Volume 22, Issue 14 | April 25, 2024

As the 2023-24 academic year comes to a close, one question comes to mind: What is the future of Whittier College’s student population? In the last four years, the College has seen a decrease in student enrollment. See “Whittier Plagued With Low Enrollment” on the Quaker Campus Medium and in a previous issue for more information.

Just this year, the undergraduate student body count dropped from 813 to 733 students. As of now, the graduating class is at 237, with the current first-year class as of Spring 2024 lower at 135 students. Some of the major events that led to the decline in the student body over the years were the COVID-19 pandemic, and the infamous cutting of the sports program. See “Spring Enrollment on the Rise” on the Quaker Campus Medium page and in a previous issue. Recently, the College announced that after three years, they would be raising tuition. See “Whittier College Announces First Tuition Increase in Four Years” on the Quaker Campus Medium for more information.

Throughout this last semester the College has been working on several initiatives in an attempt to raise the student body population.

One of the initiatives that will be implemented in the next year is the College’s collaboration with the City of Whittier to offer a cohort of 10 local high school students a “four-year, full-tuition scholarship.” This initiative, called the “Poet Pledge,” seeks to give high school students an incentive to apply to be a part of the College’s incoming class of 2024.

Other ways that the College is attempting to gain applicants is directly through the application process. Firstly, in 2020, Whittier College waived their application fee; allowing it to be completely monetarily free, and risk free to apply. “The waiver is the latest step in Whittier College’s mission to create a more attainable higher education,” states the College website.

Secondly, the College has also begun to offer instant decision interviews. Incoming students are able to book a one-on-one appointment with a Whittier College admission counselor. By the end of the interview, the student will be told if they have been accepted into the College or not. Thus, the students can over-

ride the Common Application process and instead get a direct route into the College. At these meetings, the students may also be offered a preliminary scholarship alongside an offered acceptance. In addition to this, is the increase of tours seen around campus.

Besides using increased financial aid to encourage more applicants, there has also been an attempt to remedy one of the College’s most controversial decisions: cutting the men’s lacrosse team. Read “Whittier College Reinstating Lacrosse” on the Quaker Campus Medium to learn more.

Currently, Whittier Alumni Joe Damm (‘95) and Joe McCarthy (‘97) are attempting to bring back the College’s lacrosse program as a club. As of April 24, 2024, the Alumni are still attempting to raise enough funds to officially reinstate the lacrosse program.

The question of whether these various initiatives will raise the student body population to 1,833, which is the number it was in Fall 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only time will tell if the newly instated programs will garner enough attention to attract incoming students to Whittier College.

Emily

Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alissa Portillo DEPUTY EDITOR

Sage Amdahl MANAGING EDITOR

Well Whittier College, another year has flown by. Tests, essays, presentations, and more have consumed everyone, and while that will not stop with the impending doom of finals coming up, we are glad that through every hardship or joy that you experienced, the Quaker Campus was by your side.

We here at the QC want to thank you for your continuous support. Student journalism is no easy feat (just ask our team!), but your love and grattitude for our newspaper is valued greatly. Once again, thank you.

The Quaker Campus has elevated itself to a standard that has been unprecedented in years past—and it is just going to continue to get better. This year, we completely revitalized the newspaper, adding a bounty of information to make sure that the Whittier College community is educated and engaged. This includes sections like our “Ask a Poet, A Poet Answers” advice column; recommendations from our staff; schedules for campus events and sports games, along with coverage on all the events, news, and more that the College community demands. We also added an activities section called the “Poet Playhouse,” an official Quaker Campus website that we are still working on, along

with a totally revamped Instagram page. The latter actually earned us the “Social Media Engagement” award at the 2024 Student Life Awards.

Many of our staff were also recipients of awards, including Senior Key Awards, Emerging Leader Awards, Officer of the Year, and the Miss Margot Latif Memorial Award. We want to say thank you to the Whittier College community for acknowledging the hard work and dedication our team provides for you. Your worries, frustrations, happiness, and more are in good hands at the Quaker Campus.

We would also like to thank our Faculty Advisor Joe Donnelly, for his continous help and support—no matter how weird.

While the year is coming to an end, the Quaker Campus will still be working this summer to make sure that you are getting the best newspaper you deserve. You will be meeting our newest Executive Board members in the coming months, but for right now, the current Editors would like to say, once again, thank you. A million times, thank you.

This is the 2023-24 Quaker Campus Editorial Team, signing off.

Enrollment has decreased from Fall to Spring 2024.

The E-Board wishes you well! Courtesy of Michael henderson

Spring 2024 State of the Senate Address

Duncan Smith FOR THE QC

Fellow Poets, we are once again at the time of year where we reflect on our work and look to the future. For the Associated Students of Whittier College (ASWC), this time of year is no different.

The organization our administration took charge of lacked traction from the previous year, and we were unfortunate to lose many of our team members either to graduation or other opportunities this fall. We inherited a 65 percent approval rating and were stunned to learn that more than half of the students (51 percent) had never interacted with ASWC in any form. The survey metrics were not providing us with good news, but the numbers told us where we needed to focus our resources.

The team immediately went to work on addressing our three largest issues: administrative transparency, organizational visibility, and internal operations. We were fortunate that Interim President Kristine Dillon and her administration shared our goal for transparency, and that is something that has made—and will continue to make—our jobs easier. Interim President Dillon and her team not only listen to our suggestions, but often seek us out. Before the recent tuition increase announcement, the President called

a meeting with the ASWC leadership to ensure that the language of the announcement was in order and to prepare all of us to answer student questions or concerns, if needed.

This school year also saw the addition of multiple ASWC officers as student representatives to various committees of the Whittier College Board of Trustees. The Trustees, much like the Interim President and her administration, are united with us in working towards a better College for the students we have now, and for the ones who will come after us.

We approached our goal of visibility with the acknowledgement that we cannot properly voice student concerns and handle cases if we do not know what the cases and concerns we should be addressing are. I am very grateful to our Campus Relations team for their work in ensuring that ASWC has a strong presence on campus, and that students know we are here for them. We have seen a dramatic increase in attendance at our full table meetings and at our committee hearings, and I can say (anecdotally) that there is a significant overall awareness of our work and our mission.

Our final main short-range goal was streamlining our internal operations. Led by the Senate Administrative Committee, we have instituted new systems that ensure

no member of ASWC will be receiving compensation for work they have not done. We have seen a remarkable increase in committee attendance. Every single Senator is a member of at least two committe— many serving on three or more— and Senators are doing real, meaningful things in those committees. It is safe to say that ASWC Senate is back to work.

This year, we have had a number of big, and small, wins on issues of particular concern to the student body. On the smaller side, we have gotten the Campus Inn waffle irons open on weekends for brunch, we have gotten water filters replaced in residence halls, we have the Stauffer Hall fire pit up and running again, among other things. My personal

favorite, however, is the permanent addition of lawn games in the Upper Quad for community use; our administration is committed to working on our campus vibrancy, and we felt that this was a significant step in the right direction. Our bigger wins include a renewed and strengthened connection with the leadership at Bon Appétit, a better handling of our budget, and the relationship we have built with staff and administrators. We also put $44,277.38 towards funding signature College events, and we enforced adherence to our funding codes in a much stricter manner.

As we look ahead to next year, and many of our second terms, we remain steadfast in our goals. The Executive Cabinet prepared a

five-semester strategic plan that was reviewed by a number of advisors, the President of the College, and the Senate, and we are excited to initiate the next phases of it in the fall. We will continue to work on rejuvenating social life, getting more students involved, and bridging the gaps we see in our student body.

Above all else, we are expecting the work of our Office of Admission to pay off well, which will result in a high portion of the population next fall being completely new to the College, and we are committed to making our new classmates feel welcome in our community.

It remains a surpassingly high honor to serve as your ASWC President, and I am so excited for the future. Go Poets!

Whittier Ushers in Israel-Palestine Discus sion

Cara De Los Reyes STAFF

WRITER

Sarah Licon NEWS

EDITOR

Reporting by Chelsea Bartilad

Anna Gaber

Students and faculty at Whittier College have facilitated discussions in a series of sessions about the Israel-Hamas War, in lieu of hosting on-campus protests.

Just last week, on April 18, more than 100 pro-Palestine students at Columbia University were arrested while participating in an on-campus demonstration. A week after, another 120 students at New York University were arrested for staging a sit-in in support of the Palestine cause. In response, a number of smaller pro-Israel counter protests have erupted, including one at Columbia University.

Since then, several faculty and student-run organizations have hostied various public discussions, including the bi-monthly “Palestine in Context: Study Series” at Hartley House, which welcomes guest lecturers and open discussion. The series’ intent, per their Engage page, is to, “Come to a clearer understanding of the past, present, and future of Israel-Palestine.”

On April 22, the Asian Student Association, in conjunction with the Student-Worker Alliance, wrapped up the last session in the study series, in which included student speakers and a more in-depth focus on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

On April 2, the Sephardic American Mizrahi Initiative (SAMi) hosted a “What is Zionism?” discussion led by Israeli-Jewish scholar, Jason Harris. The event was divided into a lecture on the history and origins of Zionism, along with the idea of a one-state solution, before it transitioned to a Q&A session that involved guest lecturers.

Most recently, the College hosted Israeli-American human rights activist and author, Miko Peled, for a discussion on the war in Gaza on April 16. Peled’s visit, followed by a a luncheon with the activist the next day, was sponsored by the Religious Studies, Sociology, and Anthropology Departments and attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, and off-campus guests.

In his talk, Peled drew on his personal journey as a former Zionist and a member of the Israel Defense Forces—the Israeli national military. Peled refers to himself as a dedicated advocate for the liberation of the Palestinian people, as well as in support of a single democratic state with equal rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.

He also argued that the Palestinian people faced oppression, enabled by silence and complacency. Additionally, he expressed his intent to foster an open dialogue and challenge the status quo surrounding discussions about the subject of Zionism and Palestinian oppression.

A significant aspect of Peled’s presentation was the exposure of attempts to erase the history of Palestinians from textbooks and educational materials. According to Peled, this systemic omission has played a significant role in the dehumanization of Palestinian people and the normalization of violence against them. Peled urged attendees to consider the consequences of complicity, asking, “What will we tell our children we did during this time of injustice?”

ments, is in a stark contrast to the University of Southern California’s administrative decision to cancel the commencement speech of pro-Palestine valedictorian Asna Tabassum, and the prevention of a pro-Palestine speech delivered by college student Malak Afneh, at the hands of a UC Berkeley Law professor.

The participants were engaged in conversations surrounding the crisis, which is a topic that several universities have been hesitant to address. This decision, organized by the College’s academic depart-

Peled’s event garnered some public commentary as well from Peled himself, as the College decided to relocate the event on April 16 to Villalobos Hall instead of its original location at the Shannon Center. Peled responded to a post on X (formerly known as

Twitter) that announced the relocation, stating, “The talk has been displaced.” Peled’s word choice was intentional, referring to the phenomenon of the Palestinian people having been “displaced” by the formation of the state of Israel. The Quaker Campus has reached out to the College in regards to why this change was made, but has not recived a response.

The various discussions indicate an attempt to increase engagement on campus regarding the conflict. Given the small community, members of the College encourage open dialogue.

ASWC hosted several events to garner student engagement. Courtesy of Whittier College

Courtesy of Whittier College

The College has hosted a variety of guest speakers.

2024 Election: What Are Students Saying?

Piper Guinn STAFF WRITER

With a new election season approaching, this garners the question of who college students intend to vote for.

Amongst students at Whittier College, Biden is more popular than Trump, though it seems few are not fans of either. According to a poll conducted by the Quaker Campus, of the 30 respondents, 43.3 percent of Whittier students voted for Biden in 2020, and only 10 percent voted for Trump. The other half of students either were not old enough to, or did not vote in the last presidential election.

Second-year and ASWC President Duncan Smith was under 18 in 2020, but would have voted for Biden, mostly because he greatly disliked Trump. Second-year and ASWC Vice President Evan Josten expressed similar sentiments, adding that neither candidate is a great option because they are not attuned to contemporary issues. Pursuing a double major in Political Science and Sociology, Josten states that he keeps up with political issues, particularly because “It is hard not to.”

Considering that 66.7 percent of these students are registered with the Democratic party, it is not surprising that Biden was the favorable candidate. 20 percent of those surveyed are registered Republicans, and 13.3 percent are Independent. However, when asked

to rate Biden’s performance this term, 43.3 percent of responses scored him a three out of five, with 46.7 percent of responses below a three and only 10 percent above. Trump nor Biden is a big winner in the public eye, but Trump has more vocal diehard supporters, according to Professor of Political Science Michael McBride. “People who support Trump are firm in their beliefs,” McBride mentions, but added that some loyalists may have strayed due to his recent legal troubles. When asked who students would vote for this November, 56.7 percent still chose Biden, and 16.7 percent chose Trump. With the exception of one Robert Kennedy fan, most other pollers do not plan to vote or feel torn between the two.

coming off of COVID-19. McBride believes Biden has had a hard time convincing Americans of this.

According to McBride, Democrats, such as Biden, tend to increase government spending to create more social programs, which makes Americans uneasy for their pockets in the short run. This may create an issue for Biden’s campaign, as concerns over the economy often lead voters to hope “the other guy” can do better. However, this year is a unique case, as America has already seen the other guy in action.

ment, a commitment signed by 196 countries to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions.

Chelsea Bartilad FEATURES EDITOR

Amidst the colorful decorations, laughter, and constant chatter at the Quaker Campus (QC) office, sits fourth-year Sarah Licón. “I literally was born and raised in this city, and I probably will die in this city,” she lightheartedly remarks. Holding up a pen, Licón adjusts her sitting position and gestures out the window.“[My retirement home] will probably be that place right there,” she points towards the one down the street, earning some laughs among the office. The QC’s News Editor leans back on her chair as she reflects through her past experiences that lead to this moment.

Unsatisfied and unsure with her high school grades, the Whittier native decided to go down the “community [college] route,” attending Rio Hondo Community College—just down the street from Whittier’s campus. Licón chose to transfer to Whittier College because it was local and awarded her a good scholarship. An avid reader from an early age, Licón had a feeling she would go down the literature route. A reserved child, she spent most of her time reading, even bringing a book to her older brother’s baseball games. “As a kid, I used reading as an escape,” Licón recalls sheepishly, “I’ve always been interested in stories and charac-

The reason why several students plan to vote for Biden may boil down to the issues on the ballot. In 2020, COVID-19, abortion, and climate change were most important to Whittier voters. This year, COVID-19 is not the big issue, but inflation/cost of living is, per the student response. Josten believes the economy remains the most important issue and argues that COVID-19 cost Trump crucial votes in 2020. Inflation was the most important issue to 6.7 percent of those surveyed in 2020, but 33.3 percent selected it as the most important in 2024. Smith feels that the economy is strong right now, especially since Biden inherited a shutdown economy ters.”

Abortion and climate change remain important to those surveyed. 16.7 percent of responses selected climate change and 23.3 percent selected abortion as the most important issue this year. The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in August 2022, which upset progressive voters, especially women. Retaining female voters has been an issue for Trump. “Trump’s attitude toward women lost him a lot of votes in 2020,” McBride added. The former president vocally opposes a woman’s right to abortion, while Biden and his administration are pro-choice. Regarding climate change, Biden is more progressive in his approach. In 2020, he promised to slash US emissions by 50 percent by 2030, a goal he is working toward via legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and Methane Action Plan. Trump contrarily pulled America out of the Paris Climate Agree-

When asked about one aspect students could change about American politics, age limits and poor choice of candidates were the most frequent responses. Other major dissatisfactions with the current state of affairs include: limits imposed by the two-party system, and lack of female representation. Both Josten and Smith expressed concern over the polarization in American politics today. “The system is too bipartisan,” Josten argued, shaking his head. When discussing legislation, Smith added, “I’m a firm believer in the supremacy of Congress. The President is just a figurehead. But there’s too much polarization right now.”

When asked who they feel would win this November, Josten

and Smith had different viewpoints. The former argued Biden would be re-elected because of social issues like abortion. The latter feels Trump will win, especially as the Independent candidate Robert Kennedy rises in popularity, taking votes away from Biden. Both students agree the future of American politics is uncertain, and the parties need to work together to enact change. McBride stated that, “It’s a tossup right now,” but believes Trump would win if the election was today. Biden needs to convince voters that he knows how to handle the economy and conflict in Israel and Palestine to regain the support needed to win in November, says McBride.

This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium. com/ the-quaker-campus.

Sarah Says Sayonara to Whittier College

However, books were at the back of her mind upon transferring to Whittier as Licón was also interested in pursuing a career in film, having taken writing and film classes at Rio Hondo. “As much as I love literature, I enjoy the sort of ‘objectivity’ of writing screenplays because it focuses a lot on plot and characterization,” she explains. This love for writing screenplays—along with taking otherfilm courses prompted Licón to design her own screenwriting degree through the Whittier Scholars Program (WSP). Still wanting to pursue writing while completing college in two years, Licón knew an English degree would lead her to a gateway of opportunities. Determined to graduate within her four-year timeframe, Licón decided, “fuck it,” and switched her major to English with an emphasis on Literature, bringing her back to the books.

Licón is also pursuing a minor in Sociology (however, it is officially deemed as an Anthropology and Sociology minor). A highly inquisitive person, she found interest in discussions on deconstructing the functions of society.

Not only did Licón spend her time writing essays, but writing articles as well. Licón started writing more news articles, moving up to become Assistant News Editor after joining the QC in Fall 2022,

and eventually becoming News Editor the following year. “I definitely would not have the same experience now if I hadn’t joined the QC,” she says, “Being News Editor has been very stressful, I will admit, but it’s been an adventure–it’s been a ride. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

When Licón is not wrapped up with classes or working at the QC—which according to her is “rare”—she partakes in her many hobbies, which Licón looks forward to spending more time on after graduating. After getting out of a reading slump last year, one of the activities at the top of Licón’s list is finding a good book to get lost into. Another hobby she is currently delving deeper into is collaging and binge-watching more TV shows, such as the Netflix horror series Midnight Mass

Growing up as a choir kid, singing is “second nature” for her; whether it be Broadway classics or nostalgic church songs, Licón is down for a good singing session. “That being said, I’m not taking any offers to sing for people,” she adds pointedly.

With graduation around the corner, Licón expresses her excitement to “walk the stage” with her diploma wearing her cap and gown. Although it is a bittersweet feeling, the soon-to-be-alum maintains a positive outlook about life after graduating, knowing she is bound

for “bigger and better things.”

After graduation, Licón plans to take a year off to work before heading off for graduate school. Although she is unsure what to study in grad school, Licón knows what career she wants to pursue: teaching. Knowing that school can be viewed negatively—especially as a student herself—Licón wants to change that mentality, she is determined to make education a more positive experience. “I’ve envisioned myself as a teacher my whole life,” Licón says. “I really love learning and I want to be that kind of teacher that motivates people into loving things.”

Looking back at her time in Whittier, many of Licón’s memorable moments took place at the QC office, particularly during pro-

duction nights. Licón laughs with a fond look on her face as she recalls the late nights with the staff doing layout on InDesign, preparing to publish the next issue. “Everyone’s just kind of delirious and losing their minds and they kind of want the night to be over,” she continues with a chuckle, “when we’re just fooling around and laughing so hard that we fall on the floor.”

While Licón was a part of Whittier College for only two years, she has gained a lot of experience. Wherever life takes Sarah Licón, she will continue to face it head-on with a smile on her face.

This article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.

Licon joined tbe QC in 2022. Courtesy of Laurie Licon

Students share their views on the election. Courtesy of shutterstock

Sarah Licón NEWS EDITOR

When she first opened the door to the Quaker Campus (QC) office, Emily Henderson was not looking to be Editor-in-Chief.

She was looking for a job.

That, and a little bit of experience.

“There’s a lot of hard work with this job, yada, yada. It’s very fun, it’s very rewarding,” Henderson jokes. She reclines in her seat, her legs criss-crossed up on her desk. If Henderson is not home updating her Letterboxd account, or smartly contributing to conversations in her English and film classes, you can find her here.

On her office door, surrounding a sign that reads, “Editorial Chief,” are various polaroids of her friends. Below is a complex diagram of the Francis Ford Coppola Family Tree.

The QC office competes for the title of Henderson’s second home. And it might just well be. The worn, off-brown couch that sits at the front of the office occupied the Henderson’s living room for many, many years. And next to it, there is a shelf which Henderson stacks snacks and necessities every once in a while.

Henderson first joined the QC as a Copy Editor in 2022, still in the bookends of COVID-19 quarantine, as a second-year. After writing her first news piece, she was promoted to Assistant News Editor. The next year, she became the News

Editor as well as Deputy Editor of the entire paper.

In addition to being EIC of the QC, Henderson was also EIC of the College’s award-winning literary and arts journal, The Greenleaf Review in her third year. Currently, she is President of Media Council, and to top it off, Vice President of the English Honors Society Sigma Tau Delta. And there was a time where Henderson was Interim President of Video Production Studio as well.

But Henderson laughs it off, when questioned about her achievements. In regards to whether she ever envisioned herself in these leadership positions, she boldly claims, “I don’t even envision it now!”

Despite her role as EIC, it is easy to see Henderson come to life when she talks about media, whether it be shows, cartoons, or films. Henderson refers to a motif she is quite fond of: “I like redeemability. I don’t know what the fuck that says about me. Everyone has to be kind of a shitty human. When everyone is happy-go-lucky—that’s not real.” Which is why Wes Anderson’s coming-of-age comedy Rushmore is one of her favorite films. She aligns herself with the development of the main character: schoolboy Max Fischer. Henderson laughs, “I sucked as a freshman.”

In addition to watching, writing has become an integral part of Henderson’s life, cultivated through what she deems as “continuously writing.” Creativity, to Henderson,

is not a pastime, but a way of life. “I love the idea that I can express myself through a barrier. I’m not good [at] talking to people in a lot of ways, but I’m good at sitting down and thinking over something.”

The recent recipient of the Miss Margo Latif Award speaks in anecdotes. “I’m never not writing.” Henderson, of course, is referring to her English major, and role at the QC, where she also served as Features and Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor, a section she has grown a fondness for. But when it comes to writing, Henderson is not eager to pursue News journalism, or Features.

“I like Arts and Entertainment journalism, I like film criticism. It makes sense to me,” she replies.

This comes as a surprise, given Henderson is always the first one to raise her hand in class settings. “I like the idea that I am able to express [my feelings] not directly,” Henderson continues. “I like doing it through another thing, because it makes it more tangible to me.” Last semester, Henderson fashioned a screenplay, titled One Lonesome Night for her late night screenwriting class. Henderson also earned Outsanding Achievement in English at the 2024 Honors Convocation.

But the curtain on Henderson’s time at Whittier College is slowly closing in.

Speaking about her experience at the College she states, “I’ve learned [things]. Not just academia

wise, I’ve learned so much more about the things that I love, and kinda how the world works and different ways to view the world.”

In regards to what exactly Henderson has learned, that is “time management” and to “ask for forgiveness” instead of “permission.”

Closing the door at her time at Whittier, Henderson’s advice to fellow college students, reflecting on her own experience, is to “join things that interest you. Get involved, it’s the best thing that can happen.”

But Henderson is sure of one thing, she wants to channel her creativity into her work; something she has done for the QC and for herself.

“There’s a lot of different avenues I can go down. And I’ve been thinking about those avenues,” Henderson thinks. “Trigger warning: I like journalism.”

Perhaps, Henderson wants to pursue film criticism, or make her own literary magazine. She even describes her experience on a film set as, “So cool!” No matter what comes next or what she does, Emily Henderson will always be doing something, and when she does, she will put everything she has into it.

This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read more, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.

The Future of Cinema: Emily Henderson Underground Campus Celeb: Sage Amdahl

Meylina Tran A&E EDITOR

Lounging on the couch in the Quaker Campus (QC) office, our bellies full of frozen yogurt and candy, Sage Amdahl recounts an instance from high school in which a strange man catcalled her in Boston. “I got up all in his face and screamed at him,” she recalls lightly.

Burrowing herself deeper into the plush cushions, she adds, laughing, “High school Sage was a fighter. I would call out catcallers and say, ‘What the fuck did you just say?’”

Which is not to say she isn’t a fighter now. With a sharp tongue and a solid throwing arm to boot, Amdahl is more than capable of standing up for herself. Even if a physical fight is not what she’s hoping for, there’s another surefire way of taking them down: with her words.

“I’ve verbally decimated a few men’s egos,” she says proudly. “It’s a miracle that I’m still alive.”

But what is it that draws people—both the weirdos and normies alike—to her? Even at her most exhausted, Amdahl exudes a playful and self-assured energy that makes you feel excited to see her. Amdahl has the humor of a mid-2010s teenage boy—she often indicates her confusion by saying, “I am Confucius”—and sometimes it will pull a laugh out of you. Other times, her words leave strange men fearing the wrath of, not God, but Sage Amdahl.

When she’s not verbally decimating men, Amdahl can be found either drinking deliciously cheap Trader Joe’s wine, or drawing portraits of a scantily clad Johnny Poet—Whittier College’s mascot. Or both! Who knows!

The aforementioned scantily clad Johnny Poet refers to the Sexy Johnny illustration that appeared on the cover of the Quaker Campus’ 2023 Valentine’s Day issue. Wearing a hot-pink tricorne and an extremely low-necked tank top— unfortunately, sans the original nipple piercing—Sexy Johnny shot Amdahl into the sphere of low-key campus celebrity. “One time,” she says, “I was talking to someone, and their friend was like, ‘Oh my god, you’re Sage? I have Sexy Johnny on my wall!’”

As the longest-running QC staff member, Amdahl is all too familiar with the newspaper’s constant demands. It started in her first year of college: “Joe Donnelly forced me at gunpoint,” she quips, throwing her head back to laugh. “There was no option.”

Jokes aside, Amdahl cites the COVID-19 pandemic as the real reason she joined the QC—and stayed. According to Amdahl, lockdown was an incredibly lonely time for a social butterfly like her, and her first year as a college student— the time she expected to make new friends and share new experiences—was limited to endless hours on Zoom. Even if joining the QC wasn’t originally her idea, she was

grateful for the community that it offered her.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Amdahl, though. After rising through the ranks from Staff Writer to Art and Photos Editor, Amdahl was informed that she would be the Managing Editor for the 2023-24 school year. “When I was first told, ‘You’re going to be the Managing Editor,’ I said, ‘What if I quit?’” she jokes.

Although originally begrudging to accept the new role, Amdahl’s semester abroad in Liverpool gave her time to warm up to the idea. Upon returning to Whittier in the Spring, she embraced the position.

Now, she is thoroughly enjoying her head position, and she cites Editor-in-Chief Emily Henderson as a main factor. “I’m enjoying my job now because Em makes it lovely,” she shares sincerely. “It’s also fun to boss people around a bit.” The only part of the job that isn’t lovely, in her opinion, is spending hours readjusting the margins of each section every other week.

It is clear that Amdahl has both a talent and a passion for Graphic Design, so much so that she considered it as a major before writing it off, deeming it too stressful. Which makes sense. She already spends far too much time fretting over the visual cohesion of the Quaker Campus, so why add Graphic Design homework on top of it?

That meant she could move forward with her original plan: History.

Amdahl is one of four graduating History majors this year, and she couldn’t be more thrilled and terrified. Upon graduating, she intends to alternate between Madison, Wis. and Chicago, but she will definitely not be coming back to LA—“I don’t like LA,” she declares decisively, “I don’t like the lack of public transit.” After taking some time to recover her mental state and pad her savings account, Amdahl then plans on applying to graduate school to continue her studies in History. “Maybe grad school will be in Chicago,” she speculates. “Maybe it’ll be on the East Coast. Boston is pretty high up on my list, it’s more affordable than New York.”

Despite knowing that she wants to pursue a Master’s degree in History, she admits that she doesn’t “know what era [or] what niche

hole I’ll crawl into quite yet,” but she is certain that she’ll find that hole eventually.

Even if she is unsure about her immediate future, she can clearly envision who and what she’ll be when she’s 50. Along with financial and emotional stability, she says earnestly, “I would like to be Professor [Elizabeth Sage] 2.0.”

“I want to have a dog or cat that I dress up in cute sweaters. And I want to come to class and be a professor who says fun things and teaches fun things,” she shares. She also sees herself, Professor Sage Amdahl, sitting poolside with a glass of wine—expensive wine, hopefully—dog at her side, and a stack of ungraded papers on her lap. “Professor [Elizabeth Sage] has her margaritas,” she says jokingly, “I want wine.”

Sage always slays. Sage Amdahl / Quaker Campus

Henderson runs a tight ship at the QC. Sage Amdahl / Quaker Campus

What’s up, Whittier?

Stay up to date on events! For further info, visit whittier.campuslabs.com/Engage

Spring TACO Piñata Fundraiser

• Thursday, April 25 at 11 a.m.

• Upper Quad International Student Chew & Chat

• Thursday, April 25 at 12:30 p.m.

• The Spot

Third Space Thursday: Destress Space

• Thursday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m.

• Campus Center Courtyard

Clipdart x Whittier College

• Thursday, April 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Campus Center Courtyard

Let’s Talk Virtual & In-Person: Mental Health Walk-in Consultations

• Friday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.

• Turner Hall 2nd Floor Lobby, Room 247

6 on 6 Dodgeball Tournament

• Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Graham Athletic Center Poet Musicale

• Friday, April 26 at noon

• Memorial Chapal

Pool Party Presented by Residental Life

• Friday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Memorial Chapel

End-of-Semester Spring Concert: Instrumental Ensembles and Student Composition

Showcase

• Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

• Memorial Chapel Trip to Griffith Observatory

• Saturday, April 27 at 4:30 p.m.

• Meet at Office of Equity and Inclusion

End-of-Semester Spring Concert: Choir

• Sunday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

• Memorial Chapel

Metaphonian Tie-Dye Night

• Monday, April 29 at 3 p.m.

• Upper Quad

Summer Vibes De-Stress Day

• Tuesday, April 30 at 11 a.m.

• North Lawn

The Greenleaf Review Launch Party

• Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.

• Campus Courtyard

Ask the Poet: Alejandra Ortega

Jonathan Bermudez OPINIONS EDITOR

Rolling into the CI parking lot in her white 2005 Mercedes, a coffee in hand, with K-pop or ABBA playing through the speakers is usually how Alejandra Ortega starts her mornings at Whittier College. From the parking lot, she makes her way to the Quaker Campus office, where she sits at her desk, Lego flowers on display, and mementos on her wall. Pictures of good times with her friends, her trip to New Zealand (which she is always talking about going back to), a picture of Jennifer Lopez with the caption “Mí Gente Latino,” and a picture of Palacio Bellas Artes in Mexico City (taken by her) that represents a lot of her pride. And though the space she has is small, it represents a big part of who Ortega is.

In her soft, black, cotton desk chair, her coffee finished and empty on her desk, she sits there on her silver iMac editing stories. Her job at the QC is Campus Life Editor. However, before she became Editor, her only QC related responsibility was the “Ask a Poet” column. “When I took my trip to New Zealand, we visited Victoria University of Wellington, where they have a student magazine called Salient,” she says with a smile on her face (because she loves to talk about Salient magazine.) She continues, “They have a column, it’s

called ‘Ask Aunt Vicky,’ and I was looking at it and thought, ‘You know what would be cool? If the Quaker Campus, had an advice column.’” She lookes shocked about what she has to say next: “I don’t know if you knew this but it used to be really boring here. They used to just print stories and that’s it,” she says while laughing in disbelief. Now that she is leaving, she passes down the torch to another writer, keeping the mystery alive, on who answers the “Ask a Poet” section.

Before Ortega became the mysterious person behind “Ask a Poet” at Whittier College, she was planning to go to UC Riverside. “I wasn’t driving at the time and my parents didn’t like the idea of me dorming, so Whittier made the most sense,” Ortega said. She adds with a happy tone that Whittier,

“Gave [her] a nice financial aid package,” as sort of a bonus to attend the College. In the beginning, Ortega was a little disappointed because she wanted to have the college experience of going away and dorming, but she’s glad she did not. “When I first started college, I was glad I got to see [both my brothers] grow up through the terrible teens,” she says with a traumatized look, “terrible they were.”

It was in her second year when she began her minor in Business. “I kind of made this connection that some aspects of marketing do require the elements of storytelling, which goes very well with my English major,” she says with great clarity to show this was a serious topic for her. She adds, “I hated my Finance and Accounting classes, but I’m very glad I have those skills

and knowledge under my belt.”

And with this interest in marketing, she created a foundation for her research project on code switching for her Mellon Mays Fellowship, or as she refers to it, “My Mellon project.” The idea came to Ortega when she heard a Tostino’s advertisement on the radio.

She thought that it was very interesting that an ad for Tostino’s was using code-switching. And though she found this interesting, she decided to change her research from code-switching in marketing to code-switching in literature, as it aligned more with her English major. “I thought it was more interesting [because] code switching is a verbal thing and it’s really hard to replicate that kind of phenomenon in written text,” she explained.

But for now, Alejandra Ortega is ready to walk the stage. And when she receives her diploma on stage, she will not just be saying goodbye to Whittier College, but to all the hard work she has been so dedicated to; from her research on code-switching, to her position on the Whittier ensemble as principal violist, and as Campus Life Editor for the Quaker Campus Most importantly, she will be saying goodbye to all her friends and leaving a big hole in the tiny space that belongs to her.

This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium. com/the-quaker-campus.

Whittier Gets Groovy at Poet Prom

Allara Baker STAFF WRITER

On Friday, April 12, Whittier College’s annual Whittfest went off without a hitch. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, students and faculty made the most out of this year’s festivities.

Various game stands were included, which comprised of games such as balloon darts, bottle ring toss, flip-a-frog, horse-shoe-toss, and tin-can-toss. There were also lawn games such as high striker, ladder toss, cornhole, tetherball, and blast ball.

Whitter’s societies and organizations had games at their tables. The Palmers had a water gun cup game, Media Council had bottlering-toss, the Metaphonians had a duck pond, Phi Epsilon Kappa had a beanbag toss, and the Athenians held a trivia game.

Food was free with tickets provided to students upon check-in at the entrance, and catering was provided by Boba Indeed, Vurger Guyz, and The Taco Bar. The theme was ‘70s Disco Party, to pair with Poet Prom happening later that night. However, the music that played was mainly EDM remixes of other popular songs and club music. The Whittier College Dance Team also had a special performance.

A booth was placed where students could make their own corsages to either wear themselves or give to another person for Poet Prom.

The petting zoo was also a hit

among the students and faculty.

After some time had passed, students began to compete against each other in bean bag toss, going 2v2, while others raced against each other in the bounce house obstacle course. Students could also take pictures in a green 1970s Volkswagen bus provided by The Booth and Bus Company. Fourthyear Ezdras Meraz-Lerma attended the event and said “every station had a flair of the personality of the group hosting it.” And that “it’s loads of fun hanging out with your friends.”

After Whittfest ended around 6 p.m., students headed to Poet Prom, which was held in Villalobos Hall. The hall was decorated with streamers and the walls accented with glittery stars. A handmade photo-op was crafted as well; a giant moon centerpiece filling the backdrop of the space. The

entrances were lined with silver streamers hanging from the walls. The center was decorated nicely, with a trellis of streamers extending into a homemade chandelier. The main attraction was a disco ball, which sat on top of a piano and was illuminated by a lamp right next to the DJ stand.

The energy started off slightly mellow but picked up later on into the night. Students danced in large crowds, wearing various kinds of clothing, many opting for the disco theme with sequined floor-length attire and funky patterned dresses.

The food stands were also quite popular, with many students lingering outside to get food. Free catering was provided by I Love Funnel Cakes and Smashed Up, a pop-up burger stand. Both of them ended up being sold out by the end of the night.

The overall atmosphere came

together perfectly, and the Poet Prom committee worked really hard to transform Villalobos. The music that played was all over the place, varying from 2000-early 2010s dance pop, to throwback ‘80-‘90s hits, to current hits.

At the end of the eventful night, Villalobos was cleared out, and the students returned to their homes happy and wishing for more Poet Prom and the same amount of fun for next year’s Whittfest. Whittfest organizer and third-year student Sean Frank declared that the joint events , “were worth every hour of effort invested.” Hopefully this means that there will be a return of Poet Prom in the near future.

This

Alejandra Ortega / Quaker Campus

Developing Data Science With A. Torre

Sage Amdahl

MANAGING EDITOR

Nestled in a sky blue chair, on the sunlit second floor corridor of the Science and Learning Center (SLC), fourth-year Alessandro De La Torre melts into the cushioned pillows, hands locked on top of his knees, as he recounts his time spent at Whittier College.

Torre enrolled in the College in the frightful year of 2020, and like most others at the time, he struggled with the isolation that the pandemic imposed on remote learners. Torre wistfully describes this time with a vaguely forlorn expression, “[remote learning] was very isolating and it did not encompass the college experience that I was promised. [Sometimes], I reconsidered if college was even the right path for me.” Yet, despite his struggles, the COVID-19 year of online learning gave Torre the time to engage with complicated college curriculums while simultaneously building his extensive Data Science portfolio.

In Fall of 2021, Torre joined the rest of the 2024 graduating class in their mass-migration from DIY bedroom offices to the dazzling College campus. Rather than wandering into INTD 100 as a doe-eyed first-year, Torre stormed into his first ever in-person classes at Whittier with the resolution and grit of a second-year ready to take on the world. When asked why he chose Whittier College, Torre laughs as he says, “It was

convenient.” He explains that the Whittier Scholars Program (WSP)—a program unique to Whittier College that gives students the opportunity to create their own major and minor—was crucial to his ultimate career goals. According to Torre, “I needed a Data Science degree and I knew [Whittier] had the resources to do so.”

In addition to creating his own Data Science major, Torre also designed his minor in Applied Data Science in Civics through WSP. In his final year at the College, the Quaker Campus sought Torre out for the role of Website Designer, which he accepted. Although Torre has made his mark on Whittier as an academically gifted student, he has made an even bigger impact by working off campus for a number of companies; “I’ve worked for Coinbase, Snapchat, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee, and Deloitte Digital.”

Torre credits having reached his current position as Product Engineer at Deloitte Digital in part to the College, stating, “Being a Product Engineer at such a young age required a unique skill set that is not currently available to the general populace.” He shifts in his seat, leaning forward with an air of excitement, “Data Science is still a new idea, and the fact that Whittier College has a program that allows you to create majors at such an early stage—before they are widely accepted or available—gives us a great opportunity to get ahead of the gun.”

Torre’s introduction to the field of Data Science was unique to say the least. He recounts, almost sheepishly, the goal that guided his academic journey, “In 2019, I made it a goal to impact as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time, and I realized I could do that through scholarships.” So, Torre leapt to work and created a machine-learning scholarship engine designed for students to find college scholarships according to the preferences and skill sets they input.

With this scholarship engine, Torre founded Scholarcash, which he proudly proclaims grew into the largest scholarship search engine of the time within just two years. “[Scholarcash] had access to over 40 million students’ data points,” Torre states with a grin, recalling the enormity of his company’s influence. “And it was just me! A team of one. Just me behind my computer everyday.”

For a while, Scholarcash was Torre’s main source of revenue. What started as a desire to have an impact on the world turned into a startup company helping tens of millions of students be able to pursue their dreams of higher education.

In 2022, Torre chose to leave Scholarcash behind. This was in part due to the notoriety and internet fame that he gained after two years as the face of the company’s advertising videos. “I started getting noticed at the mall. Let’s just say, when you are on a

Hinge profile or you are at the mall, and people say, ‘Hey, aren’t you that scholarship guy?’ That does take a toll on you. Or, when you go up to someone and they say, ‘Oh, you’re that scholarship guy!’ I realized I did not want to be called ‘the scholarship guy.’ That is just not me.” He adds, “It is so hilarious that no one on campus has noticed [or, if they had, they didn’t let on]; and I never said anything about it because I just didn’t want people to know.”

Realizing the potential Torre’s company had, a “multimillion venture backed startup” (of which the name is not disclosed due to contractual obligation) bought the rights. He concludes his retelling of the Scholarcash adventure

succinctly. “So, yeah, that’s how I started my deal in Data Science. Just so happened to fall backwards into the largest student data set in human history.”

Torre mulls over the question of, “Where do you want to be in 10 years?” thoughtfully for a moment before answering. With a tone of sincerity, he says, “I hope that I [will] have started my Finasteride or Minoxidil medication so that I still have a head of hair.” Torre also hopes that he is still wearing sunscreen a decade from now. Throwing his hands up in the air in exasperation, Torre exclaims, “My white skin will wrinkle up, I don’t want to age like a prune!”

Oh, and he wants to be happy.

With Love and Art, From Theo Gardner

Nune Papikyan

PHOTOGRAPHER

April 11 was a chilly Thursday evening as the wind blew through the open doors of the Wardman gym, which was left wide open to welcome guests, students, family members, and even strangers alike. Waiting inside was fourth-year Theo Gardner, wearing a yellow top, a terra-cotta checkered button down, black jeans and white platform Converse, rushing around, exclaiming that they will be doing a soundcheck soon as they prepare for the visitors of their exhibition. Gardner is a Whittier Scholars Program (WSP) major with a focus on Teaching Creativity. They wanted to share and explore with those who attended, and teach people how to be creative through the art show.

We walk into the space to see the front of the building decorated with Gardner’s art. A large card-

board door is pulled open, and we walk into a colorful room with a television placed in the center. Following instructions placed on top of the television set, we place a VHS tape inside and press play. The television shows us an 11-minute and 11-second short film of many clips from Gardner’s life, images of children running through grass, flying kites, many, many cats, and even Gardner themself crouching down in a desert setting, picking up some sand.

Called “Time Machine,” the art piece is a compilation of B-roll that Gardner accumulated. “I chose the footage for this video based on what felt the most emotionally significant to me, or what conjured up the most specific memories,” they explained. Their goal was to immerse viewers in the “broad themes of their exhibit,” such as nostalgia. The room was filled from wall, to basketball hoop, to wall with

Gardner’s art. Some notable pieces of art were a beautiful blue oil painting of their friend Caroline Portante called “Angelic Eyes, Unearthly Lips.” Using religious imagery of the Virgin Mary and Alexandre Cabanel’s “The Birth of Venus,” the painting focuses on women’s bodies and how they are “defined and sexualized within society and organized religions,’’ and the blue underwater setting is a reference to pollution done to the ocean and climate catastrophe.

Nearby were ceramic tongues hung up on a wall. Referred to as “Sticking My Tongue Out,” the ceramic sculptures were, as described by Gardner, “a direct representation of myself as an artist.” They speak of how they use the mouth as a signature symbol within their work: “Mouths to me symbolize talking, laughing, eating, singing, screaming, protesting, etc.” The tongue is a representation of gender norms;

they speak about how, growing up as a girl in a Western hegemonic society, one must not bite their tongue and “take up space.” Conclusively, the sculpture is a representation of their experience, “As an Indigenous, Jewish, queer, gender-nonconforming, [Assigned Female at Birth] person with debilitating mental and physical health issues.”

After we finished admiring all the art surrounding the room, Gardner called over to the attendees to take their seats as the Open-Mic portion of the night was about to begin with some words from selected keynote speakers. The first to approach the podium was Kealohi Lani, a recent Whittier alumni. They spoke of their family from Maui and said they would be performing an ancient Hawaiian chant called Oli. They then read from an anthology titled Weaving Our Stories by Luanna Peterson, which focused on the ancestral memories and resil-

ience of those who are BIPOC.

Next was third-year Jamey Duncan-Whitt, who shared some poetry. She spoke of her close connection with Gardner, which has grown in the few months that they have been friends. The poem “Ichor’’ that they read was written in her first semester at Whittier College for an African American Literature class, in which they used lines from other pieces of literature such as “Aren’t I A Woman,” “Passing,” and “Hips.”

After everyone had gone, Gardner went up and spoke a bit about themselves and what the art show meant to them. “Thank you so much for being here!” They then read a few poems of their own and performed music with their band, THEIRS. The night was officially over after they performed a song titled “Time Waits for No One (But I Do),” a song about their grandmother. It was a beautiful piece of music that caused a wave of emotion to brush over the audience members. The night had finally come to an end and it seemed Gardner was satisfied, their tone of voice full of triumph. They were able to share their creativity with the many audience members within the room. And they were even able to inspire creativity in others. This

Alessandro is not just the “scholarship man.”

Alessandro De la Torre / Quaker Campus

Nune Papikyan / Quaker Campus

Theo Gardner redefines the norms of society through artwork and poetry.

Poet’s Sports Schedule:

Softball vs Occidental College @ Whittier, Calif.

• 3 p.m.

• April 26

Baseball at University of La Verne @ La Verne, Calif.

• 3 p.m.

• April 26

Men & Women’s Tennis Tournament @ Ojai, Calif.

• TBD

• April 26 - April 29

Women’s Lacrosse at Occidental College @ Los Angeles, Calif.

• 11 a.m.

• April 27

Softball at Occidental College @ Los Angeles, Calif.

• Noon & 2 p.m.

• April 27

Men’s Track & Field at SCIAC Championships Pomona-Pitzer @ Claremont, Calif.

• TBD

• April 27

Baseball vs University of La Verne @ Whittier, Calif.

• 11 a.m.

• April 27

Softball at California Lutheran University @ Thousand Oaks, Calif.

• Noon & 2 p.m.

• April 28

Baseball vs Pomona-Pitzer @ Whittier, Calif.

• 3:30 p.m.

• May 3

Softball at University of La Verne @ La Verne, Calif.

• 5 p.m.

• May 3

Men’s Track & Field at Occidental Last Chance @ Eagle Rock, Calif.

• TBD

• May 4

Whittier’s #1 Snoopy Fan: Nune Papikyan

Emma Galvan COPY EDITOR

If first-year Nune Papikyan saw their current self, they would never believe the amount of fun memories and friends they would soon make in such a short time. With a major in Film, a minor in English, a love for Snoopy, a fear of bees, and extensive experience in the Theater Department, Papikyan— one of the Quaker Campus’s very own photographers—is gearing up to walk across the graduation stage.

Born and raised in Montebello before moving to Whittier at the age of seven, Papikyan did not know what they wanted to be until elementary school. “I was like, ‘I want to be a director!’ I thought it was so cool to make movies,” Papyikan pauses while relaxing outside The Spot, trying to avoid the high school tours and bees buzzing around. “Seeing behindthe-scenes videos, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I want to be there! I want to work there!” Smiling about their childhood, they continue, “Watching films in general, I feel really motivated to create films because I think films are so cool.”

They were notably inspired by Oscar-winning director Wes Anderson and his usage of symmetry in his scenes. Motioning towards their head, Papyikan cheerfully exclaims, “[It] kind of sparks this little thing my brain that makes me go, ‘Wow! I love films!’” After a brief laugh, Papikyan acknowledges that while they do not practice the art, they also love and appreciate animated films for their music composition and style. “Anything that makes my brain feel colors!”

And what other school would

catch Papikyan’s eye more than Whittier College, with its various film courses and professors willing to lend a helping hand? Although they were accepted into multiple other universities, Papikyan preferred to stay close to home— especially with the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect. With the College offering them an almost full-ride scholarship, they soon took a digital dive in Fall 2020. Though, they weren’t an official Film major until their third year!

“I came in as a Theater major, and I switched to [Whittier Scholars Program] WSP because there was no Film major at the time,” Papikyan explains with a hint of nostalgia towards the program.

The first two years at Whittier were what Papikyan describes as “bleh,” due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, when they reached their third and fourth years, they started integrating themselves into the events and clubs the College offered, especially at the QC, which they de-

scribed as a place where they made so many wonderful friends that they never expected to gain. “I really appreciate the QC for that,” before jumping right into explaining how the QC opened their eyes to the life of student journalism, which they also never expected to get into before they were hired.

“I’m really glad I joined the QC; it taught me a lot about writing. I learned that interviews are not easy to write.”

Aside from writing, Papikyan takes photographs for the QC, and has written several pieces throughout the year. “I enjoy writing them. I’m just happy I don’t write [for] Sports because I cannot write anything about sports.” Just earlier this month, the Theatre Department brought the musical, Catch Me If You Can, to the Shannon Center stage, and it was the first time that Papikyan stood in the spotlight. They expressed that being able to transform themselves into a whole different person, especially for a character

such as Carol Strong— someone so opposite to who they are—was a new and exciting experience. Papikyan also worked behind-thescenes of previous plays at Whittier College. “I like it. It’s fun, it introduced to me how theater works rather than film. They’re completely separate things.” But, if there is anything that Papikyan likes more than theater, it is Peanuts. The Franchise Peanuts is one of Papikyan’s favorites, especially the character Snoopy, the cute dog companion to Charlie Brown. “I went to donate blood just to get a Snoopy shirt, only to find out I’m anemic and not allowed to donate blood. I was so sad, but,” they whispered in triumph, “they still gave me the shirt!”

One question haunts every senior: “What will you do after you graduate?” Papikyan, however, is not afraid and remains steadfast in their decisions about their future. Rather than going straight to graduate school, Papikyan instead plans to gain experience in the film industry through internships. “I’m going to try and weasel my way in, like [Production Assistant] shit!” They know that grad schools want a dazzling portfolio, and that is exactly what Papikyan intends to create and meticulously strengthen through industry experience.

Whatever they do, it is safe to say that Papikyan will go off and do incredible things in the film industry. Sometime in the near future, someone out there will be watching Papikyan’s work and think to themselves, “I want to work on something like that!” just like Papikyan did all those years ago.

Poets Run Circles Around the Competiton

Piper Guinn STAFF WRITER

Whittier College men’s track and field will compete in its championship meet against eight other schools in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) on April 27 and 28 at Pomona-Pitzer College, marking the end of an outstanding season. For some, this is the last of multiple successful seasons at Whittier, while others have a promising road ahead.

Third-year Gustavo Lopez has performed incredibly this season.

He started the Spring semester strong, winning the men’s 200m dash with a 22.52 time at the first indoor meet of the year this past January. He also claimed second-place in the 60m dash with an impressive run of 7.12 seconds.

Lopez continued to succeed by winning both the men’s 100m and 200m dash at the regular season opener in early March. The season opener generated a similar success story for second-year Cameron Riccio, who established himself as the ninth fastest runner in Whittier history in the 5000m, running a time of 15:22.71. Riccio is also a member of the cross-country team on campus. He has gone on to beat

his own best time not only once, but twice, most recently running a 15:01.81 at an invitational meet on April 12 and April 13. This winning time moved him up to fifth on the Top 10 all-time list for track.

Seattle Schuessler, specializing in the javelin throw, is competing in his second season this Spring. Schuessler, a third-year from Colorado, walked onto the team last season as a second-year. Having initially chosen to attend Whittier because of alumni in his family, Schuessler originally played baseball in high school and did not seriously consider participating in college sports until Lopez suggested he try out for track and field. Despite having limited ex-

perience in javelin—an event he had not competed in since middle school—Schuessler was named All-SCIAC athlete for track and field in 2023 after placing third at the championship meet. He was also named SCIAC’s Athlete of the Week in early April after taking gold in his signature event, the javelin throw. The Poets competed in a multi-dual meet with other SCIAC schools on March 30, where Schuessler demolished the competition with a throw of 53.87m, moving himself up to the fourth-longest throw in the College’s history. Regarding his attitude heading into the championship, Schuessler stated, “It’s all about having those little routines

to keep you motivated beforehand. I always have my teriyaki bowl and my Starbucks breakfast.” Schuessler also competes in long and high jump events, but focuses his training on javelin. As a formidable opponent, Schuessler is currently ranked first in SCIAC in the javelin throw, giving him a serious shot at winning it all this year.

The team atmosphere is unique because track and field is an individual sport. “Your success does not rely on others,” Schuessler commented, adding, “but on the other hand, you do rely on your teammates a lot for support at competitions.” Because multiple Whittier students can race in the same event, teammates must also eventually become your competition. “If someone is doing better than you at practice, it’s almost like, “Well, how can I do what they’re doing? How can I be at the same level or better?” stated Schuessler.

Overall, the Head Coach of the men’s track and field team, Bob Ramsey, has ultimately developed a well-rounded team and positive atmosphere since officially taking on the full-time position in the Fall of 2022, and his athletes are set to perform well at their upcoming 2024 championship meet.

Papikyan is prepared for greatness.

Nune Papikyan / Quaker Campus

Courtesy of Action West Photography

Whittier’s Feminist Icon: Alissa Portillo

Piper Guinn STAFF WRITER

Bravery, resilience, adaptability, and perseverance are qualities that are irrefutably beneficial to success. To some, these qualities do not come easy. To Alissa Portillo, these are defining characteristics. Portillo has already made strides in the professional world and overall has developed a well-rounded worldview.

Whittier College’s liberal arts education program allows students to “take classes in whatever you’re interested in,” an opportunity Portillo utilized to take classes such as Marketing Principles and Public Health. She also interned at the Career Center and is the former Deputy Editor and Social Media Manager of the Quaker Campus She is currently employed at the non-profit organization Human Option. “I worked hard for the role of Prevention Educator,” she beamed. The position is “right up her alley,” and she “is very passionate” about assisting the community. Born and raised in Southern California, Alissa Portillo went to a small charter school in San Pedro before moving to Whittier her junior year, where she attended California High School. A fan of smaller class sizes, Portillo was inclined to pursue her education at Whittier College, as opposed to a larger school. Along with the intimate feel of a small student body, Portillo admired the location and scenery of the College. “I will never say it’s not beautiful,” she says, wistfully reminiscing on the palm trees and greenery. She was pleased to be accepted by the College, where she studied Psychology with

a minor in Business.

To Portillo, Psychology was the “obvious choice” to pursue as a major, as her “friends always said [she] was really good at giving advice.” The Psychology professors at Whittier assisted Portillo with her personal goals and “really do care about [their] future plans.”

Portillo adds, “They will always be a support for you,” admiration for the department evident in her voice. She minored in Business to expand her credentials. Additionally, Business courses teach how to balance budgets, work with peers, and manage projects, which can be applicable to various jobs.

Portillo became involved in the QC in early 2022, moving to the position of Deputy Editor by her fourth year. Her QC career began because faculty advisor Joe Donnelly “enjoyed [her] writing” during his JanTerm profile writing course, and “recommended [she] join the QC.” She took this advice and “joined the team, initially as a staff writer.” While hesitant at first and intimidated by the process, Portillo accepted Donnely’s invitation and began writing for the paper. Before she knew it, the Editors in 2022 wanted her to take on a section head position her third year. She wrote “strong features pieces” because she enjoyed connecting with individuals, but “wanted a challenge,” which manifested in the form of being the Opinions Editor.

This new role required her to spend more time on campus, which, as a commuter, was unusual for Portillo. “My first semester, I don’t think I went into the office once,” Porti llo chuckles “But over time, I was able to connect with the other students.” Her

fourth and final year, Portillo was offered the Deputy position, where she worked closely alongside the Editor-in-Chief, Emily Henderson. This partnership helped her “find her place” and feel “less alone” on campus. She recommends that “students struggling with isolation should break out of their shell,” as she did by joining the QC Eager to begin her professional career, Portillo graduated from Whittier last Fall, a semester early. After multiple interviews, she was offered a position as Prevention Educator for Human Option, a non-profit domestic violence agency in Irvine, where she has worked since the end of February. “I really wanted to work with victims and survivors of dating violence,” Portillo remarks excitedly, “and then a new position opened that was so up my alley.” As Prevention Educator, Portillo works alongside those affected by domestic violence and coordinates social gatherings for residents of the area.

Portillo’s “whole life” has been in and around Los Angeles. She’d

like to “move out of state in the future” and attend grad school, she mentions hopefully. However, she has “yet to decide where.” For now, she “really likes where [she’s] at.”

Portillo’s current role is close to her personally; she is a survivor of domestic violence herself. As such, she is passionate about preventing future offenses. She “was being abused by a dating partner in high school, and didn’t even know it because [she] wasn’t educated on it.”

Speaking up on personal history of abuse and violence is something many people are hesitant to do due to stigmas and fear surrounding the topic, but Portillo wants to provide resources for people who have been through something similar. “I will never be ashamed of admitting [being a survivor],” Portillo says, “because it’s contributed to my passion now.” Her bravery and resilience will continue to assist her in following her passion

This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit mediums.com/the-quaker-campus.

Black Hole Sun, Won’t You Go Away

Alejandra Ortega CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

On Monday, April 8 the world experienced a solar eclipse. While Whittier, Calif. only experienced a partial eclipse, a large majority of the Southern and Midwestern states experienced a total solar eclipse. Hundreds of people flocked to states such as Texas, Illinois, and Arkansas and booked out hotels and AirBnb. Schools canceled classes in order to allow students to watch the eclipse, which won’t pass over the United States again until Aug 23, 2044. For an entire four minutes and 28 seconds, the whole world paused and silently watched the moon cover the sun.

Are we all familiar with the sun? The giant, explosive, ball of gas that sits at the center of our galaxy? I would have to assume that at least every person on Earth has seen the sun, or at the very least felt its warmth on their skin. All it does is hang in the sky and yet, many people attempt to attach some sort of major significance to it. From Jesus freaks, to Astrologers, and my own superstitious mother, everyone is absolutely fascinated with this astronomical phenomenon.

According to a Washington Post eclipse calculator, I’ll experience 58 more total eclipses in my lifetime,

assuming that I live to be 100-yearsold. At 21-years-old, there have been 14 total eclipses in my lifetime. All this to say, eclipses are not that rare. And yet, there are so many people (too many in my opinion) who scream “end of the world” whenever the next eclipse starts rolling through town. Eclipses are not the most mysterious galactical phenomenon. Eclipses are simply when our moon happens to momentarily line up with the sun. You get the same effect by putting your hand in front of a flashlight. You know what’s actually crazy? Black holes. But no one is making conspiracy theories about those.

With the most recent eclipse, many Evangelical Christians on TikTok and Instagram started claiming that the eclipse was actual-

ly a sign that Jesus Christ would be returning, thus initiating the Rapture. However, being able to predict the Rapture breaks rule number one of the Rapture. No one knows when Christ is going to return, it says it in the Bible (Matthew 24:36).

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene—an infamous Christian nationalist—took to X (formely know as Twitter) and posted, “God is sending America strong signs to tell us to repent. Earthquakes and eclipses and many more things to come. I pray that our country listens.” Of course this makes sense, because the US is God’s favorite country and he only wants to warn us! But the eclipse came and went, and unless we all got left behind, I don’t think the Rapture happened.

Ask a Poet, a Poet Answers

Dear Poet, I’m graduating soon and I’m nervous about who I’m supposed to be if I’m not a student.

Sincerely, A Soon to Not be a Poet

Dear Poet,

First off , congratulations on graduating! It’s a great accomplishment and one you should be so proud of. I understand that you have spent a big chunk of your life being a student, as most of us have. You probably remember starting off counting numbers and saying your ABCs (hopefully you’re not doing that anymore), but now you are off to the big world.

And yeah, it may seem scary, many fear the unknown. But you gotta look at the bright side, the bigger picture, and the pros, not the cons, because let me tell you, it’s looking good for you. Once you graduate, you never have to worry about doing homework, quizzes, or class discussions again. You can say goodbye to class schedules and waking up early for school. And I know you must be thinking, “My job might require me to wake up early and take work home,” and to that I say, at least you will get paid to do it. And if you’re not ready to jump into the workforce right out of college, then you don’t have to. You deserve a break from being a student!

While the majority of the conspiracy theories were simple fear mongering, there was one extreme case of eclipse mania that led to a fatal ending for one family. Astrology influencer, Danielle Johnson, took to X to warn her followers about spiritual warfare and asked them to protect themselves and their hearts from the upcoming eclipse. At three in the morning the day of the eclipse, Johnson took the life of her partner, Jaelan Chaney, and her eight-month-old daughter.

Johnson also attempted to murder her nine-year-old daughter by throwing her out of a moving car. Luckily, the child sustained minimal injuries. Johnson then took her own life by crashing her car into a tree. Authorities have assumed that the eclipse disturbed Johnson into initiating these violent acts.

In a time where anyone can say anything, we have to be extra cautious of not letting the constant fear mongering get to our heads. Not every natural event can be seen as a giant neon sign for the end of the world.

We cannot keep placing all of our fears and expectations on the planets; they’re just massive rocks spinning in the sky. The signs say that it’s time for us to focus on our own rock and the things that we can actually control.

Go out into the world and be a traveler instead. Go experience things you never got to because you worried about work and making it to class on time. And if traveling is too scary for you, maybe ask a friend to be your travel buddy. But if that still is not worth it, then just stay home. I’m sure your parents won’t mind having you around for a year or two before they start asking about when you are going to leave or get a job.

Unfortunately, I still have time before I’m in your shoes, so I can’t really give you a straight answer. But I hope I can give you solace in knowing that you are not alone. There are many people who are like you, people who are not sure what to do once they graduate. And that’s okay. We spend all our time learning about the ups and downs of our world but you are lucky enough to go and live in it. Never forget how far you have come. You’re amazing!

With much pride, A (New) Poet P.S

Let me know if you find somewhere that’s hiring. The former Ask A Poet writer is also out of a job.

Need advice? Fill out the Google Form in the Quaker Campus Instagram bio, and your question might be featured!

Portillo advocates for domestic violence surviviors. Alissa Portillo / Quaker Campus

The eclipse causes panic yet again.

Courtesy of Texas University A&W

The QC Staff Suggests:

Lucy Campbell SPORTS EDITOR

Want to know what our Sports Editor recommends this week?

Read on!

Music:

I’ve been super into the musician Odie Leigh recently! She has really chill indie music and is, in my opinion, the perfect summer artist for the alternative girlies. She’s a great option for people who want to work with background music.

Book:

The book Big Swiss by Jen Beagin is so good. I just finished it and it is for anyone who wants an interesting romance novel that’s not too mainstream, and falls out of the more popular books and narratives in the romance genre.

Brand:

The brand callitbyyourname is a super cute, super sustainable accessories brand that lets you customize stuff like purses and bandanas. It has a very Western aesthetic that feels modern and unique but still maintains an authenticity that I think is pretty hard to find. It was also founded at the beginning of the pandemic, and all of the items are embroidered in Paris!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 25, 2024

May We Say Goodbye to Meylina Tran

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Wherever Meylina Tran is, her laptop is not far behind. Adorned with a bounty of stickers depicting her favorite pop stars, characters from the movies she loves (hello Anakin Skywalker!), and even one of a dog named Frodo—a pal’s furry companion from her “home” in Portland, Oreg.

As her usually colorfully painted nails—today they are baby blue, but who knows what next week brings—type away, she is a construction worker. Tran builds worlds, or rearranges the one she already knows, all through the written word. The laptop is her Swiss Army Knife—a multifunctional tool/weapon (depending on her mood) ready for anything. A concentrated look, legs poised and crossed, back straightened in her baby blue sweater (matching her manicure), Tran is building Whittier College into what she wants it to be. Despite this however, the College was not her first choice.

Tran describes her home of the Pacific Northwest as a typical resident would. “Wet,” “narrow,” “green,” “white,” and a “faux pas,” are a few words that come to mind with one common message—get out. But California was not the budding graduate’s first dream. “I wanted to go to New York so badly,” Tran firmly states, head held in hand, looking out the window like she’ll see the Big Apple just outside. But sadly, the East Coast elite of NYU and Columbia turned her down.

So to California she went, thanks to a Whittier College scholarship, and due to a prior interest in being in the movie-making business as a screenwriter. “I was really invested in being in the film industry,

and I still kind of am, except now I’m at a different point,” she continues, firmly. Due to some unfortunate circumstances (and classes), Tran’s interest in being behind the camera dwindled, but not to an exact zero.

No, the 22-year-old still loves movies like life itself, even calling her favorite directors by their first names, like an old friend would. Howl’s Moving Castle, Star Wars: Rogue One, Dog Day Afternoon—“Hello, young Al Pacino!” Tran exclaims, batting her eyelashes—and the 2019 Little Women are just a few of the films that define her eclectic taste. The latter even being the subject of her senior thesis, titled “(also becoming): An Evolution of Little Women’s Emergence into Postmodernism,” which was completed in her favorite class at Whittier—English Senior Seminar, which she calls a really “masochistic answer.” “But I had a lot of fun in that class. We’re all buddies,” she continues, laughing at the insanity of what she just said. Liberal Arts is the name of the game with Tran, getting her degree in English Literature, with a double minor in Film Studies and History, because she wants to be the “worst person in the world.”

School is not all Tran uses her trusty laptop for. Even though Tran did not want to be a part of anything after being burnt out due to high school, she is doing quite the opposite. Tran is President of Whittier’s chapter of the English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta—a “fake organization,” she says with love, respect, and a smile—Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning literary and arts journal The Greenleaf Review, along with being a two-time award recipient for the pieces she wrote in said journal; four-year employee and Student Manager in the Of-

fice of Student Engagement—she thinks the Office made the “position for [her], which is weird,” but thanks to people in the Office like Director of Student Success and Belonging Brittney Plasencia-Saldana, and past Associate Director Kia Diaz-Torres—along with a slew of positions at the award-winning Quaker Campus Tran did not expect any of this for her, especially involving journalism. Tran was approached by current Editor-in-Chief of the Quaker Campus Emily Henderson to write a review on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the Fall of 2022, and then Henderson (in her words) would not stop asking about articles. “[Emily] would find me in the hallway, and be like ‘Can you write this?’ And I’m like, ‘Sure?’ And [Emily] would be like ‘Cool. I’ll send you the details.’ And I was like, ‘Huh?’ And then [Emily] added me to the Discord, so I was pushed into the QC!” Tran recounts, a smile on her face, while simultaneously working on one of her many articles she is writing for said newspaper. Tran says that she did not even sign any paperwork for the Quaker Campus, but was given a Staff Writer position anyway. “And I was like, ‘I don’t think this was legal,’” Tran states with fervor. (Editor’s note: It was not.)

Despite some legal proceedings, Tran has been at the QC ever since. Tran was the Campus Life Editor in Fall 2023, eventually moving to become the Arts and Entertainment Editor and Social Media Manager in Spring 2024. And like how she is typing, typing, typing on her laptop now, chugging away at an article, Tran has completed a plethora of pieces during her time at the QC, to the point where she can not even remember most of them. “I mostly do Arts and Entertainment or News. I

Tran loves Dog Day Afternoon

don’t like writing News articles. There is no fun, but I do them, because we have to help [News Editor] Sarah [Licón]. I am more than happy to help Sarah,” Tran laughs.

Meylina Tran closes her laptop, just like her chapter at Whittier College. Tran is not sure where the future will take her, saying that she has about “five different career paths [she] wants to go down,” which can include working in the publishing industry, making a magazine with her friends, working on a literary and arts journal, being a film critic, having a film podcast, or being a stereotypical early 2000s column writer à la How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Tran also tells how she would like to “try the whole ‘going off the grid’ thing.” “Not in a serial killer way,” she continues, “but just for like six months. Like, I go off the grid and I come back and I have a book.”

But wherever Meylina Tran goes, know that words will guide her—one keyboard click at a time.

The Bark Heard Around the World— Bluey

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If you are a parent, have friends that are parents, a five-year-old, or are an anxious-ridden young adult grasping for some semblance of comfort that you did not get as a child, you’ve probably heard of the animated show sweeping the world—Bluey Bluey is an Australian preschool cartoon about the titular blue dog and the rest of her family and friends. The extended title sequence says it all, as the Heeler family, consisting of the dad Bandit, mother Chili, younger sister Bingo, and older sister Bluey, along with a slew of other family members like cousins Muffin and Socks, Aunt Trixie and Uncle Stripe, Nana, and more boogie, playing a round of freeze

dance. The show follows their everyday lives while dealing with the tough situations, somber moments, and lessons that life brings.

The show has garnered a massive following, with over 3.8 million viewing minutes on streaming alone at the end of 2023, according to Forbes. More recently, the show released their biggest episode yet. This episode—titled “The Sign”—is a whopping half-hour long (where usual episodes range seven to nine minutes), and tells the story of Aunt Frisky and Uncle Rad’s wedding while the Heeler family deals with the impending doom of moving away.

And by God, I think the blue dog has done it again.

Even for a show made for young children, the acting is top notch. The young actors portray-

ing Bluey and Bingo—who are unknown to their audience, an aspect of the behind-the-scenes process that I personally think is wonderful, given the long, tumultuous history of children in entertainment—give an incredible performance. At the end of the special when the sister duo learns that they are moving away for good, Bingo (who is incredibly sensitive) starts crying and trying to pull the “For Sale” sign out of their yard, with Bluey going to help. All the audience hears is huffing and tears, encouraging the audience to feel their own responses of what it can be like to have such a big, emotional event to happen at such a young age

The parents, played by David McCormick and Melanie Zanetti, respectively, also allow a generational learning experience to come across within the show. The greatness of Bluey comes from the idea that the show is not just for children, but for the people taking care of them as well. The showrunners understand how difficult it is to live one’s life, and also take care of a child to have them grow up the best that they can be. In “The Sign” specifically, the parents have to reconcile with the idea that the

big “adventure” they are going on is actually a good decision. Chili yells out in a fit of frustration, “I only said that to make you kids feel better,” an anxious thought that many parents can relate to.

But what Bluey, and especially “The Sign,” does well is how to get an audience to viscerally react to something—a.k.a with tears. Bluey is an emotional show. It ranges in topics such as friends coming in and out of your life, infertility, feeling inferior to other parents, and even death. This can lead to some pretty big sobs to come out of viewers (ask my entire family, they will tell you). All is right in the dog world, so maybe life will be okay for us.

Bluey is a smart show. It understands that this is not just a show teaching a child their ABC’s. It wants more out of its audience: parents, children, and sad 20-something year olds (like myself) alike. Bluey wants to reconcile with the ideas that life is not all sunshine and rainbows. We can have the happiness we deserve, if we persevere, just like little orange and blue Australian dogs do each and every week.

Bluey is available now on Disney+.

Courtesy of Ludo StudioS

Meylina Tran / Quaker CampuS

Courtesy of Amazon Courtesy of Duck Club Presents Courtesy of Babe by Hatch

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Documenting Shelby Silva

Alejandra Ortega CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

The first time Shelby Silva stepped foot on the Whittier College campus for Orientation Day, she was whistled at by a “cholo” in a lowrider. “I didn’t want to come back,” she laughs. “I was like, ‘Hell no! If this is how it’s gonna be, then this is just not [for me].’” She recounts the story while sitting on the couch in the Quaker Campus office, cozied up in the farthest corner by the bookshelf, wearing a denim jacket with a bee brooch over a black dress and her staple black tights and Converse. However, Silva did come back.

Now that graduation is just around the corner, Silva is glad that she came back. She reflects on her experience at the College and her accomplishments, including making a documentary for her Whitter Scholars Program (WSP)—the “design your own major’’ program at Whittier College—project.

Initially, Silva came in undeclared, but she knew that her strengths lay in the humanities. She gives credit to Professor Joe Donnelly for pushing her towards journalism, and eventually to her WSP major in Multimedia Journalism. “There’s obviously no Journalism major here, so, I thought WSP sounded sick, because I have so many interests that I could fulfill [by] creating my own degree and choosing classes that best fit this Multimedia Journalism major,” she says excitedly. In order to complete her major, Silva took courses such as a documentary class and, “of

course” all of Professor Donnelly’s journalism classes. Silva enjoyed being able to focus on topics that interested her and the flexibility of being able to incorporate her hobbies, which include film, photography, and graphic design, into her unique curriculum.

As a part of completing her requirements for her major, Silva spent summer 2023 creating a documentary titled Espejismo Oaxaqueño, which was sponsored by Professor Donnelly. The documentary is about the effects of a growing tourism-based economy on the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Before going to Mexico, the journalist spent two years researching the issues she wanted her project to focus on. “WSP makes us think about our senior projects starting our sophomore year,” Silva states.

While she was there, she interviewed the locals about how the rise of tourism affected their daily lives. “They’re the ones who informed me about the situation,” Silva explained. She listed femicide, a water crisis, and a trash crisis as the reasons why she chose to spotlight Oaxaca in her project. Speaking clearly and without skipping a beat, “[The locals] face the daily issues that tourists can just take a flight back home to escape. They don’t have to face the consequences,” she ends thoughtfully, the back of her hand cradling her head.

After successfully presenting her documentary on April 10, Silva was then asked by the WSP Acting Director, Scott Creely, to present her project for Admitted Students

Day the very next day, to which she agreed. Silva recalls that after the presentation, an incoming student went up to her and complimented her work. “There’s a similar case happening in [the student’s] hometown,” she explains. “She [was] like, ‘I really liked it. Thank you so much,’” Silva says softly and then laughs shyly, thinking about the attention she received from her project.

It should be noted that on Friday, April 19, Silva was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate in the Whittier Scholars Program at the 2024 Honors Convocation. She received her award from Professor Creely.

Silva’s passion for journalism carries over in the work that she’s done for the famed Whittier College student-run newspaper, Quaker Campus. Again, Silva credits the paper’s Faculty Advisor, Joe Donnelly, for roping her into working for the paper during her second year, after encouraging her to publish a piece in the paper while she was taking his Introduction to Journalism class. “I submitted an article about this band I went to go see. It was a shoegaze band that [was] on the rise. Then the previous [Arts & Entertainment] Editor, Kim [Tsuyuki], emailed me after a month and she was like, ‘Joe signed you up to do a review for Dune,’” she recalls. At the end of that school year, Tsuyuki asked Silva to step up as the Editor for the A&E section. Of course, Silva said yes.

Besides constantly guiding her through a career in journalism and being a recurring character in her

Silva

sendoff, Silva does bring up that Professor Donnelly has been one of her biggest supporters throughout her college career. “He’s been there for me,” Silva says, smiling. “I love him. He’s become more like a friend [than a] professor.” Silva does go on to say that the professors at Whittier made her college experience so fulfilling. She gives a brief shout-out to Professor Alexandra Grabarchuk and Professor Creely, who taught one of Silva’s favorite classes, “Why Read?: What We Write When the Bombs Begin to Fall.” “Whenever I can, I mention it to them because they’re the Acting Director [of WSP], so they don’t teach any English classes,” she says, nodding.

Silva hopes to continue working in journalism after graduating and is currently exploring her options, including the opportunity to work for the broadcasting company Vision Latina, but teases, “They wanted me now. I was like, ‘I’m sorry, I’m still a student.’ They were like, ‘Call us when you graduate.’ So I’m going to call them,” she laughs.

Another option, a non-profit organization, would allow Silva to continue making documentaries to give voice to social issues that are important to her. But overall, she is willing to take her time in order to find an environment where she would be able to thrive creatively. She says that many of her friends who have already entered the workforce have advised her, “Make sure that the working environment suits you and doesn’t make you miserable, ‘cause that would suck.”

Now Silva laughs at the memory of the “cholo” whistling at her on her way to Orientation Day. “It sounds absurd!” she laughs, doubling over at the memory. “I forgot about that incident until a couple months ago when I was walking down that same street with a friend.” If she had the chance to say something to that former version of herself who was nervous about the next four years of her life, she would say, “Take it easy. You’re going to meet professors here who are so worth it.”

Held Captive by The Tortured Poets Department

Meylina Tran A&E

Open your listening ears, because there’s a new Taylor Swift album!

To the surprise of this listener, Swift’s 11th studio album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT (TTPD)—and the subsequent surprise extended edition, THE ANTHOLOGY—is not only a breakdown of her long-term relationship with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, but a reflection of her springtime rebound with The 1975 frontman, Matty Healy.

What is most interesting, however, is how TTPD is an exploration of the five stages of grief, a total devolution into insanity and manic depression. This is an album that requires a few listens for the themes and ideas to sink in.

Don’t believe me? Let me walk you through my thoughts.

Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

The beginning of Jack Antonoff’s (Swift’s longtime collaborator) sheer abuse of the synthesizer throughout this album. This song is an address to Swift’s former lover, blaming them for the breakdown of a relationship that seemingly came out of nowhere. Post Malone is very scarce before the outro, at which point he takes over, providing a good contrast to Swift’s point of view. There is very little musical progression.

So Long, London

The vocal intro isn’t my favorite. It’s actually kind of scary. The backing

track sounds reminiscent of “Call It What You Want,” but it’s fast-paced compared to the previous songs. There is an urgency in the backing track that isn’t matched in her delivery, but it might represent the anxiety she felt about this relationship. It keeps teasing a big atmospheric backing track, but it never came. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)

The song is clearly about escaping to Florida and leaving your past behind, but that’s all I’m really able to comprehend. Thankfully, the chorus—which is quite short—goes big and loud, creating a nice separation between it and the verses. I love Florence Welch, but this is the least a featured artist has matched Swift’s vocal style. Their voices are so different.

I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

A return to the synthetic beats and pop sound of Midnights. A fun, addictive beat behind devastating lyrics, which narrates her internal thoughts throughout the entirety of her summer tour, The Eras Tour

The lyrics are a pendulum between smart and fun, and millennial cringe (and that’s okay!).

The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

There is a constant beeping synth beat that is driving me insane. It has a satisfying bridge with biting, snarling lyrics and delivery. Swift is addressing her ex, targeting his manhood and integrity as the reason he abandoned her despite mak-

ing her believe that she was everything—“It wasn’t sexy once it wasn’t forbidden.” The song creates a devastating, wide atmosphere.

Clara Bow

This wrestles with the relationship between the public and the “It” girl of the moment and how each generation is both compared to and replaces the previous. The melody at certain parts of the chorus are long and drawn out, and I like that because it lets the songs and the ideas breathe. This is a good end to the first part of the double album.

The Black Dog

The start of THE ANTHOLOGY

A slow, somber, and methodical song in both melody and tempo up until the last word of the chorus, “screaming,” in which her delivery suddenly explodes with electric guitars and drums, giving the song an intense rock energy. It’s on the edge of being angry and depressing. She hopes that all of the places they went to and feelings they experi-

enced together are forever tainted for the other person, and that they’ll think of her like she thinks of them.

Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

Thematically similar to “the 1.” Swift is reminiscing on a decade-long situationship in which she and the other person have orbited each other. They watched each other destroy themselves, but there was love there. I don’t like how the synthesizer is used in this song. The melody is quick and a little desperate, but she lets the lyrics breathe. It suggests that this song and “Maroon” are about the same person.

thanK you aIMee

I hate this song. It’s a direct address at Kim Kardashian, who aided Kanye West in defaming Swift in 2016. The backing track sounds akin to YouTube ad-free music. I don’t think it’s as smart as Swift thinks it is. It feels juvenile, like she’s pointing fingers and sticking out her tongue.

Cassandra Sonically, this sounds the most like folklore and evermore. There is a constant beating in the backing track, but it’s steady like a heartbeat and that’s interesting. Swift is comparing herself to the prophetess Cassandra of Troy; she saw things and spoke about things no one else saw but realized later on, and she was ridiculed for it. It’s a song that takes a minute to grow on you. It’s slow and steady, but it grows.

The Manuscript

Opens with the lone piano, plucking the keys slowly to an almost haunted effect. It feels like a snowglobe; she’s reflecting on her life thus far and all of her relationships that have ended. It’s like she’s rising out of the darkness. The backing tracks match the emotions reflected in the lyrics. The piano plus the orchestra and the choral backing vocals make this very atmospheric. It’s the end of an era.

Swift’s TTPD: THE ANTHOLOGY is a tough album to listen to. It demands constant consideration and several listening sessions to truly understand what Swift is trying to say. The end result, ultimately, is worth it as Swift has a lot to say about moving on and growing up. The album is now available on all streaming platforms.

enjoys the flexibility of WSP. Shelby Silva / Quaker CampuS

Swift’s new album is an emotional rollercoaster. Courtesy of roLLing StoneS

De-Stress With the QC

Emily Henderson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Before students can bask in the sunshine, warm weather, and the luxury of no homework, they have to go through the most dreaded time of year—finals season. With tests and essays piling up, one may need to relax in order to not explode from the mind-boggling stress they are experiencing. So, the Quaker Campus has compiled a list of our favorite de-stress activities for this busy time of year.

Emily Henderson (Editor-in-Chief)

I am truly never fully relaxed thanks to the anxiety, but to help me calm down, I like to take everything showers. I turn off any overhead lamps, light some candles, put on spa music, and give myself some much needed tender love and care. Remember, if you aren’t dehydrated and a bit dizzy after an everything shower, you aren’t doing it right.

Sarah Licón (News Editor)

Like Emily, I don’t “truly” relax because I’m always worrying about something, and I hate staying still because I feel unproductive. But in order to de-stress, I like to lay down and become addicted to a new TV show or book. Just to escape my responsibilities for a little bit. And sweets. Sweets are my number one de-stresser. Right now, it’s cookie dough ice cream.

Meylina Tran (Arts & Entertainment Editor)

I am a huge believer in turning off your phone and disappearing for a couple of hours—or even the whole weekend! In that time, I catch up on movies and TV, my personal reading, and sleep. It may sound incredibly depressing, but it is an essential part of my de-stressing routine. If I don’t get that weekend to myself, beware.

Jonathan Bermudez (Opinions Editor)

When I’m overwhelmed with school and work, I like to sit down in my

quiet room and play my acoustic guitar. Maybe I try to learn a song or I just play stuff that comes to my mind. It’s been a stress reliever for me since high school and I love it.

Chelsea Bartilad (Features Editor)

Lately, dancing to music has been relaxing. Specifically throwbacks. Who needs Coachella when you can throw a concert in your own room?

Anna Gaber

(Head Copy Editor)

To de-stress, I like to put my phone on do not disturb, completely clear my desk of any work, turn off the lights, and play around with my DJ mixer/set. I find that mixing and remixing songs just tickles my brain the right way, and it gives me a big sense of satisfaction when I end up creating a really good-sounding mix. It gives me complete and total freedom of expression that I can also share with my friends.

Olivia Nunez (Staff Writer)

Finding time to de-stress is almost

impossible around this time of the semester with softball and school, but on an off-day, my sister and I will go on a hike in Laguna Beach. It’s one of our favorite hikes because the drive is beautiful as we listen to music and sip on a matcha. The hike itself isn’t hard, so we take our time and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, especially at sunset. Breathing fresh air, clearing my mind and spending time with my favorite people are the ways I attempt to feel some stability in the midst of chaos.

Ashley Seger (Copy Editor)

To help cope with the stress of finals and whatever else I have going on, I find an episode of Grey’s Anatomy and a cup of lavender tea does the trick for me. If that doesn’t work, I drag my friends to the little toy store in Uptown, The Wishing Well, and buy a Jellycat or a Calico Critter, because when all else fails, retail therapy is there for me.

Emma Galvan (Copy Editor)

put on comfortable clothing and just lay down on my bed, listening to history podcasts. I don’t know why, but there’s something about them that makes me feel calm.

Nune Papikyan (Photographer)

My favorite way to wind down when I’m stressed out is to listen to music and dance around. There’s just something about movement and melody that really allows me to settle down a bit and be in the moment, rather than thinking about every problem and task that I still have to do.

At the Quaker Campus, we know how stressful the everday can be. So we hope these activities can add a little bit of joy in your tiresome lives.

When I want to de-stress, I often do it by taking a nice, hot shower. It’s calming, and the steam relaxes my brain so much that I forget about the world around me. Afterwards, I Courtesy of

Finals season is stressful.

Anna Traver

Courtesy of Nemi