QUAKER CAMPUS
Fate Set for Uptown’s Historic Ficus Trees?
On Aug. 20, the Whittier City Council announced its plan to continue the Greenleaf Promenade Project after a 3-1 vote. The plan to move the project into its construction phase did not come as a shock but did hit the hearts of the 60+ Whittier residents who have been protesting against the City Council decision for months.
Beginning in December 2023, the Whittier City Council voted to approve the final Greenleaf Promenade Project, which involved the removal of 83 Ficus trees in Uptown Whittier. According to Whittier Daily News, the decision was made in part due to the “dire need to renovate Uptown.” Construction was set to begin this fall, but due to a large amount of public opposition, it was set back. Members of the Whittier community, including allies from CodePink of Southeast LA and the Whittier Conservatory, led marches, created petitions, and even created a “compromise” plan. According to the Save Our Trees Whittier website, plans to remove the trees began back in 2019. The initial plan had a $3.5 million budget and proposed a phased tree removal to keep the canopy of shade. The current budget is set at $20 million and does not include any
plans to gradually remove the trees.
The opposing arguments to the plan have taken multiple angles. Amongst those fighting for the trees, reasons range from environmental—“The trees cool and clean
the air, help reduce stress in the community, and provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife,”—to political—“Please speak up; we people have the power!” Those in support of the Promenade Plan—
including business owners and city council members—the Project would increase foot traffic in Uptown through new lighting and much-needed repairs to sidewalks.
In June, there was hope to reach a compromise for the Greenleaf Promenade plan after opponents asked the Whittier City Council to reevaluate their decision and consider the original “phase-in” plan. That hope was shot down by a 3-1 vote to proceed with the Promenade plan despite public outcry. Since then, community members have not given up. A string of protests continued to take place, most recently on Sunday, Sept. 1.
On Sunday at approximately 10:30 a.m., a group consisting of Whittier residents, Codepink activists, parents and children gathered in front of Mimos Cafe before beginning their march up and down Greenleaf Avenue. According to an anonymous resident, the group has become quite familiar with one another, as they have taken part in the series of marches together. “This is our city, and we like it this way. Our reason to gather here today is to educate residents on the fate of these beloved trees,” says the Whittier resident. Before the protest, the group gathered in prayer, something new that was recently integrated.
The anonymous resident confirmed the groups’ prayer and ex-
plained their new effort to save the trees, “In fact, every Friday night for the past three weeks, our group gathers in front of Mimos and places the Image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the ficus tree in front of the restaurant. We place electric candles and invite people to share prayers, regardless of their religious beliefs. So far, we have read psalms, tree poetry, and have had representation from at least four religious groups.”
The agenda called for the group to march up Greenleaf towards Aunties, owned by Whittier City Mayor Joe Vinatieri, who was recently named in a complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commision for his involvement in the Promenade Project.
As the group reached Aunties, they took a stance and began to chant, “Shame on Joe!” as customers watched from their outdoor seating.
Despite the strong heat, the protest continued as the group passed out information flyers and handed out chant sheets that included “Change the City council, not the trees!” and a fiery “Boiling streets or big tall trees, think about your legacy!”
It is clear that although the city council has committed to continuing the Promenade Plan, the residents of Whittier are committed to being the voice for the 108 ficus trees of their historic Uptown.
Sara Martinez / Quaker Campus Whittier residents show up to protest peacefully.
Sara Martinez CO-NEWS EDITOR
Sara Martinez / Quaker Campus
Hopeful Whittier residents rally to save their beloved Ficus trees.
New LGBTQ+ Center Opens in Whittier
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
On Sept. 21, the city of Whittier will open up a new community center for the LGBTQ+ community located at 7639 Painter Ave. The LGBTQ+ Community Resource Center’s grand opening ceremony will take place on the same day from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Last October, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Janice Hahn’s proposal to build the establishment. Through a 4.2 million dollar grant— secured by Whittier assembly mem-
ber Lisa Calederon—the center transformed an ordinary LA County building into something special. According to Whittier Daily News, the idea of a LGBTQ+ center in Whittier had been discussed as far back as July 2020; however, the original conversation was about the cost to replace old police department buildings with nonprofit projects such as the center. Four years later, Hahn and Calderon teamed up to develop the idea into a project. According to Calderon, “It is important to bring resources to my district that help our communities […] through the creation of
“It is important to bring resources to my district that help our communities through the creation of a safe and supportive space.”
a safe and supportive space for all!”
However, Hahn and Calderon are not the only ones in charge of this project; it was also ruled that the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse—a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services to underprivileged communities—will help operate the center, namely being responsible for maintenance and utilities.
According to Hahn, the center will have an abundance of resources that include “support groups, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, legal assistance, age-appropriate youth programs, educational workshops, information and referral services.”
The resources do not stop there; cultural programs, social events, outreach programs to the community, and opportunities for volunteer work will also be available. Hahn noted that, “While the center will offer mental health and behavioral health services, the center itself will not be a medical facility.” The primary purpose of the center is to provide LGBTQ+ community members with a safe place to access
THE QUAKER CAMPUS STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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resources due to a recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. According to the Human Rights Campaign, over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legilatures nationwide last year, a U.S. record.
The various resources promised by the center include all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes support groups and therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, and their families. Similarly, the mental health treatment will help individuals with specifics such as “coming out, family rejection, and gender identity,” while also providing long-term treatment, such as legal assistance for name change, family law, immigration, and gender marks. The cultural programs ultimately seek to high-
light art, filmography, literature, and education from the city of Whittier during social events the center hopes to coordinate. Finally, the community outreach intends to partner with local schools and businesses to promote, advocate for, and raise awareness for LGBTQ+ individuals. While details about the opening ceremony such as attendees and activities have yet to be released, both Hahn and Calderon look forward to the big reveal of a long-awaited project. If you wish to support or be involved with the LGBTQ+ Community Resource Center, the grand opening on Sept. 21 is open for all to learn about upcoming events and much anticipated community resources.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
sTAFF WrITers
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JOsePH DOnnellY
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Courtesy of Janince Hahn
Whittier assembly members secure funding for LBGTQ+ resources.
Courtesy of Janince Hahn Janice Hahn expresses commitment toward inclusivity.
Harris Gains Momentum with Young Voters
CO-NEWS
In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won the support of 65 percent of voters aged 1824 and 54 percent of those aged 25-29, according to exit polls. Young Americans are a crucial demographic for Democratic candidates, but youth dissatisfaction with President Biden has grown since his inauguration in 2020.
In April of this year, CNN reported that 68 percent of voters aged 18-34 said Biden’s performance as President has been a failure. Furthermore, according to a New York Times/Siena poll, an overwhelming 82 percent of young people felt Biden was too old to effectively run the country. This is 8-12 points higher than any other age group. Similarly, 61 percent of young people agreed that former President Donald Trump was too old. At 81, Biden is the oldest person to ever be President of the U.S. At 78, Trump is not far behind.
A dismal debate performance from Biden on June 27, all but confirmed the fear that Biden was too old to run again. After the debate, ABC reported that 85 percent of all adults agreed that Biden was too old, compared to 61 percent beforehand. Over the first few weeks of July, Democrats applied increased pressure on Biden to drop out. During this time, Trump led Biden by three percentage points according to RealClear Polling data. On July 21, President Biden ended his re-election campaign via a statement on X.
After dropping out of the race, Biden wasted no time endorsing Vice President (VP) Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, and notable members of the Democratic party followed suit. Switching up a major party’s presidential candidate this late in the race has not happened since 1968. Within a few days, the Harris 2024 campaign was in full swing, heavily targeting young voters on social media platforms like TikTok and X
to win back the key demographic.
At 59, Harris is considerably younger than either Trump or Biden. She is also the first wom an and first person of Black and
are more pleased with Harris’s performance as VP than Biden’s performance as President. On a five-point scale, 40 percent of respondents who plan on voting rated the VP a four or
“We know young people don’t turn out as high as other generations. But it’s going up. It can have a real impact in states where it comes down to the margins.”
Southeast Asian descent to be Vice President of the United States. Since Harris launched her campaign, her popularity among young people has shot up and appears more favored than Biden.
A poll from U.S. News found that 65 percent of voters across key battleground states that were aged 18-34 would vote for Harris if the election were held today, while only 35 percent would support Trump. Before Biden dropped out, 59 percent of young people supported him, and 41 percent supported Trump, meaning that Trump’s support among young people is lower now than before Harris launched her campaign.
A survey sent out to Whittier College students last week assessed how the campus feels about Harris, in comparison with Trump and specifically in regard to young people. Of the students who responded, 63.3 percent plan on voting for Harris, while only 14.3 percent say they are voting for Trump. An additional 17.3 percent either do not plan on voting or cannot vote, and 4.1 percent plan on voting for Jill Stein, a candidate from the Green Party. Furthermore, 82.1 percent of respondents who plan on voting say Harris has done a better job mobilizing younger voters than Trump has. Whittier students, on average,
higher, while only 16.7 percent gave a four or higher to the President.
In a recent conversation, NPR political reporter Elena Moore made the case that young voters nationwide felt “refreshed, energized, and inspired” by the Harris campaign, in contrast with Biden.
“We know young people don’t turn out as high as other generations. But it’s going up. It can have a real impact in states where it comes down to the margins,” she added.
Harris’ decision to announce Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential candidate has also garnered enthusiasm among young people. A Democrat, veteran, and former high school teacher, Walz’s stint as governer has led to the passage of key legislation. Notably, the One Minnesota Budget invested $650 million in higher education over the next 50 years and guaranteed free college tuition for families who make under $80,000 a year. This promise is significant for young voters and college students. When asked how competent he would be as Vice President, 65.4 percent of Whittier voters ranked Walz a four or higher on a five-point scale.
Among the student voters surveyed, 31 percent selected women’s rights as the most important issue this election, more than any other option. Inflation and cost of living came in second with 23.8 percent, and rights for minorities and POC came in third with 19 percent. Nationwide, Harris leads on issues of abortion and democracy, while Trump leads in terms of the economy and immigration. Neither candidate’s stance on the crisis in Gaza is popular among young people. Concerning Israel and Palestine, Moore said, “If Harris were to call for a permanent
ceasefire, that would really be a deciding factor for [people].” Even though only 2.4 percent of Whittier voters surveyed selected foreign policy as the most important issue, several students noted Harris’s inaction regarding the crisis in Gaza as the thing they dislike most about her. One student wrote, “I believe [Harris] should be more vocal about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although I understand that calling for a ceasefire is extremely important.”
Other respondents who plan on voting were critical of her “history as a prosecutor” and “how unserious she can appear in the media.” Some say she “could be doing more in her current position” as Vice President.
When asked what people liked most about Harris, many respondents noted that she is “younger,” and more “progressive” than Trump. Her status as a minority also brings a fresh face to the ballot that appeals to students. “Political views aside, I think it’s an important time for the United States as a country,” one student claimed. “As a minority, it feels nice to have a woman running for president, and the fact that she is a POC is even more important.”
While some students noted there was nothing they liked about Harris, others had nothing bad to say. Overall, she appears more popular among student voters than Trump or Biden. Recent data from a New York Times/Siena poll shows Harris and Trump neck-andneck among all voters with eight weeks until election day. Currently, Trump leading 48-to-47 percent. The debate on Sept. 10 is likely to affect this, as 28 percent of voters feel they needed to hear more about Harris before the debate, compared with nine percent who expressed the same sentiment about Trump.
Courtesy of reuters
Harris and Walz speak passionately to crowds across the country.
Piper Guinn
EDITOR
Young voters are showing up more often
OPINIONS
Eldest Daughter Syndrome: Fact or Fiction?
Lucy Campbell OPINIONS EDITOR
Whether it is fate or perhaps simply being born with a unquenchable thirst and need for maintaining a clean and organized bedroom, a strict and calculated work regimen, and a nearly perfect GPA, one thing is sure: I could not be more different than my two younger siblings. As if the terms “type A,” “workaholic,” and “uptight,” have embroidered themselves onto the very fabric of my being, personality, and identity over the span of my lifetime, I have often found myself pondering the true meaning and questioning why these descriptive words have been so frequently used to describe me rather than my brother or sister.
But what exactly is this so-called “eldest daughter syndrome”? According to an article by Cathy Cassata published by Health on April 29, the particular traits associated with eldest daughter syndrome are both connected to gender expectations and birth order. As Dr. Julia Rohrer, a personality psychologist at the Wilhelm Wundt Institute
for Psychology at Leipzig University in Germany, puts it: “For one, older siblings will often take on additional responsibilities simply because of their age. They can be assigned certain tasks earlier, help out [and] watch their siblings, and so on.”
Further, while expanding on the notion of a gendered division of labor within the household, Dr. Rohrer adds, “In many families,
than all of the other kids.” Ultimately, for girls and women, there tends to be an increased amount of pressure and additional work required at a young age that unfortunately just comes with being the first-born and a woman.
Additionally, the article by Cassata also cites and refers to a particular study that was conducted in 2024, presenting rather intriguing findings, including one
“Mothers’ prenatal distress can accelerate certain pubertal development in daughters, especially those who are firstborn.”
women end up doing more chores and more care work. If you combine these two things, there is a good chance that in at least some families, the eldest daughter will end up with more responsibilities
that demonstrates that, “mothers’ prenatal distress can accelerate certain pubertal development in daughters, especially those who are firstborn. Essentially, these girls have faster social—but not
sexual—development, which could be an evolutionary advantage for mothers who need assistance in raising other kids.”
Recent increases in online rhetoric and debate surrounding the concept of “eldest daughter syndrome” have made such findings rather compelling and have also made the proposed notion that mothers have developed a sort of evolutionary edge over the rest of the surrounding world, not an entirely outlandish idea. Social media platforms such as TikTok and X have quickly transformed the once-thought-fictitious phenomenon into an undeniable reality that all women born first can identify and resonate with. Viral trends, detailing eldest daughters’ harrowing lived experiences with tweets such as, “are u happy or are u the oldest sibling and also a girl,” have summed the condition up almost perfectly.
One video posted on TikTok by Kati Morton captioned, “The 8 signs you have eldest daughter syndrome…” had evolved into an overnight craze, escalating the movement to become a worldwide sensation, influencing others to join in on sharing their own experiences with being the eldest daughter.
It may not be difficult, and perhaps more rational, to come to a reasonable conclusion that essentially boils down to how things eventually turned out. Still, this relatively abrupt ending to the story remains hard for me to accept, and attempting to devise some sort of alternative cause and explanation as to why there is such a stark and looming separation dividing me from my siblings has been to no avail.
Coincidence or not, these overachieving symptoms of mine, combined with the characteristic combination of opinions, emotions, and behaviors I possess, have ultimately associated and forever linked me to a fascinating, yet very misunderstood diagnosis known most commonly as “eldest daughter syndrome.”
Dear Poet,
I’m seeing someone on the “down low,” and I don’t know if they’re still not over their ex. How do I ask without causing problems?
Sincerely, A Romantically Frustrated Poet
Dear Poet,
First off I want to start by saying that I am sorry you are going through this. It’s very unfortunate to be in a relationship with someone while not being sure if they are committed to you or someone from their past. But let’s address the red flag at hand: why is this relationship on the “down low” in the first place? What is keeping you from publicly displaying your partnership? If you don’t know how to answer these questions, then you must figure out first, what exactly it is you want out of the relationship itself. Whether your relationship is casual or serious, you need to make sure that you properly communicate any thoughts, feelings, or apprehensions you may have about the two of you, and the relationship you both share before it continues to grow.
I understand that you are already anxious about talking to your partner, but sometimes you just have to rip off the band-aid and address your concern. If you keep taking your time to confront your issue, then the problem is just going to get worse. It’s going to build up and then–BOOM– a big explosion of feelings and frustrations, and though it may feel cathartic, it’s not going to help your relationship in the end.
You clearly value this person enough to not want to ruin what you have, but do you feel like you are being valued? If your partner is showing signs that they are not over their ex, then clearly they are not respecting you or your guys’ relationship. And if it comes to be true, that they are not over their ex, then you need to leave. Your partner is not ready for a new relationship and you deserve someone who is going to respect you and treat you the way you should be treated. But we should address that you can’t always jump to conclusions. Relationships stay strong when there is trust between each other. If you can’t trust them, maybe there is something you need to reflect on because trust works both ways.
Whatever you decide, just know you are strong and you will get through this. Follow your heart and don’t be afraid to confront your fears.
Distinct and unique personality traits could be associated with first-born daughters.
Alexis Armanet / archive nytimes com
Good Luck,
Lucy Campbell / Quaker campus
Sept. 12, 2024
What’s up,
Whittier?
Stay up to date on events! For further info, visit https://whittier.campuslabs.com/Engage/
Thriving Authentically: Post-Traditional Community, Culture, and Career
• Thursday Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Dezember Alumni House
Dental Day
• Thursday Sept. 12 at 10 a.m.
• Villalobos Hall
Thalian Society - Unapologetically You
• Thursday Sept. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dezember Alumni House
Queso & Questions
• Thursday Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
• Harris B 2nd Floor Lounge
AOKP Moonlight Picnic
• Thursday Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
• Upper Quad
AOKP Game Night!
• Friday Sept 13 at 7:00 p.m.
• Hoover 104
AOKP Seven Seas Shindig
• Saturday Sept. 14 at 7:32 p.m.
• Meet in front of SLC and then go to Hoover 104
Latinx Community Welcome Dinner
• Monday Sept. 16 at 5 p.m,
• Club 88 Movie Night - Metaphonian Event
• Monday Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
• Hoover 100
VRC Lunch and Learn
• Tuesday Sept. 17 at 11:30
a.m.
• OSE Conference Room
Resume Workshop
• Tuesday Sept. 17 at 4:30
p.m.
• SLC 204
Come YOGA with Us
• Wednesday Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.
• Lower Quad
CAAS Workshop: Time Management Strategies
• Thursday Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
• SLC 204
Fiber Arts Club Meeting
• Thursday Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
• In front of Deil Hall
Community Acupunture
Event
• Thursday Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.
• Location Homeboy 5K Run
• Saturday Sept. 21 from 7
a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Meet at Shannon Center
CAMPUS LIFE
Whittier’s Fair Amounts of Activites
Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER
Whatever your interests or strengths are, we guarantee that there is a club for you! In case you missed it, Whittier College hosts a biannual event known as the Activities Fair, where many clubs, organizations, and societies gather in the Upper Quad to share their mission, message, and purpose to support the much-needed student engagement on campus.
We are pleased to say that this year’s 2024 Activities Fair was a success! With booming crowds, including eager first-years and returning students alike. So much so that many clubs like A.O.K.P. (Artorian Order of the Knights of Pendragon) had to request a second sign-up sheet from the OSE for all their new recruits. Despite the intensly hot weather, even with the addition of After's Ice Cream, there were many attendees including yours truly, the QC (Quaker Campus). Here are the various groups that were present.
Societies Featured this semester were our returning Societies, such as the Metaphonians, the Athenians, the Thalians, the Palmers, the William Penns, the Orthogonians, the Franklins, and the Lancers.
All Whittier Societies cater to giving back to the Poet community through promoting leadership, offering services for personal growth, and all the while promoting the true spirit of Whittier. To discover which one is right for you, look to the Whittier Societies website where each Society lists their requirements and individual
missions.
General-Interest Clubs
This year, everyone is sure to find a club that represents their niche on campus. Groups like Drama Club, offer a space for those with an interest in the dramatic arts regardless of their major. The Fiber Arts Club inroduces students to the art of crafting and offers a space for students to recieve advice from one another.
AOKP. involves friends coming together in fun costumes and characters to let their imaginations run free. If you have a love for performances, place your talents to the Dance Team and be on the lookout for future tryouts!
Affinity Clubs
If you’re looking for a club to help you socialize and build community with those who share your identitiy, look to the Affinity
Clubs. You can find current clubs such as: BSA (Black Student Association), First Generation & Allies Club, MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlán), and ASA (Asian Student Association). These clubs are notable for offering mentorship, education, guidance, and a sense of belonging for their members throughout their journey at Whittier.
Service Related Clubs
Interested in giving back to the community? Consider joining the Program Board which helps provide entertainment consistent with the educational objectives of the college, on- and off- campus. Or perhaps you have an interest in going green. Try the Sustainability Club, where you can learn to manage a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
If you’re a veteran, the Poets
Whittier Club is a perfect match. The Poets Club supports veteran and active military students on campus through engagement and activities. They are currently accepting donations of hygienic products for the entire month of September. If you are interested in making a donation, contact the Warriors Club located on the lower floor of the Campus Courtyard next to Club 88. They currently have a donation box outside of their door and asks students to donate new unused items only. More information on Whittier’s clubs and organizations can be found on the Whittier College website, as well as on Engage. After a successful event, we hope that the upcoming Spring Activities Fair next semester can bring just as much attraction as Fall's did.
Need Some Help? Call the PHEs!
Sara Martinez CO-NEWS EDITOR
On Aug. 21, the Peer Health Educators (PHEs) held their annual Open House to welcome students back to campus. The Open House took place at the PHE office, on the first floor of Johnson Hall next to the kitchen. Students were welcome to speak with PHEs, enjoy making bracelets, as well as enjoy one of the three massage chairs offered to students.
The small room was soon full of laughs and lively conversations as students and the PHEs talked about their summers and the lingering heat. The ambience was a well planned success, according to first-year Malika Tadesse, “The purpose of our Open House is to motivate students in meeting their new 2024-2025 PHEs and to answer any questions students might have.”
PHEs are professionally trained students who can address student health and wellness related issues. The program, led by Student Counseling Center Director, Dr. Rebecca Eberle-Romberger, was created in order to close the gap between students and campus resources. “Essentially, we can help our peers navigate many of the amazing resources available here
at Whittier, which can seem overwhelming,” says second-year PHE Giovanni Sebastian. According to Sebastian, becoming a PHE was worth the summer training since helping others out is what drives many to become a PHE. “The program is also a great way to gain hands-on experience in a health setting” Sebastian notes, as he himself plans on applying to medical school after completing his undergraduate studies at Whittier.
Since PHEs are professionally trained, the conversations they have with students will always remain confidential unless the safety
of the student or others is at risk.
Each PHE is also specially trained in a specific area of wellness, such as third-year PHE Bree Basher, whose area of wellness is social, “I love social interactions, including group hang outs and activities, since they are a great way to meet new people and experience new things.”
Students can make an appointment for a peer-to-peer consultation and also schedule a Clifton Strengths Assessment. The online test measures the patterns of thoughts and behaviors one can have, and every first-year student is required to take it. Appointments
can be made through the PHE website, their office hours are from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Students are also welcomed to stop by during their business hours, they are Monday through Friday.
PHEs upcoming events will be posted on Engage, which includes a Land Acknowledgment event in October.
So Poets, if you feel like you need to talk to a friendly peer about anything, from the drama in your friend circle, to financial pressures of being a college student, or maybe you just need someone to talk to; the PHEs are here to help.
The PHEs help keep student wellness.
Sara Martinez/Quaker Campus
The Activites Fair bring many opportunities to connect!
Courtesy of WCTheRock
CAMPUS LIFE
The Wonderful World of Uptown’s Night Market
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Every other Wednesday, when the hustle and bustle of Uptown Whittier comes to a slow end in the evening, a night market full of local businesses appears for everyone to enjoy.
On Aug. 28, Housing & Residential Life allowed for Turner Hall residents to travel down to the first night market of the semester with RAs, fourth-year Anh Tran from the third floor and fourth-year Galilea Landa-Posas from the second floor. They tagged alongside students to explore what the market had to offer from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Anyone who joined the Turner Hall group was given 15 dollars from Residential Life to spend at the market. However, students were required to provide receipts from their purchases and return any spare change to their respective RA. The money was also expected to be spent only on snacks and drinks, with any other shopping to be paid out of pocket by the student.
The night started once students met with their respective RAs in Turner’s second-floor lounge. They then walked to Uptown as a group for safety purposes due to the late time. Once they reached Greenleaf Avenue and Philadelphia Street, students felt safe as streets were closed off from traffic
for the safety of various groups of people who came to enjoy the various stands and entertainment.
Despite the initial humidity from the crowd, there was still laughter heard throughout, especially from a jumping house located to the right side of Greenleaf. All along the street, numerous booths were present, with some selling items such as jewelry, slime, and even shoes. Booths were displayed in between already established stores and restaurants in Uptown, with their doors open for the entire night. Anyone too tired to walk was welcomed in to relax and take a break from the chaos.
On the far East side of Greenleaf Avenue, by Starlight Cinemas, booths were selling Croc charms, pins, and any cute, small accessories you can think of. Students who were able to make their way through to the DJ Booth, joined numerous people dancing along to Hispanic pop music. Towards the end of the row of booths, lay a petting zoo, full of goats for families to see and pet—of course with a worker overseeing to ensure safety for the children.
Some local businesses that were present included Bummy Glass Art, a shop that works with glass to create beautiful pieces. Their booth sold rings, necklaces, handmade glass art, and straws, and for those who are 21, handmade shot glasses. Students in
need of a new pair of shoes were also in luck. SeraphSwan was there offering flats, sandals, and sneakers at their booth. Paz Jewelry was present as well, selling crocheted charms to add to bags and offering customers the opportunity to create their own bouquet made out of crocheted flowers to give to friends, loved ones, or keep for themselves.
Those interested in Mexican sweets and snacks had luck at the night market as well. Kimdysweets offered an array of chamoy, candy, and sweet churros. Store them in your handbags from Piel Fina, and you have the ultimate package deal of the century. Students definitely felt a love and respect for Mexican culture throughout the market,
with various stands selling items imported from Mexico itself or inspired by the culture’s colors and traditions.
Towards the end of the night, students could not resist the temptation of fresh food. Numerous food trucks were parked alongside Greenleaf, with tables set out for people to sit and enjoy while listening to a live marachi band. Food options included individual pizza slices and pink lemonade from Brickhouse Pizza, tea and tea samples from Zen’s Tea House, 15 flavors of agua fresca from Fresca Signature Flavors, Polynesian cuisine from 2 Scoops of Rice and More, and garlic noodle dishes with Asian-flavored wings from Sending Noods.
Although students were busy enjoying music and petting goats, once the clock hit 9:30 p.m., stands started shutting down, families began to head home, and the market came to a close as students walked back up to their dorms for the rest of the night.
Students who were unable to attend the Turner Night Market walk, still have an opportunity to see the night market. The night market is a biweekly event hosted and promoted by Uptown Whittier. Keep an eye on their Instagram for dates and information on special vendors and activities. So Poets, gather some friends together and rush over to the night market because once you walk into Uptown, the night truly begins.
The night market helps bring local businesses to life.
Emma Galvan/Quaker Campus
Courtesy of Chelsea Bartilad
Cultural Dinners Invite All Poets to Feast
Every year, the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) hosts several community welcome dinners to help students, staff, and faculty of various identities feel accepted on campus. These dinners are hosted throughout the months of August and September, providing free food as well as a space for people to connect. All dinners are open to members of the community as well as allies, so it is encouraged for everyone to attend.
APIDA Community
The first of the welcome dinners took place on Aug. 27, and celebrated the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community. Alongside the OEI staff, members from the Asian Student Association (ASA) and the Desi and Middle Eastern Club helped to organize and speak at the dinner. Both of these clubs are accepting new members and are great ways to support and educate students about their cultural identites.
For example, the Asian Student Association hosted their welcome meeting on Sept. 5, which included a candle making activity. Other events from the ASA are planned for the future.
Black Community
On Aug. 29, the OEI, along with Housing and Residential Life, invited the Black community to host their Fall 2024 welcome dinner. The SANKOFA—''To go back and get it" in the Akan Language—Collective housing
community, a new themed living community on campus, co-hosted the event along with the OEI. They were helping the dinner reach a broader audience and include more Black-identifying students and allies. If you couldn’t attend the dinner, the Black Student Association (BSA) is a great club on campus to help build community and are always accepting new members.
Military Affiliated
The military-affiliated community was celebrated on Sept. 3, and this year was co-hosted with the Veteran Resource Center (VRC). The VRC hosts various events throughout the year, such as Toys-For-Tots in November, hygiene kit drives, and Veterans Week celebrations. They also provide support and resources to student Veterans on campus. Along with the VRC, the Poet Warrior Club also aims to uplift and support both veteran students and other military-affiliated students.
Lavender Community
On Sept. 5, the Lavender community was next to host their welcome dinner. The Lavender dinner celebrates all LGBTQ+ identifying individuals and allies.
The Gender Equity Center, as well as the Gender Inclusive Housing, community showed support at the event by helping to plan out the event. The Gender Equity Center located on the second floor of Platner Hall, is a great resource for LGBTQ+ students on campus to get support and find community.
The Gender Inclusive Housing is in Harris Building A and is welcome
for anyone of any identity to live together.
Although the dinner was originally meant to be held in Harris Building B, the event was ultimately moved to Villalobos Hall like the previous dinners due to the blistering weather.
International Community
The next community dinner will be held on Sept. 10, and it celebrates the International students. This dinner is co-hosted with the Office of International Programs, which helps aid international students during their time before and after Whittier College. Alongside them is the
Global Poets Club, who help international students navigate American culture, while also finding community within each other. Latinx Community Sept. 16 is the final day of the welcome dinners series, and it celebrates the Latinx community. This dinner happens during a special time since September is the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, (MEChA) is a club on campus that promotes Chicanx/ Latinx unity and advocates for Latinx issues on campus. This club, who will help to host the dinner, has its first meeting on Sept. 5,
and plans to host many events and activities on campus this year. The dinner is going to be taking place in Club 88 next to the Campus Courtyard.
Even if you missed out on the community dinners, Whittier College has so many clubs and organizations to help students find community on campus. These dinners are hosted every fall, so if you didn’t make it this time, keep your eyes out in the upcoming years! More events like the community dinners, and events hosted by clubs, can all be found on Engage, so keep track on it for more opportunities in the future.
The OEI are helping bring communities together.
Courtesy of Whittier College
Ashley Seger FOR THE QC
Kristine Dillon: From Interim to President
On the corner of Painter Avenue and Philadelphia Street stands the historic Menden Hall. When you open its double doors, you are greeted by a lofty hall. The chairs and curtains are furnished with Whittier College’s signature color: purple. Turning your head to the right, written on the wall in cursive, “President’s Office” is where President Kristine Dillon recides. Patiently waiting for Dillon to be ready, you are seated in a room with eggshell-colored walls, soft chairs, and curtains, the same shade of purple. A room that compliments President Dillon’s title. During the summer, Dillon was appointed as the 16th President of Whittier College by the Board of Trustees. “I don’t feel very different,” she responds while reflecting on the new title. “The main reason I’m doing this is a very lengthy commitment to Whittier College, so nothing has changed there,” Dillon continues. For her, the College needs a longer period to build its reputation back up. Having been Interim President of Whitter College last year, she thinks “that signals change is coming, and that’s not helpful to Whittier College.”
Dillon sits in a chair that is
placed in front of a glass table. “But I was very interested in whether the community, meaning the faculty, staff, students, and Trustees wanted the continuity of my leadership,” she remarks, keeping her hands gently placed on her lap. She asked for a survey to be placed on whether the school would want her as President. Student senators, faculty, leadership of directory Boards, and the Trustees were asked. “I was told there was very strong support, which was reassuring,” Dillon says. “I certainly wanted to feel like those involved in working within my leadership sphere were going to feel like ‘This is the person we want,’” but she smiles after, adding, “That doesn’t mean they’re going to love me all the time, it just means that there was confidence going forward, which is what we really need to have right now.” She also understands that if she was not voted to become Whittier College’s President, she would have been happy to be Interim until the community found a suitable candidate. But finding a new candidate takes time, and that slows down a lot of progress for the College, especially with enrollment.
“When I signed on, I knew that our enrollment issues were going to take time to fix. It is not a one-year fix,” she states. To her, “it was a three to five-year period,
that things weren’t under the same focus that they are today, you’re going to have to use about that time to rebuild everything.” One thing she has to rebuild is trust within the community. “Coming out of COVID, there wasn’t a lot of active recruitment going on for people to come here and the traditional alumni, and what’s usually called friend—people who are not alums but care about the place—that group had not been getting the contact they used to have,” Dillon reveals. With the lack of communication from the college, she feels as if most of the community colleges, theater schools, and high schools were not sure if the school remained the same from years prior. Dillon reassures that enrollment is
back in its place now and that she is seeing an increase in first-year and transfer students, as well as a successful fundraising year.
With every student, she believes that if they are passionate about something, or at least open to finding a passion, they are going to get the most out of Whittier College. Even after 50 years since graduating from Whittier College, Dillon expresses, “I can point to the people that have mattered, and many of them who [were] faculty, who not all of whom are still alive, but many of them mattered, and some of them who moved on to other schools I still stay in touch with, and it’s our shared experience at Whittier that mattered, and certainly the friends I make here.”
To Dillon, personal connections are what you can find the most at Whittier College. She believes that there will always be a staff member who will be there for you, who will reach out to you for opportunities. Dillon laughs, advising, “You have to put something into it; you can’t just [be] like, ‘I’ll never talk to them again and I expect they’ll be calling me.’” For Dillon, it is a relationship that pays off if both parties are putting in the work, and from her experiences, other schools cannot form those relationships the way Whittier can. She hopes that students take advantage of those personal connections.
It is evident that Dillon is passionate about the institution based on the way she talks about Whittier. She smiles when she talks about the College, she speaks reassuringly when discussing how well her staff is doing, and she is always optimistic about Whittier’s future.
Kristine Dillon, with an optimistic look on her face, conveys, “I remain as excited about what Whittier did for my life. That’s motivating for why I would love to see Whittier keep doing exciting things; they’re different, they’re not the same, places evolve, people evolve, but I still find people saying, ‘I’m getting something special,’ and that’s what I want to hear.”
Xenia Markowitt: Setting Down Roots at Whittier College
Sitting inside her office is Whittier College’s new Vice President and Dean of Students, Xenia Markowitt. Her recent arrival to Whittier is indicated by the minimal items throughout the room, save the potted plants lined up in front of the window sill. “I’ve been able to jump in and be helpful to my staff in certain ways, because some things are going to be the same no matter what school you’re at,” Markowitt describes.
Having over 20 years of experience working in higher education, the newly-appointed Dean became a part of Whittier in July 2024, succeeding former-Interim Vice President and Dean of Students, Henry Gee. Dressed in black and white, Markowitt is seated behind a table, her hands rest around her white metal water bottle as she looks up deep in thought. “But then the things that are particularly Whittier—the way we do things—I want to take the time to really learn and understand before I think I’ve got it figured out,” she says with a determined look.
Although she is new to Whittier, Markowitt is no stranger to navigating uncharted waters. Having parents who taught at American schools overseas, Markowitt grew up moving from country to country every other year. It was not until she was six years old that her parents decided to have a “home base” to return to. “You would never know this,” Markowitt explains, her hand resting on her water bottle, “but I was born in Spain.” Leaning back with a soft smile, Markowitt’s relaxed
demeanor contrasts her on-the-go upbringing. She continues, “They [her parents] had deep ties in Spain, so Barcelona became my home, and [...] whenever we traveled, we returned every summer to Barcelona.”
After her final year at Princeton High School in New Jersey, Markowitt returned to Barcelona that summer, where she decided to meet with some high school friends in Marseille, France. While on her visit to Marseille, the University of Aix-En-Provence caught her attention, piquing her interest in the French language. With amusement, Markowitt recalls, “I was a little indecisive about what I wanted to do, but I thought, ‘Oh, that would be fun, let me go study French for a year and see what happens.’”
What originally was meant to be a gap year, Markowitt’s time studying in France supplied her with the credits to transfer to another university. After completing what essentially became her first year in college, Markowitt moved back to
the United States, where she attended Grand Valley State College for one semester, before transferring to the University of Michigan.
Growing up watching films in the ‘70s, Markowitt developed an interest in the artistry behind the stories she saw on the screen, leading her to choose that major in college. Although she was studying Film [Criticism], Markowitt’s interests lay in Film Production, which was not offered at her current school. But after visiting some friends in New York City, the film student transferred to New York University where she received her Bachelor’s in Film & Television Production. “So I found my school,” she says with a chuckle, “it just took me a little longer than most people to find.”
Deciding to stay at NYU, Markowitt pursued her Master’s in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Having grown up in a Spanish lens, Markowitt was interested in learning more about the Spanish-speaking cultures in the U.S.
while working as the Administrative Assistant under the Comparative Literature Department, where she managed a total of 13 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. It was through helping these students during their educational experience that Markowitt discovered a joy of working in student affairs. “That’s when I sort of realized, ‘Oh, this is very fulfilling work,’” she says with pride, “You feel like you’ve actually made a difference in the world and helped move it along.”
This newfound passion was put on hold, however, after Markowitt made the decision to take time off from work, as she was expecting a baby. “It cost more money for me to work and pay day care than it would have been for me not to work because my salary was so low,” she says with a laugh. After her daughter was born, Markowitt and her family stayed in Spain for a few years before moving back to the U.S., where she worked at the Women’s Center in Dartmouth College. Passionate about feminist activism, Markowitt stayed at the Center for 14 years, where she worked with students who identified as women along with those who were exploring gender, eventually becoming the Director of the Center for Women & Gender.
Her passion for supporting students allowed her to strive for more positions in student affairs, gaining her seats at multiple “tables.” Markowitt recalls a pivotal moment in her career where she participated in a leadership panel at Dartmouth College. A woman in the audience, she recounts, observed that the men in the panel expected to become leaders, while the women in the panel—including Markowitt—de-
scribed their experiences as “accidental” as if they did not expect to become leaders in the first place. Having just become the Director of the Women’s Center, this made Markowitt question if she was seeking out to be a leader. “When you want to be really good at something and you want to bring others along with you, you kind of become a leader,” Markowitt says, eyes bright. “After that moment, I really embraced the idea of going after leadership and looking for leadership opportunities.”
With years of moving to new environments, Markowitt learned how to be familiar with the unfamiliar. “There’s this phrase that always gets used in my field, which is ‘you’re repairing the engine while you’re in flight,’” she explains. “It’s not like you can come down and land the plane and repair the engine. You’re just constantly in flight.” She continues in a reflective tone, “I think that comes from living in so many places, having to constantly adapt and you’re always new, so you’re always watching. And I think that’s what made me be able to[...] do those interim jobs.”
From moving to different countries, to now working on different campuses, Xenia Markowitt brings her experiences to Whittier College, determined to make a lasting impact. Though a good part of her life she spent moving around the world, working on different campuses, she is ready to make Whittier College feel like home, intent on making a lasting impact for all that come here.
This article has been compressed for this issue. To read more, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.
Markowitt is determined to make a difference at Whittier.
Courtesy of Xenia Markowitt
Courtesy of Whittier College
Jonathan Bermudez MANAGING EDITOR
Chelsea Bartilad INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kristine Dillon is officially Whittier’s President
Poet’s Sports Schedule:
Women’s Volleyball vs Massachusettes Institute of Technology @ Medford, Mass.
• 6 p.m.
• September 13
Women’s Volleyball at Tufts University & Calvin Univ.
@ Medford, Mass.
• 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. ET
• September 14
Men’s Water Polo at USC @ Los Angeles, Calif.
• 1:30 p.m.
• September 14
Men’s Soccer vs Stanton University
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 4 p.m.
• September 14
Women’s Soccer vs Univsersity of La Verne @ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• September 14
Men’s Water Polo vs Massachusettes Institute of Technology @ Whittier, Calif.
• 10 a.m.
• September 15
Women’s Soccer at Pomona-Pitzer @ Claremont, Calif.
• 4 p.m.
• September 18
Men’s Soccer vs Pomona-Pitzer @ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• September 18
Men’s Water Polo vs Cal Tech @ Whittier, Calif.
• 11 a.m.
• September 21
Women’s Soccer vs Occidental College
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• September 21
SPORTS Kevin Baxter: Head of the “Toy Department”
Olivia Nunez SPORTS EDITOR
Fresh off the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics, an experienced and renowned sportswriter joined Whittier’s inaugural Sports Writing Class taught by Professor Joe Donnelly. He stood at the podium, crooked glasses hanging off the tips of his ears, not susceptible to going off on tangents. Kevin Baxter, who specializes in writing about soccer and hockey for the Los Angeles Times, visited the basement of Hoover Hall to speak about his experience of becoming a journalist, from starving days up to his most recent accomplishment, covering the most storied Olympics, adding to his extensive list of events covered.
Baxter’s beginnings originated in La Puente, at the Wilson High School newspaper, perhaps the catalyst for his career in journalism. Through his father’s instruction and letters to sportswriters he admired, a mentor recommended Baxter for an opening at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, where he worked as a professional writer at the age of 17. From there, he worked for the Orange County Register as an editor, designing pages for publication. Throughout this time, he freelanced writing about topics that interested him, one of which was how Cuban defectors found refuge through major league baseball. This unique perspective gained him a spot writing for
Baseball America, another stepping stone to the LA Times where Baxter has found his home.
Throughout these varying roles, Baxter discovered a passion for writing about sports while subtly infusing his own commentary within the articles, like a hidden message disguised as a simple sports story. His roles varied from Angels Beat Writer, to Dodgers Beat Writer, to important events such as the World Cup, the World Series, and five different Olympic games. His articles varied from common win and loss recaps to investigative pieces about the teams he followed. Throughout his experiences, Baxter shares an important message: “Don’t write what you hear; write what you see.”
As a writer, Baxter’s keen observation skills enable him to find gems in something as seemingly simple as a game of catch. A prime example is his most recent
article spotlighting the last runner to cross the finish line for the women’s marathon in Paris titled, “Commentary: Final finisher of women’s marathon shows what it means to be an Olympian.” In this piece, Baxter highlights the spirit of competition, the history of women’s participation in marathons, and the struggle for independence in France. It became a human triumph piece rather than a simple “who won” news story, illustrating Baxter’s ability to see the bigger picture.
While discussing changes in the journalism landscape, he claims there was a paradigm shift in journalism and sports media caused by social media. According to Baxter, “The players used to have no way to talk to the fans except through us.” Cancel culture has created tight-lipped and carefully curated X statements rather than an im-
promptu postgame interview. Baxter describes that what was once a crowded locker room is now a few straggling bloggers facing non-receptive players.
There was some sentimental yearning for the old days of investigative journalism and the singular experience of having two complete articles on your screen, in anticipation of all outcomes. Although slightly biased in his examination, Baxter describes journalism as an interdisciplinary craft with the unique ability to grasp politics and law—communications, immigration, and business—in order to handle all aspects of sports.
While often deemed the “Toy Department” by other newspaper sections, Baxter argues that the Sports section is among the most versatile and essential, “You have to understand all of those different concepts, and then you have to produce stories on deadline. No other section of the paper writes on deadline the way that sportswriters do.”
Baxter infused subtle words of wisdom throughout the hour and impressed the significance of Sports in a larger sense, highlighting its backbone in society and culture. His passion for the discipline is visible in his expression as he described the adrenaline of a deadline. For a class full of aspiring sportswriters, Baxter is visible proof that a career in, as he described it, “The Best Job in the World,” is possible.
Women’s Volleyball Serves up a New Season
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Who is ready for some volleyball?
After an incredibly successful run last year, it seems that Women’s Volleyball is picking up right where they left off during their first games on Aug. 30. and Sept. 3.
The end of the 2023 Women’s Volleyball season revealed the Poet’s potential as they easily won the majority of their games towards the year’s end. As a result, they became the first team since 2018 to enter the NCAA Division III regional rankings, one of only four teams in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) schools boasting that accomplishment. For that reason, the conference recognized many Poet players last year who gave it their all.
This includes team captain, Analise Kusleika, who won the SCIAC Character of the Year award, which she describes as a huge blessing: “I pride myself on my character and how I choose to treat people, so the fact that somebody noticed is really cool. I have to credit my parents; every kind bone in my body comes from them.”
Men’s Soccer at Occidental College
@ Los Angeles, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• September 21
Kusleika is not alone, as multiple teammates earned recognition, such as second-year Mia D’Amato, who won the SCIAC Newcomer of the Year award in her first year as a Poet. She described the honor, “While I received the award, it is important to understand I couldn’t do it without everyone on the team. As cliché as that may sound! Volley-
ball is a team sport, and I couldn’t have done the things I did without our fantastic staff.”
Alongside many familiar faces returning, there are also quite a few newcomers, who, as Kusleika describes, “...make for a competitive run this season.”
To kick off their season, the team traveled to the Univ. of La Verne on Aug. 30 to play against Centre College and the Univ. of Wisconsin River Falls. Although they lost against Centre College with a score of 3-2, the players still gave it their all, with fourth-year Xenia Villagomez and D’Amato earning kills to help assist the team during the second frame. During the third frame, fourth-year Nadine Oronoz, who was SCIAC’s top server last season, gave six aces—where the other team is unable to receive and touch the ball—to add to the four earned by third-year Sofia Zazueta. In their next game, Whittier held a massive victory of 3-1 with a different lineup that included several freshmen. With multiple
kills and assists, the team had a nearly perfect game despite some minor mishaps that cost them a frame.
The team returned to campus on Sept. 3 to play against Skidmore College. It was another solid victory with a score of 3-0, as the Poets scored 25 points in all three frames. Fourth-year Riley DeGroot started the attack with 13 kills, with Villagomez and D’Amato helping to fuel the numbers. They also had assists from third-year Sophia Padilla and fourth-year Morgan Lin, as well as defense from Oronoz, second-year Brenna Kusleika, and firstyear Malena The. In this game, the Poets exhibited their dominance to the greatest extent. This victory ultimately led to Oronoz being named SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week on the same day.
But the season is just starting, and for players like D’Amato, it is not their first rodeo. They seem prepared for the challenge: “This season truly is our time to prove ourselves as a threat in the conference and the country[…]while our
success was amazing and so thrilling at the moment, last season won’t automatically translate to this one. So, ensuring we stay focused on the moment and take it day by day, we will continue to improve.” She hopes to contribute as much as she possibly can.
On the other hand, some returning athletes are playing for the last time before they walk the stage in May. However, that will not stop Kusleika from feeling motivated while also a bit saddened about graduating: “I’m celebrating getting to play volleyball and grieving that my career is coming to an end. When you have done something for long enough, you begin to familiarize yourself with its ebbs and flows. I’m used to van rides and karaoke with my teammates; I’m used to checking and rechecking if I have my game jerseys; I’m used to all the drills we run at practice.” Although her final season feels like a double-edged sword, Kusleika still hopes to keep her hitting percentage positive and improve on her offense one last time.
The Women’s Volleyball team returned home to co-host the Whittier College Volleyball Invitational on Sept. 8 and 9. Their next games were against the Univ. of Puget Sound, Edgewood College, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz, and Austin College. Whittier’s women’s volleyball team will keep rising from here with back-to-back victories, and it seems they don’t plan to stop. So, get to those stands and prepare to cheer on these talented ladies this Fall semester!
Women’s Volleyball picks up right where they left off.
Courtesy of LOS ANGELES TIMES
Kevin Baxter covered the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The QC Staff ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Suggests:
Sara Martinez CO-NEWS EDITOR
Want to know what our CoNews Editor recommends this week? Read on!
Music:
Beabadoobee's latest album This is How Tommorow Moves is a great head nod to a unique alternative/ jazzy sound with lyrics that resonate with my current position in life. I can bleed, I can cry, I can feel joyful, all in this same album.
Courtesy of Jules Moskovtchenko
Food:
TRU Bowl is super affordable and delicious. With over 15 topping options and bowl sizes, there really is something for everyone. Plus it is less than 15 minutes to and from campus.
Brand:
KONG fillable chew toys for dogs. Affordable ( $8-15) and a great way to keep your pups entertained while you are at school or practice. Tip, fill it up with your dog's favorite treat!
Courtesy of PETCO
Seasonal Treat:
Califia Pumpkin Spice Almondmilk Creamer, just in time for fall! A tad bit sweet, but the best PS (pumpkin spice) coffee creamer I have tried.
Manchester's Finest: The Gallagher Bros
Elias Loya STAFF WRITER
We live in a time where we have the ability of being able to see almost any of our favorite musicians live. Yes, tickets may be hard to purchase—and they are often very expensive—but it’s a luxury that we still have. In recent years, musical artists have reimagined and redefined the "tour life." Today's musicians now see touring as a way to not only promote their new albums, but to also celebrate anniversaries of past releases, and, in the case of beloved Britpop band Oasis, to take a victory lap in the form of a reunion tour.
The announcement of Oasis’s reunion tour has come as a huge surprise to fans since the band's breakup in 2009 due in part to the decades-long feud between the vocalist and guitarist, Liam and Noel Gallagher. Nevertheless, fans are overjoyed, as the band has not performed together in 15 years. In order for the younger generation of fans to understand why this is such a big deal, one must take a step back into the band’s history, as well as the brotherly feud that led to the initial breakup.
Formed in 1991 in Manchester, England, Oasis was a band ready to take on the world. Their discography includes some of the most noteworthy and record-breaking albums to date, such as Definitely Maybe (1994), which became the
fastest-selling debut album in British history for its time, and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory (1995), which sat atop British and other international charts for weeks. It also became the fifth-best-selling album in UK history. Oasis would go on to release five more records before suddenly disbanding in 2009.
It’s extremely common to have disagreements between siblings, but for Noel and Liam Gallagher, these fights were so irreparable that it caused the band to split. As early as 1994, the Gallagher brothers have been documented to having numerous fights and backstage arguments.
Examples of these squabbles include an NME interview where the brothers traded insults with one another, Liam hitting his brother over the head with a tambourine during a Los Angeles show in 1994, and Noel bashing Liam with a Cricket bat, as well as going on to destroy everything else in the studio. This feud climaxed in August 2009, when Oasis, set to perform at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris, pulled out just a few hours prior to the show.
Prior to this tour, the brothers had gotten into a fist fight and traveled to gigs separately. A week before this festival, Oasis had to pull out of another show due to Liam’s laryngitis, which Noel later accused of being a hangover, giving reason for Liam to sue. Things escalated even further, Liam brandished a guitar and
tried attacking Noel with it, hours before the band was set to perform at Rock en Seine. Following this incident, Oasis pulled out of their set, and Noel left a note on the Oasis website, stating, “People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.” More than a decade after, the brothers neither spoke to nor appeared with one another, and traded blows from a distance. What once was a band facing tremendous amounts of popularity and musical feats, was then a group ravaged by the deteriorated relationship of its two leaders.
Everything changed however in Aug. 2024. 15 years after that ill-fated backstage fight, Oasis’s social media accounts hinted at a big event that was soon to be announced. While hopes for a reunion were always high, fans were feeling particularly optimistic about
this announcement, as Liam stated earlier in this year that he was ready to reunite with his brother. At last, prayers were answered, when the official Oasis Instagram account posted a picture of Noel and Liam standing together, with the caption “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.”
Next summer, their “Live ‘25” tour will be held across several locations in the UK and Ireland, such as Cardiff, London, Manchester, and Dublin.
Tickets are in high demand; with shows selling out as soon as they went on sale, many look forward to seeing one of the greatest acts the UK has to offer. Given their past, it’s hard to say whether this feud between the Gallagher brothers really is squashed, but only time will tell.
Is it "Casual" to Stalk Chappell Roan?
A recent situation involving pop artist Chappell Roan have sparked several interesting talking points online, regarding how fans engage in parasocial relationships celebrities. This phenomenon, better known as "celebrity fan culture," has in recent years caused an increase in abnormal behavior among fans and has celebrities questioning the privacy of their personal lives.
Since Roan's recent rise to fame, from her presence on TikTok to her opening shows for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” and “Guts” tours, Roan has landed herself directly in the media spotlight. As a result, Roan has had an increase of fans inappropriately approaching her. On Monday Aug. 19, Roan Roan took to TikTok to express her frustrations concerning these aggressive fans.
In her TikTok video, Roan first discusses how uncomfortable she was with fans for becoming upset when Roan turned down pictures with them. She then affirmed no one has the right to stalk or harass her, or think that they’re entitled to her attention because she is a celebrity.
"If you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public? Would you stalk her family? Would you follow her around? Would you try to dissect her life and bully her online?
This is a lady you don't know, and she doesn't know you at all." Af-
ter her assertions went public, discussions among fans and non-fans alike began to appear on a variety of social media forums, speaking on celebrity fan culture.
There were mixed reactions in response to Roan’s video, with an overwhelming majority of fans expressed confusion and anger: “If she doesn’t like fame so much, then why is she even doing this?” “We made the wrong girl famous.” “But she’s not a random lady anymore.”
“That’s just how things are, she should get used to it.” These initial comments, however, were focused only on Roan’s refrain from taking pictures, and did not take into account the fact that she and her family have become victims of stalking as well.
That same week, during a podcast interview on The Comment Section with Drew Afualo, Roan restated her worries regarding her privacy, and was especially concerned with one of the admins of a popular fan account (midwestprincesshq), who had leaked private information pertaining to Roan’s family members without their consent.
Roan’s concerns with fame are not new either. Prior to Roan’s rise to fame, she’d claimed to be struggling with discussions about the “persona” she’s crafted for herself.
To Roan, the idea of a celebrity being a different person on and off stage is no new concept. However, Roan’s statements expressed in a more straightforward way is new, which is why she believes many fans saw her initial statement as incred-
ibly rude and ungrateful. Everything about Roan is being viewed from the lens of “someone who has fame she doesn’t want,” despite the fact that this is what Roan has been working towards her entire life.
The idea that celebrities, such as Roan, should behave the same way on and off stage is a concerning sentiment being shared by nonfans and fans. Upset fans believe comparing Roan to other female celebrities like Madison Beer and Sabrina Carpenter, who are known to frequently mingle with fans, is insulting to Roan.
Recently Roan was further scrutinized for canceling two of her Europe tour dates due to a scheduling conflict. Once again fans commented on social media believing it was hypocritical of Roan to “say she hates fame” when she canceled fan shows to perform at the MTV Vid-
eo Music Awards instead.
On the other side, highly famous celebrities such as Adele and Hayley Williams have agreed with Roan’s statements. In regards to celebrity privacy, they theorized that Roan could be the first celebrity to call out the increasing entitlement that fans tend to have towards their favorite celebrities, as abnormal parasoicial behavior.
An artist’s hard work and growth should not be measured solely by what their fans believe they are entitled to. This mindset creates an environment where you’ll always have fans who feel entitled to those artists in all the wrong ways. Despite a mixed reception from fans to Roan’s statements, Roan has left room for other celebrities to redefine what it truly means to be a public persona and what that means to their biggest fans.
Allara Baker STAFF WRITER
The brothers are back!
Photo Courtesy of BBC WORLD
Chappell Roan faces backlash for setting boundaries with fans.
Courtesy of Universal Music Group
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
It Ends With Us: A Marketing Disaster
Allara Baker STAFF WRITER
The recent release of It Ends With Us, a movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, is a box office success, as gross sales have passed $242 million worldwide. However, alongside its monetary success, the film's cast and production have sparked unprecedented controversies, with respect to the movie’s screen and script development. Speculation first began among attentive fans, as they were quick to notice the confusing and awkward promotional period for the film.
It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a florist who ends up falling in love with a neurosurgeon named Ryle (Justin Baldoni). In the novel, the presence of domestic violence and its cycle is a key theme between the two main characters. Due to the novel’s immense popularity and fan base, the film adaptation was widely anticipated. However, once promotion for the film began, the overall content of the novel came back into question since the marketing for the film seemed to prioritize a “romantic” angle.
Blake Lively’s central belief about the film was what sparked criticism amongst fans, after her interview with Deadline went public,“This is a story that covers domestic violence, but it’s not about domestic violence.” Lively’s words have received backlash due to her ideas of the film contradicting the ideas portrayed in the novel. Hoover fans did not feel that Lively truly understood the message of the novel since the portrayal of domestic violence is prominent in the novel, but was twisted in a certain "romantic" way through the film adaptation. Although the movie’s end credits included the telephone number for the National Domestic Violence hotline, fans noticed that resources of that nature were not at all brought up during the film’s promotion, let alone the discussion or mention of domestic violence.
Furthermore, Baldoni’s ideas on the film contradict Lively’s. Fans then noted that Baldoni was the only member of the cast who discussed the themes of domestic violence during its promotion on TV talk shows. Baldoni hoped the film would change the way people—especially men—view domestic violence, stating, “I want men to go to a theater and in some way see a version of themselves.”
Along with the cast’s differing ideas on the film, fans noticed that Baldoni was not present with the rest of the cast during the promotion rollout, despite directing the film and playing the male lead opposite Lively. Instead, Lively was mainly seen with her husband Ryan Reynolds, his Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman, and the rest of the cast from It Ends with Us Through internet sleuthing, fans later discovered that the two leads, Baldoni and Lively, were no longer following each other on social media. Eventually Hoover unfollowed
Baldoni on social media, which further led fans to speculate that Baldoni and Lively aren’t on good terms with each other. Baldoni was also absent from certain promotional videos, including an interview with Vanity Fair where Lively and the rest of the cast appeared. Brandon Sklenar ended up be-
have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film. It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.” Sklenar said.
It was later revealed by Lively that her husband was actually in-
“He works on everything I do,” Lively tells E! News regarding Reynolds' work in the film. “I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine, and mine are his."
In the same E! News article, Baldoni mentioned that Lively was crucial to the creative development
Us recieves backlash for romaticizing domestic violence
ing one of the first cast members to speak up regarding the tension, as he was dissatisfied with how fans of Hoover were demonizing Lively and being disrespectful towards Hoover’s vision for the film, claiming it sent a counterproductive message. “What may or may not
volved with the production of It Ends With Us and even wrote the famous balcony scene. However, the film’s screenwriter and co-producer, Christy Hall, later added that she was unaware of Reynolds changing the script until after the official release of the film.
of the film: “Everything she touches, she makes better. I think we’re all here because of her, so I couldn’t be more grateful to have that opportunity."
Despite Baldoni's acknowledgement of Lively in this interview, fans speculated that Baldoni was the
problem and must have been alienated by the cast for doing something terrible to Lively.
Despite domestic violence being a theme that resonates with certain audiences—especially victims themselves—the film's execution has proved disappointing to fans. In the end, the creative and adaptive input from the producers did not translate well into the delivery of the film itself. All this speculation and controversy has brought into light is how critical Hoover fans are of fil adaptations and the power of interenet sleauthing.
Coutresy of Sony Pictures
It Ends With
Fall Coloring Sheet
