Volume 22, Issue 8 | Feb. 1, 2024

QUAKER CAMPUS february 1, 2024

The voice of Whittier College since 1914

Volume 22— Issue 8

Spring Enrollment On the Rise Sarah Licon

NEWS EDITOR

As of Jan. 27, there are currently no COVID-19 cases on campus.

courtesy of whittier college

COVID-19 Spike Off Campus Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Los Angeles County has been experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past month. Starting in December, the highest day of cases was Dec. 23, with an average of 843 daily cases. However, the number of cases has started dropping, with 422 daily cases as of Jan. 20. There were a total of 196,303 cases in 2023. While Los Angeles County has been experiencing a higher number of cases, Whittier College has (as of Jan. 27) no current positive cases on campus. Lisa Newton, the Whittier College COVID-19 Compliance

Task Force Director, states that in regards to any changed guidelines with California, the College is “considering revising some policies in response.” But in terms of masking on campus, Newton says that she does not think the College will reinstate the general masking policy. She does go on to say, however, that positive cases and “close contacts should also mask for ten days from last exposure to a positive case,” much like the LA County guidelines. The College has not put out any further information about COVID-19 as of recently. While many of the rules and regulations involving COVID-19 have not changed, there have been “nota-

ble changes” made by the California Department of Public Health. The biggest difference is that “individuals with COVID-19 who have symptoms can leave isolation once they are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication AND other symptoms are mild and improving, provided they wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when around others for 10 days following symptom onset.” Testing is still very encouraged by all Departments of Public Health. This article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, go to medium.com/thequakercampus.com

Uptown Uprooting Causes Uproar

Courtesy of whittier community development Greenleaf Avenue will be revamped.

Emily Henderson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reporting by Emma Galvan The City of Whittier is planning on a $20 million dollar remodeling project called the “Uptown Whittier Streetscape Beautification Plan” in order to become “an even brighter jewel in Whittier,” as it “is a source of pride for its citizens, has a sense of identity from its historic roots, and is a place of great character and attraction due to its unique building form, diversity of activities, locally owned storefronts, restaurants, and civic services.” The plan includes revamping streets like Hadley, Pickering Avenue, Painter Avenue, and Mar Vista

Street, with the “primary focus” being on Greenleaf Avenue and Philadelphia Street. But while the City is planning on this mega-million-dollar remodeling of Whittier, there is a specific aspect that has garnered controversy. A subset of the Beautification Project is the “Greenleaf Promenade Design,” which will stretch three blocks from Hadley Street to Wardman Street. Approved on Dec. 12, 2023, the City will be creating more outdoor seating as influenced by the closure of the street due to the COVID-19 pandemic and overhead signs similar to Little Italy in San Diego. The controversy is due to the nature in the area. The City Council is planning on the “removal of 108 trees

A Sports's Blast from Whittier's Past Articles: Sports: Opinions: Is Whittier Worth Coming Back To?

along Greenleaf – 83 of which are ficus – but will be replaced with 118 new trees and an additional 39,000 square feet of understory landscaping.” The plan states that the ficus trees make spaces in Uptown dirty from their droppings. It is also worth noting that many of the trees in Uptown have “invasive roots” that cause the sidewalks to become hard to traverse. There are also concerns of maintenance issues, lack of light penetration, hosts of pests, alongside other issues. The types of trees that the City of Whittier will plant will provide a canopy protection, much like the ficuses do now. But instead, there will be a variety of new plants as well. This includes London Plane trees, Camphor trees, Chinese Elms, Canary Island Pines, Pink Trumpet trees, and much more. The landscape architect behind the project, Steve Rydzon, states that the diversification of the trees will confront the issues caused by Whittier's ficus trees which would otherwise "present problems going into the future.” While the City of Whittier is all for the project, many residents in town are raising concerns, especially about the removal of the trees. In a recent City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, many residents of Whittier spoke out against the removal of the infamous trees. See Uptown Trees on page 2.

The Whittier College enrollment team is actively working to boost enrollment. At 859 students for Fall 2023, the College still prides itself on being a Hispanic serving institution, with an attempt to “stay steady,” as per Interim President Dillon’s words, for sustainable enrollment. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the sports program cancellation, the College has seen an active drop in enrollment. But now, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Ken Woods reveals the College has seen a 35 percent increase, as exact numbers for the spring semester are a “moving target.” Woods also alludes to the short-range plan President Dillon implemented for a sustainable future. Among this plan is enrollment, as one of the goals for the school is to “grow the student body,” says Woods. He continues, “Just as you know from the past, we’ve had a rough couple of years. Getting rid of a couple sports really hurt our enrollment, so my goal is to bring in a class of about 405 students, [and we are] doing it several different ways.” Among these tactics are several outreach programs towards local high schools that involve inviting counselors on campus and partaking in local college fairs. These attempts have proven to be the most successful for Woods. “Where we [are aiming] is in our backyard—about a 25-mile radius— which yields [potential] students at a higher rate because they’re local,” he states. The school has partnered up with several organizations, including Carnegie’s Student Search Team and the Association of Independent California College Universities, to bring in high school counselors on campus. The enrollment team has also implemented an “instant enrollment” method where potential students are interviewed by a member of the admissions team and are immediately admitted into the

College, after showing transcripts and necessary documentation. This method, according to Woods, has been proven “effective.” The admissions team has also taken to advertising the College as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution), with attempts to attract a diverse student population. Addtionally, Woods mentions participating in Black Expo[sition] Fairs curated for “underrepresented students.” Another aspect of the shortrange plan is trying to reach students internationally. According to Woods, Ethiopia had the highest number of admitted students this last academic year, as an international enrollment team is used to advertise the College to other prospective students. In regards to low enrollment, a survey posted on the Quaker Campus Instagram indicated that the majority of students who participated were aware of Whittier’s enrollment status, hearing the news either from the Los Angeles Times and Whittier Daily News or through talk around campus. Several students have noticed the school's efforts to increase enrollment. Third-year transfer, Richard Kastl-Givens, believes the school is currently in an active phase of “rebuilding and rebranding.” Kastl-Givens states, “I have noticed that the College is actively exploring various methods to promote and market the school to potential new students." If Kastle-Givens had known about Whittier’s enrollment status prior to transferring, they believes this would not have impacted their decision. Fellow transfer student Lexis Brattain asserts the opposite, stating that low enrollment would have most likely negatively affected their decision. The majority of students involved in the survey answered that they have seen an improvement in student life and engagement. This article has been condesned for print. To access the full article, you can at medium.com/thequakercampus.

nune papikyan / quaker campus There has been a 35 percent increase enrollment for Spring 2024.

Index:

News — 1, 2, 3 | Campus Life — 4, 5, 6 | Sports — 7, 8, 9 | Features — 10, 11| Opinions —12, 13 | A & E — 14, 15, 16

NEWS

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Feb. 1, 2024

Residents Share Concern About Tree Removal

The City of Whittier plans to replace the ficus trees with other trees. Uptown Trees continued from pg. 1 enade plan that was conveniently approved late at night, the week One resident, ex-City Council before Christmas.” member Bob Henderson, who says Outside of the City Counthat he helped write the plan for cil meeting, residents of Whittier part of the beautification says that, have taken to social media to share “If you have to replace trees in the their upset. One Instagram user, @ central core, there has to be a phase kaatzilla, made a post urging resiin. There has to be a period of time dents to “LET YOUR VOICE BE in which you will try to have growth HEARD” by going to City Council to replace the oxygen and other meetings or emailing City Council amenities of the property.” Hen- directly at rgarcia@cityofwhittier. derson also goes on to say that the org. change from a $3.5 million plan to Alongside uprooting trees, the a $20.5 million plan “should have City of Whittier will be planning taken discussion and consideration the Beautification Project in phases. to the public ahead of time.” Phase one includes the renovation Mary Sullens, the President of of Greenleaf and Philadelphia to the Whittier Conservancy, spoke at include the “Gardens of Uptown” the Council meeting as well. She and new curb configurations at the stated that in the past, the Council “regularly consulted with the Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown business owners.” But now, “the people who live in Whittier are not considered stakeholders.” She goes on to say that the trees of Uptown need to be cut in phases “as required by code,” rather than cut down all at once, because the tree canopy in Uptown makes Whittier different than other communities– ultimately, “urging [the Council] to reconsider the Prom-

Courtesy of whittier as an arts district end of each block. The community will eventually remove all the ficus trees but keep them until they may “damage new construction.” New trees will be planted. According to Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong, this construction will begin in Fall 2024. While key aspects of the plan include “celebrating the historic core of Whittier; enrich[ing] the community’s public realm; keep[ing] Uptown competitive; provid[ing] for safety and accessibility; [and] provid[ing] a walkable, enjoyable Uptown,” states DeLong, the plan involves characteristics like “pedestrian orientation,” by maintaining a five minute walkability index;

by having an interconnected street system with multiple access points and roads; a standard quality of public realm which involves a series of “outdoor rooms;” and having a distinct character that involves preservation of historical roots while also new development to enrich the urban space; and smarter transpor-

tation and parking in the City. If you would like more information about the Uptown Whittier Beautification Plan, you can visit www.cityofwhittier.org/government/ whittier-transparent/greenleaf-promenade.

“[The $3.5 million to $20.5 million plan] should have taken discussion and consideration from the public ahead of time.” -Former Councilman Bob Henderson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FEATURES EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS

emily henderson

chelsea bartilad

estasia mcglothlin

DEPUTY EDITOR

A&E EDITOR

alissa portillo

meylina tran

MANAGING EDITOR

PHOTOS EDITOR

sage amdahl

julia centeno

NEWS EDITOR

HEAD COPY EDITOR

sarah licon

anna gaber

OPINIONS EDITOR

sara martinez

jonathan bermudez

SOCIAL MEDIA Meylina tran

SPORTS EDITOR Lucy campbell

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA

nune papikyan

piper guinn allara baker paige meyer-draffen kayla cazares olivia nunez

COPY EDITORS emma galvan chelsea bartilad ashley seger

PHOTOGRAPHERS jacob perez

chelsea bartilad ashley seger

alejandra ortega

Cartoonist nemi

FACULTY ADVISOR joe donnelly

The tree removal is part of a city beautification plan.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

QUAKER CAMPUS STAFF

CAMPUS LIFE

sarah licon / quaker campus

Submissions may be emailed to qc@poets.whitttier.edu in .doc or .docx format. Submissions must include the author’s name and year of graduation or position at the college in the signature. Letters are due by Tuesday at 5 p.m. to make it into that week’s issue. Submissions should be no more than 500 words. Letters should be well-proofread, as they will not be edited. Letters that fall outside of these guidelines will be returned to the author with a request for revision. Due to the high cost of publication, members of the Whittier College community are permitted three copies per issue. Additional copies may be purchased with prior apporval for 50 cents each by contacting the Quaker Campus. Newspaper theft is a crime, and those who violate the three copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution. The Quaker Campus does not change material posted on online articles once they have been published in the paper — with the exception of an error being found. Only then will a correction be made to the online version. The Quaker Campus is a publication of Whittier College. Columns and Signed editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Whittier College or its affiliates.

NEWS

Feb. 1, 2024

Israel-Palestine: What's Happening Now?

Questions about war crimes are being posed admist war in Gaza.

Anna Gaber HEAD COPY EDITOR As the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas rages on, global demands for a ceasefire and hostage release, evidence of human rights violations, forced civilian displacement, and questions of genocide and crimes against humanity have spiked. Whilst being brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by South Africa, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has simultaneously stated that his war on Gaza will not stop until Israel has reached “absolute victory.” Over the past two months, the war has become even more of a global-scale conflict and civil resentment, with pressure and frustration taking over

communities in several corners of the world. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, an all-time high has been reached of more than 25,000 killed — 70 percent being women and children, more than 62,600 injured, and thousands still missing or presumed dead. On Jan. 20, the Secretary-General of the UN stated, “People are dying not only from bombs and bullets, but from lack of food and clean water, hospitals without power and medicine, and grueling journeys to smaller slivers of land to escape the fighting.” As a UNICEF specialist noted at a press briefing in Geneva on Jan. 19, around 20,000 babies have been born in Gaza since the start of the

samar elouf / unocha war, but seeing as there is very limited medical aid and no protection for mothers and their newborns, several have died. As for Israel, the Israeli military has indicated that since the start of its “second phase” of the invasion of Gaza on Oct. 28 — a ground invasion — 193 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,203 have been injured. Medical workers in Gaza remain overwhelmed with the overflow of patients with debilitating and crit-

ical injuries that require immediate medical attention. With this, there is very little to no room left in the remaining hospitals. Medical facilities have reached a point where one of the only remaining spaces to tend to patients is either on the hospital floor or on the street. Along with other essential medicines, like oxygen and fuel, hospitals in Gaza are experiencing a shortage of anesthesia available for patients for instances like wound cleaning and even C-sections and amputations. Medical and humanitarian aid trucks transporting vital medicine and food have been targeted by militants as well. This has severely impaired the ability for medical workers — who are now mainly relying on volunteers due to a significant staff shortage — to perform urgent and high-priority medical procedures on the patients in Gaza. On Dec. 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, during a humanitarian mission conducted in collaboration with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), “As [they] entered

“[Palestinian detainees] described being beaten, humiliated, subjected to ill-treatment, and to what may amount to torture."

-UN Human Rights Officer Ajith Sunghay

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Gaza City, the aid truck carrying the medical supplies and one of the ambulances were hit by bullets.” Many civilians have been fleeing to Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, in mass numbers. Expanding on what he has witnessed during his time in Rafah, Ajith Sunghay, Head of the UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reported that the bombings of central Gaza and Khan Younis, Gaza’s second largest city, can be clearly seen and heard from Rafah, especially at night. After speaking to a number of released Palestinian detainees, he relayed that “They described being beaten, humiliated, subjected to ill-treatment, and to what may amount to torture.” Both Israeli and Palestinian families continue to press Hamas and Netanyahu to release their loved ones who are being held as the remaining hostages. On Jan. 19, 100 Palestinians detained by the Israeli Security Forces were released into Gaza through the Israel-Gaza border, but hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel remain in progress. Whether Israel’s attacks constitute as genocide has become a center topic for international debate. This article has been condensed for print. To access the full article, go to medium.com/thequakercampus.com.

Humanitarian Crisis Hits the Congo

The College has not formally addressed the Congo crisis.

Meylina Tran A & E EDITOR

Since gaining its independence from Belgium in 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, or simply referred to as Congo) has been ripped apart by decades of on-again, off-again internal warfare between the Congolese army and nonaffiliated armed groups, causing one of the most complex and longest lasting humanitarian crises in recent history. Although the fighting is mostly contained in the eastern provinces of Congo, as of late October 2023, a record of 6.9 million people from across Congo have been displaced as a result of the conflict. Roughly 6.2 million people are being dis-

placed within the country and another one million seeking asylum in Congo’s neighboring countries, such as Uganda and South Africa. More than two-thirds of those displaced within the country live with host families, making it increasingly difficult for already impoverished communities to stay afloat. This specific wave of in-fighting in the eastern provinces of Congo began in March 2022 when the Congolese rebel military group March 23 Movement—or M23— launched an offensive attack in the province of North Kivu. One such natural hazard that may have caused IASC to retreat is the historic flood that—as of now—has reached its peak. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of

courtesy of britanica Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Congo River—located primarily in western and central Congo— experienced the worst flooding in more than 60 years. The flooding has killed more than 300 people, with another 350,000 people in need of emergency assistance. Despite the setback the flooding has caused in the UN’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, the UN High Commissioner for

Refugees (UNHCR) is still working to provide health, education, and community-based protection relief to refugees. This relief comes in the form of physical and mental welfare (access to psychosocial care, medical care, and shelter) in displaced communities, sanitation (installing water and sanitation infrastructure, menstrual products, etc.) and quality of living standards (community kitchens, cooking pots, blankets, etc.), in camps and settlements, and coordinating the protection of displaced women and girls who may experience gender-based violence. As per a survey published by The Quaker Campus, 80 percent of participating students reported having prior awareness of the humanitarian crises in Congo, with their awareness stemming from various sources such as news articles and TikTok videos. Furthermore, in light of multiple student, staff, and faculty-wide discussions about the ongoing Is-

"...[The College] is yet to discuss the ethnic cleansing in Sudan and our innate partcipation in the humanitarian crisis in the Congo." -Anonymous Student

rael-Palestine conflict during the Fall semester, many respondents thought it imperative that the College address the crisis in Congo, with one student writing, “[the College] definitely should. "It could be similar to what they did with Palestine and Israel, by holding events where people could speak their thoughts about the subject. But the administration should also send out an email acknowledging what’s happening with Congo, especially since we use products made from [Congo’s] cobalt mines.” Another student responded, “Whittier [College] has managed to send out emails regarding Ukraine and attempted to touch on Gaza; however they’ve yet to discuss the ethnic cleansing in Sudan and our innate participation in the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. It's even more insane considering how considerably large of a first or second-gen African immigrant population Whittier has while also maintaining little to no recognition of crises that may impact them and/or their extended families.” As of the writing of this article, Whittier College has not issued a statement regarding the humanitarian crisis in Congo. This article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, go to medium.com/thequakercampus.

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Calendar is subject to change. To learn more, visit whittier.campuslabs.com/engage. Black History Month Luncheon • Thursday, Feb.1 at 11 a.m. • Campus Inn KickStart Your Career Tabling • Thursday, Feb. 1 at 12 p.m. • In front of the SLC Chair Massage • Thursday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. • Naylor Portico, Deihl Hall Lunar New Year, Ring in Good Luck • Thursday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. • Stauffer Courtyard Dance Team Tryouts • Thursday, Feb. 1 7 p.m. • GAC Dance Room Jobs for Jutice: Social Work • Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. • Hartley House

CAMPUS LIFE Spring Activities Fair 2024:

Feb. 1, 2024

Is Whittier’s Social Life Improving?

Emma Galvan COPY EDITOR

Every semester, students old and new are welcomed by music blaring through the front lawn in front of the SLC and a swarm of tables with a variety of designs and people. Welcome to the Activities Fair, where the organizations and clubs of Whittier College gather together and present themselves to have a chance of gaining new recruits to keep their organizations going. On Jan. 25, the Spring Activities Fair took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and organizations such as ASWC, M.E.Ch.A., First Generation and Allies, and the Worker-Student Alliance, along with the Drama Club and Poet Warriors Club, were present. There was even the sight of a lacrosse table attempting to get new players and supporters for the current team. They had placed a small goal

next to their table for students to practice for fun while scoping around. KPOET took part in the fair, and they presented themselves loud and proud. While the other tables had their own music to better represent their organization, KPOET brought out two big speakers and played music the entire time, switching from pop to R&B, to even a hint of metal. They provided a perfect sense of entertainment for the volunteers representing their respective clubs. While the fair was stated to begin at 11:30 a.m., many of the organizations had only just started to set up near 11 a.m., barely finishing in time for students to start showing up. These clubs are made up of students, so classes were still occurring, causing a slight setback in terms of everyone getting there at the proper time. However, while everything was all set and done by the start time, there were

Community Goal Setting • Friday, Feb. 2 at 12 p.m. • Villalobos Hall ASWC Senate Advocacy & Student Feedback Commitee Meeting • Friday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. • ASWC Senate Office Love is in the Air Tabling • Friday, Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. • In front of the SLC WCBAA’s 2nd Annual Black Alumni Day • Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. • Villalobos Hall Craft Hour • Monday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. • Ettinger Lounge Pet Therapy • Monday, Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m. • Founder’s Hill Lawn Planner Party • Monday, Feb. 5 at 4:30 p.m. • Office of Student Enagement Food Recovery Network Movie Night • Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. • Campus Courtyard Wednesay Wellness Tabling • Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. • In front of the SLC Come YOGA with Us • Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. • Club 88 Clipdart x Whittier College • Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. • Club 88 Dental Day • Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. • Villalobos Hall

Courtesy of Whittier College Many clubs showcased themselves at this year’s Spring Activities Fair.

not as many students arriving as expected; instead, students would glance at the tables and resume walking to their respective classes. This was a very discouraging start to what was assumed to be a great opportunity for the clubs. If anything, club members themselves were going around to say hello to friends or help assist in setting up the remaining stands. However, when the sun came out of the very cloudy sky, so did the students! Unlike the 11:30 a.m. slow-burner, the moment classes ended at almost 12:30 p.m. was when the activities fair was at its all-time peak. Students were flooding the front lawn in interest. Namely, returning students who felt they wished to join organizations they were hesitant to join in the past or had one last shot to participate before they graduate. Especially with the appearance of sports and honor societies, every table had several people arriving, and signatures were being distributed left and right! To contribute to the increasing amount of attendance, the College announced that a fruit stand would be present at the fair as well! Bree’s Antojitos Y Mas was the company that handed out fruit cups to every student who checked in using their student IDs and waited in the tremendously long line. They had a variety of different fruits with different con-

diments. Parts of their menu included fresas con crèma—strawberries with cream—mangonadas, and many other refreshing treats to enjoy under the now warm sun. Things were going wonderfully for everyone; the students got food and the organizations got new members, but all the fun had to come to an end. The sudden rush began to slow down as classes were impending for many students at 1:30 p.m. The slow decline led to some tables closing shop early so everyone could make it to class on time, or their table had not been visited in quite some time. This typically shouldn’t be happening, especially for an opening to the Spring semester. The social life at Whittier College has not been the greatest this year, with events having little to no student attendance. The Spring activities fair was meant to bring everyone together in the good hope that this semester will be a fresh and better start than the disappointing Fall semester, but this won’t be the case if there will only be a blip of interactions before students slip back to their classes. Whether the semester’s social life will either break or make it, the Spring activities fair still brought fun to all and a small glimmer of hope for a greater future for organizations.

Farmers Market! Eat Fresh!

Sara Martinez COPY EDITIOR

Hey fellow Poets, new Poets, old Poets, local Poets, out-of-state Poets, and, can’t forget, faculty Poets! Back for the second time, the Wellness Center has brought back the college campus farmers’ market. This event can be exciting for those looking for food options other than the Campus Inn, campus residents forced to buy simple and limited beauty products from the college bookstore, and teachers who want to escape from their ivory office walls. No matter what your academic standing is, whether you are a commuter or resident, there is something for everyone at the farmers’ market. If you have not yet gone, I, your fellow Poet, set out on a mission to explore what is being sold and the budget you need to have a fun experience. My first stop was Ninoska Arte. This booth offers spins, stickers, and earrings, all designed and crafted by the owner himself. The aesthetic gave me old-school, LA cholo, Mexican holistic, kitty kat, low rider, and punk astrology vibes. I person-

ally fell in love with some tarot the Chic Boutique is Kapik! Ex- offer Mexican-style tamales card earrings that you can defi- pedition coffee. I tried their with flavors such as beef, pork, nitely catch me sporting around house-made cold brew, a $5 me- chicken, vegetables, and queso campus. Individual earrings dium roast with cheeky notes of y piña (cheese and pineapple) were $10, stickers $3, pins $5, chocolate. Yum! Next door, you for $5 each. At the end of my with bundle prices also available. can find Nest Farms, which offers adventure, I spent a total of 45 Right across from Ninosoka was dried dates. I bought a small bag minutes and $50 dollars at the Puraroza, selling kawaii statio- for only $2.50. market. Unlike a traditional nery items that will melt your Moving on was JM Produce farmers market, you can find heart. From Hello Kitty stickers selling, you guessed it, fresh pro- pop-up tents by different local to strawberry memo pads and duce! From vivid green lettuce craft artists. Although I was not even Sailor Moon-inspired pens, to multicolor heirloom tomatoes able to visit every tent, balling what?! I bought a bear pen for $3 and even purple cauliflower, you on a budget here, I had an exand a Sailor Moon pen for $4, can find a variety of vegetables citing experience worth every which is super affordable. to whip up a delicious stir-fry. penny. If you are interested in Next, I moved on to KaziRokz, From here, I picked up a $5 visiting, the farmers market is which had a rainbow display of small box of gooseberries, which every Thursday, until further different handmade soaps, lo- are currently in season. My final notice, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tions, body scrubs, and even stop was The Tamale Fiesta. They right in front of Painter Street. doggie shampoo bars! Being a major skin care enthusiast, I was especially excited to visit this booth. All of the products are made with family recipes that have been passed down generations, with prices ranging from $7 to $55. Moving on along the line, I visited the K&E Chic Boutique, where the owner, Ana Jurado, handwires earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets! The piece that caught my eye was a pair of rainbow bead chain earSara Martinez / Quaker Campus rings, selling for $7. Across from Poets can find an assortment of handmade items.

Feb. 1, 2024

CAMPUS LIFE

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Honoring Whittier’s Honors Societies Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

While many know about the social societies on campus— your Penns, Metaphonians, Athenians, and more— there is a vast array of academic societies to participate in. The groups that are devoted to the education you are pursuing, completely engrossed in all things scholarly. Most academic honors societies are small chapters of a larger national (or sometimes international) organizations. Let’s take a look at what Whittier College has to offer! English: “The Upsilon Sigma branch of Sigma Tau Delta consists of Whittier’s most accomplished students in the Department of English Language and Literature. Students who have completed two upper-division English courses and who have a 3.5 GPA in English, are eligible for membership. Eligible students are tapped in English classes at the beginning of each semester. In addition to activities for its own membership, including an annual Putrid Poetry Reading, Sigma Tau Delta also organizes occasional events for the department or the student body as a whole, and, each Spring, coordinates and publishes The Literary Review, a compilation of the year’s best student poetry, short fiction, scholarly writing, and artwork.” Sigma Tau Delta offers fellowship opportunities for upcoming [third

and fourth-years] and for upcoming graduate students. To get more information, go to their Instagram @wc.sigmataudelta.

Theatre and Communication Arts: “Alpha Psi Omega is a national honorary society for dramatic arts. It began in the early 20th century as [a] result of the growing interest in dramatic arts among colleges and universities throughout America. Whittier College’s cast name is Pi Mu. In the first couple of years of Alpha Psi Omega, the 20 chapters met every five years at “Grand Rehearsals”, national conferences, Honors societies offer many benefits for new members. which are now held annually at the Southeastern Theatre Conference. of at least 3.0, GPA in the major Political Science: There are now over 550 chapters of at least a 3.0, have completed at Pi Sigma Alpha is for Political in America making up Alpha Psi least six credits of upper-division Science majors, “and it has been Omega, one of the largest national (300-level or above) KNS classes around since the 1960s,” according honor societies in America.” If you and demonstrate leadership skills. to Professor Mike McBride, with would like more information, email Members are inducted “only in the Whittier’s chapter Gamma Tau. The Advisors Jeniffer Holmes and/or Gil Fall,” where they will be invited via current advisor is Professor DeboGonzalez at apo@poets.whittier.edu, a letter. The honor society partici- rah Norden, and the current presor message their Instagram @whit- pates in “development workshops idents are Samantha Maldonado tier.loves.drama. (ex. leadership development, re- and Alessandro De La Torre. Stusume writing); community service dents interested in applying must Kinesiology: activities, fundraising, and social have completed at least 15 units in Phi Epsilon Kappa is the academic events.” The group also has “an Political Science, including one uphonor society for Kinesiology ma- alumni networking event for cur- per-division course. Then, a student jors. First created in 2006, the chap- rent students to meet Phi Epsilon must have 60 units overall, a 3.0 ter “has been active since,” says Pro- Kappa (PEK) alumni and network GPA in the Whittier College Politfessor Ann Hickey, who also serves for internship/job opportunities or ical Science course, and an overall as President of the Board of Direc- graduate school/career advice. If 3.2 cumulative GPA. Applications tors for the national organization. anyone has any questions or wants open every Spring, which gives stuIn order to be eligible for member- further information, they can con- dents, even those who are not Politship students must be a KNS ma- tact Dr. Ann Hickey at ahickey@ ical Science majors, the time needed jor or minor, have an overall GPA whittier.edu. to fulfill these requirements. There

Nune Papikyan / Quaker Campus is a National Student Research Conference that “provides a venue for student members to present and receive feedback on their research, participate in professional development events, and network with industry professionals and faculty.” There are also fellowships available for members. If you would like to learn more, you can email Samantha Maldonado at smaldon1@poets.whittier.edu, or you can visit their Instagram @ wcpisigmaalpha. Academics can be isolating. So, finding a community within this space can help during the toughest of times! This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, you can at /medium.com /thequakercampus.

Courtesy of Video Production Studios

6

CAMPUS LIFE

Feb. 1, 2024

Society Spotlight: 90 Years of Brotherhood! Kayla Cazares STAFF WRITER

As the new semester starts up and January slowly comes to an end, Whittier College societies are preparing to start their pledging process for their upcoming members. Among those societies is the Diverse Brotherhood whose 90 year anniversary is this year, the William Penn Society! Even with their laid-back personalities and busy schedules, they’re getting ready to bring out their suits and ties to welcome their new brothers into the Penn Society. The Penns Society is known for the diversity among members. With no set archetype, they want everyone to join. When young men with different backgrounds and interests come together, you’re guaranteed to meet someone who you can relate to, whether it be gamers, athletes, or mathletes, the Penns’ mission is to make sure everyone feels welcomed! “Our motto is strength through diversity because we welcome everyone, like we don’t have a set archetype, it’s very broad.” says fourth-year member Nur Almuhtadi. Brotherhood is another big aspect for the Penns. Whether it be the active members on campus or the alumni, the Penns are always there for one another. Alumni take great joy in meeting the new members, wanting to get

to know the newer brothers that have joined. “We’re very casual, but the biggest part is that we always know that we have each other’s backs!” says Almuhtadi. Almuhtadi never thought he would be joining a society when coming to Whittier, but going to some events and seeing everyone coming together from different places immediately made him reconsider that thought. College started off differently for Almuhtadi as his first year was affected by COVID-19 and was strictly online, but coming back for his second year he found that his life was beginning to go on repeat. He would wake up, go to class, eat, go back to his dorm and play videogames, but the Penns changed that for him. “Now, since joining a society, I’ve done more things on campus. I’ve met a bunch more people, especially a lot of great friends from other societies, it helped me really put myself out there,” says Almuhatdi as cars pass by the road. Almuhtadi, now in his fourth year at Whittier, has seen the Penn Society change overtime. The Penns, like any society, have trouble number wise, still fighting the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, but are slowly emerging with new members. However, one change that made Almuhtadi happy to see was the rise of the Pennettes that happened in the Spring of 2023 with a pledge class of ‘22.

The Pennettes date back a long time, although they faded for a couple years. Pennettes are usually the friends of the members in the society. They are chosen by the members and asked to hang out with them for a whole week before becoming a Pennette themself. Whilst Almuhatdi was explaining, one of his Littles (a term for the Pennettes known as Little Sisters and Big is a term for the Penns known as Big Brothers), his Little, came to say hi. He instantly lit up showing the close friendship they have together due to this society. Courtesy of Penn Society “That’s my Little!”, said Almuhatadi. “That’s my Big!”, respond- The Penns have been active on campus since 1934. ed his Little. The Penns Society was founded year in Spring of 2023, which he that would happen on the lawn now in front of the SLC. Wantin 1934 and named after Wil- described as a “crazy story.” liam Penn, the founder of Penn- He mentioned that the event ing to bring this back, Martinez sylvania, although William Penn that got him into pledging was encourages others to join, “Not wasn’t the actual founder of the originally just another hang out because of money, but we need society, he was a Quaker! to eat with his friends, but short- that support in planning and The Penns originally did not ly after he realized he would be constructing them,” he explains. start as a society, instead, they hanging out for another four “If you want to be more engaged started as a community service hours. Although he made plans on campus and get to know more fraternity and they continue to with others, he stood around people, joining a society is a good do so to this day. for the ride. “People thought I way to get involved, through the The Penns also threw many was missing but, in the end, it Penns I’ve gotten more opportuevents back in the day, even hav- worked out,” he explained with nities than if I didn’t join.” Martinez says, excitedly. ing their own choir group at one a smile. The Penn Society is a male point. Around 1970, there was Martinez holds a position as a pledge class of 30 members a historian for the Penn Society society whose main mission who would sing in competi- as he goes over files and photos is to make people feel weltions against other societies just over the years. Martinez explains comed. Although they are going for fun. “They would compete that the Penns have always been through pledging soon, they’re against each other, almost like a heavily involved in campus life, around campus helping with Pitch Perfect thing,” mentions joining clubs and helping around events. Anyone is welcome to Oswen Martinez. and planning other big events. join the Penns at the Society Fairs Martinez joined the Penns last One of these events was a rave that happen during the year.

Understanding Whittier Wellness Paige Meyer-Draffen STAFF WRITER

It’s a beautiful and brisk spring day around lunchtime, and a malamute is beckoning students to Founder’s Hill from all over campus. A couple of his canine friends have joined him on a picnic blanket, as well. A black cat is at the end of a taut leash, nose close to the ground as he explores the lawn as far as he can. Pet Therapy is one form of emotional support offered by the Wellness Coalition every week, open to all Poets. Their mission is to address the environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual areas of wellness for the student body. They pursue many avenues to achieve this mission, and it’s guaranteed every student on campus has experienced some form of their efforts. Leaving class in the SLC? Every Wednesday, the Wellness Coalition waits by the front door behind an informational table with treats of some sort of stickers. On Jan. 24, they presented a wellness table about breathing exercises. It

may seem like everyone knows how to breathe effectively, but the right patterns found in box breathing were explained to be beneficial to every area of a student’s health. The brochure on the table explained that breathing properly aids digestion, reduces anxiety, and prevents the increase of blood pressure. Passing by Naylor Portico with a knot in your back? Every two weeks, professional masseuses have plenty of spots on their sign-up sheet to fit a 15-minute chair massage into a student’s full schedule as part of their physical wellness initiative. Come Yoga With Us is another opportunity to naturally release any physical stress. This early in the semester, however, students (who are not athletes) must not have noticed their neck and shoulder muscles tightening from hunching over a laptop yet. There haven’t been substantial turnouts to these events as of late. But by the next “Come Yoga With Us” on Feb. 7, there will probably be a couple more yoga mats hitting the floor of Club 88. Ever forgotten your phone when getting up to go to the bathroom?

No need to find a shampoo bottle to entertain yourself. The Wellness Coalition produces and distributes numerous copies of Installments to every stall on campus. These colorful newsletters aim to provide information about wellness events and techniques to every student. The content is carefully curated and updated monthly. Every student has scanned through one of these. Unless you’re commuting home to use the restroom. In that case, we hope that works out for you. Drive safe! The coalition is composed of students, faculty, and staff on campus. At the end of the day, it’s them who should take a moment to stop and consider attending some of the programming to improve their understanding of wellness. A handful of wellness events are collaborations between the Counseling Center, Peer Health Educators, and the Health Center. A holistic approach to wellness in all areas possible spurs the coalition to connect with organizations across campus for resources, student engagement, and large-scale events. Low student attendance to a

handful of these events have pushed them to the peripheral lens of the community and are now taken as another baseline feature of the Whittier campus. It’s important to recognize that these wellness events aren’t just superficial activities; they are part of the Poets’ curriculum. This underscores Whittier’s holistic approach to education. Offering students the tools to comprehend and sustain wellness not only enhances their academic journey but also makes their overall experience more manageable and fulfilling.

These events can be viewed as an opportunity to put the phone down and walk around, perhaps. The architecture and landscape on campus is like a breath of fresh air. When was the last time you looked up at the sky and gazed at the clouds? It has likely been on your way to a wellness event. And as you bend down to pet that friendly malamute, there’s a possibility that a flicker of hope for a serene and balanced semester is reignited within you.

Courtesy Of WCTheRock Naylor Portico hosts masages every two weeks.

Feb. 1, 2024 Poet’s Sports Schedule:

Track and Field @ Moorpark College Season Opener • TBD • Feb. 2 Men & Women’s Tennis vs Hope International University @ Whittier, CA • 1 p.m. • Feb. 3 Men’s Basketball vs Occidental College @ Graham Athletic Center in Whittier, CA • 2 p.m. • Feb. 3 Women’s Basketball vs Occidental College @ Graham Athletic Center in Whittier, CA • 4 p.m. • Feb. 3 Women’s Basketball vs Univeristy of La Verne @ Graham Athletic Center in Whittier, CA • 7 p.m. • Feb. 7 Men’s Basketball vs University of La Verne @ La Verne, CA • 7 p.m. • Feb. 7 Men and Women’s Swimming and Diving @ Occidental College • OXY/UR Tri-Meet • 10:30 a.m. • Feb. 10 Men and Women’s Swimming and Diving vs University of Redlands @ Los Angeles, CA • OXY/UR Tri-Meet • 10:30 a.m. • Feb. 10 Men’s Basketball @ Chapman University in Orange, CA • 2 p.m. • Feb. 10 Women’s Basketball @ Chapman University in Orange, CA • 5 p.m. • Feb. 10 Women’s Tennis vs Westcliff University @ Whittier, CA • TBD • Feb. 11

Softball at La Sierra University @ Riverside, CA • 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. • Feb. 11

SPORTS

7

A Big Comeback for Poet’s Women’s Basketball

make a basket. She remains one of the most consistent players, comSTAFF WRITER peting in every game thus far. Lulu Salloom, another third-year student Whittier College Women’s Basketwho has played all 18 games, is the ball has been ablaze this season, dismost accurate scorer, taking calcuplaying a strong sense of teamwork lated shots she knows she can make. and resilience as they enter a comLeach speaks highly of her fellow petitive SCIAC conference. They teammates stating, “Lainie and I can are 13-5 overall, with an 8-3 record. look at each other and immediately They have shown slight fatigue in know what each other is thinking. their recent games, but it does not Lulu is the missing piece we needed overshadow the program’s best start last year. She is someone who can to a season in recent memory. The Poets continue outperTony Leon / Tony@Actionwestphotography.com complement us without overtaking us or overpowering us. She’s the forming the competition in various Women’s Basketball awarded 29th Place in National DIII Ranking. missing puzzle piece.” statistics that have put them on Citlalli Gurrola highlights the the map and continue to create a site updates and is published weekly ance. Williams attributes their abilstrong foundation. Citlalli Gurro- with points awarded on a 25-24- ity to start on the right foot as the success of many other players on the la, a fourth-year student, perfectly 23-22-etc. basis. The Poets, led by reason their recent showings are not team stating, “Senior Abby Pagilencapsulates the season’s essence: Head Coach Roy Dow in his sev- worrying: “Season started with a la has definitely stepped up in her “Being a senior on this team, I feel enth season, received a total of 14 serious bang. Having so many road role as Point Guard and being a key as [if ] this season is a season that points, which puts them in the 29th games to start the run was definitely defender for us, especially in critiwe worked hard for. As many know, position in the national ranking, a challenge but provided so many cal moments where we need to get benefits to our basketball and men- a stop in the game. I also commend last year wasn’t a great one for us, just outside the Top 25. Natalia Williams, a fourth-year tal training,” adding that, “this year our freshman, Yaneli Rosales, for as we experienced much adversity individually, and collectively, as student on the team, spoke about is different in mindset towards our taking on big minutes as a freshman, a team. This year, we seniors and the importance of playing their ear- goals and dynamic within the team. and she continues to get better every our junior guard, Rhe Nae Leach, ly season games on the road: “Hav- Every game matters for us, and we single day. Bella Robles and Natalia wanted to change that and instill a ing such a hot winning streak at the just want to be the toughest team to Williams both come in with great energy and help us tremendously on winning mentality that this would beginning of the year and the start play against.” the defensive side, especially when it of the conference helped us push Compared to their opponents, be our comeback year. At the becomes to rebounding the ball.” Tothrough the long stretch of winter the Poets are efficient in the shots ginning of the season, we were gether, this team has redefined the break, even though we didn’t win that they take, completing them at ranked last in the SCIAC rankculture of the program, shown the them all, playing the games on the a higher rate than any other team. ings, and now we’re receiving votes potential to make it to the very end. East Coast prepared us for the rest Rhe Nae Leach has settled in and to potentially become nationally The team recently completed a of the year.” proven to be a formidable and ranked as one of the Top 25 teams season sweep of the Pomona-Pitzer    Off-season preparation has consistent offensive weapon in her in the country.” Sagehens and looks to win the sepoised the Poets for a grueling couthird year as a Poet. She leads the Recently, the team received ries against Occidental, Cal Tech, ple of months, and the team has disteam in games played, points made, national recognition from the Chapman, and La Verne. This cruD3Hoops website, which ranks played an impressive ability to com- and averages 18.8 points per game. cial point in the season will require teams from across the US in an at- pete until they hear the final buzzer. Her unrelenting aggression has set the team’s ability to have multiple Women’s basketball had an as- the tone for a high-scoring season, tempt to award the most notable game-changers and rely on a heavy Division 3 programs. According to tounding start to their season, tak- propelling the Poets to third in the offensive approach. The team has D3Hoops, input from 25 coaches, ing first place in the SCIAC stand- SCIAC standings. Lainie James, a fourth-year stu- become focused on a game-by-game Sports Information Directors, and ings within their five undefeated media members across the country games. They’ve since lost three dent and three-point phenom, has approach, thinking only of the next are the deciding factors in which games but remain in an excellent scored an astounding 34 points in challenge as they tally off each team teams are in the Top 25. The web- position to make a playoff appear- the most challenging position to that stands in their way.

Olivia Nunez

Local LA Intermurials: Sports Even You Can Do! Chelsea Bartilad

fall!

Pigeon’s Roller Rink This pop-up, “boutique-style” roller skating rink in Long Beach is open Physical activities are essential to anyone at any skating level lookto a person’s physical health and ing to hang out with friends and well-being. Growing up, we’ve family. For just $10, Pigeon’s Roller been encouraged in our PE classes Rink is the perfect place to have fun to go outside and be active– hence with themed events, public skating the ball games, exercises, and ansessions, skate lessons, private rentnual Jog-A-Thons. These physical als, and birthday party events. activities allow people to stay fit, Bad Axe Throwing build confidence socialize with Whether you’re trying to work on others, and develop other skills GRANT TERZAKIS / @WeHoDodgeball.com your upper body strength, get over such as teamwork, leadership, Intermurial help you find community! a breakup, or maybe just want to and communication. However, if you’re anything like me and can- $80. nine to 90. Located in Douglas try something new, you should not do anything remotely athletic LAOUT - (Los Angeles Organiza- Park, Santa Monica, this club pro- try axe throwing! In Long Beach, without passing out, may I present tion of Ultimate Teams) vides the perfect pastime to social- Bad Axe Throwing strives to share you to some sports activities in the For frisbee lovers, LAOUT is an ize, learn a new sport, and experi- this pastime with the public. Bad LA area that get you moving while LA-based league of Ultimate Frisbee ence some friendly competition. Axe Throwing offers a unique exstill feeling like you are having fun! players looking to provide playing op- The club consists of lessons, tour- perience for visitors ages 21 and WeHo Dodgeball portunities for the sport. This activity naments, and other social events for up, welcoming walk-ins anytime, If you enjoyed playing dodgeball combines football, soccer, and basket- members to enjoy. New club mem- birthday parties, and work events. with your high school PE friends, ball into a game where teams pass the bers receive a $20 beginner’s special. Walk-in prices range from $25-$27 for a 45-minute session, while prithis is the league for you! Located Frisbee in the end zone. Players from East West Ice Palace in the West Hollywood area, WeHo any skill level are welcome to join and Located in Artesia, the East West vate axe-throwing sessions last 1.5 Dodgeball is a co-ed league that al- participate in tournaments, season- Ice Palace is a skating rink that lets hours. Prices vary depending on the lows players from all skill levels to al leagues, and pickup games. Prices you take a break from the sun and number of guests. Hopefully, looking at some of compete in teams and hit each oth- for league registration start at around heat and enjoy this beloved activier with “no sting” balls, creating a $90. ty. The Ice Palaces offers a range of these unique activities will encourfun yet competitive environment. Santa Monica Lawn Bowls Club activities for visitors, from weekly age and inspire you to get up, get A party at GYM Sportsbar follows The Santa Monica Lawn Bowls public skating to figure skating and moving, and seek out a fun, incluup each match. Registration for the Club is an outdoor bowling club ice hockey. Fun fact: general admis- sive, physical experience and opporSpring season is currently open for that welcomes members from ages sion only $15. Just be careful not to tunity. FEATURES EDITOR

SPORTS Women’s Softball Goes to Costa Rica

Feb. 1, 2024

8

Olivia Nunez

Paz Waterfalls. The second day was a travel day, as we STAFF WRITER moved closer to the coast Whittier softball had the op- and enjoyed a free afterportunity to travel to Costa noon. Rica from Jan. 7 to Jan. 12 On the third day, we and play a collection of local zip-lined through the lush, teams. For many of us, it was green forest and enjoyed the first time being in a for- an afternoon at the beach. eign country, away from our On our last day, we took a parents, in a place that spoke tour of the eclectic city of another language. Although San Jose before we played the coaches planned this trip our second and final game for us to experience softball there. in a different environment, The most noteworthy asit was also an opportunity to pect of our trip was playbond as a team and foster a ing our sport in a foreign stronger sense of community. place and sharing it with Our trip began when we de- women of all ages and talparted from Whittier College ent levels. While the games on a charter bus, where we were a place for us to exeentered, with anticipation, cute some of our goals, it for the week to come. We was primarily a way for us braved the hustle-and-bus- to conduct a clinic-like distle of LAX and arrived in play of coaching methods Costa Rica on Sunday night. to coaches who may have We spent two nights in San distinct resources. We perJose and two nights in Pun- formed our warm-up and ta Leona, where we stayed in pre-game routine in the small cabins within walking company of about 50 girls distance of the beach. After who were eager to learn an early breakfast, we would our particular stretches and pile into the bus and make drills. Once we began the our way to that day’s adven- game, the excitement was at ture. an all-time high. A crowd of    The trip was led entirely by locals gathered behind the the Beyond Sports staff, who backstop, fingers gripping reside in Costa Rica. They the chain link fence, cheerprovided transportation, or- ing on the girls as they took ganized our activities, and on a college team from the allowed us peace of mind as United States. They cheered we enjoyed our vacation. for every foul ball, and evOn our first day, we ex- ery strike thrown, grateful perienced beautiful scen- for the opportunity to betery, such as the roaring La ter themselves. After our

ods, was humbling. A firstyear catcher, Brooklyn Umali, shared her experience: “I think Costa Rica really changed my perspective on life. I realized how privileged I am to have the life I do in California. When I was able to help girls and women learn more about softball, it warmed my heart to see how grateful they were.” Furthermore, in her final year as a Poet, Lindsey Perry discussed the importance of community throughout the trip: “In addition to my team being able to play softball in a different country, there was so much more that Olivia nunez / Quaker Campus this trip had to offer. Costa Poets in Costa Rica from Jan. 7 to Jan. 12, 2024. Rica allowed us to form betfirst encounter with the the trip, saying, “The team been playing and what they ter relationships within our team, we realized this meant was already fairly close, but were hoping to achieve with team and new ones with othmuch more to them than to experience so many firsts the sport. Their love for the er individuals who we were together (traveling interna- game shone through their fortunate enough to meet.” we anticipated. The trip had been in the tionally, traveling alone as an resilience and willingness to Various girls on the team works since 2020, but the adult, flying, being in a Span- try new skills, even though remain in contact with the pandemic was the obvi- ish-speaking country, etc.) some aspects were challeng- women we met in Costa ous deterrent. As the years creates and forms a very dif- ing. One woman came from Rica and continue to help passed and restrictions lift- ferent memory bank in how her job as a lawyer in a suit, them, even now. It remains ed, Head Coach Trisha Sen- you view each other. For the only to put on a uniform and a special place where we yo and her staff realized it sport of softball, I think the get on the field with the rest learned to coexist as a team, was the best time to finally opportunity to see how priv- of her team. Their dedication which will surely help as take the trip they had talked ileged we are with access was was something we aspired to we begin preparation for about for so long. So she re- phenomenal. Having the op- have. They taught us an im- the season. The free time called, “We decided in early portunity to share a sport with portant lesson, “Pura Vida!” we spent at the beaches and Spring 2023 to commit to women of largely varying ages which means to live without our dinner conversations will remain in our minds as this Jan. 2024.” There were and experience is eye-opening worries, no matter what. various intended objec- and brings many of them back Seeing softball experi- the difficulty of being a stutives for the trip other than to their roots.” enced differently by those dent-athlete threatens to cresimply enjoying a vacation I was able to have meaning- women, such as a lack of ate rifts. We will remember before the spring semester ful interactions with some of equipment or even current how fortunate we were and started. Coach Senyo spoke the girls, in which we talk- knowledge of effective drills the change we experienced about the positive effect of ed about how long they had and proper warm-up meth- all together.

A Sports Blast from Whittier’s Past Sam Soto

STAFF WRITER

Sports have always held a significant place in the culture and history of Whittier College. Established in 1887, Whittier College has been a considerable foundation and home to numerous influential student-athletes who have embodied the Quaker values and left a legacy of excellence as the alumni of the institution, reaching great strides both on and off the field. The most prominent figure to emerge from Whittier College was Richard Nixon, COURTESY OF WHITTIER COLLEGE who became the 37th pres- Richard Nixon played the tackle position for the 1932 Poet Football Team. ident of the United States. delivered a speech on the duced a handful of athletes ing in 35 games, recording scholarship to play men’s Nixon was a student-ath- very football field where he who have left their mark an ERA of .228 and three collegiate baseball and win lete who played football and once played. This speech in various fields. One of RBIs. Although Malinosky a game at a Division III levpartook in the 1932 season in was a seminal moment in these athletes includes for- had suffered a devastating el. After graduating with a which the Poets won the SCC the College’s history that mer Major League Baseball injury, he did not let that degree in Kinesics, Borders championship with a record is still reflected today, as it player Anthony “Tony” stop his career and contin- played professional baseof 10-1. Nixon’s earlier years inspired the local commu- Malinosky. ued to play in the minors. ball in the Independent attending Whittier are seen nity of Whittier in many   Malinosky graduated Many esteemed female Northern League and also as what shaped the character ways and emphasized the from Whittier in 1932, athletes have also left an played with teams such as and leadership abilities he has educational opportunities where he was a third base- undeniable mark on the the St. Paul Saints, the Dubeen more widely recognized given to Nixon while at- man for the Poets and a sports world during their luth-Superior Dukes, the to demonstrate throughout tending. classmate of Nixon’s. Ma- time at Whittier. One nota- Madison Black Wolf, and his presidency. In 1962, while In addition to Nixon, linosky played with the ble mention is Lla Borders, the Zion Pioneers in her serving as president, Nixon Whittier College has pro- Brooklyn Dodgers, appear- the first woman to earn a four seasons in the minors.

During the 1998 season with the Duluth-Superior Dukes, Borders recorded 12 scoreless innings. She retired in 2000 and left the sport entirely, having played 101 innings with 36 strikeouts to her name. Borders’ accomplishments are commemorated today on Whittier’s campus by the Institute for Baseball Studies, and she continues to involve herself within the sports world today as a baseball coach, inspiring young athletes to dream big and break barriers just as she once did. The athletes who have been brought up on Whittier’s campus and athletic program are a testament to the College’s commitment to fostering an environment of excellence in both athletics and academics. The legacy these esteemed individuals have left on the school continues to inspire other Whittier athletes today not only to play to win but also to lead and inspire future generations of Poets to come.

Feb. 1, 2024

SPORTS

9

Becoming the Captain Morgon Cox FOR THE QC

Rain, hail, sometimes snow. It’s just home for Whittier College thirdyear, Tanner Thompson, the 6’5” captain of the men’s basketball team. Thompson grew up in the suburbs of Seattle, it’s different there. Yes, it rains all the time, but as far as Thompson is concerned, the fresh air is pretty unbeatable compared to other big cities. Also you pretty much know where you stand with your neighbors — you either like each other, or you don’t. No need for insincerity. Here, it’s sunny all the time and that’s good. It makes Thompson happy. But there’s also so much competition, and everything is expensive. But Thompson is adapting, and growing. As a kid, he lived just a 15-minute drive to the city, so he could go catch a sporting event or go see the Seattle Supersonics before they left for Oklahoma City. The local 24 Hour Fitness was close too, and he enjoyed playing pickup basketball every day there after he completed his homework. This is where Thompson would practice his dunking because the rims are a little lower at 24 Hour. Playing there helped build his confidence. He could play free and having grown into the player he is, enjoy the game that he loves.   Thompson says Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is a big inspiration. LaVine grew up in Renton, Washington, just south of Seattle. When he was younger, Thompson got an autograph, but, even better, he got to see what a very good player from his area looked like. He might have needed the example. Both of

Thompson hopes to score big. Thompson’s parents were competitive athletes. His dad played hoops for Washington State and his mom played volleyball in college. He was talented and there was pressure, but at first the focus was on himself. “Then, I was not as much of a leader,” he says. “I would score points, but I was more looking at myself as a player not looking at the whole team, and that’s what you need in order to win games.” These days, one of Thompson’s favorite quotes is: “Good players help themselves. Great players look out for their teammates.” I’m glad this is one of his favorite quotes because I play on the Poets’ squad with Thompson and that is the difference between a good player and a great player. In high school, Thompson’s team was young and he got a lot of playing time. He played against players such as Kevin Porter Jr., Michael

Courtesy of Whittier College

Porter Jr., (no relation), Paolo Banchero, all NBA stars from the Seattle region. Thompson says he started to thrive in the American Athletic Union (AAU) competition because it was a freer style of play. “I just got to play basketball during AAU,” he says. “That’s how the coach [head coach Mark Jensen] saw my highlights and I was able to play college basketball.” Playing against NBA-caliber talent showed Thompson how good you have to be to be one of the best. In his area, that meant being named Mr. Washington, or Mrs. Washington, which goes to the state’s top high school basketball player. While Thompson was training for Mr. Washington, his little sister was training to be Mrs. Washington. Tatum looked up to him and competed with him. Whatever they did, if Thompson beat her, she would practice until she could beat him. She was small growing up, but grew to be 6’ 1” and could

dunk a tennis ball.   As for Mr. Washington, Thompson didn’t quite get there, but Tatum did. She was also runner up for Gatorade Player of the Year, and now plays Division I at Boise State University. “It was really cool to watch how me having such a drive to be a good player inspired someone close to me,” he says. Thompson had a couple of options out of high school but, obviously, he chose to attend Whittier College. He says he wanted to go to a school further away from home because he feels like you can only truly grow if you expand your perspectives and get around different kinds of people. When Thompson got here, the team was good, so he knew he had to play his best to even have a chance. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy like in high school. “I just need to go in the game, do my job and prove that I deserve more,” he says was his mindset from the jump. “And always have fun.” Now, as a junior, he finds himself in a leadership role. Being named team captain is not something those who knew him in high school might have expected. Back then, he was more focused on himself. Now, he says he takes in others’ perspectives. “Once I started to look at it that way, I was able to build a connection on and off the court with my teammates. That is what I like about being team captain, is putting yourself in other people’s shoes and combining as one unit.”

Head coach Mark Jensen sees the difference, too. “Longevity helps a program and Tanner has been one of those guys that stuck around,” says Jensen. Tanner is now in his third year at Whittier. “The longer you are around the easier it is, you see guys come and go, and see new guys come in and you need someone who is open minded and not selfish about it… Tanner is someone that bridges the gap between people and that is important in a locker room.” Teammate Aamari Smith says, “I like Tanner as a person even more than as a captain. I love how he always brings energy to any given situation and, as a captain, I love that he finds a way to incorporate encouraging words every time he talks. There is never a dull moment with Tanner.” Thompson is majoring in Business with a concentration in Marketing. He’s not sure what he wants to do when he graduates — maybe be on his feet, travel a little bit, move around, maybe some desk time, option to work from home? He knows he does not want to sit at a desk all day. He wants to keep his body moving. Another thought is to be a firefighter. “It would be somewhat like basketball,” he says, where you are on a time schedule everyday, on call, and just like in a game when you are called upon, you have to be ready. Business is appealing because he can see how his dad provided for him, but he wants to feel like he’s doing with a larger purpose. The firefighter idea came from his grandma who was a firefighter. She asked him what he wants to do in life, to which he said, “It may sound corny, but I feel like I want to do something where I am with people and helping people.”

COURTESY OF THE QUAKER CAMPUS

10

FEATURES

Feb. 1, 2024

Duncan Smith: Leading Whittier in a New Light Emma Galvan COPY EDITOR

In the Campus Center, in the hallway underneath the Campus Inn, lies the ASWC office. Starting in room 126, you walk in and are greeted by a little lobby full of chairs and a lone couch. In the second room sits the current Senate President, second-year Duncan Smith. Wearing his ASWC uniform, he is typing away on his computer on his desk. At the entrance, a simple cushioned chair is placed across from Smith’s desk, covered with books and papers, along with a Nintendo Switch charging next to his computer. Above the computer is a TV next to certificates Smith earned himself. The most notable part of the office, however, is a small white poster with a Jay-Z quote that reads, “They still out to get me, they don’t get it, I can not be gotten, that’s a given,” which he fondly laughs about. Even with the small accessories, Smith comments that he still finds the room boring and plans to make this office “a more social place” for this semester. The new President did not expect to join the Senate when he first entered Whittier College. He begins in a tone of remembrance, “Last year, I got encouraged to run for freshman class council president, and it’s not something I ever thought about doing before coming to college. I was not in student government in high school; I never tried to, but it seemed like it would be something interesting for me to do in college.” He continues confidently, “I’m not someone who gets upset about something and hopes that it changes and moves on; I like to do specific actions to reach specific goals. That’s what we’re doing

in the Senate now, and I want to be part of the change, the positive change on this campus.” A series of unprecedented events occurred that led to him becoming Senate President. “I decided I wanted to commit to this because we’re at this point where there’s a lot of directions we can go in, and I want to play a part in deciding what we’re going to do these next few years.” A second-year becoming the Senate President had never been heard of before, and Smith whole-

discloses, “I feel I don’t necessarily have the qualifications leading into this [position], but I feel I’ve proven myself as someone who can get things done and make things smoother and more efficient.” It is not always easy to be Senate President while also being a college student. The way Smith manages his many responsibilities is all credited to the current staff on campus, breathing down his neck “in a good way” as he reassures when given a puzzled glance. He

Duncan Smith serves as the ASWC Senate’s youngest president. heartedly agrees, “I don’t know explains that the rest of the Senate what makes me qualified to be pres- is constantly checking in on him ident; this past semester I sort of got as well as the faculty; he would not thrown into this, and there was a be able to accomplish all he could lot of uncertainty about me.” This without his support system. Smith is due to the fact that Smith is the especially notes his Vice President, second person who is not a fourth- Evan Josten, “There are times that year to be elected president. At 19 I will go to [him] and say, ‘I am so years old, Smith is the youngest overwhelmed, I need you to fix this president. Despite this, he worked for me,’ and he says, ‘Okay,’ and hard to prove himself worthy of problem solved. I am forever gratethis position. Smiling shyly, Smith ful to him for that.” Smith unveils

that he is balancing 17 credits this semester alongside doing ASWC as a full-time job. However, he is able to balance it because, “I love being in school, I love being in class, I love learning, and I genuinely get so much joy and fulfillment from being Senate President that it doesn’t feel like work.” Smith fondly recalls all of his great memories on the Senate that were mostly mentors he had when he first began his ASWC journey. Smith notes that last year he was

Courtesy of Linkedin the only first-year on the Senate, it took a couple of weeks into his second semester to feel accepted. Smiling widely, he says, “All my good memories go back to my relationships with those people; that’s still true. I’m really blessed to get to work with people who are really great to work with. I’m really, really proud of where we are; things have changed a lot.” The young president believes

the biggest win so far has been the strong administration and Board of Trustees that make the time to hear the student body because it shows that they care about what the Senate has to say. “I frequently get emails from administrators and faculty asking for my opinion on something,” Smith comments. Additionally, Smith has an 11page strategic plan that is currently being presented to the Senate Board. He explains, “Our sort of scope of what we’re trying to do is broadly improve the day-to-day experience of a Whittier College student. ” He plans to unveil this plan to the President of the Board of Trustees in the coming weeks alongside the rest of the Senate. When asked about achieving his plans, Smith’s relaxed demeanor changes to a serious expression, “I am not someone who’s a fan of ‘let’s set goals and let’s do whatever and hope it reaches that goal.’” Smith states, “The most obvious measure of success is when you’re walking through campus day-to-day; it feels full; it feels comfortable; you’re enjoying yourself and happy being a student; that’s the end goal.” As for his plans after Whittier, Smith is currently exploring different things. He wishes to pursue politics in the future. A strong and vocal leader of ASWC, Duncan Smith proves that he cares deeply about his work. His calm and collected demeanor establishes a good sense of hope for what is to come for Whittier in the next few years. This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

Casandra Avila: Woman in STEM

Olivia Nunez STAFF WRITER

Behind her laptop, with notebooks scattered across the table, sits Casandra Avila, a third-year student who has redefined what it means to work for what you want. It is dark outside; no one roams the campus other than the occasional hungry student, yet she is still at a booth in The Spot, typing with a concentrated expression on her face. She adjusts her glasses, smiles, and arranges her things as she takes time out of her busy schedule to discuss how she has taken advantage of being a student at Whittier College. Avila’s affinity for science started from an early age. When Avila was young, she wanted to become a veterinarian. In high school, she wanted to be an engineer. As she grew older, Avila wanted to focus on a different aspect of science, but her love for the subject remained. In her third year, Avila volunteered in a program called “GoBabyGo,” which assisted young children with neurological disabilities. This experience solidified her decision to serve in medicine. Avila distinctly remembered the instance she re-

alized the career she wanted with a smile on her face, “My junior year is when I decided that I really wanted to go into medicine. I loved the patient interaction with [the participants of GoBabyGo], and I held onto the interaction part,” she reminisced. Avila is a Biology and Chemistry double major with a minor in Public Health. Her aspirations have changed, but she hopes to become an internal medicine hospitalist. Having experience shadowing family physicians, professionals in adult medicine, and OBGYNs helped narrow her interests in the medical field. One of Avila’s passions is promoting women in STEM, especially in Biology and Chemistry, which are growing fields for women. She is the co-founder and co-president of Whittier’s Women in STEM Club, who recently hosted a panel at California High School to field questions from women in different STEM occupations. Avila explained, “We presented about the disparities of women in STEM and how that comes across to young girls.” She also volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Whittier

with the Orthopedics-in-Action program that instructs children on proper suture methods on mannequins. These skills allowed her to immerse herself in the community and practice a critical skill needed for a healthcare professional: experience with people. Avila is the president of the PreHealth Club. This past Fall semester consisted of resume-building workshops, finding professors to write them letters of recommendation, and narrowing down possible fellowships essential for pre-med students. Avila is also a mentor at getMAGIC (Get More Active Girls in Computing), which gives her mentorship skills and provides struggling students with the strategies that allow her to succeed. “I’m excited to continue to contribute to the mentorship journey at getMAGIC and hopefully inspire the same passion for learning that getMAGIC sparked in me!” she exclaimed. Avila begun research this year and is looking at Whittier’s air quality compared to that of Puente Hills. Avila discusses, “The whole goal of my project is to compare socioeconomic levels with air quality

She is a true woman in STEM. and see if there are disparities and what that has to do with the communities that are affected by it.” She had the opportunity to discuss her recent findings with professionals at the American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco. Avila’s ability to organize and manage her time accordingly has allowed her to avoid getting overwhelmed by her busy schedule. Now in her third year, Avila’s experiences have reminded her that perfection is an impossible feat, and she has been forgiving in her pursuit of academic excellence. She relies on the outdoors to destress and stimulate her mind with exer-

Courtesy of Casandra avila cise. “I’ll go hiking every weekend, exercising, and having fun. I have a sense of balance I instill now.” Avila strives to be hardworking, altruistic, and proactive in what she hopes to achieve. Her tireless mindset will allow her to pursue a fulfilling career. “When I work in [a] field…[where] I’m helping someone, I realize that is the future I’m hoping for.” This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

Feb. 1, 2024

features

11

The Negotiating Bells Are Ringing Xandros Capus FOR THE QC

and the Senior Vice President, Diversity & Talent Development at Disney ABC Television Group. “I’m a competitive person,” says Mendez. He paused and looked down at the floor until lifting his back up with a smile, saying, “I’m not the kind of person that has to win, so much as I like the process of competing and see where we end

Mendez participated in various contract negotiations, including the Dr. Phil Show. “Dr. Phil was discovered by Oprah Winfrey and was under contract to a powerful syndication company called King World,” he recalls. “I had to negotiate a deal with Dr. Phil, King World and Oprah in order to close the deal.” He continues, “I flew into New York and

Hoover Hall, the epicenter for Whittier College’s Business major, is quiet, washed over by the lull of lectures and frantic note-taking. One distinguishable noise, however, breaks through the deafening silence — the ringing of a bell. Follow that sound as it echoes through the hallways, and you will find the gatekeeper of the Business Department, Robert Mendez, standing proudly in front of a class of first- and second-year students. He is equipped with 30 years of work experience, a bell, and a guiding principle that “education has made all the difference in his life.” Being the first in his family to go to college, Mendez earned his bachelor’s degree in American and English History from Pomona College. He looks back on this time, chuckling to himself as he pauses to find the words to describe it. “It was a furnace for me,” he says, “the way I went in and the way I came out was very different.” After graduating, he decided to The master of negotiations: Robert Mendez. continue his education, landing at the University of California, Davis up, and more often than not, I tend completed the deal in one week. It — School of Law. Still unaware of to win, which I also kinda like.” was the highlight of my negotiating his future goals, Mendez found his Mendez’s love for competition career.” voice there, eventually riding his le- and the communication skills he After working in the entertaingal expertise into the highest levels developed in Law School drew him ment industry for more than 25 of Hollywood. to negotiating. “I like testing myself years, with positions ranging from Mendez rose through the ranks against others, and the negotiation senior attorney to Senior Vice Presias a Senior Attorney at NBC, the world gave me the perfect opportu- dent of Business Legal Affairs, MenSenior Vice President of Business nity.” dez felt it was time for a shift. Legal Affairs at Paramount Pictures, During his time at Paramount, Mendez did not expect to be-

come a business professor. He had never taken any business classes in undergrad or law school. Still, when Mendez found out about the Adjunct Professor position at Whittier College, he reflected on what his teachers and mentors had done for him and saw an opportunity to pay it forward. Mendez’s extensive background

Courtesy of xandros capus is the backbone of his ability to excite students, and just as it was during his entertainment career, negotiations are his love. At Whittier College, that has translated into his unique course called “Negotiation Strategies,” where they spend a semester negotiating against another team to create employment contracts between two entertainers and

a TV show. His hope is that every student from his Negotiation class is more equipped to have hard conversations and can work towards solutions in a more productive manner. Besides his expertise, Mendez also brought the College something he learned from one of his mentors, Vance Van Petten. Van Petten kept two stamps on his desk. “One was a happy bear, and the bear was dancing, and the other was a sad bear,” Mendez recalls. “If he thought what you gave him to review was good, he’d give you a happy bear on the corner. If he thought it needed more work, you’d get a sad bear. It is a silly thing, but it really motivated you to produce good work.” And that how the infamous bell was born. “I still remember one student: I gave him the bell, and he jumped up and yelled ‘I finally got the bell!’ That was pretty cool… It is amazing what a motivated individual can do.” From his foundational years at Pomona, to law school in UC Davis, to his career in entertainment, Mendez gained the experiences he hopes will mold students into problem solvers and better people more equipped for the world. His goal now is to inspire students, and to have even a fraction of the impact on a student that his mentors had on him. This article has been condensed for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit https://medium.com/ engl-201.

Cinzia Fissore: An Environmental Enthusiast Sarah Licon NEWS EDITOR

Professor Cinzia Fissore’s office door is wide open. From her desk, she can see the Upper Quad from the third story SLC window. Her office is neat, with a few books and papers cluttered about. A long bookshelf lines the right side of her office. Fissore has a bubbly presence, folding her hands over her table to speak. But when she talks, her hands flutter upwards as she excitedly recalls the project to cultivate a coffee orchard on campus. In fact, last July, the College made headlines in the Whittier Daily News for creating Greenleaf Coffee, Whittier’s first and only coffee brand. The project was in collaboration with a small roasting company called Golden State Brew that produces different varieties of coffee, ranging from Gesha Light Roast to Rume Sudan. But when Fissore is not excitedly auctioning off these varieties of coffee to donors of to College, you may have the opportunity to briefly catch her in her office in SLC 342, answering questions from classes or strolling through the campus garden, instructing students on the fundamentals of gardening. Soil science is Fissore’s specialty, a concentration she focused on during her undergraduate studies at the University of Torino in Italy.

“It all started from understanding what’s seemingly so small,” Fissore says animatedly with her hands. “I tend to look at elements in soil, like carbon for example, or I look at clay minerals. They are so small that [you] can’t see them, with the naked eye. How something that small actually regulates the ecosystem as a whole, so this type of complex system and [the] set of connections and relationships across components of an ecosystem really intrigues me.” Growing up near the Italian Alps after completing years of environmental research at the University of Minnesota, along with receiving a PhD, Fissore relocated to California, where she applied for her most daunting position yet: a college professor. “Before coming to Whittier, I was not a full-time professor anywhere else,” she laughs humbly. “I co-taught a course on wetland biochemistry, but I was not a full-time professor elsewhere. So this is my very first gig.” Fissore’s love of agriculture and biology originated in her childhood, as most children’s do, in her very own backyard. “I have my parents to thank for that,” she says fondly. “When I was growing up, my parents always encouraged me to go outside, experience nature…[My parents] were not too worried about me getting dirty.”

Ciniza Fissore grew up near the Italiam Alps. She tucks a hair behind her ear, reflecting on her favorite pastime: hiking in the Italian Alps, the same ones that served as a backdrop to her childhood. “I like feeling so small in front of those big mountains,” she smiles. “And then discover such a beautiful meadow or a lake,” she continues. “So that really makes me happy.” But when Fissore does not have the opportunity to be outside (where she is usually), she opts to stay inside to read mystery books (her favorites) or cook, familiarizing herself with “different spices.” Despite her ramblings about food, Fissore offers some insight. She reflects on a moment in her life–the transition between her undergraduate years and post-graduate years– a time she refers to as

“feeling stuck.” “I think we should approach ‘being stuck’ as we call it, as a positive because it allows us to stop, to reflect, to think,” she says. “I really believe that it’s through struggles that we learn the most.” Some further advice she would lend to students is to “Make the best out of every course that you take, to learn as much as possible from that class. It might be life skills, it might be learning about yourself, but there’s so much to be learned,” and to “take advantage of the fact that at Whittier College, you can work alongside your faculty members.” As a professor, she hopes that all students take advantage of a liberal arts education where a variety of classes and activities exist. “I wish I could attend a liberal

Courtesy of worldpress arts college back in the day– I would have thoroughly enjoyed it. I would have taken a pottery class,” Fissore chirps. “So yeah,” she continues, “life is so unpredictable and complex too, and you get these seemingly random opportunities that come your way, and those are life-changing, very often for the best.” This article has been condesned for print. If you would like to read the full article, visit medium.com/ the-quaker-campus.

12

OPINIONS

FEB. 1, 2024

Is Whittier Worth Coming Back To? Ask a Poet, Meylina Tran A & E EDITOR

Packing one’s entire life into one suitcase is a task not meant for the weak, acting as a form of natural selection. The added challenge, then, is reassuring yourself that constantly picking up your entire life—which, according to TSA bag rules, must not exceed a cumulative weight of 50 pounds—and moving it around is worth it. Thus is the plight of the out-of-state college student, who both dreads and delights in the news of an oncoming, extended break. That being said, is going to school out-of-state even worth it? And for that matter, is Whittier College worth the hassle? The answer is, of course, entirely subjective. I, personally, am more than willing to judge my emotional attachments to certain sweaters and pairs of shoes, and wrestle my suitcase closed if it means I can escape the freezing rain and weekend long power outages of Portland, Oregon. And, I suspect that the other 31 percent of all out-of-state college students nationwide—freezing rain and power outages or otherwise— agree with me. California, for example, had the highest number of students leaving the state to attend college or university in Fall 2020, with roughly 43 thousand students going out of state. This factoid, however, pales in comparison to the 89.6 percent of post-secondary Californian students enrolling to in-state schools. Aside from residents of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Washington DC, a majority of post-secondary students nationwide opted to avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth a few times a year, instead choosing to

attend college in-state. And for good reason. In-state colleges and universities are a popular choice for prospective students not only because of the decreased cost of travel (if you don’t include the cost of gas), but because of the lower tuition offered at public institutions, higher acceptance rates, and a closer proximity to home and family. Considering the state of the nation’s economy at the moment— rising inflation rates, the cost of living skyrocketing in California alone, the unemployment rate dropping only slightly from 3.9 percent to 3.7 percent since last November—saving as much money as possible is a must. Supposedly, students all across the nation are recognizing this. In Fall 2020, Alaska and Texas had the highest rates of first-time postsecondary students remaining instate: 92 percent and 93.3 percent, respectively. They are followed by New Jersey (90 percent) and California. Perhaps going out-ofstate for school isn’t worth it after all. That being said, if it’s cheaper to go to school in-state, and if all the rumors are true—low enrollment rates, lackluster student life, disgruntled alumni, etc.—why keep coming back to Whittier College? Is it really worth it? Personally, the answer is simple: I can’t stand being in Oregon, and the College, for all its ups and downs, is leagues better than where I come from. The main reason—and the most cliché one—is the sense of independence I’ve obtained that is simply impossible to get whilst living in my parents’ house. Yes, I still call them because I don’t know which urgent care to go to, and I am

always eager for our weekly video chats because I have tons of gossip to share with them. But I also don’t have to explain to them why I’m out until three in the morning or why it’s past noon and I haven’t gotten out of bed yet. Not to mention, there are actually things I want to do and people that I want to see and spend time with at Whittier College. Oregon, unfortunately, has too many ghosts that I anxiously spend my time trying to avoid. You might disagree with me, but the College has a lot of activities meant to boost student life, and I’m sure they have more in the works. And sure, you may not partake in activities because you’re trying to stick it to “The Man,” but there are plenty of student-led, studentcreated activities that I, personally, love to participate in. From movie nights in the Campus Courtyard to cultural gatherings out on the North Lawn, there’s so much I can do at Whittier College that I can’t— and wouldn’t even want to do—in Oregon. Another reason that students opt for out-of-state schools is the hope that they will be able to reinvent themselves within a new

environment. They are hoping to find new communities, new friends, and new interests, all within a safe space that encourages that kind of growth and personal development. Although most people will never be able to completely reinvent themselves, attending a school outof-state can act as sort of a reset button in which a student can try new things they would have never been brave enough to try if they were in-state, surrounded by people they knew and who knew them. Picking an out-of-state school was not a surprise to anyone that knew me. I’ve always been the kind of person searching for a faraway place to reinvent and discover new facets of myself. Of course, packing up my life every few months is an inconvenient hassle, but we must also consider that my life is no longer tethered to where I came from nor is it completely tethered to where I’m going (Whittier College), and thus I have no emotional issue with packing up and moving on every few months. This might be an issue that a future therapist and I will need to hash out, but until then, I’ll savor the last time I had to pack up my life to come back to Whittier.

SPORTS EDITOR

Earlier this January, stand-up comedian Jo Koy was appointed the highly recognized and esteemed title of host for the recent 2024 Golden Globes Awards, where he gave an unfortunate and devastatingly awkward performance. As the somewhat unfamiliar face took center stage in front of 9.4 million viewers nationwide, all eagerly tuned in to watch the live broadcast ceremony, Koy began his opening monologue with distasteful jokes destined to fail even before they were written down. The continuous struggle Koy seemed to have when attempting to foster amusement and support from the audience went on for a solid 10 insufferable minutes, accumulating the highest viewership ratings for the show in years. As streams of not-so-witty remarks seemed to fall from Koy’s mouth like word vomit, strangely reductive quips about the new 2023 Barbie film shocked and confused the onlooking crowd. “The key moment in Barbie is when she goes from perfect beauty to bad breath, cellulite, and flat feet,” yapped Koy. Somehow managing to make matters more degrading, Koy went on to garner the sound of crickets when telling a joke that exhibited a questionable predilection for the also recently

released 2023 film Oppenheimer, stating, “Oppenheimer is based on the 721-page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, and Barbie is on a plastic doll with big boobies.” It is apparent that the only irony worthy of appreciation from that night was not in the numerous obnoxious jokes made but instead the belittling of a universally loved film admired for its transcendent feminist message. With a performance almost too embarrassing to enjoy, Jo Koy reinforced the literal meaning behind the Barbie movie and perfectly demonstrated what not to do when hosting the Golden Globes Awards through his ignorant and borderline unfunny presentation. In the end, male comedians as the overarching public figure awarded the role of host with their countless botched hosting recitals and failed attempts at stand-up throughout Hollywood history beg a particularly more profound and controversial question: how far should male comedians be allowed to go with their jokes about bashing women? Well-respected current male celebrities hugely involved in comedy have received backlash for problematic and uncomfortable jokes that leave the women in their audiences feeling uncomfortable, unsettled, and often cringed out. Seth MacFarlane’s performance as

Dear Poet,

How can I get my Professor to stop making awkward eye contact with me? Sincerely, An Introverted Poet Dear Poet, I personally hate when they do that. I almost just want to look them back in the eye and say, “Hey professor, when you stare into my soul, it does not make me answer faster, nor does it encourage me to participate.” To be fair, I understand that they do it to show they’re paying attention to what you’re saying or to make sure that you are engaged in the lecture. However, it’s still incredibly unsettling. Anyway, you didn’t ask me what I thought, you asked me how to make it stop! I don’t think there’s any way to make your professor stop from trying to make eye contact with you but there are probably ways to avoid the eye contact altogether. One thing you could do is start to take vigorous notes when your professor starts scanning the room. This way, your eyes are focused on your notebook or your laptop and they won’t even bother to stop and make eye contact with you.

Courtesy of Whittier College Whittier offers a sense of independence.

How Far Do Jo’s Jokes Go? Lucy Campbell

a Poet Answers

If you’re responding to a comment that your professor made you can also pretend you’re referring to your notes. A strategy that they teach kids when they first start learning public speaking is to look at the wall behind their audience. You should try this! Just look right behind your professor’s head or look right through them. As if they were a ghost! As a last resort, I offer this crazy suggestion: tell your professor! Make them aware that we all hate the use of eye contact as classroom management. It’s outdated! Whatever happened to “If you can hear me, put your hands on your head!” That was fun and effective!

Courtesy of Getty Images Comedian Jo Koy has trouble reading the room. host, similar to Koy’s, during the a place in today’s modern world of 2013 Oscars ceremony also gained comedy. Hate does not disguise itrather less-than-satisfactory reviews self well when masked under the when the comedian involved a large umbrella of “it’s just a joke,” “creepy, obnoxious song-and-dance and it shows. number in which MacFarlane calls Have award shows in recent out actresses who have done topless times lost their elite and prestiscenes in the past (entitled ‘We Saw gious factor or element? Or, more Your Boobs’).” Further, the heated critically, has our culture’s way of acts of influential male stand-up viewing Hollywood celebrations performers who think sprinkling through rose-tinted glasses simin comments about women will ply slipped off somewhere along make them funnier have blurred the the way? Simply put, times have line between humor and misogyny. changed, and this generation’s Spanning from Daniel Tosh’s ap- view of the world and society has palling unhumorous remarks about transformed, abandoning old norape in 2012 to internet sensation tions and ideas of the past and Matt Rife’s career-ending joke about ultimately leaving Hollywood’s domestic violence in 2023, the idea unwavering conformity to ancient of nuance appears to no longer hold social constructs in the dust.

Dear Poet, thank you for your question! It’s 2024. It’s time that we get rid of this notion of eye contact once and for all. In fact, we should take a sort of Regency era approach to this. Eye contact is only for lovers and friends. No more eye contact in the classroom! I hope this helps, A Poet P.S. As a final, final resort, try closing your eyes when you speak to them. If you can’t see them, then they can’t bother you with their excessive staring.

FEB. 1, 2024

OPINIONS

13

Donald Trump: Are We Doomed? Jonathan Bermudez OPINIONS EDITOR

With the presidential election on its way, it’s beginning to look like a repeated battle between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, just like in the 2020 election. Though Donald Trump is facing several criminal charges for: inciting the Jan 6 insurrection, holding national security files at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and more recently losing a lawsuit to journalist Jean Carroll, he’s still being supported as a primary candidate for the Republican Party. He has already won the primary race in New Hampshire and unfortunately it won’t be his only win. His fanatics will never stop supporting him no matter what he does, but why? What makes this man so special? What makes him so appealing to a large chunk of Americans? The answer is clear: He doesn’t represent progress, and people are afraid of progress. Trump’s entire campaign was about “Making America Great Again,” but America was never great to begin with. Our nation was built on genocide, slavery, sexism and has progressively gotten worse. How can we as a nation look back to The Trail of Tears, the brutal murder of Emmett Till, the Zoot Suit Riots and think this nation was great? This kind of history doesn’t exist to Trump supporters. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to

Donald Trump will never stop until he has full power.

understand what “Great America’’ he’s referring to. Watch any video of a Trump rally and you’ll see who benefits from “Making America Great Again.” I can tell you it’s not the people who have been experiencing injustices for centuries. Trump knows this. It’s why he said “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you [while pointing]. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re

Courtesy of Drago / Bloomberg / Getty Images

bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” It’s also why he uses code words to please his crowd, like referring to QAnon, which is considered to be a right-wing organization. At his rally in November of last year, he riled his followers up into thinking that the Republican Party is going to take over and get rid of the “Leftist Thugs.” Trump knows his audience and he knows how to con them into thinking he is the best choice. It’s

why he got his followers to storm the Capitol and didn’t even show up. And because he is so good at charming them, like at his rally in July of last year where he called everyone there, “Patriots who believe in God, family, and country,” they worship him and create this narrative that he’s not corrupt. This non-corrupt narrative has been happening since he was running against Hillary Clinton. He presented himself as someone to question corruption, asking Hillary about her emails, and her husband

but—Trump swims in the river of corruption as well. He paid little in taxes even though he is a self-proclaimed millionaire, and he also had many charges of sexual assault against him. Yet he still got support. He said insults during his debates, talked over his opponents, and used the most arrogant and bigotted rhetoric. He was ‘the’ entertaining President, and people love entertainment— whether it’s wrong or not. He never tried to make false promises, getting straight to the point each time. He was, and still is, by all means not classy or well spoken, which makes him all the more relatable. Unfortunately, he has done too much to ever be forgotten. He has created a divide in this country and still continues to this day. He encouraged a war between liberals and conservatives by calling liberals “vermin” and calling for their eradication. But there is some hope. Colorado and Maine have taken the first step into getting Trump off of their ballots for his involvement in the Jan 6. insurrection but they were appealed; they are finally taking a stand against this pathetic excuse of a President, and not giving him another chance at ruining and dividing our country. If the decaision passes then it could lead to more states taking action. We might be able to finally get rid of this blight on society.

Courtesy of The Quaker Campus

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

14 The QC Staff Suggests:

Alejandra Ortega CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

Want to know what our Campus Life Editor recommends this week? Read on! Music: Recently I’ve been listening to South Korean indie band wave to earth’s album 0.1 Flaws and All. I think it’s a great album to listen to on a rainy day. My favorite tracks are “Peach Eyes” and “love.”

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Book: I’m currently working my way through The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It’s the epitome of revenge is a dish best served cold.

Feb. 1, 2024

Is Hollywood Blacklisting Actors? Sara Martinez COPY EDITOR

lation of Sarandon being let go because of a video of her at a pro-Palestine rally released days before her being dropped. In the video Sarandon says, “There are a lot of people that are afraid, afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence.” Sarandon did not comment directly either, but like Dakhil, posted her apology on Instagram. Shockingly, on that same day, Melissa Berrera was dropped from the cast of Scream 7 by Spyglass Media Group after publicly sharing her support for Palestine. Spyglass commented and blamed her recent Instagram posts, “We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, in-

cluding false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.” After these incidents, the atmosphere in Hollywood resembles the blacklisting era of the Cold War, during which people were afraid of being tainted because of their opinions and not just in the entertainment industry. College campuses have been a battleground for backlash as well. Harvard University was criticized for a letter submitted by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee, which called for deans and faculty members to step down from their positions. Although different, these events put the phrase “free speech” into question. Does our right to

As we strive to begin the new year with good spirits, the gravity of war between Israel and Gaza continues to weigh heavy on the world’s shoulders, and in recent events, Hollywood’s best agents and actors. In the days preceding the Oct. 7 attack, people posted on social media with opposing narratives, and this included Maha Dakhil, a long-time agent under the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Dakhil, who is the agent for actors including Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, and Natalie Portman, reposted an Instagram story that read, “You’re currently learning who supports genocide.” The post was immediately met with backlash from co-workers, leading Dakhil to delete her post and issue an apology. As a further consequence, Dakhil stepped down from her position on the internal board as well as co-head of the company’s motion picture department. CAA did not comment on the incident. However, since the Dakhil incident, there have been other similar occurrences making people suspicious. Is Hollywood silencing those who support a pro-Palestine narrative? A month after Dakhil, Oscar award winning actress Susan Sarandon was let go by United Talent Agency (UTA) on Nov. 21. Although UTA did not comment on their decision, there was specu- Actors face repercussions for supporting Palestine.

free speech affect job security? The public can’t help but think, “If it happened to them, it could happen to me.” Despite the tension in the air, fellow actors have shown their support for those allegedly blacklisted, like Tom Cruise, who personally showed up to Dakhil’s office. Berrera’s Scream cast mate, Jenna Ortega, also abruptly left the film franchise, starting a “conflict in filming with her other series Wednesday.” Most recently, Hayden Panettiere—another actress from the Scream franchise—commented on Barrera’s firing, calling it “very unfair and upsetting.” With no end in sight for the war, we can agree that the repercussions of war have affected people worldwide, dividing nations and indus-

Courtesy of Thomas Wolf

AI: Helpful or a Hindrance?

Chelsea Bartilad FEATURES EDITOR COURTESY OF Amazon

TV Show: Over the break I watched the K-drama Twinkling Watermelon. I’m a sucker for a coming of age story. Especially one that involves a 90’s high school band and time travel. It’s very wholesome and I can’t stop thinking about it.

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Food: I’m going to put you on my favorite snack. Kirkland popcorn (or any brand of microwave popcorn) and “Everything but the Elote” seasoning from Trader Joe’s. Thank me later.

COURTESY OF America’s Test Kitchen

With the rise of artificial intelligence, questions of originality and creativity have emerged around its use in creative industries. Works generated through AI have sparked debate on whether or not it violates ethical boundaries. The Akutagawa Prize is awarded biannually to the best literary works by up-and-coming authors in Japan. The prize is considered to be Japan’s most prestigious literary award. The latest recipient, Kudan Rie, received criticism regarding her award after announcing that she received assistance using ChatGPT, an AI-generated chatbox. “I plan to continue to profit from the use of AI in the writing of my novels, while letting my creativity express itself to the fullest,” Kudan announced at a press conference. The author stated that about five percent of her novel was AI-generated. Fellow writer and member of the selection committee, Keiichiro Hirano wrote a post on X (formerly Twitter) saying that the committee had no problem with Kudan’s use of AI. “It seems that the story that Rie Kudan’s

More artists are utilizing AI generators.

award-winning work was written using generative AI is misunderstood […] If you read it, you will see that the generative AI was mentioned in the work,” he said in his post. Although it has been in existence since the 1950s, discussions of Generative AI have not become common until recently. With the rise of AI filters, ChatGPT, and other programs, the controversy behind AI and art lies in the fact that artificial intelligence can replace human made works of art, blurring the lines between creativity and ethics. In fact, OpenAI, the research company behind ChatGPT, received multiple lawsuits due to copyright and privacy violations. It raises the question of whether or not these artificial systems are reliable.

Courtesy of Jason Allen

Those in favor of these systems argue that AI can be beneficial for creativity. Maya Ackerman, the co-founder and CEO of WaveAI, a program that generates musical algorithms, states that AI has the ability to “elevate human creativity.” She explains in an opinion piece, “I have seen firsthand how our systems have helped millions of musicians and aspiring creators to express themselves in new and exciting ways. This is [...] about opening up a realm of creative possibilities.” Although supportive of AI-generated works, the CEO points out that some measures should be taken to ensure ethical boundaries within the creative sphere. “It is crucial for the industry to find more ethical and sustainable ways of working alongside human creatives,

rather than competing against them,” she says. “It is certainly possible to create powerful generative AI technology without these pitfalls.” Rather than focusing on the anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence, Professor Douglas Manuel of the English Department intends to use it as a means to help students. “What I think is that it can end up being more like a tool to help us learn better instead of just a way to cheat,” he says, adding, “I hope to [...] find ways to use it in the classroom so that we can use it together to figure things out.” Professor Kate Albers shares a similar outlook and approach. Specializing in art history and visual culture, she decided to implement AI in her Media Theory class as a way for students to familiarize themselves with the programs. “Realistically, no matter what field you’re going into, there’s going to be a conversation around AI,” Albers says. “I want students to feel like they have at least an entry point [in] engaging with some of those questions.” This article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.

Feb. 1, 2024

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Oscars Still So White

Sage Amdahl

MANAGING EDITOR

At the beginning of every new year, there is an influx of award ceremonies and acknowledgments of the previous year’s creative achievements within the arts and entertainment industry. Largely centered around music, television shows, and the most popular films, these award ceremonies—such as the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars—garner a large amount of public attention and celebrate the success of the most talented, and popular, artists of our time. Of course, with events such as these attracting such prestige and publicity, public attention is heightened and often followed by criticism. In this instance, criticism surrounding the lack of diversity and representation of historically underrepresented groups has been hot on the tails of the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars for the past decade or so, and 2024 has been no exception. Dating back to Jan. 15, 2015, the hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite” was popularized by April Reign, who took note of the fact that not even one of the 20 actors and actresses nominated for Best Performance was a person of color. Reign, disappointed by the announcement of the Oscar nominations, tweeted “#OscarsSoWhite they asked to touch my hair.” Within hours, her tweet had gone viral and served as a platform to catapult long-ignored discussions of race and racism within the film and music industry’s award ceremonies. Despite the public outcry in 2015, the 2016 Oscar nominations once again went to all white actors and actresses, reigniting the #OscarsSoWhite discussion. This time, Hollywood was forced to respond. A week later, the Academy held

Awards bodies are still combatting white supremacy.

an emergency meeting which put into motion the “A2020” initiative, establishing “ambitious” new targets for diversifying membership initiatives. These targets sought to “double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and significantly grow [the Academy’s] international membership by 2020.” A2020 has since been deemed a success as the Academy doubled its active female membership enrollment and tripled the number of members from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. However, while these statistics show some impressive improvement, there is still much to consider. First and foremost, this success in diversification only reflects actions taken by the Academy. While the Golden Globes and Grammys have long received the same criticism as the Oscars for their lack of equitable representation between award winners and members of the industry, neither have pursued

comparable initiatives to A2020. Secondly, diversifying the pool of active memberships does not guarantee that Oscar nominations will experience the same inclusion. For example, even now, no Black director has won best director at the Oscars, and no Black woman has ever been nominated for the award. The Oscars have indeed improved, but there are still vast barriers left to overcome for marginalized groups, particularly for women of color. Like the Oscars, the Grammys face serious accusations of racial discrimination regarding their award ceremonies. Damning evidence can be found by comparing the results of a report done by the USC Annenberg Inclusion initiative to the percentage of Grammy nominations that went to artists from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups in the same time period. The study found that between 2012 and 2020, 46.7 percent of all artists whose songs made the Billboard Hot 100 were members of an un-

Courtesy of The LA Times

derrepresented ethnic/racial group. To further expand on this number, 37.7 percent of the Hot 100 songs were sung by Black artists. Meanwhile, Black artists received only 26.7 percent of the Grammy nominations in the “Big Four” categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist). Unfortunately, there is no conclusive data on the percentage of non-Black artists who are members of underrepresented ethnic/ racial groups to compare. Regardless, the distinct difference between Black artists charting and receiving Grammy nominations is enough to conclude that there is a clear dissonance between the success and popularity that artists from underrepresented groups receive in comparison to their white peers. Despite the contentious circumstances surrounding the entertainment industry’s award shows, 2024 appears to be following a new standard of inclusivity for award

15 nominations and recipients. This year, Lily Gladstone made history as the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe for her role as Mollie Burkhart in the film, Kill​​ ers of the Flower Moon. On stage, Gladstone introduced herself in the Blackfeet language, then proceeded with a moving speech: “This is for every little Res kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented and our stories told by ourselves, in our own words.” Gladstone was not the only Golden Globe recipient to make history; Beef stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun both won Golden Globes for Best Actress and Actor in a Limited Series this year. With this, Wong became the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe in her category and Yeun became the second Asian man to do the same in his. Additionally, actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Mary Lamb in The Holdovers, while Ayo Edebiri won Best Actress in a Television Musical or Comedy for her part as Chef Sydney Adamu in The Bear. It is incredible to see these very talented actors and actresses getting the recognition they deserve for their incredible performances. What is disappointing, however, is the fact that “history” continues to be made with each award ceremony, showing with utter clarity how many creatives have had their talent dismissed in the past. The bar for inclusivity has always been abysmally low, and now is the time to raise it by expanding our expectations for diversity and inclusivity in talent recognition. There is still a long way to go in the process of adequately and consistently recognizing the talented creatives of underrepresented groups in the arts and entertainment industry. While the monumental wins we saw with this year’s Golden Globes award ceremony serve to show the progress we have made, they also serve as a reminder for all that remains.

Magic Comes to Whittier Sara Martinez COPY EDITOR

Hey Poets, are you looking for an evening filled with magic? You are in luck! For one whole year, the Whittier Museum will be hosting free magic shows monthly. As a part of the collaboration between Whittier Historical Society and the Society of American Magicians, the museum has completely renovated their second floor to display their year long Magic Exhibition. The grand opening was Sunday, Jan. 27, showcasing the first magic show of the year. To my amazement, the museum was packed! The last time the Magic Exhibition display was available to the public was back in 2014. This year, it is back and better than ever, with hundreds of props, costumes, photos, and antiques available to view. I arrived 30 minutes before the show to view all the exhibits. On display were magic trunks, hats, trap door closets and even wigs. There was even an

exhibit showcasing local Whitter fingers and put it back together in magicians. seconds. At the beginning of the exhibDuring the performance, people it, a large donation box was on were constantly being pulled from display for those who wanted to the crowd to participate. One man contribute to the museum. Among named Michael had his head in a notable attendees were members of guillotine while the crowd looked the Whittier City Council and lo- away, afraid to see such an illusion. cal magicians. From families, cou- As the blade fell, so did the loud ples, even groups of teenagers, the gasp of the crowd. Michael surmuseum reached maximum capac- vived the guillotine, but the crowd ity at 1:45 p.m., 15 minutes before and I remained with our mouths the Magic show. Safe to say, I was wide open. It was impossible, we able to grab a seat not too far from saw the blade! This was just one of the front but I wasn’t able to grab the amazing illusions performed. a snack, and the constant smell of Once the show came to an end, buttered popcorn proved to be tor- attendees were welcome to meet ture. Make sure to arrive early! the magicians, and even pet Bob, The show ran for one hour and a cute bunny who was part of the 30 minutes, with performanc- show. The Magic Exhibition will be es by five magicians. My per- live until December, with monthly sonal favorites were Professor magic show performances. As part Stone, a magician visiting from of the community outreach, free Hogwarts, and El Ropo, who is magic lessons will be provided as currently performing at the Magic well. For more information, please Castle. From levitating acts to card visit the Whittier Museum website tricks, I was on the edge of my seat (www.whittiermuseum.org), which Courtesy of the Whittier Museum the whole time. Such as when El includes dates and times for upThe Magic Exhibition is available all year. Ropo cut a rope in half with his coming events.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

16

Bon Voyage, Succession!

Emily Henderson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

This article contains spoilers. Reader’s discretion is advised. In the world of conglomerates and nepo baby failures, no one can hear you scream. The HBO show Succession is not all business deals, expensive suits, and jet planes—it is also a high-speed drama about the villainous and poisonous Roy family. Sadly, the show officially ended with the 2023 Emmys on Jan. 15 2024, during which the cast and crew swept the Drama Series categories with six Emmys. But while the Roys dealt with the craziness of being one of the most highly profiled families on-screen, there was a mastery of television making happening off-screen. So, what made the acclaimed Succession work so well? Succession would not work as well as it did if it weren’t for the incredible cast. Starting with the Roy Family, the “eldest boy” himself, Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong). Strong’s performance was so damn engaging. He played Kendall with a duality that I haven’t seen in many other actors. There was a loud, abrasive side, desperate to be the CEO of Waystar-Royco, hoping that by showing this side of him, he could get the attention of his despicable father, Logan Roy (Brian Cox). But the more compelling side of Kendall was the softer side; the face that Kendall didn’t show to his friends and family. The act of being cunning came with a price,

The critically acclaimed show is officially over.

and Strong illustrated that perfectly. While Strong gave a great performance all throughout the show, the last season was really the highlight for both Kieran Culkin (who plays Roman Roy, my personal favorite) and Sarah Snook (who plays Shiv Roy). Culkin shined throughout season four, and it all truly culminated in the episode “Church and State,” where the youngest Roy, under the weight of his funny and “seeing through your bullshit” demeanor, collapsed into a crying mess, sobbing over the death of his father while trying to give a speech about him. Sobbing and embarrassing himself while being as vulnerable as possible, he said softly, “Is he there? Can we get him out?” referring to his dad in the coffin. Yes, the head of Roys did pass on this season. And boy howdy that was a titan of an episode. Notably, the performance from Snook beautifully expressed the emotional dichotomy of saying good-

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Courtesy Of SLASH FILM

bye to an abusive father. She had to say her final words to him over the phone, and Snook gave an all-timer. Crying and sobbing, but reserved and dignified. She was both a young girl looking up to her dad, and a professional woman living in a man’s world. The Roy kids were not the only ones giving one hell of a performance every which way. Opposite of Snook was Matthew McFayden as Tom Wambgams, her husband. He was funny and lighthearted on the surface, but sly and cunning underneath, crushing the soul of anyone who got in his way. Subtext is the name of the game in Succession-land, and all that back-stabbing got him to the place of CEO of Waystar-Royco. The entire cast and crew were great, but the behind the scenes crew deserves much of the credit as well. Award-winning showrunner Jesse Armstrong and the entire writers’ room created such a deep

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Feb. 1, 2024

and intellectual show that hungered for audience engagement (my kind of show!). There was incredible nuance within the writing that reflected on real life instances. I mean, the entire episode where the Roys swayed the Presidential election to an outcome that would benefit them and their Fox News-esque media conglomerate seems a little too on the nose, right? This level of craftsmanship is also reflected in the directing, most notably by director Mark Mylod, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Director for a Drama Series for episode three of season four: “Connor’s Wedding.” The episode felt up close and personal, especially with the inclusion of the nearly 30 minute unedited one-take scene during which the four Roy siblings learn about their father’s death (by the way, the secret fourth sibling is the titular Connor, portrayed by Alan Ruck). Mylod and the team wanted to cover about “30 pages of material in one go.” So, they loaded up a third camera, and let the magic happen. His directing, the writing, and the actors made for a truly incredible episode. While Succession may be well and truly over (no sequels or prequels please!), we can all still bask in the glory of this prestigious piece of television. It’s not just business in the Roy family, it goes deeper than that. This article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.

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Feb 1 Issue Word Scramble