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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
J O U R NA LI S M
YEAR LIII. VOLUME A. ISSUE I
ORIENTATION ISSUE For incoming freshmen
A GUIDE
TO NAVIGATING COLLEGE AND BOSTON COMMUNITY, 4 A currated list of the must-do activities in Boston.
GALLERY, 6
EDITORIAL, 10
CROSSWORD, 11
Explore picture perfect locations across Boston.
See what the FreeP E-Board has to say about gun control.
Test your BU knowledge with the Daily Free Press Staff!
NEWS 3
2 NEWS
What to expect from campus news BY TALIA LISSAUER Co-Campus Editor
For 52 years The Daily Free Press — Boston University’s only independent student newspaper — has been committed to producing accurate and timely coverage for the BU community. While other sections of The Daily Free Press, commonly called “the FreeP,” are focused on the broader city of Boston, the campus section has a sole focus on BU. Coverage prioritizes informing community members about what is going on at BU as soon as it happens. Our editors and writers conduct interviews with students, professors, administration, and other staff to publish most relevant and informative stories with our own additional investigation. The FreeP is independent of BU, and we aim for impartiality in all of our coverage. We are not associated with BU Student Activities Office, and we raise money through donations, dues and fundraisers. Coverage includes breaking news such as fires or evacuations, student walkouts, policy changes, and weekly reporting on Student Government meetings. We keep the student body up to date on health policies, tuition hikes and forums. Last Fall, BU students protested an alleged uptick in sexual assault cases against the fraternity Kappa Sigma Mu Psi. The FreeP was there to report on the protest by interviewing those in attendance, providing
background information on the fraternity’s past accusations and publishing a statement from BU. Throughout the past school year, the FreeP reported on all of the COVID-19 policy changes and published testing statistics daily. This coverage not only explained the policy change, but also included why the change was implemented, quotes from
BU health administrators and students’ thoughts. Within the campus news section, a team of reporters focuses on long-term investigative stories, which can take months to be published. Our coverage helps uncover systemic issues at BU and includes extensive research and interviews. The first piece detailed former
Meet the Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates orientation director Shiney James creating a culture of fear and toxicity for student employees. After the article was published, an external investigation into her treatment of employees was opened, which led to her resigning six months later. The second piece detailed several former and current students’ accusations of sexual
misconduct against College of Communication Assistant Professor Christophor Cavalieri. This article was published this past April and according to BU Spokesperson Colin Riley, the Equal Opportunity Office will be looking into the allegations laid out in the article. Any tips for campus news can be sent to news@dailyfreepress.com
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The news stand outside the Daily Free Press office at 708 Commonwealth Avenue. The campus section of the newspaper focuses solely on Boston University news.
Introduction to Boston University student services and support BY SANGMIN SONG Co-Campus Editor
Around campus, there is a variety of support services available to students for their mental, physical and emotional health and wellness. Boston University Student Health Services is the central health center for all BU students. Their goal is to help students preserve their health and wellness while being on campus. Any full-time BU student or any student with the Student Health Insurance Plan, or SHIP, can contact SHS by calling directly or using the Patient Connect website to ask medical questions, make appointments, refill prescriptions, request referrals and more. SHS also includes Behavioral Medicine, LGBTQ+ resources and sexual assault resources such as the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center, or SARP. With confidential care and counseling, the center can help students overcome traumatic experiences related to sexual assault, dating violence, and other types of interpersonal violence. SARP clinical service crisis line is 24-hours, where students can explain their situation and schedule an appointment with a SARP counselor. It is also available via BU Patient Connect message service, and all conversations are assured to be confidential. “SARP is made up of licensed clinicians and prevention specialists committed to providing services that are survivorcentered and trauma-informed,” the website says. “SARP provides free-of-charge counseling and advocacy to Boston University
students who have experienced a traumatic event.” Every semester, BU also requires all students to complete Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training. Disability and Access Services
“provide services and support to ensure that students are able to access and participate in the opportunities available at the University,” according to their website. DAS also provides various
accommodation to students in need, such as academics, housing, dining, and event accessibility. Both new and returning students to DAS who need academic and housing accommodations can fill out the intake form online,
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The Boston University Student Health Services office at 881 Commonwealth Ave. SHS is where students can go to seek medical help as well as visit the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center.
upload documentation to their Accommodate portal, and call the office to schedule an appointment with one of the DAS staff members. “The University is committed to providing equal and integrated access for individuals with disabilities to all the academic, social, cultural, and recreational programs it offers,” the website says. “Boston University is deeply committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of University life.” To assure safety of students on campus, BU has the Boston University Police Department — its own full-time, professional law enforcement agency. BUPD patrol division is divided into three shifts to respond to the initial calls for service and emergency situations, and patrol the University area. When in need, students can call BUPD or use Blue Light Phones, or emergency call boxes around campus. “The Boston University Police Department is actively engaged with the community, working to promote the safety and security of the campus and surrounding communities,” the website says. “Patrols are conducted throughout the Boston University area 24 hours a day and span an area that includes over 132 acres of University-owned property and surrounding streets.” BUPD also sends out emails, texts and calls called the BU Alert, which notifies students of the emergencies that arise within the University community. Contributing Newswriter Tian Liao contributed to the reporting of this article.
BY EMILIA WISNIEWSKI City Associate
After Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced he will not run for a third term late last year, four individuals declared their intent to run in the 2022 gubernatorial election in hopes of becoming the 73rd governor of Massachusetts. The primary election will take place on Sept. 6, where voters will choose which one candidate will represent their respective political parties in the Nov. 8 general election. Outlined here are each candidate’s background, experience, and different approaches to many contested issues. Sonia Chang-Díaz Democratic Candidate Chang-Díaz currently serves in the Massachusetts Senate as representative for the Second Suffolk District and is the first Latina elected to the state senate. Chang-Díaz also worked as a public school teacher in the Boston and Lynn school districts. As a former public school educator, Chang-Diaz advocates for affordable K-12 education and supports free public higher education in Massachusetts. Chang-Díaz said in the April 27 WBUR Climate forum she wants Massachusetts to “stop digging” a “hole” by halting the fossil fuel infrastructure and advocating for a Green New Deal. Chang-Díaz also wants to close the racial wealth divide and support families with paid medical and family leave — something she supported through
the Paid Family and Medical Leave Initiative passed in 2018. Geoff Diehl - Republican Candidate Diehl represented the seventh Plymouth district in the Massachusetts State House
Donald Trump. He wrote he supports increasing renewable energy as well as implementing measures to protect “environmentallysensitive” areas. Diehl also wishes to further
back to pre-pandemic levels, and create jobs,” Diehl said in a public statement after Governor Baker’s final State of the Commonwealth address. Chris Doughty - Republican Candidate
BRAIN SONG | DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
The Massachusetts State House, located in Boston Common. The general election for the 73rd governor of Massachusetts will take place in November this year.
of Representatives from 2011 to 2018. He unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Elizabeth Warren for her Senate seat in 2018 after being nominated by the Republican party. Diehl is endorsed by former President
support small businesses and women entrepreneurs coming out of the pandemic. “Going forward, we need to work on an economic plan to get Massachusetts residents back to work, to re-open our businesses
Doughty is an entrepreneur and is current president of Capstan Industries. He has overseen the business build from a startup of a dozen employees to an international manufacturer. Doughty has no prior political
expanded. The new Union Square station opened Mar. 21, linking Somerville riders and a key commercial hub to the rest of the MBTA system. MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said the Green Line extension “marks an incredible achievement” and “symbolizes the culmination of many years of hard work on the project, even during times of uncertainty.” Other Lines and Transportation Many students will become
well acquainted with the Green line, but there’s more to the MBTA. After Kenmore station going inbound is Back Bay and downtown Boston. BU students can take the T down to the Park Street station and other stations to connect with the other lines like the Orange, Red and Blue. The Blue Line spans across the North End and East Boston and takes riders to Logan International Airport. Notable stops include Revere Beach and
the New England Aquarium. This line got its name from its route traveling directly under Boston Harbor and is the shortest of all the lines in the MBTA. The Orange Line serves Boston and its neighborhoods Jamaica Plain and Roxbury in addition to numerous neighboring cities such as Malden, Somerville, and Medford. The line reaches Chinatown and Northeastern University, although the stations are somewhat harder to access for
A college freshmen’s guide to navigating the T BY LEILA EL ALAM Contributing Writer
Whisking students away to countless attractions such as Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, Boston Commons, and the Boston Public Library, the MBTA — commonly referred to as the “T” — helps students get to where they need to be. Costing only $2.40 each way, the T is a far more affordable way to travel than alternatives such as Ubers and Lyfts. Passengers either pay for their rides with CharlieTickets or CharlieCards, the latter of which are reusable and can be loaded with money near campus at the Kenmore Square stop, Star Market or Mobil gas station. Students can also purchase an unlimited semester-long pass through Student Link. Traveling with the T on campus The Green Line has four branches; the B line runs to Boston College, C line to Cleveland Circle, D line to Riverside and the E line to Heath Street. The B line runs right down Commonwealth Avenue through BU’s campus. From east to west, on-campus B line stations include Blandford Street, BU East, BU Central, Amory Street and Babcock Street. These stations are most useful when trying to get from one end of campus to another with convenient drop-off locations, which are often less than a five minute walk from your dorm or class. Passengers can also take the B line and C line — which has a stop in South Campus — outbound to go further into Allston and Brookline. All of the stops are above ground outbound from Kenmore, which is where the Green line splits into the B, C and D lines. The Green Line also recently
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ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY ALVAREZ-LAUTO
experience. Doughty said climate change is “one of the great challenges in this generation” in an interview with CommonWealth Magazine and suggested bringing electric costs down. Doughty wrote he believes in creating more jobs through promotion of key industries, simplifying business practices, and having more training opportunities. According to his campaign website, Doughty wants to ensure all students can access the best education possible and focus on the “individual needs of the children.” Maura Healey - Democratic Candidate Maura Healey is currently serving as the Massachusetts Attorney General and is the first openly gay state attorney general in the United States. Before her appointment in 2015, she started her own private practice and then served as the Chief of the Civil Rights Division in the Attorney General’s Office. Healey said in the April 27 WBUR Climate forum she wants to focus more on “revving up” alternative, renewable energy sources, particularly wind. Healey wrote that she plans to focus on job equity and advocate for livable wages, as well as to reevaluate the tax policy in order to have a more balanced economy. Healey wants to increase resources for mental and behavioral health services in schools and increase public school districts’ funding through the Student Opportunity Act.
BU students. The Red Line runs from Cambridge to South Boston and serves over 260,000 commuters per weekday. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University are accessible along this line. By 2023, the Red Line will be replaced with brand new trains and thirty-four new vehicles will be added to the fleet. The Silver Line consists of both buses and trains. Passengers take this line to get to Downtown Boston or specific terminals at Logan International Airport. For students who want to adventure outside Boston, the MBTA has commuter rail stations with trains that journey to Boston suburbs and even out of state. The commuter rail offers lines that go to Salem, Lowell, Providence, Rhode Island and many other nearby cities. Tickets cost from $2.40 to $13.25, depending on distance traveled, and on the weekends, the commuter rail offers an unlimited $10 pass. The major commuter rail stations in Boston are at North Station (which can be reached on the Green line), Back Bay on the Orange line and South Station on the Red line. Public transportation in Boston is not limited to the T’s subway system. The MBTA also has an extensive bus service and ferries. As for on-campus traveling, students also regularly take the Boston University Shuttle (commonly called the BU Bus) to get around campus. In addition to the buses that loop around the Charles River Campus, the BUS has routes through the Fenway Campus and Medical Campus. Students can view all stops and live arrival times on the Terrier Transit app. The app also shows MBTA bus stops and T stations. Scan QR code for Mayor Michelle Wu’s policies on the MBTA and more issues
FEATURES 5
4 FEATURES
COMMUNITY
Bucket-list worthy activities for your next four years BY EMMA HAGERT Community Associate
Boston University students have experienced a college life that is anything but normal since the COVID-19 pandemic — navigating the best dining halls and dorms, what clubs to join and the best spots to hang out on campus amidst a pandemic was not an easy task. But, in the past semester alone, regulations have eased up, faces have been revealed and a new light has been lit under Commonwealth Avenue. Concerts, performances and games that students have so longingly missed are ready to host and engage live audiences. There are so many things to do in such little time during college. And now, the rush to resume to normality can be overwhelming. While there are about 800 days a typical undergrad student will spend at BU, here are just a few things each new student should add to their bucket-list. Go to Paradise Rock Club For students balancing busy semesters, the opportunity to see their favorite performers live — standing shoulder to shoulder, music blaring and chest thumping — can make up for the excruciating test or assignment turned in that day. Paradise Rock Club, a smaller venue with a capacity of 933, is right next to BU West Campus. House of Blues in Fenway or Royale Nightclub downtown are some of the other establishments to hit up for concerts with affordable tickets for college students. Artists like Clairo, Cordae and Girl in Red have performed in these venues with lines that go on and on so don’t forget to arrive early and be ready to endure the wait.
See a Puppy at BU Hillel Students don’t want to miss an opportunity to receive free food, merch or a chance to hang out with cute puppies before a stressful midterm or finals period. Right on Bay State Road in East campus, BU Hillel, the center for Jewish life on BU’s campus, is always hosting events from free Italian or Chinese food nights to puppy petting play days for all students across campus. The best way to hear about these events is through signing up for BU Hillel’s newsletters. Be a regular at these BU restaurants Another gem located in the heart of BU’s campus, Nub Pod, is the best bang-for-your-buck, serving large portions of delicious Thai food with the majority under $12. Go there for the fried rice or the drunken noodles. Right next door, Pavement Coffeehouse serves delicious breakfast sandwiches and coffee with a quiet study space located in the back. Get the Tequila Sunrise sandwich or a classic lox and cream cheese on a toasted everything bagel. Bluebike to Cambridge The best way to get to know Boston and Cambridge is to bike. With safe bike lanes all around the city and the Charles River Esplanade, there is no better way to see the Public Garden, Boston Common, the Seaport District or Cambridge across the Charles River. Bluebikes offers an Adventure Pass for $10 which gives riders unlimited access to bikes around the city for 24 hours, and BU offers a $67.50 discounted annual Bluebike pass compared to the usual $119. There are Bluebikes stations next to Marciano Commons in East Campus,
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Still Woozy performing at Royale Nightclub on Feb. 10, 2022. Attending live concerts at Paradise Rock Club or House of Blues in Fenway is something students should add to their Boston bucket list.
outside of Questrom School of Business, outside Warren Towers in Central, outside of Goodwill and T. Anthony’s in West Campus. Rent a Zipcar While Boston is the best college town, the city life can be overwhelming. Missing the forest green and the sea breeze that some students were so accustomed to back at home is all too normal. Get a group of friends to rent a Zipcar and take it out to the hiking trails in New Hampshire or the beaches in the Cape for a weekend or day getaway. See a Movie at Coolidge Corner Theater Coolidge Corner is a Boston trademark with the old classic theater, the independent bookstore, Brookline Booksmith and a paint-your-own pottery store, The Clayroom. The
Exploring student arts groups at BU The arts scene at Boston University is full of fun ways for students to get involved. The College of Fine Arts offers classes designed for non-majors, but student-run groups and clubs foster a community on campus for artists, majors or not. From publications to performances, here are some of the many arts groups on campus to look out for at Splash, BU’s annual club fair. Acappella
If you love to sing, check out BU’s 13 a cappella groups. Some groups perform at showcases, others release music on Spotify, and some even go on tours around the country. Their repertoires span many genres and cultures. One group, Suno, — meaning “listen” in Hindi — performs South Asian/Western fusion music. Another group, the BosTones, perform R&B, pop, soul and jazz. Arts Publications Interested in fashion design or modeling? How about photography, poetry or art? Students can do
Three alumni share their varied, successful business ventures BY RACHEL DO Business Associate
Coolidge Corner theater, which opened in 1933, is a nonprofit cinema dedicated to providing viewers with exceptional screenings from independent film selections to international documentaries and animated productions. They play a variety of current releases as well as educational and classic films. Go to a Red Sox Game BU is the right choice for all the sports lovers out there. On top of BU’s own unique traditions such as the Beanpot tournament, students should also grab tickets to Boston’s baseball team right at Fenway Park, a few minutes away from campus. Fenway Park offers students a sweet deal, Red Sox Student 9s, with ticket specials for students starting as low as $9. The Celtics and the Bruins games are also just a T ride away.
Enjoy a Snow Day Growing up, bad weather days meant one thing: no school. It was a dream to have that day off to hang with friends, have snowball fights, design your own snowman and most importantly, sledding. When the snow hits Boston, Commonwealth Avenue turns into the greatest bunny hill slope for sledding, and possibly even skiing or snowboarding. Make-your-own Bucket List At BU, Students can join club rugby, enter into a hackathon, apply to be a makeup artist for a magazine, attend a dance competition and cheer on rowers at the annual Head of the Charles race. Whatever it is, BU provides the perfect campus for the adventure-seekers and experiencemakers to cross off memories that will last a lifetime.
ARTS
BY STELLA TANNENBAUM Arts Associate
BUSINESS
all of these and more at Charcoal Magazine, a student-run magazine which celebrates and showcases young artists of color. Their launch party for their latest issue, “Ego Death,” even included a fashion show and live performances. Published by the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, the multimedia magazine includes written work, photography and visuals and live work through many platforms. Another student magazine, Off the Cuff, emphasizes acceptance and creativity through its bi-annual print
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Josh Nyland from Boston University on Broadway holding up a sign to promote the club at SPLASH 2.0 last semester. BUOB is one of the many performing art clubs at BU for all students.
A new focus on community The pandemic did more than just change 2020 College of Arts and Science graduate Sarah Greisdorf’s day to day life — it changed her entire business. Before the pandemic, Greisdorf’s company, Holdette, aimed to solve the issue of the lack of pockets in women’s clothing. However, Greisdorf said when the pandemic shut down manufacturing facilities, she decided to redesign her business into a social platform for recently graduated women. “COVID fundamentally shaped my business and changed the absolute direction of it,” Greisdorf said. “If it wasn’t for COVID, forcing everyone to work from home from their childhood bedroom and drive people to this state where they’re not talking to anybody… I would never have changed my business.”
Holdette became “the support network for recent grad women” because unlike college students who attend classes, live in dorms and have classmates to lean on during the pandemic, the graduates might lack coworkers that are in the same age group as them, Greisdorf said. Greisdorf started hosting monthly 90-minute conversations with recent graduates, the same format which Holdette uses today. There are now seven groups in the country, one in Los Angeles, one in San Francisco, two in New York and Boston and one online. “We get together across the country, to talk about finding belonging and building relationships and money and health,” Greisdorf said. Gresidorf accredits Innovate@ BU, a BU initiative to support student ventures, as the “catalyst” for starting her business. “There were so many resources and mentors and programming that
[Innovate@BU] provided that really set me up for success, and it really gave me the tools and the skills that I needed to be successful beyond college,” Greisdorf said. Through Innovate@BU, Greisdorf learned the concept of “customer discovery.” “I took advantage of a lot at Innovate@BU,” Greisdorf said. “The things that I learned that were the most impactful as I pivoted my business … was the importance of talking directly to your customer and getting a really good grasp on their specific needs.” With the advice from Innovate@ BU, Greisdorf conducted 20 customer interviews with recent women college graduates, and said she found out that the majority of the women felt lonely. With this information, she pushed Holdette forward. “It was those skills around customer discovery that were really, really beneficial in helping me grow Holdette as far as what it is today,” Greisdorf said. Bringing a summer orchestra to Boston 2015 College of Fine Arts graduate Nicholas Brown teamed up with Alyssa Wang, a conductor and fellow graduate student at New England Conservatory, to create a summer orchestra. The Boston Festival Orchestra, which had their first season in 2021, was the first orchestra to have live concerts in the city of Boston postpandemic, Wang said. They came up with the idea for the orchestra before the pandemic, but it also motivated them. “It became suddenly extremely important that we create a project that not only continued the survival of classical music in the city, but also provided work for as many musicians as possible,” Wang said. “It was just
COURTESY OF EMJOHNJEWELRY.COM
Emma Johnson (COM ‘19), founder of Em John and Accessories. Johnson started the business at 16 years old, starting by selling charm bracelets on Instagram and expanding to pouches, wallets, hats, necklaces, key chains and more.
a really big deal, having everybody in the room playing music with a large group of people after not being able to do that for so long.” Another reason why they founded the orchestra, Brown said, was because many major orchestras in Boston didn’t operate over the summer. “We wanted it to be very identifiable with the city,” Brown said. “[Festival is] just kind of synonymous with summer orchestras.” Brown is the executive director of the orchestra and the principal clarinet. Wang is the principal conductor and the artistic director for the orchestra. Brown said his time at BU was informative and inspirational to his entire career, especially seeing arts administrative skills and orchestral community among musicians. “What BU provided me was … the social dynamic and the understanding of how ensembles can function at a high level, but also be very forgiving and understanding and accepting of other things that are going on.” Turning crafts into an empire After growing up with an obsession for DIY projects, Emma Johnson, a 2019 College of Communications graduate, started her own business, Em John and Accessories, at 16 years old. “Everyone kind of as a kid had their own little hobby whether it was dance, a sport or an instrument,” Johnson said. “I never got into any of that, so I would constantly come up with crafts projects.” In high school, after posting a picture of one of her handmade bracelets on Instagram, Johnson said she immediately noticed interest in her products. So, she took the first syllable of her first and last name and created a business brand, Em John. As the company took off her junior
year of high school, Johnson said she set a goal for herself. “I challenged myself to pay for college through this little business. Make the same amount of money, $250,000, that it costs to go to a private university in America,” Johnson said. “I set that goal for myself to stay motivated … I wanted it to become something other than just a hobby on my bedroom floor.” Her freshman year at BU, Em John and Accessories was featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2016, and then sophomore year, Johnson hit her goal of making $250,000. She said the support at BU helped propel her business forward. “When I got to BU people were so driven and inspired by my story, and there was a huge support system around me who was championing my success and wanted me to do well and succeed,” Johnson said. “It pushed me.” Johnson said the large community at BU and their promotion spread her business like “wildfire.” “It opened so many doors,” Johnson said. “I would tell different people all about Em John, and they’d be so excited and then tell other people that they knew. It wouldn’t have been possible if I just stayed in the same space or the same circle all four years.” Johnson said her advice to young entrepreneurs is “if you want something go and get it and start today.” “Set a big goal for yourself and keep pushing to hit that goal,” Johnson said. “I don’t think that had I not gone to BU and not set that goal, none of this would have been possible …The people at BU really pushed me to succeed and wanted to see the best in me and wanted me to thrive which was more than I could ever ask for.”
SCIENCE
publication. Since its inception in 2013, the fashion and arts magazine has collaborated with companies like Glossier, ColourPop and Lush. Dance Are you interested in dance or choreography? Dance Theater Group, the largest dance group on campus, offers masterclasses and performs at an end-of-semester showcase. Dancers rehearse with their choreographers and student choreographers receive suggestions from mentors with professional dance experience. Maybe you’re into a particular style of dance. BU also offers dance groups that span a wide variety of styles and cultures, including hip hop, ballroom, bhangra, contemporary, Latin, tap, belly dance and K-pop. Theater Are you a theater kid at heart? If you want to act, be on tech or stage crew, check out Stage Troupe, BU’s oldest and largest performing arts group on campus. Last semester, the group put on productions of “The Wolves,” “God’s Favorite” and “Anne of Green Gables.” Another theater group, Red Star Theater, is a Chinese studentbased organization that creates and performs its own plays. In April, their show focused on the concept of healing for the Asian American community at BU. Students in BU On Broadway, BU’s “premier” musical theatre group, can sing, act, choreograph, dance, perform in the pit orchestra and help with tech. This upcoming semester, BUOB will put on performances of “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Visual Arts
Do you like drawing, painting or arts and crafts? BU Art Club meets every Thursday and makes different types of creation each week, welcoming students of all ability levels. Last semester, Art Club meetings included crystal jewelry making, paper lanterns, book binding and more. Polish your photography skills at BU Photography Club, which hosts speaker events and workshops. The group welcomes student digital or film photographers of all interest and ability levels. The Illustration Narrative Collaborative encourages the creation of illustrated or animated artwork as well as writing. Workshops and opportunities for critiques and drawing challenges provide the opportunity to improve your skills, which can then be showcased in semester zines or at conventions. Comedy If you’re the funny friend in the group, you will shine at The Callbacks, a comedy group that performs comedy sketches, video and improv comedy. The group, which performs at least two shows per semester, has also performed for other schools in the area, such as Brandeis University, Harvard University and Tufts University. Liquid Fun, an improv comedy group on campus, holds an annual 24hour comedy marathon to fundraise for a local food bank. They’ve won numerous awards and tournaments and performed on campus at BU as well as other local colleges. Their practices, held on Sundays, focus on teaching a new improv skill every week and are open to anyone regardless of experience level.
Five science museums to visit in the Boston area BY ADITHYA IYER Science Associate
Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re a long-time student looking to explore, Boston has a number of educationally enriching museums to visit, ranging from children’s museums to expansive art collections. But if you love science, Boston has numerous science museums for people of all ages. Here are some you should check out. 5. Warren Anatomical Museum For those interested in health sciences, the Warren Anatomical Museum is a great place to visit. Located on Harvard University’s campus, the museum is one of the last surviving anatomy and pathology museums collections in the United States. The museum, which reopens this fall, houses collections and exhibits that furthered the advancement of anatomical sciences. For example, one exhibit is dedicated to Phineas Gage, a famous neurology case that allowed scientists to understand that different parts of the brain controlled different functions of the body. Gage was in an accident where an iron rod went through his frontal lobe and blinded him for life. He survived, but his personality was forever altered. The skull of Gage is at the museum to this day. 4. Harvard Museum of Natural History Animal lovers and geological aficionados would enjoy the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which showcases different types of wildlife found all over the world.
Featuring 20 diverse exhibits ranging from an exhibit on cenozoic mammals to an exhibit on New England Forests, this museum showcases the development of the world from its infancy to today and changes to the planet that we can currently observe.
and children, $13 for seniors, and $15 for adults. 3. Arnold Arboretum If you like nature, be sure to visit the Arnold Arboretum. Sprawling across over 281 acres, this “living museum” on Harvard’s campus is one of the world’s most expansive
and digital learning resources. Additionally, they actively conduct research and horticulture — the practice of garden maintenance — to promote the botanical diversity found all over the world. Admission to the Arboretum is always free and hours to the grounds
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The triceratops fossil display at the Boston Museum of Science. Other science museums in Boston include the EcoTarium, Arnold Arboretum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and Warren Anatomical Museum.
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday, the Harvard Natural History Museum has free admission for Harvard ID holders, $10 for nonHarvard students with identification
and comprehensive collections of plants from Eastern North America and Eastern Asia. The Arboretum offers virtual walks, guided tours, a mobile app,
are sunrise to sunset. 2. EcoTarium Whether the weather is good or bad, check out the EcoTarium in Worcester. It offers three floors of
indoor exhibits and nearly 45 acres of outdoor forest and meadow nature trails. From May to October, they also offer a train ride through the grounds of the museum. One indoor exhibit features the science of how cities are organized and how their arrangement impacts people, civic life, animals, and the environment. Another is about how water shapes the planet. Outside, you can see wild cats and other native animals rarely ever seen in the wild, and an impressive array of otters, owls, and turtles. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets are $19 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $14 for children and students with identification. 1. Museum of Science If you don’t have any specific interest in a field of science, there’s something for everyone at the Boston Museum of Science. With over 35 exhibits, four omnidirectional films, 11 planetarium shows, three 4D films and eight live presentations, the museum is a massive center for scientific enrichment in Boston. Permanent exhibits include exhibits on vaccine health, the arctic landscape, human life, fossils, New England habitats and birds as well as the Charles River, which the museum borders. On the roof, you can visit the Boston branch of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium. Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for children ages three to 11, $25 for seniors, and free for children under three.
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GALLERY Must-see places in Boston BY CLARE ONG Co-Photo Editor
From stunning city views to relaxing parks, Boston has something for everyone. When you get the chance, venture off Comm. Ave. and take in all that Boston has to offer. Even beyond the main city, there are small towns and districts worth exploring. Here is a run-down of the 15 places that you must see during your time in Boston.
In the center of the city lies Boston Common. Its sprawling lawns are the perfect place to have a picnic and soak up the sun. There you can grab a hot dog, admire the view from the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, play with dogs at the open-leash dog park, and go ice skating at the Frog Pond during the winter. Accessible via Boylston or Park Street station on the Green Line. SAMANTHA BETSKO | DFP STAFF
Cross the bridge going over the Storrow Drive highway from the BU Beach, to walk along the Charles River. Walk further east, and you’ll reach the Charles River Esplanade, a riverside park with a stunning view. A long stretch of green with the river on one side and the city on the other, the Esplanade is not like any other park. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
In downtown Boston, by Boylston station, is Chinatown. Here, you’ll have your pick of various Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Check out the Chinatown gate (pictured) while you’re there. HUI-EN LIN | DFP STAFF
Just across the street from the Common, next to Arlington station, is the Boston Public Garden. Littered with majestic willow trees, beautiful flower arrangements, and cheerful buskers, the Public Garden is a great place to destress with a peaceful stroll. Take a ride on the Swan Boats, and check out the George Washington statue. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Right next to the Boston Common and Public Garden and a short walk from Park Street station is the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This quaint residential area is lined with rustic brownstone homes straight out of a rom-com. Wander through this neighborhood to see the iconic Acorn Street (pictured) or check out Charles Street for boutique stores and restaurants. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Just a five minute walk from Government Center station, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a great place to shop and eat. The area contains Faneuil Hall Visitor Center, Quincy Market, and North and South Market. Constantly bustling and a tourist hot-spot, this is a great place to pick up Boston souvenirs. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Known for its seafood, picturesque piers, and nightlife, the Seaport District is one of the most modern and sleek parts of this historical city. While you’re there, check out the Institute of Contemporary Art, Fan Pier Park, and in December, the Snowport Holiday Market. Accessible via South Station T-stop. HAIYI BI | DFP STAFF
An iconic Boston landmark and a must-see for baseball fans is Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. Right by Kenmore station, Fenway Park is extremely close to the Boston University campus! Head down there for a game day and see the entire area come alive with food vendors and people decked out with their Red Sox pride. ELIZA NUESTRO | DFP STAFF
Nestled between two rows of brownstones, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a straight, mile-long path that will lead you from Massachusetts Ave to the Boston Public Garden. Comm Ave Mall is a great place to run and admire fall colors and brownstones. You can get there from Hynes Convention Center station, or take a 15 minute walk from BU’s East Campus. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
This Venetian-style art museum is right next to the Museum of Fine Arts and Longwood Medical station. Its courtyard (pictured) houses a beautiful garden and is a great place for pictures. Tickets are discounted for university students, and free for anyone named Isabella! ANNIE MAYNE | DFP STAFF
If you want to make studying for finals a little less torturous, the Boston Public Library is your friend. The Public Library is conveniently located next to Copley station and houses stunning architecture and millions of books. Bates Hall (pictured) and the McKim Courtyard are must-sees. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Running parallel to Commonwealth Avenue Mall is Newbury Street - one of the best places for shopping and dining in Boston. It runs from Hynes Convention Center station to Arlington Station, and houses shops like UNIQLO, Nike, ZARA, H&M, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Also known as Little Italy, the North End is Boston’s Italian district. Spend an afternoon exploring its nooks and crannies, treat yourself to a classic Italian dinner, and admire the romantic brick shophouses. While you’re there, visit the historical Paul Revere House and Old North Church. CLARE ONG | DFP STAFF
Home to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge is a quiet college town across the river. Get off at Harvard station on the Red Line to see Harvard Square, the plaza in the heart of town. Check out the small shops, cafes, and bookstores and forget about the big city for a day. MAGGIE WEN | DFP STAFF
A short walk from West Campus lies the charming town of Brookline. Check out the retro Coolidge Corner movie theater, Brookline Booksmith bookstore, Buffalo Exchange thrift store, and the various small parks littered around the neighborhood. ELIZA NUESTRO | DFP STAFF
LIFESTYLE 9
8 OPINION
Lifestyle
COLUMNS
The Best Study Spots at Boston University
Bubble Burst:
The death of the BU meme page
Lydia Evans Co-Opinion Editor
T
here are many essentials to the freshman experience, but the newest addition to the crop of college stereotypes can be found on social media. College meme accounts fill Instagram, and yet Boston University has little to none. While this may not seem like a worthwhile hill to die on, memes provide a necessary sense of unity BU may arguably lack. Amongst our huge student population, homemade meme accounts would provide not only a means of relatability, but the warm morale booster the cold Boston winters demand. Last year was my freshman year at BU, and the few meme accounts I came across have now fallen dormant. The most notable was @BU.affirmations, which garnered a following of 3,100 students before its final post on Jan. 29. Lesser known with a nicher aesthetic, @ihatewarrentowers, was another popular account that met a sudden end after a final post on March 16. @Barstoolbu, a direct affiliate of
Barstool Sports, is a major account that’s still active, and Barstool runs similar accounts for most major universities. However its corporate ownership lacks the ingenuity the previously mentioned accounts offered. Rather than a traditional meme account Barstoolbu mainly features repostings of photos and videos from students, rather than specially created jokes. So how exactly does an image with overlaid text foster community? When you’re able to enjoy a meme that comes across your feed, you’re suddenly a part of an inside joke. All memes require some extent of cultural context to be enjoyed. Meme pages cater to differentiating degrees of niches. BU.affirmations, for example, appealed to Boston University at large. It’s likely that any joke you laughed at from their page couldn’t be shared with friends that don’t attend the school. Being “in” on the joke is where a community is created. You feel a sense of pride when you “get” the meme, and may feel closer to those that also understand. This is important for a school like BU. Having such a large student body may make it harder to feel like you’re a part of the BU community. Everyone here is pursuing different majors, and there’s just a few school-wide events. I’ve found identifying with BU as a whole can feel nearly impossible. Universal signifiers like memes can remind you that all the people you pass on the street are your peers, they’re in on the joke, same as you. Another aspect of the homemade meme page that evokes a sense of unity? They’re
run by your friends. Memes forced on consumers by large corporations often feel off or out of touch. Firstly, accounts run by your fellow students read as genuine — they are often anonymous because there’s little the person on the other side has to gain besides offering an opportunity for people to laugh. The space may also feel like a level playing field for all to share their opinions and develop the original gag further through comments. School meme accounts may allow students to submit their own photos, jokes or general experiences. Not only are you enjoying a classmate’s content but their spotlighting you at the same time. And finally, a personal theory of mine, the aforementioned anonymity of school meme pages aids in the communal experience. It’s the “Radio Rebel” effect of it all. “Radio Rebel” is a 2012 Disney Channel Original movie
where shy girl Debby Ryan secretly runs
a famous radio show where she advocates for the students of her school to embrace individuality. The student body’s persistent curiosity of her identity only fed into her fame. The more followers an account has, the more the mystery grows. The unknown meme page user, the promise of the face reveal after they hit a certain follower count, feeds natural human curiosity. There’s no telling who the wizard behind the curtain truly is, but guessing with friends makes it all the more fun. Despite the extensive evidence in favor of BU meme pages, when the world needed them most, they vanished. Hopefully a new school year will encourage old users to resurrect dead pages, or inspire the social media managers of tomorrow to get their start today. Boston University won’t feel whole without a dedicated meme page. If you’re funny and socially savvy, perhaps you’ll be the hero BU needs to save the day.
ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY ALVAREZ-LAUTO
The Intersection:
Finance meets delicious dining Time Out Market
S
Katie Harmon Columnist
o, you’re just starting at Boston University, maybe just moving to Boston like I was this time last year. If you’re like me, you will love the food at BU’s many dining and food halls — Rhett’s and Panda Express in the George Sherman Union were go-tos for me throughout freshman year. But what about when you’re eager to go out on the town and get a taste of Boston? Well, luckily, there are many restaurants on or right by BU’s campus that will show you that Boston’s reputation for having delicious food is no joke. There’s one thing you have to consider — you’re on a budget. Don’t worry, I’ve thought of that too. Most freshmen (and really, all college students, because no, it does not go away after freshman year) are going to be on a budget, and that budget might deter them from going for a night out. I was, and still am, in your shoes, and these budget friendly restaurants are not only delicious but just a short walk from wherever you’re living on campus in the Fall.
This one has got to be my favorite on this list of my absolute favorites. Time Out Market Boston, which has other locations around the world, is a food court-style restaurant filled with many great food options. It’s nearly impossible to choose from all the amazing eateries. Though, I’m a creature of habit, and always end up getting Source Pizza. At Source Pizza (which also has a location in Cambridge), a full pepperoni pizza and water costs $22, and a full margherita pizza and water costs $19. This is one to definitely check out with your friends and family this year.
Cafe Landwer
BY PAYTON RENEGAR Lifestyle Editor
Every student at Boston University needs a designated study area that works best for them. With a large campus, there seem to be hidden gems everywhere that have yet to be discovered by the majority of the student body. Last year, I took it upon myself to find a study area that I worked the best in and was comfortable in. Here are my favorite study areas for the different types of scholars. Rooms in Student Village II (Stuvi-2) Located at 33 Harry Agganis Way, StuVi-2 offers two different types of study rooms. The first is located on the 26th floor and provides space for collaborative study. Groups and friends can meet here, all while enjoying 360° views of Boston from the top floor of the dorm. The second study area that Stuvi-2 has to offer is the silent study room on the second floor. With separated rooms in the space for collaborative study, the central area is meant for the inevitable late-night cram sessions for those in need of total quiet while they’re studying. 575 Commonwealth Avenue study floor Also known as HoJo, the top floor offers a study lounge with panoramic views of the Charles River and Commonwealth
Otto Pizza
For my BU West Campus crowd, this pizzeria is a short walk from all the West Campus dorms. I went to this pizzeria my first Friday night as a BU student, and it was unforgettable. They have several other locations around Boston, including one in nearby Coolidge Corner, but this one is super convenient because it is right in BU West Campus. It’s perfect for a fun night out with friends or an after class pizza craving. For the “create your own” option, which
With a location right by the BU South Campus Dorms, this Israeli cafe is a perfect brunch, lunch or dinner spot for you and your family or friends. I’ve been there with my friends countless times. Every time one of my friends got takeout, I begged for a taste of what they had left over, especially when they brought back ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY ALVAREZ-LAUTO is the $7 Nutella for a 12” Rozalach (fantasizing and $17 for a 16” about it as I’m writing this). My regular order is the Tomato Basil Pasta with (extra toppings not included), this
$12 pizza pizza pizza
parlor will fill you up for a reasonable price.
Yard House
I had to throw this one in here. Yard House has a special place in my heart, not only because there is a location in my hometown, but also because this was the regular restaurant for me and my friends this past year. I cannot tell you how many football games my friends and I watched in the booth in the corner of the main room. The food is delicious, and the menu is versatile. Their hamburgers run at about $15, and their gooey chocolate fudge cake is $10. Come to this restaurant in Fenway and make some memories with your friends this year. There were too many great restaurants to mention, so I just highlighted a few, and I hope you check out these and all the other
amazing restaurants around Boston that are delicious and budget friendly.
it’s perfect for a change in scenery for the business majors who need a study spot. Yawkey Center for Student Services Private Study Rooms Close in proximity to HoJo,
Yawkey offers the potential for students to book a silent study room for up to two hours. To book the rooms, students must reserve the spaces in person on the fifth floor by handing their
AMANDA CUCCINIELLO | DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
Students studying in the College of Arts and Sciences Think Tank. The room offers two levels of open seating, various private rooms, and whiteboards and flatscreens to accommodate different types of studiers.
Terrier Cards to the reception desk in exchange for the room key. These study spaces are available to students Monday through Friday. Boston University’s School of Law Cafe This area seems to be a little less crowded than the George Sherman Union most days, and with comfortable seating and stations to charge electronics, it’s perfect for those who need to study, but left their chargers at home. The space also has ample sunlight from the large windows and a view of the Charles River if you can snag a seat to the side of the Cafe. The “Think Tank” in the CAS building Located in the College of Arts and Sciences, the room offers seats for more than 130 students with two levels of seating. The area holds a conference room, “huddle rooms,” whiteboards and flatscreens that connect to computers to practice presentations for the different types of studiers. Boston University does an excellent job at accommodating the different types of studiers, and offers a wide range of multipurpose rooms and study lounges so that students can work while feeling comfortable in the designated space. Try them all! Whether you are someone who needs absolute silence, or you study best with friends, BU has a study spot for everyone.
What type of freshman are you according to your zodiac sign? BY MICHELLE DAVIS Staff Writer
Trombette noodles, which is $14. Their french fries are also delicious, at only $5. Check them out next time you’re in South Campus!
Avenue on the other side. Located on East Campus, it’s conveniently located close to Marciano Commons for those hungry study breaks. Also next to Questrom School of Business,
Starting your first semester of college can be extremely exciting and intimidating. Each zodiac sign approaches this new endeavor differently and needs to hear unique advice. Aries (March 21-April 19) To my fiery Aries people — you’re ready for college. You’re the overly excited freshmen at move-in. You’re greeting people on your floor and filling up your social calendar. You may not have all your textbooks and no idea where your classes are. However, you can handle anything college throws at you. When things are getting hectic, remember that you can do both. You can have a social life and do well in your classes — it doesn’t have to be one or the other! Pisces (February 19-March 20) Pisces are the type of freshmen that aren’t intimidating to sit next to on the first day of class — that is, if you’re not late. You seem welcoming to others, so people are drawn to you in new situations, and you typically greet them with a warm smile. My advice for Pisces is not to let people take advantage of your kindness. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Cancers are typically adorable and loving — pairing perfectly with a Pisces. You are the freshmen that sit next to the Pisces in class. You were nervous about the first day of class — walking into an auditorium and having everyone momentarily stare at you is borderline terrifying. Cancers are well connected with their emotions at the start of the semester. My advice for Cancers is to
remember that you are going to be fine. College is going to transform you into the best version of yourself. Virgo (August 23- September 22) Next are my grounded, organized Virgos. You are the freshman that has every single duck in a row. You know what you’re wearing on the first day, you know all of your professors’ ratings, you have a map of your classes and have memorized your schedule. I am confident that you are ready for college. There isn’t much that you don’t already know. However, you do not have to know everything yet. If there are things you don’t know academically or socially, it is okay. You don’t always have to be organized, it’s okay to let go — appreciate the learning process. Sagittarius (November 22December 21) You are going to be the freshman that is everywhere all at once. You are speaking to random strangers you don’t know and should be proud of your ability to make friends easily. However, it is okay to take time to rest. You don’t have to constantly be doing things, and you might benefit from some quiet time. Leo (July 23- August 22) You are the freshman that commands everyone’s attention. At parties and gatherings, you are the one telling the story that captures everyone. When you walk into class, your head is held high, and everyone probably thinks you’re older than you are. You have a cool exterior, but on the inside, you may have a million thoughts clanging around your head. This year, it won’t kill you to let your guard down. You don’t
always have to be so strong or land on your feet. It is perfectly okay to stumble through a learning curve. Scorpio (October 23November 21) Scorpios are the freshmen that are taking charge. You are joining clubs, going to office hours to meet professors and attending career fairs. College is your time, and you are taking advantage of every opportunity. You have an unparalleled work ethic, and you should be so proud of that. My advice for Scorpios is to remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out. You are allowed to do things just because they interest you — it doesn’t have to be a resumé builder. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) You are the freshmen that typically fly under the radar. You have a quiet exterior — you’re not the type to be talking to the people sitting around you in class, and you’re not the center of attention at parties. However — once you’ve found your ideal environment— you are lively and outgoing. Advice for Aquarians is that the right people will love you for who you are. Don’t change your personality to fit in. Taurus (April 20-May 20) People with Taurus placements are gentle and mellow. You all are the freshman that Virgos wish they were. You have mastered a level of calm that everyone is jealous of. You have a paper due tomorrow and you haven’t started? For a Taurus, that is totally fine — you’ll get it done one way or another — there is no reason to worry. My advice for you all is to stand up for what you want. Know that
it is okay to state clearly what you want at the moment. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Capricorns are constantly working. You are always grinding out homework in the library, or are working at a job. As a Capricorn, you guys find the optimal time to get work done, and you should be proud of your determination. Here’s what you need to hear: You may need a break, and it is okay that you need a break. Please take time to take care of yourself — do something that brings you joy. Take a breather. Libra (September 22-October 23) Libras are the freshmen that everyone else has a “friend crush” on. You have this unfiltered coolness about you that no one else can achieve. You guys are artsy and imaginative. Don’t let anyone stamp out your creativity. Your unique style and aesthetic are part of
the reasons you guys are so cool. Don’t lose it. Gemini (May 21-June 21) I am not going to lie, going to college for Geminis is a little difficult. You want to be at every social event, but you also like to stay in. Your duplicity makes it hard to balance time for yourselves and friends. Geminis are the freshmen that are out partying one night, and the next day not getting out of bed. My advice to a Gemini is that you don’t have to do things for anyone but yourself. Don’t let what everyone else wants you to do be the deciding factor in a decision. It’s entirely okay if you don’t follow the crowd. The first year of college isn’t always what happens in the movies, but everyone is experiencing it together. Some people deal with new situations differently, and that’s completely normal. It is okay to be excited and scared for your first year.
ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY ALVAREZ-LAUTO
SPORTS 11
10 EDITORIAL Molly Farrar, Editor-in-Chief Sangmin Song, Co-Campus Editor Clare Ong, Co-Photo Editor
Editorial Board
Tanisha Bhat, Managing Editor Eliza Nuestro, Co-Photo Editor
Talia Lissauer, Co-Campus Editor
Haley Alvarez-Lauto, Layout & Graphics Editor
Claire Law, Co-Features Editor
Bella Ramirez, Co-City Editor
Casey Choung, Co-City Editor
Ava Berger, Co-Features Editor
Lydia Evans, Co-Opinion Editor
Crossword BU Edition
Payton Renegar, Lifestyle Editor
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Maxwell Pociask, Co-Opinion Editor
The Daily Free Press is published Monday through Friday during the academic year except during vacation and exam periods by Back Bay Publishing Co., Inc., a nonprofit coporation operated by Boston University Students. Copyright © 2022 Back Bay Publishing Co., Inc. All right reserved.
Brendan Nordstrom, Co-Sports Editor
Chloe Patel, Co-Sports Editor
Nellie Maloney, Co-Podcast Editor
Samantha Betsko, Multimedia Editor
Taylor Hawthorne, Co-Podcast Editor
EDITORIAL
When will gun violence end?
1. fitrec 6. rhett
2. fenwaypark 7. allston
3. bline (across) bubus (down) 8. nudpod
4. beanpot 9. dunkin
5. free 10. harvard
Crossword Answers
SPORTS
The Dog Pound: the fan experience at Boston University BY CHLOE PATEL Co-Sports Editor
Upon arriving in Agganis Arena, scarlet and white is everywhere Decked out in jerseys, sweatshirts, t-shirts or any other type of Boston University gear, students fill the stands,
I
n 1987 when a British gunman killed 16 people, semi automatic weapons were then banned. After a school shooting in 1996, most handguns were banned. Now Great Britain has the lowest gun death rates in the developed world. On May 24, 2022, a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas left 21 people dead, 19 children and 2 teachers. In the 13 days since, 33 other mass shootings have occurred throughout the country. The same questions are asked, the same arguments made, the same protests had. And then we forget. And then it resets. Gun control is a reasonable measure to take to prevent violence, but until the government decides to care, optimism for change is a mute point. The Second Amendment, written in the Constitution in 1787, protects the right for all American citizens to bear arms. Of course, this rule was made when the guns in question were muskets that took about thirty seconds to reload. In contrast, an AR-
15, the weapon used in the Uvalde shooting, reloads automatically and can fire 60 rounds per minute. Despite this, amending the constitution, as described by the White House itself, is “quite onerous.” To simplify a long winded explanation, a good amount of people in Congress would have to agree, which is something Americans aren’t good at. So banning guns is out. The next reasonable step might be common sense gun laws. The House Judiciary Committee plans to consider a package of proposals that would raise the age to buy a semiautomatic rifle to 21. Though a small step, this would be a worthwhile function, as six of the nine deadliest shootings since 2018 were committed by individuals under the age of 21. But, even this minor move is met with hesitation. In the past moderate Democrats have voted with Republicans in regards to gun laws, putting further risk of loss on an already slim majority. A classic argument brought up by those in government who don’t believe
in gun control of any form is that guns don’t kill people, people kill people. This is often followed by proposals that what really needs to be discussed and rectified are approaches to mental health. Despite this sentiment, it raises the question of why this only happens in America. If it is true that people will find a way to kill regardless of the weapons available, then why don’t the same number of massacres occur in countries where guns are banned or legislated? Beyond reasons against gun control, we have efforts at assimilation. Shootings happen and rather than take proactive measures, government officials encourage reactive measures. These solutions after a horrific school shooter may come in the form of clear backpacks, metal detectors, bulletproof doors, bulletproof backpacks, armed teachers, or police presence in schools. This is where the gun control debate peaks at evoking morbid frustrations, because here it becomes obvious they don’t want the problem to be solved, they just want students to deal.
particularly in Sections 118 and 108. The student section — or as it’s called at BU, the Dog Pound — is full of students cheering on the hockey players. “Anyone who is a sports fan at BU and goes to any of our games. Anyone who buys a ticket, anyone who shows up, anyone
who’s there participating,” Rafael Perron, the incoming Dog Pound President and rising senior in the College of Arts and Science, said. “If you’re there, you’re part of the Dog Pound.” With the band filling up a decent amount of one section already, the sections fill up
quickly and stay full no matter how long the game may go. The Dog Pound and BU Band are not just limited to hockey games though. They also attend basketball games and larger scale sporting events, like the men’s lacrosse Patriot League Final in May this year.
ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY ALVAREZ-LAUTO
A disturbing amount of young people today have a story about the time in high school when an active shooter drill felt a little too real, where at the ripe age of 15, 16 or 17 they were forced to confront their mortality. However, mass shootings don’t stop at schools. They extend to grocery stores, like that in the predominantly Black community in Buffalo, New York where 10 people were killed. They extend to churches, to malls, to movie theaters, to sidewalks, because no place is definitively safe. The American people are left at the mercy of an uncaring government that prioritizes National Rifle Association donations over human life. The debate for gun control has little to do with freedom and much to do with morality. Each time we plead, each time we protest, but in truth, there’s only so many times you can ask for help before you realize it’s never coming. COURTESY OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS VIA BU TODAY
The student section at Agganis Arena during a hockey game. This section is filled with Boston University students and the BU Band, who cheer on the Terriers during sports games.
Perron first joined the Dog Pound to have fun and to enjoy the game with others. “At the beginning it was really about just a place to have fun when I’m not doing my work and I’m not working,’ Perron said. “It was more of a ‘I love hockey so much, I love sports and I just want to have a good time’ and it sort of evolved from that.” Now, Perron takes on a bigger role at games — you might see him waving the giant flag that’s “twice my height,” as Perron said, and a bigger role behind the scenes, planning trips to away games and interactive events with the team and the Dog Pound. “People come up to me and they say, ‘I’m from a different country and I wasn’t exposed to this sport. But now I’ve come here and you’ve made me feel safe. You’ve made me feel welcome.’ That’s the best thing in the world honestly when people express to you that hey, this is a good thing you’ve done,” Perron said. Between the cheering, the complaints and the chirps that the Dog Pound frequently yells at opposing goalies, the community that forms is bigger than hockey. “Some of our chants might be cheesy. Some of our chants may be weird, but they all date back since before we’re all born, and they’re fun,” Perron said. “Honestly, they’re fun and they’re traditional, and you’re part of this game. So participate. Be loud. Be respectful, but it’s more fun than you may think.”
SPORTS 12
Division I Terriers wrap up 2022, prepare for next year BY CHLOE PATEL & BRENDAN NORDSTROM Co-Sports Editors
Boston University sports teams compete at the Division 1 level in the Patriot League, except the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams — who compete in the Hockey East. The women’s soccer and softball teams won the Patriot League regular-season championship. Several Terrier teams competed at the highest level — the NCAA tournament — including track and field, women’s golf, men’s lacrosse and the women’s rowing teams.
stretch before a tie with American University ignited the group. They defeated Colgate University and Northeastern University to string together a pair of wins. They ended the season with a win to leave a high note on the season and to finish 4-9-3. Junior midfielder Quinn Matulis was a spark on offense scoring five goals and notching an assist. Junior goalkeeper
loss in the quarterfinals. In May, the Terriers hired Jay Pandolfo as head coach. Pandolfo played for the Terriers and should bring a much-needed spark to the bench of the Terriers in the upcoming season.
Women’s ice hockey
The women’s ice hockey team got off to a hot start beginning their season on a 5-2-3 streak. However, the team struggled to win the rest of the season and
the three seed, the Terriers rolled through the first round. In the next round, BU was down five in the semifinals with 13 seconds left and forced overtime, but could not complete the comeback and ultimately lost 85-80. Graduate student forward Sukhmail Mathon and graduate student guard Javonte McCoy highlighted the Terriers’ 20212022 cast as Mathon averaged a double-double all season and
Field Hockey
The field hockey team went 4-14 in the 2021 campaign and failed to make the Patriot League tournament. Two-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week freshman forward Payton Anderson led the team with 24 points and on the back end, the team was supported by junior goalkeeper Caroline Kelly. Led by head coach Sally Starr, who has been at the helm of the program since 1981, the Terriers had a turbulent season that included a ten-game losing streak but ended the season on a high with a 6-1 win over PL rival Holy Cross. With most of the roster returning, the Terriers hope to build on the foundation they created during the shortened six-game 2020 season and the full 2021 season.
Women’s lacrosse
Women’s soccer
The women’s soccer team earned the program’s fourth-ever Patriot League regular-season title with an 11-6-3 record. Off to a slow 4-5-1 start, the Terriers found their groove with a fivegame win streak, two ties, and their tenth win to finish the regular season. Senior forward Jenna Oldham was significant on offense with four goals and seven assists. Working a two-goalie system, junior keeper Gretchen Bennett and freshman counterpart Celia Braun were stellar between the posts with 36 saves each. The team ultimately fell in the Patriot League final against Bucknell by 1-0, narrowly missing the cut for the NCAA tournament. Coach Nancy Feldman, who had coached the Terriers since the program’s conception 27 years ago, retired in the offseason, and Casey Brown was recently named the new head coach of the program. With the combination of a new coach and the chip on their shoulder from the heartbreaking loss in the championship, the women’s soccer team will have something to prove in 2022.
Men’s soccer
With the coaching staff in their first non-COVID season and a team with underclassmen talent, the men’s soccer team struggled to get their season going last year. They did not record their first win until six games into the year. After the first win, the team went on a tough four-game losing
team for the Terriers is the men’s lacrosse team, who had a historic season-ending as the No. 12 team in the country. The Terriers finished 12-5. A relatively new program, the men’s lacrosse team had its inaugural season in 2014 and for the first time in its young history, the Terriers became Patriot League Champions this season. The team was the No. 1 seed entering the Patriot League tournament and nearly had their season ended by Lehigh, sending the semifinal match into overtime, but sophomore midfielder Tommy Bourque netted the game-winner to keep the Terriers alive. In a tense rematch between BU and Army, BU claimed their first Patriot League title. In their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, the Terriers fell to Princeton University, but now that the seal has been broken, expect BU to be a force in years to come.
ELIZA NUESTRO | DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF
The men’s lacrosse team during their game against Army West Point on April 29. The Terriers won their first Patriot League Tournament last Spring.
Francesco Montali was clutch between the posts. More experience in both the coaching and the players and the shift that the team took at the end of 2021 should make for an exciting Fall campaign.
Men’s ice hockey
The men’s ice hockey team had a turbulent season, ending with a 19-13-3 record. The team went on a 4-9-2 run in their first 16 games, with the final loss in that stretch coming from the eighth bi-annual Red Hot Hockey game, played in Madison Square Garden against Cornell University. The tides turned for the Terriers in December. They went 13-11 with numerous high-scoring games through the Beanpot Final game, when the team brought home BU’s 31st Beanpot Championship with an exciting late goal. After the Beanpot final, BU went 2-2 to end the regular season, which included an 8-1 loss to the University of Maine — the lowest-ranked team in the league. They entered the Hockey East tournament as the No. 5 seed and suffered a disappointing 3-1
finished with a 12-15-6 record. They faced off against University of Connecticut in the Hockey East Quarterfinals and ultimately dropped the contest 3-1. In the offseason, the team graduated eight seniors, including goal-leader senior forward Courtney Correia. The team’s assist leader, junior forward Julia Nearis, will be returning, as will freshman goalkeeper Callie Shanahan, who recorded a .928 save percentage. The women’s hockey team has all the right pieces and, with experienced coaching staff, expect them to put it together this season.
Men’s basketball
Two years after BU men’s basketball had its March Madness trip canceled due to COVID-19, the team showed promise in the 2021-2022 season. The Terriers were off to a hot start starting the season with a 9-4 record in outof-league play. They then entered Patriot League play and slowed down with a 2-4 record before catching wind and winning seven of their last ten games. Heading into the Patriot League tournament as
McCoy averaged 17.4 points per game and totaled 102 assists. Mathon and McCoy graduated, but sophomore guard Caelen Jones, sophomore guard and forward Anthony Morales, junior guard Ethan Brittain-Watts and senior guard and forward Walter Whyte are all due for breakout seasons.
Women’s basketball
The women’s basketball team had their fourth winning season in a row that ultimately ended in the Patriot League semifinal loss 7048 against American University. The Terriers are led by firstyear head coach Melissa Graves who led the team to a 17-14 record overall and a 12-6 record in Patriot League competition. Junior guard Sydney Johnson led the team in scoring with 440 points and standout freshman guard Alex Giannaros averaged 10 points per game. Next season, the team will look to build on their solid underclassmen and use their veterans to continue their success in the league and possibly win a championship.
Men’s lacrosse
The highest nationally-ranked
The women’s lacrosse team lost their first 11 games but finally won a game in mid-April in a 1715 high-scoring thriller. The team would win just one other game in their season in overtime. The Terriers played highranked teams like No. 1 ranked Boston College, No. 7 University of Loyola Maryland and No. 24 Navy and had numerous closescored matchups. While the Terriers struggled to win, junior midfielder and attack Jennifer Barry dominated in draw controls and became the program’s all-time leader in draw controls this season. Hopefully, the Terriers can keep control of the ball more, put together a better record, and get a shot at the PL tournament next season.
Softball
Softball is one of the most dominant programs at Boston University, especially in recent seasons. This season proved no different as the Terriers won the regular season PL championship and had a legendary 27-game win streak. The team finished 40-17 overall. The legendary season would earn head coach Ashley Waters her third Patriot League Coach of the Year award. There is a lot of young talent on the team, including sophomore shortstop Kayla Roncin, junior infielder Caitlin Coker and junior pitchers Lizzy Avery and Allison Boaz. BU dominated the first two days in the Patriot League tournament, beating Colgate University and Lehigh University. However, since it was a double-elimination tournament, Lehigh returned to the championship to beat BU in back-to-back games, spoiling the historic season. With one of the best coaches in softball, talent that will sustain next year and the motivation of the first championship loss in three years, softball will be nothing short of exciting in the Spring.
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