This year’s tuition sees a rise of roughly five percent.
Undergraduate tuition at St. John’s University increased by roughly five percent in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the University’s website. The Fall/Spring block tuition (12-18 credits per semester) for traditional and distance learning students is now $48,500 ($24,250 per semester), a rise from last year’s $46,230 ($23,115 per semester).
For third and fourth year students in the Peter J. Tobin College of Business, yearly tuition increased to $50,574 ($25,287 per semester). The fee stood at $48,208 last year ($24,104 per semester). The new tuition rates are effective from Summer 2023 through Spring 2024.
“My education is one of the most important things to me,” said junior psychology student Angelica Rivera, viewing the tuition increase as a “burden” for students, as seeking additional student loans may be necessary.
“St. John’s University remains committed to the success of each student and recognizes that the cost of attendance is a significant investment for our students and their loved ones and is often an important factor in choosing where to enroll,” said University Spokesperson Brian Browne in a statement to The Torch.
Yearly tuition for Pharm.D. students between years three and six increased to $55,528 ($27,764 per semester) from last year’s $52,934 ($26,467 per semester). Aymon Choudhury, third-year Pharm.D. student, was “confused and concerned”
when first viewing her term bill.
“I thought something went wrong on my end, but other people also experienced such a big increase,” Choudhury said, noting that she’s now required to seek financial assistance from her parents and the financial aid office.
E-bills for the Fall 2023 semester were available as of June 20 and can be viewed and paid by logging into students’ UIS accounts and accessing the Account Payment Suite. Tuition payments can be paid either in full or on a payment plan.
“In 2021-2022, 99% of our undergraduate students received financial aid,” Browne said. “We are proud to share that in that same year, $494 million in financial aid was distributed among all St. John’s students, including $296.6 million of university funding.”
Summer and winter sessions are billed at a per-credit rate, which currently stands at $1,617 for traditional and online learning students, $1,686 for juniors and seniors in the Peter J. Tobin College of Business and $1,851 for Pharm.D. students between years three and six. The 2022-2023 per-credit tuition for each was $1,541, $1,607 and $1,764, respectively.
“This summer, I wanted to enroll in a course, but once I saw that the tuition would be just shy of $5,000, I felt it wasn’t worth it,” Rivera said. “If the class were more affordable, I may have been more inclined to take it.”
Rivera hopes the increased tuition would be used
towards renovating buildings on campus — like St. John Hall, which she believes appears “old and a lot of the classrooms need some extra work” — or campus events.
“For the past few years, students have complained about the performers at Tip-Off, but the school has yet to make any changes,” Rivera said. In 2021, New York-native rapper Fivio Foreign performed at the University’s annual Tip-Off. Last year’s event saw a significantly shorter line at the ticket office as California-native rapper Blxst took the stage.
“Like other institutions, the University faces increasing costs in utilities to maintain and upgrade facilities and technology infrastructure and provide instructional and support services to students,” Browne said. “While tuition rate increases are necessary to help fund these increases in costs, the University’s commitment to student success remains its number one priority, and, to this end, the University prioritizes the operating budget to provide student financial aid awards and academic and student support services.”
Browne further noted that “the University has also invested in additional support for students in areas including Student Health Services, the Center for Counseling and Consultation, the Center for Student Success, Disability Services and Campus Activities, among others.”
Current and previous tuition information can be found on the St. John’s website.
University tops in social mobility and undergraduate business programs.
U.S. News and World Report released their 2024 “Best Colleges” rankings Sept. 18, with St. John’s University earning an overall position of 163rd out of 439 participating institutions. The University was recognized for social mobility, business programs, insurance programs and veteran-friendly schools.
In last year’s rankings, the University placed 166th overall — up three spots and up from a 170th ranking in 2020. These numbers were calculated from University-provided data in Summer 2023.
The University ranked 42nd in social mobility, recognizing the institution for “enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants,” according to U.S. News and World Report. To calculate this ranking, U.S. News looks at the University’s Pell graduation rates and Pell graduation performance. In 2023, St. John’s was ranked 41st. The University is currently tied with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Aurora University in Illinois.
The Maurice R. Greenberg School for Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science
ranked ninth in the nation, dropping down two spots from last year’s rankings.
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business ranked 135th, rising 29 spots from last year’s 164 in the report’s “Best Undergraduate Business Program” accolade. Tobin’s part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program ranks 68th.
St. John’s also ranked 113th among the best schools for veterans and active-duty military members. The University prides itself in “working with military students and veterans to ensure awareness of the VA education benefit program(s),” according to their website.
Rankings are decided through 19 “measures of academic quality,” including graduation rates, first-year retention rates and graduation rate performance. These measures are “compared with the mean and standard deviation
of other schools to create a normalized report,” according to U.S. News.
The establishment made changes from last year’s calculations, removing factors such as “alumni giving, class size, high school class standing, the proportion of instructional faculty with terminal degrees and the proportion of graduates who borrowed federal loans,” to focus more on outcomes.
This year’s event helped to raise over $60,000 in the fight against pediatric cancer.
The St. John’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams hosted their 13th annual Dribble for Victory over Cancer event on Sept. 23 in conjunc- tion with University Service Day. The event, usually done as a walk around the Queens campus, was held inside Taff- ner Field House due to inclement weather.
Dribble for Victory, formally known as Dribble for a Cure, works with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to help end childhood cancer. All proceeds from the event support the work of Dr. Mitchell Cairo — the chief of pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation at New York Medical College. Dr. Cairo spoke to the crowd about his work and impact on the foundations to open up the morning’s events.
“Supporting Pediatric cancer research, in my opinion, is one of the utmost public service things that you can do in life,” Dr. Cairo said. The impact of donations and service events held by PCRF have changed the trajectory of cancer research and service. When Dr. Cairo began his work with pe- diatric cancer only 20% of patients were survivors. Now, through the efforts of PCRF and other orga- nizations like it, 85% of patients survive.
Since 2011, St. John’s has collectively raised over $1 million for pediatric cancer research. St. John’s raised over $60,000 at this year’s event towards PCRF and the V Foundation.
Former St. John’s head coach and cancer survivor Steve Lavin helped to initially bring the event to St. John’s, which started at UCLA. Many participants remember his substantial impact on the event and continue to come back to St. John’s to continue to
help what he started at the school.
“I just remember the events with Steve Lavin and he was a very dynamic guy all the time. It was great hanging out with him and the team, and how he got [my] girls into it,” St. John’s alumni Larry Ko- vacs said in an interview with The Torch.
Women’s Basketball head coach Joe Tartamella has been involved with Dribble for Victory since it was brought to St. John’s over a decade ago. In his opening speech, he welcomed up to the podium with him a 10-year-old boy named King who has been battling cancer since he was five.
“He is living proof of why this event is so im- portant,” Tartamella said to the crowd. “I’ve talked to his parents about the joy they have from seeing people here and at other events and it’s so important no matter how much you give or how much you are touched by this.”
The final speaker of the morning was newly re- cruited sophomore forward RJ Luis of the Men’s
Basketball team. In his brief speech, he thanked attendees for their support and mentioned the impact of cancer on his own life as he lost both his grandfather and aunt to the disease.
After the opening announcements by Dr. Cairo, Tartamella, Luis and St. John’s President Brian Shanley, all participants were encouraged to join the basketball teams as they dribbled around Taffner. The cheer and dance team, who both come to the event each year to cheer on the participants and players lined the court as the band played rally songs and traditional Red Storm anthems.
Some Red Storm athletes have been participating in this event for many years, either by dribbling with the participants around campus, or by cheering everyone on from the sidelines. Before the opening speeches began the Women’s and Men’s Basketball team took time to play games with the kids and also learn a dance and cheer from the teams. The impact of helping in this event works to help their approach towards the season as a whole.
“It just reminds us that it’s more than just bas- ketball. There’s a lot of people in the community, especially with the kids who are here, that look up to us,” sophomore forward Jillian Archer said. “It just reminds us to go hard every single day.” This was her second year involved with the Dribble for Victory Event.
The Red Storm will continue aiding in the fight against cancer at the Men’s Basketball teams exhi- bition game against Rutgers on Oct. 21. The game will be benefiting the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund as part of the V Foundation and all proceeds from the matchup will go directly to- wards cancer research.
The Grammy-award winning rapper will take the stage at Carnesecca Arena this October.
Grammy-award winning rapper
2 Chainz was announced as the 2023 tip-off headliner. St. John’s Red Storm took to Instagram to share the news today. Tip-off will be held on Oct. 20 at Carnesecca Arena.
2 Chainz, or Tauheed K. Epps, has six Grammy nominations and one win in his career. He won “Best Rap Performance” for his feature on Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem” with Lil Wayne at the 55th Grammy Awards in 2017.
“No Problem” currently has 172 million views on YouTube and more than 480 million on Spotify.
The Atlanta rapper collaborated with multiple well-known artists, including Ariana Grande on “Rule
the World” and Drake on “No Lie” and “Bigger Than You.”
Tip-off is held annually and 2 Chainz follows rappers Blxst and Fivio Foreign as headliners, who performed at the event in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Tickets are available to St. John’s students started at 9 a.m. on the day of the event at the Carnesecca ticket office. The event is free to students, but they can purchase Student Season Tickets to skip the line. Last year, the line was significantly shorter than that of 2021. The event is open to the general public and alumni, with ticket sales beginning at 4 p.m. if available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 20.
Photo Courtesy / Isabella Cautero
Students view the change as an inconvenience rather than a help.
Olivia Seaman | Sept. 13, 2023St. John’s Dining expanded Boost mobile ordering into Montgoris Dining Hall for the 2023-2024 school year, after only being available in the Marillac Cafeteria and Starbucks. The change aims to make ordering food more convenient for St. John’s students.
In the 2022-2023 school year, students could use a kiosk in Montgoris to place orders for The Kitchen and Flame — the dining hall’s omelet and burger stations, respectively. Now, students must place mobile orders for these stations and Innovate, the hibachi station.
Students must download the Boost app and create an account to order through the system. Once their account is confirmed, students can order from stations at the two on-campus dining areas.
Boost ordering in Montgoris “gives students the added flexibility and convenience of ordering using a mobile application,” said executive director of conference and auxiliary services Scott Lemperle in a statement to The Torch. “Dining services is always exploring new, innovative and convenient ways to deliver services to our students.”
Many St. John’s students find that the process does the opposite. “The idea of Boost is great, but the execution of ordering is extremely inefficient,” senior JeanCarlo Maldonado said. “It takes so much longer to get the food and people’s orders always get mixed up.”
“Sometimes the order will just not go through,” sophomore Marie-Therese Nasah said. “It also doesn’t help that the app doesn’t indicate if they [the kitchen] are out of something.”
“Last week, I ordered hibachi at 12:47 and didn’t get my order until 1:19. My order was even wrong,” junior Jake Gera said. “It’s really difficult when you take time out of your lunch between work, classes and extracurriculars. Last year, ordering never took this long, even at a busy period.”
St. John’s Dining never formally announced this move, and there is no information on social media
about Boost ordering. On the first day of classes, students were introduced to the change with a sign that explained the system.
For students finding the process inconvenient, Lemperle said, “Once they [students] are more familiar with the technology, they will find the new system more convenient and eliminate wait times.”
Lemperle also assured students that Boost is “extremely reliable” and “has not had any major outages since being in place over the last several years.” He also told The Torch that any app limitations are “related to students’ devices.”
Students like Nasah also find a “disconnect” between Montgoris workers and students. “Other than small, insignificant interactions, it’s hard to form any type of relationship with them [Montgoris workers] other than a negative one.”
Nasah also points out the visible challenges the workers face during this change.
“I placed an order for eggs at 10:05. When I got to Monty’s ten minutes later, there were about ten people waiting for eggs,” Nasah said. When ordering food, the worker was still preparing order number 112 when Nasah was number 142. “When I got my eggs around 10:45, there were a lot of orders that were not picked up, and the order count was likely over 200.”
Nasah continues, “Besides being late for my class, I felt worse for the chef because she was making these orders for people who were not there.”
“The people that work here [Montgoris] are not robots and deserve to be treated with respect. Boost disregards the humanity of the people who work for the school for the assumed ease of the students,” Nasah said. “Even then, it proves to be more inconvenient than helpful.”
Gera saw “nothing wrong” wrong with last year’s ordering system. “I don’t understand why it needs to be changed,” he said.
While thrift stores have been around for decades in New York City, younger generations have caused their recent upsurges in popularity. Social media apps such as Tik Tok and Instagram have entire bases devoted to the best thrifting finds and the different ways to ensure customers are getting a good-quality item. Whether you are looking for a 90’s style jean jacket or a rock band cropped tee, here are some of New York City’s best thrift stores. MyUnique
MyUnique is a thrift store located one mile away from St. John’s University’s Queens campus. Junior Mariela Duarte speaks highly of the store, as she deems herself a “seasoned thrifter.” She and her friends enjoy spending time finding fun clothes that they will love at a fair price.
The store offers a variety of items including clothes, jewelry and homegoods. MyUnique spends a lot of its time partnering with local charities, so students can spend minimal time and money investing in a local and ethical company knowing their purchases are for a good cause.
However, MyUnique’s sister location in the Bronx has higher ratings than the Jamaica location. Hosting a two-star rating, the MyUnique in Queens is entirely subjective and depends on whether or not the store has what a customer is searching for.
L Train Vintage
L Train Vintage is a thrift chain with seven stores located around Brooklyn and one store occupying Manhattan’s East Village.. With prices that range anywhere from five dollars and over one hundred dollars, the stores carry furniture, antiques, shoes and clothes that have been meticulously examined to ensure quality.
Many St. John’s students — including junior Antonia Cuellar — can be seen with large tote bags from L Train that they customers receive after purchasing several items. Cuellar said that most of her favorite thrifting spots are located in Brooklyn, including L train. L Train currently has a fourstar review, with many customers noting how the staff is consistently restocking items to ensure that items are new and fresh.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is located in East Village and is known to buy, sell and trade items with customers. With a pink and orange exterior, a passerby would find the store impossible to miss. What sets Buffalo Exchange apart with the rest of the crowd, minus its eclectic design, happens to be its annual one dollar sales. This gives people, especially as college students, the perfect chance to have a fun day out without breaking the bank. New York City is home to some of the most exciting trends in fashion. Some of the best ways that St. John’s students are participating in reviving retro is by thrifting in some of the best spots the city has to offer.
Despite being swarmed with the vicious cycle of school, work and assignments, students can prioritize themselves during the semester with small but powerful actions.
abigail grieCo | Sept. 13, 2023
As students jump back into lectures, assignments and exams, there can be minimal time to make oneself a priority; however, spending quality time rejuvenating the mind and body allows students to take on the semester ahead without major distractions. Self-care is one of the fundamental necessities to becoming a calmer, more focused individual. From taking a nap to having alone time, self-care is beneficial in more ways than one. Here are some ways in which students can prioritize their well-being during the stressful semester.
Taking physical care of ourselves can sometimes be buried underneath the piles of assessments and discussion posts. Getting a headache from looking at a computer for several hours of the day, trying to read and the words blurring together or even shaking from forgetting to eat while completing an important assignment are all signs of physical fatigue.
A student’s physical health during the semester can be taken care of by doing small things that are comforting and relaxing. This can range from a long, warm shower to watching a favorite television show. These and similar activities reduce stress and clear the mind, providing students with the basic necessities to take on a work-loaded semester.
Naps Are a Student’s
Naps are not only beneficial for children; in fact, they are extremely beneficial for college students as well. A nap reduces daytime sleepiness, but it also recharges and refreshes the mind and senses. Additionally, focus and learning performance are boosted when a nap is taken, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Students can avoid the “nap hangover” — the groggy feeling that comes with taking a too-long nap — by setting an alarm to follow the 30-90 rule. This rule emphasizes the two time slots that naps should fall into: 30 minutes or less, or 90 minutes long. Naps of these two lengths are considered optimal “because they provide restorative sleep without excessive daytime sleepiness or interference with nighttime sleep patterns.”
Adding the word “no” to your vocabulary makes space for an individual to prioritize themselves more. When it comes to saying no, students can find it difficult, especially when college life is full of social gatherings and frequent outings. However, there is no need to push yourself to go out every single night. Sometimes, it is best to stick with your gut’s reaction to receiving an invitation to go out; if your initial response is not wanting to be social, then listen to yourself. Granted, sometimes going out when you are hesitant can turn out to be a good time, yet there is the chance that individuals find themselves wishing they were back in bed. “Oddly enough, staying in for the night can also help to improve current relationships, as [students] have the chance to disconnect, reboot and appreciate those involved in your social circle,” Synergy Health Programs says. “Not to mention, making time for yourself to relax or partake in a favorite hobby is a great way to engage in some selfcare, which has major effects on both your physical and mental health.”
Too often, the positives of a situation are heavily outweighed by the negatives — for example, a 9:00 a.m. class is seen as hindering sleep rather than kickstarting a productive morning. While it is easier said than done, transforming your mindset from negative to positive will be extremely beneficial; this is not just in the world of academics, but in everyday life. For example, instead of saying “I have to go to class,” try saying “I get to go to class.” This one word difference improves the thought process to an opportunity that allows individuals to expand their minds rather than being a mandatory “must” in which many students dig in their heels.
Additionally, motivate yourself with little things, whether that be getting a coffee before class, a warm bagel or even dressing cozy. Whatever an individual’s personal motivator may be, it might just be the mini, yet powerful, baby steps to transforming the mind into having an optimistic outlook.
When it’s time to sit down and study, it can be difficult to solely focus on the materials. The world is full of distractions, whether it be technology or loud noises. While many students study listening to music, different types of music have various effects. Oftentimes, people listen to music to distract themselves; either studying for an important exam or listening to your favorite artist, album or song can be very distracting. However, peaceful, smooth music can reduce stress, improve motivation and increase focus. Here are three types of music to listen to to get you into the studying mood.
Listening to classical music may seem boring to many college-aged students. However, it can be considered one of the best studying background noises for students. With sounds pleasing to the ear, it can improve cognition in the brain, allowing information retention to expand. The peaceful effect induced by classical songs produces a dopamine increase, which prevents stress hormones and clarifies focus and thinking.
The Mozart Effect — a scientific theory that states that listening to classical music increases spatial intelligence — is widely used as academic motivation. Additionally, composers including Bach and Vivaldi are well-renowned for their 60-beats-per-minute music; this tempo can help in putting the mind into a more productive mode, allowing creativity to flow. Classical music with a
AbigAil grieco | Sept. 26, 2023tempo of 60-beats-per-minute “helps regulate the brain’s rhythm, regulating the movement and improving pulse control, which balances the very specialized powers of the left and right hemispheres,” according to Music in the Classroom. Therefore, when it’s a week full of exams, homework and lectures, classical music is a beneficial choice when needing to get work done in a timely, yet relaxed, manner.
If students are looking for more modern music to study to, both film soundtracks and instrumental versions of popular songs can be used. More often than not, film scores are instrumental-heavy, so even the soundtrack of a favorite movie can help you retain information while having minimal distractions. The Harry Potter series soundtrack has a balance between calm, joyful instruments with some more intense scores. A more whimsical soundtrack would lie within Disney, specifically Wall-E, which focuses on classical music since the film is almost entirely devoid of dialogue.
In addition, studying to instrumental renditions of modern songs is a great way to create balance. If students want to listen to a favorite song, listening to a different version is more efficient than the original while studying; this is because familiar tunes might divert attention away from study materials. Listening to songs without the lyrics allows for an easier way to remain focused on the task at
hand. To get the best of both worlds, covers of well-known radio songs can be listened to.
Though it may not seem like a music genre, natural sounds are a great way to have background noise if music is too distracting. The music of nature is perfect for students who cannot get on the classical music wave. It is known for elevating concentration levels, keeping the listener’s mind engaged in their work on a subconscious level. Additionally, it can be used to help with meditation if a study break is ever needed.
The “response to the sounds of nature have been shown to result in increased productivity, improved overall mood and deeper relaxation.” Utilizing the sounds of nature will help in calming the stress that students inevitably feel during the semester; it also allows a reset and refocus of the brain to occur, which improves clarity while working. Whether you listen to the sound of rain or the sounds of the beach, the soundtrack of nature is one that will produce a feeling of calmness that every student needs.
Ultimately, the choice of music for studying is different for every student, and it is important to experiment and find what works best for you. It is recommended to opt for music that is calming, without lyrics or distracting elements, to support your focus and productivity during study sessions.
How students can listen to music while studying in order to increase productivity and reduce stress during the semester.
College can be difficult. Between balancing classes, keeping a social life and living on your own, life as a college student can become overwhelming. However, there are many hacks aimed to ease students’ stresses — and St. John’s students described their favorite ones.
One great resource for college students is the app Libby. For free ebooks and audiobooks, students can input their library card information to “check out” books digitally. If you have trouble reading books digitally, audiobooks can be a great alternative. Students can apply online at New York Public Library for a free library card to utilize Libby.
“Participating in clubs and events at school is crucial, but make sure not to overload your schedule,” says junior Katherine Petrick who is involved in Alpha Psi Omega, Chappell Players and works for Student Affairs Operations and Performing Arts. “You can always change the groups you are a part of.” Even though it is definitely important to be active on campus, stretching yourself too thin is a major issue many students have due to their workload. Try everything — but don’t necessarily stick with everything.
Many students bring cases of plastic water bottles to store in their dorms despite the horrible effect it has on the environment. It can also be costly and annoying to have to keep buying them. Investing in a Brita is a great way to have constant clean water — but a Brita water bottle is even better.
“My friends and I got these [water bottles] freshman year and they are a lifesaver,” said junior Madison Coombs. “All you have to do is fill it and the water filters through the straw.” The bottles are available in a variation of sizes and colors and are great for students on the go.
It is essential to get to know your professors: not just how they grade, but who they are as a person. Having a relationship with professors benefits students because they are able to be more immersed in the course, and professors can even help advise students in certain areas, whether that be future course offerings or career advice.
“When I was researching potential internships, my professor was so helpful in helping me find one,” said junior Declan O’Hara. “The process can be overwhelming, but he had no doubt that I would find something.”
The cost of textbooks is incessantly high and many classes require at least one. Students can purchase used textbooks on Amazon or even their campus bookstore. It is also wise to wait to purchase the textbooks after the first day of class — since it is already syllabus week — to see if your professors actually require them, or if they have a free version available for their students.
With these hacks, St. John’s students can find ways to save money and make the most of their experience at school. College isn’t easy — but finding ways to help yourself is!
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) increased fares on subways and buses on Aug. 20 from $2.75 to $2.90. According to the MTA website, additional New York State funding allowed for a 4 percent raise instead of a 5.5 percent increase, “The MTA is always working to cut costs and to reduce operating expenses and keep fares affordable for customers.”
According to the MTA, fares increase every two years, however, salaries generally don’t rise that often. While a 15 cent increase seems like a mere few pennies, frequent users of public transportation, like college students living off campus, can feel the drain on their bank accounts.
Full time college students typically take 15 to 18 credits per semester. Credit hours are designed to set up full time students to spend the same amount of hours towards their degree as someone working a full time job. This translates to a minimum of 45 hours of a combination of in and out of class course work per week. While many
students receive financial assistance from their parents their parents or pay tuition through financial aid or loans, many still take on jobs to afford everyday expenses, such as public transportation. Assuming that a student works about 15 hours on weekends at New York state minimum wage, that sums up to $225 dollars per week. If this commuter student spends at least two fares each day for seven days of the week, this student will spend approximately 18% of their income on public transportation alone.
While MTA fares continue to go up, the quality of service doesn’t seem to rise with it. Headlines citing incidents and lack of security in subway stations don’t seem to disappear, such as the most recent random subway shoving on Chambers Street in Manhattan. Buses remain slow and overly crowded despite funding towards bus lanes and the new OMNY system, which, according to bus broadcasts, claim that buses will run more efficiently when every rider uses the system.
A reliable transportation system is one of the key reasons why students choose to stay or come to New York to earn their degrees. If using the MTA continues to get costlier without evident improvement, students may reconsider their options and New York may get less appealing.
Other cities in the United States have been moving towards free public transportation services. Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington D.C. recently signed a bill that would eliminate fares on all public buses in the City. While D.C.’s population is a small fraction of New York’s, this bill could easily attract college students who want a cheaper experience in an environment that’s also metropolitan.
The MTA’s decision to raise fares every two years is unfair to everyone that commutes into and within New York. It’s particularly unfair to college students who are preparing for their future careers in one of the most expensive places in the country. The MTA should seriously reassess their policies regarding fare hikes.
Suzanne CieCHalSKi ADVISER
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Isabella Acierno
Carlyann Carey
Alexander Gellos
James WIlliams
EDITorIAL PoLIcY
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TikTok needs to reevaluate their guidelines.
Carlyann Carey | OCt. 3, 2023
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On Sept. 5th, 2023, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah tragically died after attempting TikTok’s viral “One Chip Challenge.” The trend involves eating the Paqui chip, one of the spiciest chips in the world, and recording yourself without reaching for anything to ease the pain. NDTV reports that the student ate the chip during lunch, had to leave early due to a terrible stomach ache and passed out trying to go to his basketball practice later on. Wolobah passed away in the hospital but the cause of death was not stated. The teen’s mother believes it was this trend that killed her son.
Wolobah’s story was lost in a sea of other children who died because of social media trends. Just last April, 13-year-old Jacob Stevens died of a Benadryl overdose that TikTok told him would simply make him hallucinate. ABC6 writes about Stevens’ father’s response to social media trends correlating with children’s deaths. He says that social media platforms should have age restrictions, but any person who grew up with these apps knows that nothing gets by these kids.
In fact, one can argue that the exclusivity makes it more appealing. This also applies to lawmakers wanting to take down the app entirely. The issue with that is that more apps like TikTok will spring up and repeat the cycle. Instagram and YouTube have already begun attempting to make more money and get higher engagement with “reels” and “shorts.”
Instead the problem lies with algorithms. Algorithms are exactly what makes people so addicted to the app. According
to the New York Times, the app uses how long consumers look at videos, which videos they like and even which ones they send to their friends to create a feed full of content they love. Often, in order to make as much money as possible, these apps keep up dangerous videos geared towards kids because they get high levels of engagement from teenagers around the country.
Take for example the “Devious Lick” challenge. One app had an entire nation of high-schoolers and middle-schoolers stealing things such as lockers from their schools. This is one of the many reasons why influencers have long complained how a video mentioning genitalia gets taken down, but videos featuring dangerous trends and health advice stays up for millions to view.
Commentary youtubers such as Kurtis Connor have been keeping track of these trends and the ways that tik-tokers push horrible values and dangerous trends towards children. Apps such as TikTok need to wake up to the idea that children with social media accounts keep getting younger and need to fix the system because of it.
TikTok needs to have more focus on what age groups these trends are geared towards and adjust them accordingly. If a trend that involves taking twelve to fourteen Benadryl pills is made to engage with a young fanbase, instead of putting it on the pages of teenagers, Tik-Tok needs to take it down. There is a difference between free speech and specifically making videos for children that could cause harm and death.
Photo Courtesy / YouTube Paris Videostars
The Republican Party and American conservatism stand at a crossroads on many issues; one of the most visible being foreign policy. There is a bitter divide on what our role in the world would be. In the broad sense, the GOP can be divided into two camps — on one side of this debate are the traditional conservatives in the mold of Presidents Reagan and Bush, who support active American leadership in the world, robust defense spending, alliances and the promotion of democracy (note to the reader: I’m one of the former). On the other side are the party’s Trump wing: populist and isolationist.
Nowhere is this struggle seen more clearly than with American support for Ukraine. Vladimir Putin began his war of genocidal conquest last February (though the tyrant’s war’s been ongoing since 2014), and Ukraine’s valiant struggle for national survival is the most pressing event in the world today. While the Biden administration should be doing far more in terms of supplying military aid, the fact remains that Western support for Ukraine has been faithful and reliable.
Whether this good news will last remains to be seen. American public opinion has shifted in that time, and not for the better. A CNN poll in August documented that by a margin of 55% to 45%, Americans oppose further aid. Congressional Republicans are divided: most in the Senate are in favor of aid, with Senate Minority Mitch McConnell working diligently to ensure that support for Kyiv remains consistent and bipartisan, as it should. By contrast, the naked ambition and opportunism of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy manifests itself in shameful rhetorical opposition and indulgence of the House Freedom Caucus to protect his own political fortunes. Put bluntly, this is very worrying.
This divide isn’t a recent phenomenon by any means. In many ways, this intraparty split mirrors the GOP’s great debate in the late 1940s and early 1950s — the formative years of the Cold War. As America took on its new responsibilities and sought a framework for winning the Cold War, it was obvious that this effort would have to be a bipartisan one. Perhaps inevitably, it was fitting that one of the key architects of our postwar foreign policy once held a very different position.
Like many of his countrymen, Michigan Senator Arthur Vandenberg was an isolationist before World War II. And, as was the case with many of his countrymen, the war changed his mind.
In January 1945, Vandenberg formally announced his conversion to internationalism in the renowned “speech heard ‘round the world.” It was
one of the most consequential transformations in the history of American politics, and Vandenberg would become one of America’s greatest statesmen in the process. From there, he would work intimately with the Truman administration on many wise and critical measures: military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey in 1947, shepherding the Marshall Plan through Congress in 1948 and was instrumental to founding of NATO in 1949. All these policies gathered overwhelming bipartisan support.
In opposition was Ohio Senator Robert Taft, the eldest son of President William Howard Taft, the spokesman for the predominantly Midwestern isolationists who viewed the nation’s new role as diminishing liberty at home and being provocative and wasteful abroad. In particular, Taft’s opposition to NATO reminds us that the isolationist rhetoric of the past and present is eerily similar, if not identical.
This divide would culminate in 1952, with the party’s moderates recruiting General Dwight D. Eisenhower to seek the nomination to oppose Taft. In a bitterly contested convention, Ike was nominated, and went on to win a sweeping victory in November. The party’s debate over foreign policy was sealed, and the right side had won.
The early Cold War debates matter today because just as then, the world is fraught with great danger. In 1949 China fell to communism, Russia acquired the atomic bomb, and 1950 witnessed the outbreak of the Korean War. In 2023, Rus-
sia and Communist China are ever expansionist, and while many Americans recognize the perils we face, not enough do.
Supporting our allies in Ukraine is not only the right and moral course: it is strategically sound in every way. It would halt and perhaps destroy Putin’s longstanding aim to restore the Soviet Union, and discourage a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. It is in the tradition of the Truman and Reagan doctrines, and at the cost of a mere 0.43% of our GDP, we are supplying Ukraine with the means to fight without putting any American in harm’s way.
Isolationists fail to recognize a simple truth: since 1945, our nation’s borders have ceased to be on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1950, they were in West Germany and the 38th Parallel in Korea. In 2023 those markers are in Ukraine and Taiwan.
In the simplest of terms, American global leadership is a matter of moral obligation and national destiny, because our nation’s democratic ideals and national interests are one and the same. When tyrants perpetuate evil upon their captive peoples, America cannot stand idly by and accept it. Now more than ever, we should remember the words of President George W. Bush’s second inaugural address: “The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.”
The GOP’s split on foreign policy is an echo of a past struggle that is more relevant than ever.Photo Courtesy / YouTube British Pathe
If you sang your heart out to the many melodies about heartbreak from Olivia Rodrigo’s hit debut album “SOUR,” now is your chance to shamelessly spill your guts out alongside the artist with her sophomore album “GUTS.” Released on Sept. 8, the album fiercely acknowledges the rawness of thinking with your heart instead of your head.
Highlighting the anxieties of expectations caused by her age, gender and place in society, Rodrigo stands out as one of the youngest breakout artists of the decade.
The opening track of “GUTS” sets the stage for the rest of the setlist as Rodrigo ushers in a new wave of teen spirit to the genre of rock. Titled “all american bitch,” the track mocks the many stereotypes expected from the average American woman. Ignited by rage, Rodrigo remarks, “I know my age, and I act like it,” poking fun at a term most frequently used to enforce an expected level of maturity for individuals such as herself.
The sounds of the track bounce from strings of acoustics to amplified electrics — communicating the confusion and frustration that arises from the shortcomings of meeting such standards. an utterly fanciful exaggeration to tie together her angsty rhetoric.
In the tracks “bad idea, right?” and “get him back!,” Rodrigo pursues these satirical expressions by teasing herself and her recurring temptations to rekindle with characters from her past romances.
The riff of “bad idea, right?” radiates the spirit of the many late ‘90s to early 2000s hits, something that hasn’t successfully been executed in the last decade. She humorously excuses herself from her behavior through lyrics like, “My brain goes, ‘Ah,’ Can’t hear my thoughts,” and “I just tripped and fell into his bed.” Sure, she goes against her better judgment and ignites an ancient fire that has long been out, but you or someone you know has definitely been there. Rodrigo isn’t validating her behavior, but rather is depicting a raw representation of the truth behind her imperfect cravings.
“Get him back!” is another anthem centered around satire and the impulses that dictate those of us who can’t get over that “special someone.” The title serves a double-meaning and mirrors the two perspectives of Rodrigo’s deepest desires: longing and revenge. While her sensible thoughts speculate
for ways to make her ex-lover pay for what he’s put her through, her heart yearns for a renewal in their dynamic. She spits out lyrics such as, “I want to break his heart, then be the one to stitch it up, want to kiss his face with an uppercut;” phrases that clearly contradict each other, but expressively are effective in reflecting her whirlwind of emotions.
While there is much more to Rodrigo’s story, these tracks from “GUTS” are exceptionally relatable as they speak for the inner monologues of many teens and young adults, especially those who label themselves as “20-something year old teenagers.” Sonically, Rodrigo steps out of her comfort zone by resurfacing the playful spirit of teenage angst to rock. Her lyrics touch upon the dissatisfactions of recurring social pressures, and she shamelessly mocks her patterns of behavior and her failure to meet the expected level of maturity as an established 19-year-old in Hollywood. Miss Rodrigo spills her guts out in her sophomore album, and it takes guts to do that.
Eagles legend Jason Kelce navigates his possible last season and reflects on his career.
“Kelce,” released Sept. 12 on Prime Video, follows Pro-Bowl football player Jason Kelce’s 20222023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. The film gives an intimate view into the life of Jason Kelce, a 35-year-old veteran in the National Football League (NFL), beyond his presence on the field. An emotional, entertaining, raw and unfiltered doc, “Kelce” is a must-watch for any sports fan.
In the opening scenes of the film, we see that Kelce is highly regarded as one of the most beloved Philadelphia athletes ever for his infamous Superbowl parade speech in 2018. As a boisterously unique and entertaining person, Jason Kelce fits right in with the Philadelphia crowd, and shows a genuine appreciation for the city and all that it has done over his 12-year career.
A main focus of the film is the depiction of the physical toll that football has taken on Kelce’s body for the majority of his life. As a center, Jason Kelce’s main job is to snap the ball and protect his quarterback, so he is constantly being beaten around and hit in the head. Throughout his career, he’s undergone seven different surgeries.
“Nobody’s guaranteed tomorrow. Nobody’s guaranteed years in advance. If I get CTE [chronic traumatic encephalopathy] and I can’t interact with my grandkids, I would still say playing 12 years in the NFL, making my family super prosperous, and being like an influential member of at least the city of Philadelphia is a good trade-off,”
Kelce said during the film in regards to the consequences of his possible injuries.
“We idolize living as long as possible and as healthy as possible,” Kelce reflected. “I don’t know that that’s necessarily the meaning of life.”
The film covers the Philadelphia Eagles’ stellar run throughout the 2022-2023 season, and features the highs and lows of a team going 14-3 in the regular season and dominating in their playoff run.
All the while, Jason Kelce’s younger brother Travis, star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, also led his team to the playoffs. After the Eagles won the National Football Conference (NFC) game against the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the Superbowl, Jason made his way to a pub to watch his brother win the American Football Conference (AFC) game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
For the first time in Superbowl history, two brothers were facing off against each other in what was soon deemed as the “Kelce Bowl.”
The film touches on the brothers’ inseparable bond. To become closer while living in two different cities and only seeing each other on the field most of the time, they created the “New Heights” podcast together. The documentary delves into their close relationship and how Jason saved Travis from being kicked off of their college team at the University of Cincinnati.
“I owe a lot of it, if not all of it, to the big bear.
Without that big guy, man, I don’t know what I would be doing,” Travis emotionally reflected in the film.
At the end of the film, Jason makes the tough decision to stay in the NFL.He speaks directly into the camera in an intimate one-on-one interview, making it feel like he is talking to the audience with much vulnerability as he battles his choices. In this moment we see that there is something special about dedicating your entire life to something and the feelings that come with wrestling about walking away from it. As an athlete, the game of football is indescribably pulling him to play again as he chooses what his heart says rather than his mind.
“Every logical thing is telling me I should stop playing football,” Jason Kelce says. “I have no doubt I can be a loving father. I have no doubt I can be successful. But where am I gonna get that?”
The end of the film fades into Gary Clarks song, “The Cape” as Jason walks his way through the Eagles stadium, staring at the legacy built before him. This excellent song choice symbolizes Kelce’s life as a football player and his unwavering commitment to the game of football. He’s not ready to give that up just yet.
“Kelce” is now streaming on Prime Video.
Disney’s “Ahsoka” could have major implications on the future of LucasFilm.
Since Disney’s purchase of Star Wars back in 2012, the franchise has fallen on tough times. Despite the recent success of “The Mandalorian,” much of what Disney has pushed out over the last decade was negatively perceived. Some attribute this to current president of LucasFilm Kathleen Kennedy, while others blame Disney’s desire to make a quick buck off of one of the biggest intellectual properties on the planet.
Enter “Ahsoka.”
Disney’s newest limited series, led by Dave Filoni, is off to a roaring start. Not only is it allowing fans to see some of their favorite characters in live-action for the first time, but it is also reintroducing old faces.
Hayden Christensen, best known for portraying Anakin Skywalker, makes yet another return to the franchise just one year after starring in “Obi Wan Kenobi.” The 2022 series received mixed reviews from both fans and critics. While many were excited to see Christensen and co-star Ewan Mcgregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) reprise their beloved roles, disappointment swelled due to plot holes and inconsistencies within the story.
Joby Harold and Deborah Chow were tasked with the creation of this show, both having no prior experience working with Star Wars. Harold and Chow have both found success in Hollywood before, but previous success does not always translate to success with Star Wars fans.
Filoni, a disciple of Star Wars’ godfather George
Lucas, had primarily built his career off of the backs of animated shows throughout the 2010s. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” both received rave reviews from critics. Filoni finally got his chance to contribute to a live action series in 2019. Partnering with Jon Favreau, “The Mandalorian” became a worldwide phenomenon among hardcore and casual fans alike.
Due to Filoni’s success in his first live-action project, LucasFilm and Disney tasked him to create
mately was a genius decision by Filoni, because it eliminated any accusations of the character’s dialogue being “stiff” or “horrific”, like it was in the 2005 film “Revenge of the Sith.” Ultimately, Christensen delivers a powerful performance, much to the delight of the fans.
a show building off of the original story he concepted in Rebels. The continuation follows mainstays from the Rebels series: Ahsoka, Sabine, Hera and Ezra and their ongoing conflict with the evil Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Fans were delighted after the premiere of episode five of “Ahsoka,” after Anakin and Ahsoka made their first on screen appearance together in a non-animated setting. Since Filoni wrote the script, Chritensen played the character much like he is portrayed in the animated series. This ulti-
Filoni has been so successful since becoming involved with Star Wars due to his desire to follow George Lucas’ blueprint. After originally purchasing the franchise, Disney opted to disregard Lucas’ ideas, and decided to proceed with their own characters and stories. This led to the creation of Episodes VII, VIII and IX, more commonly referred to as the “sequel trilogy.” Due to Disney’s desire to quickly capitalize on their recent purchase, they pushed out three films between 2015-2019. All three films performed so poorly that there were rumors surrounding LucasFilm that the company could opt to label the trilogy as “non-canon.” Many believe that due to the trilogy being Carrie Fisher’s final performance before her sudden passing, this idea was never put into action.
The amount of turmoil surrounding both LucasFilm and Disney is evident. As long as Kathleen Kennedy continues to be in charge of the company, that turmoil will remain. With Filoni continuing to produce critically acclaimed content, Disney may be forced to cut ties with Kennedy and promote Filoni for the sake of the future of Star Wars.
The show relies on emotional performances and visual effects to recreate a virtual world.
Hozier’s highly anticipated third album “Unreal Unearth” touches on themes of nature, love and religion, calling back motifs that can be found in Hozier’s previous two albums. The album, released on Aug. 18, sets apart the rest of his discography in its sense of grandeur, and the journey it brings its listener on.
Sonically, “Unreal Unearth” feels a lot larger than Hozier’s past two projects, both of which had a more acoustic overall sound. The production creates big, dramatic sounds,especially prevalent in tracks “De Selby Part 2” and “Francesca.” These tracks feature much fuller instrumentals and backing vocals, creating a musical atmosphere that envelops you in sound. Even on the album’s slightly softer, more acoustic songs, like “I, Carrion (Icarian)” and “First Light.” there is a sense of weight that the songs hold in their lyrics and sound.
Molly Downs | sept. 13, 2023As an artist, Hozier has the ability to use his lyricism in such a poetic way that it almost moves the listeners to another dimension, one that he’s creating through his songwriting. Many of the stories Hozier tells on this album have been inspired by Dante’s “Inferno,” the epic poem that depicts a journey through the nine circles of hell. Hozier ties certain songs to certain circles of hell or certain characters throughout the poem.
The song “Eat Your Young” is inspired by the circle of greed, shown in the opening lyrics, “I’m starvin’, darlin’, let me put my lips to something, let me wrap my teeth around the world.”
With the track “Unknown / Nth,” the singer seems to be looking back on a relationship that has ended, yet it’s written in such an adoring manner. “I swam a lake of fire, I’d have walked
across the floor of any sea, Ignored the vastness between all that can be seen and all that we believe, so I thought you were like an angel to me.” The thematic elements of personal journey and religion continue to shine through here, additional inspiration from Dante’s poem, but Hozier’s words dig even deeper, allowing the lyrics to apply to any modern-day breakup.
On “Unreal Unearth,” Hozier takes listeners on a journey filled with love and heartbreak, while taking on the theme of spirituality. Despite the productional differences in melody, tempo and meaning, the tracks flow together cohesively as an entire body of work. The album proves for a pleasurable listen with its metaphorical journey and poetic lyricism that almost transports the listener into a mythical realm that Hozier created, just with his art.
School is back in session for millions of college students across America. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, all college students understand the change and uncertainty that comes with it— and what better way to relate to it than through film and television. While the mainstream media doesn’t exactly capture the college experience, film and TV portrayals make us laugh and cry, even making students hopeful for their own college journey. Here is a list of five pieces of media that any college student can relate to.
“The Sex Lives of College Girls” (2021-)
This MAX comedy-drama created by Mindy Kaling navigates many universal college experiences, including roommate dynamics, academic pressure and self-discovery. The series portrays a diverse group of college students from different backgrounds working to find their place at a prestigious institution. The series confronts topics such as LGBTQIA+ issues, romantic relationships and class issues. Its awkward nature reminds students that no college experience is perfect and the higher education journey is a shared one.
“Community” (2009-2014)
This beloved NBC comedy follows an unlikely group of friends who come together to create a study group. Set in the fictional Greendale Community College, the show highlights the importance of finding people to make your college experience easier. In “Community,” the study group relies on each other through difficult classes, personal changes and planning post-grad life. The series reminds students that college is done best with those who work to help you succeed.
“Pitch Perfect” (2012)
While this acclaimed comedy does not exemplify the typical college experience, “Pitch Perfect” highlights the importance of joining clubs and getting involved. The film follows a freshman joining an acapella group as she learns to navigate university life. Whether it be through joining a fraternity or sorority, an athletic team or an acapella group, college is the perfect place to find people who share similar interests as you. Who knows, you might even become a nationally recognized acapella winner.
“Grown-ish” (2018-)
This Freeform series and “Blackish” spinoff showcases the college experience through Gen Z’s lens. The show begins with main character Zoey Johnson’s move from home to school and follows her entire college career. The series tackles current social issues, including the Black Lives Matter protests, hook-up culture and the pressure put on athletes. The series reminds viewers that nothing is permanent and college prepares students for the “real world.”
“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)
In season four of “Gilmore Girls,” main character Rory Gilmore begins her college career studying English at Yale University. Rory’s college experience was not perfect: she struggled with self-doubt and decided to take a semester off. It reminds viewers that college is not linear and not perfect by any means, further normalizing self-doubt and prioritizing mental health. Rory’s college experience, despite her eventual success, highlights the complexities of the college experience.
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band “had a party” Sept. 1 during their three-show residency at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Full of nostalgia, harmonica riffs, and lots of dancing, the old-time rock band blended a setlist of past and present songs in a rendition of Springsteen’s very own “Eras Tour.”
The New Jersey-born singer and his 18-member band serenaded MetLife’s 50,000-person crowd on Friday night for almost three hours. The 2023 tour is based on Springsteen and the E-Street Band’s most recent 2020 album, “Letter to You,” written about the passing of a former band member George Theiss. In a powerful speech midway through the show, Springsteen reminisced about being the last surviving member of his very first band, The Castiles, and transitioned smoothly into “Last Man Standing.”
“The Boss,” which is Springsteen’s long-standing nickname, sang 28 songs on Friday, including four add-ons, making it a massive tracklist that Springsteen and his band impressively played in just under three hours. Jersey Shore anthem, “Spirit in the Night,” from Springsteen’s first album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J” kicked off the surprise add-on songs during his hometown show.
At 73 years old, Springsteen continues to carry an immense stage presence, albeit slower than what most avid fans are used to. Despite the lack of pace usually shown by Springsteen and the E-Street band, they were as buoyant as they could be —Springsteen took no breaks throughout the entire show.
When guitarist Nils Lofgren did his signature spin across the stage during “Because the Night,” the MetLife crowd erupted in cheer at the old-time move being brought back to the stage. The music never
stopped as the crowd’s applause shifted from the ending of one song into the opening chords of the next.
“Mary’s Place” sparked extra attention from the crowd as “the Boss” called for help and walked through the crowd while singing the song about healing and moving forward. While introducing the song he exclaimed, “We’re here to bring the life out of you and we want to get the life out of you, that’s right!”
As the song amped up into the opening chords, the New Jersey crowd grew louder and louder, breathing life into the stadium and to everyone outside its confines. The closing riff of the song was delivered with passion by Springsteen, a high and powerful duet between singer and crowd that smoothed the night away into more song and dance.
Generations of fans and families came out to watch the band perform, a young boy in the general admission crowd held up a sign on the big screen that read, “My first Bruce concert!” Springsteen acknowledged the fan with a point and a wave.
Springsteen finished the night with two encores, the first included a medley of his oldest hits, “Born to Run,” “Glory Days,” “Dancing in the Dark” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” The second encore consisted of only one song, “I’ll See You in My Dreams.” In an emotional tribute to his fans, Springsteen stood solo on stage and finished out the night by singing to the crowd “When all of our summers come to an end where we can still meet and live and love again.”
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band delivered an electric performance for a crowd to appreciate the music of their past and incorporate it into their present.
St. John’s defeats UConn and Providence in their first conference games of the season.
The Red Storm got their conference play-off to a great start Sept. 22-24, beating both UConn and Providence College 3-0 at Carnesecca Arena. Set scores on Friday against UConn were 25-18, 25-13 and 25-13.
The Red Storm got the first three points of the match with a kill from sophomore outside hitter Erin Jones and two from sophomore middle blocker Ludovica Zola. They held the lead until UConn tied the set at 6-6 with a service ace. Both teams would go back and forth until the Huskies benefited on a St. John’s hitting error, leading 1110. The Red Storm then rallied a comeback, earning 10 out of the next 11 points. UConn came as close as within six with a service ace, but their offense was not enough.
The second set began with a kill from UConn, and the teams exchanged points until St. John’s led 5-4. They held this lead, scoring nine consecutive points after multiple attacking errors from UConn, bringing the score to 19-9. UConn was unable to respond, and sophomore middle blocker Magda Strambowska finished the set with a kill, bringing the score to 25-13.
UConn scored the first two points of the final set until the Red Storm came back, bringing the score to 4-3. They would hold this lead for the rest of the set, but the Huskies remained within striking distance until St. John’s rallied for five
straight points, getting three consecutive kills from Jones. UConn earned the next point, with the Red Storm scoring the next seven. Junior setter Wiktoria Kowalczyk got two aces, bringing the third to set point. Senior middle blocker Eleonora Tosi had the final kill.
Jones led the offense with 18 kills and Zola had five blocks at the net for the Red Storm. Freshman libero Rashanny Solano Smith provided excellent defense throughout the match, making back-toback diving saves in the third set.
Providence proved to be a tougher matchup for the Red Storm, but they prevailed in three sets, 25-19, 25-16 and 25-18.
Zola had the first kill of the match, and St. John’s would hold onto this lead throughout the set, although Providence was never far away. Eventually, the Red Storm had a four-point rally, bringing the score to 24-18, with kills from Jones and Zola, an ace by Jones, and a block by Tosi and Zola. Tosi had the final kill.
Junior outside hitter Giorgia Walther sends a shot toward UConn. She had 15 kills between the two matches.
The Friars held the lead for a good bit of the second set, but St. John’s was able to even the score 11-11. The Red Storm scored the next five points, taking advantage of the Friars’ attacking errors. St. John’s led the rest of the set and scored the final
four points with kills from Jones, Tosi and junior outside hitter Giorgia Walther.
The third set was back and forth between the two teams, but after two kills from both Tosi and Zola and an ace by Kowalczyk, the Red Storm pulled away, bringing the score to 16-10. The Friars attempted a comeback, even coming within two points of St. John’s, but it was not enough to reclaim the lead. The match ended with a block by Stambroska and Jones.
Strambrowska had 12 kills, Jones had another 11 and Walthers had 10. Kowalczyk tallied 36 assists.
With the two wins, St. John’s is became 10-4 for the season and 2-0 in conference play.
The Red Storm are now 11-5 and 3-1 in conference play. They continue their Big East pursuits Oct. 6 at Xavier.
Nineteen-year-old Coco Gauff and 37-year-old Novak Djokovic make U.S. Open history with their recent match.
With the U.S. Open completed, women’s singles winner Coco Gauff and men’s singles winner Novak Djokovic have climbed the ranks; with Gauff on the young end of the spectrum and Djokovic on the older, both players have made history with their wins at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
On Sept. 9, American sixth seeded Coco Gauff conquered second seeded Aryna Sabalenka in a rocky-started match. After losing the first set, 2-6, the 19-year old shook off her early match nerves and rallied to win the next two sets, 6-3 and 6-2.
Winning her first-ever major championship, Gauff now has Grand Slam titles after losing this first set to Sabalenka. Her presence on the court was energizing, and it was clear that the crowd stood behind the young yet powerful player. Gauff entered the U.S. Open as No. 6, with many doubts and negative comments thrown her way. In response, the poised 19-year-old used naysayers as motivation for her tough and precise playing. In her celebratory victory speech, Gauff said that “those who thought they were putting water on my fire, they were adding gas to it. Now I’m burning so bright.”
Despite her loss on Saturday, Sabalenka will now become the new world No. 1, while Gauff climbs the ranks from No. 6 to No. 3.
With this well-earned match and trophy comes a change in history for Gauff: she becomes the tenth teenager to win the U.S. Open’s women’s singles title as well as the youngest American — both male and female — to do so since 1999 when Serena Williams won. She is also the third American teenager to win the tournament.
On Sept. 10, second seeded Novak Djokovic defeated third seeded Daniil Medvedev in a constantly teetering match. As two strong defensive players, the score alternated with each rally.
Djokovic commanded the court, quickly learning Medvedev’s stances and abilities when it came to the match, allowing him to conquer the match in the minimum of three sets, scoring 6-3, 7-6 and 6-3.
Heading into the match, there was no doubt that Djokovic would put up a fight. The Serbian had previously won 23 major titles and was striving for his 24th.
Medvedev played an incredible game against Djokovic’s Wimbledon conqueror Carlos Alcaraz, leading viewers to believe the match to be a great one — and it was.
Like Sabalenka, Djokovic will regain his position as No. 1, surpassing the current No. 1, Alcaraz. Medvedev will remain as No. 3.
With this win, Djokovic has made history alongside Gauff. He has now become the oldest champion of this event at 37-years-old, and has
tied the record for the most major titles at 24 — something that not even the well-renowned Roger Federer and Serena Williams could do, as they only reached 23.
Currently, Djokovic is leading the national team of Serbia in the 2023 Davis Cup Finals (Group Stage), taking place Sept. 12-17 in Valencia, Spain. Just as Djokovic’s Finals wrap up, Gauff’s next tournament begins at the WTA Guadalajara Open from Sept. 17-23. However, the next time the two players will take part in another Grand Slam Tournament will be in January, beginning with the Australian Open.
The St. John’s Men’s Soccer team ended their second Big East match on Friday with a well-earned draw at 1-1 against the undefeated Akron Zips. Both teams seemed to be affected by moist conditions on the pitch as the first 25 minutes resulted in overall poor play. A red card from St. John’s sophomore defenseman Markus Pusztahegyi in the 25th minute capped this sloppiness.
Even with a man down for the rest of the contest, the Johnnies struck first in the 27th minute with a goal from senior forward Nicolas Fleuriau-Chateau. Chateau’s team-leading sixth goal came seconds after subbing on. This goal acted as a rallying cry for the rest of the team as they locked down the Zips with them going scoreless for the rest of the half. A defensive masterclass from the Johnnies back line was led by sophomore goalkeeper Alec McLachlan saving five shots in all in a season-best performance. A performance like this clearly inspired his teammates around him.
As anticipation grows for the debut of Rick Pitino and the new look Red Storm Men’s Basketball team, St. John’s University launched a pre-season docuseries titled “Rising Storm.” Much like HBO’s “Hard Knocks,’’ the series will bring fans inside the team’s training camp and allow them to get to know some of this year’s new faces in brief four minute episodes.
Over the last four years, the tight knit culture that Erik Spoelstra has built with the Miami Heat has dominated the NBA. Through grit and unity, that culture has propelled Miami to multiple conference finals appearances and two finals appearances since 2020.
In the second episode of St. John’s new all-access docuseries, Men’s Basketball head coach Rick Pitino says he’d like to build a Heat-esque culture in Queens.
“We’d like to build a little bit of that here,” Pitino said, “because it is a culture, and you have to change the culture.”
He enters a situation with the Red Storm who desperately needed a full culture reset, after years of underwhelming play on the court and unacceptable behavior off of it. Last year alone, St. John’s went 7-13 in conference play, and was forced to hand out multiple suspensions due to conduct detrimental to the team.
“We need to bring back that
strong culture where everybody’s in this for one reason, to play for that name on the front,” Pitino said.
Pitino’s culture shift started by gutting last year’s roster, only keeping two players, while bringing in 12 new faces. Episode two highlights five of those new faces: Kansas transfer Zuby Ejiofor, Oregon State transfer Glenn Taylor, Massachusetts transfer RJ Luis and incoming freshmen Brady Dunlap and Simeon Wilcher.
In Pitino’s introductory press conference, he said it takes a certain type of player to want to play for him. He stressed the need for his players to be “over the top in love with the game of basketball.” If episode two showed fans anything, it showed how committed the new faces are to bringing St. John’s back to prominence.
For both RJ Luis and Zuby Ejiofor, family is what helped them fall in love with the game.
“My passion for basketball came at a young age,” Luis said. “Both my parents played the sport, so I [kind of] fell in love with it. It runs through my blood.”
“[My love for basketball] started when I was around 10 or 11, I was just in a rec center with my brothers watching other guys play basketball,” Ejiofor added.
While expectations are set high for this year’s squad, programs do
not become dominant overnight. It takes time to build a culture, but players are seeming to buy in early.
Brady Dunlap, the freshman from Studio City, California, expressed his excitement for the future of St. John’s Basketball.
“When I’m a senior or junior, we’re all gonna be so connected and so close as a group. We’re going to have transfers coming in, but we’re going to have a nucleus that has been here. [We] can teach them, and show them the way of Coach Pitino.”
History tends to repeat itself. When a polarizing figure takes over an underachieving program with intentions of implementing a new culture, major changes are inevitable. Much like what Deion Sanders has done for Colorado and their football program, Rick Pitino and his new roster have their minds set on bringing basketball back to prominence in New York City.
With the first season of the new Red Storm on the horizon, St. John’s will have the chance to prove why they will be a powerhouse not only in the transfer portal, but in college basketball going forward.
All four episodes of “Rising Storm” are now available on Youtube, Twitter and Instagram. Red Storm basketball gets underway vs. Stony Brook on November 7th at Carnesecca Arena.
Both teams ended a soggy half with relatively even numbers on the box score. St. John’s had three shots to Akron’s two, both having one shot on goal. McLachlan saved one shot while Akron couldn’t save any, but the Zips committed more fouls with seven, and St. John’s only having four in comparison.
The Johnnies started the second half just as defensive while being a man down. Head coach Dr. David Masur decided to play the safest defense possible. For much of the half, Akron had no answer to this approach with McLachlan continuing his excellent play.
St. John’s rode this momentum all the way to the 81st minute where the Zips finally cracked the Johnnies defense. Sophomore midfielder Rui Reis was the one to even the game up with a silencing goal off of an assist from Shokalook who redeemed himself from that missed pen. This goal all but sealed the fate of this game as both teams couldn’t score a final goal with the match ending at 1-1.
Akron ended the game with 18 shots for the night while the Johnnies only had four. With seven of those Akron shots being on goal and St. John’s lone goal being their only shot on target. As was the story with the first half, the Zips did not save any goals for the entire night but McLachlan had those five saves for the Johnnies.
St. John’s plays at home against Providence this Saturday at 7 p.m.
Pitino, players sit down to discuss the new St. John’s culture and the love of the game.Kyler Fox | Sept. 18, 2023 JameS WilliamS | Sept. 26, 2023 Torch Photo / Sara Kiernan
The first packed weekend for the St. John’s Red Storm teams helped to show how well these teams are standing going into Big East matchups soon. With school back in session, the St. John’s athletic fall teams are back in action. This weekend, five different teams competed at home and in Long Island, securing some well-earned wins and facing some hard losses.
The Johnnies were able to come back after being down at halftime to beat Saint Peters, 2-1, Friday night. The Johnnies’ game slowed after the Peacocks scored the first goal of the game during the 29th minute. Going into the second half, the Red Storm was down 0-1. The Johnnies had to readjust in order to take back control of the game. In the 80th minute of the game, the Johnnies had the momentum to tie the game up with Lenny Cidolit moving the ball and scoring their first goal of the night. After this, a handball was called against the Peacocks, and newcomer Macoumba Ba was able to get the shot, helping win the game for the Johnnies. The team will play next against Providence College at Belson Stadium on Saturday.
In their first game of a 4-game homestead, the women fell 4-2 over Lehigh University on Saturday night. This marks their first loss of the season with a record of 4-1-1. The game started rough for the
women, with no goals in the first half and entering 0-2 against Lehigh. The Red Storm were able to pick up the pace into the second half within the first 33 seconds cutting the lead in half 2-1. The goal came in from Molly McGlame — her first collegiate score — and tied the game with a goal by junior forward Jordan Levy in the 51st minute. However, the Red Storm were not able to keep up the defense after graduate student Ryelle Shuey and junior forward Faith Dobosiewicz went back to back scoring, pulling them ahead to win. The Johnnies will continue conference play on Thursday at Seton Hall.
In their home-opening tournament, the Johnnies dominated the Jack Kaiser classic. With the tournament starting Friday morning, the Johnnies experienced a stoppage during their first match, forcing a move from Carnesecca Arena to Taffner Field House to fully defeat Siena College 3-1. Later that evening, the Johnnies were back in Carnesecca going against Stony Brook. The Johnnies were able to win all three sets after a close win in the second set winning 25-23. Their final matchup was on Saturday against Loyola Maryland. Throughout the three sets played, the Johnnies were able to take a good enough lead in the first two sets with scores of 22-25 and 25-27 to win the tournament. A standout performance from sophomore setter and
right-side hitter Erin Jones earned her the Tournament MVP award. Jones led the Johnnies with 47 kills and 18 digs over the entire weekend. The team is off to their best start since the 2018 season, 7-2. They will continue Big East play on Friday at Xavier.
The Cross Country team placed fifth at their second meet of the season, the LIU Fall Festival. This is the first time this season that they have placed ahead of 10 other teams in a 5k race. Graduate student Claire Cushing placed in the top five, finishing the 5k with a time of 18:44.4. Head coach Elliott Blount told St. John’s athletics after the race that they have improved from “top to bottom,” and are ready to continue working. The Johnnies next meet is at the Metropolitan Championships against NJIT.
The men placed eighth on Saturday and seventh on Sunday out of 15 teams at their annual home event, The Doc Gimmler hosted at Bethpage State Park Red Course. Though the team did not place high, head coach Phil Wildermuth told St. John’s athletics that he did see a lot of positives come out of their weekend. The men shot one-over with 841 this weekend through 54 holes. The Johnnies continue their fall season at the Xavier Invitational on Oct. 16.