Volume 23-Issue 3 | September 26, 2024

QUAKER CAMPUS

Scorching Heat Wave Leaves Students Sweltering

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

Over the past few years, residents of California have felt an observable shift in climate, most notably an increase in extreme temperatures. Recently, Southern Californians experienced a record-breaking heatwave that began late August and lasted until early September.

According to California Governors Office of Emergency Services, the recent heatwave broke records all across the state, with a total of 241 maximum temperatures recorded. In response to the heat, cell phone alerts were sent to Los Angeles County residents, including those in Whittier, advising the public on how to stay safe.

One of those alerts included a Heat Warning sent by the County of Los Angeles asking people to “drink plenty of water, wear appropiate clothing, and not leave children or pets in cars.” The heat wave coincided with the begining of the Fall semester at Whittier College, and similar alerts were sent to all students.

Whittier in particular is extremely prone to heat due to its latitude, elevation, and exposure to sunlight. According to FirstStreet, 100 percent of homes in Whittier have a major heat factor, which is used to measure the extremity of “feels like” temperatures in an area.

This year, FirstSteet estimated that Whittier would have 160 days above 80 degrees this year, and 183 days above 8o degrees 30 years from now, a 23-percent increase.

As a response to the heat, the College made a couple of last-minute accommodations for its students. The recent Hiring Fair on Thursday, Sept. 5 was originally planned to be held on the Upper Quad, but was moved to Villalobos Hall to combat the heat. The Lavender Community Dinner suffered the same fate that same day and moved from its planned location, Harris Building A.

The College also sent out flyers titled “Staying Cool On Campus,” which provided locations where students could relax and study that provided air conditioning, such as the SLC and Ettinger Lounge.

Furthermore, Housing and Residential Life hosted the “Beat the Heat, Movie Night Series,” where every night from Wednesday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 8 in the Stauffer and Turner first-floor lounges, the RAs played movies of different genres and provided free food, drinks, and ice cream.

Although the College was accommodating to an extent during the heatwave, the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library was forced to shut down on Sunday, Sep. 8, to preserve the air conditioning.

“Many schools are ill-equipped for such temperatures, causing them to close, dismiss early, or shift to virtual classes during a heat wave.

“Aging school buildings don’t all have air conditioning, especially units that can handle particularly hot days […] And research shows that students learn less and perform worse on tests in hot [weather],” according to EducationWeek

The impact that this heat wave had on campus raises the question of whether or not the College should install air conditioning in all the dorms. At the moment, only the residence halls in upper campus, Turner and Harris, are equipped

with air conditioning because they have been built and renovated more recently.

The dorms on lower campus, including Stauffer, Johnson, and Ball Halls, lack air conditioning, which adversely affects students living there. Over three-fourths of first-year students reside in Stauffer, and lack of air conditioning can make it difficult for new students to focus and comfortably adjust.

According to California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, “temperatures have increased by about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895. Warming has accelerated, and seven of the past eight years have been the warmest on record.”

As the years progress, the weather will continue to change, possibly for the worse. An increase of more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit is expected across Califormia by 2040.

“The heat wave was rough,” remarked first-year Johnna Gaines, who lives in Stauffer. “If I tried to take a nap I’d end up having fever dreams from the heat, no matter how many fans I had running, I had to take so many cold showers. The common room was always full because it’s the only air conditioned room and some people would nap downstairs on the couch.”

California is Burning: Is Whittier Next?

Sara Martínez A&E EDITOR

By the first week of September, the State of California had 10 active fires across the state. Three of those fires—named Airport, Bridge, and Line—burned in Southern California, in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

As of Sept. 22, all three are still active, with the Airport fire having the highest containment percentage of 74. Since each of the fires began almost simultaneously and occurred during a record-breaking heatwave, residents of Whittier and students at Whittier College are questioning

their own susceptibility to the fires. One of the main reasons why Whittier residents might feel the city has a higher chance of fire is due to the Whittier Hills. The hills are part of the greater Puente Hills, a range that spreads northwest of the Santa Ana Mountains and ‘loosely’ connects the Transverse and northern Peninsular Ranges.

The Puente Hills can be divided into three segments, with part of the City of Whittier located next to the Whittier Hills portion. This area includes a large preserved open space for habitat restoration and low-impact recreation such as hiking trails. The area has several risk

factors for wildfires, including large expanses of shrubs, grass, and dry soil, and has many characteristics typical during a drought.

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority—which manages the Whittier Hills—claims to “take fire preparedness very seriously and has taken a multi-pronged approach over the years.” Aspects of this approach include an extensive list of measures, which include but are not limited to: an emergency response map, dead tree removal, a multiagency firefighting partnership, and hiring rangers who are trained wildland firefighters. Further, according to the Whittier Fire

Department headquarters, they also have a plan in place in case a fire were to happen.

Since Whittier College is located less than 10 miles from Worsham Canyon, it is at a higher fire risk than other parts of the city.

According to the College website, under the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act”, the College is required to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

According to page six, the report is published every year by Oct. 1, and the 2023 report is expected to be available shortly. A review of the 2022 report includes a Building Evacuation Procedure for students and others on campus in case of a fire emergency.

The report also provides up-

dates on the Fire Protection System, which includes fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke detectors, pull stations, fire drills, and fire extinguishers throughout campus. Although the report states there have been no unintentional, intentional, or undetermined fires at the College within the past three years, it clarifies that of the five student dorms on campus, four have limited to no sprinkler systems.

Johnson Hall has no sprinkler system, Ball and Staufer Hall only have sprinklers in the basement, and Turner Hall only has a system located on the 1st floor laundry room. However, students should keep in mind that information is from the 2022 report and changes could appear on the 2023 report. available Oct. 1.

The voice of WhiTTier college since

Courtesy Of Whittier Daily NeWs

Local workers struggle to stay cool during LA heat wave.

Courtesy Of Puente Hills Habitat Authority

This map of Whittier highlights the Puente Hills.

Courtesy Of CBS

A home in Laguna hills burns due to intense heat.

Students React To The Presidential Debate

Paola Ruiz STAFF WRITER

On Sept. 10, the United States presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) and former President Donald Trump (Republican), faced off in a debate hosted by CNN. The ASWC Senate and Department of Political Science at Whittier College held a watch party that evening for students and faculty to gather and discuss U.S. politics.

The debate showcased the candidates’ positions on current issues that affect not just Americans, but the citizens of other countries that the U.S. is tied to. For example, Trump focused on immigration, crime, and strengthening America’s economy, while Harris concentrated on civil and social rights, as well as the accomplishments achieved under the Biden administration.

Both of the major political parties in the U.S. cater to different matters and have different specialties, which was showcased throughout the debate. The Republican Party typically favors a small central government, strong national economy, and limited involvement in foreign policy. On the other hand, the Democratic Party is more keen on social welfare programs, like healthcare and tackling global issues like climate change. The questions posed during the debate highlight-

and maintaining a family. She stated that, if elected, she will provide $25,000 to first-time home buyers, give a $6,000 tax cut to families, and give $50,000 as a startup for small businesses. Trump, on the other hand, concentrated on issues concerning the U.S. economy at large. He alleged that he would im-

healthcare. Trump expressed he would not get involved in abortion laws, instead leaving it up to the states to decide whether or not to implement abortion bans.

Harris emphasized her commitment to other personal freedoms, as well. On the topic of gun policy, Harris stated that she will not take

“I think that American politicians[...] can’t give people what they want [in] an economy dominated by billionaires. And I think they have to resort to cheap trade-offs because they can’t offer concrete policies.”

ed female reproductive rights, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, immigration policies and laws, the U.S. economy, foreign policy, and climate change.

During the debate, Harris spoke on issues that affected middle- and working-class citizens, such as the cost of buying a home

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pose major tariffs on countries like China to protect U.S. industries.

One of the topics Harris spoke most passionately about during the debate was abortion. The Vice President—who has been vocal on reproductive rights—spoke against major restrictions on abortions, prenatal healthcare, and female

away guns from citizens, saying, “Tim Walz and I both are gun owners. We’re not taking anybody’s guns away.”

Regarding foreign policy, Harris honed in on domestic innovation, claiming that the U.S. should be “investing in American-based technology so that we win the race

QUAKER CAMPUS STAFF

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on AI [artificial intelligence] and quantum computing.”

During the discussion on Ukraine, Trump said, “I’ll get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended. If I’m president-elect, I’ll get it done before even becoming president […] With that being said, I want to get the war settled. I know Zelenskyy very well and I know [Vladimir] Putin very well. I have a good relationship [with both]” He claimed that the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine, “respect [him],” but “don’t respect Biden,” and said the war “never would have happened” if he was president at its onset, calling into question his friendly relationship with Putin.

Trump also blamed the Biden administration for other events, such as the crime rates in America—which have actually decreased since 2020—and the war in Gaza —which is part of a decades-long regional conflict. He further questioned Kamala Harris’ abilities, stating that she has had three and a half years to make changes as Vice President and has not done so.

The former president alluded to illegal immigration saying, “They allowed criminals. Many, many millions of criminals. They allowed terrorists,” in reference to the Biden administration’s management of the border. He brought the conversation back to immigration several times, notably criminalizing Haitian immigrants in Springfield, proclaiming, “They’re eating the dogs —the people that came in. They’re eating the cats.” NPR checked this statement after the debate, uncovering that these false claims originated from far-right social media and white supremacists.

After the debate, students and professors discussed the strengths of each candidate and areas where they could grow. Students also shared their opinions on U.S. politics in general. Some international students compared their country’s political culture to that of the U.S. One international student commented, “If American voters wanted their candidates to really be concrete about policy, [the candidates] would do that, but most American voters who are [not very] interested in the nuances of policy.” Another student said, “I think that American politicians… can’t give people what they want [in] an economy dominated by billionaires. And I think they have to resort to cheap tradeoffs because they can’t offer concrete policies.”

Students and faculty agreed that Harris answered all the questions asked and called out Trump’s false accusations. They came to the consensus that Harris made an effort throughout the debate to elucidate her desire to protect their rights concerning guns, abortions, healthcare, and other issues. On the contrary, students and faculty felt that Trump hurt his public perception and did not answer the questions. Both candidates frequently got off topic and made negative comments directed at their opponents.

Regardless of their satisfaction with U.S. politics, students and faculty agreed that they knew where they stood and which candidate they intend to vote for in the 2024 presidential election.

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.

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.

Harris and Trump provide opposing views on key issues.

Courtesy of the PhilaDelPhia iNquirer

Community Gives a “Lift” to Local Business

Piper Guinn NEWS EDITOR

Thanks to an outpour of community support and an eager-to-serve staff, Stephen Trujillo is ready for Lift coffee shop “to put Whittier on the map” after falling on hard times.

Located in Uptown Whittier, Lift is a “community project” owned by Trujillo. Its unique design features graffiti on the interior walls— crafted by Los Angeles artist, Man One—and a vintage clothing rack with pieces for sale.

Lift had humble beginnings, and business was “quiet to say the least,” according to Trujillo. The now-owner took over Lift in 2021 and “rebuilt its reputation.” Lift eventually became popular among latte lovers, working students, and friends who just wanted to relax and chat over a cup of matcha, averaging a few hundred customers per day. However, this beloved business in Uptown Whittier faced multiple setbacks this past summer.

To begin, the roof of Lift’s brick-and-mortar restaurant, which is located at 6701 Greenleaf Ave., collapsed. Intent on continuing to serve Whittier, the team quickly set up a food truck on the corner of Greenleaf and Bailey.

Trujillo states, “when [the community] heard about the roof, they showed up” at the truck, and the coffee kept flowing. However, on July 20, the food truck caught on fire, leaving five employees injured.

After the incident, the Los Angeles Times reported that two people

suffered critical injuries, two had moderate injuries, and one only suffered minor injuries. All injured parties were reported to be employees of the Lift food truck. According to a roofer who witnessed the incident, one employee came out of the truck with her clothes on fire, and other employees were dousing her with water to extinguish the flame.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, rushing the injured parties to the hospital. While the source of the fire remains unknown, a propane explosion is the leading suspect.

Matt Geller, head of the Southern California Mobile Food Vendors Association, noted, “It’s a pretty rare event,” for a food truck in L.A. to catch fire, and could not recall such an incident occurring in the last 10 years. Geller added that there are over 2,700 food trucks operating in Los Angeles County, but according to him, the Lift food truck was not a part of his organization.

After the fire, the Whittier community rallied to support Lift. Resident Victoria Arrieta organized a GoFundMe titled, “Support Lift Whittier Food Truck Gas Explosion Survivors.” The fundraiser link is posted on Lift’s Instagram page and—as of Sept. 25—has raised $21,003 of their $25,000 goal.

The description of the GoFundMe states, “Anything donated will be allocated to the injured individuals and their families to help ease the financial burdens of their recovery processes.

“Hopefully, this can give everyone involved the opportunity to better focus on their own physical and mental health after experiencing such a devastating incident.”

Trujillo notes, “I can’t thank everyone who helped out,” and feels “incredibly humbl[ed]” by everything the community has done.

“[We] couldn’t do it without y’all.”

The city’s support has made a huge impact on the team’s ability to bounce back from unfortunate circumstances. The staff’s support for one another has been crucial, as well. Trujillo commended his employee’s camaraderie, saying, “Everyone at the shop is super close. It

hit me pretty hard to see the team like that but they motivated me to keep going.”

The Lift team has been working tirelessly to get their brick-and-mortar restaurant up and running once more. “Right now, we are ready to get back open in the next couple weeks,” says Trujillo, “I’m making sure everything is 100 percent good before we open our doors.”

In an interview with CBS, Trujillo adds, “Nothing can happen until everyone is healed.” As for the food truck, “it was a temporary rental,” and Trujillo has “no plans to do that again anytime soon.”

Whittier students who frequented the business are excited to study at Lift again and wish the business well. “I was super sad to hear about Lift,” fourth-year Nick Coltrin said, “It was truly my favorite place to grab a coffee and study. Lift had the best atmosphere and caring staff, and I truly felt like I was a part of a community when I was there. I really hope to see them come back as soon as possible.”

Students and the Whittier community alike can look forward to the bold aromas of Lift wafting out of its doors on Greenleaf soon, but that’s not all Trujillo has planned. He is also working to open Leonardo’s Pasta Bar, which is coming soon to Uptown Whittier.

The Lift team is also collaborating with music artists Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist on Alfredo’s Ristorante, opening Sept. 28 at LA Historic Park, “And that’s just a sneak peak,” Trujillo remarks.

Courtesy Of Lift

Lift provides a cozy spot to sip, snack, and work.

Chelsea Bartilad / quaker CamPus

Whittier?

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

MEChA Weekly Meeting

• Thursday Sept. 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Ortiz Lounge

Full Body Massage (cupping and hot stones) for 30-60 Minutes

• Thursday Sept. 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Student Health and Wellness Center

Palestine Nights: Food, Art, and Culture

• Thursday Sept. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Villalobos Hall

First Generation Speed Dating

• Thursday Sept. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

• Stauffer Main Lounge

DIY Reusable Utensil Kit Workshop

• Friday Sept. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Harris B 1st Floor

Sigma Tau Delta Monthly Book Club Meeting

• Friday Sept. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Ettinger Lounge

Monsters University Movie Night

• Friday Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.

• Stauffer Main Lounge

Ponyo & Ramen - Ghibli Movie Night Series

• Monday Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m,

• Deihl Hall 004 (basement)

CAAS Event: Exploring Majors Day

• Wednesday Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Upper Quad

Come YOGA with Us

• Wednesday Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

• Lower Quad

Residential Life Study Night

• Wednesday Oct. 2 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Ball hall Basement Chair Massage

• Thursday Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m.

• Naylor Portico (Deihl Hall patio)

Diversity Council Meeting

• Thursday Oct 3 at 6 p.m.

• OSE Conference Room

Turner 3rd Floor Movie Night: Apollo 13

• Friday Oct 4 at 8 p.m.

• Turner Lounge (1st Floor)

Knott's Scary Farm

• Friday Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

• Office of Equity and Inclusion

CAMPUS LIFE

Volleyball Club Makes a Comeback

Chelsea Bartilad INTERIM EDITOR-iN-CHIEF

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Volleyball Club held their first event of the semester on campus—a friendly game of volleyball at the Upper Quad. At 6 p.m., a group of students gathered around the grassy area, some playing in teams of three after setting up their net while others stood by the “court,” watching their peers play and chatting amongst themselves. As more students joined in, the game became more intense, with loud cheers of joy erupting between either team whenever their side scored a point.

Among the group of students playing were the Volleyball Club’s President and Vice President: third-years Kenton Ross and Salaar Ansari. Ross, the President, noticed there was no Men’s Volleyball team available at Whittier. While there used to be a Volleyball Club on campus, it had not been active in recent years due to the previous members graduating. Ross, who also plays volleyball outside of school, decided to bring back the club on campus. “I went to someone else[‘s] volleyball [club] and I enjoyed it,” he explains. “So I was like, ‘I'm going to try to do it in my community.’”

Having played volleyball for four years, Ross is determined to share his passion for the sport with the College community. While Vice President Ansari considers himself a “beginner” of the sport, he shares Ross’ passion for their club, determined to have it open to students of all experience levels. “That's basically what our whole

Volleyball Club is about,” Ansari explains. Leaning forward as he speaks over the chatter of students in the Ettinger Student Lounge, he and Ross are seated at the chairs in the corner of the lounge. Ansari continues, “It ranges from people who are very experienced at volleyball like him [Ross] and beginners like me.”

Despite being in the early stages of their club, the President and Vice President have plans for growth. “I'm trying to get to know everybody and invite them personally because I feel like that's what really gets people out,” Ross expresses. Having started the club towards the end of the previous semester, the volleyball game was the club’s first event. “Honestly, we were super worried about the event,” reveals Ansari. Prior to their first volleyball game, the club was in the process of finalizing their paperwork, leaving them to rely on word of mouth for promotion. “We were like, ‘Oh, no one's going

to show up,’” he says.

But to their surprise, the turnout of the event was better than they anticipated, garnering around 10 students playing in their first game. “It was a pretty decent turnout for something we didn't advertise or promote as much as we could,” Ansari muses approvingly. With their games located at the center of the Upper Quad, students are able to view said games as they are passing by from classes or dinner at the Campus Inn. “We just met them [the players] the same day,” adds Ross. “They were just walking by and they were like, ‘Hey, what are you guys up to?’” he continues, “and that's just how it started.”

Ultimately, their goal is not to gain numbers, but to create community within the Volleyball Club.

“We're just more concerned with people having a good time,” states Ansari. “Yeah, we want to have good games, but [...] it’s definitely more than that.” Making it clear

that he does not want to require people to show up at every event, Ross says, “I don't want it to be like ‘If you're part of this club, you have to commit yourself every week to do this.’” He asserts, “I will commit myself because I'm setting it up. [But] no one else has to.” This sense of community can be attested to the club’s members, including third-year Gia Prado, who describes her experience as “exciting and fulfilling,” remarking “From the beginning, I felt welcomed, even as someone new to the sport. The supporting and non-judgmental environment made it easy to connect with others and build a strong sense of community.”

If you are interested in trying out a new sport and meeting like-minded people, then check out the Volleyball Club! You can participate in their volleyball games every Wednesday at the Upper Quad from 6 p.m. until the sun sets. To stay updated, you can check on Engage!

The BrOthers Are in The WC House

approaches in the coming months.

With all the Societies around campus, there comes a time to decide which one is right for you. For young and cordial men looking to join a society, come meet the Orthogonians!

Established and run by the Founding President, Richard Nixon (the 37th president of the United States) in 1930, where he famously quoted, “Brothers together we’ll travel on and on, worthy of the name of Orthogonian.” Having been established almost 100 years ago, the Orthogonians have made quite the name for themselves. A famous staple of theirs is the O-Pond located by the Northern Lawn, in front of the Wardman Library. Initally built in 1972, it was originally a pond with fish inside until it was renovated in 2019 to what it is today. If you take a look at it now, it serves as a memoriam/honorable memory to past brOthers who are currently alumni, with shrubs growing on top.

Like many of the other societies, the Orthogoians have received years of help from their alumni who strive to keep their communities alive and thriving as New Member Education (NME) season

Fourth-year BrOther Brandon Holt, the sole active member of the Orthogonians, says, “Our alumni have helped us a lot, whether with funding, recruiting, whatever the sake may be, […] they have helped us a lot. It's been rough for us and everyone. But having our alumni come back to help us to fund everything has been beneficial, so the pressure doesn't have to come on just us, they can help us, [and] guide us everywhere.”

On Sept. 14 the Orthogonians hosted their annual Rush celebration, an event that all societies host to help attract interested students to come and participate in activities. For the Orthogonians, “Rush is another type of promotion, but it’s kind of a bigger event, it's longer. For us, we just do activities and just chill and hang out. You get to learn about us, not only from an Orthogonian standpoint but us personally, like who we are and our characteristics,” Holt states. At the start of their Rush they cleaned the O-Pond, returning it to its once clean and pristine condition. As the day progressed the brOthers played football to pass the time.

Compared to the other male societies—such as the Lancers, Franklins, and William Penns— the Orthogonians believe in stay-

ing true to yourself and relying on the principles they preach; being primarily founded on the ideals of "hard work, pride, grit." Considering what makes the Orthogonians different, Holt responds with, “At least for me, what makes us different is the uphold of brotherhood [that] means a lot to us. Our members come in to have a real deep relationship with each other and for them to uphold achievements and them[selves] as a whole to a higher standard for who they are and to become better men, not just in school but also when they graduate, and to uphold our traditions when they get out.”

As Holt’s finishes his final year at Whittier, he ensures that he will hold the title and values in the name of Orthogonian, “What made me stay goes back to what I want to withhold, I truly believe

our qualities and morals that we teach have had an effect on me in a positive way, and I truly see the potential of how this pledging process and whatever may come after, it truly helps you in the real world and with becoming a better person.”

Societies like the Orthogonians help our College thrive. Although they only have one active “brO,” they have no difficulty showing a positive effect on the College’s community. If you would like to learn more about the Orthogonians, you can look on Engage for possible recruitment events during this recruitment period or check them out on their Instagram. We send the brOs the best of luck for future recruitment and congratulate Brandon Holt on his future success after he graduates this 2024-2025 school year.

The O's care about their BrOs.

Priscilla Corona/Quaker Campus

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

Volleyball Club is entering the court.

Courtesy of Salaar Ansari

CAMPUS LIFE

Happy 100 Years to the Metaphonians!

Sara MartÍnez A & E EDITOR

Out of all of the Societies present at Whittier College, only one is unique to our Poet campus, the Metaphonians. Founded in 1924 by Frances Hunnicutt, the Metaphonians, or Mets, first started out as a literary group and eventually transformed into the sacred, cherished sisterhood it is today. With friendship and lifelong support as the leading motto, the Mets have historically helped foster a loving environment at the College.

This year, the Mets will celebrate their 100-year anniversary, and here at the Quaker Campus, we got the inside scoop on the past, present, and bright future for these lovely Misses.

When fourth-year Jacqueline Torres received the news that the Women’s Golf team was cut due to lack of game attendees and safety precautions, her life on campus changed. Struggling to make connections that would grow into wonderful and life-long friendships, Miss Jackie was continuously trying to find her place on campus.

Since Miss Jackie is a commuter, she felt that she didn’t have the advantage that dormers have to make connections on campus. Eventually her luck changed when she pledged last Spring with the Metaphonians, “With the Mets, it

was an instant bond.”

According to Miss Jackie, although they are a small group, the sisters support each other on- and off-campus such as hanging out on weekends. “Our purpose is to make lasting and sincere friendships and to form an organization that will help its members individually, the group as a whole, and the college.”

All new members of the Mets learn about the group's history and mission since it is important to understanding the lifetime commitment of being a Met. They are also able to talk with and connect

to former-Metaphonians such as alumni Miss Alma, who graduated from Whittier in 1979. “We want incoming recruits to know that it is not just a four-year commitment that ends after graduation. Mets are for life; the friendships are forever,” Miss Alma claims cheerfully.

According to her, joining the Mets was the best decision she made while at Whittier: “The girls I have met, the friendships I have established, the support at every milestone of my life. In fact, one of my closest friends, who was my maid of honor, is a fellow Met who

pledged at the same time as me.”

Although Miss Alma has graduated and retired after a successful career, she is still active with the undergraduate Mets and Alumni Mets. With the current Charter active at Whittier, Miss Alma helps to assist the current Met Mistress in planning events, recruiting, and mentoring. Also, she helps direct communication and activities with grads, “Alumni are still active with the group and we also have an alumni association that plans events and sends emails with newsletters.” It is clear through both

Miss Alma’s and Jackie's testimony that the Mets stick true to their mission of friendship and support.

The Mets have weekly meetings on Mondays and invite Poets who are seeking a meaningful connection to join. For their 100year anniversary they're planning a brunch in which most of their alumni will be flying in from out of state to attend and bond. For more information about the Mets you can attend one of their meetings as well as be on the lookout for events on Engage, especially during their next Rush season in the Spring.

Courtesy of Lucy Campbell

The Misses have been at Whittier a century.

Courtesy of the Metaphonians

FEATURES

Michelle Chihara’s Return to Whittier College

Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR

Professor Michelle Chihara walks into the room, textbooks and coffee balanced against each other as she opens the door to Room 213 in Hoover Hall, a building that she now calls home. As she sets her things down, she relaxes into her seat, a half-full bookshelf behind her as a clear indication that she’s still settling in. Her office contains two chairs, a desk, and storage cabinets—though there are books scattered on the floor around her— with a gorgeous view of a vibrant green tree outside. The peeling, creamy white walls and dimly lit room give clear indication this is a humanities building, where Chihara is determined to reintroduce herself as an important part of the Whittier staff.

Her titles currently include Associate Professor of English, as well as the Mellon Mays Program Coordinator. According to the Whittier College website, Chihara teaches Creative Writing, Contemporary American Literature, Media Studies and even Chican/x Studies. She runs her fingers through her thick, wavy hair streaked with white as she dives into the rollercoaster journey to where she is now.

Born and raised in Northern California in the city of Berkeley, Chihara explains the different locations she resided in with a tilt of her head, “I went back East for college. I was on the East Coast for a little while. I sold everything I owned and moved to Rio De Janeiro in Brazil for a year and then I traveled for a few months in South America, in Bolivia, Peru [and] Ecuador.”

To Chihara, her journey was as simple as that, but there is many facets to her movements stemming from opportunity as well as the need for adventure.

Chihara began her educational career at Yale University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English, pursuing a Creative Writing discipline though she yearned to tackle various social and economic issues. “I’ve always been a writer,” she alludes, as she explained how she went back and forth between studying Journalism and Writing. When asked about her journalism experience, she regretfully added, “I did not work for the Yale Daily News, which is the biggest, most established newspaper there.” While an undergraduate student, Chihara learned that members of the newspaper could not have another work study job on campus, which meant most writers and editors did not need financial assistance the way other students did. This indicated that the newspaper was written solely by people who came from money, something Chihara spoke to the administration about, “I was really mad about that. I expressed my very apt political frustration by not working for the Yale Daily News which doesn’t help anybody, which was a really dumb decision.” She recalls this with a contrite laugh, reliving that moment in her career. However, her journalism days were

not over, as they led her to incredible adventures after college.

“When I got out of college I was a reporter for two different weekly newspapers,” Chihara explains, her bracelets jingling as she moved her hands, illustrating the story. One of those weekly newspapers was the New Haven Advocate where Chihara interned, working for a

of the journey. During this time, she was reporting and stringing–freelance journalism often paid by piece–while also partaking in cultural activities that influenced her personal life greatly. “I got really into the Brazilian martial art known as capoeira,” Chihara recalls with a smile painted on her lips. She explains, “It’s like martial arts

six months, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. That’s when I applied to graduate school.” She and her husband moved to Southern California in 2003, where she attended University of California, Irvine, to complete her M.F.A and PhD, reviving her affinity for the discipline.

During this time, the nonprofit magazine Mother Jones offered Chihara a working position that would have likely sidetracked her educational journey. Instead, she chose to pursue her masters, doctorate, and a postdoctoral fellowship, which would be an important decision. Looking back, Chihara adds, “For a long time, I wasn’t sure that I made the right decision.” She explains the difficulty of sticking with her craft, “I was in graduate school over the 2008 to 2010 years when the humanities really started to have trouble in higher education. So, it’s been a challenging path all the way along.” Though recalling the struggles brings that feeling of anxiety, she expressing the beauty of not following the beaten path, “When other things work out it seems like I planned it all, which I did not.”

With a Masters and a PhD, Chihara found a unique opportunity at Whittier College with a two-year postdoctoral fellowship that offered a tenure trackline to become a professor in 2015. She delved into her memory for the year she arrived at Whittier for the first time, “[The

“[The College] was looking for someone, weirdly exactly like me.”

man named Paul Bass, who became her mentor as she climbed through the newspapers’ ranks. Although it is no longer active, the newspaper was a large part of who she is as a writer. She also worked as the editor for a “dot-com” start-up company where she learned technological skills that allowed her to assist Bass in taking the New Haven Advocate digital. “[Paul] Bass is still a friend and colleague. I’m actually still on the board of his journalism nonprofit,” she informs, tucking her hair behind her ears, exposing large silver hoop earrings.

Continuing with her educational journey, Chihara explains that she “dropped everything” to move to South America, an essential part

in dance form. It was created by Brazilian enslaved people on sugar plantations and they were forbidden from practicing martial arts so they disguised what they were doing by playing music at the same time.”

Throughout this time, Chihara agreed with a rueful laugh, “I was very brave. Some might say, a little reckless.”

Returning to the Bay Area, Chihara was faced with various decisions for her future. She met her husband, a high point in the year, while also discovering unsavory parts of her field. “When I got back from South America, I just had a really bad boss. I thought I was done with journalism when I left that job. I was unemployed for

College] was looking for someone, weirdly exactly like me. They wanted someone who could do creative writing, nonfiction writing –because I was a journalist before I went back to grad school–and also with a PhD in English to teach Literature Studies.” As serendipitous as Chihara describes it, it was her multi-faceted approach to writing and grasp of many disciplines that led her to Whittier the first time.

Like many professors, Chihara went on sabbatical, as many professors did, and attempted to regroup before returning for another year. During this time, she worked specifically with the Whittier Scholars Program stating, “I actually re-organized the program

in my last semester as director. Then I went on leave and served a year as the Editor-in-Chief of LA Review of Books and I decided I wanted to work on my own book.”

The book, a continued source of inspiration for Chihara, is still a work in progress, though she has a clear image of what she wants to write. While teaching, she is researching, something her agent keeps in mind as they iron out deadlines. When asked about the subject of her research, her lips turn upward and she clasps her hands together, “A lot of what I’ve done as an academic since grad school is think and write about how we think and understand the economy.” The subject of her book follows a group of economists following the 2008 recession and the cultural shift that resulted. “We had an opportunity in the United States to really change how we think about the economy, and instead we followed this group of behavioral economists. I’m writing a book about why we shouldn’t have done this,” she punctuates with a laugh, clearly showing excitment to talk about the subject.

Chihara brings her own strong political beliefs to her classroom, but says, “I try hard to make space in my classroom for people to disagree with me. I do have a strong political sense of what’s going on in our country. I am committed to some of those ideas but at the end of the day, I’m really passionate about conversation.” Her blog is a clear indication of this, as it is a rather spontaneously written collection that fills the gaps of Chihara’s academic writing. In reference to the writing she does in between, she pulls out a green velvet journal with a pink flower in the middle and opens to random pages all full of her cursive handwriting, “I started blogging because I say that I’m hypographic. I can’t think without writing and I feel like I don’t know what I think about something until I’ve written about it.”

In these journals, Chihara is able to articulate her belief system, one that is greatly defined and not easily shaken. Her determination is pointed at the higher education system, which has its own holes, according to Chihara. “I wish I could make education free for everyone but I’m really proud of Whittier’s goals and aims and the values of the College. We have great social mobility numbers,” she announces proudly, with a clap of her hands. At the core, Chihara’s focus is on providing exceptional education to all students, as she puts the people at the forefront of her mission in Whittier.

“I’ve had a great run with the students at Whittier. The most rewarding part of being a professor here is really connecting with students, helping them, opening their eyes to what’s out there in research and writing. Seeing where they go with it is really wonderful,” she responds with a smile. Professor Chihara is eager to instill her vibrant attitude about the English subject and an excitement she hopes her students feel as they move onto their own adventures.

Whittier welcomes Chihara with open arms

Courtesy of Whittier College

Chihara is back and more ready than ever.

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Chihara

OPINIONS

Does Social Media Impact Current & Future Voters?

Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER

“You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context in which you live and all that came before you.”

Even if one deems oneself as not chronically online, the likelihood of finding some familiarity with this particular quote by Vice President Kamala Harris is high. The trending quote quickly gained attraction and popularity within the last year, soon evolving to become a product of viral internet mash-ups and remixes that have circulated on social media platforms such as TikTok. The quote and Kamala’s use of “BRAT,” a term that stemmed from the popular album of the same name by pop artist Charlie XCX, allowed her to quickly gain the support of young voters and Gen Z in particular.

In 2024, we have seen a relationship between social media and politics develop and increase more than ever before. This relationship has manifested among voters and younger generations and will only continue to do so with time. This new and unexplored method of consuming politics through various forms of media like TikTok could potentially influence our electoral process, whether negatively or positively and eventually, how our government will function and serve our nation.

This year, 41 million members of Gen Z are eligible to vote,

and our presidential candidates are more than aware. The rapid increase of political-based coverage and information recently found on social media makes sense; most of Gen Z participate and dedicate at least a couple of hours a week to social media apps and the internet. When examining both presidential candidates and how they interact with different platforms, it is evident that one candidate simply does it better, adopting an effective method of uncovering online clout and leverage that has reached and influenced an entire digital world.

As demonstrated on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and X, Vice President Kamala Harris has fostered meaningful connections with the Gen Z audience and does so through relatable content such as pop culture references and internet sensations that orchestrate viral trends. Using such references, Harris has made herself seem more of a likable and approachable politician for the young population of Americans. By creating a space where voters feel connected and comfortable in the political process, Harris has compelled many to believe that she is someone who they can follow and amplify her message as a candidate, often through social media content that propels her to reach a much broader audience.

In this light, the online political approach seems an opportunity for current and future voters to get behind. The ability to reach people online vs other mediums is powerful. Anyone can reach millions of

people on apps like TikTok more rapidly than many news outlets could. When politicians push content out, the chances of impacting people are far greater, especially when done correctly. Apart from this, online media and content can also create a well-informed society, speeding up the frequency at which information is publicly shared. If one consumes politics from a news outlet, one can more easily and effortlessly distance oneself from it, making the internet a much more complex source of information from which to get away. Still, social media relies on algorithms to share political news at a specific time. As the internet becomes a prominent part of how our world interacts with differing spheres and structures of our society, we will likely be much more exposed to online information.

However, it is also necessary to mention that the relationship between social media and politics can create challenges for voters, just as it may benefit them. As previously stated: through algorithms, social media can share information rapidly, occasionally forming problems when only one-sided information is consumed. This information and news can also readily deprive the public of the truth and proper knowledge surrounding politics, potentially heavily swaying an election.

Now more than ever, we see the internet as the primary source of news and information for voters. Politics in social media can create one effect in which the public constructs a participatory political culture. People are consuming political information at a rapid pace through these mediums and gain-

ing knowledge through candidate influence and interaction. This will inherently create a society of politically educated and well-informed people to decide who they need and want as president. On the other hand, it can create a system in which people are not well-informed and stick to one side of the political atmosphere due to the poor, one-sided political knowledge shared in the media.

Ultimately, social media has been found to lead to a governance that may not be in the greatest interest of all. Politics in the media is a precautionary tale and can become something hugely beneficial or disadvantageous to us. Therefore, we must be aware of the political rhetoric we consume, as it can provoke decisions and governance that will shape the politics of the United States.

Is Gen Z Kind, Or Just Politically Correct?

Sara MartÍnez CO-NEWS EDITOR

With the 2024 presidential election right around the corner, the Democratic party is on a mission to mobilize young Gen Z voters to take to the polls, finding relative success in their attempt. (If you would like to learn more about the Democratic effort in securing the votes of the newer generation of Americans, please refer to the 2024 QC article, “Harris Gains Momentum With Young Voters.”) Ultimately, the emphasis and focus placed on Gen Z has raised criticism from older generations of Americans, especially on social media platforms such as TikTok. Such criticism posed by older generations of voters predominantly shown to consist of sentiments surrounding the belief that young people are “too woke” and “overly sensitive” about certain hot button political issues and topics.

Currently, Gen Z—those born between 1997-2012—are the youngest generation entering into adulthood, which also means the introduction into environments such as the workplace and political atmosphere. As a result, older generations like Millennials and Gen X have both noted a distinct difference in the way the two handle specific issues and significant topics of discussion. Some of the main differences that have been mentioned, and that have caused

such backlash, have revolved around a disdain for Gen Z’s prioritization of being “woke,” or, in other words, politically correct (PC). Regardless of the beliefs that the younger generations attitude encourages a culture of intolerance for disagreement and dissent, Gen Z remains less than intimidated, retaliating and refusing to conform to the claim that ultimately labels them as overly PC, rather than perhaps simply kind.

To better understand why Gen Z has placed such a stark importance and value on the ways we speak and act towards one another, we must first take a step back by examining the differing and more diverse ways newer generations of people have grown up in comparison to past generations. Although Gen Z may be young, it is apparent that they have witnessed a great deal within their short lives. Growing up in a time where American educational systems have emphasized the value of the civil rights movement , while also being home to gun violence, racism, and police brutality, Gen Z has faced contradictions, complexities, and confusion lives, bearing witness to influential historic events that have inspired national movements within the realm of society and politics, including the tragic deaths of both Trevon Martin and George Floyd. Gen Z has been told that America took “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses,” yet the borders

close in the face of those in need, separating families and causing more bad than any good. Gen Z was told to believe in the American dream, yet was denied any resources that would afford them to have it. The reality lived by Gen Z is a hope for a better America, yet it is also a repeated and outdated system of life. As it has finally come time for Gen Z to rise up and shine, they are prepared and ready to make a change.

Making a difference within a society that has failed to uphold promised truths is not easy, just as it had not been easy for Millennials. During the early 2000’s, universities across America saw a change in academic focus as a result of Civil Rights Movements. Consequently, students and university leaders were attacked and

labeled as “politically correct,” a phrase that Democrats originally used to call out the narrow minded within their own movement. However, conservatives rebranded the phrase and used it to attack the change happening in universities nationwide. Fast forward to 2024, and the phrase is once again branded on Gen Z, who wish to change a system they are not okay with.

So exactly how has Gen Z tried to change the recycled system in order to create an inclusive environment? According to Gen X, Boomers and Millennials, it’s through die-hard pronoun usage, cancel culture, and the incapability to hold a productive discussion. Although Gen Z aims to nurture an inclusive society, older generations wish they would stop and recognize the victories that they

have been able to enjoy. Gay rights, women’s suffrage, and religious freedom are liberties that Gen Z has had the privilege of experiencing. As a result, older generations fear Gen Z is out of touch with reality.

Despite this claim, Gen Z has decided to stick with their “wokeness.” At the office, they will continue to use pronouns to diversify and inclusify a once white male dominated space. Instead of having discussions and arguments they prefer to be sensitive and seek therapy, (sorry Joe Rogan). Finally, Gen Z wants you to know that they are not trying to be kind. Whether older generations agree or disagree, we are becoming a more inclusive and diverse society which Gen Z sees as the change that was promised to them, yet never kept.

Courtesy of Linkedin

OPINIONS

The Mysterious Power of Female Rage

Chelsea Bartilad EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When you look up “female rage” on TikTok, you will most likely find a plethora of video compilations, all displaying various scenes of different female characters within film expressing their anger. In scenes from movies such as Pearl (2022), where the leading actress, Mia Goth, screams the infamous line, “Why are you leaving me if I didn’t do anything wrong; I don’t understand, I thought you liked me!” or Florence Pugh’s character Alice, screaming at her husband Jack (Harry Styles) in Don’t Worry Darling, “It was my life, you don’t get to take that from me!” Overall, there seems to be a commonality between the two; the characters have reached their “breaking points,” and as a response, they express their pent-up frustrations with the circumstances they are subjected to in a brash manner.

While it is generally not socially acceptable for one, especially women, to express anger in such an outward way, it is clear that there seems to be a social fixation behind the phenomenon that is “female rage.” Alicia Alvarez, in her 2023 article titled, “What is Feminine Rage?”

describes the concept as “a compilation of the anger that our ancestors were unable to express that is passed down through generations,” adding that it is “silent, seething, and compounding.”

The depiction of angry women in media is nothing new. We see it as far back in the Homeric epic, The Odyssey, where Clytemnestra kills her husband, or in Euripides’ play Medea, where she kills her two sons. This female archetype is present in other folklore, such as the Deer Woman from Indigenous mythology, who is known to kill abusive men.

In her essay “I’ll Bark If I Want To: On Letting Women Be Angry,” Alice Garnett writes, “Women’s anger is constantly made into our own responsibility as we’re constantly reminded that our emotions risk affecting others–more so than they might affect ourselves.” In a society that places women in subservient roles, it is frowned upon if they express any form of protest or complain, the expectation even more apparent if they are in a position of power. This can be seen in a 2008 study conducted by psychologists Victoria L. Brescoll and Eric Luis Uhlmann, in which they surveyed anger and gender bias in the workplace. According to Bescoll

and Uhlmann, since anger is perceived as a masculine trait, there is an underlying expectation for men to showcase that emotion, placing them in higher positions as a result. Women, on the other hand, tend to be perceived as “less likable” when expressing their anger at the workplace and are either placed in lower statuses or do not rise in rank at all.

In “The Anger Trap for Women Leaders,” cultural anthropologist Tara Schwegler writes, “Women feel pressure to censor their emotions at work, sometimes telling themselves that they ‘shouldn’t’ be angry. The stigma associated with anger is so strong that women leaders are often told not to express anger.” She continues to say that an angry woman does not align with the “American ideal of femininity,” which the International Journal of Sexual Health describes as associated with “sexual passivity, ignorance, and objectification,” so when a woman exhibits the opposite characteristics in any capacity, they can be perceived in a negative way due to the social conditioning we’ve been subjected to.

I’ve noticed that the expression of anger among women—or what can be perceived as anger— is a double-edged sword. Anger is

a natural emotion experienced by anyone regardless of their gender and, when used constructively, can be useful in identifying problems that cause that response in the first place. But as invigorating as it may be to convey one’s anger, there is always the possibility of it being received negatively, even if expressed in a constructive manner. As Garnett puts it, “Women cannot be angry without being either depreciated or vilified.”

While the reactions of people are out of your control, there may be difficulty in trying to dispel the fact that you addressing a simple problem can be seen as you being a “bitch” in someone else’s eyes, or that our frustrations have been diminished to nothing but a result of “that time of the month.”

Although I don’t consider myself to be an angry person, I do find it frustrating that it is not socially acceptable for women to express “negative” emotions without being reprimanded. This is why I think many young women find the “female rage” trend on TikTok to be liberating, from watching the scenes of women raging in film, to screaming the chorus of Florence + the Machine’s “Girl With One Eye.”

In the video essay “The Obsession of Female Rage in Media,” the creator mentions resonating with Maddy Perez from HBO’s Euphoria due to the portrayal of the character’s anger and “access to rage.” She is prone to lash out when upset, a characteristic that considered to be masculine and is frowned upon the upbringing among many women.

That is not to say anger justifies violence or lashing out at people—because it doesn’t— rather, there is something refreshing about seeing a woman on screen unabashedly expressing her anger with such ferocity, especially when she has been conditioned and forcibly taught to behave the opposite way.

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

Dear Poet,

I am a little embarrassed to tell people that our school’s mascot is a Poet. How do I get over this?

Sincerely,

an animal loving Poet

Dear Poet,

I understand that you might be embarrassed by Johnny Poet. Most schools have a cool animal or a person who has a more intense profession than a Poet, like West Virginia University’s Mountaineers, but at least we’re not slugs like Santa Cruz (no hate to UCSC, it’s a great school). But those two mascots only scratch the surface of possibilities. There are billion (just kidding) mascots that do not make sense, so why does it care if ours is a poet.

Our beloved Johnny represents an important part of Whittier college’s history. He is a Poet because John Greeenleaf Whittier, hence the name of the school, was also a poet. He was an advocate of the abolition of slavery. For 30 years he wrote against the slavery that was happening here in America during the 1800s. So, our mascot is definitely an effect of Whittier’s contributions to history, but our mascot has not always been Johnny Poet. The unofficial original mascot of Whittier College was Friday the Squirrel. Friday was originally the pet of Whittier that he kept in a cage (in a friendly manner) and also around his collar.

Whitter took care of him and loved him so much that when Friday passed, Whittier had him stuffed and placed in his desk so he always had him by his side. You can actually see the original Friday at the Library here on campus. He was donated to the campus during the 1980s along with other Whittier memorabilia.

So do not be embarrassed. We all love Johnny. And when you see him at events, he is always happy to take photos. There’s also a student in there so we have to show them love too for downing the outfit.

If my answer and sentiments above do not satisfy you, you can always drop out... (I’m kidding, please don’t do that). Overall, I am sure that you will find a way to get over this major life hurdle you are currently faced with. You should be more worried and focused on how midterms will go anyways.

The social media trend that spotlights moments of female rage has shattered American ideals of femininity.

Courtesy of directhermag co uk

Courtesy of Debra Eckloff

Sept. 26, 2024

Poet’s Sports Schedule:

Women’s Socer at Soka University of America

@ Aliso Viejo, Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• September 27

Women’s Volleyball at California Lutheran University

@ Thousand Oaks, Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• September 27

Men’s Cross Country at Cougar Challenge

@ San Marcos, Calif.

• 9 a.m.

• September 28

Women’s Cross Country at Cougar Challenge

@ San Marcos, Calif.

• 9 a.m.

• September 28

Men’s Water Polo vs University of La Verne & Grossmont

@ Whittier, Calif.

• 11 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

• September 28

Women’s Volleyball vs University of La Verne

@ Whittier, Calif.

• 6 p.m.

• September 28

Women’s Soccer at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges

@ Claremont, Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• September 28

Men’s Soccer vs Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges @ Whittier, Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• September 28

Women’s Volleyball at University of Redlands @ Redlands Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• October 1

Men’s Soccer at California Institute of Technology @ Pasadena, Calif.

• 4 p.m.

• October 2

Women’s Soccer vs California Institute of Technology @ Whittier, Calif.

• 7 p.m.

• October 2

Men’s Water Polo vs Wagner College @ Whittier, Calif.

• 12 p.m.

• October 3

Men’s Water Polo vs Biola University @ Whittier, Calif.

• 5 p.m.

• October 3

Men’s Water Polo vs Concordia University Irvine @ La Verne, Calif.

• 11 a.m.

• October 4

SPORTS

Athlete of the Month: Anthony Dolce Vida!

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 throughout our Men’s and Women’s sports, and recognize a student-athlete we believe has performed to an extraordinary capacity.

As a result, we want to bring first-year soccer phenom Anthony Dolce to your attention for September’s Athlete of the Month!

So far, the 2024 season has been one full of rebirth and new beginnings, namely with the Men’s soccer team as they look to bounce back from last season’s disappointing end. Its large recruiting class propelled the Poets to their first win against Albion College at Memorial Stadium. The game, as recapped in the article, “New Look Poets Kick Off A Hopeful Season,” resulted in the team’s largest victory margin in seven years. While five goals in one game is a feat in itself, scoring two of those goals is a privilege held only by Dolce.

The young defender from Salt Lake City, Utah, made a name for himself over the first half of the game with quick movement and pointed aggression. In a roster full of first-year student-athletes looking to prove themselves, Dolce showed he should be in the starting 11 with his dynamic performance.

Dolce burst onto the scene with arguably the greatest debut a firstyear student could have imagined, with the aforementioned two goals scored out of the defender position. The first was a free kick, hit with the force to bounce off of the left post and past Albion’s keeper. He recalls the moment with veritable pride, “It was an incredible feeling, celebrating with the whole team.” However, that was not enough as the ball found Dolce again, in an unconventional bounce that the Head Official ruled on, to grant Dolce his second goal of the night. While Dolce displayed the ability to score, what is more impressive are his assists that set him apart from his teammates. Assists are granted when a pass leads directly to a goal, and are second only to actually scoring, in importance. These contribute to individual points awarded, of which Dolce has eight, tied only with third-year Rowan Slater.

Coach Harwell raves about Dolce’s character as well as his athletic ability, “He is an awesome human being and a great player. He’s solidified his role as a key player for both our offense and defense. He brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does and he’s got a bright future for this season and his career here.” Despite a burgeoning career, Harwell has large plans for the years to come with Dolce at the team’s helm.

Dolce’s six-foot stature provides a commanding presence on the field, which might be one of the reasons he has settled into a starting position so fluidly. Despite a fresh environment, he is able to adapt quickly and perform in an experienced manner. He credits this to his mindset before a match, “I usually don’t get that nervous. Before games, I’m often more excited than nervous.” With a team-leading four assists in only six games, he has displayed a distinct

understanding of the field, even though he is new to the terrain.

As a defender, Dolce plays a multi-faceted role in preventing and catalyzing the scoring that wins games. He is Coach Harwell’s weapon of choice, as he has played 479 minutes spread across six matches, more than any other player on the team, “His consistency has offered him the chance to represent our program with lots of playing time.”

His calculated aggression is apparent in the accuracy and prevalence of the shots he takes, making contact with the white posts half of the time. It is a feat easier said than done, yet Dolce has found more success than he has failure. With each taste of victory, Dolce envisions a bright future for himself, “In my first year here my biggest ambition is to make the SCIAC playoffs.”

Though it is still early in Dolce’s career, the future of the Men’s soccer team burns brightly with him in it. His first few games as a Poet deserve recognition, as he has already cemented himself as a valuable addition to the field. We wish Dolce and the Men’s soccer team the best of luck and will continue to cheer them on!

Whittier Women Notch Conference Win

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

The Women’s soccer team is off to a hot start this year! The ladies’ season continued with conference play over the weekend of Sept. 21, where they faced the Occidental College Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Supporters were able to watch the sundown shortly before the highly-anticipated game started at 7 p.m.

Since the start of the season, the Women’s Soccer team has played a total of six games, winning three of them, all of which were home games. There are currently two ties on the season, but no loss-blemishes on their record.

Despite the chilly night, the stands were full of students, family and peers of the players, and alumni who came to cheer on a new generation of soccer players. The game lasted roughly over an hour and a half with a half-time break in between. Each half consisted of about a 45-minute run with a 15-minute break within.

Notable players in this match featured second-year, Madeline Traylor, who scored a point during the team’s Sept. 18 game against Pomona-Pitzer, bringing the game to a tie. Traylor was the conference’s New-

comer of the Year last season. Also playing was first-year, Jessica Jeson, who scored on Sept. 16 against La Verne, bringing the Poets a win. Throughout the game, many were impressed with third-year player, Jesse Bonsness, who played a spectacular defense alongside her team and first-year goalkeeper, Mariana Lopez.

During the first half, neither team was able to score a point as both sides were putting up a very good fight, with the crowd and players cheering for their respective College. Within the second half, there were roughly 22 minutes

for the Poets to strike. With the help of a great assist from fourthyear Layla Traylor, fourth-year Juliana Hodgson completed the winning goal, bringing the score to 1-0. Although the game went on after, the score remained 1-0 with a clear victory for the Poets. It was a great team win for the College. After the game ended, the Women’s soccer social media page posted about their win and recognized both L. Traylor and Hodgson for their efforts in the first conference win. Occidental put up a good fight,

creating a back-and-forth match that kept the crowd entertained. The Poets had no victories against the Tigers last season, so the victory issued a fresh start to conference play for the Poets. Overall, the game was a display of great sportsmanship and teamwork, which led to a very satisfying team win.

If you wish to keep supporting the unstoppable Women’s soccer team check out their Instagram page or browse the Whittier Sports page for upcoming games, roster information, recaps of matches, statistics and news.

Courtesy of WCPOETS.COM

First-year phenom Anthony Dolce make his mark early in the season.

“New Look” Poets Kick Off A Hopeful Season

Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR

As a new season begins, no team is the same as the last. Experienced leaders graduate, enthusiastic newcomers arrive with a fresh perspective. Teams are often commanded by returners while first-year students “gain their legs” within the first few games, their impact coming after establishing their role on the team. This has not been the case with the 2024 Men’s soccer team, kicking the season off with an outstanding showing by the impressive first-year class.

The Poets began the year with a pre-season game against Albion College on Aug. 30. Though it was the first match, it proved a pivotal moment for the Poets’ bright future. They are bouncing back from a disheartening season, where they accomplished only one conference win despite a talented roster. They lost a key piece in graduate Lawrence Dydell, but have an experienced leader in third-year Rowan Slater. Coach Harwell recruited for the 2024 season with a rebirth in mind, taking a chance on an extensive recruiting class.

When asked about the off-season recruiting strategies, Coach Harwell stated, “Recruiting was strategically deliberate, detailed, and much more intense this year from our whole staff. We needed to expand our usual recruiting pools and we knew we wanted a larger roster this year.” This led to extensive overseas recruiting, making the Poets uncharacteristically international, “We’ve always enjoyed having a diverse roster with players from all over the world,

this was just a great connection that was immensely fruitful. We utilized film and video calls to recruit and bring our team together this year.” Harwell’s recruiting strategies have given him many options at every position on the pitch.

The first-year class consists of various international newcomers and local products: Jack Honodmarsh, Elver Dorado, Ben Harrison, Cobey Penner, Mikael Naesheim, Anthony Dolce, Bobo Andersson, Alessandro Seccia, Gustav Lind, Bryan Lopez, Arvig Ogren, Waldemar Finsnes, Raif Sablan, Patrick Nolan, Rowan Toomey, Shae Kolmer, Joel Montalvo, Matias Delso, Adrian Iggstedt, Teodor Hamilton, and Owen Nance.

Nance, a forward from Salt Lake City, Utah, expressed their collective goal, “In my first year as a Poet, I hope to help my team to a winning record.”

While it seems an attainable goal, the Southern California In-

tercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) pegged the Poets at the bottom of the pre-season poll based on last year’s records. This provided a sense of motivation for the men coming in. Nance referenced the pre-season poll as a catalyst for their aggression, “I think we could really shock some people who gave us last in the SCIAC and we will prove to them that this year is different.”

The first game displayed the “new look” Poets are not to be taken lightly, giving Coach Harwell hope that his vision will pay off. The explosive 5-0 win against the Britons was a clear indication that this year isn’t like any other. The largest victory margin in seven years was a product of both newcomers and returners as they seamlessly played 90 minutes of offensive soccer. Their success can be attributed to the welcoming environment where first-year players like Anthony Dolce, a defender out of Salt

Lake City, Utah, feels comfortable enough to make mistakes and learn, “Coach Harwell instilled a good team culture, which created a tight bond between all the players.”

As a result, the first game displayed impressive strides by firstyears and a reintroduction of returners. Fourth-year and team captain, Dominic Morello, scored early in the game despite never sinking a goal last year. The momentum shift allowed second-year, Nils Degardin to follow suit, a powerful shot that rushed into the left side of the net in a hurry. Dolce had an outstanding debut, scoring two of the five goals, underscored by a perfect assist to first-year midfielder Bobo Andersson to widen the margin.

The Poets went on to tie University of California, Santa Cruz, 2-2, obliterate Bethesda University of California, 4-1, tie Stanton University in the final moments, 1-1, and win the first SCIAC conference game against the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, 1-0. On Sept. 21, the Poets dropped their first game of the season during a tough match against the Occidental Tigers, a team SCIAC pre-season polls predict will win the conference again.

Dolce and the Poets look to learn from their mistakes and keep their early success in mind, “We have been doing great in the preseason and I’m proud of our results. Every game in SCIAC is going to be tough. We hope to win as many games as possible. That is our goal.”

The first-year Poets have provided Coach Harwell with dynamic options at every position which is why he allows his firstyear players to figure their roles out as they go, “So far this group shows so much character and

energy. They let their personalities shine through which is very rare from such a young group.”

Though they are still figuring it out themselves, Dolce attributes team chemistry as a reason for their success, “From the beginning, all the first-years got along very well. Everyone has really unique personalities and talents that interchange nicely.” He points out the large class has its benefits, “With there being so many first-years, you have a lot of support around you, and a lot of teammates to connect with and seek guidance from, which has been extremely helpful.”

Nance recalls the first game as a point of continued inspiration as the Poets continue to navigate the season, “My first game was more of an excitement rather than nerves, of course I still felt nervous, but once the whistle blew that went away. The older boys on the team have been super helpful for us to feel welcomed and a part of a family like culture here. I couldn’t have wished for any better teammates and people to be around.”

Harwell announces his high hopes from this new group, “We are optimistic and realistic [...] and know that as long as we can keep our mentality strong, we can compete with anyone. We want to continue to grow and compete in every game. We are young, but talented enough to beat anyone in this league.”

The spirited “new-look” Poets will face La Verne on Sept. 25 and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges on Sept. 28 for crucial conference matches. Their team chemistry will be on full display as they near the middle of the season, looking to prove they are a force to be reckoned with.

Meet Whittier’s New Cross-Country Teams

Sara Martinez ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, a surprise meeting was scheduled at the Graham Athletic Center (GAC) with the hopes of restoring Whittier’s Women and Men’s cross country teams. Although Whittier had a long and successful tradition of cross-country running, the sport has seen a decline in numbers since the retirement of Coach Greg Phillips in September 2022. Phillips coached at Whittier for 37 years and led the College’s 1994 and 2010 women’s cross country teams to the National Championships.

News of Phillips’ retirement came right before the 2022 cross-country season, where only a few runners participated. In 2023, there were no women runners on the team, only two male runners: third-year Kiyoshi Todd and thirdyear Cameron Riccio. Both will be returning to run this season. However, that is all about to change, according to Whittier’s Athletic Director, Rock Carter. As Carter walked enthusiastically into

Whittier is looking to rebuild their Men’s & Women’s Cross

the room, he smiled and shook hands with every attendee, saying, “The school needs just five runners to compete in a minimum of five races. Are you interested?” Students smiled as they listened to Carter’s plan to rebuild Whittier’s legacy cross-country teams. According to Carter, Whittier hired Paul White,

who recently coached at Biola University in order to bring this plan to fruition. To much surprise, Coach Paul White will coach alongside his son and member of Whittier’s ‘22 graduating class, Benjamin White.

For those new to Whittier and unfamiliar with White’s legacy, here is a brief recap. Ben White

was named an All-American runner during his last season, placing 20th out of 289 runners from across the nation in the NCAA Division III Championships in 2021. He is also a two-time national qualifier, three-time all-region, and two-time all-SCIAC runner. White currently holds the program’s 8K

record and is excited to join his father in coaching the 2024 team. According to Paul White, having the opportunity to coach Whittier’s cross-country team is an honor, “Back in the day, Whittier had an amazing program that Ben was fortunate to be a part of. Today, it is my job to help rebuild a legacy of runners at Whittier.” White’s plan to rebuild the team started successfully, with five runners–three females, and two males–currently slated to run. Although the season has already begun, White is committed to safe training and wants to avoid any preventable injuries.

On Sept. 16th, the Whittier College sports website also announced the addition of Kathy Graham as Head Coach to both the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Graham brings 23 years of experience to Whittier and soon will be working alongside Coach White to rebuild Whittier’s legacy programs. Director Carter and his new coaches are excited to see what the 2024 season will bring, with the first race taking place on Sept. 21 at the University of California, Riverside Invitational.

First-year students dominate the 2024 soccer roster.

Courtesy of ACTION WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Country teams.

Courtesy of Coach Harwell

The QC Staff

Suggests:

Want to know what our Sports Editor recommends this week? Read on!

Music:

Singer-songwriter Sarah Kinsley, recently released her debut album, Escaper . Her indie pop/rock sound is highlighted by her ethereal vocals in songs that feel more like movies. Thank me when you’re dancing around your room to “Sublime.”

Drink:

MUGS Coffee Roasters is a quality coffee shop located on Whittier Blvd, only 1.5 miles away from campus. Their delicious seasonal drinks include Mexican-inspired concoctions like Iced Pumpkin Horchata Latte, and my personal favorite; the Horchata infused, Iced Matchata Latte. They’re also pet-friendly and have treats for your furry friends!

Book:

My sister is reading Wuthering Heights for her AP class, so naturally, I’m re-reading it along with her. If you like gloomy, morose, intense gothic love stories, there’s nothing like Heathcliff in October. Just wait until it rains, then it’ll really feel apt.

TV Show:

Is it really autumn until you rewatch Gilmore Girls? For those who have never seen it, there’s nothing more fall than curling up in a warm throw with a seasonal-scented candle burning, watching Lorelai and Rory navigate through life. The "la la la’s" will never get old!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Beetlejuice is Back to Haunt You

Darreionna Roche STAFF WRITER

This article contains spoliers.

Tim Burton’s anticpated sequel of his cult classic, Beetlejuice (1988), released on Sept. 4th. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice follows the plot to the original film, as audience members are reacquainted with Lydia (Winona Ryder), as she becomes haunted once more by Beetlejuice (Micheal Keaton). Loyal Tim Burton fans are pleased to know that original cast members reprise their iconic roles such as Keaton as the crass Beetlejuice, and Catherine O’Hara as Lydia’s eccentric stepmother, Delia.

Almost 36 years later, the story begins with an adult Lydia, who has gained wealth and fame from a show about ghost-chasing, based on her abilities to see the dead. The sequel stresses Lydia’s mental trauma of being haunted by Beetlejuice through her frequent flashbacks and nightmares. After Lydia is overwhelmed to travel back to Winter River due to a sudden family tragedy, she decides to bring her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) along for the funeral.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice could be a bit confusing for audience members who had not seen the first film due to minor references to the original plot, especially during the beginning of the film. Some audience members found the model home in the basement confusing, especially

since it was established as the portal to the Afterlife in the first film. Despite minor details such as these, critics were amazed by the film's unique style choice. Throughout the film, scenes jump from claymation to black and white documentary while simultaneously moving between the Afterlife and the Living.

The movie also brought back Beetlejuice’s crude and outdated comedy, which some younger audience members felt was unnecessary. One example was when Beetlejuice says of Delores “she was a soul-sucker if you know what I mean.” Although there has been a recent trend of sequels coming decades after the original film, audience members expected the original content, including the comedy, to be in line with

present day values.

Despite this criticism Beetlejuice Beetlejuice received from fans, the film did appeal to younger audiences with the inclusion of acting sensation Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia’s teen daughter Astrid. Ortega borrowed characteristics of her other famous role as Wednesday in the Netflix series Wednesday, such as the iconic mono-tone in playing Astrid. Costume choice also spoke to younger viewers, especially through the character of Delia. She is found wearing different dynamics of shapes and bold colors of vibrant styles, which is trending with Gen Z as a mode of self-expression.

The acting in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has also been praised by both critics and cast members alike. One

notable performance was Monica Bellucci as Delores, Beetlejuice's ex-wife. According to an interview with CBR, Bellucci’s performance as Delores stood out as a unique and much needed addition to the sequel, “To me, Delores is a metaphor of life, because we all have emotional scars, and she’s full of scars, but she’s strong. She’s coming back.” Although some of the comedic aspects in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice have been criticized as outdated, the film's overall message has resonated well with all audiences. The film motivates viewers to live life, no matter the scale of hardships you go through, as all of the characters are searching for connection, whether in real life or in after death.

English Teacher : A New Nuanced Comedy

Societal norms change with each generation, but some controversial topics stay in the "norm." Although our present day society tries to defy traditional ideas on diversity and inclusion, we sometimes find ourselves confirming to these beliefs.

Problematic subjects and adverse societal norms are what the show English Teacher, a comedy show that recently debuted on Hulu touches on. The show specifically covers the challenges of teaching high school while humorously tackling the societal and political topics through its comical episodes.

The story follows Evan Marquez (Brian Jordan Alvarez), a gay English high school teacher balancing the current issues of homophobia and gender stereotypes as he advocates for himself, his students, and his co-workers.

Creator Brian Jordan Alvarez and Executive Producer and Writer Stephanie Koening both envisioned a way to approach contemporary themes as both struggled to make it into Hollywood. Koening said in an interview with laughing place, “When you're auditioning for things and not getting them, you feel like you have no control. This was a way to say, ‘Hold on, we can do this ourselves and get it out to people without anyone blocking us.’"

After being picked up by FX in 2022, the show began filming in areas within Austin, Texas

with the production exceeding all expectations.

Aspects of the show that have resignated well with audiences are both the cast acting and the costumes, which are very compatible with one another. One episode in particular features the school hosting the annual and infamous Powderpuff game but under the animosity that athletic men in cheerleading outfits is defaming. In response, a drag queen was brought to influence the men to feel comfortable in their femininity. The actors perfectly portrayed the feeling of young men trying to be confident in their masculinity while wearing wigs, heels, and dresses.

Currently there are multiple shows that have tried to tackle the same issues in English Teacher however they are considered “controversial.” Perhaps English Teacher is able to dodge these critics due to their unique style of comedy portrayed throuht the show.

Heavy topics such as gender roles are counterbalanced with the warm familiarity that the characters have with each other. The deep bonds between characters creates a space to tell humorous and innocent meaning jokes that bring laughs to a vast audience.

Although each episode has a different message and story, the basis of the show seems to revolve around

the free spirit of young and impressionable highschool students surrounded by influential teachers. As the students try to navigate social issues while entering adulthood,there in the middle stands Evan Marquez, a lonesome English teacher, who is trying to do the same.

So far, the show has gained a 4.2 star rating on Rotten Tomatoes with their top episode being “Powderpuff”, which has garnered a rating of 8.2 according to IMBD. Fans of the show say that it is a refreshing sight to see.

Overall English Teacher seems to be doing well for itself and its viewers and we cannot wait to see where the show goes for its season finale.

Courtesy of MUGS Coffee Roast-

Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR

Courtesy of Audible.com

Courtesy of Sarah Kinsley

Courtesy of Warner Brothers

Priscilla Corona STAFF WRITER

Brian Jordan Alvarez is FX's new English teacher.

Courtesy of fX

Photo Courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures

Don't say his name three times.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Quaker Campus Gets Ready for Fall

Elias Loya COPY EDITOR

Whittier College started the semester amidst a blistering heat wave. With temperatures reaching as high as 110 Fahrenheit, this past month has been insufferable in terms of heat. However, the transition to fall has begun, and our staff at the Quaker Campus have some fun and cozy activities to help get you into the fall spirit!

Chelsea Bartilad (Interim Editor-in-Chief)

“I find consuming fall-related media puts me in an autumnal mood. Once September hits, I have my fall playlist ready. I go on Pinterest to make my autumn mood board, and watch back-to-school vlogs. Incorporating autumnal colors like red and brown into my wardrobe also puts me in a fall mood!”

Jonathan Bermudez (Managing Editor)

“Nothing puts me in the mood for fall more than the cold weather. I love when it gets cold and I can start wearing layers. But recently, I’ve been on the hunt for Halloween Snoopy merch at Ross and Marshalls with my girlfriend, which gets me excited for Halloween and fall.”

Piper Guinn (News Editor)

“One of my favorite activities to get me in the fall spirit is heading to the kitchen and whipping up a warm meal! I love getting creative and mixing seasonal vegetables—

like squash and potatoes—with plenty of spices for soups and grain bowls. Putting on a jazz playlist and wearing a pair of cozy sweatpants while I’m cooking helps me stay warm and motivated after a long, chilly day!”

Sara Martinez (A & E)

“One of my favorite hobbies that helps me transition from a summer feeling to a fall vibe is cooking. I love to cook, especially seasonal

dishes, because they bring me a sense of nostalgia and comfort. When it comes to fall, I love dishes that are hearty like soups and casseroles. Recipes that I pull out this time of year include butternut squash soup and quesadillas de flor de calabaza. Fall is also pumpkin season, so I always make my own pumpkin puree (my favorite recipe is from Chef Alton Brown). Pumpkin puree is so versatile since I can use it in a range of dishes,

from sweet to savory and even in drinks and baking.”

Emma Galvan (Campus Life Editor)

“One of my favorite things to do during this fall season is re-read my favorite book series: The Gold Seer Trilogy by Rae Carson. It’s been a tradition since eighth grade, when I finished the third book for the first time. I don’t know why; I guess the cold weather makes me want to curl up and happily read about a "found family" during the Gold Rush for the sixth year in a row. After reading it, I can ramble to my friends about anything new I discovered, and it helps me relax from the chaos of midterms and projects.”

Olivia Nuñez (Sports Editor)

“Autumn is a mentality, one I'd like to live in year-round, but certain things help create that mood, like wearing thick sweaters and drinking pumpkin spice chai. At the beginning of the season, I always go to Trader Joe's to check out the autumn treats they bring out, like pumpkin greek yogurt, pumpkin waffles, and honey crisp apple granola. I just turn on the first season of Gilmore Girls, wrap myself up in a blanket, and I'm immediately in the autumn mindset.”

Elias Loya (Copy Editor)

“I love cold weather, and fall heavily influences my mood and what I do for the season. It allows me to bundle up in my favorite clothes, motivates me to consume loads

of warm pumpkin-flavored food and provides me with the golden opportunity to rewatch Peanuts and Over the Garden Wall. On top of that, I get to cuddle up with my girlfriend and listen to Lamp and Tyler, the Creator, all day.”

Paola Ruiz (Staff Writer)

“The activity that gets me into the fall spirit is baking. I am able to bake all sorts of pastries that contain nutmeg and pumpkin, the usual smell off and spices. I usually make pumpkin pies, apple pies, or other sweets too. It not only makes my home smell so good, but it also tastes good.”

Nadia Miller (Graphic Designer)

“I really enjoy crocheting during fall. Most of the projects I get to do are comfy sweaters or hats. I also crochet bits of my Halloween costume!”

Arysse Grindulo (Graphic Designer)

“One thing that puts me in the fall spirit is going to pumpkin patches. Being surrounded by the bright orange color really puts me in the fall mood. Oh, and don’t forget the cooler weather, hay rides, and good food!”

Nemi (Cartoonist)

“My favorite fall activity is asking Spirit Halloween employees where the bathroom is so I get the chance to experience an abandoned Sears Saw Room in real life.”

Do Not Sleep On Priscilla's Big Dreams

On Oct. 10, the Whittier College Department of Theatre, Film, and Communication Arts will be opening their first play of the school year titled Priscilla Dreams the Answer. Written by Walt McGough, Priscilla Dreams the Answers centers around, “Priscilla (Cielo Valenzuela-Lara), a lonely woman who works at a hobby shop ran by Harry (Valerie Gonzalez), is so empathetic that she cries nightly while watching game shows. But her evening routine gets weird when she starts receiving 3 a.m. phone calls—from aliens (Johnna Gaines).

When she finally picks up, the aliens ask her a big favor: to save the world. In this fantastical play examining loss, love, and the search for answers, Priscilla looks to the only expert she knows, her favorite game show contestant Simon (Nico Miranda), to save both worlds before it’s too late.”

The College’s adaption of the play is directed by Professor Katie Liddicoat, who started her directing career at the College with The Glass Menagerie in 2013. She found the play while studying for her graduate program at the University of Virginia, the same school the playwright

attended and wrote the play at. According to Liddicoat, “I read this particular script around the time I was directing She Kills Monsters, and have had it in mind ever since. Priscilla appealed to me because it is a sweet, short show with a small cast.” Liddicoat will also be serving as the sound director for Priscilla Dreams the Answer and is utilizing it to her benefit to cleverly communicate the “absence of traditional scene.”

As the stage team dives deeper into production, fourth-year Stage Manager Isa Perez-Flores has also helped the cast with perfecting their

performances before opening night. Alongside her Assistant Stage Managers, Perez-Flores’ job includes "managing the lights, the sounds, and the things that fly out at me while I’m up in the tech booth and I have the script in front of me. I’m calling the show to make sure all of the cues happen simultaneously at the same time.” They are also present in the beginning of production and attend production meetings, taking notes on communicating between all of the other production crew (designers, actors, and tech crew.) Priscilla Dreams the Answer

would be her third Stage Managing job, adding to their three shows as Assistant Stage Manager. Perez-Flores agreed to be part of production because “Katie [Liddicoat] was directing and I wanted to work on another show with Katie, I really like the way she directs and organizes her rehearsal schedule, I read the synopsis of the play and it sounded really interesting, I genuinely wanted to help tell this story.”

Even though this will be their last show as a Stage Manager, she will be involved in future productions this year. Though currently in production, their favorite moment has been the blocking—the planned coordination of steps between the actors—that the actors have been doing and finds it very amusing.

Speaking of the actors, the small cast has been working hard with the help of Liddicoat and Perez-Flores. What was originally intended to be a 3 women-2 men cast has now become an all female production, this includes first-years Johnna Gaines and Valerie Gonzalez. Gonzalez is slated to play as Narrator #2 and the character of Harry, a lunatic-type owner of a hobby shop; while Gaines will be playing as Narrator #4 and Zop, one of the two aliens that Priscilla meets that is fascinated with the concept of

movies. “I feel like my character is a lot of fun to play because she’s very ‘out-there’ she’s loud, it’s her first time on Earth,” Gaines jokes, “I don’t want to give away a ton but it’s fun to step into that character.” Though on the contrary, Gonzalez finds it more tough to step into because “it doesn’t feel like he’s not there, but I don’t mind playing a guy. He’s crazy but it’s fine, he’s free and I’m free.” Both look forward to seeing how the audience will enjoy Priscilla Dreams the Answer as much as they have and feel supported and encouraged by their fellow cast members, especially when going to Denny’s after rehearsal.

Priscilla Dreams the Answer will debute on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., and will have shows Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. while the Oct. 13 show will only be at 2 p.m in the Shannon Center.

Students will be able to enter for free using their student IDs on opening night. However, tickets will be selling for $15 for general admission, $10 for faculty and alumni, and five dollars for students for the remaining shows. So make sure to clear your schedules and come support the Whittier Theater Departments anticipated production when it comes to the stage next month.

Get Ready for Fall with the QC!

Photo Courtesy of Nightszookeeper.com

Pricillas dream cast is ready for action. Courtesy of Katie Liddicoat

Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR