QUAKER CAMPUS
The voice of WhiTTier
Courtesy of Arysse Grindulo / Quaker Campus
Whittier Unveils New “Civic Scholars Program”
Whittier College was recently recognized as a top 20 liberal arts college for social mobility in a U.S. News ranking, which was based on “how well schools graduated economically disadvantaged students.”
While acknowledging this accolade, President Kristine Dillon stated, “[the College’s] mission is to translate highly personalized, experiential learning into real-world opportunities and career readiness.”
Various programs have been established at Whittier to provide financial assistance for students and promote this mission. One of these is the Whittier Civic Scholars Program. Initiating in the Fall of 2025, the program is a collaboration between Whittier College and the City of Whittier that will provide students with civic engagement experience.
One of the fundamental goals of the Civic Scholars Program is to “cultivate the next generation of local civic, community, and business leaders,” as proposed by the College. Through local leaders, the program grants students access to shadowing, mentorship, and internships, as well as the ability to take part in local government, businesses, and nonprofits. The application is open to graduating seniors from local high schools. From the applicants, 10 will be chosen to participate and receive the scholarship.
The Civic Scholars Program was proposed by the College to the Whittier City Council in January of this year, and many components were agreed upon unanimously. However, a couple aspects of the proposal required further discussion to reach a compromise. Notably, the eligibility criteria for the program led to substantial debate, as did specific language and budget.
Originally, the draft document proposed that only students who attend high school within the Whittier Unified School District, as well as those who attend St. Paul High School or Whittier Christian High School, would be eligible to participate.
After the Council deliberated on this topic, they noted that home-schooled students residing in the City of Whittier should also be eligible. The College agreed, and home-schooled students are now included in the present eligibility criteria for the Whittier Civic Scholars Program.
During the initial discussion in January, some council members were opposed to the program as a whole. One of the primary reasons for concern was the amount of money invested into the scholarship aspect of the program. The proposal disclosed that approved students would receive a $5,000 scholarship from the city.
Concerned Council Member Cathy Warner was against “provid-
ing city dollars for scholarships,” stating, “any money that we expend should reach the greatest number of people in our community.” Warner provided alternate ideas for partnership, which included establishing mentorships between Whittier College students and citizens around the city, as well as those on the Council.
The final proposal provides a $10,000 scholarship for each of the 10 accepted students. $5,000 will be provided by the City of Whittier and the other half will come from the College.
There was also opposition to particular language embedded in the original expectations for applicants, which had to be refined for the program to move forward with the support of the city. In the proposal, one of the program’s ex-
THE QUAKER CAMPUS STAFF
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pectations read: “Demonstrate the desire to be active citizens and effective communicators who embrace diversity and act with integrity.”
The inclusion of “diversity language” in the original proposal received backlash from some members of Whittier’s City Council. “I think, as it is, we are a diverse enough community where that doesn’t really have to be stated. I think, if anything, we need meritocracy for the people who are [doing] the best they can,” argues Council Member Jessica Martinez. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of Whittier College. The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked Whittier College in the top 15 percent of colleges and universities for diversity and inclusion in their most recent report, which was released in 2019.
Additionally, Whittier College has an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a Diversity Council. The Diversity Council has hosted numerous events that each “connect to a theme and serve as a means for the College community to engage in learning related to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and advocacy,” as stated on Whittier College’s website.
Over the years, higher education institutions have included DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives in colleges and universities, much like Whittier College has. These DEI initiatives focus on increasing representation of and participation from individuals who have been historically
underrepresented or undervalued.
The City of Whittier’s opposition to diversity language in the Civic Scholars Program proposal is mirrored across the country by others that take issue with DEI in higher education. According to The New York Times, a conservative movement has emerged in an effort to eliminate DEI initiatives, concerned that they discriminate against non-minority groups. Some debate that “conservative groups have raised concerns that DEI initiatives are promoting an agenda that prioritizes racial or gender identity over individual merit,” HYFIN reports.
Ultimately, diversity language was excluded from the program’s expectations, but the College has not made any other substantial changes to DEI on campus. The debated-upon criterion now reads: “Demonstrate the desire to be active citizens and effective communicators who act with integrity.” Through collaboration and compromise, Whittier College and the City Council developed a program with terms that were amenable to both.
Many of Whittier College’s current students were excited to hear about the program as an opportunity for future undergrads. In fact, first-year Tyler Johnson think[s] that it sounds like an excellent experience for students who are interested in local government and great for local students to create change within their community.”
Despite “feeling like there is a lack of connection between young adults and local government,” fourth-year Audrey Luna is similarly optimistic about the program as a “good bridge to enact change.”
As a first-generation student, Luna agrees that this program and others like it contribute to social mobility at Whittier College and help students get their degree. She notes the importance of a degree as a tool for success that “will open so many doors for me not only in terms of finances but also in the experiences I get to enjoy” after college.
Prospective students interested in civic engagement can apply on the College’s website, and current students can keep an eye out for social mobility opportunites.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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 Monday at 5 p.m. to make it into that week’s issue. Submissions should be no more than 500 words. Submissions will undergo the same editing process from our production pipeline if selected. All stories must follow the same journalistic standards.
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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.
Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER
Courtesy of Geraldine Serna-Jimenez
Courtesy of Whittier College
Whittier College promotes social mobility through new progam.
Election Integrity Sparks Nationwide Discourse
Simon Santana STAFF WRITER
Donald Trump has been in the political spotlight since his first term as president, gaining the support of many Republicans with his plan to “Make America Great Again.” His charisma, bold statements, and anti-establishment sentiment solidified his personality on the world’s stage.
However, Trump served just one term in the Oval Office, losing to current President Joe Biden in 2020. During the 2020 election, the former president spun a narrative that the race was “rigged against him” before the polls opened, while votes were still being calculated, and after his loss.
the machines and [incorporate] physical security and cybersecurity.
“In addition, it should be noted Donald Trump himself won a majority of states with significant mailin voting in 2016, and we didn’t hear anything about mail-in voting after that. Mail-in voting has been around since before the civil war.”
Trump has also claimed that the polls were not being effectively observed in 2020, allowing citizens to commit voter fraud in-person. However, Republican observers were present at the polls nationwide, which was proven by Trump’s own legal team, according to The New York Times
In this year’s presidential race, “election integrity” has become a key component of Trump’s cam-
The basis of his argument was that mail-in ballots were falsely calculated to represent a Biden victory.
On Nov. 4, 2020, Trump tweeted: “Last night I was leading, often solidly, in many key states, in almost all instances Democrat run & controlled. Then, one by one, they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were counted. VERY STRANGE, and the ‘pollsters’ got it completely & historically wrong!”
Trump’s claims that a portion of mail-in ballots were fraudulent in 2020 has been fact-checked numerous times and proved false. In an interview with PBS News, David Becker—the Executive Director at the Center for Election Innovation and Research—said, “Mail voting [and] early voting [are] absolutely secure. There are strict chains of custody that go around
paign. The former president has accused the Democratic party of rigging not only the 2020 election, but the upcoming 2024 race, as well. Trump claimed he has “taught people” not to trust the U.S. electoral process. Americans “used to think elections were honest and the borders were sealed,” he said in a PBS News interview, “Now they know the borders are an open sieve that’s destroying our country and the elections are dishonest as hell.”
Trump has also blamed the Democratic party for illegal border crossings, and has spread the idea that illegal migrants are voting in hoards due to lax voter ID regulations and lack of security at the ballot box. Becker notes, “Even Trump’s own allies in states like Georgia, Texas, and other places have looked for large num-
bers of noncitizens registered or voting and they just can’t find them. It’s because they don’t exist.”
The scale of Trump’s accusations have led Democrats and Republicans to become locked in a legal battle over votes that have yet to be cast. PBS News reported that over 165,000 Republicans have volunteered to watch the polls this November.
Multiple states are handling cases from right-wing local officials trying to increase their control over the election process. Democrats are working to build legal teams for the purpose of “voter protection,” fighting claims that the polls are rigged.
Most nationally publicized disputes are contained within swing states, where winning margins are smaller than the rest of the country. The largest litigation case so far came out of an ongoing debate in Georgia. In August, a ruling by the State Election Board granted the power of “reasonable inquiry” to election officials before certification. Democrats have since challenged this ruling, but no further case has been decided.
More recently, a member of the Fulton County Board of Elections in Georgia, Julie Adams, argued in court that she had the right to refuse to certify the results of an election. Adams is a member of the Election Integrity Network, a project of the Conservative Partnership Institute determined to prevent voter fraud. The judge ruled against her lawsuit on the grounds that any “effort to wrest control of certification was unconstitutional and against state law.” In the event of voter fraud or genuine cause for suspicion, the matter must be taken up with local law enforcement.
A different ruling this week in Arizona found an election official and right-wing ally, Peggy Judd, guilty of “failing or refusing to perform her duty” in the 2022 midterm election, but no recent cases from the state have raised major concerns about voter fraud or certification of results.
After the ruling, Attorney General Kris Mayes, made a statement affirming her commitment to “use every tool available to uphold the rule of law and protect the
integrity of Arizona’s elections.”
In Wisconsin, drop boxes for voters to leave their ballots have also raised debate. Drop boxes were used for elections in Wisconsin in the past, but banned for a time due to claims that the system allowed for fraud. According to a New York Times article, “City council and county board meetings in the state have been consumed with battles over the boxes in recent days, a glimpse of what could soon be a repeat of 2020: the results of a legitimate presidential election being questioned and rejected by a wide swath of Americans.”
Within that same article, Karen Cannestra, a retired woman from Wisconsin, commented, “I don’t trust it, the drop box. Who knows the motives of the person who’s pulling those ballots out at
the end of the day? Couldn’t somebody tamper with the process?”
While local lawsuits vary in widespread prominence, claims made by the former president have international repercussions. According to Becker, Trump’s false statements are “corrosive to our entire democracy. Our adversaries overseas, Russia, Iran, China, are actively seeking to get us all to doubt our democracy, to doubt that democracy can work for us, and to doubt the election system that decides who leads us.
“And now we have domestic actors over the last several years who intentionally or unintentionally are doing their work for them. It’s going to take decades, regardless of the outcome of this election, to fix that.” It’s uncertain what the future holds, but election integrity will remain a topic of discussion in the U.S.
Climate Report: Where Do Trump and Harris Stand?
With the 2024 presidential election just two weeks away, American voters are doing their research on each candidate’s stance on relevant issues. For those concerned about climate policies, the task has not been simple. Neither Harris nor Trump has released a plan directly addressing climate action, but guesses can be made based on public record.
In the latest installment of PBS NewsHours’ Promises & Policies segment, titled “Where Harris and Trump stand on climate change policies,” news correspondent William Brangham—a seasoned reporter on the climate crisis—shed light on each of the candidates’ possible stance by effectively analyzing their track records, party platforms, and campaign speeches.
According to Brangham, Vice President Harris has addressed climate change as an economic issue because the economy is the most important issue to voters.
The Pew Research Center found that 81 percent of voters think the economy is a “very important” issue, while only 37 percent feel the same about climate change.
Brangham emphasized a speech from Harris during the presidential debate: “We have invested a trillion dollars in a clean energy economy, while we have also increased domestic gas production to historic levels.”
Harris’ emphasis on the climate crisis primarily in terms of the economy has created what Brangham calls an “inherent tension.” He notes that Harris promotes green energy while simultaneously bragging about U.S. oil and gas production: “The way we address climate change is to bring our emissions down, and the U.S. increasingly becoming the world’s gas station is not the way to do that.
“Harris, likely because she doesn’t
want to be seen as attacking domestic energy production, doesn’t really reckon with this.” However, Harris helped to pass the largest U.S. government investment in climate action ever—the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program—which makes her position even more confusing to voters.
Regarding Donald Trump, Brangham relates the former president’s constant climate change denial to his attack on Democratic legislation as “harmful” to the U.S. economy: “Trump talks about climate change almost always as a means to attack Democrats for the policies they have enacted to address it. And so he says those things drive up costs for consumers at the gas pump. He says they hurt the economy. He calls them lunacy.”
During his presidency, Trump signed an executive order gutting many of President Obama’s climate policies, and also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Based on Trump’s track record, Brangham guessed that his new policies would include “a whole-scale reversal of any action by the federal government to deal with the climate crisis.” This plan is also part of Project 2025, which Trump claims to have no affiliation with despite it being written by people in his administration. Although it remains unclear to the public what agenda either candidate has for climate action, the best option for voters is to do research into each of their candidate’s history on the subject. Based on the research done by Brangham, Harris has a positive climate action stance, although her current presidential candidacy appeals to the broader issue of the economy. On the other hand, Trump openly denies climate change, while publicly promises the repeal of climate legislation. To watch the full interview, you can visit PBS News
Sara Martínez A&E EDITOR
Georgia judge rules against right-wing election officials.
Courtesy of The New York Times
Courtesy of The Telegraph
Trump and Harris battle for votes in critical swing states.
What’s up,
Whittier?
Stay up to date on events! For further info, visit https://whittier.campuslabs.com/Engage/
Outdoor Flu Vaccine Clinic
• Thursday Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
• Deihl Hall Naylor Portico
Thriving Authentically: LGBTQIA, Community, Career & Culture
• Thursday Oct. 24 4 p.m.
• Dezember Alumni House
So Goth, I was Born Black: Listening Party
• Thursday Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.
• Harris B First Floor
PB's Haunted House: The Ward
• Thursday & Friday Oct. 24 and 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Club 88
Homecoming Musical
• Friday Oct. 25 at 12 p.m.
• Memorial Chapel
Election Destress
• Monday Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m.
• Founder's Hill
Planner Party
• Tuesday Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m.
• Ettinger Lounge
Craft Hour
• Tuesday Oct. 15 at 12:30 p.m.
• Ettinger Lounge
Don't Let Drugs Haunt You
• Tuesday Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m.
• SLC 204
Halo-Halo Night - Filipino American History Month
• Tuesday Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Upper Quad
Dia De Los Muertos: Cena y Celebracion
• Wednesday Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Upper Quad
VPS Open House/Mixer
• Wednesday Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
• Campus Center Courtyard
Hallow's Eve Movie Night
• Wednesday Oct. 30 at 9
p.m.
• Stauffer 1st Floor Lounge
Halloween Fair
• Thursday Oct. 31 at 12
p.m.
• Campus Courtyard
Halloween Blood Drive
• Thursday Oct. 31 at 10
a.m.
• Villalobos Hall
Sigma Tau Delta Monthly Book Club Meeting
• Friday Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.
• Ettinger Lounge
CAMPUS LIFE
Don't Reese-ist The Halloween Fair
Emma Ghoulvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
As the Halloween spirit passes through the campus, many celebrations are planned as Poets prepare to honor the holiday. This includes the Media Council’s Halloween Fair that is set to happen on Oct. 31 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Campus Courtyard.
The Halloween Fair will feature many fun activities to do while still under the sun. This includes pumpkin painting, photo opportunities, face painting done by fourth-year Lucy Campbell, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest. The contest will be split into four rounds and each winner will receive a prize that will leave them “aghast" according to the announcement posted on Engage earlier this month.
The categories for the contest will include Scariest Costume: Make the chills run down our spines with a truly terrifying ensemble, Funniest Costume: Bring the laughs with a clever outfit that’ll have everyone in hysterics,” Best Couples Costume: “Team up for a dynamic duo that’ll steal the spotlight," and finally, Most Original Costume: "Dare to be different? Show off your unique creation and stand out from the crowd.”
The winners for each of the categories will be announced at some point during the fair so it is all fair game.
For new students who may not know, Media Council is an
organization that “oversees all student media and publications,” and is run by representatives from the Quaker Campus (QC), KPOET Radio, Video Production Studios (VPS), and a representative from ASWC Senate. Their previous events include the popular and highly successful Poet Prom last Spring that left students amazed and excited for what was next.
According to third-year and Media Council Representative of Senate, Emily Perez-Medina, the idea of a Halloween Fair was a group effort. She explained how “KPOET wanted to have something for Halloween as our October event, and we wanted to see more people who celebrate Halloween dress up during the day. QC had expressed their ideas of doing pumpkin painting […] Because of these ideas, conversations led to the idea of having one group Halloween festival.”
However, Media Council are not the only ones bringing this spookful fair to life, Program Board is helping out as well.
One of the Program Board members, fourth-year Seán Frank confirms that Program Board planned to do something as a way to get the students in the Halloween spirit until “A member of Program Board's On-Campus Committee—Leah Triana— expressed an interest in putting on an event similar to Media Council's Halloween Fair. So I [Frank] decided to reach out to Media Council
and attend their weekly meeting to see if they'd like Program Board to collaborate.”
Many will recognize the Program Board from their well-known haunted house that is organized around this time as well.
Although Program Board's haunted house will not be attached to the fair due to only being there for Homecoming weekend, Frank still encourages students to participate and go as it is the Program Board’s biggest event. Despite students not being able to roam around Club 88 while painting pumpkins, they will still be able to get food from the creatively-costumed Program Board members at the Snack Cart.
Things appear to be smooth sailing for the two organizations as final payments and details are being settled during meetings as the day slowly creeps up. Preparations to build the set will begin later this week according to Perez-Medina and Frank, with no difficulties in sight.
If you wish to contact for any assistance or questions about the event, you can reach out the current Media Council President Paige Meyer-Draffan, also known as PMD, or email Media Council themselves at mediacouncil@poets. whittier.edu. But for now, prepare your costumes, creativity, and friends for a day of spooky, scary, skele-ton of fun!
Sit Down With Sigma Tau Delta
Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER
While Whittier has its fair share of Societies that impact the community, there are also honor societies that tailor to each department. Sigma Tau Delta is one of these notable societies at Whittier College. Those who are unfamiliar with the society may wonder: what is Sigma Tau Delta, what do they represent, and how can students get involved with the society?
Sigma Tau Delta is an English honor society on campus. The organization is also nationally recognized and tailors toward students of the English discipline attending a four-year college or university. This society is mostly made up of Whittier's most accomplished students in the Department of English Language & Literature. Sigma Tau Delta is determined to foster and promote the English discipline, not only through its members but also to the community surrounding them. This society additionally emphasizes the importance of high achievement in the English and literature areas even if the student is not an English major.
To become part of this honor society, students will have to complete two upper-division English courses and maintain a GPA of 3.5 in English. Those who meet the criteria are automatically eligible to become members and they will be
“tapped” at the beginning of the semester by current members or their professors. Tapping is how eligible students are notified that they have been selected for full membership. Recently, they had their induction on Oct. 16, where members come together and celebrate newcomers in the society. This year’s induction was in Villalobos Hall, where inductees and guests mingled together while enjoying a glorious feast. At the end of the dinner, President Sara Martínez and Vice President Chelsea Bartilad then shared a passage about the importance of the society and its values.
Outside of their induction, Sigma Tau Delta is known for holding a variety of events and activities for students. One of their most noted activities this year is their book club, where the E-board will select a book to read and discuss at the end of the month. For the month of September, the honor society's first book club pick was Sandra Cisneros' The House On Mango Street in Ettinger Lounge where attendees went through passages that stuck out while enjoying sweets. This month, Sigma Tau Delta is currently reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia, and is set to have their Book Club event on Nov. 1. All students are highly encouraged to come and enjoy the event, even if they are not official members of Sigma Tau Del-
ta or even read the book, with some copies being given in the middle of discussions.
When someone joins the honor society, the benefits are clearly present. Sigma Tau Delta is a society full of exciting and new opportunities for members.
Apart from being a club that fosters all aspects of the English discipline within its students, it also has a variety of opportunities present that impact its members in the long run. For instance, Sigma Tau Delta offers exclusive scholarships and writing award opportunities to their members, with awards being as high as $3,000. The scholarships are available for undergraduate students who are part of the society.
In addition to this, many of the members of Sigma Tau Delta can obtain fellowships and internships, especially ones that are also exclusive to them.
Sigma Tau Delta is also an
integral part of the Greenleaf Review , which is Whittier College’s award-winning literary and arts journal that is composed of poems, short stories, plays, and essays, and is produced by students in the Editing and Publishing Emerging Media class. Sigma Tau Delta is an important part of the work that they do for the Greenleaf Review, as they are a primary source of sponsorship to ensure student voices are heard.
The honor society assists in publishing, and contributes to creating the design, fonts, and style of the literary and arts journal.
While Sigma Tau Delta is an English honor society, it is open to all students with an interest in English language and literature. The honor society remains to be a unique facet within the Whittier College campus, demonstrating to be an exemplary community for students to join.
Spook day is now a fun day. Courtesy of Media Council
S.T.D. welcomes their new members.
Photo Courtesy of Joe Donnelly
CAMPUS LIFE
Black Poetry Let Students Tell Their Stories
Scary Sara MartÍnez A&E EDITOR
Last Thursday, Oct. 17, the Black Student Association, in collaboration with the Residential life of the Sankofa floor in Harris B & Harris B Second Floor presented the second annual Black Poetry Night. In honor of Jupiter Hammon—the first published African American poet—the event was held on his birthday in the first floor of Wardman Hall.
The event's MC was thirdyear RA Paige Meyer-Draffen, who began the night by welcoming everyone present before giving more information about Thursday's event, “Today we are here to not only celebrate historical poets, but also to shed light on modern Black poets who have carried on the tradition.”
Students and faculty present were invited to share poems, spoken word, and their own personal pieces. Meyer-Draffen chose to go first and read Jasmine Man’s poem, “Momma Said D*ke at the Kitchen Table,” from her 2021 Poetry book Black Girl, Call Home. A riveting poem that perverses the sanctity of kitchen table small talk, MeyerDraffen’s selection was the perfect icebreaker.
Next was fourth-year Koy Williams who read "My Life has Turned to Blue" by Maya Angelou. Angelou, famous for her memoir I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, accounts the suffering she faces after loss. The poem was full of vivid language and emotional scenes,
which Williams read with great benevolence.
Following Williams was fourthyear student David Guria, who presented a video of R.J. Wright’s performance of his poem "Soldiers Creed." Wright's work is heavily saturated with his army veteran experience which he performs live while touring nationally. Guria saw Wright perform "Soldiers Creed" live, and as a veteran himself, felt instantly connected.
Guria’s choice was outspoken and full of emotion, which sparked a discussion about his Veteran experience after the video was over. According to Guria, the reason why he related so much to the poem was because it touched upon the false narrative of patriotism, "So many people try to thank me for my service but they don't do it earnestly. They don't even know what they are thanking me for. The other day I was with my son, and veterans were being asked to stand to be honored, and he said 'stand up dad' and I did, but I hardly ever do because like I said, it's not true appreciation."
Guria also presented his own work entitled Black Excellence. According to him, the experience was an honor as he was chosen by his Public Speaking professor to participate in Folsom Lake College’s Celebration of Excellence & Achievement for Students of African Descent located in Sacramento.
The performance was made available on Youtube, and the room turned silent as Guria’s confident, yet stern, voice echoed
his powerful message to Black students, “You are Black Excellence, I am Black Excellence, We are Black Excellence, Our communities are Black Excellence.”
After the clip was over, everyone gave Guria applause and flooded him with questions from his inspiration to childhood. Guria explained how the poem was a way for him to uplift the Black Community in Sacramento, where he lived before transferring to Whittier.
Guria recounts, “Although gentrification is happening, the Black community took a stand and
said they weren't going anywhere. It’s lovely because when you visit, they have their own community that includes a Black owned brewery to Black owned barber shops. The day of this event, everyone came out in support, it was beautiful.”
Aside from Guria’s captivation, the night was full of other contributions by students who recited poems. Students read poems from a number of African American poets including Ashlee Haze, Cherene Sherrard, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Audre Lorde.
Towards the end of the event,
Meyer-Draffen recommended that attendees read I’m Not Your Negro by James Baldwin and Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness by Touré to compliment many of the discussions had by students from emulation and appropriation, to intersectionality.
Before students and faculty left for the night, Meyer-Draffen thanked all for their attendance and invited everyone back for next year's Black Poetry Event and concluded the night with some food for thought by presenting a spoken word entitled "Letter 2 Your Flag" performed by Royalty.
LGBTQIA With The Coming Out Day
Scary Sara MartÍnez
A&E EDITOR
Earlier this month, the Gender Equity Center, in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), hosted a Coming Out Day for the Whittier College community.
Although the official national date to celebrate is Oct. 11, the celebration came early for students as they were invited to come out and have fun in the Lower Quad.
The celebration began at noon, with multiple tables set up with tablecloths of different colors, flower arrangements, and craft supplies for students to paint their very own tote bags. Before students sat down, they were asked to check in through the sign-in table, which had an assortment of pride merchandise, snacks, and informational pamphlets.
Despite the sun shining strongly, multiple groups of students came and sat with their friends as a mix of alternative, house, and pop music turned up the beat.
Soon all of the tables were full and the soft rumble of friendly conversations began to echo from the amphitheater. Not only were students painting their own totes, but a majority had also brought their lunch from the nearby
Campus Inn, and enjoyed brunch with their peers.
At that moment, fourth-year Elsie Johnson began to greet each and every table, welcoming students to the event with a very enthusiastic tone of voice, “Welcome to our Coming Out Day [event] and thank you for coming!”
Johnson is a lead peer educator with the Gender Equity Center and when reflecting on the event she cheerfully responded, “I am so happy with today's turnout, especially with this heat.”
According to Johnson, the
purpose of the event was to provide a safe space for students on campus to come out, no matter what they identify as. Since there is still stigma and fear surrounding the queer community, some are left without access to a safe place, especially when they wish to be open about their sexual identity.
National Coming Out Day began 36 years ago on Oct. 11, 1988 which also marked the first year anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The event was made possible by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert
Eichberg with the National Coming Out Day organization. Now known as the Human Rights Campaign, the organization still participates in the event and even offers kits for people who have decided to come out, whether in their home, work, or community.
Since 1988, communities all across the globe have participated in similar events and celebrations in an effort to not only advocate for Gay Rights, but also to provide inclusive spaces for members and advocates alike.
Today, “Gay Rights” is now
known as the LGBTQ+ movement, and Whittier College is proud to be an ally in providing a safe and inclusive space for Poets in the community.
For those who are struggling with navigating the world and workforce, there will be a Thriving Authentically event on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to learn and get advice from LGBTQ+ alumni. There will also be a similar panel during Homecoming. While National Coming Out Day has passed, support and resources will continue to be given by the College.
Poetry helps open up the soul.
Photo Courtesy of Paige Meyer-Draffen
Coming Out Day is deeply celebrated. Sara Martinez/Quaker Campus Students are totes coming out. Sara Martinez/Quaker Campus
CAMPUS LIFE
Not Your Average College Homecoming
Count Corona STAFF WRITER
As the Homecoming season approaches, endorsement from Whittier College and its alumni have been exponential, with recent emails distributed to the students promoting events that will take place throughout the fourday weekend of festivities.
While Homecoming is a very special event designed for alumni to return to the school they attended, this does not prohibit current students from celebrating and participating in these events as well. This year, Homecoming will begin on Thursday, Oct. 24 and will last all the way through Sunday, Oct. 27. There will be allotted times for daily activities, events and gatherings that happen throughout the day.
Thursday, Oct. 24
To kick off the Homecoming weekend is the LGBTQIA+ Community Alumni Panel, where alumni in the community will answer questions from attendees at Dezember Alumni House from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Soon afterwards will be the Pride Homecoming Alumni meet-up where current students can connect with the alumni and bond over experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Later that night, the Program Board will open up the Bill & Harriet Club 88 for the annual Haunted House from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The theme for this year is the “The Ward,” and will only be open on Thursday and Friday.
Friday, Oct. 25
Alumni will be able to relive their glory days and do a “Poet for a Day” tour where they can attend
the following classes: Environmental Science Colloquium Coffee from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and All Things Coffee from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Later in the afternoon, the Music Department is hosting the Poet Musicale at the Memorial Chapel from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the Music Department reception on the Arnold Hall Patio from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
books from 1915 through 2011. In the evening, everyone is invited to the formal inauguration of President Kristine E. Dillon as the 16th president of Whittier College in the Shannon Center. The ceremony will contain an academic processional, tributes to Whittier’s mission, and talks about the College’s future. There will also be a brief reception at the patio afterwards to congratulate Dillon.
Saturday Oct. 26
On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Societies (the Athenians, Lancers, Orthogonians, Franklins, Metaphonians, Penns, Palmers, Thalians and Sachsens) are all hosting the annual society brunch and will be occurring at various locations depending on the society.
Throughout this day, various sports will have current students versus alumni, this includes Men’s and
Between 2 p.m. to 3 p.m, wellknown Political Science professor Mike McBride will be giving his “last lecture” before retiring at the Ruth B. Shannon Center inside the Robinson Theater. The lecture will contain information about Russian dissident Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, namely the work “Live Not By Lies.”
During this, the Whittier College's Bonnie Bell Wardman Library will have its Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about the College’s history and will be selling former Acropolis year-
As the sun starts setting, the events keep going. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the Alianza de Los Amigos (Latinx) Poet Meet-Up will be happening in the Dezember Alumni House. It will be similar to the LGBTQ+ Meet-Up for students to connect with alumni of the same identity. At the same time, there will be a screening in Hoover 100 of Carlos Through the Tall Grass, a film that has students featured in its production, and was produced by Professors Patti McCarthy and Jennifer Holmes.
Women’s Basketball. Later at noon is the first game of the Homecoming weekend, which is the Women's Soccer game against Cal Lutheran University at the Memorial Field.
Like the LGBTQ+ and the Latinx Community Meet-Ups, the Black Poet Meet-Up will be happening from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Poet Fest is also scheduled to occur between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Upper Quad where food vendors, games, mixers, and an Alumni parade will be hosted. Students are heavily encouraged to join
as they will be having The Whittier Experience Showcase and Fair.
The Whittier Experience Showcase and Fair will be providing a space for programs and departments to share about their current progress with current alumni. The same day, the Homecoming Volleyball game in the Graham Athletic Center (GAC) is to be hosted at 6 p.m. against Pomona-Pitzer.
To finish off the busy day, there will be an All Poets Bash in Villalobos Hall with a dance party and a fajita bar for all to enjoy.
In the afternoon, the class of ‘79 will have their 45th reunion at the Dezember House and another reunion will be held at the Perry House for classes of ‘83, ‘84 & ‘85.
In the evening the Alumni Celebration Dinner for alums who graduated in classes ending in 4’s and 9’s will be held at Villalobos Hall.
Sunday Oct. 27
On the last day of a jammedpacked weekend, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Poets are hosting a Color Run–a fun event where participants run while colorful powder is thrown at them– at the Lower Quad.
While the time of the event is currently unknown it is set to be scheduled, so be on the lookout for updates.
Although for students, most of these events require members to register in order to enjoy these events this includes the following: the Haunted House, the Poet Musicale, the Homecoming Volleyball game and Brunch at the Campus Inn as well as all the Affinity gatherings, reunions and receptions.
For more information and updates on the weekend, check out the listed schedule at the Poet Homecoming website.
Photo Courtesy of Anh Tran
The Alumni are coming home for the weekend.
Photo Courtesy of Whittier College
It’s Fright Day With Friday the Squirrel
Jon’O’Lantern FEATURES EDITOR
Every year on Halloween, the dead rise to cause terror and haunt the students of Whittier College. All but one spirit partakes in the haunt, and that’s the ghost of Friday the Squirrel. “It’s actually not in my interest to haunt,” says Friday. “I come back to write some poetry and catch up with my squirrel friends on campus,” he adds.
Friday was the pet of John Greenleaf Whittier, who is a famous poet and who the school is named after. “My father was a great poet, and I learned many things from him,” he declares while reminiscing about his past life. Friday sits in the archives of the Whittier College Library, among other relics of Whittier College, such as pictures of Richard Nixon and John Greenleaf Whittier.
Nixon has his own small display hugging the wall, with old campaign merch and even a dart board of his face. “I definitely like looking more at the pictures of my father than of Nixon, but I understand he’s a part of our school history,” Friday laughs while eating his acorn.
Whittier has a bit more relics on
loves Halloween just as much as he loves acorns.
display. A bronze bust of his head, a whole family lineage on the wall, and even his old desk where he used to write his poems with Friday.
“Those were the days,” Friday reminisces, missing the times where he used to hangout on Whittier’s shoulders. He admits it has been a very long time. “Almost three hundred years,” the squirrel
exclaims. Taken aback about how long it has been he says, “Time flies by when you’re down here, I can’t believe it’s been that long.” Friday has been stuffed for a very long time and reflects on what he has seen. “The ‘60s were pretty cool, what a time to be alive, but I am a ghost so I can only see what was happening,” he says. “Halloween
wasn’t as spooky as it is now back then, but it’s definitely my favorite holiday still,” he states. It’s the only time he can roam free and see how the world has changed and he reassures that so much has changed.
“My father used to write with a bird feather, now there’s pens, it’s pretty wild,” he says. Although the month is ending, he is not worried.
“I like being down here, Paige [Harris] is great company, and it’s fun to see all the people come and visit me,” he shares. Paige Harris is the special collections Librarian at the Whittier College Wardman library.
“She’s great at explaining my story and my father’s story, but I’m glad I can tell my story for this issue,” he affirms.
Coolest Kid on Campus: Cullen Manuel
Have you ever seen a cute baby running around campus, and wondered who exactly that baby is? Well, all those who have wondered are in luck. The Quaker Campus acquired an exclusive Halloween edition interview with Whittier’s favorite two-year-old baby on campus, Cullen Manuel. Professor Douglas Manuel II, his father, assisted in the interview as his representative and translator. Walking into Professor Manuel’s office is a barrier; a baby gate, preventing the interviewee from leaving. The interviewee is immersed in playing with his alphabet puzzle after a two hour nap. A plethora of puzzle pieces are scattered around the room.
QC: Hi Cullen! I’m part of the Quaker Campus and I am here to interview you today for the Halloween Edition feature!
Cullen is captivated by the stickers on my laptop and points to a bunny sticker
C: “Bunny!”
He begins to hop around the room and goes back to playing his puzzle
QC: So Cullen because this is a Halloween Edition Feature, let’s start with the most important question I will be asking today, what will you be for Halloween this year?
His representative answers for him
PM: Cullen, along with his parents will be an Eskeleto, however, I don’t know if he’s excited, I think if he had to choose, he would probably want us [his parents] to be Ms.
Rachel and Blippi
QC: That’s such an awesome costume, on the topic of Halloween I was also going to ask about some of the Halloween book recommendations Cullen has for Whittier students.
PM: Whew for Cullen, so Cullen’s favorite Halloween book is one in the Pooky series; Spooky Pooky. I think that’s his favorite book. We have three that we read and rotate for Halloween and that’s one of them. He highly recommends it, it is a gripping read. He also prefers the hardback and doesn’t like to read digitally.
C: Di di di phi phi phi di
Cullen reiterates and emphasizes his preference for the hardback version of his favorite book.
QC: Now Cullen, what is it like being the only baby on campus?
PM: Well he-
Cullen interrupts his representative: Wuh wuh wuh wu wuh woo
PM: Oh, he means that oftentimes we look for other babies, that he’ll walk around and say “baby, baby” and there’s no one there. But he likes being the center of attention.
QC: Now Cullen, the question that everyone is dying to hear is what is a day in the life for you?
C: Gua ga ga isha-
Interviewee explains his routine in great detail with great enthusiasm that he begins to run around the room with his sippy cup in hand
PM translates for Cullen: When I wake up I get dressed, have little breakfast which is subject to change in my routine. Then we go out the door, first we drop mommy off at work, and then I get to eat cheerios in the car and watch Ms. Rachel Me and daddy get here around 8:30 and are met by my babysitter who has been my babysitter since day 1, and then me and my babysitter have outside time, then storytime, then naptime, and then food. And then daddy comes back
from teaching and because he has office hours I get to meet all of his students and hang out with them.
QC: Cullen, do you have a favorite student?
PM: I think Cullen would say either Koy, Sarah, or PMD [Paige-MeyerDraffen] they talk to him the most. And then after office hours, we go pick up mommy from Cal States Fullerton, get dinner, and then we get home and do his nighttime routine and Cullen calls it a day.
QC: And I know this might be controversial, but while on the topic of favorites, does Cullen have a favorite faculty member here at Whittier College?
PM: By far Dr. Kay Sanders and Professor [Joe] Donnelly, who is a distant second.
QC: Now do you feel you should be receiving college credit for the time you spend here?
PM: He definitely thinks yes, and he wonders why he doesn’t get it.
QC: Now for my final question Cullen, how are you feeling today?
PM: Cullen has been pretty happy, he loves to say I’m so happy, and he will often yell around the halls “Im so happy.”
C: begins to yell with enthusiasm: Happy, go me, go me, go meee, go meee!
QC: Well Cullen it was great getting to meet you and interview you today. Thank you Professor aswell. Thank you both for your time, the QC appreciates it. I hope you borh have a great Halloween!
Friday
Jon ‘O’lantern/Quaker Campus
Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER
Watch out, the coolest kid is coming through.
Courtesy of Douglas Manuel
OPINIONS
The Secret Lives of Non-Athlete Students
Emma Ghoulvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Oh, the wonders of college, the thrill of your state football games, the scholarships you win to continue your sport, and the opportunity to visit other colleges in an attempt to fight over whoever’s team is the best. Notice how all of those experiences are sports-related? Of course they are, because that is what “college life” is all about: athletics vs. academics.
I am far from athletic; heck, I get tired just walking up to Turner Hall. I could never run five miles, jump through numerous hurdles in just a few seconds, or swim 1,500 yards. Instead, I am most likely to be lying in my room, music blaring, with a snack in hand. My life is a cycle of getting up, going to class, eating lunch, going to more classes, doing homework, eating dinner, going to bed, rinse and repeat. But that’s not who I truly am.
College is a busy time, and you’re figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life. It’s also a time for fun and being independent from your parents for once; it’s why we are pu shed to embrace “college life.” Nevertheless, this concept is different depending on who you ask. Still, the idea was that I would party hard, get drunk without anyone knowing, and make connections while also balancing my courses, for which I am paying thousands of dollars. I can’t really do that when most of the parties thrown are between the athletes and their close friends, so what am I meant to do in order to keep myself entertained on a small campus?
When I initially came to Whittier, I went in with a fresh and clean
slate compared to my high school experience. I didn’t know anyone, and with my anxiety, I didn’t know how to make a great first impression. Eventually, I found methods of work, such as the Quaker Campus, where I built said connections that got me out of my dorm for long periods of time. Whether we like it or not, non-athlete students must get out there to find something to motivate themselves; we don’t have the busy schedules of practice, games, and conference meetings. We have to get out of our comfort zones to have any type of fun, resulting in bundles of stress. When I joined the QC, I dedicated so much time and energy to the job because if I didn’t, I would just return to my room with nothing else to do. Why should I be pressured to have a social life to enjoy college? It feels isolating at points due to social pressure.
Sometimes, as I thought about how lonely I felt, I would hear my neighbors gather their friends to party at an athlete’s house. I would see them acting tipsy later that night and feel bad that I wasn’t like them, that I wasn’t confident enough to go to a party because I didn’t talk to the right people. As someone with depression and anxiety, I’ve had instances where my mental health declined because I felt alienated in a college that I begged for days to be accepted into; I would stay up late at night in my bed going, “When am I going to go out and celebrate a victory like everyone else?” The fact that I don’t have my license yet at 19 doesn’t help with the isolation, as my own friends don’t have cars or licenses. Those who do are commuters, too busy, or not close enough to ask to hang out. It has
to be at the right place, person, and time to do things that all students crave: a sense of fun and enjoyment with your friends.
I’m not saying that student-athletes don’t have it rough, because they do. My former roommate had to get up at 5 a.m. nearly every day to practice, even on weekends and during rainy weather, all while I could sleep in my warm bed. I’d wake up and see her eating breakfast, and she was exhausted but still pushed to do what she loved. Athletes don’t have as much freedom and personal time as non-athletes do; they don’t have the chance to stay up until 2 a.m. and wake up at 10:30 a.m. perfectly fine, they have to keep training, and their bodies are worn out by the time someone like me is watching a movie in my bed. Then they have to get up and do it all over again for the rest of
their season.
I can’t speak for every non-athlete student on campus because everyone’s experiences differ. I benefit from being part of an organization that keeps me busy, while others scramble to find something to cling to. However, I can say that while student-athletes have an impressive way of balancing their work, personal, and athletic life, it shouldn’t mean that they are the only ones who struggle. Non-athletic student life can feel amazing, like floating on a cloud, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when that cloud bursts, and you have to avoid the burnout every college student fears the most.
This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus.
Christian Nationalism is Not Pro-Life
A&E EDITOR
Let me be frank. The fight for women’s reproductive rights is not a new issue, as concern came to the political pulpit as early as the 1840s with the rise of male physicians trying to compete with midwives in the female reproductive market. What is new is the rise of the religious opposition to abortion that has been encompassed under the Republican agenda. As a result, our current election cycle not only puts women’s reproductive rights at risk, but also whether our nation stays a democracy or becomes a theocracy.
How abortion and the Republicans’ religious agenda became intertwined sheds light on the power that religion can have on politics. The Republican party began to encompass Christian agenda as early as 1978, after the historic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling. Before that ruling, abortion had been illegal in all states since the 1900s in an effort by physicians, as previously mentioned, to drive midwives out of business.
The fight for reproductive rights did not grow in popularity until the feminist movement of the ‘60s and the rise of infant deaths and deformity caused by the Thalidomide crisis. The decision made
in Roe v. Wade, mixed with the cultural shift of America, ignited fear in Christian leaders. Notably, Fundamentalist Christian Francis Schaeffer saw this “morality crisis” that threatened to take “God’s children.”
Both Schaeffer and Evangelist Billy Graham soon began meeting with presidential candidates, notably the Republican party, to merge religion and politics. According to Schaeffer’s son Frank Shaeffer, this resulted in Evangelical Christians, who had previously shied away from political participation, beginning to see politics as a way to “make our country better.” In contrast, Republicans saw the Christian right vote “as a way to win elections.” From there, the context of today’s debate is as follows:
The matrimony of the Christian right and the Republican party through abortion has morphed into the unholy present-day political machine known as Christian nationalism. Extending from the ideas of pro-life, the ideas of what constitutes a “natural” family and who is a true American have followed suit. Although these ideas sound like lunacy, Project 2025 is a serious map of legislative reform if the Republican party were to win the presidential chair. Trump might deny his affiliation with the doctrine, but with many authors constituting his inner
circle, we can be confident that he will invoke its plan somehow.
The fact can not be denied that those who will be most at risk are the poor, colored, and marginalized of our country. This is to say that the Christianity depicted in the Republican party is not Christianity at all. As faithful Christians, we must help the poor and pray for our enemies, not storm the capital and declare war between “good and evil.”
The Constitution’s Establishment Clause prohibits the govern-
ment from “establishing” a religion. This reasoning is because religion and politics, although influenced by each other, should never rule hand in hand. In terms of the upcoming election and abortion, let us not forget that former President Donald Trump appointed three justices who voted in favor of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Let us not forget that religions should invoke love and protection for all, not just those who fit the “perfect” mold.
Dear Poet,
I think my professor is a vampire, should I be worried?
Sincerely, A Scared Poet
Dear Poet,
You should definitely be worried. This month is not the month to drop your vigilance. The creatures of the night are out and getting ready to terrorize you. But before you start making accusations, there are a few ways to figure out if your professor is the baron of the undead. First, are your classes only at night? It’s common knowledge that vampires cannot be out in the sun, so it would make sense for a vampire professor to hold classes when the sun goes down. If their office hours are at night, that’s a sign, too. What subject do they teach? If it’s history, then they are definitely more suspicious. Vampires are known to live for decades, maybe millennia, so they know a thing or two about history. If they teach medieval history, then you are dealing with a very, very old vampire. How do they feel about garlic? Ask them if they like garlic bread and see how they react. If they grab their cape and cover their face, then they might be a vampire. Even if they don’t react as dramatically, but they say they hate garlic bread, then its hard to be sure. I mean, who doesn’t like garlic bread?
That brings up another question, how does your professor dress? Vampires are known for dressing super fashionable. Dracula had beautifully tailored clothes that were very elegant to those who he surrounded himself with. Does your professor fit this description? Do they look like they came from the Victorian era or Regency era? Or maybe they are more like the modern vampires in skinny jeans and v-necks, and leather jackets (which are a little lame).
Overall, if any of these statements fit your professor, then you definitely have a vampire on your hands. You’re probably thinking, “well, what do I do now?” To answer your question, it depends on how good they are as a professor. If your classmates are slowly missing one by one, then maybe you should start putting a cross around your neck and carrying wooden stakes. But, if everyone is still attending class regularly, then leave the vampire professor alone. They probably love their job and enjoy educating their mortal, helpless students.
Sincerely, A
Poet
Scary Sara Martínez
Around 40% of Whittier’s student body are strudent-athletes.
Courtesy of crayonskills
Courtesy of thegospelcoalition
Religion and politics should never rule hand in hand.
Oct. 24, 2024
Poet’s Sports Schedule:
Women’s Volleyball at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges @ Claremont, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• October 25
Women’s Soccer vs California Lutheran University @ Whittier, Calif.
• 12 p.m.
• October 26
Men’s Water Polo at University of California, San Diego @ La Jolla, Calif.
• 1 p.m.
• October 26
Men’s Soccer at Pomona-Pitzer @ Claremont, Calif.
• 4 p.m.
• October 26
Women’s Volleyball vs Pomon-Pitzer
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 6 p.m.
• October 26
Women’s Volleyball at Occidental College @ Los Angeles, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• October 29
Women’s Volleyball at University of La Verne
@ La Verne, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• October 30
Men’s Water Polo at Chapman University @ Orange, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• October 30
Women’s Soccer vs Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges @ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• October 30
Women’s Volleyball vs California Institute of Technology @ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• November 1
Men’s & Women’s Cross Country at SCIAC Championships Carbon Canyon @ Brea, Calif.
• 9 a.m.
• November 2
Men’s & Women’s Swimming and Diving vs Chapman University
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 10 a.m.
• November 2
Men’s & Women’s Swimming and Diving vs Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 10 a.m.
• November 2
Men’s Water Polo at Caltech
@ Pasadena, Calif.
• 11 a.m.
• November 2
The Three Unsung Healers of the GAC
Jonathan Bermudez FEATURES EDITOR
The Graham Athletic Center (GAC) may seem like another world for Poets who aren’t involved in athletics. Some students may never go there if they are an English or Art major, but those who spend time in the GAC know the three athletic trainers (AT) who look after all the student-athletes: Payton Lindsey, Janett Reyes, and Jocelyn Baldon.
Lindsey has been at the College the longest and is the Head Athletic Trainer. After she finished teaching at California State University Los Angeles, she came to Whittier to take care of student-athletes. “At least Monday through Friday, I get here at 11:30 [a.m.] and then immediately start on treatment with the kids,” she says.
Since she is the Head AT, she also does administrative work. This admin work involves insurance with the athletes or making sure the sport schedules are all the same. “I almost start to think of them as two different jobs even though there is stuff I have to do on the fly all the time,” Lindsey says.
She explains that the work is done at home or whenever she has time. “In my head, the student-athletes being treated are priority over the admin stuff, that is solely my responsibility, so I would say it kinda bleeds into the rest of my life,” she remarks with a laugh as to the amount of work she does.
However, the treatment of student-athletes is not solely in her hands; Reyes and Baldon assist her. Reyes is currently covering Women’s Soccer during the Fall season, but if she has to cover other teams, she will. “Sometimes Water Polo will come in, Softball will come in, and Men’s Basketball,” she says. “They’ll come in during regular times and say like, ‘Hey, I need rehab,’ or ‘I need to have you look at this injury’ or whatnot, and sometimes just [they’ll] come in to say ‘Hi’, which I love as well,” she smiles, thinking about the student-athletes. Baldon is the newest addition to the AT team. She covers Men’s Water Polo and Women’s Volleyball and likes to focus on her teams as much as possible. “We basically organize our schedules so that all our teams will usually come in to see us about an hour before their practice times,” she comments, while she giving a rundown on her day. “I send them all to practice, and then I pretty much sit in here,
or if I can get a chance to actually go out and watch their practice, I will.” She is met with the challenge of not being able to look at both teams at once, so the other trainers will help her out. “Janett and Payton, they’ve been super helpful [...] it’s been a very welcoming environment from this side, kind of the more intimate side, within our clinic specifically, but also even the athletics department,” she says, happily.
The athletic trainers are always willing to help student-athletes and often view them as family. Lindsey recalls her relationship with her athletes, “[...] These are my children, and I tell them that, and they know that.”
She notes that the heads of the Athletic Department scorn the students for treating the trainers as mothers, but Lindsey doesn’t mind. In fact, none of them seem to mind being a supportive figure in a student-athlete’s life. It’s a shared passion among the trainers but that is not the only thing they share.
All three women observed that the choice of athletic trainer as a profession seemed to find them. They each shared their journey to becoming an AT with similar stories.
“I got into athletic training on accident,” Lindsey expresses. “I realized I hated nursing after doing some shadowing, and just chose an athletic training program, because I grew up in sports, and then I realized what athletic trainers were, and then loved it,” she added after.
“I went to school for my bachelor’s in Kinesiology, I originally was going to go the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) route, and then around my junior year of my undergrad, I decided that I want to go athletic training instead, because a component of it had to do with the schooling and then basically the expense as well,” Baldon mentions.
“Honestly, I wasn’t even thinking of doing sports medicine [...] I initially was applying to PT school [...],” Reyes discloses, looking back. She was shadowing her mentor who was in sports medicine, “and I never looked back.”
They all have found the profession of being an AT to be a positive experience, whether it’s making new friendships with student-athletes, or helping them recover and play their respective sports. The athletic trainers are always happy to lend a hand. Reyes concludes without regret, “The athletes make me be better [...] if it wasn’t for them, it would be a different story.”
Volleyball’s Reliable Riley DeGroot
Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR
Whittier College is known for its thriving student-athlete community that holds itself to high competitive standards. Part of the notable Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), Whittier is home to exceptional athletes that deserve to be put in the spotlight for their efforts. This segment will highlight an Athlete of the Month within our Men’s and Women’s sports and recognize a student-athlete who has performed to an extraordinary capacity, which is Riley DeGroot for the month of October.
She is a fourth-year powerhouse from the Women’s Volleyball team and has earned the title of Athlete of the Month in her final year as a Poet.
In just her second year at Whittier College, DeGroot has made a visible impact when it comes to the team’s success. As of now, the team is 5-3 in conference play, placing fourth, just behind Pomona-Pitzer, and 13-6 overall.
Standing at 5-foot-9, with stark blonde hair and manicured nails, DeGroot is hard to ignore on the court. Her position is an outside hitter, also known as a left-side hitter, which describes a player who plays at the front side of the court by hitting and blocking. Their unique position serves as the main attacker and passer, often receiving the most sets, and needs
to be versatile in all aspects of the match. Outside hitters require certain skills like jumping high (action images DeGroot is often captured performing) and adjusting to hit in less-than-ideal situations.
DeGroot’s consistency has cemented her as a backbone to the Women’s 2024 Volleyball squad as a player who has been named in almost every game recap for her impact. At the beginning of the season, she made the all-tournament team for the matches the Poets participated in Massachusetts, and was recently highlighted as an crucial player for their matches against CalTech.
Already, she leads in various offensive and defensive statistics on the team, including offensive points with 181.5, which is the
number of times a player scores a point by successfully attacking the ball. This includes overall kills, which describe spikes, sets, tips, or hit balls into the opponent’s court to score with 163. She also dominates in total attempts (TA), which is the sum of a player’s kills, errors and zero attacks, with 468, making her the highest involved player and incredibly conducive to the success of the team. Defensively, she comes first in TA with 357, and is second in digs, which is how many times a
defensive player successfully passes a ball that is an attack attempt by the opposing team with 186 attempts. She averages about 3.15 digs a set which shows her ability to do whatever her teammates need. DeGroot not only leads among the Purple-and-Gold but among other teams in the SCIAC conference as well. She ranks sixth in kills; in 59 sets she has completed 163 kills, which averages to 2.76 per set. In points, DeGroot ranks ninth in conference with a total of 181.5 points tallied in 59 sets and 3.08 averaged per set. She received the Athlete of the Week award on Oct. 21 for her efforts in a highly charged SCIAC weekend. Her statistics consisted of 26 kills, a .357 hit percentage and 21 digs in the front and back row in a sweep against DePauw University and Chapman University. This is an accolade she has received before, but not yet for this season, though it was previously deserved. A transfer from Mt. San Antonio College, DeGroot’s second year as a Poet has been a display of leadership and attack. DeGroot will look to make another postseason appearance with her teammates and we will wish her and the Volleyball team the best of luck!
Courtesy of WCPOETS
Reyes (Left), Lindsey (Middle), Baldon (Right)
Courtesy of TONY/ACTIONWESTPHOTOGRAPHY
Riley DeGroot is a force on the court.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The QC Staff
Suggests:
Want to know what our News Editor recommends this week? Read on!
Music:
When The Secret of Us dropped this summer, I was reluctant to hop off the “Gracie Abrams is an overrated nepo baby” bandwagon. However, as someone who has never gotten over anything in my life, the validation Abrams angsty lyricism grants me is irresistible.
Restuarant:
Authentically Mexican and rich in natural ingredients, Cena Vegan is by far my favorite restaurant in Uptown Whittier. This fully plant-based establishment provides a slew of soy and wheat based proteins such as barbacoa and carne asada. My favorite item is the selection of three tacos, which you can order with your choice of protein!
Side dish:
Recently, I’ve become the world’s biggest sweet potato fan. Not only are they high in fiber, but they also contain antioxidants. I microwave it 5-7 minutes. Once my tot is cooked, I drizzle on some maple syrup, cinnamon, and tahini, which produces a creamy warm delight.
Books:
Growing up, I loved the chic lifestyle of Cher from Clueless
Then recently I cracked open the novel that inspired the film: Jane Austen’s Emma. The main character, Emma, is just as charming as Cher and thanks to her affinity for matchmaking, each chapter brings more drama than the last.
Jon 'O' lantern FEATURES EDITOR
For many of us, Halloween is more than just a children's holiday. As the weather gets cold, we can't wait to get our hands on some sweet candy and decorate our spaces with carved pumpkins.
It has been a while since I participated in trick-or-treating, and I’m sure it’s been the same for most people, including adolescents and older folks. But fear not—there are still many ways to celebrate Halloween as adults in California. These are some fun activities that have been on my radar. Look out because they will scare your socks off!
Knott’s Spooky and Scary
Farm:
One of my favorite events in California has been Knotts’ Spooky and Scary Farm. Starting in late September and ending in early November, Knott’s Berry Farm hosts Halloween events for adults and kids. During the day, you get to see the Peanuts in a costume parade around the park. Then as the night descends and parents take children home, the real thrill begins. Emerging from the dark, the park becomes ridden with ghouls, clowns, and other creatures of the night.
A late-night perk is that the ride wait times are shortened, making it easier for guests to enjoy the whole park. You can also get a spook from the parks 10 mazes, each offering a
different theme. Another plus is that both Scary and Spooky Farm are much cheaper than Horror Nights.
Universal Horror Nights: Though expensive, with single night admission tickets starting at $77, Horror Nights is iconic in California. Presented by Universal Studios Hollywood, it's fun to see what movies will be coming to Horror Nights. In the past I've gone to experience the Last of Us maze, which brought a part of the desolate pandemic ridden world to the streets of Hollywood. Bars and seasonal food can be found at Horror Nights just like Knott’s, but what makes them stand out is their Intellectual Property mazes. Where else can you walk
through a maze of Letherface’s nasty slaughterhouse or have Chucky insult you?
Haunted Hayride: The haunted hayride has been going on for as long as I can remember, but this year they have upped the ante. Located at Griffith Park, this event has a lot to offer. They have the famous hayride, but now they included mazes, shows, and experiential haunts, like a crystal ball reading. They even have a maze created by American actress and rapper Janelle Monae, who has starred in Oscar-winning Moonlight With the tickets being cheaper than both of the above options, this should be on everyone’s list of
things to do for Halloween. Whittier Museum: This event is for the poets who can’t make it to the aforementioned places, whether because of price or transportation. The Whittier Museum, located in Uptown and just 10 minutes away from campus, hosts Halloween fun for all ages. Spooky attractions, candy giving, and a street fest are just to name a few. Admission to the muesum is free before 4 p.m., after the museum will open its Haunted House. It’s a good way to celebrate Halloween locally and get to see how much the community loves the holiday. The gesture and thought is highly admired.
You're Never Old to Celebrate Halloween Live From the Big Screen its SNL
Ooohlivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR
“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
One of the most iconic introductions in modern television came on a Saturday night on Oct. 25, 1975, when the first episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired. This year, the historic show celebrates its 50th season anniversary, which prompted Director Jason Reitman to chronicle Lorne Michaels’ vision and the chaos that ensued before the first live show aired through a dramatization of the events.
The posters promoting the film put the stakes in perspective, “The writers are inebriated. The set is on fire. The sound system is wrecked. The actors are physically assaulting each other. The crew is in open revolt. They have 90 minutes to figure it all out or the network is pulling the plug.” Saturday Night (2024) follows the chronological order prior to the show’s premiere, counting down by bold yellow numbers between scenes.
The pace is quick and chaotic to reflect that night’s pandemonium, exacerbated by synth music and swelling drums with scene jumps following Lorne Michaels traveling backstage. The casting choices were flawless; all actors played their counterparts impeccably after carefully considering the cast’s mannerisms and off-screen behavior, including including SNL creator Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Dan
Aykroyd (Dylan O'Brien), John Belushi (Matt Wood). Often referred to as “not ready for prime time,” the actors studied the comedians extensively and mirrored them with intonation and pattern of behavior. Smith’s portrayal of Chevy Chase as a showboat with deep insecurities and O’Brien as the flirtatious Aykroyd was portrayed faithfully, and the audience laughed throughout the show.
The humor is slightly dated, as it was during the 70s that the show was aired. Chase is at the forefront of that, and SNL propelleda career in which that offensive style of comedy characterizes him. He is featured as the original voice of “Weekend Update,” the recurring segment still seen in today’s SNL episodes. Nicholas Braun portrayed both Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets (which the cast placed in compromising positions), and Andy Kaufman, whose bit is awk-
wardly lip-syncing “Mighty Mouse” and remains cemented as a comedic genius. The show’s purpose, although never clearly defined, is to be a platform for young comedians experimenting with an abstract type of entertainment with no true form.
At times, the show might have felt like one big inside joke with the llama (a reference to a running joke backstage), Milton Berle’s inclusion in the movie, though he wasn’t actually present during the show, and the sage constantly wafting through the halls.
The show stays mostly faithful though it embellishes certain moments for the purpose of creating a “doomed” atmosphere for the audience. It also didn’t seem chronologically sound, as the minutes counting down seemed to go a lot slower than the events themselves.
Each scene featured a new problem, something else prohibiting the show’s procession, like a light falling
and crashing in front of the actors, a sofa catching on fire, brick strewn across the stage, or the workers refusing to work with Lorne Michaels. The soundtrack builds suspense and creates an appropriate background for each moment.
The show’s antagonist's are expertly represented by Willem Defoe as NBC head of talent David Tabet and Cooper Hoffman as NBC executive Dick Ebersol, breathing down his back. He is constantly pestered, his nervousness visible as he dodges around the question of what the show actually is. He uses words like “revolutionary,” “Andy Warhol,” and “counterculture,” though the show’s purpose is pointedly unclear. The executives constantly remind him his show was meant to fail and was only considered because NBC was in dispute with Johnny Carson (whose vindictive voice is heard on the other side of a phone conversation with Michaels). Throughout the movie, you feel anxious for Michaels, who is looking for his place in comedy.
The theme of old guard versus new guard is constantly displayed, which makes the film an underdog story for outcasts and dreamers. It follows young people who yearn to make a name for themselves in the world of comedy and faithfully honors the original cast for a historic show.
Saturday Night is full of intelligent humor, great acting, and a beautiful set to celebrate a milestone in comedy. I definitely recommend watching it in theaters now!
Courtesy of PumpGuinn
Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Britannica
Knotts Scary Farm gives adults a real scare!
Photo Courtesy of Knotts Berry Farm
SNL slippery history hits theaters.
Photo Courtesy of IMDb
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dia De Los Muertos Con MEChA y Poets
Count Corona STAFF WRITER
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a very well known holiday celebrated in Mexico that is now celebrated throughout the Latin American Community, including the United States. Now more than ever can you visit public altars that celebrate dead loved ones from family members to cherished celebrities.
While the holiday is celebrated annually on Nov. 1-2, ritual observances can run all through the end of the month. Activities include people creating their own altars that are filled with ofrendas, offerings, for the dead with things such as food, records, toys, drinks that they enjoyed while still living.
These altars are often filled with a sweet bread—pan de muerto—which according to Mexican folklore, was once baked with the dust of crushed ancestor bones. Each altar is accompanied by pictures of deceased loved ones and are usually surrounded by bright bouquets of orange marigolds.
Depending on family traditions some households choose to set up their altars as soon as September but during Nov. 1-2, many communities host events that celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. Traditions like this became popular in the U.S. during the Chicano Movement in an attempt to separate the holiday from Halloween.
To this day, such events and celebrations are hosted and shared with members outside of the Latinx community to share the message of
a "celebration of the dead" as well as to educate the broader public of this cultural tradition.
Since Whittier College strives to make people of all communities feel included and supported, celebrations of cultural and religious significance have been observed on campus.
This year, the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), the Associated Students, and the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) are hosting Dia de los Muertos: Cena y Celebracion on Wednesday
Oct. 30 from 5p.m. -8 p.m. at the Upper Quad.
The event is set to have entertainment and activities such as: live bands, dancers, photo booths, and face paintings. The purpose of this celebration is to come together as a community and celebrate the beauty of life both from the living and the dead.
MEChA in the past has been known to host similar events to this. Recent events of theirs included creating care packages for Dia de los Muertos with the help of the
Senate and Program Board.
Celebrations like this fall under their mission to empower the Chicanx/Latinx community. They amplify traditions such as this celebration to provide insightful education on the subject and topics at hand.
While ofrendas are a very important part of this tradition it is not always accessible to manage, especially for college students.
Students who live on campus might find it difficult to create such an elaborate ofrenda in a very lim-
ited space, however this allows for people to get creative. Instead of using real candles (which are banned from most dorm rooms), students have opted out for using electric candles and essential oils and making tiny altars out of shoe boxes. The gesture and thought is highly admired.
For more information on MEChA and the Dia De Los Muertos celebration look to engage and be on the lookout for MEChA’s weekly meetings.
Boo! The QC's Killer Film Recs For You
Eerias Loya COPY EDITOR
It took a while, but we’re finally nearing one of the biggest events in October—Halloween! Whether you celebrate by dressing up, going trick-or-treating, having fun at Halloween parties, or would just rather stay at home, our staff at the QC have some eye opening, sweat-inducing, mind-bending, and blood curdling horror movie recommendations for you to watch!
Chelsea Bartidead (Interim Editor in Chief)
“I loved Jordan Peele’s film Us. It toys with the concept of doppelgängers along with an underlying commentary about class. You might not see your reflection the same after you’re done with the film.”
Jon'O'Latern (Managing Editor)
“I’m a sucker for period piece horror movies so I have to recommend The Black Phone. It plays a lot into the Stranger Danger movement of the '70s and '80s and I think it makes a very haunting plot of the movie. You also don’t know where the movie is going to lead because Ethan Hawke, who plays the grabber, is unpredictable and disturbing.”
Scary Sara Martinez (A&E Editor)
“I have to admit that when it comes to scary movies, my all time favorite is the classic slasher film, Halloween The way the plot slowly progresses juxtaposed with Michael Meyers slow walk always gives me goosebumps. The director, John Carpenter, did an amazing job in creating the perfect killer: stealthy, silent, and mysterious. I’m also a big Jaime Lee Curtis fan and her character's evolution from a wallflower to PTSD babysitter is phenomenal.”
Olivia Nuñez (Sports Editor)
“I recently watched Us for the first time and it spiked my anxiety the whole time. I'm not a big horror person but I do enjoy the anticipation of something jumping out or a crazy ending, and it definitely had a crazy ending. Lupita Nyong'o is insanely talented and Jordan Peele knows how to make my skin crawl."
Eerias Loya (Copy Editor)
“I adore the psychological horror genre, and one of my favorite movies is The Lighthouse. Its grim atmosphere and lack of color make me feel so tense and isolated, and it
has one of my favorite movie endings of all time. Not to mention, it features stellar performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson! I’ve never felt so confused on who to root for, and it left my mind and body completely discombobulated.”
Count Corona (Staff Writer)
“Some of my favorite horror and thriller movies are American Psycho and The Love Witch. Something about their psychological development in both films is intoxicating; love and passion, and an array of narcissism and apathy, that is vastly shared all in one screen while the rest of the world is oddly blinded to this madness. It’s a type of genre that keeps me coming back.”
Allara Baker (Staff Writer)
“I have a lot of favorites, but I think overall I would have to say the original Scream. I remember when I watched it for the first time and I was completely engrossed in the whole mystery of it.
Even when I rewatch it, I still kinda take myself back to when I first discovered the twist. It’s very iconic to me.
I get sort of startled easily with slashers, but this movie doesn’t really scare me as much as some of
the other entries did later on.”
Arysse Grimdulo (Illustrator)
“My favorite horror movie would have to be Parasite. Each scene feels unexpected and there is always something that catches you off guard. I’m not a jumpscare kind of person so this psychological horror movie was perfect for me!”
PumpGuinn (News Editor)
"The only horror movie that I have seen that made me afraid to go to bed was Hereditary. The jump scares were set up in a captivating way that had me hiding me behind my friends. Not going to lie, it give me the heebie-jeebies.
Lucy Camp-HELL (Opinions Editor)
"For my all time favorite horror movie, I would have to say is Silence of the Lambs. It is mostly because of its strong female lead and the well thought-out twists. The plot holds a creepy, eerie feeling throughout the entire film that also sends chills up my spine.
Overall, I think it has always just been a movie that stands out to me in terms of horror.
Most people would not consider it a horror film, or even a scary movie, but there is just something about it that continues to frighten
Poets observe Dia De Los Muertos.
Photo Courtesy of Nick Agro/ La Times
The QC has the creeps for you!
Photo Courtesy of universal studios
Killer Coloring Page
As the months become colder and we are getting closer to Halloween, it is the perfect time for Scorpio season. A fixed water sign, Scorpio is ruled by the planets Mars—the planet of action and energy; and Pluto—the planet of regeneration and rebirth. As we enter the season, this will be a time of going past the surface and looking into the intimate details of ourselves.
Let’s see what this has in store for the signs.
Aries (03/21-04/19)
Money might be on your mind this season. That’s because Scorpio will help highlight your eighth house of money, legacy, and connection, focusing on your financial stability and relationships. Use this time to take action with your personal endeavors and release whatever is holding you back. This will help you nurture your close relationships and those supporting your goals and aspirations.
Taurus (04/20-5/20)
Prepare for potential commitment opportunities in November, perhaps a romantic relationship, professional partnership, or making a new friend. That being said, make sure to take some time to think about what you’re getting into before making a commitment. As the season continues, you may feel the need to focus on your personal life. Conflict may arise among family members, so take this time to connect with your close friends.
Gemini (5/21-06/20)
Take this time to prioritize your work and health. While you may feel low-energy, take it as an opportunity to create healthy habits for November. In the coming month, you may feel the need to change your environment as a means to improve your personal and professional development.
Cancer (6/21-07/22)
This Scorpio season will affect your fifth house of love and joy. You may find yourself tuning into your inner child and focusing on your creative endeavors. Start to create boundaries with your relationships and with work; understanding your priorities will help you feel more confident and empowered in the long run.
Leo (07/23-08-22)
You’ll be tuning into your fourth house of home and family. It will be a time to be focusing on your relationships and connecting with the people closest to you. This would especially be prominent if you are experiencing intensity among family members. Bonding activities with your loved ones could be beneficial. This also calls for a period of self-reflection. Take the time to release unhealthy habits and expect changes in your relationships this November.
Virgo (08/23-09/22)
Expect to have a full calendar this season since this involves your third house of communication. You may find yourself making plans with friends and family, along with a need for more mental stimulation.
Is there a new movie you’ve been putting off watching? Take this as a sign to start.
Libra (09/23-10/22)
This Scorpio season will highlight your second house of income and personal values. Use this time to focus on developing a growth mindset, as this season can either be a positive or negative experience, depending on your perspective. This may also be a time when delusions ensue. During November, you may feel the need for change, such as adopting new habits or changing your daily routine.
Scorpio (10/23-11/21)
As we enter your season, your primary focus will be all about you, with your first house of identity and self. In fact, you may find yourself feeling energized and focusing on your own passion projects and connecting with like-minded people. Like Libra, you may feel the need for something new in the next month, such as new experiences. This will result in leaving some things behind, but it will be beneficial in the end.
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21)
The beginning of Scorpio season will be a period of self-reflection and your well-being as the focus will be on your twelfth house of the subconscious. Is there something that needs to change? If so, it might be time to prioritize yourself. Later down the road, you may encounter problems with your finances. As daunting as it may sound, take that as an opportunity to improve finances, leaving you more confident in preparation for your season
Capricorn (12/22-01/19)
Expect to do a lot of socializing this season as Scorpio will influence your eleventh house of friendships and community. You may find yourself being involved in more collaborative projects and networking opportunities. Later on this season, you may experience stressful situations to a point where you may find some close companions irritating. Try not to get upset at them, especially if they mean well. Towards the end of the season, you may feel the need to have some fun.
Aquarius (1/20-02/18)
This will be a period of ambitions with your tenth house of career and achievements will be on the spotlight this season. Your ambitious side will shine through, so go after them! While it might feel like the end of a chapter this will also be the start of a new one.
Photo Courtesy of easydrawingguides