12/5/18

Asylum not Abuse

Choir at the Quick

Dayton Talks Stags Athletics

Opinion

Vine

Sports

Asylum seekers deserve our protection, not our abuse.

Soweto Gospel Choir to take the Quick Center stage.

Check out Athletics profile with Zach Dayton.

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THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of December 5, 2018

Vol. 44 Iss. 12

@FairfieldMirror

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Students Stand in Solidarity with Custodians

By Claire Monahan News Editor

Non-Tenure Track Faculty Committee and Dr. Irene Mulvey, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and curAttending a Jesuit rent president of the Faculty Welfare university, students frequentCommittee. ly hear about the core value The event also featured local of cura personalis, or care of labor organizers. Tom Wilkinson, the whole person, but does Vice President of the Connecticut this principle extend to the American Federation of Labor and workplace? Students, faculty Congress of Industrial Workers, and staff packed the Mezzanine spoke about the history of labor of the John A. Barone Campus unions in America. Alberto BerCenter on Nov. 29 to examine nardes, a member of 32BJ, which is the treatment of workers on an affiliate of the service employees campus. international union, William Lynn, The event was organized business manager and international

by Fairfield University Workers trustee of international union of opUnited, which is a group that erating engineers Local 30 and Todd hopes to reinforce the conLeveen, shop-steward, also spoke at nection between all workers the event. on campus. “Whether you’re Two students spoke at the cleaning a bathroom or teachevent, Julia Farrell ‘20 and Sean ing anthropology, you matter,” Tomlinson ‘19, as members of the said a member of FUWU Dr. Students and Workers United club.

Maggie Labinski, Ph.D. assisThey spoke about the working tant professor of philosophy. conditions of the custodial workers Labinski explained the on campus. purpose of the event was to Farrell and Tomlinson depromote solidarity and to help scribed an environment in which get rid of the divide between staff are under constant stress. faculty and staff who, “stand as Workers are asked to complete a collective voice.” unreasonable amounts of work and The event began with are sometimes not given the proper an introduction by the emcee equipment necessary to complete Rocky Reilly ‘20, “Our group their work.

[FUWU] is committed to the Farrell cited the example of idea that in order for Fairfield Claire Monahan/ The Mirror someone being asked to sweep but to be ‘the modern, Jesuit, Students, faculty and staff gathered to discuss Jesuit values and workers’ rights over pizza in the BCC. only being given a dustpan and not Catholic University’ everyone – a broom. One issue that was raised by sacchi contends, the issue of workers’ rights should be of the including our workers – must be Tomlinson was that custodial staff are required to do strenusame importance as abortion. treated with the utmost respect and dignity.” ous work even while pregnant.

In regards to not paying workers a fair wage, Cosacchi The first speaker was Dr. Daniel Cosacchi Ph.D., Tomlinson detailed a culture of silence among the said, “the Church has a word for that, it’s called sin.” The a Canisius Fellow and a lecturer in the religious studies custodial staff. Workers were issued warnings that they crowd replied with a vehement applause. department, spoke on the Catholic Church’s position on should not speak to students. Those who went to the UniOther members of the faculty who spoke at the event workers’ rights. “The dignity of the worker has been at the versity’s Human Resources department to complain about included: Dr. Sonya Huber, Ph.D., associate professor of heart of Catholic social teaching for over 1000 years,” said english, Dr. Elizabeth Hohl Ph.D., assistant professor of Cosacchi.

Read Some on Page Three the practice in the history department and member of the Under the principles of Catholic Social teaching, Co-

Fairfield Alliance Honors World AIDS Day

By Julia Monteleone Assistant News Editor “I’m from Queens, N.Y., I love Italian food and binging Netflix shows,” was the first thing that Miss Bella said to attendees in the Oak Room of the John A. Barone Campus Center, flashing a smile.

The Fairfield University Alliance had an event in commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 3, 2018. This was the second Alliance event the guest speaker attended, Miss Bella, who put on a performance at The Levee last year during spring 2018.

Before Miss Bella’s presentation began, David Bogdan ‘19, a health and human biology major, gave a presentation to discuss the science behind HIV and AIDS. Throughout his speech, Bogdan explained a complicated disease in terms that all of the students in the room could understand. He described what makes HIV such a difficult disease to cure because it has the fastest mutation rate in the world. The presentation was a great way to open for the later animated talk from Miss Bella.

Miss Bella is not only a drag queen but also an HIV advocate who travels across the country to talk about HIV and AIDS. “World AIDS Day spreads awareness and it’s important to talk about it. In everything you do in life really — communication is key,” said Miss Bella.

She herself has been dealing with HIV for many years, and feels that she is a vital voice in breaking down the stigma of the disease.

Throughout her talk, Miss Bella discussed her story, not just focusing on her HIV but also how she first found her love for drag. Miss Bella has been a drag queen for almost 10 years, first encountering drag at her alma mater Rochester Institute of Technology, “I felt one of the reasons why I kept with drag after finding out I had HIV was that I felt I could use my platform to do outreach,” said Miss Bella.

Today she is healthy and her HIV is virtually undetectable thanks to the development of treatments that help those diagnosed live normal lives free of sickness. She herself works for Northwell Health,

where she not only does outreach but helps do free HIV/AIDS testing on Fire Island in Long Island, N.Y. Throughout Miss Bella and Bogdan’s presentations, one thing became clear: getting tested for HIV/AIDS as a sexually active college student is extremely important.

Bogdan explained the ways in which the diseases can be transmitted in his presentation: “intravenous drugs and shared needles, unprotected sex, non-monogamous relationships, positive mother to their babies — finally those who don’t get tested.”

Bogdan emphasized the importance of students knowing the ways in which they can practice healthy sexual Julia Monteleone/ The Mirror behaviors. President of the Fairfield Alliance Madison Ortiz ‘20 hopes that Miss Bella gives her presentation discussing her HIV. exactly is the major takeaway for students in attendance of the event.

“A main topic we wanted to hit during the presentation was the topic of prevention and there’s no way to prevent these circumstances from happening if we don’t talk about them. I hope that talking about it more with not only bring awareness but knowledge,” said Ortiz.

The Fairfield University Health Center does free HIV/AIDS testing, and students are encouraged to ensure their safety and health by getting tested.

News

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Care for the Whole Worker

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Continued from Page One

their working conditions were turned away.

The event is just one in the history of labor issues on Fairfield’s campus. Last year, students participated in a protest at the stag statue protesting the treatment of ABM workers.

In 2016, the Faculty Welfare Committee held a similar event where professors and staff came together to discuss labor issues on campus.

Tomlinson, who was one of the organizers of the protest last fall, became involved in the issue after forming a friendship with a custodian in 70 McCormick Road residence hall. “After a while, we built a friendship and she felt more comfortable sharing her actual working conditions and some of the things that were going on, which made me sort of sad and upset,” said Tomlinson.

She then talked to other custodians and found the problems were not limited to a single individual but rather were true across campus. Since last year Tomlinson has continued to work on raising awareness for the treatment of ABM workers.

There was an “art installation,” in McCormick on Nov. 27 displaying trash in the hallway with the phrase “Your Life without Custodians,” written above.

Students for workers rights put together a pamphlet entitled, “Jesus was a Janitor.” The handout features quotes about workers rights submitted by students. Quotes include: “is the American dream really a dream or just a pair of words that spell slavery…” and “A workplace should not incite fear.”

Tomlinson cites two major obstacles to improving working conditions for the custodians: the University’s unwillingness to even address the issue, and student apathy.

Despite the efforts of herself and other students, Tomlinson says that conditions are the exact same as they were two years ago. “The official statement from our administration is that they don’t see an issue with how the custodians are being treated especially since it’s done through ABM. They think any of the problems occuring are directly the result of ABM management not their own,” said Tomlinson.

There is also a lack of transparency from the administration, Tomlinson has been unable to see the contract Fairfield has with ABM. Regarding students’ lack of engagement with the issue, Tomlinson hopes events like the one held on Nov. 29 will involve students in the problem.

“We have so much power on this campus and students make it super easy for the administration to do nothing about it,” said Tomlinson, “If they’re not getting feedback from students and being pushed to do something, to treat people better, they’re just going to continue doing what they’re doing to save a few bucks.”

Reilly ended the event harkening back to the Jesuit values, “I think that last comment speaks to our Jesuit values.

They [administration] tell us to light to the world on fire and fight for social justice. But when we try to light a match they come in with a fire hose.”

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

Students continue to use commuter lounge despite hazardous conditions outlined in senate resolution.

After the Flood, FUSA Responds Resolution acknowledges water damage in commuter lounge

By Claire Monahan News Editor

Commuter students received an email from the Fairfield University Student Association acknowledging the water damage to the commuter lounge and promising to contact the Facilities Department regarding the outstanding safety issues. The email, sent out on Nov. 29, specifically cited replacing the molding carpet and the outlets in the lounge.

The email was the result of a resolution passed by the FUSA Senate at the Nov. 11 General Senate Meeting.

The resolution was signed by FUSA President Danielle Rice ‘19 on Nov. 26.

This is the second resolution passed by the 55th FUSA Senate, which so far has passed no bills. The first resolution was passed last spring which focused on senate approval of executive branch spending. The 54th FUSA Senate passed two resolutions and no bills. The 53rd FUSA Senate passed 10 resolutions, however this signifies a move away from resolutions towards working with various faculty and administration in the senate committees.

Resolution SR55-002 was sponsored by Speaker of the Senate Noelle Guerrera ‘21 and criticizes the Facili-

ties Department lack of urgency in fixing the commuter lounge. “... The Fairfield University Facilities Department has taken little steps to resolve this issue; this resolution will recognize the extensive water damage in the Commuter lounge,” detailed the resolution which passed with 18 votes.

This resolution passed shortly after the Facilities Department began work on repairing the green roof above the John A. Barone Campus Center. Charles Sousa, senior associate director of housing operations, said that Facilities was waiting for roof repairs to be complete before replacing the carpet which is continuing to grow mold.

Another issue identified in the resolution was the replacement of the current outlets in the commuter lounge to ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets which are designed to shut off electricity when water disrupts the current, preventing electric shock. When the commuter lounge flooded, students were concerned about being electrocuted by the standing water over outlets.

There has no statement from administration on whether the outlets are being replaced.

This email from FUSA comes 70 days after the Sept. 25 flooding.

Have a Beary Merry Christmas Alumni give back to local hospitals with annual toy drive

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief

It’s officially the holiday season, and with that comes the spirit of giving. Since 1999, Fairfield University has donated over 20,000 teddy bears and other stuffed animals to dozens of children’s hospitals and charities across the United States. The Teddy Bears with Love Drive was created by the Student Alumni Association and this year marks the 20th anniversary.

With two days left to get all donations dropped off or mailed in, students are encouraged to drop off new stuffed animals by Friday, Dec. 7. Staff and students can drop off their teddy bears between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Office of Alumni Relations on the second floor of Alumni House.

Last year’s drive collected over 12,000 stuffed animals, and the Student Alumni Association hopes to make this year the biggest donation yet. Last year, donations were made to organizations including: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (Hartford, Conn.)

Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (New Haven, Conn.)

St. Vincent’s Hospital (Bridgeport, Conn.)

Bridgeport Hospital (Bridgeport, Conn.)

Franciscan Children’s (Brighton, Mass.)

Hour Children Inc. (New York, N.Y.) Catholic Charities of Chicago (Chicago, Ill.) Overlook Hospital (Newark, N.J.) UCSF Children’s Hospital (San Francisco, Calif.)

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pa.) Georgetown Hospital and NIH (Washington, D.C.) Beth Israel Newark Medical Center (Newark, N.J.) According to a press release made by the University, the program has received the Council for Advancement & Support of Education’s Affiliated Student Advancement Programs Award for 2008 Outstanding External Program and the 2011 Outstanding Tried & True Program in CASE District 1. It also received a 2014 Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary Toy Closet Award for consistent support of the Toy Closet Program.

As a reminder, all teddy bears, or other animals, must have original tags in order to be Photo contributed by Fairfield University Marketing Department accepted for donation.

Mountain of toy donations that alumni association has received to donate to hospitals.

For questions, please call (203) 254-4280 or email fairfieldteddybears@gmail.com

News

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

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The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media: Compiled by Claire Monahan Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Saturday, 12/1 12:45 a.m.

There was an incident of possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia at the townhouses. A backpack was found containing small amounts of marijuana and other paraphernalia was discovered. Students were referred to student conduct.

1:22 p.m.

An Xbox gaming system was stolen from a townhouse. DPS reminds everyone to lock their doors even when leaving for a short period of time.

Sunday, 12/2 12:31 a.m.

The odor of marijuana led Office of Residence Life staff and DPS to a townhouse. Paraphernalia was discovered. Students were referred to student conduct.

2:30 a.m.

There was a one-vehicle car accident on Lynch Rd which resulted in one injury.

Monday, 12/3 10:05 a.m.

A bench in the quad was vandalized. The bench was flipped and the legs were snapped off.

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee, Executive Editor Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor Editors Sabina Dirienzo, Chief Copy Sabrina Trueheart, Copy Claire Monahan, News Julia Monteleone, Assistant News Lexi Thimble, Opinion Katherine Klima, Vine Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Julia Crews, Coffee Break Patrick Getz, Co-Sports Daniel Montgomery, Co-Sports Christopher LaZazzera, Assistant Sports Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Advisor Professor Matt Tullis Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

News

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Chloe Riven Races for a Cure

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Sophomore to run 2019 New York City Half Marathon

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief

Health and humanitarian action encompass the ideals of Chloe Riven ‘20, who will be participating in the 2019 New York City Half Marathon in support of the American Cancer Society. Riven has exceeded her $1,000 goal, which she made hoping that her participation in the 13.1 mile race on March 17 would bring awareness to the public about people and families who battle cancer everyday.

On campus, Riven strives to make a difference in not only the Fairfield University community, but in the world around her. She’s a tour ambassador for the Office of Admissions, as well as a musician for the University’s Symphony Orchestra. As a health communications major with a health studies minor, and a member of the Ignatian Residential College, Riven combines her passion for wellness with her passion for service. She does this by acting as the secretary of the Collegiate Health Service Corps and a member of the Jesuit University Humanitarian Action Network. Riven is also enrolled in the University’s Peace Corps Prep Program.

Though this will be Riven’s first time running in the NYC Half Marathon for the American Cancer Society, she is no stranger to running marathons. This past October, Riven participated in the Hartford Half Marathon.

Her enthusiasm for running and giving back to the community explains part of the reason why she chose to participate in the NYC Half Marathon – however, she also went on to explain in an email to The Mirror a personal connection she has to the American Cancer Society.

“I have a passion for exercising, running in particular,” said Riven.

“Once I found out that the NYC Half partners with official organizations the runners could choose to run for, the American Cancer Society popped up on the list. I chose this organization in honor of my grandmother who passed away from brain cancer before I got the chance to meet her. My hope is that there will be a cure for all cancer sometime in the near future so we can all remain with our loved ones for a long time.”

Riven will be racing on Team DetermiNation, which is made up of 30 runners from all over the world. “Team DetermiNation was already pre-decided, however I love how it captures both the determined part as well as nation, meaning that runners from around the world come together to honor cancer,” said Riven.

According to an email Riven sent to The Mirror, she explained that The American Cancer Society has contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the United States since the early 1990s. Donations to this organization have helped them to gain the information and tools they need to find the disease early in patients (when it’s easiest to treat), provide a place for patients to turn for help 24/7 and grant them access to lifesaving screenings and treatment.

“This progress is only possible with the support of incredible people like you – ANY donation counts,” said Riven. “Thank you all for your support of me running this race as well as the many people battling cancer as we speak.”

If you would like to support Riven, you can donate money by accessing the link: https://mobileacs.org/2BFQ1tP The link can also be accessed through a link in her instagram bio, @chloe.riven or through a fundraising page on her Facebook: @Chloe Riven.

Photo contributed by Chloe Riven

All donations given to Chloe Riven’s fundraiser for race will be given to the American Cancer Society.

Midnight Breakfast Gets Scrambled

By Tobenna Ugwu Contributing Writer

Photo contributed by David Downie

Arguments on free speech rights of the press have been ignited in light of recent global events.

Politicians Versus the Press

By Sabina Dirienzo Chief Copy Editor

Globally, there has been a rise in verbal and physical attacks on members of the media.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, visiting professor of politics Dr. Aaron Weinstein, Ph.D. led students through a discussion on press freedom at a Let’s Talk Politics event. Students filled the 70 McCormick Road first floor commons, sitting not only on chairs but also on the floor, and some leaned against the walls.

During the discussion, students and Weinstein identified problems with the relationship between politicians and the press and then tried to come up with ideas on how to fix these issues.

One of the difficulties identified was the recent murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the lack of presidential condemnation. Weinstein explained why this was different from history by posing the question, “What’s the thing that America has that it can leverage over other nations?”

That “thing” is that, historically, the United States sees itself as a moral nation. When this morality is not used on the global stage,

Weinstein explained, “This traditional thing that America has done is no longer being done.”

Additional issues identified included clickbait or fake news, a lack of trust in media and the President calling the press the ‘enemy of the people.’ The lack of trust in media as well as politicians leads to a decline in political efficacy — citizens’ faith in government institutions and their feeling that they can make a difference.

“I think that challenging the integrity of the media, especially in a democracy, is really dangerous,” said Conor Chmiel ‘22, “but it was good to see that there are people who recognize it and come together to think about ways to combat it.”

Senior Jessica Held had similar sentiments and said, “It is assuring to know that we have professors here at Fairfield U who care about engaging the campus community in a conversation about what really makes America great – diversity of opinion.”

The room acknowledged that these are all issues that may be difficult to change. Weinstein ended the discussion by stating, “If you work really hard at it, you can fix some of these things,” and then reminding the students that there was a lot of pizza left.

At the end of October, the senate of the Fairfield University Student Association was in the process of determining how students felt about Midnight Breakfast, the annual event celebrated by faculty, staff and students to mark the end of another fall semester.

This need for student input came after Jeremy Kaler, associate director of the Office of Student Engagement, announced at a General Senate Meeting that the event as students have known it would not continue.

OSE has decided to try something rather different this year, instead of having one big event there will be several events during the finals week to support the students.

“The University in partnership with FUSA have planned a comprehensive finals week schedule of events that we believe will help students de-stress and refuel during, and after long study sessions,” explained Kaler, “The series of events is meant to support students throughout finals week.”

These event include a $1 menu at the Einstein Bros Bagels in the John A. Barone Campus Center. Also in the lower level BCC there will be more tables set up for students to use and round-the-clock coffee and donuts.

Student have had mixed reactions to this news. Some first-years were looking forward to this event.

“I read about this event from the yearbook, and I was looking forward to it, to destress with my fellow peers and eat breakfast food at midnight, because why not,” said Tushi Patel ‘22.

Another first-year student also felt disappointed but was excited about the new use of the money. “I would have loved to have midnight breakfast, it would give me an opportunity to interact with my teachers outside of the classroom but I really like the alternatives,” said Chizimuzo Chibuko ‘22.

Some of the upperclassmen have expressed similar opinions.

“I am disappointed that the long celebrated tradition was cancelled,” said Adam Murphy ‘19, “however, I appreciate the end of the semester stress relievers. As much as I would love to see to see the tradition continue I understand the concerns of the administration.”

“Although I really liked Midnight Breakfast, I think the new program would be beneficial to a lot of students after long exhausting study sessions,” said Daniel Kramer ‘21.

Other upperclassmen that attended the program in previous years feel midnight breakfast was already phasing out and that it is time for a new tradition.

“I am fine with the cancellation of the event because personally, I feel if the event was held this year a lot of students would not have attended,” said Erin Flannery ‘20.

Opinion

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THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Opinion

Editor Lexi Thimble » alexandra.thimble@student.fairfield.edu

Immigrants are Seeking Asylum and Receiving Abuse legally. If we make it harder for people to enter the way we want them to, then we will force them to seek other ways in. In the long term, taking actions to increase stability and reduce strife in Central America would mean that there are less people fleeing in the first place.

The group of Central American asylum seekers, who featured so prominently in the Unfortunately, not only has the Trump administration not taken actions to inclosing debates of the 2018 midterm elections, recently arrived at the United States-Mexico crease the efficiency of this process, it has implemented policies which are contributing to border near San Diego and Tijuana with the intent to apply for asylum in the U.S. Just the increasing number of asylum seekers stuck waiting at the border, raising tension that like any other asylum seekers, they were fleeleads to incidents like the one on Sunday. ing their homes because they were in imFor a long time, U.S. policy was to allow minent danger there and sought safety. Told asylum seekers into the country while they may have to wait as many as six weeks their cases were processed, sometimes at the border before their claims will begin briefly holding them in Federal custody to be processed, the group planned to stage for the initial stages of the process. The a peaceful march on Sunday, Nov. 25 to draw system wasn’t perfect, but in general it attention to their situation. After some of the worked, and almost all families showed thousands gathered attempted to cross the up for their court hearings. Now, new border and threw rocks, U.S. Border Patrol policies that force asylum seekers to wait agents responded by firing rubber bullets and in Mexico until their claims are decided tear gas into the crowd, many of whom were will make it borderline impossible for families with small children. Even though the some people to even apply for asylum Geneva conventions forbids the use of tear and, combined with a dramatic reducgas in warfare, many countries including the tion in the number of asylum claims proU.S. use it domestically for crowd control, cessed every day, will lead to more and sometimes with deadly results.This incident more desperate people just waiting at was appalling; it was also avoidable. the border with nowhere to go. Keep in We’ve known about this group for a mind, the people suffering here are the long time; back in October, before the elecpeople trying to enter the country legaltions, they received extensive news coverage Pictured: a migrant family at the Mexian border running from tear gas ly. But for the administration, it seems, and U.S. President Donald Trump was calling Photo taken from Instagram.com/reuters this isn’t a bug, it’s a feature of the systhese refugees “an invasion” and deploying tem. Though Trump and his allies have troops to the border in a transparent attempt claimed that they are opposed to illegal at fear-mongering made all the more conspicuous by its sudden cessation immediately after immigration, their attacks on illegal immigrants are transparent dog whistles about all imthe election. But if we really wanted to be prepared, we should have sent judges, not soldiers, migrants, and in reality many of their policies have been about making it harder for people because although the words and actions of the president implied otherwise, it is perfectly to immigrate legally. legal to seek asylum in the United States. The kind of asylum these people intend to apply This is no way to treat asylum seekers; to borrow some familiar words, these are for, known as affirmative asylum, can be sought by anyone who is at a legal point of entry the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” free from fear, free from persecution, free or has been in the country for less than a year. The process is long and complicated, some- from violence and we have the power to grant them that freedom they desperately seek. times even taking months, but essentially it requires proving that the applicant would likely Surely anyone willing to leave everything behind and walk hundreds of miles looking for a be endangered were they to return to their home country. The best way to reduce illegal better life deserves a chance to get it. We are not weakened by immigrants, we are strengthimmigration is not through fear or cruelty, but by making it easier for people to immigrate ened by them.

By Timothy Dillon Contributing Writer

A Woman’s Place is in the House and Senate--Until She Gets Old

By Kallan Hook Contributing Editor

tives to raise awareness to bring forth greater gun control, increase educational opportunities for our children and promote environmentally-focused leadership. As the first woman to have ever served as Speaker of the House, Pelosi far surpasses any qualifications needed f o r the

Democrats made history on Nov. 6, 2018 by taking back the House of Representatives after years of Republican control.

However, with such a monumental win comes controversy in the recent revelations that nominated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is opposed by many fellow democrats. On Nov. 19, The New York Times reported that a letter was penned by 16 fellow Democrats publicly announcing their disapproval for Pelosi as the next speaker. Many of those opposed support their stance by suggesting that, under the aggressive Donald J. Trump administration, the speaker of the house must be a more radical leader. The most notable argument against Pelosi’s nomination is the focus on her age, suggesting that the Democrats must have a younger representative who is more knowledgeable of current social issues.

Following the release of the letter, many supporters of Pelosi rushed to her aid, insisting that Democratic disapproval of her nomination is sparked by sexism. The Democrats who spearheaded the letter, notably most of them male, raise the question of this opposition: is this a battle against the gender, or is this focused on the radical Trump administration needing Pictured: candidate and former Speaker of the House a more progressive speaker?

Nancy Pelosi Since her first term as Speaker of the House Creative Commons/Wikipedia from 2007-11, Pelosi has continued to launch initia-

Editorial Board "All I Want For Christmas is You (to Pass Your Finals)" Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee Executive Editor Deanna Carbone Managing Editor

Many students can find getting into the “holiday spirit” a difficult feat when plagued by finals season. The constant stream of essays pouring in and looming exams can make jamming out to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” seem like the most unattractive activity. However, being a student on a Jesuit campus has its perks – like having a glistening Christmas tree set up everywhere you turn. Even though finals can take a mental toll on University students, the holiday season is a time of reflection, and Fairfield provides many opportunities for you to enjoy all of the wonderful holiday perks of while combating those pesky finals. You can even look to your friends and roommates to come together to create a semblance of some holiday cheer in the thick of all the final projects and assignments.

For starters, the annual tree lighting will take

position, therefore this opposition is not due to her lack of experience, but rather the fact that she is a woman. Regardless of how much is said regarding Pelosi’s age acting as the main deterrent towards her nomination, at the end of the day it comes down to the fear of a woman holding an authoritative position. If age were of such a concern for someone holding a political position, than the current President would not have been elected. Even in 2018, so many men remain fearful of a woman in power due to their fragile masculinity preventing them from fully accepting the progressive power of women. So many individuals fear, and are threatened by, Pelosi, a woman with great intelligence, power and authority, that under the Trump administration we have been forced to adopt a staggeringly regressive focus.

The radicalization under the Trump administration has caused an unsettling atmosphere since prior to his 2017 inauguration. With the constant belittling of minority groups, it has become increasingly important to remain united and promote an atmosphere of togetherness and opposition to the hatred from such a cabinet. While there may be other qualified candidates for such a position, disqualifying someone on the premises of age and gender is a backward thinking practice that needs to be reconsidered. If Nancy Pelosi were a man, would there be opposition to the nomination? Pelosi is a powerful woman who exemplifies the intelligence and elegance that America has missed. Even if Pelosi is not nominated as speaker, her voice will be heard; after all, the future is undeniably female.

place on Thursday, Dec. 6 outside the Egan Chapel at 6:15 p.m. This is a great way to take a brief 45 minute study break, enjoy the most beautiful Christmas tree Fairfield has to offer, grab some hot cocoa and head back to club Dimmena to finish up that essay.

Service engagement is another great way to embrace one’s holiday spirit. On Saturday, Dec. 8 Al’s Angels is hosting a Holiday Meal Assembly and are in need of volunteers to help assemble holiday care packages and deliver the meals. Helping others is a great way to re-direct one’s mind away from schoolwork while still feeling accomplished by helping out others who aren’t as fortunate.

You can also make your residential hall/apartment a home and decorate with your roommates to stop feeling stuck during finals and give you a little taste of home at school. Sometimes all it takes

are little stockings or decorations from CVS to add some Christmas cheer.

If you’re not in the ~mood~ to decorate, a quick two hour study-break to watch a holiday themed movie could also be the quick Christmas fix you need. The classics such as, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” are wholesome enough that you feel like you learned a nice moral lesson along the way so you aren’t necessarily wasting time. The new movie on Netflix, “The Princess Switch,” will allow you to live through Vanessa Hudgen’s idyllic holiday princess moment rather than make you feel like you have an unbearable amount of work to cope with.

Regardless of how much work you have, The Mirror wishes you luck with your finals and projects and hopes the end of your semester is merry and bright! See you in 2019!

Opinion

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

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The African Student Association: Fairfield's Newest Family

By Akbal Niyonkuru Contributing Writer I think that one way to celebrate our similarities is when we decide to share our differences. But how do we do that when one’s culture is not shared? One thing that we are missing here on campus is an African Student Association.

Some might be wondering why people should care about an African Club on campus, and I really understand their argument.

Some might think, “We already have a Black Student Union, why do we need an African student association club?” If one thinks like that, they do not have eyes on the global diaspora, especially the heterogeneity of the black experience. There is a big difference between being Black and being African, and this have to do with the cultural differences.

Being African means belonging in a tribe, having a culture. It means speaking a different language than your national language in your own country. Being African means jumping on a techno beat sound and calling it a dance. Being African means not caring about color; it means having a huge family, and I don’t mean only blood-related.

Creative Commons/ Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, SVG Silh

I mean neighbors, childhood friends. Most of all, being African is believing that Africa is your home, which is way far different than just being black. It is beyond skin color.

In my hometown in Africa, I grew up in a community where it was normal to go to eat with your neighbor when you had no food at your house. Your parents would leave you at the house confidently knowing that the neighbors would take care of you. I grew up in a community where, on the weekends, everyone in our

neighborhood cooked food and brought it together for the whole neighborhood to eat for dinner. I am not suggesting that we dothat here; my suggestion is that it is important that as we go through this college life, everyone should be feeling like they are contributing in one way or another. That is the type of community I am looking to bring here to Fairfield University.

Most people here on campus are still uneducated about Africa and still think of it as country instead of a continent. They think that everyone in Africa speaks one African language, which is wrong because countries in Africa have tribal languages. Coming to America changed my view on what I thought I knew about myself; I found out that most things I knew and understood about Africa and my country was on the internet. Here in America, most people use Google to get information, or watch Hollywood movies that portray Africa as country, not as a continent. I was asked if I had seen a lion before, and I was touched in my heart.

I wanted to tell him how it was like for me growing up in my country, I wanted to share with him that I had not seen any forest animal except a rabbit, I wanted to share with him how beautiful my hometown was before war took over, I just wanted to walk him through the land of my hometown.

However, now there is even a huge opportunity to share this knowledge with the generations to come, and that window of opportunity starts here at Fairfield University.

Fairfield has done an exceptional job in accepting and recruiting international students from many countries of Africa, and now it is time to build a home away from home for these members of the Fairfield University community. This organization would be the African Students Association, simply a new family.

White Supremacy Is Not Acceptable at Any Age

white students,” and even said that the school failed to act on these issues, even when they were reported. From these firsthand accounts of the actions of students at Baraboo High School, it is easy to see that this pose was intentional. A sharing of the photo, which surOn Monday, Nov. 12, multiple news postings came out about a Twitter photo of a faced on Twitter by an account named “Welcome to Baraboo,” had a caption that read “We large group of boys from Baraboo High School in Baraboo, Wis. that went viral. This group even got the black kid to throw it up” as reported by The Independent.

I highly doubt that of boys, about to go off to junior prom, “throwing it up” is in reference to appear to be making the Nazi salute in an innocent hand motion with an their posed picture. A recent graduate eerie resemblance to the Nazi saof Baraboo High School reported to lute that is only known to the class The Independent that, “the image was of 2019 male Baraboo students. taken in May and features mostly boys Unfortunately for them, this joke who were in 11th grade at the time,” has some serious consequences. meaning those posing are currently seLori Mueller, a school district niors. Except for a select few, all of the superintendent of Baraboo who boys appear to be participating in using spoke to The Independent, said the Nazi salute for their pose, laughing that the image was being investiwith their right hands raised, enjoying gated and they “will pursue any the disrespectful movement they are and all available and appropriate participating in. actions, including legal, to adThe Cut reports that, “accorddress.” The surfacing of this picing to one user, the salute was done at ture does not shed a good light the suggestion of the photographer, on Baraboo High School, but the Peter Gust,” and that means he too was school district has fought back enjoying this cruel display. This act is saying that “the photo did not renot acceptable by any means. It makes flect the educational values and reference to a horrible and devastatbeliefs of the school district,” as ing time in history when people were reported by The Cut. slaughtered simply because they were This may just be a group Jewish and did not fit into Hitler’s viof immature high school boys getsion of society. ting excited for their junior prom, Based on further research, but that is not an excuse for the and despite the pose being the photogextreme lack of respect that they rapher’s suggestion, it is not shocking showed by posing in this manthat these students would agree to pose ner. This action is not just a rude in this manner. Many Baraboo alumni display of the devastation of the have spoken out about this photo and Holocaust, but is also degrading have given examples of other ways for the school, the town and even that students of Baraboo High School the students themselves. Posing in general have shown discourtesy toin this way is a terrible thing, and wards people different from them or hopefully these students, and othwho have experienced injustice. Some ers, learn from this experience alumni, as reported by The Cut, “spoke and gain a better understanding of students yelling ‘white power’ in of how to act more well-mannered the hallways after Trump was elected, in society.

Pictured: the Baraboo High School seniors posing in a Nazi salute and others who were frequently being Picture taken from Twitter.com/@CarlySidey called racial or transphobic slurs by

By Catherine Santangelo Contributing Writer

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features Editor Katherine Klima katherine.klima@student.fairfield.edu

o t r i o h C l e p s o G o t e w So d l e i f r i a F n i m r o f r Pe

Photo taken from Sowetogospel Twitter. CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

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Soweto Gospel Choir to Perform at Quick Center

By Katherine Klima Vine Editor

Jiyane hopes that listeners will get a better understanding of who the choir is and where they come from Unity. Love. Hope. Those are a few words to dewith the new songs from “Freedom.” “I want the listener scribe the Soweto Gospel Choir. Established in 2002, this to come and actually enjoy and instill the message we South African choir has spread its beautiful and inspirare talking about with Mandela’s centennial,” said Jiyane. ing music all over the world. Since they began, the choir “And to see where South Africa is today and to see the has won two Grammy awards, earned two #1 Billboard beautiful rhymes, dances, and drums that come from World Music Chart albums and became the only South South Africa.” Jiyane wants audience members to join the African music act to perform at the Academy Awards. choir on a journey about what Mandela did for his counThe choir has even performed with many renowned mutry and the history of South Africa from its oppression to sicians such as Stevie Wonder, Bono, John Legend and the state of freedom it is now.

Aretha Franklin while also appearing on shows such as Since the choir started in 2002, Jiyane believes that, “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America.” even though they primarily kept true to themselves, the On Dec. 5, the Soweto Gospel Choir will be gracchoir has evolved in their maturity. “We never changed ing the stage of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts our sound, we still kept our sound, but the maturity and for a very anticipated performance. Prior to their Fairthe voices, the way we articulate what we do in the studio field University debut, I had the privilege of interviewing and when we send a message through a song – it’s very choir master Shimmy Jiyane. much improved.”

“The choir was formed because we wanted to celOne of the biggest challenges the choir faces, acebrate the heritage of our country and also celebrate the Photo taken from Sowetogospel Twitter cording to Jiyane, can sometimes be a language and culdifferent cultures and faith in our country,” said Jiyane The Soweto Gospel Choir during one of their performances. tural barrier. “We respect our audience very much and as he reflected on the history of the choir, “and show the sometimes because we we sing in a different language world what South Africa has and what we can challenge that people don’t understand,” said Jiyane. “It’s become a in music in general.” bit of a challenge because we hope they’ll enjoy even though they don’t understand.” However, Jiyane says Since then, the choir has become an inspiring group that has blended various genres. Jiyane described once the choir gets on stage, they’re confident in what they’re doing and they know the audience will enjoy it. the choir’s music as basically traditional South African music, but not limited to.

The Soweto Gospel choir is also very much involved in the non-governmental organization Nkosi’s “We sing all kinds of music,” said Jiyane. “We sing African American and spiritual music. We also have Haven. Nkosi’s Haven offers care and support for mothers, children and orphans that have been impacted choreography and turning that into dance. We’re not doing just one genre, we’re doing different genres in by HIV/AIDS. “Working with Nkosi’s Haven it’s one of our very important projects we have and it’s one of our music.” the things we pride ourselves with,” said Jiyane. “To us it’s like giving back to the community. Why it’s so The Soweto Gospel Choir released their album, “Freedom” on Sept. 14. “Freedom” is a celebration of important is because we’re giving kids what they need. We give the kids food, we buy them blankets, get South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader Nelson Mandela’s centennial. Mandela was them to school and we buy them books so that they can learn and be better people in life. So what we feel a huge supporter of the choir and one of their biggest inspirations. “The new album Freedom celebrates through the food and books, you feel a beautiful smile. Just a general smile. That you should be loved and Mandela turning one-hundred, and also that celebrates Nelson Mandela as our icon and our first black we show them that love.”

South African president,” said Jiyane. “We celebrate what he has done for the country and what he’s instilled The Soweto Gospel Choir is very excited to be going on tour. in terms of knowledge. What he’s instilled in the youth, fighting for the youth and their education. He built “Going on tour it’s something very exciting for the choir all the time because we can’t wait to get on South Africa from what it was to what it stayed.” stage and give people the beautiful music and performance,” said Jiyane. “We also get excited because we get The production of “Freedom” was not easy for the choir to put together. Besides all the hard work that to go different places and meet different people. Culture exchange is very important to us so that’s why we goes into making album, there are also the strong ties that the members have to these songs. “It was very love it so much.” emotional because the songs we are singing are the songs that we sung during the time when South Africa The Choir will be primarily performing songs from “Freedom.” Jiyane and the entire choir hope that was oppressed. Some of our family members got killed through this and when we sing those songs it brings this performance will be an enjoyable way to celebrate Mandela and their overall journey. The Choir is an back so much memories in the past,” said Jiyane. “It was a very difficult time to go and research about it. Even amazing and breathtaking group that is a must-see, so try to get a seat at their moving performance. You though we know the history and even though we were part of that history, but we had to go back and do the can get tickets at the Quick Center’s website– tickets go from $50-55 ($5 for students, $35 for Quick Center proper research so we could come up with a good song and a beautiful album.”

Members).

Theatre Fairfield Presents Director's Cut Performances ing themselves to be tough as women are always the appeal to male viewers. With the “sexy” female character and the “hard boiled” man, it truly reflects the inclusion of such aspects back in the 1940’s. Deconstructions always hold a place in my heart, because some way or another, fiction ends up meeting the reality of it all. Presenting itself as serious instead comedic like the other plays, it stuck out to me as an interesting part of the overall show.

Coffee Break by Jerry Thompson Directed by Emily Ramsey ‘20 Starring Carlin Fournier ’22 as Al and Martha Hegley ‘20 as Anna “The world’s changing, so you better get used to it.”

Having seen similar heated arguments play out, this play felt honest to me. Exploring the idea of the past vs. the present, the play foPhoto taken from theatrefairfield Instagram cuses on old house-painter Al and hard-working mother Anna, who’s had just enough of him. Both characters present their own stances on The directors of Director's Cut. Al’s outbursts over the idea of “women doing a man’s job.” The heated

By Brandon Robles tone of the arguments truly matched the intensity of the situation, and Contributing Writer it's ending was just as fitting.

Arriving at Faber Dining Commons, actors and stage crew alike were prepping for their scenes. With props made from a “street” lamp to a couch, the quick set-ups for each scene impressed me. Director’s Cut, an anthology of plays directed by students, was already looking prepared for the night as people were seated. Before the show started, the audience was advised for exits if the theatre was to start flooding.

Pepsico Theatre, the usual student theatre, had been flooded and damaged, so this was a nice heads up about such a possibility, even if it wasn’t raining. I didn’t want to think too much into how some buildings were leaking similarly, so I brushed it off. As the lights began to dim, my mind focused on the amount of performance and effort put into these plays.

Film Noir by Bathesheba Doran Directed by Elliot Harrell ‘20 Starring Abigail Sakati ‘20 and Jay Martins ‘21 “You never know what you’ll find at Frankie’s” Starting as if it were an actual noir play, a sudden jump in tone actually took me off guard. Acting as a deconstruction of the noir tropes, two classic character archetypes explore the reality of such films, portraying the genre as rather harmful. Detailing the tropes in a different light, we get to see the misogynistic side, with the men practically forc-

Dumbo (Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass) by Wanda Strukus Directed by Tim Healey ‘20 Starring Kiersten Bjork ‘21 as Jo and Grace Kavulich ‘21 as Edie “You’re a good friend, Jo.” In what I can call true friendship, two girls stay together until the bitter end. Or at least, one. When hitwoman Jo ends up having to kill her friend Edie, it escalates into a barrage of demands. After all, one has to have some dignity at death. The casual attitude both actors display while talking about Edie’s death wishes impressed me. The relationship between both characters showed the competence of the actors as they were capable of keeping a straight face throughout the entire act.

Let Me Count The Ways by Jay D. Hanagan Directed by Fallon Sullivan ‘20 Starring Tom Cole ‘21 and Maeve Hegley ‘20 “I love you. Kiss me! Wait!”

Romantic media doesn’t really appeal to my tastes, but “Let Me Count The Ways” acts as a more sitcom-ish play. Unlike the overly sentimental or downright boring plots, this play supports itself in its own unique way. Playing on the tropes of true love, two lovey-dovey teen-

agers explore the definition of love. The “Wait!” joke, although clever, began to wear down in its expected moments. But the play managed to escalate in a fun manner that kept me entertained, giving off Disney Channel vibes.

Grunions by Barbara Lindsay Directed by Shannon Kelley ‘19 Starring Maddie Craig ‘19 as Carla and Declan Quigley ‘21 as Augie “I think we’re in the right spot, after all.”

I’m not a big fan of romance, as said before, but “Grunions” manages to make itself rather interesting to my tastes. Exploring the “rock bottom” situation, where nothing is going right at all, the audience was able to experience such a moment through the eyes of Carla and Augie, discord included. From feeling failure to arguing about purpose, both characters convey their own viewpoints on their marriage as of then.

But rather than the overly dramatized moments like films such as “P.S. I Love You”, we ultimately get something a little more down to Earth throughout the play. Grunions portrays itself as not too outlandish, nor too realistic, but it manages a heartwarming performance about hitting the worst moments in relationships.

Short Term Affairs by Donna Spector Directed by Romina Rabines ‘19 Starring Park Lytle ‘20 as Mark Fanberg and Kierstin Jones ‘21 as Denise Delaney “I help people find the wrong person for them.”

In what I call the most hilarious play of the six, “Short Term Affairs” explores the idea of finding unexpected love in odd situations. In this setting, immature Mark Fanberg decides to get involved in an affair, but is found having an awkward interview with the stricter Denise Delaney. The conversations between the two reflect the absurdity of the situation itself. Upon watching the first scene, I was half expecting it to be a parody of a adult 90’s film, but the actual premise proved itself to be worthy of laughs.

After the plays finally wrapped, the cast gave their bows before the audience. As I left Faber, I thought to myself on the effectiveness of each actors’ performances. If Director’s Cut was hosted in Pepsico Theatre, would it have been better or worse? I ignored this question as I focused on one thing: that the community of Fairfield University is capable of getting such plays across to audiences.

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'Seascape: A Portfolio Exhibition' Makes a Splash

By Molly Lamendola Contributing Writer

The ocean is undefinable. You ask around, to friends and neighbors, what color the ocean is and their answer would be a solid, thick blue, or maybe some variation of the typical cyan removed from a box of pastels in an elementary school class. The same blue that is seen in many traditional views of the ocean: static, unmoving, solid. But Lauren ten Hoopen ‘19 dumps the box, using all mediums and aspects in an effort to give viewers that feeling of your feet planted firmly in the sand, the water giving you seafoam-y kisses, trying to keep you there forever, in her new showing “Seascape: A Portfolio Exhibition.”

When entering the Lukacs Gallery in Loyola Hall, one of the first things you notice is how far ten Hoopen stands from that one color view of the ocean. Her collection starts with abstraction. “Look, Collect, Arrange, Capture, Repeat” is a table with oceanic objects arranged in irregular patterns. “A Wave’s Impression”, “Shoaling”, “Pink Shoaling” and “Scratching the (Sea)urface” are canvases scratched and coated with blue and green and black and red and yellow inks. Swirling and waving stripes of color. Hung anywhere else, in any other gallery, you wouldn’t connect what you see to the ocean, the abstraction distorts our original vision of the sea too much. But hung here, in collaboration with all of the other pieces displayed, it opens our minds to a new perspective of the ocean. Allowing us to see it through a kaleidoscope of contexts, the colors shifting as we tilt our heads in awe.

Ten Hoopen is an artist, a composer, and though she spends the beginning of her exhibition distorting our perspective, she chooses to close her showing connecting us back to our classical view of the ocean, with traditional digital photographs printed on rice paper of oceanic scenery. “RayDeance” and “Untitled” are views of the sunsetting sky, the ocean lapping gently against the orange coated horizon. “An Individual”, “A Crowd”, “A Group” and “The Other” show us variations of the green moss coated rocks, born from the ocean, standing firmly on the shore. “My Field Glasses” shows us a piece of wood in the center of the frame leaning vertically, a black monolith shadowed from the background. We don’t truly see what this object is, or it’s relation to the ocean, until we look at “Wrapped and Hook” and “Taking a Peek.” Both photographs allow us to see and feel all of the textures of the splintering, peeling wood grain. Not just seeing all of the textures the wood has to offer, but the effect the salty sea had on this once pristine plank.

Ten Hoopen wanted this movement and shifting of our visual fields in regard to the

Photo contributed by Molly Lamendola

One of ten Hoopen's pieces in the exhibition.

ocean. She chooses not just to depict the ocean as we stand and see it, but show our very much human interaction with it. Flashing us back to those early times of collecting shells in pockets and buckets, and running our hands through the sand distorting all the minuscule grains, and of skipping rocks along the sea and making wishes with a coin toss over the back. Ten Hoopen shows us that we’re wrong in thinking there’s one way to view the ocean, dragging us through a multidimensional appreciation of the Big Blue Sea. CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons

David Archuleta Coming to The Warehouse at FTC

By Katherine Klima Vine Editor Christmas music has always been a unique genre. While many of us love to rock out to our favorite classics, sometimes it’s nice to get a new, fresh sound for some Christmas tunes to jam out to. On Nov. 2, David Archuleta’s “Winter in the Air” was released – an album jammed packed with classics and some really awesome new songs.

David Archuleta is well known for being the second place winner of season seven of “American Idol”. He is also currently touring across America for his “Winter in the Air” tour, and on Dec. 18, will be making his Fairfield debut at the Warehouse at FTC. Prior to this performance, I had the privilege of interviewing Archuleta and he discussed a great deal about the different kinds of songs he would be putting out for this new album. In particular, his new hit song, “Everyday is Christmas”, is a bouncy and fun listen to get into the holiday spirits.

“I wanted to challenge myself and write a song that was happy, fun and kind of bouncy, like “All I want for Christmas is You” and “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree”,” said Archuleta. “I tend to usually gravitate towards more slow, serious stuff, but this is different.

“Rockin around the Christmas Tree” is one of my favorite songs and how cool would it be to have a Christmas song like that? A classic sounding Christmas song. That’s what we did– writing a song about loving Christmas so much, I wish it could be Christmas everyday.”

Archuleta also wrote two other new, original songs. “I wanted one of each kind of Christmas song. The first one was happy, fun, bouncy– ”Christmas Everyday”. Then the second one, I wanted the more spiritual– kind of the reason for the season. It’s kind of my testimony of Christ and his birth. What it would’ve been like to be there and witness the shepherds gathering from affair and seeing the baby sleeping and how I would feel. The song is called “He is Born” I think that one is my favorite on the album,” said Archuleta. “Then the third one, I wanted to write a song describing winter because one of my favorite things about Christmas time, at least in the U.S., there is just like this stillness when you got outside and it’s just so peaceful, and I love that. I wrote “Winter in the Air” and I named the album after that. It’s almost like a romantic song about sharing that moment, taking someone through a winter wonderland.”

The rest of the songs on Archuleta’s 12-part album include many of the classics listeners know and love.

“I wanted to have a little bit of fun because I’ve done a Christmas album before and I really emphasized trying to keep it a sacred, revenant Christmas album– it was called “Christmas from the Heart” and I wanted it to be from the heart,” said Archuleta. “For this one, I wanted to have some of that scaredness as well so I put “Mary Did You Know?” on there and another one called “In the Bleak Midwinter” that people don’t know as much but I think it’s the best way of capturing that sacredness and that stillness during Christmas, but then I wanted the fun. So I put “Holly Jolly Christmas” on there– that’s one of my favorites, and “White Christmas” as well. Just so that it could have that– you’re driving down the street, you see the lights, and you just want to see something happy.”

“Winter in the Air” is Archuleta’s second Christmas album in Outside of his new Christmas album and tour, this past May the last nine years. One of the biggest things Archuleta believes is the marked a milestone for Archuleta being that it’s been 10 years since major difference between this new album and “Christmas from the he appeared on Idol. Since then, Archuleta’s reflected on how that has Heart” is the sound of each album. “I mentioned how “Christmas from changed him life. “I feel like I’ve learned that I am an artist, a musician,” the Heart” the first Christmas album was a lot more reverent. It was a said Archuleta. Before Idol, Archuleta often felt as if he was faking it or lot of orchestration and a lot of symphonic arrangements of Christmas wasn’t sure if he was any good at it. But now, it feels like home,” said songs. It was just the kind of music that was easy listening. Everything Archuleta. “Being able to go on a stage and I’m in my element. I can was pretty easy to listen to, you could just listen on the couch by the sing this song, share this story, and help you feel good. It’s a great sense fireplace and it’s just pretty mellow,” said Archuleta. “Where as this one, of accomplishment. As as for the fans, they give you a real sense of acI have a lot of those as well, but at the same time I have the ones that complishment because they continue following and staying interested you could not just sit by the fireplace and listen to but also get up and in what you do. I think that’s a boast of encouragement.” dance around. Like “Christmas Everyday” just to get people’s spirits Archuleta plans to also have future performances from his album perked up a bit. Have a little more perkiness to it.” last year– “Postcards in the Sky”. Archuleta is also working on more Archuleta always knew he would do another Christmas album music for 2019. “My goal is actually to have some more happy music after “Christmas from the Heart”. “When I was doing my first Christ- because the last album I did “Postcards in the Sky” was a lot more remas album I already knew I wanted to do another because there’s so flective, it was a lot more thinking and introspection. This one will still many Christmas songs and I can’t do them in just one album. Christ- have that because I tend to think a lot and be in my head a lot. But I mas shows are my favorite kind to do. There’s just something special want it to be happy, I want it to put people in a good mood.” about them, and people know all the songs,” said Archuleta. “You Overall, Archuleta is thrilled to be could do a show full of these songs and you don’t have to be a super die sharing his “holly-jolly” performance hard fan to know each song and sing along to them, because people with audience members everywhere usually know Christmas songs. I think having more songs to add to as they come together for a night Christmas shows is another thing I was looking forward to. Songs that of fun-filled Christmas music.

I could add my own twist to and people could listen to afterwards on If you’re really in the holiday a CD.” spirits, definitely come to his Why Archuleta thinks his album is unique compared to other alshow this Dec. 18– tickets can bums is the same as what makes other Christmas albums unique– the be purchased at the Warehouse voice singing. “What always makes something unique, especially with at FTC website.

Christmas music a lot of people go traditional with the sound because I think that’s what people love,” said Archuleta. “I think what makes it interesting is hearing a familiar voice– it’s not just Nat King Cole or Bing Crosby. For example, Gwen Stefani. Gwen Stefani has these traditional Christmas songs, but her voice makes it interesting. I guess it’s my touch– my tone, my voice, to these Christmas songs.”

Archuleta also wanted to create special, spiritual and unique moments for his listeners when they hear his original songs. “I want people to feel the purpose of Christmas. I want them to connect to something deeper and remind them what matters most,” said Archuleta. “I really tried to emphasize that. Sometimes I’m like how can I make this be a moment where people can think and reflect. How can I make this a moment where someone remembers something really important to them, so maybe that’s what makes this album a little more unique.”

The singer-songwriter is excited to be performing Christmas music for audiences everywhere with his upcoming Christmas tour, especially the Northeast because it feels the most like Christmas to him with the cold weather. “I want the audiences to know this is some wonderful arrangements of some great Christmas songs everyone knows and loves, and I worked with some great producers in Nashville as well as my hometown in Utah,” said Archuleta. “We worked hard to make these arrangements enjoyable and fun, but also touching and give people a lift in life. I just want people to come, enjoy, have a good time, hum a long to those songs and leaving saying ‘I’m ready for Christmas now.’”

CreativeCommons/Pixabay. Photo taken from davidarchie Instagram

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Fun Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season of holiday wine glasses for you and all your friends to get together and celebrate the holidays. Their creative designs have Are you looking for some holiday gifts for friends something for evand family? Shopping for holiday gifts can be very eryone, like the overwhelming, and it can be even more challengSnowman ing to avoid breaking the bank. The following are Snowball CreativeCommons/ ideas for what you can get those special people in Hand-Painted OpenClipArt your life.

Wine Glass, A fuzzy blanket is an adorable gift for winter. which comes in long stem or short The holiday season is a time for sitting by the stem so you can mix and match! fire drinking hot cocoa, and there is no betAnastasia Beverly Hills Sultry and Soft ter way to be cozy than with a new blanGlam palettes are two of the most popular ket. The Paper Store offers a wide variety of on the market right now. These eyeshadow cozy blankets, and they are currently having palettes are a combination of cool tones, a huge holiday sale. The Exclusive Holiday neutrals and pops of color that any makeup Reindeer Print Fleece Throw Blanket is lover probably has on their wishlist. While currently half off, and it will only cost you they are a little pricey at $45, they make for a $20 to keep your friend warm all year long! glamorous gift full of sparkle!

For all the guys in your life, the AE BeyondTarget is currently selling matching paSoft Henley Thermal is the shirt of the season. jama sets for the whole family, including furry This long sleeve Henley neck is a stylish, comfriends! For all of the families that get extra into fortable look and comes in eight colors, so there the holiday spirit, Target has a full scale collection is a style for everyone! As a plus, American of a variety of pajamas in different colors and patEagle always has the best holiday sales, giving terns. You can be an elf family, a reindeer herd, or a you a good chance family of fuzzy polar bears and any would make for a of getting this great great Christmas card! item for a discounted Sherpa jackets are totally in style right now, probably beprice! cause people are looking for an excuse to wear what is essentially If there’s one thing a fluffy blanket out in the real world and have it be acceptable.

Artwork contributed by Danielle Fierro The sherpa wave is one that I am happy to be on, and I wear mine that makes for a good holiday party, it’s almost every day. You can find a sherpa nearly anywhere these good wine! Holiday wine glasses are al- days, but I found mine on Zaful for a great price. I purchased the Hooded Open Front Lamb ways a big hit for those old enough to Wool Teddy Coat, which Zaful carries in six different colors!

CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt drink. Pier 1 Imports has a great selection

By Sabrina Musto Fashion Columnist

The Mirror Abroad: Maeve's Marvelous Adventures

By Maeve Nowak Abroad Columnist

A van pulled into Dublin on Nov. 17, filled with Fairfield study abroad students eager for a weekend in the Irish city. Our first stop on the weekend trip was to Kilmainham Gaol, a famous old jail, built in 1796, that had held children, revolutionaries and criminals for centuries before being retired in 1924. The cold, darkened, stone cells were sealed shut by wooden doors that age has cracked until they resembled a desert floor. The courtyard was barren, as it would have been while in use, but the bullet holes in the stone were clear at the execution locations. The gloomy atmosphere was an accurate representation of Irish history, however, a positive note would have been appreciated.

Our next stop was Dublin Castle. The 13th century tower stood like a proud beacon beside the gothic style personal chapel that the British Viceroys of Ireland had built, they resided in the castle to govern Ireland until Ireland’s independence in 1922. The rooms were all accented with gold, intricate crown moldings and royal arches. On the walls hung old paintings and large mirrors everywhere you looked, the perfect spot for a mirror selfie… just saying. The dining room was elaborate and is still occasionally in use, as it was when Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2011. Saint Patrick’s Hall is one of the oldest rooms in the castle and by far one of the most elaborate. Three huge paintings line the ceiling and the room is done in blue and gold, blue being the official national color of Ireland. It is in this room that the president is inaugurated Nowak and other Fairfield Students visiting Dublin, Ireland. every seven years.

After the castle and the mirror pic in the throne room that we totally did not take should anyone ask… we made less. The tour guide explained that this was the burial place our way to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the for numerous notorious revolutionaries as well as other well old library filled with books so old they’re blocked off from known figures. He showed us the crypt of Irish political the public. While the Book of Kells, a book of gospels written leader Daniel O’Connell, who was asked at one point in his in Latin from the 9th century complete with handpainted life to be the monarch of France after their revolution but art, was certainly interesting, it was a bit overrated. After five he declined, leading to Napoleon’s rule. That being only one minutes crowded around the beautiful work with 20 or so of the many incredible facts of his life. Regardless, his tomb other people, you’re rather sated. The library, however, was looked fit for a king or a pharaoh, with the story of his life one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen. The light written along the walls and accents of gold spread throughstreamed in from the tall windows, lighting up dusted books out the chamber. However, the weirdest part, besides the fact and the tall ladders that hung off the edges of the tallest that a cemetery is a major tourist attraction, was the tiny shelves. Busts of old scholars lined the corridor like soldiers room beside his chamber that looked fit to be a broom closet standing guard and the air held the thick scent of old books without a door. In there, stacked atop each other like boxes and worn wooden shelves, like a library in an old house. in a storage closet, were the actual lead-lined caskets of his Sunday morning, Nov. 18, after breakfast at the hotel, we children and grandchildren, seven of them to be exact. set off to our first cheery location — a cemetery. A famous, From there, we visited an old tenant house in Dublin historical cemetery, but a resting place of the dead nonethe-

Photo contributed by Maeve Nowak

that had originally belonged to a wealthy family before falling into disrepair and being divided amongst numerous poor families. The house held an odd mix of artfully constructed crown mouldings and fireplaces beside cheaplypainted walls and messages graffitied by the stairwell.

The Guinness Storehouse was our final stop and one of my favorites. We took a tour that told us the history of the factory and how the delicious beer is brewed. We learned how to properly pour a Guinness and how the professionals taste-test it to ensure it maintains it’s excellence of quality.

I was even able to pour my own Guinness like a pro in the Guinness school section of the building, and enjoy it on the top floor with a 365 degree view of Dublin City. All in all it was an excellent weekend and I’m excited to return and explore more the fabulous city!

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

The Vine

Page 11

Impending Films Coming Out This December

By Tyler Zikias Contributing Writer

December is arguably the most important month for spending time with your family. With several holidays around the corner, and the end of the semester coming sooner than we think, it is a great time to inform you about what an incredible movie month December is going to be. Sure, you can stay home with your family and a mug of hot chocolate to watch your favorites, but these six films are bound to get you to the theater.

Start ordering your tickets now, because these films are going to be the holiday’s hottest tickets.

The first notable film releasing is “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse” on Dec. 14. Most may immediately dismiss this film for being yet another Spider-Man film, but aimed towards children due to an animated format. However, this film’s style of animation is visually stunning with lots of colors and incredible detail. It tells the story of young Miles Morales, a version of Spider-Man who encounters Peter Parker, the most commonly known iteration of the web slinger, through a form of interdimensional travel. From here, Peter trains Miles in how to use his abilities while running into other versions of Spider-Man from other dimensions. It even features SpiderHam, a talking pig with the same abilities as the famous superhero, voiced by comedian John Mulaney. Early buzz from advanced screenings state that “Into the Spiderverse” is not only the best superhero movie of the year, but one of the best films of the year. The New York Film Critics Circle also voted it the best animated movie of 2018. Praise for this film could not be better, and it is all the more reason to see it when it hits theaters this December.

One film you won’t have to leave your home for this December is Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma.” This title is going to directly to Netflix, but do not let this fool you about its quality. The film currently holds a 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes with 137 reviews and is being hailed as the current Best Picture frontrunner for the 91st Academy Awards in February 2019. The film has also earned the number one spot on TIME magazine’s top 10 films of the year. If that isn’t enough hype for what very well might be the best film of the year, Oscar winning director

Guillermo Del Toro told Cuaron after seeing the film, “This is not only your best movie, it’s one of my top five movies of all time.” Definitely check this one out when it hits Netflix on Dec. 14.

Falling on the Wednesday, Dec. 19, comes Disney’s lone film next month, “Mary Poppins Returns.” This tale is a sequel to the original “Mary Poppins” from 1964, with Emily Blunt replacing Julie Andrews in the titular role. Early reactions to the film call it one of the best of the year, as well as most believing Blunt and the film itself will receive Oscar nominations. With an all-star cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Dick Van Dyke, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep, and with “Chicago” director Rob Marshall at the helm, this film should be nothing short of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Looking to turn around a streak of five consecutive Transformers films with a “rotten” score on Rotten Tomatoes is “Bumblebee," releasing on Dec. 21. This film is a prequel to the rest of the Transformers series. It follows fan-favorite Autobot Bumblebee when he comes to Earth and meets Charlie, played by Hailee Steinfeld. The film follows the pair as they build their relationship and try to keep Bumblebee from the government and other Transformers hunting him down. So why, after five poor entries in this franchise, should you look forward to “Bumblebee”? First of all, the trailers appear to reflect a

Q&A: Workout Myths Debunked

By Sabrina Trueheart Copy Edtior If you go to the gym three to five times a week, chances are you also watch what you eat. Eating and exercise go hand in hand; eating healthy and working out often equals amazing results. However, eating poorly and working out may not be the best for you.

You can work out more than most people, you could be a varsity athlete, but if you find yourself constantly eating junk food, you may find yourself facing worse problems than weight gain.

The body you have now is going to be the body you have for the rest of your life. It will change; there will be times you are made of muscle and eating Poptarts everyday, and there will be times where you are eating salads for every meal and still seeing stubborn body fat. While we should embrace body positivity and love who we are on the inside as opposed to the outside, we as human beings still care about our eating and exercise habits.

Whether you are new to exercise or racking on the largest weights at the gym, there are always going to be unanswered questions that go through your mind before, during and after your workout: why am I so tired today? What should I eat after my workout? What should I eat before my workout? Here are a couple of answers to some of the questions you ask in your head: Q: If I am going to eat poorly, shouldn’t I eat poorly before I work out?

A: No. Don’t worry, there is a scientific explanation behind this. Directly after your workout, your body is still working to burn off what you just did.

Your body is also trying to recover from what you

reimagining of the classic animated film, “The Iron Giant,” with a larger extra terrestrial bonding with a human character. This story will definitely be something more emotional and simple than most of the other Transformers films. Steinfeld, of “True Grit” and “The Edge of Seventeen” fame, picks her projects very carefully, possibly showing that this script stood out to her in some way. Paramount is also setting up public advanced screenings two weeks prior to the film’s national release date, meaning they must have some faith in it. No reviews or reactions have been released, but based on the talent involved and the studios faith in the project, I’d definitely put this on your radar.

DC’s “Aquaman” wouldn’t have made this list a week ago, but with new reactions surfacing about how the film is “bonkers,” “a total blast” and “one of DC’s best films,” I am absolutely on board. Acclaimed horror director, James Wan, seems to be bringing the same style of high energy action set pieces that he showcased in “Furious 7” to the comic book movie genre. Jason Momoa reprises his role of the King of Atlantis with a stellar cast including Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman. The talent in front of and behind the camera is ever present in this film, so check it out when it splashes into theaters on Dec. 21.

Lastly, one of the more serious and socially relevant films on this list comes to theaters this Christmas in the form of “Vice.” Helmed by the director of “The Big Short,” Adam McKay, “Vice” serves as a biography for former vice president, Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale. If the story of “Vice” doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, this film is an absolute necessity for what is going to be the performance to talk about in 2018. Christian Bale’s incarnation of Dick Cheney has already planted him atop the conversation for Best Actor in this year’s Academy Awards. Bale gained 45 pounds for the role, shaved his head, practiced neck thickening exercises and ate a lot of pies to gain the hefty physique of the infamous V.P.. Bale is no stranger to transforming his body for a role, but this appears to be his most demanding feat yet.

The film also includes Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney, Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush. This film can definitely make an impression on Oscar voters and will likely be one of the best films of the year.

Inkwell Spotlight CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt

just did, so it is important to eat something after your workout, even if it is unhealthy. If you’re going out to indulge in some sweet treats with your friends after you work out, it’s not a huge concern. Your body will burn that food right up! Just don’t make a habit of it.

Q: Should I eat before a workout?

A: Of course! You need that fuel to be able to work hard at the gym. However, don’t indulge in something too filling, because a full stomach might prohibit you from being able to jump or run. If you choose not to eat before a workout, chances are you will not perform as well because hunger causes people to feel faint, especially if we are exerting energy.

One of the best snacks to have right before a workout is peanut butter. Just one scoop has over 200 calories and 6 grams of protein, so it’ll keep you active and lively throughout your workout without causing you to feel too full.

Q: What’s the deal with protein shakes? Should I be drinking them or no?

A: As a vegetarian, protein shakes are a godsend to me. It gives me that boost of protein I am missing by not consuming meat. However, they are not always necessary, even for people who do not eat meat.

Most weight trainers often have a protein shake postworkout, which is one of the best ways to go because the protein will replenish your muscles and help you gain muscle. However, if you focus mostly on cardio and endurance at the gym, you are better off having a snack after your workout as opposed to a protein shake, like avocado toast or a smoothie.

Still She’d Rise

By Margaret Moore Contributing Writer at the Inkwell

Her gas light went on In the middle of the road To Astounding Wonders.

It was an old car And the gauge Never Worked Right.

It appeared full.

Yet the light shone And the car died With an ugly groan.

She got out And started walking To find the means to refuel.

She had No phone or jacket.

She wore heels.

She had been driving All alone.

She heard the rumble Of thunder And it looked like The sky Was about to Open up.

Yet still she went.

Still she’d rise.

Still she’d rise.

CreativeCommons/OpenClipArt

Coffee Break

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Julia Crews julia.crews@student.fairfield.edu

Rules and Regulations for Your

Secret Santa

Around this time of year, it seems that every group of friends or colleagues in existence gets together and decides to make Christmas as easy as possible by organizing a Secret Santa-style gift exchange. But is it truly easier? It’s cheaper, for sure, but there are surely people within the group whom you may not know and trust as much as the rest. For that exact reason, the Coffee Break Team has compiled a list of rules that, if applied to your Secret Santa this year, will ensure that each participant walks away with a gift worth treasuring.

1. No anthrax or other biological warfare.

2. Price must not exceed $25, but don’t be stingy.

3. No food. We want legitimate, memorable gifts that we can keep until the world ends in 2040.

4. Handmade gifts are allowed, even encouraged.

5. No coal. After all, is anybody truly “nice”?

CreativeCommons/pixabay.com

December Word Search FINALS

PEPPERMINT

CHRISTMAS

SANTA

HANUKKAH

MENORAH

TREES

PRESENTS

STOCKINGS

CHOCOLATE

BREAK

LIGHTS

SNOW Word Search Maker/thewordsearch.com

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Sports

SPORTS

This Week in Sports:

Sports Editors: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz »daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Page 13

Weekend Update

In Case You Missed It: Saturday, November 24th -Women's Basketball lost to Bucknell, 77-54 -Men's Basketball lost to Seattle, 83-80 Sunday, November 25th -Women's Baskteball lost to Providence, 59-49 -Men's Basketball defeated Denver, 86-85 Saturday, December 1st -Men's Basketball lost to Army, 63-60 Saturday, December 1st -Women's Basketball lost to William &

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

During the weekend of Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, Fairfield University Men’s Swimming and Diving finished off the fall section of their season with a third place finish at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Winter Championships. This is the second consecutive year that Fairfield has claimed third place, earning 1,152.5 points over the three days of action. This formidable performance was highlighted by ECAC Diver of the Meet Lukas Stanton ‘22 and Men’s Diving Coach of the Meet Dan Vener. Stanton also locked up his Diver of the Meet honors by winning the three-meter dive with a score of 206.0 and placed second in the one-meter dive with a 198.65. Fairfield gained key wins in the meet over fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foe Manhattan College, Lafayette College in the Patriot League, and Saint Francis College in Brooklyn in the Northeastern Conference fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foe Manhattan College, Lafayette College in the Patriot League, and Saint Francis College in Brooklyn in the Northeastern Conference.

Mary, 60-54

Upcoming This Week:

Wednesday, December 5th

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

Thursday, December 6th -Men's Basketball vs. Oakland, 7 p.m.

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Recently announced on the Fairfield Athletics website, on Sunday, Oct. 21 five student-athletes were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu - the Honor Society of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. In order to get inducted, a student must be a senior or graduate student ranked in the top 15 percent of his or her class. Jenny Jacobs ‘19 (women's soccer), Alec Melotto ‘19 (men's swimming and diving), Timothy Salit ‘19 (men's cross country), Emma Unterkoefler ‘19 (women's cross country) and Kevin Walsh ‘19 (men's golf ) all earned induction into the distinguished society.

Graduate student Kelly Bommer was also inducted. Bommer was a four-year team manager for Fairfield Women's Soccer and is currently working in the Athletic Department as the Academic Services and Administrative Operations Graduate Assistant.

Sunday, December 9th -Men's Basketball at Old Dominion, 1 p.m.

-Women's Basketball at Dartmouth, 2 p.m.

Sunday, December 16th -Men's Basketball at Boston College, 1 p.m.

In this week's issue...

- Stags Edged By William & Mary In Final Seconds (Page 14)

- Women's Swimming Wins ECAC Winter Championship (Page15) - Army West Point Tops Fairfield, 63-60 (Page 15)

- Athletics Profile: Sitting Down With Zach Dayton (Page 16)

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Stags Edged By William & Mary In Final Seconds

Photo contributed by Sports Information Desk Senior guard Casey Foley recorded 11 points and two steals to go along with seven rebounds. She was tied for second on the team in points scored, trailing redshirt forward Khadidiatou Diouf '19.

By Michael Hoffman Contributing Writer The Fairfield Stags Women’s Basketball team lost a back and forth battle to the William and Mary University Tribe 60-54 on Sunday, Dec. 2. This loss pushed the Stag’s record to a disappointing 2-5 on the season, continuing a five game losing streak despite having two wins to start out the season.

This win for William and Mary brought their record to 1-1 on their Connecticut road trip, with this win and a loss to the University of Hartford. The Stags fought from behind all day, getting outscored in each quarter, but remained within striking distance of the Tribe, only allowing them to stretch their largest lead of the night to eight points.

A Sam Lewis ‘19 layup off of an offensive rebound put the Stags up 54-53 late in the fourth, but unfortunately for the Stags, that was their last field goal of the game as the Tribe closed out the fourth quarter with a three pointer by leading scorer Bianca Boggs and four free throws, finishing out a 7-0 run to clinch the game.

Khadidiatou Diouf ‘19 led the Stags, putting up 17 points on 50 percent shooting from the field, with seven rebounds. Diouf ’s three point play was able to give the Stags a late lead, putting them up 49-48. Guard Casey Foley ‘19 joined Diouf

in double digits, putting up 11 points and grabbing seven boards.

The Fairfield offense ran through guard Sam Kramer ‘20 as she scored five points and lead the team with six assists. Boggs lead the Tribe with 22 points on 67 percent shooting from the field. The Stags dominated in the paint, scoring 38 points inside the paint, but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 25 percent from three.

William and Mary were able to win the battle in two key areas, scoring 21 points off of turnovers and shooting 35.7 percent from three, both of which played a huge part in securing their fourth win of the season.

Fairfield fan Sam Merino ‘21 highlighted the back and forth nature of this contest, stating, “It was a really close and intense game. The Stags were on a roll towards the end but fell short,” said Merino.

The Fairfield Stags will look to right the ship and break their five game losing streak when they welcome the Northeastern University Huskies to Alumni Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 5, then go on the road to New Hampshire, to take on the Dartmouth University Big Green on Sunday, Dec. 9.

Weekly 4x5

Your 2018-2019 4x5 Columnists:

Dan Montgomery, Patrick Getz, Chris LaZazzera and Deanna Carbone

Urban Meyer is stepping down at Ohio State.

Thoughts??

How do you feel about your team after Week 13, heading into December?

Mets acquired Robinso Cano & Edwin Diaz from the M's.

What are your takeaways?

Who is your Heisman favorite in College Football?

HELLO SANCTIONS

Giants winning 3 out of 4, boy they look better and better as they get ready for the Cowboys.

Plenty of steriods for them to find in New York.

Murray is unbelievable, would be a It better snow. shame if he did not win it.

He has done this before, stepping down at a university for health Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor reasons but he came back. I do not fully buy he is completely done with coaching.

I feel great about my Cowboys after taking down the best offense in the NFL! Winning the NFC East for sure...

The Mets are in a win-now mode and I LOVE IT!! Time for more moves and a World Series to come back to Queens!

After this past week, my choice is now Kyler Murray to win it all since he led Oklahoma to a Big-12 title!

Sooooooo pumped!

Urban has needed to step down Chris LaZazzera for a while, too much controversy Assistant Sports at Ohio State!

I feel great, 1000 career rushing yards for TB12! Run Tommy Run!!

COULD CARE LESS!

Dexter Williams, running back for Notre Dame. The guy can run through a brick wall.

I could not be more excited to dress up as old St. Nick with my lovely Mrs. Clause!!!! Bring on the milk and cookies!!

Lets go Big Blue

Being a Mets fan builds charcter.

Because we have witty things to say ...

Dan Montgomery Co-Sports Editor

Editor

Deanna Carbone Managing Editor

THE Ohio State??

can't say I know anyone by name

Santa Con is coming up on Saturday... Are you excited?

My soul is ready to leave my body. If you're not drippin in Christmas spirit don't hit my line.

THE MIRROR | Week of December 5, 2018

Sports

Page 15

Women's Swimming Wins ECAC Winter Championships

Photos contributed by Sports Information Desk

Army West Point Tops Fairfield, 63-60

Photo taken from Army Sports Information Desk Junior Landon Taliaferro (center) scored six points, hitting two of Fairfied's five three-pointers, and recorded four rebounds in 37 minutes of play as he was second among starters in scoring.

By Julia Lanzillotta Contributing Writer Fairfield University Men’s Basketball team (2-6) braved the United States Military Academy (4-5) in West Point, NY on Saturday, Dec. 1. They returned from an 86-85 win against the University of Denver which finished off their West Coast trip. Our Stags put up a valiant fight, but ultimately the Black Knights captured a 63-60 victory.

Army’s Matt Wilson led all scorers, tallying 19 points and 9 rebounds. He was succeeded by Cadet John Emezie (16 points) and Fairfield’s Neftali Alvarez ’22 (14 points). At this game, Army Senior, Jordan Fox (9 points) reached 1,000 career points; an accomplishment reached by knocking down a foul shot late in the game. This is a feat that only 32 other players in program history have realized. Fairfield forward No. 15 Wassef Methnani ’21 was a key player for our Stags, registering 10 rebounds in addition to 12 points, completing the double double. The entirety of Methnani’s 12 points were scored during the second half, keeping the competition close.

A good layup by Matt Wilson in the paint established scoring just 39 seconds into play. Fairfield guard Taj Benning ’21 answered back under 60 seconds later, evening the score 2-2. This started a seven point scoring streak for Fairfield, comprised of a layup by forward Jonathan Kasibabu ’19 and a three pointer by star Jesus Cruz ‘21.

Fairfield owned a five point lead just three minutes into the game.

Army West Point responded strongly. In three minutes, our rivals claimed 13

unanswered points. This left Fairfield to fight to regain the lead with just under 14 minutes 30 seconds left in the half, down 15-7.

After some back and forth, Fairfield and Army were within two points of each other, and Cruz sunk two good free throws to tie the game at 17, just past the halfway mark of the first half. Following Cruz’s success, Army dominated, carrying out a 15 point scoring streak to again claim a lead. With 2 minutes and 54 seconds remaining in the half, Army obtained their largest lead yet (38-20), leaving Fairfield to make up for an 18 point deficit. Before the clock ran out, Fairfield managed to gain some ground but went into halftime losing 38-27.

Army West Point netted eight points, as Fairfield sunk further behind. With just half a quarter of play in the game left, our Stags made up for their shortfall and chipped away at Army’s advantage. First-year Calvin Whipple, Wassef Methnani ’21 and Jonathan Kasibabu ’19 all contributed to Fairfield’s nine point streak that kept them alive. Five of those pivotal nine were credited to Methnani. The Black Knights made six of their eight final free throws, which determined their fate as winners.

It was the and the fourth consecutive game, and the sixth game in the past eight where the outcome was decided within a three point margin. Fairfield will have the home court advantage on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7 pm. They will face Oakland University (3-5), looking to earn their first home win at Alumni Hall this 2018-19 season.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of December 5, 2018

fairfieldmirror.com

SPORTS 16

Sports Editor: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz » daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Athletics Profile: Sitting Down With Zach Dayton

Contributed by Pace University Sports Information Desk (left) and Sports Information Desk (right) Zach Dayton was a four-year pitcher at Pace University, even starting games as a freshman. He also served as a team captain while leading Pace over Franklin Pierce, who was nationally ranked 13th.

By Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor I was outside proceeding toward the Walsh Athletic Center at Fairfield University to interview Zach Dayton, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics Marketing and Communications at Fairfield University on a mild, grey, cloudy November afternoon. There were empty tennis courts on the right and, to the left, the perfectly green turf of Rafferty Stadium hosting the Fairfield Prep football team practice. The Fairfield Prep football coaches yell out to the players, “let’s run another”, making everyone around take notice of what is occurring on the field.

As I walked inside the Athletic Center towards Dayton’s office, the walls were decorated with accolades received by former Fairfield student-athletes.

Sports have been a part of Dayton’s life for as long as he can remember.

Nothing can compare to the joy sports gives him and the joy he sees it giving others as well. The sport that Dayton has connected with the most is baseball.

“I grew up a baseball guy. I played youth baseball growing up, I played basketball as well as being a golfer. Ultimately, I wanted to play college baseball. I did the entire recruiting process and I was able to get several different schools to provide scholarship opportunities to go play baseball. I got a Division-II offer to go play baseball at Pace University and be a pitcher for their baseball team,” said Dayton.

Even though he was a part of Pace’s rotation, he acquired interest elsewhere as well, which developed his skills at his job now at Fairfield. Being a player did not stop Dayton from being a part of different facets of the program, be it game day operations, working in the Pace Athletic Department and even maintaining the Pace baseball field.

“After my sophomore year, I started working in the athletic department as [part of the] game ops/event staff. I used to work landscaping of the fields and I took care of the baseball field. Also, for a lot of it, I was not paid but I did not ask for it. I just really like taking care of baseball fields and I always have since it is an art form. Then the guy at Pace, who has a similar job as as me, came up to me and asked me, ‘do you ever want to get paid for this?’ I was like ‘sure, that’d be great’ so it expanded my role to more of game ops and I started to work basketball games and also football games. I was on the first down markers for the football team. It was the best seat in the house. At every game, I was next to the coach, which was pretty neat,” stated Dayton.

This was just the start for Dayton as he worked his way to a marketing internship after graduation, aiming to take a step forward in the sporting realm.

He wanted to stay in New York, where Pace is located, so he saw this as the best opportunity to do so.

“I was two weeks away from graduation and I walked up to the same guy [who offered to pay for landscaping] and we had a pretty good relationship at that point. He came back to me with a marketing internship that was available which was the first time the marketing aspect had ever come across. I took the job, I wanted to stay in New York and then I was the [Pace] AD Graduate Assistant so I helped with marketing, promotions and running the department, which led me to graduate

school and play college golf during graduate school. That paid for graduate school and then after graduate school, I became the Assistant Athletic Director at Pace overlooking marketing, promotions and sponsorships. And the journey went from there,” said Dayton.

The memories Dayton made while on the baseball field are some images that he will never forget. He even stated that those times were the best of his life.

“I was lucky to be a starter early on for a team that was really talented so my first start was as a freshman which was amazing. We had four guys drafted my freshman year, which were all pitchers, three starters and our closer. It was a great kind of fraternity to be welcomed into so it was even an honor to start a game as a freshman. During my sophomore year, I was a starter and reliever at the same time where, at one point, I threw 30 innings in 10 days which is not recommended but we went 3-0 or 4-0 during that time,” said Dayton.

Dayton would further go on to say, “[one of ] the two biggest memories for me was my biggest win in college when we beat Franklin Pierce [University] who was seventh in the country as a sophomore and we have not really beaten them before. They were lights out, tons of draft picks. And secondly, I pitched in California during the summer of my junior year where I was 7-2 with a 2.15 ERA against high D-I guys, like from Stanford, Fresno State and [Cal State] Fullerton. My roommate was from Fullerton and he was Pitcher of the Year and I was the runnerup. I peaked at that point and that was the best I could be. It was so much fun. I miss those days.”

There are key lessons that Dayton has taken with him from his pitching days that he uses towards his job now here at Fairfield.

“I would say that I equate this job to pitching a game. When you involved with sports and dialed in, there are no days off here. There are so many people here that care about this place. There are so many coaches and student-athletes that need our support. With the mental preparation that I used for games [as a player] in order to be successful, I take that [preparation] into my job everyday. My job is to be a good teammate, to really help this team be successful and I tell everyone that I work with that I am trying to remove as many roadblocks as possible for you to be successful. The true-student athlete mentality of staying in focus, with hard work and determination, overcoming adversity, not losing your cool in times of adversity all comes from being a student athlete. It helps me at home and it helps me here [at Fairfield]” said Dayton.

Dayton made time in his busy schedule to share some memories in the Walsh Athletic Center while practice for the women’s basketball team was still ensuing. Spending some time with Dayton was an honor considering he puts in so much work and he made enough time in his busy schedule to take some time to sit down with someone, handling all D-I sports at Fairfield especially with Men’s and Women’s Basketball season getting into full swing.