The Heights, Dec. 9, 2024

A14 - A15

BC Faces Vaccine Lawsuit

By nikita oSadchiy

For The Heights

A federal judge ruled that former Boston College landscaper Avenir Agaj can move forward with a lawsuit alleging his 2021 firing for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine violated his First Amendment religious rights.

“Agaj believed the COVID-19 vaccine would pose a risk to his health, and that the College’s vaccination requirement thus conflicted with a tenet of the Bogomil faith requiring adherents to abstain from taking action that would pose a risk to their health or spiritual wellbeing,” U.S. District Court Judge Julia Kobick wrote in her ruling.

University Spokesman Jack Dunn said in a statement to The Heights that the University intends to vigorously defend itself against this claim. In his original complaint, filed on April 5, 2024, Agaj described himself as an adherent of the Bogomil faith and a practitioner of folk medicine, both of which he said were incompatible with receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Founded in Bulgaria during the mid-10th century, Bogomilism teaches that the material world was created by the devil, who is regarded as God’s other son and the brother of Jesus, according to a document Agaj submitted to the court. Today, the religion is nearly extinct.

After the University announced in April 2021 that all students, faculty, and staff would be required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, Agaj made several attempts to receive an exemption on the grounds of his religious beliefs, according to his complaint.

New Building Set for Mount Alvernia

By Genevieve MorriSon Associate Newton Editor

Boston College will build a new School of Social Work (BCSSW) building and athletic facility in Newton, BC spokespeople said at a meeting with the City of Newton on Thursday.

The new BCSSW building will be constructed on the former Mount Alvernia Academy campus, which the University bought last October.

One reason BC chose to place the BCSSW building on Mount Alvernia’s campus is its proximity to BC Law School, which one BC spokesperson said could be an opportunity for collaboration between

the two graduate schools.

“There’s currently a joint social work and law degree, and a lot of aspirations for collaborative research between the two campuses,” said Todd Symonds, principal architect at Goody Clancy architecture firm.

The Mount Alvernia campus is approximately 75,000 square feet, and BC plans to renovate 60,000 square feet of it, according to Symonds.

“We are looking at restoring a large portion of the facade, you know, basically making sure we bring it up to meet the energy code and building codes,” Symonds said.

See Mt. Alvernia, A3

Eagles Slated To Face Nebraska in Pinstripe Bowl This Month

By SouraBh Gokarn Deputy Managing Editor

Boston College football is set to play Nebraska in the 2024 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28 at 12 p.m.

In Bill O’Brien’s first season as BC’s head coach, he led the team to a 7–5 regular season, a campaign that included the program’s first top-10 road win since 2002. Now, O’Brien and the Eagles have a chance to secure their first eight-win season in 15 years.

“I am excited for our team to be heading to New York for the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl,” O’Brien said in a statement. “Boston College is well-represented in New York City and the tri-state area, so to have the opportunity to play in the Northeast, where so many of our fans and alumni call home, is an honor.”

The Pinstripe Bowl hasn’t been kind to BC over the last decade. This year’s game will mark the third time the Eagles have made the trip to Yankee Stadium in that period. In 2014, O’Brien’s former program, Penn State, took down BC in overtime, with kicker Sam Ficken delivering the heroics.

December can bring the highest highs and the lowest lows.

Columnist Punya Kalapurakkel shares her tips for enjoying the holiday season despite the chaos. A8

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will not seek re-election for mayor of Newton, according to an email announcement Tuesday.

“With nothing but gratitude for the past 15 years, I have decided not to run for reelection next year as Mayor of Newton,” Fuller said. “I look forward to continuing to serve our common goals, our common good, and our Commonwealth in other ways.”

Fuller is Newton’s 31st mayor,

and she is the first woman elected mayor in Newton’s history. She was sworn into office in 2018 and will finish her second term at the end of 2025.

Newton City Council President Marc Laredo announced his candidacy for mayor in September.

With Fuller’s announcement that she will not run, Laredo is the only candidate in the race.

Fuller and her husband moved to Newton over 25 years ago, and from 2010 to 2017 she served on the city council, then called the

Board of Alderman, for Ward 7.

“For over 15 years, I have dedicated myself to Newton, its people and our future,” Fuller said. “I was honored to serve as a City Councilor for eight years before having been elected Mayor.”

Prior to her service in the public sphere, Fuller graduated from Brown University and Harvard Business School. She also spent over two decades as a strategic planner for non-profit organizations and businesses.

See Mayor Fuller, A4

COURTESY OF RUTHANNE FULLER

See Bowl Game, A12

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

NICOLE VAGRA / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

NEWS

This Week’s Top 3 Events

1

ensemble. Immerse yourself in an evening of music on Monday at 7:00 p.m. in Lyons 423.

2 3

Join the Center for Student Wellness to take a break from finals and enjoy a free trail mix bar, massages, and crafts. Attend the event on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.

BC Kicks Off Holiday Season With Tree Lighting

By Paige Folli For The Heights

With Gasson Hall glowing in green and red, Christmas carols filling O’Neill Plaza, and students braving the cold with hot cocoa in hand, the Boston College community kicked off the holiday season at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

“The tree lighting ceremony is a classic tradition that BC really enjoys,” said Lindsey Pierre, MCAS ’26. “It’s a real sense of camaraderie right before finals.”

Hundreds of students packed into Gasson Quad and O’Neill Plaza Tuesday evening, waiting to witness the cherished holiday tradition. ThCampus Activities Board (CAB) organized the event and provided students with stuffed animals, sweet treats, and T-shirts.

Ava Guarino, MCAS ’28, said the holiday celebration was a great opportunity to see people and get involved on campus, especially as a first-year student.

“There were so many people there that I got to talk to and get to know—it was a great experience

for a freshman,” Guarino said. “My favorite part was when Santa arrived in a cop car and walked out with all the elves.”

Lily Parrott, MCAS ’25, said the tree lighting captures the essence of the holiday season at BC.

“For me, even though I’m not a practicing Catholic, being at a Jesuit school at Christmas is a big thing,” Parrott said “Getting everyone together is really nice, there was a lot of cheer.”

University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., led the crowd in a prayer, encouraging students to embrace gratitude during the holiday season.

“Call to mind that person or that particular intention that we bring to this Christmas tree lighting ceremony,” Leahy said. “So let’s pause for just a moment, quiet ourselves, recall how we are blessed, and call to mind what we are most seeking in the way of God’s help.”

Leahy also highlighted the need for peace across the world and asked students to remember to support each other.

“We pray for our world that is in so much need of peace, of healing,

and of inspiration,” Leahy said. “And as we gather here tonight, we realize how much we need each other, how much we ask for the light of Christ to come and help us lead better lives— lives marked by faith, hope, and love.”

As the crowd grew silent, Leahy proclaimed, “Let there be light,” and

cheers filled the air as the festive holiday lights turned on.

The event also featured a cappella performances by the Liturgy Arts Group, BC Bells, and the Heightsmen.

Students from all class years turned out for the celebration, but

for seniors like Annabel Hurst, MCAS ’25, the event felt especially magical.

“I think especially as a senior, the Christmas tree lighting is one of my favorite experiences,” Hurst said. “It was so fun being around all my friends.” n

The BC community gathered on O’Neill Plaza with hot chocolate for performances and the

Fired Landscaper Sues BC Over 2021 Vaccine Mandate

“My religious belives as BOGOMIL forbits me to take any thing that risks my health and spiritual wellbeing,” Agaj wrote in his request for an exemption. “My body is my Temple it is my duty an obligation to keep it pure, free from filth.”

His requests were denied, and he was subsequently fired on Aug. 31, 2021.

In a statement to The Heights, Agaj accused the University of creating unfair obstacles to maintaining his job while practicing

his religion. “My sincere religious beliefs, freedom, and health are not for sale at any price,” Agaj wrote. “I have stated that health freedoms are more important than any job.

Boston College created a barrier to my employment, not the other way around.”

On June 3, 2024, the University filed a motion asking Kobick to dismiss Agaj’s case, arguing that Agaj’s refusal to vaccinate himself was not based on a genuine religious practice and that his religion did not justify an exemption from

the vaccine requirement.

Kobick cited evidence of Agaj’s efforts to obtain an exemption and partially rejected BC’s motion, affirming that Agaj had clearly expressed his religious beliefs before his termination.

“Absent an exemption, Agaj could not comply with Boston College’s vaccine requirement without transgressing the religious beliefs he identifies in his complaint,” Kobick wrote. “Agaj chose not to be vaccinated and was terminated in direct response to that choice.”

Following Kobick’s ruling,

The University filed a response to Agaj’s original complaint, denying any violation of his rights during his termination. It also argued that, as a Catholic institution, its COVID-19 vaccine mandate was an exercise of its religious rights under the First Amendment— the same basis Agaj used in his lawsuit. Although Kobick rejected the University’s attempt to throw out the case, she dismissed Agaj’s other allegation that the University retaliated against him based on his religion and status as a “legal

immigrant minority”.

“To the extent Agaj seeks to assert a claim of retaliation or discrimination based on his race or national origin, or retaliation based on religion, those claims will be dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies,” Kobick ruled.

Agaj reaffirmed his determination to continue with his lawsuit against the University.

“My intentions are to go to a jury trial or all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if I have to,” Agaj wrote. “I want JUSTICE.” n

BC Declaration Calls on UN To End Plastics Pollution

By AnnikA engelBrechT Asst. News Editor

At a Boston College conference that highlighted plastic pollution as a social justice crisis, participants presented a declaration to the United Nations, (UN) advocating for a Global Plastics Treaty.

“We need to embrace a new approach that transforms our way of living in the world, our lifestyles, our relationship with the Earth’s resources, and generally how we look at humanity and all life,” the declaration reads. “Such an approach is essential if we wish to leave a habitable planet for our children, our children’s children, and the generations yet to come.”

The conference, “Joining Science and Theology to End Plastic Pollution, Protect Health, and Advance Social Justice,” was

co-sponsored by the Minderoo Foundation, The Centre Scientifique de Monaco, and the MMHBO Fund at Schwab Charitable.

In addition to the approximately 85 faculty and researchers who participated in the conference, the declaration also garnered online signatures from the public.

In March of 2022, The UN agreed to draft an international, legally binding document to address the increasing trends of global plastic pollution.

Over the past two years, the UN has met five times for negotiations to finalize and officially adopt the Global Plastics Treaty into international law. The most recent round of negotiations took place in Busan, South Korea, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. The delegates in Busan could

not agree on the treaty’s terms, delaying negotiations into the new year.

The declaration urges UN treaty negotiators to recognize that current patterns of plastic production are unsustainable and cannot continue.

“Those who advocate for unchecked growth in plastics must re-examine their behavior, embrace the reality that the earth is a shared inheritance—a gift from the Creator, and work toward a more equitable and sustainable future,” the declaration reads.

Philip Landrigan, director of the global public health and the common good program and BC Global Observatory on Planetary Health, said that the goal of the declaration was to bridge current scientific thought and religion, highlighting how plastic pollution is both a scientific and ethical crisis.

“We wanted to bring in the most current, up-to-date, scientific thinking about the health hazards of plastics,” Landrigan said. “And secondly, we wanted to bring in the voices of religious leaders of various different faith traditions to talk about, to offer their views on the meaning of plastic and plastic pollution.”

The declaration has received endorsements from key religious authorities including the Dalai Lama, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and Rev. Mitchell Hescox, the president emeritus of the Evangelical Environmental Network.

Landrigan said the declaration targeted religious viewpoints to emphasize that the plastics crisis is both global and urgent.

“We need to involve scientists, of course, but we need to go beyond the scientific community, and I think the faith community has a lot to say here,” Landrigan said. “If you accept Pope Francis’ argument that the planet is a gift from God to humanity, then it follows that we have a responsibility to protect it.”

The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, a study developed at BC, found that plastic pollution is becoming a human health risk, causing disease, disability, and premature death through endocrine function, birth defects, premature births, infertility, and cancer.

The declaration also highlights how the plastics crisis disproportionately affects people

of color, Indigenous communities, plastic and chemical production workers, and fossil fuel extractors, who face heightened health risks.

“The disproportionate exposures of these vulnerable populations are immoral,” the declaration reads. “They are environmental injustices. They are violations of human rights.”

The declaration calls on the UN to include mandatory, binding limits on current plastic production, standardize chemicals used in making plastics, fully disclose their chemical properties and toxicity, and provide funding for low and middle-income countries to combat the plastics crisis.

Plastic products can be necessary, but overproduction of single-use plastic disproportionately harms the environment, Landrigan said.

“What we don’t need is a flood of single-use plastics—stuff that we use once and throw away,” Landrigan said. “It’s the most rapidly growing segment of plastic production.”

Although the last round of negotiations ended in another stalemate, Landrigan emphasized that a small number of nations are holding up the treaty, while the majority of UN delegations supported the Global Plastics Treaty.

“On the final day [of negotiations], they asked everybody who wanted a strong treaty to stand up, and something like 85 percent of the people in the room stood up and cheered,” Landrigan said. n

PAUL CRIADO / HEIGHTS STAFF

tree lighting.

JASHODHARA JINDAL / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty will continue after delegates failed to reach an agreement.

Vaccine Suit, from A1

BC To Build New Facilities on Newton Campus

Mt. Alvernia, from A1

BC plans to demolish two buildings on the former Mount Alvernia campus—Hayes Hall and a maintenance garage next to it. The Provincial House, located next to the main campus building, will remain unchanged, Symonds added.

In addition to libraries and workspaces for BCSSW students, the renovated campus will also host the Urban Catholic Teacher Corps, a BC program that houses teachers in the area, Symonds said.

“BC plans to demolish two buildings on the former Mount Alvernia campus—Hayes Hall and a maintenance garage next to it.”

BC spokespeople also announced that the University will build a new athletic facility for soccer and field hockey on the Newton Campus Sports Complex.

“The

ty will

Universi -

build a new athletic facility for soccer and field hockey on the Newton Campus Sports Complex.”

The 43,000-square-foot building—proposed for the site of the Quonset Hut in between BC’s soccer and field hockey fields—will include locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and bathrooms for spectators, according to Levesque.

”It’s not a replacement of the Quonset Hut, but it’s a new building to support the athletic functions out there for men’s and women’s soccer and field hockey,” Levesque said. Like the Quonset Hut, the new

The program’s 17 teachers moved into the Mount Alvernia campus last December, according to Jeanne Levesque, BC’s director of government relations.

athletic facility will also offer gym space for students living on Newton Campus, Levesque said.

“Students who are on Newton Campus—they will have access,” Levesque said. “They don’t want to come all the way to campus to play basketball. They could go in there or lift weights.”

The athletic building will be designed in Gothic style, similar to the Pete Frates Center on Brighton

Campus, according to Levesque.

The University also bought 9 Old Orchard Road, a home on the corner of Beacon Street built in 1645, according to BC Vice President for Governmental and Community Affairs Tom Keating.

According to Keating, the house was on the brink of foreclosure when BC bought it.

The house was listed for just under $5 million, but BC bought it for $3.8 million on Oct. 2.

The University hasn’t yet decided how it will use the home, but Keating said the administration plans to maintain the property.

“We did purchase it, and we’re going to maintain it like we do all of our properties, especially on that Beacon Street side,” Keating said. n

“[It] had been up for sale for quite some time,” Keating said. “It was being moved into foreclosure.”

UGBC Discusses BC Study Abroad Process

By ReeTu AgnihoTRi For The Heights

The study abroad application process at Boston College is overly complicated and should be streamlined, student senator Alessandra Veveiros said at the UGBC Senate meeting Tuesday night.

“The school study abroad process needs a whole override,” said Veveiros, MCAS ’27. “I’ve had the worst experience with it, and I think a lot of people have.”

To study abroad, students must complete an application through the Office of Global Education (OGE). The application consists of eight steps, and each step must be completed consecutively to be eligible, according to OGE’s website. OGE requires students to meet with one

of its five advisors, each specializing in a different region, to apply to certain programs.

Veveiros said she hopes to collaborate with OGE advisors to find ways to simplify the process.

“It doesn’t need to be as complicated as I think they’ve made it,” Veveiros said. “I want to work on streamlining that process and making it better, and making it so that it’s a process that every student can actually feel confident going into and going through.”

OGE encourages students to begin planning their study abroad experience as early as possible, but this can be challenging because meetings with advisors fill up quickly, according to Katie Garrigan, UGBC vice president and MCAS ’25.

“You can’t even get meetings

with the people [specializing in the regions] that you’re even just thinking about applying to,” Garrigan said.

“How can you make a decision if you can’t get a meeting to even think about it?”

“The school study abroad process needs a whole override. I’ve had the worst experience with it, and I think a lot of people have.”

Danny Wise, student life committee chair and MCAS ’25, emphasized the importance of continuing the Senate’s work on seemingly small initiatives like adding more study spaces on Newton Campus and improving campus Wi-Fi.

“Focusing on these smaller projects to impact people’s lives in little ways is probably the move going forward,” Wise said.

Delphine Gareau, academic affairs committee chair and MCAS ’26, shared that the Senate is working with the Academic Advising Center to improve the academic advising experience, especially for students who have not yet declared a major.

“One [idea] is potentially a form that a pre-major student could use to request a certain advisor

or potentially match with a major advisor to make that process a little bit more streamlined.”

Alexis Thomas, Montserrat student representative and MCAS ’25, said she is conducting a survey to identify which academic departments are facing the most issues with textbook affordability.

Although the survey results are not yet finalized, the Senate plans to organize a textbook drive at the end of both semesters, Thomas added. Garrigan commended the Senate for its work this semester, emphasizing the strides student senators have made on initiatives across all three committees.

“The amount of progress we have made is insane,” Garrigan said. “I’m really impressed with the work we’ve done.” n

Vyas Talks Race in Clinical Algorithms

By AnnA LAuingeR For The Heights

The use of race in medicine is based on studies that are often outdated and inaccurate, exacerbating racial disparities rather than addressing their root causes, according to Darshali Vyas, a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“The legacy of this movement is in accelerating a shift away from our first principle of race as genetic or biological, and moving it back toward the first principle of race and the social construct,” Vyas said.

Vyas discussed how racial studies have been used to justify the inequitable treatment of minority

groups in medicine at a Park Street Corporation Speaker Series lecture on Thursday.

While a student at Harvard Medical School in 2015, Vyas helped start the Racial Justice Coalition, influenced by the rising Black Lives Matter movement.

“We were entering medical school fresh faced and concerned about racial justice and the political movement that was happening outside of our school,” Vyas said.

As Vyas transitioned from the classroom to the hospital, she said she immediately recognized tools that adjusted their outputs based on a patient’s race.

“By embedding race into the basic data and decision-making of

healthcare, we started to wonder if the algorithms we’re using to propagate race-based medicine may inadvertently direct more attention or more resources to white patients,” Vyas said.

One of the most significant examples of this is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), measuring kidney function, Vyas said.

“The EGFR algorithm was built this way so that it systematically results in higher EGFR values suggesting better kidney function for anyone identified as Black,” Vyas said.

According to Vyas, Black people tend to have higher rates and worse outcomes of kidney disease, but the EGFR calculator yields higher results of kidney function for Black patients, potentially causing delayed care and

referral to kidney doctors.

In March of 2021, a task force created by the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology released a recommendation to remove race from EGFR.

Despite this recommendation, as of 2022, only one-third of national labs no longer used race-reported EGFR.

“It really takes the state advocacy for high hospitals and labs to change their practice,” said Vyas.

The Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) calculator helps clinicians decide whether or not it is too risky for a patient to have a VBAC. According to Vyas, it predicted a lower likelihood of success for Black or Hispanic patients, despite vaginal deliveries generally being healthier and easier for patients overall.

According to Vyas, the VBAC calculator’s results were validated by a study that showed a correlation between factors like race, marital status, and insurance type and the likelihood of VBAC success.

Her group published their call to reconsider the usage of race in the VBAC tool in 2019, and in 2021, the VBAC calculator was changed to no longer consider race as a determining factor.

“It’s powerful to me to see that the same group was able to re-study the tool and concluded that it could remain an accurate and safe way to assess risk without using race,” Vyas said.

Vyas shared that the more she looked into the issue, the more she found that race was present in all areas of medicine.

“We decided to study the practice at large to try to understand the rationale behind including race in these tools, and to try to propose a starting framework to challenge and reconsider these practices when we find them,” said Vyas.

While race should not be a primary factor in determining medical treatment, Vyas emphasized that the medical field should ignore race or its impacts on patients.

“We strongly believe that we should continue to study racial disparities, trend them over time, and understand how race is affecting our patients,” Vyas said.

Race has been embedded in the medical field under the assumption that racial difference is inherent, but, according to Vyas, this is not how these differences should be viewed moving forward.

“When we do that, we risk interpreting these disparities as unchangeable, natural facts, rather than injustices that require our attention and intervention,” Vyas said. “Instead, when our operating principle is that racial difference in outcomes is from systemic racism, we can get to work refocusing on dismantling those systems of oppression.” n

NICOLE VAGRA / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

BC purchased the Mount Alvernia Campus in Oct. 2023 after the school closed due to low enrollment.

ANNA LAUINGER / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Vyas discussed race-based medicine at an event hosted by the Park Street Corporation Speaker Series on Thursday.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller Will Not Run Again

Fuller said that there is still much to be done in the city before her term ends and that she intends to continue to work hard for Newton’s citizens.

“I’m all in on working as hard as ever for the next 394 days as your Mayor,” Fuller said. “The work of this city and the needs of our residents are always evolving in education, transportation, housing, climate resiliency, public safety, public health, community and civility.”

Fuller expressed her confidence in the city moving forward, citing previous work as evidence.

“Our prospects are bright in large part because of the incredible work we have accomplished together,” Fuller said.

These accomplishments during her mayoral tenure include investments in the Newtonville Commuter Rail Station, building more affordable housing, zoning updates, and pushing forward Newton’s action to combat climate change.

Additionally, Fuller attributed

her optimism for Newton’s future to the projects that are currently in the works for the city.

The projects Fuller listed include the five new and renovated school buildings across the city as well as the opening of the Cooper Center for Active Living, a new senior center, next year.

“Each of these successes is the result of collegiality and collaboration, supported by our promise to invest time and resources carefully,” Fuller said.

Fuller’s update ended with encouragement, urging Newton

residents to get involved in their community.

“Life in Newton is shaped by those who grab an oar and pull

and it’s meaningful, satisfying time well spent,” Fuller said. “Newton and its people need you, perhaps now more than ever.” n

St. Mary of Carmen Society Christmas Tree Fundraiser Lights Up Nonantum

By Riley del SeSto For The Heights

At Coletti-Magni Park, Christmas lights illuminate a wooden Santa Claus display, a mailbox for sending letters to the North Pole, and laughing children playing along to the echoes of Christmas songs in the background.

St. Mary of Carmen Society’s Christmas tree fundraiser sits on the corner of Watertown Street, catching the attention of passersby.

Chuck Proia, festival chairman for the St. Mary of Carmen Society, explained that his dedication to the society and the

Christmas tree fundraiser revolves around the event’s connection to his childhood.

“The biggest thing about it is it brings [us] back [to] when we were kids, watching the families come here with their kids and picking out a tree, and the happiness that you see there,” Proia said. “We all come from the same neighborhood. We’re all involved.”

The St. Mary of Carmen Society is widely recognized for its annual, well-attended Italian American festival at Pellegrini Park in Newton, but the society also plays an active role in their community year-round.

During Christmastime,

members recreate the Christmas magic they experienced as children with an annual Christmas tree fundraiser to support the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Association’s (NCCPA) annual park lighting and Christmas parade.

The St. Mary of Carmen Society, founded in 1935, began as a mutual aid society for Italian men in Newton, according to Proia.

“The person who came into the society, if anything happened to them, the society would take care of them,” Proia said. “Most of our grandfathers and fathers belonged to it.”

The society was originally a

community for Italian Americans since American social clubs in the early 1900s were not particularly welcoming to Italians. Today, the society is now a nonprofit organization with a mission of helping out families and other organizations in their community.

“It’s evolved into more of a charitable [organization],” Proia said. “In the last 10 years, we’ve given over $100,000, so that’s what now all of our emphasis is for. Obviously, it was based upon the religious aspect, based upon helping the families … When somebody needs something, we’re usually there.”

The money raised from the Christmas tree fundraiser will go into the society’s general fund for future events and donations. The fundraiser started 10 years ago and has occurred every year since. This year, the fundraiser began on Nov. 29 and will continue until they run out of the 350 trees they ordered, according to Proia.

The society keeps its prices at a fixed rate of $75 per tree. They’re not in it for the money, according to Proia.

“I tell everybody, it’s a fundraiser,” Proia said. “We sell it at $75, we don’t care what it looks like. As far as height, size—could be 8-foot tall, 9-foot tall. We’re not a business.”

Mike Mazzola, chairman of the Christmas tree fundraiser for the St. Mary of Carmen Society said that the group has given him an opportunity to bond with his family.

“I grew up on this street,” Mazzola said. “I’ve been doing this all my life. My two daughters just joined this year. … They found time to help Daddy out.”

Anthony Pellegrini, chairman of the St. Mary of Carmen Christmas party association, said that family connections are what drew him into the park lighting. He said the light show in ColettiMagni was his father’s brainchild.

“We’ve been doing this type of lighting for 30 years,” Pellegrini said. “Before that, the lights were out in the street like you see in the movie [It’s a] Wonderful Life In the ’50s my dad asked the police lieutenant, since the police department took care of the lights, if we could put them in this park for the veterans.”

Pellegrini said he’s proud of the legacy of his father, his namesake—Anthony “Fat” Pellegrini Sr.—and of his grandfather who moved to Nonantum in 1906.

“He was an icon in this area,” Pelligrini said. “Me, I’m just a worker bee, even though I’m the junior.”

For Pellegrini, it’s important to continue the traditions his family and neighborhood started.

“Before my father passed he said to me, ‘You give up something around here you’ll never get it back,’ so we try not to give up any of our traditions,” Pellegrini said. “That goes for almost everything, really, especially in a town like this.” n

MBTA To Rebuild Inaccessible Newtonville Station

By Genevieve MoRRiSon

Assoc. Newton Editor

On Monday, Newton’s government representatives announced that the MBTA will rebuild the Newtonville train station, which will become Newton’s first station compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“This has been a long time coming,” U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss said.

At a Newton City Hall press conference, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Auchincloss, and other officials announced $50 million in state and federal funds for the station’s reconstruction, including a $7 million earmark secured by Auchincloss.

This reconstruction is one element of a wider plan to make Newton a better place to live, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said.

“This is a huge leap

forward in Newton, not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility, and climate resiliency,” Fuller said.

Currently, the Newtonville station includes one platform that’s only reachable by stairs.

The reconstruction will add two-level boarding platforms accessible by elevators and a bridge designed for wheelchairs.

“Everyone will now be able to take the train—people with mobility challenges, parents with a stroller, and travelers with a suitcase,” Fuller said.

Additionally, the station currently only has a track on one side, which means trains going eastbound and trains going westbound cannot cross the station at the same time.

As a result, the train often doesn’t stop at the station for long stretches of time, which causes delays across the whole train system, according to MBTA General Manager Phil Eng.

“This limits the ability of riders to reverse-commute to Newton and does not align with our goals here at the MBTA of providing two-way service for everyone,” Eng said at the press conference.

The other two commuter

rail stations in Newton, West Newton and Auburndale, also fail to comply with the ADA.

Two thousand riders travel through Newton’s three stations every day, according to Eng.

“There’s not one accessible MBTA commuter rail station in

the city, and that’s not acceptable,” Eng said.

Also included in the plan for reconstruction are CCTV cameras, canopies, tactile warning strips, bike racks, and designated pick-up and drop-off areas. n

Reconstructing

MAGGIE LEAHY / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Mayor Fuller, from A1

Fuller was sworn into office in 2018 and is currently serving her second term.

RILEY DEL SESTO / FOR THE HEIGHTS

The Italian group based in Newton’s village of Nonantum hosts Christmas events throughout the season.

City Council Leaves Newton-Wellesley Hospital Out of Emissions Reporting Ordinance

By Genevieve Morrison Assoc. Newton Editor

In its meeting on Monday night, the Newton City Council voted to exempt Newton-Wellesley Hospital from a Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) that will make buildings report and reduce their carbon emissions over time.

“The hospital, it saves lives,

it’s critical infrastructure, so I feel we have to hash out an agreement,” Ward 1 Councilor-at-Large John Oliver said.

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) passed BERDO last week, which brought the ordinance to the city council docket on Monday on second call—a process that allows further discussion on an item that a subcommittee already voted on.

ZAP passed BERDO without an exemption for Newton-Wellesley, but its version of the ordinance included a path for the hospital to gain an exemption in the future.

The hospital, however, would have to reapply for that exemption every five years and expressed that conditional immunity was not good enough.

“We don’t feel that that is sufficient clarity to confirm that the

City of Newton recognizes the obligations that we are confronting,” John Meserve, a representative for the hospital, said at ZAP last week.

This is because to comply with federal regulations for hospitals, Newton-Wellesley has to keep two sources of energy, according to Meserve.

The hospital uses electricity—a permissible option under BERDO—as its primary energy source. Its secondary source is natural gas, however, which creates more emissions than BERDO would allow.

The hospital’s energy system makes it impossible to switch away from gas as a backup energy source because the alternative would be heat pumps, which could only produce a fraction of the energy that gas provides, Meserve said.

“Thirty percent of our existing load on the steam boilers can be replaced by a heat pump, but 70 percent of the load on those gas boilers will remain until there’s an alternative fuel to natural gas,” Meserve said.

In the event that Newton-Wellesley loses electricity and

is forced to rely on gas temporarily, it would surpass the emissions maximum under BERDO and risk fines.

At Monday’s full council meeting, Ward 4 Councilor-at-Large Josh Krintzman proposed an amendment that would exempt the hospital’s existing buildings from BERDO, while also requiring the hospital to create a plan to establish alternative energy sources like heat pumps wherever possible.

“This amendment reflects a discussion that took place after the Zoning and Planning meeting,” Krintzman said. “The Newton-Wellesley Hospital folks and the city folks agreed on essentially a compromise.”

The amendment passed 22–1–1. A motion to vote on the entire BERDO ordinance failed 11–12–1, so the council will take up the item again when it meets Dec. 16.

“I have a lot of questions, and I don’t want people to be disappointed when I exercise my right to charter the item, so I can get those questions answered,” said Ward 4 Councilor-at-Large Leonard Gentile. n

Trial for Alleged Newton Shooter Scott Hayes Postponed Again, Protests Continue

By Genevieve Morrison Assoc. Newton Editor

A judge postponed the trial for Scott Hayes, the alleged shooter in a violent incident at a pro-Israel protest in September, at a hearing on Tuesday at Newton District Court.

The trial was already postponed at another scheduled hearing last month as both sides said they needed more time for discovery of evidence. Hayes faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

A lawyer for the prosecution

said he had interviewed state police officers since the last hearing, but he was waiting for lab reports on gun identification.

A lawyer for Hayes requested that the state provide the criminal record of Caleb Gannon, the man whom Hayes allegedly shot.

The trial follows an incident in September when Gannon, a Newton resident, yelled at protesters at a pro-Israel demonstration on Washington Street, then charged across the street and tackled Hayes.

Hayes and the other pro-Israel

protesters struggled to restrain Gannon, then Gannon was shot.

Hayes, a Framingham resident who is not Jewish, legally owned the fired gun.

Protesters—both those in support of Hayes and those advocating for his conviction—stood out in front of the courthouse on Tuesday.

Susan Mirsky, one of the protesters present, said she thinks Hayes should be held accountable.

“I know it’s not against the law to carry a gun, but bringing it to any kind of political gathering is really

crazy, and that he shot Caleb is a crime,” Mirsky said. Yuri Kazakevich, a protester who said he has demonstrated with Hayes, said Hayes did not deserve to be attacked in September and does not deserve to be charged with a crime.

“He was always like, ‘Guys, calm down, guys don’t engage,’ and he never engaged, and he was brutally attacked,” Kazakevich said.

The second postponement of the trial disappointed Kazakevich.

“It’s more stress, obviously, for

Scott and everybody, because we want the charges dismissed,” Kazakevich said. “It’s just, the wheels are working slowly.”

But Gannon’s plight also deserves attention, according to protester Eileen Kurkoski.

“We get all this exposure about Hayes being okay and having the right to defend himself, so it’s unequal in media, and even in the court because they haven’t been able to get records about Gannon,” Kurkoski said. Hayes is due back in court for his trial on Jan. 27. n

Newton Attorney To Run For DNC Chair

By Laney Mcaden Asst. Newton Editor

Newton attorney and political strategist Jason Paul announced his campaign for chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Thursday.

As DNC chair, Paul would overhaul the national Democratic Party’s approach to elections, according to the announcement posted to his Substack.

“What we’re doing now simply isn’t working,” Paul said. “We have lost three of the last five national elections; we can’t continue the same approach and expect a better result.”

Paul said the party should focus on reducing fundraising text messages, which he sees as a disservice to Democratic supporters.

“We need to stop the damn texts,” Paul said. “If you had a friend who asked you ten times a day for money, how long would that person remain your friend? The Democratic Party needs to stop treating its most loyal supporters as ATM machines and start treating them like the partners they should be.”

His decision to run comes in light of the results of the 2024 election, explained Paul in an earlier announcement, where he expressed fear for the next four years under Donald Trump.

“My hope is that by entering this race I will be able to push the conversation forward on the idea that we need systemic rather than slight changes at the DNC,” Paul said. “These changes are much more in the direction of how we communicate rather than what we

communicate.”

Paul, 38, has worked on several political campaigns across much of New England, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine. He served as a field organizer for Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s 2021 campaign.

Paul has a bachelor’s degree in politics from Brandeis University and a law degree from the University of Connecticut. He has also written a book, Trench Warfare Politics in the Tinder Era, discussing the past 20 years of American political history.

Serving as an executive member of the Newton Democratic City Committee since April 2016, Paul lives and works in Newton.

Paul said he intends to spend the next several months sharing his ideas with the public, many of which rethink how the Democratic Party

operates.

“I’m asking DNC members, and my fellow Democrats, to expand their understanding of what’s possible,” Paul said. “We must switch

from tweaking the status quo to a moonshot

IMAGE COURTESY OF MASS GENERAL BRIGHAM

The council put off voting on an ordinance that would require buildings to report environmental impacts.

IMAGE COURTESY OF JASON PAUL As chair, Paul said he would reduce fundraising text messages to supporters.

A Newton District Court judge rescheduled the first day of alleged shooter Scott Hayes’ trial for Jan. 27. Hayes’ alleged assailant has not been charged by the state.

GENEVIEVE MORRISON / HEIGHTS EDITOR

M AGAZINE

Colleen Shogan Digitizes the National Archives

B y k ate c ugno Heights Staff

Women have quietly shaped the library and archival fields for years, but in the past decade, they have emerged as leaders of federal archives and top libraries.

Among them is Colleen Shogan, BC ’97, who was appointed the 11th head of the United States National Archives and Records Administration, making history as the first woman to ever hold the position. She hopes her examples will ensure she is not the last.

“When you have women leading these institutions, it gives them the hope that someday, if they stay on this path, if they want to continue to work in libraries, museums, archives, that they too could run one of these large agencies or institutions,” Shogan said.

Previously, Shogan served as senior vice president at the White House Historical Association and had extensive experience at the Library of Congress. In 2022, President Biden appointed her to lead the National Archives.

Shogan’s interest in working in the United States government began long before her current role. While at Boston College, Shogan majored in political science and later earned a Ph.D. in political science at Yale.

After graduating from Yale, Shogan taught American politics at George Mason University. Seeking a more direct role in the federal government, she applied for a fellowship with the American Political Science Association, which allowed her to work in Congress.

Although the fellowship was meant to last only a year, she became deeply engaged in the work it involved.

“I took a year off from George Mason to do that, and that proved to be really a defining moment in my career because after I left to do that fellowship, I never went back full-time to academia,” Shogun said.

While working on Capitol Hill as a defense fellow, Shogan met Purva Rawal, who was then a health fellow for Senator Joseph Lieberman. Currently, Rawal serves as the chief strategy officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center and adjunct assistant professor at the School

What

y S ofia L evorchick

B

For The Heights

of Nursing and Health Studies at Georgetown University.

Shogan and Rawal collaborated on bipartisan legislation aimed at providing increased support for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“[The military] didn't have a lot of the programs and infrastructure in place to support those service members that were suffering from PTSD or, unfortunately, having traumatic brain injuries in combat,” Rawal said.

Shogan’s advocacy for the rights of others continued at the National Archives, where she is currently developing a project that will showcase original documents that have been instrumental in securing the rights of marginalized groups throughout American history, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the 19th Amendment.

“The 19th Amendment enabled the largest enfranchisement in the history of the United States, removing voting restrictions for more than half of all Americans,” Shogan said in a press release. “We are adding it, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Rotunda to share a more complete story of our nation's ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.”

Robert Newlen, interim director of the Congressional Research Service, has known Shogan for over 20 years and said she is a "change agent" who embraces innovation.

“Colleen is also a change agent. She's not afraid of change. She knows how to manage it,” Newlen said. “That's a real art in the management world to have that skill and it’s both here at the library and the archives.”

Making archives and records accessible online has taken priority in recent years as the government adapts to an increasingly digital landscape. Despite the challenges, Shogan said this shift has made it much easier for the National Archives to achieve its goal of making information more accessible to the public.

“Our biggest challenge at the Archives today is our transformation from being a paper-based—the technical term is analog—physical archive with physical materials and physical items in our collection to becoming a predominantly digital

archive,” Shogan said.

Though the modernization of the National Archives is a relatively new project, Shogun has long incorporated digital tools into her work. While at the White House Historical Association, she created a virtual, 3D tour of the public rooms of the White House after in-person tours were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the Archives’ recently digitized collections features the papers, writings, and personal testaments of Rosa Parks, the iconic Civil Rights Movement activist. Once a little-known collection, it reveals a deeply personal side of Parks’ life and work, Newlen said.

“[Parks] was a poet,” Newlen said. “People had always thought that she didn't write a lot. In fact, she did,” Newlen said. “She wrote on the back of napkins. She wrote on the back of church programs that we digitized, all that. I get goosebumps thinking about it because it's such a fabulous collection.”

The National Archives has begun encouraging people to creatively incorporate its resources into books and movies. One recent

example is the 2023 film Killers of the Flower Moon , which relied heavily on the Archives' documents.

Following the film's release, author David Grann, director Martin Scorsese, and lead actress Lily Gladstone were invited to the National Archives, where they were honored with the Records of Achievement Award, the agency’s highest distinction.

“We give [the award] to a person or a team of people who have used our records in ways that are uniquely able to share them with the American people,” Shogan said.

Shogan is no stranger to creative writing herself. After researching the many White House ghost stories to find out more about the historic building’s history, she published her first mystery novel, Stabbing in the Senate . The book follows Senate staffer Kit Marshall who finds her boss, Senator Langsford, impaled on a stainless steel statue one day.

“She would joke when we were in the Senate that she had these ideas for writing murder mystery novels, and then she went and did it,” Rawal said. “We all talk about,

‘Oh, I'd love to write a book. I’d love to do this.’ And then Colleen talks about it, then she just goes out and does it, and it's amazing.”

Reflecting on her time at BC, Shogan advised BC students to take full advantage of their liberal arts education, as it prepares them for future careers while fostering a balanced life.

“We were really supportive of BC athletics, and one of my roommates was the BC Eagle, so we had a lot of fun with that,” said Dr. Shogan. “But we were also serious about our schoolwork, knowing we were preparing for graduate school or jobs, which made for a great balance and really represented the best of Boston College.”

Shogan views her work at the National Archives as an opportunity to not only preserve the nation's history but also empower future generations by making these records more accessible—a sentiment Newlen echoes.

“Some people say, and I agree, that the Library of Congress was the best gift that the U.S. Congress ever gave to the American people,” Newlen said. n

Your Winter Coat Brand Says About You

As winter quickly approaches, Boston College students are bracing for Boston’s heavy snowfalls and notoriously frigid temperatures. Finding the perfect coats to stay both warm and stylish is a top priority as autumn fades.

From classic North Face puffers to chic Canada Goose jackets, what you wear on the outside during the harsh winter months says a lot about who you are on the inside.

Aritzia

From beige to black, matte to glossy, and cropped to long, The Super Puff comes in a variety of styles,

offering a versatile and trendy take on winter fashion. Though sometimes considered a basic choice, associated with the “clean girl aesthetic,” it still serves its purpose of keeping students cozy in the face of cold Boston winds. Often paired with slicked-back hairstyles and athletic wear, The Super Puff is a stylish option for BC students to sport around campus.

Canada Goose

Although Canada Goose parkas tend to be on the pricier side, it is not a rare occurrence to see students flaunting them around campus. Retailing for a steep $1,700, these parkas add a bougie twist to winter fashion. The high price tag could be justified by the extra warmth that the coats provide, making Canada Goose a good choice for those willing to splurge on a durable, elegant winter coat.

North Face

Any North Face coat is a classic and suitable choice for Boston winters. The most popular choice, however, is their black puffer jacket, designed to be especially snug and warm. Whether you’re sporting baggy cargo pants or black leggings, a North Face coat effortlessly ties together any look. It is an excellent option to subtly elevate your style while keeping you warm.

Edikted

A staple for a night out in downtown Boston, an Edikted leather jacket is a perfect choice for avid citygoers or those who want to add some flair to their everyday outfits. Although it is not the best at keeping you warm on

a bitterly cold day, these jackets are a great choice for a milder day. For some extra warmth, they can be paired with a scarf and gloves to usher you into your downtown girl era.

Ralph Lauren

The Ralph Lauren puffer jacket, priced at nearly $500, adds a touch of class to your outfit. This preppy option goes well with both sophisticated and casual styles, making it a solid choice for students looking to build a chic winter wardrobe. With its timeless feel, a Ralph Lauren jacket is a great way to stay elegant during the winter.

Patagonia

Whether a fleece or a puffer, Patagonia jackets are a simple yet classic choice for layering over your outfits. Often paired with patterned sweaters and Timberland boots, Patagonia jacket wearers embrace a granola aesthetic and convey their connection to nature. They also evoke a hint of nostalgia, as they’ve been in style for as long as I can remember, so kudos to their consistency in staying trendy year after year. Overall, Patagonia jackets are a comfortable and practical option for shielding you from the brisk winter winds. n

Shogan is making American history as the first female head of the National Archives and Records Administration.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLEEN SHOGAN

Homemade on the Heights: Northender Sandwich

By sydney Benedict Heights Staff

I vividly remember the first time my dad visited me at Boston College during my freshman year. He was excited to take me and a few friends out to dinner and asked the age-old question: “What are some of your favorite places to eat around here?” When it comes to those coveted parent-sponsored meals—precious escapes from Mac chicken and two sides—my friends and I always had one answer: Cityside.

You may be wondering: What’s so special about this place? Aren’t there other great dining options near campus? Yes, Chestnut Hill and Boston offer

plenty of delicious eateries, but there’s something about Cityside that keeps drawing BC students, like my friends and me, back again and again. Maybe it’s the infectious BC spirit in the air, the cozy tavern vibe, or the consistently delicious food. For us, though, there was one menu item that stood above the rest: the Northender.

Was is the operative word here. To our immense dismay, a great tragedy struck when Cityside removed the Northender from the menu.

The Northender was more than just a sandwich—it was an experience.

Paired with a side of truffle fries, it was the perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors, a nod to Boston’s North End and classic tavern charm. It was the ultimate treat during a parental visit, almost making up for the incessant questioning we had to endure while eating it: How are your classes? What’s new in your life? Are you getting enough sleep? But the taste of that sandwich? Worth every question and mundane answer.

Determined to relive the magic of the Northender, I set out to recreate it, truffle fries included. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy this tribute to a BC classic—enjoy!

DISH: Northender Sandwich

SANDWICH INGREDIENTS:

Pesto (I used Wegmans)

One large bell pepper

One large head of garlic

Ciabatta bread

Chicken breasts

Bread crumbs

Egg

Flour

Oregano

Salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Burrata

Arugula

FRIES INGREDIENTS:

Potatoes

Truffle oil

Parmesan cheese

Salt Lots of vegetable oil (for frying)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Slice bell pepper into four parts and slice off the top of the head of garlic.

3. Place bell pepper and head of garlic

on a baking sheet and cover in olive oil, cooking until brown.

4. Slice the bell pepper and squeeze the garlic out of the cloves.

5. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with egg; and one with breadcrumbs salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

6. Bread chicken first by dipping in flour, coating in egg, and then coating in breadcrumbs.

7. Cook chicken over the stovetop in a pan with oil for about four minutes per side on medium heat, then cover the pan and cook for three more minutes on low heat.

8. Toast bread.

9. Spread pesto on one slice of bread and garlic on the other. 10. Place chicken, burrata, peppers, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on bread to assemble the sandwich.

Slice potatoes in about ¼ inch thick small rectangles. 12. Put potato slices in a bowl with ice and water for at least 15 minutes. 13. Deep fry in vegetable oil until browned.

14. Let sit and allow the oil to drain onto paper towels.

15. Place in a bowl and coat in truffle oil, salt, and parmesan cheese. You have just made your own Northender! n

Myers Makes Big Splash on ‘Shark Tank’

By Kate Kissel Copy Chief

Shark Tank can do one of two things for an entrepreneur: eat them alive or propel them toward sustained success. For Dawn Myers, BC ’07, it was the latter.

“Having Mark Cuban on your list of investors is a game changer,” Myers said. “The heft that we have behind us because of that deal is very real, and it’s definitely having an impact for the company.”

Myers came up with the idea for her product, The Mint by Richualist, after watching another beauty founder pitch her product on Shark Tank. Inspired by her success, Myers realized she wanted to create a product that would make a real difference for women with textured hair. The Mint helps women enhance their natural curls, and does so with an easy-to-use thermal infuser.

“I think I can solve a problem for people who look like me,” Myers said.

And that’s what she did.

Although Myers is a lawyer by trade, she has worn a variety of hats in the professional world.

But her success hasn’t come easy.

Myers had to start at the very beginning—with just a pen, some paper, and an idea.

“I sketched out a concept and went to the store the next day and bought up a bunch of prototyping materials,” Myers said.

From there, Myers turned her attention to understanding the user experience, fine-tuning the product to better meet consumers’ needs.

“It started out with a very ugly little prototype,” Myers said. “I just put something together from there. I used that to go out and perform some tests and get some feedback from customers.”

Ultimately, it took five years for Myers to perfect her design, and even when the product was ready, some

consumers were still hesitant.

“We’ve had people who have said ‘This is stupid. Why would you make this? People can do this process with their hands. They don’t need your products,’” Myers said.

Despite the criticism, Myers did not back down. Instead, she recognized that this backlash was not coming from the actual customers of her product, but from people with non-textured hair who did not understand the product’s purpose.

“Our customers—the people who actually were textured hair consumers—they were all really excited about it,” Myers said. “They saw the value, and they encouraged me to go forward and to make the thing. So, I made the thing.”

Myers learned she could target the product specifically to consumers who truly needed—and understood—it.

“There’s this tension between understanding that there’s a real problem there, but also learning how to narrow the parameters for our product so that it’s only going to customers, and the idea is only getting out there to people who are going to understand it,” Myers said.

Myers admitted that finding people with first-hand experience of textured hair, who could recognize the demand for such products, was a challenge. Ultimately, this issue extended beyond consumer targeting and into product design and development.

“All of our engineers are brilliant people, but these are folks who understand computer-assisted design,” Myers said. “These are people who understand industrial engineering. These aren’t people who understand textured hair.”

Myers simply needed to find engineers with hair like hers, but this has proven to be a challenge.

Unable to find an engineering team that could develop her product, Myers had to take on the role of a pseudo-engineer herself.

“I’ve had to turn into a little bit of an

engineer,” Myers said. “I’ve had to learn how to think through the complaints that our customers have, the pain points that our customers have, and turn that into functionality that does work for them.”

Myers believes that her ability to take on so many different roles within her company stems from her deep understanding of both her product and the hair type it targets.

“There’s no way that I would be able to make this product unless I had this hair type,” Myers said. “In fact, the same dynamic is the reason that our company is allowed to exist.”

One of the major challenges in the textured hair industry—and a key reason for The Mint’s success, according to Myers—is that the research and development teams entering the industry often fail to understand the needs of their target consumers.

“There are a lot of big companies—Procter and Gamble, L’Oréal, Unilever—who are interested in this concept, but the people who are responsible for research and development in those companies don’t look like me,” Myers said. “They don’t quite get it yet. They will eventually.”

Armed with having a head-start in an industry not fully served by large beauty corporations, Myers took to pitching her product at incubators and

accelerators. Eventually, that practice led her to pitch in the biggest stage of all: Shark Tank.

This was no challenge for Myers, though.

“Pitching on Shark Tank, a lot of people said that it was going to be the hardest pitch ever,” Myers said. “It was the easiest because I’ve spent so much time on the road pitching, trying to get capital for my company, and so it was just a joy.”

Myers’ confidence propelled her to success, ultimately walking away with a $150,000 investment from Mark Cuban and Emma Grede in exchange for 20 percent of her company.

Since Shark Tank, Myers has focused on expanding her company and developing partnerships with other organizations. Even with these big goals in mind, Myers remains dedicated to her team and her customers.

Sara Tariq, marketing lead at Richualist, highlighted Myers’ ability to make everyone around her feel heard and valued.

“She cares about us,” Tariq said. “Not only does she care about her team but she also cares about her customers.”

When shipping problems arose, Myers took the initiative to write every customer a handwritten note apologizing for the delay.

Myers’ commitment to the women who need her product keeps her going, despite any obstacle—even a stage 3 cancer diagnosis. Through the trying times that came along with the diagnosis, Myers remained consistent in her work.

“She was raising money from her hospital bed while she was going through chemo,” Tariq said.

Even in the face of trials and tribulations, Myers stated that business ownership has been one of the most gratifying experiences she has had.

“It’s been a really affirming experience,” Myers said. “It’s been a strengthening experience. It has strengthened my intellect and my capacity and my

capabilities as a leader and as a CEO. It’s been all around just an amazing experience.”

Myers’ former chief of staff, Jessica Grant, agrees.

“I got the call a couple of days after she got her cancer diagnosis,” Grant said. “And I was on the other end of that phone call crying and Dawn was on her side saying, ‘We are going to get through this, and this is how we’re going to do it.’”

In Grant’s view, the company could not be in better hands than with a strong, inspirational woman like Myers.

“She is a true leader and knows how to weather a storm,” Grant said.

Myers’ company is more than just a business—it is committed to uplifting women and helping them see the value of their natural hair.

“I’m advocating for all people with textured hair,” Myers said. For Myers, this advocacy includes countering the false narratives about textured hair that persist in both the media and society.

“What we have to do first is become really, really comfortable with our hair the way that it grows out of our head,” Myers said. “That’s a whole transformational process.”

Myers said she hopes to teach her consumers that they don’t have to change anything about their natural hair for it to be beautiful.

“Identify whether you are trying to change your hair into something that it is not, or whether you are trying to simply enhance what you have,” Myers said.

Myers wasn’t always sure of her company’s trajectory, but she knew how to keep moving forward. This determination drove her success, and she urges other aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize it.

“Do something and never stop,” Myers said. “So don’t wait for the perfect circumstances. Don’t wait to be more confident or to know more: start now. Do something. Find a way to start and then never stop.” n

PHOTO COURTESY OF SYDNEY BENEDICT Sydney recreated a Cityside favorite.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAWN MYERS

Myers created a hair styling tool, “The Mint,” targeted toward people with textured hair.

Myers presented “The Mint” on Shark Tank, where she received

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA TARIQ

OPINIONS

Owen Bienen Video Editor

“Rat meatballs are the best dish at Boston College.”

Addie Kinnally Copy Editor

“The Elf on the Shelf is

Genevieve Morrison

Associate Newton Editor

“Final exams are better than final papers.”

Sarah Vergura Associate Advertising Director

“Having class on Monday before finals is unnecessary.”

Ben Haddad Fundraising Director

“There should be intramural golf.”

Maddie Mulligan Copy Editor

Elf is one of the best Christmas movies.”

The opinions and commentaries of the

LinkedIn-sanity

I have a LinkedIn, and it feels apocalyptic.

For those who don’t know, LinkedIn is the social networking website for professional development. Unlike other social media platforms like Facebook or X, LinkedIn unpretentiously admits in its vision statement that it seeks to provide economic opportunity for its users—not social utility. Thankfully, this means LinkedIn doesn’t leave room for self-aggrandizement, petty internet drama, or a cottage industry of “influencers” ... or does it? It does.

Self-employed influencers on LinkedIn adopt a variety of titles that are often misleading, such as marketing specialists, brand managers, and talent coaches. But they typically have the same job: posting and generating drama on LinkedIn for clicks and attention, only to funnel job-seekers toward their own pricey online “career development” courses and one-on-one coaching sessions. In effect, they degrade modern-day career development by flooding America’s flagship career platform with petty arguments and engagement farming. Allow me to provide an example.

Around a year ago, controversy broke out on LinkedIn over the platform’s “#OpenToWork” banner. For context, LinkedIn lets users attach a banner to their profile picture with the #Open-

ToWork hashtag to indicate that they are, well, seeking a job. Some users believed that applying this banner to a profile makes a person appear desperate, so they advised job-seekers not to avoid it for strategic reasons. Others respectfully disagreed. But, unfortunately, this candid dialogue did not reflect much of the discussion I saw.

Instead, using this drama as a launchpad, many “LinkedInfluencers” launched into a moral crusade. I can’t find the exact post, but here’s one take I read from the discussion, paraphrased: “Fly high, #OpenToWork banner! Don’t let people calling it ‘desperate’ stop you from #speakingyourtruth. Employers should be respectful of aspiring employees on LinkedIn, so you should not let the detractors get to you. Be your authentic self! #careerdevelopment #careergoals #gethiredhonestly #authenticwork”

Reading this felt like sinking into a boring cyber-dystopia—a sedated version of The Matrix if you will.

To recap, this user made a normative argument—expressing how things should be— about a purely tactical question: whether using a banner PNG on a job board website gets you hired quicker. This user’s post is, obviously, a dumb overreaction. But the worst part of this— and LinkedInfluencer culture in general—is its weaponization of a powerful word: authenticity.

Being authentic means being “true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you’re under to act otherwise.” Yet, many of the LinkedIn users who promote and flaunt “authenticity” are blatantly inauthentic.

Banners and badges adorn LinkedInfluencers’ pages like meaningless tributes to the career God. They exaggerate accomplishments in their profiles, humble-brag on posts, and appoint themselves as online leaders for high ideals, all to build their paramount “personal brand.” Are

many of them burnt-out ex-HR reps with diminished hopes of screenwriting careers? No, no. They’re high-performing social capital allocators with thousands of hours of experience helping #fellowhumans flourish. Despite commodifying themselves as much as possible, they use “authenticity” as their calling card—and effectively mock the word in the process.

When everyone labels themselves a “high performer,” “team player,” and “dynamic learner,” those terms lose their meaning. Still, I can’t blame anyone—including myself—for using this language to get hired. Rather, I take issue with those who use this language and lambast others for not being “authentic” enough. By now, you may assume I think career development is a scam. But—surprise!—I actually worked at the Boston College Career Center for two years, editing resumes, cover letters, and even LinkedIn profiles.

Importantly, I speak for myself here, not the Career Center. Still, I am thankful for the training I received there. When students ask what the purpose of a resume is, I was taught to tell them the right answer. Much to the chagrin of LinkedInfluencers, that answer is not “ to display your authentic self to employers.” In reality, the goal of a resume is to get you a job interview. Full stop.

LinkedIn is still valuable as a tool for your professional online presence. But the deeper LinkedInfluencer “culture” besmirches what should be a pragmatic website dedicated to hiring and networking. If you want help meaningfully thinking about your career goals, I recommend visiting BC’s Career Center and avoiding said “authentic” LinkedIn advisors. In the meantime, if you see someone post on LinkedIn to “join the culture,” “make an impact,” or “promote authenticity,” proceed with caution.

Finding Festivity Amid the Frenzy

If I had to pick a favorite month of the year, December would take the cake.

It’s not exactly a controversial take. By Dec. 1 (or earlier for some of us), Mariah Carey has begun singing her familiar whistle notes, and Andy Williams has begun to proudly declare that “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Storefronts have dusted off their Christmas lights and door decorations, and markets have sprung up around town to spread holiday cheer.

December truly is a wonderful month. It brings some much-needed warmth as the weather gets colder and the days grow shorter. What’s not to love?

These past few years, though, I’ve found myself in a predicament at the start of the month. With final exams, projects, presentations, and papers around the corner, I have found it impossible to find time to soak in the holiday spirit until the month is nearly over.

Instead, I toil away, focused on the next assignment or deadline—only to be freed from the shackles of finals season with just two days left to celebrate.

As a result, I often end December with a lingering sense of melancholy at the hopelessness of my situation. I spend all of November building up excitement for the final month of the year only to spend it stressed and wishing most of it away. To

make matters worse, it doesn’t seem like an end to the December hustle is in sight because the end-of-year grind is not confined to a university setting. Many of my employed friends and family speak of a similar struggle to find time for festive cheer amid their busy work schedules.

In my final year of college, however, I have decided that I simply cannot let this month pass me by, no matter how heavy my workload is. I cannot keep waiting for the mountain of deadlines and responsibilities to dissipate before I decide that I have earned a holiday celebration.

While making this priority shift may seem impossible, I’ve discovered a few key mindset changes that have made all the difference.

The first shift is making time for self-care. Students are conditioned to place their schoolwork above all else.

Our calendars become marked by our pending list of assignments, our daily schedule revolves around what work we are completing, and our plans are made depending on what we have yet to accomplish.

While this model helps ensure that tasks get completed, it does not account for any other needs that a student may have. In recent months, I’ve begun paying greater attention to my personal needs.

I have begun moving around tasks if they interrupt certain elements of my schedule—like fitness, meditation, or free time—that are essential for my well-being.

While this may seem counterproductive, I’ve found that taking time to do activities that support my well-being allows me to return to my work with more focus and clarity.

This method also gives me the flexibility to consider taking time to go on festive outings or participate in holiday-themed activities without feeling overwhelmed with guilt or anxiety.

Another change that I am incorporating is appreciating the value of small holiday moments and experiences. Not all festive activities

need to be grand. It can be very difficult to find the time to go on longer outings at this time in the semester. Instead, I recommend creating an advent calendar of small activities to get you through the month.

Some days, 20 minutes of Christmas songs is all I need to lift my spirits. Other days, it’s a cup of peppermint mocha or a frosty, beautiful walk around the Res.

While these activities may seem simple, doing them consistently makes them meaningful.

Being present in each small, daily indulgence leaves me feeling rejuvenated and ready to power through the end of the semester.

Finally, it is important to let go of the pressure to be festive this month.

It can be all too easy to view these activities as just another social responsibility you don’t want to miss out on.

Doing so, however, can create a lot of pressure to have a holiday season that feels cinematic rather than authentic and fulfilling.

If you have to cancel plans this month to mentally reset with a movie in bed, that’s perfectly okay.

If you have to adjust your schedule to spend some much-needed time with friends, that’s just as wonderful.

This season will only ever be as enjoyable as you make it, so if your holiday activities are more subdued to allow you time to recharge, it’s still the perfect season.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed this finals season, I hope this advice can shine a light on ways to ease the gloomy monotony of the end-of-semester grind.

Even if your study weeks are more “Silent Night” than “Jingle Bells,” just know that the beauty of the season will find you, no matter where you are—you just have to seek it.

Tommy Roche

GRAPHICS BY CONNOR O’BRIEN AND JASHODHARA JINDAL / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Tommy Roche is a columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at thomas.roche@bc.edu.

Punnya KalaPuRaKKel

Punnya Kalapurakkel is a columnist for The Heights She can be reached at punnya.kalapurakkel@bc.edu.

OPINIONS

You Are Wonderful

You are wonderful. And I’m going to prove it to you.

You, yes you, are wonderful and infinitely valuable. If you just read those words and thought, “No way, not me. Wonderful is not the word I’d use. What do I have to offer that someone else can’t do better?” Make no mistake, all the world needs you to be is yourself.

As corny and cliche as it may sound, how well can you say that you really know yourself? For a generation that spends so much time comparing ourselves to others and curating the perfect outward persona

to display to the world on Instagram, LinkedIn, or in everyday life, we don’t often take the time to look beneath the surface at who we truly are. The comparison that drives modern life robs us of the chance to appreciate what’s essential to us and only us. Because of that, we forget how wonderful our uniqueness is–the good, the bad, and even the most trivial things that are unique to each person.

If the world needed you to be the people who you compare yourself to, then that’s who you would have been.

But you were born as you, a unique mix of all the essential, defining characteristics that can’t be found in anyone else.

The chances of this are incomprehensibly small—the odds of your creation, with your exact genetic makeup, are about one in roughly 400 trillion.

You could have been born at any point in the infinite plane of time, but you were born right now, with the richest history behind you and an exciting, expectant future awaiting for all that you have yet

to contribute. Combine that with every unique experience you’ve had and every moment you’ve lived, and you can be assured that there has never been another you—and there will never be.

You are the great “what might not have been.” You live no other life but yours, and its uniqueness makes its value infinite. Each moment of your life is made rich by the sheer unlikelihood of its existence.

Allow yourself to be astonished by that miracle.

Look beyond the unrelenting burdens of finals, work, internships, fears of the future, and regrets from the past.

If only for a moment, allow yourself to tap into that sense of wonder that’s always ready to ignite.

You are a nail in the house of the universe—a tiny but mighty piece. Courageously love your life and the role you play in the history of the universe because no one else will ever do it quite like you.

Don’t Flip Me Off, Flip It Around

At the beginning of the school year, I felt lost. I needed to completely rearrange my classes, apply to jobs I was uncertain about, rediscover my place at Boston College after six months abroad, make amends with someone, and spend time with the friends I love while also trying to meet new people. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t able to compartmentalize my rising anxiety and still be present. I found myself feeling disconnected, with one foot in and one foot out of college life.

One day, as we walked across the Quad, a friend asked me, “What’s weighing on you?” I smiled and played it off, feeling like the turbulence in my mind couldn’t be released into the breeze of a sunny day. A couple of days later, my friend reminded me, “You never answered my question.” At first, I couldn’t find the words to articulate the noise inside my head. I also felt silly complaining when I was incredibly blessed with good health, a top-tier education, and wonderful family and friends. Nonetheless, I started to explain my sense of being left behind, of coming back to campus and feeling like my time was up. At this point, tears welled up in my eyes, and I finally admitted, “I feel like I’m doing everything wrong.” He thought for a moment, then pointed out some of the involvements, people, and personal growth that had made my time at BC so meaningful. As I listened to him, I felt the layers of confusion and self-doubt begin to peel away. He completely flipped my uncertainty—I went from clawing out of quicksand to enjoying the challenge of scaling a mountain.

One of the powers of conversation is the opportunity to address your fears. Worried you’ve become too comfortable alone? You get to go on dates, flirt, dance, and talk—you get to choose who you love. Scared you’ll hate your job? Please. As if your first job is your only job. You get to choose a path, gain experience, and pivot if it isn’t the right one. Not communicating with others? Set aside just 30 minutes once a week

to answer texts and return any missed calls.

Worried you won’t be happy? The great thing is that every day is a chance to start anew.

My friend reminded me to see uncertainty as an opportunity. Even being completely, embarrassingly honest with someone lifted a huge weight off my chest.

That same week, I talked to another friend about how the job search was going. She described a conflict between wanting to return home to the Pacific Northwest and staying in New England, having come to love Boston during her time here.

She didn’t regret switching coasts but wondered if she should have stayed closer to home to avoid the question entirely. I laughed as I realized we were facing exactly opposite dilemmas and flipped it around.

I explained how I had decided to stay close to home and now don’t know whether to stay in Boston or listen to the nagging feeling that it’s time to explore a new place. As my favorite poet and A-list cornball Pitbull would say, “The grass always looks greener on the other side … till you get to the other side.” The irony is that even if my friend had stayed home, she might very well still be facing a different but equally difficult question. We have to focus on doing what feels right in the present moment.

Conversations like these ease isolation and confirm that we all have big questions, but, of course, other conversations can be very counterproductive.

In the days before the recent presidential election, a friend said, “I’m stressed for next week. I’ve discovered things about some of my friends that just might make me like them a little less.”

I grew up in a conservative-leaning Hispanic family while attending an all-girls school in Massachusetts. As I wrestled with the differing perspectives between these two facets of my life, I started asking tough questions of both my friends and family members.

Even within my own family, I was surrounded by highly intellectual, good, and loving people who strongly disagreed with each other. Yet, the discussions remained respectful, rooted in a genuine exchange of information and opinions.

My friend described how gatherings between her liberal immediate family and her mom’s conservative extended family often turned into verbal attacks rather than discussions. The conversations weren’t about understanding, but about hurling labels like “snowflake,” with the underlying goal being, “Let

Winter Festivities

Happy Holidays! Amid the chaos at Boston College right now, don’t forget the joy this time of year brings. Now is the perfect time to give and receive kindness, care, and gratitude. Reach out and spread some holiday cheer, whether by texting your family and friends or complimenting a stranger. In the BC bubble, it’s easy to overlook our impact on others, and there’s no time like the present to change that. Anyway, we wish you a snowy and relaxing winter break!

The Arrival of Snow

This week, BC students got their first taste of snowfall on campus this year. Though it may have only been an inch, it’s officially winter. This means skiing, warm hats, hot chocolate, and many more wintery joys we’ve forgotten over the summer. Yes, the freezing temperatures are a bit of a drag, but seeing the snow makes it all worth it. We hope you’ve all considered how you want to take advantage of future snow, because this week’s precipitation has sadly melted away.

me tell you why you’re wrong.”

After hearing that, I better understand why my friend and I react differently to someone voting differently than we do. I have also gained a new level of appreciation for her introspection and curiosity.

The incredible diversity of life experiences among American voters, coupled with the wide range of issues that inform their voting choices, leads people to prioritize certain issues they feel most strongly about.

It takes courage to examine your own biases and, ultimately, to see beyond a point of disagreement and understand the full scope of a person’s worldview, which is based on life experience.

But modern politics carries a fear that clashes with our innate desires to be liked and fit in with our peers.

There’s a prevailing belief that if we disagree on a political matter, we must be fundamentally different—I must hate what you love and you must love what I hate.

This is usually false. People who disagree with each other tend to overestimate their differences and greatly underestimate their similarities. In her TED Talk, “How Curiosity Will Save Us,” Mónica Guzmán says, “Whoever is underrepresented in your life, will be overrepresented in your imagination.”

While single, the perfect partner may be overrepresented in your imagination. If you’re a regular runner on the second floor of the Plex, the lifting equipment and its users on the third floor may seem intimidating and overrepresented in your mind.

For an atheist whose close friends are all atheists, religious people might be overrepresented as narrow-minded or exclusive. When lonely, the idea of the perfect friend group can be overrepresented.

It’s so easy to cling to our beliefs and preconceived notions when they’re never challenged by the people around us, or to use them as a crutch to explain areas of our lives we’re unhappy with. It is our duty to engage civilly and respectfully with people we disagree with.

We have a responsibility to be proactive in the search for personal and social fulfillment.

If we are honest with ourselves, speak openly with others, and make an effort to surround ourselves with those who are curious about our lives, we will live in a far more peaceful and happy society.

Finals Week

The last day of classes is here, and with it, comes exams, projects, and essays due in the days ahead. Finals are sure to bring stress to everyone you know and love at BC. It may feel never-ending, but don’t worry, it will all work out—hopefully. Just keep your head down and push through these next study days, using the thought of home-cooked meals to keep you going. Here’s to hoping there are open seats in all of your favorite study spots.

New Year’s Resolutions

As the year winds down, you may be reflecting on all you did—and, unfortunately, all you didn’t. We want to take a moment to recognize all the failed, unfinished New Year’s Resolutions that lasted about 10 days into 2024. Maybe some of you permanently ingrained amazing new habits, but for everyone who feels they didn’t change much, don’t let it get you down. The pressure of reflection shouldn’t make you feel bad about yourself—in fact, maybe it’s a sign of confidence in who you are! So as you think about what you want to do differently in 2025, don’t get too stressed. It probably won’t happen anyway.

Skyler Safriet

GRAPHICS BY CONNOR O’BRIEN AND ASHI JINDAL / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Skyler Safriet is a columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at skyler.safriet@bc.edu.

iSabella Pieretti

Isabella Pieretti is a columnist for The Heights She can be reached at isabella.pieretti@bc.edu.

ARTS

Week of Dance Showcases Talent and Diversity

By Angeliki ktoridi Heights Staff

Once a year, Boston College pays homage to the enchanting world of dance, transforming the main stage of the Robsham Theater into a dazzling podium for all the different student dance groups to perform.

The first of a two-night showcase, Friday showcased 11 groups, each representing a variety of dance styles from cultures all over the world. Although they all differed in style, each group brought great energy that kept the audience engaged and enamored with the choreography.

“Week of Dance provides dance groups a dedicated space to showcase what they’ve been working on throughout fall semester,” said Isvarya Sylbert, member of Synergy Hip Hop Dance Company and MCAS ’26. “It’s the last opportunity that many groups have to perform their fall set, and always prompts an exciting and supportive environment.”

The first performance of the night came from Phaymus, which featured very diverse dancer profiles with amazing energy. They used multiple upbeat songs including “APESHIT”

by The Carters. Up next was On Tap. Priding themselves as a no-cut dance team, this performance was overwhelmingly fun and cute. Regardless of experience, each member was able to join in equally. A highlight included the more talented performers who did flips.

A blend of contemporary and hip-hop movements with Southeast Asian music and culture, Masti brought incredible energy on stage with timely and well-prepared choreography. Similar was UPrising’s performance, which focused on urban hip-hop with a variety of different styles.

With the motto “unity, diversity, and respect” to promote a melange of cultures, UPrising’s theme of a sunny beach day of summer festivals represented this well. Songs like “Rush” by Troye Sivan and others that included Jamaican reggae truly made you feel like it was July all over again.

BC Dance Ensemble’s (BCDE) following performance focused on styles such as ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop, reminiscent of the popular reality show So You Think You Can Dance. Flowy costumes paired

with fluid and timely movements all worked to make the piece look like a ripple effect, reminiscent of water flowing down a stream.

With emotionally powerful choreography, these dancers were perfectly on time. The individual dancers’ personalities shined through while also harmonizing perfectly as an entire group.

Up next was Synergy. Wearing all-black costumes and dancing with upbeat hip-hop movements, the audience could see enjoyment radiating off the dancers. Using traditional hiphop and rap music, the performance included songs by The Notorious B.I.G. and other popular ’90s artists.

The Golden Eagles followed with a routine featuring high-intensity pom and dance lines as well as a high variety of styles. Having previously performed for ESPN and even a presidential inaugural parade, their high-energy movements to songs like “Let’s Get Loud” were wonderfully coordinated and eye-catching.

The Dance Organization of BC came next with a blast from the past as they danced to “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. This unique contemporary dance meshed amazingly with

the ’70s music. Timed light effects were implemented alongside solos and acrobatic movements, leaving the audience chanting and cheering by the end of the piece.

The ninth performance of the night came from BC Irish Dance, which took a spin on the usual Irish music we see. Partly acting and partly dancing, the very dynamic piece told a story to the song “bury a friend” by Billie Eilish. Half of the dancers were dressed in all black while the other half were in ’60s-style white dresses. Their movements perfectly represented the difficult skill that is Irish dancing, tying it all together to give us a performance that felt like the plot of Clue

Moving on to Latin-style dancing, BC’s interpretive Latin dance team, Vida de Intensa Pasión, stole the show. This show-stopping performance included various styles that ranged from bachata to reggaeton.

Partnered up, the girls were decorated with beautifully feathered orange showgirl costumes while their male counterparts wore all-black attire. This eye-catching piece, which even featured comedic acting at the end, kept the audience enthralled.

The female partners pushed back their male counterparts, representing the spicy and emotional side that comes with Latin ballroom dancing. Up next was a second performance by BCDE. This piece was a jazz choreography that centered around Michael Jackson’s most popular songs. Including songs like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” the black and shimmery gray outfits worked wonderfully with the tracks. The team incorporated accessories and props like hats and single sparkled gloves into their routine, even using them during a sequence of 20-second turns—an impressive and difficult routine in dance.

Last but definitely not least, Fuego del Corazón ended the night with a bang. Founded in 2003, this Latin dance team aims to celebrate Latin culture with various styles like merengue, bachata, and salsa.

Including songs deeply loved in the Latino community like “WHERE SHE GOES” by Bad Bunny and a remix version of Rauw Alejandro’s “DILUVIO,” the performance included pairs dancing in various styles, leaving the audience wanting more. n

‘Glory and Gore’ Falls Short of Expectations

By Milo Priddle Heights Staff

Over the past few months, the social media accounts of Emerson student film Glory and Gore have gone viral, garnering millions of likes and hundreds of thousands of followers. This media-born excitement resulted in high expectations for the early screening held at Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline on Thursday night.

The short film, written and directed by Gianna Cavarozzi and Lyanna Zammas, ultimately provided insufficient substance underneath the dark academia aesthetic that attracted so much attention online.

The project began as a TV pilot which received a $700 grant from Emerson College. After clips began to trend on social media, the production team decided to cut ties with the University in order to be able to crowdfund. This led the small TV show project to blossom into an exciting, high-budget student film.

The film surrounds a male elitist symposium, in the Platonic

sense, at a university. Despite having a troubled past, the group seems to have turned a progressive leaf with their new president Cassius Sinclair (Javier Garcia). What was previously a club imbued with extraordinarily hedonistic behavior, does not drink anymore nor partake in the animalistic ritual traditions that riddle its history. There is intense reference to the symposium’s grisly past, including an implied murder of a fellow student. These references, however, lack acute depth and value within the film. They feel awkward and forced in a way that glosses them over, especially because they provide little help in developing the plot, providing a purely dramatic effect.

The symposium’s reformation faces issues when Brooks Vaughn (Mateo Bailey), their former president who was expelled by the university, makes a return. His resurfacing alters the power dynamic of the group, as some members remain steadfastly subservient to him.

Sinclair initially remains reso -

lute in upholding the club’s new culture, calling the traditions Vaughn wants to reinstate “medieval.” Soon after, without much pretense, there is the disturbing scene in which the members slice open their palms and let their blood drip into a glass of wine for Sinclair to drink.

The throughline is shaky at best. Major changes in character are backed by little to no actual development shown, and the alleged turning points don’t have the poignant quality one would expect.

Interestingly, despite clearly seeking to impart his influence and revert the symposium to its twisted habits, Vaughn refuses to return to the presidency despite a unanimous vote—he chooses to simply bend Sinclair to his will instead. Other hollow acts of drama are included during this part of the film, including a drugging and physical attack.

The feature concluded with the symposium returning to its old ways before its members turn on the club and report it to the university, a decision lacking any real pretense. The symposium finally shuts down, with its members ex -

pelled.

Sinclair is distraught and unleashes his anger on Vaughn, who he blames. Vaughn, in an interesting turn, drops to his knees and expresses how all he ever wanted was to just feel close to Sinclair.

The actors provided the film with entertainment despite the weak plot and sometimes trite writing. While melodramatic and performative for its own sake at times, the acting was not the flaw.

At some points, however, the overly bold score spoon-fed viewers what

they were supposed to feel, and without it, many scenes would feel emotionally empty.

Despite the excitement for Glory and Gore , the film did not hold up to be much more than its enticing TikTok-friendly aesthetic.

The background of the film’s plot is alluded to ineffectively, often feeling theatrical and ungenuine. It was a similar case with the storyline, which had large developments without the connecting events necessary to give it coherence, making the plot feel disjointed. n

This year’s Week of Dance performances showcased the many talents of BC’s dance groups. Celebrating their skill and diversity, 11 groups took to the stage Friday night. ELLIE EL-FISHAWY / HEIGHTS STAFF

Dua Lipa’s Orchestral Triumph at Royal Albert Hall A RTS

B y M ary K ozeny Heights Staff

In an era where pop music often faces criticism for its perceived lack of instrumental depth, Dua Lipa’s latest release Live from the Royal Albert Hall stands as a magnificent rebuttal. The live album, captured during her October performance at London’s historic venue, showcases the three-time Grammy winner’s artistic evolution and her willingness to reimagine her discography through a grandiose orchestral lens.

Accompanied by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra under Ben Foster’s direction, a 14-member choir, and her seven-piece band, Lipa transforms her electronic-heavy pop catalog into something remarkably different. The setting of Royal Albert

Hall—a venue that has hosted luminaries from Churchill to Einstein— provides the perfect backdrop for this artistic metamorphosis.

The performance’s centerpiece is a front-to-back rendition of her latest album Radical Optimism

While the studio version received mixed critical reception, these songs take on new life in the live setting.

The orchestral arrangements, particularly on tracks like “End Of An Era,” achieve a cinematic grandeur that was perhaps missing from their original iterations. The brass sections on “Houdini” demonstrate how traditional orchestration can amplify rather than diminish contemporary pop production.

“What’s it about a kiss that makes me feel like this? / Makes me an optimist, I guess / I always jump too

quick, hopin’ this one might stick / Hopelessly romantic,” sings Lipa in “End of an Era.”

What’s particularly striking is Lipa’s confident navigation between her pop foundations and these more sophisticated arrangements. Rather than allowing the orchestra to overshadow her presence, she uses it as a tool to elevate her performance.

Fan favorites like “Love Again” and “Be the One” are reimagined with subtle orchestral flourishes that enhance rather than overwhelm their original charm.

The album’s emotional peak arrives during the encore with a surprise duet with Elton John on their hit collaboration “Cold Heart.”

The performance takes on added poignancy in light of John’s recent health challenges, including his complete loss of vision. Despite performing seated, John’s voice remains remarkably strong, and the intergenerational duet serves as a powerful testament to pop music’s ability to bridge eras and styles with elements from “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice.”

“And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time / ’Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find / I’m not the

man they think I am at home,” sing John and Lipa.

Lipa’s decision to exclude some of her biggest hits like “New Rules” and “IDGAF” might seem risky, but it underscores her commitment to artistic growth over commercial safety. The inclusion of the Barbie soundtrack hit “Dance The Night” and her signature “Don’t Start Now” provides enough familiar territory to satisfy casual fans while maintaining the evening’s elevated aesthetic.

The live album arrives at an interesting juncture in Lipa’s career. Having headlined Glastonbury 2024 and with two sold-out Wembley Stadium shows on the horizon, she’s clearly reached new heights of commercial success. However, Live From The Royal Albert Hall suggests she’s equally interested in artistic credibility, pushing back against what she has described to 60 Minutes as the “stigma around pop music.”

The recording’s production quality deserves special mention. The mix perfectly balances the massive sound of the orchestra with Lipa’s vocals and her band’s contributions. The audience’s energy is captured without overwhelming the per-

formance, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s grand scale.

As a document of artistic ambition, Live From The Royal Albert Hall succeeds brilliantly. It presents Lipa not just as a pop star but as a serious artist willing to take risks with her material. The album serves as a bridge between pop’s immediate pleasures and the more sophisticated traditions of orchestral performance, suggesting these worlds need not be mutually exclusive.

While live albums can often feel like contractual obligations or simple souvenirs, this release stands as a genuine artistic statement. It offers an extraordinary example of how to elevate contemporary pop without sacrificing its essential appeal. The accompanying CBS special, An Evening With Dua Lipa, set to air on Dec. 15, promises to add visual context to this already impressive achievement.

In reimagining her catalog with such ambition and grace, Lipa has created more than just a live album— she’s made a compelling argument for pop music’s place in the grand traditions of musical performance. n

Funny & Festive: ‘A Nonsense Christmas’

B y M aria B eatriz Sa L danha

Heights

Staff

Wearing a red satin dress and long black gloves, paired with her iconic blonde blown-out hair, Sabrina Carpenter opens up A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter with a classy and classic concert-style performance. Although the provocative choreography that marks her live shows was absent on this holiday special, the singer still delivered a Marilyn Monroe-esque performance that had the whole crowd singing along.

Released on Dec. 6, the Netflix special presents a visual performance of Carpenter’s holiday extended play Fruitcake, released on Nov. 17, 2023, as well as other holiday classic tunes and SNL-style skits. The first Christmas-themed record by Carpenter, the EP consists of six songs, five originals, and a twist on the classic “White Christmas” renamed to “white xmas.”

“Welcome to A Nonsense Christmas,” Carpenter said. “You could’ve

been anywhere tonight, spending time with family, helping the less fortunate, but instead, you’re here, half watching a big screen while scrolling social media on a smaller screen, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

While making an espresso martini, a “seasonal” doorbell rings, introducing the first guest appearance: Tyla. The two deliver a half-angelic, half-sexy, and all-around magical performance of “This Christmas.”

While a VHS tape of 2-year-old Carpenter plays in the background, the pop star sings “santa doesn’t know you like i do.” A chic nod to the winter season, her outfit choice—a fluffy white robe-style coat—emphasizes the cozy yet glamorous vibe of the performance.

The Carpenter fan base will be excited to know the singer brought back her iconic nonsense outro bit for the holiday season. As described in the special, the term refers to “the innuendo-filled ending of Carpenter’s song ‘Nonsense’ which she alters for

each performance.”

On a skit in a living room-recreated set, Carpenter talks relationships with Owen Thiele and Megan Stalter before introducing her “boyfriend.” Nick, who stops by for a quick visit, is none other than Santa Claus himself. When asked by Stalter if that was his true identity, a shocked Carpenter argues he did “No-Shave November,” hence the beard, and calls out the pair for “body shaming” his big belly. “Wow. What is this, Mean Girls the movie? The musical?” Carpenter said, referencing her own Broadway debut as Cady Heron in 2020.

Covered head-to-toe in sparkles, Shania Twain joins Carpenter for a performance of “Santa Baby.” Moments after, the former Disney star delivers a sultry rendition of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” alongside Kali Uchis. Other guest appearances include Nico Hiraga, Quinta Brunson, and Cara Delevingne.

Arguably 2024’s two top artists, Chappell Roan and Carpenter part-

ner on a duet of “Last Christmas.”

Wearing matching green velvet sets and a white fur coat, the two put on a show that’ll make viewers drop their phones and devote their full attention to the big screen.

On a more sentimental note, Carpenter plays the piano in an emotional performance of her original “cindy lou who.” For two minutes, the Christmas colors fade and the screen turns black and white, giving viewers the chance to focus solely on the artist’s majestic singing.

What better way to end the musical comedy holiday special than with the song that originated its title? The

upbeat “A Nonsense Christmas” reminds viewers Carpenter is more than just a vocal powerhouse. Her smart puns and comical delivery make the finale as entertaining as it is festive.

“Look at all these presents, that’s a big sack / Boy, that package is too big to gift wrap / Woke up this morning, thought I’d write a Christ-smash,” sings Carpenter. “I can’t believe I kept it family-friendly.”

If you’re thinking a red-and-green performance is all you’re getting from the newcomer pop star, you’re in for a treat. Packed with hilarious skits and dialogue, you’ll find yourself ho-hoho-ing while sitting on your couch. n

Father John Misty Seeks Truth in New Album

B y L eah Stitze L Asst. Arts Editor

Few contemporary singers have been able to master turning poetry into song quite like Father John Misty. The former Fleet Foxes drummer turned indie-music outcast is best known for his feel-good song “Real Love Baby,” with 370 million streams on Spotify. Most of his discography, however, is not nearly as conventional as his 2016 hit.

Josh Tillman, who adopted Father John Misty as his stage name, is known for his odd lyrics and concept albums that blur fiction with reality. His sixth studio album Mahashmashana is no different. The album takes the listener through various genres and abstract explorations of truth, all while maintaining a sound distinctly its own.

The album’s titular song, “Mahashmashana,” is a lyrical epic, clocking in at over nine minutes long. Emerging from sweeping violins and soulful saxophone, Tillman’s lyrics are at first daunting to any listener trying to glean a clear message from the song. As it progresses, Tillman’s words become clearer—and more ominous.

“A perfect lie can live forever / The truth don’t fare as well / It isn’t perched on lips mid-laughter / It ain’t the kind of thing you tell,” sings Tillman, shortly before the song devolves into high-pitched violin screeches.

Over the course of the album, Tillman attempts to tell the elusive “truth” mentioned in the first track in a variety of ways. Mahashmashana proves that the truth can appear messy and confusing but is ultimately beautiful.

The album’s second track, “She Cleans Up,” is far more playful sounding, with an instrumental introduction reminiscent of The Velvet Underground’s “Rock & Roll.” Tillman’s vocal distortion and dissonant electric guitar riffs, coupled with the song’s strong backing bass, make for a much heavier track than Tillman’s usual instrumentals.

Tillman continues his tradition of including a self-referential track title in each record with his third track, “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose.” Beginning with the kind of piano riff that tells the listener they’re about to hear a story, the song is a darkly funny rendition of Tillman’s usual storytelling formula. Whether the tale is true or not remains up for interpretation.

“I saw something I shouldn’t see / The awful truth, bare reality / That I’d forfeit my existence / If someone let me just play with them,” croons Tillman.

If Tillman’s songs are drawn from reality, his is contemplative and bleak.

The next track, “Mental Health,” finds an equally hopeless version of the truth of human existence, returning to sweeping piano and violin instrumentals. Its lyrics argue the potential futility of the way so -

ciety currently treats mental health problems.

“Your true self / Oh, they’d love if you could find it / Makes you much less hard work to predict / One of these label’s bound to fit,” he sings.

“Screamland,” the album’s fifth track, is the contemporary counterpart to “Mahashmashana.” Both are climactic peaks of the album, but where “Mahashmashana” builds up to a classic orchestral crescendo, “Screamland” surprises listeners with an electronically distorted beat drop as Tillman fittingly screamsings the word “screamland” on repeat.

Following the crashing end of “Screamland” is the creeping beginning of “Being You,” in which Tillman sings about identity dissonance and feeling removed from one’s true self.

“After the jump, I’m not even sure who’s left / Maybe the stunt guy was my true self,” he sings.

The next track, which stands at just under nine minutes, is a jazzy number with a beat that feels more appropriate for a disco club than its lyrics suggest. “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All” is another song that contains several smaller stories within its verses, tying each back to the song’s titular theme.

“Don’t ask the love you dare for

a prediction / Wherein the lovers of tomorrow are involved / I guess time just makes fools of us all,” Tillman sings.

Despite an ill-fitting handheld drum solo that brings down the song’s energy, it serves as a catchy reminder that we often don’t see the truth of a situation until we’re far removed from it.

It wouldn’t be a Father John Misty record without at least one nostalgic ballad sounding as if it were pulled straight from the lovers’ farewell scene of an old Hollywood movie. This album is no exception, ending with the bittersweet “Summer’s Gone.” Soft piano chords back Tillman’s soulful voice, as violins swell in the silence between lyrics.

“When against your will, comes wisdom / And 40 more years left ahead / Wish it all away / The heat of the day / Until summer’s gone,” he sings.

The concluding track perfectly encapsulates the album’s theme of fully embracing life’s triumphs and hardships in order to get closer to the true version of yourself, whatever that may be. Tillman shows listeners that life, much like the tracklist of Mahashmashana , is short, but every second is worth paying attention to. n

JASHODHARA JINDAL / FOR THE HEIGHTS

JASHODHARA JINDAL / FOR THE HEIGHTS

SPORTS

B.O.B. TO NYC: BOWL ANNOUNCED

Bill O’Brien and the Eagles will play in the 2024 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28 at 12 p.m.

to Iowa, losing late in regulation after BC quarterback Darius Wade was strip-sacked in the game’s final moments.

Three years later, the AJ Dillon-led Eagles suffered a similar fate

Coming off a 23–14 2023 Fenway Bowl win over then-No. 17 Southern

Methodist—their first bowl win since 2016—the Eagles seek to reverse that trend against the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska enters the game having lost five of its last six matchups, a stretch that included a 56–7 beat-

down at the hands of College Football Playoff qualifier Indiana.

Led by former Carolina Panthers’ head coach Matt Rhule and true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, the Cornhuskers’ offense ranks No.10

in the Big 10, while its defense sits at No. 8. The matchup will be the first ever between BC and Nebraska.

“We look forward to the challenge of competing against the sto ried Nebraska program,” O’Brien said. n

The Commitments That Made Donovan Ezeiruaku

y S

B

oura Bh G okarn Deputy Managing Editor

Cindy Ezeiruaku wasn’t exactly a fan of her son’s decision to play football. The 7-year-old had tried baseball, he’d tried soccer, and he’d tried basketball.

But football was different. Football, he knew, was where his future lay.

To earn his mother’s grudging approval, Donovan Ezeiruaku made a commitment.

“‘You have to get all good grades, and if you come home with one bad grade—that’s it,’” Cindy said. “‘No more football, and that will be that.’”

Ezeiruaku stayed true to his word so he could stay on the football field. It wouldn’t be the last time.

Whether it was staying home to play alongside his childhood friends at Williamstown High School or refusing to entertain transfer portal offers while

Ezeiruaku such a seamless fit on the football field was what concerned his mother.

“I was furious,” Cindy said. “He’s gonna be knocking over kids, or they’re gonna knock him over.”

Sabb, convinced of Ezeiruaku’s talent, tried persuading his parents to let him try out for the youth football team.

Cindy wouldn’t budge.

“[Sabb] had approached my husband about letting Donovan try out football,” Cindy said. “I was totally against it when they told me. I was like ‘No, they can do track. They can do tennis. Football—no.’”

Sabb persisted, however, and with his father Sonyx’s assistance, Ezeiruaku made his way to tryouts.

“They kind of snuck me out on the field—not really telling my mom all the information of where I was going that specific day,” Ezeiruaku said.

It also caught the attention of one of New Jersey’s most accomplished high school football head coaches.

Before Ezeiruaku reached high school—in fact, before he even settled on playing defensive end—he had landed on Frank Fucetola’s radar.

“He had already made a name for himself,” Cindy said. “They knew who he was.”

Ezeiruaku, dead set on making football his career, wasn’t sure if public school was the right choice for him.

“Going into my freshman year, I didn’t necessarily know if I was going to go to my town’s public school,” Ezeiruaku said. “I had interest in going to the private schools in the area because I thought that was the best opportunity for me to play college football.”

Cindy, however, was just as focused on her son’s education.

To her, staying home to attend Wil-

catch touchdowns, things like that.”

It took until his junior year of high school for him to buy into playing defensive end, but once he bought in and embraced his natural strengths within the position, the results came quickly.

He started modeling his game off star pass rushers both established and ascendant, like Von Miller and Micah Parsons, all while developing the requisite strength and athleticism.

“When he transitioned to high school, I remember the day he sent me his Hudl, his highlight tape, and I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” Sabb said. “That was the year they won the state championship. So it was kind of like, ‘Man, he put it all together.’ It was a proud moment to see—this kid’s a pro.”

Ezeiruaku stacked year after year of incremental growth in every aspect of his game, all while building his appreciation and joy for the position.

follow you,’” Cindy said.

–Three seasons into his time at BC, Ezeiruaku was stuck.

His team had just come off a 7–6 season with a bowl win—both milestones in Ezeiruaku’s BC career at that point.

Individually, however, his junior year saw regression.

After breaking out in his sophomore year with 8.5 sacks and an All-ACC Second Team nod, Ezeiruaku managed just two sacks in the following year— one less than he had recorded in his freshman year.

“I think he put too much thought into, ‘I got to get this many. I got to get this many. I got to be better than the year before,’” Cindy said.

The pressure of following up on that breakout sophomore campaign was in his head.

“He was on the [basketball] team with some kids that could play,” Sabb said. “He was very explosive, so you could tell obviously that he was an elite athlete.”

The same aggressiveness that made

eventually helped him win over his mom’s approval.

“He was very diligent,” Cindy said. “I knew this would be his thing.”

His work ethic and consistent progress didn’t just catch his mother’s eye.

the glamour the sport provides appealed to Ezeiruaku.

“I didn’t really want to play defensive end,” Ezeiruaku said. “I really thought I was gonna play wide receiver in high school. I really wanted to catch passes,

ting of her own.

All those years after making his original commitment to his mom, Ezeiruaku’s vision was coming to life.

“We’re the type of family that feels like, ‘If it’s meant for you to be, it will

“I just wasn’t playing as fast,” Ezeiruaku said. “I wasn’t really having as much fun. I was forcing it. I just really wanted to make plays.”

So following that season, with a new head coach leading his team, Ezeiruaku got back to the basics and focused on what got him to

“Just remembering young Donovan running around, just going after the ball—just tackle the man with It didn’t hurt that external doubt fueled Ezeiruaku’s motivation.

His family found a Pro Football Focus list of the NCAA’s top defenEzeiruaku hadn’t made the cut.

“Obviously I didn’t have the best year last year, so my name wasn’t as talked about going into this year as I would have liked,” Ezeiruaku said. “I saw a post on [Pro Football Focus]—my family actually sent it to me, and they were like, ‘You got to use this as a little bit of motivation to do what you got to do this year.’”

That little spark turned into Ezeiruaku’s phone wallpaper.

“You write the vision down and make it clear,” Cindy said. “Don’t just think of it—write it down. See it.”

After finding freedom both mentally and schematically within Eagles first-year defensive coordinator Tim Lewis’ system, Ezeiruaku exploded

He finished his latest, and final, collegiate regular season with a team-high 16.5 sacks—the most in the nation, earning him recognition as 2024’s ACC Defensive Player of

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Bowl Game, from A1

Wake Forest Shoots 34 Free Throws, Eagles Fall 72–66

By maria SteFanoudakiS Asst. Sports Editor

Very few things have seemed to come easy this season for Boston College men’s basketball in its 10Boston College Wake Forest 66 72 game deep season. Its Cayman Islands Classic championship trophy didn’t come easy.

Double-digit losses to VCU and South Carolina weren’t easy. And giving up 17 3-pointers and losing to Dartmouth—at home, no less— certainly wasn’t easy.

BC’s ACC opener wasn’t any different. From start to finish, it was anything but easy. And for the third straight game since their tournament win, the Eagles (6–4, 0–1 Atlantic Coast) weren’t able to handle the hard.

BC fell to Wake Forest (8–3, 1–0) 72–66 on Saturday afternoon on the road after being called for eight shooting fouls in the second half.

From when there was 12:16 left in the game to when there was 45

seconds left on the clock, the Demon Deacons made a single shot from the field. They sank 10 free throws in that span, however.

The Eagles shot eight free throws in the entire second half. According to BC head coach Earl Grant, free throws were the difference in the game.

“The whistle blew and they went to the free-throw line, and the whistle didn’t blow, and we didn’t go to the free-throw line,” Grant said.

When the Eagles did go to the free-throw line, though, the results weren’t always good.

“Unfortunately, Fred [Payne], he didn’t knock down the free throws,” Grant said. “But we had a chance right there to push this game into overtime.”

The Eagles’ late-game full-court press in the final minute worked out as well as Grant could’ve asked for.

First, BC forced Wake Forest to use its last timeout after applying tough pressure on the inbound.

Then, BC’s full-court defense resulted in a steal as Donald Hand

Jr. and Elijah Strong hustled to set a trap in the corner. BC took over possession after a Payne steal, and a subsequent foul on Wake Forest sent him to the free-throw line.

But Payne missed his free throw, and it’s safe to say the game was over from there.

Other than Payne’s fruitless attempt, it’s true BC didn’t get nearly as many chances to make a difference at the free-throw line as Wake Forest did.

In a game that was back-andforth for essentially all 40 minutes, the Demon Deacons shot 20 more free throws than the Eagles did. Wake Forest shot 23 free throws in the second half alone.

Part of that was the Eagles’ inability to get in the paint without turning the ball over.

Several times, Chad Venning posted up, received the ball, and was trapped by two or three defenders. That made it hard for him to see who was open or kick the ball out, resulting in turnovers for the Eagles.

Even when the Eagles did get in the paint, it rarely went well. That, like everything else, proved too difficult for BC.

No. 10 BC Suffers 2–1 Overtime Loss

By emily roBerge Assoc. Sports Editor

It wasn’t until the last few minutes of the third frame of the game between No. 10 Boston College women’s hockey and Holy Cross that the matchup really began.

For much of Friday night’s game, it seemed as if the Eagles were seamlessly going to clinch another road win against Holy Cross after splitting the series with the Crusaders back in October. But that rapidly changed.

BC (12–6–0, 9–4–0 Hockey

East) not only lost its one-goal lead in the final period, but the Crusaders (7–8–1, 3–6–1) handed their nearby Hockey East opponents a 2–1 overtime loss. What ended as a punch-forpunch battle hardly started as one.

Just 1:23 into the matchup, BC found itself with a power-play opportunity following a call against the Crusaders’ Taylor Cantelon for body-checking. The penalty against the Crusaders was exactly what BC needed.

Sammy Taber delivered for BC just four seconds into the power play off an Abby Newhook assist.

Winding up her stick after receiving Newhook’s pass, Taber

skated past her Holy Cross defender and rattled a shot through Abby Hornung’s legs into the lower right-hand corner of the Crusaders’ net, giving BC a 1–0 lead.

Less than four minutes later, Holy Cross had its own turn on the power play after a tripping call against BC’s Alanna Devlin.

But BC held the Crusaders scoreless on the advantage.

A little over seven minutes later, Holy Cross had another chance to tie the score after a Cailin Flynn holding call.

Yet again, Holy Cross was unable to convert, as BC’s defense contained every Crusader attack.

By SeBBy Fitzgerald

For The Heights

Aram Minnetian stood behind the net with the puck as the final Boston College UMass Lowell 3 3 seconds of regulation ticked off the clock, sending No. 3 Boston College men’s hockey into overtime with No. 14 UMass Lowell.

The Eagles’ comeback magic had found its way to Tsongas Center on Friday night, as they erased a twogoal deficit in the second period in the span of 37 seconds.

BC (11–3–1, 5–2–1 Hockey East) eventually dropped the shootout battle to UMass Lowell (11–3–1, 6–2–0), though, as Owen Cole scored in the third round of the shootout to hand BC a loss.

“[I] thought our compete was excellent,” BC head coach Greg Brown said. “We had some chances to get that go-ahead goal, but their goalie

had made some good saves, but the effort was there on our side.”

UMass Lowell opened the game up with a Mirko Buttazzoni rip that went through Minnetian’s legs 5:08 into the first period, putting the Riverhawks up early.

BC answered quickly, though.

Oskar Jellvik pickpocketed a defenseman below the goal line and slid a pass to Andre Gasseau, who found the smallest sliver of daylight above goaltender Beni Halasz’s shoulder to tie the game 1–1.

Teddy Stiga visited the box for tripping at the 11:17 mark, but the Eagles’ penalty kill continued its dominance, denying all eight of the Riverhawks’ power-play opportunities.

“They’ve been very cohesive the whole first half year,” Brown said in praise of BC’s penalty kill, which ranks first in the nation. “If there have been breakdowns, Jacob [Fowler’s] been excellent behind them.”

Just 34 seconds after Stiga was released, Girts Silkalns fired a catchand-release from the top of the circle to regain UMass Lowell’s lead.

Nearing the conclusion of the first, things began to get chippy—a huge open-ice hit laid on Stiga triggered a friendly cross-check from Aidan Hreschuk, which broke his stick and handed him a five-minute penalty in the process.

BC ended the opening frame with a 2–1 deficit.

“[UMass Lowell] was going to play hard in the physical way,” Brown said. “So we have to manage our emotions a little better.”

After Minnetian left the box with 14:05 left in the second after serving time for a tripping penalty, a blue-line shot from defenseman TJ Schweighardt was tipped bar down by Buttazzoni for his second of the night, giving his team a 3–1 lead.

BC began to ramp up its offensive push when Jake Sondreal fed Mike

With about seven minutes remaining in the game, redshirt freshman Jayden Hastings made a big play, leaping out of bounds and saving the ball, then throwing it to Payne. But Payne’s drive that resulted in a made layup didn’t end up counting, as he was called for an offensive foul.

Three minutes later, Holy Cross had another power play. As the seconds winded down, though, so did the Crusaders’ chances of scoring against the Eagles. Once the clock sounded at the end of the first frame, the score remained 1–0.

The second frame was relatively silent for both BC and Holy Cross, as neither team put any points on the board in the 20 minutes of play. So was the majority of the third frame, as both defenses served as anchors, preventing any shots on goal.

With just 2:52 left to play in the matchup, the Crusaders finally had their moment after pulling their goalie. Callaway made a diving save off a Mackenzie King shot, but King hammered the puck off the rebound right into the back of BC’s cage—stunning BC’s defense.

With the game knotted 1–1, both teams were unable to score before closing out the third frame, sending BC and Holy Cross into an overtime battle.

It didn’t take long for the Crusaders to take the puck and skate away from the Eagles with the lead.

After winning the faceoff, Alexia Moreau swiftly skated toward BC’s net and fired a shot unassisted, which bounced off Callaway and into BC’s net, as a celebration of white and purple enfolded. n

That play told the story of the game for BC. The Eagles gave up points and fouls at the basket, while remaining unable to match that production on the other end—a recipe that handed them a loss in their first ACC contest of the 2024–25 season. n

Shootout Showdown: River Hawks Take Down No.

Posma on a 2-on-1. Posma deked backhand to cut the Riverhawks’ lead in half with less than three minutes left in the second.

Thirty-seven seconds later, James Hagens, with eyes in the back of his head, hit Gabe Perreault, who faked backhand and finished the forehand tuck. The matchup saw zero goals for the rest of the night. The third period consisted of a failed through-the-legs attempt from Jellvik and a breakaway opportunity from UMass Lowell’s

Connor Eddy, which was denied by Fowler.

Then a relatively quiet overtime period led to a shootout, and the Riverhawks prevailed after three rounds to hand the Eagles a loss on the road.

“We have to know how to manage the game, make smart decisions, not give up free opportunities,” Brown said. “Those are all things we’re trying to learn now—no team is a finished product in early December.” n

Boston College Holy Cross

Andre Gasseau scored his eighth goal of the season during Friday’s loss.

YAMARI SANTILLAN / HEIGHTS STAFF

Saturday afternoon’s loss to Wake Forest was BC’s third straight defeat.

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Bailey Callaway tallied 25 saves in BC’s Friday night loss to Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

As the 107th board of The Heights prepares for its tenure, The Heights says farewell to its departing editors. Through their dedication and hard work, each leaves a lasting legacy on this newspaper. As they move on to bigger and better, members of the 106th board reflect on their fondest Heights memories.

Departing Senior Leadership

Erin Flaherty Editor-in-Chief

Conor Richards

General Manager

Sourabh Gokarn

Deputy Managing Editor

To most, The Heights is a website, a newsletter, or an Instagram page where they can obtain information on everything related to Boston College. To us, it’s a family that we’ve spent our entire college career working with. Ten years from now, we’re sure we’ll remember all of the articles, balance sheets, meetings, headlines, and edits it took to keep the paper running. But more importantly, we’ll remember the editors we spent countless hours working, laughing, and bickering with. After years of Heights-ing together, we feel grateful for it all and excited for what is to come for board 107.

Three-Year Board Members

Two-Year Board Members

One-Year Board Members

Graham Dietz, Paige Stein, Sofia Laboy, Conor Richards, Erin Flaherty

Chris Ticas, Spencer Steppe, Sourabh Gokarn, Jack Weynand, Luke Evans, Ella Song, Elizabeth Dodman, Parker Leaf, Sofia Torres, Karyl Clifford

Lily Emerson, Leah Stitzel, Makayla Hickey, Alan Shipman

Drafting History in Campus’ Quiet Hours

I feel most like myself when I’m walking across campus at 2:00 a.m. on a Monday, when Gasson’s bells stop chiming, the buses stop huffing and puffing their way around campus, and the Quad’s sprinklers soak the bottoms of my jeans if I don’t maneuver around them swiftly enough.

For the past six semesters, I’ve spent my Sundays tucked away in Mac 113, T he Heights’ newsroom.

As we produce our weekly edition, editing dozens of stories and laboring over headlines, ledes, and page layouts, the hours quickly pass us by.

Sunday turns into Monday, and we make our way home once our work is done—sometimes at 11:00 p.m., other times at 3:00 a.m.

My version of a “Sunday reset” is my walk home from the newsroom. Beforewe jump into a fresh week of headlines,

I weave my way through campus, taking note of how bunnies take over the pathway between O’Neill and St. Mary’s when nobody is around to bother them, and how the off-campus traffic lights flash red in the early morning hours.

Us college students are constantly told that we are living in unprecedented times.

Phrases like “deadly pandemic,” “political insurrection,” and “assassination attempt” were ones I once only thought I’d find within my history textbooks. Now, they’re commonplace.

In the midst of this chaos, I sometimes wish I could drop everything and go visit Walden Pond or the Gardner Museum, hoping the significance of a wonder of nature or work of art could—at least temporarily—drown out the noise.

When the news cycle gets overwhelming, I also find myself craving a 2:00 a.m. walk home from The Heights office, eager to be immersed in a silent campus.

But, regardless of my internal disarray, when I wake up Monday morning, there’s a week of happenings that’ll need to be reported on. And at The Heights , we take on that task.

I didn’t have any true experience with journalism until I joined The Heights as a freshman. I was drawn to the paper

because of my love for history.

As all of my journalism professors have told me, journalism is the first draft of history. It’s a cliche, but it’s true. The Heights has consistently documented Boston College’s history since 1919, and I wanted to play a part in that documentation.

I spent my first two Heights years as a magazine editor, interviewing students, professors, and alumni on all sorts of topics, including patterns of racism, the legacy of the Boston Marathon bombing, and BC’s policies on sex.

I realized that journalism, at its core, isn’t very complicated. It’s all about talking to people with a curious intention.

As I got to know the people who have inhabited this campus through my reporting, my fervor for journalism grew.

And then I was given the privilege of serving as The Heights’ 2024 editor-in-chief. Sometimes, amid the headaches that come with managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom, I lost hold of what drew me to The Heights in the first place: leaning into my curiosity, and, most importantly, documenting BC’s history.

Throughout the past year, many Heights articles have detailed campus

happenings that wouldn’t have otherwise been reported on—protests, sports games, and student initiatives that are solely memorialized by a Heights article.

You may disagree with how we’ve covered things. You may disagree with the stances our editorial board has taken. But we should all agree on one thing: students’ lives and the events that shape them should be reported on.

Some students will spend four years at BC without ever reading a Heights article.

There are others, I hope, who’ve relied on them for important information, turning to them to explain why they saw smoke billowing across Comm. Ave or why students aren’t allowed to distribute condoms on campus.

Either way, we’ve built an archive that BC students in 30 years can turn to when they want to know how former students reacted to the war in Gaza, Trump’s re-election, or nearly any event that will, one day, be considered historic. And that’s something worth working toward— even if it means exchanging a peaceful Sunday reset for a brief 2:00 a.m. walk across campus.

Erin Flaherty is the editor-in-chief of The Heights She can be reached at erin.flaherty@bcheights.com

Parting Thoughts From Board 106

“Covering everything men’s basketball related, from Jared Dudley to the student managers; Sunday productions, from the delirious first one to transition production in Venice; and the incredible relationships built, from the old to the new.”

- Sourabh Gokarn

“As I wrap up my time as a graphics editor and creative director, I’ll cherish the designs I brought to life and the fact that my absence at every social event was only rivaled by the time I spent perfecting the spacing between two words.”

- Paige Stein

“I am forever grateful for the people of The Heights for granting me the space to document not only Boston College’s history but also my own journey.”

- Karyl Clifford

“From tweeting out breaking news to travelling to Minnesota, the last two years as a sports editor have allowed me to build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.”

- Luke Evans

“I’m going to miss watching Erin’s nose bleed and Parker’s office performances. But apart from the immense sadness I feel, there is one person I’m happy to leave: Will Martino.”

- Spencer Steppe

“My time with the arts section has been one of the strangest and best experiences of my college career. I’ll remember our budget breakfasts, debriefs, and everything in between fondly. It’s fitting that arts is all leaving at once, because it won’t be the same without any one of us.”

- Leah Stitzel

“I will always hold a special place in my heart for the lifelong friends, unforgettable memories, and iPad addiction that the 106th board of The Heights has brought me.”

- Parker Leaf

“From breaking the website to fixing the website to totally redesigning the whole thing, I am grateful for a year of a good experience and a better community.”

- Alan Shipman

“Short and sweet is the perfect way to describe my time on The Heights I’ve loved getting to know everyone and feel so lucky to have been apart of this community of friendly, intelligent, and hardworking people, even if it was just for a little while!”

- Lily Emerson

“The best way to describe my time on The Heights is as a pARTy: getting to know the people, spending Sundays in the office, and editing for the Arts Section have been some of the best experiences.”

- Jack Weynand

“It’s hard to describe just how quickly a room full of strangers became a second home. Mac 113, thank you for always giving me people to laugh with, shoulders to cry on, and some of the best friends I could ever ask for.”

- Makayla Hickey

“From stringing up the office fairy lights two years ago to our post-election Mac 113 sleepover, 2 a.m. editorial crises, HIP meetings, midweek office lunches, the Newton Goose—these little things have made all the difference.”

- Sofia Laboy

erin FlaherTy

GRAPHIC BY PARKER LEAF / HEIGHTS EDITOR