Fairfield Mirror 10/1/2014

THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of October 1, 2014

Fairfield Mirror @FairfieldMirror fairfieldmirror

Vol. 40, Iss. 5

FairfieldMirror.com

Redefining sexual assault culture

By Enxhi Myslymi Managing Editor With a passion for activism, Andrea Butler ’15 believed that the best way to combat sexual assault on Fairfield’s campus was to start a conversation with students, faculty, administrators and community representatives.

Butler reached out to Dean of Students Karen Donoghue ’03 to do just that, after learning about an initiative from the Dean of Students’ office to increase bystander intervention.

“This is something I’ve been very passionate about,” Butler said. “Sexual assault is a problem on college campuses. It shouldn’t happen and there is absolutely no excuse for it.”

Community Educator for The Center of Family Justice Marlon Ramnanan, emphasized increasing education and reporting when it comes to combating sexual assault, explaining that people need to be more informed of what sexual assault entails.

“People don’t just become assailants overnight,” Ramnanan, said, explaining that the amount of assailants is a “very small percentage,” but they are usually “repeat offenders.”

For Butler, sexual assault is “any unwanted sexual contact: anything from getting groped to being raped,” agreeing that students need to be clear on what counts as sexual assault.

According to the university’s website, Fairfield defines sexual assault as “any sexual act or any form of sexual contact without consent, including any vaginal, oral, anal or urethral penetration with any body part or object.”

READ

ASSAULT ON PAGE 2

Eliza Lewis / The Mirror

Career Fair connects students with futures

By Catherine Veschi Contributing Writer When Justine Ferrara ‘18 attended the Career Fair, she didn’t expect to make any important business connections. To her surprise, however, that’s just what she did.

“While I was leaving, a man, seeing that my name tag read that I’m a computer science major, told me that he knows the CIO of the New York Public Library and that if I email him my resume, he will send it on,” Ferrara said.

These are the type of connections that students were able to make at the Career Fair, held on Sept. 25 in the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Recreation Complex.

The event is designed to give students a chance to speak with employers from a variety of fields and possibly acquire an internship or even a full-time job.

The Career Fair is organized every year by the Career Planning Center, with the intention of giving students an idea of their options after graduation.

“We hope that students have an opportunity to network with a variety of companies and begin to build relationships that will support them in the future as they seek out internships, full-time employment or graduate school programs,” Tyler McClain, associate director of career planning, stated.

According to the Director of the Ca-

reer Planning Center Cathleen Borgman, 112 employers were available to students at the Career Fair, spanning across various disciplines like engineering, finance, accounting, digital media and everything in between.

Borgman feels that those who arrive with an open mind about their future will find the Career Fair helpful.

“Almost any major transfers over to a lot of different types of jobs,” Borgman said. She said it’s short-sighted for students to assume they won’t find an internship or full-time job at the Career Fair if the specific career they had in mind isn’t featured there. These students might find READ

SHU ON PAGE 4

Sacred Heart debuts ‘SHU Safe’ smartphone app

By Christina Mowry Assistant News Editor

On Sept. 11, Sacred Heart University released an app called SHU Safe, designed to increase the security of its students both on and off campus by making safety resources more accessible to students.

SHU Safe’s emergency call feature allows users to press a button and instantly access services such as campus security, the fire and police departments and emergency medical services. If the user is connected to campus Wi-Fi, the app automatically directs the call to campus security, according to a SHU press release.

Once a call has been made, campus security has the ability to pinpoint exactly where the student is within a building, ideally reducing response times in emer-

gency situations.

At this time, however, Fairfield doesn’t provide a similar app.

According to Dean of Students Karen Donoghue ‘03, Fairfield beta tested a system similar to this on campus last year, yet found the location detection wasn’t accurate on Android devices.

“It was giving a false report of where you are, so it was being counterproductive to the whole point of the app,” said Donoghue.

Donoghue mentioned that the app is still a possibility for Fairfield in the future, but not now.

“Until some of these kinks are worked out, we do not believe it is a safe, reliable option for our students. The last thing you want to do is give them a tool that doesn’t work,” said Donoghue.

According to SHU’s Executive Director of Public Safety Paul Healy, there are currently over 833 students using SHU Safe.When asked about the student reaction, Healy stated it was “very posi-

Until some of the kinks are worked out, we do not believe that it is a safe, reliable option for our students.

- Karen Donoghue, Dean of Students tive to date” and added that a local news station visited SHU for a demonstration of the app in action.

Healy also noted the convenience that using an app gives students.

SHU Safe also includes iReport, which allows users to file reports of vandalism, assault or crime within the app.

While reporting, users can choose to self-identify or to remain anonymous.

Lastly, SHU Safe offers students the ability to check-in with someone on their contact list to let them know their expected arrival time. If the student doesn’t deactivate the feature by the specified time, the contact will receive a notification text.

“The Public Safety & Information Technology Departments are constantly looking for ways to utilize the ‘communication methods’ most prevalently used by students in order to increase our ability to offer services that are fast, reliable and easy to use,” said Healy.

As for safety on Fairfield’s campus, Donoghue and the Department of Public Safety explained that they are constantly looking for ways to increase and improve campus security.

According to Donoghue, students have reported areas where they feel unsafe on campus.

“In the areas that we’ve identified [as potentially unsafe], we have purchased cameras to go up in that area as well as we’ve brought in companies for the light fixtures,” said Donoghue.

Donoghue other circumstances besides lighting that worry students, such as keeping campus bushes low to prevent people from being able to hide in them.

In addition to safety precautions taken

by Fairfield, Donoghue said that students need to be aware of their surroundings.

Inside Our Issue: News: Prof. Profile: Dr. Jacqueline Vernarelli (Page 3) Opinion: I would say you’re perfect, butt... (Page 5) Sports: Men’s soccer fights to tie with Brown (Page 16) Vine: Theatre of Oppressed helps homeless (Page 8)

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

News

Fairfield tested similar app Continued from page 1 “I’m not sure [if an app] is going to help students think that way,” said Donoghue.

Donoghue discussed easy precautions that students should take, such as paying attention to their surroundings, traveling in groups and locking their doors.

“I could probably walk up to the townhouses right now and get in some doors,” said Donoghue.

When asked if the anonymous reporting function from the SHU Safe app would help increase the reporting of assault and violence, Donoghue was unsure, but cited fairfield.edu/confidentialreport as an already-existing resource for students to report information anonymously at Fairfield.t When The Mirror asked students in an anonymous online-survey whether they would use a comparable app if offered at Fairfield, some thought it wouldn’t be a necessary addition.

Citing privacy concerns, one student stated they would not use the app if it was made available, stating that it “sounds like a lot of locational info [information] will be transmitted.”

Another student, however, stated: “It is important especially in the wake of the recent sexual assaults that extra security measures be taken and this app sounds like one way to do it.”

Discussing assault resources

Continued from page 1 However, sexual assault cannot be combated only through its definition, said Community Educator for The Center of Family Justice Rachel Lang ‘14, saying, “We need to engage in a cultural shift in the way we discuss sexuality.” She explained that raising awareness about the issue involves redefining social norms that can come with being assaulted.

During the conversation, Resident Assistant Matt DeCaprio ‘15 discussed Man 2 Man, a living and learning community for freshman males that aims to “redefine masculinity and instill a strong code of moral ethics in students.”

The conversation united students and resident assistants with professors, administrators and members from the Fairfield Police Department, Department of Public Safety and The Center of Family Justice, all of whom serve as supportive resources for students.

In an email sent to the Fairfield community on Sept. 30, Donoghue sent out a list of confidential resources available to students for sexual-assault related incidents, including Counseling & Psychological Services, the Student Health Center and most recently, Chrystie Cruz, a confidential advisor. The complete list of resources is available at fairfield.edu/ survivor.

“From what I’ve seen, Fairfield is really good about this,” Butler said, Jen Calhoun / The Mirror adding that it seems as though faculty, The above statements were taken from students that participated in The Mirror’s online survey regarding students and administrators are there to support any victims if they choose to come forward.

Mark Noonan shares insight in inventing

By Jessica Delahunt Assistant News Editor While most would classify Mark Noonan as an inventor, the man responsible for popular tools such as the Snow Wolf (a wheeled snow shovel) and the Leaf Loader (a clean-up device for lawn debris), says that to him, the term is like “nails on a chalkboard.”

“I think of invention like water,” Noonan says of his design process.

“You need it to survive, but you don’t spend your day thinking about how to get it.”

In a lecture delivered at the Dimenna-Nyselius Library on Monday evening titled “Invention and Entrepreneurship,” Noonan shared insight on the lengthy process of seeing his inventions through from the first prototype to markets, such as Walmart and Amazon.

Noonan is the executive director of Nootools, a company that designs, manufactures and distributes hardware and kitchenware products.

He admits that the design process can often be “like a Rubik’s Cube.”

Yet according to him, coming up with an idea is the easy part.

The real challenge begins when inventors attempt to make their ideas a reality, according to Noonan. He recommends making a five-minute prototype to gauge the potential of an idea before pursuing it.

It is not uncommon for inventors to turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of their beloved creations: “Nine out of 10 prototypes that I see are fatally flawed,” says Noonan. “They don’t work and they will never work.”

“We all know stories of people who put their products on the market and made $20 million right away,” says Noonan. “But that’s not the majority of products,” adding that it took countless designs to make the Snow Wolf commercially viable.

Another common pitfall to which even seasoned inventors fall victim to is the purchase of unnecessary patents: “Most patents that I see are so narrow that they’re completely worthless,” Noonan said.

Furthermore, he warned that the cost of purchasing a patent is usually insignificant compared to the amount that most spend defending their patents against infringement.

Regardless of possible invention pitfalls, the audience was filled with aspiring entrepreneurs, anxious to find a way to turn a profit from their latest great idea.

“I have an idea that I want to bring to the market,” said audience member Angela Chen. “I just have no idea how to do it. I’m hoping this seminar will help.”

Elena Cahill, a professor at the University of Bridgeport, attended the seminar with four business students in tow. Yet Fairfield students were much less enthusiastic; despite the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and the School of Engineering promoting the event, only one Fairfield student attended.

Sophomore Margo Duprey attended the lecture hoping that it would provide her with some idea of what she should do after graduation.

Although Duprey is a biology major, she says that the life of an inventor

appeals to her. “I’m always thinking of ideas,” says Duprey.

While Duprey remarked that she was grateful for the opportunity to attend the lecture attended by “a lot of intelligent people,” it was not what she had been expecting. “I thought it was more of a networking event,” she said. “And there wasn’t really an opportunity to do that.”

Career Planning focuses on Sophomore Success

By Kaadiana Barnes Contributing Writer Sophomore Sarah Dubissette attended a workshop as part of the Career Planning Center’s initiative, Sophomore Success, which aims to outfit second-year students with the professional skills necessary in the workplace.

“I learned how to write an effective resume and cover letter, as well as the significance of a suit and how to properly pull off business casual,” said Dubissette.

Dubissette is one of the students that attended Sophomore Success, a series of

workshops run by the Career Planning Center. The workshops aim to prepare second year-students for their future and teach them how to behave in a professional manner. It started nine years ago by the Director of the Career Planning Center Cathleen Borgman.

Borgman didn’t want to forget the students that completed their freshman year of college because there weren’t any programs for sophomores.

“There was such a big emphasis on the freshmen and basically when they became sophomores, there was nothing.

Students need to take career [planning] se-

riously as early as possible in the academic career,” Borgman said.

Though Sophomore Success is specifically for second-year students, CPC has not forgotten the juniors and seniors.

Because the upperclassmen are expected to have built their resumes already, CPC has other programs, such as one focused on professionalism skills for seniors. CPC had tried to create programs for juniors in the past, but they were discontinued due to the low rates of students.

Borgman felt there were several topics to go over in each session. These included resume writing, social media, creating

a LinkedIn profile, interviewing skills and professionalism. CPC also allows students and guest speakers to help out with these topics.

“An employer or graduate student would come in and help with mock interviews. Past students would come in and discuss their experience studying abroad,” said Borgman. By running weekly, Sophomore Success allows CPS to go through more topics.

If CPC waits too long to give out fresh topics then people will begin to lose interest. Last year, about 50 students attended Sophomore Success, which increased to 65

students this year. Starting with 15 participants in the first workshop of the year, the program improves each week.

Sophomore Catherine Pezzella attended the workshops for the first time this week in order to help herself excel and to better her future.

“They give a lot of tips and lessons on various topics. They give tips on employment and having a future,” Pezzella said.

Sophomore Success workshops are every Monday for the rest of the fall semester at the Aloysius P. Kelley Presentation Room at 5:30 p.m.

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THE MIRROR |Week of October 1, 2014

News

Professor Profile: Dr. Jacqueline Vernarelli

By Symone Mazzotta Contributing Writer Determined to make an impact on her students lives, Dr. Jacqueline Vernarelli is more than just the new Assistant Professor in the Biology department. She has dedicated her life to science, specifically nutrition, and is utilizing all of her knowledge and creativity into the sciences at Fairfield.

Vernarelli encourages her students to learn and wants the best for them, both academically and in life and has said, “I love mentoring students and getting involved with student projects, finding something that they like about a class and turning it into something new. What can we learn about this, how can this help you shape your next steps, whether it be a job after school or going to graduate school.”

She grew up in Rochester, New York and received her bachelors degree in Chemistry from Skidmore College, a small liberal arts school in upstate New York. “I was really interested in the health applications of chemistry. I took some classes in nutrition and energetics in my last year and decided, for graduate school, that I wanted to do something nutrition-related,” said Vernarelli.

Following her years as an undergraduate, Vernarelli attended Georgetown University School of

Medicine and received her M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She said, “It was fun down there. D.C. is cool and a good place for science, especially health science. I did some graduate work there, looking at cancer and dietary phytochemicals: things we eat that could help prevent oncogene expression or help block cancer development.”

“I then decided that I’m not really as excited about pipettes as I am people and what they eat,” said Vernarelli, which is why she attended Boston University School of Medicine and the School of Public Health to finish her Ph.D. While in school, she said “I started looking at big groups of people and patterns of what they eat and how they behave. My training was very molecular all the way through and very public health related.”

Between graduate school and Fairfield, Dr. Vernarelli did a postdoctoral at Penn State. She then was a faculty member there for a few years.

On her reasoning for coming to Fairfield, she said, “I wanted to come to a school where teaching was a bigger focus and where I could give back. I feel like I’ve gotten to where I am and what I think it is so exciting about science and nutrition is that I got to do research as an undergraduate student. Fairfield is a school that really promotes undergraduate re-

search.”

Her passion for teaching stems from her father, who was also a professor, and she knew from a young age that this was an environment she wanted to be in.

In her first semester, Dr. Vernarelli is teaching two courses and “they could not be more different.” One is a core science course, which means a science course for non-science majors: Contempo-

I started looking at big groups of people and patterns of what they eat and how they behave. My training was very molecular all the way through and very public health related.

- Dr. Jacqueline Vernarelli, Assistant Professor of Biology at Fairfield rary Nutrition: Food for Thought.

“It explains how nutrition, as a science, relates to how we eat and how we live. Without having any science experience, I think nutrition is something important to learn about because, well, everybody eats. Its a good subject to know about and is very relevant,” said Vernarelli.

Her second course is a cornerstone class for nursing students, Anatomy and Physiology. The type of students are very different, one has all non-science major upperclassmen and the latter has a majority of freshmen who are focused on becoming nurses.

She enjoys teaching the variety of students in these differently focused classes. Looking towards her future at Fairfield, she is excited to teach a bit more. “I

may have a community and public health nutrition class, which would explain nutrition in the community, such as food stamps, school lunch, the soda ban and other interesting topics.”

Dr. Vernarelli wants to expand the department as a professor and open doors to nutrition in the science department and is looking forward to the opportunities she can bring to students at Fairfield University.

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

Crime Beat

News

Compiled by Austin Wesolowski Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Tuesday, 9/23 2:54 p.m. - The hood and side door of a vehicle that was parked on Ross Road was found vandalized.

Chess club teaches ‘A game of minds’

Wednesday, 9/24 11:39 a.m. – A white Volvo parked in the School of Nursing parking lot was found to be leaking oil. The car was towed off campus for maintenance.

Friday, 9/26 8:16 a.m. – A Sodexo employee reported that a white cardigan was stolen from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

11:02 a.m. – Two males in the Japanese Garden at Bellarmine Hall were found to be in possession of marijuana. One of the students were issued a summons from the Fairfield Police Department and both students were referred to student conduct.

Saturday, 9/27 10:16 a.m. - A female’s wallet that was reported missing was found at the Levee. Multiple gift cards and $20 were found to be missing.

6:31 p.m. – Students in a vehicle were found to be littering on Bellarmine Road. One of the individuals admitted to throwing debris and was referred to student conduct.

10:48 p.m. – A large gathering of individuals outside Townhouses 6 block caused DPS officers to report to the scene. A couple of individuals were reportedly belligerent to the reporting officers. Those individuals were referred to student conduct.

Monday, 9/29 8:16 a.m. – Two male students were found to have taken a Fairfield banner from a light post.

The banner was recovered and restored, and the students were referred to student conduct.

Robert Joyce / The Mirror

By Bridget Brown Contributing Writer The challenging and mentally strenuous game of chess is played and practiced worldwide. Although it was invented in the sixth century, it took until three years ago for the game to make its way to Fairfield through the formation of the chess club.

Since it started, the chess club has maintained a steady participation rate of about 20 members, whose skill levels range from little or no experience to expert competitor. Vice President of the Chess Club Alex Dane ‘16 notes the club’s vibe is welcoming to newcomers, and that no prior experience to the game is necessary.

Dane also described chess as a “game of minds” and a “battle of wits,” and how it never fails to present a challenge to the players because there’s “always someone better than you.”

The members have plenty of opportunities to sharpen their skills, considering practices take place twice a week for about two hours each session. In addition to biweekly practices, the members also have the opportunity to participate in the Chess Club of Fairfield County in Norwalk. Run by the United States Chess Federation, Fairfield funds the chess club’s attendance to the event.

Dane, who has attended many of these tournaments, said each one consists of three to four games against all ages, and they are a rewarding experience that can help any avid chess player sharpen their skills.

Chess Club meets Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10 p.m. in Bannow 137.

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Shauna Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Calhoun, Executive Editor Enxhi Myslymi, Managing Editor Editors Robert Joyce, News Christina Mowry, Assistant News Jessica Delahunt, Assistant News Meaghan Conlon, Opinion Charles DeFilippo, Vine Katie Acompora, Assistant Vine Meaghan Kirby, Coffee Break Patrick Kiernan, Sports Matthew Schneider, Assistant Sports Jesse Erickson, Assistant Sports Angela Sammarone, Chief Copy Editor Business Department Email: advertising@fairfieldmirror.com Jake Ruskan, CFO Adviser Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

Students make professional connections at Career Fair Continued from page 1 occupations they never thought of if they come with an open mind.

Senior Margaret Siu also feels that the Career Fair is “definitely not geared towards people who know exactly what they want.”

“Just because I’m a biochemistry major, I don’t necessarily have to go into a science career,” Siu said. “The fair and the companies that were there allowed me to see my options.”

The Career Fair has proved

to be very effective in helping students find what they want to do after they graduate.

Senior Jameel James found his current occupation as a financial representative with the help of the Career Fair.

“I knew that I needed a job after graduation, but I didn’t know what kind of job I wanted. The Career Fair really helped me narrow it down to something that fits my personality and my work ethic,” James said.

While the Career Fair is very helpful for upperclassmen in their search to secure internships

or full-time jobs, the fair does provide benefits for freshmen and sophomores as well.

For Cristina Agudelo Rivera ’18, the Career Fair was a chance for her to get a head start on her job search.

“I wanted to get internship applications and information about the actual internships that are available for my major,” Agudelo Rivera said.

For anyone who didn’t attend the Career Fair or didn’t find what they were looking for, the CPC will be holding another fair in the spring.

Opinion

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014 Editor

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Opinion

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I would say you're perfect, butt...

Contributed under Creative Commons

By Katie Acompora Assistant Vine Editor If 2013 was the year of the wrecking ball, 2014 is definitely the year of the big booty. Jen Selter’s Instagram has sent millions of girls into a frenzy to fit squats into their daily routine. Nineteen-year-old Selter is an online phenomenon, posting her famous bubble butt in cities across the world.

Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” music video started an epidemic, inspiring Iggy Azalea to make her own music video “Booty,” featuring the one and only Jenny From the Block. Nicknames like “wagon” and “ace” have emerged from this obsession with the sole task of inadvertently addressing a bodacious booty.

So what is the problem with music videos getting raunchier and raunchier? The truth is that sex sells in the 21st century - look at how Kim Kardashian became famous. The objectification of bodies has become the norm and celebrities create sex tapes and sexed up music videos to grab our attention.

After all, images that are provocative and catchy inspire conversation and parody, but who really has the last laugh?

Yes, Minaj’s “Anaconda” is an over the top and hilarious remake of Sir Mix a Lot’s hit “Baby Got Back.”

Yes, I will be seen dancing to it every time it plays at the ‘Grape, but let’s get one thing straight: Minaj’s butt isn’t even real!

Performers these days are wearing less and less clothes, flaunting their bodies without realizing the effect it has on women. Minaj, Azalea and J.Lo are really beautiful women, but they live in a world where image is everything.

Beyoncé, on the other hand, strives to use her music as a driv-

Editorial Board The internship spiel Shauna Mitchell Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Calhoun Executive Editor Enxhi Myslymi Managing Editor

ing force for her feminist thinking.

However, her work is not taken seriously. How can we view Beyoncé as a feminist and a sex symbol? How can she represent the average, everyday woman who struggles? This is a lady who we have never even seen in sweatpants, and is “flawless,” from head to toe.

The underlying issue is that men and women both in media and society are not taking into consideration the serious issues that women face about body image. What has society come to? Girls should not feel that they have to do hundreds of squats to make our butts bigger.

Is the media trying to brainwash us into thinking that if we acquire big butts, this asset will help us conquer the world or get our dream boyfriend? What about us girls who are normal and not superstars, who do not want unnecessary attention to our bodies.

A woman was fired from her job because she was “dressed too sexy”; where do we draw the line?

All of this pressure and attention comes at a time when girls already have a hard time appreciating and valuing their bodies. Especially with social media, the constant stream of images make women more susceptible to comparing themselves to other.

There are sites like Barstool Sports, which allow sexually frustrated guys to rate college girls they find attractive for all to see. Instagram is a fight to the finish to see who can take the best selfie, which misconstrues girls’ perceptions of beauty.

We live in a world where women feel that they are constantly watched and judged by others for all to see. It is a shame that women care more about what others think than what they think of themselves.

Social media and the selfie trend have instead caused eating disorders,

As graduating seniors, we are faced with the pressures of finding a real job in the real world every day.

We do all we can: take challenging classes, pick up double majors and minors, participate in extracurricular activities and seek out meaningful, lucrative internships.

But is it enough? Recently, undergraduate degrees have become worth less and less as the job market becomes more and more competitive, which means internship experience becomes even more important.

The current attitude in most industries is that college grads should be good at everything and that they should work for free,

depression, plastic surgery and an unhealthy obsession with the gym. The irony is that most people don’t even look like themselves on Instagram because of all features that allow for editing. My friend just sent me a picture of Kylie Jenner with her friend in actual life compared to on Instagram - it had me laughing for days.

with most internships offering academic credit as opposed to an hourly wage as payment.

With our generation inheriting the biggest overall debt and largest student debt in American history, how are we supposed to graduate and work for little to no pay?

Our college-grad status should not mean that we have to work for free and, frankly, we believe that free internships largely benefit only the wealthy.

Even more, job applications frequently ask for the applicant to have prior internship or work experience.

Except, how are we supposed to attain this experience if we can’t get internships in the

One way that positive self-image is coming about is from singer Meghan Trainor. Her song, “All About That Bass,” openly talks about the pressures of being a certain size.

She sings, “Cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.” Trainor said in an article for Billboard magazine, “I wrote it for me, as

first place because we lack experience? What happens when we get the internship, but don't have the money to afford taking on one that's unpaid?

Then we're back right where we started: a hellish cycle that has no end in sight.

With the gap between the rich and the poor steadily increasing, it seems clear to us that the students with the better connections and the more money in their pockets are immediately better off than their peers.

What's more baffling is that for many of these lucrative internships it's a "you have to know someone" kind of thing anyway.

The intern pool breeds nepotism, but when you’re a lucky one

well, because I’ve struggled with body image since I was very young. And, my best friend is a beautiful goddess, but she’ll pick on herself in the mirror.”

Trainor’s song about self-love is just one example of true female empowerment these days, and it’s what we need more of.

who gets a job based on it, you’re not going to be eager to change the cycle.

We were told growing up that if you work hard, good things will happen. Isn't that the American Dream?

But what if that’s not true?

What if it takes more than just a stellar resume and a killer interview to land the job?

And what's worse, getting the internship doesn’t mean you’re set for a job when you get out of college anyway because full-time staff members sometimes don't even bother training their interns because they'll be gone within three months.

Unfortunately, expendable is just part of the job title.

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

Opinion

America's future: a dystopia

By Timothy Leach Contributing Writer

Contributed under Creative Commons

Feminism is not just a fad Feminism seems to be every-

By Andrea Butler Fashion Columnist

where these days. From Beyoncé to Emma Watson to my pretendboyfriend Joseph Gordon Levitt, beloved celebrities are stepping up and saying, loud and proud, “I am a feminist.” But why should it be important?

To borrow the words of the amazing author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as quoted in Beyoncé’s “Flawless,” a feminist is a person who believes in “the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.”

This sounds simple enough.

I am a feminist. And you know what I’ve learned? A lot of people really hate feminists.

I have been called derogatory names. I’ve been told that if I don’t stop being a feminist, I won’t find a boyfriend.

Girls have laughed at me, insulted me and rejected me. I’d be lying if I said none of this hurt me.

It’s hard for me to understand why I get these reactions when feminism just seems to be common sense to me.

Men and women deserve the same rights. It is that basic.

I should be able to show as much skin as I want without being told I’m “asking for it.”

I should be able to go to the weight room without a guy asking me if I need help (which happens every single time).

I should be able to walk down the street without strangers honking at me and telling me they want to have sex with me.

Likewise, a man should be able to turn down sex without worrying about being mocked. A man should be able to pursue hobbies that interest him, even if they are typically “feminine.”

A man should be able to talk about emotions without being called “a girl.”

Feminism, in its purest form, says both women and men deserve

respect, ownership of their body and the agency to pursue to act whatever way they want, even if it isn’t typical for their gender.

If you say you’re not a feminist, you’re basically saying you don’t believe women are worth as much as men.

No matter what way you try to spin it, if you’re anti-feminism, you’re anti-women.

And if that’s really how you feel, I want you to look your mother in the eye and tell her that she doesn’t deserve respect.

Tell your little sister that if she gets raped at a party, she deserved it because she was drinking.

Stand in front of your class and tell all the girls in the room to drop out, because once they get pregnant, they won’t be working anyway, because a woman’s place is in the home.

Feminism is beneficial for every single person in our society, and if you disagree with that, you are wrong.

Media has the tendency to saturate trends when something popular hits the scene. “Twilight” turned vampires, formerly creepy mythological creatures you would see in a C-list horror flick or in a “Scooby Doo” episode, into sensationalized figures of pop culture.

Additionally, ever since “The Avengers” grossed over $1.5 billion, everyone and their mothers have been scrambling to produce more movies and television shows to get in on the hot take.

Hollywood has found another new hit in the form of young adult dystopian novels such as “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent” and most recently, “The Maze Runner.”

There are plenty of people who loved “The Hunger Games” and I have started to hear some rumblings over “Divergent.”

It makes me wonder why so many people are fascinated with these particular stories of teenagers, who are trying not to die in dark, scary future worlds.

You could argue that “The Hunger Games” got the ball rolling and Hollywood is just propelling the trend by milking the genre while it’s at its peak. But what if they are also cautionary tales?

One of the dystopian novels I read for school was “1984.” Written

by George Orwell in 1947, it depicts a dystopia where society is constant-

ly watched by an entity called “Big Brother.” Whenever people had rebellious thoughts, they were forcibly conformed to become like everyone else.

It was a totalitarian police state, much like the enemies in “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent.”

In “1984,” Orwell was cautioning society about what it could become.

He feared that superpowers like Hitler would gain enough control to impose whatever reality they pleased onto the world.

The scary part of this train of thought is that it is somewhat realistic. You could actually see his world as a potential future.

Even “The Hunger Games” is rooted closely enough in reality.

The world would need further advancements in technology, and extended corporate control with a fetish for bloodbaths, before we are living in the cruel dystopia Suzanne Collins wrote about.

Since it’s still presented as removed from our current reality, it feels like fantasy.

Stories like “The Hunger Games” are walking paradoxes. They can serve as cautionary reminders as to what we could become, and they can provide an escape into a world that isn’t quite like ours.

Humans like to ponder the “what ifs,” and dystopias happen to be a popular “what if ” to go to right now, thanks to their current sensationalism and tangible realities.

Millennials are letting religion die out

By Ariana Puzzo Contributing Writer As the Internet continues to rise in popularity, many people are wondering whether its growing acclaim has had a negative impact on our youth’s religious affiliations.

In the highly controversial debate, CNN has taken the position that the Internet has actively influenced the significant decrease of our youth’s religious affiliations.

After examining both sides of the argument, I find myself inclined to agree with CNN that the Internet has influenced the growing desire to disassociate oneself with religion.

However, I also believe that religious disaffiliation goes back further than the disinterest in religion shown by the current youth.

Additionally, to fully understand why so many people are growing more disassociated with religion, one must evaluate the actual origin of the decline.

The question of whether or not we should be religious did not come about with the creation of the Internet. Rather, it has been a point of contention for many years, oftentimes resulting in religious protests.

Changing familial values, in my opinion, was the initial cause of religious disaffiliation.

Moreover, these changing values became multigenerational, leading to the continued decline in religious affiliation with

our generation, often referred to as Generation Z. The genesis of the initial decline was a direct result of the generation preceding us, often referred to as the baby boomer generation, wanting “religion on our own terms.”

Instead of having set guidelines on how a person should conduct him or herself religiously, people began to create their own standards.

By doing so, the method of “religion on our own terms” has become more accepted over the years, where it is now commonplace for someone to choose how he or she wishes to integrate religion into his or her lifestyle.

Rather than going to a religious gathering once a week, or at all, actively practicing a religion is no longer considered to be an essential value, like it once was to the gen-

eration preceding the baby boomers.

Although religion was considered to be fundamental in shaping a person’s life, there are now other aspects of life that are considered more relevant.

The creation of the Internet and the growth of social media have further developed this multi-generational belief that religion is not essential to our lives.

The Internet, in my opinion, acts as the second catalyst in the decline of religion through the availability of social media.

Out of the recent rise of social media, there are now more efficient and widespread methods of delivering protests.

However, an inevitable result of utilizing these new methods is that the many negative beliefs aimed at religion have further sparked the decline of religious affiliation with our own impressionable generation.

The Internet has without a doubt impacted religion negatively.

To say that the Internet is the only source of religion’s destruction, however, is a gross inaccuracy given that the decline of religion has been occurring for many years.

By further distancing ourselves from religion, we are showing society’s changing values.

Additionally, one might assume that it is likely that generations to come will also be less inclined to call on religion in times of difficulty, given the changing face of religion and the relevancy it holds for many of today’s youth.

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features Editor Charles DeFilippo: vine@fairfieldmirror.com

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

The Vine

Theatre of the Oppressed helps homeless

By Monet Monterosso Contributing writer

The Theatre of the Oppressed troupe Concrete Justice performed “The Housing Circus,” a forum play about the New York City transitional housing system at the PepsiCo Theatre on Sept. 28. “The Housing Circus” tackles the system in a wacky, complex and touching circus based on the real life experiences of the ensemble.

The show opened with two jokers, Becca Lynch and Kate Clark. “We are here to talk about problems,” said Lynch. They introduced the show by saying that the audience isn’t a spectator, but a “spec-actor.”

Clark and Lynch warmed up the audience with friendly ice breakers including shaking hands with someone next to you and not being able to let go until you were shaking hands with another, before the show began.

A ringmaster walked out on stage and introduced the audience to the Housing Circus, where everyone needs their electronic benefit transfer card (food stamps, cash assistance, ID and insurance card) out.

After which, Mr. Pinky the clown walks out and decides to take an HIV test to make sure his family will be healthy. After two weeks, his results return positive.

He goes home feeling rejected and confides in his roommate, who responds by kicking him out.

“A bird was above me and pooped on me and then a cat came out and pulled me out of the poop and ate me” explained Pinky. “The moral of the story is, the one who pooped on you isn’t really your enemy and the one who pulled you out of the poop isn’t really your friend,” Mr. Pinky said as he runs off laughing.

A strongman was introduced who refused to perform because he had to go to a job interview.

The ringmaster repeatedly told him that if he didn’t stay and perform, he wouldn’t have his bed.

The strongman claimed that he would be back on time and the ringmaster agreed to keep his bed for him.

Right when the strongman left for his interview, the ringmaster called a social worker, stating that he needs a new homeless person to stay in the dirty apartment in Mount Eden (an actual homeless shelter in New York City).

There are currently nine programs in New York where homeless people put their experiences into the show, spreading awareness about homelessness.

“Because of Theatre Oppressed, I tend to think more. I now have the TO brain,” said actor John. “Everything isn’t black and white so I tend to think out of the box more.”

One of the big events of Theatre of the Oppressed is a legislative show once a year for council members in the senate to show them what their people are dealing with.

At the end of the show, the council members are given proposals that if passed, would fix the issues brought up in the play.

“The idea is to have one community sharing their problems and with that, bringing out knowledge of the system. And that is what brings us one step closer to a solution,” said Clark.

Theatre of the Oppressed has many free shows throughout the area spreading awareness about the homeless.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Easy to Impress

By Jocelyn Tetrault Food Critic I’m always on the lookout for recipes that look and taste fancy, but are actually super easy to make. I’ve also been obsessed with goat cheese and portobello mushrooms all year, so when I saw this recipe, I knew I had to make it and share it with all of you!

These stuffed mushrooms take a little more prep work than your typical weeknight dinner but they’ll definitely impress your friends, that is if you can bring yourself to share. I cut the recipe in half, but I’ll use the full amounts here in case you want to make a big batch. These keep for days in the fridge and heat up nicely in the microwave, so you could easily make multiple dinners out of this.

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms Makes: 6 Mushrooms Marinade: 6 Portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and stems removed 1 cup olive oil 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 sprigs fresh thyme (I used 2 big pinches of Big pinch of salt and pepper

1 10-ounce box of frozen spinach, thawed 1 pound of button mushrooms, plus stems from Portobello mushrooms 1/2 sweet onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 5 ounces of goat cheese 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

Recipe source: Macheesmo Blog

Directions: Contributed under Creative Commons

- Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. After cleaning and removing the stems from the Portobello mushrooms place them in a dish, gill side up.

In the meantime: chop up the mushrooms, onion and garlic. Sauté these ingredients in olive oil over medium heat until mushrooms begin to soften. Let it cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Squeeze excess water out of the spinach by using a paper towel, chop it up and then add that to the mixture. Lastly, crumble the goat cheese with your fingers and stir that in with the rest of the ingredients.

- Pour the marinade over the mushrooms and refrigerate. You could let the marinade sit for up to four hours, but I left mine for about an hour, which was plenty.

When the mushrooms are ready, flip them over and put a mound of stuffing on each mushroom cap. Sprinkle each stuffed mushroom with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Return them to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes until they are heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove and enjoy!

- After they’re finished marinating, transfer them to a baking sheet, gill side down. Don’t worry about any excess marinade left behind.

Although this initially seems like a lot of work, it’s actually ridiculously easy and I had a lot of the ingredients on hand already. I made this recipe on a weeknight and had no trouble at all and the extra chopping is completely worth the delicious outcome. These mushrooms look amazing and taste even better.

- Roast the mushrooms in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

The Vine

Album Reviews:

'Too Bright' and 'Ryan Adams'

This Week's Album Releases

By Sean Thomas Contributing Writer

Mike Hadreas, the Seattle-based artist who performs under the moniker Perfume Genius, has had a relatively short musical career. His previous two albums, “Learning” and “Put Your Back N 2 It,” are marked by a fragile timidity – delicately crafted songs relying on a small arsenal of instruments, but with a very deliberate purpose.

Hadreas typically tiptoes through feelings of loneliness, introversion and helplessness that come with his life as a gay male in a world of bigotry, misunderstanding and stereotypes. Perfume Genius’ third album “Too Bright,” released on Sept. 23, is a massive leap in the direction of confident extroversion, symbolizing Hadreas’ personal growth and readiness to project bolder statements.

The album’s opener, “I Decline,” begins on a warm piano chord progression, reminiscent of the previous albums, before Hadreas declares “no thanks, I decline” to “the same old line.”

Shortly thereafter, he rejects the soft piano, and launches into the pseudo-dancefloor anthem “Queen.” This song is gritty and driven, embracing the new power he finds in his self-identity.

Contributed Photo A similar sense of aggressive confidence appears on songs like "Too Bright" by Perfume Genius was released on Sept. 23.

“Grid” and “Longpig” which also finds Hadreas foraying deeper into the world of synthesizers and jungle rhythms. This sort of raw emotion was always present within his discography, presented humbly rather than shoved in your face. If the juxtaposition isn’t obvious enough already, Perfume Genius’ celebration of his identity is beautifully represented in his exploration of a new direction in sound.

Despite his newfound sense of self, Hadreas does not sacrifice the tender, painful emotional expression he’s been recognized for.

Instead of simply recycling his old style, he allows his brave, sonic exploration to permeate into songs that may feel more familiar to longtime fans. Songs such as “No Good,” “Don’t Let Them In” and title track “Too Bright” all bring a completely fresh perspective to his melancholic, minimalist style.

Hadreas has also ventured away from the washy, muffled production of his previous records. On “Too Bright,” the songs are extremely clear and (for lack of a better word) bright. In the past, Perfume Genius was content with channeling the lo-fi, meek moments akin to The Antlers or Elvis Depressedly. However, at the apex of songs like “Fool,” the vocals rise and swell to a soaring falsetto, as if Hadreas is howling in the face of everyone who’s scorned him.

As if his music wasn’t enough of an evolution, Hadreas has also presented his personal image as a reflection of his confidence. He appears on the album cover, his features sharp, bold and radiating outward. In the past, Hadreas has stated that he prefers to hide his face, whether it’s behind a mask or some other costume. There’s no evidence of any sort of fear within the art of “Too Bright.” Hadreas is brilliantly allowing his confidence to shine through all forms of his art, which has left listeners with yet another powerfully resonant album. Perfume Genius has unshackled himself from any limitations and proven that it’s impossible for him to shine too bright.

By Andrew DaRosa Contributing Writer After three years, Ryan Adams has bounced back and delivered a personable album that will make any fan of “Gold” or “Heartbreaker” keep this album on repeat, despite Adams’ greater emphasis on the electric guitar. “Ryan Adams,” released Sept. 9, is saturated with emotion and brings a heightened sense of charisma that only Adams can provide.

Unlike his previous solo effort “Ashes & Fire,” Adams has managed to create an album that gives listeners a glimpse into his dark and brooding imagination.

“Ryan Adams” begins its victory lap with “Gimme Something Good,” which feels like a bluesy apocalypse that sends a shiver through your bones and brings listeners to the realization that the true Adams is in the building. Off the backhand, Adams’ depression can be immediately sensed through the A-side of the album and shows that we are now dealing with a mature Adams. As best said on the cool, surfer-feel of “Am I Safe,” “Every day my part seems like a stone/Carries me away into the Contributed Photo undertone/Like a bottom, there’s no air.”

Ryan Adams' self-titled third album was released on Sept. 9.

Continuing on the A-side is “Kim,” a ballad of false aspiration and dependency regarding a mysterious woman named Kim; one can feel Adams’ plea for Kim in the chorus. The anguish continues in “Trouble,” which feels like the culminating afterthoughts of “Kim” packed into one song. “My Wrecking Ball” closes out the first half of the album with not a whimper, but a soft self-reflection of a lone man’s search for self.

As described at his Newport Folk Festival show, “This is a protest song, protesting the death of my grandmother.” “My Wrecking Ball” is emotional and is sure to make a lasting impact in Adams’ career.

The B-side of the album, also arguably the better half of the album, begins with “Stay With Me” which is the best song off of “Ryan Adams” The reverb-drenched sounds of the guitar carry the song through and keeps the listener hooked from beginning to end. “Shadows” brings a sort of mysterious air ripping through the album and is reminiscent of a song one might hear from another great independent artist, Arcade Fire. “Feels Like Fire” will have anyone bursting out their inner Guitar Hero with its catchy rhythm and Adams’ Springsteen-ish vocals.

The final song of the album, “Let Go,” feels like a self-reflection of the album as a whole and reminds us that Adams is an uncompromised talent that will not be matched.

“Ryan Adams” is the ultimate album that every Adams fan was waiting for, and the three-year wait was worth every second. Not only did Adams manage to make and produce an album that was original to him, but also molded a testament of character and emotion that is lacking from so many albums today. If you were to pick up one album this year, this is that album. All I can say is, when will the next Adams’ masterpiece come out?

Contributed under Creative Commons

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

The Vine

Told ByDre

When it comes to style & fashion, Dre tells all.

By Andrea Butler Fashion Columnist

Hi, lovelies!

z

One of my favorite fashion things is accessorizing. Maybe it’s because I wore a uniform straight through 12th grade, but I’ve always loved the little touches to basic clothes:

Body chains have been everywhere days get colder, they’re still a great weekend dresses.

Creative Commons

dreary winter days when you’re tired of wearing the same black leggings and heavy highs with your favorite riding boots, or Creative Commons

it’s one of my favorite ways to ing. You can never go wrong feeling extra fun, try a bright hot

Creative Commons

Creative Commons

can do with a little commitment and creativity.

Love,

the handles of a solid-colored bag is an easy way to give your trusty tote a little style boost.

Dre

'Modern Family': New Season, Old Tricks

By Shauna Mitchell Editor-in-Chief Why change what works? For the season six premiere of “Modern Family” last Wednesday, the Dunphys, Pritchetts, Tuckers and Delgados taught us that the good can only last so long.

We meet the Dunphy brood toward the end of their best summer yet. Claire is relaxed and carefree for possibly the first time ever, Haley and Luke aren’t fighting and Phil is Phil.

The Tucker/Pritchetts and Delgado/Pritchetts aren’t so lucky. While Cam is desperately clinging to the honeymoon phase of his three-month-old marriage to Mitchell, Jay seems to have stopped clinging to whatever shred of youth he had left.

The result is a false sense of happiness, the perfect embodiment of the time-honored maxim, “ignorance is bliss.”

By the time the episode ends, the blissful facade has collapsed to show a more familiar family picture: The Dunphys without Alex to keep them in line are (in Phil’s own words) “fire-starters, poison-eaters and onlineprostitutes;” Gloria wears a fanny pack to prove that Jay isn’t old; and, Cam finally realizes that a “three monthiversary” isn’t a real thing, with good reason.

It’s the same caliber of humor we’ve come to expect from “Modern Family,” and that’s actually okay.

With 17 Emmys under their belt, anyone would have to admit they’re doing something right.

While this season premiere wasn’t as exciting as the season five finale, it still had me laughing with Lily’s one-liners (“It sure was nice when this house wasn’t full of bees”) and Phil’s “Be Mine” candy heart costume (“Clearly you thought this said ‘Be Mean’”).

My only gripe is that there was an unfortunate cringe-worthy moment when Cam made an appearance at Mitchell’s work-only event. The discomfort is over-

whelming when Cam throws his arms around Mitchell and exclaims that he’s Cam’s “hugs-band.” The awkward fiesta doesn’t end there, as Cam continues to make very public romantic displays which, in another context, might have been sweet.

For a show that features a gay couple as part of their main arc, I’m a little disappointed that up until now, Cam and Mitchell haven’t shown as much affection for each other as Claire and Phil and Gloria and Jay. I wish that the affection they showed in this episode hadn’t come with that little awkward moment, because there’s still too much stigma attached to nonheterosexual relationships without “Modern Family” contributing.

Despite that caveat, the season six premiere was still pretty solid. It can be hard for some TV shows to maintain their comedic stride, but if this episode was any indication, I think this family has found their groove.

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

The Vine

National Theatre LIVE:

'A Streetcar Named Desire'

By Juliana Sansonetti Contributing Writer

For the past five years, there have been amazing opportunities to see professional theater performances right here at our very own Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

You may ask, “How can professional performances be here in our proverbial backyard?”

The answer to this puzzling question comes from something known as National Theatre Live.

NT Live has broadcasted performances of London’s National Theatre to movie theaters and art centers such as the Quick Center since June 2009.

I decided to check out Thursday’s performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Before the show, I had a chance to catch up with the Assistant Director of Programming and Audience Development at the Quick Center, Lori Jones.

Although Jones is still new to Fairfield (she started working here last November), she is certainly no stranger to the arts.

“I’ve been working in the arts all along,” said Jones.

After more discussion, I soon discovered the appeal of these NT Live productions. “There’s a wonderful response from the greater Fairfield community.

The quality of the camera work is great. It’s close to a live experience,” Jones said.

She laughingly added, “You don’t have to fly all the way to London to see the National Theatre performances and the prices of tickets are quite reasonable.”

However, when asked what the Fairfield student response to NT Live shows was like, Jones responded, “It’s

mostly non-students who come out to see the shows.

Some of the Fairfield students who are into theater get into it, and some of the faculty members encourage their students to go.”

There is definitely less of a turnout than there should be for this wonderful opportunity.

An hour later, settling comfortably into my seat in the center of the theater, I prepared for a brilliant performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and was not disappointed in the least.

While the performance was certainly incredible, it was really the nearness to it that was so great. The camera offered many different angles that even the live audience was not able to see.

Additionally, those who viewed the broadcast were able to get close-ups that the live audience was deprived of.

Overall, the performance was great, and the perspective NT Live offered was an added bonus.

Sophomore Brendan McNamara has been to many of the NT Live productions in the past, including “King Lear” and “Othello.” “I come as often as I can,” he stated earnestly. “I already have my ticket to the next NT Live production, ‘Medea,’” he added with an excited smile.

When asked if he would encourage other students to attend an NT Live production, McNamara responded, “Yeah. It’s $15 to see really good theater. Very high quality, very cheap.”

Junior, Tori Schuchmann commented, “I think it’s fantastic. It’s really enjoyable. Watching it like a movie almost adds to it, because you can see more than even the [live] audience members see.”

After intermission, the audience was treated to

Contributed Photo

National Theatre features live Broadcasts of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Quick Center.

previews of future NT Live performances that will be broadcasted at the Quick Center. These included “Frankenstein,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, and “Of Mice and Men,” starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Thursday night, grab a ticket to one, or both, of these shows at the Quick Center Box Office. If these performances are anything like that of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” I promise you won’t regret it.

Joy Behar: 'The Shirley Temple of Brooklyn'

By Katie Acompora Assistant Vine Editor

Last Sunday, comedian Joy Behar delivered her one-woman show at Fairfield Theatre Company, giving the audience a taste of her hilarious and captivating adventures which shaped her into the well-known comedian that she is today.

From the story behind her nickname, “The Shirley Temple of Brooklyn,” to life as the worst secretary ever at “Good Morning America,” this woman has done it all.

The lights dimmed on Stage One and the audience, consisting of mainly New York travelers, roared with laughter from start to finish.

Most of Behar’s act touched upon her real life experiences growing up as an Italian in Brooklyn, which included her unique family vacations to take photo shoots at grandma and grandpa’s grave and her family’s obsessions with funerals that were more like a four-act play.

“The Shirley Temple of Brooklyn” used to entertain people on the streets and dance on tables for her family as a young child.

However, as a Catholic in her 20s, her biggest fear was “dying a virgin.” Behar grew up in a society where everyone was pressured to marry at a young age; she then showed the audience a picture of herself on her holy communion, as she appeared as a young bride holding a baby, already practicing for her days of motherhood.

Behar also mentions some heavy topics, such as suffering from depression - she blamed this on reading “The Bell Jar,” a novel written by Sylvia Plath (who committed suicide after its publication) and reading about a psycho murder mystery while alone at home.

However, the best and worst moment was the comedian’s near death experience after suffering an ectopic pregnancy.

It was after this eye-opening event that Behar realized she wanted to be known for

something important.

Behar's horrifying experience became the catalyst that enabled her to divorce her husband and move closer to the city.

She realized that she should become a comedian when one day her psychiatrist told her she “wasn’t crazy, she was an actress.”

As a struggling mom, however, she first had to make ends meet by going back to school to get a degree in teaching grammar to tough kids in Brooklyn and also taking a job as a secretary at “Good Morning America.”

Although she claims herself to be the worst secretary ever, she began to use her funny experiences at her job to create scenarios and colorful characters based off of her real-life colleagues and experiences in the office.

Despite Behar’s obvious ability to make the audience laugh, she truly shined when she let her authentic self emerge as she retold battles she encountered as both an artist and a woman.

“I love what Behar said about regrets because it proves that just because you have money, doesn’t mean you’ll be happy,” said Tim Manning ’15.

Behar, specifically, exemplifies the idea that although she had her equal share of mistakes and embarrassing moments, she never had regrets because she was able to laugh it Contributed Photo off.

Comedian and actor Joy Behar performed at FTC last Sunday.

Behar’s show was a comedy act with a side of advice, as she proved herself not only as a worthy comedian, but as a person that is far from perfect; a powerful woman that has overcome struggles, but is content with the person that she is.

Behar’s show was personal and intimate, as it was a comedy show that instead of focusing on making fun of others, taught us a message within ourselves: the importance of humor in the face of adversity.

THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

Coffee Break

Page 12

COFFEE BREAK Editor: Meaghan Kirby

The Meal Exchange program Is it more hassle than it’s worth?

By Allison White Contributing Writer Have you tried the new Meal Exchange program at the Stag Snack Bar? Although it provides the perfect opportunity for a meal on the go, you are very limited. The only time you can use this new addition is between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Also, the menu is limited as to what counts as a meal swipe.

When you enter The Stag, you can see the menus of Rob & Iggy’s, the Stag Deli and the Original Burger Company.

Food items that are considered part of the meal swipe are marked, which limits your options. This method is more of a hassle than dining dollars.

The limits of the Meal Exchange program are confusing. While the initial menu doesn’t change from station to station, students must read between the lines when trying to see what they can actually use the exchange for. One misstep could end up costing the students, placing burden on them.

Including all food in the exchange would save students time on choosing their meals if they are trying to guarantee the use of a meal swipe. If you’re in a rush to class, you can be stuck trying to fit the guidelines of a meal swipe. At least in the Main Dining Hall, we know that no matter what we get it, always counts as a meal swipe.

Since options are so limited, I think the meal swipe plan is pointless. What if

By Josue Jorge Contributing Writer

a student does not like the only options available for a meal swipe? Or a student has class during the time allotted for a meal swipe at The Stag?

Going to the dining hall is easier because you can get whatever you want to eat, however much you’d like of it and it all counts as one meal swipe.

Instead of trying to meet a requirement and go at a certain time, you have more options. This is easier for students since our schedules can be hectic.

The Meal Exchange expanding would become efficient instead of too picky. By expanding the menu options and the times for a meal swipe, The Stag could guarantee more customers.

Things are happening and times are changing here in Stag Country; the most prominent change to everyday life being the quality of food and drink options now made available to us.

We can now roll out of bed and grab our favorite Starbucks drink just before class. If that dramatic change doesn’t satisfy you, take a stroll to the Main Dining Hall where you will find the food options have exceptionally changed.

If the variety and grill marks on the chicken do not impress you, check out the new Swipe & Go option by the Barone Campus Center Mezzanine. Like what you

Meaghan Kirby/The Mirror Between 1 and 4 p.m., students are lining up to participate in the Meal Exchange Program.

see? Me neither — but it’s another option.

There is nothing special at this food station other than Nicole; one of the sweetest Sodexo workers you will ever meet.

The final and superior option is a couple steps away from Nicole’s station, so kindly say hello and goodbye to her and head over to the Stag Snack Bar. It is in this room that you will find the best invention since sliced bread: the Meal Exchange.

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., you can use a StagCard swipe to get yourself a delicious and high quality meal.

While a burger, fries and an ice-cold Coke is a classic option in The Stag (and in America in general), healthier options like salads and fresh fruit are also available under the Meal Exchange.

For whatever reason, some menu items are not included in the Meal Exchange, but it is not as bad as it seems as the option combinations are still virtually endless. The greatest part of this alternative is the simple fact that you can take your food and eat just about anywhere, as you are not restricted to eating in the often overcrowded dining hall.

Only negative I see with this food option is the fact that it probably generates a lot of paper waste. Solution? Recycle. I love this option so much that you will probably catch me in The Stag taking advantage of the exchange myself. You would find me getting chips, a Sprite and a cold turkey sandwich — on sliced bread of course.

Editor’s note:

Point/Counterpoint wants to give students on campus a chance to voice their opinions on specific issues. The topics must be relevant to a majority of the student population and can be a current event or a long-standing issue. If you would like to be featured in the column, contact info@fairfieldmirror.com.

Ask

Sarah

Have a question for Sarah?

Submit to info@fairfieldmirror.com

Dear Sarah, I’ve decided to reach out to you, as I really need help. It has been really tough for me to balance the college life while also being away from my family.

I’m a freshman who has never been away from home for this long. I’ve been so busy with work the past few weeks that I haven’t been able to call home often.

I feel like my family thinks I don’t care about them, but I do. What should I do?

- Overwhelmed and Overworked Dear Overwhelmed, Take a deep breath, now let it out. The good thing about family is that they never stop loving you. It’s really easy to get caught up in schoolwork and extracurricular activities, making it seem difficult to spare time to have a long conversation with your mom.

However, your family just wants to know that you’re alive and enjoying your time at Fairfield.

Even if you can’t call them every day, aim for every other day. Your family probably understands that you have a lot on your plate, and if they don’t, explain it to them.

Show them that you care by sending them a good morning text when you wake up, or a good night text before you go to sleep. Little gestures can have a big impact.

- Sarah

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Sports

Page 13

THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

Weekly 4x5

Because they like to talk ...

Patrick Kiernan Sports Editor

Patrick Kiernan, Jennifer Calhoun, Matthew Schneider and Jesse Erickson

George Clooney wifed up.

Thoughts?

Did Derek Jeter's walk-off hit at Yankee Stadium leave you in chills?

Baseball playoffs are ready to go. What's your World Series prediction?

This is really random. What do you think about Kanye West?

First month of school has gone by now. Anything interesting happen during it?

He should have wifed up Stacy Keibler when he had the chance.

Phew, what a lady she is.

Yeah, it was awesome. It was vintage Derek Jeter being clutch and amazing and perfect at baseball.

But, the credit goes to David Robertson for setting the whole thing up in the first place.

Go Angels! Mike Trout's going to singlehandedly win it for the Halos.

It's too bad that he's a terrible human being because his music isn't half bad. And Kanye, if you are reading this by any chance, I challenge you to a one-on-one basketball game in wheelchairs.

Yes, but what happened really wouldn't be fitting for a newspaper. Like, I have some interesting things I could say, but if I were to write them here, we might have a new Sports Editor by next week.

Not going to lie, I didn't see it.

It sounds like a fitting end to his career though.

I hear the New Britain Rockcats are going to win it this year.

Nobody thinks about or loves Kanye West as much as Kanye West does.

LOL no, not really. I can legally enter bars now though. So I mean that's a thing that happened ... and happens ... still happening.

A legend has settled down.

A meatball down the middle, just one more gift for Jeter's farewell tour.

Pirates vs. Orioles, with the Orioles winning.

I like Kanye just as much as I like Marty Brodeur, and I hate Marty Brodeur.

One time I walked to Jennings Beach at 3:45 a.m., don't ask why.

That's depressing, he said he would wait for me no matter how old he got. He'd still be good looking.

My friend cried – that gave me chills because it was weird.

It's upsetting that the Red Sox won last year and this year they aren't in the playoffs. That's all I have to say.

“I’m doing pretty good as far as geniuses go and I’m looking pretty hood in my pink Polo.” - Kanye West

I think my mom reads this so nothing interesting has happened and I hate this school ... Just kidding, hi mom!

To be honest, for some reason I always hoped he would marry Jennifer Calhoun Sandra Bullock or just stay the Executive Editor eternal bachelor.

Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor

Jesse Erickson Assistant Sports Editor

Your 2014-2015 4x5 Columnists:

Stag Spotlight: Volleyball's Hadley Orr '16 and Megan Theiller '18 How’s the team chemistry? How does everyone get along?

Orr: You would think we never get along, but I truly believe that the most community comes from diversity, and that’s what you see on this team. As far as beliefs and personalities, we make it work. Obviously, there’s going to be differences and disagreements, but at the end of the day we really just have fun playing together.

Junior outside hitter Hadley Orr.

What are the benefits of being on a college sports team?

Orr: Learning time management skills and team working skills. Obviously, it looks good on a resume, but it’s something bigger than that. For me, it’s the interpersonal relationships and discipline that you have to have in order to be a college athlete.

Theiller: The second I walked on campus, I had 12 friends there for me all the time, whether it’s on the court or I see them around campus. There’s an awesome group of girls that I can hang out with.

What would you play at Fairfield if you could not play volleyball?

Orr: I’ve never actually played it before, but it would be rugby because I love hitting girls. You can’t directly hit girls in volleyball. You can hit them with the ball, but that’s about it.

Theiller: Probably softball because I played that pretty much all through high school. I definitely miss playing it.

Theiller: You wouldn’t think so because we have such a variety of personalities, but we mesh so well. Our differences come together and make us a really fun group of girls to be around.

Do you have a favorite professional team or athlete?

What are your thoughts on new coach Todd Kress?

Orr: He’s about the polar opposite of what our coaches were last year. It’s obviously an adjustment, but there are good sides and down sides to every opportunity. I’m very impressed with how he follows through with things and as soon as he came on board, he started fighting for things.

Theiller: I love him. He does have a nice side. He’s sarcastic, he’s a great guy. But, when we’re in practice, he means business and I love that because we’re here to do work. He wants the best for us and knows to push us and hold us accountable.

How do you think the team will finish this season?

Orr: I think we need to get our act together, but we have so much room for improvement. The struggle is getting everybody on Orr: My sister’s husband plays profession- board to do whatever it takes and figuring al basketball so I’d probably say him. He out what are our goals and executing. played for Western Kentucky University and now he plays in Mexico.

Theiller: Right now, we’re still working some things out, but I think we’re on a Theiller: It’s not one of my top favorites, but steady increasing path, so I think we’ll be I’m from Texas so I like the Longhorns. peaking by the end of the season.

Freshman libero Megan Theiller.

Do you have a favorite volleyball moment?

Orr: When I was at Michigan State, we played UCLA, who at the time, were defending national champions. Beating them and rushing onto the court was by far my favorite volleyball moment.

Theiller: When I was on my high school team my senior year, we made it all the way to the state championships and no one expected us to go that far.

Inside the Sports section this week: -Devon and Leah Still show heart and resilience -Derek Jeter officially bids adieu to baseball -Freshman Helena Orts is a Stag Youth Olympian -Coach Jackie Kane inducted into Hall of Fame -Women's club soccer profile: looking for improvement -Volleyball takes all three sets versus Quinnipiac -Men's soccer fights to a tie with Brown University

Photos contributed by Sports Information Desk

Sports

THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

Page 14

Devon and Leah Still show heart and resilience

By Matthew Schneider Assistant Sports Editor Nowadays, it seems like the only stories coming out of the NFL are negative ones. Considering the many scandals that have rocked the league over the past few weeks, any good story coming out of the NFL is a welcome change of pace. The Cincinnati Bengals have given us just that in their handling of practice squad member Devon Still.

Still came into training camp this summer hoping to make the roster, though he was no sure bet to do so. The Bengals initially cut

Still after camp ended, but when he received the news that his daughter, Leah, had a brain tumor, everything changed.

Once the news came out, the team made a great humanitarian decision: they signed Still to the practice squad so that he could retain his NFL insurance. This was a very important act, as the bills for Still’s daughter’s surgery cost over $1 million. The decision made waves in the news world, with everyone clamoring to congratulate the Bengals on making such a great move.

Still received a tremendous

amount of support from his teammates and fans, as well as from other NFL teams.

Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly sent Still’s daughter flowers and a stuffed bear to wish her luck in her surgery, which Still expressed his gratitude for on Instagram.

All of this support was important, as Still’s daughter still needed surgery to get the tumor removed, and the Bengal was certainly worried about the procedure.

On the day of the surgery, Still posted a video of himself giving Leah a pep talk before her surgery,

which was truly inspiring. Later in the day, he reported the good news that the tumor had been successfully removed, making the surgery a complete success.

This news surely took a load off of Still’s shoulders, allowing him to refocus on playing this season and on paying the medical bills.

Once the news about his daughter’s condition came to light, Still made it his mission to raise as much money as possible for pediatric cancer research. The Bengals jumped to his aid by selling his jersey out of their pro shop, with all

proceeds going to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

At this point in time, the Bengals have raised around $1 million and sold about 10,000 jerseys, showing the good will of the people of Cincinnati in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Considering all of the bad news coming out of the professional sports world nowadays, it is heartwarming to hear such a tale of generosity and goodness. Good for the Bengals for everything they are doing for Still and his family, and good for everyone else that has helped out in any fashion.

Goodbye, Captain

By Daniel Steimel Contributing Writer Derek Jeter completed his last game at Yankee Stadium in the most “Derek Jeter” way possible. In a season that has been turned into a farewell tour, full of commercials and parting gifts, Jeter reminded us how great he truly was.

In the bottom of the ninth of the Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Orioles with one out and one man in scoring position, Jeter stepped to the plate and did what he’s done so many times in his career.

In a picture-perfect ending to a picture-perfect career, Jeter singled home the winning run in his last game at Yankee Stadium.

Not only does Jeter’s retirement signify the end of an extraordinary career, but also the end of an era.

Jeter has been the New York Yankees’ shortstop and an icon for the team almost as long as I’ve been alive.

He is the last active member of the core group of Yankees from their dynasty days.

His career has outlasted that of manager Joe Torre, and fellow players Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada.

Jeter was selected sixth overall in the 1992 amateur draft by the Yankees. In 1996, Jeter played his first full season as a Yankee.

In his rookie campaign, he had .314 on-base percentage, with 10 home runs and 78 RBIs. In that season, Jeter also was selected as Rookie of the Year and

had his first World Series win.

By 2000, Jeter had won four World Series titles in five years. He had also been to the All-Star Game three times. In the 2000 season, Jeter was named MVP of both the All-Star Game and World Series. In 2001, Jeter came close to adding a fifth World Series title, but he and the Yankees came up one game shy against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In 2003 at age 29, Jeter was named the 11th captain of the Yankees.

Being named captain puts Jeter with the likes of baseball greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson, Willie Randolph and Don Mattingly.

As captain for 11 seasons, Jeter also has the longest tenure of any Yankee captain.

One of Jeter’s most memorable moments came in the 2004 series against the Boston Red Sox. In the 12th inning, Jeter made an incredible play diving into the stands and making a catch to set up a Yankees victory in the 13th inning.

Jeter rose from the stands with a bruised face and missing teeth, but he made the game-winning catch.

Though the Yankees would not go on to win it all that year, his fifth World Series would come in 2009 when the Yankees defeated defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Jeter ends his career with five World Series wins, one World Series MVP, 14 All-Star appearances, five Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards and a Roberto Clemente Award.

He sits at sixth in all-time hits with 3,465.

Contributed under Creative Commons Derek Jeter (above) gives the crowd a tip of his helmet, as he is known for doing throughout his career. After giving 20 years of his life to the New York Yankees, Jeter is retiring as the player with the sixth most hits in baseball history.

Men's soccer goes scoreless with Brown after two overtimes CONT'D. FROM PAGE 16

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Senior Jordan Ayris (above) leads the team in shots taken, but could only manage one shot against Brown. However, the Stags did outshoot the Bears 9-8.

nity. A deflected shot from Jordan Emsley ‘18 fell just outside the 6-yard box to fellow Ben Wignall ‘18, whose lunging shot rocketed off the lower right post.

As expected, both defenses held their own, and the game inevitably went to overtime.

Neither team would muster even a shot in the opening period, with any possible scoring opportunities for both teams being stifled by the defenses. With about nine minutes left of play, Wignall would pounce on another loose ball at the edge of the 6-yard box, but sent his volley hard and just wide into the side netting.

Junior Matt Turner thwarted another dangerous chance for Brown off of a corner kick, punching the incoming ball just out of his box. Eduardo Martin would frantically send a shot back in for the Bears, but only into a wall of defenders.

When the final whistle blew, Fairfield finished the game narrowly outshooting Brown 9-8, but not forcing a single save from goalkeeper Mitch Kupstas.

Both sides had obvious confidence in their defenses, pushing multiple men forward and using a tight, high midfield formation.

However, typical of any Fairfield match this season, scoring chances were at a premium for both offenses.

“With a little bit more luck, we could have won 2-0,” said Rees.

“We changed the tactics in the second half. We played with two strikers to create more scoring opportunities. We just didn't quite take our chances in front of goal.”

Brown's aggressive pressure caused some headaches at midfield, but the defense and confident play of Turner in goal made sure that the Stags held on to their clean sheet. The Bears – an excellent set piece team – sent multiple dangerous crosses and corners toward Fairfield's net, but could garner no

quality chances past Turner.

“We've been bulletproof so far,” said Turner. “The defense has done well to keep the ball in front and not allow a lot of quality chances for our opposition.”

Turner, who made three saves on the day, has now posted five clean sheets on the season. He is ranked fifth in the nation in save percentage, having entered Sunday's match with a .919 mark.

“Brown is a perennial national tournament team,” Rees said. “For a young team such as ours to go toe-to-toe for 110 minutes and have the better opportunities to win the game between the two teams, I'm very proud. They're focused, they're concentrated, they're optimistic looking forward.”

Fairfield – now owning a 3-22 record – has a quick turnaround before seeing action in their conference opener at Rider (3-2-2) on Oct. 1. The Stags next return home to host Marist on Oct. 4. Kickoff for both matches is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Sports

Coach Kane inducted into Hall of Fame

Page 15

THE MIRROR | Week of October 1, 2014

By Jesse Erickson Assistant Sports Editor As if coaching the women’s field hockey team for 20 seasons and tallying up over 140 wins wasn’t enough of an honor, women’s field hockey coach Jackie Kane was recently inducted in the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame.

On Sept. 21, Kane, along with five others, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her outstanding dedication to the game.

Kane, who was brought up playing the game, played for the Stags from 1983-1986 before taking over the position of head coach in 1995.

Since then, Kane has guided the team to eight postseason conferences, four berths into the Patriot League Conference including one championship title and a National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament appearance in 2001.

Kane has been credited for making sure that athletes on the team take their academics seriously.

According to fairfieldstags.com, almost 50 Stags have received National Academic Team Honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

During the 2006-2007 season, the field hockey team was credited with having the highest team GPA at Fairfield.

Throughout the past 20 seasons, one of Kane’s main goals has remained the same. By making her team stronger both mentally and physically, she’s taking the girls who walk in as freshmen and transforming them into women when they step off the field for the last time senior year.

“My whole philosophy is that I help young girls become women,” said Kane. “The reason I’ve done this for the last 20 years is that I want to win - all coaches do - but I have a calling to make sure that my players are going to be the best that they can be on the field, in the classroom and as individuals, and if I can achieve that goal, then I am a success.”

Although she has helped her team to success in the past 20 seasons, Kane added that she couldn’t be any more thankful to those who have helped her to get her where she is today.

She credits much of her success to her assistant coaches who, she added, help her stay on track, keep the team motivated and put up with not only the girls, but herself as well.

But without the girls on the team, it wouldn’t have been the same for Kane.

“The real reason I could do it the last 20 years, is the players,” said Kane.

“It’s never the same team twice. I get very attached to all the girls and I love following them after graduation to see what they're doing.”

Kane was inducted to the Hall of Fame with friends and family surrounding her with applause.

“Some alum that I hadn’t seen in a while were there. My family was there, the seniors on the team and administration were there and I just can’t believe how many came out to support me,” said Kane. “It was really humbling and amazing at the same time.”

Kane looks to bring the Stags to their 20th successful season this fall, as the team is ready to start America East Conference play.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Freshman Helena Orts is a Stag Youth Olympian

By Alfredo Torres Contributing Writer

This year, Fairfield welcomed Helena Orts ‘18, an international student and basketball player from Barcelona, Spain. Orts joined the new group of six freshmen who look to be competitive this year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference as part of the women’s basketball team.

This past summer, Orts had the opportunity to compete in China as she represented her home country of Spain in the 3x3 tournament that was part of the Youth Olympic Games.

Orts’ basketball career started at age eight when she attended a school known for its basketball program. Orts’ sister also played basketball at that same school. Prior to her first experience with basketball, Orts had been doing judo; a modern martial art and combat sport.

She was able to combine her skills in

judo and play basketball at the same time. At first, Orts did not like the game of basketball, but as time went by her love for the game increased.

She had a very successful high school career in Spain, as she led her team to postseason success where she and her teammates were able to capture the Spanish Junior Championship as well as the Catalan Junior and Senior Championship.

Orts says that her junior year of high school was the most important. She made a big transition as she moved on to a more competitive club, where she was able to compete among a stronger pool of players. After some successful seasons, Orts was award MVP twice, in 2012 and in 2014.

After great success in high school, Orts received a call from the Spanish selection crew for the Youth Olympic Games for the first time. She was informed that she was selected to participate in the 3x3 tournament in China as part of the Youth Olympic Games,

an honor that she did not expect. One word summed up her experience in China - “wow” - as other words could not describe how memorable this experience was for the young Spaniard.

Orts and her teammates were not able to win the gold, but they played well enough for third place where they earned the bronze medal.

Orts came to Fairfield as opposed to other colleges because of the people here. When she visited Fairfield for the first time, the community of students, coaches and faculty really caught her attention.

Be sure to catch Orts and the Stags in their upcoming season. Support the women’s basketball team as they open their season on the road in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament against East Carolina and Marshall on Nov. 14 and 15, respectively.

The first home game of the season will take place on Nov. 22 against Butler University.

Women's club soccer profile:

Looking for improvement

By Christina Mowry Assistant News Editor Despite losing five seniors to graduation, Women’s Club Soccer President Annmarie Vuono ‘15 is looking forward to a strong 2014-2015 season where the team can be revitalized and find some new talent.

This year’s team is comprised of 23 girls, 10 of which are seniors. According to Vuono, about 50 freshman tried out for the team this fall. After a series of cuts, seven freshmen were asked to join the team.

Vuono explained that there are typically seven or eight games in the fall semester, followed by five or six in the spring semester.

Thus far, the team has played against Yale University, Dartmouth College and Sacred Heart University.

The games against Yale and Dartmouth were both played on Sunday, Sept. 21. Although the team lost both games 2-0, Vuono is happy with the way that the team performed.

“We only had one practice before [the games], but we played really well. You could just tell that we got tired. It was also a tournament, so after the second game we were pretty

dead,” said Vuono.

In the team’s game against Sacred Heart on Sunday, Sept. 28, the Stags fought their way to an exciting 2-1 victory in the final minute of gameplay. Both goals were scored by midfielder Liz Morena ‘15.

The women’s club soccer team has future

"We only had one practice before [the games], but we played really well."

- Annmarie Vuono '15 games against schools such as Wesleyan University, University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Northeastern and Boston College.

“Yale and UConn are not our most competitive games, but the teams that we strive to beat because they’re the big schools in Connecticut,” said Vuono.

When asked how the season typically goes, Vuono said that overall the team does

“pretty well.”

“All the games are close but we usually lose to the big schools just because they have more of a playing pool. We usually end at about .500 [winning percentage]. We’re competitive,” said Vuono.

In terms of commitment level, club sports require less time than varsity sports, yet more than intramurals. Vuono explained that finding an area to practice in has been a challenge this semester due to the construction to the field that will be Rafferty Stadium.

“We try to get [practice in] twice a week but it’s hard [because of field availability] …

Sometimes we’ll do a gym practice or we’ll go for a run, and then we’ll have a field practice,” said Vuono.

When asked what the best part of club soccer is, Vuono cited the “team camaraderie.”

“We’ve all played competitive soccer before and we know school comes first. But there’s nice commitment level that everyone agrees on. It’s just a good group of girls that we have outside of our roommates and our class friends,” Vuono said. “It’s a team.”

The women’s club soccer team has their next game this Saturday against Wesleyan.

SPORTS 16

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports

Sports Editor: Patrick Kiernan » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

Volleyball takes all three sets versus Quinnipiac

By Kelsey Shockey Contributing Writer It was certainly a very exciting day on Saturday, Sept. 27 when the Stags and Quinnipiac Bobcats fought a fierce volleyball battle in Alumni Hall. The Stags ultimately won 3-0.

The starting lineup was as follows: Megan Theiller ‘18, Carsen Mata ‘14, Megan O’Sullivan ‘17, Lindsay Weaver ‘15, Bella Guanciale ‘17, Hadley Orr ‘16 and Marilyn Peizer ‘15.

Although the fans were anxious, the players had plenty of confidence and positivity.

“I’m never nervous because it’s just a game. You treat every game the same way. You come out here, play hard, play smart and have fun,” Theiller said. “No matter who we’re playing and who’s on the other side, we have to come out strong and play our game from the beginning.”

This game was one of the more important games of the season, as the Bobcats are one of Fairfield’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rivals. Clearly, they didn’t get in the way of the Stags’ success on the court.

“For every game, we try to just come out and play consistently and try to prepare the same way no matter who we play,” Mata said.

Although the Bobcats seemed to be holding up, the Stags were focused and composed as they won all three games with scores of 2520, 25-15 and 25-18.

“Our goal as a team is to get

better, so that doesn’t necessarily mean that we win every single game. Whether we win or lose, we want to just be playing our best volleyball individually and as a team,” Mata said.

What is special about this season is that Fairfield has a new head coach, Todd Kress.

“I was here coaching the team from ‘95 and ‘99 before and being back has been great. I’ve always been a fan of the university, the people and the location. It’s a great school with great education, so I couldn’t be more happy to be back,” said Kress.

Even though the Stags vanquished the Bobcats, they have an unstoppable work drive.

“We really just focus on dayto-day processes, getting better every day and after every match.

My expectations are that we will come into the gym, work hard, try to be better than we were yesterday and turn our weaknesses into strengths,” Kress said.

After the win, the Stags’ overall record is 6-8 and the Bobcat’s record is 2-12.

“Although I thought that we had too many unforced errors, one thing that we did a decent job of was passing. We worked a lot and since we dedicated a lot of time towards passing, it was certainly a step in the right direction,” Kress said.

Their next games are at Fairfield on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. versus Siena, and on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. versus Marist.

Thomas Shea/The Mirror Junior Hadley Orr (above) prepares to spike the ball during a game. She has become one of the Stags' dominant players.

Men's soccer fights to a tie with Brown University

By Travis Day Contributing Writer

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Head Coach Carl Rees and the current senior class undoubtedly look back on Fairfield's 2011 season with some sour memories.

Entering the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament as newly crowned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champions – not to mention riding a 13-game win streak – Fairfield headed north to face Brown University in their first round matchup. The Stags seized control, scoring two late first half goals and holding a 2-0 lead deep into the second half.

Even a casual follower knows the story: Brown would net three goals in the final ten minutes, capping one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, and sending a stunned Fairfield team home early.

While revenge was certainly on their minds today, Rees' side had to settle for a goalless draw in double overtime on Sunday afternoon.

The Stags entered the game on

the heels of another 1-0 victory at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Meanwhile, Brown was coming off back-to-back double-overtime goalless draws of their own.

Forward Jordan Ayris ‘15 nearly struck first for Fairfield just two minutes into the match, flicking a loose ball over goalkeeper Mitch Kupstas. His wide open look from inside the 18-yard box would sail just wide past the right post.

Forward Nico Lozada crafted the best breakaway chance for the Bears in the opening stages, but sent his wavering shot well over the crossbar in the ninth minute.

Defense was again the story for both sides, with the teams entering halftime scoreless and with each only two shots to their names.

The second half would see play open up a bit more for both offenses. Will Cross would find his way through the Stag defense 10 minutes in and send another shot for Brown, skidding just wide left.

Eight minutes later, Fairfield would squander another golden opportu-

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