The independent: Volume 44 Issue 3 by StudentMediaBoard

Wednesday September 27, 2023

Wednesday September 27, 2023 | www.neiuindependent.org | Student-run newspaper since 1962 | Volume 44 Issue 3

Interview With Chief of Police page 2 For an exclusive interview with NEIU’s newest Police Chief, Joe Przybyla, as he discusses his vision for campus safety, his experience, and upcoming safety initiatives, including the A.L.I.C.E program, aimed at ensuring the well-being of our NEIU community in the upcoming semester.

“Never Have I Ever” is a Perfect Binge for Any Weekend This Fall page 6 Find out why ‘Never Have I Ever’ is the binge-worthy series everyone’s talking about. Delve into the complexities of Devi Vishwakumar’s journey as a first-generation Indian-American teenager, her battles with trauma, and the refreshing take on adolescent life that’s breaking barriers in the world of TV

Seeing Ourselves in the Movies page 8 For a recap of the unforgettable 2023 NEIU Weekend. From tantalizing food trucks to poker-fueled excitement and a thrilling drive-in movie night featuring ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ discover how the NEIU community came together for a night of fun, camaraderie, and a taste of authentic campus life.

NEIU’s Annual La Copa Delights Soccer Enthusiasts page 14 Discover the exhilarating highlights of this year’s La Copa Soccer Tournament. From intense matches and a dramatic penalty shootout to the spirit of camaraderie that filled the field, this flagship event organized by NEIU Campus Recreation.

news: “Homosexuals Should Even Sit

Behind a Wall” - Lech Walesa, March 2013

Written by: Ryland Roberts, Contributing Writer, and Dan Maurer, News Editor

In a 2013 interview on TVN24, a Polish news station, Lech Walesa said “Homosexuals should even sit behind a wall, and not somewhere at the front,” regarding members of Poland’s parliament. He also stated, “They must know they are a minority and adapt themselves to smaller things, and not rise to the greatest heights.” Walesa did not feel he was in the wrong, saying he did not “feel homophobic”. In an interview on March 4, 2013, he asserted that he would not apologize, stating “All I said [was] that minorities, which I respect, should not have the right to impose their views on the majority. I think most of Poland is behind me.” Walesa, a devout Catholic labor activist, founded the first independent labor union, Solidarity, in Poland during communist rule. He went on to be elected as the president of Poland from 1990 to 1995. In 1983, Walesa received the Nobel Peace Prize for resolving the nation’s problems without encouraging violence. What follows is an overview of events at NEIU after Walesa made his March 2013 statements. The Classroom Building was renamed to Lech Walesa Hall (LWH), at NEIU, after the former Polish president in 2009 to honor his accomplishments. Following Walesa’s statements in March 2013, students and faculty at NEIU began to protest the name of the building. The president of NEIU at the time, Sharon Hahs, denounced

Walesa’s statements, saying, “President Walesa’s homophobic comments are completely contrary to the Values of Northeastern Illinois University, particularly our Value of Diversity.” On March 28, 2013, less than a month after Walesa’s statements, NEIU held a panel called “Lech Walesa University Dialogue.” The three panelists gave differing viewpoints on Walesa, presenting the issue through the LGBTQ+ lens, as well as an academic and a political lens. In addition to the dialogue, an art installation was commissioned by NEIU as an alternative to renaming the building. According to Dr. Brett Stockdill, a sociology professor at NEIU, “The art was supposed to commemorate the dialogue… to say ‘We talked about it.’” “We had this discussion that trampled on the rights of queer people,” Dr. Stockdill said of the dialogue, “It’s easier to celebrate homophobia than to support queer and trans students and workers.” A year later, on March 7, 2014, students and faculty were still protesting the name of the building. NEIU’s University Advisory Council (UAC) voted unanimously to recommend that President Hahs advise the NEIU Board of Trustees (BoT) to rename LWH. Hahs, however, refused the UAC’s recommendation. In an email to the university, Hahs said, “The motion itself was unexpected. Its effect, if implemented, would be to terminate the carefully worked-out

response by our University community a year ago to comments made by President Walesa.” Despite the refusal, students and faculty presented a petition to the BoT on April 10, 2014, with 400 signatures, asking that the board rename LWH. Part of the art installation can still be seen today, entitled “Monument Occupied”, by BJ Krivanek. However, in 2018, the newly appointed president of NEIU, Dr. Gloria J. Gibson, took down the art installation inside Lech Walesa Hall, saying that it had “run its course.” The installation was moved to the University Archives. The controversy over the name of Lech Walesa Hall continues today at NEIU. Some professors refuse to use the name, referring to it by its previous name, the Classroom Building. Others, such as Dr. Stockdill, refer to it by another name, “Living With Homophobia.” In a statement to the Independent, Dr. Stockdill gave voice to the continuing legacy of Lech Walesa at NEIU, saying, “As a gay man, working in a building named after a homophobic bigot is a slap in the face. It feels like 1983 rather than 2023. The administration’s continued failure to change the name demonstrates its failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of LGBTQ students and workers.” Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Professor, Laurie Fuller, believes that having one building named after someone who has stated such

homophobic values at a “university committed to diversity is a travesty.” Professor Fuller prefers that the building be changed to “Learning Well Hall,” or, “Really just anything that does not honor discrimination and hatred.” Faculty are not alone in taking notice of the controversy. During a Sept. 21 Student Government Senate meeting, Senate Vice President EJ Schumacher said they were aware of the issue. “I have heard whispers that someone from the WGS (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality) department… is looking into revitalizing the petition to change the name of LWH,” Schumacher said, before asking senators to engage with students, saying, “So if you hear anyone talking about it, just engage with them and ask questions and get thoughts.”

Photo Credit: Ryland Roberts

Wednesday September 27, 2023

Staff: Editor-in-Chief Leslie Lozada

Managing Editor Jasmine Rodriguez

Production Editor Savannah Owens

Section Editors Dan Maurer Gabriel Gurrola Ananth Prabhu

Production Team Hannah Grajciar Xareni Uriostegui Lesly Alonso Clifton Harty Dania Ramos Luis Anzo

Writers Scott Andrews Angie Ybarra Bella Cardoza Joshua Lasko

Contributing Writers Ryland Roberts Zachariah Simmons

Copy Editors Jasmine Rodriguez Syed Faisal Stephanie Ruelas

Mission Statement: The Independent’s mission is to gather and report on important and relevant information to the university and its surrounding communities, as well as to be a creative and critical outlet for community members to express their views and concerns and to offer examples of potential solutions to ongoing problems. Contact the EIC for any questions or if you have a letter to the editor: independent-eic@neiu.edu Contact the Production Manager for any questions or interest in visual design: pindpnews@neiu.edu All full articles can be found at www.neiuindependent.org Limited to 1 free copy per person. Scan here to access The Independent online:

news: Interview with Chief of Police Written by: Ryland Roberts, Contributing Writer Photos taken by: Ryland Roberts

The Independent sat down with Joe Przybyla, the newest Police Chief of NEIU, for an interview at the university police office. Upon meeting him, he was extremely friendly and professional. Topics discussed were his previous experience, campus safety, safety protocols for the Nest, and what the NEIU community should be expecting for next semester. Chief Przybyla started his position as Chief of Police for NEIU in May of 2023. One might have seen him chatting up NEIU students and faculty alike, being friendly to everyone. Officer Przybyla’s former position was at Northern Illinois University (NIU). After working there for 21 years, he started his search for better opportunities. “I see a really good community here. It seems like staff and faculty really want to work hard for the best of students,” Chief Pryzbyla said when answering how he has been enjoying the campus so far. “It seems like a lot of the students are here because they want to be here and are here because they’re working hard towards a degree which I really respect those values for both so I’m really enjoying this experience” Chief Przybyla was asked what his approach to campus crime is. “It’s … very different policing on a campus than in a city or a rural area.” He understands that the NEIU community is diverse and that everyone has had different situations with the police. “So we need to be good ambassadors, whether you’ve had a great experience in the past with the police, or not so great experience, we’re different and we have high standards on how we’re going to treat our students, our staff [and] our faculty.” Chief Pryzbyla answered. For many students, gun violence has been a worry, especially for the students living in the Nest. This past year at the Nest, a guest brought a gun to a New Year’s Eve party. The Independent previously reported that metal detectors and more security had been proposed at the Nest. Currently, there is one security guard who sits at the front desk and walks around the Nest’s hallways every hour, and no metal detectors. When asked, Chief Przybyla explained that the Nest is operated by American Campus Communities (ACC), a private company, and it is their decision when it comes to situations regarding their private security staff. While Campus PD will stop by to patrol, the department can

not do much to implement safety features inside the Nest. Safety is important to a lot of students in the Nest and on campus, especially this generation of students that have grown up around violent crime in schools. On Aug. 28, 2023, a University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill faculty member, Zijie Yan, was shot and killed by a student he advised. Two weeks after the shooting, UNC Police arrested another armed student. School shootings have made a lot of students around the U.S. uneasy. As safety issues arise around campuses there are safety initiatives being put in place, such as A.L.I.C.E. The acronym stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. It is put in place in the event of a school shooting. “So by the end of the semester,” Chief Przybyla told the Independent, “we will have the A.L.I.C.E program set up and running to where … groups can set up a session to go through the training. … We’re going to also

have some sessions posted where somebody can individually sign up. … The A.L.I.C.E program is going to be the biggest way that we educate and also mitigate those worries. We also are partnering with Western Illinois University through a grant program. They have to bring the nation’s foremost expert on this behavioral threat assessment to El Centro … to teach a two-day class. … We’re going to be lucky enough to have one of the best experts in the country come in and teach us about that”. More information on A.L.I.C.E training is to come in the following Spring 2024 semester. Chief Pryzblya hopes to ease the concerns students may have about campus safety and has a lot planned for keeping students safe here at NEIU. He is excited to be at Northeastern and wants everyone to know that anyone is free to contact him via email at jepryzbyla@neiu.edu or stop by the police station, located under the parking garage, at any time.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

August 23, 2023 E-Building Deceptive Practices Unknown offenders illegally altered 2 NEIU checks in large amounts, then attempted to cash them. NEIU Accounting Department was able to block these checks from being cashed. August 24, 2023 Nest Theft over $500 A student reports theft of his bike left overnight at a locked bike rack next to NEST. Offenders are unknown at this time.

Police received one report of shots fired in the area near campus. NEIU and Chicago officers toured the area, but it was unfounded. August 30 2023 Off-campus Traffic accident-non injury Officers responded to a call of a person hit by a car. The offending vehicle driver returned to the scene to speak to the police. She said she was not sure what had happened. Chicago police handled the report, and the victim, a NEIU student, refused medical services.

A subject attempting to retrieve lost property at the police station was arrested on an active warrant from Will County. September 12, 2023 Access Road Flee or attempt to elude Police One state citation was issued, and a non-academic misconduct report was filed with the Dean of Students after the student failed to stop at several stop signs on campus and then attempted to flee on foot from officers.

August 24, 2023 Nest Theft over $500 Another student reports theft of a bike from a locked bike rack by the NEST. Offenders are unknown at this time.

September 7, 2023 Loading dock Suspicious person Staff reports being followed from a personal car to the loading dock by an unknown male on a Divvy bike. Officers toured the area with negative results.

September 12, 2023 5610 N. Kimball Other Police Department Officers responded to a call of a subject threatening to pour coffee on patrons at the 7-Eleven store. Chicago police arrested one subject after making aggressive gestures toward an officer and spilling coffee on the officer’s pants.

August 27, 2023 Nest Parking Unlwaful use of weapon

September 9, 2023 NEIU PD Station In-state warrant

September 16, 2023 Nest Station Information

A parent asked the police for help locating their daughter. The police discovered she is no longer registered at NEIU but were able to make contact with her. She is okay and will call her parents to let them know she is fine. *** The NEIU police blotter is requested from our campus police for every issue of NEIU Independent because this publication exercises its right to do so, courtesy of the Clery Act. The Clery Act is a federal statute requiring all higher education establishments that participate in federal financial aid programs to maintain records of campus crime and campus security information. Any case that is considered ongoing may not be listed in the blotter. For this reason, there may be updated reports published retroactively once those cases are closed. For more information about the Clery Act, visit the NEIU police department’s webpage.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

news: Faculty Senate Applauds Interim

President, Hails New Day Written by: Dan Maurer, News Editor Photos taken by Author

To access this full article, please go to www.neiuindependent.org

“Interim President Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan addresses the Faculty Senate

Senate Chair Dr. Nikolas Hoel (left) and his predecessor Dr. Nancy Wrinkle (right)” Picture by Dan Maurer

news: NEST To Receive a New General Manager Written by: Scott Andrews, Staff Writer

Residents of the Nest were informed that Fred Dillard, the General Manager of the Nest since June 2021, is no longer employed by American Campus Communities (ACC). ACC is the private company that manages the Nest. In a statement to the Independent, Veronica Rodriguez, Director of Student Leadership Development, said, “We were sent an email that he is not there anymore but no details except it was an ACC decision.” The Independent confirmed the personnel change with Dr. Terry Mena, Vice

President for Student Affairs. Dr. Mena said, “NEIU does make comments about personnel decisions made by American Campus Communities.” In his statement, Dr. Mena explained the details and plan for a transition to new leadership at the Nest. Dr. JD (James) Chancellor, a general manager from a sister ACC property at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will be assisting the Nest professional and student staff to hire and will appoint a new Nest general manager within a month. Dr. Chancellor is very familiar with NEIU.

Dr. Chancellor was the Nest general manager before his appointment to his current position at UIC in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile. Starting the week of Sept. 3, 2023, a manager from another ACC property began at the Nest to temporarily manage day-to-day operations. The Nest’s General Manager oversees four full-time staff members, an assistant director, both maintenance and leasing managers, a maintenance technician, and a porter. A professional staff member is on call during the weekend and non-traditional business hours. Addition-

ally, beginning on Sept. 11, 2023, ACC sent an operations specialist from corporate to help with the transition. Dr. Mena confirmed a plan is in place for a smooth transition, “ACC Management has provided a comprehensive, straightforward leadership, management, and support plan for the NEST residents and their staff.” Residents or students with concerns or inquiries about Nest leadership or Nest issues can ask the front desk staff for assistance, message ACC through the resident portal, or email to neiu@americancampus.com.

news: Student Government Senate

Kicks Off Semester

Written by: Dan Maurer, News Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate kicked off its first meeting of the school year with reports from some representatives as well as from members of NEIU’s administration. SGA is the student-run organization that represents the interests of students within the shared governance framework of NEIU. SGA President Maggie Sabanagic was not in attendance on Aug. 29, 2023. The meeting was instead chaired by the SGA Vice President EJ Schumacher, who included in their report that the SGA office now stocks Naloxone in its office, a life-saving drug used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Following the vice president’s report, Student Trustee Edwin Medina gave his own report. The student trustee represents the interests of students as a voting member of the NEIU Board of Trustees (BoT). In his report, Medina said he had spoken to a student who had an issue with a professor and had reported it to the BoT. While Medina did not elaborate on the

nature of the issue, he said that there was a need to draw up a document to inform students of the way to address concerns that they might have with professors. Another concern, reported by Senator Eryn Nelken, was of students having issues with financial aid. In a statement to the Independent, VP Schumacher said SGA’s Student Life committee would begin work on addressing those issues. While SGA was not able to fill all of its committees during this meeting, due to a lack of senators at the time, some appointments were made. Senator Mikulas Koudelka and Senator Alfredo Aguilar were appointed as acting members to the Promotions & Appointments Committee, which interviews new SGA members and reviews the formation of new student organizations. Two other committees that SGA will be forming are Academic Affairs and Student Life. According to Veronica E. Rodriguez, the Director of Student Leadership and Development who advises SGA, the Academic Affairs committee deals with issues

within the classroom, including class size. The Student Life committee concerns itself with issues outside the classroom, such as the police, cafeteria hours, issues at the Nest as well as the aforementioned financial aid issues. NEIU administrators also addressed SGA. The new chief of the NEIU Police Department, Joe Przybyla, introduced himself to SGA, as he had done in his previous appearance at the Faculty Senate on Aug. 22, 2023. Chief Przybyla also announced that NEIU Police are now issuing parking tickets at NEIU campuses. Przybyla said he had been unaware that parking had not been enforced prior to his hiring by NEIU. “When I came here, I didn’t know that it [parking] wasn’t being enforced,” Przybyla said. He also said that he was working on the formation of a Parking Ticket Appeals committee that would include at least one student, faculty member and civil service employee. “So what would happen with that is if

people get a parking ticket, and they feel it was wrong, they can appeal that ticket,” he said. “It’s not me, it’s not anybody in the parking group that would review that we have a committee that would do that.” NEIU’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Terry Mena, also addressed the SGA Senate. Dr. Mena acknowledged a number of NEIU’s accomplishments. Among those was student access to the TimelyCare mental health counseling app, which the Independent previously reported on, as well as the creation of the NEIU Spirit Shop. Dr. Mena also mentioned NEIU’s enrollment, stating that over 390 students had moved into the Nest at the beginning of the semester. He also mentioned the appointment of Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan as Interim President of NEIU. Dr. Mena said, “There could not have been anyone else with those credentials and experiences to lead our institution during this interim stage.” The SGA Senate meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 3:00 in Student Union Room 215. Meetings are open to the public.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

opinion: Latin American Excellence in

“Blue Beetle”

Written by: Bella Cardoza, Staff Writer Illustration by: Xareni Uriostegui

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch DC’s newest movie, “Blue Beetle”. The movie follows Jaime Reyes, a Mexican American college student, who discovers an ancient artifact called the Scarab that allows him to transform into a superhero by the name of, you guessed it, Blue Beetle. His mission is to stop the evil CEO Victoria Kord and the villainous Carapax. The cast includes Xolo Maridueña, Elpidila Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, and many more. “Blue Beetle ‘’ has made history for being DC’s first live action superhero movie with a predominantly Latin American and indigenous cast. The film also has a Latin American director, Angel Manuel Soto. This movie is a prime example of Latin American excellence from not only the family dynamic and food, but also the pop culture references like telenovelas and artists like Selena Quintanilla, Vincente Fernandez, Luis Miguel, and Ivy Queen. The entire cast did a great job in the movie, but I was impressed with Xolo Maridueña’s portrayal of Jamie Reyes. His character’s determination

to stop Victoria Kord and save his family without giving up was inspiring. I also enjoyed Bruna Marquezine’s performance as Jaime’s love interest Jenny, and Susan Sarandon’s performance of the main antagonist, Victoria Kord, who wants to steal the Scarab from Jaime Reyes even if it means destroying his family in the process. Without giving away too much, I must say that “Blue Beetle” is an emotional rollercoaster to the point that it is best to bring tissues. There are many heartwarming and sad scenes that will make you become attached to the characters and relate to their trials and hardships in the movie as they lean on each other for emotional support. With actors and writers that are currently on strike in Hollywood, it is important for us to go out and watch this film, which is an example of great Latin American cinema. “Blue Beetle” will go down in history for many years with its diverse cast and the director. I wish Angel Manuel Soto and the rest of the crew the best and hope that they will get many more opportunities post strike.

Photos of the Month: Submitted by: Zachariah Simmons

Images from NEIU Weekend, Alumni Association’s Drive in Movie, and Northeastern Programming Board’s Casino Night in Parking Lot D, Photos provided by Zachariah Simmons.

Classiﬁed Calling all globetrotters! Ad: International Club gathers

Wednesdays 5-6 pm in LWH Lecture Hall 1001. Unite, learn, and share!

Wednesday September 27, 2023

opinion: “Never Have I Ever” is a Perfect

Binge for Any Weekend This Fall

Written by: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Illustration by: Lesly Alonso

“Never Have I Ever” is a Netflix-exclusive series about a first-generation adolescent Indian girl, named Devi Vishwakumar, played by actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, in her first high-profile role. Devi is on her high school journey, and her dream is to attend Princeton University. The series recently ended last summer, with 40 episodes currently existing and across four seasons. Thus, it would be optimal to binge-watch every episode over a single weekend. Despite the fact that the entire series revolves around an adolescent girl and her teenage drama, it is definitely not a TV show that only teenage girls would be interested in. The series appealed to me for several reasons, but the first reason was that the primary protagonist of the series is from a typically underrepresented culture in the American film and television industry. As an individual with an Indian heritage background and being born as a first-generation American myself, the Netflix series piqued my interest to watch episode after episode in sequence. It aligned with my childhood and adolescent years, which included making biannual trips to at least one of Chicagoland Area’s Hindu Temples for both Ugadi in the springtime and Diwali in the fall. Devi Vishwakumar is a character that has numerous complexities, and her nuances can be blamed on the fact that her father died from a heart attack during one of her orchestral recitals while playing the harp. The scene of her father’s death replays in her mind and onscreen each season, as she grapples with her post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his passing. This profound impact of a father’s sudden passing would be devastating for anyone, but it is especially significant for a minor who shares a deep emotional bond with their dad. Each season takes place during various time intervals of Devi’s high school lifestyle. As such, season one and season two revolved around most of her sophomore year. Season three showed the rest of her sophomore year and the entirety of her junior year,

and the season finale revolved around her senior year. The complexities of adolescent life, the onset of puberty, the beginning of relationships, dating, and a sex life and the pressures of choosing the right college for oneself are several of the challenges facing the young Indian-American girl throughout the series. Early on, the portrayal of Vishwakumar’s personality may come off as egotistical, narcissistic, immensely horny and being a self-hating Indian, but over the seasons, she evolves into a mature young woman. However, one can empathize deeply for Vishwakumar because she has dealt with adversities that no adolescent should ever face, such as the death of her father at such a young age. Her best friends, Eleanor and Fabiola, played by Ramona Young and Lee Rodriguez respectively, understand the sentiment to offer support when she needs it. The friends definitely have their arguments and silent treatments with one another, but they ultimately get past it. Vishwakumar’s family members, Dr. Nalini Vishwakumar, Kamala Nandiwadal and later on in the show Nirmala Vishwakumar, played by Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani and Ranjita Chakravarty, respectively, may be stern and overbearing at times towards Devi, but there comes several moments when they all change their attitudes and become more empathetic towards her wishes. What goes around comes around. Thus, they come to realizations that Devi may be right about certain life choices. The series will definitely appeal to members of other underrepresented cultures, but it will also appeal for greater society as well because it builds on the overly censored television industry. As a child, I grew up watching mostly Disney Channel and Nickel-

odeon television shows, such as “Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Phil of the Future,” “Even Stevens,” “Drake & Josh” and “iCarly”. As an adult, “Never Have I Ever” felt so refreshing to expand on those primordial shows while removing all aspects of censored language. With that said, the language used in the recently concluded Netflix series is strong, and sensitive audiences may not appreciate the masterpiece. All episodes of the series feature a narration from former tennis player John McEnroe. Vishwakumar’s father, when he was alive, enjoyed his body of work as a tennis player, therefore he

is the disembodied voice that is heard in almost every episode of the show. Some episodes take a unique stance on this idea because the narrator may be different for a particular episode, due to a focus on one of the other members of Vishwakumar’s social circle. In these few episodes, there may be a guest narration episode by a famous person. Indians may be considered to have particular stereotypes, and the show highlighted at least one of them. One stereotype of Indians stands very true for young Vishwakumar because she is an overachiever by earning a perfect GPA, doing well in all class subjects and being an active student in various student organizations. Any student who does similar activities may align with many underlying facets of the Indian-American girl. Whether you are an Indian-American or not, this series has something for everybody. If you have not yet watched the series or only watched particular episodes or scenes, I strongly urge you to watch the entire series as a marathon. As of the publication date of this article, the series has an IMDb rating of 7.9 stars out of 10 with a total of 75,000 votes. The high rating may be enough evidence to persuade viewers to consider watching the series, but if not, I hope that this review has helped you to make a fair decision.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

opinion: Embracing Boundless Horizons:

A Book Review of “Borderless”

Written by: Angie Ybarra, Staff Writer

“Borderless” by Jennifer DeLeon is a young adult book that explores life in her South American homeland of Guatemala. The book follows the day to day life of Maya, our main character. Maya, a young woman of 17 years old is an aspiring fashion designer who creates unusual fashion out of the unexpected. Maya is using her talent to make her dreams a reality. Coming from immigrant parents, I felt that I was going to be able to relate to the story that DeLeon was telling, however I was unprepared for the twists and turns that Maya and her mother experienced. The mix of characters within Maya’s retelling of the events gives the story more interesting layers. The major points in the story are alluded to, but are only revealed when necessary and leaves the reader wishing to know more. Maya is attending a prestigious design school. The school is sponsoring a contest that Maya is entered into which could change her life forever if only she could win. To complicate matters, her best friend doesn’t make it into the contest. He meets a boy through her friends and this should be an exciting time for Maya though it is anything but that. So much happens in this story in such a short span of time. Moments like when the characters cross the

Rio Grande, or the period where Maya is trying to find out what happened to her mother, all this time jumping adds to the story that the reader is left wondering what is next with each turn of a page. Borderless will have readers running alongside Maya and her mother who are just trying to find a place that will provide them an escape from gang infested Guatemala. As I said, the story is fast-paced in that it takes little time for events to unfold, however DeLeon has the character of Maya and her supporting characters share some very authentic moments www.bakerinstitute.org cross the Rio Grande, especially the that builds the story up to its climatic events. The reader watches pregnant woman that Maya encounMaya’s simple life turn upside down. tered. Whilereading this you might She is no longer able to hide behind her certainly feel the pain that Maya youth or naivete and is forced to age experienced. The events of the book quickly. First crush, first kiss and first give us a glimpse of the treatment time witnessing a murder are only some that many people experience day to of the rights of passage and life altering day when entering the U.S. and why these people endure such dehumanevents that Maya experiences. Readers are able to see and perhaps izing situations. The story of Maya and the other understand why so many people seek characters lead us through the events asylum in the United States. There are moments that are heart wrenching of her week, fleeing from her home and emotional. I was at the edge of with nothing but the clothes on her my seat as the immigrants tried to back, crossing the Rio Grande, a detention center and finally to the

next chapter of her new life without her mama. Readers may find solace in this book especially if you can relate to the way Maya migrated to the U.S. Or perhaps you have heard the tales of others who have migrated whether they succeeded or not. Finally, readers might see why risking it all in the hopes of being granted asylum in the U.S. is worth the struggle. The book will allow readers to have an intimate connection with Maya and will leave them cheering for her and the new road she must now travel.

opinion: “‘The Lost Apothecary’: A Tale of

Secrets, Remedies, and Redemption”

Written by: Angie Ybarra, Sraff Writer

What would you do for or because of love? Love is a very deep emotion and can be hard to navigate even for the well rounded person. If we consider what love is and what it really means, for example affection for something or someone, a strong desire for and even sexual attraction, most are able to understand why the emotion of love can be complicated. In “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner, the reader meets Caroline in what should be one of the most romantic times of her life. In the midst of a magical place, London, off of the River Thames on her tenth anniversary, Caroline should have reason to celebrate one of the most magical times of her married life, but she is alone. A flash back to the 1700’s introduces us to Nella, an apothecary, with special clientele who call upon her to help in times of special need. A rather welloff woman who has a husband with a wandering eye has called upon Nella

to make the desire of her husband’s affection for another woman disappear permanently. The mistress with the husband and his wandering eye can not be seen at the apothecary so Eliza, a young house girl servant to the mistress, is called upon to get a tincture that will put an end to her mistress’s problem - for good. Eliza has a desire to learn how to master the mixology of the apothecary to further her own place in society. Things go horribly wrong and here starts the story that grabs the attention of Caroline some 200 years later. While on the river Thames’ muddy bank, Caroline happens upon a cobalt blue apothecary bottle. The reader is swept between ‘ole London towne and the London of today. Two women almost lost to time, their choices shaping history as they know it. Eliza and Nella are in London where the story begins and then we are propelled into the present day and find ourselves

with Caroline and what she is dealing with. These women are worlds apart but they complement each other and show just what women are capable of

Photo by Claudia Wolff on Unsplash

doing. “The Lost Apothecary” is a tale as old as time. Love gained and love lost, repeat. It is a great story to lose oneself in.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

campus arts & life: Seeing Ourselves in the Movies Written by: Zachariah Simmons, Contributing Writer Photos taken by Author

A lovely fall evening at the 2023 NEIU Weekend events for Saturday, September 16, 2023 culminated in beautiful weather and a drive-in movie! But, before we could get to that fun, there were food trucks to patronize (CheSa’s Gluten Tootin’ Free, Good Trucking Beef & Chicken, and Kona Ice), some poker to play (Casino Night), and a raffle to try desperately to win (the Nintendo Switch did not come home with this author, sadly). As the night progressed and we were informed of the high-level prizes being raffled off, the intensity of the poker players rose to such a level that the anonymous member of the crowd who hypothesized; “somebody’s going to develop a gambling addiction tonight” was starting to sound believable. Thankfully, no real money was involved so this was a

happily unwarranted worry. What was real was the clamor for the raffle; and once it subsided, we were on to the main event, the 2023 masterpiece: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. Though some in the crowd, like graduate student David, were “gonna wait to see how the raffle turns out,” before committing, there were lines of cars excitedly waiting for the minorly delayed showing. And with the sun faded and the large inflatable screen now in place, Amsal I. and Beau S. of the Northeastern Programming Board (NPB) carried around a placard that said 90.3 FM, informing us of the radio station we could tune into for the movie’s audio. The wonderful planning and execution from the NPB, Student Leadership Development (SLD) and NEIU’s Alumni Associ-

ation created an authentic drive-in experience that we were all thrilled to be a part of. As the film began – the brilliant animation lighting a cool NEIU evening – the movie’s narrative showed through as a parallel to much of the experience relayed by students and alumni. Broadly, the movie is about a young Miles Morales (his universe’s Spider-man) trying to balance life and school with saving the world. This struggle for balance was hilariously and emotionally depicted and reflective of the non-traditional nature of many NEIU students. Married couple Theresa (elementary education student) and Rafat, expressed that “it’s hard to make it out with 3 kids [...] but this event is good.” Glenisha, a current student living on campus, was “out [t]here with

[her] niece showing her what college is like, just having a good time.” David, as mentioned before, is in his first semester back from two years of humanitarian work in Africa, praised the event and all others put on by NEIU as “a great way to relax and see people enjoying themselves.” The uniqueness of NEIU’s student body is something to be proud of, it’s what makes the school so exciting, diverse, and accepting. Anybody could be a student here; a parent, a returning student, a traditional student, an activist; we’re all part of this wonderful NEIU-Verse, just swinging through life trying to have fun and grow. Whether we’re making time for our families, giving back to the community, or just trying to get to class on time, we’re all heroes at NEIU!

Wednesday September 27, 2023

campus arts & life: NEIU’s Partnership with

TimelyCare: Shaping the Future of Student Mental Help Written by: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Photo taken by Author

In an era where access to mental health services is crucial for the well-being of students, NEIU’s Student Counseling Services has taken a significant step by partnering with TimelyCare, a telehealth service provider. TimelyCare offers a range of accessible mental health services, catering to the diverse needs of NEIU’s student population. TimelyCare provides three types of psychotherapies to students through its official app for Android and iOS, or via a desktop web browser. The three primary services are TalkNow, Health Coaching and Scheduled Counseling. In addition, there is self-care content and a community chat section. TalkNow is available 24/7, providing on-demand emotional support for students to talk and vent about anything. The topics that can be selected from within the TimelyCare app include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, paranoia, abuse, sexual assault, violence, stress, relationship issues, social services needs, food and body image issues, mood issues and other writein reasons. Since its launch at NEIU in April 2023, TimelyCare has made a significant impact on the student community. During the TimelyCare Kickoff event, Dru Howard, client success manager at TimelyCare, said that as of August 29, “199 students have registered” for the service since its launch at NEIU, and “40 students registered from this morning alone,” which demonstrates an immediate need for accessible mental health resources. Howard said all providers “are licensed mental health counselors and social workers.” Of the three primary services that TimelyCare offers — TalkNow, Health Coaching and Scheduled Counseling — Scheduled Counseling feels like the ‘holy grail’ of the TimelyCare app because it has limited use during the academic year. Thus, it may be considered the most valuable of the three primary services. Scheduled counseling allows students to choose a mental health provider after looking at several providers’ background information, and students can choose a day and time that fits their schedules. According to Howard, scheduled counseling “is limited to nine sessions per academic year” and “at the end of every academic year, [the nine sessions] do restart for that student” for continued support. Furthermore, the

mental health providers “push those sessions out, so [the students] don’t use all nine within a month.” They also “... recommend students to use TalkNow or other resources which are on-campus as well” in between the nine scheduled sessions. Thus, it is important for students to find an optimal balance of comprehensively tying all the available mental health services into their lives. Howard said, “All of our providers within TalkNow have Master’s level credentials and above.” The TalkNow feature offers on-demand, accessible emotional support. It is available 24/7 and provides a support specialist to allow students to vent about anything. After requesting an on-demand session, it takes between five and fifteen minutes to connect with a licensed mental health professional. The help offered by the support specialist may be hit or miss depending on the needs of the student. In other words, it may help a student to understand their own thoughts more clearly, or it may leave a student feeling neutral about the outcome of using TalkNow. Regardless, students are likely to feel a weight lifted off their shoulders. After participating in a TalkNow session, the mental health professional will give a downloadable summary that includes a broad overview of topics discussed. This summary will be saved for the user’s next TalkNow session as a reference point. The next corresponding mental health professional may use prior session information to gain improved insights into the student. Regarding privacy and security, Howard states, “We are aligning with HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act], it is no different than going to doctors.” He reiterated, “Privacy is number one when it comes to TimelyCare because there are certain situations where students don’t feel like they can speak [openly due to] their appearance or anything.” TimelyCare’s Health Coaching service is an appointment-based service. It is not on-demand, but there are plenty of health coaches to discuss nutrition and healthy eating, exercise and movement, management of weight, sleep, stress or time, substance use or misuse, unhealthy or disordered eating, goals for physical illness or mental health management and other write-in reasons. Since the coaching service

is appointment-based, it gives options for students to choose a health coach based on unique credentials, experiences and areas of specialty. It could also be hit or miss in terms of the attributes that a student may be looking for. This service includes giving a general background of a student’s current health status upon initial intake, creating health goals that the student would like to achieve, and receiving advice, such as journaling and tracking the student’s metrics over the next four weeks prior to a future appointment. The effectiveness of this service can vary depending on how proactive students are in improving their physical and mental health. Regardless of the service that a student requests on TimelyCare, Howard has reassured, “Everything that is said on TimelyCare between you and your provider is between you and your provider and your campus counseling center, so we don’t violate HIPAA, [and] all of our providers are HIPAA-trained, so nobody can violate that policy.” The self-care content gives brief videos, textual information and resources about sleep, anxiety, depression, stress, healthy relationships, healthy eating, yoga, meditation, study essentials, TimelyBites and recovery essentials. This content can be found in the Explore tab at the bottom of the app’s user interface. The self-care content is designed to be general in nature to cater to a wide range of students. The usefulness of the advice may vary depending on each student’s unique experiences and knowledge. The app features a community section where students can briefly describe a problem as a thread, and students who have experienced similar issues can give helpful advice in response. According to the posting rules, the community section is moderated for safety and only the first and last initials of those who post their problems and responses are displayed. If a student has an inquiry and wants to see how other students would handle the situation, the community section could be the most suitable place in the app to seek such assistance. Students may find comfort in knowing that the telehealth services offered at NEIU through

TimelyCare are consistent with those found at other higher education institutions. TimelyCare is a subscription-based telehealth app that has become somewhat standardized, as it is not only available at NEIU but also at other Illinois colleges and universities, such as Western Illinois University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Lewis University and Triton College. There are more services that could be a part of NEIU’s student subscription plan to TimelyCare, such as psychiatric services, which are not currently included. According to Howard, “We do have a psychiatry service [in TimelyCare], but it’s not included with [the subscription plan] you guys have, but it can be, it can definitely be if that’s something you request” to Student Counseling Services. Howard said in terms of all students, “I just hope that everyone takes care of their mental health because I’m tired of seeing so many young people… committing suicide, or hurting themselves due to… not being able to talk to anybody, so if you feel the need to speak with someone or just need to vent, please get that help, please use TimelyCare, please reach out to your counseling center.” TimelyCare should be an additional valuable resource for all NEIU students to embrace, complementing the in-person resources available at NEIU’s Student Counseling Services in room B-119 of the Main Campus. Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided in an interview that The Independent’s reporter conducted with Dru Howard, client success manager at NEIU’s TimelyCare Kickoff event, on August 29, 2023. The statements and quotes attributed to the interviewee accurately represent their views as of that date.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

campus arts & life: Breaking Stigmas with Art:

“Room for Light” at NEIU Reshapes Mental Health Discourse

Written by: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Photos taken by Author

Erasing the Distance, a nonprofit organization established in 2005, is dedicated to de-stigmatizing mental health issues through storytelling. The organization has made waves at NEIU with its latest art installation, “Room for Light.” This groundbreaking exhibit, hosted at Alumni Hall from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, aimed to bring joy, celebration and empathy to the forefront of the conversation surrounding mental health. “Room for Light” is a vibrant testament to the power of celebration and the human spirit. Through 8-by-8-foot portraitures, the exhibit showcases individuals navigating their mental health challenges while embracing their diagnoses as superpowers. The goal is to shed light on the joyful and celebratory aspects of these journeys, inviting viewers to explore mental health without fear or hesitation. Gabriela Diaz, managing artistic director at Erasing the Distance and co-producer of “Room for Light,” said that whenever people tell their stories, they are filled with laughter, joy, and celebration. According to Diaz, since the events are so joyous, the creative team “decided to specifically capture the joy in the light by presenting them” as vast installation pieces. The journey to bring these large art installations to NEIU’s campus was not without its challenges. However, with the support of Aidon Perrera, health education coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Lasko, interim director of Student Health Services and a

sponsorship from Student Health Services, Erasing the Distance was able to deliver on the mental health art installment. “Room for Light” has a library of 300 stories, and with the help of Dr. Lasko, Diaz created a customized package of six individuals to be featured on campus during the week. They considered who to feature and used their knowledge about mental health diagnoses, topics and demographics that may afflict the campus community to ultimately choose topics that reflect stresses of academic life, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others. The selection process focused on ensuring that the stories align with the interests and needs of the university’s student body. Elli, Nicole, Grant, Jordan, Ana and Jordan were the six selected stories during NEIU’s “Room for Light” event. Grant’s story reflected his struggles with ADHD and becoming empowered to strive for excellence. Ana’s story revolved around navigating stress from academic life. All six individuals are from different places throughout the world, but they all ultimately landed in Chicago. Erasing the Distance and “Room for Light” have become “safe space facilitator[s] to spark dialogue around mental health that is honest and open and informative and human,” said Diaz, and it “is a jumping off point and the beginning of a conversation that we hope communities

will have with themselves and with the people they care about.” Sandra Beyda-Lorie, executive director for the Center for Teaching and Learning at NEIU, emphasized the importance of events like “Room for Light” in breaking down the stigma around mental health. “Listening to the actual person describing their experiences” cannot be replaced, according to Beyda-Lorie. As the exhibit enlightened NEIU’s campus community, its impact extended beyond NEIU’s borders because it promoted diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. “Room for Light” encouraged attendees to embrace their mental troubles, gain support and share those experiences and stories with family and friends, fostering a more open and compassionate dialogue about mental health. “Anything educational is important to breaking down that stigma,” Beyda-Lorie said. “When we hear stories [and] when we share our stories, our knowledge [and] understanding comes to life.” “Room for Light” is more than just an art installation. It is a celebration of resilience, a testament to the strength of storytelling, and a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of mental health. It serves as a reminder that joy and celebration can be found even in the darkest of times, and that we are all connected by our stories. For those who missed the exhibit, Beyda-Lorie’s sentiment is quite clear in encouraging people to

embrace such exhibitions, taking the stories and sharing them with other people while reflecting on the wonder of people’s strength and tenacity. “Room for Light” was a chance for the campus community to come together and celebrate life’s joys, while also erasing the distance that keeps us from understanding people’s mental struggles, having empathy and showing compassion for them. —Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided in an interview that The Independent’s reporter conducted with Gabriela Diaz, managing artistic director at Erasing The Distance’s Room for Light event, and Sandra Beyda-Lorie, executive director for NEIU’s Center for Teaching and Learning, on August 29, 2023. The statements and quotes attributed to the interviewees accurately represent their views as of that date.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

campus arts & life: 2nd Story: Real Stories by Real

People for Real Change

Written by: Gabriel Gurrola, Campus Arts and Life Editor

2nd Story, a performance event that combines storytelling and music, began its landmark 25th anniversary season on September 1, 2023. 2nd Story was founded in 1999 with the goal of fostering social dialogue between performers and the audience throughout the Chicago area every month. 2nd Story has the belief that “personal stories can build a bolder and kinder world.” The event took place at Steppenwolf Theatre, located at 1650 N. Halsted St, which was founded in 1974 by three high school and college friends: Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry, and Gary Sinise. The theater got its name from the novel of the same name by Hermann Hesse, which original member Rick Argosh was reading at the time of its inaugural production of Paul Zindel’s dark comedy play, And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little.

Husband and wife team David Wagener and Erika Nelson told the first of three stories that night. Erika told the story of how the couple met through a mutual friend and instantly bonded through a shared love of music as she played the cello. David shared his experiences serving in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the wisdom his uncle shared with him during the last days of his life as he played the viola. The second story of the night was told by Vince Pagan-Hill. He described his experiences working with incarcerated people and how his boss told him to not make assumptions and be cognizant of his privilege. Curiosity over judgment. Questions over assumptions. The guitar was played by 2nd Story board member Lynnette Li as her hands trembled during moments of tension in Hill’s monologue.

The third and final story of the night was told by the Sivak family: Jeff, Lonnie, and their daughter, Lauren. They shared the story of Jeff and Lonnie’s acceptance of Lauren’s sexuality as she met her first love, Natalie, in the school play in spite of disapproval from Natalie’s mother. An electronic piano played in the background during Lauren’s account of her blissful moments with Natalie. “Crafting a story with 2nd Story is a unique experience where storytelling comes alive.” Lauren Sivak said of 2nd Story’s crafting process.“As tellers, we spend months writing and revising our stories with a curator who is responsible for guiding the writing process. Because 2nd Story sits at the intersection of live lit and theater, there is special care to building the live performance. We collaborate with a director and sound designer

or musician to develop the performance. The addition of live music adds a depth to each story that elevates the performance to a symphony of storytelling.” The storytellers prepared for this night by attending workshops at 2nd Story Studio, located at 3001 W. Lawrence Ave. 2nd Story invites anyone interested in this unique craft of storytelling on their website, “No matter your prior experience or interest, no matter if you intend to submit a story, craft a story for your own creative satisfaction, or participate in a professional learning opportunity, we’ve crafted an experience to support you and your growth.” To learn more about 2nd Story or to browse its upcoming shows, visit their website.

campus arts & life: Tapestry 360 Health’s Seminar on

Substance Abuse and Harm Reduction

Written by: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Photo provided by Author

On Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, NEIU Student Health Services hosted a seminar luncheon on substance abuse and harm reduction by inviting Tapestry 360 Health to speak about the public health topic of drugs, substances and how to navigate the pathway of addictive behaviors. Nana Tsuladze, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), sheds light on harm reduction, unhealthy behaviors, problematic patterns, excessive use and drug recovery tactics. “This is the first year that we’re doing this,” stated Tsuladze, “to just provide more support to our community,” and partner with NEIU to bring attention to substance abuse. The seminar provided information on various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, high-risk pills and stimulants. According to Tapestry 360’s seminar, some of the most widely abused drugs on college campuses include a class of drugs that fall in the category of central nervous (CN) stimulants. CN stimulants include amphetamines; specific trademarked brands include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. It is particularly concerning because they are high-risk addictive pills and college students frequently consume them. “Our big focus is harm reduction, so we don’t discharge anybody for using, misusing, or, you know, things like that. We meet every patient where they’re at,” said Tsuladze to the Independent, “we approach it very holistically.” Additionally, they have a vast array of services, which include acupuncture, medical and behavioral. The most focused harm reduction techniques that Tapestry 360 uses are cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), contingency management and self-help communities. Tsuladze desires that the goals of Tapestry 360 deliver information about harm reduction, resources and

knowledge to help communities. On one hand, Tsuladze stated, “my biggest goal was to just show the difference between recreational use and harmful behaviors.” On the other hand, Tsuladze said, “my goal is not to tell anybody that they’re using too much or they’re misusing or anything, but to mainly be like, ‘Hey, these are the signs of harmful behavior, and it’s up to you to make that decision, like, if you need it or not.’” One can appreciate Tsuladze’s sentiment that overdoing substances can cause injury and harm, but at the same time, abstinence may not be the answer for particular individuals. Some individuals are capable of enjoying recreational drugs, substances and/or alcohol without developing addictions. It may be important to recognize when the substance use becomes problematic than ostracizing all forms of substances.

Along those lines, Tsuladze insisted that it is imperative to “talk about the harmful effects of alcohol versus abstinence, … connecting students to the necessary resources … [and] … even expand it to other universities.” After recognizing that substance use has transformed into misuse or abuse by an individual, it is important to seek the necessary help, and Tapestry 360 is available to obliterate the problem for individuals struggling with addiction. Tapestry 360 offers talk therapy and CBT, they also offer medication if people are interested. Tsuladze said to the Independent, “... you can still be a part of our program if you’re just interested in counseling or medications. Nothing is required in a way.” Tsuladze wants to “keep coming back and raise awareness of harmful behavior every year or every semester and hope-

fully connect students to the necessary resources.” The substance abuse and harm reduction seminar by Tapestry 360 Health provided valuable insights into substance abuse issues, harm reduction strategies and available resources. The collaborative effort between Tapestry 360 Health and NEIU’s Student Health Services promises a safer and more informed community for all. By providing valuable insights and resources, the seminar has set the stage for ongoing efforts to promote well-being and raise awareness about the importance of responsible substance use. Tsuladze said to the Independent, “harm reduction is the most respectful and self-determined way of approaching substance use, so I hope that we all focus on that versus like, you know, abstinence, or drugs are going to kill you.”

Wednesday September 27, 2023

campus arts & life: ACCESS and ACHIEVE TRIO

Students In the Washington D.C.

Written by: Scott Andrews, Staff Writer Image Credit: Alejandro Toro, Zion Leadership Group

Disclaimer: The writer was an attendee of this trip. Over 30 TRIO staff and students from TRIO’s ACCESS and ACHIEVE student support programs embarked on a trip to Washington, D.C, for a four-day excursion of cultural and academic exploration. TRIO is a federally funded program within NEIU that helps motivated students to earn a college degree. The trip to the heart of the nation’s capital was all expenses paid thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Throughout the trip, participants had representatives from Zion Leadership Group, who served as chaperones, guides, and mentors.

Graduate Schools

One of the main purposes of the trip was for students to learn about and visit graduate schools. One of those graduate schools was American University. Upon entering the administrative complex, participants were greeted by Matthew Forrester-Smith, an employee from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, where he gave a presentation on graduate school guidelines, as well as tips and tricks for applying. Aleah, a recent graduate of American University’s School of International Service, also shared her perspective on graduate school. She also shared what students need to be proficient in to succeed, which included study skills, time management and balancing a work and social life. Students and chaperones participated in a tour of Howard University to see technology and innovation at work. The institution has a fleet of autonomous delivery robots on wheels to deliver food, supplies, and other goods. A student who wishes to remain anonymous was disappointed that Howard University did not engage NEIU students more, unlike American University, but the student explains, “I can tell the staff at Howard is dedicated based on how lively the campus was.”

At George Washington University, participants were escorted to the auditorium in the student union building. There, two undergraduate students hosted a Q&A session about campus life, i.e., the unique museums, cultural excursions, organizations, and other activities within the D.C. experience while learning to balance all responsibilities while in college. Students later attended a global leadership symposium focusing on self-branding and leadership skills. Students participated in an exercise where they interviewed fellow students individually for 30 seconds. The goal was to gain experience in making a good first impression. Then, after engaging, students wrote down on a note card taped to their partner’s back one attribute they obtained from the conversation. Many students were shocked at how others view them and their personalities. Another anonymous student was genuinely surprised when a peer wrote that they are a “ brave” individual. They explained, “This interactive exercise helped me to see things in myself I did not see there already.” The symposium concluded with two former graduate students describing their experiences with life and graduate school. Both women now have professional positions in Washington, D.C. One works as an administrator for the Department of Veterans Affairs, while the other is a managing partner for the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Cultural things in Washington D.C

The group traveled around the city, and managed to find a wealth of information from different aspects of the city. The group went down to Massachusetts Avenue and the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO), where the private residence of former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were. In addition, the homes of wealthy people such as Benjamin Guggenheim, who perished in the Titanic, and

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St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where President Kennedy’s funeral took place. One of the museums the members attended was the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where there were culturally and historically significant artifacts. including a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of the USS Philadelphia, inaugural dresses worn by the First Ladies of the United States, a piece from the World Trade Center towers recovered from 9/11, and an exhibit of the Latino History of the United States within the National Museum of the American Latino. Participants also toured the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum consists of four levels, each level with a different aspect of Black culture. The famous ‘time machine’ elevator was out of service, so visitors took the stairs down to the lowest level. The participants’ tour began with the history of slavery and the global slave trade in the world. Students learned more in-depth about segregation and its influence on the civil rights movement. A mockup of a train from that era depicted in detail the struggles African-Americans faced and the inequalities of washroom and dining facilities, separate drinking fountains, and places to sit while traveling. Exhibits of prominent figures of the civil rights movement included Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Ida B. Wells. A mockup of the lunch counter where sit-in occurred during the time of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King was featured. The museum tour concluded on the top level with artifacts and memorabilia, and entertainment media such as music and film. On display were concert tour dance suits from famous recording artists such as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Motown musicians. Several students danced to the rhythm and beats within the exhibition from these legendary re-

cording artists. The trip was not complete without a stop to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where the historic White House is located. During the time the group was there, the president was not in the Oval Office since no Marine guard was present outside the door, according to the tour guide, Mr. William. While the group posed for a group photo, there was a stir in the capital. A lady danced in protest on the street and held a sign that read “TRUMP ARRESTED! TRUMP INDICTED!” Patriotic music played from loudspeakers attached to her cart. Another protester assembled by Lafayette Square with Black Lives Matter signs and literature attached to his tent. Several students commented on how we are participating in the history of the United States now as it is happening. “A pretty cool perspective,” according to one student. There were several locations the group went for lunch during the trip, including Oohh’s & Aahh’s, a restaurant with soul food with an authentic Southern and home-cooked taste. World-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, where several famous people have eaten there from D.C. and beyond in its 65 years, according to photos plastered throughout the establishment. Notable people include President Obama, Secretary Clinton, singer Bruno Mars, and comedian Dave Chappelle. As the staff served our food, our waiter and local philosopher Mr. Keith described to students the things one can do in life to be a success, “When you show your value, you become the value.” After four days in D.C., students and advisors flew back to Chicago at 6 a.m. On the plane, a student, Destiny, commented, “I enjoyed learning about our country’s history and touring the Smithsonian! The guide was very informative and hands-on.”

Wednesday September 27, 2023

sports: What You need to know about Striking Written by: Joshua Lasko, Staff Writer

NEIU Campus Recreation over the last year has hosted a variety of combat sports classes and clubs ranging from judo and jiu jitsu to boxing and striking. A strong community can be built through dedication in the fighting studio, where the Physical Education Complex hosts these many combat clubs. NEIU has reinvigorated the fitness classes with some classes seeing new instructors, one of which is striking. The newest instructor of NEIU’s Striking class, Angel Nunez, explained that his striking course,”is mainly for building box-

ing fundamentals. This is mainly for the purpose of self defense”. Striking will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. The class is intended to welcome fighters of all experience levels and as far as the curriculum Angel Nunez said,”I will try to incorporate more kickboxing and muay thai into the course as we go along as people become more comfortable with the boxing aspect of it”. The instructor intends to build good form and an understanding of technique prior to expanding the repertoire. Photo Credit: Freepik

sports: NEIU’s Annual La Copa Delights

Soccer Enthusiasts

Written by: Joshua Lasko, Staff Writer Photos taken by Author

NEIU Campus Recreation hosts the highly anticipated La Copa Soccer Tournament every year, and this year’s event on September 16th did not disappoint. With thrilling matches and an inclusive atmosphere, La Copa once again proved to be a standout event on campus. Campus Recreation consistently organizes a plethora of events throughout every semester, but La Copa stands as one of its flagship events. The tournament featured three spirited teams: the blue, red and yellow teams. NEIU students, who wanted to participate in the three teams, were summoned via advanced registration from targeted emails in August. After the bouts had been completed, the blue team emerged victorious. The final game had spectators nail-biting as it ended in a 1-1 tie during regulation. It all came down to penalty kicks, where the blue team pulled away with a 3-2 score, thanks in no small part to an outstanding game-winning save performed by Jordi Banuelos, who denied David Canola’s shot. The La Copa Tournament offered more than just fierce competition. It was a splendidly shared experience for all participants, who bonded over their passion for the game. Each team performed valiantly, and all teams displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout, creating a positive and respectful atmosphere on the field — a testament to the values of fair play and camaraderie that sports embody. Notably, the referees exhibited serious improvement compared to the

previous year’s tournament. Their officiating was more consistent and precise, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of the event. Campus Recreation expressed its satisfaction with the successful tournament and its commitment to offering many exciting activities for NEIU students. In addition to soccer, the department provides sports programming for basketball and volleyball, along with fitness classes that students can join for free. These opportunities foster a sense of community and well-being among NEIU’s student body. As La Copa continues to be a highlight on the university’s sports calendar, NEIU students can eagerly anticipate future editions of this remarkable event, where athleticism, sportsmanship and community converge on the soccer field.

Wednesday September 27, 2023