The Alvernian February/March 2021

February/March 2021

THIS ISSUE

Alvernia Sports

Drexel in Reading

Blood Drive Comes to Alvernia Mia Sluder Contributing Writer It comes as no surprise that health care resource supplies have suffered greatly in the wake of COVID-19.

Medical personnel, materials, facilities, and funds have been at critically low levels for months now, being stretched dangerously thin to aid as many people as possible in this desperate time of need.

Blood supply shortages are another problem accompanying the pandemic.

According to the Red Cross, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells, 7,000 units of blood platelets, and 10,000 units of plasma are needed every day in the United States. “Approximately 450 blood donations are needed every day to meet the transfusion needs of our regional hospitals, and it is critical that individuals in the community donate blood in order to meet these needs,” says the Miller-Keystone Blood Center website, which operates out of Reading.

In a time of personal protective equipment and social distancing, blood drives look a little different.

Appointments are to be scheduled, masks are to be worn, temperatures are taken, and health and antibody screening has made

the process of donating blood lengthier and more difficult.

Local blood drives are in desperate need of donations from healthy, eligible donors.

Alvernia is encouraging students and faculty to participate in upcoming blood drives if comfortable and eligible. The latest blood drive, hosted collaboratively by the Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the Holleran Center, took place on 24th of February. The blood drive had a full registration of 32 donors, but students were encouraged to schedule an appointment with their local blood bank outside of Alvernia blood drives to help support and serve your community. Just remember the guidelines: you must be a minimum of 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health.

Both the Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the Holleran Center are hoping for an increase in donors from the Alvernia Reading campus in the future. The November 14th blood drive yielded 19 donors who were able to donate a total of 14 units of lifesaving blood – and one pint of blood can save up to three lives! According to the Red Cross, however, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells, 7,000 units of blood platelets, and 10,000

Freshman Jason Nold was one of the donors for the recent blood drive.

units of plasma are needed every day in the United States.

Blood banks are testing all blood, platelets, and plasma donations for COVID19 antibodies. Plasma is a particularly beneficial donation, as fully recovered patients that had a verified COVID-19 diagnosis may be able to donate convalescent plasma useful in treating seriously ill patients battling the coronavirus.

Alongside coronavirus, people suffering from other

diseases, illnesses, and injuries are still in desperate need of blood transfusions.

Every two seconds someone in the United States a blood transfusion, and this need has only been multiplied by COVID-19.

“Our blood supply has been nearly depleted!

Between pandemic limitations and weather events, it has been extremely challenging to collect sufficient amounts of blood to fill the need. So, we’re looking forward to your blood drive as a much-needed help to the supply.” Sherry Kramer of Miller-Keystone Blood Center said. That’s why donating blood is important now more than ever, so please donate both in future Alvernia sponsored blood drives and outside of campus as well.

Zephyrus!

Freshman Allison Whitman happily helps the community!

Photo Courtesy of Amanda O’Donohue

Staying Motivated

Submit to

Photo Courtesy of Amanda O’Donohue

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Volume 58 Issue 7

Want to talk about the need affecting our community?

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2

VIDEO TOUR

February/March 2021

t h e alver nian

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Welcome to Alvernia!

Managing Editor Sidney Goodman Layout Sidney Goodman Section Editors Elizabeth Barndt Mackenzie Coombs Joely Griffith Jared Montalto Anastasia Tomko Contributing Writers Kailey Conrad Aleksandra Kolesnikova Cheyenne Krow Amanda O’Donohue Raven Metas Nicole Sanchez Mia Sluder Faculty Advisor Dr. Ryan Lange

The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.

To contact newspaper staff, the office telephone number is 610-796-8358.

Articles submitted for consideration into The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style. Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to ryan.lange@alvernia.edu.

The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length.

The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors.

© 2019 The Alvernian

MISSION MOMENT “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: And, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.”

— C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity”

3

IN READING

February/March 2021

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Volunteers Needed: Chalk Up Kindness and Creativity!

Anastasia Tomko Contributing Editor The Camel Project is coming to Alvernia University this spring with a Street Art Festival! The Street Art Festival is going to be held in lots B and C on Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If weather does not cooperate, the rain date is set for Saturday, June 12 at the same time.

The Street Art Festival will feature food trucks, as well as vendors and other forms of entertainment on site. To make this event the most exciting for the children, The Camel Project is calling for volunteers to showcase their talent!

This volunteer work would entail entertaining children of both elementary and middle school age, as well as teaching them something unique regarding the arts.

Since this event is considered Street Art, forms of dance, music, and different mediums

of art will also be involved, not just the main art medium of sidewalk chalk on asphalt.

With each registered student, there will be a designated area of the parking lot for an individual to social distance while being able to draw safely.

Alyssa Slade, the Assistant Director of the Holleran Center for Community and Global Involvement, is helping to organize the event and has provided a FAQ for students who want to get involved: Would this time entertaining the children count towards my volunteer hours?

It absolutely does! The Camel Project’s Executive Director, Pamela Gockley, recently posted the volunteer opportunity on the Holleran’s Get Connected website.

Alyssa also added that additional opportunities can be posted on the website if needed for this more tailored

request.

Is there going to be a sheet we must fill out prior?

well as their reflection, like normal on the Get Connected website.

Alyssa Slade will manage a volunteer sign in/out sheet at the event. If you do not know what she looks like, there will be a table set up during the event with other Holleran staff to get those that are interested squared away.

“We may even have our virtual volunteer check-in kiosk running by then!” she said, which is an exciting feature for the center that is still in the works.

Also, she assured us that students will be able to record their service hours, as

The main role of the Holleran Center on campus is to be of help to those looking for volunteer opportunities.

If any student needs more information, it is beneficial for them to either visit Bernardine Hall, Suite 102, or email them at holleran. center@alvernia.edu.

Since this is the first time that The Camel Project is coming to our campus, here is a brief overview of what the non-profit organization is:

Who should we contact first to get more information?

With the important motto of “it starts with you, but it’s not about you,” The Camel Project is a dedicated to empowering communities, including schools, organizations, and individuals to change the culture of violent and unacceptable behaviors that result in trauma and abuse.

Its mission is to not only raise awareness, but to provide a toolbox of essential skills that creator Gockley needed but did not have as a student. These skills are for anyone who has experienced bullying in school, in the workforce, or at home because thoughts and prayers have never been enough.

Image Courtesy of The Camel Project

Drexel, West Reading’s Newest Resident Amanda O’Donohue Contributing Writer

poor city in America to a bustling, healthy city that takes pride in medicine,” Darnel Sanchez said, a senior nursing student, said.

Sanchez is also the Vice President of the Alvernia Nursing Student Association.

Anyone that has visited West Reading can see it is a budding, small, ripe city for growth. “I think having this opportunity locally, that students attending Drexel, will plan to stay local and contribute to more health care workers in Berks County,” Jenna Oliviero, senior nursing student, said.

Oliviero is the President of

Photo Courtesy of Amanda O’Donohue

In the shadow of the former VF Outlets rises an impressive modern structure. It is the home of the new Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, which is set to open this summer, with medical students arriving for the 2021-22 school year.

The Drexel campus serves as the beginning of a “20year academic affiliation agreement between Tower Health and Drexel University,” according to WFMZ. The school is within walking

distance of Reading Hospital, where the medical students will work directly with the hospital and the surrounding community. Once it reaches full capacity, there will be 200 medical students attending the new facility.

What does this mean for West Reading? A large and well-established school entering Berks County brings with it both opportunities and concerns.

Alvernia’s nursing students have a positive outlook, “There are cities that have their thing to them, so it would be good if Reading changed its image from a

The construction of the Drexel University College of Medicine in West Reading is well underway.

the Alvernia Student Nursing Association.

The hope is that not only will the Drexel campus elevate the Tower Health healthcare system, but by doing so it will positively affect the community at large.

Reading Hospital is already recognized as a high-quality facility. The hospital is considered one of the top 100 hospitals in the country, according to Drexel, and the Tower Health network continues to grow. The Drexel University College of Medicine could bolster this reputation, and even expand opportunities for Alvernia’s future medical professionals, “In the Nursing Program here at Alvernia, we do many clinical rotations through Reading Hospital,” Oliviero said, “I believe that with them becoming a teaching hospital with medical students, that this could even improve the teaching and learning opportunities future nursing students could have.”

Despite the positive outlook, there are concerns to consider as well. One voiced their concern about overcrowding in the Reading area.

“As nursing students, we already struggle to have

access to computers and meeting places while at clinical and now there will be even more people,” Oliviero said.

Although we cannot know for certain if Drexel’s presence will infringe on Alvernia’s young professionals entering into the work force, the hope is it will only open opportunities for Alvernia’s students.

“Alvernia is known for nursing and OT and their health sciences, so it’s good to have the next step for those pre-med students to just go to that school and work right in the Reading Hospital,” Sanchez said.

Time will tell how deeply the Drexel School of Medicine will affect West Reading and the greater Reading area. But it is hopeful that this piece of Philadelphia will bring with it innovation and growth. The new, along with the wellestablished professionals of Alvernia, are setting the tone for this change, “It offers terrific opportunity to both our community and health care delivery systems,” Dr. Karen Thacker, Dean of the College of Professional Programs, said.

4

ON CAMPUS

February/March 2021

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Sidney Goodman Managing Editor Alvernia’s award-winning literary magazine, Zephyrus, is once again looking for submissions for this year’s edition. The magazine has placed in the top three of an international competition hosted by English Honors Society Sigma Tau Delta for three consecutive years, making it a highly respected publication opportunity for Alvernia students that would look great on any resume.

Alvernia students in majors across the curriculum have published their creative writing, artwork, photography, and even original music in Zephyrus every year,” Dr. Tom Bierowski, faculty advisor to Zephyrus, said. “And they have garnered recognition for it. That’s really something when you consider all the schools in this competition!

It’s a coolness, for sure! I hope all our students are

proud of it.”

Zephyrus is wholly student-driven, under the guidance of Dr. Bierowski, and comes out once a year. The editorial board, comprised of Sigma Tau Delta members and other creative individuals, works tirelessly to develop themes, promotional materials, and review each and every submission received. They are passionate and dedicated to the magazine and strive to continue Zephyrus’ winning streak.

“Zephyrus is definitely on a winning roll!” said Bierowski.

“This is a testament to our students’ outstanding creativity and vision. It also indicates the talents and abilities of the student editors who have taken all that fantastic material and produced a remarkable lit/art volume three years straight.”

Editor-in-chief of the most recent edition, Alvernia alumnus Michael Beyer, is proud of the

The editorial team’s “group photo,” created during quarantine.

accomplishments that the magazine has achieved and desires to see it continue as a creative outlet for students.

“Zephyrus is an arts journal as well as a literary journal.

Art can be anything,” Beyer said. “This means anything can be featured in Zephyrus; any homework, artwork, photograph, story, poem, or video has a chance. That encourages students to not let their hard work sit on the shelves. Zephyrus gives them the opportunity to show off their creativity to the world.”

For this edition of Zephyrus, the theme is regeneration. The editorial board wants this issue to be a reflection of the difficult year 2020 has been while looking towards a brighter future. The editorial board accepts original artwork, photography, poetry, essays, short stories, and videos for review. If the work is approved, it will be printed in that year’s magazine. Even submissions that do not make the cut are still included as part of an online collection,

Image Courtesy of Sidney Goodman

Want to be Published? Submit to Zephyrus!

accessible via a QR code in the back of the magazine.

The due date for submissions is April 6, 2021. If you want to make submission, keep in mind that all short stories are limited to seven pages, and each piece, whether a written submission or artistic one, needs a creative original title.

Whether you are looking for publication or just want a creative outlet, send your works to Zephyrus! All submissions should be sent to zephyrus@alvernia.edu.

Elizabeth Barndt Contributing Writer Mary-Alice Ozechoski was only four months into her new role as Vice President for Enrollment Management when the pandemic began.

Although many obstacles were thrown in the Undergraduate Admissions Team’s way, they are not allowing COVID-19 to hold them back as they take recruitment to new heights.

In August 2020, they had 2,700 admitted student applications. This February, the enrollment team has 2,500 applications. Ozechoski said that about half of the

current applicant pool would be eligible for the honors program. With an already strong applicant pool, the enrollment team hopes to beat the incoming 2020 class size of 463 students. So far in this recruiting year, Alvernia has received 31,000 inquiries overall, which is 10,000 more than last year.

Currently, 29 states and 14 countries are represented on campus, but the enrollment team thinks Alvernia can become even more diverse.

Alvernia’s international outreach continues to grow due much in part to the work of Dr. Sibel Ahi. Dr. Ahi is the Director of International

Alvernia’s mascot standing in front of Francis Hall, where incomig freshman take their class photo.

Photo Courtesy of Susan Angstadt and Alvernia University

Keeping Up With Recruitment Student Recruitment, a new position added under Ozechoski’s term.

In February, Dr. Ahi and Sardis Melo, another Admissions Counselor, participated in a virtual college fair in India. Over 600 students expressed interest in Alvernia during the event.

Alvernia’s YouVisit video showing the main campus has been translated into English, Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin, so international students’ families can see Alvernia.

Ozechoski feels creating a more diverse campus makes Alvernia a better place for all students. “I would like for the students to be coming from all over the world because I think that enriches the dialogue you have in a class setting,” she said. “It prepares you to be global leaders in the world you are going to live in.”

COVID-19 has created new types of challenges for the enrollment team.

American high school seniors have lost everything, their sport season(s), homecoming, prom, etc., so they wanted to do something special for them. For the incoming class of 2020, they were able to send

over 10,000 handwritten cards, customized Alvernia popcorn, and coloring books to students while also organizing parades that included the Reading Corvette club, an Alvernia bus, alums, admission’s staff, the mascot, and a yard sign.

These are all things they hope to accomplish this year for the incoming 2021 class.

Jason Nold, a 2020 freshman and Business Management major, experienced a parade firsthand. “I think that it was a very welcoming experience for someone going into their first year of college, especially during the hard times that were going on,” said Nold. In the spring, the Admissions Team hopes to host small in-person events on campus if the circumstances allow.

Alvernia’s Admissions Team credits the growth of the university in helping recruit incoming students.

In 2019, Alvernia opened a 100,000 square foot facility called the PLEX, a state-ofthe-art facility for recreation, wellness, and the health sciences. CollegeTowne will be coming online in the fall and will host a Starbucks and student residences along with the Business, Communication and English, and the new

Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering majors. Alvernia also announced the addition of an E-sports program, coming in the fall of 2021. Due to these new additions, Alvernia has remained in the local headlines for the past year and caught the attention of many high school students.

Alvernia’s enrollment is looking to have an exciting future! Although the admissions team is eagerly awaiting the end of COVID, they will not stop with the personal touches implemented throughout the pandemic.

“I think there are things we will never stop doing,” Ozechoski said. “The handwritten note cards, I don’t think we will ever stop doing them. I think that stuff has an impact on students, and I think the impact is that you’re not just seeing me as a number.”

Ozechoski thinks the future will be bright if Alvernia stays the course. “We are just excited to get to May 1 and see where we land. Hopefully, we will all be in a better place in terms of COVID, and things can go back to being live and in-person. It has been a challenge for certain.”

5 February/March 2021

LIFESTYLE

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Alvernia Word Search! Click Below!

Video Games, Mental Health, and Your Wellbeing It’s no secret that COVID19 has hit the country hard; financial, physical, and mental stability have been jeopardized for millions of Americans, especially college students. When the outside world is a ghost town and the inside world is boring, what is a broke college kid to do to de-stress? The answer is simple: Video games.

There’s been a surge of popularity toward video games that warp the player(s)

into another world for a while – a better, safer, healthier world. Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are a few games that have changed the lives of people who felt like they didn’t have one anymore.

In March 2020, when the pandemic threw itself into full swing, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released (the game will now be referenced as AC:NH).

AC:NH’s appeal is simple: the player lives on a sweet little island with a bunch of

really cute anthropomorphic animals. You can grow flowers, find fossils, decorate to your heart’s content, and much more.

When players began to burn out on AC:NH, they turned to old classics to bide their time. Minecraft, the best-selling game of all time, made its way back into the sights of former players.

Minecraft, unlike AC:NH, doesn’t allow players to talk to animals.

However, Minecraft allows players to do nearly anything they can imagine. With such a

Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains popular, even a year after its release.

Photo Courtesy of Josh Grant

Cheyenne Krow Contributing Writer

large community worldwide, there are countless mods (software that puts new things into the game, which again can be pretty much anything and everything), servers, and friends to make.

With a creative mode in which you can build whatever you desire and a survival mode that plays like a regular open-world video game, Minecraft rarely gets boring.

In both Minecraft and AC:NH, players can create their own little farms. That being said, they’re nothing compared to what can be done in Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley is a farming simulator, life simulator, mining simulator, and pure magic all in one.

Filled with secrets planted by the developer, there’s no shortage of exploration to be done on one’s Stardew server.

Like AC:NH, there are ample characters to befriend – albeit they’re human characters.

The best thing about all three of the aforementioned games is that they’re multiplayer, meaning people can enjoy them with their friends. In the midst of a pandemic when everyone is in quarantine, this feature is a life-saver. Instead of meeting up at a restaurant or a club,

it’s much safer, easier, and healthier to come together on a gaming server.

“Video games allow me to find an escape from the real world and delve into new stories and adventures with friends where we can be purely fictional,” Dakota Butler, an avid gamer, says.

“If I want to sail the high seas with my crew or become a powerful being in an expansive world, gaming is there for me.”

Fellow game-lover Roslin Cook expands on Butler’s thoughts – “I think the biggest benefit I’ve gotten from video games over quarantine has just been the ability to share social spaces. I’m a writer and performer, and going to bars and being socially active were huge sources of inspiration for me,” she says. “I’m finding ways to wait to get together again, whether with old friends or new.”

With the new arrival of an Alvernia University gaming server on communitycreating service Discord, students can also get together virtually and enjoy their favorite games. If you are interested in joining, please contact Cheyenne Krow at krow287938@alvernia.edu.

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Vol. 58 Issue 7

Beating the Quarantine Blues Times are tough now, especially because of COVID19. People are told to get outside while staying six feet apart. Although people want to go and enjoy the outdoors, it is winter, so it is hard to go out. People have to get creative while being stuck inside. Whether it be games, making food, watching TV, crocheting, or even just being with family, remember to enjoy the memories created.

People may feel trapped and even feel like they are losing themselves, but sometimes you need to take a step back and be grateful that one has good health.

So, how can one have fun while being stuck inside? There are many different things to do. The possibilities are endless, just find something to make you happy. It doesn’t always have to be elaborate. It could be the simplest thing ever.

Photo Courtesy of Raven Metas

Raven Metas Contributing Writer

So many different things to watch!

The vital thing to do is find something fun and exciting so that being stuck inside is not the worst thing in the world.

“Being stuck inside is hard, but I love to pass the time reading lots of books on my kindle,” Victoria Metas a mother said. “I literally can read multiple books in a day and not even realize how much time has gone by.”

Reading is an excellent way to pass the time, but it is not for everyone.

Something else that one could do is play board games, or even video games on Wii or Xbox with family, friends, or roommates. Having a friendly game night is always fun. Everyone could pick a different game to play. Make some snacks and enjoy spending the night laughing.

For instance, a good board game to play is Monopoly.

It is fun watching everyone try to buy one another out to make the most money. While

a good video game to play is Mario Kart. Being able to race against each other brings for friendly competiton.

While board games and reading are there, many find snuggling up on the couch watching tv is the best way to go. Sites like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime TV have many different movies and shows to watch. So, grab the popcorn and sit back, relax and get your mind off everything happening in the world.

For instance, Brian Boyle, a senior at Penn State, enjoys watching his favorite movie.

“I’ve always loved watching the movie Grown Ups ever since it came out years ago,” Brian Boyle said. “The movie will always bring laughs and nostalgia to my television.”

While these are all fun things to do when stuck inside, Taylor Pothering, a junior nursing student, had a different idea for keeping herself occupied.

“While be stuck inside during this horrid time, I was

Music Spotlight

thankful I had the ability to crochet,” Pothering said. She found it to help her mind escape what was happening while staying busy in a safe way.

“Crocheting is a great hobby to learn while being stuck inside during the winter,” she said. “It’s a great winter activity because you can make things for others such as hats and even blankets for those who need it the most.”

Even though we may be stuck inside, there are always things to do. Be creative and enjoy the moments that come about during COVID. At times it will be challenging but being stuck inside is not meant to be stressful and tiresome. It can be fun, but people have to make it fun.

Stop feeling like there isn’t anything to do just because going outside is not an option.

Be open-minded and try new things. Who knows, you may find a new game, book, or show to watch!

7 September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

8 February/March 2021

LIFESTYLE

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Depression Resources for the Struggling Student Kailey Conrad Contributing Writer

Dr. Kreider’s Tips for Dealing with Depression:

Photo Courtesy of Kailey Conrad

Depression is an issue that many students see, hear about, or even struggle with on their own. Experiencing depression, combined with the dreary darkness of winter, and the anxiety-inducing college curriculumcan be overwhelming. Thankfully, Alvernia University has many resources for struggling students.

There are many ways to deal with depression and anxiety. Some people may feel awkward or unwilling to speak to someone.

Others may feel perfectly comfortable opening to someone about how they are feeling. No matter how you are feeling, know that it is perfectly alright to ask for help – from a friend, family member or professional. It’s also perfectly alright to deal with depression and anxiety by oneself until you can talk to someone.

For those willing to talk it out, Alvernia offers counseling both for the individual and for groups in group sessions. In addition to this, there are also four interns which not only provide more flexibility than in previous years, but also provide more options for students to pick someone that they are more comfortable with. Since the pandemic, all counseling has shifted to virtual – either through zoom or the phone.

Students needn’t be worried about finding a quiet space

to talk, as now the offices in Health and Wellness are available for those who have an appointment.

In addition to counseling, there are also support chats both general and topic based via zoom. In addition, there’s daily psychoeducational programming in the cafeteria which educates students on a variety of topics related to mental health. There’s also the app ruOK? Which is an anonymous service that enables anyone to talk about any problems they may be having.

Students who are unsure if they want to speak or not should remember that “if you’re not comfortable, you don’t have to come in here ready to pour out every thought you’re having. You can start where you want to start,” Dr. Kreider said.

For students who feel uncomfortable talking it out or need more time till they feel they can sit down and talk about how they are feeling, Dr. Kreider has some advice. Instead of sitting in a counseling session, students can try to find other ways to get perspective on their issues. One way to do this is through journaling – may it be a full entry, or simply one word about the day.

Students should also make sure to check in with themselves, to make sure that they are eating, drinking, and sleeping properly.

Getting out in the sunlight and absorbing that Vitamin D can help to boost you mood and immune system and combat seasonal depression.

1. Come talk to us (the counselors) 2. Look at self-care – try to work out and eat healthy 3. Understand that you are not alone 4. Stay socially connected to a degree, and keep in touch with your support network 5. Stay involved, and try to stay focused on your goals 6. For seasonal depression, try to get sun

exposure and be outside – you can also get artificial lights 7. Seasonal Depression: you can also try to plan the long evenings and prepare for winter by acknowledging how it affects you, but also getting out and trying.

8. Remember that sometimes it’s ok to just cocoon – you’re allowed downtime.

If you or a friend are dealing with depression, that’s perfectly alright.

Simply remember that just by acknowledging how you feel and being nice to yourself (or supporting someone with depression) can make a difference. Instead of beating yourself up for feeling bad, accept that you feel that way and ask yourself what you can do with that feeling.

9 February/March 2021

LIFESTYLE

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Traveling During Quarantine

You Are Not Alone Coming back to school with the chilly weather consuming Alvernia University has been easier said than done. With COVID19 in the mix, students from all over campus are struggling to feel comfortable and adapt once again to college life at Alvernia University. Firstyear students have special challenges as they begin college experience in a world changed by COVID. From money issues, and losing friends, to rough internet connections, this semester has been full of unwanted surprises.

One thing that all the first-year students have in common was the stress of the first few weeks of school: “Right from the beginning it has been a whole mess, I couldn’t figure out where my classes will be held,” said Ranita Bell, a first-year student. Many students shared Belle’s confusion, but Zoom classes and confusing schedules were not the only problems at hand.

Many students expressed feeling bored or lonely. The harsh weather at the start of the term canceled many

ideas and school events and stopped students from regaining the confidence to meet other people on campus. Many students even decided to stay home for this semester, due to COVID-19 and winter.

“This semester is just so weird; I have not met anyone new since I got here,” said Nick Davenport, a Freshman.

Boredom can be a dangerous feeling when a person is alone and is in constant need of getting out.

It is quite easy to slip into a state of unmotivated laziness.

The current situation presses on people above and beyond the stress and the worry of a “normal” college experience. The chance to enjoy college right now has been a challenging process for many. Whether a student is living in a residence hall that may be affected by a quarantine order or working from home and seeing their professors and classmates through screens, we are all battling the strange changes of an ongoing pandemic.

Sometimes it seems that this journey will not end any time soon.

Despite this, students have already started to come together in unique ways.

Many students claim that the gym and music are the best ways to cope with a stressful period or the overall semester. “I go the gym to distract myself or I listen to music or just get lost in homework,” said Imad Aarab, an Alvernia freshman.

What some students are focusing more on is finding a distraction: something they can control and help them relax.

Others are coping by accepting their reality and making the best of it.

“I get through by accepting being sad,” said

Nick Davenport, a first-year student.

It is okay to be sad, which is an emotion that is rarely expressed in front of others and is kept more to the independent self.

Letting yourself cry and understanding that sadness can erupt is something students understand now more than ever. The new generation is labeled as an emotional group, but this proves that students today express their emotions rather than holding it in.

Music, working out, spending time with friends

are great solutions that each student should take into consideration in college or through any difficult time.

It might not seem like it, but all the students at Alvernia University are experiencing the same feelings, motives, and intentions. Feeling like the only person in the room, and not being able to get any help is exactly what a student thinks. However, with staff all around campus to support you, and coming together with friends or a small group, you will never get to walk alone.

Talking walks around campus is a way that students can breathe.

Photo Courtesy of Aleksandra Kolesnikova

Aleksandra Kolesnikova Contributing Writer

10 February/March 2021

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Stay Positive, Stay Motivated Nicole Sanchez Contributing Writer During these difficult times, many of us have experienced a range of emotions and stress. No one ever thought that 2020 would play out as it did. All of these factors have added to the lack of motivation that students are experiencing, which can be very draining. However, they are still finding ways to continue on.

“During these unpredictable times, I have kept myself motivated by working out and keeping myself busy,” Babany Vasquez, junior Psychology major, said.

“Now that the semester has started, I find it easier to stay motivated, as my grades keep me motivated.”

Staying motivated is key.

One solution to keep yourself from lacking motivation is to remove distractions for a select part of the day.

For example, create a twohour time slot to finish assignments and turn them

in by putting your phone on do not disturb. Remember to keep yourself busy.

Finishing schoolwork at a different location than your dorm is a another great way to change scenery and boost your productivity. If you feel distracted, try going to the library to study.

Surround yourself with friends and roommates that are also equally motivated as you are. Hanging out with positive influences will encourage you to finish your assignments.

The past school year was hard on everyone, and things have drastically changed.

Many college students and professors are still paranoid about COVID-19.

One feeling that has become normal amongst students is feeling drained . Especially through these challenging times, these feelings have led to a significant impact on students over the past months. Many students have continuously tried their best to keep pushing towards

earning their degrees. “Being a nursing student is not easy, but during this difficult time, I have made my mental health a priority by working out and relaxing,” said Melanie Sanchez, sophomore Nursing major.

2021 began with terrible weather, which added more stress onto an alreadydifficult beginning. The bad weather particularly impacted commuter students, who must contend with difficult roadways and accidents.

“Being a commuter can sometimes be extremely hard, especially driving to school in such harsh, wintry weather.

But one thing I have learned is to not give up and get discouraged. I will go to class and try to achieve the best grades as possible,” Beatriz Gonzalez, sophomore Finance major, said.

Commuter students are not the only ones who feel the effects of the weather.

In the past two months, Berks County has received

over thirty-three inches of snow, which has significantly impacted the motivation of students, especially since the spring semester has just started.

As a result of COVID-19, Alvernia classes and many other offered activities are held virtually. Most classes are held in person, but 20% of classes are held on Zoom.

As the spring semester continues, being highly motivated is the key to success. Being able to manage your time and assignments is also critical in a hybrid setting, especially when you are starting to feel drained.

“I will finish this semester in triumph, I will not let anything bring me down.

Staying motivated is what will help me finish this semester strong,” Melanie Sanchez said.

As a student, it is important to find things that bring out positive outcomes that benefit you and others. Being positive and motivated is something that every person must be able to achieve to

accomplish their dreams and goals. Many of these students have many reasons to quit and give up but none have done so yet. By sticking along their path, doing things right, students are now on the road to future success.

If any student or faculty finds themselves struggling with their emotions or mental health, Alvernia offers many free and available resources.

The Health and Wellness Center is always there to help anyone that is in need or needs a little strength during these times. If you find yourself struggling, Alvernia University offers counseling services, which helps students build their confidence when facing daily struggles, especially in college.

The Health and Wellness offers free, anonymous emotional online screenings at https://screening. mentalhealthscreening. org/ALVERNIA. You can also contact The Health and Wellness at (610) 927-2008.

11 February/March 2021

SPORTS

Vol. 58 Issue 7

A Day in the Life of a Student Athlete

Joely Griffith Contributing Editor For the first time since March 2020, intercollegiate competition is in sight for Alvernia winter and spring athletes. However, things look much different this time around. From frequent testing and mandatory masking to revised schedules and no fans, collegiate athletics is shaping up to be an unprecedented experience for athletes, coaches, trainers, and gameday personnel.

Although athletics were shut down in the fall due to health concerns, Alvernia began strong this spring semester with winter sports to returning to practice, and competition beginning in February. Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, and women’s ice hockey recently opened their shortened seasons this February. Seasons will only consist of competition within the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), followed by a conference-only postseason championship tournament. Wrestling and indoor track and field will also have a season, although no postseason, as the MAC already cancelled the 2021

Championships for both in December.

Spring sports are also returning to play after the abrupt and upsetting end to their seasons last March due to the onset of the pandemic. Men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis are slated to begin interconference play in early March. Men’s and women’s golf and track and field were granted the autonomy to schedule competition that allows them to attain an automatic qualifier into the NCAA championships (golf) or allows them to record qualifying marks and times to qualify for the championships (track).

Along with scheduling changes, athletes are facing a strange new normal that consists of regular PCR COVID-19 testing, masking, NCAA protocol, Athletic Training protocol, games without fans, and an overwhelming responsibility to avoid the virus at all costs knowing the repercussions of a positive within a team.

Alvernia competes within the MAC, which currently does not permit fans at competitions.

“As a reminder, per MAC guidelines, spectators are currently not permitted at sites of competition” is posted at the close of every game announcement from Alvernia’s Athletic Department. In the grand scheme of today’s world, fans may seem like a minor detail. However, for some athletes, especially seniors, knowing that their families cannot attend in person is upsetting. Attending sporting events is also a popular pasttime for Alvernia students, but this season there will unfortunately be no cheers from a lively student-section.

Masks and social distancing have been implemented in practice and other team events. The new protocol also heavily impacts Alvernia’s Athletic Training Department. In addition to providing treatment and rehab to athletes, trainers have undertaken the responsibility of administering COVID-19 tests.

In an attempt to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Training Room is also only available by appointment, which is a massive change for athletes who were previously allowed to drop in at any time

Photo Courtesy of Marisa Lombardo

Alvernia Athletes Face New Normal Amid COVID-19

Head coach Josh Brandwene addresses the Women’s Ice Hockey team during their first practice back since the shutdown.

for treatment or questions.

Athletes are also subjected to testing between one and two times a week, depending on practice and game schedules.

Based on roster size, it sometimes only takes as little as one or two positive results to quarantine a whole team.

In addition to the everyday stress of a college student, athletes are faced with additional anxiety each time they are awaiting a test result. “I’m nervous to test positive, but I know I’m doing everything in my control” Alex Robertson, a sophomore on the women’s hockey team, said. This sentiment is shared by many Alvernia athletes because they understand

that sometimes COVID can be contracted despite taking precautions.

Even in the face of adversity, Alvernia, the Athletics Department, coaches, and trainers have worked tirelessly to provide student athletes with the opportunity to return to their sports and their families within them. “Despite the challenges, I am still having fun because I get to play” Jasmine Hughes, a Freshman on the women’s hockey team, said. While the new normal is quite the adjustment, athletes are ultimately thankful and exited to finally see games on their schedules.

12 February/March 2021

SPORTS

Vol. 58 Issue 7

Mackenzie Coombs Contributing Editor If you look back to 2015, the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals were going head-to-head in the World Series. Although the Mets lost the series against the Royals 4-1, it seemed that the Mets were at an all-time low.

Top players began to be plagued with season ending injuries and backups didn’t have the necessary skills to fulfil the gap that those injured players would. The starting pitching staff was so-so, some of the pitchers

did their part—without run support—and others failed to live up to the expectations that everyone had for them.

For the past six years, the Mets have been trying to bring a championship back to Queens, and with all the trades they have done under new ownership in 2021, it appears that the Mets may give all the teams a run for their money.

When the Wilpons— the previous owners of the New York Mets—finally gave up their ownership to Steve Cohen, chair and executive officer of SAC Capital

The Mets are shaping up for a great season!

Photo Courtesy of Josh Peacock on Unsplash

The New York Mets Transform Their Team Advisors LP, all Mets fans everywhere cheered with joy. Fans hoped that Cohen would be the one to bring this team back to life. But there have been some setbacks due to poor decisions.

Back in December 2020, two weeks after the Mets named Jarred Porter as the new GM, an exposé was put out on the internet, stating that Porter had been sexually harassing a woman baseball journalist by sending her over 60 unwanted text messages..

The incidents had taken place in 2018, and the journalists involved in breaking the story waited for the victim to exit the organization by her request. Immediately following this story, Steve Cohen had Porter fired for misconduct.. This decision was an easy one, but it left the Mets with one question; who would be the GM now?

Luckily enough, the Mets hired new GM Zack Scottto replace Porter under specific circumstances. . From there,

Scott made moves to fill in depth. The Mets needed another catcher to back up Tomás Nido, which led to Cohen’s first major signing of James McCann. The Mets signed McCann to a 4-year deal worth $40.6 million dollars. McCann is one of the top ten defensive catchers in Major League Baseball.

For McCann, two years made a difference in his free agency. He was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers, but it was his stint with the Chicago White Sox that made him stand out and the Mets knew that if they could not get JT Realmuto McCann was the perfect alternative.

But then, the best possible thing happened.

In a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Baseball Team, New York acquired SS Francisco Lindor and RHP Carlos Carrasco in a six-player trade. This trade surprised many Cleveland fans, because the face of their franchise was unexpectedly traded, but for

the Mets, it was a dream come true. This trade gave many Mets fans to have hope that the 2021 season will be one like no other, because for the first time in a long time, they had a chance to make it to the playoffs for the first time since the Wild Card in 2016.

Not only did the Mets make this blockbuster trade, but they also acquired RHP Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners, brought back Jerry Blevins off free agency from the San Francisco Giants, and Joey Lucchesi from the San Diego Padres. These three moves contributed to the newly established bullpen.

Now, the Mets have a chance to make a difference during this 2021 season.

Perhaps, it is the change in the pitching staff, new leadership, or the commitment that these players have shown. Either way, this team is ready to get this season started. Like always, Let’s Go Mets!

NBA All-Stars Want All-Star Weekend Off The 2021 NBA All-Star Game is back on and is set to be played on March 7th in Atlanta, Georgia at State Farm Arena home of the Atlanta Hawks! The return of the game comes as a surprise to many because of the cancelation of All-Star Weekend back in November.

The NBA and Commissioner, Adam Silver, decided to cancel the weekend long event due to scheduling conflict and the almost yearlong pandemic.

Instead of having an AllStar Weekend that includes a dunk contest, three-point contest, celebrity game, skills challenge, Rising Stars game, and All-Star game the NBA was going to give their players about a week off to rest. However, on February 4, the NBA and NBA Players Association announced they will play in the All-Star game this year.

The surprise move created a controversy throughout the league and got much attention. Players were prepared to have about a week off in the middle of this year’s 72-game schedule due to COVID-19, and under normal conditions, players

are used to at least 20 weeks of rest. Not having a five-day rest period before the second half of the NBA season after being promised it does not sit well with many.

“I have zero energy and zero excitement about an AllStar game this year,” LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers’ forward, said. James and the Lakers had a record setting 71 days as their off-season due to winning last year’s championship in the bubble that was played against the Miami Heat in November. “It’s pretty much kind of a slap in the face and we’re also still dealing with a pandemic.”

Given the All-Star game includes the best 24 players, 12 is the Eastern Conference and 12 in the Western Conference, it affects the highest performing teams the most. Players will also be chosen for the Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest as well. These players also will not be given a proper break and must perform on March 7th.

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento guard called having a game “stupid” because of the many rules and regulations players and staff have to take to even play in the regular season.

There have already been a

handful of NBA games that had to get postponed due to positive cases within their respective organizations.

“Money makes the world go round,” Fox said.

Overall, having All-Star Weekend is not in the best interest and safety of the players. Players should rest their bodies from March 5 to March 10 and get rejuvenated before the second half of the season. Playoff teams obviously would love to get the extra rest knowing they could potentially be played up until early June.

Another issue with having

All-Star Weekend is that the world is still going through a pandemic that has killed over two million worldwide.

Having players that are not usually in contact with each other being with each other for multiple days coming from all over the country is not the greatest idea. Fans always use this weekend as a party weekend also. As many people know, Atlanta is a city that parties and has had almost 100,000 cases alone.

“People should not travel to Atlanta to party,” Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta mayor, said. Even though

with everything going on people are undoubtedly going to not listen and go party without being safe about it.

This should be a big concern knowing what COVID-19 has done to people daily.

Should the NBA go through with having their yearly All-Star game due to the country’s circumstances? It is by far not the best idea to have this game being played even without fans and the proper precautions players take. And yet, the NBA All-Star game will be televised on TNT on March 7.

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Jared Montalto Contributing Editor

State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks and the 2021 All-Star Game.

13 September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

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