11:15

Feeling Fearful

“Soft Spaces”

Soccer

Opinion

Vine

Sports

With all the mass shootings and sexual assaults in the news, America is in desperate need of change.

Men’s soccer wins Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship.

“Soft Spaces” art exhibition aims to bring awareness about gender violence.

Page 5

Page 16

Page 8

THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of November 15, 2017

Vol. 43 Iss. 10

@FairfieldMirror

Follow us!

FairfieldMirror.com

Students Fight for Workers’ Rights

By Jacob Buttiker Contributing Writer

Peaceful protests have always been a way for like-minded people to come together, exercise their rights and fight for positive change in a non-violent fashion. After learning that ABM workers, known for their building maintenance and facility services, were hesitant to protest because they feared for their job security, students and faculty came together in their place to protest the unjust treatment of the custodial staff here at Fairfield University.

Fairfield community members of all ages gathered at the Stag statue with signs to showcase the unjust working conditions that the custodial staff faces from the corporation ABM. Associate Professor of English Sonya Huber confirmed that that ABM workers are being pushed to work inhumane hours and have virtually no voice regarding their working conditions, including overnight shifts, job security and being forced to work beyond their ability.

Junior Sean Tomlinson, who is heavily involved in Fairfield Students for Workers’ Rights, organized the protest and spread the word through various forms of social media. Attendees included some of the students in Tomlinson’s McCormick residential college, Fairfield community members and staff who had become aware of the situation.

Tomlinson expressed that her main goal for the protest was to create, “long-lasting, positive and sustainable change for ABM workers,” by bringing members of the Fairfield community together to become more involved in custodial affairs.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that injustices toward ABM workers have been exposed here at Fairfield.

Huber confirmed that approximately two years ago, ABM attempted to have their workers take an overnight shift on top of already excessive hours. After being deemed inhumane,

this request was repealed by ABM. Success in the past provided the protestors with hope that their event may bring some positive change to the working conditions of those on the custodial staff. “These workers are in a very vulnerable situation at the moment, we are coming together this evening to stand in as their voice,” said Huber.

The majority of students at the event credited Tomlinson for informing them about the issues regarding the custodial staff. “The theme for [the] McCormick residential college this year is social justice, we came out tonight to personally act on an issue that can only be described as social injustice,” said

Claire Mulligan ‘20.

Attendees at the protest went beyond just Fairfield students and staff. “I’m here because I want to see them [ABM workers] get the respect they deserve. It’s not right that they are mistreated like this,” said Shayla Leary, a Fairfield community member.

With their past success under their belts, students and staff left the protest with the feeling that they had done their part to make a change in custodial rights. Tomlinson stressed that even though the protest was over, she would continue to spread the word about ABM’s injustice through both word of mouth and her social media presence.

Jacob Buttiker/The Mirror On Nov. 12, Fairfield Students for Workers’ Rights stood in solidarity with ABM workers at the Stag Statue in a peaceful protest.

Fun Run ‘Out-Runs’ Cancer

By Connor O’Rourke Assistant News Editor

Hard Alcohol Ban Proposed By FUSA

By Connor O’Rourke Assistant News Editor In response to years of observing the effects of the consumption of hard alcoholic products and the measures taken by others schools to curtail this dilemma, the University has begun researching a possible change to the policy regarding its possession.

On Monday, Nov. 6, the Fairfield University

Student Association sent out an email about their initiative to research the thoughts of the Fairfield student body in terms of how they perceive the use of hard alcohol on campus and whether or not it is a problem that needs to be tackled head-on.

According to the email sent by FUSA, the Read FUSA on Page 

Students gathered outside the Barone Campus Center on a brisk cold morning this past weekend to raise awareness and money for cancer research, all while having a “fun run” around campus.

On Sunday, Nov. 12, Colleges Against Cancer and the Fairfield Chapter of St. Baldrick’s Foundation hosted their “Fun Run” event in order to raise awareness and help to fundraise for cancer research.

The event took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where participants started at the Lower Level of the Barone Campus Center and took part in a two-mile run, walk or jog around campus. The registration fee, being $10 per participant, went to funding cancer research sponsored by both organizations.

One of the Co-Presidents of Colleges Against Cancer, Ariana Romanelli ‘18, noted that both organizations hosted the fun run event because the “main goal for both of our clubs is to spread awareness and fundraise to aid in the fight against

cancer. Since our clubs are grounded in this initiative, it is very important that we contribute in any way possible to achieve this goal within the Fairfield community.”

In terms of getting the message out about their cause, Romanelli added that, “when Students for Saint Baldricks Fairfield reached out to us in hopes to partner this event, we were thrilled at the possibility of expanding our outreach and message, since it is for such an important and impactful cause.”

Sophomore Matt Harvill was one of the runners for the event, who felt as though it was a great cause.

He added that he is an avid runner and noted that having this event was a great way to do that while raising money and awareness for cancer research.

Romanelli further added that hosting this event was a great way to create and facilitate more dialogue on campus regarding cancer awareness and how important it is to realize its prevalence.

Read Turkey on Page 

News

Page 2

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Fairfield Tastes The Flavors of Asia

By Juliana Sansonetti News Editor Students, parents and alumni were able to travel to Asia where they ate authentic Asian cuisine, had henna drawn on their hands and played traditional Asian games from the comfort of the Oak Room and Dogwood Room on Friday, Nov. 10.

From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the South Asian Student Association and Asian Students Association held the 10th annual Flavors of Asia event.

The OrgSync page for the event boasts that it is the largest co-sponsored event of the year, and it was awarded the 2017 FUSA Co-Sponsorship of the Year Award, which according to OrgSync, “has been established to acknowledge and recognize the best collaborative effort among student organizations. This award is a testimony that the collective whole can yield the greatest results.”

Also, it won Fairfield United’s Program of the Year Award.

The event included authentic Asian cuisine, free henna, games, a fashion show and performances from Remixx, the Martial Arts Club and Taiko, a Japanese drum group from University of Connecticut.

“Not many events are as multifaceted as this one because you have the food, the games, the henna, the dance performances. And the food is just really all around great. There’s a little bit of everything,” said Katie Barrera ‘18.

According to Co-President of ASA Kristy Chan ‘18, over 250 people attended the event; last year’s event drew in around 200 attendees.

“Every year it gets bigger and better,” said Chan. “It’s more campus support; we never used to have this many tables, and the amount of people who show up has gone up every year. It’s amazing how everyone comes to this one cultural Juliana Sansonetti/The Mirror Students wore traditional Asian clothing at the annual fashion show of Flavors of Asia.

Read Asian on Page 

Books Come Alive At The Human Library

By Juliana Sansonetti News Editor

When people go to the Dimenna-Nyselius Library, they typically expect to go to read books; however, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, people who went to the library had the opportunity to “read” humans instead during the second annual Human Library event.

According to the international organization’s website, the Human Library is “designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.”

Members of the Fairfield University community who volunteered to be “human books” told their stories to those who came to the library that day to be “readers.”

“When we were doing book recruitment, we advertised it specifically to people who have stories to tell about certain stereotypes they’ve faced or assumptions that they want to help break down,” said Justine Ferrara ‘18 who coordinated, planned and is assessing the results of the Human Library as part of her honors project.

“So we had books that told all different stories; there were stories about sexuality, about gender, about mental illness, about disability,” Ferrara continued. “There were all sorts of stories; it ran the gamut a little bit.”

The Human Library had two sessions on Wednesday, instead of taking place over two days like last year.; the first session was from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the second one was from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Senior Tori Marek, who participated in the event as a human book, commented, “I attended the event last year as a reader and thought that the Human Library is an amazing event. It’s so interesting to have deep and real conversations that one may not have the opportunity to talk about on an average day.”

Juliana Sansonetti/The Mirror Marek decided to share her story, called “The Hidden Me” this year.

Human “books” told their stories to “readers” at the second annual Human Library event.

“I talked about a bad car accident that I was in a few years ago and how I’ve overcome the struggles that came from it. Some of my readers had friends who had also been in car accidents so “I think it is important to continue to have events at Fairfield where we can grow and learn togeththey wanted to hear more about my perspective on it,” said Marek. “Sharing my experience with others er through the power of conversation,” she continued. was awesome and I would definitely do something like this again.”

Freshman Megan Beauregard, who attended the event, agreed with this sentiment.

Junior Gabriella Prignano, who was also a human book, agreed with this sentiment.

“I think the event was successful in achieving its purpose,” said Beauregard. “It was eye-opening “I would love to be a book again. Talking about my story is a great method of personal reflection to the different experiences people endure. I learned a lot about identity and gained more perspective and it helps me get to know others that have similar stories, as well as learn from others that have dif- on things I thought I knew a lot about already.” ferent stories,” said Prignano. “I would absolutely recommend being a book to other students.”

The event, according to Ghilardi and Ferrara, was a marked success, with almost 100 more atLast year, the library hosted its first ever Human Library event after Reference & Instruction tendees this year from last year; there were 41 books and over 500 readers.

Librarian Barbara Ghilardi brought the idea to her colleagues in late 2015, when she heard about the Some changes from last year’s event included the fact that the Writing Center partnered with the University of Omaha Nebraska’s Human Library. library to help craft the stories told by the human books and also, there was a Snapchat filter created for “My colleague Jackie Kremer and I discussed it further in early 2016 knowing we loved the idea the day of the event, according to Ghilardi. of the event and wanted to find a way to make it a reality at Fairfield,” said Ghilardi. “We thought the Graduate Assistant at the Writing Center Marc Lee ‘17 spoke on helping the books. event was the right way for the library to add to the University’s mission.”

“It was a very rewarding experience for everyone involved — the books left with confident looks Referencing the survey many of the books and readers took after participating in the event, on their faces and the tutors all got to help be a part of the event in an important way,” Lee said.

Ghilardi explained that 100 percent of books agreed or strongly agreed that “through my conversations “Being able to help bring out the stories of others, especially when those stories are as powerful I feel I opened the readers’ eyes to other experiences, perspectives and worldviews that they were un- as the ones showcased at the Human Library event, is an opportunity that is far too rewarding for all aware of before.” Ghilardi went on to explain that 94 percent of readers agreed or strongly agreed that involved to ever pass on,” he continued. “through my conversations, my eyes were opened to other experiences, perspectives and worldviews Senior Sarah Foley, who attended the Human Library event, commented on it. that I was unaware of before.”

“A good number of my friends had been selected to be books, so I went to support them and their Marek recommends being both a book and a reader to gain these kinds of perspectives. stories, knowing that sharing their life experiences was important to them,” said Foley. “I thought the “I recommend others to be a book if they have a story that they are willing and brave enough to event was an excellent way for students to share their individual and unique perspectives with those share,” commented Marek. “If not, attending the event is guaranteed to be an incredible and moving willing to listen.” experience for all.”

Ferrara contemplated the importance of the event.

Ghilardi commented on the importance of the event.

“To have it on Fairfield’s campus is really important because it promotes conversation between “What I love about the Human Library is it not only gives our books the platform to talk about people who might not have those conversations and it helps open people’s eyes to new perspectives as stereotypes and barriers they have faced but gives the readers the chance to connect to these stories well as understanding about their own identities or perspectives,” said Ferrara. whether they personally identify with them or have never been exposed to them before,” said Ghilardi.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

News

Page 3

The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media Compiled by Juliana Sansonetti Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Tuesday, 11/7 7:46 p.m.

The smell of marijuana led Department of Public Safety officers to a room in Regis Hall. Three students were found with suspected marijuana and were referred to student conduct for violations.

Wednesday, 11/8 1:47 p.m.

A green Toyota Camry was reported damaged outside the Townhouse 1 block. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Public Safety.

Thursday, 11/9 12:00 p.m.

Near Bellarmine Hall, a black Jeep Cherokee was reported to be damaged. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Public Safety.

Friday, 11/10 10:53 p.m.

The smell of marijuana led DPS to a room in Regis Hall and that led to the discovery of well over half an ounce of suspected marijuana that resulted in two criminal arrests and one infraction being issued. The three students involved were also referred to Student Conduct for violations.

Saturday, 11/11 2:04 a.m.

Somebody broke a window of Kostka Hall’s exterior door that faces Claver Hall. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Public Safety.

CAU N TIIO T ON U A C THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Allison White, Editor-in-Chief Andrew DaRosa, Executive Editor Catherine Veschi, Managing Editor Editors Juliana Sansonetti, News Connor O’Rourke, Assistant News Lexi Thimble, Opinion Alicia Phaneuf, Vine Cara Lee, Assistant Vine Claire Monahan, Coffee Break Alfredo Torres, Sports Daniel Montgomery, Assistant Sports

Online Bradley Nordstrom, Web Master Ariana Puzzo, Online Editor-in-Chief Pamela Kask, Online Opinion Editor Kelley Ekert, Online Coffee Break Editor

Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Phillip Sibert, Circulation Adviser Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

News

Page 4

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

FUSA Survey Met With Harsh Disapproval Continued from Page 

Juliana Sansonetti/The Mirror Flavors of Asia attendees played Kingyo-sukui, known in English as “goldfish scooping.” This is a traditional Japanese game, typically played at summer festivals by both children and adults.

Asian Diversity Thrives Continued from Page 

event.”

The event this year, according to Chan, was expanded to be in both the Oak Room and the Dogwood Room.

While performances happened in the Oak Room, there were games, calligraphy, henna and a photo station in the Dogwood Room, as well as additional seating.

In addition to the performances from Remixx, Martial Arts and Taiko, Octalyana Thaib ‘20, treasurer of SASA and public relations media coordinator of ASA, and Han-Gia Pham ‘20, public relations media coordinator of SASA, both performed a mixed Indian and East Asian dance at the start of the show.

“This year we definitely have more performances from on-campus,” commented President of SASA Zerin Sattar ‘18. “Usually in the past we’ve gotten performers from UConn or New York. But this year we tried to focus on talent on campus.”

Thaib commented on the experience of both organizing and performing at Flavors of Asia.

“It felt like an out of body experience,” said Thaib. “One second I was running around finishing up loose ends and the next second I was mid-dance with people cheering. It was definitely one of my favorite parts because I kicked off Flavors of Asia and straight after I introduced myself as one of the MCs for the night.”

Sophomore Rachel Belmonte, who performed in the Martial Arts Club, commented on the event.

“I think it’s important because it lets other people realize other people’s cultures and heritage,” said Belmonte. “They get to experience something that they would never experience with their own families. So I just feel like Fairfield is one big family with many different cultures and we’re very diverse about that.”

Sattar offered some final thoughts on the event, explaining that she feels that getting to know each other’s differences helps to unite us.

“We try to emphasize that even if you’re not Asian you can still enjoy it and, to that point, we try to make it so that everyone’s comfortable with discovering other cultures and discovering other foods, fashion, people.”

potential change, “would affect the consequences for the possession of hard alcohol.” Furthermore, “the Fairfield University Hard Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee determined that further research into this phenomenon was necessary.”

Across the United States, colleges and universities such as Dartmouth, Colby and Stanford have researched the effects of hard alcohol possession on their respective campuses, hence representatives from Fairfield have reached out to them for preliminary research to see how the policy affected their schools.

One of the most notable correlations regarding hard alcohol use was between it and the rate of sexual assault on college campuses, as per the email.

Junior Nicholas Lanni, who sits on the community development board, was asked to be on the drugs and alcohol committee with faculty and administration, representing FUSA. He stated that, “During this meeting, we discussed the hard alcohol policy and where to go from there. Dean Johnson suggested a survey and this is what I created to gauge the feelings of the students on this subject.”

Regarding the results of the FUSA initiative, the survey (out of 701 respondents) indicated that 66.19 percent of students are strongly opposed to a potential change of the University’s hard alcohol policy, with a further 19.97 percent being opposed as well.

In terms of what inspired the University to research a potential change to the policy regarding the possession and consumption of hard alcohol, Lanni noted that “the school realized that a lot of the high-risk drinking activities that were going on on campus involved hard alcohol.” He further went on to say that he had heard almost 100 percent of the transports over the past three years involved a student who had consumed hard alcohol.

He added that schools such as Dartmouth, Stanford and Colby college have banned hard alcohol on their campuses and have seen a decrease in the overall amount of transports that have

occurred, which they believe to correlate to a reduced level of high-risk drinking.

One student, Jaclyn Cuculino ‘20, felt as though, “The proposed ban on hard alcohol sounds ridiculous. We don’t attend a dry University. If the government can trust people 21 and over to consume hard beverages, so can the University.”

It is worth noting that despite the legal age to consume and purchase alcohol being 21 across all 50 states, on campus, however, it would be prohibited for those 21 years of age and over to be in possession of hard alcohol as well.

Cuculino further noted that, “The majority of transports are underclassmen and the upperclassmen should not be punished for that.”

Another student, Bridget Belfiore ‘18, felt as though, “I would say I disagree, mainly because I understand hard alcohol is more risky and can potentially be more dangerous than non-hard alcohol, but I think alcohol is alcohol.”

She went on to say that, “if you are over the age of 21, you should be able to drink what you want, so I don’t think that they have a right to ban it.”

Lanni further pointed out, “I think that with President Nemec coming in, he wants to assure that everyone is safe on campus and that is what really inspired the potential change to the policy.”

In terms of the potential reform to the consequences surrounding the possession of hard alcohol, Lanni noted that the University has not discussed it yet and such talks “will only happen when it comes to fruition.”

In the case of Dartmouth College, you get one warning, but the second time one is caught with the possession of hard alcohol, they are suspended. Lanni added that, “I don’t know if it will be as strict here, as that is entirely up to the administration.”

For now, the University is simply looking into the possibility of a ban with the knowledge of years of research surrounding hard alcohol’s effects on the conduct of students on campus, hence FUSA put out this initiative in order to get a feeling as to how the student body would feel about a potential change to the way in which the University tackles the matter of the use of hard alcohol.

‘Turkey Trot’ Donates to Cancer Research Continued from Page 

First-year Alaina Moger, who was also in attendance, stated, “I think it’s for a really good cause … I like how it involves running and is called a ‘turkey trot’ since we’re close to thanksgiving.”

Through this event, according to Romanelli, “we raised funds that will not only help our respective clubs be able to plan and host future events, ultimately contributing to our donation to the American Cancer Society, where the money will be used to directly aid cancer patients and future cancer research.”

Another one of the students who helped to coordinate and organize the event, Co-President of the Fairfield Chapter of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Brendan Hunt ‘18, said, “I reached out to the club [Colleges Against Cancer] earlier this year to see if they wanted to co-sponsor a fun run this year as well as a fundraiser for both of our organizations.” He felt as though having a fun run was beneficial to because it was a great way to get students actively involved with raising awareness for cancer, while also raising a good amount of money needed to provide for the funding necessary for cancer research.

He stated that the event was meant to “bring the community together in a fun, healthy way to raise money and awareness for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the American Cancer Society.” The latter is where a portion of the proceeds will be directed to, which according to Romanelli, “will be used to fund cancer research, advocacy, education, as well as services and programs for survivors and caregivers.”

Additionally, the funds will be used in order to fund both Colleges Against Cancer and Students for St. Baldrick’s so they may continue to plan and host future events, as per Romanelli.

Connor O’Rourke/The Mirror For $10, participants registered for the 2 mile ‘turkey trot’ around campus that was hosted by Colleges Against Cancer and the Fairfield Chapter of St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Opinion

Page 5

Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons, apr.org, Flickr

Editor Lexi Thimble » opinion@fairfieldmirror.com

Getting Opinionated with The Mirror

America Is In Desperate Need of Comprehensive Change

By Lexi Thimble Opinion Editor

I could’ve written about a lot of things this week. There’s never a shortage of news anymore, and whether that’s a good or bad thing I think still remains to be seen. Because while there can be an influx of good news, often the bad comes swiftly after to drown it out. But besides this fact, there was plenty that I could’ve talked about this week that would mirror what’s been talked about before, because news these days is a reiteration of things we’ve heard multiple times over.

This week alone, the continuation of exposures for sexual assault have grown to include Alabama senator Roy Moore, comedian Louis C.K., actor George Takei, and “One Tree Hill” writer Mark Schwahn, and the deaths from gun violence in Texas and Las Vegas are still fresh wounds that we’re trying to heal from. I guess what I want to articulate with this piece is just how unsafe I feel in my own home sometimes. This isn’t even a fear I have especially because I’m a young woman, but is one that is coming in the United States. ing from a person livLiterally every day there is another case of a man we all thought we could trust who is exposed for sexual assault, and even harassment or though I truly commend every survivor and victim who is coming out to topple these men, I can’t help but feel so much bitter anger that this is just happening now, and that movie famous stars and

producers can hide so easily in plain sight. It seems as though derful person, and also hearing how she was shot down without 2016 was a year when seemingly every celebrity we loved died, a second thought — I thought Columbine was the most horrific where 2017 seems to be the year much loved celebrities have thing I’d ever heard of. At that point I wasn’t thinking about solutions, about gun control legislation or the kind of people who become dead to us.

I really hate that people, and again this is not just women, carry out these kinds of atrocities. But growing up after that — but people can so easily be taken advantage of by officials in after seeing instances of mass shooting and the lives of people power, no matter the industry. And it only angers me further and children that could have been saved with more background that we as a country try to boast that we are the best in the world checks and fewer guns out in the world — sometimes it’s hard to when we elected a man just like that to be our president; it’s a imagine my country as a safe place.

We didn’t draw the line when our own president John F. year later and I’m still reeling and raging and seething from it. I don’t feel safe in a country led by a man who has bragged about Kennedy, his brother Bobby and Martin Luther King, Jr. were assaulting women, who confirmed all those jokes that have ever gunned down in the span of five years. Columbine, Virginia been made about him sneaking his way into the changing rooms Tech, Newtown, Orlando, Las Vegas, the Charleston and now of Miss America pageants just because he can. He doesn’t care Sutherland Springs church shootings all took place in my lifeabout people like me, and if he wasn’t president, I wouldn’t care time; so many have been shot down within my 20 years of life. what he thought of me; hell, I wouldn’t care about anything he At this point I fear the line will never be drawn, and that we will did. But now I have no choice, because there isn’t a day that goes always value our killing machines over people with futures and by where his voice and his face are not on my TV or on my lives ahead of them.

My perspective this week is much doom and gloom, phone or in my mind while frustrating me beyond belief. and at this point it would be nice if I could offer a This unsafe feeling isn’t just from famous men compoint of positivity, a silver lining through all this. mitting sexual assault though, it’s about these recent mass And maybe there is; recent state elections were shooting. I remember being in Orlando mere days after won by Democratic candidates pushing for the Pulse massacre and the shooting of Christina Grimgun control measures, specifically along with mie, being ensconced in the safety of Universal Studios openly transgender candidates like Danica but still feeling the surrounding chaos and sadness that Roem and Andrea Jenkins, who will hopewas present the entire time I was there. The fact that fully bring fresh perspectives to their positoday, the horror of Pulse has been surpassed by Las tions. However, I think that that is the only Vegas, and that a shooting as devastating as that octhing we as a nation can do to make curred again and to an even greater extent just things better: we can vote. I want to a year after, is indescribably upsetting. believe that I live in the greatest When I was in middle and high nation on earth, but until we school, every year the whole school start stepping up and provwould attend multiple assemblies about ing it with our actions the dangers of bullying, and every and our votes, I’ll be other year we’d have a friend of stuck telling myRachel Scott, one the victims of self a lie that I Columbine, come tell us her story. know is not Hearing that story as a young kid, Pictured from left to right: comedian Louis C.K. and Alabama true. of Rachel as a positive and wonSenator Roy Moore

"One Tree Hill" Is A Source of Strength

By Allison White Editor-in-Chief “There’s no shame in being afraid. Hell, we’re all afraid. What you gotta do is figure out what you’re afraid of because when you put a face on it, you can beat it.

Better yet, you can use it.” This quote from Whitey Durham, Tree Hill High School’s basketball coach, perfectly encapsulates the strength of the female cast and crew of the hit television show, “One Tree Hill.”

After Audrey Wauchope, a writer for the show, came forward about sexual harassment on Twitter, 18 female members from the show released a joint statement commending Wauchope for her honesty, and further revealing that it was showrunner Mark Schwann’s harassing behavior that caused so much damage, according to USA Today. The series continued for nine seasons from 2003 to 2012. Throughout those nine years, these women had to go into work everyday and face an emotionally disruptive workplace. Although it took five years post-production for the truth to be revealed, it could not have come at a more vital time. Hollywood is being turned upside-down with sexual harassment allegations, including film producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey. While it’s disheartening to hear of so many allegations, it’s empowering to have people come forward against their harasser and have them face consequences for their unjust and unbearable actions.

Editorial Board "Count Your Blessings" Allison White Editor-in-Chief Andrew DaRosa Executive Editor Catherine Veschi Managing Editor

With exams, papers and presentations, it can be easy to forget that one of the biggest holidays of the year is right around the corner — Thanksgiving. College students usually associate this holiday with a chance to come home, see their beloved pets once more and stuff their faces with as much of mom’s warm Thanksgiving dinner as possible before returning to campus. This year in particular, however, this holiday is even more important than usual given the events our country has faced in the past few months.

Our country has endured numerous tragedies recently — the Las Vegas shooting, hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico and the recent shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs.

These events have cost us the lives of countless civilians, bringing home the importance of our nation unifying together to make peace and find

As a big fan of “One Tree Hill,” my heart breaks to hear how some of my favorite characters and the people who made their roles possible had to endure such a toxic work environment. Tree Hill is suppose to be the place “where everything’s better and everything’s safe,” as the women refer to in their statement; although they did not want to taint this image for their fans, they are our Tree Hill. Every time we see Sophia Bush, we think of the strong, independent Brooke Davis.

When we hear our favorite song, we think of Hilarie Burton’s character, Peyton Sawyer, who taught us to hold onto the music that makes us feel something. We are inspired to break out of our comfort zone and expand our intelligence when we see Bethany Joy Lenz and think of Haley James’ resilience. Not only are these leading ladies important, but the women behind the screen are what made up the admirable characteristics in our favorite characters that could not have been better represented.

As a young woman entering the workforce soon, I’ve been greatly troubled by the exposure of sexual harassment claims made within the last few months. It’s hard entering the “real world” as it is and these situations only add to the turmoil. No one should be made to feel uncomfortable, threatened or emotionally ruined due to a higher power at their job. We need to protect our coworkers and friends, in order to provide a stable, enjoyable work experience. So thank you women of “One Tree Hill” for your bravery and commitment to change. Because of you, we may be able to enter into a workforce “where everything’s better and everything’s safe.”

a solution to issues like gun control that have wreaked havoc on the country.

In these difficult times, the best thing for a nation to do is show love for one another and Thanksgiving in particular is the perfect time for displaying such emotions. During the holiday where we focus on giving thanks for all the wonderful parts of our life, like our family, friends, and the opportunity to go to a school like Fairfield, it’s important that we take the time to appreciate our loved ones even more, as recent tragedies have shown how quickly we can lose these loved ones.

Additionally, Thanksgiving is a time to give blessings for our health and thank whatever higher being we believe in for the opportunity to walk on planet Earth and interact with all the people in your life that love you. It was often difficult to watch the news this year and be faced

with the events of the Las Vegas shooting as well as the recent string of sexual assault allegations in Hollywood, so on Thanksgiving, let us not forget but give thanks for both our physical and mental well-being. Remember that there is more good than bad in the world, even though we may not necessarily see it as much.

So as you sit at your table with your closest family and friends, remember the sacrifices you have made to get to this point and give thanks that you are surrounded by those who love you. While news will always continue and the bad news will always be aplenty, let us use Thanksgiving as a platform to enjoy the goodness in our lives and the tranquility attributed with it. Use this Thanksgiving season as a chance to re-establish all the good in not only your life, but the world around you as well.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Opinion

Page 6 Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons

Christians Don't Have to Be Communists I share Dr. David Bentley Hart’s disposition upon considering the radical claims of the Gospel texts on property and wealth — I’ve read the New Testament, after all. The questions he raises about property and wealth tormented me profoundly for years as a scrupulous adolescent raised on Fulton Sheen videos and a brand of Catholicism that died years before I was born.

If you believe, as Christians ought, that the Bible is indeed a guidebook for the soul’s eternal deliverance from hellfire, the questions raised in Dr. Hart’s Nov. 4 New York Times op-ed “Are Christians Supposed to Be Communists?” are hardly trivial. Christ’s words to the rich young ruler in the Gospel of Matthew are enough to permanently unsettle the first world soul and far be it from me to undercut Dr. Hart as regards questions of wealth and poverty in the New Testament. I do, however, take issue with his conclusion — that the Gospels and canonical addenda in the rest of the New Tes- tament are universally condemnatory of wealth outside of what Dr. Hart calls “absurdly forced readings” of unscrupulous believers looking for the first exit ramp on the road of Christian sacrifice.

For those who disagree with Dr. Hart’s assessment of New Testament hermeneutics on property ownership, he posits that “[w]hile there are always clergy members and theologians swift to assure us that the New Testament condemns not wealth but its abuse, not a single verse … confirms the claim.” This is true, as far as it goes — Christ and New Testament figures like James do indeed criticize wealth itself, and not merely its distorted use, but what is perhaps more interesting is the lack of unanimous criticism on the matter of wealth and property throughout the New Testament.

Consider the famous story of Zacchaeus, the rich publican who met Jesus in Jericho. His promises to give half of his possessions to the poor and reimburse fourfold those he defrauded were met affirmatively by Christ: “[t]oday salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10). While it is debated among theologians just how much Zacchaeus had left after these acts of divesture, what seems clear from the biblical text itself is that Christ did not probe Zacchaeus further, and seems to stop well short of demanding he sell his home. The Lukan tech-

nique of parallelism affirms perhaps a somewhat dispositional view of riches; the author of Luke’s Gospel puts Zacchaeus and the rich ruler passages right next to one another, with their respective laudatory and dismissive responses by Christ. Zacchaeus’ disposition of humble and ready divesture, even if not to the point full asceticism, is juxtaposed quite jarringly with the initial self-assuredness, faux-modesty and ultimately thorn-choked morality of the rich ruler.

I take further issue with Dr. Hart’s characterization of the lifestyle of the earliest Christians. Without question, there was a distinct communitarian sensibility among Christ’s first followers. Hart likewise states, correctly, that rather than a once-for-all divesture, the arrangement was “self-sustaining but also able to share resources with one another when need dictated.” But the general n o - tion one finds across Hart’s work on the topic seems to suggest he finds the earliest Christian living arrangements to be an injunction toward universal asceticism.

Dr. Art Lindsley further comments on the topic of selling when he details the person of Barnabus, who Acts says “owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” As Dr. Lindsley notes, “[it] does not say that this giving comprised all his possessions or that it was the only tract of land he owned.” Lydia of Thyatira, the prosperous purple merchant who used her home for meetings of the faithful, is never condemned by the author of Acts and is in fact textually portrayed in a positive light. It would be impossible to mistake the early Christians for Friedman-style libertarian apologists, but the black and white pronouncement of Dr. Hart is divorced from the nuance an evaluation of the Scripture reveals.

All told, I am not unsympathetic to the radicalism of Dr. Hart’s piece; in fact, I find a real lack of specific directives to the implicit awe we all ought to feel in the face of the harsh demands of a Christian life. I am, however, unsympathetic to reading out the very real shades of gray in the biblical discussion of private property to the point of implying all who don’t resolutely accept the New Testament as an exegesis on the evil of all material possessions are not sufficiently entrenched in the radical call of the Gospels.

Trump's America Stunts Freedom of Speech

By Talene Sagherian Contributing Writer Freedom of expression of political views is a given right to all Americans. Juli Briskman was on a routine bike ride in Northern Virginia when she saw President Donald Trump’s motorcade driving by. In her moment of frustration and anger, she flipped off his motorcade. She thought nothing of it until she saw a picture of her in this moment on Facebook, and identified herself as the biker. Her employers at Akima LLC, a holding company that supports the portfolios of federal and commercial service providers, ultimately unjustly fired her for exercising her right to express her own personal political views.

Employees represent the company which they work for at all times, just as we, Fairfield students, always represent Fairfield University while we are studying here. The things we do away from school grounds, at the beach, still reflect upon Fairfield. There is a difference between behavior that reflects badly upon your employer or your university and behavior that is simply letting your personal political beliefs be known. The Huffington Post reports that Akima LLC told Briskman that she was being terminated because she could not have “lewd” or “obscene” things on her social media. What makes this expression obscene? Bikers do this same thing everyday, but due to the fact that Akima LLC is a government contractor, they overreacted, most likely out of fear or Trump’s reaction, and unjustly decided to terminate Briskman.

It’s interesting to think about the fact that a government company fired an employee for this display of political views. Would they have done so if they weren’t government-affiliated? I don’t believe so. It’s a possibility that U.S. govern-

ment officials contacted the company when this happened, telling them that they had no other choice but to fire Briskman. In the current state of our government, this seems likely to me. If not, Briskman’s termination still leads me to wonder, is the government trying to control our social media content, what we do outside the workplace, and even more than just our freedom of speech?

In fact, Briskman is a symbol of political protest, a symbol for women activists and protesters and a representation of the frustration that so many Americans feel regarding the current state of our nation. Yes, she is anti-Trump, but a big part of the nation is as well. This is not a revolutionary idea or view. Briskman was simply showing how she felt, on her own time, while recreationally riding her bike. A company is in the right to fire an employee for being obscene online, but Briskman was not acting in an obscene way, but simply politically protesting outside the workplace.

Being terminated from Akima LLC made Briskman realize that she wants to work for an advocacy group that she believes in, which President Trump is cutting funding for, specifically Planned Parenthood or PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Getting fired has not made her regret her actions. As reported by the Huffington Post, she is in fact happy to be an example of protest that many Americans can agree with.

Akima LLC’s actions are concerning. If Briskman’s political expression during her life outside of work is grounds for termination, this raises questions like, what else can’t employees do outside of the workplace? Can Americans not express their personal political opinions without risking their jobs and their livelihood? Employees have their own lives outside of work, so to what extent can their employer control what they do outside the office?

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features Editor Alicia Phaneuf alicia.phaneuf@student.fairfield.edu

'Soft Spaces' Reveals Gender Violence

This painting by Tiffany Gale will be on display in the "Soft Spaces" exhibition.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

The Vine

Page 8

Art Exhibition Promotes Awareness of Gender Violence

By Alicia Phaneuf Vine Editor

Today’s social climate brings a range of emotion, frustration and fear to the forefront of people’s minds in regards to sexual, gender and racial assault. Junior Colleen McElaney is passionate about the need, both within and outside Fairfield University, to address gender violence. As a studio art and film double major, and due to her growing passion to bring attention to gender violence, McElaney decided to jump start an art exhibition in the Experimental Gallery, located in Loyola Hall, where students and community members could display the artwork of gender violence survivors, activists and allies. An opening reception for the exhibition entitled, “Soft Spaces,” will include food, drinks and spoken word poetry by Performing for Change on Nov. 28 between the times of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

McElaney attended a Breakthrough program at New York University in July, which was dedicated to artists who want to use art as a means of making a social statement. One day of the program was spent discussing the topics of gender and gender issues, and the second day focused on organizing planned actions about gender and race violence. It was largely due to this program that McElaney was inspired to bring the attention of these topics to Fairfield’s campus. She explained that it’s difficult for survivors to have the courage necessary to voice their opinions on gender violence, and believes that art would act as a good medium in which they can have their voices heard.

Though a large undertaking, McElaney explained that she only began setting up the exhibition a short month ago. She’s been working closely with Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts, Marice Rose, PhD, and Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Jo Yarington to achieve the space needed to make “Soft Spaces” a success. The title “Soft Spaces” was brainstormed by McElaney while at the Breakthrough program at NYU. She wanted the name to be welcoming and inclusive.

“This is the first exhibition I’ve ever tried to curate,” said McElaney. “It’s included a lot of learning but it’s also been really empowering. Many people unfortunately

have been affected by gender based violence, so they want to come forward and share their work with the Fairfield community. I’m really excited to see how the exhibition comes together.”

“Soft Spaces” will not only include the work of Fairfield students, but will also include that of peers McElaney met at the NYU Breakthrough program, and the work of young artists from the Triangle Community Center, located in Norwalk, Conn. — a center dedicated to hosting programs, events and discussions for the LGBTQ+ community. McElaney advertised her exhibition on social media outlets including Facebook, which acted as another means of receiving submissions. The artwork that will be on display will range from paintings and sculpture to photography and poetry.

The timing of McElaney’s exhibition is particularly important, due to the fact that there have been multiple allegations of gender assault including the popular cases of Harvey Weinstein and Mark Schwahn.

“I think it would be really good for people to come and learn about gender based violence,” said McElaney. “I think any opportunity to come and understand others is really important. I hope that a lot of people will come to the exhibition and that it will start discussions around campus.”

Staff and students are encouraged to continue submitting work until Nov. 27 by either emailing it electronically to McElaney at colleen.mcelaney@student.fairfield.edu or by bringing their work to the Experimental Gallery in Loyola Hall.

This painting by Celia Pardo will be on display in the "Soft Spaces" exhibition.

Keller Williams Brings ADM to StageOne

By Andrew DaRosa Executive Editor Acoustic Dance Music, or ADM for short, is whatever you want it to be. It can be those acoustic beats vibrating through your cerebrum or it could be as simple as a knee jerk to that groove that gets you moving. Though at its core, ADM is the lovechild of Keller Williams and his signature looping acoustic guitar, utilizing the full sound of both the acoustic purity of his guitar and the electronic complexity of his hardware.

“If you go back to the origins of dance music, I think it starts with a dude with a fiddle on a stump, in a barn, playing to all the people who have to get up the next day to farm,” said Williams. “To make a long story weirder, you put a funky beat behind it and sometimes, a bunch of different kind of beats, and that’s the beautiful thing about dance music.”

Williams, who has been blending the likes of bluegrass, jam rock and everything in between since 1991, has established himself as a one-man-band with his fundamental mastering of the looping station. Putting out an uncompromising 24 albums, Williams has given of himself to the jam band community in unparalleled ways. Most recently, Williams released the duo of “Sync” and “Raw” this past January, two stylistically unique albums that reach the same essence of Williams’ kindred nature and proficient guitar playing.

In what started as an idea of finding new ways to bring new music to his fans before touring with acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke, Williams conceived the idea of releasing two records on one day, which is unheard of in this age of music. “Albums are a thing of the past … my world is so underneath the mainstream radar,” said Williams.

For Williams, “Raw” was more aimed at the solo acoustic aspect of his Kottke tour, stripping down to only his unfiltered guitar and vocals, while “Sync” pulled together an “A+ rhythm section” to create a fuller sound that pulled on all el-

past successes and missteps. “Whenever I listen to the stuff from ‘94, I learn to not do it like that,” laughed Williams. “Listening to ideas can help to know what not to play or things not to do.”

“In the mid-90s, I was young and untainted by years and years of smoking, vaping, drinking and dropping; just so unjaded and excited with so much natural energy that was put into these recordings … I hadn’t really found my voice yet,” Williams added.

Outside of lyrical and songwriting quality, Williams has honed and revolutionized the way guitarists utilize a looping mechanism with the acoustic guitar, creating layers upon layers of sonic architecture. “It started way back in the 90s,” said Williams. “People weren’t paying attention to me and I wasn’t paying attention to them so I was like f*** it, let’s have some fun.”

This is when Williams started experimenting with looping technology associated with the digital delay while working restaurant gigs in the early 90s. “I’m talking a digital delay machine and you had to set the parameter, and there wasn’t any tap tempo. I had to set the parameter to play at 4.20 seconds and it looked cool to have the little 4.20 on the screen right there, and then you play between those parameters and if you play outside those parameters, the loop messes up,” explained Williams Currently, Williams has managed to synthesize a way of synchronizing the looper with the soundboard Photo Contributed by C. Taylor Crothers and his acoustic guitar, courtesy of his guitar and sound technician, who goes by “The Wolf.” However, when asked about the secret behind his sound, Wilements of Williams’ prolific music history.

As of late, Williams has found himself in the loop of fo- liams quipped, “I could share with you now but you know cusing his energies on crafting a genuinely interesting reper- what would have to happen.”

Keller Williams will be playing at StageOne in Downtoire rather than honing in on some deep stylistic pedagogy.

This process involves sometimes going back to his roots and town Fairfield as part of the Sweetwater 420 Jamband Series exploring the possibilities that can arise from learning from on Saturday, Dec. 9.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

The Vine

Page 9

Audiences Captivated by the Lost Princess of Russia

By Alexandra Thimble Opinion Editor

Growing up as a child who adored animated movies with catchy songs I could sing over and over again, the film “Anastasia” was an instant favorite of mine. You can still find it on my Netflix list today, as it offers the perfect blend of beautiful animation, historical storytelling and iconic music. And when I found out I’d get to see that story on Broadway as a musical through my Loyola Residential College program, I couldn’t help but think it was a perfect fit. I was not to be disappointed.

“Anastasia” is the fictionalized story of Anya, an orphaned girl with no memory of her past, and her eventual revelation of her identity as Anastasia Romanov, the lost Romanov princess who should have died with her family at the start of the Bolshevik Revolution. The 1997 cartoon embellishes this story with magical elements and characters, elements that were removed with the production of the musical. These significant differences from the movie are the ones that give it a more mature and realistic feeling, and which work better on stage than elements of the movie would. The most noticeable change is the villain of the story; the cartoon’s magically evil Rasputin has been replaced

by Soviet officer Gleb Vaganov (played by Ramin Karimloo), thus eliminating all the magical parts of the story all together. However, for fans who may be disappointed by this, I think this change does the story a great favor. Anastasia’s journey to remember her past and her eventual reunion with her grandmother greatly benefits from the increased emphasis that is put on her family at the beginning and during minor parts of the middle of the show. Her mission to discover her true identity and remember the family she once had feels more genuine, especially when faced with the realistic political and social events happening in 1927 Russia.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention

the stage design and special effects that the show uses. The one Tony award the show won at this past year’s awards was for lighting and projection, and it cannot be understated how well-deserved that award is. The backdrop of the set, which is integrated into the walls of the buildings and rooms where the action is placed, are screens of high-quality moving projections that shift to fit the scenes. Songs and scenes placed on a moving train are facilitated by a rotating stage and the screens showing a track with scenery speeding by. Parts set in the Romanov’s palace are at one moment peaceful during a grand ball, with projected snow falling softly in the background, and at the next moment plunged into chaos with the shattering of glass, and the terrifying image of silhouetted soldiers with flowing red flags and smoke to match appearing larger-than-life in that same place. It was one of my favorite aspects of the show, as every setting was full of high-quality and immaculate details, and gave the show the extra pop it needed.

The most recent shows I’ve seen on Broadway in New York have been “Hamilton” and “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” which are nonconventional shows to say the least. Going from

a show like “Great Comet,” where the stage snaked around the center of a recreated 19th century Russian vodka club and actors danced, sang and played accordions just feet from me in the aisles, a more traditional setting like “Anastasia” was a definite transition. In comparison, it would be easy to say that “Anastasia” was boring or didn’t have as much to offer as the other shows, but I think that would be a serious misjudgment of the joy “Anastasia” brought me. Yes, the setup is very traditional and simple; actors stay on stage, with simple blocking and only specific moments of choreography. There are breaks for dialogue, which my previous two Broadway experiences lacked in; “Great Comet” and “Hamilton” are entirely sung with little to no spoken dialogue.

But more than anything, “Anastasia” is a beautiful story, and is told by an extremely talented cast. Christy Altomare is a lovely Anya/Anastasia, a physically small figure with a voice as powerful as it can

Photos taken from anastasiabway Instagram

be soft and emotional. Accompanying her is Derek Klena as Anya’s love interest Dmitry, a charming character who gets some really great songs where his voice shines through and rings throughout the entire theater. This show is also a case where comic relief can and does steal the show; John Belton and Caroline O’Connor as Vlad Popov and Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch have some of the most entertaining moments of the show, keeping the audience laughing up until and including the final bows.

I’ve loved “Anastasia” for longer than I can remember, and getting to see it as a stage show is something I would do again in a heartbeat. I adored every minute of it and would recommend it even for those who didn’t grow up learning the story; you’ll be charmed either way.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Photos taken from anastasiabway Instagram

Heard It Through The GrapeVINE

By Cara Lee Assistant Vine Editor

The Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day set aside by the international community to honor those who have lost their lives due to transphobia, took place on Nov. 20 since its creation in 1999. Since then, the single day of remembrance has evolved into a month-long avocational period where LGTBQ+ groups throughout the world host events to educate others about transgender and gender nonconforming people.

Sadly, this extension of the single day of remembrance was not a result of discovering how many people in the United States identify as transgender, which a 2016 study by the Williams Institute found to be over 1.4 million people. Instead, it was because of the rising death toll due to transphobia-induced violence and the resulting need for education to extinguish any hatred felt toward this community.

In honor of Transgender Awareness Month, I interviewed and worked with members of Fairfield Alliance as well as other groups organizing events, vigils and discussions regarding the transgender community throughout the month of November.

These events have included a screening of “Gender Revolution — A Journey with Katie Couric” on Nov. 3 and will continue with events such as a talk titled “Why God Doesn’t Hate LGTBQ+” in the Faber Meditation Room on Nov. 15.

This list of songs was compiled by Fairfield Alliance in honor of Transgender Awareness month and more songs relevant to the LGTBQ+ community can be found by following the link attached to the online article.

“Vogue” — Madonna “Voguing” was a really important movement in the trans and general gay community during the ‘70s, ‘80s and into early ‘90s; it was the first form of catwalk/dance that was prominent at drag balls in New York City and is the roots of the dance moves of modern drag queens. The song “Vogue” popularized this even more and cemented Madonna as a gay icon.

“I’m Coming Out” — Diana Ross Though it wasn’t intentionally a song meant to be a gay anthem, Diana Ross penned one of the most iconic pride songs ever.

It’s synonymous with “coming out” and being open, and made her a figure to look up to in the LGTBQ+ community.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” — Whitney Houston With this feel-good song that just makes you want to dance, this is one of the reasons Whitney is considered a female icon among the gay community, with the likes of Madonna, Cher and Diana Ross. Her powerful yet emotional voice acted as representative of the LGBTQ+ community, and this song is no exception.

“I Want to Break Free” — Queen Freddie Mercury’s status as one of the most iconic bisexual men in music history is only furthered with this song. It has a strong, pro-LGBTQ+ message, reflecting the idea of wanting to come out and be free. With a music video to match of Mercury in full drag, this song was, and still is, a classic.

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” —Sylvester This is a class disco jam from Sylvester, who was himself very fluid in experimenting with his gender. In any movie set in a gay club in the ‘70s or ‘80s, this song is definitely playing and is a legendary song that was good to dance to and meant a lot to trans and gay people alike.

“It’s Raining Men” — The Weather Girls Like Sylvester’s disco hit, this song became a club anthem, especially with queer men. It’s an ‘80s anthem about care-free enjoyment and happiness.

“If I Could Turn Back Time” — Cher Cher is a queen in the eyes of the gay community, especially those who first heard her music during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. This song is a classic from her and, if you’ve ever seen “Will & Grace,” this is the song Jack, the flamboyant comic relief, sings the most.

“Freedom ‘90” — George Michael This George Michael hit was about his change in musical stylings after the end of Wham!, and wanting to change his public image from a heartthrob to a serious artist. However, the lyrics have resonated with the LGBTQ+ community with their messages of self-acceptance, confidence in one’s self, and, most importantly, freedom.

Do you want to be featured in the GrapeVINE? Please email a list of 5-7 of your favorite songs and a picture of yourself that we can use to alicia.phaneuf@ student.fairfield.edu.

CreativeCommons/Wikimedia

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

The Vine

Page 10

Sabrina's Style: CMA Fashion Highlights

By Sabrina Musto Fashion Columnist

she picked the dress to match her album cover, which I find to be very clever. The cutout in the middle is just right — not too small that it looks misplaced and not too large to be revealing or inappropriate. I think The 51st Annual CMA Awards took place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and as an avid fan of country mu- she totally hit the mark with this Michael Kors gown.

Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett are a power couple of country music, and any country music fan sic, I was glued to my television. It was an insanely star-studded night with both amazing performances and amazing fashion. Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosted the ceremony for their 10th year in a has likely fallen in love with their incredible love story. However, their look at the CMAs was not their row, and kept the audience jovial and lighthearted without failing to mention the tragedy that has recently usual, opting for an all black ensemble, and Lauren looked absolutely stunning in the low cut gown. The all gone on, specifically the Las Vegas shooting at a country music festival. The fashion on the red carpet black was extremely crisp and sophisticated, giving them a definite edge and glamour.

The musical group Lady Antebellum really impressed me on this carpet, because they did somethat night is definitely worthy of a shout out, thing that is very difficult to do with three people, which is to match in a way that is not tacky or gaudy. because the stars really brought out their Each individual group member used the color red in their own way. Leading lady Hillary Scott showed A-game. Here are some of my favorite looks off her baby bump in a tasteful floral gown in multiple colors with the highlighting color being red, from the night. while Dave Haywood opted for a completely red Carrie Underwood is of course on suit and Charles Kelley included a shirt with red this list. Underwood looks amazing wherfloral decor. ever she goes and I have yet to come across Jessie James Decker was extremely elegant, a look of hers that I do not like. This look is and another country music star to show off her no exception. Her royal blue, off the shoulbaby bump, as she and husband Eric Decker are der Fouad Sarkis mermaid gown was simply expecting their third child. Her look was a simple dreamy with her hair tucked behind her ear. but classic off-the-shoulder red gown, plus a black The dress is the perfect example of class, moclutch and soft ponytail updo. dernity and fun.

Danielle Bradbery was another beauty in Miranda Lambert looked like a soft, red, except her Leanne Marshall dress was acelegant princess in her light blue Tony Ward centuated by a high split, which perfectly showed gown. I do not personally love the gowns’ off her gold, ankle wrap heels. The gown flowed black metallic belt, feeling as though it is a beautifully and the color looked great on her. bit out of place, but the rest of the look is just Maren Morris’ Francesco Scognamiglio gorgeous and lacy, and is one of my favorite dress certainly had a lot going on, but it was exlooks of the evening. tremely fun and young just like she is as an emergKelsea Ballerini looked youthful and ing artist. Her silver dress was edgy, and her acfun in her white gown which was perfectly accented with golden floral beading. She Taken from the Instagram of Lady Antebellum Taken from People's Instagram cessory choices, specifically her layered silver necklaces, were just right for the occasion. even added golden flowers to her hair, Lady Antebellum coordinated the red details in their Power couple of country music, Lauren Akins which was the perfect touch if you ask me. outfits on the CMA Red Carpet. and Thomas Rhett, opt for all black ensembles.

Ballerini took to Instagram to say that

Deanna Carbone/The Mirror

The Mirror Abroad: Deanna's Discoveries

By Deanna Carbone Abroad Colunist

You: Hi Anyone that has ever studied abroad: This churro is good, but not as good as the one I had in Barthelona. It was the best time ever and a once in a lifetime experience!

Any person that has had the slightest interaction with anyone who has studied abroad knows that it was “the best experience of their lives.” As someone who returns to New York in exactly one month and starts spreading the news, I’m going to be upfront about the ups and downs of studying in Florence. There were some things all of those who went before me left out telling me about their abroad experience, so here are some things I wish I knew before going to Florence: the good, the bad and the Italian.

You literally get to say you lived in ITALY for four months.

For 20-something year old college students, it’s probably the first and only time for a while you can get to live like this: you’re independent in a foreign country, but still have some support from your parents. This is the longest I’ve ever been away from home, so it’s kind of a weird feeling. You miss your family, but love the freedom of being completely on your own.

Some Florentines actually hate American students. No one told me this until orientation when we landed, but they really only think Americans are in Italy to get drunk and cause trouble so a lot of them are rude to you right off the bat.

You can be in Ireland, Italy and Germany all in the same week, but still be in class Monday through Thursday. Travelling is a part of the reason why so many people go abroad. Florence has a lot of travel companies like, FlorenceforFun, Bus2Alps and SmartTrip that plan out your weekend trips for you. They include transportation, hostels and usually a meal. It’s the easiest and cheapest option if you are last minute, like myself, and de-

cide to get away for a weekend.

I had no idea how much money I would spend here, so 12/10 recommend saving every cent you have. Most of my funds go to food because everything is amazing and I refuse to miss out on any culinary experience. Additional expenses include travelling, cute European clothes no one else has at home, booze and souvenirs (I can always hear my mom reminding me to get a Christmas present for every third, fourth and fifth cousin).

This next one hit me like a truck: you have to air dry all your clothes because no housing comes with a dryer. It lowkey makes me feel like Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” My clothes have taken days to dry and it kills me when I can’t wear my favorite pair of black leggings.

Italy is really relaxed. I have never seen anyone address any problem with urgency. Honestly, I wish I had that mindset because the way they approach problems is more levelheaded.

They are seriously never stressed out. At first, it may feel frustrating because it will feel like no one cares about your problems. They take everything day by day, which came as a huge shock to me, but now I really like these island vibes.

You have to watch your back. It’s a city, so like any other city it’s common that crimes happen. A sketchy guy selling a selfie stick is on every corner so you have to watch your back.

THIS ONE IS FOR THE LADIES: it’s a must to watch out for the men in Florence. They always approach you on the streets whether you’re in sweats or going out clothes. There is little to no concept of personal space so American students tend to feel uncomfortable with how close strangers get to us.

The time FLIES by! I feel like I have so much left to do and so little time. Please, please, please, prioritize what you want to do because it all catches up to you and suddenly you want to go rogue for the last month of school to finish up my bucket list.

The Art Corner This week’s Art Corner spotlight is photographer Brian Daley ‘19.

"The idea for this photo had been in my head for years but was limited by equipment, weather and time. I was finally able to take it on my last summer night at home before moving back to school. The image shows the Earth’s rotation. Because of our frame of reference on Earth, it looks as if the stars circle around Polaris, the North Star,” said Daley.

Do you want your art to be featured in the Art Corner? Please e-mail your drawing, photograph, or comic along with a quote about your piece to alicia.phaneuf@student.fairfield.edu.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

The Vine

Page 11

Inkwell Spotlight Taylor Swift's New 'Reputation'

By Alicia Phaneuf Vine Editor

I’ve had Taylor Swift’s new album, “Reputation” on my radar ever since the release of her single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” which I essentially ripped apart in a previous review. “Reputation” was released on Nov. 10 and brought a surprising variety of songs that range from pop to electronic dance music. As a whole, the album isn’t terrible; in fact, there are a few songs that are actually quite catchy and I anticipate being played at future townhouse ragers. The major issue I have with “Reputation” is the clear message Swift sends declaring that the sweet country singer that everyone fell in love with for favorites such as “Our Song,” and “Fearless,” is gone.

“Reputation” is an aggressive compilation of songs that discuss topics such as revenge, sex, gender and power. She sounds like a basic A-list pop star trying to create the next best song for a club. I would say there’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s a difference between creating music for the enjoyment of your fans and creating music that compromises your own individuality solely to sound like every other pop artist.

Let’s get down to it. The album opens with recent release, “Ready for It.” An obvious favorite with pop-listeners as it has a catchy bass drop and hard-hitting lyrics that are perfect for your 8 a.m. spin class. This upbeat song starts the album off on a fairly good note, but the second song on the track, “End Game,” is just awful. I can’t even tell if, “End Game” is suppose to be a hip hop/rap song or if it’s supposed to be a slow pop song, because the dynamics are just all over the place. Also, let me know the last time you saw a white country singer evolve into a sudden rap star — oh right, it’s never happened. And this is why. T-Swizzle, I’m afraid this song really missed the mark. It’s not fast enough to dance or work out to, yet the random rap breaks (which are executed wonderfully by Future) make it impossible to consider the song as “chill.”

Song three on “Reputation” just had me laughing. Swift opens the song with, “I never trust a narcissist, but they love me/ So I play 'em like a violin/ And I make it look oh-so-easy/ 'Cause for every lie I tell them, they tell me three.” First thing’s first, a narcissist is someone who is completely obsessed with themselves, so sorry to break it to you Swift, but if you’re calling (most likely Kanye West) a narcissist, then you can’t also

say he “loves” you — it just doesn’t make sense. Secondly, you admit openly to your fans, your family, your haters, the world, that you lie to these “enemies,” essentially admitting that you get on their level. I used to admire you when I was eight years old, but I’m not confident I would have admired you if you were advertising messages like you are now.

Two wrongs don’t make a right, it’s elementary, my friend.

Jumping ahead to song 10, “King of My Heart” is really well-crafted. This song has a great dynamic between smooth, groovy lyrics that break into a more upbeat rhythm for the chorus. The lyrics for this song are extremely catchy and I commend Swift for actually appreciating that rich boys aren’t necessarily the key to happiness. Another single on the album that mimics this same flow of smooth, low-key rhythms that erupt into a more upbeat chorus is “Dress.” “Dress” starts off with light pulsating beat drops and the low voice of Swift, which eventually transitions first into Swift increasing the speed at which she sings, then to the accompaniment of drums and electro-vibes. However catchy “Dress” is, the lyrics again taint Swift’s reputation — no pun intended. With lines such as, “Only bought this dress so you can take it off,” and “I'm spilling wine in the bathtub/ You kiss my face and we're both drunk,” Swift publicizes her lust-filled relationships that contradict her early “good girl” repertoire of country favorites.

There is one song on “Reputation” that is absolutely beautiful, and that is “New Year’s Day.” The song is comprised of soft piano notes and chords and Taylor Swift’s natural, gentle vocals. This song is a raw representation of perhaps the vulnerability Swift has been feeling for years, and holds many hidden reasons as to why she created such an aggressive album in the first place. This song counters each song from her album. It’s honest, elegant and shows no signs of aggression or the want of revenge, and it’s this song that makes, “Reputation,” worth purchasing.

“Reputation” received a 4/5 stars on iTunes, it goes for $13.99.

Currently, “Reputation” is only available for purchase in retail stores and on iTunes. Sources told Variety that Swift plans to keep the album off of streaming services, such as Spotify, for at least its first week of sales. This is largely due to Swift’s belief that, “people should feel that there is a value to what musicians have created.”

I give the album 3/5 stars.

A Beautiful Change By: Bronwyn Kelly Contributing Writer at The Inkwell I walk down a narrow path filled with a dark sense when I hear the babbling brook laugh but it's choking and tense.

I feel sharp eyes on my back that make me spin around to see all that I lack in one abrupt bound.

The water is reflective to see something so in-depth and shows how perceptive nature can be when it measures one breath.

The silver mirror melts away to reveal something I could never see before; it's too frighteningly real hidden at the depth of my core.

She is beautiful to the root of her bones but she had been trapped inside a crucible that was all she had ever known.

“Is this the person behind my eyes?”

“This has been you all along.”

“Why are my eyes the color of the sky?”

“Your heart is finally open after so long.”

Watching it begin again with someone new, my happiness has been rejuvenated because I have finally been given the chance to choose and my future is… illuminated.

CreativeCommons/Max Pixel

The Plan Ahead for Fairfield Nutrition

By Cara Lee Assistant Vine Editor

While gathering information regarding the latest upgrade to the Fairfield Dining experience, the Bite App, it became apparent how few students know about one of the most valuable on-campus resources. Her name is Mackenzie Gordon, and she has been working closely with Sodexo to make improvements on the Bite App. Gordon graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics, continued on to earn a Masters in Nutritional Science at the University of Rhode Island and became a certified dietitian in the state of Connecticut, all of which make her qualified for her current position as Fairfield University’s resident dietitian. This means that everything from the signs listing nutritional information in the Daniel and Grace Tully Dining Hall to the increased dedication to allergen protected areas can all be traced back to her.

Yet, Gordon does not limit herself to working behind the scenes. Each year, Gordon trains all resident assistants how to identify and assist someone having an allergy attack, and guides the Fairfield student-athletes into making healthy eating choices by helping them manage their diets pre, during and post games and seasons. However, these services are not only offered to student athletes. Any student

interested in eating healthy or who wants to make nized numerous programs held both in the Tully a dietary change can schedule a one-on-one ap- Dining Hall and in Residence Halls to teach stupointment with Gordon at any time by contacting dents how to eat mindfully throughout their colher through e-mail. The parties will then arrange a lege careers. For those who do not frequent the suitable time to determine how the student’s future Tully, Gordon hosts cooking demonstrations, meal preparation classes and healthy eating workshops health plans can be pushed into effect.

Junior Katie Reilly was already aware of Gor- which take place in the Residence Halls. For studon and her position through her roles as a goalie dents with large meal plans who eat most meals in for the club lacrosse team as well as a Health Stud- the dining hall, Gordon hosts more events to asies minor and noted that she thinks that having a sist with mindful portion control and nutritious eating. One of the certified dietitian most popular of on campus, “can these events is be extremely the “Fruit of the beneficial to the Week” program school to make where Gordon sure the food selects a different they provide is fruit every seven healthy and the days and incordietician can porates it into the also provide provarious Tully stagrams to teach tions and shows Fairfield students how students about healthy can prepare the eating.” fruit in their own Since Gordorms.

Other don was hired in Tully nutrition October 2016, she has also orgaPhotos taken from fairfield_dining Instagram programs include

“Wellness Wednesdays” where students are taught about healthy foods, balanced eating, diet and lifestyle changes, nutrition and wellness through trivia and/or cooking demonstrations.

Gordon is continuously working on numerous projects to help students with special dietary needs. These include working with select groups of students to increase the amount of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-free options served.

However, one project to look out for are the Make it Mindful tip sheets, “these assorted tip sheets will teach students and anyone dining in the Tully how they can balance their plate and ‘Make is Mindful,’” Gordon explained, “[these tip sheets] will work to help students make healthy choices at each of the stations in the dining hall.”

“My background is centered around food and healthy cooking. I love to make new healthy balanced recipes that I can share with students and faculty members. This enables them to create these recipes in their daily lives whether it be in their dorm rooms or at home cooking for their families,” Gordon concluded. Gordon hopes to gradually help Fairfield University to become a safer and healthier campus for those with, and without, food allergies and dietary restrictions — and she has already begun making leaps and bounds in this pursuit during her first year on campus.

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Coffee Break

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Claire Monahan

We here at Coffee Break understand the holidays can be a stressful time for us young adults.

We’ve provided a Thanksgiving dinner survival guide:

a turkey to color in to destress, answers to frequently asked questions and a list of possible conversation topics that will take you out of the hot seat.

Color in this turkey to your heart’s content

Potential Dinner Table Topics 1. The Weather: our tried and true, is it chilly outside? When’s it supposed to be raining next? Everyone has always got something to say about the weather.

2. Sports: Did you hear that team won the big game? How about baseball, is that over yet?

3. Family Drama: appease your tormentors and point to someone else’s wrongdoings, sorry cousin Lindsey!

4. Pleasant News: maybe you saw a Facebook video about a new baby panda, or read an article about school children doing community service (beware: real news might be a powder keg, light at your own risk).

5. The Food: aren’t the mashed potatoes amazing! Uncle Mark, what did you do differently this year?

Thanksgiving FAQs What are your plans for this summer?

A: I’m actually ensuring I get enough Vitamin D, you know Aunt Nancy, really focusing on my health.

What are you going to do with your degree?

A: I was thinking of getting one of those frames where you have the graduation cap and the diploma side by side. I think those look very nice.

Why don’t you have a boyfriend/ girlfriend?

A: Aunt Lynda, I barely got myself sometimes, so I’m trying to work on that.

Do you have a major?

A: Well Grandpa, I have a wide range of interests as I am multifaceted person capable of nuance and complexity. To reduce myself to one area of concentration would be miss out on all my uniqueness.

Sports

SPORTS

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

This Week in Sports:

Sports Editor: Alfredo Torres » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

In Case You

Page 13

Weekend MAAC Awards

Missed It: Wednesday, November 8th -Boston defeats Field Hockey, 5-0 -Volleyball defeats Siena, 3-0 Thursday, November 9th -Men's Soccer defeats Quinnipiac, 0-0 (3-2 on PK's) Friday, November 10th -Richmond defeats Women's Basketball, 72-67 Sunday, November 12th -Volleyball defeats Canisius, 3-0 -Men's Soccer defeats Rider, 1-0

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk

On Monday, Nov. 13 it was announced that the men’s basketball duo of Tyler Nelson ‘18 and Wassef Methnani ‘21 had swept the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Weekly Awards. Nelson earned the nod of MAAC Player of the Week after dropping 30 points along with six assists and seven rebounds in the Stags’ 80-72 season-opening victory over Penn. The 30-point outing was the third time Nelson reached the mark in his storied career in the red and white. Methnani also played a huge part in Fairfield’s win as the first-year posted 20 points and eight rebounds in his collegiate debut. Methnani was also stellar on the defensive end as he finished with a team-high three blocks in the game.

Upcoming This Week: Thursday, November 16th -Men's Soccer at New Hampshire, 7 p.m.

Friday, November 17th Alfredo Torres/The Mirror

-Women's Basketball at Northeastern, 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 18th -Women's Volleyball vs. Marist/

After leading the Stags defensive unit to the MAAC Championship title on Sunday, Nov. 12 in a 1-0 win over Rider, Angus Hastings ‘18 was named Championship MVP. Hastings has started for Fairfield in each of his four seasons in the red and white and finally all the minutes he has logged on Lessing Field culminated in the celebration of the MAAC Championship in front of the home fans. Hastings was named to the All-MAAC First Team for his performance during the regular season. Hastings and the Stags head up north for their opening round match of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament as they take on the New Hampshire Wildcats on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., Fairfield’s first NCAA appearance since 2011.

Rider, 2 p.m.

-Men's Basketball at Purdue, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, November 21st -Women's Basketball vs. Mount St. Mary's, 7 p.m.

In this week's issue...

- Stags Finish 18-0 in MAAC Play on Senior Day (Page 14)

- Men's Basketball Opens Season With 80-72 Win Over Penn (Page15)

- Stags Fall To Richmond 72-67 in Season Opener (Page 15)

- Men's Soccer Wins MAAC Championship At Lessing Field (Page 16)

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Stags Finish 18-0 in MAAC Play on Senior Day

Contributed By Sports Information Desk The Fairfield seniors pose with their coaches and families before their record-setting victory over Canisius on Sunday. From left to right, Sydney Buckley, Skyler Day and Megan Theiller all played a vital role in the win.

By Daniel Montgomery Assistant Sports Editor For the second consecutive season, the volleyball team has finished the conference slate undefeated, as the Stags went 18-0 against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents this fall. On Sunday, Nov. 12, Fairfield swept the Canisius Golden Eagles to the tune of a 25-22, 25-17, 25-21 victory.

The win also allowed the red and white to celebrate their decorated senior class on Senior Day. Seniors Megan Theiller, Skyler Day and Sydney Buckley were honored with their families before the game as they helped the Stags win what would be their 49th straight victory against MAAC foes.

Each senior was crucial in Sunday’s triumph over the Golden Eagles on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Theiller led the way with 19 kills on the afternoon along with her 17 digs. Day finished second on the team in kills as she posted 14 kills in the regular season finale, finishing the season as the conference leader in kills. Buckley provided the spark for Theiller and Day’s big performances as she dished out 27 assists for the match.

Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ...

Allison White Editor-in-Chief

Where were you when Men's SocItaly falls short and misses the World Cup for the first time since cer won the MAAC Championship this past Sunday?

1958? Thoughts?

Sad for my peeps back in Italia.

Sorry for the loss, Dee!

Pretty sure I was busy stuffing my face with hibachi. 10/10 would recommend.

Your 2017-2018 4x5 Columnists:

Allison White, Alfredo Torres, Daniel Montgomery and Catherine Veschi Will you be in attendance this weekend as the Volleyball team hosts the MAAC Tournament?

Houston Astros' Carlos Beltran announces his retirement from baseball. What are your reactions?

Aaron Judge named American League Rookie of the Year.

Thoughts?

Yes, I gotta see these girls tear it up again!! Such an energetic game to watch, it's a shame there's not a bigger crowd.

I think I might follow in his footsteps and do the same. Bye, guys!

He plays for New York so what else would you expect?

I'm totally not from NY...

Sucks for Italy, all I know is that the Stags won the MAAC!

Celebrating with the team on the field and later on at the beach.

Who would miss an opportunity to see the Stags win another MAAC Championship at home?

What a time to be a Stag!

Don't have much bad things to say about you, but you were a former Yankees so theres alwasys love for you in the Bronx.

All rise! I mean, did you actually think he was going to lose? What a great year for Judge and the Yankees, stay tuned for more to come out of the Bronx.

Still trying to process the fact that the USA missed it :(

Yuh! Rider was rattled with all that fan support.

Smells like two MAAC championships in the span of a week!!

Felt like Beltran was in the league for 45 years, but nice to see him go out on top.

Too Eazzzzy! Judge is holding that MVP trophy up next year baby.

Mildly devastated since Italy is

Writing yet another god awful paper (thanks @ professors) and wishing I was there!

95% chance I will be there since volleyball is one of the few sports that actually intrigues me (after tennis, of course).

Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

Daniel Montgomery Assistant Sports Editor

Juniors Sydney Williams and Kaitlyn Fisher aided the offensive attack as each added six kills a piece for Fairfield. Sophomore Manuela Nicolini shared the duties with Buckley on the day and added 14 kills of her own, while Taylor Rudeen ‘19 finished close behind Theiller with 15 digs on the day.

Sitting at 23-6 as they prepare to host the MAAC tournament this weekend, the red and white looks primed to repeat as champions as they are playing their best volleyball at the right time. Even though the Stags are the top seed in the tournament and considered the favorite, nothing is guaranteed when the postseason rolls around, especially with the conference providing strong competition this year.

Fairfield begins its quest to a second straight National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the semi-final round as they await the winner of Friday night’s matchup between the Marist Red Foxes and the Rider Broncos.

Catherine Veschi one of three soccer teams I bother Managing Editor rooting for (U.S. and England are the other ones).

Going to have to second Fredo on AMAZING there's absolutely no one else in baseball who deserves this award more than this one — nothing but respect this kid (though I'm a little biased). for a former Yankee

Sports

THE MIRROR | Week of November 15, 2017

Page 15

Men's Basketball Opens Season With 80-72 Win Over Penn

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Wassef Methnani (top) was huge in his first game for the red and white as he posted 20 points and eight boards in the victory. Tyler Nelson (bottom) was up to his usual tricks as the veteran filled the stat sheet with 30 points to go along with six assists and seven boards.

On a day dedicated to commemorate the brave men and women who served time protecting the United States, the Fairfield University Men’s basketball team opened up their season at home on Veteran’s Day. On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Stags welcomed out-of-conference foe, the University of Pennsylvania. Fairfield got off to a strong start to the season as they picked up the 80-72 win over Penn in their home opener.

The Stags were led in scoring by Tyler Nelson ‘18 who started the season with a 30-point performance, the first to accomplish this feat since Mark Plefka ‘78 did it back in the home opener in the 1977-78 season when he started the season with 36 points against Loyola.

Due to his performance, Nelson was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, the first weekly honor distributed by the conference for the season.

When asked about his performance in the game, head coach Sydney Johnson said, “he’s just a winner, he’s going to find ways to put pressure on people in terms of making shots. He plays the right way, so if he draws two he’s going to give it up. He had six assists, no turnovers, when you score 30 points that’s phenomenal but six assists and zero turnovers, he values the basketball, he values playing the right way and he allows me to coach the other guys.”

Nelson wasn’t the only one to have a breakout performance in the home opener as one of the Stags’ rookies made a strong debut as well over Richmond. First-year Wassef Methnani finished the game with a total of 20 points, a team-high eight rebounds and a team-best three blocks in his debut.

As a result of his breakout performance, Methnani was named MAAC Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week. “He played very well and played within himself,” said Johnson of Methnani’s debut.

The Stags faced an early deficit to start the game as the Penn Quakers came out of the gate shooting the ball efficiently, especially from beyond the

arc. In the first 10 minutes of Saturday’s contest, the Quakers knocked down four three-pointers to build an early 12-point lead as they lead 26-14 in the first half.

Fairfield would slowly battle back into the game after a Ferron Flavors Jr. ‘21 jumper started the Stags’ offensive run. Flavors Jr.’s jumper got things started for the Stags offensively as they would go on a 15-1 run to cut Penn’s deficit and eventually take the lead.

Following the shot made by Flavors Jr., Nelson followed up with a three-point play that brought the Fairfield faith to their feet. The Stags would continue to connect shots as Penn struggled to contain Fairfield’s offense.

With less than four minutes remaining in the first half, Jesus Cruz ‘21 knocked down a mid-range shot that would give the Stags their first lead of the game at 29-27. The Stags would close out the half strong as they battled back from down 12 to take the 36-33 lead at the half.

The second half would see much of the same as the Stags would continue to dominate on both ends of the court. Penn did make a run with 10 minutes left in the second half, as they battled back to tie the game.

But that would be all the luck the Quakers would get as the Stags would go on to close out the game, scoring seven consecutive points. The Stags would lead for the remainder of the game as they closed out a 80-72 win over Penn in their season opener.

Speaking on his team performance, Johnson said, “our defense upped it a notch just in terms of our focus. I think it was our focus really, I thought the intensity was OK but we just weren’t locked into the personnel and so they hurt us. We made the adjustment, got back the lead and really played solid defensively.”

The Stags will look to carry the momentum as they head out on the road for the first time this season on Saturday, Nov. 18 to take on Purdue at 7 p.m. at the Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.

Stags Fall To Richmond 72-67 in Season Opener

By Amy McDonough Contributing Writer Friday nights could mean a number of things to the students of Fairfield University.

The week is over and the weight of the week’s classes finally disappears, starting a twoday break of freedom.

For the Fairfield University Women’s Basketball Team, this past Friday, Nov. 10 marked the start of their 2017-2018 basketball season. The lady Stags welcomed the Richmond Spiders to Webster Bank Arena for their first home contest of the season at 7 p.m. Although the Stags put up a solid fight, the Spiders ended up winning the game, with a final score of 72-67 to give the Stags their first loss of the season.

For the game’s entirety, both teams fought to take the lead from each other, keeping Webster Bank on its feet. Fairfield came out strong from the beginning of the game, with a dynamic starting five consisting of Sam Kramer ‘19, Khadidiatou Diouf ‘19, Sam Cooper ‘18, Casey Foley ‘19 and Kendra Landy ‘19.

Foley started off the game strong with a three and continued to shoot well for the Stags, finishing the game with a career-high of 14 points for the night. Both Cooper and Diouf were animals on the court, fighting to combat Richmond’s tight and relentless defense. Cooper in particular had herself a game, finishing with a team-high 18 points while grabbing 16 boards in the game. Diouf opened the season on a strong note, dropping a career-high of 14 points in her season debut. Kramer’s impeccable court vision opened the floor for easy layups and crucial baskets for the Stags as she finished the contest with five assists.

Regardless of the end score, the Stags came out with flare, a fast-paced style and a confidence that did not go unnoticed. Their camaraderie, their communication on the court and their perseverance in this game will be the factors that will set them apart for the rest of the season. The fact that they kept pushing back and did not give up will propel them to the level they strive to be at. A single loss does not define a team and in the Stags’ case it is motivating them for the rest of the season.

“Even though we didn’t come out with the win, I think we learned a lot from it and it will make us better going into our next game at William and Mary,” Kramer said.

Games like this one come to an end the same way the weekend must come to an end. Friday comes around again and again, regardless of what happened during the week. The season continues and goes on regardless of what happened the last game. A new game means a clean slate and a new story. The rest of the Fairfield University community is excited to see the story the women’s team continues to write for themselves as their season takes off. With the immense talent this team has, we know their story is bound to be an exciting one. The Stags look to bounce back when they travel to take on Northeastern University at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 in Boston, Mass.

Contributed By Sports Information Desk Junior Casey Foley was a bright spot in Fairfield's loss on Friday night. The sharpshooting guard posted a career-high 14 points in the 72-67 defeat. Foley and the Stags look to rebound when they travel to Northeastern this Friday.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of November 15, 2017

fairfieldmirror.com

SPORTS 16 Sports Editor: Alfredo Torres » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

Men's Soccer Wins MAAC Championship At Lessing Field

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror The MAAC Championship-winning Stags pose with the trophy and banner after defeating Rider 1-0. The Stags reached their first NCAA Tournament since 2011 with the win and play New Hampshire in the first round.

By Patrick Getz Contributing Writer The Stags Men’s Soccer Team pulled out an amazing win on Thursday, Nov. 9 over the Quinnipiac Bobcats. These two teams set the stage for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Semifinal match at Lessing Field. It was a chilly night to say the least and both these teams were looking to punch their ticket to the MAAC Championship Final.

Not much offense was shown in this game, since Fairfield only had three shots on goal and Quinnipiac had five targets at the net. The one who stepped up for the Stags was none other than goalkeeper, Gordon Botterill ‘21. He came up huge especially late in both overtimes and eventually, he kept it going into the penalty shootout.

He had three thoughts in his head entering overtime and the penalty shootout. The keeper knows how to keep it simple.

“I don’t want to lose. I do it for the teammates. And I don’t want to concede any goals.

That’s what got me through it,” said Botterill.

The 6-foot-5-inch keeper surely saved the Stags’ season on more than one occasion Thursday night and after he made an incredible save off a Quinnipiac header destined to be a goal, he knew the Stags were not done.

“I think that’s when it hit me that we weren’t going to lose this game. When that save happened, that was the turning point but you also have to remain calm,” said the Switzerland native.

Botterill was well aware of how important this game meant to not just him, but the seniors as well. He wanted to keep the season going for them, not just him.

“Every now and then, we think what we are going to do without them. They are all over the team, all at different positions. They are role models as much as teammates, in terms of attitude, commitment and professionalism,” said Botterill.

The young goalkeeper definitely made a name for himself and he displayed his maturity as such a young player. Botterill and the Stags advanced to take on Rider this past Sunday, Nov. 12. The coach for the Stags and his squad had one thing on their minds — to bring home another conference championship.

In the championship game between Rider and Fairfield, both sides had many opportunities to score but there was only one goal to show for it. That goal became the difference maker for Fairfield when Diallo-Simon Ponte ‘20 notched one for Fairfield in the 70th minute. Since it was so late in the game, Rider did not have a comeback in them, thus losing to Fairfield 1-0.

Fairfield had 11 shots, five of which were on goal, and the Broncs had eight shots, but only two of them were on goal. Obviously, there were plenty of shots to go around on the pitch but Ponte seemed to be the difference maker late in the match.

Both goalkeepers played well on a stage such as this. David Pastuna for Rider had four saves, with two of them being in the second half. However, he could not stop Ponte’s shot, which was the difference maker. For Fairfield, Botterill had a second consecutive clean sheet where he made both his saves in the second half. Clearly, he saves his best for last.

As a team, Fairfield has put together a magnificent season and now it’s season still continues on Thursday, Nov. 16 when they face the University of New Hampshire. Fairfield earned Alfredo Torres/The Mirror an NCAA postseason berth by defeating Rider and now they head up to Durham, N.H. to face Seniors Angus Hastings, Ben Wignall and Jonathan Uy (top) teamed up with first-year goalie Gordon Botterill to the Wildcats in the first round. The senior leadership in team captains, Angus Hastings ‘18 and make up the Stags' selections to the All-MAAC Tournament team. The seniors (bottom) pose with trophy and banBen Wignall ‘18, along with their young energizing goalkeeper makes this men’s soccer team ner as their four-year wait to hoist the hardware came to an end on Sunday night with a dramatic victory. one that could make a deep run into the National Collegiate Athletic Association playoffs.