The Heights, Nov. 13, 2023

November 13, 2023

BC Group Prepares for COP28

Skipper Reflects on BPS Career

By Angelina Li Heights Staff Ava Sjursen Heights Staff

By Ella Champagne For The Heights

A delegation of Boston College students and faculty will travel to Dubai on Nov. 30 for COP28. This is the third consecutive year BC will attend the United Nations (UN) summit on climate change.

“Climate is, like other issues, an ongoing issue where the science is changing, where policy is changing, so there’s a need for periodic reconnection among the parties to the convention, which there are now 193,” BC Law professor David Wirth said.

Wirth, who attended the conference last year as one of the faculty heads of delegation, said the conference aims to encourage countries to slash carbon emissions by 2030, as suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“The more use now, the more urgent it becomes to make reductions during whatever period the budget covers,” Wirth said. “And that is a shrinking period. I mean it’s 2023 to 2030—we don’t have much time.”

Dunwei Wang, a BC chemistry professor, said the University’s attendance at the conference opens up possibilities for students to increase their involvement with issues pertaining to climate justice.

“There was an application process, and the fact that there were multiple panel discussions after really increased awareness,” Wang said. “As students indeed started paying attention to this, I think that was a win already.”

See COP28, A2

Maroon, Gold, and Green

Boston Public Schools (BPS) superintendent Mary Skipper described her career in education as a series of forks in the road—with faith guiding her through the unknowns of the future.

“The thing about a fork is that you can’t see around the bend,” Skipper said. “That’s why we need to discern. That’s why in some cases, we take leaps of faith.”

Skipper delivered a lecture at Boston College on Tuesday afternoon, where she reflected on her 35 years as an educator and the decisions she made to arrive at her current superintendent position.

BC students and faculty grapple with divestment.

See BPS, A3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

By Eliza Hernandez Projects Editor Ernie Romero Editorial Assistant

This is the second installment of a twopart series about sustainability and the climate change conversation at Boston College.

Instead of urging people to have a perfect, zero-waste approach to reducing their carbon emissions, institutions should encourage individuals’ to consider the importance of sustainability, César Baldelomar said.

“It’s impossible to be totally carbon neutral,” said Baldelomar, a visiting lecturer and doctoral candidate in the School of Theology and Ministry. “But you know, you can make concerted efforts to try to, and so I think that something our institutions can do better is

trying to get us to not care, but actually feel like we are a part of this.”

Boston College highlights the importance of sustainability with its environmental studies and global public health programs. And through various sustainability initiatives across Facilities Management and BC Dining, conversations about the environment are also prominent outside of the classroom.

But students and the University remain divided about the issue of divestment—the removal of investment capital from oil, coal, and gas companies for moral or financial reasons.

Globally, 1,599 institutions have divested, contributing to an approximate $40.5 trillion being directed away from fossil fuels.

Villages—a group calling for the city to pause rezoning efforts—including Rena Getz, Alan Lobovits, David Micley, Randall Block, and Stephen Farrell, largely won their races for a seat in Newton City Council. Getz and Lobovits beat incumbents Alicia Bowman and Deborah Crossley, chair of the council’s Zoning and Planning Committee, for at-large seats. Farrell beat incumbent Holly Ryan to become Ward 8 councilor.

The Heights compiled election results and headed to the polls on Tuesday to talk to voters.

See Election, A5

See Word of Mouth, A9

See Divestment, A7

By Emily Roberge For The Heights

See Basketball, A15

SHANE SHEBEST / HEIGHTS STAFF

Newton Residents Elect New City Councilors

By Connor Siemien Newton Editor Annika Engelbrecht For The Heights

More than 16,000 voters cast ballots in Newton’s municipal elections on Tuesday night, according to the unofficial results.

Incumbents dominated city council races marked by discussions about zoning and contract negotiations between the Newton School Committee and Newton Teachers Association.

Not a single school committee member ran in an opposed election.

Candidates supported by Save Newton

By Annabelle Langford Heights Staff

If you were to hike up the Gasson stairs on a Tuesday night at 5 p.m., you would likely stumble upon a classroom occupied by a handful of students delivering poignant speeches or sharing detailed stories on niche topics. And, if you wanted to share a speech of your own, these students, who constitute BC’s Word of Mouth club (WoM), would likely encourage you to do so.

WoM is a public speaking and storytelling organization at Boston College. It began as a club catered toward debate and prelaw students, but as the years progressed, the mission of the club evolved to provide an inclusive space where students could comfortably practice public speaking skills and find a community on BC’s campus, according to Sarah Wiederman, co-president of WoM and MCAS ’25 “It’s like making friends in reverse,” Wiederman said. “I think Word of Mouth really creates a space where you can be vulnerable but also grow so much as a person, kind of unconsciously.”

WoM hosts three forums a week, each overseen by a leader of the club. Each forum has a different topic, which is chosen in collaboration with the e-board and the general members of the club.

Members are given the topic in advance, but many choose not to prepare and instead deliver their speeches or stories on the spot, Wiederman said.

There are only two real rules in WoM according to Wiederman—no speaking while someone else is presenting and giving every speaker the same level of respect.

“I think the type of club is one that lends itself well to the culture of BC and the personality types that I see a lot of people with, whether or not they notice it in themselves,” Wiederman said.

BC Defense Holds Off Huskies Only leading 42–38 heading into the fourth quarter against Northeastern, Boston College women’s basketball needed offensive momentum—and it needed it quickly. A Dontavia Waggoner fourth-quarter defensive steal and score with 8:53 left in the game proved to be the kick-starter BC needed, propelling it on a 12–2 run.

BC (2–1) went on to clinch a 67–58 win over Northeastern (2–1) on Sunday in Conte Forum, generating success off 31 Northeastern turnovers that turned into 33 BC points.

Waggoner herself recorded five steals, and the Eagles as a whole finished with 14 steals.

“I think we forced them into a good amount of turnovers,” BC head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee said. “I think our defense was moving very well, which I caught in the fourth quarter. [Northeastern] painted two 3-pointers, but outside of that, I thought our defense was really good in this game.”

WoM Club Encourages Storytelling

Opinions

Magazine

Veronica Pierce explores the Danish practice of Hygge, reflecting on how students can incorporate comfort and coziness into their routines.

In an argument against comparison culture, columnist Makayla Hickey talks about the expectations that come with making a “life timeline.”

INDEX

INSIDE

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Vol. CV, No. 20 © 2023, The Heights, Inc. Chestnut Hill, Mass.

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NEWS

Monday, November 13, 2023

This Week’s Top 3 Events

1

The Heights

Join Strong Women Strong Girls for a trivia night on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in 2150. There will be prizes, raffles, and pizza. Tickets are $10 if you pay in advance (by venmoing @Jaclyn_Dencker

by Wednesday at midnight) or $12 at the door.

2

Two McGillycuddy-Logue fellows will host a discussion on media bias and the dominance of U.S. news on a global scale followed by a Q&A session.

The discussion will take place at 245 Beacon Street in room 230 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday night.

3

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Executive Vice President of Boston College Michael Lochhead will share his faith journey during Tuesday night’s Agape Latte. Trivia, music, t-shirts, and refreshments will be provided during the event. It will take place from 8 to 9 p.m. in Hillside Café.

BC Students and Faculty Prepare to Attend COP28 COP28, from A1 Philip Landrigan, director of the global health program and the Global Observatory on Public Health, was the chair of the selection process this year. He said there were two to three times more applicants than open spots in BC’s 18-person delegation.

“As we did the selection, we knew we wanted to have at least 2 or 3 faculty each week and a proper balance of graduate students and undergraduates, across all majors and across schools,” Landrigan said.

He also spoke about the scope of the COP28 conference, describing how thousands come together to participate in the discussions and negotiations.

“I think this is an extraordinary opportunity to open our students’ eyes to several things,” Landrigan said. “First of all, to see how many people, literally thousands of people from around the world, come together for these negotiations. I think just seeing the magnitude of this thing underscores the seriousness with which the nations of the world are taking climate change.”

Wirth explained that much of his job at last year’s conference was to translate the discussions

of the official delegations into digestible material for the students, who were not allowed into the meeting rooms.

“You kind of need to be there because a lot of the people who do this sort of work know each other, so a lot of the work is being done informally, “ Wirth said.

“So, I took my job to provide as much information and real-world exposure for students to what was going on.”

Student attendee Gabriella D’Angelo, MCAS ’25, described BC’s COP28 delegation as a group of approximately 20 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and law students, as well as faculty members, who all have a passion for research centered around climate change.

“I think everyone has a really distinct perspective or background on climate-related issues,” D’Angelo said. “Everyone has a different subset or background that would cause them to have different interests in the conference.

And so each of us have decided upon the topic that we find really interesting.”

D’Angelo said part of the conference’s impact comes from attendees who come back to campus and share their experiences and knowledge with their peers.

“I think that it’s like a ripple effect where the people who go back share it with their friends … then they may be interested in applying as well, and that kind of jumpstarts that interest in being involved in climate-related conversations, even if we can’t make an actual, tangible change immediately,” D’Angelo said.

Wirth said he believes that Pope Francis is the headliner of this year’s event, and he looks forward to hearing what the pope has to say about climate change— given that he has spoken in favor of the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change signed by 196 parties at COP21 in 2015.

“The pope has been involved in the negotiation of the Paris Agreement and now we are at the implementing stage,” Wirth said. “So my hope is that he can stress the urgency of emissions reductions.”

Wang, who attended COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, said the conference was unlike any other scientific conference he had previously attended.

“It’s impactful because you really get to see the diversity in every sense … and it is a reminder of how big the globe is and how complex the problem is, and how

important it is for everyone to be involved,” Wang said.

Wirth said the COP28 conference will be a tremendous opportunity for BC students, and it tackles the most important environmental issue in the near future.

“I think it’s terrific that Bos-

ton College has made this sort of commitment on behalf of the students,” Wirth said. “Not every institution has done so. [Climate change] is the preeminent environmental issue of our time, your time, your grandchildren’s time.” n

PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELA D’ANGELO

Three students attending COP28 tabled on Wednesday on the Quad.

Mass. Educational Leaders Debate Value of MCAS

By Angelina Li Heights Staff According to Ed Lambert, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is an essential component of Massachusetts’ educational system.

“We have a common assessment that we call MCAS in Massachusetts,” said Lambert, the executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE). “And the research has shown that MCAS is a very strong predictor of college and career success.”

The MCAS is a statewide standardized testing program required for every student in the Massachusetts public school system. On Nov. 9, Lambert and President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) Max Page debated whether the MCAS should be a determinant for high school graduation.

The event was part of the Greater Boston Debate Series hosted by the Boston College Law School

Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy. It was moderated by Mandy McLaren, a reporter for The Great Divide, which is an investigative team focused on educational inequities at The Boston Globe.

“Our goal is to have dynamic conversations among experts with powerful moderators that illuminate the various sides of issues, which can get messy, but are conducted with the objective of educating all of us,” said Elisabeth Medvedow, executive director of the Rappaport Center. On the opposing side of the debate, Page argued that the MCAS should be eliminated, saying it is unfair to assess a student off one test score.

“For 20 years … public school and college educators … maintain it is educational malpractice to judge students in schools with a one-time test score,” Page said. “They have told me that the high-stakes testing regime is corroding an organic passion for learning.”

Page also said the quality of the Massachusetts school system is not determined by high MCAS scores

but by quality curriculum. “ We entrust our educators and the school committees and superintendents and principals to develop a curriculum that helps us achieve those [standards],” Page said. According to Page, studies have shown that compared to test scores, student grades—both in Massachusetts and across the country—are more reflective of their abilities and less biased toward race and income.

“The MCAS does far more to measure a family’s income and education than it does to actually measure achievement,” Page said.

“If you give me your zip code, I will tell you the average MCAS score and I will be right nine times out of 10.”

Lambert disagreed with the notion that a student’s success could be defined based on their zip code and background. He argued that the MCAS was not the cause of the disparity but rather a reflection of achievement gaps.

“I think that when you see a disparity based on race and income in

that [test score], that’s really reflective of achievement gaps generally across the K-12 system and work that we just have not made enough progress on,” Lambert said.

“And the research has shown that MCAS is a very strong predictor of college and career success.”

Lambert said that the MCAS is not a perfect measurement of student achievement, but it will continue to evolve. “ We should always seek to evolve and improve all of our practices , but when you have something that works, you should keep it, evolve it, improve it, and build upon it, not eliminate it,” Lambert said.

Both parties agreed on their

support of the Student Opportunity Act of 2019, which was designed by the commonwealth to ensure that every student in Massachusetts would experience high-quality learning opportunities leading to their future success.

“Money matters in education, which is why MTA memb ers fought so hard to secure passage of the Student Opportunity Act in 2019, which will bring in an additional $1.5 billion a year into Massachusetts public schools by the 2027 school year, especially benefiting the lowest income districts,” Page said.

In her closing remarks, Medvedow summed up the debate by saying that ultimately, both sides have the same goal: to educate the public about vital issues that impact their own communities.

“I know we all share a common goal of using your forwards, lifting up all the students, and helping ensure that every student in this Commonwealth achieves success defined extensively,” Medvedow said. n

No Shame November Highlights Men’s Mental Health

By Maria Stefanoudakis For The Heights UGBC, the Center for Student Wellness, and the Margot Connell Recreation Center collaborated to launch “No Shame November,” a campus-wide initiative that aims to promote conversation around men’s physical and mental health.

“When someone says, ‘Hey you’re growing a beard,’ … the idea is for them to be able to talk about mental health and say, ‘Oh, I’m actually doing this for November in honor of men’s health and mental health,’” said Jeannine Kremer, director of the Center for Student Wellness.

Throughout November, men at BC are encouraged to grow a beard, run or walk 60 miles, or anonymously answer a series of questions about their mental health. The Center for Student Wellness is rewarding participation in these activities with various prizes.

“We thought that these two

options, or even the combination of both, were a great way to involve the whole community in the event,” said Annie Quinn, UGBC student initiatives director and LSEHD ’26.

On Nov. 6, UGBC held its first tabling event on the Quad advertising the month-long event.

According to Quinn, the event garnered widespread attention from the student body, in part due to the 200 bottles of Core Power milk UGBC handed out to any student willing to learn more about No Shame November.

“We gave away all 200 of them, so at least 200 kids interacted—which is great,” Quinn said. “And then there are plenty more kids who didn’t take a Core Power but [who] interacted, so that’s always good.”

UGBC took “before” polaroid pictures of male students who agreed to abstain from shaving for the whole month. At the end of November, the same students will take an “after” picture, Quinn explained.

The table was also stocked with mileage tracking cards for students who agreed to walk or run 60 miles this month. Students that complete all 60 miles and turn in the card to the Center for Student Wellness will be given prizes.

“And why 60 miles? Because there are 60 male lives lost [to suicide] globally, every hour,” Kremer said.

In the program’s inaugural week alone, the Center for Student Wellness has gifted more than 40 pairs of socks to male students who filled out a brief survey discussing the importance of mental health to them individually, according to Kremer.

“The idea is if someone sees your socks and says ‘Hey, great socks,’ the idea is to again respond and say … ‘I got these because campus is trying to raise awareness around men’s mental health and wants us to be talking to each other,’” Kremer said.

Along with the three large campus organizations spearheading the initiative, several other

groups are advertising No Shame November, including the Black Male Initiative and the men’s hockey and basketball teams, Quinn explained.

“The response was really great because we had so many different groups tabling with us,” Quinn said.

Th ro u g h o u t th e m o nth , UGBC will continue to hold tabling events to check participants’ progress.

“If a guy comes back with a

little bit more facial hair, he can get a prize,” Quinn said. “And then if somebody comes back with mileage crossed off on their card, they’ll get a prize.”

On Dec. 1, there will be a final prize table run by UGBC. And at the BC men’s hockey game in Conte Forum that night, there will be a competition to pick the best beard in the crowd on the jumbotron.

“There [are] more things to look forward to,” Quinn said. n

GRAPHIC BY PARKER LEAF / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

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NEWS BPS Superintendent Discusses Teaching Journey BPS, from A1 Skipper said she looked to God throughout her career journey.

“It really does strike me that it’s been a career that is very much about walking with God and developing as a public servant,” Skipper said.

Skipper emphasized that her journey as an educator began when she was a student herself. She said she remembers how her teachers focused on developing the whole child—an idea that has become essential in her formative education approach today.

“They invested in me socially and emotionally,” Skipper said. “They cared about me. We developed deep relationships with meaning, so they really were instrumental in shaping my childhood.”

After graduating from Tufts University in 1989, Skipper got her first teaching job in BPS at Boston Latin Academy (BLA) teaching seventh and eighth grade students.

“I was with students who—like me—had the kind of experience who needed people to invest in them,” Skipper said.

After three years at BLA, Skipper received a message from the school’s principal that her position

had been removed. According to Skipper, packing up her boxes in her classroom was devastating, and she was afraid she would not be able to return to teaching.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is it—I’m never going to have that opportunity to teach again,’” Skipper said.

Skipper said soon after she was released from her job, Bill Kemeza— president of Boston College High School at the time—called Skipper and offered her a position as a classics teacher.

She said she did not hesitate and immediately accepted the offer.

While teaching at BC High, Skipper said she learned about the Jesuit ideas of teaching kindness, cura personalis, and discernment.

“I was in love with everything Jesuit because it made sense,” Skipper said. “The idea of students being active agents and investing—for the first time all that clicked.”

But according to Skipper, she still longed to return to her teaching roots at BPS. In 2001, she received a call from the BPS superintendent asking if she wanted to join the design team of a new public school in Boston called TechBoston Academy (TBA). Skip-

per joined the project, and her team members at TBA were kindred souls who shared the same goals for BPS, she said. During this project, Skipper was diagnosed with breast cancer but continued to work at TBA.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is it—I’m never going to have that opportunity to teach again.’”

“We opened the building in September with 75 students, and I started chemotherapy that following Thursday,” Skipper said. “God gave me the strength every day to go to work.”

Skipper explained that during this period of uncertainty, she also turned to her husband Pete for support.

“Pete said, ‘There’s no guarantees in any of this, but the one guarantee is that your heart has always been in Boston,’” Skipper said.

Skipper became superintendent of BPS in September of 2022.

According to Skipper, there are over 49,000 students in BPS. One in every three students is multilingual, one in two students speaks a language other than English at home, and one of every four students has a disability, she said.

“For too long, we put people who have something different than mainstream as less,” Skipper said.

Skipper said she hopes to uplift marginalized students in BPS and provide an education that focuses on supporting the whole child.

“As a society, we have to wrap our arms around the kids in BPS, wrap our arms around schools and school leaders, and give them every possible chance to succeed,” Skipper said. “Those students are the citizens that will be the solutions for the world.” n

TRISHNA CONDOOR / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Skipper reflected on her career in education on Tuesday afternoon.

Women’s Network Unpacks Uses of AI

By Ava Sjursen Heights Staff

TRISHNA CONDOOR / FOR THE HEIGHTS

BCSSW Alumni Dissect Game Anxiety, Stress Among Athletes

By Ava Sjursen Heights Staff

Jack Beckman For The Heights

Athletes’ game-related stress is often compounded by struggles with mental health or interpersonal relationships, according to Michael Grinnell, a player wellness counselor for the National Basketball Players Association and assistant director for integrative wellbeing services at Williams College.

“Oftentimes, what I’ll say is that we are dealing with 18- to 30-yearolds and typically they come in with ‘I think I need to focus better’ or ‘I get anxious before the game,’” Grinnell said. “It’s really not about the game.

It’s about something else going on in their life.”

The Boston College School of Social Work (BCSSW) and the BC Alumni Association hosted Grinnell on Monday.

Kimberly O’Brien, founder and director of Unlimited Resilience, LLC—a group mental health practice that specializes in treating athletes— and director of health and wellness research and services at NDUR For Athletes, spoke alongside Grinnell.

Both Grinnell and O’Brien received their master’s degrees in social work from the BCSSW. According to Grinnell and O’Brien, athletes grapple with a wide range of mental health issues that non-athletes also face, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. But athletes also experience more difficulty adjusting to major life transitions than their non-athlete

peers do, they said.

“I think the things that we see maybe a little bit more frequently are things like adjustments to transitions, whether that’s high school to college or college to pro,” Grinnell said. “[We see clients] ending athletic careers with injuries and coping a ton because if you’re getting injured as an athlete, it’s very different than getting an injury as a non-athlete. It takes you out.”

Grinnell said he works with athletes to encourage them to discover and build up other aspects of their identity outside of their sport, which helps them adjust to major transitional periods, such as injury or early retirement.

Both Grinnell and O’Brien added that athletes feel a tremendous pressure to succeed and often equate their athletic performance with their self-worth. They argue that athletes ought to separate their personal identities from their achievements and shortcomings in their sport.

“They’re more than just their sport,” O’Brien said. “Their self-worth is not dependent on their performance.”

To help visualize the concept of their self-identities, O’Brien said she often asks athletes to understand their identity as a pie chart. She takes note of the percentage that sports represents and seeks to help them expand the other aspects of their identity to control how much their performance affects their self-esteem.

“What happens a lot of times is that the sports section is really huge, which isn’t a good or bad thing, but it’s something to pay attention to

because if your sport is going really well, your life’s great,” O’Brien said. “If you get an injury or if you’re getting benched or whatever is happening, you feel like—especially in teenage brains—your life’s over.”

Grinnell and O’Brien both played sports in college—an experience they said helps them relate to and connect with their clients.

“These kids want to work with someone who gets how hard it is to be an athlete and who isn’t a stereotypical therapist who’s just gonna say, ‘Well, I’m here to ask you just quit’ because we all know that’s not what we’re gonna do,” O’Brien said.

According to O’Brien, there is a stigma surrounding seeking treatment for mental health issues in society—especially among athletes—that she hopes to combat.

“I think there’s just so much lack of knowledge, especially about suicide and understanding,” O’Brien said. “And so if you can help our kids with a little bit of knowledge about it, and enable them with skills to be able to talk with each other about it and mental health in general, I think we will continue to see the stigma go away.”

Despite the potential risk factors associated with sports, Grinnell and O’Brien both said sports can offer many invaluable benefits for athletes, especially teenagers.

“Growing up playing sports, you know, so many of those skills are transferable—establishing routine, being consistent, being accountable, learning, collaboration, teamwork— all that is applicable to real life outside of sports,” Grinnell said. n

Artificial intelligence (AI) cannot threaten its human creators because it does not have mental capacity, according to Dona Sarkar, the director of technology for Microsoft Accessibility.

“People think that AI has a mind of its own and that it’s going to take over the planet, it’s going to take over our jobs, and it’s going to kill us,” Sarkar said. “None of these are true. It’s a bunch of zeros and ones and funky math.

But mostly, it’s a big, fancy autocomplete.”

On Nov. 7, the Women’s Network at Boston College hosted a panel discussing the role of women in AI. Sarkar was joined on Zoom by CEO of Clearbrief Jacqueline Schafer, CEO of InsightCircle.ai Gloria Felicia, Head of AI Investment Management and Planning at Fidelity Lisa Huang, and CEO of AI for the People Mutale Nkonde.

Schafer said that people with diverse interests should get involved in AI, not just those interested in computer science. She explained that companies often have access to the models but do not understand how AI can help other industries, such as health care workers, lawyers, or bankers.

“One other misconception that I could speak about is that it is too late to get involved with [AI] and it’s moving too fast and if you are not a computer science genius, you are not important to how it is evolving,” Schafer said.

Sarker explained that the public has a tendency to blame AI when it is used for bad reasons— rather than holding the people who created it responsible.

“We can’t remove that accountability from people and say that AI is doing things on its own without human interest, without human interaction, or human interference in the loop because that’s just not true,” Sarkar said.

“It is incapable of doing that.”

Sarkar also explained that users must be very specific when prompting AI to do something.

“Treat prompting as you would your intern from last summer,” Sarkar said. “That is it.

It’s how you would talk to a real person who you’re asking to get information for you or do something for you. How would you instruct them step by step?”

Big businesses often spread misinformation about the capabilities of AI, especially by suggesting that it needs users’ data to train itself, Felicia said.

“A lot of times, the big corporations, especially in corporate America, said that they thought that AI will always use your data to train data sets.” Felicia said.

“That’s not always the case and you can always train your own model.”

Nkonde added that although AI is helpful, its foundations are rooted in white supremacy.

“It’s how you would talk to a real person who you’re asking to get information for you or do something for you. How would you instruct them step by step?”

She explained that its initial function was for members of Aryan Nations to find each other and weed out people of other races.

“I noticed in about 2015, when Google Image was in beta, which meant people weren’t using it, it labeled two black people as gorillas, and that it’s set me down a research rabbit hole that I’m really still in,” Nkonde said.

The panel wrapped up with each panelist sharing what they think is the most crucial takeaway from their careers in AI. Nkonde shared that she believes the future of AI development is uncertain.

“The future belongs to those who create it ,” Nkonde said.

“So don’t look to get into something, look to create something and then it will come to you.” n

NEWTON Monday, November 13, 2023

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The Heights

Meet Newton’s New City Council Members

By Ella Song Assoc. Newton Editor Brooke Ghaly For The Heights Genevieve Morrison For The Heights And Jacob Jansen For The Heights

David Micley, Ward 2 Councilor The fourth-generation Newton resident beat Dan Gaynor, a former presidential national security appointee, 1,784 votes to 1,110.

David Micley, a fourth-generation Newton resident with a background in philanthropy, business, and education, said he hopes to use his experience to help his constituents navigate a wide range of issues as Ward 2 councilor.

“We have a $500 million annual budget and all sorts of competing priorities and interests,” Micley said.

“I think it’s really important for us to remember what the role of city government is and be committed to that mandate.”

Micley has experience in advocating for affordable housing, which he said he believes gives him a unique perspective on the issues facing the city.

“I think I’m the only candidate that has on-the-ground experience fighting for affordable housing,” Micley said. “I was a community organizer, organizing for an affordable housing organization in Dorchester.”

Micley supports slightly relaxing zoning restrictions. He said the city council should meet the minimum zoning requirements under the MBTA Communities Law instead of using the city’s village council zoning plan, which goes beyond the state’s plan. “[VCOD] will zone for around 15,000 by-right units—much taller buildings by-right than we need to to reach the mandate,” Micley said.

“My issue with that is, I really think it just gives up too much power to developers that we don’t need to hand over to them.”

As a former teacher, Micley said he is the best advocate for Newton Public Schools (NPS) in its contract negotiations conflict. He said the city council should allocate a portion of its $53.9 million unrestricted funds to raise teacher salaries.

“I definitely think with this extra funding, we have an opportunity to help our teachers get paid what they deserve, and we should use that funding, in part, for that purpose,” Micley said.

Micley said the city council should allocate less funding to special projects and more to basic city services. Micley took issue with Newton’s recent effort to renovate the parking lot at the Newton Free Library and said that the funding for that renovation should have gone elsewhere.

“We spent $2.5 million to renovate the new library parking lot, pulled out a bunch of trees, pulled out a bunch of soil that helped for absorbing water drain flooding,” Micley said. “It was already a flood zone before and it’s still a flood zone now. I don’t know if that was a good use of funds.”

Following the city council’s Oct. 16 vote against repealing the winter overnight parking ban, Micley said he hopes to rework the ban in a way that accommodates conditions like two-family housing, which make winter parking difficult.

“Thinking about practical exceptions, that we can make easier to grant, while still having our restrictions on a GRAPHIC BY PARKER LEAF / broad sense … toEDITOR me is an appropriHEIGHTS ate way to get around the problem,” Micley said.

Randall Block, Ward 4 Councilor The former NPS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) member beat affordable housing advocate Doris Ann Sweet, 1231 votes to 848 votes.

Former PTO member and Sunday

School teacher Randall “Randy” Block plans to advocate for strong schools and the preservation of historical architecture as Ward 4 city councilor.

Block supports collective bargaining to ensure that Newton teachers have a say in their salaries and benefits, he said. Growing up as the son of two college professors, Block said he saw firsthand the impact of quality education and competitive wages for teachers.

“Parents are very concerned about the learning loss that their children have experienced due to [the COVID-19 pandemic]” Block said.

Block also said he wants to create accessible housing without overcrowding the City of Newton in places like Auburndale Square, where Newton residents often find themselves stuck in heavy traffic at peak rush hour.

He said he believes that projects like the West Newton Armory Affordable Housing Development project promote affordability while keeping traffic at a minimum.

“We have to weigh [traffic] when we think about what kind of additional housing we’re going to allow in this city,” Block said.

Block said he was previously in-

vulnerable residents, and making sure that their voices and issues are heard and prioritized is really important to me,” Bixby said.

Dealing with climate change—particularly its community-level effects— is important to Bixby, she said. According to her website, she plans to work toward reducing carbon emissions and support clean energy sources, combat invasive species, increase native plants, and support open spaces in Ward 6 like Crystal Lake.

Education is also a crucial issue in Newton, according to Bixby.

“Education and prioritizing funding for the schools is a huge issue right now and something I’m hearing obviously from my fellow parents and kids in the schools all the time,” Bixby said.

Bixby said that even though the schools are a work in progress, she finds hope in her fellow community members.

“I’m also so hopeful when I hear from residents who graduated 20 to 30 years ago,” she said. “They still really care so much about making sure that schools are a priority for our community.”

Bixby said safe infrastructure, specifically regarding roads, is a significant

“People don’t trust the government … it’s just, we need people who will, in fact, pay attention to residents.”

Poor councilor communication in Newton has resulted in poor civic engagement, according to Farrell. He said he plans to keep his residents better informed about his work in office via a regular newsletter as well as regular meetings with his constituents. “[I will] give them opportunities to talk about what’s of concern to them,” Farrell said. “I will bring people to those meetings who can speak to the issues and concerns and just try to have a formal dialogue on a regular basis with the residents.”

Farrell wants to address infrastructure in the city, which residents have expressed concern about during the campaign, he said.

“They’re very frustrated—they don’t understand why the city can’t do simple things like fix the roads,” Farrell said. “The roads in Ward 8 and other parts of the city are atrocious. They don’t know why there’s no plan for the flooding. Flooding is a huge issue in Ward 8.”

Zoning and affordable housing are also important Newton issues, according to Farrell. He believes that

SHANE SHEBEST / FOR THE HEIGHTS

In the municipal election on Nov. 7, 27 percent of registered voters in Newton turned out to the polls.

volved in community efforts to mitigate large-scale development that negatively impacts communities. In 2018, Block helped successfully advocate for the downsizing of a project at the Riverside MBTA stop due to environmental and traffic concerns, he said.

“I chaired the neighborhood committee and was part of the negotiating team that advocated for a smaller development to reduce the impact on the adjacent neighborhoods,” Block said. “With support from our Ward 4 councilors … we reached an agreement with the developer for a development of 1 million square feet, one-third commercial and two-thirds housing.”

Block said he plans to listen to his constituents.

“As your Ward 4 city councilor, I will listen to you and be your voice,” Block said.

Randy Block did not respond to a request to interview.

Martha Bixby, Ward 6 Councilor The Welcoming Newton founder beat Lisa Gordon, Acton Food Pantry executive director, 1,310 votes to 1,287.

After years of working in community service, Martha Bixby said she aims to take her service to the next level by becoming a Newton city councilor for Ward 6.

Bixby, who founded community organizations Welcoming Newton and Newton Neighbors, advanced to the municipal election after receiving 888 votes in the Sept. 12 preliminary election.

According to Bixby, elevating all resident voices is the best way to help the entire community.

“I think we often don’t hear from or see as much some of our most

issue in the city.

“Infrastructure, in particular, is a priority for me,” Bixby said. “For me, that means making [the roads] safe for all users—so drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and especially those with mobility impairments.”

While Bixby said she plans to address these issues, it is also incredibly important to her what her fellow Newton residents think, she said. Through her conversations with many community members, she has heard many opinions on the issues facing Newton and Ward 6, according to Bixby.

“I’m hearing a lot about the schools right now,” Bixby said. “A lot of people are wondering what’s going on with the budget, how we can really support our educators right now, [and] also [how] to support the schools and especially the kids who’ve been in school and felt the impacts of so many other things over these past few years.”

While Bixby hopes to make a positive impact on the community, she also believes that working together can cause impactful change, she said.

“I think that there are ways that we can work together to really hear [Newton residents] ideas, and there’s so much innovative thinking and ways that people can personally take action,” she said.

Stephen Farrell, Ward 8 Councilor The retired nonprofit manager beat former Ward 8 councilor Holly Ryan, 1,103 votes to 650.

Stephen Farrell, a longtime Newton resident who formerly worked in nonprofit development, seeks to bring more communication, accountability, and constituent engagement to the Ward 8 councilor seat, he said in an interview with The Heights.

“It’s just astounding,” Farrell said.

the government’s conversation about these topics has not been properly informed by resident opinions. He specifically pointed to the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) as an example of this.

“There is no consideration in this plan about, what about schools?” Farrell said. “What about infrastructure?

What about parks for kids to play in?

None of that is being addressed. And again, most of it’s going to be market rate and what they call affordable, again, in my opinion, is not affordable for the people that we would want to live there.”

Farrell said as a city councilor, he hopes to emulate the leadership style of former Ward 8 City Councilor Cheryl Lappin.

“I always found Cheryl to be very responsive,” Farrell said. “She came to meetings, she listened to us. She didn’t always agree with us, but she told us that. I think she did well as ward councilor.”

Rena Getz, Ward 5 Councilor-At-Large The scientist and local political activist beat incumbent Deborah Crossley 7,796 votes to 7,083.

Rena Getz, a former researcher of neurodegenerative diseases, and active member in the local political community, said she seeks to give back to the City of Newton that she has called home for nearly three decades—especially in the areas of zoning, political transparency, and diversity.

“Like many, we moved to Newton to raise our family,” Getz said on her campaign website. “We chose Newton because of its walkable neighborhood schools, historic village centers and abundant green open space.”

She said that issues such as New-

ton’s “sense of place” are at stake in the zoning debates.

“I believe that Newton is best served by complying with the MBTA Communities Act required zoning for the 8,330 housing units, but no more,” Getz wrote on her website. “I do not support the zoning proposed in the other Village Centers and commercial corridors (Newton Corner, Nonantum, Auburndale, Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Four Corners, and Thompsonville).”

She also emphasized the importance of supporting NPS. “Like many of you, my husband, Paul, and I moved to Newton to raise our family,” Getz wrote. “We chose Newton because of its walkable neighborhood schools, historic village centers and abundant green open space.

Our three children are all graduates of the Newton Public Schools (Angier/ Brown/Newton South High School).”

She said, however, that current negotiations between the Newton Teachers Association and NPS should end through dialogue and compromise to limit negative effects on students.

“I support a Fair Contract for the teachers, but understand that negotiations are never easy and it’s only through compromise, that resolutions are reached,” Getz wrote. “It is critical that we prioritize and support our schools, our teachers and our NPS families, especially those still impacted by the pandemic and years of interrupted learning.”

Rena Getz did not respond to a request to interview.

Alan Lobovits, Ward 6 Councilor-At-Large A resident of Newton for over 40 years and primary care pediatrician beat incumbent Alicia Bowman 7,800 votes to 7,540.

Alan Lobovits, a retired doctor who transitioned to advocating for medical causes in the state legislature, decided to run for a spot in the city council after learning about the city’s zoning initiatives.

“I started my candidacy when I began to hear about proposed changes to the zoning and development patterns in Newton coming from both city hall and from the state house, but the information available didn’t tell me enough,” he wrote on his website. “I then learned that areas in some—but not all—villages were designated to be rezoned, and I was shocked that every resident hadn’t been mailed a map showing the proposed changes.”

Lobovits lists three policy areas— zoning, housing, and education—as priorities on his website.

He said VCOD would hurt residents in the city.

“The VCOD would encourage the demolition of historic village center buildings to be replaced by taller apartment buildings with street-level commercial spaces,” Lobovits wrote in a policy statement posted on his website. “Existing local independent businesses and residential renters will be forced out and unable to return due to the expensive rents in the commercial spaces and apartments in the new buildings.”

Instead of endorsing the VCOD plan, Lobovits advocates for a different approach to address rising housing prices in Newton.

In a statement posted on his website, he listed 15 points to address the issue—among them asking the City of Newton to buy state housing, choose nonprofit developers, and revise property taxes.

“For-profit developers don’t ever try to lower housing prices,” Lobovits wrote in the statement regarding housing affordability. “Their redevelopment model is based on pushing rents and housing prices as high as possible because their only motive is maximizing profits.”

He hopes to incorporate resident

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

A5

NEWTON Save Newton Villages–Backed Candidates Dominate Tuesday’s Municipal Elections Election, from A1 At the Polls At the polls, Newton resident Jack Lovett said he voted in the election to preserve the future of the city as issues of housing and economic development continue to affect Newton.

“I think e ver y election is important, but in Newton, there’s been a lot of major issues in the city going back 10 years regarding housing and economic development,” Lovett said. “The future of the city and of the city council is at stake today, and that’s why I voted.”

Resident Risa Shames said housing issues were why she voted.

She said Newton should work on developing more housing options across the city to keep it accessible to people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

“I think that local issues are really important—a lot of these issues are around housing and development,” Shames said. “I feel strongly that Newton should have more development so that more young families can move in, so schools can be full, so that people like me, who may want to downsize, have places to go, and so we keep this town vibrant and open.”

Resident Sean Roche said key issues surrounding the climate and social and economic justice are a part of the current housing debates in Newton.

“The climate, economic jus-

tice, social justice … all of those come together in housing,” Roche said. “And so the land use policies, the zoning, is very important. And [in] this election, the candidates are very clearly on different sides of the land use and zoning issues.”

According to former City Councilor Greg Schwartz, it is important that voters consider who they want to represent their interests.

“It’s really important to kind of choose somebody who you feel is going to do a good job,” Schwartz said.

Shames said there is misinformation and a lack of education surrounding the election, leading voters to pick candidates without fully understanding their stance.

“There’s been a lot of misinformation, so I’m a little nervous that people may not really understand all the issues or might just vote for whoever they got the most flyers and phone calls from,” Shames said.

Roche said voting in municipal elections is important, as their impacts reach individuals at a much more local level than federal or state elections.

“Municipal politics, municipal government, is not as interesting or as exciting to some as state and federal, but the impacts are much more local,” Roche said.

STEVE MOONEY / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

In total, six new members were elected to Newton City Council, with several incumbents losing to challengers. both incumbents, won re-election the school committee.

Incumbent Maria Scibelli Green- as at-large councilors after running berg was unopposed and re-elected unopposed.

Ward 6 as ward councilor.

With 49 percent of the vote, Incumbent Chris Brezski ran Incumbents Alison Lear y unopposed and won the school Martha Bixby won the ward councilor election. Bixby received 1,305 and John Oliver were re-elected as committee election. votes to defeat challenger Lisa at-large councilors after running Gordon, who received 1,281 votes, unopposed.

Ward 3 Incumbent Rajeev Parlikar ran Incumbent Julia Malakie ran by 24 votes.

Incumbent Victoria Danberg unopposed, retaining his school unopposed and was re-elected as and Alan Lobovits were elected committee seat. ward councilor.

Incumbents Andrea Kelley as councilors at-large for Ward 6, Ward 2 and Pamela Wright each won receiving 7,680 and 7,780 votes, With 60 percent of votes, re-election as at-large councilors respectively. Residents voted out David Micley was elected ward after running unopposed. incumbent Alicia Bowman, who councilor over candidate Dan GayIncumbent Anping Shen ran received 7,513 votes. nor by a margin of 673 votes. Just unopposed and kept his seat on the Incumbent Paul Levy ran unopposed and was re-elected to the fewer than 1,110 residents voted school committee. school committee. for Gaynor and 1,782 for Micley.

Tarik Lucas and Newton City Election Results Ward 4 Ward 7 Council President Susan Albright, Ward 1 With 57 percent of the vote, Randall Block became ward coun- Incumbent Lisle Baker ran unopcilor over challenger Doris Ann posed and was re-elected as ward Sweet by a margin of 382 votes. councilor.

Eight hundred forty-seven voters Incumbents Becky Grossman supported Sweet and 1,229 sup- and Marc Laredo each won re-elecported Block. tion as at-large councilors after Incumbents Leonard Gentile running unopposed. and Joshua Krintzman each won Incumbent Amy Davenport re-election as at-large councilors ran unopposed and won the school after running unopposed. committee election.

Incumbent Tamika Olszewski Ward 8 ran unopposed and won the school With 59 percent of the vote, committee election.

Stephen Farrell defeated incumbent Holly Ryan in the Ward 8 Ward 5 Incumbent Bill Humphrey councilor election. Farrell received won the Ward 5 councilor election 1,096 votes to win by a margin of 448 votes over Ryan, who received after running unopposed.

Incumbent Andreae Downs 648 votes.

Incumbents David Kalis and and candidate Rena Getz each won a councilor-at-large seat for Ward Richard Lipof, city council vice 5, with Downs receiving 7,728 votes president, each won re-election as and Getz receiving 7,776 votes. at-large councilors after running Residents denied incumbent Deb- unopposed. orah Crossley—who received 7,060 Incumbent Barry Greenstein ran unopposed and won the elecvotes—re-election to the council.

Incumbent Emily Prenner ran tion for Newton School CommitSHANE SHEBEST / FOR THE HEIGHTS Residents went to the polls to vote for ward councilors, councilors at-large, and school committee members. unopposed and was re-elected to tee. n

Pulitizer Prize Winner Talks Family History

By Meredith Syms For The Heights Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jennifer Senior spoke about the mistreatment of family members with developmental disabilities at a community event at the Nathaniel T. Allen House in West Newton on Wednesday.

“Institutionalize—this is what

one was told,” Senior said. “This was standard, considered best practice, and not just in the best interests of the family but in the child’s best interest.”

Pathway to Possible, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports and empowers individuals with developmental disabilities, organized the event. Senior talked about her article “The Ones We

Sent Away” in The Atlantic, which explores the development of disability care and the widespread impact of institutionalization as well as its impact on her aunt, who had a developmental disability and was institutionalized for most of her life.

Institutionalization is when someone is placed or kept in an assisted-living facility.

SHANE SHEBEST / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Senior, who won a Pulitzer in 2022, discussed the mistreatment of family members with developmental disibilities.

“I look at Pathway to Possible as somewhat of an organization that’s really trying to get out there and help society in ways that are not commonplace, necessarily, and applaud the work that they do,” Senior said.

Senior’s article explored the historical misconceptions about developmental disabilities and how misguided institutionalization harms families.

“There is almost something Forrest Gump–like in that the back of my hand was institutionalized,” she said.

Senior discussed the history of her own family and talked about her aunt, who lived with a developmental disability in secret. She emphasized the negative result of institutionalization as she believes it puts a wedge between families.

“You realize your family histories; I became utterly aware of just how normal and common it was for institutionalization of this kind to happen,” Senior said.

Senior said there is a connection between societal upheaval and personal struggles.

Her aunt grew up in a time when there was no other option but to be isolated from those who were considered normal-bodied in society. She talked of her determination to preserve her aunt’s legacy, as before Senior’s writing and investigation, her tale had been abandoned in the family history.

Senior’s article highlighted the impact of institutionalization and emphasized how close she is to the topic.

“I was trying to put my aunt back on our family tree we were all complacent in one woman’s elimination from our family,” Senior said.

Senior said she has a positive outlook for the future of disability care when asked about policy changes and shifts in public perceptions.

“As we look ahead, we must build on the legacy of advocacy and the strides we’ve made,” she said. “We’re not just fighting for better policies or more inclusive practices, we’re fighting to change the fabric of our societal understanding.” n

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

A6

NEWTON Committee Votes Against Altering Parking Ban

By Brooke Ghaly For The Heights Despite a proposal to shorten the current Newton overnight parking ban, the city’s Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted against any alterations to the ban at its meeting on Wednesday night.

“There are a lot of narrow

streets right now and increased darkness this time of year,” Ward 4 Councilor Chris Markiewicz said. “In this larger project, I think those things need to be taken into account.”

Ward 3 Councilor-at-Large Andrea Kelley and Ward 2 Councilor-at-Large Susan Albright docketed the item for discussion, proposing shortening the ban from Dec.

1 through March 31 to last only through the months of January and February.

Multiple Newton residents were present at the meeting with Zoom profile pictures reading “Repeal Parking Ban.” Kelley said amending the ban would allow Newton residents more parking convenience without causing as great a disruption as removing the

STEVE MOONEY / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Members of the committee proposed shortening the overnight parking ban, which lasts from Dec. 1 to March 31.

ban altogether would.

“I think all of us have been seeing letters from people asking us to, if not lift the ban, at least shorten it for reasons of their practicality,” Kelley said.

Newton Highlands Neighborhood Area Council President Jeremy Freudberg also expressed concern about the ban’s inconvenience.

“There’s a desire this winter to help people, and for a lot of people, the parking ban is a burden,” Freudberg said.

But shortening the ban may not be fully effective, according to Freudberg.

“I do think four to two months isn’t going to make much of a difference there,” Freudberg said.

Ward 3 Councilor Julia Malakie said she opposed amending the ban, especially given its original length and the increase in multi-family housing in Newton.

“The ban started out as full year, and I think going down to two months really guts the effect of it,” Malakie said. “We’re looking at a future with possibly many

more units and no increase in curb space.”

Newton resident Terry Sauro shared her opposition to overturning the current ban, as well as her disappointment at the lack of a council conclusion after previous conversations on the issue.

“It just doesn’t seem correct that you can do this after it was discussed and voted upon,” Sauro said.

“The streets need to be cleaned, especially during snow emergencies.”

Ward 7 Councilor-at-Large Becky Grossman shared her frustration with the Newton administration’s hesitance to gather data and find a parking solution.

“I’m pretty shocked to hear that feedback from the administration about a lack of willingness to work with us,” Grossman said.

“I think that they should be willing to invest some time and resources on trying to come up with creative solutions.”

Most council members voted against the proposal, with only Bowman and Kelley in favor. Ward 5 Councilor-at-Large Andreae Downs abstained. n

Shiva’s Kitchen Serves Variety and Flavor to Newton

By Genevieve Morrison For The Heights Standing on the corner of Walnut Street, it is impossible to ignore the fragrant aromas of spices and food coming from Shiva’s Kitchen, a cozy eatery offering bold Indian flavors with many vegetarian and vegan options.

Siva Kumar, owner of Shiva’s Kitchen, previously ran an award-winning vegetarian restaurant called Walnut Grille at the Walnut Street location for a decade.

“I was running Walnut Grille, which was vegetarian-vegan,” Kumar said. “We opened the business in 2012.”

The Walnut Grille announced its closing in March 2023. According to Kumar, it struggled to sustain itself after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After COVID, we weren’t able to get the old business as a vegan-vegetarian restaurant,” Kumar said. “We lost a lot of business.”

It’s been six months since Kumar revamped the location as Shiva’s Kitchen, an Indian restaurant featuring meat options and diverse dishes from his own heritage.

“It’s been six months from Walnut Grille to Shiva’s Kitchen,” Kumar said. “We are getting good feedback, people [are] liking it. So far, so good.”

Even though Shiva’s Kitchen now serves meat products, it remains a good option for those with dietary restrictions, as the vast menu boasts a wide variety of clearly labeled vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free choices.

“Still, we are featuring lots of vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian options,” Kumar said. “Even the menu, it says ‘V’ means vegan, ‘GF’ means gluten free, ‘NF’ means nut free.”

In addition to the full-service restaurant, Shiva’s Kitchen also brings its taste of India to customers through catering and food delivery services.

Kumar says that takeout is the business’s main source of revenue.

“We partner with companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and stuff like that,” Kumar said. “That’s a pretty decent amount of orders.”

For dine-in eating, Shiva’s Kitchen presents the food with carefully decorated garnishes in silver bowls, which add an aesthetically appealing

component to the delicious food.

Shiva’s Kitchen’s chicken tikka masala offers a bold take on an Indian staple. The flavor is vivid, but not overpowering, especially when paired with the accompanying basmati rice, cooked to a light and fluffy texture. The garlic naan offers a perfectly chewy medium to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Jim Spencer, a Newton Highlands resident, said he brought his children to Shiva’s Kitchen on a Saturday night to get a change of pace from their usual diet.

“We live very close to here,” Spencer said. “We have a couple of our staples that we go to and order from, but we said, ‘let’s do something different.’”

Other customers like Anthony Ray, MCAS ’27, first tried Shiva’s Kitchen through food delivery. Ray said he enjoyed his food so much that he decided to dine in on a Saturday night.

“This is my first time [actually eating] here, but I got it on DoorDash once and I really liked it so I said ‘let’s

go here for dinner,’” Ray said.

Though Shiva’s Kitchen is still a budding restaurant in the Newton community, Kumar said he is optimistic about its future.

“It’s getting better day to day and hopefully next year we can get more sustained success,” Kumar said.

Shiva’s Kitchen serves Indian food with vegetarian and vegan options. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner at 1203 Walnut Street. n

GENEVIEVE MORRISON / FOR THE HEIGHTS

Siva Kuma, owner of Shiva’s Kitchen, used to run the award-winning Walnut Grille restaurant.

Bay Colony Brass Performs For Veterans Day

By Genevieve Morrison For The Heights The Bay Colony Brass ensemble introduced itself to Newton and commemorated Veterans Day with a Saturday evening concert at the First Unitarian Universalist Society.

The concert featured pieces with military themes and readings of soldiers’ letters from wars throughout American histor y.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller began the concert by reading a letter from a Civil War soldier.

“I’m honored to read the last letter from Maj. Sullivan Ballou written to his wife, Sarah, in the

days leading up to the Battle of the First Bull Run,” Fuller said.

Fuller and the other speakers, Spc. Andre Pasquarosa and Lance Cpl. Stephen Daniel, helped to celebrate the memory of fallen soldiers, according to Bay Colony Brass music director Philip Sanborn.

“The readers for the letters, you know, I anticipated that they would do a good job, but they were just spectacular,” Sanborn said.

“They put a lot of emotion into it.”

After years of being based in Burlington, Mass., the Bay Colony Brass ensemble recently relocated to Newton. Saturday evening marked the inaugural concert for

the ensemble in its new location. “[We] were up in Burlington, kind of all over the place, so we wanted to center ourselves in Newton, so we’re going to be at the Second Church in Newton, practicing and all that,” Sanborn said.

Because the introductory concert date coincided with Veterans Day, Sanborn decided to use the event to commemorate Newton’s veterans.

“We morphed Veterans Day into our, you know, new beginning,” Sanborn said.

The concert was scheduled to take place at the Second Church in Newton, but switched to the First

GENEVIEVE MORRISON / FOR THE HEIGHTS

The Veterans Day per formance was the ensemble’s first show since relocating to New ton.

Unitarian Universalist Society at the last minute due to a heating problem at the Second Church.

Sanborn said the ensemble took steps to ensure its sounds would work with the new location’s acoustics.

“We really didn’t know going into this concert what this room was like—if it would be too echoey or whatever,” Sanborn said. “We got in here early to practice and got a beautiful sound, so we’re very happy with it.”

Second Church members still came to support the ensemble despite the change in location.

“This gives us a little intro because they’ll be coming to our church, which is very nice,” Second Church patron and Newton resident Donna Johnson said.

The ensemble played seven pieces, including classic military hymns like “Salute to the Armed Forces” and overtures from films about the military like 1941 and Saving Private Ryan.

“We went sort of patriotic and that’s why we picked [Charles] Ives’ ‘America’ and why we picked the ‘Fanfare for Democracy’ and the ‘1941 March’—because the movie 1941 is about the precursors to Pearl Harbor,” Sanborn said.

Concert attendee and Newton resident Marjorie Jordan recalled the memory of her uncle, who served in Europe during World War II. Jordan said she noticed the toll his military service took on him.

“He was in the invasion of Italy, and almost all his men with him in the invasion of Italy died,” Jordan said. “I don’t think he ever recuperated.”

Jordan said veterans often don’t receive enough support for the trauma they endure, pointing to her uncle’s struggles with mental health after his service.

“They have to treat the depression afterwards,” Jordan said. “They know that now, but they didn’t know it then.”

Johnson also talked about her connection to Veterans Day, and said she observed the holiday by honoring her late father-in-law, who served in the Air Force during World War II. “My father-in-law was actually in the Army Air Force,” Johnson said. “He was an instructor in the north of England, and he would debrief the guys every day on their bombing. Today, I went to the cemetery and found my father-in-law. I was there.” n

M AGAZINE Monday, November 13, 2023

The Heights

A7

Maroon, Gold, and Green: Boston College Students, Faculty Grapple With Divestment Divestment, from A1

Of these divested institutions, 35.7 p ercent are faith-ba se d organizations and 15.9 percent are e ducational institutions , according to the Global Fossil Fuel Commitments Database.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, scientists, politicians, and advocacy groups denounced the BC Board of Trustees’ investment in fossil fuel stocks in a 2021 letter to then– Attorney General Maura Healey.

“As concerned students, faculty, politician leaders, civic groups, and community members, we ask that you investigate this conduct and that you use your enforcement powers to order the Trustees of Boston College to cease their investments in fossil fuels,” the letter reads.

Amid differing opinions about the University’s investment policies,

(CJBC)—a student organization that advocates for environmental justice issues—said the club has contacted and spoke with different BC administrators for many years to advocate for divestment. CJBC is usually disappointed with these interactions, Caspar, MCAS ’26, said. “ We ’ v e h e a r d p r e t t y discouraging opinions about how [administrators] don’t plan to divest—they don’t have plans, so that is not something they’re interested in,” Caspar said.

CJBC was founded in 2012 under the original name BC Fossil Free, according to Caspar. The University approved CJBC as a registered student organization in 2015, and it has hosted registered rallies and protests in the years since.

Since 2015, tensions have risen

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

CJBC hosted a sleep-out at the University president’s office in 2016.

BC has not divested from fossil fuels. between the University and CJBC BC’s endowment—including its members. In 2017, BCPD officers investment tied to fossil fuels—has threatened CJBC members with enhanced the University’s funding disciplinary consequences after for vital programs, according to a they protested outside a Pops on statement to The Heights in 2020. the Heights gala, according to a “The endowment exists to timeline created by CJBC. provide a permanent source of During the 2022 Hosting Earth funding for financial aid, faculty Conference, former President of chairs, and student programs, as Ireland Mary Robinson advocated well as the University’s academic for BC and other universities to and research initiatives, and is not divest from fossil fuels. a tool to promote social or political “I think universities should be change, however desirable that leading on this issue in every sense change might be,” the University because there is a crisis,” Robinson told The Heights. said at the conference. “I have for But as global temperatures rise a long time supported the idea of and advocacy groups question BC’s universities including my alma adherence to Catholic teachings mater, Harvard, divesting.” on sustainability, some students In Febr u ar y of 2022, the and faculty told The Heights that University put CJBC on a year-long their concern about divestment is probation after the club delivered growing. cards with vulgar language to University President Rev. William P. The Decades-Long Leahy, S.J., as a part of a Valentine’s Divestment Conversation Day–inspired divestment protest BC students and community calling on the University to “break members have called on the up with fossil fuels.”

University to divest from fossil “Climate Justice of Boston fuels for decades.

College delivered to the President’s In the past, the University has Office a number of ‘valentines’ that adapted its investment approach used extremely vulgar and offensive following student pressure to re- language,” said Tom Mogan, then– evaluate. In the late 1970s and associate vice president for student early 1980s, the University pulled engagement and formation. its investments from companies Caspar said CJBC planned to in South Africa amid Apartheid hold a “divestment town hall” last after student groups and activists year on campus. Despite CJBC’s called on “BC to divest itself of plans, Caspar said the University corporations with holdings in South strongly discouraged CJBC from Africa,” according to a Heights using the word “divestment” in the article from 1978. event title.

Then–University President Rev. The Office of Student J. Donald Monan, S.J., announced in Involvement then changed the 1985 that BC no longer held stock event title to an “environmental in companies that did business in justice town hall”—an act that South Africa.

Caspar said completely changed the In 1992, conversations about marketing and purpose of the event. divestment began to focus on the “In general, the administration climate crisis and BC’s investment is very unreceptive to the work that in fossil fuels. When Richard we do,” Caspar said. “And it doesn’t Cooper, a Harvard professor of feel like they care, and usually feels international economics, gave a like they’re intentionally trying to lecture on global warming, the ignore the work that we do.”

University received criticism for its Last month, seven climate fossil fuel investments. And calls for a d v o c a t e s — i n c l u d i n g C J B C change continue today. members and two members of Molly Caspar, treasurer for St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish’s Climate Justice at Boston College “Green Team” gathered outside of

Leahy’s office with candles in their hands, dropping off a paper copy of Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ most recent apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis.

“We are here to support these students who have been asking for a long time for BC to take seriously their Jesuit values and the Catholic values for social justice,” Strad Engler, Green Team member, said.

Despite the difficulties the club faces in pushing for divestment, Caspar said that CJBC’s efforts are still important.

“I think even as discouraging as it can be at BC sometimes with how unreceptive they are specifically to issues of divestment, I think that it’s still a very, very, worthy fight and worthy cause because this is not something that’s gonna go away,” Caspar said.

Philip Landrigan, director of the program for global public health and the common good, said there is an increased number of courses discussing the climate crisis within the global public health and environmental studies departments.

This motivates more students to become involved in environmental efforts on and off campus, he said.

“I think students in [this] generation are very, very deeply c o n c e r n e d a b o u t c l i m a t e ,” Landrigan said.

Aligning With Jesuit, Catholic Values Baldelomar, a visiting lecturer and doctoral candidate in the School of Theology and Ministry, said that commitment to the environment is deeply rooted in Catholic doctrine.

“Now this is central to Catholic faith and Catholic teaching, and that’s why I think Francis is, you know, kind of peeved in some ways,” Baldelomar said.

Although Francis has encouraged Catholics to embrace sustainability as a part of Catholic social doctrine, Baldelomar said Francis is facing pushback from Catholics in the United States who are hesitant to change their financial investments due to deeply seeded political divisions.

“A Pew survey that came out said that Catholics are no more likely in the United States than just other Americans to follow ecological teachings or ecological sustainability, or e ven think that climate change is a threat,” Baldelomar said. “This is, again, very concerning, given that the pope has been honing in on this theme.”

Pope Francis published Laudato si’ in 2015—a papal encyclical calling for action against climate change. Five years after releasing Laudato si’, the Vatican called on Catholics to divest from companies and industries engaged in activities “harmful to human or social ecology” and the environment.

On the five-year anniversary of Laudato si’, BC rejected the Vatican’s call.

“As a private university, Boston College’s decisions regarding investments and governance are made by University leadership, in concert with the Board of Trustees,” Associate Vice President for University Communications Jack Dunn said in an email to The Heights in 2020. “While we welcome the Vatican document, our position regarding divestment remains unchanged.”

In response to BC’s decision, CJBC wrote a statement about the University’s position on divestment.

“In a maj or de velopment yesterday the Vatican called on Catholics around the world to divest from fossil fuels,” the statement

read. “The debate CJBC has been having with the administration of BC for over 7 years is now over.

There can be no more obfuscating or denying BC’s moral obligation to take action. It is time to divest.”

Baldelomar said that Francis’ latest statement, Laudate Deum, demonstrated the pope’s concern with the U.S. church, and, more specifically, the role of climate deniers in the face of the world’s most existential threat.

“His latest statement goes after the climate deniers in particular,” Baldelomar said. “And he really pushed back and said, you know, climate deniers have no place in policy and they have no place in our religious institutions.”

Caspar said that especially at a Jesuit, Catholic institution, she thinks that the University has an obligation to listen to Pope Francis’ suggestions.

“I think that it’s disappointing that as a Jesuit, Catholic institution, we’re kind of choosing to ignore [divestment], but not also ignore, almost intentionally suppress voices on campus that are arguing for this,” Caspar said.

BC’s Status Among Other Divesting Universities Students’ and theologians’ calls for divestment go beyond the BC community—pressure to divest has emerged at Catholic campuses across the country in recent years.

In February 2020, students at BC and 57 other universities, including seven Jesuit institutions, took part in the Fossil Fuel Divestment Day (F2D2) campaign—a day designed by the United Nations to draw attention to the importance of divesting.

Like B C, universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technolog y, Northeastern University, and the University of Texas at Austin have not announced plans to divest.

In 2021, Boston University announced its decision to divest from fossil fuels, citing increasing proof of the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on the climate and the advocacy of climate activists

fossil fuels, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, according to its website.

Georgetown’s Board of Directors passed a divestment resolution in 2015, and then it approved another investment strategy policy in 2017 of “commitment to social justice, stewardship for the planet, and promotion of the common good,” according to the University’s website.

Caspar said that because BC is a leading American university in scholarship about innovation and the environment, it should follow the lead of universities similar to BC—including Georgetown—that have divested.

“If Georgetown can do this also—as a Jesuit, Catholic institution—then this is something that we should be looking to them for,” Caspar said.

Baldelomar also said that BC’s Jesuit values should motivate the University to follow Francis’ teachings , especially because Francis is a Jesuit himself.

“And, you know, especially Jesuit values right, I think should be aligned with this message,” Baldelomar said. “And also given that the Pope is Jesuit, institutions like BC I think should be taking a lead on this and following Francis’ teachings.”

Landrigan also emphasized his support of divestment as both a scientist and a member of a Jesuit institution. He said the decision to divest is—both scientifically and morally—the correct one.

“My own view is that BC should divest from fossil fuels,” Landrigan said. “The National Academy of Sciences, which is the nation’s leading scientific authority, just came out with a statement the other day saying that they are going to be going through all their investments and divesting from fossil fuels.”

Religious values aside, Baldelomar said higher education institutions should recognize their active role in “advancing” or “deferring” catastrophic climate events that will result from rising global temperatures and pollution.

But this can be difficult, Baldelomar

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

BC Republican’s president criticized protestors at a 2021 CJBC demonstration. as reasons for its decision.

“This has been a long journey within the BU community and the Board of Trustees,” Robert A. Brown, BU university president, told BU Today. “This is putting us on the right side of history.”

And this fall, NYU announced in a letter that it would avoid direct investments in fossil fuels—of which it currently has none—and avoid indirect investments in fossil fuels after a push from Sunrise NYU, a student environmental group.

“New York University and Sunrise NYU both recognize climate change’s threat to our community and the world, and we recognize and appreciate that the combustion of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to climate change,” the letter reads.

Georgetown University, another Jesuit university, adopted a policy on

said, due to differing priorities of the corporate and private donors that universities like BC often rely on.

“And so we also have that to contend with and that’s just the reality of not just Catholic institutions, but all institutions across the world,” Baldelomar said.

Landrigan said BC students have demonstrated a deep concern about the climate and should continue to involve themselves in environmental efforts on and off campus.

“Keep talking,” Landrigan said.

“Keep impressing on the elders the importance of the issue. The fact that your generation is going to have to live with [climate change] for a lot longer than we do. And keep making the argument that climate change has to be taken seriously, especially in a Jesuit Catholic University.” n

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

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M AGAZINE Grimes Carries On Family Craftsmanship Passion

By Maddie Mulligan For The Heights After pursuing a competitive track career, rigorous academic studies, and a job at a venture capital firm, Vivian Grimes realized she was meant to work in the jewelry business.

“I always knew there was something else that I wanted to do,” Vivian said.

Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, who worked in the jewelry industry, Vivian, BC ’16, founded the fine jewelry business Henri Nöel in 2019.

Although she grew up surrounded by the jewelry industry, it was her father’s inspiration later in life that sparked her interest, Vivian said. After experiencing a stroke that completely paralyzed his right side, Rick Grimes, her father, still returned to his business, Certified Jewelers. He learned to work with his left-hand to do so, Vivian said.

After seeing him go back to the office and start creating again, Vivian said she realized how passionately she felt about connecting

with jewelry customers.

“That’s what really made me think I love this,” Vivian said. “I’m working at a venture capital firm and this is great, but I love this one on one interaction I get with clients.”

It is from this idea that Henri Nöel derives its most significant value: the customer. People buy jewelry for a variety of reasons, but no matter what, Vivian said she places an emphasis on transparency throughout the process for the sake of the customer’s confidence.

Jewelry is often bought for personal reasons, whether it be a special occasion or a treat for oneself, Vivian said. Being transparent throughout the entire process of creating jewelry helps the customer invest in a product they are confident in, she said.

“She cares so much about our clients and making sure that every piece is perfect,” said Carolina Menendez, Henri Nöel’s head of growth, one of Vivian’s closest college friends, and BC ’16. “Everybody likes what they get from us.”

Vivian said people love the experience of buying jewelry from Henri

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVIAN GRIMES

Vivian chose the name Henri Nöel to honor both her father and grandfather.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVIAN GRIMES

Vivian followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, founding the fine jewelry company, Henri Nöel.

Nöel. From getting to know customers through individual meetings to reaching out to their social media base to gauge their opinions, Vivian said she aims to intimately communicate with her customer base.

“Jewelry really has an emotional tie that we take very seriously,” Menendez said.

And while engaging with the customer so intensely brings a heavy workload, Rick Grimes said Vivian was never the type of person to stray away from hard work.

While watching her grow up, Rick said he witnessed how being involved in high-level athletics played into his daughter’s personality and work ethic. Vivian ran track and cross country at Boston College as well as at the University of Southern California while she pursued a master’s degree in entrepreneurship. Her time as an athlete built up her conviction to pursue her goals, he said.

“She’s always been self motivated,” Rick said. “I think that gave her a lot of confidence.”

As an athlete, Vivian said she was always searching for ways to improve her approach and push herself further—this mentality now translates over to her entrepreneur-

ial approach as she tries to better her business strategy.

“I think my athlete background has helped me be like, ‘Okay, why did this happen? Why didn’t it work?

How can I improve,” Vivian said.

Just like training to be an athlete, starting a company entails a constant grind of training and working, Vivian said. The business becomes all you think about, but Rick said his daughter is the type of person to face such challenges head on.

“You have to have that special motivation,” Rick said. “And she’s got it. She really does.”

Menendez said Vivian’s confidence and work ethic is what makes her a strong entrepreneur.

“Vivian is just not afraid of hard work,” Menendez said. “She loves it so much. She puts so much into what she’s doing. I have so much respect and admiration for Vivian.

I feel like I trust her and would do anything with her, for her.”

Despite her father and Menendez attributing much of her success to her abilities, in the end, Vivian said she has two other people to thank: her parents.

Vivian said that her parents instilled core values that she draws on in her business decisions. Having

grown up with five other siblings, Vivian said family was extremely important to her, which is why she decided to name the company in honor of her family.

The name Henri Nöel is one meant to honor both her father and grandfather—she modified her grandfather’s name, Henry, into Henri to allow for the “ri” to represent her father, Rick. Because these individuals are Vivian’s biggest mentors, she said she wanted to pay homage to them in her company’s name.

“If I’m going to put my heart and soul into something, I want it to mean something,” Vivian said. “It has not only a monetary value but such emotional value attached to it.

I think that’s really special.”

When Vivian first started Henri Nöel, she said she would have been happy to make $60,000—but the company blew this goal out of the water during its first year, she said.

Moving forward, Vivian said she hopes to build on the connections she has made with customers and potentially open a physical storefront.

“I don’t see her stopping,” Rick said. “She will make this a very, very successful company.” n

A Look Into the Danish Practice of Hygge Living

By Veronica Pierce For The Heights Throughout the fall semester, Boston College students attempt to aestheticize their lives. Instagram stories flood with images of coffee shops, red and orange hues, and cozy spaces.

As soon as the first day of October was upon us, my roommate and I filled our dorm room with Halloween decorations, fake cobwebs, pumpkins, and ambient lighting. Looking back, we revamped our physical space in pursuit of a comforting feeling.

If you relate to this at all, you’re not alone. In fact, there is a whole practice of aesthetic happiness in Denmark called hygge.

There are many factors that go into a happy country: genetics, relationships, health, income, and so on.

According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark has consistently ranked among the top five happiest countries in the world since the report started coming out in 2012. One of the largest factors contributing to Denmark’s happiness is practicing hygge.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

So, what can you do to become a more hyggelig—that is, a cozy and hygge-embracing—person? Your answers lie here.

You Are What You Eat The Danes highly prioritize their

food and drinks, especially if they’re sweet! Annually, Danes eat 18 pounds of sweets per person compared to the European average of nine pounds per person.

The cakes and pastries they eat are typically homemade rather than from packages in a grocery store. The Danes’ theory is that the longer it takes to prepare a dish, the more hyggelig it is.

This is also the case for savory foods. The Danes have many different recipes for soups and stews that serve as a warm solution to a cold day. Some examples are braised pork cheeks in dark beer with potato-celeriac mash, Boller i Karry or Danish meatballs in curry, and my personal favorite, Skibberlabskovs or Skipper Stew.

Regardless of if you are in a suite or a traditional double, you can make hygge food too! Have a cake-making party with friends or buy the Mexican Style Hot Cocoa Melts from Trader Joe’s for a cozy, sweet drink to sip on.

If you prefer the savory route, have a pantry party with friends and swap yummy recipes, spices, and other ingredients with each other.

No matter which approach you take, the two most important aspects of hyggelig cooking are prolonging the process and doing it with others.

The Danes emphasize the importance of being with close family and friends while practicing hygge. So, whether it be a sweet treat from the Rat that you heat up in your microwave or a bowl of soup you warm up before movie night, embracing qualities of hygge in

your diet can fill you up both physically and emotionally.

Casual Is Key Hygge is all about being comfy, and what’s comfier than a big fuzzy scarf with woolen socks (hyggesokker), a warm sweater, or fuzzy pants (hyggebukser)! Take it from me, a native Southerner. Even though 50 degrees may be average for fall weather in Boston, it’s freezing cold for me. So, I like to put on a lot of layers to stay warm throughout the day.

The Danes also take this view.

There is nothing more hygge than bundling up and going on a walk around the neighborhood or curling up by the fire with the windows open just slightly.

Scarves, bulky tops, and woolen socks constitute the Danish style. Casual hair is also a sign of comfort. I’m not saying you should stroll around Main Campus with bedhead, but even wearing your hair down or in a messy bun with earmuffs and a scarf wrapped around your head is ultra hygge.

Not only do warmer clothes allow for fewer opportunities to get sick, but they also can make those breezy walks outside less uncomfortable. The Danes think of hygge as an inside and outside practice, and they prioritize three Cs with hygge outdoors: company, casualness, and closeness to nature.

Make use of the green spaces around campus whether it be the lawn outside Stu or the Gasson Quad. Take a moment or two in between classes to people-watch, take a walk, or just ob-

GRAPHIC BY PAIGE STEIN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

serve the nature around you—all within the comfort of a bundle of clothes. In other words, have a moment of hygge, also known as a hyggestund.

Home Is Where the Heart Is Hygge would not be complete without a snuggly space to cozy up in on chilly winter days. More than 71 percent of Danes practice hygge inside—most within a small nook in the house (hyggekrog).

The one thing that most Danes swear by when it comes to hygge are candles and ambient lighting. In my dorm, my roommate and I rarely ever use our overhead light. Instead, we bought string lights to hang from our walls. We also bought light-up pumpkins and neon lights to create a glow in our dorm. Either way, having an alternative source of lighting allows for a more comforting feeling.

Another important aspect of hygge is the texture and feel of objects in the home. Many Danes scatter things

made out of wood, ceramics, tactile materials, and vintage items throughout their homes. In this way, they give the house a cluttered yet homey feel. If you need an opportunity to redecorate your room, now is the time! The search for textured items such as flower pots, clocks, book ends, and more does not have to be expensive either. In fact, Danes believe that money is far from the route to happiness or hygge. Instead, thrifting and hand-made items are considered more hygge than luxury items.

You can also make an activity out of acquiring items as well. Swap parties, which are common in Denmark, are when groups of people get together and swap household objects to incorporate into their own homes.

Ultimately, in the home or in the dorm, you can never go wrong in achieving hygge with a few battery-powered candles, your favorite book or notebook, a vintage blanket, and a steady beat of soft music in the background. n

The Heights

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M AGAZINE

Students Embrace Storytelling Through Speeches Word of Mouth, from A1 Students’ first task upon walking into a WoM meeting is to write their name on the board to indicate if they're interested in speaking that day. After a few introductions and an icebreaker, the speeches begin, Wiederman said. There is no set time limit for the speeches. After each speech, members will often give comments or critiques, especially if the presenter asked for feedback in a specific area.

Students with no public speaking experience are encouraged to join— Wiederman joined as a freshman after a leader in the marching band encouraged her to come, she said.

“Usually it was like, ‘You have to come to Word of Mouth, like I need people,’ and I was like, ‘Fine, like I don't really like it that much, but I’ll show my support for you,’” Wiederman said. “And then kind of throughout the fall semester, it turned into something that she stopped asking us to come to and we're like, ‘Wait, like, we're just coming.’”

Wiederman said that when she first joined, she was intimidated by the amount of upperclassmen, but she grew to like that aspect of the club because it allowed her to connect with people who had already overcome the struggle of being new to the group.

“This just kind of became my team, but in a positive way,” Wie-

derman said. “It was a place where I originally knew nobody. Nobody was a freshman except for myself and my other friend who had come from band. It felt like they were really offering something to me that I didn't realize I was looking for at first.”

Johnny Koczela, a student in the School of Theology and Ministry and BC ’23, joined last year after some of his friends encouraged him to. Koczela said he was also drawn to WoM’s mission.

“You get to practice valuable skills, make enjoyable, meaningful connections with other like-minded individuals on campus, and have some valuable enjoyment on your Tuesday afternoon, or whatever day you choose,” Koczela said.

Wiederman said the wide appeal of WoM enabled her to encourage people from all aspects of her life to join the club. Everyone is given the same speaking prompt, which evens the playing field and lessens the stress of coming up with a topic, she said.

“I think it's fun to see the different personalities because some people bring a very comedic style to their speeches, and some people tend to be more philosophical and serious,” Wiederman said. “Some people I don't know what their style is yet.”

Topics for forums vary greatly— from “BC hot takes” to “incorporate a lyric” to “a time your perspective

ANNABELLE LANGFORD / HEIGHTS STAFF

WoM is a public speaking and storytelling organization that provides students space to practice their speaking skills. changed.” Wiederman said her you want to know about them as a able to articulate an argument or favorite speech was one where a person, not just what they're going a story is especially important for member comedically recounted a to say in response to the prompt,” college students. Because student’s time she came home from break Wiederman said. “It can really open lives are made up of small interand her room was painted bright up a space that's just inclusive and actions that could lead to jobs or green. Koccella’s standout speech comfortable.” future opportunities, Wiederman was when a club member took the WoM member Cameron Hop- said mastering this sort of commustance that you should choose your per, WCAS ’25, said he joined the nication is crucial. cereal based on color. club this semester because he wantWoM will never turn away a For the latest forum, Wieder- ed to practice public speaking and student—it always invites them in, man asked members to “teach the be in an environment where people Wiederman said. audience something.” The lessons are genuinely interested in what you “I really love how this club learned varied from how to apply a have to say. changes the typical learning dytourniquet, how to make a bench out “I think every person is interest- namic in college,” Koczela said. “In of paper, and Carl Rogers' commu- ing whether they know it or not,” your big lecture environments, it's nicative method. The atmosphere is Hopper said. “And so I love when a lot of listening to a sage on the casual, like a group of friends having we have these prompts that give stage. Here, everyone gets to go up a weekly catch-up session. people the opportunity to show how and be the sage for a little bit, and “Just really showing the members interesting they can be.” we all have so much wisdom and that you care about them and that According to Wiederman, being interesting knowledge to convey.” n

Annie Park Founds Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream

By Peyton Zaletsky Heights Staff

In 2019, as Annie Park traveled around Southeast Asia, her mother called her to say she had grown tired of retirement. Less than a year after this conversation, Park and her mom opened an ice cream shop.

“I now realize that what I do at Sarah’s Handmade isn’t that different from my teaching background,” Park, BC ’13, said. “I’m doing more than just giving my employees an hourly wage—I am creating a community, a sense of purpose, and a sense of responsibility, and this is no different than creating a community in any environment I’ve been in.”

Before moving to Bethesda, Md., at the age of 9, Park lived in South Korea. Park said she remembers Baskin-Robbins being a popular ice cream store there when she was a young child. Her mother,

ice cream shop in Bethesda was going out of business and grew concerned the shop might be taken over by a national chain.

“She called me and asked if I would come back home to help her with the paperwork, website, and the hiring and training of employees so that she could focus solely on the ice cream,” Park said.

“I told her I would help her for a few months because my mom and I have always been there for each other—a sense of responsibility to the family has always been a cultural identity to me.”

In 2019, Park opened Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream with her mom. Right off the bat, the shop became a huge hit, according to Park. She said she remembers neighbors bringing their families and friends, a never-ending line out of the door, and a slew of high school students coming in to apply for jobs.

Park said her background in

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNIE PARK

Sarah’s Handmade usually sells 40 different ice cream flavors at a time.

however, sternly warned her about the various chemicals and sugars that Baskin-Robbins used to make their flavors, she said.

“My mom didn’t like how Baskin-Robbins ice cream turned your tongue into crazy colors, so she had decided that she was just going to make ice cream at home,” Park said. “She would cut out the colors and the sugar, and when we got to Maryland, she began making ice cream for neighborhood kids and birthday parties.”

In 2018, Park said her mom discovered that their neighborhood

education has allowed her to offer a range of resources and assistance to the high school students she employed.

“I hold writing workshops and college conference sessions where students can conference with me and one another about their essays,” Park said. “We go over grammar, the essay itself, and any other questions they have about college, including scholarships and financial aid.”

Cecilia Debritz, MCAS ’24, worked at Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream over the past three sum-

mers. She said she has witnessed Park go above and beyond to help staff.

“Annie is such an awesome person because she goes out of her way to do things for the staff,” Debritz said. “I wish I had worked there in high school because she offers college essay writing workshops, writes letters of recommendation, and even sets up interviews with David Weber, an associate director of admissions, for employees who want to apply to BC.” Toby Carr, a current ambassador at Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream who has worked there for two years, said he is grateful that Park hires high school employees who do not always have prior experience.

“Since working at Sarah’s, I’ve been able to make friends with my coworkers and connect with them outside of the workspace, which is something I am so appreciative of, considering how nervous I was [with] this being my first job,” Carr said. “My experience at Sarah’s has been extremely fulfilling because even though I’ve made mistakes, I have also learned so much due to the encouraging environment that focuses on growth as a team.”

In addition to providing resources for high school students, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream also aims to aid and support its local community, Park said.

“During the pandemic, we gave weekly donations to hospitals and to hospital staff to share with their families,” Park said. “If a customer donated, we would match it and deliver it to the hospital each week.

We thought it was beneficial that everyone could enjoy a scoop of ice cream during a very isolating time.”

Park also said that working alongside her mother is a challenge and a reward. According to Park, she and her mother have learned how to divide responsibilities to best operate the business.

“Most of her energy goes to the product and training the production team to follow recipes, while I focus on the operations, branding, marketing, communication, employee training, and hiring,” Park said. “While it has not always

been a smooth ride, my mom and I care for each other beyond just a business partner relationship.”

Debritz said that Park and her mother bring a strong and positive dynamic to the workplace.

“Annie is the epitome of practicing what you preach because, during busy shifts, she’s out there scooping ice cream and talking to

not just because of its community connection and family dynamic, but also because of the all-natural and organic ingredients that it uses to make its ice cream.

“My mom’s expertise is creating our flavors, and usually we have 40 different flavors at a time,” Park said. “All of our ingredients are natural and as local as possible—

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNIE PARK

Park and her mom are the founders and owners of Sarah’s Handmade.

customers even though she’s our boss,” Debritz said. “Both Annie and Sarah are so easy to talk to— they are personable and accessible and have such a funny dynamic.”

Carr also said he notices the strong bond that Park and her mother have and their passion for Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream.

“As someone who is very close with their mother, it is heartwarming to see a mother and daughter working so closely to support their business,” Carr said. “I enjoy it when they are both in the shop because they have great communication skills, are direct about what they want to get done, and can come up with clever solutions and ideas together.”

In the future, Park said Sarah’s Handmade will continue to thrive

we use fresh milk from a local farm to make the ice cream every day, and we use sources like spirilla and red beets to have all-natural coloring.”

While becoming the co-owner of an ice cream store was not the career she anticipated, Park said the role has allowed her to implement her skills as an educator, give back to the community she grew up in, and build an even closer relationship with her mom.

“This community helped my mom and me so much when we needed help, and giving back to the same community is a full circle for me,” Park said. “While I truly never expected to be in the ice cream business, I now can’t imagine doing anything else or doing this with anyone else.” n

OPINIONS

Monday, November 13, 2023

A10

The Heights

The opinions and commentaries of the op-ed columnists appearing on this page represent the views of the authors of those particular pieces and not necessarily the views of The Heights.

Comparison Culture

Makayla Hickey Think about the last time you set a goal.

Maybe you hoped to earn an A on your next statistics exam or land your dream internship. Whether minor or life-altering, these goals likely had a few factors in common. Each was set with the intention of contributing to a continual progression of achievement, and odds are that each of these goals was also placed within a time frame.

To get that A on your exam, you had to master the content by Thursday. And to earn that internship role, you had to complete the application before its November deadline. These goals may start small, but as we get closer to the inevitable independence of post-college life, they begin to progress into objectives with the daunting power of defining our futures.

As someone with an aptitude for extreme organizational planning, timelining my goals quickly became an instinct. In my high school marketing classes, I was taught to define “measurable” and “timebound” goals for the marketing campaigns I ideated. I looked to this idea as one that I could apply to my own life, and I ran with it. Rather than treating myself as someone with fragile emotions and fluctuating aspirations, I worked myself like a machine to meet the deadlines created by none other than myself.

I envisioned the path to my “ideal” life as a straightforward journey, mapped out methodically on a timeline. I would get into college at 18, get an internship at 20, and secure a job by 26 to ensure I had a well-defined career before marriage. I also decided that I had to be married by 28, which meant, ideally, meeting my future husband by 25. Grad school got wedged in somewhere between 22 and 25 to round out the path I believed would lead me to

success. As these future milestones started piling up, the “perfect” timeline quickly became overcrowded and overwhelming.

Whenever the anxieties over these constantly multiplying objectives struck me, however, I found myself trying to assuage the incessant thoughts with one deceptively reassuring statement: “I still have time.” The solace I found in this affirmation crumbled the second I stepped foot onto the Quad last August.

College is a breeding ground for comparison. As I watched my peers start landing internships the summer after freshman year and finding their self-proclaimed “soulmates” less than halfway through their four years, I felt stagnant. I thought that I had laid out the perfect plan for myself, but that confidence quickly morphed into doubt. I used to tell myself that I didn’t need to have a concrete career path or consider the implausibility of marrying Timothée Chalamet because I was only 16 or 17 or 18. But after mere months in the cutthroat competitive landscape of college, my worries about falling behind and failing to meet my self-imposed deadlines skyrocketed. “Only” got tossed to the side.

Suddenly I was already 19 and then 20.

Caught up in the habit of measuring progress through external achievements, I barely realized how much self-growth I have undergone since moving into my shoebox of a dorm room in Keyes—that is, until recently. It wasn’t until I looked back at photos of myself from only a year ago that I realized how far I have come from the girl who never thought she would find her place at Boston College. Maybe I still don’t have the internship or boyfriend that was written into my timeline, but I have received the gifts of indispensable life skills.

Learning the value of patience in relationship-building and the necessity of self-advocacy were never part of my timeline, but they have silently amplified my journey of personal growth. These learned abilities— not constricted within a narrow time frame nor visible to passive observers—are often vital stepping stones toward larger goals, like those jammed between ages on my imagined timeline.

It has taken me 20 years to reach a state of active acceptance, not just passive

acknowledgment, of the fact that our lives cannot be perfectly scripted. We may be the authors of our narratives but, unlike the writers of coming-of-age stories and long-winded epics, we cannot control the world around us. We have no say over the timelines of others, and we cannot edit our environments to perfectly fulfill our needs.

No matter how many goals we set for ourselves, there is just no way of knowing what opportunities will befall us and what obstacles will create holes in the plan we assumed to be impenetrable.

I do believe, however, that with the right mindset and intentional actions, we can reframe our views on success. Rather than simply seeking the completion of an end result within a self-defined time frame, we can be more appreciative of the path that goal-setting and seeking lead us along.

This journey is full of valuable lessons and opportunities to build upon skills that may have previously been dormant.

So set your goals high, but don’t be afraid to make changes to the narrative you have set out for yourself. I can say with confidence that the age at which you accomplish a goal does not define your success. Truly accomplished people are those who appreciate the skills they gained along the way. I am by no means a walking embodiment of this mindset—I certainly still worry about whether I am falling behind in terms of relationships or career exploration. But I am trying hard to remove the age labels associated with my aspirations. I would much rather appreciate the journey and lessons life has offered me than place unnecessary time constraints on my goals. No matter how hard it may be to break away from the constraints of the timeline mindset, I believe the outcome is well worth it.

Your timeline is a work in progress, not a pre-ordained narrative. And you are so much more than a pawn moving between tasks. Appreciate the journey to reaching success, acknowledge the wisdom gained from each of your achievements, and do not be afraid to stray from the path. This journey is uniquely yours.

Hamburger Hopping

Whether you are an avid fan of Boston College football games or not, watching the mid-game hamburger run is sure to make your Sunday trek to Alumni Stadium worth it. Featuring four students working against each other to build two giant hamburgers, the race is exciting—and hilarious. Until it is our turn to don the human-sized hamburger bun costumes and walk onto the field, we can cheer for our classmates during their run for fame. Let’s just hope no one gets injured as gigantic lettuce, cheese, and tomato replicas are thrown on top of teammates.

Taylor & Travis

In typical fashion, we at Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down would like to give you the latest Taylor Swift update. Swift is now back on tour, having performed in Buenos Aires this past weekend.

And this time, she has a travel buddy! That’s right, BC—Travis Kelce has joined Swift on tour.

From her joyful smile while singing “Labyrinth” on opening night to their post-show hugs to her iconic alteration of “Karma” lyrics to say “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs,” it seems that Taylor and Travis couldn’t be happier. During the dark winter days ahead, keep their beautiful spark in mind—it is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Makayla Hickey is a columnist for The Heights. She can be reached at makayla.hickey@bc.edu.

Formal Fridays

GRAPHICS BY PAIGE STEIN AND PARKER LEAF / HEIGHTS EDITORS

No Ordinary Res-olution

Chase Pinette Boston College has a remarkably beautiful campus. While I enjoy many of the spaces this campus offers, there is one place that “does it” for me like no other.

Technically, this place is not a part of our campus, but it is just across the street.

The place I am referring to is none other than the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. I have a great degree of undying love for this body of water—which sounds ridiculous. So let me explain.

My love for the Res ignited when I lived in 2K during my sophomore year.

Because of how close it was, I visited the Res whenever I could. I even set a goal to walk around it every day, a goal I still try to complete though I live in 90 now. Unfortunately, I have not been as successful this semester, yet I still make the trek whenever

my busy schedule allows for it.

The Res has seen me at my best. These days, I throw on my AirPods, select the most pop-y, upbeat music I can find and walk its perimeter counterclockwise (the correct direction) while people-watching and admiring the crystal blue ripples and waves on its surface. The paradoxical nature of the Res Walk—tuning out the world for a half an hour but also taking it all in—is a deeply fulfilling source of peace and happiness for me. The trails connected to the Res’ path also provide me with immense serotonin boosts, as I have always loved nature walks and feeling like a tiny little human surrounded by a thriving complex ecosystem.

The Res has also seen me at my worst.

Toward the end of the spring semester of my sophomore year, life became too much.

Anxiety, stress, and fear consumed my mind for about a two-week period, and I found myself at the lowest point in my life.

I was scared about things I shouldn’t have been concerned about, which sent me in a downward spiral during finals week of all times. I had no motivation to study for finals, no desire to write my papers, and no inclination to really do anything. What I did have was the Res.

I distinctly remember crying during my Res walks for these weeks and sitting on the benches feeling hopeless and terrified.

I told no one how I was feeling—which was likely my first mistake—but the Res was a space where I could let it all out in a way that was unconventionally therapeutic.

Upon finishing my finals and heading home for summer vacation, I began to find a much more positive headspace. Sure, I would have to say goodbye to the Res for a month until I returned to campus for my summer job, but I never forgot the times when the Res acted as a place of refuge where my emotions could pour out of me, and I felt completely safe letting them.

The next time you find yourself at the Res, take it all in. Mount the rocks hidden among the trees and brush and look down on the water below. Sit on a bench and watch as couples walk by showcasing severe PDA or witness a shirtless gym bro runs in the “wrong” direction. And best of all, take a stroll around the Res itself and press pause on your hectic schedule for a little while. You may just discover a new happy place.

Chase Pinette is a columnist for The Heights. He can be reached at chase.pinette@bc.edu.

With the end of the year fast approaching, the season of club formals is upon us.

While fun in theory, formals can also bring a great deal of added stress. From finding the perfect dress to securing a date to discovering a non-freezing way to get to your formal, students can easily get overwhelmed. Here at Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, we want to remind you that your formals are supposed to be an acknowledgement of all that you have accomplished this semester. So, take a breath and try to enjoy these Friday night celebrations with your friends!

Cleaning Controversies

Living with one (or two or three or seven) other people in college can be intense. Even if you’re spared from roommate drama and opposing sets of weekend plans, something as simple as cleaning can turn controversial with so many contributing voices. From dishes piling up in the sink to one too many hair clumps working their way into the carpet, room cleaning is a necessary, but time consuming, task. With impending final projects and performances, our available time frame is looking slimmer than ever. So give your roommates grace and consider planning one big cleaning party to tidy up before the end of the semester!

EDITORIAL The Heights

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BC Administrators Must Be More Responsive to ‘The Heights.’ Here’s Why. Journalists don’t always own their bias. But at The Heights, it’s part of our motto.

“For a Greater Boston College” means we want this University to do well. And for over 100 years, we have told the stories of this University and built dialogue that uplifts conversation on campus. We believe accurate reporting has the power to foster greater transparency in the BC community.

But we cannot do that when administrators do not answer our questions, ghost our comment requests, and insist on email interviews.

Undergraduate student journalism is an integral part of college institutions across the country. Student reporters fill the valuable niche of not only informing their communities but also holding those in power accountable.

The Heights was established in 1919 as BC’s student newspaper, and since 1970, we have remained financially and editorially independent from the University. We serve BC community members and their Newton neighbors through our coverage of everything from on-campus breaking news and sports gamers to magazine profiles and arts reviews.

The Heights has demonstrated a clear commitment to timely, unbiased reporting that adheres to the type of journalistic ethics practiced by major newspapers. We serve as a voice for the students, by the students, and aim to be a direct line of informative communication to the student body.

In recent years, The Heights has done a myriad of regular, influential work.

In addition to our regular reporting this year, we have investigated allegations of hazing in the BC swim and dive program, reported on famous former basketball players’ qualms with the program’s alumni relations, detailed sexual health policy at the University, partnered with The Newton Beacon to boost local coverage, put out a

regular series of editorials, and published special arts and Black History Month editions. Our stories have a wide readership and have been cited by publications such as The Boston Globe and ESPN. This coverage comes at a time when student journalists are stepping up across the country. The Daily Northwestern recently exposed misconduct among members of the university’s football program and, across the Charles, The Harvard Crimson uncovered a student organization leader’s misuse of funds. Independent student newspapers, including The Heights, are not afraid to step up, hold administrators accountable, and report accurately on university happenings.

It’s an important time to be a student journalist. And yet, campus reporters consistently face roadblocks. Lack of administrator support for independent student journalism is not solely a BC problem.

The University should want to do better, and yet, student journalists—who volunteer their time for The Heights—find themselves consistently turned away. Administrators often deny The Heights’ requests for comments, only agree to email-based interviews for important stories, or ignore The Heights entirely.

While administrators in University Health Services (UHS) and the Vice President for Student Affairs Office answered some of our reporters’ questions when our magazine section covered sex culture, UHS officials did not respond to specific inquiries about the availability of contraceptives on campus.

Office of Residential Life staff did not respond to requests for comment when opinions editors wrote an editorial on laundry at BC. And officials from the Disability Services Office did not provide answers to a reporter’s questions after several requests when The Heights

wrote a story featuring emotional support animals.

These are just three of many examples that have marked generations of Heights editors’ experiences practicing student journalism at BC. Although The Heights understands that administrators are busy, The Heights follows standard journalistic procedures by generally giving administrators several days to respond and regularly updating articles. But, we have our own deadlines to adhere to as our articles are often timely.

Without complete information, The Heights is forced to offer stories laden with the stand-out line that an administrator “denied a request for comment.”

When administrators refuse to speak with our student journalists, they refuse to speak with students. In doing so, they signal to clubs, professors, and others that it is okay to ignore student reporters.

The lack of cooperation with student journalists goes against the University’s curriculum.

Some of the country’s best reporters populate a journalism program at BC that teaches students to ask the hard questions and hold leaders accountable. The University has even had industry titans like Jim Acosta, Maggie Haberman, and Dmitry Muratov come speak about their experiences telling difficult stories.

Yet—through their refusal to speak—University leaders often signal that they do not want to engage with the stories that shape BC. For more than a century, The Heights has brought informed reporting to BC’s campus and shared the untold stories of its student body. The administration has a responsibility to answer students’ questions. That starts by responding to The Heights.

KAETLYNN KING-VELEZ / HEIGHTS STAFF

BC Contemporary Theatre presented its show Paladin Valley, written and directed by Daniel Strickland, BC ’25, which opened on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the Bonn Studio Theater.

SARAH FLEMING / HEIGHTS STAFF

PAUL CRIADO / HEIGHTS STAFF

Left to Right: BC women’s basketball guard Kayla Lezama jumped for the ball against a Holy Cross defender in the Eagles’ home opener on Monday, November 6, 2023. BC men’s basketball forward Prince Aligbe drove to the basket in the Eagles’ first game of the season against Fairfield on Monday, November 6, 2023.

Editorial

The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Victor Stefanescu, Editor-in-Chief Catherine Dolan, General Manager Erin Shannon, Managing Editor Megan Gentile, Dept. Managing Editor

Vikrum Singh, Visual Director Onur Toper, Digital Director Natalie Arndt, News Editor Graham Dietz, Sports Editor Erin Flaherty, Magazine Editor Connor Siemien, Newton Editor Josie McNeill, Arts Editor Tommy Roche, Opinions Editor Eliza Hernandez, Projects Editor Madelyn Lawlor, Copy Chief Nicole Vagra, Photo Editor Liz Schwab, Multimedia Editor

KELLEN DAVIS / HEIGHTS STAFF

Boston College fans raced in a game to complete building a burger early in the first half of BC football’s contest against Virginia Tech on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Paige Stein, Graphics Editor Parker Leaf, Graphics Editor Isabella Pieretti, Podcast Editor Seeun Ahn, Online Manager Sofia Laboy, Newsletter Editor MC Claverie, Newsletter Editor Jack Bergamini, Assoc. Sports Editor Beth Verghese, Assoc. Magazine Editor Ella Song, Assoc. Newton Editor Sofía Torres, Assoc. Arts Editor Meadow Vrtis, Assoc. Opinions Editor Chris Ticas, Assoc. Photo Editor Ben Haddad, Assoc. Multimedia Editor

Elizabeth Dodman, Assoc. Podcast Editor Karyl Clifford, Asst. News Editor Lucy Freeman, Asst. News Editor Will Martino, Asst. News Editor Luke Evans, Asst. Sports Editor Spencer Steppe, Asst. Magazine Editor Jack Weynand, Asst. Arts Editor Annie Ladd Reid, Asst. Newton Editor Callie Oxford, Asst. Photo Editor Amy Palmer, Copy Editor Connor Kilgallon, Copy Editor Lyla Walsh, Copy Editor Ernie Romero, Editorial Assistant

Business and Operations Conor Richards, Assoc. General Manager Matt Najemy, Asst. General Manager Ethan Ott, Outreach Coordinator MC Claverie, Alumni Director

ARTS

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

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PinkPantheress Explores Trials of Fame on Album

By Alexandra Irausquin For The Heights PinkPantheress makes it clear to listeners that her songs are more than just viral TikTok sounds on her debut album Heaven knows.

Heaven knows provides fans with songs that are sonically similar to her past discography while exploring themes of anxiety and fame. PinkPantheress’ vocals are serene as she describes daunting scenarios that she faces both as a result of her newfound stardom and self-imposed anxieties.

The album’s opening track “Another life,” featuring Rema, and “Ophelia,” a standout track on the album, showcase PinkPantheress’ lyrical ability as she conveys her relationship anxieties through metaphors of death.

“So, tell me, what did I do to deserve you killin’ me this way? / I can’t lose my life like this, I’m still fighting / If I die, please, let them find me,” PinkPantheress sings as she describes the pain of a relationship that is no longer working.

She fights against the change that her relationship is imposing on her,

MUSIC

‘Heaven knows’ Released Nov. 10, 2023

expressing her fear that she will be left a ruined version of herself and the fear that no one around her will notice.

PinkPantheress also broaches the subject of newfound fame in “Mosquito.” PinkPantheress, who first garnered attention through TikTok, does not shy away from describing the challenges of being in the public eye and the new responsibility of money.

She struggles both with how to be responsible for her new wealth along with a newfound fear of losing it now that she has it.

The song’s title is indicative of the way that PinkPantheress views the materialism that comes along with fame and how it has become an annoyance that is slowly taking away the part of herself that existed before stepping into the public eye.

“Can I spend a fortune? ‘Cause I want to / I know it’s appallin’ how I lose you / Spendin’ every day that I want, the day that I want / What hap-

pened to me?” PinkPantheress sings.

She addresses her money as if it were an individual, revealing to the audience how her wealth has become an obsession. She does not shy away from self-criticism, noticing that she has been changed by her sudden rise to fame.

The album closes with “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” featuring Ice Spice. The track, which had garnered widespread popularity prior to the release of the album, details the struggles of being led on by a partner that doesn’t return the affection they are shown. The track is a strong closing track, solidifying PinkPantheress as a figure in the pop domain.

Ice Spice is not the only artist featured on Heaven knows. Artists Rema, Central Cee, and Kelela make appearances on the track list. These additions provide the album with some of its best moments, with “Bury me (feat.

Kelela)” standing out as one of the

most memorable tracks. Both PinkPantheress and Kelela’s voices blend seamlessly with the pop production, making for a perfect collaboration.

While the lyricism is a high point on this album, the production falls flat. Each track features R&B and pop production that has a tendency to blend together. The tracks that fall in the middle of the album are negatively impacted by this, as it would be easy for any listener not paying close attention to the album to forget about certain songs in their entirety.

PinkPantheress successfully establishes her mainstream persona in Heaven knows. With lyricism backed by dreamy production, the dark themes that span the album are presented as palatable to the listener.

While the production does cause certain songs to bleed together, stand out songs make the listener excited for what the future holds for PinkPantheress. n

‘The Marvels’ Is a Fun, Self-Aware Adventure

By Jack Weynand Asst. Arts Editor Imagine a film where the protagonists are singing and dancing in ballroom gowns. The film also spotlights a litter of cats and its journey to find a new home.

This movie is not afraid to tackle themes of loss and forgiveness, either.

This movie is not an animated classic or a film adaptation of a Broadway musical. These are all plot points in The Marvels.

The Marvels is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a sequel to Captain Marvel. The first film in the series was a stale replica of a typical superhero movie formula. The Marvels is anything but that.

The Marvels, directed by Nia DaCosta, follows Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) at the center of a location-swapping fiasco. Captain Marvel, aka Carol Danvers, finds herself spatially linked to Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) because all three women share light-based superpowers. This means that whenever two of the three heroes use their powers at the same time, they inexplicably swap places.

Three superheroes swapping places is at first confusing, but it makes for some of the best and most unique fight sequences in the MCU thus far. When the three heroes fight together, they have to coordinate their attacks to account for the location switching.

Once they figure out how to do that, the action sequences are impressive and visually cool to watch.

This teleportation problem would likely be easily solvable on its own, but the newly connected trio also has to deal with Kree Empire leader Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) when she starts stealing natural resources from different planets. She destroys each planet in the process, so Dar-Benn needs to be dealt with quickly.

The Marvels lets itself thrive in this isolated MCU entry which has few connections to any other future projects. The events in The Marvels won’t have a huge impact on the rest of the MCU. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some prior knowledge that audiences would benefit from.

A lot of context is needed to catch up with each character before the start of the film. Carol, Monica, and Kamala are not yet acquainted before The Marvels.

They’ve each had their respective solo adventures in other movies and TV shows. The Marvels recognizes this, and so a portion of the movie is dedicated to flashbacks and explanations to keep a casual viewer in the know, but it fits well with the film’s plot. It’s the perfect way to keep watchers informed but to not over explain the context to people who already know.

There are some key moments in the film that no other MCU movie would dare to include, and for that, The Marvels should be applauded—the risks pay off.

One of the best sequences is when The Marvels—yes, the trio starts to call itself that—arrive on a planet where people only understand language in song. Also at some point in her intergalactic offscreen adventures, Carol became the princess of this planet and all of the citizens adore her.

The song and dance sequence that follows is ridiculously wacky and experimentally fun in a superhero film.

The Marvels continues to display wacky and outside-the-box plot points when Goose, the cat, has a bunch of babies on a space station orbiting Earth. Fair warning, Goose is actually a Flerken,

which is an alien species identical to cats. The catch is that Flerkens can eat anything 10 times their size with tentacles that come from their mouths.

It’s hilarious to watch Flerkens start eating crewmates, and it turns out that this was the only way to successfully evacuate all of the people on the space station where Goose had her kids. People can be eaten by Flerkens and later vomited back up completely unharmed, so Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) runs around the ship ensuring that every crewmember is eaten by a Flerken, and that every Flerken winds up in one of the limited escape pods.

Unfortunately, the film wasn’t all singing and Flerkens. The emotional depth in The Marvels seemed cheesy at times, especially between Carol and Monica as they

try to reconcile their friendship.

The emotional stumbles didn’t take away from the film, but the film would have been greatly improved if some of the sentimental sequences were written better.

It was also disappointing to see that Nick Fury and Dar-Benn were limited to such one-dimensional characters.

Nick Fur y has appeared in countless other MCU projects, so maybe by now there’s not much more development left for his character, but Dar-Benn was newly introduced in The Marvels. Her on-screen presence as the film’s villain was lacking.

The Marvels succeeds in separating itself from the typical superhero film with its fun antics and risks. It might not be the most serious entry in the MCU, but it’s one that will be hard to forget. n

MOVIE

‘The Marvels’ Released Nov. 10, 2023

AJR Demonstrates Its Maturity on New Album

By Maddie Mulligan For The Heights While the members of AJR have released music since their preteens, the band decided that it is time to grow up with its new album The Maybe Man, released on Friday.

AJR, a band of three brothers that got its start street performing in 2005, is at the forefront of the indie pop genre today. With hits like “Bang!” and “Sober Up (feat.

Rivers Cuomo)” AJR has repeatedly topped the charts with its meaningful lyricism and multi-instrumented melodies.

Using this well-known formula, AJR manages to effectively show its growth as a band in its exploration of mature topics in The Maybe Man, specifically that of discovering identity.

The album begins with the title track “Maybe Man,” during which the listener is immediately thrown into the struggle of finding their identity. A steady two-tone rhythm repeats in the background as lead singer Jack Met lists his desires.

“I wish I was a stone so I couldn’t feel / You’d yell in my face it’d be no big deal / But I’d miss the way we’d make up and smile /

MUSIC

‘The Maybe Man’ Released Nov. 10, 2023

Don’t wanna be stone, I changed my mind,” Met sings.

The song ’s instrumentals swell as Met sings more desperately, his pitch rising and thunder rumbling in the background as the band grapples with the concept of what it wants to be.

“I wish I was me, whoever that is / I could just be and not give a shit / Hey, I’ll be whatever makes you a fan / ’Cause I don’t know who the hell I am,” Met sings.

It is from this existential basis that the album centers around the idea of identity. This deep theme shows just how mature the band is becoming. With its first hit “I’m Ready,” a song about a girl with a sample from Spongebob in the chorus, the shift to “Maybe Man,” a song that deals with cementing one’s identity for the rest of one’s life, makes AJR’s growth clear.

In the song “Yes I’m A Mess,” the band displays its maturity with the topic of succumbing to the stress of discerning one’s identity.

The pop aspect of AJR’s skill set shines with remarkably catchy

lyrics and a background consisting of claps and drum beats.

“Yes, I’m a mess with an ‘s’ on my chest / Got stress fillin’ up my head / So I spent last night blowin’ up my life / Now you won’t see me again,” Met sings.

AJR has prided itself on its relatable themes in past albums, such as the theme of growing up and acting your age in “Sober Up” and the theme of giving into temptations found in “Weak.” With The Maybe Man, though, the band takes a turn toward relatability in a more adult sense, dealing with heavier topics like losing control and ruining one’s life.

On past albums, AJR sugar coated its songs by surrounding hard hitting messages with frilly melodies. But on The Maybe Man, the combination of blunt tone and lyrics demonstrate the maturity of AJR. This is the case with songs like “Inertia” and “I Won’t.” The more straightforward lyrics on these tracks deliver the theme of solidifying one’s identity clearer

than songs earlier in the band’s career.

“God is Really Real” is perhaps the best example of the band’s maturity. The track combines both an intensely mature topic with the band’s classic lyricism, and the result is a simply beautiful song written about the brothers’ father, who died after being sick while the band was writing the album.

“The Earth is spinning like it always did / The New York Times is publishing some real important thing / And each day when the world wakes up our lawns will still be wet / And my dad can’t get out of bed,” Met sings.

With such a heartbreaking context, the maturity of AJR is put directly on display, underlaid by a gentler melody. The brothers sing about dealing with the issues of not just identity, but how one copes with loss.

The Maybe Man is a feat for AJR, with the band clearly having grown into the maturity this album perfectly embodies. n

The Heights

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ARTS

The Heightsmen Honor Traditions at Fall Café

By Kathy Lu Heights Staff Throughout the past week, students walking across campus might have seen members of the Heightsmen of Boston College wearing large promotional posters for the group’s upcoming show. On Friday, the advertised event finally came to life.

The Heightsmen, BC’s only allmale acapella group, put on their Fall Café in Devlin 008 on Friday, featuring a performance from Asinine Sketch and Improv Comedy.

The show drew a full house, with some audience members even sitting on the stairways of the overfilled auditorium.

At showtime, the Heightsmen entered through the main entrance of the auditorium in their signature maroon and gold striped ties, blue

suit jackets, and khaki pants.

The group kick-started the show with Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love,” featuring soloist Finn McGurn, MCAS ’26. The song established an energetic atmosphere that persisted throughout the remainder of the show.

Next, the crowd went wild for “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart (outtake)” by Frank Sinatra, a vibrant jazz song performed by soloist Ryan Wesner, CSOM ’24. Soloist Gregory Redmond, CSOM ’24, slowed the night down with “Gravity” by John Mayer.

Skyler Cho, MCAS ’24, performed “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae and wowed the crowd with his falsetto notes.“Not Over You” by Gavin DeGraw and performed by soloist Liam Sheeley, MCAS ’26, concluded the first part of the show.

During the first intermission, Asinine took the stage as the singing group’s featured guest. The group entertained the crowd with two short improv scenes inspired by words “tie” and “turn,” respectively, which were suggestions from the audience.

After Asinine left the crowd with a good laugh, the Heightsmen continued with “80’s Medley,” a crowd favorite.

Later, Cho took the stage again with stunning vocals while performing “Open Arms” by Journey.

George Arianas, CSOM ’24, carried on with the upbeat song “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” by Billy Joel.

Noah McGuire, CSOM ’25, followed with a heartfelt rendition of “Shape of My Heart” by Backstreet Boys.

Jacob Parkman, MCAS ’24, beautifully closed the second part of the show with “Accidentally in Love” by

Counting Crows.

During the second intermission, the audience directed its attention to the three Heightsmen rookies, Isaac Pendleton, CSOM ’27; Auggie Whitman, CSOM ’26; and Chris Gebbia, CSOM ’27, as they took part in the traditional Freshman Dance.

For this year’s café, they danced to a Britney Spears melody, driving the audience wild with slightly sexual choreography.

The third and final part of the show started with “Swingtown” by Steve Miller Band performed by the group in honor of Eric Liwanag, former Heightsmen and BC ’94, who recently died.

Then, for another Heightsmen tradition, Wesner took the mic again and sang “My Girl” by The Temptations to his girlfriend. The Heightsmen amused the audience with the

song’s sweet melody and humorous gestures.

Cho took the stage as a soloist one last time as the featured graduating Heightsman.

“This group is very special to me,” Cho said. “Probably like 90 percent of the memories I made here are with these guys.”

He passionately sang “Catch & Release” by Matt Simons, accompanied by group member and fellow senior Redmond on the guitar.

A final Heightsmen tradition, “Good Old A Cappella,” performed by soloist Arianas, closed the night. Five alumni from the audience joined the group, as it filled the room with emotions of new beginnings, reunions, and goodbyes. As the audience members filling the auditorium savored the last harmonies of the night, the show came to a wholesome end. n

CALLIE OXFORD / HEIGHTS EDITOR

At its annual fall concert on Friday, The Heightsmen of Boston College performed a variety of songs ranging from the group’s signature tunes to alumni features to new crowd favorites.

The McMullen Hosts International Open-Mic Night

By K athy Lu Heights Staff The McMullen Museum of Art transformed into a cozy stage setup with a jazz-themed background for Art After Dark, an international open-mic night held as part of Boston College’s International Education Weeks, which are celebrated throughout the month of November.

The event established a space for students of various backgrounds to connect in a wholesome, colloquial atmosphere. Starting at 6 p.m., students arrived at the McMullen to listen to fellow international students sing songs from their countries and learn about different cultures around the world.

The thoughtfully planned out event featured an array of foods from different cultures for visitors to try out, including four mocktail recipes provided by the Irish Society, German Club, Philippine Society of BC, and Hellenic Society of BC. Small-bite food options from cuisines of various countries ranging from Italy to Ghana were available for attendees.

While the first floor of the museum hosted the main performance, the second floor presented various board games from different cultures including Cuban dominoes and an ancient Nepalese table-top game called Bagh Chal. Instructions for each game were provided for those unfamiliar with the rules. Tables and stools were spread out throughout the space, which houses the current Gateway to Himalayan Art exhibit.

While the cold may have dis-

couraged attendance, those who did show up seemed to be engaged with the activities.

“Part of International Education Weeks … is about one trying to get at least the United States to acknowledge its not just role, but also its connection within a global community,” said Rachel Chamberlain, manager of education outreach, and digital resources at the McMullen. “Especially here at universities where we do so much work working with communities

around the world, it’s an opportunity to celebrate [them] and shine a light on it.”

Throughout the night, students listened to six performers take the stage. Particular highlights included traditional Korean folk music and a parting song rooted in Scottish tradition.

“It’s really nice,” Katie Maye, an exchange student from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, said. “I have a lot of friends here … [and] there are

CHRIS TICAS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The McMullen’s open-mic night offered a space for international students to perform and learn about other cultures.

people from around the world singing and the food was so lovely as well. … I had a mocktail Irish coffee so [it] felt just like home.”

Maye performed “The Parting Glass,” a traditional Scottish song, at the event.

Jiwon Kim, MCAS ’27, performed three traditional Korean folk songs and multiple jazz songs.

“I just thought this event was a nice opportunity for people to share their culture and experiences,” Kim said.

Adrienne Nussbaum, associate dean and director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, spoke about the importance of Art After Dark after the event.

“This is a cultural event that gives the opportunity for all the international students to share their talents and also share their cultures and their countries with the larger BC community,” Nussbaum said. “[This event is] actually for domestic faculty, students, and staff as well to learn about all the international students and all the different global things happening.” n

Irausquin: Concerts Aren’t About the Music Anymore B y A lex andr a I r ausquin For The Heights The summer of 2023 made one thing clear: Concerts are back. This summer, it was nearly impossible to scroll through social media without seeing content centered on one of the many blockbuster tours that swept across the United States.

Social media, however, has changed the way that society perceives concerts. Concerts are no longer one-off events to be excited for, but statements of social status. Concerts have become less about a shared love of music within a community and more about capturing the perfect video or picture to make others jealous.

The roots of this issue can be traced back further than 2023. Harry Styles’ Love On Tour, which began in 2021, saw fans dedicating days to camping

outside of the venue in order to be the closest to the stage, with some returning directly to the general admission line after the concert for a second night. The social media presence of Love On Tour sent a message: there is no point in going to a concert if you aren’t able to flex your great seats and larger-than-life concert experience online.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour furthered the change in concert culture. While Ticketmaster’s failure to adequately manage the high demand for the tour likely played a role in the competition to acquire tickets, social media also contributed to the pressure many felt to show off their highly coveted Swift tickets.

At my Eras Tour show, I first realized the scope of this social media craze. Sitting in my coveted floor seat, I listened to a mother try to convince her teenage daughters to be excited

for the show, struggling futilely to get them to look away from their phones during the last set.

Further, I watched as my entire section sat for the majority of the Folklore set of the show.

I remember asking myself: Shouldn’t the floor be where the biggest fans are?

The answer to that question is no, not in today’s world.

Concerts have become a symbol of status and wealth. A photo on the floor at The Eras Tour in a custom-made outfit made a statement: You made it to the event of the summer. There was an aspect to the Eras Tour content that wasn’t about celebrating Swift’s career—it was about proving that you were able to participate in the tour.

These issues are present not just at the big stadium tours but at smaller shows too. The concert camping that characterized Love On Tour has become

the new social norm even for smaller shows. Getting the perfect video showcasing one’s spot at the barricade has come to define the success of people’s concert-going experiences.

I am not trying to say that concerts should be a cell phone– free zone. I have my own post showing off my Eras Tour outfit and a few hundred videos in my camera roll documenting the experience. But we as a society are losing focus on what a concert should really be about—a shared love of music.

Pre–social media, concerts used to be a space that celebrated the music that brought people from all walks of life together. People were connected by finding common meaning, whether it be comfort or joy, in a song. As concerts become increasingly about asserting social standing, this concept falls on the back burner.

It is unlikely that concert-goers will see this new mindset change any time soon as new age concerts have become extremely profitable—and not just for those in the concert industry.

Many fashion brands have profited off fast concert fashion by producing clothes in a certain style to give consumers the perfect outfit for a one-time event.

Our feeds will probably always be flooded with concert content and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. But the current culture—largely created through social media—of extreme competition to prove that someone had the “best” time at a concert is detrimental to the concert experience. A celebration of music and the shared joy it brings can and should exist in the social media space. In fact, it is exactly what we need. n

SPORTS

Monday, November 13, 2023

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The Heights

THE BROKEN PATH KELLEN DAVIS / HEIGHTS STAFF

Heading into Saturday’s matchup with Virginia Tech, Boston College football still had a path to make the ACC Championship. That chance was demolished with the Eagles’ 48–22 loss at Alumni Stadium.

By Graham Dietz Sports Editor Just one throw into the game, a nightmare unfolded for Boston College football quarterback Thomas Castellanos. Once Virginia Tech 48 the throwBoston College 22 ing errors started to unravel, the nightmare never stopped.

Tracking Jaden Williams near BC’s 45-yard line, Castellanos chose his man and fired a bullet to the wide receiver’s backside. A swarm of Virginia Tech defenders surrounded the midair pass, which never made contact with Williams’ hands.

Instead of hitting the receiver, Castellanos’ first pass attempt of the game trickled into cornerback Dorian Strong’s hands, who sprinted out of bounds into a roused Virginia Tech squad.

Only two possessions later, Castellanos tossed his second interception, and Strong played Joker to Castellanos’ Batman once again.

Castellanos’ two early interceptions led to Virginia Tech’s beatdown of the Eagles (6–4, 3–3 Atlantic Coast)

on Saturday. The Hokies (5–5, 4–2) toppled BC 48–22 behind quarterback Kyron Drones’ standout performance.

Drones registered 354 total yards and two passing touchdowns, and running back Bhayshul Tuten scored three times on the ground.

“On the first [interception], it was a great play call—start the game off with a shot,” Castellanos said. “I thought [Strong] just made a really good play on the ball, undercutted it.”

After Castellanos’ first pick, Virginia Tech rolled with the ball to BC’s 4-yard line, but a snap infraction forced it to kick a field goal. John Love converted the 27-yard attempt to put the Hokies up 3–0 with 12:40 left in the first quarter.

Having running back Kye Robichaux out for the game was a huge impediment for the Eagles’ offense, as the junior led BC’s backfield with 565 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns going into Saturday. But change-of-pace sophomore back Alex Broome made up for Robichaux’s absence on the Eagles’ second drive.

After a 36-yard scamper, Broome followed a plug block to the right of BC’s offensive line, making it 7–3

Eagles from four yards out.

“Of course it’s different not having [Robichaux] back there,” Castellanos said. “But, you know, it’s next man up and we had guys prepare all week.”

A Hokies’ three-and-out handed BC the ball back inside its 25-yard line.

And once again, Castellanos turned the ball over through the air.

After scurrying for a gain of 12 yards out of bounds, Castellanos tossed the ball up trying to connect with a covered Dino Tomlin. But the ball didn’t float as far as intended, and Strong scooped up his second pick of the game.

“Obviously interceptions aren’t always the quarterback’s fault,” Hafley said. “Is it protection? Is it a wide receiver not running the right route? Is it a bad throw? … But we can’t turn the ball over. They stole three possessions very, very quickly.”

Strong’s heroics prevailed again, as Tuten walked in from seven yards out to cap off a 12-play, 69-yard scoring drive for a 10–7 lead.

In last week’s win over Syracuse, BC pulled off some trickery by converting a fake punt, which kept a drive alive in the fourth quarter. This week, however,

BC was on the other end of the trickery, as the Hokies converted an onside kick that caught the Eagles’ kickoff formation sleeping to extend their lead.

Just after the second quarter started, Drones drilled Stephen Gosnell, who was left wide open by a broken assignment from BC safety Cole Batson, to put the Hokies ahead 17–7.

“It looked like a lot of things snowballed today, and we couldn’t regroup and get in a rhythm of the game,” Hafley said. “It was at all levels.”

Officials reversed a 73-yard punt return for Jaylin Lane because of an illegal block in the back. But another series of missed assignments in the second and third levels allowed Drones to take off for 59 yards. Lane was reimbursed for his overturned touchdown with a 5-yard catch and run into the end zone, pushing the Hokies’ advantage to 24–7 with just over seven minutes left in the first half.

Another chunk play—this time a 70-yard pass to Da’Quan Felton—propelled the Hokies’ offense to another touchdown, as a 4-yard carry from Tuten made it 31–7 at the end of the half. Virginia Tech led in total offense 340–138, passing offense 182–43, and

Notebook: Defensive Struggles Crush BC

By Jack Bergamini Assoc. Sports Editor Virginia Tech didn’t only snap Boston College football’s path to the ACC Championship on Saturday. The Eagles also received a massive reality check in terms of where they stand as a program overall.

Five straight wins brought excitement to Chestnut Hill, but winning out the rest of the season proved to be a bit too lofty of an aspiration for BC head coach Jeff Hafley. After squeaking out wins against Connecticut and Syracuse the past two weeks with below-average offensive showings, BC’s defense could not carry the load against the Hokies.

“When you go on a couple-game win streak, you’ve got to be focused, you’ve got to be on your details, and you’ve got to execute at a high level,” Hafley said. “If you don’t, you can get humbled pretty quick.”

Virginia Tech scored 35 straight points in the win, putting BC down 38–7 early in the third quarter and simultaneously emptying out Alumni Stadium. Quarterback Kyron Drones ran all over the Eagles, rushing for 135 yards while throwing for two touchdowns, outplaying Thomas Castellanos in the exact way Castellanos has torched opponents in previous weeks.

With “The Path” no longer in play, BC will either take its loss as motivation to improve and win in a short week, or lose its last two games of the season—something the Eagles have done under Hafley in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Here are three observations from the loss.

Castellanos Brought Back to Earth While Castellanos was largely the reason BC managed to go on a

five-game win streak and take powerhouse then-No. 3 Florida State to the end of the game in a two-point loss in Week Three, the signal caller has slowly regressed since his 255–passing and 128–rushing yard performance against Georgia Tech in Week Eight.

The sophomore transfer has struggled to use his arm and connect with receivers over the past three weeks, and that issue spilled over on Saturday. Castellanos went 10 for 20 but threw two first-quarter interceptions which Virginia Tech easily picked off. The interceptions set the tone for the game, and BC never connected.

Even as the game went on, Castellanos couldn’t find his arm, whether he was underthrowing or overthrowing the ball. His second interception was short of Dino Tomlin sprinting down the sideline, allowing Dorian Strong to undercut Tomlin and pick it off.

And later in the second quarter, Castellanos simply put too much zip on the ball for receiver Jaden Williams down the left sideline, resulting in Williams failing to haul it in and erasing a potential 20-yard play.

Castellanos’ elusive rushing attack has also not been as dynamic as it was earlier this season.

He rushed for just 46 yards on Saturday, totaling 178 rushing yards over the last three weeks.

While that is still a solid number, B C ’s injured backfield means Castellanos is needed to do even more. Castellanos may prefer to protect his body behind the Eagles’ stellar offensive line, but his rushing attack is what truly makes BC a dangerous opponent.

Injuries and “Next Man Up?” Part of the reason Castellanos has not had as much success running the ball recently is because of the injuries to BC’s running backs. Pat Garwo III, who had rushed for 270 yards through five weeks, is out for the season.

Kye Robichaux, BC’s lead back who has rushed for 565 yards and six touchdowns through eight weeks, was injured against Syracuse and was not cleared to return on Saturday.

And Alex Broome, who has rushed for 270 yards through seven weeks, returned Saturday after missing BC’s game against Syracuse with an injury.

While Broome recorded 56 rushing yards and one touchdown against the Hokies, a majority of those yards came on a first-quarter, 36-yard run. BC finished the game with 124 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry.

It was evident that Robichaux’s powerful, head-down running approach was missed, as the Eagles didn’t have a big back they could rely on third and fourth downs.

BC finished the game going 3 of 12 on third-down conversions. Andre Hines Jr., who was praised after helping BC defeat Syracuse, received only one carry. Broome finished with nine rushes, and Xavier Coleman, who had only appeared in two games prior to Saturday, recorded five carries for 14 yards and one touchdown.

But no one came close to replacing Robichaux’s production, something BC desperately needs to get back.

Elijah Jones was also notably absent from Saturday’s game just a week after recording two interceptions, and being named one of 247Sports stars of the week. Hafley confirmed Jones is likely out for the

season and did not confirm that Jones’ absence was injury-related. If that proves to be true, it’s a troubling pattern for BC, as Williams missed the final six games of the 2022 season due to a non-injury related matter.

Without Jones on the field Saturday, the Eagles’ other defensive backs—such as Amari Jackson, Cole Batson, and John Pupel—did not rise to the occasion.

Jackson, for example, couldn’t get over to Jaylin Lane fast enough at the 7:04 mark in the second quarter, allowing the receiver to prance into the end zone to put the Hokies ahead 24–7.

Then, with 2:29 left in the second quarter, Da’Quan Felton torched Jackson and Batson on a go route, creating three defenders worth of space.

Jackson and Batson couldn’t even bring Felton down initially, allowing 20 yards after the catch. The Hokies went on to score, going up 31–7.

Virginia Tech’s final touchdown, a Malachi Thomas 35-yard rush to go up 45–15, featured Jackson not even turning around on the play to attempt to tackle the back, allowing for another untouched Hokies score.

Getting Back on Track Forty-eight points is the most points BC has given up since playing Notre Dame on Sept. 16, 2017, when the Eagles surrendered 49 points to the Fighting Irish.

With a short week, BC must have a short memory if it wants to continue to climb the ranks for a better bowl game.

“It’s going to be erased very quickly, sometimes that’s the beauty of playing on a short week—you have no other choice,” Hafley said. “It’s on to Pittsburgh very fast.” n PAIGE STEIN / HEIGHTS EDITOR

rushing offense 158–98. Cornerback Elijah Jones’ absence certainly didn’t help—Jones led BC in interceptions and was tied for second in the nation, going into Saturday with five.

“Elijah is out—will probably be out for the remainder of the year,” Hafley said.

BC mitigated some of the total-offense deficit immediately after relinquishing another 4-yard rushing touchdown to Tuten. Castellanos worked up the field steadily with multiple passes to tight end Jeremiah Franklin, and he located freshman wideout Jaedn Skeete to make it 38–15 with the aid of a two-point conversion to Lewis Bond.

But Malachi Thomas’ explosion for a 35-yard rushing touchdown further cemented Virginia Tech’s dominance over the Eagles, as the Hokies went up 45–15 with 14:53 left in the game. After a Virginia Tech field goal and a Xavier Coleman touchdown, BC walked away with a 48–22 loss.

“It’s going to be erased very quickly, sometimes that’s the beauty of playing on a short week—you have no other choice,” Hafley said. “It’s on to Pittsburgh very fast.” n

The Heights

Monday, November 13, 2023

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SPORTS

Behind Dominant Defense, BC Holds Off Huskies Basketball, from A1 A season-high four Eagles scored in double figures in the win.

While Andrea Daley notched BC’s first points of the game, the junior missed two free throws just a minute Northeastern 58 later. The Boston College 67 Eagles, however, still managed to take control of the game. With 4:40 left in the first quarter, Daley had already garnered six points, helping the Eagles take an 8–7 lead.

T’yana Todd closed the Eagles’ first-quarter scoring with her second bucket of the game to put BC ahead 16–10 heading into the second quarter.

But as the second quarter went on, the Eagles’ advantage eroded.

BC failed to convert offensively and maintain a strong defensive hold against the Huskies. Backto-back Northeastern 3-pointers spearheaded a 12–2 Huskies run to close the half, as BC entered halftime down 28–27.

“I thought we could have been

better at staying with more discipline on defense,” Todd, who finished 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals in her first start of the season, said. “Especially in that first half, where they actually got the lead on us going into halftime.”

Waggoner started off the third quarter scoring her first points of the game, and Daley followed to put BC up by three points. All of Waggoner’s 13 points came in the second half.

The senior guard scored BC’s final four points of the quarter to put BC ahead by four heading into the fourth quarter. Daley, meanwhile, finished the game with 13 points of her own.

The E agles capitali ze d on 3-pointers and defensive pressure during the fourth quarter. BC shot 3 of 5 from behind the arc in the quarter, as Teya Sidberry and Kaylah Ivey’s 3-pointers helped give the Eagles a 52–42 lead with 5:30 remaining in the game.

BC finished the game shooting 4 of 21 from behind the arc and 9 of 19 from the free throw line.

“We can shoot free throws way better than the statistic looks,” Bernabei-McNamee said. “They all shoot free throws very well, and the last couple of games it has been crazy to me, so hopefully that is out of our system now and we are going to make free throws from here on.”

The Eagles extended their lead to as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter after Sidberry

converted on a contested layup.

The sophomore transfer finished with a team-high 15 points on 7 of 11 shooting.

BC also shot 53.3 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, outscoring Northeastern 25–20.

“I think we had a lot of discipline in the fourth quarter,” Sidberry said. “We were taking the right shots, making the one more extra pass, and calling for the ball

seen inside.”

Fo l l o w i n g th e w i n , B e r n abei-McNamee said BC is still looking to improve its scoring.

“A big part of what we have to get better on, in my opinion, is offensive efficiency to a point where we are taking great shots and then crashing them, gorging, and getting second and third opportunities,” Bernabei-McNamee said. n

EMILY AHERN / HEIGHTS STAFF

Dontavia Waggoner, pictured above, recorded 13 points and five steals in BC’s win on Saturday.

No. 1 Eagles Earn Extra Point on the Road

By Luke Evans Asst. Sports Editor Although No. 1 Boston College men’s hockey avoided a series sweep at the hands of No. 13 Maine after Ryan Boston College 2 Leonard Maine 2 knotted the contest at two goals apiece late in the third period to send it to overtime, BC failed to score another goal and split the series outright with the Black Bears. After overtime ended in a 2–2 tie, it took a shootout to determine which team would leave the ice with an extra Hockey East point.

It took seven BC skaters before Lukas Gustafsson’s number was called to try and put the game away, and he answered the call. Taking the puck on his stick at center ice, Gustafsson made his way toward the crease where he proceeded to chop his skates and send a backhanded shot into the net to win the shootout and give BC (7–2–1, 2–1–1 Hockey East) the extra league point over the Black Bears (6–1–1, 3–0–1).

“There was more detail defensively, there was more physicality,” BC head coach Greg Brown said of the game compared to BC’s loss on Friday. “There was more physicality, I thought, especially by our team.

You know, they played physical both

nights—I thought it was better for us tonight in that regard.”

The E ag le s had their f irst high-quality scoring opportunity when Gabe Perreault corralled the puck and found himself in a wide-open one on one with Maine goalkeeper Victor Ostman. But at the last second, Perreualt’s stick lost the puck and the Black Bears’ defense arrived just moments later to prevent the early score.

The stalemate continued until the 1:19 mark in the first period, when the Black Bears found themselves deep in BC’s defending zone and pressing goaltender Jacob Fowler. A no-look pass from behind the net to in front of the crease launched a battle for the puck, but eventually Félix Trudeau found it and sent a quick shot past Fowler to make it a 1–0 game.

The Eagles almost instantly went on the penalty kill to start the second period. BC, however, escaped the man disadvantage without allowing a second goal. Eight seconds after the completion of the penalty, the Eagles dribbled the puck down the ice and mounted an offensive attack. Leonard skated to center ice and passed it toward the right circle where Perreault sent a screaming one-timer into the top-right corner of the goal to knot the game at one.

Maine’s Josh Nadeau recorded a penalty for high-sticking at the 8:52 mark, which gave BC an opportunity to take its first lead of the series.

Thirty-five seconds into that power play, Luke Antonacci received a hooking penalty, and BC went on a 5-on-3 man advantage.

The Eagles have the No. 13 power-play unit in the nation and despite having a two-man advantage, the Black Bears still killed both penalties and prevented BC from scoring.

“Yeah, we rushed it,” Brown said.

“Those guys know each other so well and we’ve only had one other one and they were calm and they moved it. And this time they were trying to make a home run pass right away, just had to be a little more patient.”

The Eagles went on their final advantage of the second frame when Thomas Freel recorded a cross-checking penalty. But once again, BC could not capitalize.

Four minutes into the third frame, the referees called Oskar Jellvik for a tripping penalty. BC killed the advantage, but captain Eamon Powell quickly picked up another penalty for the Eagles.

And this time, the Black Bears capitalized. With eight minutes left in regulation, Nadeau potted the

power-play goal to put the Black Bears up 2–1.

But less than four minutes later, the Eagles responded. Ostman rejected a Will Smith missile, but Leonard was in position to grab the rebound and send the puck into the wide-open net to make it a 2–2 game.

“Great power-play goal by Maine in the third,” Brown said. “Felt we did a great job after that goal.

We really pushed the pace and responded well, so it was nice to be rewarded there.”

Fowler stood his ground in the final minute and a half to send the game to overtime. The freshman warded off 10 total shots in the frame and 33 shots in the entire game.

Despite having a 4-on-3 advantage in overtime due to Maine having too many players on the ice, BC failed to put the game away in regulation.

“Disappointing that we didn’t cash in on those,” Brown said.

After a string of missed attempts, Gustafsson stepped up for BC and potted the winning goal to give BC the shootout win.

“I thought both teams played hard and it was a pretty good hockey game,” Brown said. “It was a good hockey atmosphere, it was great.” n

No. 15 BC Falls to No. 13 Catamounts 3–2

By Arjun Rishi For The Heights As Julia Pellerin celebrated with her teammates, it seemed as if Boston College women’s hockey would send 2 Boston College its hardVermont 3 fought battle with Vermont into overtime. The freshman forward had just scored an improbable goal on a deflection from a Molly Jordan shot just inside the blue line to equalize the game with just over two minutes left to play.

But Maddy Skelton had other ideas. Right after the Eagles won the ensuing faceoff, the Vermont forward intercepted a pass, raced by two BC defenders, and fired a shot into the top corner. In the blink of an eye, the energy shifted all the way back to the Catamounts.

Just one day after rallying from a three-goal deficit, the No. 15 Eagles (7–6–1, 7–2–1 Hockey East) fell to No. 13 Vermont (6–4–1, 5–2–0) on Saturday. Skelton’s third-period goal proved to be the difference in a 3–2 victory for the Catamounts.

BC dominated the first period, outshooting Vermont 19–14 and tallying six more shots on goal. The Eagles earned a power play just three minutes into the game, and they immediately took advantage of it. Jordan found forward Abby Newhook open on the left side of the zone, and she sniped a shot into the upper twine.

BC left its foot on the gas until the 14th minute of the initial frame, when officials sent Newhook to the box for tripping. Vermont moved the puck around quickly but could not find the equalizer on the power play. The man advantage sparked the Catamounts’ offense, however, and Vermont ended the first period on a strong note.

BC started the second period with a barrage of shots. Newhook, defender Annaka Mettler, and Pellerin all produced opportunities but could not beat Vermont goalkeeper Sydney Correa. Immediately after, Vermont forward Evelyne Blais-Savoie skated to a one-on-one opportunity with BC goalkeeper Grace Campbell, but her shot sailed over the net.

The Eagles’ forecheck wreaked havoc on Vermont’s attack throughout the first 25 minutes of the game, with the Catamounts finding it very difficult to advance the puck into the attacking zone without having it stolen. To counter this, Vermont started to lift pucks over the top of BC’s defense. This strategy caused problems for the Eagles, but Campbell made sure none of these opportunities turned into goals.

Vermont tied the game on a power play at the 11:48 mark of the second period. Forward Natálie Mlýnková freed up space with a hesitation move and then beat Campbell with a powerful shot. In the last minute of the period, Pellerin had an opportunity to give BC the lead but was displaced after great defense from defender Sara Levesque.

Despite dominating the first two periods on the stat sheet, the Eagles only had one goal to show for it. Vermont started the third period aggressively, looking more dangerous than it had during the first two frames.

The Catamounts earned a power play just under four minutes into the

period and quickly took advantage.

Blaise-Savoy dribbled close to the net without being closed out by an Eagle defender and beat Campbell with a shot to the top corner.

After Blaise-Savoy’s goal, the Eagles started to play like they had early in the first period. BC fired shot after shot at Correa, but it failed to get the puck past her.

With four minutes left in the game, it seemed like the Eagles were knocking on the door. Pellerin finally found the breakthrough with her miraculous tip-in from Jordan’s

long-range attempt that bounced off both posts before somehow slipping past the otherwise flawless Catamounts goalkeeper.

Skelton answered instantly, however, sending the fans in Gutterson Fieldhouse into a frenzy. BC pulled Campbell with two minutes left in the game and desperately searched for an equalizer, but could not find one. Despite outshooting the Catamounts 35–20 in shots on goal, the Eagles could not get enough pucks past Correa, who finished with 33 saves in BC’s 3–2 loss. n

KENNETH CHEN / HEIGHTS STAFF

The Eagles outshot the Catamounts 35–20 in Saturday ’s loss.