Marquette Journal February Issue

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FEBRUARY 2015

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MARQUETTE JOURNAL

CONTENTS 4

EDITOR’S NOTE

5

CONNECT

6

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

8

TOP 5 PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

FEATURES 18

PROJECTS The price of preparation: How technology is contributing to the cost of attending Marquette

24

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT What is it really like to rush a sorority?

28

SPORTS Mache twins fulfilling childhood dream with Marquette

34

OPINION South Africa’s present remains shrouded by its past

40

STYLE FILE Conquering Valentine’s Day With the Odds Stacked Against You

48

HEALTH & WELLNESS Seasonal affective disorder causes unwanted side effects

50

COLLEGE LIFE 5 Cost-Efficient, Yet Romantic Date Ideas for Marquette Students

52

ARTS & MUSIC The Best and Worst of Valentine’s Day Films

56

JOURNEY Journey profiles Mary DeAsis

FEBRUARY 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE T

his year the Marquette Journal and Marquette Tribune staff merged together. One of the best things about this collaboration is that in every Journal there is a great diversity of content from a group of student media staff with distinct passions and interests.

Insider stories about underreported coaches and players from our desk of resident sport gurus. Carefully investigated pieces from the projects desk, a team driven by data. Well written opinion pieces from a desk of journalists who use their writing to advocate for the causes closest to them.

And finally, a quirky group of Arts & Entertainment reporters that always come up with the most creative story ideas.

This month is no different; one of our four features is bound to captivate our large and varied readers of Marquette students, faculty and alumni.

In “Mache twins fulfilling childhood dream with Marquette,” on Page 28, Jacob Born covers the story of Matt and Michael Mache from playing basketball as kids, to managing the Marquette women’s basketball team, to joining the men’s team this year. Born writes, “[The sports desk] wanted Marquette fans to become familiar with the two new faces on the team, and not just in a basketball sense, but also as students. The Mache

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brothers live and breathe Marquette, and are a vital part of the team, regardless of playing time.”

“The price of preparation: How technology is contributing to the cost of attending Marquette” on Page 18, aims to find the reason why technology is a driving cost in Marquette’s rising tuition. “Along the way, I found out some interesting things, like that tuition money normally doesn’t cover technology at the individual college level and that each college is responsible for fundraising money and raising grants and donations to cover stuff like labs,” says reporter Julia Pagliarulo.

In “South Africa’s present remains shrouded by its past” on Page 34, Elena Fransen, who studied abroad in South Africa, writes about the country’s troubled past and present while its people remain hopeful for a brighter future. “I conducted research on the topic of gender based sexual violence and presented it this fall but the event didn’t get a ton of exposure.

Writing (this article) was a fun way to go through my research and study abroad experience again,” Fransen said.

Freshman reporter Eva Schons Rodrigues writes about her experience during sorority recruitment week in “What is it really like to rush a sorority?”

on page 24. Schons Rodrigues writes, “When I decided to rush, I didn’t know much about Greek life or the recruitment process, but because there are so many stereotypes that negatively represent sororities and fraternities, I felt compelled to go through recruitment to see for myself.”

I learned a lot from our four features this month, and I hope you, our valued readers, do too.

- A. Martina Ibáñez-Baldor

CONNECT facebook.com/MarquetteJournal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & ART DIRECTOR A. Martina Ibáñez-Baldor MANAGING EDITOR Paulo Acuña

The Marquette Wire EDITORIAL Executive Director Joe Kaiser Managing Editor of The Marquette Tribune Rebecca Rebholz Editor in Chief of Marquette Journal A. Martina Ibáñez-Baldor Mangaging Editor of Marquette Journal Paulo Acuña NEWS News Editor Andrew Dawson Assistant Editors Natalie Wickman, Robert Gebelhoff, Claudia Brokish General Assignment Reporters Andrew Schilling, Benjamin Lockwood, Joseph Cahill, Julia Pagliarulo, Ryan McCarthy, Gary Leverton, Devi Shastri, Mckenna Oxenden, Kathleen Baert, Patrick Thomas, Maddy Kennedy MARQUEE Marquee Editor Matt Kulling Assistant Editor Claire Nowak, Stephanie Harte Reporters Lily Stanicek, Paige Lloyd, Jack Taylor, Philip Ghuneim, Eva Schones Rodrigues OPINIONS Opinions Editor Elena Fransen Assistant Editor Jasmine Gonzalez Columnists Matthew Gozun, Sarah Patel, Caroline Paul SPORTS Sports Editor Jacob Born Assistant Editors Mike Cianciolo, Andrew Hovestol, Matt Barbato Reporters Jack Goods, Chris Linskins, Sterling Silver, Andrew Goldstein, Peter Fiorentino COPY Copy Chief James Price Copy Editors Caroline Paul, Laura Litwin, Ryan Patterson, Kathleen Baert VISUAL CONTENT Visual Content Editor Amy Elliot-Meisel Photo Editor Valeria Cárdenas Opinions Designer Eleni Eisenhart Marquee Designers Lily Stanicek, Iman Ajaz Sports Designer Michaela McDonald, Lauren Zappe Photographers Matthew Serafin, Xidan Zhang, Yue Yin, Cassie Rogala, Madeline Pieschel

twitter.com/MUJournal instagram.com/mujournal

BLOGS PAULO ACUÑA Marquette Journal Managing Editor Paulo Acuña blogs every Monday about his senior year experiences.

NATALIE RAGUSIN Marquette Journal blogger Natalie blogs every Wednesday about current fashion trends, gives advice on how to wear them and where to buy them.

MARQUETTE RADIO 1FEATURED DJ The Ocean (Wednesdays 10:30 PM-Midnight) describes itself as “Marquette’s only environmentally active radio show.”

Seniors Travis Smith and Adam Pulte provide a weekly hour and a half of well-researched information and engaging debate on environmental issues alongside a much-needed dose of relaxation and mindful reflection. The mission of the show is to bring the seemingly untouchable phenomenon that is environmental activism

and funnel it down to a local, tangible scale for Marquette students. Smith and Pulte encourage listeners to take a break from their daily stress and “tune in, to tune out.”​

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FEBRUARY MILWAUKEE EVENTS SUNDAY, FEB. 1 Cold War Kids The Pabst Lower Level, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7 Marilyn Manson The Rave, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6 Riff Raff and Webster X The Rave, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13 New Glarus Beer and Cheese Tasting Wisconsin Cheese Mart, 7 p.m.

POURMANBEER.COM

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

SATURDAY, FEB. 10 Marquette vs. Xavier BMO Bradley Center, 8 p.m.

PHOTO BY REBECCA REBHOLZ

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CALENDAR

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 National Marquette Day Marquette vs. Villanova BMO Bradley Center, 1:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 17th Annual Food and Froth Fest Milwaukee Public Museum, 7 p.m.

MILWAUKEE365.COM

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 Hozier The Riverside, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21 Kacey Musgraves The Pabst, 8 p.m.

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SUNDAY, FEB. 28 Ariana Grande Bradley Center, 7:30 p.m.

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

THURSDAY, FEB. 12 - FRIDAY FEB. 20 The Liar Marquette’s Helfaer Theater

FRIDAY, FEB. 20 SUNDAY, FEB. 22 Mamma Mia! Marcus Center

DIEDERICH.MARQUETTE.EDU FEBRUARY 2015

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TOP FIVE Icicles hang from branches over the Milwaukee River in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee.​ PHOTO BY MADELINE PIESCHEL

Submit your photos of Milwaukee and Marquette to editor@marquettejournal.org

TOP FIVE Marquette President Michael Lovell sits courtside at a November men’s basketball game.

PHOTO BY MATT SERAFIN

Submit your photos of Milwaukee and Marquette to editor@marquettejournal.org

TOP FIVE A long exposure of the water of Makena Beach, Maui Hawaii, captures the flow of the ocean.

PHOTO BY NOLAN BOLLIER

Submit your photos of Milwaukee and Marquette to editor@marquettejournal.org

TOP FIVE The sun sets over the Church of the Gesu and the rest of the Marquette Campus.

PHOTO BY YIN YUE

Submit your photos of Milwaukee and Marquette to editor@marquettejournal.org

TOP FIVE The Quadracci Pavilion of the Milwaukee Art Museum created by Santiago Calatrava in 2001.

PHOTO BY NOLAN BOLLIER

Submit your photos of Milwaukee and Marquette to editor@marquettejournal.org

THE PRICE OF PREPERATION How technology is contributing to the cost of attending Marquette

BY JULIA PAGLIARULO

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PHOTO BY YUE YIN

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PROJECTS

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ven as a freshman, engineering major Dana Morgan’s classes are littered with technology.

In her first semester as a college student, Morgan’s engineering classes featured a Roomba (robot vacuum) to delve into programming, an electrocardiogram to explore the basics of biomedical engineering and a computer-aided design program. The program allows students to create three-dimensional designs on their computers to study electrical engineering.

Morgan said she believes this technology is an essential element of education to prepare students for careers in a continuously advancing world.

"It is increasingly becoming an essential part of our everyday lives and so much of engineering and the business world is run by technology so being introduced to it now is essential in preparation for our jobs in the future," she said.

But her experiences also underscore a cost element for universities one that helped drive the influx of tuition prices and the rising need for technology, for both academic and administrative purposes.

Marquette's Office of Finance identified technology as one of its key cost-drivers.

Fifteen cents out of every tuition dollar helps cover the cost of technology through student support costs, according to data from Marquette's Office of Finance. These student support costs also pay for public safety, academic support services, residence life and recreation services.

These costs come in as the third-highest cost on the tuition dollar, behind faculty and staff salaries and benefit, at 49 cents FEBRUARY 2015

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Value

Eng. Tu

10K

5K

1973-1974

1971-1972

0K

Average nomin 0.2

0.1

0.0 1969-1970

Lamb did not provide academic technology expenditures for each college, but some colleges are able to avoid covering costs with general tuition revenues.

“We have to fundraise to cover technology costs,” said Kristina Ropella, interim dean of the College of Engineering.

“All of our computers and labs are funded by donations. The university budget does not cover our lab and equipment needs.”

While Ropella did mention that the College of Engineering considered the option of differential tuition rates or fees to help cover some of these costs, she also said that at this juncture, the College of Engineering thinks it is best to stick with

Average

15K

1969-1970

COLLEGE-LEVEL ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY

Average

1967-1968

Marquette’s finance department allots annual funds to its information and technology services each year, but that amount has actually fallen over the past four years, from $16.4 million in 2011 to $14.6 this year.

This money covers salaries, benefits, supplies, new equipment and special projects that are overseen by Information Technology Services said Vice President of Finance John Lamb in an email.

Additionally, Lamb said some recent technology projects completed by ITS include upgrades to D2L and CheckMarq, adding and upgrading DPS cameras as well as their radio system to allow direct communication to the Milwaukee Police Department and implementing an electronic time keeping system for student workers and hourly staff members.

Technology is one key cost-driver of tuition rates, according to a New York University study. Since the year 1994, the percentage of college courses that utilize technology has risen significantly.

Measure N

1967-1968

ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNOLOGY

To accommodate this rising number of courses, institutions need to provide the appropriate equipment for faculty and students, as well as upgrading older campus buildings to create the proper infrastructure.

As the study states, increasing costs for technology has “almost certainly” created higher tuition prices for students.

Although the study shows that at some point technology might make educational operations more efficient and less costly, there is no evidence to suggest this is currently the case.

Lamb also added that this budget is primarily funded through Marquette’s operating budget, which is mostly made up of tuition money. However, this ITS budget does not fund technology at the college level.

Instead, colleges must rely on donations and grants to provide funding.

% change

from every dollar, and tuition discount student scholarships, at 22 cents from every dollar.

Still, Morgan said she thinks it is all worth it.

“I think that because I am an engineering major it has a more technological focus than other majors may have, but I still think it is important because technology is the future and there are so many advancements to be made,” Morgan said. “Exposure to technology allows for quicker reception of new products and better understanding.”

HISTORICAL TUITION PRICES AT MARQUETTE

Historical tuitio

Year

on prices at Marquette

Multiple Values

Year

Looking at historical prices for tuition at Marquette gets complicated for a couple reasons.

First off, prior to 2003, tuition prices varied by college. We included prices for the three colleges that stayed relatively the same throughout the past half-century.

2015-2016

2003-2004

2001-2002

1999-2000

1997-1998

1995-1996

1993-1994

1991-1992

1989-1990

1987-1988

1985-1986

1983-1984

1981-1982

1979-1980

1977-1978

1975-1976

1973-1974

Year

2013-2014

nal tuition price change

But prices also change over time. We've adjusted prices to two different indexes: the Consumer Price Index, measuring the changes in general prices in the U.S., and the Higher Education Price Index, which is used by colleges. Some say looking at prices having to do with higher education is more relevant while others say general prices are more meaningful for students and families. You can decide which you prefer.

2011-2012

2013-2014 2015-2016

2011-2012

2009-2010

2007-2008

2005-2006

2003-2004

2001-2002

1999-2000

1997-1998

1995-1996

1993-1994

1991-1992

1989-1990

1987-1988

1985-1986

1983-1984

1981-1982

1979-1980

1977-1978

1975-1976

uition adjusted to HEPI

2009-2010

e tuition adjusted to general inflation

2007-2008

e nominal tuition

2005-2006

Names

1971-1972

PROJECTS

INFOGRAPHIC BY ROB GEBELHOFF 2015 21 Source: Marquette UniversityFEBRUARY Archives

PHOTO BY YUE YIN Students in Marquette’s College of Engineering work with advanced technology on a daily basis in their classrooms.

their current course of action.

“One way you see a lot of schools deal with this problem is they cannot do fundraising and use a misleading tuition rate but charge their students a lot in fees,” said Mark Federle, associate dean for academic affairs.

For example, donations to the College of Engineering covered the funding for many labs, including the three-dimensional visualization lab, referred to as MARVL. 22

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“The university does a pretty good job with providing the basics, like computer stations and software,” said James McGibany, executive associate dean for the College of Business Administration.

“However, some materials are too narrowly focused in that just our college uses them, so we need to fundraise for that equipment. For example, we used money from fundraising to purchase a virtual interview television screen used by our

students to conduct interviews with a potential employers out of state.”

But this has not always been the way the university funded more expensive majors.

In 2003, Marquette consolidated its tuition prices for all students, but before this point students paid different rates based on the college they attended. Prior to this administration, the College of Business and College of Engineering consistently had a higher

“

PROJECTS

ONE WAY YOU SEE A LOT OF SCHOOLS DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM IS THEY CANNOT DO FUNDRAISING AND USE A MISLEADING TUITION RATE BUT CHARGE THEIR STUDENTS A LOT IN FEES

”

tuition cost than the College of Arts & Sciences by a couple hundred dollars every semester.

For example, in the last semester before consolidated rates began, a student enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences paid $9,090 for the semester, while a student enrolled in either the College of Business Administration or College of Engineering paid $9,340 for that same semester, according to data retrieved from Marquette's Archives.

A contributing factor to these consolidated rates over the past 12 years may be to foster equal student interest in majors. Colleges often consolidate prices to encourage students to choose the major they want to pursue as opposed to costlier degrees. One Cornell University study illustrates the possible link between tuition cost and major choice.

Other colleges across Wisconsin, like University of Wisconsin-Madison and Univer-

sity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, charge differing tuition rates depending on if the student lives in state or not, as well as the number of credits they are taking for a given semester.

The University of Texas at Austin, however, charges different tuition rates based on major, with its most expensive majors being business, nursing, geosciences and engineering and the cheapest being liberal arts and education.

Regardless of whether the money comes from tuition or privately funded grants, Lamb said he feels every student has access to the appropriate technology.

“Be it through operating budgets or grants, Marquette strives to provide the materials that faculty need to provide students with a world-class education and to advance their research no matter their area of expertise or study,” Lamb said.

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Despite misconceptions and rumors one student finds rushing a sorority a rewarding experience.

BY EVA SCHONS RODRIGUES 24

MARQUETTE JOURNAL

U

Photo Courtesy of: Joanne Vasquez

s, a

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ntil a couple of months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about Greek life in the United States. I am Brazilian, so my knowledge regarding sororities and fraternities was limited to stereotypes presented by movies such as American Pie and Legally Blonde. Researching online, much of what I stumbled upon was hate toward the Greek community.

When I arrived in Marquette I soon realized these stereotypes were far from the truth.

Marquette’s Greek system is nothing like Hollywood set it out to be. At work, in class, and everywhere on campus, I began to meet more and more Greek students. To me, they were the image of diversity and truly amazing people.

I decided to go Greek. And it wasn’t long until many of my non-Greek friends advised me not to. “Sororities are full of snobby girls.”

“Why would you pay for friendship?”

“Don’t do this to yourself.

No one deserves their unnecessary drama.”

“You’re a Women’s and Gender Studies major. You of all people should not condone the behavior of those girls.”

I didn’t care much for these speeches. No sorority girl had pressured me to join, but the great majority of the non-Greek community tried to pressure me into giving up.

All over social media, the Greek-hate flowed non-stop as recruitment week drew closer. I began to fear what my friends would think of me if I went through with it, and almost gave up on something I wanted to do because of the stigma.

Luckily, the Marquette

Journal made my decision easier by asking me to cover recruitment week. Now I have the perfect cover for going through with it. I brushed off the guilt I felt for ‘needing a cover’ and got ready for r ecruitment week.

Recruitment 101 Night had arrived. I walked into the AMU Ballrooms not knowing what to expect. The room was crowded with hundreds of girls, so I held my purse tighter as I nervously tried to find my group.

“Hey, what group are you in?” I turned around to find a girl I never saw before smiling at me as if we were best friends.

I sat down with my group, but I knew no one. As I always do in a situation where I feel alone, I decided to check my phone. No new red bubbles.

No notifications. Nothing.

I looked around the room, pretending to search for someone. Everyone seemed to be wearing comfortable clothes, but was still very well-dressed.

Even though I was one of the few girls to come wearing heels and make-up, I was relieved to feel like I belonged.

Sam and LoBro, my recruitment counselors, presented themselves and helped us break the ice. I was immediately surprised. Every single girl in my group was friendly.

As I found myself involved in refreshing conversation, the staff in charge of membership assumed the stage to begin the night.

Joanne Vazquez and Natalie Pinkney welcomed us to recruitment, with anxious voices and warm smiles. The girls spoke of the true purpose of sororities, and explained why the slogan ‘limitless FEBRUARY 2015

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possibilities’ represents Greek life at Marquette.

Throughout that week, I learned a lot more about the sororities at Marquette. Up until this point, the Greek letters confused me. I still feared the stereotypes to be true and I was in shock that I spent years of my life being told sororities were inherently evil, not knowing they actually raise millions of dollars for worthy causes.

In a matter of days, I met with all the chapters at Marquette. I learned that Sigma Kappa’s color was purple, and they support several charities.

I learned that Alpha Xi Delta’s acronym was not AXD, but ΑΞΔ (oops). I learned that the Alpha Chi Omega girls are outgoing and extremely dedicated to their philanthropy (domestic violence awareness). I learned that the Alpha Phi women are moving into a brand new house, and will not make fun of you if you cry during their introduction video. I also learned that Pi Beta Phi women always find creative ways to support literacy, and will open up to you in only 30 minutes.

After meeting the chapters, I learned what defined each and every one of them. More importantly, though, I learned that all I had ever ‘known’ of sororities was wrong. The girls I met didn’t care that I was wearing mismatched socks (oops x2) or that I had a funny accent when I said ‘inquiry;’ they cared whether I was having fun, and how I managed to live thousands of miles away from my family in a place as cold as Milwaukee.

This led to a difficult decision. On Wednesday night, I would have to choose only four chapters to visit again. I was having so much fun that 26

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I forgot about this significant detail. Despite the pleasant experience I had with every chapter, I made my decision.

The next day was disconcerting to possibly every single girl involved with recruitment.

We had Post Office. Post Office is the dreadful moment when your recruitment counselors tell you which of the chapters you will be visiting again. You see, the process for rush week is based on mutual selection. This means that to be paired up, you must choose a chapter, and the chapter chooses you too.

As I waited outside with my group members, we wished each other good luck, and quietly wallowed in our nervousness until being called.

I got the four chapters I picked. I walked back to McCormick feeling relieved and confident that everything does work out for the best.

As I rested for the upcoming Philanthropy Night, I checked

“

I WAS HORRIFIED WITH THE AMOUNT OF HATE DIRECTED TO ME AND ALL OTHERS WHO WERE GOING THROUGH RUSH WEEK

”

social media to take the edge off.

Horror. Yes, I was horrified with the amount of hate directed to me and all others

who were going through rush week. Most of the Marquette non-Greek community had once again flooded social media.

“The whole idea of rushing is horrible. Complete superficial judgment with girls ranking above you.”

“Most of the really successful people are not in sororities.”

“Greek life is dumb.”

I can’t express just how dirty I felt at that moment. I had just spent two wonderful nights making new friends, having fun, and understanding just how many leadership and service opportunities I would be exposed to through Greek life… and with a couple of virtual anonymous comments, I felt like I was in some sort of satanic cult.

After scrolling down enough, I found more reason to be concerned: “All I learned through recruitment is that it sucks when three large groups of girls all agree that they dislike you.”

“I really wish I didn’t find out through recruitment that I’m only low-key attractive and my personality is down the toilet.”

The girls who were not asked back to the sororities of their choice were clearly feeling insecure – as if the outcome of rush week would make them any more or less ‘likable.’

At that moment I realized that much of the Greek-directed hate comes from what people’s expectations of Greek life are, rather than from the reality of Greek life.

I noticed that many girls went through recruitment as if it were a test, an assurance that they were pretty and likable. Other girls went through

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

recruitment only focused on the results, rather than the experience itself.

Rush week is not a test; it is an experience. To me, it does not matter where you end up, because the best parts of that week were the friends I made and the conversations I had. Even if my week had ended that Thursday, I would still have walked out with a lot more friends and a lot more experience than I did when the week started.

On that night, Philanthropy Night, I learned one more thing about sororities that no one who opposes it mentions: their service to worthy causes.

Every sorority has a specific philanthropy it dedicates themselves to. These girls, who are so constantly criticized for their arrogance, donate thousands of community service hours and millions of dollars each year to causes such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, literacy, heart health, domestic abuse and many others. The girls are passionate about their philanthropies, and the Greek system in general is the largest network of volunteers in the United States, donating 10 million hours of service each year.

I went home that night feeling sure of my decision to go Greek. I learned so much about sororities, and felt so at home in many of them that I could not be affected by negative comments anymore.

Friday was Preference Night. I chose two sororities the night before, and was once again anxious to know of my fate during Post Office. This time, I only got one sorority I chose and one alternate. At first I felt disappointed, and tried to figure out what I did wrong.

It didn’t take me long to

realize I did nothing wrong.

It worked out exactly as it should. The sororities know themselves better than I do,

“

MANY GIRLS WENT THROUGH RECRUITMENT AS IF IT WERE A TEST, AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE PRETTY AND LIKABLE

”

so who am I to judge if they found that I was more likely to succeed in another chapter?

During Preference Night, I visited only two chapters, and by the end of the night, I would have to rank them. At first, I thought the decision would be easy, but it wasn’t. I connected with so many girls and had such a great time in both chapters that it seemed hard for me to decide. However, only one of those places felt like home.

The next morning was Bid Day. On my way to the AMU, I felt at ease with my decision.

Whichever chapter I ended up in (if any), I would still be happy.

Sam and LoBro called me to give me the news. I opened the envelope to find an invitation from my new home: Alpha Phi. I was thrilled. Alpha Phi had been my favorite from the start, and I could not wait to tell my Alpha Phi sisters that I had chosen them.

Bid Day was a blast. The AMU Ballrooms were once

again crowded with girls. Each sorority was dressed up and clearly enjoying themselves as they sang, dance and tackled new sisters to the floor.

When I was revealed to be in Alpha Phi, they ran up to hug me, and I felt at home.

These girls I had never met had so much in common with me that I knew I could be myself around them. All the girls who had spoken to me throughout the process came up to welcome me, and couldn’t help but smile.

Looking back to the past week, I realize that Greek life is criticized way too often for things that are simply not true, and by people who have no knowledge of Greek life whatsoever. The concept of sisterhood brings dozens of girls together based on shared beliefs and personality traits, creating bonds between girls who would otherwise never meet.

To those who simply have no better argument other than calling sorority women shallow and arrogant, I argue that once you meet them, your mind will be changed. These girls are dedicated young girls with ambitious goals and a passion for the Greek values of service, leadership and sisterhood.

Regardless of how the media chooses to represent Greek life, and regardless of the unfortunate examples of specific chapters throughout the United States, it would be wrong to generalize an entire organization for the errors of a few.

The truth is that Greek life in Marquette is unique, and tries to bring out the best of all the girls and boys involved, and truly giving all of us limitless possibilities.

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MACHE TWINS FULFILL CHILDHOOD DREAM WITH MARQUETTE

BY JACOB BORN PHOTOS BY AMY ELLIOT-MEISEL & CASSIE ROGALA

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SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2015

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N

early every kid growing up playing a sport has a dream to make it, wherever “it” may be. It could be to the professional levels, to play Division I or maybe just to be a varsity starter in high school.

For Matt and Mike Mache, the dream was always to play Division I basketball. After two and a half years at Marquette, the twins are finally living their dream.

Mike and Matt started playing basketball in fourth grade in their hometown of Glen Ellyn, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago. The two took to the sport instantly, falling in love with it. They played together throughout grade school and continued to play in high school at Glenbard West High School.

The Mache twins played varsity all four years for the Hilltoppers and were starters in their final three. Mike became the team’s captain his senior year and graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,357 career points.

Mike was also named all-conference and all-area in his junior and senior campaigns.

Matt led his team in 3-pointers made his junior and senior year and was named to the all-area team his junior year.

While playing high school basketball, the two also played AAU ball for the Mac Irvin Fire.

With the Fire, the Mache twins played with fellow Golden Eagle Steve Taylor, Jr. “It was definitely a unique experience playing with him,” Mike said. “Steve is a great guy and we’ve known him for a while.”

Even with prolific high school careers, the two decided not to pursue collegiate athletics.

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“After ending our high school career, after being fouryear varsity basketball players and three-year starters, it was definitely a hard decision,” Mike said. “But I think being away from it brings you back and makes you realize how much you really do love competing.”

But choosing whether or not to play collegiate basketball wasn’t the only difficult decision the two brothers had to make. Both looked at Marquette separately, as well as other schools, but ultimately decided to go to college together.

“Once it really came down to it, I really love Marquette,” Mike said. “Our dad is an alumni, he went here during Coach (Al) McGuire’s tenure and was here for the national championship, so we’ve always been around Marquette and have known a lot about it. … It really had the full picture; we both knew that it was the right place for the both of us. We both looked at it separately, but realized this is where we wanted to go and so we ran with it.”

“Honestly, we grew up knowing about it, and it really combined (with) that we really wanted to go far away, but it was still drivable to go back home,” Matt added. “It’s a different, unique culture here. It’s a Jesuit institution, so that really helped us make our decision.”

Matt and Mike are both in the College of Business Administration, double majoring in operations and supply chain management and finance. But the two really want to become collegiate basketball officials.

While officiating at a live recruiting event, Mike met

SPORTS

“

NEARLY EVERY KID GROWING UP PLAYING A SPORT HAS A DREAM TO MAKE IT, WHEREVER ‘IT’ MAY BE

”

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former women’s basketball coach Terri Mitchell. After having numerous conversations with her, the two became student managers for the women’s team.

The Mache twins managed the women’s team for two seasons, working with Mitchell and current coach Carolyn Kieger. After their stint with the women’s program, the duo moved over to the men’s program with Coach Steve Wojciechowski.

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“The last two and a half years were a great experience,” Mike said. “We got to see a lot of operations and things behind the game of basketball...We saw a lot about the game and our love for the game continued to grow.”

Matt and Mike enjoyed the time as student managers, but when Deonte Burton and John Dawson transferred, the twins saw the opportunity to finally fulfill a childhood dream of playing collegiate basketball.

Being student managers, Matt and Mike were able to participate in “noon ball” where coaches and former players could come back and play in pick-up games. Matt said as the two continued to play in the noon ball games, the competitive drive started to kick back into gear.

“It was kind of mutual,” Matt said about walking on.

“We approached the proper channels on the men’s side and met with coach (Wojciech-

SPORTS

“

WE SAW A LOT ABOUT THE GAME AND OUR LOVE FOR THE GAME CONTINUED TO GROW

”

owski) and just ran with it. It’s been great ever since.”

The two now sit on the end of the bench, each sporting a Marquette jersey. Mike wears number 42 and Matt wears number 54. The two said they cannot believe they are playing for Marquette, especially after being removed from the sport for more than two years.

“It’s a very exciting experience,” Mike said. “When we were younger, we wanted to play Division I basketball, so to

be a part of a Division I basketball program as a walk-on was definitely a unique experience.”

Playing together for so long could create some sibling rivalry between the two brothers.

But Matt and Mike said that it’s almost the opposite, that they want the other to succeed.

“We’re probably each other’s biggest fans,” Matt said. “If I see something he can do better in practice, I’ll be like, ‘Hey, do that.’ So we really kind of

build on each other. We take each other’s ideas and build on it and create a better effort in practice.”

There are 541,054 high school basketball players in the United States. Of those, only 32,190, or 5.9 percent, go on to play any sort of collegiate basketball. Only 5,485 players of the 541,054 make it to Division I basketball. Matt and Mike, two-and-a-half years removed from playing high school ball, are playing with some of the best players in the world.

And while they may not be getting much playing time, if any at all, the two are perfectly fine with that.

“At the end of the day, before we’ve made every decision, it’s felt right,” Matt said. “It felt right to go to Marquette. It felt right to join the women’s basketball program.

And at the end of the day, it felt right to leave something that we’ve loved for two-anda-half years. Every decision has felt right.”

“And we felt it was right… to be a part of the Marquette men’s basketball team,” Mike added.

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SOUTH A PRESENT SHRO

BY ITS

Though the country has transition after many year reality proves much

BY ELENA PHOTOS BY CA

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OPINIONS

AFRICA’S REMAINS OUDED S PAST

s gone through a major rs of turmoil, South Africa’s h more complicated

FRANSEN ASSIE ROGALA

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S

outh Africa is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape and people.

Common associations made with the country are Nelson Mandela, the big five native animals and the popularized folk song, “Shosholoza.” While these are pretty prevalent in the country, particularly in souvenir shops and on the Rand currency, there is much more to this place.

Beyond the visually pleasing side of South Africa, there is a harsh history which continues to bear importance still.

Though the apartheid system which made racial discrimination legal has been banished for 20 years, the repercussions remain revalent in addition to other growing issues.

Racial disparities remain a national albatross and gender inequalities have increased since the end of apartheid.

These are apparent problems which continue to threaten the nation’s supposed progress.

Having seen some of these up close, it is clear South Africa, much like the United States, has a long way to go to strike out inequalities.

Home to a diverse climate and population, it is a land of plentiful variety and differing circumstances. South Africa is home to people originating from all over the world and continues to draw people into its vibrant culture. But it is possible for someone to spend their entire lives in South Africa without seeing its more tortured side, the one still trying to reconcile with the effects of past legal discrimination and an increasingly violent society.

More than just a pretty and idyllic postcard, South Africa holds a dark past that tends to 36

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overshadow its present.

The nation’s beauty really is breathtaking. There are mountains, oceans, deserts and many peoples comprising the overall friendly country. In Cape Town, one of the three national capitals and home to a dynamic scene, the oceans and mountain range are never far from sight. The environment appears welcoming and, on a nice day, it is very difficult to ever go inside.

This is the kind of place foreign and local investors want you to imagine when considering a visit to South Africa: a picturesque haven where people are free to do as they please. This, however, is not an accurate representation of the state of the country.

When one looks deeper into the country, the real history and its continued effects are overwhelmingly obvious.

In some cases, particularly with gender relations, inequalities have gotten worse. When addressing inequalities it is important to see how race and gender overlap in many contexts and how the problems we face are not isolated but intersectional.

Racial tensions and disparities existed long before the implementation of apartheid in 1948 and have continued long after its removal. Apartheid as a series of laws was used to preserve the dominance of the minority white population while managing the black African peoples who were construed as unruly and uncivilized. Peoples’ abilities to act autonomously and prosper were determined by the state with dreadful effects. Access to better jobs, better homes and the right to vote were all determined by

skin color, with the black population being mostly shut out.

Apartheid effectively kept racially diverse people separate and in opposition so there was less chance that they would band together against the white minority population. It was meant to instill order, yet the harshness of the regime, reinforced by a highly violent policing body, incited great reactions against the imposed status quo.

It took many years of hard

OPINIONS

A young girl, standing in a local creche (daycare) in Kayamandi/Enkanini, a township in Stellenbosch, a city about 40 minutes from Cape Town.

work and a plummeting economy for the system to be brought down in 1994. Since legal discrimination has ended, Nelson Mandela was the first black and democratically elected president and a new, progressive constitution was written to ensure apartheid would stay in the past.

From the current state of South Africa, it would appear the remaining systems originally constructed during apartheid continue to contribute to

hardships faced by the black majority. People in South Africa know this, claiming that what is written on paper is not the lived reality of most people.

No one can legally be racially discriminated against when seeking a place to live or a job, but there remain obstacles that block black individuals from doing so. Poverty, poor education and homes far from possible jobs continue to be an issue for people who were mistreated by the state for nearly 50

“

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY AND IDYLLIC POSTCARD, SOUTH AFRICA HOLDS A DARK PAST THAT TENDS TO OVERSHADOW ITS PRESENT

�

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Asa, 12 years old, living in Kayamandi

Nomvuzo, 26 years old, living in Kayamandi

years.

The contrast between the privileged and the disadvantaged is stark and separate, which is really a testament to the original system of apartheid. South Africa’s wealth remains predominantly in the hands of the white minority with much of the black majority living in poverty and performing lesser labor. Alongside this racial disparity, women are disadvantaged further in the economy, often working in domestic labor while performing single parent duties.

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An immigrant from

Other problems which have grown since 1994 are the violent crime rate and rates of violence against women and children. It is suggested this increase, which presents itself across racial groups, is a result of the end of apartheid. While there was racial discrimination under the regime, there was also order and a set role for everyone. In unstable environments, violence and the threat of violence are often powerful social forces which impose order on subjects through fear.

Though the recent constitution

grants everyone equal rights and frowns upon violence against vulnerable people, women remain at a disadvantage. South Africa has a dominant patriarchy which ultimately creates an environment where many women fear for their personal safety if they are not accompanied by a man.

In reality, Cape Town has been named the rape capital of the world by Interpol. The city and overall country show such awful rates that 1 in 4 women will be raped in their lifetime.

A woman is more likely to be

OPINIONS

Zimbabwe now living in Kayamdi supporting her family

raped than educated past high school and if you reach 18 without being raped, someone you know has been raped twice.

An extreme phenomena present in South Africa is that lesbian women are raped in an effort to “correct” their sexuality, which is seen as unnatural.

This is an attempt to control how people conduct themselves and make them align with the “South African” way.

However, this ultimately adds to the violent atmosphere which has grown since the 1990s.

These are harsh facts to take in but are important for a greater understanding of life and present issues in South Africa.

Gender, economic and racial relations in the South African context are far from resolved and continue to vie for the government’s attention. There is still a lot that needs to be done to address the results of apartheid, which remain even with universal suffrage and a constitution centered on counteracting discrimination.

I was fortunate enough to be in Cape Town this past June and witness firsthand the beauty, and also pain, that is present in South Africa. Working with those less fortunate, meeting with organizers trying to fight against the unfortunate consequences of apartheid and seeing the economic and racial divides plain as day really brought home the reality that achieving social justice in an inhospitable environment is not a single event but a constant endeavor.

South Africa, a great beauty, has many scars from its past and just covering them up or putting band aids on them will not suffice. It is working with them, learning to find new ways to approach them and make the best out of an unwanted situation.

It breaks my heart to see such a beautiful country with

kind and lively people struggling to move forward and prosper. Yet, I believe, as does the nation of South Africa, all the people working vigilantly in the country and the world over, that there is hope for something else; for something that works for all people and addresses the root problems of many big issues rather than just symptoms of individual disparities.

Sure, looking beyond the postcard and seeing the reality in South Africa might poke holes in one’s initial conception of the country. But acknowledging the flaws makes the picture more real and tangible; something that can be appreciated for all its dimensions and complexities. We should know a thing or two about that in the United States, and even more particularly in Milwaukee, where disparities are prevalent and no good comes from ignoring the problem. People do and must continue to demand action and change for real progress to take root.

Seeing South Africa for what it is, what and all the people it represents makes one thing very clear: South Africa and South Africans are survivors, all of whom will continue to forge their futures, and hopefully while dealing with their pasts.

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EVER WONDER WHY YOU THE WINTER? WELL, IT'S A PROBLEM, CALLED SAD SEVERAL RESOURCES TO HE

BY DEVI

M

arquette students facing long and cold Milwaukee winters normally feel antsy or tired. However, it is possible to experience season-specific environmental stressors and changes in light which can increase the risk for a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is a seasonal variance in mood that comes on around the same time each year and typically persists through fall/ winter or spring/summer.

Though several risk factors and treatments for SAD are known, healthcare professionals are still enhancing their under48

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standing of the disorder itself.

It is now considered to be a subtype of major depression or bipolar disorder.

“In the most current diagnostic manual, and this is the one that came out in the last year or so, the term ‘seasonal affective disorder’ doesn’t appear,” said Michael Wierzbicki, a psychology department faculty member who studies depression. “What they do is talk about major depression that has a seasonal pattern.”

This distinction is essential, Wierzbicki said, because there are many different risk factors that could contribute to SAD’s onset, ranging from weather

changes to seasonal job loss.

Such complexities are what differentiate the disorder from the average “cabin fever” that most people may experience.

“It is common to feel more fatigued when it’s darker outside,” said Dr. Stephanie Kohler-Neuwirth, the counseling center’s consulting psychiatrist. “The dark is a signal to our body that it’s time to rest. But that isn’t the same thing as seasonal affective disorder, where you really are experiencing a major depressive episode. People do have to feel really down, sad or like they’re not enjoying things most of the time for at least two weeks.”

U FEEL MORE SLUGGISH IN ACTUALLY A DOCUMENTED D, AND MARQUETTE HAS ELP COMBAT THE DISORDER.

SHASTRI Dr. Kohler-Neuwirth added other symptoms that include changes in sleep, excessive fatigue, an increased appetite, feeling guilty or worthless, hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. The counseling center has a range of treatments including light box therapy and psychotherapy. A person with SAD could also take antidepressants.

Mayo Clinic states the risk of SAD increases in people who live further from the equator, possibly due to the changes in the amount of sunlight a person receives. Because of these findings, light box therapy has become a commonly accepted

treatment. The Marquette counseling center has a light box students can use for therapy. A person who has SAD symptoms or even mild weather-related mood changes can sit in front of the light box for a period of time and the box will simulate sunlight.

“When (light box therapy) was first introduced in about the 1980s, there were actually placebo studies that showed that this therapy (works),” Wierzbicki said.

Wierzbicki said a misconception is that people may think the depressive symptoms are lowered due to the ability of the patient to finally relax, but

Wierzbicki said researchers conducted a study that showed different spectrums of light had a therapeutic effect.

“I have a lot of friends that are from the California area, especially from southern California, and it’s interesting how we all feel a lot more sluggish and lazy and less motivated in the winter,” said Elyssa Camerino, a junior in the College of Health Sciences. “I’ve found that it does give me more energy, sometimes a little too much.

But it definitely helps with my energy level and my motivation and maintaining the positive attitude that I strive for.”

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DATE NIGHT PHOTO VIA CINEMATREASURES.ORG

PHOTO VIA ONMILWAUKEE.COM

PHOTO BY JACK TAYLOR

Photo via millercoors.co

DINNER DATE AND A MOVIE Price: Free w/ Meal Swipe Nothing says romance like sharing a delicious meal with a significant other. Unfortunately, romantic dinners come with a price, and way too often a high one. Luckily, Marquette students have access to the campus’ sports restaurant, The Annex, located on the corner of 16th and Wells St. The Annex takes meal swipes for designated meals and allows one swipe per week. On weekends, couples can head over to the Varsity Theater after they finish their meal. Movies are shown on weekends as apart of Late Night Marquette and films are usually advertised on the marquee along Wisconsin Ave. Entry is free to any student who presents an MUID. Any student who presents an ID can bring along guests free of charge, which works out conveniently for long-distance relationships.

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SNOWFALL EXCURSION TO EAST MILWAUKEE Price: Cost of Colectivo Coffee Following a heavy snowfall, no part of Milwaukee looks quite as stunning as the East Side. The rolling hills and heavily wooded areas provide fantastic visuals when they are blanketed with snow. The hills provide great opportunities to go sledding or just to go for a walk and admire the amazing winter scenery. As the hill winds down towards the lakefront, couples can stop and warm up with Colectivo Coffee, located at 1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. The prices are relatively inexpensive for a tremendous experience at the Latin American influenced cafe. The romantic setting perfectly tops off a date spent exploring the city’s snow-covered East Side with a significant other.

TOUR T BEER CAPIT OF THE WOR Price: Free

Milwaukee is nationally its multiple established so much so that the cit nicknamed “the beer ca world” over the years. T table Milwaukee brewer MillerCoors, located in just west of Marquette’ further along Wisconsin are free and last about taking you through the and brewing locations, the different steps of th process. In fact, the tou its audiences into what ice cave, previously use beer at a cold temperat and your date are over provides a beer-sampli at the Miller Inn. This fre make for a terrific time giving couples the chan perience a behind-theat the MillerCoors brew “beer capital of the wo

Five Cost-Efficient, Yet Romantic Date Ideas for Marquette Students

COLLEGE LIFE

BY JACK TAYLOR

R

PHOTO VIA VISITMILWAUKEE.ORG

om

THE TAL RLD

y known for d breweries, ty has been apital of the The most nory belongs to Miller Valley ’s campus, n Ave. Tours an hour, e warehouses explaining he brewing ur even takes t was once an ed to store ture. If you 21, the tour ing session ee tour will e on a date, nce to ex-scenes look wery in the orld.”

MILWAUKEE RIVERWALK WITH THE “BRONZE FONZ” Price: Cost of Dinner The Riverwalk along Water Street can be the most beautiful place in Milwaukee, even in the frigid wintertime. With the water frozen over, the river gives off a gorgeous shine as it reflects the city lights as clear as crystal. The snow-covered sheet of ice is quite the sight to see while strolling along the Riverwalk, handin-hand with your date. Lined with numerous restaurants, the Riverwalk provides plenty of locations to grab a bite to eat either before or after admiring the heart of the city.

As a bonus, it includes a bronze statue of Fonzie from the Milwaukee-based television show “Happy Days.” Throw a couple thumbs up and take the selfie worth a thousand “Ayyy’s!”

EXPERIENCE LATE NIGHT MARQUETTE Price: Varies Not every college student in the country has the same resources and opportunities Marquette gives us. Late Night Marquette offers a wide variety of on-campus activities to allows students to utilize their resources and enjoy their time here. What’s more, these events are extremely cost-efficient, an opportunity every college student should take. For example, Late Night Marquette offers $1 bowling every Thursday night at the Annex from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Couples can either compete against each other or another couple on a double date. It is illogical to spend the same money anyone would at Brunswick Zone when Late Night Marquette offers the same thing for next-to-nothing. Future LNM events might include musical performances, trivia nights and more. LNM lets couples interact not only with each other, but with the campus community.

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THE BEST AND WORST OF VALENTINES DAY FILMS Choosing the perfect film for Valentine’s Day is more challenging than you would think. Here is a list of the perfect love stories to fulfill your inner romantic and those you should avoid.

BY STEPHANIE HARTE 52

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ARTS & MUSIC

CLASSIC ROMANCES

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1993) In “Sleepless in Seattle,” young Jonah calls a radio talk show on Christmas Eve in hopes of finding love for his father Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks). After Jonah manages to get his father on the air, Sam tells listeners about how much he misses his wife Maggie, who lost her battle with cancer. Sam then begins to receive mail from hundreds of women who were touched by his story and are eager to meet him.

One of these women includes Baltimore Sun reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), who proposes that they meet at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. A child’s sincere wish to find happiness for his father, as well as the build up to Sam and Annie’s meeting, will capture the heart of any viewer.

A WALK TO REMEMBER (2002) A list of anything romantic wouldn’t be complete without Nicholas Sparks. His film “A Walk to Remember” brings the innocent reverend’s daughter Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) and the rebellious Landon Carter (Shane West) together in an unexpected love story. Landon goes from making fun of Jamie in the school halls to setting out to prove he is worthy of her. Moore and West’s chemistry on screen will make even the strongest cynics believe in the genuine love between Jamie and Landon.

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BEST ANIMATED ROMANCES

LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955) The classic Disney film is based on the book “Happy Dan, The Whistling Dog” by Ward Green. The tale revolves around a spoiled cocker spaniel named Lady, who runs away with a mutt from the streets known as the Tramp. When Lady has to share the spotlight at home with her wealthy owners’ new baby, she embarks on a wild journey with a street mutt.

Audiences are still enjoying this popular animated romance 60 years later.

UP (2009) The Disney Pixar film “Up” opens with Carl (Edward Asner) and Ellie as kids with the same passion for exploring. In the film, the couple grows up and gets married set to a silent selection of clips with music. The touching sequence is so well animated that viewers will feel all the joy and hardship that come from married life without any dialogue. Once the sequence concludes, Carl is left without his wife and chooses to fulfill their dream of finding the famous Paradise Falls, with the help of a talking dog and a nerdy Wilderness Explorer.

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ARTS & MUSIC

LOVE STORIES TO AVOID VALENTINE’S DAY (2010) “Valentine’s Day” may look like a promising pick based on the presence of some of the most popular names in Hollywood (Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, George Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, etc.)

However, no amount of big names can justify this confusing film with a million plot lines, which all take place on a Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles. Although this tactic proved to be effective in “Love Actually” (2003), the stories in “Valentine’s Day,” are predictable and frantically attempt to intertwine at the end.

The stories are underdeveloped due to the lack of time spent with each couple. In fact, Kutcher is the only actor whose minutes on screen hit double digits.

TWILIGHT (2008) Audiences flocked to see Twilight in 2008 after the success of the popular book series by Stephenie Meyer. We all know the story of teenage Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) who falls for the mysterious vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Although most “Twihards” are so mesmerized by the story that they fail to see any flaws, the poor acting and questionable character judgment are enough to make most viewers cringe. At one point in the film, Bella tells Edward she would die for him, proving to be overly dramatic for a teenage romance. Pattinson and Stewart also appear too uncomfortable and intense throughout their interactions in the film.

The first conversation between Bella and Edward in biology class is so painfully awkward that the scene seems to last forever.

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JOURNEY MARY DEASIS

BY ROB GEBELHOFF

PHOTO BY XIDAN ZHANG 56

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JOURNEY

B

eing a full-time nursing student already has its challenges. But try adding on the responsibilities of a first-chair violinist and the workload of being a member of a string quartet. Then you might get a glimpse of what it Is like being Mary DeAsis, a senior in the College of Nursing and the concertmistress of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra.

A typical Monday for DeAsis looks something like this: - Waking up and going to class from the morning until 4:45 p.m.

- Heading over to the Varsity Theatre for orchestra rehearsal from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

- Rehearsing to play at the St. Joan of Arc Chapel mass at 9 p.m.

- Then actually playing at the Joan of Arc Chapel, from 10 to 11 p.m.

- Rushing home to sleep so she can get up at 5 a.m. for her clinical study at St. Luke’s Medical Center the next day Somewhere in the cracks of her schedule, DeAsis manages her homework and any extra personal practice time. And oh yeah, she also sings during mass at the Chapel of the Holy Family in the Alumni Memorial Union.

DeAsis has been playing violin for 17 years, starting when she discovered the instrument at a Christmas concert when she was four years old. She developed her skills alongside her brother and in youth orchestras in her hometown of Arlington Heights, Ill. “I learned a lot about playing with other people,” she said. “Then I kind of just worked up from there.”

By the time she was a senior

in high school, DeAsis was a member of five different performing groups. Although she is studying to follow in the footsteps of her mother to be a nurse, she could not resist joining Marquette’s orchestra her freshman year.

“I put all this time into (music); I knew I could not give it up,” she said.

A concertmistress (or concertmaster for a man) is the second-most important person in an orchestra (the conductor being number one). They sit to the left of the conductor and are tasked with counting rests and observing the conductor for the rest of the section. That requires the concertmistress to be the most skilled violinist in the ensemble, often being most familiar with the music and taking on the difficult solos in the work being played.

“Mary has been a great leader for the orchestra as the concertmistress,” said Jason Ladd, conductor of the orchestra. “The other members of the orchestra respect her because of her strong musicianship and calm demeanor.”

Oddly enough, DeAsis has been playing with a few of the people at Marquette’s orchestra since high school. That, on top of having worked with many of the musicians since freshman year, contribute to the “goofy” atmosphere DeAsis said she loves.

“We’ve been in this for four years together,” DeAsis said.

“We’ve developed some really good friendships and that really helps us to play together.

There’s always a good collaboration.”

Playing in the orchestra can be done for academic credit, but DeAsis is now taking part

in it for fun, filling in a good chunk of her Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

It’s also a side-career that offers a few gigs that pay pretty well. DeAsis and a group of a few other sting musicians formed a string quartet that performs at classy events on campus and at a variety of locations around the city. She also found her way onto a stage performing with Mark Wood, an Emmy-winning electric violinist and one of the founding members of the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Her experiences playing music with friends at college also introduced her to more improvisational performances. Every once in a while she and her friends bust out their guitars, bases and cellos for their own jam sessions.

“Music can help you express yourself in ways that words can’t,” she said. “I’m not a very good speaker, but feel like I can convey what I’m feeling by how I play.”

Music has been such an important outlet for DeAsis that she said the idea of giving up playing for mass or playing for the orchestra to fit in her nursing schedule “broke her heart,” so she found ways to keep the music in her schedule.

DeAsis plans on graduating this spring and finding a job in nursing to get her feet wet in the industry. But she also said she has no plans on dropping her music career whatsoever.

“I always wondered how it’ll work,” she said. “But I won’t give it up.”

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