The Observer, Volume LV, Issue 26, 04/19/24

Observer The Case Western Reserve

EDITORIAL

The Observer’s endorsements for the 2024 USG elections

As the school year comes to a close, it’s time to talk about the upcoming elections for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG). USG is the main student advocacy body for undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University. They are led by a president and a slew of vice presidents, who each head up a different committee within USG, and collectively make up the USG’s Executive Committee.

This year, USG elections have inspired a greater amount of participation and viewership from the student body, stemming from large organizational funding cuts to the suspension of CWRU’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). As a result, elections this year are especially popular and contentious.

This year, The Observer held an in-person debate with USG candidates in Thwing Center on April 17 before polls opened for students. Students can vote at vote.case.edu from April 18-19. The following are the Editorial Board’s endorsements for this year’s USG elections.

President

The Editorial Board does not have confidence in any of the candidates for president. The three candidates did not command the trust of the Editorial Board to make any sort of meaningful change to USG.

In a time with massive rift between students and their administrators, none of the candidates effectively demonstrated a connection with the student body while also having adequate experience on USG to address these concerns. We found that the candidates are less involved than they should have been. Historically, the presidential election is either one or two students running, and in the latter case it becomes extremely contentious. Yet, in spite of the three candidates running, the Editorial Board does not feel strongly that any of the three will successfully lead the undergraduate student body.

We feel that their letters of intent, and the performance of the two candidates present at The Observer’s debate did not inspire enough confidence to merit an endorsement; many promises were made without concrete plans. As a result, the Editorial Board does not feel comfortable in endorsing any candidate for president and instead would advise students to vote their own conscience.

Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Editorial Board endorses rising second-year Rohan Rajappan for vice president of academic affairs. This year has seen many changes with CWRU’s academic programs. With the introduction of the new Unified General Educa-

tion Requirements (UGER) replacing the former Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship (SAGES), and the temporary suspension of the Integrated Graduate Studies (IGS) program, students are hoping for transparency in improving CWRU’s education. Further, many students have questions about the purpose and scope of the Faculty Senate. Acknowledging these concerns, the Editorial Board believes that Rajappan is the best candidate for this position. He not only has the experience in USG, but also has an effective command on the parts of the position, specifically the relationship with USG and the Faculty Senate.

Vice President of Finance

The Editorial Board endorses rising third-year Hannah Song for vice president of finance. Financing for student organizations is a process fraught with numerous budget cuts and confusion. USG’s funding tracker for this year shows a drastic disparity between the total amount of funds requested by student organizations and the total amount actually allocated. Understandably, many clubs are concerned about the future of their funding. The Editorial Board believes that Song is the candidate that can best address these concerns. Our endorsement is a reflection of her impressive two years of experience on the Finance Committee, serving as both a first-year

representative and treasurer. Part of her platform includes creating easily accessible resources for club treasurers on Canvas, which she hopes will allow for improved efficiency and transparency of the budgeting process.

Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion

The Editorial Board endorses rising third-year Aizah Kamal for vice president of diversity and inclusion. Universities are opportunities for students to gain exposure to diverse backgrounds and cultures. Thus, it’s integral that CWRU can be as inclusive and accepting as possible, and this position has a unique responsibility to promote this environment. We are incredibly impressed by Kamal’s prior resume, specifically her work in the Student Life Committee with “the period initiative,” which has promoted equality and access to menstrual products. In the debate, her most memorable moment was when she emphasized the need for reinstating CWRU’s SJP. In a time where there is a great amount of distrust between the student body and the administration, we need someone who can champion the voices of those who oftentimes aren’t allowed an opportunity to speak. For that reason, Kamal has our full support in the elections.

Tyler Vu

Zelene Desire

Aaron Bielecki

Rohan Rajappan

Hannah Song

Aizah Kamal

CWRU Quizbowl team sweeps tournament 9-0 to end season with first win

Elie Aoun Director of Print

Screams erupted in a study room in Village House 7 on April 13 as a team of Case Western Reserve University quizbowl students won the IQBT Novice Online tournament 9-0. A CWRU team consisting of first-year biochemistry major Enina Edosomwan, first-year electrical engineering major Sai Subramanian, second-year math and computer science major Benjamin Kramer and third-year classics and history major Elie Aoun competed against nine teams in their last tournament of the season.

Quizbowl is an intercollegiate competition where teams of up to four students compete against each other in a vast array of subjects, including science, literature, history, fine arts, philosophy, social science, mythology, religion, geography, current events, pop culture and sports. A game consists of 20 tossup questions read aloud to all players; these questions consist of clues that gradually become easier, and any player can buzz in at any time to answer. A correct answer nets 10 points for a team or 15 points if a player buzzes early in the question—This is called getting a “power.” An incorrect answer before the question is fully read results in that team losing five points and being locked out of buzzing for the rest of the question. When a team successfully converts a tossup, they are read a set of bonus questions which only they can answer for up to 30 extra points.

While most quizbowl tournaments are played in-person, a minority of them are held online on Zoom and/

or Discord, which is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This particular tournament was held online, so the CWRU Quizbowl team gathered in a study room in Village House 7 and used one laptop to play via Zoom.

Round one began at 10 a.m. against a two-man team from Arizona State University (ASU) C, the third team that ASU fielded for this tournament.

CWRU finished a tough first half up 170-120, but after the 15th tossupbonus cycle, CWRU was leading 305165. The next four tossups brought the score before the last tossup to 305300 in favor of CWRU. A clutch pull by Edosomwan allowed CWRU to win the nail-biting first round 335-300.

The next two rounds were not nearly as close. In the second round, CWRU defeated Bryn Mawr College B 460-80; there Aoun converted nine of the 20 tossups for 105 points in his best performance of the day. Round three saw CWRU defeat Rust College 455-40, with Kramer earning 60 points with five tossups in his best round.

Round four against ASU B was not nearly as close as the match against ASU C. CWRU was up 225-70 at the half and won the game 385-195. After that round, the team hoped to sweep the rest of the field in the afternoon.

CWRU achieved two overwhelming victories in rounds five and six, defeating Bryn Mawr A 515-85 and Rowan University 565-70, respectively.

In round seven, CWRU only managed to finish the half 155-145 against ASU A. By the end of the 15th cycle, ASU A had scored three more tossups to bring the score to 245-210 in their favor. Each team then converted two

of the next four tossups, leaving the score at 295-270 in favor of ASU A before the last tossup. ASU A’s lead player, Skand Parvatikar, who went on to be the No. 1 individual scorer in the tournament, buzzed in early and got the question wrong, allowing Edosomwan to convert the question and the team to sweep the bonus in order to finish the game 310-290 in favor of CWRU.

CWRU won its most overwhelming victory against The Ohio State University (OSU) in round eight, defeating the longtime rival 625-40. This round saw Subramanian and Edosomwan convert five tossups for 55 points and the eight tossups for 100 points, respectively.

Round nine against Boston University (BU) was a stressful match against a good team. If CWRU won this time, they would win the tournament outright, but a loss would force CWRU to play an advantaged final against ASU A. By the end of the half against BU, CWRU was down 110-140, but CWRU then “locked in” and converted eight of the 10 tossups in the second half, winning the game 390-165.

Since ASU A went 7-2 in the tournament, CWRU won the IQBT Novice Online outright 9-0 with no need for a final. The last time that the CWRU Quizbowl team won first place in a tournament was in September 2017, so this was a particularly exciting achievement for four CWRU players who had never won a college tournament before.

Aoun finished the tournament ranked third place individually, having scored 22 powers and 26 regular tossups for an average of 63.89 points per game (PPG). Edosomwan

finished ninth overall with 14 powers and 23 tossups for 43.89 PPG. Kramer earned 30 PPG on the dot from seven powers and 19 tossups. Subramanian scored five powers and 10 tossups for 17.78 PPG.

Kramer’s favorite moment in the tournament was beating OSU by almost 600 points. He said, “I feel that we had our best rhythm that game … It was also our most balanced game, as everybody put solid amounts of points up. I think it showed that when we come together as a team and everybody contributes, we play our best.” In a similar vein Subramanian said, “It was crazy to beat teams by more than 400 points.”

Edosomwan felt that his favorite moment was “beating Arizona State A since it was such a close game, and it was very nerve-wracking and fun [that] it came down to the last tossup.”

Regarding the victory, Edosomwan said, “It’s lovely to win a quizbowl tournament since it shows the hard work that everyone has done to become better.”

The team looks forward to a summer of intense studying and specialization in order to qualify for the two national championship tournaments held every April. Qualification requires a top performance at each national championship’s respective qualifying tournament held at the start of the spring semester, a feat which CWRU Quizbowl has seldom achieved in the past.

Edosomwan said, “Next year, I’m looking forward to playing at nationals.”

Disclaimer: Elie Aoun is the vice president of CWRU Quizbowl.

Left to right: Enina Edosomwan, Sai Subramanian, Director of Print Elie Aoun and Ben Kramer celebrate winning their first quizbowl tournament after defeating Boston University 390-165 to go 9-0 in a round robin. Elie Aoun/The Observer

Student wages, upgraded first-year housing: What students can expect from USG’s Tuition Allocation Bill

Zachary Treseler News Editor

The Undergraduate Student Government at Case Western Reserve University is currently working on negotiating the Tuition Allocation Bill. While many parts of the bill are already confirmed, such as an increase in wages for student workers at CWRU, should the rest of it be approved, it would mean improvements in IT, accessibility and first year Housing.

USG President Basil Yaseen and Vice President of Communications Aaron Bielecki talked about what their bill does. They said, “The USG Tuition Allocation Bill is an annual bill that helps highlight specific areas where a student’s tuition money will be given. In essence, this bill is a way for students to have a direct say in where their tuition money is spent.” Yaseen and Bielecki noted that this is the main avenue where students can influence how their tuition amount is spent.

They noted how in the past, the Tuition Allocation Bill has “created the 24/5 hours at KSL, increase in student wages, expanding dining hall hours, and introducing the night link shuttle for late night travels.”

One of the largest asks from USG comes in the form of “a 10% increase in student wages every year.”

The Office of the Provost responded with, “We agree! The FY25 budget process is underway and all departments have been informed that student employment minimum wages

are increasing by 10%.”

“[We are] personally excited about both the Accessibility and the Student Wage increase. A multitude of students rely on Student employment as a reliable income while studying at CWRU. This increase in student wages is one way to help reduce financial stress for students living on campus,” noted the Office of the Provost.

While provisions related to student wages were popular and mutually agreed upon, the other subject areas resulted in some contention between USG and the Office of the Provost.

Among those was the issue of accessibility on campus. Yaseen and Bielecki said, “Although all our buildings are up to code, accessibility, especially in the Mather Quad, still has areas to be addressed. Hopefully, this proposal can help remediate accessibility issues so the campus is available to everyone regardless of ability.”

In their bill, USG requested a “thorough inspection of access points to buildings on Mather Quad to implement more accessible entry and exit points.” Their response noted, “Every building is required to be (and is) up to all code standards (building, fire, electrical, etc), but we do recognize that being up to code is not always an optimal solution for each building” and that facilities are working on a map of to “help show disabled accesses.”

Though many at the accompanying General Assembly meeting were left unimpressed. College of Arts and Sciences Representative Jack Loomis commented that “there are no wheel-

chair accessible buildings in all of the Mather Quad.”

First-Year Representative Bhavya Bansal further noted that many of the buildings on campus, while they had ramps and elevators, had parts that are otherwise inaccessible, for example offices.

Likewise, another issue brought up was that “Many students have complaints about the slow connection or lack of connectivity to begin with,” and so USG requested more funding for University Technology.

In written comments to The Observer, the university has only received 696 support tickets about the Wi-Fi connection. They said many of them may be device related issues rather than Wi-Fi ones at the start of the semester.

The Office of the Provost said, “we have no data or tickets indicating a problem with slow connections or lack of connectivity.” This statement was met with ridicule among the USG meeting, as Vice President of Finance Marlee Yancey said, “We can’t get the data if we don’t have Wi-Fi to fill out the form.”

One of the last points brought up was regarding the status of “increase [in] funding towards the Cedar Magnolia community to make it more comparable to that of the other first year dorms that are available for the same price.”

During the meeting, representatives from USG debated on various ways to make the two residential communities more equitable. First-Year

Representative Adaezeogo EzeogoEnwo suggested differentiating the prices, so that students “pay less for Cedar-Magnolia and more for dorms like Juniper.”

“Regarding quality of dorms, a taskforce has been studying upgrades required for first year housing, with an emphasis on restrooms and community spaces as a result of a survey given to RAs and students about the biggest needs,” noted the Office of the Provost. “Housing is currently designing solutions for Tyler and Norton as a pilot project.”

“Students and staff requested more private bathrooms and nicer dedicated activity spaces for study and recreation. The plan is to renovate the first floor of Tyler and Norton and all residential bathrooms and floor lounges for fall 2025. We have many plans and drawings and are determining the construction schedule. This would then continue to all the four-story, first-year buildings over the next five to seven years. The next phase will explore the installation of air-conditioning in some first-year halls, based on cost and occupancy considerations,” the university said.

To fund everything, USG recommends removing tuition funds for 24/7 access to “certain buildings on the quad,” to which the Office of the Provost responded, “there are no real cost savings associated with removing accessibility.”

The next step is for USG to respond and come up with a mutually agreeable solution.

Tyler Vu/The Observer

UPBeige: A comprehensive review of the annual UPB Spring Giveaway

Gloria Liu Staff Writer

Zachary Treseler News Editor

As the rainy spring weather makes way for sunshine, the recurring University Program Board (UPB) Spring Giveaway is once again in season. Established UPB-goers are no strangers to these annual occurrences, whether for positive or negative reasons. This year, the UPB Spring Giveaway occurred on April 12, where the organization gave away various hats, tote bags and other accessories.

Recently, UPB has been splitting many of their events into two or more time slots, and we feel this has fared well for the greater campus community. For this year’s spring giveaway, two options were available: 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., with 250 spots originally open for each. Each registrant was guaranteed one cap and one tote bag, while the pins and patches were deemed first come, first served. The designs for all of the merchandise were published beforehand on UPB’s social media accounts, garnering attention from many students. According to the CampusGroups sign-up page, all spots were taken before the start of the event, and the final sign-up count totaled to

506, meaning there was extra room for last minute sign-ups. In comparison to previous UPB events, this was quite a rare occurrence.

Doors opened at 5:04 p.m.—a rather timely start for UPB events. The line went out the Thwing Ballroom doors towards the second floor classrooms, spiraling down the nearby marble stairs outside of Room 101. The event space was arranged in a rectangular format, with a clear section for students to check in, indicated by the words “Start Here” marked in blue painter’s tape on the floor. Once checked in, each student moved down the tables in chronological order. On the first table were baseball caps with embroidered pink UPB logos on the back, and on the second were tote bags with creative UPB designs printed on the front. The third held the pins and patches, with two designs of each available. Students who lined up relatively early received all four distinctive pins and patches, while those who came later may have only been allowed to take one of each.

Unexpectedly, there was a final table housing an assortment of sugary pastries, including glazed and Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored donuts, chocolate-filled pastries and pineapple and red bean buns, with each student allowed to choose one. The food wasn’t even advertised—at least on any platforms we had viewed—so we were pleasantly surprised by its inclusion.

The pins and patches were the standard UPB fare, with custom designs that incorporated the words “CWRU,” “CASE” (which vehemently annoyed one of the authors) and “UPB.” The main customizable apparel—the hat and tote bag—were, on the other hand, a bit peculiar as they came in a notso-unique color: beige. The creative color choice threw us for a loop. While we recognize the customizability of the beige background, images of the Beige Mom Instagram aesthetic gave the event an unintentionally sarcastic tone. This was only exacerbated by the event’s poster, which advertised the event in the style of a fantasy film as opposed to a questionable TikTok aesthetic. The results were odd, to say the least—at an initial, faraway glance, the apparel looked like part of a military uniform. The light color was also easily susceptible to staining: A quick walk outside in a drizzle resulted in obvious watermarks onto the light pigment.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tote bag design, which consisted of a large smiley face, the words “Have a nice day!” and a line of UPB-related text that emphasized the qualities of reusing. We later learned that the large smiley face was the first image that came up when googled “smiley face emoji.” While we love how simplistic it is, we also appreciate the value of student-designed pieces of merchandise, and would like to see more giveaways featuring the

works of Case Western Reserve University’s talented study body.

Overall, we prefer these scheduled CampusGroups events over the spontaneous ones where students have to fight to the death, sprinting to publicized locations only for a chance to get a free merchandise item. The 2023 Spring Giveaway situation was unfavorable, as many students may recall. In our opinion, the events scheduled ahead of time on CampusGroups are more equitable and accessible to the study body; prescheduled events do not necessarily favor those who know someone on UPB’s Executive Committee or those who are aware of the ins and outs of CWRU EMS. Jonathan Morris, a third-year nursing student, commented: “That was the most efficient UPB giveaway I’ve seen, and that’s coming from someone who [was] nearly trampled for a sweatshirt.”

As we’re nearing the slew of finals at the end of the year, quick moving events like these are some of the greatest fleeting joys we CWRU students can experience. We hope UPB decides to stick to this format for future events, and that students can indulge in UPB’s offerings as much as possible. After all, there’s not much that can top free merchandise and food. We greatly value the work UPB puts into these events, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the semester and beyond.

Willkommen to CWRU Department of Theater’s production of “Cabaret”

Madeline Golya Staff Writer

Willkommen, bienvenue and welcome! Running from April 12-21, the Case Western Reserve University Department of Theater is welcoming audiences to experience their hauntingly enthralling production of “Cabaret.” With one more weekend left, the first musical produced at the Maltz Performing Arts Center—and the first by the theater department in four years—is not a production that anyone would want to miss. Find information regarding tickets down below for the last three performances, running April 19-21.

Set in 1929-1930, “Cabaret” follows the story of a young American novelist, Clifford Bradshaw (Brendan Lowry) and his experiences in Berlin with the shady and hedonistic characters of the Kit Kat Klub, as well as his run-ins and confrontation with the growing Nazi Party. As Cliff entangles himself in a complicated relationship with the Kit Kat Klub’s leading lady, Sally Bowles (Madalyn Baker), he has to grapple with his own understanding of German politics and what his values are compared to those of the people around him. When faced with the severity of the hatred brewing in Berlin, he and many of the play’s other characters must decide where to take themselves next.

Brilliantly paced, CWRU’s production leaves the audience with their hearts beating out of their chest, itching for the next move and yet also dreading the worst. The show promises from its opening

lines that it will not let up even for a second, and does not disappoint. The Master of Ceremonies, or Emcee (Seamus Gailor), of the Kit Kat Klub is nothing short of a delight to watch. With all of the passion, raw talent and commitment Gailor pours into the role, being swept along in his performance is more than a given. Between Gailor and the boys and girls of the Kit Kat Klub, a truly transformative experience awaits everyone who attends the show.

Beyond the talents of those per-

forming on stage, “Cabaret” is a visual and musical masterpiece of which every technical element has been designed and fitted to perfection. The eerie specificity of the lighting envelops the theater in a smoky, vintage feeling akin to that of an old-timey movie. The costumes boast just the right amount of color, texture and pattern to describe the characters and their relationships without overpowering those wearing them.

Choreographer Kenya Woods and assistant choreographer Mariah

Hamburg have constructed a fluid, intoxicating masterpiece that captures the audience’s attention and holds onto it like their lives depend on it. The pit orchestra is, as the Emcee says themself, “Beautiful!” Each technical aspect of the show has been polished to create a performance that goes above and beyond the realm of college-level theater. The culmination of each piece creates a living, breathing piece of art.

The dedication from every individual involved in CWRU Department of Theater’s production of “Cabaret” cannot be understated.

Katie Booze-Mooney, as Fräulein Schneider, delivers both effortless comedic timing and gut-wrenching honesty that manages to completely captivate the audience. Dominic Monczewski, as Herr Schultz, is able to charm attendees from the moment he opens his mouth to sing.

Tabitha Raithel, who plays Fräulein Kost and Fritzie, displays infectious energy whether she is playing up a hysterical moment, or serenading from afar. The speed at which she changes costumes begs to be mentioned as well. Baker’s ability to control mania is a feat that should be studied, as it is utterly entrancing, and you just might begin to feel yourself fall apart with her during the song for which the show is named. Overall, the stamina of the entire cast must be applauded.

To experience the incredible abilities of each of these actors, and everyone else involved in this genuinely thrilling production, reserve a $5 student ticket for either Friday, April 19 or Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m.

CWRU’s Department of Theater puts on an impressive performance in their production of “Cabaret” in Maltz Performing Arts Center, highlighting the achievements of both the cast and crew. Courtesy of CWRU Department of Theater

Mikhail

Trisha Amman

Kevin Rohan

Selina

Zelene

Keyyshav

Hannah

Aaron

Aizah

Shruti

Tyler

Aliyah

Bhavya

Chize

Chris

Daniela

Gabriella

Rosy

Sifa

Overheard CWRU

Zili

Selina

Adaezeogo

Alvisa

Emmanuel

Kenny

Lauren

Mohit

Niousha

Tolga

Alex

Compilation of out-of-pocket things heard across campus

"I dishonorably discharge all the time."

"My friends...MY LOVES!"

"COVID pantene."

"It's giving... into peer pressure."

"Can cats have cocaine?"

"We might need to have you for that pyramid thing, bro."

"I'm going to schlop up that schwarma

Where is weed legal?

Weed search

flower bud zaza

joint

Weekly Horoscope

Your sign as different places to smoke weed on campus

Aquarius Olin game lab

Pisces Saferide

Aries

Nobby's Ballpark

Taurus Elephant Steps

blunt dank spliff alligator cigarette stickyicky Good Butt pot grass weed marijuana reefer mary jane nugget cannabis Hashish Hemp herb ganga keef dagga ganja mota pakalolo wacky tobacky green goddess cabbage devil's lettuce roach loud kush

Gemini The Dungeon Cancer Little Italy Park

Leo The Spot

Virgo Public Safety Parking Lot

Libra Healthline

Scorpio Trap House

Sagittarius

Top of the holl, past the sorority houses, behind the brick wall

Capricorn HotBox Thinkbox

How a Nintendo DS game taught me about fashion, creativity and capitalism

Hannah Johnson Copy Editor

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across an Instagram Reel of a girl making a pair of gloves. As she folded the delicate fabric together, guiding it through the sewing machine, I couldn’t help but think that something about the video was strangely nostalgic. After a couple more seconds it clicked— the background music. The familiar jingle was from the Nintendo DS game “Style Savvy,” a fact I was

able to confirm from a comment section filled with people from my generation asking themselves the same question.

When I was younger, I would spend hours on “Style Savvy.” It was the first video game I found myself reaching for everyday—the first game I’d gotten along with the cherry-red console after months of being envious of my older cousins’. The premise of the game was pretty basic: You’re a boutique owner, serving a wide variety of customers by selling them the most ideal outfit within their budget. With the money you make, you’re responsible for replenishing your shop with the newest styles from the Buyer’s Center, hand-picking and bulk-ordering the items you think will sell the best or look the coolest. Other responsibilities of yours consist of dressing up your own character, running ads, dressing store mannequins and competing in fashion contests where the stakes and difficulties get higher and higher with each round.

The overall goal is simple: move up the ranks of the fashion world by securing as many customers as you can and win competitions to become the best fashionista in the world.

As I came across this reel, I found myself thinking about why this game meant so much to me. I liked fashion decently enough as a kid: I played dress up games in the computer lab at school and was glued to the monitor at home afterward. I enjoyed switching out my Barbies’ outfits and meandering around Justice, the kid’s clothing store, whenever I had the opportunity to. But that wasn’t enough for me to be drawn back to the two-screened digital fashion world over and over again. No—it was the gamification of it all that was so exciting.

When I first started playing the game, it was an enigma to me. A non-player character (NPC) would come in requesting a goth outfit, and I’d suit them up head-to-toe in pink with a lime green scarf and mismatched socks for good measure. It was experimentation. In real life, I didn’t have an endless closet of clothes or the confidence to wear them, but the game let me see what certain pieces would look like together. I’d try to emulate styles I saw on Disney Channel or in movies or otherwise pair a bunch of pieces together that I just liked the look of. When I dressed up mannequins, they were decked out in a rainbow of colors. Nothing had to match. There was no method to my madness.

I noticed that after I sent customers away to try on the outfits, they’d come back with either a smile or a frown. I had roughly a 50% success rate; they would see the outfit, pose and give me the news—they were either ready to buy or they weren’t. Sometimes if they didn’t like it the first time, I would get another chance. I’d hold my breath as I’d try to alter the outfit, attempting to keep the artistic essence while making the slightest adjustment to make the NPC happy. When they’d choose not to purchase after sliding back

the dressing room curtain for the second time, I was devastated. After about a year of playing the game, I realized that there was a reason why my success rate was so low. It wasn’t random: The explicit style the customer preferred actually meant something. Who would have thought?

Some poking around eventually led me to the search bar function, a tool that let me find the exact style of clothes I wanted for the customer while even providing a price range and the type of clothing item. The search bar practically did my job for me. My only task was to pick out clothes that fit the bill and throw them together. It was like finding a cheat code.

When I upgraded to a Nintendo 3DS, I got a sequel game to the original called “Style Savvy: Trendsetters.” This time, the game became less about style for me and more about turning over a profit.

After the revelatory run-in with the search bar from my bout with the first game, I had gained all the strategic knowledge I needed to be a successful business owner. Now I was a seasoned professional, and my aim was simple: I would please every customer that walked into my store.

My American Girl Doll “A Smart Girl’s Guide: Money” book had prepared me for the grueling task ahead of me. As a kid, I became aware of the fact that we live in a society run by money, that creative success often comes from or at the expense of the opinions of other people. It was around this time that I had plans to create a legendary start-up—if not a lemonade stand, then a jewelry business. Just call “Style Savvy” financial training.

In my new boutique, I took less risks. My mannequins were decked out in clothes that ticked every box in a style, maximized with the largest number of pieces I could fit onto the body to drive up the price. As soon as I changed my strategy, customers started dropping by to snatch up pre-made outfits. They were happier, returning to shower me with praise after I created the ideal outfit with the filtering system. Following what was expected of the game’s fashion world was making me a lot of money—money that I could then funnel back into the business to make even more money.

My main mode of free creative expression in the game no longer extended to other people but to my own character. Nobody cared about what I was wearing, so I got to show up however I wanted. The styles and colors of my outfit could clash, but it didn’t matter because I wasn’t trying to sell my own clothes. This realization was a bit bittersweet for me. I wanted the NPCs to be able to understand what straying from a strict guideline of fashion felt like. I wanted them to share my joy in mixing pieces that may not have come from the same store. I wanted them to experiment, knowing that not everything had to tick the conventional boxes in order to be the perfect outfit.

But I guess at the end of the day, whatever sells…

What the solar eclipse can teach us

Snehal Choudhury Staff Writer

April 8, 2024, was a special day for many in Cleveland, not just because Case Western Reserve University gave the rare day off but also because we were fortunate enough to witness one of the most spectacular feats of mother nature: a total solar eclipse. The next day, we returned to our mundane school routines. But for some reason, the solar eclipse really resonated with me.

Then it hit me: The eclipse was so unforgettable because it tapped into the deepest parts of my soul, forcing me to confront powerful sentiments that I normally never experience. Frankly, our society would be more fulfilled if we tried to embody parts of the solar eclipse “psyche” more frequently.

I remember feeling a strange and queasy anticipation as the sky gradually turned darker and the atmosphere became still and chilly, both telltale signs of what was to come. Watching the moon swallow the sun through my glasses was so hauntingly beautiful and aweinducing that I could only focus on the solar eclipse. Ruminating over yesterday and worrying about tomorrow or the days after that was immaterial.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t going through the motions like usual but actually living in the moment. My brain and body were more attuned to the environment around me.

People always say to live in the moment and savor the little things, but I never understood what that meant until now. Taking this idea a step further, so many of us are hyper-focused on what happens five to 10 years down the road—say, getting into grad school or having a well-paying job in the industry of our dreams—and are constantly assessing what we need to do now to achieve our carefully planned out future, creating a maelstrom of stress. By always thinking so far ahead, we forget to treasure what we’re currently experiencing like the questionable dining hall food, our friends and family or the joy of our extracurricular activities. We must start searching for and cherishing the beauty within every moment, even if they seem insignificant.

Experiencing an event on a celestial scale also compelled me to reassess my overall perspective. We were made utterly powerless against nature; ultimately, we had no control over when or how the eclipse would happen. We had to take it in stride.

Likewise, even though we often craft elaborate life plans, many times unexpected events occur. It is better to just go with the flow and take what comes. As I’ve found from personal experience, everything usually works out in the end, maybe even better than originally intended.

Additionally, witnessing such a large-scale event forces us to think beyond ourselves. Combined with the timelessness and awe of a solar eclipse, we can form a profound and fundamental connection with other people, even strangers, over witnessing something so much bigger than all of us. I can personally attest to feeling that way. During the eclipse, I felt an electric surge of energy when thinking about how I shared this special moment with parents, friends, professors and even total strangers.

There’s actually a term for the phenomenon I’ve described, which is “collective effervescence,” coined by sociologist Émile Durkheim. Essentially, when a group of people join together to participate in a large shared experience, there is a special collective harmony and “electricity” that ensues. This “electricity” causes certain emotions, such as excitement, to go into overdrive. This uplifting energy enables us to think more selflessly. This matters because practicing selflessness and togetherness is something we as a society could do more often. Nowadays, people divide themselves along various lines of political leanings, social

background and other affiliations, and there is minimal tolerance for anything different. The solar eclipse was a rare moment in recent history where our differences were irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. It was heartwarming to see that there was still something everyone agreed on: how wonderful it was to witness this spectacle of nature.

However, we should not wait until the next eclipse to experience or practice this sort of selflessness connection. There are obvious ways to accomplish this—joining any sort of group activity such as sports, the arts or competitive activities such as the Case Rocket Team.

I have a more radical proposal. Many people are quick to point out the issues wrong in today’s world, such as climate change or a broken political system. Maybe we could recreate our own version of collective effervescence, one which gives our society the collective strength and determination to confront these issues that are much bigger than all of us.

It’s on us to come together and work toward the greater goal of making the world a better place than when we entered it, even despite our differences. Future generations are relying on us to achieve that, and that can’t be done without employing the solar eclipse psyche.

Téa Tamburo/The Observer

Is the meal plan really that bad?

Salsabeel Salem Staff Writer

Leutner Commons is a hallmark of the first-year experience at Case Western Reserve University, famed for its mixed food reviews and undeniable desserts. I think we all have a memory of crawling out of bed at 1 p.m. on a Saturday, stumbling into Leutner wearing pajamas and slippers. The aroma of day-old alfredo at the pasta station invites us to explore the many delicacies that Bon-Appétit has to offer. Like Leutner, many other dining options around campus face scrutiny as students ponder whether the food is worth the large sticker price. And the answer is yes—it is worth it. But not for every student.

First and foremost, the meal plan is convenient. With one swipe, you can get a burrito bowl from BRB Café or a personal pizza from Pinzas or a hot chicken sandwich from The Jolly Scholar. You don’t have to worry about grocery shopping for all the ingredients, planning out when to cook the meal, actually cooking it and then cleaning up after. To do so would demand a minimum of two hours of your time each time that you set out to cook a meal. And then, you’re stuck with leftovers to deal with throughout

the week. However, with one meal swipe, you can have a well-portioned meal at your fingertips in minutes. And if you don’t like it, you can just order something else. It’s that easy.

In addition to the convenience, the meal plan provides a plethora of drink options and snacking opportunities throughout the day to supplement your meals. Whether you’re going through caffeine withdrawal and need a coffee fix or are craving a milkshake or a soda, the meal plan’s got you. A swipe at Café on the Quad or Jolly will do the trick, even providing you the option to get a little snack on the side. Is it 2 p.m.? Are you a little hungry, but not quite hungry enough for dinner? Just Grab It! or Bag It! These snack stations are a great way to supplement your inter-meal cravings, and you can save them for later if you don’t want to finish them all in one sitting. With a drink in hand and a snack in pocket, you’ll be set for the day.

I think we’ve all had those 11 p.m. cravings—you know, the ones that keep you from going to bed soundly and keep your tummy begging for a little something. It’s a really great thing the meal plan allows you to satiate your hunger at all times of the day. It’s late—order Fribley or Leutner Late Night or the Den. It’s early—or-

der from Plum Market or Elephant Step Inn. The ability to get food at any time of the day makes the meal plan super versatile and able to accommodate most students’ eating schedules.

Another great attribute about the meal plan is it gives you the liberty to choose your aesthetic. If you’re in the mood for a suburban hospital cafe with busy professionals, try BRB. With University Hospitals workers and researchers busing to and fro during their break, the atmosphere allows you to get away from the whole college campus feel for a little bit. Missing your high school? Go to Fribley and Leutner! With rows and rows of tables spread across the dining hall and an open-buffet style of serving, they provide an excellent cafeteria energy that evokes memories of home. Craving that urban coffee aesthetic? Go to Café on the Quad. With the smell of brewing medium roast and freshly-baked desserts greeting you at the door, Café on the Quad provides the perfect vibe to relax and peer through their massive windows. No matter what vibe you’re in the mood for, the meal plan can deliver.

Though there are a lot of great attributes in the meal plan, unfortunately, it’s not for everyone. Vegetarians suffer with fewer options, forcing them to outsource their meals. With

USG endorsements from page 1

Vice President of Communications

The Editorial Board endorses rising fourth-year Aaron Bielecki for vice president of communications. “Increasing transparency” was a goal often repeated throughout the USG debates—and for good reason. There is nothing that can improve a university more than fostering better communication, especially in a time of great strife as hard-handed decisions are being made. Since he was elected into the position during mid-semester, Bielecki has allowed for more forums for student engagement; frequent weekly newsletters and a resurgence in Feedback Fridays have provided for healthy conversations throughout campus. If reelected, Bielecki intends to diversify how USG communicates with the student body, such as posting flyers around campus and revamping USG’s social media presence. We also find his ideas for improving communication with the Faculty Senate Committee on Undergraduate Education a good step forward in improving transparency with USG: By adding folders to the Public Access (PA) Drive for USG meeting minutes and notes, he hopes that students can gain a better understanding of how their elected representatives are working for them. Students want to hear from their representatives, and the Editorial Board has full confidence in Bielecki to bridge that gap.

Vice President of Student Life

The Editorial Board endorses rising third-year Zelene Desire for vice president of student life. Many oncampus initiatives that directly benefit students stem from the Student Life Committee and so are often one of the most front-facing parts of USG for students. Despite running unopposed, we believe that Desire’s resume speaks for itself, specifically her current work in the food subcommittee, while she has a grasp on other issues that greatly affect the student body, for example, accessibility on the Mather Quad.

Chief Judicial Officer

The Editorial Board endorses rising third-year student Tyler Vu for chief judicial officer (CJO). The CJO role is mostly internal and is tasked with keeping order and rules among USG, especially by enforcing the attendance and participation requirements of the representatives. These days the CJO is vital: USG is barely

able to reach quorum, the minimum number of representatives needed to conduct basic business. Vu has gained experience serving as USG secretary this year and thoroughly understands the role and the position, including the challenges faced by USG in terms of motivating its representatives and maintaining strong attendance. He plans to hold members accountable for showing

meat off the table, vegetarians are limited to mainly carb-heavy options with places such as Local Taco and the vegan section at the dining halls as some of their better options. However, these fail to supplement their diet with an adequate amount of protein, leaving them nutrient deficient. As a result, these students must supplement their diets themselves, seeking out grocery stores and local food options to get their necessary supplements.

Students with severe food allergies also face problems because they risk a life-threatening allergic reaction each time they don’t ask about ingredients or cross-contamination. Because the dining halls need to serve such a vast number of students, offering a variety of different options multiple times throughout the day, cross-contamination can be a huge issue. And oftentimes, the foods that may be compromised are not well-labeled. This adds a communication barrier that prevents the students from being able to confidently trust the food.

Though the meal plan does not work for everyone, it has a lot of great benefits that can make the sticker cost worth it. If maximized, you can cater your dining experience at CWRU to fit whatever lifestyle you seek to create. Bon appétit, CWRU.

up to USG meetings, which is necessary in order for USG to properly represent the student body. Recognizing his impressive experience and plans, the Editorial Board is confident in Vu’s ability to represent as CJO.

Lucas Yang

Baseball sweeps Kenyon and Ohio Wesleyan, falls to Denison

Puneet Bansal Sports Editor

The Case Western Reserve University baseball team went 3-1 this past weekend after hosting Kenyon College in a doubleheader and going on the road to face Ohio Wesleyan University and Denison University. The Spartans made quick work of Kenyon on April 13, winning the two games 16-6 and 5-1. On April 14, the Spartans dominated Ohio Wesleyan 28-3 but fell to #2-ranked Denison 5-8. The Spartans improved to 24-7 overall and 7-1 in the conference. CWRU is undefeated at home, 6-4 on the road and 6-3 in neutral territory.

Kenyon struck first in Game 1, scoring 3 runs in the first inning. CWRU answered back in the third inning, with a two-out, two-RBI single from graduate student first baseman Dane Camphausen. Kenyon fired back with two runs in the fourth, but graduate student third baseman James Powers hit an RBI double in the fifth and Camphausen hit a sacrifice fly to bring CWRU back 4-5.

Again, Kenyon had a response but it would be their last one of the morning. After Kenyon pushed its lead back to 6-4, the Spartans sent 12 batters to the plate for 6 runs. Fourth-year designated hitter

Zack Carinci scored on a wild pitch. Graduate student catcher Jack Anderson hit an RBI single to plate first-year shortstop Nate Arterburn for the 6-6 tie. After third-year left fielder Logan Andreyko took advantage of a wild pitch with a go-ahead run, Powers hit an RBI double and third-year right fielder Nick Harms smashed a two-run home run for the 10-6 lead.

The Spartans went on to score six more runs, including a two-RBI single for Carinci, sealing the game 16-6. Camphausen went 2-for-5 with a double and 4 RBIs, Powers added a 3-for-4 performance with 4 runs, an RBI, a walk and a steal. Andreyko added 2 walks and 3 runs after going 2-for-4. Fourth-year pitcher Reece Marley struck out 6 batters in the first six innings. Firstyear Zach Barnes took over and prevented Kenyon from scoring for the rest of the game, improving his ERA to 4.19 and scattering 4 hits and striking out 3 batters.

In game 2, Anderson scored the opening run, allowing Harms to steal second base and score on a Camphausen single. First-year third baseman Tyler Stillson then scored on a double play, giving CWRU a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the sixth, Harms hit a home run through centerfield with a runner on second to push the Spartan’s lead to 5-0. This was Harms’ eighth

career home run and his second two-run home run of the weekend. Kenyon only picked up a run in the eighth, and the Spartans took the game 5-1.

The strong defense is credited to first-year lefty Quinn Saunders, who pitched six shutout innings, holding the Owls to 2 hits and 4 walks while not allowing a runner past second base. Saunders improved to 4-0 on the season, while lowering his ERA to 3.90.

The next day against Ohio Wesleyan, the Spartans were on fire, launching for a program record for runs and hits in a single game. CWRU hit four home runs, recording 32 for the season, besting the previous school record of 30 in 2019. The 28 runs on 24 hits scored by the Spartans broke the previous record of 27 runs set against Brandeis University last April. Twelve players scored at least one hit and 13 Spartans recorded at least one run during this rampage that led to a 28-3 victory. Stillson led the charge on both sides, finishing the game going 2-for-3 including a grand slam, 6 RBIs and 2 runs. On the mound, he allowed just 3 runs on 4 hits, 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Powers went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, 3 runs and 6 RBIs, graduate student left fielder Franco Alonso went 4-for4 for a home run, a double, 3 runs

and 2 RBIs and Carinci went 4-for5 with 2 doubles, a run and 3 RBIs.

Facing Denison later in the day was a tall task that proved to be too much for the Spartans. They started off the game strong, changing leads with the Big Red three times over the first three innings. Andreyko kicked off the game with a single, moved to third on a Denison error then scored on a sacrifice fly from Anderson for the 1-0 CWRU lead. Denison took the lead in the bottom of the first, but the Spartans responded with back-to-back doubles from Camphausen and Carinci to tie it. First-year center fielder Matt Trout hit a one-out run-scoring single for the 3-2 lead. Denison again tied it at the bottom of the second. CWRU answered once again, with Alonso hitting a single to drive in two runs for the 5-3 advantage.

This time, however, the Big Red blasted the game open with five runs in the bottom of the third to take the 8-5 lead. CWRU, however, did not give up as third-year pitcher Jackson Brewer did not allow an earned run in his four innings of work. But the offense had lost its rhythm and so the Spartans lost 5-8, snapping their 9-game win streak.

CWRU will head to New York City this weekend to face New York University in a 4-game series from April 19-21.

On April 14, first-year pitcher Tyler Stillson pitched five innings against Ohio Wesleyan while also batting 2-for-3 with a grand slam and 6 runs batted-in. Courtesy of Mia Faxon/CWRU Athletics

Softball loses 16-game win streak to WashU

Angelina Minaya Staff Writer

The Case Western Reserve University softball Spartans, ranked No. 6 in the UAA, went into their series against Washington University in St. Louis looking to continue their win streak of 15 games after a full sweep against Emory University.

In Game 1, CWRU hit the ground running with fourth-year Stevie Rieger hitting a two-out double, allowing first-year Karen Potts to score a run and put the Spartans on the board. A single from second-year Elizabeth Berry then brought Rieger home, putting the Spartans at a 2-0 lead. The game then remained scoreless on both sides until the sixth inning when Rieger scored another run from a groundout by Berry shortly after hitting her second double of the game. This was Rieger’s third twodouble game of the season and her fourth overall. The Bears only scored once in the seventh inning, giving CWRU a 3-1 victory over WashU.

Most notably, third-year pitcher Lexi Miskey threw a total of six scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts and only 3 hits, improving to 14-2 this season and tying a program record with former Spartan Annie Wennerberg by earning her 53rd career win as a Spartan.

The victory over the Bears allowed the Spartans to improve to 24-2 overall record for the season and a 9-0 record in the UAA. The 16-game winning streak was also the secondlongest in program history, only four wins behind last season’s 20-game winning streak.

Looking to extend the win streak, the Spartans got on the board first again in the second inning of Game 2 with a 2-0 lead. Berry hit a single to center field to start off the second inning, and due to an error made by the Bears after a bunt from thirdyear Isabella Russo, both runners were brought home from a double

hit by first-year Alaina Steffes. This was also Steffes’ tenth double of the season.

CWRU’s lead over the Bears, however, was cut short after two scoreless innings when WashU scored 5 runs in the fifth inning, taking a 5-2 lead. The Spartans were unable to come back from this, and the 5-2 score became final, putting an end to the program’s win streak. This was also third-year pitcher Kylie Hosey’s first loss of the season, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits in four and one-third innings, making her record 10-1.

The Bears got on the board first in Game 3 after scoring in the first inning on a single, followed by a single and a triple in the third inning to take on a 3-0 lead over the Spartans. However, in the span of seven innings CWRU was only able to get 2 hits from Berry and Steffes—which became her 11th

double of the season—in addition to two walks. Additionally, second-year pitcher Devanghi Misra took the loss, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in two innings, bringing her record down to 0-1. Miskey gave up 2 runs in three innings, and fourth-year pitcher Jenna Jaklich pitched a perfect sixth. The final score of the game was 3-0, and it was the first offensive shutout for the Spartans since May of 2022 when the team lost 1-0 to Trine University in the NCAA Super Regional.

Though the Spartans went into the finale of the series looking for a split, WashU got on the board first in the third inning followed by another run in the bottom of the fourth, giving the Bears a 3-0 lead. After remaining scoreless on both sides for one inning, CWRU attempted to respond in the sixth inning after a single from Rieger allowed first-year Nylah Dur-

ham to score a run. The possibility of a comeback was short-lived, as the Spartans were unable to score any more runs, making the final score 3-1. Moreover, Miskey took the loss, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits in three and two-third innings, totaling her record to 14-3. Miskey also struck out five batters to increase her career total to 494 strikeouts.

Overall, the Spartans lost their four-game series 1-3 against WashU, falling to 24-5 in the overall season and 9-3 in UAA games. With eight conference games left in the season, both CWRU and WashU are tied in league standings.

The Spartans will be looking to kickstart a new winning streak for the season in their four-game series against the Brandeis University Judges in Waltham, Massachusetts this weekend from April 19-21.

Scores and Upcoming Games

Baseball

CWRU vs Kenyon (4/13)

Game 1: W 16-6

Game 2: W 5-1

CWRU at Ohio Wesleyan (4/14) - W 28-3

CWRU at Denison (4/14) - L 5-8

CWRU at NYU (4/19-21) - 4 games

Men’s Tennis

CWRU vs Grove City (4/13) - W 9-0

CWRU vs Kalamazoo (4/19)

CWRU vs Denison (4/19)

CWRU at Carnegie Mellon (4/20)

Track and Field

CWRU at Marv Frye Invitational (4/6)

Men’s team: 4th of 10 teams (98 points)

Women’s team: 2nd of 10 teams (152 points)

CWRU at All-Ohio Outdoor Championships (4/12-4/13)

Men’s team: 2nd of 12 teams (97.5 points)

Women’s team: 3rd of 12 teams (104 points)

Softball

CWRU at WashU (4/12-14)

Game 1 (4/12): W 3-1

Game 2 (4/13): L 2-5

Game 3 (4/13): L 0-3

Game 4 (4/14): L 1-3

CWRU at Brandeis (4/19-21) - 4 games

Women’s Tennis

CWRU at UChicago (4/19)

CWRU at North Central (4/20)

During CWRU’s first softball game against WashU on April 12, first-year Alaina Steffes contributed 2 hits and 2 runs batted-in to the Spartans’ 3-1 final score. Courtesy of Tim Phillis/CWRU Athletics