoff standings and who gets homecourt advantage.
With reports of players not wanting the game and the league continuing to push for it proves that there is a clear disconnect between the players and the league about this All-Star weekend. There seems to be a lack of reporting to get to the bottom of why the NBA is not listening to the players. On top of that, young stars including De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings think the game should be called off due to the pandemic. The All-Star game is for fans, and since there will be no fans present, many people think the purpose of this weekend is for the league to make monetary profits.
Patrick Mahomes and fiancée have first child Quarterback Patrick Mahomes welcomes baby girl, Sterling, days after Super Bowl BY CHRISTINA DENOVIO Sports Editor denoca20@wfu.edu
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes may have lost the Super Bowl this February, but he scored a touchdown with the arrival of his baby girl. He and his fiancée, Brittany Matthews, welcomed Sterling Skye Mahomes into the world on Feb. 20. Pat Mahomes shared a close-up photo of Matthews wearing a necklace with Sterling’s name on Instagram. Also in sight is the baby’s hand reaching for her father’s, as Matthews also holds Mahomes’ hand. Mahomes had said that one of his offseason goals was to concentrate on fatherhood, and now the time has arrived! At 6 lbs, 11 oz., the baby was born just 13 days after Mahomes’ second Super Bowl appearance in Tampa Bay, FL. Just a few days ago, Matthews teased her Instagram followers with two sets of maternity photos, the first batch with a blue background, leading them to believe she would be having a boy. Soon thereafter, she posted three photos in a pink dress surround-
ed by pink curtains and captioned it, “Ready to meet you baby girl.” Apparently, both Pat and his wife like to play games. Mahomes proposed to Matthews on Sept. 1, the day he received his Super Bowl LIV Championship ring, in Arrowhead Stadium. The couple announced that they were expecting their first child on Sept. 29. Mahomes and Matthews have been together since high school at Whitehouse ISD and stayed together while attending different colleges. Matthews now runs her own personal training business called Brittany Lynne Fitness. Before her career as a trainer, Matthews played professional soccer for an Icelandic team. In college, she played at the University of Texas at Tyler. Now, Matthews is a co-owner of the NWSL’s expansion team, FC Kansas City. Mahomes also grew up as an athlete; he played both football and baseball at Texas Tech University but quit baseball his sophomore year. His focus on football certainly paid off. During his junior year, he led the NCAA in passing yards, touchdowns and more. In the 2017 NFL Draft, Mahomes went as the No. 10 selection to the Chiefs. At age 25, Mahomes has already been to two Super Bowls (one of which he won) and been named Super Bowl
MVP and NFL MVP. It’s safe to say that Sterling’s parents have athletic genes. Mayor Quinton Lucas tweeted, “Welcome to Kansas City, Sterling Mahomes! Congratulations to Mother and Father.” Mahomes bought a $1.8 million home in Kansas City, Missouri in February 2019, showing that he would be establishing roots in the city. The fact that Mahomes signed the
biggest contract in all of sports history with the Chiefs (approximately $503 million) made Kansas City an appealing place to stay. With the offseason just starting, Mahomes has plenty of time to spend with his baby girl before NFL preseason starts back up in August. The Chiefs will be looking to reach their third-straight Super Bowl, and come out as the victors this time around.
Tom Pennington/Getty Images/TNS
Mahomes with his fiancée, Brittany, who gave birth to their daughter just 13 days after his Super Bowl loss.
LIFE
T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 1
PAG E 16
O N L I N E AT : w w w. w f u o g b . c o m E D I T O R S : S e l i n n a Tr a n , t r a n s n 1 9 @ w f u . e d u
& M i c a h P o r t e r, p o r t m j 1 9 @ w f u , e d u A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R : J o e C h o , c h o y y 1 9 @ w f u . e d u
Short film collection opens virtually OLD GOLD & BLACK
Full Spectrum Features releases a virtual film exhibit featuring a collection of short films highlighting black filmmakers. BY ERIC OMOROGIEVA Staff Writer omorei17@wfu.edu
.
On Feb.14, rentals began for the nationwide virtual film exhibit Our Right to Gaze: Black Film Identities. This 82-minute collection of six short films features creative stories with unique and timely perspectives that let the “filmmakers gaze at themselves and their world, attempting to make sense of what they see reflected back.” The six showcased shorts are Love in Submission by Antu Yacob and Lande Yoosuf, A Hollywood Party by Toryn Seabrooks, Nowhere by Lin Que Ayoung, The Black Banshee by Kyla Sylvers, Auntie Zariyah by Zora Bikangaga and Pandemic Chronicles by Ya’ke Smith. Dr. Racquel Gates from the College of Staten Island opens up the collection with remarks about Photo courtesy of Full Spectrum Features Black film and the underappreciation of short films as a medium. While feature-length films are The exhibit includes six short films that explore personal and social idenlargely celebrated, they come from a place of privi- tity as the filmmakers reflect on socio-cultural perceptions that they see. lege where hefty budgets allow for premium production sets and costly cast and crew. With short 180 as comedy fatefully arranges two relative char- influencer. She takes him out shopping with her films, a similar creative expression can be laid out acters at a night-out party. A very special celebrity car (that Zach has to drive), gets him a date with with less exorbitant stipulations. We see these is approached by a waitress who just wanted to tell a girl and also provides life advice. This film is creative forces at work during the film, Love in her idol how much she has inspired her. comical, adorable, heartfelt and radiant with its In a wider narrative on the idolization of celebri- bright Seattle setting. Submission, which showcases a dialogue between two Muslim women. In a not-so-ordinary conver- ties and the starstruck moments of fans, this waitThe final two films, The Black Banshee by Kyla sation, a recruiter for the local mosque approaches ress refuses to take action as a food crumb lands Sylvers and Pandemic Chronicles by Ya’ke Smith an Ethiopian woman who recently arrived in town on her bottom lip and faces the challenge of want- tackle darker themes in the collection with topalongside her husband. Something is off though, ing to remove this crumb without embarrassing ics such as police brutality and the ongoing coroand several questions arise from their interaction. herself in front of the celebrity. As ridiculous as navirus pandemic. Sylvers’ film takes place in a Why does this recruiter know so much about this this sounds, it speaks to how some act when in the woman? Why does she ask so many questions? presence of those they idolize. Director Seabrooks park where four young adults hang out following Soon the plot reveals a jaw-dropping twist that adds to the comedy of this short film by layering a double date at a concert. One of the women, answers these questions, makes for an entertaining tension with the kinetic and frenzied motions of however, has a unique ability that allows her to story and might even warrant a re-watch. the cinematography, making the story very enter- predict any drama that could unfold if she stays in this location. This ability was hard to really Following this lengthy 17-minute short film is a taining despite its quick run time. project that clocks-in at around four minutes long, As we progress through the repertoire, Nowhere understand at first and required a suspension of A Hollywood Party. Shifting from the former’s may seem deceptively slow and boring. It is any- belief, but during scenes with police encounters, more serious tone, this next film takes a complete thing but, with Lin Que Ayoung taking the view- her power to produce such provocative predicers on a ride of emotional adventures. Through tions takes your breath away from the tension the lens of a middle-aged Latina in the city fol- that builds throughout this timely narrative. lowing an abusive encounter with her husband at Pandemic Chronicles, the last film of the bunch, home, the woman does not know what to do but is an anthology of several scenes that are relatable to walk around aimlessly until she stumbles upon and poignant to the genesis of this pandemic. Soan odd public encounter between a couple. What cializing, going on dates, finding out test results, happens next is a surprise that deserves careful assisting friends and seeing quarantined family: viewing. What Ayoung was able to do with the all of these are still tough to navigate and this film story was truly eye-opening, and although it did reflects our current, real-life situation concisely. not wrap up in a fulfilling way, it was a simple, yet Ultimately, these 82 minutes of Our Right to captivating story nonetheless. Gaze: Black Film Identities are enjoyable as each Among these short films so far, the one that film touched on different genres and emotions, stands out as the most entertaining is Auntie Zariyah by Zora Bikangaga, the fifth piece in the col- while also serving as a great way to celebrate black lection. Zach, an aspiring stand-up comedian, art during Black History Month. The structure, consults his father about his upcoming tour stop cinematography and layering of many themes and in Seattle. After learning that he has an aunt in the symbols were never overbearing. Instead, they city, he asks her for a place to stay for the night. gave viewers a joy ride through all the earnest Upon walking up to the doorstep, a 12-year-old work contributed by each creative visionary and girl answers the door and reveals to him that she their respective crew. Photo courtesy of Full Spectrum Features Our Right to Gaze: Black Film Identities, found is his auntie. Humorously, the extremely young on fullspectrumfeatures.com, is available to rent auntie pampers her nephew Zach with that “InOur Right to Gaze amplifies black artstagram money” that she makes as a social media ists in front and behind the camera. for $10 until Feb. 28.
Page 17 | Thursdsay, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Life
Food Review | Einstein’s Bagels
Einstein’s Bagels falls short on flavor Good, not great: the Nova Lox bagel does not excite and has poor execution
Cons: -Salmon is bland. This could nearly be considered a pro, since I’m not generally a huge fan of salmon, but to all my NJ/ Philadelphia friends who got my hopes up for some sort of salty/briny extravaBY RAINS DRAPER ganza, alas. The salmon was barely noticeContributing Writer able, other than its texture, but the minidraptr18@wfu.edu mal flavor it added to the palate wasn’t Review: Einstein Bros. Nova Lox Bagel too bad. Rating: 6.75/10 -Difficult to eat. I prefer my bagels in closed sandwich form anyway (less residue Components & Presentation: in the teeth), but this was difficult to eat Smoked salmon, plain cream cheese even for an open-faced bagel. The salmon (“schmear”), capers, tomato slice, red on- was soft, except for places where it wasn’t ion; served open-faced on two everything (like with most meat: silver skin, sinew, bagel halves. the gunk that forms plaques in between your teeth, etc.), the onions were crunchy Pros: but the skins didn’t tear very well, capers -Salmon is tender and soft, easy to bite fell off and everything in the stack slid evthrough and chew for the most part. erywhere. Pretty messy and inconvenient -Onions add a nice crunch and a bit of to eat. After doing some research I learned acidity to each bite. that this is likely because it is “nova lox” -Capers provide seasoning for the lack which undergoes a milder brining process than other types of lox. of saltiness of the salmon. -The “Schmear” wasn’t super flavorful. -Everything bagel adds depth to the flavor profile, balances the seasoning of the It was fine, but it got overpowered by the overall open-faced sandwich and serves capers and pretty much everything else as a versatile, taut carbohydrate medium on the bagel (maybe that’s the point?).
I’m generally very fond of the pepper schmear from Einstein’s, and I think it would have been fantastic in this particular combination. Rating Analysis: I initially rated this as a 7.5/10, but dropped it after realizing that (a) I was very hungry without a clear conscience and (b) I had very low expectations for what a “salmon bagel” could possibly taste like and both of those factors led to some inflation in the initial rating. After giving myself some time to digest and do some critical thinking, I would give “Einstein’s Nova Lox on Everything bagel” a 6.75/10. It was good, not great, but much better than I ever expected. At no point in the eating process did I suffer, except for when a part of my tomato fell on the ground. It wasn’t very salty, briny, smoky or fishy; it mostly tasted like capers and onions and the lox had a good texture. That’s about it. I would get it again if not for the existence of Einstein’s Farmhouse Bagel, which I order on a cheesy hash-brown bagel with an extra egg and extra pepper schmear (highly recommend).
Chloe Zhao excites with Nomadland
BY BEN WILCOX Staff Writer wilcbr19@wfu.edu
The current favorite to win Best Picture at the Oscars, Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland delivers a sensational yet unassuming portrayal of the wake of the Great Recession. Following Fern, the main protagonist played by Frances McDormand, the movie tracks her transition into a van-loving vagabond while the viewers ride shotgun. Adapted from Jessica Bruder’s titular non-fiction book, the film pays close attention to the thematic surface from its original source material, while also appreciating non-professional actors in supporting roles. This film tells the story of people who feel displaced or forgotten in the modern world and turn to living in vans, hopping from place to place, acting as modern-day nomads. Fern loses her job and husband in a very short period of time, feels lost and is unable to acquire a steady flow of work. As a result, she sells off most of her possessions and moves out of her house into a community of nomads. In a very heartfelt interaction, Fern tells a student she used to tutor that she’s houseless, not homeless. When the rest of the world seems to be caught up in the rat race, Fern finds herself in a community where she feels at home. The film does a great job spotlighting a community that is relatively unrecognized and uses real people like Swankie, Bob Wells and others who live this way to accurately tell their story. This should come as no surprise consid-
TOP TEN WAKE FOREST MEME PAGES : These meme pages may give you a laugh, perhaps from the cringiness.
1.
ering the great inclusive efforts coming from McDormand, who introduced the world to “inclusion riders” within a star’s contract to promote diversity on and off the screen of a production. Nomadland came to fruition because McDormand heard about the book the film is based upon and optioned the film because she was so interested in giving the story a wider audience. The interesting wrinkle is that Zhao, who used lesser-known and non-professional actors in The Writer — her 2017 hit — resulting in the Zhao-McDormand brainchild that is Nomadland. It is rare to be able to see a proper slice-of life-movie that doesn’t drag on or feel too long. Nomadland has a sharp 107-minute runtime that is refreshing, following the release of recent bloated blockbusters like Wonder Woman 1984. You get what you pay for with the film, and although it doesn’t subvert any expecta-
tions by any means, it’s a riveting movie more than worth the price of admission. It’s a quiet, withdrawn and sensitive piece of art, much like its main character. Overall, it’s a warm and sentimental picture that offers a reprieve from the fast-paced and stressful world that so often surrounds us. There are many poignant and pensive moments throughout the film, and if there is any criticism to be made, it’s that there is a lot of runtime dedicated to just following Fern as she quietly stares off in the distance. However, scenes like these are in more than capable hands with an upstart director with a fresh vision and one of the greatest working actresses at the helm. In a time where 2020 seemed like the most stressful year, Nomadland gives a calm look at the people who live at the edge of society, along with the pros and cons that the American nomad lifestyle can bring. As part of a simultaneous release in theaters and on Hulu, I would 100 percent recommend watching this movie.
@wfuniversity @redcupwake
3.
@downbadfrank @overheardwfu
5.
@wakeforrestmemes @liltingbanshees
7.
@fakewokememes4wfuteens @wakeforestvirgins
9.
Movie Review | Nomadland
Nomadland explores the world of nomads and their identity within their community
THE HOT LIST
@prohumemitate @fake_worest
LOCALE OF THE WEEK By: Selinna Tran
CIN CIN BURGER BAR
Photo courtesy of imdb.com
Nomadland features real-life nomads to create an authentic story exploring their neo-Western lifestyle as they journey and coin themselves, “houseless.”
In our new series that highlights local eateries, bakeries, small businesses and more OGB Life looks at Cin Cin Burger Bar. Located in Winston-Salem’s downtown, Cin Cin burger bar is a beautifully decorated speakeasy themed burger bar. My personal favorite are their burgers, but I am told their chicken and waffles exceed all expectations. Stop by to try a gourmet patty or one of their signature decadent milkshakes.
Page 18 | Thursdsay, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Life
App Review | Productivity
Productivity app to revolutionize business Versatile app, Notion, offers accessibility and productivity all in one location BY JOE CHO Assistant Life Editor choyy19@wfu.edu
Finding the right work environment can be an ironically debilitating task for someone trying to squeeze every ounce of productivity from their system. Many people, including myself, have tried different methods and tools to bolster our work ethic, but all seem to eventually fall short of our expectations. After countless trials and errors with Google Calendar, Microsoft OneNote, Evernote and even the old-fashioned paper and pen bullet journaling, only one service provided the quintessential experience of a comprehensive yet user-friendly workspace. Meet Notion, an all-in-one productivity tool designed to consolidate daily tasks, weekly agendas, notes, collaborative projects and databases at the expense of only a few keystrokes.
Along with the modern aspects of automatic saves, cloud synchronizations and Android/iOS compatibility, this service helps users articulate their goals and tasks in a convenient manner. Less timeconsuming to set up than bullet journaling and more accessible and integrative compared to OneNote, Notion streamlines most of the essential features of task management with a clean and lucid user interface. With its sleek design and multifaceted templates, users can also create a workspace tailored to their productivity needs. For instance, I configured my Notion environment to prompt me with my weekly agendas, which includes tasks that are enveloped by “To-do” checkboxes for each day of the week. This helps me to keep track of my assignments and errands and replaces a physical planner. Notion also lets me add pages in addition to my landing page so that it can optimize space and declutter any items that do not find a home on the main screen. Not only does this efficient task manager help my schedule clarity, it also suffices as a noble note-taking medium. Given the paradigm shift of Zoom Uni-
versity, classes and lectures seem duller than ever. Yet somehow, Notion makes note-taking an addicting chore that fills the gap of boring write-ups. Basic text formatting functions such as headings, italics, bulleting and table of contents are all apparent, but this workspace, in particular, allows features like “Toggle” that show or hide content within its entity, and the ability to embed numerous mediums like pdfs, videos, audio, calendars and even websites. Hardcore users can even tinker with API compatibility content and capture code snippets for their erudite pleasure. For me, in this case, due to my STEM background, I mostly utilize Notion’s block or inline equation function that is powered by Tex typesetting language to obtain satisfying renderings of mathematical equations. Did I mention to you that this app is collaborative? It is great for study groups because students can work together in real-time. Documents can be shared between parties to assess team projects, or if you’re someone like me, you can invite trustworthy friends to review your weekly progression, sort of like an accountability partner. Even productivity gurus
on YouTube, such as Ali Abdaal, Thomas Frank and Kharma Medic heavily endorse the utilization of Notion for self and team success. And trust me, these YouTubers aren’t boasting about Notion for nothing, since two out of three mentioned are either a junior doctor or a medical student. The only caveat to this collaborative feature is that it requires a subscription to upgrade and equip the service. Currently, Notion offers four suites catered to its respective users, and three out of four promote free trials: free, personal, team and enterprise. Fundamentally, Notion’s simple layout, easy-to-use interface and highly sophisticated task management functions are unmatched compared to other productivity apps. I strongly believe that this tool can ease the arduous task of decluttering life’s business into its core components and be broken down into bite-size pieces so that it will be easier to digest. It is a graceful workspace that I fully recommend experimenting with because it will pleasantly enhance your productivity and your mood, especially in a work-saturated environment like Work Forest.
Music Review | Remi Wolf
Student reflects on musical experimentation
I’m Allergic to Dogs! is described as a playful experience of sound and instrumentation
on this EP is to enter a different world, one that shoots out in kaleidoscopic colors, where electric guitars dance like feet on hot pavement and where Prince is somehow still alive. Wolf seems to own this alternate universe, as she delivers a sound unlike any other Indie artist I’ve heard in recent years. What I think separates Wolf the most is her sense of humor. She does not take herself seriously, though she certainly has the technical skill that would allow for that. The themes of her music stem from hilarious observations that are aided by kitschy background dings and bells, her own voice layers over itself endlessly and as the song swells,
all these elements collide with one another ensuring an earworm that lingers long after you listen to it. “Hello, Hello, Hello” depicts a girl suspicious of her lover cheating on her. She trusts her intuition, suspectBY ELLY HONAKER ing that he now gets up early to anStaff Writer swer calls from the other woman. The honaer18@wfu.edu almost samba-like guitar that lulls Remi Wolf released her sophothe song creates an air of “live and let more EP I’m Allergic to Dogs! in live,” as this song does not seem to June of last year and in five songs focus on any negative effects of being ,it encapsulates a kind of resiliency cheated on. It rather sees Wolf decide and ecstatic power only her special to leave the situation and regain her strain of funky-disco-pop can uncontrol. She creates humorous fantaleash. Her upbeat, excitable hooks sies of her lover being vegetarian when meld with a powerful voice that “he’s with his other baby,” regaining feels like an antidote to the dreary a sense of self from a situation that time we find ourselves in. To put could otherwise be extremely deflating. The whistling and dog-like panting in the background points to the title of the EP, as it feels as if she is coming to terms with being cheated on in a humorous way. This song has a fun and exciting sonic arrangement, but it also just feels refreshing to witness an artist capable of laughing at herself. In Disco Man, my personal favorite song from the EP, Wolf has found new love in a suave man who has bewitched her. Her vocals ride along with a bouncing beat that feels at moments sweet and soft but quickly rips apart into belts that seem to express the wide range of emotions that accompany the excitement of new love. Photo courtesy of Spotify It immediately transports the listener The unconventional album cover of I’m Allergic to Dogs! accurately to a sunny place where all is new and reflects the playful, psychedelic nature of Wolf’s musical styling exciting.
Wolf explores a new relationship that hasn’t experienced any hardships yet, and it feels like a moment of reflecting on the transcendent and powerful sensations that come along with that. Using the imagery of a disco, or discotheque, puts us onto a dance floor where music blares loudly and all that can be felt is the booming of the music’s vibrations. What comes naturally is to dance as all senses become washed over with sheer embodiment. When the song devolves into a repetition of “We’re on fire” along with her powerful voice sounding out — almost yelling — it becomes an embodiment of the feeling she is experiencing which seems better expressed in imagery and music than it could with words. Not a single song from this EP is disappointing. Wolf ’s observational tone when discussing love provides a uniqueness of lyrical composition that fits in perfectly with her quirky and happy-golucky reminiscings on an old love. At the same time, she stresses living in the moment. Most importantly, she can sing. Wolf ’s voice at times expressing more than her lyrics are capable of. The overall sound of this EP nods to the past but presents something new, and Wolf has an earnestness that is infectious. Cure your winter blues and turn on this EP. Get out of this world for a minute.
Page 19 | Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Life
Taking the leap, leaving the country Questions arise surrounding whether or not study abroad will happen this fall BY MICAH PORTER Life Editor portmj19@wfu.du
There comes a time during the course of a student’s college experience when they must make a decision: either to spread their wings and take flight on the adventure of a lifetime, or remain on campus to experience the full extent of traditional college. For those who have made the choice to study abroad, the benefits provide a seemingly endless supply of knowledge and life experience. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, the Wake Forest Study Abroad office offers assistance with studying in virtually any desired location, and will go to great lengths to find suitable programs outside of the scope of Wake Forest, if the program isn’t offered through the university. With over sixty percent of Wake Forest students engaging in a study abroad experience before graduating, it can be argued that immersing oneself in a foreign culture remains a common goal for many Wake Forest students. However, with the emergence of COVID-19, significant precaution has been placed on international travel, posing a great risk for those wishing to take their studies abroad next Fall. Since Spring study abroad opportunities are being postponed due to the virus, hope still remains for the Summer and Fall programs. With this in mind, it will be critical for students interested in studying abroad to consider whether or not this decision to voyage overseas is worth it. Still, it is important to consider what an experience like this will provide — starting with the obvious:
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
Italy has always been a popular destination for Wake Forest sudents interested in visiting the heart of Europe. Both Venice and Florence boast the finest dining and art in the world. repercussions, but offers insight into an entirely different way of living. From learning to harvest tea in China to riding a double-decker in London, the students who study abroad have the unique chance to witness new terrains, natural wonders, museums and historic landmarks. Not to mention that many study abroad destinations, particularly in Europe, are mere train rides away from neighboring countries, allowing for even more travel opportunities. 2) Build an Education With many students having spent the entirety of their formative years in the United States, studying abroad can mean exposure to entirely new philosophies, political views, traditions and social atmospheres. While these ideas may sound foreign at first, holding an awareness of the opinions and understandings of a new people group can both reinforce wisdom and instill a sense of understanding and humility in one’s life.
like, increases ones likelihood of receiving a job offer there. 5) Develop New Passions Studying abroad opens the door for spontaneity, and forces students to put everything on the line and live an unapologetically adventurous lifestyle; this can often result in the discovery of new talents and hobbies. The United States is home to many of the world’s most traditional hobbies, which is another way of saying most boring hobbies. But few students have ever attempted line-dancing in Ireland, or knife making in a brooding Romanian castle. Who knows what skills are out there waiting to be tapped into?
3) Improve Language Skill As the Wake Forest language requirement demands near fluency, studying abroad can provide just the amount of exposure to a foreign language for a student to cross that fluency threshold. Not only are study abroad students required to pursue language studies while abroad, but the process of immersing oneself in a new culture can consequently result in the picking up, or improvement, of an additional tongue.
6) Make Lifelong Friends This goes without saying, but the people you travel with will, without a doubt, become some of your closest friends. At least for the time you're abroad together, the friends you make — college students and locals alike — will stand as a support system during times of difficulty and homesickness. Not to mention you will be spending virtually every waking moment together and growing in friendship is a byproduct of that. Additionally, students courageous enough to reach out and befriend the locals will often find themselves invited into homes, or on a private tour of the city. In most cases, locals take advantage of any opportunity to meet and talk with American tourists, and can also provide immeasurable assistance if the language barrier is severe.
4) Grow Career Opportunities Partaking in a study abroad experience conveys to future employers a willingness to experience a new environment, as well as an awareness of a culture beyond the scope of the United States. Oftentimes, a student who falls Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University in love with the country in which they study Wake Forest students pose for a photo in front chooses to return after graduation. Having of the Taj Mahal while traveling in Agra, India. previously experienced what said county is
7) Gain Life Experience Perhaps the most important benefit on this list, what better time to experience the world than right now? Eventually, all Wake Forest students will move on with their lives; move away from the confines of campus and begin the next task of finding a career. Take advantage of this chance to study and learn about the world.
1) See the World The opportunity to live in a new country is not only a chance to act as ridiculously crazy and insanely as possible without the threat of
Page 20 | Thursday, February 25, 2021
Old Gold & Black | Life
LIFE
MEET THE EDITORS
In this edition, we decided to let y’all get to know us! We are the Life team and we are always looking to interact with the readers and writers. Get to know us here and contact us if you’re interested in writing for life, or send us an email if you want to chat! Life Editor Selinna Tran
Intro: Hi stinkers! I’m currently a sophomore at Wake Forest and I am, as the kids say, a gamer. On a serious note (not that gamer business isn’t serious), I am currently studying computer science with, hopefully, a minor in environmental studies. I love drinking tea, reading books and being swag. Favorite Wake Dining Option: Personally, my go to option for dining at Wake Forest is Forest Greens. There is something about the addictingly delicious pesto sauce (I am aware that it is 90 percent oil) on the baguette bread. Freshman Year Housing (Important to know): Johnson Residence Hall. Simply, the best. Sure, we did have mold and we had a lot of ailments in regards to our living conditions, but we had a community. Favorite Music? Oh golly. I am simply obsessed with The Strokes, but I cannot pick a favorite so I will list some of my top bands/artists I frequent listening to: Wallows, Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, Belaganas, Led Zeppelin and basically any classic rock. Why OGB? I joined OGB on a whim and ended up falling in love with the people and the place. I love interacting with writers and being able to be a part of the process of bringing words to print.
Photo courtesy of Selinna Tran
Assistant Life Editor Joe Cho
Intro: Hey everyone! Welcome to my crazy column where I talk about the deep philosophical quandaries of my existence. Oh wait, we’re not doing that segment? You want me to pretend to be a normal sophomore at Wake? Alright, fine. My name rhymes, I have fantasies of going off-grid into the woods and I am majoring in biophysics with a minor in mathematics! I am semiambidextrous and I also love music and cooking and even ... oops talking too much — on to the next question! Favorite Wake Dining Option: Forest Greens. Next question. Freshman Year Housing (Important to know): Luter, but have you guys ever tried pulling an allnighter in ZSR’s Ziesta room? Favorite Music? It’s a tie between jazz and bluegrass. As for artists, I will just throw a few out there since I listen to all types of music: Vampire Weekend, Vulfpeck, Natalia Lafourcade, the Anastasia OST and Claude Debussy. Why OGB? Why not OGB? I always wanted an outlet to take my frantic mind and transform it into a creative byproduct like journaling or writing. I found joy in watching others pour out their thoughts onto paper, which made me want to help curate their marinated ideas so that they may come to fruition.
Photo courtesy of Joe Cho
Selinna’s personality pic features her and the love Joe’s personality pic features him with all smiles of her life, the magnificent creeper from Minecraft. to represent his cheery and sunny personality!
Life Editor Micah Porter
Intro: What up everybody? I’m Micah Porter and am about as West Coast as they come; hiking, surfing, and drinking coffee are my thing, and I take advantage of any opportunity to try out new hobbies and explore the wilderness. As a political science major, I am fascinated by all things politics and pride myself on my ability to relate any argument back to climate change. Favorite Wake Dining Option: Without a doubt, Forest Greens takes the win here. My FG order follows a systematic process that must be followed in all situations: salad anytime of the day, sandwich when I don’t feel like eating and acai bowl when I’m trying to impress a girl. Freshman Year Housing (Important to know): Top floor of Babcock — ‘nuff said. Favorite Music? A blend between techno-jazz, alternative and absolute headbangers. From Miles Davis to Kanye, I’ve got a song for every mood. AKA: I’ve got a lot of moods. Why OGB? Having joined OGB during freshman fall, I’ve enjoyed every opportunity to highlight the awesome talent, achievements and student voices on campus. It is my goal as Life co-Editor to elevate the diverse interests and perspectives on campus.
Photo courtesy of Micah Porter
Micah’s personality pic features him in his natural habitat as a self-proclaimed “granola boy.”
MESSAGE FROM LIFE: First, we want to issue a huge thank you to all readers and contributors to Life, we would not be here without y’all. We want to provide our personal anecdotal self-love experiences that have helped each of us on campus. We want to make sure all of our lovely readers are staying healthy and happy. We all know it has been a tough semester for everyone, and we want to offer a helping hand. You all are amazing and have gotten so far given the circumstances. Go Deacs! From Selinna, “One of my best memories at Wake was a painting day on the quad. This was
a simple and relaxing day where my friends and I laid a blanket down on the upper quad, vibed to music and painted together. I was able to admire and appreciate the beauty of our campus and also take the time to just slow down and breathe — something we all forget to do at ‘Work Forest.’ Give yourself a break and go paint on the quad!” From Joe, “As for me, I personally love the Ziesta room in the ZSR Library. It’s like a sacred little nook where I can focus on my work in peace, recline on what seems to be the only lounge-worthy chair in the entire campus and
sometimes take wonderful naps to restore my battery.” From Micah, “During the pandemic we are currently facing, my best mental health tip is to take advantage of the green space on campus. If you have a blanket/hammock, spend the day outside, weather permitting. Turn on those vibes and just relax. “ No matter what you do, just remember to put your mental health at the forefront. There are a lot of resources available on campus like the Wellbeing center with opportunities for introspection and reflection.