Volume 94, Issue 7

VOL 94 : 07 october 5th, 2016 The independent student newspaper of St. John’s University

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SJU OFFERS HISTORIC TRIP ABROAD TO CUBA INSIDE THE ISSUE Tipoff: SGI discusses lack of performer at last floor meeting Page 5 FALL ME MAYBE:

4 Sieta Leon painted this scene of Cuba to honor the recent addition of the country to the list of places SJU students can study abroad.

ISABELLA BRUNI Chief Copy Editor After nearly 50 years of political tensions, the United States is now beginning to take advantage of the opportunity to enter Cuba after diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored this past July. This decision extends to St. John’s, where The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies Chair and the program director for the trip, Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, are excited to announce a short-term program to Havana, Cuba during the winter intersession from Jan. 4-18, 2017 named “Cuba from Within.”

“It’s very exciting to have the course and trip, especially because of the diplomatic relations President Obama re-established between Cuba and the US,” said program director Camacho.

The travel ban on the U.S. into Cuba began under President John F. Kennedy after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and was officially lifted in 2010. Up until Jan. 2016, Americans had to give prior notice to the Cuban government and go through an official evaluation process in order to travel there.

Camacho has traveled back to her native Cuba multiple times over the last few years to create a curriculum to benefit American students interested in Cuban culture, liter-

ature, history, politics and other related fields of study, as well as feed into her own intellectual curiosities. Camacho is a professor of Spanish at St. John’s and emigrated from Cuba with her family as a teenager.

The program itself is open to undergraduate and graduate students and there are three courses available to take.

The classes for undergraduates include “SPA 4990A: Cuban Culture, History, Politics, Art, and Literature,” offered in Spanish or English and “LAC 1000C: Language and Culture in Cuba.” The graduate class offered is “SPA 306: Seminar on Cuban Literature, Culture, and Art.” The targeted amount of students to take on the trip is 25 but since there has been an overwhelming amount of interest with 58 applications, the number may be subject to change.

Assistant Director of Academics and Short-Term Programs, Greg Bruhn adds, “This has been the most sought after program I’ve ever seen.” Bruhn noted that students of all majors can attend the program, not just Spanish majors.

“It’s a two-week intensive program in Cuba, so the idea is to make sure that the students get to know Cuba as well as possible in that short amount of time in the intersession between the end of fall semester and before the spring semester,” said Camacho.

Continued on page 3

Highlights of the best things to do around the city for fall Pages 10 & 11

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The Torch is the official student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.

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The Torch is typically published on Wednesdays and publishes approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year. Copies are distributed for free on campus and through mail subscriptions.

TORCH PHOTO/ JON MANARANG

The first annual Meadows Festival took place this past weekend at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.

Above is a picture from Chance the Rapper’s set.

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Students to experience Havana, Cuba

Dr. Camacho talks about the details of the new two-week program offered by Study Abroad Continued from page one The official price of the program is $2,500 which includes the flight from Miami to Havana as well as hotel accommodations.

Students must pay separately for their flight to Miami and course credit.

According to the program itinerary, while in Havana, students will get acquainted with its many neighborhoods, tour the University of Havana, meet with Cuban intellectuals and have visits to Casa de las Américas (House of the Americas), Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (City Museum), Museo del Arte Contemporáneo Cubano (Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art), Port of Mariel Special Economic Zone, Museum of the Revolution, and Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum in Cuba.

Students will also get the opportunity to visit La Timba neighborhood and meet with writers, professors, trainers, and students involved in the Nicolás Guillén Foundation’s community project.

Students will also have the opportunity to keep in touch with their Vincentian roots and visit a general hospital or clinic.

Day trips outside of the home base of Havana will include the cities of Matanzas, Varadero, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Pinar del Río Province and Viñales Valley where students will visit a tobacco cooperative and meet with tobacco growers and workers.

Camacho explained that students must also complete a research project in an area that interests them.

“There will be other optional tours together with the classes as well as workshops and each student will have a research project assigned on an aspect of Cuban culture - it could be from anywhere from literature to the arts or economics,” Camacho said.

She hopes the students will remember this unique program for years to come and especially have a wider understanding and appreciation for Cuban culture.

“I hope the students gain a knowledge of

TORCH PHOTO/GINA PALERMO

Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, Chair of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and director for “Cuba From Within,” talked to the Torch about the two-week program in Havana which will give students the opportunity to explore Cuban culture.

Cuban culture, history and most importantly the Cuban people; a knowledge of how friendly and open the Cuban people are. At the university students and adults are interested in establishing long lasting friendships with U.S. citizens,” Camacho said.

“And a thirst for continuing that first time experience in terms of if they’re still doing research in Cuba the different disciplines students might be interested in. And

to go back, explore the rest of the island and go more into depth of culture and life which is so very rich,” she added.

As of Tues. Oct. 4, the Office of Global Studies has received 58 applications, while 21 students have been accepted so far and nine have confirmed their participation in the program.

They are still in the process of accepting students and will accept applications until the Oct. 14 deadline. Camacho mentioned

that she continues to receive calls about the trip from students that do not even attend St. John’s.

Three more months remain before Dr. Camacho will set off for Cuba with a select number of students. Those with any questions should visit the Office of Global Studies in Sun Yat Sen Hall.

Camacho ends, “That thirst for knowledge and that passion for Caribbean culture is what I hope the students will gain.”

Breast Cancer Walk to take place Oct. 16 SUZANNE CIECHALSKI

Editor-in-Chief As October begins, St. John’s is preparing for its 18th year participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Participating in the event is a closely held SJU tradition, as the University sponsors several events throughout the year to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

According to Paul Lazauskas, the Associate Director for Community Relations, SJU has been a flagship sponsor for the event for a number of years, usually raising $17,000 to $18,000 dollars between the Queens and Staten Island campuses. Altogether, SJU has raised around $500,000 since it began participating.

Just last year, the University had more than 75 teams participating in the walk, including Greek life, Student Government Inc., alumni and administration, among others. “[It’s] a great opportunity to bring SJU

to the Queens Community,” said Erin DiLello, the senior community manager for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The three mile walk will be held at Flushing-Meadows Corona Park near the Promenade of Industry on Sunday Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.

Students that are part of registered teams are invited to attend a free breakfast at Carnesecca Arena at 8:30 a.m., before heading out on shuttle buses.

On Staten Island, the walk will be held in Midland Beach starting at 11 a.m.

Students can expect to see an abundance of SJU pride at the event, as the pep band, dance team and cheer team will all be in attendance.

Lasauskas said St. John’s has a “huge role” in getting people pepped up for the event.

A tent for St. John’s teams to gather at will be set up near the start line.

Students can register teams on Making Strides’ website, or join independently with the Red Storm Striders team.

Location

PHOTO PROVIDED BY/OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

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SJUOK? launches for suicide prevention

A new campaign on campus aims to destigmatize mental illnesses during fundraiser

ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY/REBECCA BROOKER, IDALEA CINQUEMANI, BENJAMIN HUNT, ELIZABETH KOHLER, MICHAEL LAGATTUTA UNDER ADVISEMENT BY AARIS SHERIN

Characters of the new SJUOK? campaign. From left to right, Ned, Jacob, Bella, Katie, Rob, Max and Andrea. Each character is meant to represent a different emotion and give a face to it.

BRYANT RODRIGUEZ

Opinion Editor The Office of Student Wellness will host its 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Walk on the Great Lawn on Oct. 6 during common hour. The walk coincides with the launch of SJUOK?, a new campaign that aims to destigmatize mental illness and prevent suicide.

Student Wellness has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

To participate in the event, you must register. Interested participants can register online at bit.ly/SJUOK-Oct6, or they can register on site.

The registration fee is $1 and all proceeds will go to the Foundation. Student Wellness has set a fundraising goal of $1,000.

For this donation, participants will receive a free fruit-infuser water bottle.

This water bottle will be used during the event held at the Great Lawn. Tables will be set up along the route of the walk where participants can pick up information about the characters and issues invol-

ing mental health as well as flyers on how to help students in need. Different fruits for the water bottle will be provided at each table as well.

“A big reason people don’t seek help is because of the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Dr. Luis Manzo, Director of Student Wellness. “So this campaign is a way to normalize those emotions.”

The introduction of these new characters is a way to achieve this. By assigning emotions to characters, it can lessen the stigma associated with an emotion.

The SJUOK? campaign and its charac-

ters were designed by student graphic arts majors, including Rebecca Brooker, Idalea Cinquemani, Benjamin Hunt, Elizabeth Kohler and Michael Lagattuta who were under the advisement of Prof. Aaris Sherin, an Assistant Chairperson in the Department of Art and Design.

“The characters will help identify and acknowledge situations felt by college students on a daily basis,” an informational flyer regarding the campaign stated.

If you are in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273TALK(8255).

Painting Under the Stars celebrates Hispanic heritage

CHYNA DAVIS

Staff Writer Emphasizing the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the St. John’s community had the opportunity to attend Lambda Pi Chi Sorority’s, Painting Under the Stars event, on Sept. 29.

“This is an annual event,” said Heidi Rodriguez, President of Lambda Pi Chi Sorority.

“It started by educating about Latino artists that made an impact. It’s a very fun event for us,” Rodriguez continued. “It’s the event that hooked me into Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated.”

This year, the event was held at the D’Angelo Center’s coffee house.

“We were going to have a PowerPoint presentation explaining Latino artists from today, and the past,” said Elisa Morante, Secretary of Lambda Pi Chi Sorority.

Although the sorority was unable to show their powerpoint presentation in the coffee house, representatives mentioned they would incorporate it next year for Hispanic Heritage Month.

“It’s for us to show culture,” said Morante. “This is mostly a relaxed event. People don’t normally see cultured art.”

Even without the presentation, students gathered quickly, pulled out canvases and paint brushes as a way to relax during their busy semester.

The event was not exclusively for artists,

as those who do not like to paint also came to learn about the event.

“I like it. I’m not a creative person but I said, I guess I’ll do it,” said Sana Mirza.

“I can’t draw for life. But I do find it relaxing. It’s a nice way to be a kid when you’re stressed during exams,” emphasizes Aniqa Miazi.

“I like to paint,” added Jacelyn Yo. All three students were focused on their artwork as the music of DJ Lobo, a Hispanic artist, played in the background.

Some students were more enthusiastic to paint than others were at the laid-back event.

“People should look into more Latina Heritage events,” said Rodriguez.“One of our values is Latin culture. We use our event to promote it,.”

“I remember I didn’t come last year but I heard great things about it. I really like to paint,” said Cristina Villon.

“Painting is a way of relaxing. Since we are in school it helps take my mind off of school,” Villon continued.

“I feel like this is a great event. Not just for people that like art, but other people as well,” says Maria Villon.

In the next few weeks Lambda Pi Chi will be hosting more events as a contribution to Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Lambda Pi Chi is working with different organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Multicultural Affairs and the Latin American Student Organization.

TORCH PHOTO/CHYNA DAVIS

Students Heidi Rodriguez and Isabel Mendez at the Painting Under the Stars event on Sept. 29, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Former Secretary General of U.N. speaks at SJU

Ameerah Haq talks to students about women’s role in the field in the United Nations CARISSA HERB

Staff Writer On Monday Sept. 26 Ameerah Haq, former United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General for the Department of Field Support came to St. John’s to give a keynote on her 19 years of field experience and overall 39 years of experience working for the UN to promote peace.

The event was co-sponsored by The Women and Gender Studies and Global Development and Social Justice Programs on campus, but was open to all students and faculty.

“It was really evident that Ms Ameerah Haq has seen a lot in her career; she had faced a lot of obstacles and had to work to initiate change, and she has that kind of aura that shows it,” said Sophomore Noah Powers.

“As an anthropology and economics double major, I have a desire for so many diverse topics and experiences of my own, and hearing her speak reminded me that this desire wasn’t so far-fetched,” continued Powers.

The keynote speech was mainly directed towards women in order to enlighten them to work towards career and other goals even if the field is dominated by male figureheads.

“

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“As an anthropology and economics double major, I have a desire for so many diverse topics ... and hearing her speak reminded me that this desire wasn’t so far-fetched.”

- Noah Powers -

Within her position in the United Nations, Mrs. Haq was indirectly paving the way for women that came after her.

She broke her speech up into four parts in order to make the message easier to

transcribe.

The first part of her speech was about how over time people have begun to define women’s capabilities and, in that, their limitations.

Mrs. Haq explained that “women hit barriers, they hit legal barriers, cultural barriers, and all the barriers they hit make it harder.”

However, this doesn’t make it impossible.

The fact that the challenges were not impossible led to the last three parts of her speech on how women are now more likely to work within humanitarian, peacemaking and security jobs.

They are taken more seriously and are no longer questioned about their understanding or emotional stability.

After Mrs. Haq’s explanation of the four parts of her speech she also brought up the goals that the U.N. is focusing on for sustainable development, especially for women within it and how they have to have an equal role when decisions are being made.

Women are not filling silent roles, but they are actually there to have an effect.

A change that she was able to see was bringing women into the decision making process and even being able to go into the field locations and lead expeditions.

However, Mrs. Haq brought up an undeniable truth that currently “there is not enough action to make sure women have” the rights that they need to make large changes or take control of higher positions.

In modern times the positions have turned more in women’s favor, but Mrs. Haq had to endure a time before women were being acknowledged as equals in the workplace.

She made sure to bring up the current efforts of the U.N. as well.

She elaborated on details about how they are working with refugees, and the difference between a migrant and a refugee.

She explained that a migrant has the option to stay where they are coming from, but a refugee does not have that option.

The efforts of the U.N. are to always make changes in their process to perform better.

TORCH PHOTO/NHI TONG

5 (Above) Ameerah Haq, Secretary General for the Department of Field Support, visited St. John's University on Sept. 26.

 (Left)

Mrs. Haq, came to the University to talk to students about women’s role in the United Nations.

TORCH PHOTO/NHI TONG

SGI discusses Tip-Off performance, annual budget Co-Social Media Manager The St. John’s Student Government Inc. held a floor meeting Monday night in the D’Angelo Center and discussed multiple matters affecting the University, ranging from the highly anticipated Tip-Off to annual budgets for campus organizations.

The School Spirit Committee addressed the numerous rumors circulating about who would be performing at Tip-Off next Friday night by confirming that there is currently no artist on contract to appear at the event scheduled for Oct. 14.

Tip-Off is an annual event to celebrate the beginning of the men’s basketball season, and is traditionally accompanied by a musical guest putting on a show for St. John’s fans. In past years, performers have included artists such as Mac Miller, French Montana and J Cole.

“I would feel a lot more excited for it if they would actually announce who the performer is,” said Junior Gillyn Servidad. “I hope it’s a really great artist, because otherwise I think a lot of people will feel let down.”

“I wish they would announce whoever the artist is,”

“

said sophomore Keyla Payano. “I personally do not like suspense, and people are worried that there will be no performer.”

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ERIN BOLA

“I hope it’s a really great artist, because otherwise I think a lot of people will feel let down.”

- Gillyn Servidad -

Vice-President Richard Cantoral announced plans to potentially establish a Craigslist-style website for students to buy and sell textbooks or look for apartments solely within the St. John’s community.

All potential users would need a St. John’s-affiliated email to participate.

Cantoral also spoke about a coalition of college student governments around the country started by Georgetown

University that will work together to bring propositions to Congressmen in Washington.

The Budget Committee reviewed its overall expenditures for the first month of the semester, which totalled to $105,577.64, out of an annual budget of over $1 million. They also added five new voting members to the committee.

Senior Senator Julia Mackey recapped the first meeting of the Yearbook Committee and announced several fundraising events to take place this weekend during the annual Family Weekend including brunch and crafts.

Accumulated funds will go towards senior scholarships.

Junior Senator Aaron Richards announced the induction of finance-major Melissa Potter as a junior representative from the Tobin College of Business.

Elections for freshmen representatives will take place on Oct. 13 and 14. There are candidates for every college except the School of Education. Voting will take place online and in Montgoris Dining Hall.

Upcoming events include the SJUOK? Suicide Awareness Walk on Thursday and the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 16.

The next SGI Floor Meeting will take place on Oct.17 at 5 p.m. in Marillac Terrace.

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Politics

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First Lady urges students to vote First Vice

ARIANA ORTIZ

Staff Writer On Sept. 28, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at La Salle University in Philadelphia at a rally for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, endorsing her and advising students that each vote truly matters.

Mrs. Obama first spoke about all of the social progress made under President Barack Obama’s two consecutive terms, citing his passing of nationwide healthcare reform, the creation of millions of jobs, and the legalization of gay marriage.

She went on to speak about the high level of competence and experience needed for an individual to successfully take on the title of President of the United States, and emphasized the need for a president to have the capability to make complex decisions each day.

“For me, it’s very clear that there is only one person in this race who we can trust with those responsibilities, only one person with the qualifications and temperament for this job, and that person is our friend, Hillary Clinton,” said Mrs. Obama.

Mrs. Obama then addressed those who who may be unsatisfied with both of the presented candidates, and are undecided on whether to vote at all.

“Each of you can swing this entire precinct, and swing this election for Hillary just by getting yourselves, your family, your classmates out to vote, that’s all you have to do — but, you could also help swing an entire precinct for Hillary’s opponent with a protest vote, or by staying home out of frustration,” she continued.

“Remember, it’s not about voting for the perfect candidate, there is no such person.”

Many young people’s responses to this presidential election paints a picture of a

frustrated youth, not wholly satisfied with either presidential candidate presented to them.

Popular social media hashtags such as #IGuessI’mWithHer represent the sentiments of those who will vote for Clinton solely to keep Trump out of office.

According to a USA Today poll from August, millennials prefer Clinton 56% while 20% prefer Trump, making Trump’s approval ratings among people under 35 a historical low.

Others are outright refusing to vote, citing some of Clinton’s past political decisions which are largely seen in a negative light.

Among these are accusations of Clinton using coded racist language as she lobbied for the passage of the 1994 Violent Crime Control Act — which was passed, and led to increased incarceration rates and harsher sentencings — and voting in favor of the war in Iraq in 2002 during her time as senator of New York.

“I think people who believe in third party candidates are a little delusional…

They’re kidding themselves that they have a chance,” said Senior Kathleen Coleman.

“I understand that they’re voting with their conscience, but then I think it comes to a certain point where they have to be realistic and I think it’s…a little selfish, self-interested, to vote for a third party or write someone’s name in, or not vote at all.”

“A lot of people don’t like the fact that [Clinton is] a career politician, but I think that’s a strength because it means she knows what the job entails, and she knows how to work with people within the government and foreign leaders,” Coleman continued. “I would say that Hillary is by far the better candidate because I just

Presidential debate ANGELICA ACEVEDO

News Editor

TORCH PHOTO/WIKIMEDIA

Michelle Obama gave a talk at La Salle University in Philadelphia, addressing potential voters.

think Trump is so dangerous. If Hillary is elected, it’s not the end of the world. There are other ways to bring about the change you want to see in the country… You have more of a say and your vote does count more in local elections.”

“Everyone has the right to choose whatever candidate they want, regardless of whether the candidate they choose belongs to one of the main two parties or not,” said Junior Fredrick Ochoa.

“It is more important that people go out and vote and express their opinion politically. I also think that people don’t have a right to complain about who wins the presidency if they didn’t go and vote and make their voice be heard.”

TORCH DESIGN/STEVEN VERDILE

Although there were many interruptions and jabs thrown between the candidates for vice president throughout their debate on Tuesday night, the conversation was arguably more civil compared to the first presidential debate a week earlier.

The debate took place at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. The Democratic and Republican candidates running for the vice presidency are Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, respectively.

The debate demonstrated each of the vice president’s abilities to defend and explain their respective running candidate’s plans and policies.

However, it also showed both of the candidates’ personalities for those who aren’t as familiar with them as they are with the presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

In an NBC News poll conducted from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 among likely voters, few of them knew who the vice presidential candidates were.

For Kaine, 40 percent of voters said they heard of him; while Pence received a 33 percent of voters.

Kaine, who was in his hometown of Virginia during the debate, was playing on the offensive by not only interrupting Pence on his turn, but by also attacking Trump’s actions as a businessman.

Kaine showed that he was more confrontational towards his running mate than Clinton was during the first presidential debate.

Pence, on the contrary, proved to be Trump’s polar opposite by not being as aggressive and accusatory towards his opponent.

One of the most memorable occurences of the debate was how Kaine challenged Pence to defend his running mate, Trump, for his questionable comments throughout his candidacy.

Although Pence wasn’t as readily prepared to defend his candidate in certain instances, he did throw in some jabs at Clinton and her decisions as secretary of state.

Kaine wasn’t shy to state his opinion of Republican presidential candidate by saying early in the debate, “the thought of Donald Trump as commander-in-chief scares us to death.”

Likewise, Pence voiced his opinion on Clinton and her email scandal by saying, “If your son or my son handled classified information the way Hillary Clinton did, they’d be court-martialed.”

The moderator, Elaine Quijano, CBS news anchor, performed considerably well during the debate, making sure that the candidates kept on track.

In many instances, she made sure to reiterate the questions that she asked when the candidates tried to steer away from answering them.

This was the only vice presidential debate of the 2016 election season.

Entertainment 7

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The Meadows leaves NYC disappointed JON MANARANG Staff Writer

With the success of Governors Ball over the past few years, Founders Entertainment tried to catch lightning in a bottle once again with The Meadows NYC. Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio initially denied permits for a music festival to be held at Flushing Meadows Park during discussions to have Coachella team AEG/Goldenvoice bring their inaugural Panorama fest to Flushing Meadows the same week as Governors Ball, prompting the Founders team to host the fest only feet away in the parking lot of Citi Field.

The two day festival was reported to feature Kanye West and The Weeknd as the main headliners, but due to a scheduling conflict with a Saturday Night Live performance, The Weeknd cancelled his performance a week before the event.

There was a brief attempt at putting the “XO” singer back on the bill, playing an earlier set before replacement headliner J. Cole. Yet, The Weeknd backed out again only days leading up to the fest leaving fans irate.

The first day of the fest saw J. Cole close out the fest as his “last show for a very long time” without any details f o r future endeavors. Earlier sets included artists that have hit the festival circuit almost ad nauseam like Post

Malone, Chromeo and Grimes.

Sunday afternoon saw a sea of highlighter colored “Pablo” merchandise swarming the main stage ready for West to play his first NYC festival set since 2013 when he debuted his “Yeezus” material. The daytime slots on the main stage included indie up-and-comers like songstress Zella Day and U2-esque rockers The Temper Trap before R&B acts Bryson Tiller and Chance the Rapper. With three other stages, hip hop acts would prove to have the larger draw with Mac Miller and Pusha T bringing over massive crowds.

A fellow Chicago native and Kanye protegee, Chance the Rapper, brought his “Magnificent Coloring World Tour” to Queens. With an intricate stage production, the flow of the setlist felt wholly organic seemingly based on spur of the moment interactions with Chance and the many puppets.

Tailoring his set to the festival environment, he ripped through many tracks off of both his “Coloring Book” and “Acid Rap” mixtape, even throwing in a cover of “Ultralight Beam.”

Multiple times throughout the day, festival managers attempted to get the Kanye-centric crowd to move back as the fans on the barricade were being crushed by an impending horde.

With a pretty evenly divided crowd, much of the audience receded after Chance or were just taken out of the stage area by security due to physical discomfort. Starting off 30 minutes late, as per usual, the introduction sample of Pastor T.L. Barrett in “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1”

begat West’s appearance amongst a barrage of fireworks. The setlist, identical to most of the Saint Pablo tour ranged from early hits like “Jesus Walks” to the name dropping “Famous.”

Over halfway into the show during “Heartless” the rapper cut his set short claiming “I’m sorry, family emergency I have to stop the show.”

Confusion struck both the crowd and the event organizers, who attempted to take an intermission, but within minutes Kanye had left the premises and the fest was over, sending the audience of thousands into mass chaos.

Overall, the many mishaps, some preventable, and a lack of variety of acts, were the festival’s undoing.

With the Sunday of the festival being sold out for GA in a short matter of time, and the Saturday show seeing many demanding refunds the results were truly stratifying. Compared to Governors Ball, less of the artists were relevant or preparing to release new material. Many of the acts on the bill were already an entire year removed from their latest records, which proved to be a major disadvantage of planning a music festival in the fall.

Mexico at the Hour of Combat Art gallery presentation focuses on revolutionary photography ISABELLA BRUNI Chief Copy Editor Within the tranquil, white-walled room of the Dr. M. T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, located in Sun Yat Sen Hall, the first event held for the exhibition “Mexico at the Hour of Combat: Sabino Osuna’s Photographs of the Mexican Revolution” took place on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m.

The first of nine presentations was called “Photographic Documentation & Revolutionary Ideas,” presented by St. John’s University alum and current Photo Editor for TIME Magazine, Paul Moakley.

“Having a skill is important and photography is about taking the world in and that’s why I love it and the ways we communicate through photos,” stated Moakley during his discussion, relating revolutionary photography to the photography of the Mexican Revolution.

Moakley’s presentation, projected onto a screen in the gallery room, began with “the firsts” of photography. He discussed the first

photo ever captured, “View from the Window at Le Gras” by Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, France.

The photo depicts buildings and the countryside in blotchy black and white ink.

The original photo is displayed in the main lobby of the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center in Austin, Texas.

Another “first photo” shown was the first cell image taken by new father Philippe Khan in 1997 in Santa Cruz, Calif., the day of his daughter Sophie’s birth.

Khan then wirelessly transmitted the picture to more than 2,000 people around the world.

The main discussion Moakley was working towards was his list of the most revolutionary photos in history, decided on by himself and his colleagues. The photos chosen were not all meant to be aesthetically pleasing or beautiful, but graphic, heavy images that would make an impact on any viewer.

“The photo of Emmett Till was my favorite because it had such a large impact on the people of the time. Although it was

something so painful, it brought awareness to an issue that the country was facing,” said sophomore Alicia Guzman. “It was really cool to see how photography can have such a large impact on our society.

As a Government and Politics major it was really eye opening to see the political power that pictures can have and how that motivates people to take action.”

Emmett Till was an African-American boy murdered in 1955 at the age of 14 in Money, Mississippi by the husband and half-brother of the white woman he allegedly whistled at.

He was beaten and mutilated yet his mother chose to do an open casket the day of his wake to show the brutal and unjust death of her son. The photo was taken by David Jackson.

“Tank Man” captured by Jeff Widener in 1989 shows a protester approach the tanks in Beijing, China and has become an iconic photo of the man who represented the other Chinese protesters in the square.

Freshman Photography major Stefanie Perrote shared her favorite photo from the

presentation, “My favorite picture would have to be the one of the man dying of AIDS. I feel like it brings real awareness to the disease and what it did to the community bringing all those people together really was inspiring to myself as a photography major.”

The photo taken by Therese Frare in the Pater Noster House, an AIDS Hospice, in Columbus, Ohio called, “The Face of AIDS” embodies the horror of the fatal illness and sadness from the time of the crisis.

Other revolutionary photos Moakley presented included “Milk Drop Coronet”

by Harold Edgerton in 1957, “Earthrise”

by William Anders in 1968 and “Untitled (Cowboy)” by Richard Prince in 1989.

The exhibition “Mexico at the Hour of Combat” will stay open to the public until Nov. 17 and host more presentations through the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology, Art and Design, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Women and Gender Studies Program.

More information can be found in Sun Yat Sen Hall.

8 Entertainment

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BP oil spill exposed in new film “Deepwater Horizon” tells the story of the worst oil disaster in U.S. history ALESSIA PISCIOTTA Contributing Writer Deepwater Horizon is a biographical disaster-thriller movie about the 2010 explosion of the oil rig with the same name off the coast of Louisiana, which led to thousands of gallons of petroleum being leaked into the Gulf of Mexico.

A film based on such a scarring event is usually hit or miss. However, Director Peter Berg hit the nail on the head with this one. Unlike his last movie also taking place at sea, “Battleship,” this one staged the action well and was brave enough to openly place the blame on BP. He captured the horrors and grisly chaos. With this film, the lives of the 11 lost are remembered, and the impact of the event is felt. From the start of the movie, there were ominous and discreet signs hinting that something bad was coming. For the audience who knows that tragedy will strike, these hints were clear and it was only a matter of time before the drama began.

What really stood out to me was the cast. I thought they were amazing. Playing fictional characters is one thing, actors can make it their own; however I think it’s harder for them to play real people during a terrible situation that actually happened.

Mark Wahlberg had a lead role, playing Mike Williams, who was the Chief Electronics Technician on the oil rig. When the explosion happened, he spent most of the time saving others; he is the first person we meet in the movie – him and his wife Feli-

cia, played by Kate Hudson.

Other notable performances came from Kurt Russel, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brian and John Malkovich. Russel played Jimmy Harnell, or as everyone called him “Mr. Jimmy.” He spent the rest of the movie after the explosion with his eyes swollen shut and bleeding from multiple places, but still surged on and performed his moral duties as the offshore installation manager.

The special and visual effects in this movie were astounding. There were a lot of effects involved in making this, if one effect was not used it would have changed the whole visual aspect of the film. Much of the focus was on the flaming chaos that had become of the rig; it turned into a floating tower of fire.

Naturally with fire everywhere and the whole structure falling apart, everyone had injuries.

At one point I had my hands over my eyes because someone’s leg had gotten stuck under a huge piece of metal. But it wasn’t the leg itself that was stuck, it was the protruding bone. At least from what I saw of that, it looked pretty realistic.

Just as John Malkovich’s character mentioned, things are comprised of many parts – if one falters the whole organization (or in this case, movie) suffers. Every aspect of this movie was essential in creating an ideal disaster film, and they were all outstanding.

Watching a fiery hell in the middle of the sea with people covered in mud, blood and soot running for their lives while dramatic music plays left an intense sad feeling.

Overall, it is a must see.

Series premiere of “Westworld”

HBO’s new genre-meshing series offers cerebral storytelling

MICHAEL AMBROSINO General Manager Entertainment Editor “Have you ever questioned the nature of your reality?”

HBO’s riveting new television series, “Westworld,” offers a fresh new venture into the western genre, built within a crazy-cool science-fiction vehicle that’s heaven-in-the-living-room for fans of both genres.

That’s not to say fans of other genres won’t enjoy what “Westworld” has to offer – there’s quite a bit to love, here.

Try to imagine a dangerous, unpredictable version of Disneyland. Replace the happy, kid-friendly Elsa and Olaf mascots with humanlike robots who are suspicious of their existence.

That is Westworld – a theme park of sorts, in which wealthy consumers pay a hefty amount of money to experience a day in the wild west.

The artificial intelligence that make up most of Westworld, known as “hosts,” are programmed to speak, behave and even bleed like the real human beings who visit the theme park, called “newcomers.”

Every word the hosts say and every ac-

tion they carry out are prepared by Westworld’s management team of innovators and scientists. They may or may not have dark secrets of their own hidden within their sectors. Scene-by-scene, everything that unfolds is endlessly fascinating and undeniably haunting, and as complex as

the first two-thirds of this introductory episode, titled “The Original,” is, it still manages to hold you in its grip. It’s those elements of mystery and complexity that make it so absorbing.

The opening scenes hook you instantaneously – it’s the last few moments, espe-

PHOTO/EDITORIAL.ROTTENTOMATOES

“Westworld,” starring Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Evan Rachel Wood, airs Sundays at 9 PM

cially the final shot, that unnerve you and make you starving for more.

The show’s co-creators, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, ingeniously put strong focus on the hosts, and by the end of the episode you’re given a glimpse of the drama that is soon to come involving this artificial intelligence.

The writers build suspense slowly but confidently, and the exceptional jobs of acting, writing and directing on display here effortlessly reels you into the story’s developing dramatic tension.

Being that Jonathan Nolan is one of the co-creators, my expectations were astronomically high. Jonathan Nolan’s most notable work includes co-writing “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises,” and creating CBS’s hit series “Person of Interest.”

I’m glad to say that, so far, my expectations are met, and something tells me “Westworld” is only going to get better and better.

Inspired by the 1973 film of the same name, “Westworld” is simply terrific – engrossing, haunting, visceral, visually stimulating and dramatically involving. This is a more-than-solid opener to a series that has the potential to be something truly special.

Episode two of “Westworld” airs Sunday, Oct. 9 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

torchonline.com

“New Girl... It’s a great show to watch when you want to de-stress and just relax.”

“House of Cards... I find it interesting to see what happens in this show... those same scenarios could happen.

Michael Abdelmalek

Alicia Guzman

“Narcos... The overall production of the true story of Pablo Escobar is absolutely amazing.”

Priscilla Trieu

“The Fosters... dramatic yet heartwarming... sheds light to what foster kids go through with gay foster parents was very appealing to me.”

“The Get Down! I really recommend it... it’s genuine and really shows how the Bronx was.”

Alexander Cabrera

Entertainment 9

Jeremiah Smith

“Criminal Minds... interested in working with the FBI, so watching this show helps me visualize real-life scenarios that are very plausible.”

Gerik Castillo

Arianna PintadoStaff Writer Kamila Pawelec Staff Writer

“Orange is the New Black... I heard from all of my friends and social media how awesome it was, so I started watching it and fell in love!”

“Grey’s Anatomy... I just really like the drama. I’m also a medical major, so I kind of like the medical stuff on there.”

Gabriella Carollo

Rose Harooni

Krystal Puga

“Narcos... It’s a good show to gain a visual perspective on what occurred in Columbia during a difficult time in their history.”

“Aquarius... it’s super scandalous and wild.”

Maggie Zawatski

“Blacklist... I’m a huge fan of Raymond Reddington’s and how the scenarios aren’t repetitive like they are in other criminal shows.”

Sieta Leon

“Stranger Things... I recommend it because I think it’s different than all the other supernatural shows on Netflix and on TV.”

Alyssa Morris

Activities that will make you fall for the season Fall is the time to drink all the pumpkin spice latte you can with a turtleneck on while sitting back and watching the leaves change color. It a time for pumpkin patches, and halloween parades. Of course we can’t forget, a time to act like children still for one night out of the year.

Fun Fall Calendar Events

Pumpkin Spiced Paradise!

New York City is magical with many events going on all the time, but

Everyone knows that once the leaves begin to start changing color, you can expect to see swarms of people on campus sipping happily on a Starbucks signature- the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL for short). But why stop there when there are plenty of other fall inspired treats that the rest of NY has to offer!

CRYSTAL GRANT Staff Writer

of course autumn is more of an attention grabber due to its Halloween cheer. Be sure to take advantage of all the free and inexpensive events that will make your fall experience that much better.

1. Central Park

While Central Park is a hot spot all year round, nothing compares to the magnificence of the park in the fall, when the tree’s leaves burst into dazzling shades of red, yellow, and orange.

2. Open House New York

There is nothing more alluring than the thought of what’s happening behind closed doors. For two mere days (October 1516), you can get a glance at up to 200 of NYC’S most culturally and architecturally significant buildings normally banned from the public eye in all five boroughs.

3. Stargazing

While it’s hard to believe you can spot a single star in the sky due to the blinding city lights, for the rest of the month on Tuesday’s from dawn to dusk at the Highline Park, you can gaze at the stars with professional telescopes for free and the people from the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York can even help you distinguish between a supernova and a super giant.

4. Union Square Greenmarket

Bringing some of freshest and surprisingly affordable farm grown products to NYC, now you can go there to sample the seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins, and cider.

5. Queens County Farm Museum

Want to escape the city, but don’t feel like venturing further than where the Q46 will take you? Head to the Queens County Farm Museum. General admission and some events such as the sheep shearings is free, but the most anticipated event, the 3 acre corn maze is only $10 and runs through until end of the month.

6. Blood Manor

Does wandering through the dark send shivers down your spine? One of New York’s most adrenaline pumping haunted houses kicks off with general admission for $35, but on November 6&7 students receive 10 dollars off with a valid student ID.

7. New York City Ballet

VIDUSHI DYALL Staff Writer

Pumpkin Pie Latte

12 Corners • 155 East Broadway •121 Mott Street This one is for all the coffee junkies out there. While the classic PSL always hits the spot, if you find yourself in downtown Manhattan, 12 Corners Coffee in Little Italy offers their own twist on the PSL- their pumpkin pie latte which was voted as being NYC’s best Pumpkin Latte in 2014.

Pumpkin Scones

Alice’s Tea Cup • 102 West 73rd Street •156 East 64th Street You’ll feel like you fell headfirst into a rabbit hole once you set foot into this Alice in Wonderland themed café. They offer over 3 dozen unique tea blends that pair perfectly with their delectable treats. But the star of the season has to be their pumpkin scone which when paired with their fresh clotted cream and a pot of their “India Chai” blend tea will have you feeling warm and cozy.

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Park Avenue Autumn • Park Avenue South At 26th St. Take advantage of the warm fall days while we still have them and try the Autumn Sundae at Park Avenue Autumn. It is made with pumpkin chai ice cream, gingerbread cake, quince, candied pumpkin seeds, a molasses waggle cone and caramel apple sauce. They have successfully combined ice cream and fall with this sweet treat.

Pumpkin Cake Doughnut

Doughnut Plant • 379 Grand Street • 220 W 23rd Street If the pumpkin doughnut at Dunkin isn’t cutting it, you will be pleased to know that there is a more gourmet and delicious alternative out there. The Doughnut Plant offers doughnuts in every flavor and their seasonal pumpkin doughnut does not disappoint.

PumPkin Bun

Golden Steamer • 143 Mott St You don’t need to have a sweet tooth to take part in the pumpkin spice craze. For less than a dollar, you can indulge in a pumpkin bun from Golden Steamer in the heart of Chinatown. You can have one for lunch and go home with a pack of six that are easy to prepare so you can enjoy them at anytime.

There are very few times when college students can experience the high arts and a low price, but the New York City Ballet’s 29 under 29 program allows people under 29 years old to purchase tickets for select shows the day of the performance for $29.

8. Basketball

A new season for the Knicks starts October 8th at Madison Square Garden. Preseason tickets start at $54 . Although this may seem pricey, for true Knicks fans, the experience being there for the first slam-dunk of the year can’t be measured in dollars.

9. Greenwich Village Halloween Parade

Known as the one of hottest Halloween event in NYC, thousands of people flock to the trendy Manhattan district to gaze at the monstrous floats and their signature giant puppets. People deck out in their Halloween costumes being able to jump behind the lines and join the parade, adding to the eccentric nature of the event. The parade kicks off at Spring Street and finishing on 16th Street from 7-11 p.m.

10. Carnegie Hall Torch Photo / Gina Palermo Illustration / Mia Strizzi

Housed in a breathtaking Italian Renaissance-style building, is known as one of the most prestigious performing arts centers in the world. Hosting a range of music from classical, jazz,, cabaret and folk music. They are offering rush tickets for select shows on the day of the performance.

These are only a few ideas for a fun filled fall day. We know there’s more! Let us know what we’re missing at torcheic@gmail.com!

12 Features

torchonline.com

Perfect fall scenic spots to visit now VICTORIA LOHWASSER Staff Writer

Leaves are changing colors and all things pumpkin-spice are back. That means fall has arrived.There are so many great things to do in New York City for the fall season and just as many sites to see. Two perfect destinations where you can find a great view and an equally satisfying dining experience at The High Line and Central Park.

The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line located at Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. The Interim Walkway overlooks the Hudson River to the west and the city to the east. The sunset over the Hudson quite literally takes your breath away.

Featured along The High Line are multiple gardens and pieces of artwork. There are several bars and restaurants to check out nearby if you go.

The Brass Monkey is a pub in the Meat-

PHOTO/REZA MORENO

Central Park in the fall near The Loeb Boathouse.

packing District right next to the Highline on Little West 12th Street that has a roof deck and an extensive beer selection. The Brass Monkey is both casual and sophisticated with their rustic decoration and softly lighted, spacious rooms and deck. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. and is a great stop to make on a night out. Their food is fulfilling and tasty, and is served by a conscientious, friendly staff. As you munch on your meal, you can appreciate the Manhattan skyline from your rooftop table.

The Sugar Factory, located on 835 Washington Street, is barely a five minute walk from The High Line. It’s a little café that truly lives up to its name with the atmosphere, food and drinks available. There is a gallery of photos featuring the celebrities that dined there. They have an outdoor patio and second floor where you can take in the view of the Hudson. Open from 10:30a.m. to 2a.m., you can grab anything from breakfast to a late snack to a drink on your city adventures.

Bubby’s High Line is the perfect place to grab All-American grub. Found at 73 Gansevoort St., they’re open for brunch from 8a.m.-4p.m. and for dinner Sunday through Wednesday 5pm to 11pm and Thursday through Saturday 5 pm to midnight. According to bubbys.com, “10,000 customers [are] served every week!” Their main courses range from jerk chicken and seared salmon to shrimp tacos and a chicken burger with hand-cut fries.There are countless options at Bubby’s that are sure to leave you satisfied and full.

Central Park, a classic tourist destination, is such a pretty place to walk thru in

PHOTO/VICTORIA LOHWASSER

Catch a sunset like this one from the High Line in the evening overlooking the West Side Highway

the fall. The Loeb Boathouse is the ultimate urban oasis and is “a haven for romantics and nature lovers… [it] offers a rare tranquility within the ever-electric energy that defines Manhattan,” according to The Loeb’s website (thecentralparkboathouse.com).The restaurant is actually right on the lake at East 72nd Street and Park Drive North, so you will be surrounded by all of nature’s offerings as you dine. If you want to make a reservation you can do so through the website or call (212)517-2233. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday from 12p.m.-4p.m. and for dinner from April to November from 5:30p.m.-9:30p.m. on weekdays and on the weekends 6 p.m.-9:30p.m. It’s a beautiful

spot because you can appreciate Mother Nature as you eat and converse.

There is nothing as fun as a picnic with friends, so grab a blanket and head out to sit on the rocks in the sun or acres of green grass at Central Park. Instead of bringing lunch, indulge in authentic New York vendor hot dogs, pretzels and fruit slushies. It’ll be a simple meal for a relaxing day.

The High Line and Central Park have much to offer as fall begins. So take a break from school and work and head over there.

Indulge in some great food and conversation at these little places and enjoy the fall season.

Happy exploring.

Features 13

torchonline.com

Paris fashion week takes a bow NNEKA ANOZIE Contributing Writer

Paris fashion week weekly began the end of fashion month for 2017 spring and summer collections. With successful risks by both new and mature designers, fashion’s oldest capital is looking brand new.

Asusual, athleisure manages to stay prominent this season. The level of comfort and functionality sportswear brings has taken it from being a passing fad into a lifestyle for some. Although becoming popular in 2014, brands such as Fenty x Puma, Fendi, and Vetements have reinvented the look for spring 2017, making sports luxe more daring

PHOTO/FENTY X PUMA

and over-the-top than ever.

Rihanna combined a French icon with the trend, noting Marie Antoinette as a major inspiration for her collection. Styling corsets with sweatpants and slip dresses with hoodies, this brought a satisfying romantic twist to the brand.

Other luxury brands have embraced sportswear as well. The experimental Demna Gvsalia playfully incorporated spandex for Balenciaga. Paco Rabanne successfully mixed futuristic wear with tennis skirts and yoga pants.

Even Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, opted for more comfortable wear, clearing out his designs of the embroidered crystals and beading that was synonymous with the brand for so long.

Those staples were switched out for cutout tops, snake print and surprise, surprise: sporty shorts, tights, leggings and bra tops. This collection was described as “sexy sportswear.” If Balmain is willing to change their signature look, comfort must be key.

Speaking of new creative direction, Christian Dior and Valentino, both long standing Parisian houses, have acquired new leaders for spring. Dior was a personal favorite for many this season. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s new creative director, has already made major statements as the first ever female to hold this position.

Along with the “We Should All Be Feminists” tee, Chiuri brought fencing jackets, tulle fabric, and images of both flowers and bees to express her broad

PHOTO/YANIS VLAMOS

PHOTO/YANNIS VLAMOS

take on femininity in 2016.

Comme Des Garçons also made an important statement on womanhood this week. Conceptualizing the collection as “invisible clothes,” the Rei Kawakubo created enormous, sculpture-like designs to either symbolize the immeasurable presence of the female being, or to portray how clothing can diminish the presence of women greatly. Mysterious and beyond comprehension, Comme Des Garcons manages to be a highlight almost every season.

While Dior and Comme gave broad statements on modern womanhood, Céline simply gave women a broad collection of everyday pieces to choose from. These basics along with the house’s strong sense of color theory made it a sure continued favorite for spring.

Chloe and Off-White, both itgirl favorites, experimented with the girl-turned-businesswomanconcept and succeeded. Striped tops and pantsuits were new for both labels. OffWhite is known for its street wear and Chloe for its bohemian style. Both did well in playing it safe, mixing their signature looks with this new image.

Haider Ackerman, however, was comfortable shaking off his signature style to move in a more punk direction.

Known for his soft draping techniques, Ackerman worked toward the exact opposite for spring, creating sharply tailored pantsuits and complimenting them with bold colors like electric yellow, fuchsia pink, and bright orange.

Because Paris has the most luxury fashion houses and tends to pick up the most trends, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on the overall review of spring 2017’s fashion month. When spring does roll around, be sure to look toward these collections for the season’s trends. This won’t be the last you hear of them.

Essentials for any girl’s wardrobe Three models posing at three different shows during Paris Fashion Week. With appearences from Rihanna, Dior, and Valentino, PFW was a success.

Budget pieces that you need to stock up for the fall

VICTORIA LOHWASSER Staff Writer

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world,” says Miuccia Prada. Clothing is the first thing people see about you and ultimately, is your first imppresion. Therefore, we must always have our go-to items on hand.

Leggings, jeans, a basic tee, and a little black dress are foundations to any outfit. They’ll take us to school, work, a night out and back again.

Ladies, forget diamonds. Our real best friends are leggings. They’re completely versatile. In the classroom, pair your leggings with a regular v-neck or scoop-neck tee. Any color at all. Layering is essential—so throw on a long cardigan.

Neutral colored cardigans (black, tan, gray, white) complement colored shirts.

Depending where you work, this

outfit may be appropriate too. Dress it up by adding a scarf or necklace. Chokers are popular right now, so a simple black one will definitely get a lot of use. Going out? You don’t have to take off those comfy leggings, just add a tunic. It’s simple and stylish.

A great investment is a jean jacket.

Jackets from H&M and Forever21 start at $20. You can get any wash—light, dark, acid, even black. Adding patches to jackets are becoming trendy, so stop by Francesca’s Collections to pick them up.

While you’re there check out their array of flannels. You always need a good flannel.

Instant outfit: leggings, white tee, denim jacket, flannel tied around waist with converse or Adidas style sneakers and a black choker.

Onto jeans. They hug your curves, accentuate your waist and slim those hips—it’s impossible not to love them!

Jeans match everything, so re-wear that t-shirt-cardigan ensemble or pair your flannel with a denim jacket. Remember that long tunic? Well, it’d look great with skinny jeans or jeggings.

Dressing up jeans is easy. Take out your little booties and add any top you want. Fashion designer, Bill Blass says, “when in doubt, wear red.” It’s honestly one of the few colors that looks good on everyone.

A black blazer is a must-have. Blazers automatically label your outfit as simply chic. Substitute a cardigan for a blazer and your simple shirt will shine in a whole new way.

Instant outfit: Skinny jeans, casual top, black blazer, a necklace and your little booties or some heels.

A little black dress is a necessity.

Dress it up, down and every way in between. For school, add a flannel and either sneakers or boots. Substitute the

flannel for a denim jacket. For work, add the blazer and if you’re going out, roll up the sleeves a little and add some colored pumps. Add-ons for a black dress are easy. A colored scarf or necklace is the perfect accessory. Remember, “Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady,” says Edith Head, a costume designer.

Instant outfit: Black dress with colored pumps and a simple necklace.

Ladies, all you need are four pairs of shoes. 1. Sandals. Any kind—you choose!

2. Converses or Adidas Superstars— black and white are the easiest to match, but whatever works for you. 3. Boots.

Booties or combat boots—you choose! 4.

Black pumps. They’re perfect for a little black dress, jeans and even leggings.

Be confident in mixing and matching these basic items. Soon, everyone will be following your styling ways.

14 Opinion

torchonline.com

Chasing a writer’s dream SJU alumnus talks career at Elite Daily, first book release

GREG DYBEC Special to the Torch During my sophomore year at St. John’s, a professor told me, “If you truly know what you want to do in life, you might as well start chasing that dream in college.” He was referring to my dream of being a writer. Or more so, my apprehension to commit fully to that dream.

It was one of those inspirational movie moments: college professor imparts wisdom on young student, young student internalizes wisdom and his life turns out better for it. But hey, movie moments are movie moments because they happen in real life, too.

This is where I’ll age myself, but that encounter occurred in 2009, two years before I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and scooted off into the real world as a terrified yet eager writer.

At the time, however, I was an education major with a concentration in history. I chose this path for the simple fact that my favorite high school teacher had taught history. Sometimes when we’re uncertain of our own ambitions, we emulate.

The truth is, I was always certain I wanted to be a writer, I just wasn’t cer-

tain I’d ever pursue it seriously. Fear is that overbearing retail employee that reminds you that you can look, but you can’t touch.

During my first two years at St. John’s, I found myself writing more than ever. I’d run back to my dorm room after a history class to write a short story, or head to the library after a teacher workshop and get started to craft an essay that wasn’t required for any class. If anyone asked, I was doing homework.

My life’s map was showing some pretty clear directions, but sometimes directions exist to be ignored until you become lost enough that you have no choice but to find yourself.

I won’t pretend that once I received the sage advice from my professor everything changed and I was able to shake the fear of pursuing writing full time.

It was a slow process, something akin to piecing together a puzzle. The first step I took was getting a job at the Writing Center.

The second step was changing my education concentration from history to English. I figured being a high school English teacher meant I could at least teach books even if I never ended up writing any of my own.

The third step came during my junior year, and it was the most nerve-wracking of all. I dropped the education major altogether and stuck with just English.

That vague, stigmatized major that in my mind meant I had a myriad of options to write for a living, but in other people’s minds meant I’d end up homeless.

What followed my graduation was a challenging year of working a retail job while interning for a small online publication, freelancing for little to no money, and writing, writing, writing for the sake of writing. It was the part of the movie in which I question the value of my efforts and considered giving up, considering writing a mere hobby.

Luckily, it was also when I channeled my professor’s advice the most. After all, I’d shifted my entire focus in college to pursue my passion.

I often meet aspiring writers who keep their pursuits private, or brush off the idea of writing a book or becoming a successful blogger as an aloof fantasy. I too had moments in which I’d concealed my true desires. In December 2013, all the fighting and clawing I’d done had amounted enough to land a job at a startup called Elite Daily.

As content manager, I’d oversee the website’s editorial strategy, manage its writers and write myself. It was a risk joining a startup, but it was a chance to work handson with storytelling each day. That small start-up ended up becoming one of the most-read websites in the world.

PHOTOS COURTESY/GREG DYBEC Fast forward to 2015.

It’s time for the most cliGreg Dybec is the Managing Editor of Elite Daily. His first book, ché scene of them all, in The Art of Living Other People’s Lives, will hit shelves January 3, which I flashback to my 2017. He graduated from St. John’s in 2011. college self and my professor’s advice.

Cue montage: a colis now my first book, The Art of Living lection of slow motion shots that include Other People’s Lives: Stories, Confeschanging my major once and for all; sions, and Memorable Mistakes, and it explaining my decision to my parents; hits shelves January 3rd, 2017. clocking in and out of a mind-numbing It’s a collection of humorous essays, retail job; unpaid internships; countless and a few of them even detail those inwriting samples and resumes sent into securities and worthwhile struggles that the abyss. 2015 was the year I had the came along with the tireless pursuit of chance to pitch a few essays to a literary becoming a writer, a journey which has agent at WME. only just begun.

It was an unexpected opportunity in If I were to amend my professor’s the moment, but one I’d envisioned for advice at all, just to make it even more as long as I could remember. It was the applicable, I’d change it to: “If you truly moment preparation met opportunity. know what you want to do in life, you I was prepared because I’d been con- might as well start chasing it this very tinuously improving the craft I’d fallen second.” But that’s just me being a writin love with. I’d never stopped writing er, tweaking and revising, reminding along the way. myself that this is what I actually do for What came of those initial few essays a living now.

Flames of the Torch

This week, we reported on the inception of the two-week long study abroad program to Cuba. The advent of this program is not only historical, but is also significant in terms of faculty involvement. Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich has spent years traveling back and forth to her native Cuba to develop the curriculum for this program.

Though the travel ban from the United States to Cuba was lifted in 2010, it was only back in January when Americans began to be able to travel to the country freely.

The study abroad program is one that the Torch suggests all students apply for, if the circumstances are right.

Not only is it a once in a lifetime experience, but it is extremely historical, given the U.S. and Cuba’s past.

Dr. Camacho’s dedication to the development of this program is the kind of spirit students always hope to see from their professors and administrators.

Luckily, St. John’s is brimming with that attitude. Dr. Camacho is just one, brilliant example of the commitment to education that is embodied at SJU. Recently, St. John’s announced the appointment of 39 new faculty members in the President’s Newsletter. The new crop of professors is an extremely diverse staff with varying backgrounds.

We hope that each new professor will bring a fresh perspective to the educational atmosphere at St. John’s.

Along with this, we believe each professor will draw on their backgrounds to further enhance the diversity on our campus.

The commitment of professors is crucial for student improvement. Sure, it’s beneficial to be attend class and listen to your professor; but a professor who extends their teachings beyond the classroom is one that is truly special. It can’t all be one sided though.

The Torch encourages students to think beyond the classroom when it comes to engaging in their studies and with their professors.

The further you involve yourself in your academics, the greater the benefit is to your education.

You never know when you’ll find yourself in a riveting conversation with a professor. Or maybe, you’ll find yourself on a new study abroad trip. Here at St. John’s, the possibilities are endless.

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of the TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the TORCH. Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters via email to: torcheic@gmail.com

Politics

torchonline.com

15

A difficult choice for president BRITTANI WRIGHT Staff Writer

History was made Nov. 4, 2008 when Barack Hussein Obama II won the presidential election and became the 44th president of the United States. It was a happy day for many, with the feeling of hope and anticipated change disseminating throughout the country.

Two terms later, and the anticipation for our new U.S President couldn’t be any more adverse. This presidential election, today’s voters have the choice of electing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and businessman Donald J. Trump, a tough decision for millennials.

While Trump has proudly boasted on his “Make America Great Again” campaign, promising to utilize his business savvy to take America out of a trillion dollar debt, he is nonetheless perceived as a racist, misogynist and a disrespectful liar.

On the other hand, Senator Clinton is hoping to become our country’s first female president, while she may utilize her image as a strong, progressive woman to enhance her likeability by continuously especially by promoting her past experience as a former First Lady and also Secretary of State, but her email server scandal and questionable choices have left her with a very untrustworthy image amongst indecisive voters.

These qualms have arisen as November creeps up on us, and the decision for some isn’t

getting any clearer. “Honestly, I believe that he is great with business and is just very business savvy, but in terms of running a full country I don’t think that he would be able to do that, because there’s much more that goes into it than what he thinks… I just don’t know how trustworthy she would be as a president, and Donald Trump, you can’t trust him at all.” stated Vachon Osby, a student here at St. John’s when asked what he thinks about the competitors.

Registered voter, Amilya Jeanty commented, “In regards to this election, I don’t feel confident in either of our candidates, although I am a registered Democrat. And for that reason I am still unsure if I’ll be voting for Hillary or Donald Trump.” Although for some, it is the first time that they are of legal age to vote, the choice is not an easy one.

For many voters, it all boils down to who is essentially the lesser of two evils. The choice has gone from, “Who would make the best president?” to “Who wouldn’t be the worst out of the two?”

After last Monday night’s first Presidential Debate, the two candidates were asked questions about national issues, which for most, didn’t make the decision any clearer, as Clinton and Trump more so blatantly denied each others’ accusations in lieu of actually answering the questions.

With the final month among us, decisions will have to be made, but until then the choice of who to vote for is still a very difficult one.

CARTOON BY ANNASTASIA MARBURGER

Freedom of speech under Trump

SAHN CHOI Contributing Writer

By most accounts, Hillary Clinton may have won the first presidential debate.

However, Donald Trump certainly held his own despite constantly being put on the defensive by moderator Lester Holt.

Holt asked Trump four questions regarding the birthplace of President Obama, badgered him about the release of his tax returns, and belabored on Trump’s support of the Iraq War, neglecting to mention Clinton’s explicit support for that same war.

Clinton was not asked about her email server, the controversies surrounding the Clinton Foundation, or her laundry list of shortcomings as Secretary of State (Benghazi, Iranian nuclear deal, terrorist releases from Guantanamo).

Lauded for being a “minimalist” at the debate by the New York Times, Holt asked Donald Trump the following question towards the conclusion of the debate: “Mr. Trump, this year Secretary Clinton became the first woman nominated for president by a major party. Earlier this month, you said she doesn’t have, quote, ‘a pres-

idential look.’ She’s standing here right While much of the media continues now. What did you mean by that?” Yet, to add to the narrative that Clinton is not the New York Times honest or trustsaid Holt “opted for worthy, Trump is restraint.” being criticized That said, Trump for being honest held his own. Trump — perhaps overattacked Clinton for ly honest. Clin“[deciding] to stay ton didn’t miss a home” while he conchance to blast tinued on the camTrump for calling paign trail, making a former Miss Unistop in Philadelphia, verse Alicia Machin the week leading ado “Miss Piggy.” up to the debate.

And how did This wasn’t the Trump respond? first time Trump He said some passed over preparof those remarks ing for a debate in were said about his favor of campaignlong-time nemesis, PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ing. Back in JanuRosie O’Donnell, ary, he skipped out on the last GOP de- saying she “deserves it and nobody feels sorry bate so he could raise six million dollars for her.” for veterans.

The media, as usual, didn’t hesitate to Trump may have been put on the have a field day with Trump’s comments. defensive often, but he continued to The Clinton campaign even released a viddemonstrate the qualities that make him eo with a statement from Machado, who so appealing to his supporters: his brutally now works as an actor. honest demeanor.

One might expect Trump to backtrack and apologize, like most politicians would.

However, Trump, who was a partner in the company that owned the Miss Universe pageant, went on Fox News the next morning and said, “She was the worst we ever had. She gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem.”

Often, these sort of comments are cited as reasons to antagonize Trump. However, this presents an interesting dilemma for left-leaning voters — most people on college campuses in major metropolitan areas.

Most people would agree when we say we should be able to do, say, think, and act as we please.

We don’t want our speech to be constantly policed by political correctness. We want to say what is on our mind.

Today, it remains impossible to have a genuine debate because of political correctness. Clearly, Trump is not concerned with political correctness.

I’m reluctant to call myself a Trump supporter, but I do see his potential presidency as an avenue for increased freedom to do, say, think, and act as we please.

16 Opinion

Staying healthy CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ

torchonline.com

Veto override was a mistake NIA DOUGLAS Staff Writer

Staff Writer We are what we eat, as the saying goes. Our bodies are comprised of the foods we take in, which affects our health and our overall productivity.

The health industry promotes a better, happier life guaranteed by eating X, Y and Z brands of nutrition bars. Social media trends convince us that eating avocado toast and wearing Nike gear to dinner means that we have it all together.

But what we often forget is that nothing gives us a happier life, a happier human experience than a healthy mind does. One can eat all the avocado toast in the world and own the entirety of the Nike store two times over, but if one’s head isn’t in the right place, chances are that his or her life isn’t in the right place either.

Giving ourselves the gift of positive mental health is the best thing we can do. As students, it’s important for us to be both physically and mentally healthy. It can be argued that remaining physically healthy during school isn’t the easiest thing because of the dining options readily available to us and because of the stress that our heavy schedules lay upon us.

But for what it’s worth, it doesn’t hurt to try. Trying means getting the salad instead of the burger, getting a bottle of water instead of a small fountain drink during meal exchange, taking the stairs up to the third floor of Marillac instead of the elevator.

Achieving mental health, believe it or not, can be much more of a challenge. How do we stay focused and driven in an environment that can sometimes, if not most of the time, promote the opposite? As young adults, we’re constantly being tempted into things that can bring us unhappiness, and staying on the right course can be one of the biggest challenges we’ll ever face.

There are things we can do to fight this. We can surround ourselves with people who only make us happy, we can remind ourselves frequently that we’re blessed to be receiving an education, we can find what we love and pour our lives into it.

We’re only given one single shot at this crazy thing we call life, and we owe it to ourselves to live it in the lightest, happiest way possible.

Five days after President Barack Obama vetoed the Justice against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, the Senate voted 97-1 to override the veto on Sept. 28.

The act will allow victims of 9/11 and their families to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged involvement in the attack which, the president asserts, is a mistake.

Obama’s primary reason for choosing to veto the act was his belief that it would open the U.S. to similar lawsuits.

The president told CNN that, “The concern that I’ve had has nothing to do with Saudi Arabia per se or my sympathy for 9/11 families.

It has to do with me not wanting a situation in which we’re suddenly exposed to liabilities for all the work that we’re doing all around the world. If you’re perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that’s a hard vote for people to take. But it would have been the right thing to do.”

The JASTA specifically allows victims of terrorism to sue countries that sponsor or support terrorism, even if that country is not a designated or public sponsor of terrorism. Here lies the potential threat for America.

If other countries were to invoke a similar policy, the “work that we’re doing all around the world,” as Obama puts it, could be misinterpreted or somehow tied to funding of military or terrorist attacks.

The United States is a major power with involvement in conflicts internationally. Tragedies like 9/11 happen every day in some parts of the world, and the idea that an entire country that denies involvement in attacks can be taken to court by individuals could spell trouble for America whose military seems to span across all corners of the world.

Take the US-led airstrike against ISIS that killed approximately 73 Syrian civilians in July as an example.

Should the American people not be concerned about Syrian individual’s suing the country over attacks like those?

Of course not, because they’re not as fortunate to even consider a lawsuit during a war.

Obama noted that no one wants to vote against 9/11 families, because 9/11 is

considered a great tragedy, the great tragedy.

Yet, the American people expect sympathy and outrage from others regarding 9/11, but are comfortably numb to the tragedies of other countries which endure frequent horrors that measure up to that of the 9/11 attacks.

This ignorance towards how their country’s experience with terrorism measures up to others allows a bill like this to be passed, which basically says that the terrorism that America has experienced is unjust and they should be allowed to seek justice against all other countries, as though there is no blood on the United States hands or no country competent enough—or first world enough—to demand justice in a similar way.

PHOTO BY LAWRENCE JACKSON/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Healthfulness includes mental wellness CARISSA HERB Staff Writer

the time to help themselves or admit that they might need help.

On the St. John’s University Queens Campus, we do have facilities that offer As the weather changes and transitions into colder temperatures we might start psychiatric help in order to help you cope to push back some of our priorities, in- with any complication that you may face cluding the ones that focus on our health. throughout the year. Transitioning into University life can be When thinking of health, difficult and your work many think of the physical load may be heavy. You condition that we are in, but have to be able to tell we have to make sure to note yourself where your the mental part of things. limits lie.

A mass survey conducted by As students, we are The National Institute of Menlucky enough to have tal Health recorded that about these facilities open to 43.6 million adults over the age us when we need them. of 18 have been diagnosed with We also have the fitness a mental illness. center open on weekOften mental illnesses are days until 10 p.m. They tied with negative stigmas that offer a variety of classes they are made up for attention, that you can take with leading them to be overlooked. friends if you don’t want They can also be covered up PHOTO BY PATRICK HENDRY/ to go on your own. They by the individual’s personal WIKIMEDIA COMMONS range from yoga to spin opinion on appearing ‘weak’ or classes.

They even have kickboxing and having something wrong with them. boot camp classes that are sure to keep Unfortunately, this all makes coping you in your best shape.

I know that Montwith mental health more difficult to help manage because many don’t want to take goris Dining Hall is closer than the gym,

but just because we are offered unlimited French fries and desserts doesn’t mean you need to eat them.

If you can’t seem to find a solution to your problems by working out or going to therapy, try working on both sides of the spectrum. Mental and physical health have been linked in different studies done and has been discussed in different medical articles. The World Health Organization defined health as being “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

They have also stated that, “there is no health without mental health”. In order to be healthy all around you have to make sure to pay attention to both your physical and mental needs.

With the winter slowly creeping up on us and fall just beginning, don’t let the cold demolish your motivation to get moving.

The endorphins that you get from working out might keep your head a little more clear as we approach the lack of sunshine in the coming months.

Either way make sure you do not forget the importance of being both mentally and physically healthy.

torchonline.com

Let’s talk about sex(ism)

MADELYN STARKS Contributing Writer

Merriam-Webster defines sexism as, “prejudice or discrimination based on sex; especially: discrimination against women”.

I find this definition interesting, because of the word, “especially”. Yes, men also face sexism due to stereotypical gender roles, but Merriam-Webster uses the add in to address the exceptional discrimination against women. It’s time we start talking about why we limit the power of women.

On July 28, 2016, Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Not only was this historic, but it proved that representation in media is a key factor in raising the next generation. However, voters are still hesitant about her possible candidacy due to her gender and her lack of telling the truth. Sure, we should always hold politicians accountable for their actions, but what politician doesn’t lie?

Hillary’s dirty laundry was aired out for everyone to see, but I guarantee that this is not the first time a politician has bent the truth, especially regarding her emails. I truly do believe that if Clinton was a male, we would accept the FBI’s decision to not indict her. We should only hold her accountable for other potential decisions she would make in office.

During the first presidential debate, Donald Trump questioned the stamina and temperament of Hillary Clinton if she were to win the election. Donald Trump questioning the stamina and temperament

Opinion 17

Advice from Mama Raven’s desk

~

Q: My girlfriend thinks vegans are weird and self-righteous, but I was planning on going vegan. Do you think she’ll handle this well? If she doesn’t what should I do?

PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

of another human being is the ironic statement of the year. He doesn’t even have the stamina to stay in a marriage. Clinton is also constantly being shamed for the actions of her husband’s presidency and the fact that she may act “too emotional” as the role of president. Attributing Bill Clinton’s decisions to Hillary’s is sexist, because it makes it seem like she isn’t able to have her own identity as a woman and as a candidate.

Hillary isn’t just Bill Clinton’s wife, she is a presidential candidate with her own policy and tactics. Plus, there is nothing wrong with being emotional. Showing your emotions and being able to express

how you feel is a sign of strength. If anything, Clinton has a better temperament than Trump.

The double standards, gender roles and sexist notions are unrealistic and create a disgusting hierarchy that places less value on women.

Advocating for equal treatment of women is important because I am embarking on my own journey in society and one day I will have a daughter who will also have big dreams.

Not only will I expect her to receive equal, or more, pay for doing a better job than her male colleagues, she should be allowed to be emotional while doing so.

Filbert

by L.A. Bonté

Johnny U

A: Being a vegan is a big commitment and I applaud you for that. It’s going to take some serious willpower to start vegan life and continue it. A lot of people have the preconceived notions about vegans being self-righteous and weird, but not all of them are. It’s not the group that makes a person a certain way it’s their personality.

Your girlfriend definitely has some preconceived notions about vegans that may come from an interaction she had with them, but it’s not right for her to carry that negative image of vegans onto all vegans. I don’t know how long the two of you have been together but you obviously liked each other enough to get together in the first place.

If she accepts who you are now I wouldn’t see a reason for her not to accept a vegan version of you. If your personality changes after you become a vegan then I understand her not handling you being a vegan. If you stay true to who you are then there shouldn’t be a problem.

If she doesn’t handle you being vegan from the start then there is a problem. You aren’t doing anything dangerous or illegal if you go vegan therefore it makes no sense for her to no support you.

She might be afraid of you turning into a self-righteous weirdo. You have to reassure her that she doesn’t have to worry about that happening.

That also means you have to be open if she tells you that you’re changing in a negative way.

If she doesn’t support you going vegan for selfish reasons like not wanting a vegan boyfriend or just not supporting you then that’s a deeper problem. If you’re in a relationship with someone that doesn’t support you then I would say reevaluate the relationship and make sure it’s what you want.

If being vegan is important to you then she should respect you enough to give you some support. If it comes down to you choosing to have a girlfriend and being vegan then I would choose vegan. I hope it won’t come to that but if it does I’m sure you can find someone else that would support you and love Oreo based desserts.

Good luck, Mama Raven

Do you want some advice from Mama Raven?

Contact her at: torchopinion@gmail.com

by Alex Brewington

18 Sports

torchonline.com

Ricupati’s heroics lead SJU to tie DYLAN HORNIK

Staff Writer A season of surprises continues for the St. John’s University men’s soccer team.

Less than a month after losing a tight game to now third-ranked Syracuse, the Red Storm used a late-game equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw against Creighton.

NCAA Men’s Soccer (2OT) CREIGHTON

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ST. JOHN’S

1

The draw came with a bit of history.

Filippo Ricupati’s equalizer in the 77th minute gave him six goals in the season in just over a month. That is the highest figure for a Red Storm player since 2008.

That team made the College Cup semifinals.

Red Storm head coach Dr. Dave Masur had tempered confidence in his team after the game.

“Our objective was to win and I thought we created a lot of chances where we possibly could have won,” he said. “I’m proud of the guys’ efforts. We’re a fairly young team and a new team trying to learn how to operate and play together and we played against a very good team and I thought we really fared well.”

A combination of the Blue Jays defense and stiff winds delayed that trivia piece for the first 45 minutes. Creighton outshot St. John’s 12-1 and held the ball for lengthy

amount of time. The only Red Storm shot of the half came in the third minute on an Alistair Johnston header corralled by Creighton goalkeeper Alex Kapp.

Creighton could not find the back of the net despite clearly dominating possession and creating plenty of chances.

The back line was solid as always, blocking most of the chances headed towards goal. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Withers also made a pair of saves, including a diving stop off a corner kick in the 39th minute to preserve the clean sheet.

The Blue Jays got even early in the second half. Ricky Lopez-Espin capitalized on a rebound off of a Red Storm defender to give Creighton a 1-0 advantage in the 57th minute. It was his third goal of the season.

Harry Cooksley nearly brought the game even in the 63rd minute.

His rising shot from outside the 18-yard box was met with a leaping, one-handed save by Kapp to preserve his team’s advantage.

Cooksley, however, would have his revenge, Using a great touch and deft speed to create separation on the offensive left side of the 18-yard box.

He put a great cross into the center of the box and Filippo Ricupati flicked it onward into the back of the net to draw the two sides even.

It was the junior’s sixth assist in 2016, and his fourth to Ricupati.

Dr. Masur took note of the duo’s chemistry after the game.

“Harry has a good sense for the game

and Filo has a good sense for the goal, so those two things have helped us out and we hope it continues,” he said.

Lopez-Espin nearly put a game-winner home in the 79th minute, but his header hit the post. St. John’s earned four more corners than Creighton in the two overtime periods, but both teams came up

empty and the game ended in a draw.

St. John’s has yet to lose in Big East play (4-1-2, 1-0-2) and they sit in 5th place in the Big East standings as of Oct. 5.

The Johnnies return to the pitch for a critical match-up on Saturday against fourth place Xavier in Cincinnati. The game will kick-off at 7 p.m.

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Filippo Ricupati has six goals on the season, which is the highest figure for a St. John’s player since 2008.

Johnnies snap losing skid Winless week for St. John’s KEISHA RAYMOND Staff Writer

With a huge come from behind victory, St. John’s (11-7, 2-3) beat Big East opponent Seton Hall, 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 26-24, 26-24) at Carnesecca Arena on Saturday.

The game was close throughout with both teams unable to gain any momentum.

The Red Storm had four players with 10 or more kills. Mona Karkkainen collected 15 kills (career-high) and had a .481 hitting percentage, while freshman Erica Di Maulo tallied 50 assists (match-high).

For the third time this season, Di Maulo hit the 50 assists mark and has registered 40 or more assists in five of the last six games. She also had a career-high five aces.

Other players that helped pick up the win were Gaia Traballi and Margherita Bianchin. Trablli posted 12 kills and Bianchin collected 11 kills plus six digs. Julia Cast had an excellent game with 10 kills and superb .558 attacking percentage.

From the libero spot, Lexie Lobdell picked up 17 digs for a career high. Together, Melissa Chin and Delaney D’Amore had a total of 13 digs coming off the bench.

In the first set, Seton Hall won 25-22. Di Maulo tallied 15 of her 50 assists in that set but the Pirates managed to have a .429 hitting percentage.

The next set was tight with only one lead change. The biggest lead for either team was just four points. With the score tied at 17, the Red Storm finally took control of the frame by scoring four of the last five points to take a 21-18 lead.

The Pirates tried to mount a comeback but fell short with the Johnnies winning

the frame 25-23.

The Red Storm took a 2-1 lead by winning the third frame 24-21.

In the fourth and final set, the Red Storm had a huge comeback. St. John’s scored five consecutive points but were still down 2017 until they went on another run to take a 24-21 lead. The Pirates fought back and tied the score at 24 but the Johnnies were able to finish the comeback with a strike

by Bianchin to take to beat their Big East rival with a 3-1.

Next, St. John’s will face Marquette and DePaul at home on Friday and Saturday.

PHOTO/ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Danisha Moss had six blocks vs. Seton Hall.

She leads the Big East in total blocks with 104.

KAYLEE HERNDON Staff Writer

It was an up-and-down week for the St. John’s women’s soccer team as they continued conference play.

In their most recent match on Sunday, the Red Storm suffered their first loss in Big East Conference play, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Marquette on the road.

The Johnnies (6-2-4) were unbeaten in their last three games. This included a win and a draw in Big East action.

The first goal of the game was made

by Marquette’s Morgan Proffitt midway through the first half. Her long shot from the right side found its mark just inside the top left corner, beating Diana Poulin.

St. John’s had a scoring chance less than 10 minutes later. Samie Scaffidi re-directed a ball in the box but it was tipped away by the Eagles’ Maddy Henry.

At halftime, both the Johnnies and the Golden Eagles had five shots and both goalies had made three saves. Neither side had a corner kick opportunity.

The first corner kick went to Marquette and the ball crossed the goal line before the Johnnies’ defense could clear it, giving Marquette a 2-0 advantage.

With only a minute left in the game, Scaffidi sent another shot at the goal that was also stopped by Henry.

On Thurs. Sept. 29 the Red Storm faced the defending Big East champs, Butler, in their second Big East match of the season. The game in Belson Stadium was played to a scoreless tie.

Neither team’s offense could break the other’s defense. St. John’s sent seven shots

on target; they outshot Butler’s Bulldogs 19-14 and lead the corner kick count with seven to the Bulldog’s two.

“I thought there were some situations in the game where if we had done things a little differently, maybe be a little more physical on occasion or a little more composed in the final third, then we change that tie into a win, which is what we are striving to do moving forward,” head coach Ian Stone said in a press release.

Near the end of the second half the Johnnies had their best scoring chances when Scaffidi and Allie Moar had shots on goal in the 96th minute and the 97th minute, respectively.

Both of these shots were turned aside by Butler’s goalie Hannah Luedtke.

Diana Poulin made a season-best six saves for her eighth shutout of the season.

The standout save of the game was in the 105th minute.

Maria Collica sent a long shot towards the goal while Butler was pressuring Red Storm defense. Poulin punched the ball over the bar to keep the game scoreless.

“She was always a great shot stopper, but she’s gotten more and more confident as time has gone on.”

“She actually misjudged the flight of the ball and lost it in the lights,” Stone said. “For her to be able to re-adjust her footwork and to make the decision to punch rather than catch, it just showed that veteran experience.”

The Red Storm, who are currently 1-1-1 in the Big East, sit in sixth place.

The Johnnies will host the Georgetown Hoyas in a highly anticipated Big East matchup at Belson Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Sports 19

torchonline.com

PHOTO/BRENDAN EUGENE

Brendan Eugene, center, was named President of the RedZone student fan group in April. The fan group above poses for a picture in Madison Square Garden.

No shortage of spirit for SJU senior

Brendan Eugene takes charge of Red Storm student section

If you told Brendan Eugene three years ago that he’d be running the official student fan group of St. John’s University, RedZone, he himself wouldn’t have believed you.

Eugene, a 20 year old senior from Bay Shore, NY, was a self-described shy freshman as he began school at St. John’s in 2013.

“From my freshman year, I was fairly shy. I didn’t particularly care enough to get involved in a whole lot. I spent the better part of my freshman year in my room,” Eugene said in an interview with The Torch. “I would go to a game here and there and I had basketball season tickets so I’d go to those. If I was told about a RedZone event I would go to those, but I didn’t know anything.”

During the latter half of his freshman year, Eugene decided to get more involved in on-campus activities.

At that time, RedZone drew the majority of his attention.

One year later, Eugene interviewed for an open co-chair position but failed to impress due to his lack of knowledge of the St. John’s campus. It was then that realized his path with RedZone could go one of two ways.

“You kind of start to make a choice there,” Eugene said. “I’m either going to stop altogether or I’m going to fight harder and see if I can get another shot. So, we went with door number two.”

By junior year, Eugene secured a co-chair position on the RedZone committee and was in charge of putting together road trips for numerous sporting events. His assent within the group continued when he was appointed President of RedZone this past April.

Now in his final year with the group, Eugene has had the opportunity to reflect on some of the most memorable moments that he’s had as a member of the student fan group. Between the giveaways, road

trips and relationships that Eugene has built, he along with his six co-chairs have helped mold RedZone into one of the most recognizable student clubs on campus.

Eugene noted that there are currently 20-to-30 general body members, but the group never has any less than 50 members cheering on the Johnnies at any given event.

“There are people that come to games that don’t necessarily help us at our events,” Eugene said. “Those we’ve been seeing a rise in. I’m very proud of that. We’ve always managed to get a strong student sec-

“

ble. The openness,” Eugene said. “You can submit a design and it can end up on a shirt and you can end up getting publicity for it.”

Every RedZone President focuses on one thing they want to accomplish. Eugene is making sure they increase their membership to include all students, even the shy freshman that he can relate to.

“People will forget what you yelled, they’ll forget what you gave them and

they’ll even forget if you melted cheese on their burger. But they will never forget how they felt in that section. The way the section felt, it made me feel like something I wanted to be a part of.”

“The general goal for me this year is if even one more student can say, ‘It was because of RedZone that I felt comfortable.

The people in RedZone made me feel comfortable, made me want to be here, made me want to cheer,’ that’s enough for me.”

“

CARMINE CARCIERI TROY MAURIELLO Co-Sports Editors

“The way the section felt, it made me feel like something I wanted to be a part of.”

- Brendan Eugene

tion for every game.”

RedZone’s presence extends beyond just the sporting events. They have participated in Johnny Con, SJU Fest and are hoping to get involved in this year’s Winter Carnival.

“It’s not just necessarily barbecues and just T-shirt giveaways, we do other things where we want to encourage not just school spirit of athletics but school spirit and our traditions,” Eugene said.

While not being the main focus of RedZone, the T-shirt giveaways are a great way for the group to connect with students on campus.

In fact one of their most notable giveaways, was last year’s “Stormed Up” men’s basketball T-shirt promotion, which was submitted by a St. John’s student.

“That’s something I always encourage with RedZone. That’s why it’s so memora-

TORCH PHOTO/GINA PALERMO

The RedZone student section is in attendance for all St. John’s sporting events, including the annual Red Storm Tip-off shown above. Tip-off is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14 at Carnesecca Arena.

SPORTS October, 5 2016 | VOLUME 94, ISSUE 07 |

TORCHONLINE.COM

Life in New York DERRELL BOUKNIGHT Sports Editor

It only took Erica Di Maulo 48 hours to make her final decision, one that she had never imagined she would have to make.

The thought of leaving years of memories and success 4,000 miles in the rearview was a peculiar idea to her, yet it was one she hasn’t regretted.

Leaving her home in Milan, Italy to go to New York sounded exciting and was an opportunity she is happy she took advantage of.

But when Joanne Persico approached her following the Italian Championship Finals and introduced herself as St. John’s head volleyball coach, she went blank, recalling her reaction with a laugh.

“Uh, what?”

Atop the red and white bleachers in Carnesecca Arena, the 19-year-old freshman takes a brief look at the court, lights reflecting off the “SJU” logo centered near the spot where she’s made her mark both domestically and internationally as a setter.

Before she even played her first match at St. John’s, Persico heaped praise on her volleyball IQ, experience, physicality and setting skills. Yet having barely lived in New York for a month, Di Maulo has had to adjust from playing as a champion and captain of club team Progetto Volley Orago in Italy to a new style of play stateside, as well as to life in a big city.

But she refuses to call it a culture shock.

“New York City is a really good experience,” she says with a smile. “I’m happy with my choice, with my opportunity…It all seems like a movie.”

Her selflessness derives from her transition from volleyball in Italy to how it’s played in the Big East. She wasn’t used to assists and digs recorded back home. She was happy, but curious when she was honored as Big East Freshman of the Week in early September after winning Most Valuable Player at the Jack Kaiser Volleyball Classic, saying to herself, “What is this award?”

“Here in America, the player is good if they have great stats,” she says. “In Italy,

they don’t look at the stats. But I was really proud of myself.”

Di Maulo describes herself as wanting to do what’s best for the team, evaluating her role with the Red Storm as one she feels confident in. So when she found her team in need of a confidence boost, she didn’t hesitate to step in and encourage them to continue fighting for a shot in the Big East Tournament.

“We had a great preseason, we won seven games in a row…Then I don’t know what happened, we began to lose,” said Di Maulo. “We lost three matches in a row, and as I said to my team, I think we can do it… and if we work hard and stay concentrated on our jobs, we can still do it. I can’t predict the future, but we can do it.”

The drive she possesses now is that of which Persico saw in Di Maulo in Italy.

The Red Storm currently sit at 11-7, 2-3 in the Big East with a slew of conference games to go. Di Maulo knows she’ll play a big role down the stretch, one she says she is comfortable with. “I think I fit in pretty good,” she says. “I’m doing my best

for the team.”

Leaving Italy hasn’t been the worst transition for Di Maulo.The help and support of her teammates allowing her to settle in more easily since arriving to St. John’s. “I have great teammates, really great friends,” she says. “I’m fine here.”

She credits teammates Margherita Bianchin and Gaia Traballi, both of whom are from Italy, with guiding her. “I didn’t know [Maggie] before,” she says about Bianchin, a sophomore. “But she was really helpful. I was really, really happy to see her.”

It’s almost as if she’s back home, playing volleyball for Liceo Vittoria and sharing the opportunity with her parents and friends once again. Not much has changed.

Even 4,000 miles away, home hasn’t completely escaped.

“I know the Italian guys from the basketball team and the soccer team, I have a really great relationship with them,” Di Maulo says.

“I’m really lucky. I have my little Italian family in America.”