Sept '17: Fresh Kings & Queens of GW by The BLACK ACE Magazine

topic

table of contents 03

editors’ note

welcome to college

editor-in-chief

Shynelle Kissi shynelle_k@gwmail.gwu.edu

assistant editor Lauryn Hill lhill4@gwmail.gwu.edu

WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK THE ART OF THROWING A SUCCESSFUL KICKBACK GUIDE TO ROOMMATES DO’S AND DON’TS

Michael Ferrier michaelferrier@gwmail.gwu.edu

welcome to dc

business manager Taylor Williams taylorwilliams@gwmail.gwu.edu

NIGHT ON THE TOWN TOP BLACK HAIR SALONS IN DC

outreach coordinator

STYLED BY OLA

Alpha Balde alpha13balde@gwmail.gwu.edu

welcome to gw

creative director

#ONLYATGW

Angel Veliz sdotfly@gmail.com | www.sdotfly.com

GW SLANG

_______________________

GOT GWORLD?

faculty advisor

RECIPES FOR A STRUGGLING COLLEGE KID

Professor Robin Marcus

_______________________

WHAT I WISH I KNEW FRESHMAN YEAR GW BUCKET LIST

social media

FRESHMAN BUCKET LIST

Victoria Akosile vakosile@gwmail.gwu.edu

promotional team

A TASTE OF THE DISTRICT

copy editor

welcome to the mssc WHO’S WHO IN THE MSSC GETTING INVOLVED AT A PWI MULTICULTURAL ORG LIST MSSC CALENDAR

The Ace Magazine is funded in part by a generous grant from Generation Progress, a national organization that works with and for young people to promote progressive solutions to key political and social challenges.

We’re looking for new staff!

Email us personally or at thenewace@ gmail.com if you’re interested in writing, reporting, photography, design, publication, or simply in helping out the premier publication of the multicultural community at GW!

editors’ notes

Welcome to GW Class of 2021, and congratulations on choosing to embark on potentially the best journey of your life. You have officially entered a new phase of life; a phase that will be filled with memories, confusion, hard work, laugh, cries, friends and everything in between. “The next four years are whatever you make it” they always say, but that can be a lot of pressure when you’re in a new city and environment, especially as a student of color at a predominantly white institution. At a school this big, and in a city as filled with opportunities as DC, one can easily be overwhelmed and find it difficult to navigate. This is where the ACE comes in! This issue is your all-inclusive guide to navigating and surviving GW. Through various articles about how to party, work and study at GW, as well as a calendar of notable events, a DC bucket list, and lists upon lists of resources, the ACE will start you on a smooth path to making your time at GW the best of your life! Once again, congratulations and welcome to the family, Class of 2021! - The ACE Magazine

The Ace Magazine Mission:

The Ace Magazine connects the multicultural community to the university at-large with contributions from student writers and faculty members. Since 2008, The Ace has sparked discussion between campus groups furthering our belief that “we all have similar issues no matter our color.”

welcome to college

WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK By Victoria Akosile

Look for Jobs Near Campus

our tuition bill is paid, housing paid, and you’ve just spent about $500 on books you might never read. Welcome to your first day at college. On top of those expenses, there are also “other” expenses that come with college - brunch, parties, and maybe a trip or two to Miami. All of these are part of the college experience, but may not have been a part of your parents’ budget. So, in order to fund your newly developed love for brunch, you have to get a job. It might seem difficult to navigate at first but once you figure it out, it’s pretty easy.

The best option is to work somewhere that you can walk to. There are plenty of options within the Georgetown/Foggy Bottom area to choose from. More importantly these locations are more likely to be college friendly, as they are so close to campus and looking to hire students. Choosing somewhere nearby saves money, and means you don’t have to rely on public transportation - which can be unpredictable. A good place to start is Handshake (seriously-- don’t sleep on it). Anyone in the area that is hiring is likely to be on there.

Before you say ‘yes’ and accept a job/internship offer keep in mind these things:

Work Somewhere You’re Comfortable

Make Sure You Have Time to Work

Obviously the job you have while in college might not be in line with your lifelong career plans, and that’s okay. You don’t have to love it, but you should definitely feel comfortable and respected. Be wary of microaggressions. As a POC, it is important to know the difference between being in an environment where you are respected , versus one where you are simply “tolerated”. This includes co-worker, supervisors, and anyone you come in contact with while working. Keep an eye out for the vibes you get from the people, and the environment itself. If it feels wrong, GET OUT. (And keep an eye out for white women stirring teacups.)

This goes without saying, but definitely needs to be said. Before you decide to get a job, make sure you actually have the time to work. Make a schedule of all classes, extracurriculars, and homework. Organization is key when balancing work and school. When planning, make sure to be realistic and give ample time to each activity. Airtight schedules are bound to burst.

Be Upfront About Your Schedule

Quit if You Need to

Some employers may try to exploit you and make you work longer shifts or pick up more hours. When applying, it’s best to be upfront about things as to avoid any misunderstanding. You don’t want a situation where calling out, or trying to find someone to cover your shift is the norm. Be firm about the times you can and cannot work. Remember, they need you as much as you need them, or else they wouldn’t be hiring.

Remember money isn’t everything. If it comes to a point where balancing feels a bit overwhelming, it’s okay to quit. Don’t let your grades suffer because of your pockets. In the long run, the check you’re chasing now is nothing compared to what you’ll have in the future. Think long term, and weigh the options carefully. College is about your classes first, and everything else after.

welcome to college

THE ART OF THROWING A SUCCESSFUL KICKBACK By Shanelle Watson

s college aged students there is one thing that gets us through our overwhelming classes during the week; the weekend. With the weekend comes laughs with friends, extensive sleep-in sessions, and the late night parties that bring out our coveted “wild side”. However, after a while those late night parties can become very unappealing because of 1. how expensive they are and 2. how crowded they can get. Parties aren’t always a good place to get to know people or spend quality time with the friends that you can never see during the week. The solution to both these problems is the Kickback. The Kickback is very different from a typical party in that it is a perfect place to relax and get to know people while also having a good time with friends. Kickbacks seem to always be confused with parties. In order to alleviate the confusion, here are the guidelines to hosting a successful one. •••••••

1 Do not invite everyone Kickbacks are supposed to be an intimate event, don’t ruin it by inviting everyone you see.

2 Provide the appropriate music Kickbacks are just that, a kick back! Play music that everyone can vibe to rather than music that people can dance to.

3 Find the perfect lighting Dim lighting is always a good go-to for kickbacks. Make sure that everyone can see what is going on around them without being blinded by actual bright light.

4 Refreshments Refreshments should be catered to the wants of the crowd, keeping in mind the type and quantity!

5 Invite a variety of people This will not only allow for a diverse group of personalities at your Kickback, but also hopefully it will foster new friendships as well.

6 Other forms of entertainment Whether it be a deck of cards to play Uno or the board game “Life”, give people an activity that cultivates fun and friendly competition. If these get too monotonous, try adding your own spin to the rules.

7 Most Importantly have a good ratio of girls to boys No one gender should overwhelm the other; it makes it uncomfortable for the outnumbered gender! ••••••• The ultimate goal is to keep your friends happy, while also having a good time! If you follow these few steps, you too can be the host of a successful Kickback.

welcome to college

GUIDE TO ROOMMATES By Brianna Massey

ollege is an exciting time characterized by new opportunities, new friends, and for many, new roommates. Whether your roommate is your ride-or-die or the absolute worst, this four-step guide will help you master the art of living with another person.

help guide you in the right direction during those tough roomie situations,” said Peterson. “Utilize them!”

3. Speak up, but be respectful!

If you have an issue with something your roommate did, tell them! “Sometimes people don’t consciously realize that they’ve done something that you didn’t particularly like,” said Eno Baffoe, a GW student majoring in International Affairs. “Sitting them down over dinner or having a casual text conversation can really de-escalate the situation so that it doesn’t create bigger problems in the future.” But, make sure to communicate your thoughts to your roomie in a respectful manner - keyword: respectful. Being accusatory can often lead to a defensive response from your roommate resulting in an unproductive conversation. Strive to be open minded and considerate in the way you confront the person. On the flip side, if your roommate addresses you regarding a concern they have, be mannerly. There is no need to feel like you are being attacked. Remember, nobody’s perfect, including you.

1. Create a roommate agreement

Did you meet your soulmate roommate on the GW Class of 2021 Facebook page? Did you get randomly placed with the roommate from hell? Either way, make a roommate agreement! “It is one of the first, necessary forms of communication that sets things up for a successful year with your roommate,” said Jeffrey Peterson, a GW student majoring in Political Communication. It may seem like nothing can get between the two of you now, but conflict is bound to arise. A roommate agreement is a written contract, signed by all the roommates, that establishes the responsibilities and rules that each roommate is to follow, as well as behaviors that are/aren’t to take place in the room. “It sets boundaries so that everyone has the same expectations and is on the same page going forward,” said Peterson. When creating the agreement, be upfront and true to who you are. How do you feel about overnight guests? Substances in the room? Bed time? It is easier to establish room rules at the beginning of the year rather than add them half-way through. However, keep in mind that the roommate agreement can be revised or revisited at any time during the school year. A roommate agreement template can be found on the GW housing website under the policies tab.

4. Embrace diversity

Why do you wrap your hair up at night? What is that product that you put in it? You don’t wash your hair every day? We have all been there and it can get annoying especially at a predominantly white university like GW. Living with someone who is ethnically, religiously, or culturally different from you gives you the opportunity to educate someone who otherwise would not have learned about your culture or history. “Patience is key,” said Baffoe. “Remember that your roommate may not understand what you, as a multicultural student, have to go through on a daily basis. But, if it turns out that they’re just ignorant and don’t want to willingly embrace who you are...then ‘tell ’em boy bye!’” Rooming with someone different than you is also a way for you to become knowledgeable about other ways of life. GW is home to students from all around the globe. Step outside of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid if your roommate is not similar to you.

2. Compromise is Key

Just because you like to go to bed at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesdays doesn’t mean that everyone else in the room has to do the same. A large part of being a good roommate is having the ability to compromise. Be willing to be flexible and realize that things will not always go your way. However, things should not always go your roommate’s way either. Meet in the middle and come up with fair compromises. It’s a lot harder than it sounds, but if you are having difficulties coming up with a reasonable agreement, get your Resident Advisor (RA) involved. “RA’s are there to serve as a non-bias source and

Good luck to you and your new roomie!

welcome to college

DO’S AND DON’TS: HOW TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY By Simone Hunter-Hobson

orrying about financial aid, struggling to fit in, or having roommate conflicts? These are just some of the issues that first year students may quickly encounter in college. Nonetheless, one of students’ most common struggle pertains to academic success. Whether struggling to complete several assignments at the same time or not knowing how to effectively form relationships with professors, students face a multitude of obstacles in which they can either sink or swim. This list of Do’s and Don’ts will help guide you through the challenges that first year students will face.

DO’S: 1. DO Keep an organized planner: Write down and check off all assignments and activities. It is crucial to strategically plan out and prioritize your assignments based on deadlines, especially when you’ll have multiple assignments with multiple deadlines. Nothing is worse than not having your work organized. Along with academics, you will be involved in extracurricular activities that will require some of your time. In order to remember it all, you should create a Google calendar account and constantly update your schedule based on your classes, work study or internship hours, and extracurricular activity meetings. Calendar updates are honestly the holy grail; having your phone’s alarm ring to remind you of all of your plans for the day and week will keep you on your toes and prompt to your events. For some, uploading to an online calendar is too much work. If you fall in that category, invest in a physical planner you can commit to checking regularly. 2. DO try to show up to class: It is not a good look for your professor to ask you your name midway in the semester. Unfortunately, as a student of color you may have to deal with your name confused with another student of color in the class. 3. DO take advantage of every opportunity: GWU offers so many resources that every student should partake in. Visit the libraries’ Writing Center, where trained writing consultants can review your work and offer some advice to improve your writing skills - which is essential to your success in the required University Writing course. If you would like to take a course during the summer but need financial support, apply for the Summer Course Grant Initiative, which is provided by the Multicultural Student Services Center and gives students the opportunity to partake in a summer course without the stress of a financial burden. Another great resource is the Career Services Center. Here you can learn how to secure a job through guidance on resumes, cover letters, and interviews. GWU is in the heart of D.C., where a plethora of opportunities are available. Start establishing some work experience. Nonetheless, never forget that schoolwork does come first.

DON’TS: 1. DON’T assume that your peers are not completing their work just because they’re out every weekend. Many students believe that their peers, who are out at social gatherings and parties, are also behind on their schoolwork. This assumption may not always be the case. Some students strategically complete their work before or after their free time so they can have fun. Unfortunately, some students mistakenly convince themselves that they can afford to waste all of their time at parties with their peers, and therefore sometimes fail to complete their work to the best of their ability. 2. DON’T leave a class without introducing yourself to your professor: The most redundant, but essential piece of advice you’ll receive during your first year is to attend each professor’s office hours. This is to simply put a face with a name and potentially form a long lasting bond. Showing your professor that you are determined to conduct your best work represents your work ethic and could potentially be the determinant between an A- to an A final grade. 3. DON’T wait until the last minute to complete an assignment: Of course, this advice is cliché, but this suggestion is vital to your academic success. Almost every professor hands out a course syllabus, which often consists of a schedule for all assignments and due dates. If you know you have an essay due next month, try to pace yourself and plan to execute different stages to complete the essay. For example, in the first week, you could work on an outline to help you map out the format of your essay. The next week may consist of some research, such as going to the library and reading some relevant excerpts for evidence for your topic. The next week, you should take the time write the bulk of your essay; the last week should consist of revising and editing your essay. With this strategy, you will be able to tackle any major assignment and not be as overwhelmed by the assignment. 4. Finally, DON’T ever doubt yourself or your ability to overcome and succeed: In the midst of any challenge thrown your way, remember “you are more than a conqueror”. When obstacles come along, some students begin to question their position at the University. They begin to ask questions, such as “Do I really belong here?” or “Is GW the school for me?” The answer should always be: “I am here for a reason.” Whatever that reason may be, once you know your purpose, you have already won half the battle. When you find yourself struggling with a math problem at 2 a.m., knowing and embracing your purpose will be just the right push to motivate you and fulfill your mission; your mission to not only obtain a degree, but also walk away with a skillset that will sustain you for a lifetime. That, my friend, is what college is about.

welcome to dc

A TASTE OF THE DISTRICT By Lauryn Hill & Lena Hilliard

BRUNCH

hether you’re traveling two hours or a thousand miles, coming from Brooklyn or Atlanta: whether you’re Nigerian, Puerto Rican, Haitian, or everything in between, finding a part of your culture while away from your home might help you more than you know in your freshman year of college. One of the most comforting aspects that I discovered as a freshman was food—shocker right? But really, being confined to the food options of Roti and Sweet Green are not bad options, but most of us can agree that there is nothing like food that tastes like your momma cooked it. Being located in a diverse and developed city like D.C., finding food that’s familiar to your taste buds is not as difficult as it may seem. ACE Magazine has compiled a list of restaurants that are likely to fulfill the diverse taste buds within our multicultural community—whether your home roots are in the south, Caribbean, Africa and elsewhere.

Florida Avenue Grill (Breakfast) $10- $25 1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

The restaurant is located at the corner of Florida Avenue and 11th Street Northwest. While the fried chicken is sort of dry, my favorite dish is the “Miss Bertha’s Special”—Y’ALL! This dish comes with so much food. You have a choice between pancakes and french toast, grits or home fries, bacon or sausage and eggs cooked to your liking. I will honestly say that the pancakes are better than the french toast because the consistency is even throughout. They also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the top which adds extra sweetness. The grits are also pretty good, although you need to add your own salt, pepper, and cheese because this restaurant tries to stay on the healthier side of things. So, is this restaurant as good as my mother’s cooking— of course not. But it is good enough to offer me comfort when I become home sick. Signature Dish: Miss Bertha’s Special

NEAR CAMPUS CAFÉ’S (NOT STARBUCKS)

Bourbon Coffee Under $10 2101 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037

4.2

B Too $15-$30 1324 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005

If you are looking for a comfy café to sit down and study for a few hours, Bourbon Coffee is your place. Located just a few blocks off campus, Bourbon Coffee boasts a wide array of high quality coffee. They even have unique flavors such as Rosemary Brown Sugar and Lavender if you are feeling adventurous. This place has good wifi and nice couches - perfect for spending an hour or two doing homework or chatting with friends. However, pay close attention to the hours, they are closed all day Sundays and at 6pm during the week. Signature Item: Macadamia Nut Mocha Soho Tea and Coffee $5-$10 2150 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037

4.2

4.1

If you are interested in exploring DC’s famous brunching scene then B Too is a must try. This Belgian brunch restaurant is known for its Doffles (doughnut waffles) and fun atmosphere. Located not too far from campus, near Logan circle, B Too’s food is delicious and the staff are very friendly and attentive. The head chef was also a contestant on the TV show Top Chef! Signature Item: Doffle Deluxe Bistro Bohem $13-$25 600 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

4.3

4.4

I cannot rave about this place enough. Bistro Bohem has large portions and hearty Central European style brunch. This includes schnitzel and braughtworst paired with traditional brunch food, so be sure to come hungry! You’re bound, to love the laid back attitude of this quaint little place. It is the perfect brunch spot after a night out and you’ll never feel rushed. Signature Item: Chicken and Schnitzel Waffle

Soho Tea and Coffee is a calm and quiet place to spend a few hours. The quirky living room style décor will make you feel right at home. It is open late and has all the drinks you are used too, as well as interesting specialty drinks and pastries. Specialty drinks come served in a mason jar and there is free wifi for studying. There are even events such as Open Mic Night, the first Saturday, of every month and Board Game Night on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, for those who are interested in getting social. Signature Item: Chai Latte

welcome to dc Ted’s Bulletin $11-$30 1818 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20009

3.5

Ted’s Bulletin is a staple in Washington, DC with its old fashioned atmosphere and delicious food with healthy portions. For brunch, a reservation is necessary to avoid a very long wait, as the restaurant is always bustling with people. However, if you do get stuck waiting, pick up one of their famous homemade pop tarts, it will be a highlight of your trip. Signature Item: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy & House Made Strawberry Poptart

LUNCH

Sweet Home Cafe in NMAACH $10-$18 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

3.1

Sweet Home Cafe is not your normal restaurant because it is located inside of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. So, it’s a slight challenge to get to because of the museum’s entry restraints. Sweet Home Cafe does not define soul food based on a region of the country and has expanded the definition to encompass the Agricultural South, the Creole Coast, The Northern States—with an emphasis on Caribbean and West Indian cultures, and the Western Range. This restaurant is a one stop shop, so in your free time, grab a timed pass to the NMAACH with some of your new friends and take comfort in your own culture while experiencing new ones as well. Signature Dish: Varies

DINNER

Cuba Libre Rum and Bar (Dinner) $15-$35 801 9th St NW A, Washington, DC 20001

4.0

Cuba Libre Rum and Bar is one of the best Caribbean restaurants in DC, according to Alexa Santana. “Even though it is a little pricey, the food is really good and tastes like authentic Cuban food,”she said. Santana always ordered “Mama Amelia’s Empanadas” and

her favorite main course items were “De La Casa” and the “Ropa Vieja”. This restaurant is good for an end of the year get together with your college friends or whenever the parents come to visit town because a good time at this restaurant takes money—but a good sacrifice of a chunk of your paycheck is worth it. Signature Dish: Ropa Vieja Habesha Market and Carry-Out $14.00 1919 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

4.6

Habesha’s, located on the U Street corridor is a favorite among many who come to visit the D.C. area, as well as locals. This Ethiopian restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including fish, beef, lamb and a vegetarian selection. Herani Bekele, a rising junior at GW and a D.C. native, said her favorite dish was the vegetable plate - which is no more than $14, depending on how many vegetable sides you request. If you are ever craving Ethiopian food, or want to try something new, visit Habesha’s for a quick lunch or dinner on those days when both your bank account and your stomach is in need of nurturing. Signature Dish: Vegetable Plate Rasika $30-$50 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037 4.3 Rasika is a delicious modern Indian restaurant that has curbed the appetite of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. It is easy to share a variety of small plates in order to try as many things as possible on the long menu. The Palak Chaat is a staple and one of the best items on the menu. The ambiance is a little bit more upscale, perfect for a dressy night out or a fancy date. Signature Items: Palak Chaat Toki Underground $11-$30 1234 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

4.4

This hidden gem is truly underground. I walked past the restaurant three times before I was able to find the front door. Upon entering the restaurant I was bombarded with an array of colors and art that was only overshadowed by the mashup of hip hop music playing. Toki Underground has food to match the atmosphere, with delicious ramen and buns all at a reasonable price.

welcome to dc

NIGHT ON THE TOWN TOP BLACK HAIR SALONS IN DC

o you’re looking for the move, huh? Dorm parties no longer poppin’ like the first few weeks of school? It can be tough trying to find something to do when you’re coming into college for the first time, especially not being 21. But you don’t have to worry about that because you’re in the nation’s capital where there’s plenty to do, regardless of age. Check out the list of options you have to choose from below:

By Tyler Staton

o you just moved to the D.C. area, but you don’t know where to get your hair done, don’t worry your hair will still be on point! ACE will make sure of it!

Crown of Glory Health and Beauty Directory

9:30 Club

This directory is filled with reviews and recommendations from your fellow GW students. Crown of Glory is a health and beauty organization on campus that promotes healthy living through hair, beauty and self-image for women of color. On their website, they have listed places all throughout the D.C. area to get your nails done, hair did - the works. In fact, many of our fellow GW students do hair! Numerous students here do threading, braids, weaves, and blowouts! So if you want your hair done for the low, look at the Crown of Glory directory. You can find their website at: gwcrownofglory.com.

815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001 If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to visit and enjoy live music, this is the place to go. The music choices include rock, hip-hop, and country.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

1212 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 Need a place for you and your friends to hang out, talk, and enjoy some good drinks? Check this lounge out. It comes with the option of relaxing in its comfortable interior lit by candles or the outdoor patio to enjoy the weather.

Drybar

1825 Wisconsin Ave. NW For the ladies who want to upkeep their pressed hair, Drybar is the perfect place for you. Drybar is a hair salon in Georgetown (about a 10 minute Uber ride from campus) that washes, blowdrys, and styles your hair to your liking - all for $45 dollars! From personal experience the hairstylists are very welcoming and accommodating to every hair texture. You will have a wonderful experience at Drybar and leave looking better than ever!

U Street Music Hall

1115 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This may be a smaller venue, but it definitely provides quality music. It’s known for having one of the best sound systems in the city; so it will definitely be worth the trip.

Tropicalia

Wanda’s on 7th

2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 If you want to change things up, come to Tropicalia for performances from Brazilian, Caribbean, and Latin acts. They typically have a lot of events throughout the week and all you have to do is check their calendar online for an event that catches your interest.

1851 7th St. NW For the men who want to make sure their hair cut is looking crisp and clean look no further than Wanda’s on 7th. They take both walk-ins and appointments, with plenty of professional barbers available you will be sure to get that fresh cut in no time!

Eden

Best Cut Barber Shop

1716 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006 Similar to the style of Ultrabar, Eden has 3 floors of different genres of music. Plus, it has a rooftop deck when you want to take a break from the crowds in the club. This is a great place to lounge and occasionally dance.

2612 Georgia Ave. NW If you’re by Howard University you also might want to check out Best Cut on Georgia Ave. They are a little bit pricey but best believe you will get the freshest cut in the D.C. area.

Ultrabar

911 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 Talk about options! This club contains 4 different floors of music catering to different crowds. So you’re bound to find music you like. Whether you want to hit a couple of dabs or get your salsa skills on point, this place has got it all. Just get there before 12.

welcome to dc

STYLED BY OLA: GW EDITION By Abiola Agoro

o you’ve been admitted to GW and you’re starting freshman year. You’re excited, anxious, eager, and you’ve googled everything there is to know about the school. Although the internet has a vast depth of information, there are some things that you just can’t google, and one of them is the fashion culture of the school. GW is in the heart of Washington, D.C. (as I’m sure you’re well aware of by now) and it changes a few things about the fashion culture of the college. Here are some tips to making a good impression on a budget, and acing your first year.

1. At GW, sweatpants aren’t sidewalk fashion GW is the number 1 (yes, I’m ignoring the most recent rating) politically active school in the country. Political activism = political involvement = political organizations. Many students intern on the Hill, at big think-tanks and research organizations, so naturally you’ll see students who wear full suits to class at 9 because they have to go to their internship at 10. Inside the dorms these rules don’t apply. Occasionally you’ll see people strutting in sweatpants, but that’s more likely during finals season. This matters because…

2. You’ll never know when you’ll have your “only at GW” moment Because of the location of the school, anyone – and I mean ANYONE – can walk on campus. Anderson Cooper, Scaramucci, Chance the Rapper, the surgeon General, a SCOTUS Judge – the list goes on. You wouldn’t want to run into these people in pajama pants & sliders.

3. Looking good doesn’t require a pantsuit Professional attire may be a frequent site to see on campus, but it’s not the only way to dress to impress. Professionalism can be a pencil skirt and a flowery blouse. I’ve even seen someone rock Jordan’s with their suit and it didn’t detract in any way. Clothing that is clean, shapely, and well fitting will keep you from looking like a college bum. Keep loose strands cut short, fix pulls, and patch tears to clean up your wardrobe.

4. Own YOUR look Like I said under #3, professionalism doesn’t require a suit. With that being said, on campus there are people who you will never see in a suit, but they will always look well dressed. If a Snapback, Jordans, and ripped jeans is your go to look, don’t change your daily style just to impress. Always ensure, however, that you are being the best dressed version of you.

5. There’s a time and place for everything As all young adults must learn, there are places you can & can’t wear certain things. While I say #RockYourStyle in areas of this article, you can’t wear ripped jeans to your Capitol Hill Internship interview; every place warrants a different version of you in the culture. You can rock purple lipstick in an all-black pantsuit and it would still be you and appropriate. I hope you learned a few new tips and the DO’s and DON’TS of GW’s Fashion Culture. Raise High!

Styled By Ola

welcome to gw

GW SLANG By Alpha Balde

Darty

MSSC

Noun

/därdē/

/em•es•es•si:/

Combination of day and party

Multicultural Student Services Center

Darty season usually begins in April when the weather warms up. It’s a time for students who love to be in good company, in a carefree environment and turn up in the middle of the day.

aka: everyone’s home away from home.

GDub

Vern

Noun

/je•dəb/

colloquial term for The George Washington University; more commonly used than GW and GWU

Gelbucks /gel•bəks/ Noun

This refers to the Starbucks beneath Gelman Library, hence the combined name. Gelbucks tends to come in clutch during midterm and final seasons when you need to read an entire textbook or write that paper you’ve been procrastinating on.

HelWell /hel•wel/ Noun

Short for Lerner Health & Wellness Center Center for students to partake in physical exercise; mostly full during the first month of each semester

The building and community that represents and advocates for any and all identities at GW

/vər•ŋʌŋ/

Refers to the Mount Vernon Campus Typically comes with many negative connotations, but the Vern is definitely not as bad as people make it seem.

Vex /vex/

Noun Nickname for the Vern Express. Transport shuttle bus between Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses; number one source of frustration for any and (almost) all students.

welcome to gw

GOT GWORLD? As a freshman you will be allotted $2,050 in Colonial Cash on your GWorld card each semester, making you among the richest and most well-fed students at GW. Though this may sound like a great deal, you will most likely be hassled by upperclassmen for a free meal, and you may get sick of the on-campus restaurants. We have yet to find a cure for the former, but this list of Colonial Cash retail partners should rid you of the latter. • 7th Hill Pizza Palisades • 7-11 (Seven Eleven) • An Uncommon Café • Asia 54 • Au Bon Pain • Beef ‘N Bread • Beefsteak • Bertucci’s • Bibi Ja • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Brooklyn Sandwich Co • Bruegger’s Bagels • Buredo • Burger, Tap & Shake • Cafe Aria • Capitol Grounds Coffee • Captain Cookie & The Milk Man • Carvings • Chalin’s Restaurant • Char Bar • Chick-fil-A • Chipotle • Chop’t Creative Salad Co.

• Colonial Bistro • Corner Bakery Cafe • Crepeaway • Crepe N Cream • Custom Fuel Pizza • CVS Pharmacy • DC Pizza • Devon & Blakely • Domino’s Pizza • Dunkin Donuts • Flavors of India • FoBoGro • Foggy Bottom Freshfarm Market • Froggy Bottom Pub • Gallery Café • Gallery Market • Grilled Cheese Bar • GRK Fresh Greek • GroW Garden/Lancaster Farm Fresh • Cooperative CSA • GNC Live Well • GW Delicatessen • GW Hospital Cafeteria

• The House of Falafel • Higher Grounds Coffee Shop • Jetties • JRINK Juicery • Juan Valdez Cafe • Kaz Sushi Bistro • Lindy’s Red Lion & Bon Apetite • Los Cuates Restaurant • The Magic Gourd • Manny & Olga’s • Maxime Steak Frites & Bar • One Fish Two Fish • Paisano’s Pizza • Papa John’s • Paul Bakery • Peet’s Coffee • Pelham Commons Cafe • Penn Grill & Café • The Perfect Pita • Pizza Movers • Point Chaud • Poppabox • Potbelly

• Quick Bite • Rasoi Indian Kitchen • Rolling Cow • Roti • Safeway • Seven Eleven • Sizzling Express • Sol Mexican Grill • South Block Juice • Starbucks • Subway • Sweetgreen • Tasty Kabob • Taylor Gourmet • TGI Friday’s • Tonic @ Quigley’s Pharmacy • Uptowner Café • Washington Deli • Whole Foods Market • Wicked Waffle • Wingo’s • Wiseguys Pizza

RECIPES FOR A STRUGGLING COLLEGE KID By Brittany Fletcher

Curried Chickpeas Directions:

Ingredients:

1 can of chickpeas 1/4 of red bell pepper 1/4 cup of diced onion 1 1/2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon of curry powder 1 tablespoon of butter

1. Heat olive oil in frying pan over medium heat. 2. Once oil is hot, add carrots, bell pepper, onion and garlic. Cook until carrots are tender. 3. Add chickpeas with half of the water from the can and butter. 4. Cook until chickpeas are tender and sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Oven Roasted Potatoes Directions:

Ingredients:

1 bag Yukon Gold potatoes 4 tablespoons of rosemary 2 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of parsley

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl mixing well to ensure even distribution. 3. Lay potatoes flat on a baking pan.

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WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN, I WISH I KNEW...

“To not assume I knew it all, made new friends, put myself out there more, etc.” Erin Flanagan, MSSC

“That my self-worth extended beyond my grades and the activities I was active in. Once I learned that, I was on my way to becoming the “How much woman I know I could be and freedom and power love very much.” freshman actually had, as Melissa Lawrence, ‘18 opposed to what they’ve been told regarding their GW experience.” Timothy Kane, MSSC

“How to not run out of GWorld in a month.” Alpha Balde, ‘20

“I didn’t have to have all the answers or have my life sorted out right away; I have these four years and the rest of my life to get it together.” Shynelle Kissi, ‘18

“Not to hold on to the friends that I made freshman year; that I’d eventually find my friends and place here.” Zoe Kovatchis, ‘18

“This quote: ‘ you are what you do each day’, and sometimes I didn’t always remember I was a student.” Michael Tapscott, MSSC

“Which dorms had free laundry.” Drey Awosika, ‘19

“How to study smart versus studying hard.” George Rice, MSSC

“To think long term, instead of day to day.” Erin Flanagan, MSSC

“To not compare myself to every other GW student as much, because every story is different” Krystal Warner, MSSC

“How to interact with ALL of the multicultural and minority communities. My freshman year, I didn’t forge relationships with my peers in the Latinx, LGBTQIA, and other communities as much as I would’ve liked.” Freddy Ryle, ‘20

“That studying was actually important.” Briana Whitfield, ‘18

welcome to gw

-Go to a dorm party on the Vern. -Eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl. -Get a cupcake from Georgetown. -Visit the memorials after hours. -Check out Eastern Market. -Visit Busboys&Poets and Eatonville. -Catch a free show at The Kennedy Center. -Kayak on the Potomac. -take a class at one of the consortium -Climb to the top of the Washington schools. Monument. -Stay in DC for a summer. -Visit the DC National Zoo. -Go to the MSSC Block Party. -Visit all of the DC area universities. -Pull an all-nighter, or five. -Visit the Cherry Blossom festival in the Spring. -Participate in Freshman Day of Service. -Convince your Professor to hold class in -Run for a Student Association position. U-Yard -Visit the “Exorcist” steps in Georgetown. -Join a student organization, or start one. -Go watch the Drag Race in Dupont Circle. -Swim at the Vern pool and walk to -Eat from one of the many food trucks Jettie’s for ice cream. that visit campus. -Dance with Big George at a basketball game. -Go to “all-you-can-eat” Sunday Brunch -Attend Midnight Breakfast during fall on the Vern. semester finals. -Chill in Kogan Plaza on a sunny day. -Study on the Lincoln Memorial steps. -Spend a night out in Adam’s Morgan -Write an article for the ACE.

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FRESHMAN BUCKET LIST By Alpha Balde

irst of all, congratulations to all of my freshman readers for your acceptance to GW. You are entering a unique four years of your life that will be filled with trials, triumphs, and celebration. Of course, there are things that you must experience that are necessary to truly living out the “GW Experience”

Monument Walk

If you have not already done this by CI, you need to get on with it. The monuments serve as a backdrop to our education. They’re all right there in our backyard and fuel the excitement of going to a school in DC. The first time you see the sunset rise over the Washington Monument while you sit on the steps of the Lincoln , or just realize how huge the monuments are, will take your breath away. While the novelty of living so close to the monuments wears off after a few weeks of classes, there are days where a quick visit with some friends can help reset and clear your mind.

Spend a night in Thurston

Regardless of what residence hall you call your home during your freshman year, Thurston is THE freshman dorm. The odds are that either you or friends will live there. Then, due to the perfect combination of everything - everything - the Thurston experience is like none other. A night in Thurston on any given Friday or Saturday is bound to be filled with memories and new friends, so do yourself a favor and make sure you have at least one “night in Thurston” story.

Cook I get it. The school gave you $2050 to spend on whatever food you want. That’s a lot of money right? Wrong. If you’re not careful that 2K turns into dust by October, and then food becomes your problem. Plus, that number decreases increasingly from year to year. So, while you don’t necessarily need to cook all the time your freshman year, cook every once in awhile to prepare for the storm. Every residence hall has at least one kitchen, so get to cheffin’.

Study Part of the GW experience is not getting kicked out of GW. Find your favorite spot on campus to get serious and studious and please do so often. You’ll thank yourself in four years when you’re holding your diploma.

Visit the Vern There is often a negative stigma associated with the Mount Vernon campus. Usually its attributed to its isolation and the fact that you have to take the Vex to get there. However, the Vern can be a fantastic place. Oftentimes, you may feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the Vern is a fantastic place to do that. There are numerous study spots in Ames Hall and Eckles library - perfect for when spots on Foggy fill up during finals. Also, the Vern delivers that suburban campus feel that students sometimes feel that they need.

Get Involved This can mean a lot of different things, but whatever you’re interested in, there is probably a group for that on campus. GW students have a reputation for being extremely active, so if you’re interested in activism, you’ve come to the right place. However, we also have we have tons of dance groups, frats and sororities, and other special interest groups. By joining a student organization, you not only make a lot of friends, but also achieve an overall rewarding and enjoyable experience at GW. At the end of the day, the GW Freshman experience is what you make it. That means hundreds of different things for hundreds of different students, and the school has so much to offer that it would be impossible to cover everything. However, follow these tips, and you pretty much got it. Get out there and experience everything., because college is one helluva ride.

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WHO’S WHO IN THE MSSC MSSC? What is that? The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC), one of the George Washington University’s hidden gems, has been around for nearly 50 years. Yet, the purpose of its existence on campus is still a mystery, especially to freshmen. In short, the MSSC serves as a physical representation of the expression “unity in diversity”. This building serves to cultivate an environment and community where students of different backgrounds and walks of life can come together to learn about one another, as well as build an international network. The staff members here have dedicated their time to being an additional resource to multicultural students, who, at times, are marginalized by the wider community. The MSSC, your home away from home, in summary is there to ensure every voice is heard, even when it seems like no one is listening.

MICHAEL R TAPSCOTT

GEORGE RICE III

Director of MSSC and in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement

Associate Director Favorite Saying: I’m just trying to be a grown up.

Favorite Saying: Don’t be a stranger. More importantly, don’t be strange… and even if you are, you’re welcome in my house.

Favorite GW Event: MSSC Block Party / Jettie’s (restaurant)

Favorite GW Event: MSSC Block Party

Students should come to me if... They just need someone to listen objectively; someone who’s non-judgmental. If students need insight on strategy, problem-solving, increasing their GPA, or time management, I’m here for them.

Students should come to me if... They ever need a dad; if they ever need help; if they ever need an advocate; or if they ever just need a hug.

To me, the MSSC means... A place of refuge; a place of peace, excitement, enthusiasm; a place where love is genuine to whomever. Here at the MSSC, we love to see you come, and we’re sad to see you leave.

To me, the MSSC means... Family! – We believe people before the process, people before policy, and people before politics. Every single stinkin’ time.

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TIMOTHY KANE Associate Director and Overseer of LGBTQIA & Religions Life Favorite Saying: Be yourself, everyone else is taken. Favorite GW Event: MSSC Block Party & Interfaith Dinner

Students should come to me if... They want to talk about Game of Thrones, Insecure, Ballers, or Power. Of course, if they need help with marketing and event planning, working at the MSSC, selling tickets or merchandise for their student org, resume/cover letter critiques, School of Business and Study Abroad advice, I’m here for them. Lastly, if they want to know where some good restaurants are or mani/pedi discounts, or even need a gym/running buddy, they should come see me in my office. To me, the MSSC means... Home away from home. We are a support system that bends over backwards to help with anything without limit – orgs, financial and academic assistance, anything. The MSSC is for cultivating relationships.

Students should come to me if... They seek an empathetic listener who can support them to make the decisions that are best for them. Love helping in that regard by listening, planning, and offering overall support. To me, the MSSC means... celebrating the added value we bring when we share our diverse identities, which makes GW a better place to learn and grow.

ERIN FLANAGAN Business Operations Coordinator Favorite Saying: Be great. Favorite GW Event: Bhangra Blowout

KRYSTAL WARNER Senior Program Coordinator Favorite Saying: Teamwork makes the dream work. Favorite GW Event: MSSC Block Party & Hawai’i Club Luau

Students should come to me if... They need anything. Literally. I’m the first line of defense for any questions, general info, best memes, and classy living on a budget. To me, the MSSC means... Home, like for reals. Where else can you meet new people, learn new things, vent, laugh, cry, eat, and get paid all in one spot?

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GETTING INVOLVED AT A PWI By Sydnee Martin

hile attending college as a minority has multiple things in store for you, attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) tends to make it harder to figure out and find what you like. Questions begin to pop into your mind like “How will I make friends?”; “Are there any social organizations for me to join this year?”; “What type of activities are there for someone who has a completely different racial background than the majority of students at the school?”

organizations, and any other activities you find a passion towards. It is also caters to those looking for mentoring and tutoring programs, as well as students looking to host on-campus orgs meetings. I even received my first on-campus job at the MSSC, simply by asking the senior staff members if they had any open job positions. Being able to join such a connected and welcoming team helped me find and provide resources for others like me who didn’t know what to expect when coming to a PWI.

During my time as a freshman, my first semester was rough. There was so much I came to GW wanting to do, but didn’t know where to star looking for them. That is, until two young women approached me and told me to join them for a Black Women’s Forum (BWF) meeting. Ever since that first meeting, connecting with the rest of the multicultural community became much easier. Not only did I attend org meetings, such as BWF where young, intelligent black women bonded together to form mentoring programs - but I Being able to join also found myself entering such a connected the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) more. and welcoming This one BWF meeting led to team helped me discovering a building aimed at creating a positive environment find and provide and helping students like resources for myself become more involved in the community.

During your time at GW, you’ll come across flyers all over campus, students who you happen to pass by, and events at the MSSC building that will help you find your passions and hobbies. If you want to get started right away definitely attend the following:

1. The MSSC Block Party

Friday, Sept. 1 from 4-8pm. My first year, I skipped this because I was too shy to go, but don’t be like me! Take a chance to see all the different student groups gather together and showcase what they have to offer. Orgs that participate range from professional groups, such as NSBE and MAPS, to social groups such as ASA and Hawai’i Club. The Party also features performances by dance groups and sororities/fraternities!

2. Student Org Fair

This year, the fair will be on Saturday, Sept. 2. The Student Org Fair offers you the opportunity to interact with 400+ student organizations to help you become involved not only with the school, but also the multicultural community.

others like me who didn’t know what to expect when coming to a PWI.

Attempting to balance all that the year throws at you can be difficult. It’s in times like this that being a part of a student organization can be a source of solace. Lucky for you, GW has several multicultural student organizations. The MSSC is a great way to find out how you can become a part of the multicultural community. Their resources may lead you to the different Heritage Celebrations, multiple language

Best of luck Class of 2021 and transfers, the year has so much to offer!

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MULTICULTURAL ORG LIST Here’s a list of multicultural student organizations at the George Washington University to help you find your crowd. See something you’re interested in? Visit http://studentengaement.gwu.edu/student-organizations to get more information about organizations you’re interested, or speak to an MSSC Staff member today!

The ACE Magazine Afghan Student Association African Student Association Allied in Pride Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alphi Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Arab Student Association Asian American Student Association Association of Black Journalists Black Men’s Initiative Black Student Union Black Women’s Forum Caribbean Student Association Chinese American Student Association Chinese Cultural Association The Crown of Glory Hair and Beauty Association Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. District K Korean Dance Team The Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association Fuego George Washington Williams House German Club GW Bhangra GW Casa Blanca GW Chamak GW French Club GW Raas GW South Asian Society Hawai’i Club Indian Students Association Intersectional Feminist of Color Collaborative InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Japanese American Student Alliance Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Korean Cultural Organization Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. Lambda Upsilon Lambda Sorority, Inc. Machik-GW Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students Multicultural Business Student Association Multicultural Greek Council Muslim Students’ Association NAACP National Council of Negro Women National Society of Black Engineers The Native American Students Association Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Organization of Latino American Students Pakistani Students’ Association Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Philippine Cultural Society Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. Puentes GW Racially and Ethnically Mixed Students Association Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. Sikh Students’ Association Southeast Asian Association Vietnamese Student Association Word Up! Bible Study Xola: Afro-Caribbean Dance Team Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

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MSSC CALENDAR

2017

August MSSC Open House

September Latinx Heritage Month MSSC Block Party

Community 1st Year Welcome 9/11 Interfaith Vigil

October National Coming Out Day

November Native American Heritage Month MSSC Thanksgiving Dinner

Interfaith Dinner

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2018

January King Week

February Black History Month

March South Asian Heritage Month

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month

April Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Latinx Leader Awards

MLK Awards

May Interfaith Baccalaureate

MSSC Graduation Celebration

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