September 15' Freshmen Guide to Finesse and Success by The BLACK ACE Magazine

table of contents

editor-in-chief

Nana Agyemang agyeman1@gwmail.gwu.edu

editors’ note

tech

Abeke Teyibo teyiboabeke@gwmail.gwu.edu

MOBIMALL IS LIKE THE SNAPCHAT AND TINDER FOR CHOOSING NEW OUTFITS

copy editor

assistant editor

Leslie Ogu leslie0523@gwmail.gwu.edu

education GW NO LONGER REQUIRING SAT OR ACT SCORES WHAT’S THE RIGHT ORGANIZATION FOR YOU? MSSC PROGRAMS/ CALENDAR WHO’S WHO IN THE MSSC?

culture WHAT HAS THE BLACK HOUSE TURNED INTO? WHO’S WHO ON THE BSU E-BOARD

business SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INTERNSHIPS

style THE TRENDSETTER TRUTH

wellness HOW TO KEEP NATURALLY HAPPY HAIR

entertainment

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

photography

Nana Agyemang agyeman1@gwmail.gwu.edu Kayla Williams kmwilliams@gwmail.gwu.edu Emma Ashworth eashworth@gwmail.gwu.edu Allison Beltran abeltran1@gwmail.gwu.edu Devan Cole devancole6@gwmail.gwu.edu

promotional team Erika Vidal erikavidal@gwmail.gwu.edu Nia Christian niachristian@gwmail.gwu.edu

business manager

DC NIGHTLIFE

layout

creative

Shynelle Kissi shynelle_k@gwmail.gwu.edu

_______________________

NOTE TO FRESHMAN BUCKET LIST

founder

Sam P.K. Collins

editor-in-chief emeriti Kwasi Agyemang Adam Middleton

faculty advisor Professor Robin Marcus

_______________________

social media

email | thenewace@gmail.com facebook | theacemagazine twitter | theacemag instagram | theacestagram

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

Nana Agyemang Editor-in-Chief

You never realize what something means until you’ve experienced it. So all the times I heard people say “time flies when you’re having fun” I laughed until this year. Freshmen year is the year you make mistakes, create a new and improved identity of yourself, break out your comfort zone, meet incredible and intelligent minds, oh and make mistakes. I want to stress that part because there’s nothing better than learning from your mistakes earlier on compared to later on... at this stage Drake’s “Better Late Than Never” lyrics are not what you should be going by. This year is the most important year of your next three and its important to make sure you have your best GPA now because later you’ll be stuck trying to bring it up and I promise you freshmen parties are nothing compared to the “litness” that takes place your senior year. So relax, don’t feel pressured, kick your feet back and let The ACE Magazine guide you through making this year your most productive and enjoyable one. Take a look at what advice we have for internships, what are some “at home feeling spots on campus,” and where you can shop for the coolest wardrobe. We are all family here so if you ever need anything at all please contact anyone on this staff! Best of luck and remember: Grades before anything else, you aren’t paying 60k for nothing!

Abeke Teyibo

Assistant Editor Welcome Class of 2019! I know this is an exciting time for you guys! Some of you are probably nervous, scared, and ready to experience the new year that is ahead of you. Remember to always be yourself and to make every moment a #onlyatgw moment. This is the time to really explore, study hard, and live the life that you have always dreamed for yourself. Here in this magazine is the guide to all the questions that every freshman thinks about and is too afraid to ask. There are also tips that are really important to know, not only for your freshman year, but also for the rest of your years here at GW. Whether it’s fashion, nightlife, education, internships, The ACE Magazine has provided all information for you to survive your first year of college with the freshman survival guide. I hope you enjoy your years here. You deserve it!

The Ace Magazine Mission: last issue

Leslie Ogu Copy Editor

Welcome to the craziest four years of your life that you only experience once! College is the place where you come to terms with your true self, and make lasting connections along the way. One can never describe the college experience to someone else because it’s simply something you have to go through on your own to comprehend its complexity and experience its impact on your life. Three years in and I’m still learning plenty. Being here has made a difference in my life and I wouldn’t have traded this time for anything. College can be overwhelming when you first step on campus. You’re in a new environment being exposed to people from all over the world with different characters and mindsets, and you are making decisions for yourself without the constant supervision of your parents. If you don’t take the right actions, you can find yourself getting lost pretty quickly. That’s where this guidebook comes in. We here at The ACE Magazine are dedicated to equip you with the right means of navigating the college setting and getting the most out of the time you spend here. In this magazine, you will find all kinds of useful things like how to find internships, or where the best place is to get your hair laid. You can find all this and more in The ACE Magazine, and we hope it helps you be the pilot of the trip you’re about to embark on.

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.”

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

MOBIMALL IS LIKE THE SNAPCHAT AND TINDER FOR CHOOSING NEW OUTFITS By Emma Ashworth

a Georgetown entrepreneurial competition. The app’s niche formed through input from professionals at South by Southwest Music Festival. The team traveled to Austin, TX to attend the festival’s “tech night” where big names in the business help new comers like Kilkenny, Williams and Scroggins. They realized focusing in on one aspect of the shopping experience was the best, and thus, Mobimall was born. The app is now about three months away from completion. Kilkenny is responsible for all the app’s visual design, while Scroggins writes the code, and Williams controls the over-all vision.

ove shopping but find it difficult to make up your mind often? Well your solution might be coming to a mobile device near you soon.

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, GW fine arts alum Jahdai Kilkenny and her team are changing the game in how we spend our money. With a bachelors in Fine Arts and working toward a graduate certificate in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute, 23-yearold Kilkenny is working with two Georgetown alums, Paris Williams and Brian Scroggins, to create Mobimall, a new app that helps answer the questions, “Do I really need to buy this?”

“It’s a lot of work. There’s ups and downs, and we can really go at it on occasion, but it’s been pretty awesome,” said Kilkenny.

Part social-media, part on-line shopping, this app allows your friends to give you their opinion on an item you’re considering buying in moments.

When building an app from scratch, Kilkenny starts with the overall interface, she designs everything from the color scheme, to the movement of the app, to the buttons using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Next, she hands the designs off to Williams who codes each page by hand. Once the design is in mobile form, a database is used to house information from each user like their photos and profile details. After the app is complete, it undergoes beta testing, where 100 users try out the app and give their feedback. Mobimall is about two months away from beta testing and Kilkenny couldn’t be more excited.

“Say you’re at the mall shopping by yourself and you’re thinking about buying a shirt you just tried on. Your friends aren’t with you so you can’t ask them Part social-media, their opinion. That’s where part on-line Mobimall comes in. It gives you the social validation shopping, this app you need in order to make a allows your friends purchase,” said Kilkenny.

to give you their opinion on an item you’re considering buying in moments.

“We’re hoping to have launch parties in malls, with our friends, and even look into partnering with brands,” said Kilkenny.

The app works a little like Snapchat. You can post the photos or screenshots of the item for all of your mutual friends to see, or you can send it directly in a private message to one person. Once your friends see the item, the tell you to “cop” it, or “nah,” put it back on the rack. The app allows the users to reach multiple opinions in an instant.

For Kilkenny, the hardest part of the process is consistency. She hopes the app will be innovative and unique, yet still contemporary and easy to use. “We want it to take over the world,” she said.

Mobimall began with Williams and his pitch for a virtual mall app at

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

WILL GW’S SAT/ACT OPTIONAL POLICIES INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LOW INCOME AND MINORITY STUDENTS? By Lena Hilliard

urrently the College Board website states that The George Washington University’s Black population leans toward 6% while the Latino population gravitates toward 8%. While this is a solid percentage compared to most institutions across the United States, it is still very low. Due to a lack of diversity, it is not uncommon to be the only minority in a classroom or see a lack of minority representatives in clubs or in the student body.

admissions staff and partnering with schools who have, through this policy, successfully increased diversity at their institution, will surely put GW on the right path to increasing diversity,” said Hart.

Will George Washington University’s new SAT/ACT test optional policy truly increase diversity within the student body?

This refers to the reveal in 2013 where GW was supposedly “need blind,” but during second round application readings took into account a student’s ability to pay. The GW Hatchet broke the story, stating that this policy had affected up to 10% of the GW population.

“I wouldn’t say that it was the reason we made the decision but as we considered standardized test scores in general, the fact that it could continue to increase the diversity of our applicant pool is something that I think we all would welcome,” Dean of Admissions Karen Felton said. It is recorded that Black and Latino students score the lowest on the SAT and ACT. However, there is a direct correlation between SAT/ ACT scores and family income. According to the College Board’s Total Group Profile report for 2013, families in the lowest income bracket scored an average of 388 points lower than students in the highest income bracket. This is due to a student’s Increasing diversity ability to afford classes and is not about just other resources that prepare students for the test.

admitting more students of color, there also has to be systems in place to retain those students and help them thrive when they get here.

“The more wealth your family has on average the better your score is going to be which clearly has nothing to do with merit,” said Tony Hart, a junior.

All of the students interviewed agreed that the university’s adoption of a test optional policy is moving the school in the right direction, but this alone will not increase diversity in the classroom. “Increasing diversity is not about just admitting more students of color, there also has to be systems in place to retain those students and help them thrive when they get here,” said Amie Idriss, a sophomore. “This policy, if implemented along with specialized training for

The implementation of this policy is a concern for the students as GW has had some admissions troubles before. “GW has had some admissions scandals in the past several years,” said Frank Fritz, a GW junior.

These issues have caused many students to be skeptical of the school’s motives. “Could this be a way to give a hand out to wealthier students who don’t test well? I want to see whether or not, in five years, the classes are more diverse than they are right now,” added Fritz. Many other selective schools have adopted this policy such as American University and Wake Forest. According to the Pitzer College Office of Admissions, after going test optional in 2003, the institution saw not only a 58% increase in diversity, but also a 8% increase in GPA, and a 10% increase in retention. Most students said that even if this policy had been in place when they applied to GW, they still would have submitted their scores. “I feared that if I withheld my test scores, other parts of my application like my GPA would have been scrutinized more harshly,” said Idriss. The main component of this policy is the optional aspect, meaning that students have the power to choose. “Giving students the option to determine for themselves whether their test scores are indicative of their ability is very closely aligned with who we are as an institution,” said Felton. This is an option that more schools are giving to their students, and this trend is expected to continue.

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

WHAT’S THE RIGHT ORGANIZATION FOR YOU? By Leslie Ogu

Everyone harps on academics in college but don’t forget to live a little. Here’s a list of multicultural student organizations to help you get started on that. See something you’re interested in? Visit http://studentengagement.gwu.edu/directory-student-orgs to get contact information and learn a little more about the organization.

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

RELIGIOUS LIFE COMMUNITY

Racially and Ethnically Mixed Student Association (ReMIX) Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) Multicultural Business Student Association (MBSA) The Crown of Glory Hair and Beauty Organization

GW SGI Buddhism Club Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Protestant Campus Ministry George Washington University Latter-Day Saint Student Association GW Catholics Hope Christian Fellowship Agape Campus Christian Fellowship Intervarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship Korean Bible Study Word Up! Bible Study Muslim Student’s Association GWU Interfaith Council Jewish Student Association Jewish Student Association Kedma L’chaim Jewish Student Group Sikh Students’ Association The Voice Gospel Choir

GREEK COMMUNITY Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Delta Chapter (AKA) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mu Beta Chapter (ΔΣΘ) Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Alpha Phi Chapter (ΔΣΘ) Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Xi Sigma Chapter (ZΦB) La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsiton Lambda Fraternity, Inc., Chi Chapter (ΛYΛ) Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., Theta Chapter (ΛΠX) Itoa Nu Delta Fraternity, Inc., Theta Chapter (INΔ) Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Chapter (ΠΔΨ) Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc., Pi Chapter (ΣYZ) Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. (KΦΛ) Multicultural Greek Council

NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY The Native American Student Association

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

LATINO COMMUNITY Organization of Latino American Students (OLAS) George Washington University Por Colombia Caribbean Student Association (CSA) Brazilian Club Puentes Hispanic MBA Student Association Mexican Student Association (MXGW)

BLACK COMMUNITY Black Student Union (BSU) The George Washington Williams House National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Black Women’s Forum (BWF) The ACE Magazine African Student Association (ASA) National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Black Men’s Initiative (BMI) National Association of Black Journalists Ethiopian Student Association

EAST ASIAN COMMUNITY Chinese American Student Association Japanese American Student Alliance Korean Culture Organization (KCO) Korean Student Association Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) Philippines Cultural Society (PCS) Asian Student Alliance Southeast Asian Association Hawai’i Club

SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITY Ahimsa GW Anjali GW Bhangra GW Chamak Indian Student Association Sikh Student Association Hindu Student Association Pakistani Student Association Raas South Asian Society GW Desis

LGBT COMMUNITY Allied in Pride Association of Queer Women and Allies (AQWA)

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MSSC PROGRAMS/ CALENDAR photos from 2015 MSSC Block Party on next page

Events to be mindful of SEPTEMBEROCTOBER

NOVEMBER

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Sept 15 - Oct 15 Latino Heritage Celebration ---------Sept 25 GW vs George Mason GW Volleyball, 7pm ---------Oct 16 Colonials Invasion (Midnight Madness), 8pm ---------Oct 21 GW vs American GW Volleyball, 7pm

Native American Heritage Celebration

Black Heritage Celebration

Women’s History Month ---------South Asian Heritage Celebration

APIA Heritage Celebration

OCT

NOV

JAN

MAY

Staple MSSC events 9

LGBT Coming Out Day

Interfaith Dinner

DEC 1

World AIDS Day

A GW Community Celebration of King

MSSC Thanksgiving/ The ACE Magazine RELEASE

MLK Day of Service

MSSC Graduation Celebration

Interfaith Baccalaureate

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

WHO’S WHO IN THE MSSC? By Abeke Teyibo

GEORGE RICE, III

MICHAEL Director R. TAPSCOTT

Associate Director, Academic Affairs

Where did you go to undergrad? Proud graduate of Tufts University in Medford Massachusetts. class of 77, history major What’s one piece of advice you wish you knew during your freshman year? How important it is to set up a consistent schedule and place for study. As an athlete, fitness and workout schedule were never an issue.... until I got older... The structure of sports gave me a solid foundation to work from. Pre- season practice, season work outs, post season, summer league...With my academic life, I didn’t build a solid schedule to work from and always fighting myself to stay away from last minute writing, and submitting papers without proper editing. EVERY document a good student turns in, should be edited three times. Once by the writer, once by a neutral second party, and one more time by the writer. This is what turns a B- in to an A-. What is the most valuable thing you learned in college? The people you connect to now can be your friends for life. Treat them like gold. What is your personal mantra? Live life with enthusiasm! Pour your heart into the things that are important. Live a life guided by clear principles/values. Effort wins over talent. Live to serve others. There is Godliness and Goodness in every human being. What is the importance of diversity in your life? I have learned that every culture, every history, every language, every religion, every people have value. When every country and culture has a Wal-Mart and a McDonalds, the world and its inhabitants lose. Diversity is a way of life; it is like a sixth or seventh sense. If we do not value what other cultures bring to the table, its like living without taste, or smell, or touch, or sight. Diversity brings a layer of wonder to every social exchange, and whether we like it or not, we all have a culture, our own little personal family diversity that we carry everywhere we go. Diversity makes traveling amazing. Describe the MSSC The MSSC is an extended family home with many sons, daughters, and cousins. I feel like the world’s luckiest dad. It’s the place where life long memories are etched in many students experience. I think the MSSC is one of the best role models on campus for treating every student as an individual that matters. I have always said that people always circulate around places that reflect Maya Angelou’s quote. “I’ve learned that people won’t remember what you said And people won’t remember what you did People will only remember how you made them feel. The MSSC is a role model...”

Where did you go to undergrad? Morehouse College - Atlanta, Georgia What’s one piece of advice you wish you knew during your freshman year? Discover everything about your learning style and use it to your advantage. What is the most valuable thing you learned in college? I was told that the early bird gets the worm but I learned that the early worm never gets caught. I made myself a “morning person” and the moment that I did my GPA increased every semester until I graduated. I took advantage of gaps in my schedule during the day to knock out reading, homework, papers and projects. College is not about how smart you are in the classroom, it’s about how strategic you are outside of the classroom. What is your personal mantra? Everyone was created with at least one gift and it’s our duty to discover that gift, cultivate that gift and share that gift. What is the importance of diversity in your life? I love meeting and getting to know people from different cultural backgrounds and I love to hear their stories. Everyone’s story is intriguing. I like surrounding myself with like-minded individuals with different opinions, experiences, worldviews, etc. because they challenge me to remain true to what I believe, understand what they believe and think critically about who I want to become.

TIMOTHY KANE

Associate Director for Inclusion Initiatives & Director, LGBT Resource Center and Religious Life

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative Where did you go to undergrad? Hamilton College ‘83 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students for their freshman year? Love and embrace all of your diverse and wonderful identities, and share them as best as you can when you arrive to GW! Most important/valuable thing you learned in college? You only live once and there is no time to waste in not being who you are! What is the importance of diversity in your life? Embracing our own diverse identities makes life real, and offers us the wonderful opportunity to establish authentic relationships with others who also embrace their diverse identities.

KRYSTAL WARNER Senior Program Coordinator, Student Support Services

Where did you go for undergrad? GWU (or GWSB) 2010 What’s one piece of advice you wish you knew during your freshman year? 1.) Take advantage of the FREE food on campus!!! The beginning of the Fall semester and the end of the Spring semester is when FREE FOOD is at its peak at GW. Save your GWorld money and eat all the FREE hamburgers and hot dogs you can, but be sure watch out for that Freshman 15 and don’t over do it. 2.) Come to the MSSC!!!! This will become your home away from home and we are here to help you. (What can MSSC do for you?) What is the most important/valuable thing you learned in college? Don’t be in such a rush to grow up. Enjoy every moment you have while you’re still an undergrad because time flies when you’re having fun and before you know it, you’ll be

graduating. So use this time to network, intern, utilize your resources, explore DC, make new friends, make mistakes, and learn from mistakes. What is your personal mantra? Seek first to understand, then to be understood. What is the importance of diversity in your life? As a female of Puerto Rican and Trinidadian decent, diversity has always played a major role in how I view the world, interact with others and express myself. I believe in order to truly “seek first to understand” we must first have a better understanding of other’s intersecting identities, especially in the global economy we live in. Also, working at a place like the MSSC, where we celebrate all identities, it is important to acknowledge and welcome diversity.

ERINExecutive FLANAGAN Aide Where did you go for undergrad? University of Maryland College Park What’s one piece of advice you wish you knew during your freshman year? Focus on the prize!!!! I lived in the moment freshman year, which was fun however, I sold myself short. Long-term gratification is worth the short-term sacrifice! What is the most valuable thing you learned in college? Get it done by any means necessary! Its important to have balance between work and personal life so make sure you get the homework done, the parties in and the student org meetings attended. It’s all-important for the experience. What is your personal mantra? Be happy! What is the importance of diversity in your life? Diversity is everything!

AND MEET OUR PROGRAM COORDINATORS/GRADUATE ASSISTANTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Amanda Quintana - Latina Program Coordinator Farwah Qasim - South Asian Program Coordinator Jennifer Meneray - LGBTQ Program Coordinator Kristin Aquino - East Asian Program Coordinator Sarah Jackson - Native American Program Coordinator

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

A SCHOLAR’S VILLAGE AKA THE BLACK HOUSE, THE BLACK VILLAGE, YOUR VILLAGE By Nana Agyemang

ould you imagine living in a five-bedroom house with nine people? It almost sounds impossible nowadays but 10 years ago the number wasn’t much of concern for the black leaders of GW. It was the issues of their community that drew them together.

Williams and Frank Smith, general body meetings and a few BBQ’s. It’s a place for laughter and joy for everyone in the community. Yet, it is also a place for black leaders to gather and discuss the reality of what we as minorities deal with in attending a predominantly white institution and being a person of color in this country.

The student who came up with the community hub was Stephen Harris, B.S. ’06, who wanted to create a sense of community on campus for those interested in African American issues and bring them together in what was called a Scholar’s Village aka now your Black House. The nine of these leaders wanted a house to honor black history and DC history, two prominent stories that are often left untold on campus. The nine of them, eight being male and only one female, moved in with intentions of creating a home where leaders could live and cultivate, and members in the house could make it feel like a home to everyone in the community.

“When something has happened that affects black students or black people, we automatically know let’s meet at the Black House and talk and let the community know where the black community stands on this issue,” said George Rice, associate director of the Multicultural Student Services Center, when asked about his vision for the house. “I would hope that the connotation means for black students, Latino students, and people of color that it’s a safe place,” said Rice about the house. His hopes are that the atmosphere of the MSSC could mirror the same crowd and atmosphere at the Black House as a home away from home, and that the brand of the house would resonate to the broader community so that even people who haven’t been there would know.

“It was a special time and it was special thing to do and that’s evident in that it still exist,” said Christian Washington, a Black House founding member. Today we can see that not much has changed about the mission of the house. The current six members of the house, Zoe Despertt, Nia Christian, Avonda Fogan, Lisbeily Mena, Tai’ Lon Jackson and Xaiver Richie, have made it their responsibility to keep these actions going. However, this year they are taking a new approach.

The Black House is said by many to be a home away from home and unless you’ve been there a few times, you wouldn’t understand that idea. “If you really want to get to know the multicultural community you should come here,” said Despertt. She has lived in the house for two years and said the place of residence has become her home.

“We want to unveil the new house,” said Despertt when asked about the incoming events of the house. “We want to have more with other organizations and occasional Scandal watch parties. We want more events… maybe some parties too,” she added.

“I wish I lived here since my sophomore year,” said Despertt. “Because once you come here, it will be in your mind that you want to apply here once you leave.”

From 10 years ago up until now, one major factor that has never changed about the Black House is their late night dance functions. Every person of color on this campus knows that although Marvin Center parties may have declined in guests and “litness” over the years, that the Black House continues to hold its title on showing the community a good time through its occasional “turn ups.”

This year, the Black House’s mission is to bring in as many newcomers and oldcomers as possible so that the GW community will be aware that it’s more than a brick house across from the Smith Center - it is a safe space that welcomes anyone and everyone to walk into.

The house is utilized for many things, from keynotes, such as Tony

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

WHO’S WHO ON THE BSU E-BOARD

President Leslie Ogu

Vice President Jennifer Bryan

Major & Year Computer Science, Junior

Major & Year International Affairs, Sophomore

2015-2016 Goals Restore the image of the Black Student Union, assist the ACE in gaining more members, and raise awareness of NSBE on campus.

2015-2016 Goals Play hard, work harder!

Anticipated Event The Field Day because it will be a chance for everyone to connect on a more personal level and still have fun.

Anticipated Event BHC 2016! As a committee chair I'm excited to see how BHC events affects our campus and all of the sub-communities within it.

Treasurer Howard Goodison

Secretary Lena Hilliard

PR & Officer of Administration Shannon Kirkland

Major & Year International Affairs Minor: Chinese, Junior

Major & Year International Business Minor: Peace Studies, Sophomore

Major & Year Biomedical Engineering, Junior

2015-2016 Goals To help foster a sense of community through shared experiences. Anticipated Event I am excited about BSU being able to effectively fulfill its mission to "Build Bridges" both inside and outside of GW's black community.

2015-2016 Goals To create a fun and valuable experience for people in the GW community and help them to establish connections. Anticipated Event BSU has such a variety of events in store for the year. I am excited for them all. BSU members stay woke!

2015-2016 Goals To be consciously impactful through my service as a leader in order to build unified community. Anticipated Event Every event on our agenda is something to be excited for! I am looking forward to strong membership participation and the successful execution of serving our community.

Membership Devan Cole

Community Service Chair Lashonette Schjang

Major & Year Journalism and Mass Communication, Sophomore

Major & Year Undecided with a minor in Chemistry, Sophomore

2015-2016 Goals Intern on the Hill, strengthen relationships formed last year, contribute all that I can to this year's BSU.

2015-2016 Goals To connect with as many new people as possible and try to make the most of this year.

Anticipated Event I'm really looking forward to BHC 2016 (Black Heritage Celebration). BHC 2015 was phenomenal so I am excited to see what will happen this year.

Anticipated Event I feel like the BSU has so many great events planned this year, and I am excited to see them all collectively fulfill the mission of the BSU in GW's community.

tech • education • culture • business • style • wellness • entertainment • creative

SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INTERNSHIPS By Leslie Ogu

ends. This will be help strengthen that relationship, which will be beneficial in the future.

nternships are reservoirs of resources for students because they offer such a wealth of knowledge and experience that aren’t typically found in ordinary jobs. Internships are just the kind of thing to make your resume stand out compared to other students in the work world. Not only that, you get the chance to network with significant individuals in your field, and learn firsthand the kind of work to expect in the future. This, along with many other reasons, make internships such a valuable asset for all students to utilize as much as possible.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

It’s a workplace, meaning you aren’t working on your own in some abandoned cubicle. Get to know your fellow co-workers. Introduce yourself, ask about their work, express interest, and make sure the office knows your goals and ambitions. They may just be able to, or know someone, who can help.

So what can one do to not only find and get an internship, but also maximize it?

MAKE LASTING CONNECTIONS

Don’t come in everyday and just do your work. Get to know your supervisor, and go past the professional level. Not only does that show them that you have interest in who they are and what they do, but they may even be able to write that bomb recommendation letter you’ll need in the future.

REACH OUT TO AS MANY RESOURCES AS POSSIBLE

Resources aren’t just online job sites and search engines. Your professors, staff, and even your friends can be resources. All you have to do is ask.

DON’T BE ANOTHER INTERN. STAND OUT

Don’t be the intern that came in and just did what they were told. Be proactive! Ask for more work from your supervisor. Find something in the worksite to improve. These things give you have a higher chance of getting offered the chance to return after the internship ends, and people will remember you by your actual name, and not just “the new intern.”

APPLY, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY ASK FOR

A lot of times we get discouraged from applying or doing anything that requires us to do things that actually require work. Well, this is the real world - nothing comes easy. The employers want to separate those who are serious from those who aren’t, so don’t get cut early.

DON’T GIVE UP EVEN WHEN YOU AREN’T OFFERED THE INTERNSHIP

One crucial thing to keep in mind is that all internships aren’t paid. This may play a huge part in the internships you apply for and it should. Some internships hold more weight than others, or will be more significant for you. For example, an unpaid opportunity at Google may seem like a better option than a paid one at a small local business. You just have to weigh the options, keeping in mind you are in college, and determine which opportunities will better suit you. It will be a hard decision to make, but remember there will always be opportunities available, just not at every place.

KEEP IN CONTACT WITH ALL EMPLOYERS

Overall, an internship helps a great deal in one’s future. Use them to your advantage and get the most out of it. That’s the whole point of getting an internship. When an internship is used correctly, it can open numerous doorways for you, and at that point, the sky’s the limit.

Being declined isn’t the end of the world. There are countless internships out there, you just have to keep looking. Have the mindset to not give up because when one door closes, another one opens. The only way to get an opportunity is to keep applying. The applications won’t fill themselves.

Just because the internship ended doesn’t mean forget your employer forever. Continue to speak with them when the internship

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THE TRENDSETTER TRUTH By Abeke Teyibo

ashion is an essential part of everyone’s life. It is the expression of who we are. There are many different factors that go into the everyday clothes that you select when you go to boutiques and notice the unique item on the rack. Selecting the right clothing is an important part of your personal opinion and fashion insight. So with the need to express yourself, how do you choose the right clothing for college? The answer is, there is no such thing as “the right clothes for college.” College is all about expressing who you are and what you hope to College is all about become in the future.

expressing who you are and what you hope to become in the future.

There are over 10,000 students at GW with a million different personalities and backgrounds. Sometimes, you might meet students that dress based off tradition and/or religion. Other times, you might meet students who dress based off their own personal style or decided to change up their routine. College is what you make it

Eric Darnell

Shirt: UO Jeans: Asos Sneakers: The Hundreds Watch: FLUD

Kylah Gonzalez

Adidas down to the socks Glasses: Warby Parker Bracelet: Lokai

and the best thing about college is that you create yourself. If you are a heavy studier and want to be comfortable while you study, it is okay to wear sweatpants. If there is that one cute girl or guy in class that you want to impress, it is perfectly fine to throw on your best dress or suit and tie to impress them. When you decide that it is time to dress more professional to get a particular job, there are career centers that give you advice on how to act and what to wear to nail your dream position. If you would like to recreate yourself, there is a Georgetown shopping strip that is only a walk away from campus. Students are always looking for the next fashion statement, but fashion experts fail to tell you that YOU can create a trend. One fashion statement that you make for yourself can create a domino effect for the school. So always remember to be yourself and love what you wear.

Check out The ACE’s fashion experts and style guides. They are here to assistant you with your fall look.

Lanie Edwards

Hat: Supreme Top: h&m Plaid: Madewell Jeans: Hollister Shoes: Steve Madden Watch: Michael Kors

Jonathan Nkangabwa Suit: Topman Shoes: Aldo Briefcase: h&m Watch: Daniel Wellington

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HOW TO KEEP NATURALLY HAPPY HAIR: 4 OF THE BEST DC SALONS FOR NATURAL HAIR By Abeke Teyibo

racie Ellis Ross once said, “I was shy but it came out in a big personality. My turning point is when I let my hair go naturally.” Natural hair is beautiful, healthy, versatile, and a confidence builder in connection with our roots. The only issue with having natural hair is finding a salon or beauty store that understands your uniqueness and what your hair needs to stay healthy. In college, especially in Northwest DC, it is extremely hard to find affordable hairdressers and products that work with your natural coils and curls. A lot of women who had once wore their hair in its natural state eventually decided to go for relaxers because they couldn’t find natural hair salons or products that worked for them. For college students, who are looking for affordable hair products that benefit their different hair types, below are some dos and don’ts.

conditioners for dry hair. As student, you probably will not have a lot of free time. With Shea butter, all you have to do is melt the butter and apply it to your hair as a leave in. 4. Don’t go to just any salon in DC and think they can do your hair A lot of DC salons are known and very credible, but are not familiar with textured hair. Having healthy and beautiful hair is extremely important in how your confidence resonates and how well people perceive you.

Hair is all about versatility. One day you may decide to wear you hair in its natural state, and other days you might want to style it. Whatever you decide, it is of your best interest to have you hair healthy and vibrant. Listed below are salons that are able to take care of your kinky curls and always make you feel beautiful.

1. For the DIY Naturals: Do Shop at Target What a lot of salons do not tell you is that the majority of products that are used in natural haired salons are sold at Target for a cheaper price. If you personally do not enjoy the trips to the salon or cannot afford the time because a midterm or final is coming up, you can easily buy the same products used at a salon for a cheaper price! Here are a few products that you should look out for:

1. GW Crown of Glory – GW’s Campus (5/5 stars) COG has on campus natural hair stylists that can twist, crochet and style your hair at lower than salon prices. 2. Coco La Rue – AMC Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave NW (4.8/5 stars) Coco La Rue is on top of the hair board in every category. If you have any special event or a difficult hairstyle that you want accomplished, Coco La Rue is the place to go.

- Shea Moisture products for thick, curly hair ($9-$11) - Kinky Curly Curling Custard for 4’s types ($15) - Curl’s Unleashed products for 3 & 4 types (ranges from $2-$12) - Ecostyler for all hair types ($2) - AfroVeda Carrot Seed Clarifying Shampoo Bar ($7.70)

3. Natural Motion – 5332 Georgia Avenue NW (4.3/5 stars) Natural Motion is on the top of the list because they can manage natural and permed hair. If you are a student transitioning from permed to natural, or vice versa, Natural Motion is the place to go. They are also known to do men’s hair as well!

2. Don’t buy any products that contain sulfates such as SLS or ALS Sulfate shampoos that have harsh sulfates such as SLS or ALS in them are absolutely responsible for the dryness in your hair. Along with cleaning your hair, harsh sulfates remove the natural oil that your scalp develops, therefore stripping your hair of its natural oils. Try to buy products that do not contain harsh sulfates or products that are made for natural hair.

4. Salon Revive – 1938 9th St NW (4.2 /5 stars) This salon has received nothing but positive reviews across the board. They accept all different hair types and can do either permed or natural hair. Walk-ins are also accepted. No matter what hair salon you decide to go to, remember that there are always options that you have to feel beautiful. Do not let college decide how you feel. Take control and be beautiful always.

3. Do use Shea butter Shea butter is a naturally organic conditioner for hair. It provides extraordinary moisturizing qualities and it known as one of the best

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DC NIGHTLIFE: CLUBS FOR UNDER 21 By Nkechi Okoronkwo

When you finally get tired of Thurston parties (which hold approximately half a person), and the inevitable moment when the lights come on at a Black House party and your shame is illuminated— here are some great alternatives.

U Street Music Hall

1115 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 A small and intimate venue for live music, while it isn’t much to look at it, is great for those artists that you love that no one else knows about and is fairly cheap. Go solo or bring a friend but don’t plan on dancing much here, there’s not that much space.

Ultrabar

911 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 If you are looking for a lounge that attracts a young crowd, Ultrabar is the club for you.With four DJ’s and five different levels, it is known for it’s top 40 to international music selection and ladies you get the best part. Every Saturday, admission is reduced for ladies before 12:30 am!

9:30 Club

Eden

Another smaller venue for live music, the 9:30 Club is a GW favorite that caters specifically to those who enjoy alternative music and the occasional rapper. Their lineups are usually excellent and performances occur nightly in case you have a day off in the middle of the week.

With a rooftop bar and dance-floor, a three themed levels where everyone’s music tastes are catered to, and relatively close to campus it’s a nice spot for lounging and dancing; however, it appears to cater to an older, more mature crowd. Come here for their events such as when Rae Sremmurd hosted for a night.

Town Dance Boutique

Tropicalia

815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

2009 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 Town is DC’s largest gay dance club and attracts quite the crowd. Although the music is generally a miss if you’re not into EDM, it’s a great place to dance, catch a drag show, and have a night of safe debauchery on a Friday (that is the only time you are allowed into the club unless you are 21).

1716 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 2000 An interesting live music venue famous for its Brazilian and Latin music, come here to actually dance. Stop in for one of their summer artist themed darties to start off your freshmen year right.

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NOTE TO FRESHMAN: IT’S OK TO BE YOU By Nkechi Okoronkwo

A Word of Advice Dear Freshmen, With your first year of college on the horizon, your first time being away from home, and everything that you have considered “normal” your entire life, it can seem pretty daunting. At a school like GW, and in college in general, you will meet people who do not resemble anything you’ve seen before. They might have different beliefs, different ways of dressing, or different ways of speaking----there is a lot of “different” in college. With all the newness, you will find that you will change. You might end up doing things that you never thought you would do, and this is completely fine! But be careful not to lose all remnants of the person you were before you went to college. Sometimes it’s easy to lose yourself in a sea of people who are trying to define themselves; and at times these people, your peers, will try to do things to define you too. 1. You don’t have to act brand new- If you didn’t enjoy partying in high school, but you feel pressured to “recreate your identity” when you come to college, don’t waste your time! Chances are if the sweaty, people-packed atmosphere and blown-out bass of Drake one-liners was not your thing before GW, it might not be when you come here either. It’s okay to stay in on a Saturday night and binge-watch Netflix if that’s more your speed. 2. Take care of your body - With Pelham being the denizen of the most edible campus food it will be tempting for you to spend all them dining dollars on fried chicken. DO NOT DO THIS. It’s not just about gaining weight; I did this my first semester and the complete void of nutrition was in part responsible for me getting sick SIX TIMES (read: college is a cesspool). Instead of Ubering to places like Georgetown, walk. Drink water. Eat fruit with your breakfast. It’s the little things that will keep you feeling at your best. 3. Take care of your spirit - This has nothing to do with religion. There will be toxic people at every college that will try to extinguish your fire. Don’t be afraid to drop a toxic friend like a hot potato, because there will be many more where that came from. If you’re overwhelmed by classes, extracurriculars, friends and having to eat at J Street because you ran out of Colonial Cash too quickly, take a mental health day. Assess how you feel and why you feel that way and you’ll thank yourself later 4. Talk to your professors… and your classmates - The role networking can play in your college experience is invaluable. Knowing the right people can mean the difference between a summer job working at the mall in your hometown or interning for a judge at the U.S. Department of Justice. Although DC tailors so many of its opportunities to GW students, it may seem like as a freshmen you’re in the dark on some of them. Classmates, even in random courses, hear about random opportunities and startups. Make conversation with the people around you before class starts and talk with your professor afterwards, it goes a long way. As a freshman your only responsibility is to do what makes you happy; college is about the evolution of yourself, not the extinction. Don’t feel pressured to be a different person than you were or who you want to be. Don’t be afraid to just be yourself, people (not all, but the right ones for you) will like you as you are. If they don’t, well to be honest life goes on. Yours truly, Nkechi Okoronkwo

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GW Bucket list Study abroad Take a run to the Capitol Trick-or-treat on Embassy Row Protest in front of The White House

Play in the annual MSSC battle of the classes kickball game Swim at the Vern pool Visit the Cherry Blossom festival in the spring

Eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl

Convince your professor to hold class in U-Yard

Visit the memorials after hours

Join a student organization or start one

Check out Eastern Market

Take a picture with George Washington in Kogan #onlyatGW

Eat at any of the many food trUcks Get an ice cream sandwich from Captain Cookie Catch a free show at The Kennedy Center Stay in DC for a summer Kayak on the Potomac Paddle boat at the Jefferson Memorial Take part in the drum circle at Malcolm X Park

Get photographed by Humans of GW Study at the Lincoln Memorial steps Visit all the DC area universities Go to the MSSC Block Party Run for a Student Association position Visit Busboys & Poets or Eatonville

Play frisbee in U-Yard

Dance with Big George at a game

Attend an event at The Black House

Write an article for the ACE

Thank you to our partners!

The Mu Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Crown of Glory

Caribbean Student Association

The Mu Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Nationl Association of Black Journalists

Word Up! Bible Study