Hot, Screamy New Attractions at the Scariest Place in PA
Grace Wanner Managing Editor
Think you’re brave? Plan a trip to Pennsylvania’s most terrifying attraction, Field of Screams!
This year, Field of Screams is back and better than ever, with tons of new attractions, like upgrades to their Den of Darkness and Nocturnal Wasteland attractions. In addition to the scare sites, there is a frighteningly exhilarating haunted hayride that is often regarded as the best in the country. The park opened on September 13 and will be open every week, Thursday through Sunday until November 15. Field of Screams is well known for its haunted hayride for
good reason. Every year, the scare attraction gives their fans something new and exciting, and this year, the hayride is out of this world. The mutants that terrorize the riders have been injected with a serum that gives them super strength. These mutants are so scary-strong that they can shake and lift the wagons! “The hayride had a post-apocalyptic feel to it with the escaped mutants. It makes sense that the hayride is the main point of interest,” Avery Silverstein, a local horror enthusiast, said.
Scary fun thrills await you in Frightmare Asylum with cutting-edge special
Halloween season. The park also has an entertainment area with over 50 different varieties of food and beverages, axe throwing, live music, escape rooms, and games!
Think you can survive a zombie apocalypse? Test that theory at the Zombie Fun Run. During the 5k, you will have to jump, crawl, and climb your way through an obstacle course while being chased by zombies. Each contestant will be given three lives represented by flags worn around the runner’s waist. Lose all your flags and become a zombie; keep at least one, and you survive!
The zombie chase will take place on November 16.
If a trip to Field of Screams sounds like the night of your dreams, Alvernia’s Student Activities are hosting a trip to Lancaster County’s scariest place on October 25. Tickets are $5 for students and include entry to all four major attractions. The shuttle will leave campus at 7 p.m. and will be departing from the park at 10 p.m.
So why not celebrate the spooky season with a frightful night you won’t forget… if you dare!
effects and high-intensity scares. During the off-season, the asylum received major upgrades and renovations to the basement that added an entirely new series of terrifyingly spectacular rooms. Additionally, there’s a brand-new center scene in the Nocturnal Wasteland. In the middle of the wasteland is where the zombies make a home for themselves inside a crashed airplane. The wastelanders will stop at nothing to keep you from leaving their new home.
“I’ve been visiting Field of Screams for years now, and they added some pretty cool stuff this year. The plane crash
was really interesting, and I like the fact that they’re branching out into survival horror instead of just the classic paranormal horror and gore,” Julia Wanner, a longtime visitor, said.
The Chainsaw Bar is another recently renovated area with a brand-new seating area that completely changes the atmosphere. The Bar serves themed drinks such as “blood bags” with alcohol provided by JB Lovedrafts. Beware, the Chainsaw Bar is only for guests who are 21 years or older. Scare attractions aren’t the only thing that haunts Field of Screams this
Entrance to Chainsaw Bar Exclusivley for guests 21 amd up. Photo by Julia Wanner
Field of Screams skeletons and sign for photo opportunities at the park. Photo by Julia Wanner
Sign at Field of Screams haunted attration in Mountville, PA. Picture by Julia Wanner
Movie of the Month
September/October 2024
the alvernian
Managing Editor/Layout
Grace Wanner
Section Editors
Ben Houghton
Naomi Skeete
Grace Wanner
Contributing Writers
Kaitlyn Knopp
Anthony Mongeluzi
Ben Palita
Brittney Reyes-Avila
Andrew Simmons
Kate Smith
Cole Windsor
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.
Deadpool and Wolverine Movie Review
Cole Windsor Contributing Writer
Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, and starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, is the third movie in the Deadpool franchise. The blockbuster hit brought in over $200 million on opening weekend, surpassing Joker as the highest-grossing rated R movie of all time. Though it was an extreme monetary success, that doesn’t automatically mean it was a good film.
Going into Deadpool & Wolverine, I had high hopes, but moderate expectations. Following Deadpool 2, I expected something good, but not living up to the peaks of the first Deadpool movie. After watching, and rewatching Deadpool & Wolverine, I enjoyed the film but felt that my moderate expectations were fair. With each of the three movies in the Deadpool franchise, the scale increased each time. Deadpool & Wolverine had the grandest scale of the trilogy, which created some of the highest highs in the franchise but also some issues that I could not overlook.
Deadpool & Wolverine follows Deadpool trying to save his universe (Universe 10005) by finding an anchor being to replace Wolverine who had died during Logan, because if he didn’t, Paradox and the Time Variance Authority (TVA) would destroy his universe with a machine called a Time Ripper. Exploring the multiverse, he finds “the worst Wolverine” and forcibly takes him on an adventure.
Deadpool & Wolverine had some of the best moments in the trilogy, with hilarious
jokes, exciting fight scenes, and touching character development. The jokes in the movie continue the Deadpool formula, pushing the envelope of social acceptability. Due to the vast quantity of jokes, it took me multiple watch-throughs to pick up on all of them. From Colossus watching the Great British Bake Off, to Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Garner’s divorces, it felt like nothing was off limits. Deadpool’s humor follows a particular formula, and it worked again for people who enjoy that style.
Although is the formula getting old? At what point will the third wall break, and overly vulgar humor not be the same? While I find the humor in all three Deadpool movies hilarious, I found it feeling a little stale during parts of this movie. This is not to say that it wasn’t funny, most of the jokes were, but I wonder what the humor in a future Deadpool movie will look like. This movie was just as funny as the other two, but at what point will something need to change?
The one thing this movie did significantly better than the other two was the action scenes. The film opens with an epic fight scene between Deadpool and a group of TVA soldiers. Deadpool utilizing a dead Wolverine’s bones, combined with an NSYNC dance sequence, makes one of the funniest fight scenes ever. Every fight scene in Deadpool & Wolverine exceeded the expectations I had, featuring kinetic choreography and significant fan service.
Due to the epic scale, the dialogue and plot sometimes felt like an excuse to get to another fight. I did love the development that happened to Wolverine, going from
being the “worst Wolverine” to saving the universe and finding friends. But the introduction to the character felt perfunctory.
The backstory of Deadpool between the second and third movies was also not very compelling. Having Deadpool and Vanessa broken up, and making him strive to get her back, felt like a lazy motivator. The first and second Deadpool movies’ premises were to get Vanessa back. So having Wade and Vanessa separated in this movie invalidates any progress in the story made in the first two movies. I would’ve rather had his friends be the motivators for him to continue his mission. The separation of Wade and Vanessa did allow for some very emotional and vulnerable moments, but I felt these moments could’ve been found without making them split up. While I did have issues with Deadpool and Wolverine’s backstories, they did create compelling emotional moments for the characters’ development.
Though emotional development was compelling, the rest of the story was a bit of a mess. Introducing the TVA, anchor beings, and the multiverse in this movie, can make the plot feel a little jumbled. Though most of these things were introduced in other movies or TV shows, it can’t be expected that the person watching this movie has seen all of Marvel’s previous projects. Due to this, each new thing required an explanation, which caused the movie to be bogged down by exposition.
“Some parts of the movie I felt were drawn along a little too long and sometimes the story felt like it was at
a standstill,” Dillon Weber, Alvernia Student, said. Also, because the viewer might not have seen Fox’s Marvel movies, the cameos feel like being on the outside of an inside joke. However, for a superhero movie and comic fan like me, the cameos, from Johnny Storm to Blade, are super exciting. “While yes, the movie was fun, I didn’t understand some of the cameos, having not seen many of the related films, which made me feel a little out of touch,” Emily Eldredge, Alvernia Student, said. Deadpool & Wolverine is the perfect movie for a nerd like me. It has great cameos, that aren’t just little teasers, they are substantial parts of the movie. It has some story issues although creates compelling emotional characters, who experience great development. With classic Deadpool humor and the greatest fight scenes in the entire franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine is a worthy watch. While the movie requires previous Marvel knowledge, being a fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I give it a score of 8/10.
Promotional poster for Deadpool and Wolverine. Image from Disney/Marvel media pack.
Scene from “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie. From Disney/Marvel media pack.
Activities and Clubs
September/October 2024
Anthony Mongeluzi Contributing Writer
Alvernia University recently welcomed one of the largest freshmen classes in the university’s history. New students at Alvernia means new Berks County residents. The fall season is coming up and Berks has a lot to offer. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do in a new area, so The Alvernian has got you covered. Whether you’re new to Berks County or have been here for some years, check out these events you’re going to want to fall into this autumn.
An Eventful Fall In Berks
The first event has to be the Boyertown Pickfest on October 12 & 13. Here, you’ll hear live music from some great Northeast United States musicians. It’s not just one set either. There are five different stages for you to go to! If you want to take a break from music, then don’t worry. On Saturday, there will be a craft fair downtown, and there will also be apple picking all weekend. If you’re hungry, a wide assortment of local foods and vendors will be there for you to choose from. Not to mention, it’s free! What’s much better than that?
If you like to put the
Kate Smith Contributing Writer
On August 26, Alvernia University kicked off a fresh start to learning, including a new year for extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. Alvernia offers countless involvement opportunities for students in the form of clubs, which specialize in areas such as sports, volunteering, diversity, academics, and selfexpression.
What’s Circle K? “Circle K is a service-based organization that’s founded on leadership and collegiality within the club, the community, and globally,” Lauren Janson, Circle K president, said.
Janson said Circle K will be doing “a lot of local, small events. Positivity rocks, making cards and Halloween bags for Mary’s Shelter, making cards for the Bernardine sisters and cancer patients, as well as putting in days of service.” After interviewing Lauren, Hector Malave, a member of the Theater club, was asked to discuss it. Hector described the club as “open to all majors” and went on to share that it is a club that
“spooky” in spooky season”, then the “Ghost” Lantern Tours at the Crystal Cave in Kutztown is for you. On these tours, you will receive a paranormal experience in the haunted Crystal Cave. Led by a Victorian guide, the tour goes through the cave, telling stories of eerie incidents that occurred in the cave. You will see the side of Crystal Cave, like the tours from the 1800s. It is an entirely different experience from the usual tours, so you don’t want to miss it. They are every Friday and Saturday, from Friday, October 11 to Saturday, October 26. They begin at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. For children 8-11 years old, it is $23, and for adults it is $30. You even get a Crystal Cave souvenir lantern as a cherry on top. “It is a really cool and fun experience that you have to try.”, said Elijah Carrion of Philadelphia. So, if you want fun with friends and family and maybe a little scare, head
to Crystal Cave this October. Last but certainly not least, if you’re more of a nature person, Autumn Hawk Migration at Hawk Mountain is right up your alley. The migration isn’t
strictly fall as it lasts 4 months between August 15 and December 15. To get to the lookout, you take the Hawk Mountain Lookout
Golden Wolves Learning, Having Fun with Clubs
anyone could join. According to Hector, the club specializes in acting and being a lending hand backstage. Furthermore, as components of Alvernia Theater, “we do acting and you can also be behind the stage and be part of the magic,” Hector said. “You can help actors with their makeup. We are always looking for actors and helpers. If you want to get service hours or just have fun and be part of the spectacle, you can join.”
“We started auditions, and we cannot wait to find out what play we will be doing
this year since we have to wait a whole week to find out our roles and what plays we are doing,” Malave said.
Pura Vida, Alvernia’s Latin culture club, is known for its slogan “3 for good luck,” Club member Christal Paez describes the club’s activities. “Pura Vida is the only Latinculture club at Alvernia,” Paez said. “We celebrate Latin culture through food, music, and activities. It is also a social club where you get to hang out with people.”
Pura Vida has a lot going on this semester. “Coming up on September 17, we have
Trail. Along the way, there are multiple more minor overlooks where you can take in the gorgeous views. Once you get to the lookout, you will be hit with a beautiful 70 miles of the surrounding area from 1521 feet above sea level! On the lookout, you will find staff who are constantly looking for the many species of raptors flying by during the migration period. If you bring your own binoculars, you too can see just how spectacular these birds are. So spectacular that Shamani Mitchell from Philadelphia said, “It’s more than worth the drive to be able to the hawks and the scenery.” And as said before, if you don’t want to bird watch, you can kick back and take in Hawk Mountain’s gorgeous scenery.
Even if nothing on this list piques your interest, be sure to explore yourselves, as Berks County is teeming with events and activities this beautiful fall.
big screen Loteria night, which is Mexican bingo in a sense,” Paez said. “We do a lot of things for Hispanic Heritage month. We also have tie-dying coming up, and in October, we are doing an Ofrenda for the Day of The Dead where people will be able to submit photos and descriptions of their loved ones.” In closing remarks, each club or involvementpromoting activity has a plan in place. What each of them have in common is the fact it is intended
to promote school spirit and to make everyone feel welcome. Furthermore, getting involved on campus and in the community is encouraged for the minds of college students since gluing oneself to the books most of the time can be stressful. Getting involved is a terrific way to interact with others and sets a reminder to step back and take a breather. Clubs are always looking for new members, regardless of whether or not someone has experience.
Berks county Pumpkin patch. Photo by Anthony Mongeluzi.
View from the North Lookout on Hawk Mountain. Photo by Anthony Mongeluzi
Group photo of the theater club. Photo taken by Thomas Kay.
Group photo of the Pura Vida club. Image from the Pura Vida instagram- @au.puravida
September/October 2024
Kaitlyn Knopp Contributing Writer
Alvernia’s women’s NCAA bowling team is rolling into their second season.
Head Coach Kerry Smith said, “Coach Jeff Smith and I are excited to continue to build this program.” Kerry included, “Our program differs from others because we just don’t focus on the physical aspects of the game, we also focus on the mental aspects as well. We want our athletes to be ready for any situation that arises on the lanes and to be confident in their shot making and mental abilities.”
Last season, the bowling team was made up of five freshman girls who made it further than they expected. The team finished second in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference championship. Three Golden Wolves, Mia Siminitus, Emily Huntly, and Reghan Smith earned AMCC all-conference honors last season. The team was ranked #14 nationally for the 2023-2024 season.
Ben Houghton Contributing Editor
After a 13-7-1 season in 2023, the Alvernia men’s soccer team came away with an Eastern College Athletic Conference championship. The victory was not satisfying enough for the talented Golden Wolves. This year, the boys in maroon and gold started off their revenge season on the right foot, going 3-1-1. What must be working so well?
“Defense,” junior forward Connor Kraycik said. “We have not allowed many goals this season yet. From our goalie, all the way to the front of our press, we have all been solid so far.”
In those five games, the Golden Wolves have outscored their opponents 14-4. In Kraycik’s three years at Alvernia, that has been the team’s biggest goal difference in the first five games.
With a long 15 game season ahead, Alvernia plans to rely on each other to get through stretches of tough matchups. Senior goalkeeper Evan Solley mentioned the importance of keeping the motivation up in the locker room.
Alvernia Sports
Alvernia Has a Bowling Team?
Coach Kerry Smith had some things to say about the upcoming season, “The Golden Wolves are ready to take on season 2.”
Smith talked about the teams’ hunger for the new season to start, “After an abrupt ending to our inaugural season last year, at the AMCC Championship, due to illness, we are hungry for another season to start. We’ve added some key recruits to our team this year to help us get back to the AMCC Championships in March.” The team added five freshman girls this season to join the four returning sophomores from last season.
On October 12 and 13, the bowling team will hit the lanes for their first tournament. They will compete in the Bud Whitman Memorial hosted by Chestnut Hill at Bowlerama in New Castle, Delaware. Last year, as an all-freshmen team for their first tournament at the collegiate level, the Alvernia Golden Wolves finished seventh of fourteen
teams. This year the bowling team is looking for a stronger finish than last year at the Bud Whitman Memorial. Alvernia’s closest tournament is October 19 and 20 at the Golden Bear Invite hosted by Kutztown at Berks Lanes in Reading, Pennsylvania. This tournament is only 15 minutes away from Alvernia University. Come support
your fellow Golden Wolves! Wanting to watch from home? The bowling team live streams their matches on Facebook. Go to Alvernia University Women’s Bowling to watch them live! Or click here for their website. In women’s NCAA bowling the format requires five bowlers. On the first day, they typically bowl singles
Returning ECAC Champions Hunt for MAC Gold
“We have one of the hardest schedules in the nation this season, so we know that we are in for a challenge,” Solley said. “To maintain motivation, we must realize that mistakes will be made, and goals will most likely be conceded. However, in the end, we have to be the better team and come out on top every time. It is all a lot more fun when you are winning.”
The Golden Wolves don’t want to stop with the ECAC championship. , “We want to reach the MAC finals and win it,” Kraycik said. “The past three years we have lost in
and baker on the second day. During singles format, five bowlers each play a traditional game of bowling. In baker format, five players bowl together and take turns. The format turns out where each player bowls two frames in order. While bowling, a team can substitute a bowler out after each game is completed.
During this year’s Admin Day, coach Jeff Smith said, “Ladies, last year was chapter one, and now it’s time to turn the page for chapter two.” Now, season two of Alvernia women’s bowling team has started. In this chapter, the team will work hard, be there for each other, and claim the AMCC championship!
the semifinals, so our goal is to go beyond that.”
In two of those three seasons, there has been one common denominator when it comes to the MAC playoffs: Widener University. The Widener Pride have ended Alvernia’s season twice despite a 2-1 regular season record against the Pride during those years.
“I think we all have one game that we are looking forward to, and that is Widener,” Solley said. “We have been knocked out by them twice in heartbreaking
fashion, so we are eager to flip the script this year.”
The Golden Wolves take on Widener October 19, 2024, at 4 p.m. in Chester, PA.
The 2024 roster looks to become the first Alvernia men’s program in their history to make it to the NCAA tournament.
You can follow the remainder of the Golden wolves’ season by visiting their home page
Morgan Dupont bowling at the Kutztown Golden Bear invite last season. Photo by Marisa Lombardo.
Women’s Bowling schedule for the upcoming season. Graphic by Marissa Lombardo.
Connor Kraycik scores his second goal of the match as Alvernia beats up on Lancaster Bible College 6-2 Photo by: Marisa Lombardo
Evan Solley makes a kick save as the Wolves shut out Farmingdale State College 3-0. Photo by: Marisa Lombardo
Alvernia Sports
September/October 2024
Andrew Simmons Contributing Writer
Put your pads on because it’s football season! Despite coming off a rough 1-9 finish last year, The Golden Wolves look fired up and ready to compete once again. Senior defensive back and captain Jamel Fleming said morale had improved.
“The team morale is definitely different from last year,” Fleming said. “This team is a true fighter of adversity and allows their faith to take control. There aren’t too many players, let alone coaches, who truly believe in one common goal.”
Fleming said the family atmosphere of the team made all the difference. “Being a captain here for so long, you truly see a lot of changes inside the program and outside” Fleming mentioned, “One thing I love is the culture that we are building. We are allowing young men to have something positive
Inside the Gridrion
to follow. I love and really appreciate acts like that because it lets me know we are headed in the right direction. I feel confident and blessed about the individuals I call my brothers every day.”
The players arrived on campus on August 13 to move in and begin their fall camp. It was a great test of both mental and physical strength Because they had to learn the plays, defenses, and work on execution as a team. What would then follow is an excellent two weeks of hard work preparing for their season opener last Friday.
Starting quarterback and captain Colin Payne feels like the Golden Wolves are going in the right direction, “There is definitely a change in effort this year compared to last year,” Payne said. “Guys seem more bought into the system, and there seems to be more chemistry.”
The Wolves are a very young team and some QBs might be concerned about that. However, Payne
dismissed such concerns, “I feel great about the team right now,” Payne said. “There is an overall better feeling than last year, and all of the young guys are more willing to learn than in previous years.”
Although they opened the season with a loss, The Golden Wolves look to bounce back with a victory this upcoming Saturday. They will be playing the defending conference champions: Delaware Valley. A win this weekend will put the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) on notice that Alvernia is looking to win it all.
They say defense wins championships and senior linebacker Elijah Carr thinks the Golden Wolves’ defense has never been better. “I think so,” Carr said, talking about the energy of the team changing. “I think every year the energy is different given that people graduate, coaches change, and players change with who’s out there.”
With a good amount of the defense returning for this season, it’s safe to say the defensive side of the ball will be just fine this year.
Junior running back Ozmere Jones is confident that the Wolves can make
Alvernia Baseball Rebuilds Championship Team
gains while the defense holds the line. “We made a big improvement in all aspects,” Jones said. “We’re developing into a better team each week. We have more upperclassmen than last year and bringing in young guys made a big impact for our team as well.”
Good energy is also present in the offensive line, “To compare the energy of the offense this year to last year, we have great leaders that are not only verbal and talented, but they also lead by example on and off the field,” Jones said. “Their energy levels can be seen every day. Just the whole attitude has changed from the last year of each and every player. It’s exciting to see how the team’s energy levels have evolved!”
The Golden Wolves feel they are in it to win it every weekend. Come out and watch the Golden Wolves at their next home game on October 12 at 1PM against FDU-Florham.
Ben Palita
Contributing Writer
Alvernia baseball is coming off a MAC Commonwealth championship season in 2024 and is seeking a repeat in 2025. Starting September 7 and carrying on to the end of October, the returning players and new recruits are squaring off in competitive intersquad games down at Angelica Park on the weekends. However, these games are not only looking for hidden talent or returner progress.
“The fall season is so
important because it gives us an opportunity to build team chemistry and develop as players with the guidance of the coaching staff,” junior pitcher Mike Andrew said. “Chemistry is a huge part of the game at the collegiate level, and those teams who are tighter knit usually see themselves winning championships and making it to regionals. The fall season is a great time to become tight knit because we get to know each other on and off the field and become family.”
Even with the program’s recent success, a new year means new players,
and it is important to get the essentially new team acclimated to how things are done at Alvernia. First year students aren’t the only players under the microscope. “The fall season is important because it is a time for returners to show both the team and coaching staff all the progress that they made over the summer.”
senior Brody DeGroodt said.
Alvernia’s Ballpark is in full use these fall weekends as team Gold, Black, and Maroon look to win the highly coveted “fall championship”. Gold, coming off a championship of their own
Team Gold celebrating a fall season championship in 2023.
last fall, won their first two games of the year behind young pitching and veteran plate appearances.
Although gameplay is loose and fun, every player knows what is at stake and how important each pitch is.
“Freshman... get to showcase their skills and see how they can fit into the team.”
X account.
DeGroodt said, “With guys graduating every year, we need about a month in the fall to see what the team is going to look like in the upcoming season”.
Although it is a spring sport, there is no baseball offseason when a hunt for another championship is on. The fall can be overlooked by outside eyes, but at the colligate level, each day is important. As a successful program, Alvernia baseball must grind to maintain status, and it all starts as the
turn brown.
Running Back Ozmere Jones juking defenders for a postivie gain Photo credits: Marisa Lombardo.
Action in week 4 of intersquad season, 2024 Photo from Alvernia Baseball X account.
leaves
Photo from Alvernia Baseball
September/October 2024
Overcoming Obstacles: The Journey of Kirsy Rosario
Brittney Reyes-Avila Contributing Writer
What comes to mind when you imagine your future? Do you picture yourself achieving all your dreams? Success to many is like “the top of the mountain” where through hard work, long hours, and dedication it can be reached. Faculty member Kirsy Rosario is an exemplary person of such saying.
According to Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit focused on improving ways to boost Latino college completion, Hispanic students accounted for 79% of the 4% overall increase in degree attainment over the last five years. However, the Latino community still faces an uphill battle to succeed
Latino students have still been able to enter college and succeed in higher education. A faculty member here at Alvernia has done that and more. Kirsy Rosario a firstgeneration college student and Alvernia graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting (’20) with a psychology minor, and later an MBA (’22). Today, Rosario serves as our Reading Collegiate Scholars Program (RCSP) & Student Development Manager. For the unfamiliar, RCSP is an Alvernia scholarship program that helps students around Berks who financially struggling pay
in higher education. Many students struggle to find the correct support to get to and graduate college. From financial struggle, social pressure, and even internal doubt, like many they too must overcome difficult obstacles.
Despite the challenges,
in a big city to at the time a smaller city. But the change for me personally was a lot from having all your friends and family around to arriving to a whole new state to no one you know, the language barrier at first was challenging coming from a bilingual school I had to perfect my English once in Reading.” Rosario said.
In Rosario’s eyes, the students who form part of the Reading School District are more than just “kids from Reading,” they have massive potential for bright futures. Thanks to her parents Rosario was able to find determination to continue into higher education posthigh school. “Para mi, mi mami es mi inspiracion, she taught me from a very young age to take advantage of the opportunities I have in front of me and not take them for granted. I didn’t realize the impact of those words until I saw the sacrifices both her
helped her build her social skills which in the end made her have a balance between logistics and the humane aspect. “Growing up, I said I wanted to be teacher, but then I realized that it wasn’t clicking for me and so business was my second option. Business to me was a field that I could do so much in and expand my knowledge. At first, all I knew was I wanted to have a degree, be with people, and help. Accounting was exactly that it provided me the base and skills to pursue more,” Rosario said.
Graduating in 2020, she felt her academic journey hadn’t ended yet. She wanted to continue to graduate school but faced challenges with the coronavirus outbreak. Fortunately, Alvernia gave her the opportunity to be a graduate assistant at the Holleran Center for community service and engagement.
did. I worked for the Holleran Center, as well as studied to get my MBA.”
After Rosario earned her MBA, she stayed at the Holleran Center to operate the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program. “I had just graduated with my MBA, one day I was invited to a meeting with various individuals and received an offer to run RCSP. The individuals shared that there was an opportunity to work with Alvernia and RCSP and ultimately, they thought about me. No one else had known about the opportunity, and I really never knew the magnitude of such decision until later on.” Throughout these past three years what is one memorable moment you hold close to your heart? “It’s hard to put memorable on a specific moment because each day there’s something new. The students I work with all come to me when they need a guide, a chat or even a snack, all unique and all close to my heart. One of the most memorable was at a donor lunch where we were able to share the stories of current students and just like them, I spoke about mine a couple years ago and now looking at it from the other stance point was just exciting.”
for tuition and give them a support network while they are attending.
Rosario, born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Dominican parents in a household of five, moved to Reading when she was eight. “It has been eighteen years, it was defiantly a big change, you go from living
and my father made for our family” Rosario said.
Kirsy didn’t know much about Alvernia, until she learned through a college fair. The RCSP program allowed her to attend Alvernia, which would have otherwise been out of reach for her. Through her time at Alvernia Rosario said, “one connection led to another, and I was able to find my place and my new home.” Through internships and work studies, she had the mentality to go for more. “While I had my parents to support me and guide me through college it was all based off their experience through education in a different country. My journey meant I had to find the resources myself and learn to ask for help when faced with the tough questions.”
For Rosario, earning an accounting degree could be a way to open not just one route but many. Also minoring in psychology,
“Especially leading up to my senior year, I realized I wasn’t done yet. I felt like there was something missing, so speaking to a mentor they brought the idea of getting a masters, and I thought well what am I going to get my master’s on? How do I take it one step further? And she told me well the reason you went into accounting was because it could expand your horizons, well you can now look into leadership or even administration a bit deeper. So, I started the application process, but like many, I would start, and save it, open it up, and save it, and kept saying I’ll get back to it. Then COVID happened, my grad application by then was almost ready to go, and well everything shut down. I had no job let alone could I think of more schooling, so I put it to the side. One day got a phone call about a potential to be a graduate assistant, from there I realized things could come together and so it
Looking back at all that you’ve accomplished would you go back and change anything? “So, one thing I would have changed is probably get more involved in campus not that I wasn’t but if I had more time I would’ve, but aside from that everything I’ve lived, learned, and grown from has led me to where I am today.”
Thanks to her determination, support, and dedication Kirsy Rosario has become an inspiration for many recipients of the RCSP and all those who surround her. A funny, charismatic, and intelligent woman who faced struggles, but overcame them to better serve her family and community. As a recipient of the RCSP myself, Kirsy inspires me every day to keep going, she has been there for me when I most needed a friend, in her, I see myself.
Special editor’s note from Brittney to Kirsy: Desde el fondo de mi corazón, gracias Kirsy por todo, gracias por ser uno de mis pilares, gracias por ser ese rayito de esperanza…
Kirsy Rosario, 2024, Alvernia University staff photo.
Image by Kirsy Rosario (middle), during her undergraduate time at a Day of Service Event for Alvernia University.
Source Alvernia University, Kirsy Rosario (first row, middle section), RCSP Luncheon, 2024.
Health and Wellness
September/October 2024
The Silent Pandemic of Mental Health in College Students
Naomi Skeete Contributing Editor
There has never been a greater pressing need to address the silent catastrophe of mental health concerns among college students than today. Rates of these problems have soared in recent years. Students throughout the country are struggling with rising levels of stress, anxiety, and despair. Numerous experts are referring to the challenges of early adulthood combined with the demands of academic life as a mental health crisis on college campuses. The mental health crisis is a problem everyone has a part in addressing.
The data presents an unsettling image. According to a survey by the American College Health Association in 2022, an astounding 60% of college students globally reported experiencing severe anxiety in the past year, and over 40% reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult for them to function. “It feels like we’re constantly under pressure—academics, social expectations, and just trying to figure out life. Sometimes, it’s hard to even get out of bed, and the anxiety feels like a constant weight.” — Anonymous college student, quoted in the American College Health Association’s 2022 National College Health Assessment.
Over the previous ten years, the rates of mental health distress have been
rising consistently. Mental health problems have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made students feel even more alone and uncertain. Furthermore, a National College Health Assessment study in 2021 discovered that there had been a significant increase in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among college students. A considerable rise from prior years was observed in 2021 when approximately 24% of students polled said they had seriously considered suicide at least once in the previous 12 months. These statistics highlight the critical need for all-inclusive mental health care on college campuses nationwide.
What has caused this mental health crisis? Among the most significant sources of stress are still the demands of academic success. Students typically place great importance on their scores because they believe they will determine their future success, which strains their mental health.
These stresses are compounded by the competitive nature of college admissions and the need to land internships and jobs after graduation.
Many students experience financial difficulties and academic responsibilities, exacerbating their stress levels. “The pressure to keep up with grades, find
internships, and worry about the future can be overwhelming. It feels like every decision will impact the rest of my life, and that’s a lot to carry.” — Emily R., a sophomore at the University of California, quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education. A growing number of students are finding it difficult to make ends meet due to the load of student loans and escalating tuition costs. A 2023 Ohio State University Student Financial Wellness Survey showed that about 70% of college students experience financial stress. Stress related to money can make anxiety and depression worse, leading to a vicious cycle that is hard to escape.
An important contributing factor to the mental health problem is social pressure. Students travel away from home, establish new relationships, and work through many identity shifts during college. These problems have become even more difficult due to the widespread use of social media. As students compare themselves to their friends on social media, it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy even while it can be a valuable tool for connection.
“Despite being constantly connected online, many people experience profound loneliness. Social media creates an illusion of connection but often leaves individuals feeling more isolated.” — The New York Times article on loneliness.
The demand for mental health help is rising, but many colleges and universities struggle to keep up with the market. The number of students seeking counseling services has increased dramatically. Still, according to a 2022 report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, the number of counselors has yet to keep up with this demand. Long wait times for counseling appointments have resulted from this discrepancy, depriving many students of the assistance they require when they most need it. Some institutions have started putting creative strategies into practice to close this gap. With the increasing availability of teletherapy
services, students can now get mental health care from a distance. Furthermore, some universities have added peer support programs to their mental health resources, teaching students how to help one another. These courses can be a great addition to conventional counseling services since they give students a sense of belonging and comprehension not often present in work environments. Still, these actions need to be improved on their own. Experts concur that addressing the mental health epidemic on college campuses requires a more all-encompassing strategy. This entails boosting financial support for mental health services, lessening the stigma attached to getting assistance, and incorporating mental health education into the academic program. Colleges can assist in stopping mental health problems from getting worse and make sure that students get the support they need to succeed by adopting a proactive approach to mental health.
While there is no quick fix for the mental health crisis among college students, it is a problem that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. There has never been a more significant need for comprehensive mental health care as the demands of college life continue to rise. Colleges and universities can guarantee that students are not only successful academically but also healthy and prepared to face life’s difficulties beyond the classroom by realizing the extent of the issue and taking significant action to address it. Acknowledging that the mental health of the country’s future leaders is equally as substantial as their academic accomplishments is critical. In addition to being morally required, addressing the mental health crisis among college students is also a crucial first step toward guaranteeing a better future for everybody.
You have the option to visit the Health and Wellness Center at Alvernia. Their
goal is to help university students both medically and emotionally. The team is available to meet all of your needs, whether they be spiritual, physical, emotional, or something else entirely. “Prioritize your health so you can prioritize your education!” — Health Services Provider at Alvernia Iesha Scarpino, MSN, CRNP
Use this QR code to access Alvernia’s Health and Wellness Center.
you can schedule counciling services provided by Alvernia for free.
Bar chart that displays the percentage of college students that report mental health issues. Data from ACHA graph by Naomi Skeete.