KU TOWER NOVEMBER ISSUE

1 THE TOWER November, 2024

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Mr. Philippines Contest

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Nov. 27 | 2024 WWW.KUTOWER.COM

TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E OF K E AN U N IV E R S IT Y

Women’s Soccer Ella Petrosh Captures NJAC Rookie of the Year

By Caroline Pease For the fourth time in Kean Athletics history, a women’s soccer player has garnered the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Rookie of the Year award.

Freshman Ella Petrosh is the first athlete in 13 years to receive the award.

The Egg Harbor City native earned the Rookie of the Year title and second All-Conference selection after making key plays throughout her initial campaign, such as tallying two goals in the late-season match against Rutgers-Camden University, which helped secure a spot in playoffs.

The newcomer registered 999 minutes of playing time over 19 games, starting 12 of them. She totaled 15 points with six goals and three assists in the season.

Going into the preseason, Petrosh said she was nervous but intended to get on the field as much as possible. “[I wanted] just to play as much as I could,” said Petrosh.

“I had tears in my eyes. I never thought in a million years that I was going to get it.”

Photo by Kean Athletics

Petrosh pressures the ball downfield

“I didn't know if someone was in my spot, but my biggest thing was getting on the field.”

Head Coach Brian Doherty saw Petrosh’s immediate presence on the field and knew early she had the potential to be Rookie of the Year. “[Ella] has the rare combination of speed and technical ability,” Doherty said “.…She can score goals, she can finish and put it in the back of the net. Those three things together in one player are really hard to find. I thought she would be a difference-maker from the moment I saw her.” continued on page 4

Kean P.U.L.S.E. Hosts Japanese Crafts for the Soul

By Nefertiti Nzameyo The end of November is notorious for a bustle that complicates the urge for many, including students and professors, to have a peace of mind.

Members of the Kean P.U.L.S.E. (Programming for Unique and Lively Student Experience) united to offset the burdensome academic overload at their Paper Dreams event in the East Campus lobby on November

Photo by Nefertiti Nzameyo

An undeniable concentration and peace exuded from one attendee as she dipped the paintbrush in ink, dabbed the tray edge to remove excess ink, and made gentle strokes on her calligraphy paper sheet.

“It’s not just just an event, and it's not just something that students can enjoy but [it] helps you with anything that has to do with mental health,”

18. The flyer read “UNFOLD YOUR CREATIVITY: LEARN, SNACK, AND CRAFT,” a glimpse into an outlet of calm and cultural appreciation inspired by the Japanese themed event.

Aside from the check-in table where attendees were prompted to show their event passes, other tables introduced unique aspects of the East Asian country. There was origami (the art of paperfolding), calligraphy (Japanese artistic writing), Kendama (Japanese cup and ball game), and onigiris (Japanese rice balls).

Kean P.U.L.S.E. manager Shaun Hunter wished for attendees to realize the importance of origami and its benefits on mental health.

“It’s not just an event, and it's not just something that students can enjoy but [it] helps you with anything that has to do with mental health,” Hunter said.

According to The Spruce Crafts , the term origami derives from continued on page 9

2 THE TOWER November, 2024

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?

By Ross Rodney

knows.

“In one sense, any intention to dismantle important public institutions like the FDA and the Department of Education certainly threatens foundational civil liberties, like the freedom to access education and the freedom from predatory pharmaceuticals,” Guitar said.

“In another, though, some Republicans have been

will make the dissolution of these departments unlikely,” he continued. “But, as we have learned in recent years, One of President-elect DonaldTrump’s favorite sayings anything can happen. So, it is imperative that citizens, is “Make America Great Again.” As he embarks on his like our students, stay well-informed on everything.” journey to do so, what will that look like for the economy In addition to the presidency, Trump’s Republican party and American citizens? won the majority in both the House of Representatives Prof. Gabriel Gluck, an adjunct professor at Kean and the Senate. What will having a majority across the University who teaches Political Communication, shared board mean for some of his feelings on Trump during what some of Trump his term? policies can mean for Guitar said: the economy.

“Republicans “I think that if had control of Trump's economics go the House and forward, especially the Senate when tariffs… from all the Trump took different economists office in 2017 as that I’ve read, it will well, although reignite inflation, they did not probably even worse have as large than it’s been…it’s a conservative going to make the majority in the price of eggs irrelevant Supreme Court to what we're going to then as they do see across the board” now… I suspect said Gluck. that any harsh Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash Photo by Federico Rancati on Unsplash Dr. Joshua Guitar, legislation U.S Capitol building in Washington D.C. assistant professor of or executive Communication who orders will researches the topic, said he thinks Trump’s campaign trying to dismantle these departments for decades, and be immediately taken to the courts… So, while some promise to eliminate the Department of Education and they have been unsuccessful. Despite the causticity of measures may make headlines, the implementation the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might never political discourse, there remain enough sensible people processes will likely drag through the court systems for happen. But then again, he said he nor anyone else really in Congress, and the US Senate more specifically, that quite some time.” n

“Any intention to dismantle important public institutions like the FDA and the Department of Education certainly threatens foundational civil liberties”

Owning Your Path and Building a Community: The Story of MJ Torres & MGCA

By Veronica Vila MJ Torres’ early years were filled with constant moving between the US and Mexico, as she continuously tried to adapt to new languages, school systems, and cultures.

Today, the charismatic Torres is a busy junior at Kean University majoring in industrial design, and serving as both captain of the women’s tennis team and founder of the Michael Graves College Association (MGCA) — a new student-led club that promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and representation.

Born and raised in Mexico, Torres first moved to the United States at the age of five when her father pursued a PhD at Kansas State University.

Her town back then was predominantly white and Republican, which required a degree of cultural adaptation.

Four years later, her family returned to Mexico, driven by her parents’ wish to immerse their children in their cultural roots.

“My parents wanted me and my siblings to have more of a cultural identity,” said Torres.

Life back in Mexico was exciting and

“I always say: Kean healed me!”

– MJ Torres

Photo by MGCA’s Instagram account

MGCA e-board members at their first event, Rome Talk. From left to right, Sujeiry Jerez, Giovanna Marques, Anthony Sorrentino, MJ Torres, Gabriele Santos, and Julia Gomez

continued on page 7

November, 2024

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Communicating Across Cultures Course Leads Kean Ocean to the Nation’s Largest Temple

By Jordan Beaudoin

primarily a hands-on experience.

They have been doing many projects in the Every semester at Kean University, each department course. Students in this class have been having always has something fun to do for its students, and Zoom calls with the students on the Kean Wenzhou this semester allowed a fun field trip for students to get campus in China and getting to know them while involved in. they learn about Kean in the States. Students in the This semester, students had the opportunity to class have been having interviews with the students take a course called Communicating Across Cultures. and approaching the meetings using the Anxiety Professor Courtney Atkins, who teaches in the theory. Students have also been given another communications department, runs this course. It is a assignment to talk to someone from a different Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins 33,000-free electives course open to students currently culture; currently, one student is talking to someone One of the many Outdoor Areas of The Temple on track for a communications degree and students on from Turkey, one is interviewing someone from track for a different degree.

Romania, and someone is interviewing a catholic Students in this course have gotten hands-on experience in all aspects. This course priest. This semester, the course has also focused on group projects, genocide, and the continued on page 6 prepares students to be aware of the world's intercultural elements. This class is

Kean University student competes in Mr. Philippines

By Sarah Rosales

catch the most points. The second act was the cultural portion in which the contestants had to showcase how they can relate back to kapwa and the greater Filipino culture as a whole. The talent portion featured stellar and eye-catching performances designed to rack up as many points as possible for the Mr. PHL title.

“Everybody has this aura of ‘we’re just here for a good time’... We just want to have fun with it and grow together as a group,” Etrata said about his fellow contestants.

Kean University’s FUNK, or Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean, hadn’t sent a representative to compete in the Mr. Philippines (Mr. PHL) cultural pageant in over three years until John Etrata took a courageous chance to win the title.

On Nov. 17, fourteen young men competed in the annual Mr. PHL pageant at the Lerner Roone Arledge Cinema located at Columbia University.

The pageant was organized by District III (D3), the united front of collegiatelevel Filipino organizations all across New York City and New Jersey. It was one of many Filipino cultural events the group hosts, with its feminine counterpart, Ms. Philippines, happening in February and the singing competition, Wanna Canta, occurring after Photo by Sarah Rosales Photo by Sarah Rosales that.

Courtyard view of the Lerner Roone Arledge Etrata posed post-pageant with Khadija Sankoh (left) and This year’s theme Cinema at Columbia University Alexis Orallo (right), current President of FUNK was “Kapwa”, a word in Etrata’s performances couldn’t be done without the the Filipino language, Tagalog, that roughly translates to help of his entourage. He sought out help from Carlos “kindred”.

“It describes the deep connection between human Lantigua and Heldreth Yu, his peers in his architecture beings, tied together by something stronger and greater program, as Etrata performed a dance medley of several than blood or nationality,” wrote the official Mr. PHL popular K-pop songs for his talent portion; Lara Romero and Mikylla Baluyut, FUNK’s Historian and Cultural Instagram when the show’s theme was announced.

The pageant consisted of the barong walk, the show’s Chair respectively, assisted in his cultural portion as first act, where the contestants dressed in traditional they helped set the stage for him for the cultural portion Filipino attire and walked out with a dramatic flair to while a heart-warming video played of Etrata’s growing

community.

“Attending the Mr. PHL practices are definitely as fun as attending Ms PHL,” remarked Romero, who had also been part of FUNK’s Ms. Philippines entourage at the beginning of the year. “I can say with full confidence that John is going to spread the joy that he brings to FUNK to the world!”

Etrata did not place among the top five contestants, however, he was met with proud and resounding applause nonetheless as he was named Mr. Congeniality, a category reserved only for those voted the kindest among the group by his fellow contestants.

Rightly deserved, Etrata is known among his community for his passion Photo by Lara Romero of skillfully All the contestants competing in Mr. Philippines photographing his friends at candid moments, cooking meals for them, and pulling others into his love of dance.

“The best way I believe we can embody kapwa into our lives is simply making sure we interact with others!

Whether that is through the smallest acts of service or catching up with a good friend, interaction is the foundational key,” said Etrata. “There are many ways to build our connection not only with our own Filipino community but with other communities.” n

[Kapwa] describes the deep connection between human beings, tied together by something stronger and greater than blood or nationality.

4 THE TOWER November, 2024

Women’s Soccer Ella Petrosh Captures NJAC Rookie of the Year continued from cover

The forward earned one-time Rookie in the regular season and a berth into the of the Week honors early during the conference playoffs. regular season. In the second week of Petrosh and other playmakers were competition, she able to improve collected five upon last year’s points across two c a m p a i g n , competitions finishing the against Fairleigh regular season 7-9Dickinson3, besting their F l o r h a m previous record of University and 4-10-3.

Sarah Lawerence This was the College.

Cougar’s first trip Petrosh was in to the playoffs disbelief when she found out she had since 2021. claimed the rookie Ranked seventh title, describing coming into the the immense season and the talent within her conference’s dark own class and horse, the team across the entire was determined conference. to make it to the “I had tears in postseason. my eyes. I never Photo by Kean Athletics “[The seniors’] thought in a Ella Petrosh leadership was million years that the single most I was going to get important thing it,” she said. “There that got us back to is so much talent in our freshmen the playoffs, they class that I never wanted it really thought I would bad and it trickled get Rookie of the down to the rest Year.” of the team,” said Petrosh credited Doherty. her success both to Overall, the the support from team culture was her parents and the deciding factor also to the seniors for the success on the team who of the season. she said fostered a The players’ culture that made determination the team feel like a and coachability family.

“I couldn't worked in tandem pinpoint just one with the coaching person…

But, Photo by Kean Athletics staff. the seniors really Head Coach Brian Doherty “This group was helped all the a really good group freshmen settle in and become family,” of people… and I think that’s why we were said Petrosh. as successful as we were,” Doherty said.

Doherty also described the strong “Because everyone accepted their roles, leadership from the senior class.

“She had a great supporting cast even if they had questions, they accepted around her this year… a very experienced the answers. They always put the team senior class, a lot of great leadership,” said first.”

Petrosh will continue her athletic Doherty.

The seniors’ presence and effect on the campaign into the spring season as a program led the team to a strong showing member of Kean’s lacrosse team. n

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C ougars Annual Pop-up Shop

By Cam’Ron Johnson

November, the time of year when one’s schedule is filled with many activities.

A time when family and friends begin to plan towards the end of the month, especially for college kids and professors, as they look forward to getting through

The Cougar Pop-Up Shop is an event at Kean University where a large number of clothes are donated and the students from Kean get to come in, scan and pick from a large variety of their choosing, and take them home. This is located at the Miron Student Center on the 2nd floor in room 228. When students enter, the staff

“This is much better than going to any mall a round this time of year”

November, 2024

Kean film association:

A creative Space for student filmmakers

By Layah Lopes The Kean Film Association, a newly established club on campus, has had its first semester at Kean, drawing a positive turnout of students.

President Helen Dominguez, a senior Film major, proudly shares her passion

Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson

midterms and finals to enjoy their Thanksgiving break. Thanksgiving is all about giving to others, and showing how much you care. Kean University starts its Thanksgiving early with its yearly Cougar Pop-Up Shop.

will greet them and let them know about the rules.

First rule, students can only pick and take 10 items, students are asked to always try them on as there are continued on page 8

upon herself to make the vision a reality.

Soon after, she teamed up with a group of students she had bonded with through Keantv, and together, they built a community for like-minded individuals passionate about filmmaking.

With diverse majors, Dominguez believes the space has attracted creative

“It’s a place to build bonds and create with fellow students! As a student filmmaker with no budget, it’s good to start somewhere,” says Dominguez

Photo by Helen Dominguez

Students are scanning the clothes trying to decide on what should go home with them

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for the club and its mission.

She shares that the idea emerged when she realized her daily routine of school, work, and home was becoming monotonous. She soon realized she wanted something more exciting.

Dominguez, passionate about film, initially sought a club centered around the subject. However, what she came across was more of a social club where students gathered to discuss past and present movies, but what Dominguez envisioned was something more hands-on.

She craved an environment where students could actively create their own films and where creativity could be shared and produced.

When she found that such a space didn't exist at Kean, Dominguez took it

Photo by Helen Dominguez

and talented people.

“It’s a place to build bonds and create with fellow students! As a student filmmaker with no budget it’s good to start somewhere,” says Dominguez.

She hopes the club will continue to thrive, and she desires that those who follow in her footsteps be as dedicated to keeping the club's momentum going.

Currently, the E-board is working hard, seeking an open room where they can have the space to formulate ideas and film.

Vice president Armani Reynoso, a senior film Major, shares his optimism for the club's growth. He believes the club has the potential for even greater success with various creative minds involved.

Reynoso commends Dominguez’s continued on page 8

6 THE TOWER November, 2024

Communicating Across Cultures Course Leads Kean Ocean to the Nation’s Largest Temple continued from page 3

United Nations. Students have also been studying a lot of among the many other people who do. “At a young age, Japan this semester within the course.

I began attending the weekly children’s classes, and I On November 7, Professor Atkins took her Kean Ocean started to feel a sense of purpose and felt I was in the right students to Robbinsville, New Jersey, to explore the place. I would see many others volunteering in various largest Hindu temple in the United States. They went to capacities, and naturally, I wanted to get involved as well. the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. She wanted them When I began studying and learning more about the lives to understand another culture outside of the classroom. of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (founder of the Swaminarayan “One of the reasons I wanted to take the students there Sampradaya, and who we worship as ultimate God) and was because it was a lot more attainable than traveling our gurus, I understood the importance of volunteering to India. It was an opportunity to be in another culture selflessly and serving others.” He has also continued to without leaving New Jersey. Another Reason is that I went learn and grow from volunteering at the temple. to a sibling temple in India. When I was in Delhi, I went “The nature of my involvement with the temple has to this temple, and I think it’s amazing that it’s the same evolved as I grow older, but the principles have stayed the cultural branch as Robbinsville. They’re all related to the same - it is a way for me to give back and work on ridding same organization, and I thought my experience in Delhi myself of the innate selfish qualities embedded in our was beautiful. I wanted the students to see what Hindu human nature. Simply put, volunteering at the temple culture was like in person,” Atkin said. nourishes my soul.” Kapadia said.

It’s a hand-carved temple shipped from India that is The tour lasted about two and a half hours, and students assembled in pieces. Many volunteers work there, and the could explore independently. project is still in progress. There is a lot to do there.

Some students who attended the trip had a great time Professor Atkins thought this would be a great idea, and had nothing but good things to say about it. They all Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins considering everything students have been studying this Kean Ocean communication students travel with Professor Atkins to had the chance to learn something new. tour BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham located in Robbinsville, N.J. semester.

Adam Crist, a junior this year studying communications “It also provided equity for Kean Ocean Students to have This is the largest Hindu mandir in the USA studies, had these things to say about the trip: “I enjoyed an opportunity to explore something off campus myself more than I thought I would.” that relates to their curriculum,” said Atkins.

He learned several new things while on the trip, The group took a Kean Bus from the Kean Ocean “I learned about their spiritual leaders and how it Campus to the Temple in Robbinsville. There was was constructed.” space for up to 40 students to go on the trip. Atkins Nina Fiocco, a senior this year studying opened it up to one of her other courses, Event communications studies, had a few things to say Planning. She then opened it to different courses, about the trip. “I did have fun on the trip. I enjoyed students, and other students involved in the learning about it and experiencing the aspects of communications program.

Hindu culture.”

While they were there, Students had a great time.

In talking with Fiocco, she explained what she had When they first got there, there was a welcome learned on the trip, “I learned a lot about Bhagwan video.

Swaminarayan. He is the god this temple has been After that, everyone felt welcome and felt they dedicated to since he started the Swaminarayan would not be lost at all.

Hindu Tradition.”

One custom in the Temple was for students to Jack Larkin, “I thought it was cool. I loved how remove their shoes. Students were split into two authentic it was; it was a new culture, and I loved groups and led by volunteer tour guides. every bit of it. I even had a little food, which I We had the chance to ask one of the temple's never had before. So I said, " wow, this is different volunteers a few questions.OJay Kapadia, who has compared to what I usually have,” said Larkin. been volunteering at the temple for the last two Larkin also shared what he learned while on the decades., was one of the volunteers we talked to We trip. asked him about his fascination with the temple “I learned that everyone has a different and why he enjoys working there. perception of their life. I learned that everyone has “I’ve been part of BAPS for over 2 decades, their values," said Larkin. and it is tough to pinpoint what fascinates me.

Professor Atkins also enjoyed this trip. It wasn’t However, there are two things I initially thought her first time going, but she enjoyed it with her of. First, the people of BAPS constantly fascinate students. “I liked how many representations of Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins me. Worldwide, you will find people who dedicate different Deities and symbols were in the temple's Students Who Attend the Trip to the Temple With Professor Atkins their lives to selfless service. These individuals carvings. I feel like there was just so much for my are not free of other responsibilities - they have a eyes to witness. It was also very relaxing," said Maharaj, who passed away in 2016, and our current guru, family, their careers or businesses (many of whom are at Mahant Swami Maharaj. Their lives and teachings inspire Atkins. the pinnacle of their industry), or their education they’re everyone - irrespective of religious affiliation - to be the She intends to take her future cross-cultural classes working on; the list is endless. Yet, you will find them here again. It’s something students should look into in best at what they pursue and to treat and love everyone volunteering their time wholeheartedly, without any the future. They will have a blast. Other students who expectations. Second, our lineage of gurus.” Gurus are equally. The purity of their thoughts, words, and actions is attended this trip have also gone back to the temple since unparalleled.” Said Kapadia. spiritual teachers who mainly impart initiation. the trip. This is something for Kean Students to look into “I have been blessed to spend time with Pramukh Swami We also asked him why he volunteers at the temple and a class for their future courses. n

“I learned that everyone has a different perception of their life.

I learned that everyone has their values.”

– Jack Larkin

November, 2024

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Owning Your Path and Building a Community: The Story of MJ Torres & MGCA continued from page 2

welcoming but also challenging. responsibilities— as a sophomore, she became the Nine-year-old Torres had a limited four-year-old’s tennis team captain and decided to build a supportive, Spanish vocabulary and was constantly trying to catch collaborative network among MGC’s students. up with her classmates.

Growing up in predominantly white environments, Her determination back then helped her overcome re- Torres claims she was “pretty whitewashed.” Faced with adaptation challenges – without knowing that five years Kean’s diversity, the thing that once had made her feel later, she would special now made have to do it all over her feel “ordinary.” again.

“Kean made me “I remember how realize how my hard it was for me internalized racism to leave my house behaved, especially in Mexico,” Torres with my own recalls, “it was the culture,” Torres first house that felt admits, “I always like home to me.” say: Kean healed Adapting to me!” her new reality After realizing was “brutal.” This MGC students second time in lacked common the U.S., Torres ground for sharing not only needed projects, ideas, and to catch up with inspirations across Photo by Kean University Athletics page language levels and MJ Torres at tennis practice the Michael Graves a new school, now College disciplines, she also fought against anxiety and the pressures of the desire for community gave MGCA a place to be born. adolescence.

“Designing a product is like designing a community,” "In high school, I compared myself to others, but Torres explains, “You’re building for an audience need.” knowing that my story was different helped me to Torres has put together a team of self-motivated MGC ground myself," she reflected. “I was lucky. My parents students to foster an interdisciplinary, equitable, and were huge on mental health and took time to check how inclusive space for creative expression and professional me and my siblings were feeling.” development.

Torres’ also turned to her loyal outlet: tennis, where Though her vision was bold, the club’s beginnings were her competitive spirit pushes her to overcome challenges. humble. Torres’ close friend Gabriele Santos, MGCA’s “When anxiety kicks in, co-vice president and I stop and ground myself,” event coordinator, recalls she said. “I imagine winning. initial struggles to find the You have to tell yourself perfect advisor and Torres’ every day that there’s determination to make it something out there made happen. for you, and you’re going to “Denise Anderson, our get it.” current advisor, told us no Her dynamic journey, in the beginning,” Santos combined with family confesses, “But MJ was so support, helped Torres find persistent with a vision that industrial design. you just couldn’t say not to.”

Though Kean University Still, Torres said, “Nothing wasn’t her first option, she looks like what I imagined considers it a “hidden gem” it was going to be like,” she — mostly overlooked by continued, “Sometimes I’m big-name schools. like, ‘I hate this, I hate this, I “When I toured the hate this,’ but it’s my pursuit campus, [my Dad and I] of greatness talking.” found MGC’s Dean and Through consistent Chairperson,” Torres effort, the MGCA team recollected., “I asked them began to establish a Photo by MJ Torres’ Instagram account about the program, and presence on campus among MJ Torres at the Monterrosso (Italy) train station they sold it!” design students. Today, MJ The small class size and and her team host events personalized support convinced her to enroll, as she like "Social Sunday" and panel discussions, as well as quickly connected with her coursework and athletic the 5 Stars Magazine, to be published in late November,

Photo by Kean University Athletics page

MJ Torres’ Kean Athletics headshot

a platform celebrating student work and amplifying student voices within the design industry.

Torres’ vision and goals for MGCA don’t stop with creating a supportive network for professional development. Her ambitions extend to researching and reshaping how Black Indigenous and People Of Color (BIPOC) individuals are represented in design.

Additionally, she aims to use the club as a resource for her senior seminar research project and dreams of presenting it at the famed MIT’s MATLAB, which is widely recognized for its research projects in STEM fields like engineering, math, science, and technology.

Giovanna Marques, MGCA’s public relations manager and graphic design representative, described Torres as motivated and organized, noting that she implemented a Google Doc planner and a Miro board that the e-board uses as a virtual office.

“MJ taught me a mindset of ‘if you want to do something, you gotta do it,’” said Marques. “She is very resilient and taught me how to go about being a student, speaking up professionally, and establishing professional connections.”

For Torresr, Kean has been a ride of self-discovery, empowerment, and the creation of a community that likely will shape Kean University and the field of design for years to come.

“I love my homework. I love what I do.” n

8 THE TOWER November, 2024

Kean film association: A creative Space for student filmmakers continued from page 5

leadership, noting how her passion and commitment have kept the club moving forward.

“She’s gone through a couple of different hurdles to make sure we’ve been able to stay afloat and while doing so makes everyone in the club feel heard as much as possible, which just helps set a positive mindset for our members,” says Reynoso.

He expressed gratitude for having such a strong leader, where ideas can be freely exchanged and open communication is encouraged.

The supervisor, Professor Kathleen Rugh, shared her thoughts on how film projects become much more manageable when students collaborate, building momentum.

She emphasized that the E-board excels in communication and organizational skills, noting that the group functioned more as a team than a traditional hierarchy.

She highlighted Dominguez’s role in the club, praising her investment and dedication to keeping things organized and running smoothly.

She described Dominguez as not only communicative but also calm and positive in her demeanor, with the ability to take initiative.

Rugh expressed that she hopes more people will come and stay involved, especially different majors, encouraging a weave of student collaboration.

“It doesn't have to be a huge commitment; stop by

meetings or the student film screenings.” Says Rugh.

Current Member Milo Andreola also reflects positively on his experience with the club.

He expressed his excitement about the club, explaining that he had had the opportunity to make new friends and learn from others.

Andreola explained that he would be interested in continuing his involvement in the club and even envisions joining the executive Board to help carry the club's legacy forward.

“I want to put as much as I can into the club because I really like the community that’s been established by the current E-board,” says Andreola. n

C ougars Annual Pop-up Shop continued from page 5

multiple fitting rooms to your disposals. 30 minutes early before the actual open makes my life so much easier because it energy in a blink of an eye.

The second and most important rule is time. The team was over-prepared for this almost feels like I am shopping for free.”

Furthermore, Jazmine Rivera, a senior “Everyone’s style is different. Please do moment.

He goes into detail discussing some of business management major also shared not speak negatively about her feelings about the pop-up anyone's personal style.” shop. “It’s the coolest thing ever This rule stood out because it and a great opportunity.” set the tone strongly telling that She went into detail dissecting this event encourages respect those thoughts. She valued and creates a safe space. It was the fact that around this time amazing to see the lively energy college students don’t really when you step into the room have a chance to go out, so this so many students talking and event is like if the stores came gravitating towards the clothes. to you.

Furthermore, Ms.Vivian “This is much better than Zambrano one of the leaders of going to any mall around this the Pop-Up shop spoke on some time of year. ” Jazmine didn’t of the details & how this event have a specific clothing piece even gets established. “Well in that she was looking for but she this room now there are over 10,000 different types of clothes was very impressed with the that our students can try.” variety of sizes. “I’m taller than When asked where they come most girls and yet I still found from she elaborates “Majority a lot of clothes that fit me. That comes from faculty and staff tells me they really thought Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson donations. We are even able to about everyone and I appreciate Staff continues to work and setup things as students begin to pour in looking The rules for the pop-up shop get alumni to pitch in too. This at the clothes that.” event has become so popular However, it’s the last thing “We want our students to look and feel his favorite clothes. “My attention has that some off-campus organizations & that Rivera says is the perfect capsule of corporations like LAB CORP are one of their best because these clothes can help been wrapped in the blazers. I really like what the Kean University pop-up event our partners and they donated a ton as create a moment in their lives.” The Kean suits, so all of the colors give me so many staff even had a stylist there to help create possibilities to choose from and I can mix represents. “The staff was so helpful, and well.”

She continues to discuss how it's the outfits if the shoppers wanted some extra and match them. I am just really grateful even with the large number of students to have this.” When watching him search shopping at once they made time for students who create the atmosphere you help. They thought of everything here.

To continue with, Jadiel Racine, a and locate different clothes he looked like everyone, it made me feel like I was see, those students use their community service hours to endlessly fold clothes, freshman who majors in Exercise Science a kid in a candy store, feeling perfectly at home.” Your KU pop-up shop isn’t prepping to make sure sizes are in order, gave some kind words on this event. at home and wanting to take everything about the clothes or the shoes, it’s about and even much more, students along with “Living on campus and being a freshman, with him. This kind of reaction is why this creating an atmosphere in which students VIP ones which means if you are attended money isn’t something I have a lot of. The event was made. To give anyone a chance can express themselves through whatever any event before, they get to come in fact that my school holds this kind of event to change their wardrobe but also their they desire to wear. n

November, 2024

THE TOWER 9

Kean P.U.L.S.E. Hosts Japanese Crafts for the Soul continued from cover

Photo by Kean University

Photo by Nefertiti Nzameyo

The flyer reads “UNFOLD YOUR CREATIVITY: LEARN, SNACK, AND CRAFT,” a glimpse into an outlet of calm and cultural appreciation inspired by the Japanese themed event.

Origami models

the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). The Japanese were the first to use paper as a medium for art during the 6th century. Although the popularization of the craft has allowed people from various cultures to learn the intricacies of the art form, it was once only accessible to the elite.

At the origami station, vibrant square sheets lay waiting to shapeshift and assume form like the rabbit and bird models inches away from them. As time passed and the seats at the station filled, members of P.U.L.S.E. supervised and hovered on standby to assist those confused with the instructions.

When they were done, their eyes widened and smiles emerged as they admired their tiny, paper masterpieces.

Laurie Theodule, a graduate PR major, is a frequent attendee of Kean P.U.L.S.E. events. The food, giveaways, and chance to interact with other peers are memorable parts of her time at past events. However, Paper Dreams unlocked a childhood memory for her when she was a middle schooler in after school, serving as a pure moment of nostalgia. “ I heard they were doing origami and I was like ok, haven’t tried that in a while… it helps [with] stress and everything,” said Theodule.

On the opposite side of the origami station were the calligraphy and Kendama stations. Japanese caricatures reading “faith, peace, love, strength, and Japan” were models for attendees to practice the artistic writing style. An undeniable concentration and peace exuded from one attendee as she dipped the paintbrush in ink, dabbed the tray edge to remove excess ink, and made gentle strokes on her calligraphy paper sheet.

Minutes later she was at the table next door with an identical concentration trying to land the ball (tama) in one of the cups (ozara/kozara). Cheers and gasps broke out as the ball sat balanced in the cup. Pulse’s media team hurried to her to seize the photo op.

Kean P.U.L.S.E. is a student-led programming board that fosters unity and school spirit through event planning. They are actively looking to organize experiences that are unique in engaging the community with cultural lessons that expand their knowledge of the world around them and serve as a mode of self expression.

Justina Dejesus, a board member of P.U.L.S.E. said, “We are planning events for the spring… we're currently in the process of researching other cultural events so that’s still to be determined!”. n