We write Stevens history
Stevens unveils plans for thirteen-story mixed-use tower to replace Davis Hall
BY BEN KNOBLOCH, NEWS EDITOR
Newly unveiled plans have drawn back the curtain on the design of the 13-story multipurpose building slated to replace Davis Hall in the next few years. The renderings, which were prepared for a Stevens presentation for the Hoboken Planning Board last Tuesday, show a modern structure towering over the academic green and surrounding buildings. It has been known for months that the aging Davis Hall — a first-year dormitory completed in the 1960s — has
been slated for replacement by a large, mixed-use center in the style of the University Center Complex (UCC). The plans presented at the Planning Board’s Subdivision and Site Plan meeting detail how the new space will be allocated among offices, residences, classrooms, and laboratories.
The Stute spoke with Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations Robert Maffia to learn more about the project. Designed by the New York architectural firm Davis Brody Bond, the new building will add 238,000 square feet of space in a prime campus
NATIONAL NEWS
Department of Education (DOE) will face scrutiny in Trump’s
second term
BY CHARLES BEALL, OPINION COLUMNIST
The fate of the US Department of Education (ED), first formed in 1979 and receiving on-and-off criticism in presidential campaigns since then, is now perhaps at its most uncertain stage after the re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency. The president-elect has made clear his disdain for this department, vowing on the campaign trail to have it dissolved, a promise key supporters such as Elon Musk have cheered. In all, Trump’s second term visa-vis education may end up having the most significant impact on college students or alumni who are still paying off student loans. Despite Trump’s criticisms, this department — which oversees the Federal Student Aid office providing federal student loans to college attendees,
NEWS (2-3)
Thirteen-story mixed-use tower to replace Davis Hall
See the newly released renderings of the building and learn about the next stages.
FEATURE (4) Happy Thanksgiving! Learn about the history of Thanksgiving, how to host a Friendsgiving, and why wild turkeys are disappearing!
Election result triggers stock market frenzy
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
Donald Trump won election to a second term as president earlier this month, sparking a diverse range of reactions among voters across the country. One of the most immediate impacts of his election has been the sudden surge in the stock market. Businesses led by Trump supporters have already experienced a significant increase in stock values. Additionally, Trump’s recent appointments of government officials have bolstered expectations of support for his policy initiatives, further fueling market optimism. Historically, the stock market often reacts strongly after elections as investors anticipate how new policies will affect businesses and the economy. This spike, however, is one of the largest ever recorded. The frenzy in the markets is being closely analyzed as businesses and investors brace for the broader implications of Trump’s leadership.
SPORTS (5) Field Hocky wins MAC and wrestling seaons starts Read about what’s going on in the world of the Stevens Ducks.
PULSE (10) Read answers from the Stevens community to our weekly Roving Reporter, plus solve our weekly puzzle and sudoku.
location directly between the UCC and academic buildings like the Babbio Center and the Morton-Peirce-Kidde Complex. Stevens emphasized the building’s environmental features to the Planning Board, highlighting a “green roof deck space” along Wittpenn Walk and vegetation designed to manage stormwater runoff.
The building will include 457 beds of on-campus student housing or a net increase of 245 beds. Alleviating the on-campus housing shortage has been a priority of recent Stevens campus infrastructure upgrades, according to Maffia. “Davis Hall hits full
capacity each year and we are always seeking ways to use our campus footprint more efficiently to provide our community with the academic and student life resources needed to thrive.”
But, unlike the 1,000-bed UCC, the Davis Hall replacement will also consist of significant new classroom and laboratory space, which have also been in short supply as the student population has boomed. A lower level and the first three levels of the building will be dedicated to labs, classrooms, and offices.
SEE DAVIS PAGE 2
Candidates face off in SGA Presidential debate ahead of voting deadline
BY ISABELLA ZIV, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Last Thursday, the four nominees for the 2025-2026 Student Government Association (SGA) Presidential Election took to the stage in a highly anticipated debate. The 90 minute debate, held in the UCC TechFlex and broadcast by SITTV, was moderated by current SGA President Nicholas Smith and current Vice President of Operations (VPO) Olof Persson. The election period began on November 17 and will conclude on November 23, with the newly elected president, vice president of operations, and their cabinet to be inaugurated on January 17. The election has been intense, and with three strong pairs still in the race, the outcome is expected to be close. Here is a summary of the debate and where the candidates stand. Meet the Candidates Alexander Stanczak, running with Shane Mitchell, describes his campaign as “active, fresh, and transparent.” Stanczak has served on two previous cabinets as Vice President of Student Interests (VPSI) and Vice President of Operations (VPO). His platform emphasizes encouraging student involvement through improved student-faculty interactions, both academic and social, strengthening student life, and enhancing student representation in decision-making process-
es. Stanczak is committed to building on the progress made by previous cabinets and continuing ongoing SGA work.
Kevin Pfundstein, running with Tanya Avadia, describes his campaign as “Pfun, unifying, and supportive.” Pfundstein brings two years of experience as Vice President of Finance (VPF) on two different cabinets. He is proud of his contributions, including increasing club funding by raising the student activity fee and working with the budget committee to bring back GBM food. His platform focuses on understanding what works for students and building on past successes. Pfundstein aims to continue the “pfun” by driving clear, intentional changes to improve the student experience, offering support for student leaders, and making their roles easier.
Angelo Naro, running with Mollie Good, describes their campaign as “student-focused, experienced, and passionate.” Naro brings valuable experience from their time in the SGA, having served on the campus wellness committee and hosted the “Out in FSL” event for LGBTQ+ in Greek Life during their first year. As the campus wellness chair in their second year, they expanded the event with more budget and greater attendance. Naro has also contributed to the Feed the Flock
SEE DEBATE PAGE 2
Hoboken votes to keep protections against raising rent
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
On November 5, 2024, Hoboken residents headed to the polls not only to vote for the next president and other local officials but also to decide the fate of a proposed amendment to the city’s rent control code. The referendum asked whether landlords should be allowed to increase rent to market rates after a tenant vacates a property, subject to a one-time payment to the Hoboken Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The outcome of the vote was a clear rejection of the amendment, with a large majority of voters
choosing to maintain the current limits on rent increases.
The proposed amendment, if approved, would have removed the restrictions that currently limit rent increases after a tenant vacates a rent-controlled unit. Under the existing rules, landlords can raise the rent by either 5% or the rate of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. If a tenant had occupied the unit for three years or more, rent increases could not exceed 25% and could only occur once every three years. However, the new amendment would have allowed landlords to increase the rent to market value, with
no cap on the amount, as long as they paid a $2,500 fee to the city’s affordable housing fund per unit — the amendment aimed to provide landlords more flexibility while contributing to the city’s affordable housing efforts.
The issue arose after Hoboken City Council voted down a proposal that would have directly modified rent-controlled property pricing. As a result, the decision fell to the citizens through a voting referendum. The referendum asked Hoboken residents to vote “yes” or “no” on the proposed changes. A vote in favor of the amendment would have effectively reduced the restrictions on
rent increases for newly vacated units. Conversely, a “no” vote would maintain the current rent control policies, which have long been a staple of the city’s housing regulations. The referendum was part of a broader conversation about affordable housing in Hoboken. In this city, rising rents have sparked debates over the balance between tenant protections and landlords’ ability to operate their properties effectively. Supporters of the amendment argued that allowing landlords to raise rents to market value could incentivize property maintenance and
SEE RENT PAGE 3
2024 Ansary winners and their next entrepreneurial steps
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
The Ansary Entrepreneurship Competition has long served as a springboard for innovation, helping Senior Design students turn ambitious projects into thriving ventures. Among the standout winners from the 2024 competition, none have captured the entrepreneurial spirit better than the first-place team, Knee-sy Does It. With their breakthrough knee therapy device, this team of biomedical engi-
neers has proven that even undergraduate projects can transform lives. But what have the winners been up to since their triumph?
Brandon Sems and Margaret Gibson, two Kneesy Does It team members, have gone all in on entrepreneurship. Their $10,000 Ansary prize and $15,000 Venture Prize from the DEBUT Challenge fueled their transition from student engineers to business founders, funding research and development to refine their prototype into a market-ready device. Their knee therapy device,
which automates stretches for patients recovering from knee injuries and surgeries, personalizes treatment plans and tracks progress using integrated sensors and a mobile app, providing critical insights for patients and healthcare providers.
According to Gibson, “Our work is just beginning. We’re committed to making knee rehabilitation more accessible and effective for millions of patients.”
The duo has begun preliminary talks with manufacturers and initiated FDA
approval processes, aiming to secure Class I medical device certification. Additionally, they are planning clinical trials to validate the product’s effectiveness and safety. Their ultimate vision is to lease the device to clinics and homes, making high-quality physical therapy affordable and convenient.
While Sems and Gibson have taken an entrepreneurial route, their teammates, Jalen Bailey and Grace Fukazawa, have opted for complementary
SEE ANSARY PAGE 3
COURTESY OF DAVIS BRODY BOND
Masthead
Volume CXXI No. 12
Executive Board
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.....................................ISABELLA ZIV ‘25
BUSINESS MANAGER...........................TANYA AVADIA ‘26
MANAGING EDITOR..............JEREMIAH CHINWENDU ‘25
LAYOUT EDITOR...............................JIYA JAISINGHANI ‘27
OUTREACH CHAIR.........................................AVA WANG ‘25
DIGITAL MANAGER..................................ABBY JACOBS ‘27
SECRETARY.........................................NICOLE GIARDINO ‘25
HEAD COPY EDITOR....................EVAN PAPAGEORGE ‘26
Editorial Board
NEWS EDITOR........................................BEN KNOBLOCH ‘25
SCIENCE EDITOR.................................RIYANA PHADKE ‘27
OPINION EDITOR...................................TASHA KHOSLA ‘25
SPORTS EDITOR...............................RUTHIE MULLISKY ‘26
FEATURES EDITOR..................................TIANNA SPITZ ‘27
PULSE EDITOR.......................................MIA PETROLINO ‘25
Operations Board
HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER RAFAEL LEE LI ‘25
Layout Team
ASSIS. LAYOUT EDITOR...........................SHREYA ROY ‘27
ASSIS. LAYOUT EDITOR...............EILIYAH SAROWAR ‘28
DELIVERY BOY.........................................JONATHAN LAI ‘28
Staff & Contributors
Charles Beall
Josephine Choong
Camryn Winant
Itai Geller
Prisha Vagvala
Christina Thomas
Viktor Palmer
Jack Scherban
Stephen Pachucki
Contact
Emily Martinez Fiona Shi
GENERAL.........................................EBOARD@THESTUTE.COM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.........................EDITOR@THESTUTE.COM
ADVERTISING.............................BUSINESS@THESTUTE.COM
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Corrections
The article “Stevens Fencing takes on the Vassar Invitational” published 11/15/2024 was written by Riyana Phadke. The bottom right respondent to the 11/15/2024 roving reporter question was Caden Snyder ‘28.
Disclaimer
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The Editorial Board reserves the right to choose whether or not to publish a submitted Op-Ed based on a majority rule vote, and additionally reserves the right to edit Op-Eds for clarity or request authors to revise. Provided that the author approves the final version, The Stute reserves the right to edit Op-Eds according to our copy editing procedures, defined in our policies.
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“The Davis location was selected for its proximity to the other south campus academic buildings, making for a short walk between classes,” said Maffia regarding the decision to make Davis Hall’s replacement mixed-use. “After considering alternatives, a mixed-use facility offered the best path to enhance campus facilities for maximum impact in multiple areas of the Stevens experience.”
The design mirrors the style of the UCC, which in turn reflects the existing Hayden and Davis Halls. The new building will feature a brick facade on its lower portion and a largely glass curtain wall above. These choices, Maffia said, help to provide a visual transition between the campus’s traditional and historic buildings and its more modern additions. “We aim to create a modern building that will seamlessly blend with the existing feel of the surrounding campus.” However, a prominent rooftop canopy distinguishes the new structure from the existing UCC towers.
Stevens assured current students that the start date for the replacement project has not yet been decided. Until then, the dormitory will continue to house first-year students. The last time a student dormitory was closed,
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program and helped propose the Minor Fair. Outside of SGA, Naro participates in Greek life and club sports. Their goals focus on boosting campus culture through collaborations with Greek life and athletics, improving student-faculty interactions, and increasing attendance at campus events.
Lastly, Arthur Serra, who ran with Sebastian Sztolberg, described his campaign as “Artandsebby, pfinance, and giggles.” Serra made a memorable entrance at the debate, wearing a toga and walking in with his “secret agents.” His campaign emphasized adding more water slides and ziplines to campus and a mission to “feed the flock” by taking down signs against feeding ducks in Central Park. He emphasized that his goal was not to win, but to make the election more fun and reduce the toxicity often associated with it. He highlighted the importance of helping students, regardless of the outcome. It’s worth noting that Serra resigned his nomination at the conclusion of the debate before the election period began and endorsed Kevin Pfundstein and Tanya Avadia. Debate Highlights
How does your platform differ from that of your fellow candidates? Angelo Naro emphasized their fresh perspective, balancing the experience of their running mate, Mollie Good, to bring more inclusive decision-making to the table.
Kevin Pfundstein, with experience as Vice President of Finance, emphasized his knowledge of student organizations and how to improve the student experience by supporting student leaders and continuing effective strategies. Alex Stanczak noted the value of their extensive SGA experience, emphasizing their ability to build on past progress, and plan to combine his seasoned leadership with the fresh ideas from Shane Mitchell, their running mate. Serra proposed installing a dictatorship.
How will you reach students who are traditionally “unreachable” or uninvolved? Pfundstein and Stanczak emphasized the importance of better marketing for SGA, such as improving visibility and introducing SGA to first-year students. Pfundstein stressed the importance of getting the SGA better integrated into the DuckLink platform to make it more accessible, while Stanczak focused on raising awareness about SGA’s role and connecting students with activities that align with their interests. Naro suggested engaging students through Greek Life and athletics, emphasizing examples of how they have gotten personal connections involved in the past.
How would you keep SGA senators engaged and committed throughout the year? Pfundstein explained the need for a flexible approach, reducing the stress of the
back when Jacobus and Hayden Halls were cleared to make way for the UCC, Stevens leased buildings in Hoboken to use as temporary student housing and expanded the shuttle service to help students commute to and from campus. Dr. Sara Klein, Vice President for Student Affairs, has previously emphasized the University’s wish to offer on-campus housing to all students who request it, noting that expansions within Stevens’s limited campus footprint are designed to bring the school closer to achieving that goal.
While the timeline for the Davis replacement project remains uncertain, the University Center Complex (UCC) offers a recent precedent for a project of similar scope. After the UCC’s design was revealed in late 2018, Jacobus and Hayden Halls were demolished in 2019, with Hayden housing its final students until the end of the Spring 2019 semester. Construction of the new UCC complex was completed on October 5, 2020, and it officially opened on May 14, 2022. Students moved into the new housing towers in Fall 2022, three years after Hayden closed and a full year later than initially expected. It remains unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the delay. Just as the UCC served as the centerpiece and capstone to President Farvardin’s first 10-year strategic plan for the University, Davis’s
commitment, and allowing senators to engage in different capacities depending on their interests. Stanczak agreed but added that fostering a welcoming environment where senators feel comfortable speaking up is key and can be done through bonding activities. Naro proposed expanding on the current Assistant Vice President of Recruitment role to include retention to help build relationships and community. Serra, on the other hand, suggested a more drastic “Survivor-style” approach, incentivizing senators by eliminating one every week based on points.
What opportunities for additional partnerships do you see and what is your philosophy on working with campus partners to ensure students are seen? All candidates agreed that building proactive, meaningful relationships with other departments is crucial, whether that’s working with student affairs or faculty. Naro suggested succession planning and creating more connections between SGA and other campus organizations, including RDS and student support services. Pfundstein emphasized the need for proactive relationship-building, suggesting delegating responsibilities to committees and opening lines of communication with faculty and staff to ensure students’ needs are met when seeking support. Stanczak highlighted the importance of external partnerships, citing their experience with projects like the reusable container program with Re:Dish. He emphasized maintaining relationships with faculty and external organizations to bring fresh perspectives and collaborate more effectively.
How will you expand student-faculty interactions? Naro and Pfundstein emphasized strengthening existing programs like TYPO (Take Your Professor Out) and introducing new opportunities for students and faculty to connect in more informal settings. Naro suggested expanding it to include advisors and deans, emphasizing the need to ensure that students have opportunities to connect with faculty in both academic and social settings. Pfundstein mentioned engaging faculty through student organization events to increase visibility and build stronger connections. Stanczak cited the success of the Mechanical Engineering Department’s town halls and wants to encourage more departments to showcase faculty beyond their research to make them more approachable.
What experiences do you have working with administrators, and how will they benefit you in this role? Pfundstein emphasized his experience working with administrators like Stevens’ Chief Financial Officer and the Board of Trustees, stressing that understanding the importance of building personal relationships with administrators will help him advocate more effectively for students’ needs. Stanczak highlighted his ex-
replacement is set to be a major component of Inspired by Humanity, Powered by Technology, the second strategic plan in place until 2032. As noted in the Year 1 Annual Report for that plan, Davis’s replacement will “complete construction” no later than 2032.
The UCC was supported by a $17 million donation from Richard Harries ’58, the namesake of the Harries Tower. Maffia didn’t say whether the Davis project is slated to have an impact on student tuition, noting that a comprehensive funding strategy for the new tower is still under development. “As with all major capital projects, we will pursue various funding sources to ensure the project’s success while maintaining our commitment to responsible financial stewardship.”
Maffia also pointed out recent and future improvements to other on-campus housing. On top of this year’s renovation and addition of restrooms and lounge spaces in Palmer Hall, a major electrical switchgear upgrade for Castle Point Hall is slated for the summer of 2025, followed by a partial restroom renovation in 2026.
Rest assured, says Maffia, existing buildings won’t be neglected as the school pursues Davis Hall’s replacement. “Continually improving our facilities allows us to ensure we serve the needs of Stevens students for generations to come.”
perience working with administrators through his roles in SGA, such as with athletics and sustainability initiatives. He pointed to projects like The Pond, the composting initiative, and Rally for Ukraine as examples of how he has built relationships with key campus partners. Naro pointed to their past collaborations with offices like Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) and emphasized their continued growth as a leader and their commitment to fostering connections that will help move student-focused initiatives forward.
How will you protect and support students’ right to demonstrate? All candidates expressed support for students’ right to protest. Stanczak spoke strongly about the First Amendment and the need to protect students’ rights to free speech while doing so respectfully. Pfundstein stressed that all college students should have the right to demonstrate and emphasized working with administrators to ensure demonstrations are respectful, safe, and legally compliant. Naro supported peaceful demonstrations and praised student groups like Students for Justice for Palestine (SJP) for their activism. Arthur spoke seriously about fostering discussions and finding middle ground.
What can be done to help students feel accomplished, proud, and that they belong in the community? Naro pointed out that many students struggle with mental health and specifically suggested spreading more positive messages about student accomplishments, from posters to support programs, to make sure students feel recognized. Pfundstein suggested that the First Year Experience course could play a role in introducing students to resources and fostering a sense of belonging. He also mentioned an option for group therapy for student leaders to help them manage stress and build community. Stanczak focused on recognizing students’ efforts more publicly, such as through events like Kindness Week. He also proposed improving mental health awareness and encouraging students to use campus resources by reducing the stigma around seeking help. In his last remark of the evening, Serra suggested a point system to reward students, along with a hefty scholarship.
As the debate came to a close, all candidates reaffirmed their commitment to helping the student body and enhancing the Stevens community. The candidates may have diverse visions, but they all agree on one thing: supporting the SGA’s mission to be a voice for the undergraduate student body and enhance the student experience to foster a campus environment where students feel supported, engaged, and valued.
The voting period will close on November 23 at 11:59 p.m., so be sure to cast your vote for your next SGA President and Vice President of Operations.
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along with supplemental funding programs for high-poverty K-12 schools and special education opportunities across the country — will take more than executive fiat to be abolished. Congress would also need to approve such a move, which is an unlikely outcome in the current political environment: The Senate filibuster, which requires at least 60 out of 100 senators to pass most legislation, has so far survived Democratic attempts to eliminate it, and a sizable number of Republicans continue to vote against abolishing the ED, as 60 House Republicans did in 2023, siding with all voting Democrats on the matter. Nevertheless, the Department of Education is likely to look different than it has under the Biden administration and current Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. Student loan forgiveness was a major part of Biden’s 2020 campaign, and he has followed through by providing billions of dollars of relief to millions of borrowers. However, courts stymied the administration’s most ambitious relief plans, which Trump decried as “very, very unfair to the millions and millions of people who have paid their debt through hard work.” While Trump waived interest and paused payments at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has the power to scrap Biden’s forgiveness plans and more strictly enforce repayments
from borrowers.
Another area where presidents have exerted much power is in the writing and enforcement of Title IX policy. Originally passed in 1972, Title IX seeks to protect college students from discrimination on the basis of sex but has varied greatly in recent years depending on whether a Democrat or Republican is living in the White House. In Trump’s first term, critics accused the rules of making it difficult for victims of sexual assault or harassment to receive justice; Biden tried to undo these rules while also expanding the scope of Title IX to cover discrimination over gender orientation, which has been subject to numerous court challenges. Trump, in particular, has criticized Biden’s approach and is likely to reinstate the set of rules he favored while in office.
While Trump has also promised to block funding to schools that teach topics he sees as “woke,” like critical race theory, or that allow participation of transgender students in school sports, it is difficult to foresee the specifics of such a scenario playing out. For one, states provide a majority of the funding to K-12 schools and set standards (none of which include the teaching of critical race theory, for instance). Additionally, if the Department of Education were indeed eliminated, the Trump administration would struggle to have a platform to recommend education policy to the states and collect educational data through programs like the Nation’s Report Card tests. This was one reason for the enactment
of an independent department, which used to be grouped with what is now the Department of Health and Human Services.
On Tuesday, Trump announced his nomination of Linda McMahon for Education Secretary. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, and has since been a major donor to Trump’s campaigns. She led a conservative think tank called the America First Policy Institute, which has pushed for stopping schools from “promoting inaccurate and unpatriotic concepts,” and expanding voucher programs that help families afford private or charter school – the latter was a hot topic in Trump’s first term when Betsy DeVos served as the department secretary. McMahon has previously served as chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, a company started by her husband, Vince McMahon, and having long standing connections with Trump. She served on the Connecticut State Board of Education from 2009-10.
This nomination is pending confirmation, either through Senate hearings once the new Senate begins its term next year, or through the more controversial process of recess appointments, which Trump has floated as a way to streamline the confirmation process. So far, Trump has made several promises to make huge changes to the Education Department, so it is important to stay updated and make plans to optimize your student loan repayments.
HOLIDAY
EXTRAVAGANZA!
Get
plenty of surprises to make your day merry and bright. Don't miss this joyful occasion let's make it a celebration to remember
What a spectacular way to end the semester! You do not want to miss this!
Monday, December 9
Pierce Dining Hall 4:30-8:30
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The Wall Street Journal reports that Tesla’s stock (TSLA.O) has risen by 9%, reaching a market valuation of over $1.1 trillion. This surge has been attributed to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s close relationship with Donald Trump, who recently appointed Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Other companies have seen similar gains, as traders anticipate that businesses aligned with Trump’s agenda will benefit most during his second term.
All three major Wall Street indexes — S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones — reported record-high closes following the election, with gains of 0.1%, 0.06%, and 0.69%, respectively. Trading volume was exceptionally high, with an estimated 15.4 billion shares exchanged compared to the 20-session average of 12.8 billion. Cryptocurrency stocks also saw dramatic increases, with Bitcoin reaching a record $87,000 per coin. Bitcoin mining companies such as MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms reported gains of 30% and 17%, respectively, according to Reuters. Investors are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s
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boost the city’s affordable housing fund, ultimately benefiting residents by supporting future housing projects.
Opponents of the proposal argued that the changes would only make housing even less affordable in a city where many residents already struggle with high rent prices. They stressed that maintaining the current limits would help preserve affordable rental options, particularly in a city where rent control serves as a safeguard against rapid price hikes. In August 2024, when the amendment was first being considered by the City Council, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla expressed his strong opposition to an amendment to Hoboken’s rent control ordinance in an online statement. He argued that the amendment would severely reduce the city’s stock of rent-stabilized units, stating, “This amendment does not advance the public interest. It advances the interests of special interest groups and wealthy, corporate landlords.”
The proposal had been introduced as a “compromise” to avoid a potentially harsher referendum on the issue, but Bhalla rejected this, emphasizing that it would lead to displacement, gentrification, and a loss of affordable housing.
Stevens student Chloe Brenna, along with alumni and roommate Saoirse Mooney, joined the Hoboken United Tenants (HUT) group—a local coalition opposing the proposal and encouraging Hoboken residents to vote “No”
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actions as they assess inflation’s impact on the market. Following a 0.25% cut in interest rates by the Fed, traders estimate a 65% likelihood of another 0.25% cut in the near future, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Seema Shah, Chief Global Strategist at Principal Asset Management, cautioned that the Federal Reserve must act carefully in managing interest rates, as these decisions will have significant consequences for the U.S. economy.
According to Reuters, “The S&P 500 posted 117 new highs and seven new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 363 new highs and 86 new lows.” Finance, technology, and space-related companies are experiencing the most significant gains, though major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta Platforms all saw a slight dip of about 1% in their stock prices.
As with any new administration, the introduction of new regulations and policies will impact some industries more than others. Stock traders are rushing to invest in companies whose values are expected to rise under Trump’s leadership. This market activity underscores the significant economic shifts anticipated during Trump’s second term, and analysts will continue to monitor its effects on businesses and investors alike.
on the changes. With many Stevens students living off-campus and potentially impacted by the decision, they spread awareness through canvassing and social media, urging students to register to vote using their Hoboken addresses. Brenna, who notes that she is grateful to live in a building with relatively low rent, emphasized the importance of preserving affordable housing, stating, “Hoboken should not be a destination city or one that has its character destroyed for exclusively luxury housing.”
In the end, the majority of Hoboken voters chose to preserve the status quo with over 16,000 residents or nearly 75% of voters voting “no.” Residents decided to keep the current rent control code in place, which includes the existing limits on how much landlords can charge after a tenant vacates a unit.
Hoboken United Tenants said the result was a victory of compassion, extolling that “Hoboken said we want to take care of our neighbors.” Conversely, the Mile Square Taxpayers Association (MSTA), which had spearheaded the proposal, said that it had won in policy forums but couldn’t overcome the Mayor’s portrayal of the effort as “simply landlord friendly.” According to Caren Lissner, a reporter for Patch, a similar effort on the part of landlords also failed more than a decade ago.
The results reflect the city’s ongoing struggle to balance the needs of renters with the financial realities of property owners, as well as a clear repudiation of efforts by groups to roll back rent control as an instrument of housing policy.
paths. Bailey has joined a leading biomedical technology firm, leveraging the lessons learned during the Knee-sy Does It project to develop next-generation healthcare solutions. Fukazawa, on the other hand, is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomechanics, focusing on the intersection of rehabilitation technology and patient outcomes.
The team’s success underscores the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship. The team’s advisor, Dr. Jennifer Kang-Mieler, noted, “Their drive to solve real-world problems epitomizes what we aim to instill in our students. Their work is a testament to the potential of biomedical engineering.”
The Ansary Competition provided a platform for Knee-sy Does It and continues to inspire students across disciplines. The 2024 competition was notable for the prominence of healthcare-related devices, with the second-place team tackling tinnitus and the third-place group working on infant medical monitors. Like their peers, the Kneesy Does It team exemplifies the potential of student-driven initiatives to influence industries and improve lives. Their journey highlights the enduring impact of the competition, a program designed to equip young innovators with the resources and confidence to succeed. As Kneesy Does It moves closer to market readiness, the team’s work reflects the competition’s core mission: empowering students to turn bold ideas into meaningful change.
THANKSGIVING EDITIION
What does it mean to celebrate Thanksgiving?
BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, STAFF WRITER
On the fourth Thursday of each November, Thanksgiving rolls around. For many, it’s a holiday meant for enjoying a good meal with family and friends. However, because it’s taught with assumptions and forgotten perspectives, Thanksgiving has a complicated history with Native Americans.
The First Thanksgiving happened during the fall of 1621, where at least 90 Wampanoag joined 52 English people at Plymouth, Massachusetts to celebrate a successful harvest.
While the story describes a peaceful celebration between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, that peace was short-lived. Within a decade, the Wampanoag lost their political independence and most of the territory. Furthermore, most retellings fail to include a Native American perspective. For some Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a painful reminder of European colonization. During the 1970s, the Native American civil rights movement had increased visibility in America. That led to the United American Indians of New England creating the first “National Day of Mourning,” an annual protest that comforts the harmful stereotypes from the myths of Thanksgiving. At Plymouth Rock on Cole’s Hill, they gather the feet of a statue of Grand Sachem Massasoit of the Wampanoag to remember and reflect.
Many harmful stereotypes about Native Americans persist because of various reasons, including elementary school. To dress up as a Native American, many children were asked to bring brown paper sacks and instructed to create headbands filled with Native American designs and feathers. However, Dennis W. Zotigh, a cultural specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the
American Indian, notes that the costumes degraded the Wampanoags’ descendants and bore no resemblance to the Wampanoag clothing during the First Thanksgiving. He states wearing the feathers had significance, but the feathers in elementary school were “simply mockery, an educator’s interpretation of what an American Indian is supposed to look like.”
For children, the Thanksgiving reenactments are their most active encounter with Native American history, leading them to associate Thanksgiving with Native American culture. While Zotigh notes that the children are too young to understand the truth, he wants classrooms to share the actual facts before high school graduation. The happy celebration in elementary school creates compromised integrity, stereotypes, and cultural misappropriation. As a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and San Juan Pueblo Winter Clan, Zotigh knows how these Thanksgiving myths have caused great harm to the cultural self-esteem of generations of Native Americans. Zotigh questions why should Native Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. He gathered a variety of different answers ranging from expressing thankfulness for another year together, celebrating elders, enjoying time with loved ones, and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Notely, some said that everyday is Thanksgiving as each day is a day of thanksgiving to the Creator. While Zotigh doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, he takes advantage of the holiday to spend time with friends and family.
Ironically, Thanksgiving is during American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month. What’s more, the day after Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day. To most, that day is Black Friday.
The key to a low budget, low maintenance
BY CAMRYN WINANT, SPORTS WRITER
With the close of Halloween comes one of the most timeless holiday traditions: Friendsgiving. At a time when it is important to show thanks not only to our families but also to our closest friends, Friendsgiving is a perfect way to do that. With a limited budget and lack of preparation space, it can be hard to replicate that perfect Thanksgiving dinner that has us drooling all November while we wait. However, all we can do is try so pull out the fall-themed napkins and plates and start the preparation for the big day.
Appetizers
Starting the meal off strong with some good appetizers is always important, but it can be a daunting task. To keep it simple, a veggie platter is always a must. You can find a cheap veggie platter at almost any grocery store, or if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can get your own veggies and prepare a simple platter. If that doesn’t seem like enough, much like the veggie
Wild turkey populations are dwindling
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
Wild turkeys were once a prevalent species throughout the United States, with every state hosting a large and vibrant population. However, when European settlers arrived, indiscriminate killing, exploitation, and poisoning led to a dramatic decline in their numbers.
By the 1900s, wild turkeys had disappeared from most areas where they once thrived. Thanks to regulation and conservation efforts, turkey populations were able to recover significantly. By the early 2000s, their numbers had nearly been restored to historical levels, but since then, progress has reversed.
A 2023 study found that wild turkey populations in the eastern United States are declining by 9% annually. While turkey numbers had increased in mid-Atlantic and Northwestern states, they still had not returned to their peak levels from the early 2000s. To understand why populations are declining, wildlife ecologists from various universities and institutions are studying existing populations and working to reintroduce turkeys to their original habitats.
Much of the woodland habitat in the U.S. has been destroyed and replaced by housing developments and other human activities. The remaining forests often lack the resources to support wild turkey populations. Turkeys need “a well-developed layer of vegetation at ground level that includes mainly wildflowers, native grasses, and young shrubs and trees” to provide nesting sites for laying eggs and raising their young, or poults, according to reports of the conversation. Habitat loss is one proposed
reason for the population decline, though this explanation does not apply universally, as even areas with suitable nesting environments have experienced population reductions.
Prescribed burning of woodlands is another factor impacting turkey habitats. These burns force turkeys to seek forest areas with tall trees and sparse ground vegetation, which are less suitable for breeding.
Researchers in Wisconsin estimate that, to sustain their populations, turkey hens need to raise an average of 2.6 poults per hen. However, recent studies in Iowa found that turkey hens produce an average of only two poults per hen.
To investigate further, researchers plan to capture hens from mid-January to late February of next year, equipping them with GPS devices and transmitters before releasing them back into the wild. Nesting season begins in April and peaks in late May, during which turkeys typically nest in areas with dense vegetation, which provides camouflage from predators.
Scientists aim to track 83 hens across multiple counties in Iowa,
recording the dates, locations, and conditions of their nests. Hens typically lay one egg every one to one-and-a-half days, and eggs re quire about 30 days of incubation before hatching. Once the poults hatch, hens move to new locations to create fresh nests. This research will help identify the environmen tal conditions wild turkeys need to thrive.
Researchers also hope to study Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV), a disease discovered in 2009 that is 100% fatal to turkeys and other birds. Iowa researchers plan to extract and analyze the virus to understand its mode of trans mission and determine whether it can be passed from mothers to off spring. The spread of LPDV is an other factor contributing to declin ing turkey populations. Studying it could provide valuable insights into genetic variables that affect animal populations.
platter, a charcuterie board can be assembled fairly easily with ingredients found at any store like Trader Joe’s or ACME.
Dinner Onto the main course of the night, and what everyone is really there for, is the turkey. Now, if you have the time or money to prepare a turkey, there are many simple recipes you can follow online. However, for a cheaper and easier option, you can replace the turkey with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This will make the main dish much easier to manage and still give the illusion of eating a turkey for Thanksgiving. A substitution for mashed potatoes and stuffing is obvious with the existence of instant mashed and stuffing, as all you need to prepare them are a stove, a pot, water, and butter. However, if you’re looking for something a little more authentic, there are recipes such as parmesan mashed potatoes and basic stuffing that would take nearly no time to prepare. Rounding out the perfect Friendsgiving dinner is mac and cheese. Pre-made containers of baked mac and cheese
can be bought and heated up, or a simple mac and cheese recipe can be prepared. However, it won’t be complete without being baked with extra cheese on top.
Sides and Dessert
The side dishes can be a little forgettable, but it wouldn’t be a full meal without them. To keep it simple and within budget, the best way to go about this would be to buy canned cranberry sauce, Pillsbury biscuit dough, and frozen green beans and corn.
Now, the night would not be over without the third course: dessert. You can go the classic route with this and just buy some premade apple or pumpkin pies, or you can take it an extra step and prepare a simple apple crisp. Another simple option for dessert would be apple cider donuts, and all of these options could be topped off with some ice cream.
So, pop open a bottle of your favorite sparkling apple cider, pull out your favorite games, and reflect on all that you are thankful for this season as you enjoy a thoughtful meal with your favorite people.
Efforts like these aim to uncover the causes of the decline of the wild turkey population and inform strategies to help them recover and thrive once again.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTONPOST.COM
For the second year in a row, Stevens’ field hockey team has come out on top in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom Championship. Senior Sarah Korczukowski scored the game-winning goal with three minutes and eight seconds remaining, allowing Stevens to defeat the top-seeded Arcadia University. This is the Ducks’ seventh conference title.
The field hockey team came to play during this year’s conference final, with the Ducks taking the first four shots of the game. Unfortunately, all of their shots on goal were denied. The Knights pulled through, and with 28 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the opposing team scored on the Ducks. Despite the setback, the Ducks continued to outperform the Knights in the second quarter. The Ducks were able to even the score in the 24th minute when senior Makenna Quigley
er to fire the shot.
The two teams entered halftime tied at one, but Stevens was able to dominate over their competitors, holding a 14-1 advantage in shots. In the fourth quarter, Stevens fired ten shots and took seven penalty corners. Senior Emily Smart shot a penalty corner to Korczukowski, who then scored on the goal, giving Stevens a 2-1 lead and ultimately leading the Ducks to victory. This victory demonstrated the Duck’s perseverance as the team overcame a 4-2 defeat against Arcadia on October 23.
Head Coach Meredith Spencer-Blaetz expressed her joy for the win, stating, “Back-to-back champs!!! This team has such incredible grit, to go back to the place we lost our only conference game and secure the bigger win. Each and every member of our team has put in the work and focus to get us to this point and we are ready for the big dance!!”
season. The team received six MAC Freedom All-Conference selections, and Meredith Spencer-Blaetz, along with Assistant Coaches Maggie Sohns and Felicia Heard and Volunteer Assistant Coach Kila Eadie, was named Staff of the Year, as revealed by the MAC office Tuesday as part of its season-end awards announcement.
Cozza and juniors Emilia Lopes and Gabi Moroney earned First Team All-Conference honors. This is Cozza’s second straight first-team selection. Korczukowski earned her second Second Team All-Conference selection, joining sophomore Molly DiCampli, who earned her first all-league selection. Junior goalkeeper Lily Wierzbicki received Honorable Mention honors, her second season making all-conference.
Coach Spencer-Blaetz and her staff were able to create a fourth straight season with a conference
WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SWIMMING
The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ 9 a.m.
WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FENCING
Columbia Invitational New York, NY 12 p.m./5 p.m.
in the league.
Moroney earned a league-best scoring of nine goals in conference play. She scored in each of the team’s final three games, including the only goal against Lebanon Valley. Cozza showed no signs of a sophomore slump this year, scoring seven times and assisting on nine more. Lopes was among the most consistent players for the Ducks, spending all but eighteen of the 1,173 minutes played on the field. Her work allowed the Ducks to hold opponents to one goal or fewer in five matches.
In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Ducks fell to eleventh seed Bates College. This was Stevens first meeting with Bates. Smart closed out her career with 29 goals and 16 assists. Wierzbicki made three saves on this day. While the Stevens Field Hockey Team ended their season here, the team hopes to come back even stronger next season.
Stevens Ducks wrestle their way through the Fall season
BY ABBY JACOBS, DIGITAL MANAGER
Stevens Wrestling began their fall season on Saturday, October 26, and officially stands at 1-1 thus far into the season.
The team opened with the Red & White Wrestle-Offs on October 26, a friendly competition between Ducks. A week later, this was followed by the Ned McGinley Invitational on Saturday, November 2, where the team finished fifth out of a total of 15 teams. Notable contenders included sophomore Carmen Cortese, weighing in at 149 pounds, junior Ryan Smith (157), and senior Chris Stathopoulos, who took respective first and two-second places in their weight classes. Out of the 23 Ducks that competed that day, six finished in the top five of their weight classes.
The next weekend was a busy one for the team when they competed against Delaware Valley
University on Friday, November 8, and then took on the Racich Rumble the very next day. Out of the ten wrestlers put up against Delaware Valley, six took victories, including two falls, and collected a total of 30 points to find themselves a victory margin of nine points in the final score of 30-21. Then, at the Racich Rumble, the team took 12 out of 15 teams, with notable victories, including junior Jason Smith’s fourth-place finish in the 165-pound weight class.
A loss of 15-23 against Loras College on Thursday, November 14, evened out the team’s score board. The Ducks only took four of the ten matches of the day, two of which had resulted in ties. Both Cortese and Stathopoulos finished neck and neck with their Duhawk opponents but pulled out a victory by decision.
Graduate student Luke Ho erle (141) took a big win for the team when he finished first in his weight class this past Saturday,
November 16, at the Augsburg University Invitational in Minneapolis, MN. Other notable wins of the day for the Ducks were those of senior Blaise Wagner, a 197-pound wrestler, and Stathopoulos, who both took third in their respective brackets.
The team is only beginning
their 2024-2025 season and is looking forward to many future matches, including tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, when they will be hosting Ursinus College, Castleton State College, and Roanoke College. Meets will occur at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. in Canavan Arena.
STEVENS SCOREBOARD
SAT NOV 23
Ursinus College Castleton State College Roanoke College
Hoboken, NJ 12 p.m.
SUN NOV 24
TUE NOV
MIND OF A FRESHMAN
Thanksgiving break is too short
time has only made our days more exhausting. After finishing up my classes, clubs, and job, it’s pitch dark outside. At five P.M! It feels like starting homework at night, and the urge to take a well deserved nap instead only grows stronger.
BY EILIYAH SAROWAR ‘28
In high school, I envied college students. While I had a measly one, maybe one-and-a-half, week winter break, they got to enjoy one glorious month of relaxation. I think being blessed with that break has started to make me greedy, because I’ve begun to realize how much our Thanksgiving break pales in comparison. Why is Thanksgiving just a few short days off?
Since starting college I’ve grown to worship my free time more than I ever have. It feels like there’s always something waiting on my to-do list. Daylight savings
Also, after hours of studying it feels like I need a week of relaxation to get back in the zone. The day the water main broke was practically a holiday for me. If you don’t remember, all classes after 10 were canceled. I, unfortunately, had a 9:30 class, and made the hour-long journey to attend that one class. Still, I celebrated that day. I left at 11 and enjoyed the rest of my classes on Zoom while sitting in the train and sipping on a winter melon tea from Kung Fu Tea. After the break is over, it’s December and finals season. A few short days is definitely not enough to prepare for the work ahead of us.
Three extra days of no school is simply not enough for me at this point. Not to
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
SENIORITIS
mention, most of us spend our breaks freaking out about the work we need to do, so it doesn’t feel very relaxing. As a commuter, I’m glad I get to maximize my time at home. But for people living out of state, the break feels even shorter. Two of the days on break are suddenly taken over by traveling from and to Stevens. Most of my friends go to college outof-state, and making plans for friendsgiving is impossible when accounting for travel and plans we already have. Some of my friends aren’t even attempting to come home over the break. Isn’t the whole purpose of Thanksgiving to celebrate family and friends… Calling it a break almost feels offensive. This is an extended weekend at best. Most people traveling far are probably going to end up skipping their classes anyway. We might as well add a few extra days to our break and enjoy a moment of relaxation with the people we love.
Art informed: enhancing the Thanksgiving spirit
BY ITAI GELLER ‘26
Holidays such as Thanksgiving possess unparalleled societal significance because they transcend personal relevance, creating shared traditions that can be celebrated by anyone. Thanksgiving remains a national classic because its core values — gratitude, hospitality, humility, and appreciation for nature — resonate with people from all walks of life. While exploring artworks for an article about Thanksgiving, I noticed how different pieces evoked emotions, feelings, and memories uniquely tied to this holiday. Thus, I came to the conclusion that it may be a novel idea to observe the relationship between the composition of the visual art pieces I observe, the sensory connections they evoke, and their association with the Thanksgiving holiday. I believe that our memories are generated by a connection between a subject and the sensory experiences we relate to it. Accordingly, art allows us to make unique observations and reflections on our feelings, perceptions, values, and experiences in relationship to those sensory cues. When I initially think about Thanksgiving, my mind immediately associates this holiday with warm colors. Despite Thanksgiving being a November holiday, for some, it marks the transition between the Fall and Winter. Personally favoring the Fall and Winter over the Spring and Summer months, my color association with winter is not very playful. I find winter to be quite dark and gray, generating a lot of diluted blue and golden tones in my mind. Similarly, I associate Thanksgiving’s color palette with the state of nature: the leaves are chang-
ing colors, root vegetables make their annual appearance, spices fill the air, and the golden ray of early morning sunshine glistens on the landscape. Oddly, while observing the work of Paul Gauguin, Thanksgiving started to take shape in my mind. Gauguin typically painted in the post-impressionist style, which emphasized personal emotion, bright colors, and abstract forms. The color red, in particular, seemed to speak to me at the moment, calling on its color variations of orange and brown to evoke strong memories of Fall and Thanksgiving imagery. In Gauguin’s work, he frequently uses the color red to enhance the composition of his subject and the landscape. He incorporates it into his still-lifes, portraits, and landscapes to seemingly provide dimension to his otherwise flat paintings. Furthermore, this enhances the familiarity of the characters and scenes, likely because of the association of the color red with warmth. In a similar way, I am reminded of the feeling of homeliness, order, and relaxation.
The warm feeling of Gauguin’s painting suddenly diverts my mind to a homely setting, and I begin searching for wooden installation pieces. I came across Richard Serra’s “Torqued Ellipses,” a minimalist art installation featuring towering spirals of weathered steel. While these sculptures are made of weathered steel and maintain an industrial composition, they remind me of sculptures I’d observed outside the National Gallery in Wash-
ington, D.C., when visiting with family and friends in the past. A wave of nostalgia passes over me as I make a connection in my mind, but I am further reminded of the influence of the art piece on generating this feeling. Minimalist artwork provides an opportunity to focus on the moment by ob serving something so sim plistic it forces you to reflect inwardly on its representa tion in your mind. The feel ing of Thanksgiving is also there; I picture myself alone within the tall walls of the Serra’s industrial spirals. It is incredibly humbling; I am insignificant amongst steel walls surrounding me, suddenly reminded of the vastness of the world. There is so much negative space in the spiral, and I wish to fill it with the people who are important to me and hold significance in my life. I am filled with a sense of gratitude, happiness, and support, reminiscent of gathering around a Thanksgiving table to share a meal with family and friends.
In conclusion, the sensory connections evoked by art offer a unique means through which we can reflect on holidays like Thanksgiving and their deeper significance to us emotionally. From Gauguin’s warm, vivid color palette to the minimalism of Richard Serra’s towering spirals, these artistic interpretations in spire us to revisit memories, emotions, and values tied to the season. Art, much like Thanksgiving itself, encour ages introspection and fos ters a deeper appreciation for the relationships and moments that shape our lives.
Inconsistency and blisters
BY AVA WANG ‘25
There’s something addictive about poking a blister. My hands have been perpetually plagued with them this past semester from sporadic crew practices and bass playing sessions, and as a result, much of my time spent thinking–including coming up with this article–has been accompanied by the absent-minded habit of tracing them over with my finger.
I went to the pool with my friend Jess to catch up on the week’s absurdities, and together, we ventured on a side quest to perfect her flip turn. I swam a lot
prior to Stevens, but I don’t currently have the best relationship with the pool. Some sharp, tough-love coaching remarks from over a decade ago still cross my mind when I look at the clock through my goggles, and it had been a while since I’d last looked, so thank you, Jess. ��
Years ago, at a meet in Baltimore, my coach scolded me for being “consistently inconsistent” after a so-so performance in the 100 free finals. I think this phrase has stuck with me primarily because it still holds an un-sugar-coated truth. If my heart is not in something, whether that be a race, an article, or an assignment, it tends to show. Blisters are a badge of repetitive motion, but not one repetitious enough to actually callous over– and that pretty much sums up my relationship with my hobbies this semester. When I feel a burst of inspiration or passion, I can’t put whatever I’m doing down, but passion
ON SHUFFLE Writer’s block and finding inspiration
My creativity comes in waves. I will have a week where I am constantly creating, and then next week, it feels like I have to scrape the sides of my brain with a spatula in order to get anything out. This is normal, and I find that when I force myself to create something, it never works out. My creative process never even feels like I’m writing; it feels like words and music appear in front of me. When I’m burnt out, I can feel the smoke coming out of my ears… when I approach these burntout weeks, there are some things that can be done to find more inspiration.
My first way to gain back some steam is to focus on something I enjoy. As an artist, I forget that making art is still work, and I will neglect self-care. When I face an art block, it’s usually a result of forgetting to take time for myself at
some point. I have to make sure that in my making of music, I let it stay fun. I do other things, like watch a comfort movie, go on a walk, or have a favorite meal. In situations where you feel overwhelmed, do something that reminds you that there is more than work.
I also tend to listen back to old material. When I face burnout, sometimes I will listen back to old recordings or songs or reread some poetry. Usually, this will light a spark and make me want to continue working. Sometimes, I’ll have something to add or to fix, so it makes me excited about my projects again. However, sometimes, this can also make the burnout worse and send me full force back into work mode, so it’s important to do this in moderation. Too much work isn’t fixed by MORE work. Use this as an opportunity to be proud of what you’ve made so that when you want to work later, you feel excited, too.
I also like to find new forms of art. I find myself absorbing the art around me like a creative sponge. I listen to a lot of music when I am not making my own; it reminds me why I love it so much. Referencing other art is a great way to find new inspiration for tech-
waxes and wanes.
I’ll let myself off the hook for crew practice blisters since we can only go out on the water on weekends, but for bass blisters, I have no excuse. There’s a saying that “a little a lot is better than a lot a little,” and while I agree that this sound advice is probably a less stressful way to go about life, I would also argue it is the less passionate and less honest one. Very sorry to all of my dedicated fans for not writing Senioritis these past few weeks. I’m sure you missed me dearly– but know that whatever I do write, play, or say is something I try to do with intention because I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it was worthwhile or wasn’t completely feeling it at the moment. I recently made the decision to be a part-time student in my final semester here, and I’m excited to transition into a time in my life when, hopefully, I’ll have some more time to become calloused.
niques. Even if it’s not the same medium as you, it’s super impactful. I recently visited MoMA, and it sent me into a creative frenzy. Looking at certain paintings made me want to experiment with mixed-media music in order to replicate how the paintings made me feel. I fully advise exploring beyond your medium and appreciating the art around you. When I experience art block at its worst, it starts to affect me beyond just the art; I start taking it as a personal hit towards myself. I start getting anxious because I feel like I am not being productive enough. I end up putting a lot of pressure on myself instead of taking the time to regenerate creatively. This adds a lot of stress and does the complete opposite. My music and writing have to be genuine. I can’t force myself to try and write something because it will never be the same. I have to remember that just because I am not actively creating, it doesn’t mean I get all of my experience as an artist. It is okay to take breaks; your entire worth is not defined by art block. You can’t let it get to you. The creative process can’t be forced, but it’s never a bad time to search for new inspiration and build more ideas.
Opinion
BY PRISHA VAGVALA
Hello, fellow foodies!
Food is more than just a form of sustenance; it’s an experience, essential to why
I’m so passionate about it. It’s a way to express cultures, evoke memories, and create traditions, which Thanksgiving brings out. It’s the season to gather with the people you love most and bond over delicious homemade food and drinks while reflecting on what you’re thankful for. I can’t tell you how excited I am that I, Prisha, get to write a food column for a Thanksgiving-themed newspaper this week! After watching countless turkey preparation videos, doom-scrolling through reels for good dessert recipes, and piling up recipes for holiday drinks, I’m ready to whip out my meal-planning skills. Although my mom thinks my dinner planning is excessive when I ask her which napkin ring looks better, she is partially to blame for my love of event planning, which I get from her. Everything from the table setting (like dinnerware, napkins, sur-
you invite can change the perception of the food. Anyway, let’s get into the food aspect! Like many families, my family adds little twists to Thanksgiving that I’m excited to share with you guys. Many of us enjoy meals from family members, like potlucks; I grew up with an Indian fusion Thanksgiving. My mom made turkey seasoned with Indian spices, such as coriander powder, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and ginger-garlic paste. The turkey would turn out tender and have a complex flavor profile due to the marination, unlike the regularly bland turkey. The chili powder brings out a smoky, spicy flavor, and let me tell you — when that turkey comes out of the oven, it brings out this delicious aromatic smell. Even the mashed potatoes don’t let that slide by being bland. We add butter mixed with chili flavoring to the mashed potatoes (after all, we are Indian, so we’re going to make the mashed potatoes spicy too). My favorite dish to make is sweet potato fries. I simply toss them in olive oil and various random spices in the spice cabinet, then bake them. They are so effortless and delicious that they disappear in no time. Another dish I love making is pie, especially pecan pie, which is my favorite. However, it does require a lot more work. Everything from ensuring the dough stays cold
ly in the pie tray. So instead, this year, I found some delectable pecan pie and apple pie from Target to save time and spend it making sweet potato fries instead. Call me lazy, but when you’re in a kitchen full of panicking people, it’s relaxing knowing you’re not stuck making pie while also basting the turkey.
Another big one is garlic bread. I get a large baguette from Target and cut it in half, then mince the garlic until it’s like paste and mix it with softened butter and parsley. I spread it on the baguette, then flip the buttered baguette side onto the parchment paper to get it crispy, and place it on the bottom rack of the oven to bake until it’s just right. Then, I pull it out of the oven, add fresh mozzarella cheese, place it over, and broil it in the oven, watching until it turns melty before immediately pulling it out. When I’m done making everything and pull up to the dining table, my family has eaten all of it. None of my family likes mac and cheese, so instead, my mom and I make lots and lots of penne alla vodka without vodka, which is incredibly rich and creamy with a hint of freshness. Anyway, I hope you all gained something from this article. If not, that’s unfortunate, but I still love my food preparations and will happily eat the leftovers throughout the week.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
A study in genre in Slaughterhouse-Five
by Kurt Vonnegut, is one of the most interesting and unique novels to come out in the 20th century. It is a blend of genres, flowing between science fiction, historical fiction, and autobiography. It follows Billy Pilgrim, who is supposed to represent Vonnegut in this fictionalized retelling of his experience in World War II during the bombing of Dresden. However, while Slaughterhouse-Five is semi-autobiographical, Vonnegut’s creative usage of science fiction in the novel warps it into something other than a typical autobiography. The book follows themes of time travel and other nonlinear progressions of plot in order to accurately portray Vonnegut’s message and overall perspective from this difficult time in his life.
At the beginning of the novel, Vonnegut makes it clear that this story is semi-biographical and that even though the events are completely fantastical, es -
UNMASKING: AN AUTISM
STORY
BY EVAN
Autism and epilepsy, two distinct neurological conditions, often intersect in profound and perplexing ways. While researchers continue to unravel the complexities of their relationship, one thing is clear: individuals with autism are significantly more likely to experience seizures than the general population. As we’ve discussed in the past, the complexities of autism while interacting with other mental oddities are immense. These conditions create a dynamic interplay that scientists are only beginning to understand. As often written about in this column, the easiest way to define autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication, learning, behavioral, and other mental functions. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is a neurological disorder marked by recurring, unprovoked seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may manifest in various ways, from muscle jerks to loss of consciousness.
Seizures occur more frequently in individuals
pecially the science fiction elements, the overall theme of the novel is completely authentic to him. The first chapter is the only chapter written in first person perspective and serves as a kind of introduction for the rest of the novel, following a real moment in Vonnegut’s life, but the rest of the short book follows the character “Billy Pilgrim” who gets “unstuck” in time. The novel itself follows a harrowing moment Vonnegut lived through while serving in World War II, the Bombing of Dresden. Vonnegut himself was a soldier at the time, like Billy Pilgrim. Throughout the novel, whenever Billy gets “unstuck,” he travels into another moment in his life, either before or after his time in the army. Billy himself is aware of this, too, adding an interesting element of a nearly omniscient narrator. Vonnegut gets creative when writing this book, inserting aliens and other common science fiction tropes as a way to communicate. The plot may sound confusing or lackluster, but it is mostly because it is better to go in with as little knowledge as possible. It is easier to pick up the plot as you read than to hear a mismanaged synopsis. I will say this book can be very challenging when reading for the first time, especially if you are going blind. This is not to say that the themes and overarching message are difficult to grasp, but more that the style of the novel is non-linear in an interesting way. This is one of my favorite books because of the different ways to interpret the usage of getting “unstuck” in time and its implications. Once you pick up on the style of writing, the book becomes easier to follow. However, if you do enjoy Slaughterhouse-Five, I recommend rereading it because it is easier to pick up on the smaller details and nuances in the text. If you are trying to explore more modern classics, I highly recommend this book. The prose is not difficult to follow at all, even though the style of the time jumps may have a learning curve the first time reading. I think this is a great book to pick up if you are interested in exploring new styles of fiction.
The connection between autism and epilepsy and how we can learn from it
with autism. While less than 1% of children in the general population develop seizures, research shows that about 26% of children with autism aged 13 and older are diagnosed with epilepsy. The risk increases significantly after the age of nine, with older autistic children being over twice as likely to develop epilepsy compared to their younger counterparts. Seizures can take different forms in those with autism. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, affecting both sides of the brain, are more common in this group compared to the broader epilepsy population. These seizures involve stiffening and jerking of muscles and can cause temporary loss of awareness. The link between autism and epilepsy may stem from shared genetic factors. Specific gene mutations have been identified in individuals with both conditions, suggesting overlapping biological roots. Moreover, siblings of children with autism are more likely to have epilepsy, further supporting a genetic component. Interestingly, intellectual disability—often present in individuals with both autism and epilepsy—is a known risk factor for seizures. Research has also observed abnormal electrical activity in the brains of children with autism, even in those without clinical seizures, hinting at a deeper connection between brain activity and autism symptoms. Sex appears to influ-
ence the prevalence of autism and epilepsy. Females with autism are more likely to have epilepsy than their male counterparts. Conversely, among individuals with epilepsy, males are more likely to have autism. The reasons behind this disparity remain unclear, highlighting the need for further study.
Several related conditions, such as Rett Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, also link autism and seizures. Despite these overlaps, treatments for epilepsy in autistic individuals largely mirror those used in the general population, focusing on medication to manage seizure activity. The intersection of autism and epilepsy underscores the intricate workings of the human brain. Just as autism manifests as a spectrum, the impact of epilepsy within this population varies widely, from mild disruptions to significant challenges. Understanding this relationship is not just about solving a scientific puzzle — it’s about improving the lives of individuals navigating these conditions every day. While the cause of autism is not 100% known, the correlation between it and epilepsy and the mystery of it may help increase the research into both of their causes. As research continues, we may uncover more about the shared pathways that shape autism and epilepsy, paving the way for targeted treatments and better support.
‘28
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PAPAGEORGE ‘26
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON
ROVING REPORTER
By Rafael Lee Li
Massimo Spina ‘27 “How turkey is so damn dry.”
Rachel Prescott ‘25 “My pregnancy.”
Tomas Gonzalez Bonilla ’27 “I stuffed the turkey.”
Brennan Williams ‘27 “100% politics. My family is completely divided.”
Owen Eriksson ‘27
“Who stuffed this turkey.”
Luke Field ‘27 “Joel Embiid.”
Madison Subbiondo ‘25 “The fucking election.”
Vinci Li ‘27 “My dating life.”