The Commonwealth Times; April 24, 2024

The Commonwealth Times is signing off until the fall 2024 semester. Thank you to all our readers, supporters and contributors.

This 2023-2024 school year, The CT covered a wide range of stories relating to and impacting the VCU and Richmond community, including Palestine activism, students’ thoughts on the upcoming presidential election, arts and culture events in the area and various VCU sporting events. The CT also launched a brand new humor section this year, exploring and introducing new content to the newspaper.

Since The CT publications pause during the summer, here are local Virginia publications you can turn to stay informed until the CT returns in August:

The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Virginia Mercury

Style Weekly

Richmond Magazine

VPM

RVA MAG

Have a great summer and look out for our next print publication on Aug. 21.

President Rao invites Youngkin to speak at commencement, campus groups disapprove

HISHAM VOHRA Contributing Writer

ANDREW KERLEY Audience Editor

Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be VCU’s 2024 Spring Commencement speaker after being invited by VCU President Michael Rao, a move that has drawn backlash from some student groups who say the governor does not represent them, according to posts from various student organizations.

Commencement is on May 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, according to a press release.

Youngkin, a Republican, will continue a longstanding tradition of Virginia governors speaking at VCU’s — and other schools’ — graduation ceremonies. Past speakers included Terry McAulliffe in 2015, Bob McDonnell in 2011, Tim Kaine in 2008, Mark Warner in 2004, Jim Gilmore in 1999 and George Allen in 1997.

VCU’s overall history of graduation speakers shows the university invites varied leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives, said VCU spokesperson Brian McNeill.

“Providing students opportunities to hear these viewpoints is a fundamental part of VCU’s mission,” McNeill said.

Rao invited Youngkin to speak in Nov. 2023, as revealed in a Freedom of Information Act request by journalist and VCU alum Tom Nash. The Office of Government Relations for VCU followed

up multiple times before Youngkin accepted the invitation.

McNeill declined to comment on how the selection process for Commencement speakers works.

The governor has crossed paths with VCU on multiple occasions. Youngkin and Rao previously opened the VCU x CodeRVA Lab School in January, the first in Youngkin’s Lab School program, according to a press release.

Youngkin also called for Rao to step down as president of VCU Health last year, following the failed Clay Street development, according to a previous report by The Commonwealth Times. Rao said he supports Youngkin’s recommendation to step down.

A coalition of campus groups dubbing themselves “NotWelcomeAtVCU” have asked graduating students to walk out of the ceremony unless VCU removes Youngkin as speaker, as posted on their Instagram page. Some of the account’s posts have garnered hundreds of likes, with one in particular getting over 2,000.

Similar protests occurred at George Mason University when Youngkin spoke at the school’s 2023 Spring Commencement, according to a previous report by WUSA9.

The NotWelcomeAtVCU campaign includes Catch the Fire, Green Action RVA and VCU chapters for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Students for Justice in Palestine, Young Democratic Socialists of

America, the National Association for Black Social Workers, the National Association for Blacks in Criminal Justice and United Campus Workers of Virginia. The coalition has made social media posts criticizing Youngkin on a number of issues, from his rollbacks on accommodations for transgender K-12 students, to his pushback against pro-Palestine activism on college campuses and his efforts to withdraw from carbon-cutting initiatives.

Providing students opportunities to hear these viewpoints is a fundamental part of VCU’s mission.”

Brian McNeill, VCU spokesperson

Recently, Youngkin also received backlash from the coalition for requesting to view syllabi for classes teaching VCU’s upcoming racial literacy requirement, a move faculty called “unprecedented” and threatening to “academic freedom,” according to previous reports by The Commonwealth Times.

Christian Martinez, the deputy press secretary for Youngkin, did not respond to

multiple requests for comment.

“Governor Glenn Youngkin’s selection as the Commencement speaker is not just inappropriate, it’s an affront to every principle of justice and equality VCU claims to uphold,” NotWelcomeAtVCU stated in an email to The Commonwealth Times.

The coalition also made posts in which they criticized VCU administrators for complying with Youngkin’s requests and sending his office 11 syllabi for racial literacy courses.

“VCU’s performative commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a cynical exploitation of progressive values,” NotWelcomeAtVCU stated.

The coalition called the tradition of inviting governors to speak at Commencements regardless of their party a “hollow justification used to mask deeply problematic decisions.” They stated someone like VCU alum Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, the until-recently director of diversity and inclusion for the U.S. House of Representatives, would have made a better speaker. Moon was the first Black queer woman to establish an endowment at VCU in Nov. 2023.

“There are many many choices that would suffice, but this is a conversation that should be had by the broader VCU community and the VCU institution, rather than just the institution itself,” the statement reads.

President Michael Rao at VCU’s 2023 Fall Commencement ceremony.

Photo courtesy of VCU News.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be VCU’s 2024 Spring Commencement speaker. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.

Youngkin, legislators propose changes to military waivers

NATALIE COLLINS Contributing Writer

Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed a $24 million funding boost for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program tuition waivers on April 8, according to WAVY. However, legislators sought to change the eligibility requirements for the program in Senate Bill 347.

The VMSDEP provides waived tuition and fees at Virginia public colleges and universities for the spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner or who became at least 90% permanently disabled as a result of military service, according to the program’s website.

However, costs for the program have mounted. The State Council for Higher Education of Virginia estimates the program has been growing between 40% to 60% every year up to $66.4 million in 2023, according to WAVY.

Some university administrators have petitioned lawmakers for action to sustain the VMSDEP program long-term, according to a previous report by The Commonwealth Times.

During the VCU 2022-23 fiscal year, 439 students received tuition assistance

from the VMSDEP program, totalling $720,913 in waived tuition, according to the Division of Veterans’ Services’ annual report.

The legislator’s proposed changes would add new eligibility criteria to the VMSDEP, including limiting tuition waivers to families with a total household income below $134,800 per year, according to SB 347, whose provisions were folded into the Virginia state budget.

Another change in the budget restricts the waivers until after all other state financial aid is applied, including the expected family contribution. It also requires potential beneficiaries to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, according to the bill.

The FAFSA has been the subject of criticism as of late for the botched rollout of a streamlined version, according to The Hill.

Military advocacy group Friends of VMSDEP has pushed back against adding new eligibility hurdles it views as breaking faith with America’s veterans.

“This will effectively turn a benefit earned by the veteran through service, sacrifice and sometimes including the very ultimate one — death in uniform — into a need-based one,” Friends of VMSDEP stated in a press release.

The governor’s amendment to include $24 million to support the extra costs will provide additional operating support to minimize in-state undergraduate tuition increases, improve retention and graduation and increase degree production in highdemand programs, according to Youngkin’s budget amendment.

However, the governor and Democratic legislators recently agreed to seek out a new budget, with everything back on the negotiating table. The new budget is to be submitted on May 13, according to The Washington Post.

Celina Bolanos, a fourth-year kinetic imaging student and a VMSDEP beneficiary through their father, a retired Marine, said the proposed changes rubbed them the wrong way.

“Things like income and stuff, that doesn’t erase the fact that they still suffered government-induced disabilities,” Bolanos said.

Bolanos said the changes run contrary to Virginia’s support for its large veteran population — nearly 615,000, according to Axios.

“It’s just kind of odd to take that away from such a vulnerable population,” Bolanos said. “Not too many people are on the program, so it shouldn’t be too big of an expense.”

Friends of VMSDEP hold signs in front of the Virginia State Capitol. Some military families are concerned with the proposed changes to the program. Photo courtesy of Daniel Goodale-Porter.

Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.

Stat of the week

VCU third-year forward Mia George scored two goals, marking her 31st goal on the season in their 9-7 win against the University of Richmond on Saturday, April 20, according to VCU Athletics.

Brandon Eike’s guide to infield throwing

DAN ELSON

Contributing Writer

VCU fourth-year third baseman Brandon Eike is known for his ability to hit home runs for the Rams, as well as a throwing hard across the diamond.

The science behind the speed

Eike, who’s hitting .340 at the plate as of Sunday, April 20, said he threw around 90 mph back in high school. That is faster than a cheetah, which can run up to 70 mph, according to National Geographic.

A cheetah can reach 60 mph in about three seconds, according to the National Geographic Society.

It takes about a second to throw from third to first at 90 mph, according to HowStuffworks. The distance of that throw is a little over 127 feet, according to MLB. Eike said creating a backspin on the throw allows the ball to carry longer.

“So obviously it’s one of the longest throws in the field,” said Eike, who has a 1.070 on-base plus slugging percentage as of Sunday, April 20. “So the more carry you have, the easier it’ll be for your first baseman to catch.”

The formula for speed is speed equals distance over time. VCU physics assistant professor Richard “Inho” Joh said when throwing a baseball horizontally, its speed doesn’t change.

“Particle speed will undergo constant motion of acceleration,” Joh said. “In terms of thinking about trajectory, that ball will make a parabola once it’s out of the hands of the fielder.”

Practice makes perfect

Eike said the way to increase throwing velocity is to long-toss and throw harder regularly.

An infielder must throw at different arm angles to get runners out depending

on the type of play. For a routine ground ball, infielders use an overhand throwing motion. Eike said changing arm slots is the hardest thing to do in the infield.

“A lot of people have one slot they throw from,” Eike said. “Just being able to practice throwing from [a] bunch of different slots just based on where you field ground balls and the position you have to throw it in can kind of play in your favor.”

If there is a bunt down the third base line and the ball is to the right of the third baseman, he would have to pick the ball up bare-handed and throw side-arm to get the runner out.

“We do that pretty much every day in practice,” Eike said. “Just working on fundamentals, fielding bunts and then kind of just letting athleticism take over, and then your instincts, and then you can make a play like that.”

With every ground ball hit to Eike, he tries to hit the first baseman in the chest or the second baseman on the left shoulder

with his throw.

Eike said he takes “hundreds of ground balls every day.”

Long-tossing is where baseball players throw at one another from a far distance. During the season, Eike, who leads the team in home runs, long-tosses at most twice a week. In the offseason, Eike said he long tosses up to 300 feet.

“During the season, it’s mainly just getting my arm ready to play,” Eike said. “So it doesn’t really take more than five minutes.”

Working on throwing drills and throwing regularly are key to improving throwing mechanics, but explosive workouts in the offseason are also important.

Michael McCaughtry, the director of sports performance for VCU Athletics, works with the baseball team in the offseason. He said the workouts in the winter benefit the players during the season.

“So that’s going to be squat variations, a hinge variation, upper body pushes and pools,” McCaughtry said.

McCaughtry said exercises the VCU players do over the winter are based on a “fully encompassed training program.”

A lot of what the Rams see on the field represents what the players do in the weight room over the winter, according to McCaughtry.

The Rams’ next game is Friday, April 26 against George Mason at Spuhler Field at 3 p.m.

VCU basketball says goodbye to two key players

BERSABEH KEMAW Staff Writer

After the final buzzer of the season blared, VCU graduate forward Kuany Kuany and graduate guard and forward Sean Bairstow said goodbye to their collegiate basketball careers.

Kuany and Bairstow were both transfer students who came to VCU for their graduate year to play under head coach Ryan Odom, who was also a new member of the VCU basketball team.

Kuany played at the University of California, Berkeley where he also obtained his undergraduate degree in sociology, according to Cal Bears.

He chose VCU as his last-stop destination for college basketball because he wanted a school that would fit his game and a school that would win, according to Kuany.

“VCU was a place that I believed was gonna win and it has a track record of winning,” Kuany said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”

Kuany is no stranger to moving to new places and adapting to new environments, he said.

He came to the United States on his own at 15 to pursue his basketball career, according to VCU Athletics.

His journey to America at a young age has helped the process of moving get easier for him, Kuany said.

“I get acclimated to whatever place I go to a lot faster now,” Kuany said. “I know what to expect and I can engage with other people through those past experiences.”

His transfer journey to VCU was difficult at first, and he faced a lot of ups and downs, according to Kuany.

“I came in with a shoulder injury,”

Kuany said. “So that set me back a little bit.”

Even though his experience was difficult from a physical standpoint, his teammates welcomed him with open arms and his coaches made sure to help him through his injury process, according to Kuany.

“Once I got up and running, everything was smooth sailing from there,” Kuany said.

His shoulder injury prevented him from working out with the team over the summer of 2023, according to Odom.

“He started a little bit slow from a shooting perspective and then took off,” Odom said. “I’m really proud of his ability to persevere and fight through situations and help the team win.”

Kuany takes pride in his game and the type of teammate he is, according to Odom.

“I think that’s why you see the success that he had on the court this year,” Odom said.

Bairstow, on the other hand, transferred from Utah State, where he was coached by Odom for two years, according to Odom.

“I coached Sean during his junior year and senior year at Utah State,” Odom said. “Then he came to post-grad here with us at VCU.”

Bairstow also faced a foot injury early on in the season during practice which made him sit out for 12 games before finally making his debut on Dec. 22, 2023, according to VCU Athletics.

He was able to come back and help the team when they needed him, according to Odom.

“He rounded out the roster and the team,” Odom said. “He really impacted the team in a positive way and helped us

go on a run down the stretch.”

Bairstow was an important piece for the Rams because of his size and his ability to handle and pass the ball, according to Odom.

“He’s very unselfish with how he plays,” Odom said. “He can make a key basket for you when you really need it and he defends and rebounded too.”

Bairstow led the team in assists since his return and Kuany led the team in free throw percentages, making them key players for the Rams, according to ESPN.

As Kuany moves onto the next chapter of his life, one of the biggest takeaways from his time as a Ram is learning to truly work hard and be efficient in his game, according to Kuany.

“I’ve always been a hard worker,” Kuany said. “But now I know how to simplify the game through ways that coach Odom and the other coaches have taught me.”

He wants to play professional basketball after graduating from the Center of Sports Leadership with his master’s degree, according to Kuany.

“That’s been my goal my entire life,” Kuany said. “So I’m just going to put all my eggs in one basket and go for it as long as I can.”

His experience here at VCU as a Ram has been a great one, and he hopes to have his younger family or friends come to play for the Rams in the future, according to Kuany.

“This is one of the best environments I’ve been around,” Kuany said. “This is one of the greatest fan bases that I can think of and it was a pleasure playing here.”

Photos by Arrick Wilson, Kaitlyn Fulmore and Andrew Hill. Collage by Gabe Molina.

Senior Day success:

women’s lacrosse beats rival 9-7

MARCUS LEARY Contributing Writer

The VCU Rams upset their cross-town rival, the University of Richmond Spiders, 9-7, on Senior Day, and advanced to 5-11 for the season.

After the game, VCU celebrated the tenure of seven senior lacrosse players.

This win also brought the Rams their first win against the Spiders in VCU women’s lacrosse history.

Richmond won the first draw and took advantage of the early possession, when third-year midfielder Grace Muldoon scored the first points less than two minutes into the game.

I know when I played I would have loved to have alumni guidance. It’s a great opportunity for current and past players to stay connected and keep the roots of the program strong.”

Savannah Slack former VCU women’s lacrosse

The Rams tied it up less than two minutes later when third-year attacker Mia George scored her 30th goal of the season, according to StatBroadcast.

The Rams scored three more goals in the first quarter, which gave them a 4-1 lead going into the second quarter.

The Spiders stormed back into the game halfway through the second quarter, when fourth-year midfielder Sarah Roycroft scored two consecutive free-position goals.

The Spiders tied the game at 4-4 six minutes into the second quarter.

VCU head coach Nicole Flores called a timeout to stop the Spiders’ momentum shift.

“In the second quarter, they got a couple of goals on us. We call the timeout, then we score the next two goals,” Flores said. “It was about momentum and not letting the game run away from us.”

The Rams took back the momentum and broke the tie when third-year attacker Ashley Karn scored.

Both teams scored one more time in the second quarter and brought the score to 6-5, with VCU still in the lead going into halftime.

Five minutes into the third quarter, Richmond fourth-year attacker Ali Susskind tied the game back up 6-6.

VCU turned the ball over after the Spiders forced a shot clock violation. This turnover led to Richmond thirdyear attacker Colleen Quinn scoring her 40th goal of the season, according to Richmond Spiders.

Quinn’s goal gave the Spiders their first lead of the game, according to StatBroadcast. Quinn’s goal was also Richmond’s final point of the game.

The Rams tied the game again — making the score 7-7 — when thirdyear midfielder Mason Whitmore scored a man-up, free-position shot.

VCU scored once more in the third quarter, sending them into the fourth quarter with an 8-7 lead.

The fourth quarter was slow for both offenses, with neither team scoring for the first 13 minutes of play, according to StatBroadcast.

The first and only point in the quarter came from VCU second-year midfielder Kiley Kozak with 1:17 left in the game, to put the Rams up 9-7.

The black and gold avoided a lategame comeback when third-year goalkeeper Ahnika Eberl saved a oneon-one shot with thirty seconds left in the game.

“Senior night was a huge part of it. We all just got hype and wanted an upset,” said Kozak. “We all came in it

together and won it together.”

VCU women’s lacrosse alumni attended the Senior Day game. They cheered and stormed the field with the current team when the game ended.

VCU fourth-year midfielder Kelsey McDonnell said alumni engagement is

Even today on Senior Day, we have girls from two, three, four years coming to our games. I think they’re a big part of our culture, and what keeps VCU Lacrosse alive.”

Kelsey McDonnell VCU fourth-year midfielder

super important for the team.

“Even today on Senior Day, we have girls from two, three, four years coming to our games,” McDonnell said. “I think they’re a big part of our culture, and what keeps VCU Lacrosse alive.”

The Ram Athletic Fund teamed up with the women’s lacrosse team and created a new club, the 2016 Club, to get more alumni involvement and funding, according to VCU Athletics.

The club’s creation was headed by assistant director of Annual Fund & Donor Experience, Erin Mattone.

Named after the team’s inaugural season, the club’s goal is to “foster alumni engagement” and get more funding for the team, according to Mattone.

“I know when I played I would have loved to have alumni guidance,” said Savannah Slack, former VCU women’s lacrosse player. “It’s a great opportunity for current and past players to stay connected and keep the roots of the program strong.”

Illustration by Layla Hajigurban.

How do NIL deals impact the collegiate sports playing field?

ALEXIS WASHINGTON Contributing Writer

There has been a huge discussion for years on whether college athletes should get paid or not.

Many argue athletes will focus only on the money aspect of sports and not on the sport itself, while others believe sports are physically demanding, so athletes deserve to be paid.

The NCAA responded to the debate on athletes’ pay by implementing name, image and likeness in June 2021, allowing student-athletes to make money from their personal brand, according to NCSA College Recruiting.

The purpose of NIL is to utilize college athletes’ identities for commercial purposes, not in exchange for labor.

There are regulations in place even though NIL is now allowed. Colleges can not reward players for their achievements, and coaches can not offer money to prospective students.

Before NIL, the NCAA prohibited college athletes from receiving monetary benefits other than the scholarship awarded. Some athletes received payments under the table despite the rule.

Reggie Bush, a former running back at the University of Southern California, received illegal forms of payments during

NIL’s highest earners

his playing time from outside parties, according to ABC News.

The NCAA found out and Bush had to return his 2005 Heisman Trophy and USC was penalized in 2010.

Athletes’ only job is to play their sport and provide entertainment prior to NIL deals, while multibillion-dollar corporations profited from them.

The NCAA made $15.5 billion in revenue from the March Madness tournament in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association.

“Traditions alone cannot justify the NCAA’s decision to build a massive moneyraising enterprise on the backs of studentathletes who are not fairly compensated,” Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh said, according to CBS Sports, after the Supreme Court ruled against the NCAA rule allowing compensation for athletes.

NIL is a great way for athletes to build their own image and make money at the same time.

In fact, many college players are making more money in college than they would playing in their professional sports leagues.

Caitlin Clark is the all-time scorer in men’s and women’s Division I. She built a name for herself and made $3.1 million in NIL earnings, surpassing any other women’s

college basketball player. She has deals with Gatorade, State Farm and a future deal with Nike.

Clark was drafted by the Indian Fever as a No. 1 overall and signed a four-year contract totaling $338,056, according to USA Today.

In her first year, Clark will earn under $100,000, meaning she makes more money in NIL deals than she will in the WNBA; she is not the only athlete facing this problem.

Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson along with Clark were the first four picks of the 2024 WNBA draft. Each player was picked at the same value and will receive the same amount of money, according to USA Today.

Athletes should make more money when they enter the professional league. The amount of dedication and time players put into their craft should be reflected in their pay. Especially in women’s sports, since they tend to be underrepresented in their salaries.

Athletes tend to stay and use all of their college eligibility because NIL deals pay more.

The future for NIL is looking bright for emerging college stars.

In the first year of the NIL, the market surpassed $900 million and is projected to

With updated college rosters, as players have recently declared for the draft, the most recent top earners in NIL are as follows, according to On3:

$4.7 Million

WOMEN’S TENNIS AT DELAWARE

LOSS 4-0

APRIL 19

BASEBALL VS DAYTON

LOSS 5-1

APRIL 20

BASEBALL VS DAYTON

WON 8-3

LACROSSE VS RICHMOND

WON 9-7

grow beyond $1 billion.

NIL has changed the way collegiate sports operate. Players have to be even more cautious about their social media presence because it can drive away potential sponsorships and deals.

One bad move could possibly lose an athlete their money. Companies do not want players with a poor image to represent their brand or product.

Big corporations break ties with athletes who do not align with their values. We see it all the time, even in professional sports.

NIL has had a profound effect on players, but is it detrimental to the game?

Many argue yes if considering the movement in the transfer portal.

Athletes enter the transfer portal to earn more money in NIL deals if they are not satisfied with their current earnings.

Just like a regular job, if the pay is better somewhere else, then that’s where your talent will go.

The mentality of “chasing the bag” comes into effect and the state of collegiate sports deteriorates.

We can now stop wondering how college athletes can afford fancy cars and flashy jewelry; NIL deals are the answer.

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback at Colorado University

$4.5 million

Bronny James, point guard at University of Southern California

$3.7 million

Livvy Dunne, gymnast at Louisiana State University

$2.8 million

Arch Manning, quarterback at Texas University

$2.4 million

Travis Hunter, wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado University

Infographic by Gabe Molina and Violet Velasquez.

Illustration by Malaika Campbell.

On

American Idol Golden Ticket winner performs at VCU

SALMA ESCOTO Contributing Writer

The spotlight shone down on 17-yearold Carrie Brockwell, a Chesterfield County local and 2022 “American Idol” Golden Ticket winner, as she took the stage alongside the VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Brockwell performed with the VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble along with a medley of other performers on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, according to Phillip Coston, the associate director of bands at VCUarts music.

The concert was centered around Brockwell and her country sound, and was a celebration of Richmond and VCU talent, Coston said. It was an opportunity for students to experience collaborating with local talent while acquiring a tangible vision of the possibilities ahead of them.

“We want to support people from Richmond that are out there trying to make it,” Coston said.

It featured a performance from “The Lion King”, which was a lively display of all the talented performers on stage. Brockwell, VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, African Dance and drumming group and VCU choir were all on stage.

“You can feel the sound and the energy,” Coston said.

Brockwell and her family noticed auditions for “American Idol” were in October 2022 and simply went for it, according to Brockwell.

Despite still being in high school and only being 15 years old at the time, Brockwell auditioned for “American Idol.” she said. After auditioning for “The Voice” earlier in 2022 and not hearing back, she didn’t let that stop her.

Winning the Golden Ticket to Hollywood was only part of the amazing yet challenging “American Idol” experience, according to Brockwell.

Brockwell was surrounded by other talented and passionate musicians, whom she has connected with, continues to be friends with and collaborates with to this day, she said. The validation and merit of “American Idol” and her new friends motivated her to continue to pursue music.

“It was an insane moment of you know, ‘wow, I can actually do this,’” Brockwell said.

Brockwell grew up with music in

her family — her dad and uncle had a cover band and she could often hear them rehearsing in the garage while she was doing homework, she said.

For as long as she could remember, she was passionate about singing and music, Brockwell said.

“Ever since I was little I wanted to be down there singing with them and grabbing the mic, and I wanted my share of the spotlight,” Brockwell said.

Growing up in a household full of music and a passion for singing, Brockwell began to develop her craft of music in early childhood, according to Brockwell. She joined her school’s musical theater for a chance to sing and perform, eventually landing the lead role as Annie in her school’s production of “Annie” at age 11.

Brockwell is currently active in her school’s musical theater at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, she said.

When COVID-19 started, Brockwell was in her first year of high school and it started affecting her music, according to Brockwell. While the pandemic temporarily stopped her from performing, she never let it stop her from following her musical passion, she said.

Brockwell took the pandemic as an opportunity to take the next step in her musical career when she began writing music, she said. Songs such as “Rock” and “Teddy Bear” came from this time, which later became a part of her first EP album “Impressions.”

Noticing the talent in his home, her dad connected her with a recording producer and got her in the studio to produce her first of many EP albums, according to Brockwell.

“Pursuing this dream of my music, it just kept snowballing in a good way,” Brockwell said.

Brockwell was chosen due to her merits as a local celebrity, according to Christopher Hansen, the director of choral activities.

“Our village is stronger because we created something novel and we gave it to them,” Hansen said.

The show began with a highenergy performance from the VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and then later, Brockwell was introduced, according to Nidhi Gowda, an audience member. A few audience members were there to support friends of theirs in the performance, she said.

“It was really entertaining,” Gowda said.

this day

In 1184 B.C., Greek soldiers entered Troy in the Trojan Horse.

Carrie Brockwell, American Idol Golden Ticket winner, performs with the VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, VCU choir and African Dance and drumming group on Wednesday, April 17 at the Singleton Center for Performing Arts.

Photos by Jerry Pleasant.

Local church event limits waste, gives back to community

churches and organizations about the event.

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond held its first “Earth Day Buy Nothing Event” on Saturday, April 20 to celebrate Earth Day.

Hosted outside at First UU Church and completely volunteer-run, the event was set up like a yard sale with labeled tables for different types of items on which donors can organize

A buy nothing event allows people to donate items they no longer need and take items that they do for free, according to the Buy Nothing Project website. No one is required to donate or to take anything but may as they please.

Rachel Lawrence, a semi-retired math teacher who now works closely within multiple ministries of the church, coordinated this event and shared some insight into its goal, she said.

“We open up our space for people to bring things that no longer serve them and to take things that speak to them that they need, and the whole idea is to keep things out of the landfill. It also is building, in itself, a sense of community,” Lawrence said.

Buy nothing events work on building community while serving the community, according to Lawrence. Events that rely on the participation of the community are great ways to meet new people and reconnect with old

“Our mission is shared ministry, and we want to work on building that love and manifesting it within our community; and, of course, it radiates out to the whole group,” Lawrence said, commenting on the greater church’s mission as well.

When organizing a communitybased event, the most important thing is getting the word out, according to Lawrence. She does social media and communications work for the church and uses social media to tell other local

“Other members of the church — they get excited about it and share it with their friends, and so the word gets out that way too,” Lawrence said.

The volunteers are members of the church who come to help with set-up and clean-up of the event, on top of helping carry and organize donations, according to Lawrence.

“Everybody’s coming together and helping out, which I also think is important. Everybody has a piece to contribute,” Lawrence said.

Some volunteers are also in charge of taking all leftover donations to Diversity Thrift, a local thrift store, at the conclusion of the event, according to Lawrence.

First UU Church used to host similar events called “moneyless yard sales,” which were only open to members of the church, but they stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Lawrence. She said the youth group heard about those events and wanted to restart the program.

Lawrence said part of the reason the youth wanted to bring the events back is due to the rise in thrifting and secondhand shopping. She got involved with coordinating Saturday’s event because she also works with the church’s youth group as an advisor.

The church decided to hold buy nothing events on each year’s Black Friday and each Earth Day, the very first being this past Black Friday, according to Lawrence.

“It kind of ties in, especially Black Friday, of getting away from that consumer culture and getting into sharing resources,” Lawrence said.

Most people know there are items they no longer need that others’ could benefit greatly from, and an event like this can support the shift of those material things, Lawrence said.

“You see here, there’s things that people could go and buy in the store,

perfectly nice things. It’s been sitting on someone’s shelf not being used, and if someone can have it for free and get use out of it, all the better,” Lawrence said.

An event like this can really reveal society’s over-abundance of material items, according to Lawrence.

“We seem to be in a culture that wants you to believe you’re in scarcity, but we’re not. We have enough in this culture if we use resources wisely and if we share,” Lawrence said. “It’s hard because we’re so embedded in this consumer culture and this capitalistic culture that, to try and detach yourself from it, is very difficult.”

Lawrence said she hopes promoting and holding events like these will benefit the environment by keeping otherwise discarded items out of landfills and into the hands of those who need them.

However the event is received, the important thing is to do good within and for the community and try to lead with love, Lawrence said.

In accordance with this year’s Earth Day, First UU’s Sunday, April 21 service was used to talk about how we are all interconnected with the Earth, our environment and how it is important to remember what we do everyday matters, according to Lawrence.

On the same thought, Fin, an attendee of the event, thinks these events should be done anytime, not just around Earth Day.

“I love that it’s tied to Earth Day, but I feel like the more we get to Earth Day everyday would be cool,” Fin said. “I’d love to see more events like this in Richmond.”

Leigh Ann Luscan, coordinator of the church’s Family Learning And Multi-Generational program, shared one of her goals of these events hosted by the youth group.

“We keep doing it in hopes that our youth group will feel supported and like what they want to do matters,” Luscan said.

Photo by Joshua Miklos.

Illustrations by Johnnie Watkins.

Richmond celebrates Shakespeare’s 460th birthday

SAMANTHA GRANADOS

Contributing Writer

Agecroft Hall & Gardens invites Richmond to dive into the world of Shakespeare, encouraging learning the history and cultural impact of his art through interactive activities, according to Jill Pesesky, the curator of education for Agecroft Hall & Gardens.

The “Shakespeare Birthday: A Celebration of The Bard” event will occur on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. and is free to the public, according to its website.

The celebration started as an event called “The Bard’s Birthday” in 2009 and ran for two years before it was revived again as an annual event, Pesesky said.

The event is a fun way to show people what life was like in Shakespeare’s lifetime, according to Pesesky. Celebrating

Shakespeare is important because his plays are still widely performed in original and updated versions and used as a common backdrop in movies and television shows, according to Pesesky.

“His works are such an integral part of our cultural and social lives,” Pesesky said.

Visitors can peek into Shakespeare’s world at the event with Shakespeare scenes and monologues performed by VCUarts students, Pesesky said. They can also watch a demonstration of military life with 17th-century reenactors and attend a Shakespeare storytime.

Visitors can even tap into a theatrical side with interactive performances of Shakespeare’s scenes, according to Pesesky. They’re also encouraged to engage in Tudor-era crafts related to Shakespeare. These Tudor-era crafts will include herbal sachets and bookmarks modeled after 17th-century examples, Pesesky said.

The Tudor era refers to the period in England when the country was ruled by the House of Tudor, around 1485 until 1603, Pesesky said. Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616, writing during the later Tudor era.

Live music will be played as well at the event by Sarah Schilling and Katharine Tibbets of RVA Baroque, a musical group that performs music from the Renaissance, Pesesky said.

Events like this benefit the community because they get to experience Agecroft differently, according to Pesesky.

“In this case, they get to learn about Shakespeare and his era, while being entertained and enjoying our lovely gardens,” Pesesky said. “These events can also reach people who might not be familiar with Agecroft.”

The Shakespeare Garden has plaques throughout the garden that quote his many mentions of the specific plants in his plays, according to Joseph “Joe” Day, the head of horticulture and maintenance of Agecroft Hall & Gardens. Plants include sweet woodruff, pot marigolds and poppies.

Day believes the Shakespeare Garden captures how plants and gardens played a central role in Shakespeare’s plays, he said. Gardens were essential in Shakespeare’s time due to plant exploration as people traveled further from England, bringing back more plants. Gardens were either food or medicinal-based.

Agecroft has the first Shakespeare Garden in Virginia, according to Anne Kenny-Urban, the executive director of Agecroft Hall & Gardens.

The plants in the Shakespeare Garden were used for metaphors and analogies in his plays, Kenny-Urban said. People in the 17th century would understand as they were much more connected to

the land, understanding where their food came from and how seasons worked.

Kenny-Urban believes this event helps welcome anyone to the Agecroft community and there’s no price barrier with a free event, she said. Agecroft wants as many people as possible to come whether it’s for the history or to simply be outside in nature.

She describes Agecroft as “an oasis” in Richmond and believes all minds are expanded when the collective learns more about history, Kenny-Urban said. Visitors can see parallels to modern life through the universal themes Shakespeare has explored in his work.

“You don’t need to know anything about Shakespeare,” Kenny-Urban said. “You can just come and experience it and watch some of the scenes being done, participate in a craft, walk through the Shakespeare Garden. Just come check it out.”

Agecroft Hall and Gardens is also hosting The 2024 Richmond Shakespeare Festival from May 23 through July 21. Tickets can be purchased online or through its Richmond Shakespeare Ticket Hotline at 804-340-0115.

Illustrations by Gabriella Denney .

Quote of the week

“We will all profit from a more diverse, inclusive society, understanding, accommodating, even celebrating our differences, while pulling together for the common good.”

— Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Embracing diversity: The importance of cultural representation at VCU

JESSICA HOLGADO

Contributing Writer

As an Asian American, cultural representation on college campuses holds a profound significance for me. When I walk around campus or sit in a classroom, seeing and hearing a multitude of cultural perspectives does not just enrich my learning experience — it makes me feel like I am part of a community that values every voice.

When cultural representation is prioritized, it fosters an inclusive atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can thrive. It is about visibility and recognition in a space where our stories are often overlooked.

Cultural representation also plays a key role in providing support networks through mentorship initiatives and community clubs. These connections are lifelines that help deal with specific issues we come across, like overcoming language barriers or breaking down the model minority stereotype. They give us a place to connect over shared experiences and find that sense of unity.

VCU sets the bar high when it comes to cultural representation with over 40 cultural clubs led by students. Each group adds its own unique flair to the campus culture, making it a vibrant community where everyone can find their niche.

I have had the opportunity to join three amazing clubs: Filipino Americans Coming Together, Chinese Student Association and Vietnamese Student Association. These student organizations have shaped my years in college, molding me into the person I am today.

Ever since I joined these clubs, I have met some of my closest friends through the big and little system, where new members get paired up with older members who

are most similar to them. It is crazy to see how this experience has connected me with people who have turned out to be practically family. Stepping out of my comfort zone has brought me unexpected life lessons and personal growth. Being part of FACT has been a journey of self-discovery, connecting with my Filipino roots through cultural celebrations and discussions. FACT brings people together, not just through shared heritage but also through exciting events like pageants, talent night, karaoke and charity ball.

These clubs have really been the heart and soul of my college life. They have taught me so much about a culture that was once unfamiliar to me — I have learned a ton about myself. ”

Jessica Holgado Contributing Writer

CSA and VSA have also opened up a whole new world for me. I dove into their traditions and customs through meetups and cultural events. Even the family I have met there is unforgettable. They have left me with so many cherished memories. CSA and VSA have given me a space to celebrate the beauty of Chinese and Vietnamese traditions with others who appreciate them just as much.

These organizations have had such a lasting impact on me. Annually, as the

Stuttering is a superpower

NATI FELICIANO-SOTO Contributing Writer

academic year winds down, the student organizations host a culture show that is nothing short of spectacular. It is entirely student-run, which absolutely blows my mind.

The dedication that goes into putting together the show is immense. Students are involved in every aspect — from acting to creating the props, doing hair and makeup, managing backstage, handling media and so much more. They put months of planning into creating a captivating story that weaves together modern and traditional dance, fashion and other cultural elements.

The culture show is the highlight of the year that celebrates the community by sharing traditions with an audience that extends beyond VCU. People come from different schools to witness this celebration of heritage and artistry.

As the final act of the culture show comes to a close, so does our year. It is a signal that we are at the end of one journey and ready to start another. The last event has wrapped, and now it is time for farewells.

These clubs have really been the heart and soul of my college life. They have taught me so much about a culture that was once unfamiliar to me — I have learned a ton about myself.

What I love about these organizations is how welcoming they are. It does not matter if you are there to dive deep into the culture or just to enjoy the festivities, there is a real sense of community that envelops you.

Calling them clubs honestly does not quite do them justice. They are so much more than that — they are like a bridge to cultural discovery and understanding, pulling our diverse cultures together and creating a place that’s alive with inclusivity and learning.

My name is Nataly, Nati, Feliciano-Soto and I am a third-year mass communications and media production student, aspiring writer and life-long stutterer.

When I was a little girl, using my voice and transforming it into words was scary. Every time I would meet new people, the idea gave me anxiety rather than joy. The idea of introducing myself was a challenge.

The stigma I faced for being “incapable” of speaking and the mockery I experienced due to my repeating or mumbling of a sentence became too much to bear. Sometimes it did not make me feel human.

Sometimes it made me feel like I was incapable or too dumb to do anything I wanted in this life — that a career, education or even a purpose was unachievable all because of my inability to articulate words fluently.

Yet amidst this struggle, I found solace and empowerment in creative outlets such as writing and filmmaking.

Through these mediums, I gained control over my narrative, creating worlds where characters defined themselves without fear of judgment or isolation.

The real world demands more than the comfort of artistic expression, however, and not acknowledging the battles that stutterers face would only leave me disappointed in myself as a growing professional.

May 9 to May 15 is a week dedicated to raising awareness for stuttering, yet many in the 21st century do not actually understand what stuttering really is: A speech disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in the flow of speech.

It is essential to recognize that stuttering is a complex condition with multifaceted causes including genetic, neurological and environmental factors.

Feeling overwhelmed, nervous or even scared can trigger stuttering episodes, though people can still stutter even when not experiencing these emotions. Despite this simple explanation, the link between stuttering and intelligence has been both stereotyped and largely misunderstood.

Illustration by Daisy Nguyen.

Illustration by Lily Kirk.

Opinions

Senior Farewells

OLIVIA MCCABE Designer

I have not written for a hot minute, so hold on tight.

I began at The CT as a contributing illustrator, and soon became a designer for the SMC my last year of college. I learned so much about design itself and how much hard work and dedication it takes to make The CT each week.

I want to thank my fellow staff at The CT, and talented designers Soli, Gabe and Victor for all the amazing memories and help each week. Working each week with y’all felt like bringing the ring to Mordor. It was hard work, but we did it. I’m going to miss y’all a bunch and you’ll do great things out there!

I also wanted to thank Mark Jeffries, Owen Martin and Jessica Clary for believing in my abilities as a designer, illustrator and front desk worker at the SMC. I appreciate everything you do for the SMC, and I cannot thank you enough for all the opportunities you have given me. Bye nerds lol.

SOLIMAR SANTOYO Design Editor

On March 26, 2022, I received a text message from a dear friend asking, “hey :3 are you interested in doing design for The CT ? ? ?” It sounded like such a great opportunity and my instincts were more than right. I eagerly responded, “! ! i would literally love that ! !”

Over the next two years, I spent late nights every week with such talented, hardworking, dedicated and hilarious individuals. I had the pleasure of working with so many beautiful souls — our friendships extend beyond the Student Media Center which I am eternally grateful for.

Being a designer at the SMC has sparked my love for print and digital design — a passion I was totally unaware of until I got my hands on my first physical copy of the famous 11x17 tabloid which I totally and immediately grabbed about twelve of and hung one above my bed. I then saw social posts I designed, which I posted on my story captioned, “i designed this !!!” The publishing aspect of my work is what made the hard work so worth it, and each copy or post made me giddy, proud and gave me butterflies in my stomach.

Continued from page 11

The entire SMC staff, including Mark Jeffries and Jessica Clary, show their never-ending support for the work we publish and allow us to manifest our creativity unapologetically through our publications. A common theme I have noticed throughout my employment is that students are always first and they constantly embody that through their planned events, actions and words. I thank them for giving students a space to express our creativity and especially our voices.

I would like to thank the team I had during my first year. The previous Design Editor Clare Wislar believed I am a strong leader and my confidence grew as she expressed my strength as a designer. I am completely blessed and utterly blown away by the design team I led this year as Design Editor, including Gabe, Olivia and Victor. Seeing their growth throughout every issue was incredibly rewarding. The highest honor has been learning more about them as creatives and, most importantly, as humans. I thank them for their unconditional trust, eternal kindness and wholehearted support till the end of time.

To sum everything up: Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Oh, and one more thing:

While some may mistakenly assume that stuttering is indicative of lower intelligence or a lack of capability, research and statistics paint a different picture altogether. Contrary to the stereotype, stuttering does not correlate with intelligence. In fact, individuals who stutter often possess average or above-average intelligence levels.

Stuttering is not a sign of low intelligence or poor concentration. In fact, the average person who stutters has an IQ 14 points higher than the national average, according to a study done by Psych Central.

The idea that stuttering impedes one’s ability to succeed in education and their career is unfounded. Yet because of the lack of misinformation that surrounds my

stutter, judgment and ridicule have been a major part of my struggle to sustain my selfesteem and confidence.

Networking has become an essential burden because of my condition, especially as a mass communications and former filmmaking major. It has caused me to become ridden with social anxiety and has consequently hindered my personal and professional development.

Despite the significant impact my stutter has had on my networking opportunities, I am determined to confront it. I refuse to let the fear of judgment and societal stigma paralyze me, especially considering my passion for writing and storytelling.

The truth is: My stutter makes things 10 times harder, yet also 10 times greater because of the testimony I carry.

GABE MOLINA Designer

As I reflect on my time at The CT, I find it difficult to encapsulate everything I learned into one column, but here goes nothing.

To start, nothing quite prepares you for the rigors of the real world like The CT. It’s a place where you need to be dedicated, hardworking and open-minded. Despite the long hours and intricate stories we cover, we always found a way to reach our goals.

I’ve come to understand that design, much like life itself, is far from linear. Each project, each challenge, has been a lesson in adaptability and growth. Even if I feel like I have a strong understanding of Adobe InDesign, there is still a large ocean of short keys I have yet to discover.

I’m immensely grateful for my design den mates — Olivia, Victor and Soli. They’ve been constant sources of inspiration, pushing me to exceed my limits and sharing countless moments of laughter.

Little did I know that my experience at The CT would ignite a spark within me to create my own newspaper for my senior project, “Cuentos de Oro.” Delving into my family’s stories and weaving narratives through words and images gave me a newfound sense of purpose.

To The CT, thank you for the memories, thank you for teaching me about the world of journalism and most of all, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will

Women like Selena Gomez and AJ Lee serve as rare examples of healing representation in my life. Despite facing their own battles with health conditions — Gomez with lupus and Lee with bipolar disorder — they have risen to become powerful inspirations in the pursuit of my dreams and goals. Gomez’s multifaceted talents as an actress and producer exemplify resilience, showing me that success knows no bounds. Similarly, Lee’s journey from a women’s wrestling champion to a badass writer demonstrates the power of courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Their stories remind me that despite the challenges posed by my stuttering or any other adversity, achieving greatness is within reach with determination and belief

in oneself.

In the words of Lee, when she retired from professional wrestling, “Break the rules. Be a fighter. Any dream is possible if you are brave enough to do it your way.”

The inspiration I have gained from these women extends beyond personal triumphs, as they have propelled me to excel academically as well.

Here is my final declaration against the stigmatization of stuttering: It is unjust, for stuttering is not a hindrance to intelligence, it is a superpower that enhances one’s intelligence.

It serves as a tool to cultivate resilience, amplify our messages and foster patience in our interactions with others. Most importantly, it sets us apart, allowing us to delve into storytelling realms and always have a narrative to share.

Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter.

Joke of the week

“College was like a four-year game show called Do My Friends Hate Me or Do I Just Need to Go to Sleep? But instead of winning money, you lose $120,000.”

— John Mulaney

Off to see the wizard

DYLAN HOSTETTER Opinions and Humor Editor

The end of the semester brings with it a wave of emotions. I was walking through the Compass one afternoon last week soaking up all the sights, half-listening to the street preachers talk and feeling nostalgic for another semester passed, when a large gust of wind hit me and knocked me right into the path of a passing bicyclist.

When I regained consciousness, everything was different. The brick beneath me was now a bright yellow, and all of the buildings shined an emerald green. I opened my eyes enough to notice a crowd gathered around me — it was the street preachers, though now they had high-pitched voices and were dressed in wild outfits.

I asked them where I was and why everything looked so different, and they happily told me I was in a land called Oz. They then all crowded around the spot where the bicyclist lay, though they were no longer there. In their place was only their bicycle and a single pair of ruby-red sneakers.

The street preachers placed the sneakers on my feet and told me I must follow the yellow brick road and travel to the City Commons to meet with the Wizard, for he was the only one who could tell me how to get home. This was honestly a lot of information at once, but I agreed. I could not be stuck in some strange land when finals were right around the corner.

Soon after departing for the City Commons, I found myself in a large cornfield where I happened upon a scarecrow. To my surprise, he jumped to life and asked to join my quest to find the Wizard, as he wanted to wish for a new brain — his was fried from all of the essays he had been writing. This seemed a little forward, especially coming from a sentient pile of straw, but I agreed.

The scarecrow and I then met a tin man who was also, oddly enough, alive. The tin man joined us in search of a new heart — his had been crushed by all of the summer internships he was denied. Finally, we met a lion who happily joined our group in search of courage. This was for no special reason — I mean, what college student isn’t gripped with anxiety in April?

The four of us soon came upon the great Monroe forest. As we walked deeper into the forest, we came across a great water fountain. We did not have time to admire it, though, for the sky suddenly became very dark and we began to hear the faint noise of tiny wheels on asphalt.

Suddenly, from the bushes, a large group of monkeys on electric scooters came bolting towards us. Leading them was a scowling green witch. As the scooter monkeys surrounded us and the fountain, the witch skulked slowly towards me with her eyes glued to my ruby sneakers.

“Those shoes are mine, my pretty. Give them to me!” she demanded.

“First of all, these were a gift,” I said. “Second of all, don’t call me ‘my pretty,’ getting catcalled by a witch is not something I’m cool with.”

“They were no gift,” she said. “They were my sister’s, who you killed. She promised me those shoes.”

I was surprised to learn that for some reason, those weirdly-dressed street preachers had given me women’s shoes, so I graciously agreed to give them back. As I tried to remove them, though, it became clear they were stuck to my feet. The witch grabbed ahold of them herself to help, but they still would not budge. Then, pulling as hard as she could, she lost her grip, flew backward into the water fountain and melted.

After that fiasco was over, we continued on our journey to meet the Wizard. Following the yellow brick road out of Monroe forest, we finally reached the grand City Commons. This place had everything — exotic cuisines, great markets and a basement with pool tables. I was in awe.

We were then escorted by the Commons guards into a chamber housing a pair of giant ram horns. Between the horns arose a large plume of smoke. In the smoke was a giant face — a familiar face. “Kneel before the great Wizard” he commanded. As I knelt, I could not shake the feeling that I had seen this man before.

“What brings you to my great City Commons?” he asked, “What wishes do you bring me?”

“I’m trying to get back home,” I said before I abruptly stopped talking. It had finally dawned on me where I had seen this man before. I stood up and asked, “Dr. Rao?”

A confused look crossed the giant face before it disappeared into the smoke. Then from a small booth in the corner of the chamber appeared President Michael Rao, who seemed surprisingly happy to see me considering we had never met.

“Are you from VCU?” he asked. “You’ve got to take me with you. I’ve been trapped here for way too long, they think I’m some kind of wizard or something.”

“How are we supposed to get back?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Click those ruby sneakers together or something. I’ve seen that work before.”

So that’s exactly what I did. I clicked my sneakers together and the next thing I knew, I was waking up back on the ground in the Compass. The brick was regularly colored again and the buildings were, well, also brick.

A few random students helped me to my feet as the cyclist who hit me dusted herself off. She called me a string of nasty names before riding away, but I did not care — I was glad to be back because, after all, there’s no place like VCU.

Illustration by Lily Higgins.

GETTING IN THE WAY

By Julian Kwan

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk