The Commonwealth Times; September 21, 2022

Commonwealth, VCU to pay

nearly $1 million settlement to the Oakes family

The Oakes family released a statement regarding the settlement.

“No amount of money is going to bring Adam back. As much as we pray to wake up from the night, it just isn’t going to happen,” the comment stated. “If we truly want change, we need to invite innovation, invite student voices, and engage together in this hard work. Thankfully VCU sees that and is willing to engage and work with us to make positive change.”

Some schools do not want Love Like Adam, a nonprofit organization established in honor of Adam Oakes, to come present on their campus due to the fear and attention it would bring, according to the family.

If we truly want change, we need to invite innovation, invite student voices, and engage together in this hard work. Thankfully VCU sees that and is willing to engage and work with us to make positive change.”

the Oakes family

KATRINA LEE News Editor

ANNA CHEN Audience Editor

The university and the Commonwealth of Virginia will pay Adam Oakes’ family $995,000 as a settlement approved by Fairfax County Circuit Court.

Freshman Adam Oakes died at a Delta Chi fraternity event in February 2021. His cause of death was ruled as alcohol poisoning by the Medical Examiner’s Office, according to a previous report by the Commonwealth Times.

The agreement also identifies changes to Greek life at VCU that the university hopes will become a “national model” for universities and colleges across the country.

VCU and the Oakes family released a joint statement following the settlement. The two state Adam is missed and the changes to fraternity and sorority life will be a “blueprint” to foster a safer and healthier community for students.

“Adam was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student and friend. He had a tremendous future ahead of him and his senseless death brought unspeakable pain

and tragedy to all who knew him,” the joint remark states. “By working to honor Adam’s life and legacy, we are dedicated to creating a national model for universities and colleges across the country.”

Changes to fraternity and sorority life, according to the press release:

Students must complete 12 credits at VCU and meet other eligibility requirements before joining Greek Life

Increase the length of new member education to 28 days

Prohibit alcohol at any Greek life event with new members

Create an annual hazing prevention day and day to memorialize Adam Oakes on Feb. 27

Alcohol served at events sponsored by student organizations must be provided by a licensed third-party vendor with advance notification with VCU

Include a link to the Love Like Adam Foundation website on the university’s Fraternity and Sorority Life page

Create a web page accessible through the Fraternity and Sorority Life page which celebrates Adam Oakes and includes the details of his death

Include bystander intervention training in the hazing prevention training program required by Adam’s Law

Make reports of all ways in which a student organization was found guilty of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct public on the VCU website. The report must include details about the incident and if any individuals were injured

Create a physical memorial for Adam Oakes on campus

“Those schools that have allowed our Foundation to present, see that change is needed and know they want to be a part of the solution,” the comment stated. “They see that the system is broken. They recognize that what has historically been done to dismantle hazing (webinars, PowerPoints, etc.) is not working.”

This week is National Hazing Prevention Week. The Love Like Adam Fondation has been posting messages on their social media to raise awareness around the issues of hazing.

Messages from the Oakes family, other families that lost family members due to hazing, anti-hazing advocates and organizations all have taken part of the foundation’s National Hazing Prevention week campaign.

The university sent an email to all students on Tuesday outlining some of the new changes for selective student organizations.

“At VCU, selective organizations are student organizations for which upon invitation for membership, individuals do not automatically become members of the organization and have a period of time between invitation for membership and being initiated into membership,” the email states.

The university urges students to take their role of ending hazing at VCU seriously, according to the email.

“Should you wish to report any potential violations of the Hazing Prevention and Discipline policy, or any other university policy, we encourage you to do so using the Incident Reporting Form,” the email states.

Delta Chi letters hung on the fraternity house on Cary Street before they were removed. CT file photo

Stories of the week

national: A new criminal investigation is examining the two flights that carried 48 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard last week.

international: Canada is likely to drop vaccine requirement to enter to the country.

VCU introduces six new graduate programs

SELNA SHI Contributing Writer

VCU is offering six new graduate programs starting this fall.

Health administration master’s student Sydney Belt is in one of the new programs the university implemented, the Certificate in Health Equity.

“Knowing that VCU has a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, I entered my masters program determined to find out how I could advocate for social justice in my future career,” Belt said.

Paula Song, department chair of Health Administration at VCU, is currently overseeing the curriculum for the certificates in Health Equity and Health Care Financial Management. Song primarily teaches courses for health care financial management.

Health equity and health care finances is becoming more of a prominent issue, according to Song.

“These programs will help better equip students to use specialized tools and knowledge to address healthcare issues. Excited for this great opportunity for students to enhance skills that are relevant to healthcare organizations in the future,” Song said.

The Certificate in Health Equity offers classes on foundation of health equity, disparity, healthcare policy and applied application, according to Song.

“Students work in a wide variety of places to use their skills, such as hospitals or community-based organizations and nonprofit organizations,” Song said.

Luciana Oliveira, associate dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies

The different graduate programs include certificates in Culturally Responsive Leadership, Decision Analytics, Health Care Financial Management, Health Equity, Supply Chain Management, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

The School of Business is also offering two new programs: the Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Certificate in Decision Making. While the other programs do not require any prerequisites, the

Certificate in Decision Making requires a prerequisite course before admitting students into the program.

To qualify for the graduate programs, students must have a bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation and a statement of intent, according to each of the programs’ websites. The programs require students to take between 12 to 15 credits.

The College of Health Professions is offering the Certificate in Health Equity and Certificate in Health Care Financial Management.

Currently, Health Equity and Health Care Financial Management classes are taught online asynchronously to offer students more flexibility in their schedules, Song said.

The Certificate in Culturally Responsive Leadership and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction are two new programs for the School of Education. VCU is targeting these two programs toward teachers and administrators, workers in education related fields, and higher education employees, according to its website.

Luciana Oliveira, the associate dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies and professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, currently works with the School of Education to design the new programs.

“The growing diversity of the local Richmond community and Virginia has created a demand for leaders to better understand and relate to diverse stake-

holders and communities,” Oliveira said.

Due to the new state law for K-12 grades, creation for the program was a response to the Virginia Department of Education’s requirement on “culturally relevant leadership and instruction” training, according to Oliveira.

Lisa Webb, professor in the College of Health Professions, teaches a health equity course this semester called “Reducing Health Disparities: Issues and Strategies.”

“Any student who is living and working and going to school in Richmond would benefit from a deeper understanding of our history, and the impact of that history on the city currently,” Webb said.

The course explores the historical and current context of healthcare delivery in Richmond and strategies to reduce health disparity, according to Webb.

Lauren Mulholland is pursuing a master’s of Health Administration and Certificate in Health Equity.

“I would definitely recommend this program. Especially to anyone who is interested in learning more about providing equitable healthcare access and what we can do as providers, administrators and even patients to improve healthcare for all individuals,” Mulholland said.

To apply for the different programs, visit each of their websites.

The growing diversity of the local Richmond community and Virginia has created a demand for leaders to better understand and relate to diverse stakeholders and communities.”

Illustrations by Killian Goodale-Porter

Five can’t-miss VCU men’s basketball games this season

ARRICK WILSON Sports Editor

Another season of VCU basketball is upon us. As the days get shorter and the weather colder, the Havoc is starting to come alive again at VCU.

This year brings a new season for the VCU men’s basketball team, as it is another challenging schedule for the Rams. For VCU men’s basketball fans, here’s a list of games to look forward to this season, with a mix of non-conference and rivalry matches.

ATLANTIC 10 — VCU VS. UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND SPIDERS: FEB. 24 (TBA)

Last season at a game against Richmond, VCU gave out t-shirts with the words “rivalries last forever.” This is the truth for this matchup, as the annual Capital City Classic never disappoints.

There isn’t another local rival like the Rams and Spiders, as the atmosphere is bound to be hectic. The Spiders defeated the Rams in the A-10 tournament, upsetting the black and gold. This loss ended a three-game winning streak the Rams had over the Spiders, according to VCU Athletics.

The Rams will also face the Spiders on Jan. 20 at the Robins Center.

2LEGENDS CLASSIC — VCU VS. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY SUN DEVILS: NOV. 16 AT 8:30 P.M.

The black and gold will be in this year’s Legends Classic. The tournament will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Nov. 16 and 17.

This four-game tournament will headline premier division one schools like the University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan and Arizona State University. This tournament will be a great opportunity for the black and gold to face high-level competition.

3VCU AT UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS TIGERS: NOV. 20 (TBA)

The University of Memphis made it to the NCAA tournament finishing in the second round, winning 22 out of 33 games last season, according to Memphis Athletics. The Tigers, who are coached by former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway, have not defeated the black and gold in the past 10 years, according to VCU Athletics.

This matchup against the Tigers should prepare the Rams for tougher opponents down the line, as it should be a highly contested one

4ATLANTIC 10 — VCU VS. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON FLYERS: FEB. 7 (TBA)

The last time the Flyers entered the Stuart C. Siegel Center, they defeated the Rams 82-52. The Flyers broke a fourgame winning streak that the black and gold had, according to VCU Athletics.

This loss must have awoken something in the Rams, as it started an eight-game winning streak. The Flyers enter Richmond again this upcoming season, the Rams look to return that loss.

Above: Junior guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin dribbles the ball up during a game versus University of Richmond on Feb. 18.

The Rams defeated the Commodores last season, 48-37. With a short history with the team from the SEC, or Southeastern Conference, the black and gold look to do what was done last season. The Commodores should get a taste of a full Siegel Center with the Havoc atmosphere at its peak.

This season will be interesting for the black and gold, as head coach Mike Rhoades enters his sixth year with the Rams. The team also added six newcomers, along with three transfers, according to VCU Athletics.

Don’t forget to claim free student tickets for home games at the Siegel Center. For further information and directions, visit vcuathletics.com for step-by-step instructions.

When at the Stu, remember to bring the Havoc.

The Rams will open up their season with a to-be-determined expedition on Oct. 29. The game will be played at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. For ticket information, visit vcuathletics.com.

Sports’ pick of the week

ARRICK WILSON Sports Editor

In this week’s pick of the week, we are going to the NFL. My game to watch is the Philadelphia Eagles at the FedEx Field to face the Washington Commanders.

Former Philadelphia Eagle and now Washington Commander starting quarterback Carson Wentz will try to defeat his former team. Wentz played five seasons for the Eagles, winning an NFL Super Bowl in 2017, according to Pro Football Reference. This game will be the first time Wentz faces his former team in the regular season.

My pick is the Eagles winning this week three matchup, as the receiving core of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will be too much for the Commanders. Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts will have to play his best versus a solid Commander’s defense.

This National Football Conference, or NFC, eastern conference matchup should be a good one, as both teams look to be frontrunners for the division championship.

From someone who is not an insufferable Dallas Cowboy fan, this sucks.

GAME RESULTS SEPTEMBER 14

MEN’S SOCCER - AT CAMPBELL TIE 3-3

SEPTEMBER 15

WOMEN’S SOCCER - VS. MASSACHUSETTS TIE 1-1

SEPTEMBER 16

WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY - VS. SAINT JOSEPH’S LOSS 2-0

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY - AT CNU REGIONAL PREVIEW 3RD OF 20

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRYAT CNU REGIONAL PREVIEW 4TH OF 17

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - VS. NORTH CAROLINA LOSS 3-0 VCU INVITATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 17

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - VS. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY WON 3-2

VCU INVITATIONAL

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL - VS. OLD DOMINION LOSS 3-2 VCU INVITATIONAL

MEN’S SOCCER - VS. MASSACHUSETTS TIE 0-0

SEPTEMBER 18

WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY - VS. BROWN WON 3-2

WOMEN’S SOCCER - AT RHODE ISLAND TIE 1-1

SEPTEMBER 20

MEN’S SOCCER - AT OLD DOMINION LOSS 4-1

Photo by Alessandro Latour

Below: VCU head coach Mike Rhoades looks at the crowd after the victory against Princeton University on March 15.

Photo by Alessandro Latour

5VCU VS. VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY COMMODORES: NOV. 30 (TBA)

On this day

Fraternity’s Fall Festival rings in season with music, charity

EMILY RICHARDSON Contributing Writer

VCU’s Theta Delta Chi fraternity held their second annual Fall Festival on Saturday, raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

The festival featured live music, food trucks and local artists. Theta Delta Chi’s philanthropy chair Jamie Lehman said the group raised $6,500 for the Children’s Hospital at this year’s festival. Last year, they raised $3,000.

Choosing to benefit the Children’s Hospital felt like a natural choice for members who grew up in the area and saw doctors at that hospital for their regular medical care, Lehman said.

“Some of our brothers grew up going to that hospital,” Lehman said. “It was a cool thing for a lot of brothers to be able to give back to the same organization that was able to provide so much to them growing up.”

Planning its first festival last year began with the group coming together and discussing their values as a fraternity, Lehman said.

“We really wanted to focus on the fact that a fraternity, at the end of the day, should be about community growth as well as personal growth,” Leh man said. “And you achieve that personal growth through community growth.”

All of the artists, vendors and organizations are from the Richmond community, according to Lehman.

“It’s amazing to be able to host and work with so many organizations, and it’s great to see people smile and bring that

sense of community,” Lehman said.

Musical performances included bands Marshall Family Values, Takyon and Housesick, as well as singer Anna Leonard. Student organizations were also invited to perform between musical acts.

Atomic Gold, VCU’s Stomp ‘n’ Shake Cheer team, performed a routine to keep the crowd excited.

Lehman said their fraternity wanted to feature organizations that specifically help the Richmond community at the festival.

Nonprofit Art on Wheels gave their booth’s visitors the chance to create a craft with rubber stamps. Its booth was an example of the classes the organization offers for the community, according to Gibson.

“We’re a creative outreach program,” Gibson said. “Whatever group we work with will come up with a space, and we will bring our art classes to them.”

Many of Art on Wheels’ classes cater to disabled people, children and the elderly, Gibson said.

Other present nonprofits included RampsRVA, an organization

Volunteers of the organization gave out lemonade to attendees in exchange for donations. Freshman Adam Oakes died as a result of hazing at a fraternity event on Feb. 27, 2021, according to a previous report by the Commonwealth Times.

In the time since, the Division of Student Affairs has conducted an “independent review” of misconduct in Greek life, alongside hiring consulting firm Dyad Strategies to conduct an external review of fraternities and sororities, according to the Division of Student Affairs.

The passing of “Adam’s Law” now requires Virginia universities to provide hazing prevention training to student organizations, according to the Virginia Legislation System.

All students who are members of selective organizations, including fraternities and sororities, will be required to attend training regarding hazing prevention and bystander intervention, according to an email sent on Tuesday by the Division of Student Affairs to the student body.

Theta Delta Chi president Samuel Donlon said his group is doing its part in trying to change the negative stereotypes surrounding fraternities.

“I feel like over the past 30 or 40 years there’s been a mindset shift within Greek life where they focus more on partying and doing whatever they want, rather than giving back to the community and the school they’re representing,” Donlon said.

Theta Delta Chi has 12 members while the average Greek organization at VCU has 37, according to the Division of Student Affairs. As a small fraternity, Theta Delta Chi takes the image it puts forward seriously, Donlon said.

“Bad things do happen. But we’re definitely a group that’s trying to change

LITTLE WOMEN (2019)

This movie is set in 19th century Massachusetts and follows four sisters: Amy, played by Florence Pugh; Josephine, played by Saoirse Ronan; Beth, played by Eliza Scanlen and Meg, played by Emma Watson. The movie takes the audience through their childhood and adulthood, as they go through the trials of life and love. The setting and time period delivers all the cozy feelings of fall, while also providing a relatable story about four women and the complexity of their family.

Available on Amazon Video | Rotten Tomatoes 95%

E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL (1982)

This Steven Spielberg science fiction film is set during the fall season and has many cute and festive scenes. Prominent actresses in this movie include Dee Wallace and Drew Barrymore. A young kid and his imaginary friend are the main characters of this movie, but people soon find out that his friend is not so imaginary after all.

Available on Netflix | Rotten Tomatoes 99%

Editor's List of

FALL MOVIES

CHLOE HAWKINS, Spectrum Editor

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)

This notable romantic comedy perfectly fulfills the fall aesthetic. It includes many autumn scenes, like walks through the park filled with fallen leaves. This movie follows two people: Harry Burns, played by Billy Crystal and Sally Albright, played by Meg Ryan. These friends decide to drive across the country together where they battle the question, ‘can men and women solely be friends?’ By the end of the movie, this question is answered.

Available on HBO max | Rotten Tomatoes 91%

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF ASKABAN (2004)

This movie is based on the third novel of a seven-book series by J.K. Rowling. It follows three teenagers who attend a school named Hogwarts, where they practice magic. This mystical film has many seasonal scenes as it follows their fall semester, and includes the chopping up of some pumpkins in one scene. One of my favorite fall activities is to cuddle under a blanket with my warm cup of tea and watch this film, along with all the other Harry Potter movies.

Available on Peacock | Rotten Tomatoes 90%

LADY BIRD (2017)

Throughout this coming-of-age film, a troubled teenager goes through the usual struggles of being a high school senior such as college stress, identity crisis and conflicts with her mother. This movie includes notable actors and actresses such as Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet and Stephen Mckinley. Personally, this movie has helped me a lot with figuring out myself. I love to watch it during this season because it’s a good comfort movie to combat the stress of school.

Available on Paramount | Rotten Tomatoes 99%

THE TWILIGHT SAGA (2008-2012)

This series is set in Forks, Washington. The climate of the area adds to the feelings of fall as the town is mostly “under a constant cover of rain and clouds,” according to the main character Bella Swan, played by Kristen Stewart. This film series follows her moving to this town in the middle of the school year. As awkward as she is, she manages to make many new friends, and a mysterious new love interest.

Green Day released their debut album ‘American Idiot’ in 2004.

We really wanted to focus on the fact that a fraternity, at the end of the day, should be about community growth as well as personal growth.”

Jamie

Lehman, Theta Delta Chi’s philanthropy chair

Instrumental duo Takyon performs at the TDX Fall fest. Photos by Jay Stonefield

Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter

ISHAAN NANDWANI Opinions Editor

EADLINES BUZZED ACROSS THE WORLD

on Sept. 8 as the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died at 96 years of age.

The reactions to her death were as wide ranging as the U.K.’s history of conquest: shock, sadness, apathy and even joy.

While many civilians were desolate at the loss of their queen, who has been an enduring symbol of leadership throughout their lives, others began to call into question the history of the monarchy and what it represents: colonization, white privilege and elitism.

One Twitter user went so far as to say that although the establishment wants us to believe that the monarchy represents the “best of Britain,” it is actually the “enduring embodiment of the worst of Britain.”

I express my condolences to all those who mourn the queen, but I also concur with the sentiment of the many individuals who criticize the monarchy’s lasting presence in the U.K. — it’s time for a change.

While the outright eradication of a system that has prevailed for centuries may be out of reach, at the very least, the monarchy must be held accountable for their past grievances and strive to uplift the communities it has historically harmed.

Gone are the days in which the royal family held any real legislative power; today, that belongs to the prime minister and parliament. However, with the continued tradition of succession in the U.K., many consider it unfair that the royal family still

Re-examining

holds a considerable amount of wealth and influence throughout the world.

Today, the monarchy adds little value to British society outside of celebrity culture. Since the inception of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in 1952, many former colonies have gained their independence, and Britain’s global power has declined.

The queen’s stable presence as a leader was a reason that many supported her, despite the political impracticality of the

Quote of the week

death

monarchy. She has lived through important historical events, such as World War II, and has seen 15 different prime ministers of the U.K.

There is no reason to further the monarchy’s tradition after the queen’s death.

The incumbent King Charles III does not possess the same charisma or experience as his mother. He will take the throne at 73 years old — the oldest person to do so in the history of the House of Windsor.

NICK’S PICKS:

While the monarchy’s lack of contemporary purpose warrants its removal, it’s naive to believe that it’s going anywhere anytime soon. The royal family is deeply entrenched into the social and cultural fabric of the U.K., and has been since 1603.

It may be futile to get rid of a system that has been exalted for generations. In this case, the conversation should center on how those in power can use their influence to impact social change.

The monarchy may never be able to completely rectify their past, but it can certainly do better. The royal family has been notably silent on movements like Black Lives Matter Queen Elizabeth II has never apologized for the monarchy’s link to the slave trade. In 2021, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex came forward about experiencing racism within the royal family and alleged concerns about the dark skin color of her son.

The royal family’s accountability for their past racism has been sorely lacking, but they must take responsibility. They should use their platforms to amplify movements supporting underrepresented communities and have open conversations about subjects that they have avoided talking about, such as race and imperialism.

There are certainly nuances to the royal family’s rule in the U.K. that I haven’t explored, and I acknowledge that it hasn’t been all bad. I admire the charitable efforts that they’ve engaged in over the years, and the national pride it ensues in |British people.

However, if the monarchy is to endure, it must redefine its narrative and become a force for social good.

Govinda supporting the community with affordable, healthy Indian cuisine

NICHOLAS BARAHONA Staff Writer

ELCOME TO NICK’S PICKS

Join me, Nick Barahona, on our journey through the city of Richmond where I review and showcase the different cuisines and restaurants in close proximity to campus, from the lens of a VCU student. I welcome you to an exciting time ahead filled with great deals and good eats.

Today’s review is for the vegans and vegetarians out there looking for a new taste in Richmond. Let’s check out Govinda and the delicious, cruelty-free and affordable meals they are serving to the community.

Govinda is an Indian vegetarian and vegan restaurant that opened about a year ago. Located on West Marshall Street behind the Broad & Belvidere Apartments, it is open Sunday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Outdoor seating is available at the front and side of the restaurant, and there are a few tables inside. The space is not particularly big, which makes it more of a grab-and-go deal. There is a surprising amount of parking available on the side of the restaurant, which is rare to find in Richmond.

Walking in, guests are instantly greeted with warm hospitality from the staff.

The white walls are embellished with images of Krishna, the Hindu God of protection, compassion and love. The restaurant stays true to Krishna’s values, engaging in efforts to distribute meals to the Richmond community and partnering with various humanitarian organizations. I deeply admire this about Govinda: their mission extends beyond serving delicious food.

Govinda is known for its “Govinda Thali,” or just “thali,” which translates to “a plate” in Hindi. A traditional thali comes with a mix of vegetables, rice, bread and a sweet. Govinda’s $8 thali consists of rice, sabji, roti, pakora, dal and halva sweet. If you’re unfamiliar with some of these dishes, worry not — I haven’t had much Indian food, but the staff was extremely helpful in explaining the different foods on my plate.

Sabji is a dish composed of different vegetables mixed together. Roti is the bread of the plate, similar to a round flatbread. Pakora is a vegetable fritter that is often spicy, depending on the vegetable from which it is made. Dal is dried, split lentils. The sweet of the plate, halva, can range from a thick flour paste to grounded seeds and nuts sweetened with sugar or honey.

My favorite parts of the thali were the roti, pakora and halva. I had never tried any of these dishes before, but they were delicious. The roti was perfect for eating

with the sabji and the rich flavor of the pakora effectively complemented the other items. The halva, with its crumbly consistency and sweet taste, made the ideal dessert for the end of the meal.

The menu changes daily in terms of the type of pakora or roti you get, and sometimes they serve vegetable pasta along with the rice. What is consistent on each plate is the rice, roti and dal.

Govinda also offers vegetarian cook ing programs for people interested in becoming vegetarian or trying out the lifestyle. This includes a 30-day lesson teaching the fundamen tals of cooking vegetarian meals that are both affordable and delicious.

Not only have I gone outside my comfort zone with this review, trying a new diet and cuisine, I have also deepened my understanding of Indian culture and the Hindu reli gion. It is always amazing to see a message or mission taking place behind the plates. This is why I love food — not just for the taste and comfort, but the opportunity to expand one’s worldview.

For an $8 vegetarian plate of food, I was pleasantly surprised in how good the flavor was and how well it satisfied my appetite. Although I wished the restaurant was open during lunch hours,

I would not hesitate to come again for dinner. An easy thumbs up and five out of five stars for me.

As always, eat up!

For all things food, feel free to check out @nxreview on Instagram and TikTok for many more recommendations and reviews around town.

“It’s our responsibility to do the best we can do to change the things we don’t like. I think that’s part of social responsibility, and everybody is going to do that in their own way.”

—

Tom Brady

Illustration by Vivian Trinh

Illustration by Killian Goodale-Porter

the British monarchy in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s

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