October 5, 2021

October 5, 2021

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PAGE 2 October 5, 2021

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Students protest sexual assault at Virginia Tech

Multiple sexual assault reports since the start of the school year prompted the United Feminist Movement to take action.

ABBIGALE EVANS managing editor

Students gathered outside the front steps of Burruss Hall on Sept. 28, 2021, to protest the recent rise of sexual assault cases at Virginia Tech.

This protest was organized by the United Feminist Movement at Virginia Tech (UFM). They gathered a crowd of nearly 50 people, many holding signs that read, “How can I call VT home when I don’t feel safe here?” and “No Means No.” “Our goals today are that the university addresses sexual violence at Virginia Tech with creating a comprehensive university-wide plan…” said Carolina Bell, president of the United

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Credibility is the greatest asset of any news medium, and impartiality is the greatest source of credibility.

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Feminist Movement at Virginia Tech.

“Usually they kind of give the same resources of Women’s Center and Title Nine, but we recognize that sexual violence is a pervasive issue. It impacts all areas of student life.”

UFM wrote a letter to President Timothy Sands, Vice President Frank Shushok, Vice P resident Mena h Pratt-Clarke and Dean Byron Hughes outlining its previous efforts to make lasting change at Virginia Tech as well as its demands for the future.

The letter requested that the administration must “recognize the patterns of sexual violence and how different demographics within the community are affected,” as well as “create a comprehensive university-wide action

time to be the truth and reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

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plan to address sexual violence while committing to accountability and transparency.” The letter can be found here.

“We are demanding more education — mandatory education — not just online classes where people joke about them after they’re done,” said Ria Garg, a member of UFM at Virginia Tech.

UFM led the crowd in a series of chants, including, “Education and transparency, listen to us and you will see,” and “Hear this, we’ll resist.”

Cheers were heard from the crowd as Bell and Garg voiced their demands from the letter.

“It’s not fair that I saw two people who assaulted me going to class,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, a junior management major and also one of the women who shared her story at the protest.

After the members of UFM finished voicing their requests, they invited anyone from the audience who wanted to share their personal stories to come

up. Upwards of 20 people rose to share their own experiences with sexual assault — before and during their time at Virginia Tech.

“When people do these things, they take a piece of somebody away from them and they don’t even realize that,” said Amya Matthews, a sophomore smart and sustainable cities major and participant in the protest. “You’re walking down the street, and you see your perpetrator right there … It’s traumatizing. You have to live with that, and you don’t feel safe.”

UFM is determined to continue its protests until visible change is made at Virginia Tech. UFM wrote in its letter that its members are “listening to the concerned voices and is willing to meet with administration and work together with the greater Virginia Tech community to provide specific and measurable improvements.”

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October 5, 2021 PAGE 3

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GABY RIVERA / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Student studying for an exam, Sept. 24, 2019.

First-generation students are the pioneers of higher education

T

First generation students face a different college experience than most.

he college experience is a privilege that many are the first in their families to have, and it’s common for these students to go through the entire process alone.

There are plenty of reasons why higher education isn’t right for everyone, but at the same time, it is celebrated and encouraged for people to receive a college degree. Without the guidance of family members who have attained college degrees, navigating the college application process and experience in general is not always easy for first-generation students.

Opportunities for public education are plentiful in the U.S., which is the primary drive for many immigrant families. With more than 40 million immigrants in the U.S. as of 2018, it is prevalent that the school system attracts

migrants who don’t have similar privileges in their native countries. As a first-generation immigrant myself, the pressure of going to college was heavy, as it was expected that I would get into a good school and graduate with a well-paying job — as if it was that easy.

Immigration aside, there is still a large number of first-gen white Americans who don’t have the same opportunities compared to families with multiple bachelor’s degrees.

Growing up as a first-generation immigrant involves many unique challenges: primarily, language barriers that hinder parents’ abilities to help with homework in their non-native language. If a student’s parents speak anything other than English as their first language, sometimes they might understand less than the student does,

simply because the assignment was written in English.

First-generation students are more distanced from academia than students who come from families who have historically gone to college. A lot of the high school experience consists of college prep and taking advanced placement classes, but first-generation students aren’t fully aware of how much of an impact these have on getting into a respectable school. For first-gen students, academic responsibility does not only imply getting good grades; it is essential for tasks such as reaching out to counselors for college tips and advice. Applying to colleges requires that extra step from students whose parents might not be able to provide the same guidance at home.

High school can only prepare

students to a certain extent as far as academics go, but once they start their freshman year of college, students are introduced to countless extracurricular activities they may have never heard of before. Without any background knowledge of organizations like Greek life and student-run clubs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or incompetent as a first-generation student when entering college. The transition from high school to living an undergraduate lifestyle is stressful enough as it is, but with many opportunities available to college students, it may be difficult to figure out where to begin getting involved.

It is encouraged to get involved with activities outside of school and to study hard for good grades, but some continued on page 4

editor@collegiatetimes.com continued from page 3

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first-generation students are responsible for their own school and housing finances as well. These students are expected to do well in school while dedicating their free time to extracurriculars despite needing to work part-time or full-time to afford their studies. If a student is accountable for paying for their own education, it puts them at an unavoidable disadvantage when having to balance a college lifestyle.

Many people would argue that first-generation students have an abundance of opportunities when it comes to college and the application process.

Universities like to see the “first generation” label and tend to pay more positive attention to the student’s application; it’s often applauded when a young person strives to achieve certain opportunities that their parents were not as fortunate to have.

Mariam Naseem, a senior studying computational modeling and data analytics, weighed in on how being a first-generation student can affect college acceptances. “ Fi r st-gener at ion st ud ent s get advantages when they’re trying to get into college because of the ‘political correctness’ that universities participate in nowadays,” Naseem said.

“But it’s not a bad thing, because the advantages are needed since first-gen students struggle more to get into college.”

Earning a college degree is an impressive achievement, but some consider this level of academic success to be indicative of one’s intelligence and grit. In many cases, education can be perceived as wealth, and families with a long line of college-educated people tend to be wealthier, which gives their kids a one-up from first-generation students. While both first-gen and non-first-gen students have advantages when getting their applications reviewed, it is undeniably more appealing to come from a family of Ivy League alumni than a family who may not have had similar financial opportunities, upbringings or connections.

“I don’t think I’m necessarily ahead of the game by simply being a first-generation student,” Naseem said. “I would just say I’m less complacent and more motivated because I feel like I had to work harder to get into college.”

First-generation college students encounter many hardships and feel

a lot of pressure from their families.

They’re expected to be successful in navigating their professional careers while dealing with applications and student loans — all without anyone else’s experience to reference. Nobody wants to let their family down, especially when their family is depending on them to succeed. When a student is the first in their family to go to college and expected to succeed with a lack of understanding of college life, expectations and resources, the future can be daunting. The hard work that first-generation students put into their role is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly and should be acknowledged more than stereotyped.

Being a first-generation student does not mean that a parent didn’t work hard or wasn’t qualified for higher education. This stigma is uncalled for and unrelated to students’ sincere motivations for a college degree. These students strive to change the trajectory of their family’s history and taking the opportunity to go to college may be the best way to accomplish that.

First-generation senior and environmental policy and planning major Garima Choubey talked about what it was like to maneuver through 12th grade and the college application process.

“I definitely felt alone for most of the process,” Choubey said. “It was hard trying to relate to my classmates who were confident in what they were doing because their parents were guiding them every step of the way.”

T he t itle of “ f i rst-generat ion college student” is loaded with pride as it is used to describe young adults wanting to do better for themselves and their families. The efforts of college students with college-educated family members should not be invalidated or undermined, but the extra effort that first-generation students put forward to be on a level playing field is an accomplishment on its own. Higher education is becoming more diverse and inclusive which calls for conversations about community and uplifting one another.

Movi ng for wa rd, f i rst-generation students should be recognized and celebrated, as they are the pioneers of higher education in their families.

LILYA FENJIRO • senior • multimedia journalism

Lifestyles

editor@collegiatetimes.com

collegiatetimes.com

October 5, 2021 PAGE 5

Vet school visions: Tech’s grad programs for pre-vet students

How should Hokies decide where to apply to vet school? Consider staying in Blacksburg with the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

OLIVIA FERRARE lifestyles editor

After four years — or maybe more — of undergraduate coursework and the “college experience,” many students want to leave Blacksburg as soon as possible and start their careers elsewhere. Others stay in the area and get their graduate degree, find a local job or work for the university. Virginia Tech students interested in pursuing a higher degree in veterinary medicine are in luck: The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) claims Blacksburg as its home, and the world-renowned school has students hailing from undergraduate programs all over the country. VMRCVM offers some great resources for current Virginia Tech undergraduate students applying to vet school.

VMRCVM encompasses four locations across Virginia and Maryland: Blacksbu rg’s ma i n ca mpus; t he Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke, Virginia; the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia; and the Avrum Gudelsky Veterinary Medicine Center in College Park, Maryland.

There are three graduate-level degree programs available: a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM), a biomedical and veterinar y sciences graduate program and a public health graduate program (which also offers the underg raduate major/m i nor i n publ ic health). VMRCVM offers something for everyone, and these three programs are home to students with a variety of undergrad majors. Students studying animal and poultry sciences, dairy science, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering and more all learn skills that help equip them for VMRCVM at Virginia Tech.

“The first advantage is having access to the VMRCVM admissions office, as we work closely with all pre-veterinary students

Farm animals from the animal research fields at Virginia Tech, Sept. 30, 2021.

on main campus,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Pelzer, an associate professor of population health sciences and director of admissions and student support at VMRCVM. The admissions counselors and employees there can walk students through the process of applying even at the beginning of their undergraduate careers, and their guidance can work in tandem with students’ major-specific advisers. Meeting with multiple advisers and professors in a student’s area of interest is helpful when deciding whether to apply to grad school, and the close proximity of VMRCVM’s main campus is convenient for pre-vet students interested in learning more about the program and their options

before applying.

The Pre-Veterinary Medical Association at Virginia Tech, also known as Pre-Vet Club, offers a support network for students interested in going to vet school. The club puts on professional and service events dedicated to learning about the veterinarian discipline and helping animals in our community. This can help potential pre-vet students decide if they even want to apply to vet school and find a group of students interested in the same discipline.

“The second advantage is the ability to join in a very active pre-veterinary club (VTPVC) and thirdly, we have fantastic pre-health advisors in the Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development Office,” Pelzer said.

ANDREW RODGERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES

No matter where students decide to apply and attend grad school, Blacksburg will always be home. Pre-vet students have a wealth of resources and support from VMRCVM that can aid in the stressful process of applying to grad school. For more information on specific programs, deadlines or research going on in VMRCVM, check out vetmed.vt.edu.

@CollegiateTimes

PAGE 6 October 5, 2021

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To attend or not to attend: Advice to STEM majors considering grad school Considering continuing your education in STEM? Our advice may help you decide.

ELISE MCCUE lifestyles staff writer

As our Virginia Tech seniors in STEM soak up their final Hokie experiences, the question of whether or not to attend graduate school is a decision these students must seriously consider.

I spoke with Robyn Hansen, a senior in mechanical engineering pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical engineering. Here are her top pieces of advice for STEM students considering attending graduate school.

Tip 1: Ask yourself, “Why?” A crucial first step when considering whether or not to pursue a graduate degree is to ask yourself why you are doing it. Not all careers necessitate a graduate degree in order to excel in the field, so spending time and money on the higher degree might not be worth it.

“I don’t see the benefit of going to get your graduate degree just to have a graduate degree,” Hansen said. “That doesn’t really make sense to me. I think you should choose to get a graduate degree because you’re extremely interested in that topic. A lot of STEM majors get to focus on research, and I think that’s really why you want to go to grad school — to research.”

If you know what you want to do, have passion for it and know that a grad degree will help you achieve your goal, then you can start the search for prospective programs.

Tip 2: Work hard for the workload.

It is no secret that graduate school is no piece of cake, but not many know exactly what the workload entails. It is more than just tough quizzes and projects — it is a lifestyle. For Hansen, this lifestyle requires 10 hours of senior design classes, 10 hours of research and multiple meetings discussing the program per week.

“You really have to be on top of your schedule and things that you need to get done to make sure that your thesis is ready,” Hansen said. “It’s about just figuring out the little logistical things and painting a timeline of how you want everything to go. ​​I’m still able to hang out with my friends on the weekends and be a normal human being, but you got to make those sacrifices.”

Tip 3: Consider what kind of grad program is best for you.

Graduate programs come in many different forms that may take different amounts of time to complete. Consider full-time versus part-time options. For Hansen, that looks like only one additional year of schooling at Virginia Tech.

She is a part of the Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (SBES), an accelerated graduate program that allows her to take graduate courses during her senior year and finish out the program in one additional year. This option could be ideal for some students due to the fact that it is cheaper than a longer program, is based in the same

location as undergrad and offers many opportunities for research.

Attending an accelerated program requires you to have good grades and a strong work ethic due to the rigor of the program. However, not every STEM graduate program is offered as an accelerated program here at Virginia Tech. If what you are looking for is not at Tech, then looking into longer programs elsewhere may be best. While these are more expensive than an accelerated program, they may offer classes at a more manageable pace if you also intend on pursuing work opportunities in conjunction with graduate school.

Tip 4: Consider the prestige of the grad program, but don’t make it a top priority.

In terms of a specific school, keep your horizons open because only certain schools offer specific programs. Just because a grad program is widely considered prestigious does not mean that it is the right fit for you.

Going to a school with a bigger name or reputation could potentially be a bad decision because smaller schools with lesser known programs could provide education more specific and useful to your future career.

“It kind of goes back to what the school is known for,” Hansen said. “I don’t love the ranking systems because a lot of companies do rely on just ranking. A person who went to [a] lower school could be a super hard worker, super passionate, and willing to learn and explore. So, I think it does depend sometimes on how you’re ranked, and what

school you go to, but I think it also depends on the person as an individual.”

Take the prestige factor of a program into consideration, but also remember that is not the only factor that goes into being chosen for a job in the future. Hard work can go a long way and exceed the reputation of a specific graduate program.

Tip 5: Don’t limit yourself.

While grad school can be a crucial stepping stone toward dream careers, it might not be for everyone. If you do decide to go forward with pursuing a STEMrelated graduate degree, take these tidbits of advice into consideration, but remember to prioritize yourself. Your career goals, your wants and needs, your financial considerations and your time are the most important factors to take into consideration. Put yourself out there to seek out your future — attend major-specific career fairs, talk with your professors and advisors, apply for co-op programs and actively pursue any STEM career-related opportunity that may come your way, no matter how big or small it may be. What’s best for you is specific and unique. For more information on the specific graduate programs offered right here at Virginia Tech, explore its graduate degrees and programs website. Good luck to all our Hokie STEM seniors faced with this important decision; you got this! @CollegiateTimes

HOROSCOPES OCT. 5 VIRGO LEO

You will be able to find your friends on Center Street at the Notre Dame game this Saturday. You will not fall asleep during the second quarter of the game. If a friend offers you a quesadilla, they are your soulmate. Make sure to not eat too much cheese, or your plumbing will suffer.

Your grades will not suffer as a result of a fun game day. If you live close enough to walk to the stadium, make sure you do and enjoy the fresh air. Walking will bring your mind clarity and peace. There will be space in the North End student section for you and your friends.

Editor’s note: These horoscopes were written with satirical intent.

ANISHA KOHLI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Walkway view in Hancock Hall, a prominent engineering building, Sept. 30, 2021.

Sports

editor@collegiatetimes.com

October 5, 2021 PAGE 7

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HOKIES PLACE THIRD AT OLD TOWN CLUB COLLEGIATE Valociek leads Virginia Tech to a podium finish.

WYATT KRUEGER sports writer

The Virginia Tech men’s golf team turned in an efficient score of 19-under 821, earning a third place finish among 15 teams in the Old Town Club Collegiate.

The Hokies sent five golfers to WinstonSalem and were paced by sophomore Kobe Valociek, who recorded his first-ever top-five finish with a team-low of 201 (-9) through three rounds.

Valociek shot a 67 in round one, a 68 in round two and capped it off with a 66 in

HOKIES TIE WITH BOSTON COLLEGE ON FRIDAY Hokies’ win streak snapped in Newton.

MARGARET ALLOCCA sports writer

On Friday, the Virginia Tech Hokies’ men’s soccer team and the Boston College Eagles played a tough, double-overtime game. However, by the end, neither team had been able to score a goal, resulting in a draw.

Virginia Tech had 16 shots, with three of them being on goal. In comparison, Boston College had seven shots, with two

of them being on goal. Both teams had three attempted goals in the second overtime in hopes of securing the win.

This match interrupts the Hokies’ hot streak of four consecutive wins. The No. 11 Hokies will return home to prepare for the upcoming game against the No. 14 Louisville Cardinals on Oct. 8. @CTSportsTalk

round three that included an ace on the second hole par-3.

Virginia Tech worked its way up the leaderboard in the third round after entering the day in sixth place, shooting a second-best 272 (-8) on Tuesday. Valociek, senior Drew Brockwell and junior Daniel Azallion all shot in the 60s in the final round, their lowest scores of the tournament.

Sophomore Charlie Hanson tied for 19th by shooting a 207 (-3), while senior Connor Burgess shot a 209 (-1) and led the team in birdies with 13.

Host Wake Forest won the tournament

by shooting a 35-under 805, led by Alex Fitzpatrick and Michael Brennan who tied for first with a 198 (-12).

After playing two tournaments in September, the Hokies have just under two weeks to prepare for the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate in Jonesborough, Tennessee, before the fall season concludes on Oct. 17.

@CTSportsTalk

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ANISHA KOHLI / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team tied at its game against Boston College, Oct. 1, 2021.

PAGE 8 October 5, 2021

collegiatetimes.com

editor@collegiatetimes.com

In 2020, we broke records and over 4.4 million Virginians voted.

LET’S MAKE HISTORY AGAIN IN 2021.

Go to IWillVote.com/VA to make a plan to vote early or on November 2.