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Long Awaited “Incredibles” Sequel is Must See Page 7
Internship spotlight with Mat Latos and Vic Black
Fairfield’s got a place for you – you just have to seek it out Page 4
Interview with MLB Pitchers
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THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper
Week of June 25, 2018
Vol. 44 Iss. 1
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Fairfield to be First Jesuit University to Launch Peace Corps Prep Program ested in post-graduation service opportunities. The aim of this unique interdisciplinary opportunity, is to prepare students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service,” said Mulghal. “This program will enable Fairfield University This fall students will have the unique opportunity to explore what it means to be a to reach more students with global opportunities, better prepare students with cultural student “for and with others” by applying to Fairfield University’s Peace Corps Prep competency skills and encourage students to explore opportunities Program – open to all years and majors. Fairfield is the first Jesuit uniin non-traditional destinations.” versity to launch this program, and it is made possible due to Through the Peace Corps Prep Program, stucollaboration between the International Studies Program dents will combine coursework with hands-on and the Center for Faith and Public Life. Through experiences. Students will be exposed to a this specialized program, students will have diverse faculty, foreign language skills and the ability to learn about themselves and cultural awareness. Different required society on a global scale. activities will also include resume International Studies Associate building, interview preparaDirector and Co-Director of the tion and leadership skills. Peace Corps Prep Program, Luckily for most students, Anita Deeg-Carlin said, “Givthis program will not en the campus culture of require them to add social engagement, many additional courses of our students express to their already interest in pursuing substantial course service related work load. Students after graduation, are required including internato complete tional opportuniat least three ties. The recent courses that success of our align with Global Scholone of the ars Program six Peace in particular Corps sechas increased tors, three interest, “interculspecifically tural comin the Peace petence” Corps, and courses student inas well as quiry led us meet a lanto explore the guage rePeace Corps quirement. Prep ProWith gram, which perceptive exists at other planning, peer institustudents tions. Fairfield’s can discovcore requirements er overlaps and service opporwith program tunities make our requirements and graduates well-pretheir core courses. pared candidates for There is a Peace international service Corps Student Prep work who can readily Student Guide available complete the Peace Corps on the fairfield website Prep Program requirements.” which clearly outlines Fairfield’s Peace Corps the requirements and lists the Prep Program is open to all stueligible courses. dents, and there is no limit on the One of the underlying comamount of students who can participate ponents of the Peace Corps is volunin the program. The Peace Corps is an orgateerism. Thus, through Fairfield’s Peace nization that sends U.S. citizens abroad to Corps Prep Program, students must comserve the world in a positive light and create plete 50 hours of field experience in their change amongst different people. It focuses related Peace Corps sector. Mughal stated an on six different areas of interest includexample of one student completing the Peace ing: education, health, environment, Education Prep sector in education. Emma Cannon ‘14 (above) and Ashley Toombs ‘07 (below) both served in the Peace Corps. agriculture, youth in development and She explained that the student could community economic development. complete 50 hours of field experience “We are hoping to attract students from diverse backgrounds as well as diverse areas through tutoring opportunities – such as the Refugee Mentoring Program that is run of study,” said Fairfield’s director of Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network, on-campus, internships, student teaching opportunities through the educational studies associate director for Center for Faith and Public Life and Peace Corps Prep program minor or service learning courses in various departments and schools that incorporate co-director, Julie Mughal. practical education methods, to mention a few. By participating in Fairfield’s Peace Corps Prep Program, students will become “We are excited to bring this important program to Fairfield University which better prepared when applying to become Peace Corps Volunteers post graduation. The will enable us to better prepare students who are interested in post-graduation service Peace Corps is a highly selective organization, and holds volunteers to a high academic either in the Peace Corps, or in any number of other programs that requires intercultural level and skill competency standard. Because of this diverse and extensive competition, competency and skills needed in priority development sectors in host communities,” said students are encouraged to expose themselves to key courses and hands-on volunteer Deeg-Carlin. work that the Peace Corps Prep Program provides. “The goal is to tap into and better prepare a diverse pool of students who are interBy Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief
Photos Contributed by Fairfield Peace Corps Prep Program
News
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
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A Letter from the FUSA President and Vice President Dear Class of 2022, Welcome to Fairfield University’s June Orientation and your soon to be home away from home. We’re Danielle Rice and Matt Marshall, the 71st Fairfield University Student Association President and Vice President! Looking back on our own orientation four years ago, it was both an exciting and extremely scary time. It finally hit and felt real: we’re becoming college students. Both of us very distinctly remember the New Student Leaders cheering us on as our cars drove down Loyola Drive heading towards the Quad and our stomachs continued to flip upside down with a nervous excitement for the start of our college experience. Looking back, those two days seemed to both drag on for what felt like both as long as two years and as went by in as quick as a blink of an eye. Now four years later in our roles as FUSA President and Vice President, we are tasked withrepresenting the entire undergraduate student body through advocating for student issues; promoting diverse array of social, educational and cultural programs and initiatives; to be avaluable partner in the administrative processes of the school; to aid development of studentclubs and organizations; and to govern ourselves in a manner that is both respectful ofindividual rights and consistent with the needs of the University and the larger community. While this seems like a mouth full, it ultimately means that the two of us represent an organization that is accessible and transparent to all students, including all of you! Similar to our own United States government, we have three branches in FUSA: executive, legislative and judicial. Our executive branch, led by the two of us, is the largest branch andincludes the most boards. Within the executive branch is the following boards: • Programming Board: Programming is tasked with planning events on campus, the FallConcert, President’s Ball, Broadway shows, major league sporting events and late night events. • Marketing and Public Relations Board: Marketing and PR are responsible for advertising all programming events, senate initiatives and the overall PR efforts of FUSA.
• Treasury Board: The Treasury plans a large organization budget that helps to run a wide range of student body events on campus and maintains budgetary and spending goals for students in FUSA. • Diversity and Inclusion Board: The Diversity and Inclusion Board develops and supports innovative programs and policies relevant to the student community as it relates campus diversity and inclusion and address the needs of underrepresented/marginalized students or historically oppressed groups. • Council of Student Organizations (COSO): COSO helps approves or denies organizations seeking approval and accreditation from the University and Student Body. COSO works closely with clubs and organizations to help them with club development, finance, marketing, programming and community development. The Second Branch of FUSA is the Legislative Branch. The FUSA legislative branch is made up of the senate, which consists of five elected senators from each active undergraduate class year. • Senate: The senate is responsible for soliciting and deliberating upon student issues, using the legislative process as a means to advance or resolve such issues, and to serve and protect the interests of the student body. Finally, the third branch of FUSA is the Judicial Branch. The FUSA judicial branch consists of the FUSA court, which consists of five appointed justices, with one serving as the Chief Justice. • The FUSA Court: the Court determines the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, has the authority to review cases regarding impeachment, and serves as the Election Committee for all FUSA elections. While there are so many different boards and branches within this organization that may seem overwhelming, each of these boards/branches has an opportunity for you to get involved right away including being a senator, programmer, or Court Justice! Check your email soon and look for an opportunity to learn more about joining FUSA! Sincerely, Danielle Rice and Matt Marshall FUSA President and Vice President
Construction Low Down:
Inside Scoop on Projects Around Campus
Dolan School of Business begins laying foundation and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2019.
Townhouses recieve a much needed update, sporting new colorful siding.
Photo taken from Westfair Communications website.
Li will begin his new job as dean of the Dolan School of Business in July.
New DSB Dean Announced By Deanna Carbone Managing Editor
The Charles F. Dolan School of Business is not only receiving a new building, but also a new dean. Fairfield University welcomes Dr. Zhan Li Ph.D., as the new dean of the Dolan School of Business. He will officially assume the position on July 1, 2018 after serving as the dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration at St. Mary’s College of California for the past 7 years. Li comes from a strong background business administration. After receiving a Doctorate of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration from Boston University’s School of Management, Li began his career as visiting professor at the University of California Berkeley from 2005 to 2008. At the same time, he served as editor in chief of the Journal of Asia Business Studies. Before becoming an associate dean he was chair of University of San Francisco School of Business and Management. His time at USF granted him five Outstanding Research Awards, two Outstanding Teaching Awards and the Outstanding Service Award. Alongside his new leadership role, Li will also be a professor of marketing. Li is looking forward to working with DSB and Fairfield as a whole.
FUSA Needs You! There are FIVE open senate positions for the Class of 2022! Get invovled and make your voice heard. Information Session Dates: 9/10, 9/11, 9/12 All in BCC 206 @ 7:00 p.m.
Air Conditioning and cosmetic updates will modernize Campion Hall.
New sophomore residence hall on East Languth Rd. nearing completion. All photos AliciaPhaneuf/TheMirror
News
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
Contribute to The Mirror. Add a line to your résumé. Apply your writing skills. Get published.
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News in the U.S. and Around the World By Lexi Thimble Opinion Editor
By Sabina Dirienzo Chief Copy Editor
Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Brainstorm, pitch stories and talk to editors. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Critiques from the EIC and Mirror adviser Professor Tullis.
New York City, New York: Pop star Ariana Grande and Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson are now engaged after only a few weeks of dating. The Mirror Staff is bewildered, but hopes everything works out. San Jose, California: A federal grand jury indicted disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and former Theranos president Ramesh Balwani for defrauding investors. Holmes and Balwani were accused of deliberately misleading investors through their promotion of non-functional blood testing machines. Burbank, California: Composer Pinar Toprak has been signed to compose the score for the Marvel superhero film “Captain Marvel,” making her the first female composer scoring a major comic-book movie.
Chicago, Illinois: The University of Chicago announced that it will no longer require SAT or ACT scores from applicants. It is the most selective university so far to remove its standardized test requirements. Washington, D.C.: Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited a Bible quote in defense of separating immigrant families when it comes to the President’s “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to immigration. Charlottesville, Virginia: Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginian estate, is preparing for the opening of a new exhibit solely dedicated to the life of Sally Hemings, the slave he owned for over 40 years and who bore several of his children.
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Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee, Executive Editor Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor Editors Sabina Dirienzo, Chief Copy Claire Monahan, News Jacob Buttiker, Assistant News Lexi Thimble, Opinion Katherine Klima, Vine Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Julia Monteleone, Coffee Break Patrick Getz, Co-Sports Daniel Montgomery, Co-Sports Christopher LaZazzera, Assistant Sports Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Adviser Professor Matthew Tullis Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com
Geneva, Switzerland: Canberra, Australia: CERN’s large hadron collider started work to pro- Researchers at Australian National University have duce 10 times more data on infinitesimal collisions. discovered bacteria on Mars that transforms light The upgrade will produce more data in 2026, and into energy, the process of which simultaneously boasts a $950 million budget. releases oxygen. This new find gives scientists Acapulco, Mexico: hope that it will one day help us to colonize Mars. The landfall of Tropical Storm Carlotta is expected Caracas, Venezuela: to hit Acapulco, on Mexico’s east coast, on Satur17 people died in Caracas after a nightclub brawl day, June 16. The storm threatens tropical rains in led to a stampede. Mexico’s cities. Reykjavik, Iceland: London, United Kingdom: Iceland’s soccer team has now become the 22nd It has now been a year since a fire engulfed Grenfell most successful national team in the world, an Tower in West London, and the Al Manaar mosque amazing feat for a small country with a population is providing a location for survivors and their famismaller than that of Staten Island. lies to remember the ones they lost.
Opinion Editor Lexi Thimble » alexandra.thimble@student.fairfield.edu
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THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons
Getting Opinionated with The Mirror A Special Place is Waiting for You At Fairfield By Lexi Thimble Opinion Editor
When I attended First-Year Orientation at Fairfield University two years ago (an absolutely crazy thought), I was totally secure in my choice. The size of the campus and undergrad population was just my speed, I was a short drive from an adorable main street and a really nice beach and I was attending a school that is renowned for helping its students find jobs right after graduation. Everything about Fairfield seemed perfect, and I went into orientation with an unbridled sense of excitement to meet new people and hit the ground running. As my family would tell you, however, upon my return home I seemed less enthused about the school than I had when I’d left to go. Everything I mentioned before, about its academics and perfectly manicured campus, was completely true and fulfilled all my expectations. But the thing is, your distance from the beach and the restaurants downtown aren’t what a typical day is like at Fairfield, and my experience at orientation had begun to sow seeds of doubt. One of the things I looked forward to the most in approaching the start of college was the opportunity to meet new, different people who I may not have encountered in the town I grew up in. Which is to say, a small, very white, upper middle class suburban community, fifteen minutes north of Boston, where I attended a high school of nearly 1,000 students, and of that was home to just about eighty students of color. My town was perfectly nice to grow up in, but the
more and more I thought about what it would mean to go away to college and experience adulthood for the first time, the more I really wanted the chance to divert from the path I’d followed in high school. Yet I found myself at a bit of a loss after Fairfield’s orientation, because despite the fact that I’d gone through my entire college application process trying my hardest to find a place different to the one I’d known, I’d somehow landed myself at a school that was almost a carbon copy of my high school. The only differences were that this school was three hours away, and I knew absolutely no one. I honestly wasn’t sure what to do, but I tried to stay positive, and I went into those first days of my first year year having summoned the excited energy I’d had prior to orientation. Here’s the thing I kind of had to learn the hard way in coming to Fairfield: those interesting, completely different people I wanted to meet when I dreamed up my college experience? Fairfield’s got them; in actuality, they live in abundance here. They’re at every event you go to, whether it’s one where you don’t quite fit in or one that makes you finally feel at home. They’re in all your classes, at the table over from you in the Tully, and at every
cramped and obnoxious and exhilarating party you’ll ever attend. It’s just that Fairfield makes you work a little harder to realize this fact, which I’ve never found to be a detriment. There’s always laughter to be found in the Diversity Office and good music to be heard at Glee Club rehearsals, always important discussions to be had at Alliance meetings and jokes to be exchanged right in our own Mirror office. Fairfield makes you want to carve out a place here, and then another, and another and one more for good measure, until you suddenly look around and find that you’ve got an innumerable number of spaces in this one place that you can call home. Sometimes those post-orientation doubts I had come creeping back, and they ask, “Don’t you regret not going to a city school? Or somewhere old and traditional and intellectual? Or somewhere hundreds of miles from home? Or…?” And sometimes I listen to these thoughts, and indulge in a thought or two of what it would be like if I chose a different path, but it’s never something I want to linger on. If I had never chosen this place to make my home in, at this point in time and with all the people I’ve come to know and love along the way, I know that I would be fundamentally different to who I am right now. I wouldn’t give up this experience I’ve had so far for anything, and I hope that for those of you reading this who have the same concerns I did, that you dig into what Fairfield has to offer. Because yes, on the surface it’s a white, Christian, middle-class school in the center of Connecticut suburbia, but those factors shouldn’t lower your opinion of it, and if anything should make you want to uncover the beautiful diversity hidden underneath this facade. I’ve tried to do just that since I arrived here, and I have no regrets to show for my efforts.
Fairfield is the Ultimate Problematic Fave By Sabina Dirienzo Chief Copy Editor There are a lot of little things about Fairfield University that annoy me. A sampling: I’ll start, casually, with the pettiest: why are there no warnings for any of the speed bumps? I drive a Fiat 500, a car that is low to the ground, meaning I have to really slow down for any speed bumps. You know what makes it hard to slow down? No speed bump signs! I know that there are little white lines on the speed bumps, but that’s ultimately unhelpful if someone’s driving at night. If I ever really damage the bottom of my car, I’m invoicing Fairfield. This is not the most diverse school in the world. It is, in fact, a very non-diverse university. I expect that you’ve noticed this by now. It can be a little frustrating to look at a classroom and see a sea of upper middle class white Catholic kids from Long Island – not to disparage people like that! – especially when that class is discussing matters of class and race. Fairfield is more diverse than it seems at first, but overall, this is a very white school. As many students from the College of Arts & Sciences will tell you, Fairfield shows blatant financial and resource favoritism towards the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Career fairs are marketed toward business students, the Dolan School of Business has a seemingly endless budget for events and speakers and they’ve even annihilated a large chunk of green space just for a new business school. But do I wish I’d gone somewhere else? Absolutely not. This wasn’t always the case. I hated Orientation, and left it planning to transfer. I even hated the first chunk of my first year. Luckily for me, a hatred of the Common App for colleges
Editorial Board "Flora and Fauna of Fairfield" Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee Executive Editor Deanna Carbone Managing Editor
“Lions, tigers and bears, Oh my!” These are the animals Dorothy Gale had to fear in “The Wizard of Oz”, but at Fairfield University, most students are just as worried about the turkeys. But that’s not all. While the turkeys are a constant staple on both the Fairfield greens and outside the Danielle and Grace Tully Dining Commons, other Fairfield wildlife sightings include kamikaze chipmunks, stealthy skunks, giant groundhogs and many confused Stags (both of the human and animal kind.) Just like Dorothy, Fairfield students need to learn how to survive interactions with these creatures and, sadly, linking arms and singing tend to only provoke each of these fearsome beasts. First and foremost: turkeys. The turkeys are everywhere. On the positive side, because of their loud early morning serenades, you will never miss an 8 a.m. class. On the negative, they’re loud, obnoxious and may or may not attack unsuspecting students
led me to put off applying to transfer, and before I could start the process I changed my mind. Here’s why. I love, love, love my professors and my departments. (Politics, women gender and sexuality studies and digital journalism, for those playing at home). The professors at Fairfield care, and care deeply – you walk into a classroom and your professor wants to help you succeed from the get-go. You walk into office hours (pro tip from a rising senior: go to office hours) and they want to help. The classes that Fairfield offers are nuanced and interesting, we boast a faculty which studies cool and unusual subjects and we take intellectual diversity seriously. On the social level: I have met my best friends at Fairfield. These are people I never would have met without the serendipity of picking the same college – people from all over the country and the world, despite Fairfield’s overall-mediocre diversity. I can also say with confidence that I’ve made new friends every year at Fairfield. The people you hang out with at Orientation might not remain your best friends once you really start going here, but you’ll meet people who operate on your plane of existence, whatever that plane may be. There will be friends who agree with you and friends who challenge you. You’ll go to townhouse parties with the same friends you suffer in the Dimenna Nyselius Library with. I can confidently say that Fairfield encourages its students to be better people. I don’t always agree with the decisions the administration makes – you can sometimes catch me disagreeing in this very section of the Mirror – but the University as a whole makes up for it. Fairfield offers service opportunities, an expansive core and interesting Open Visions Forum speakers, like Angela Davis. The University is truly committed to making us all ‘men and women for and with others.’ I’m so excited that you get to go through it all, and I can’t wait to see what you think.
(we here at the Mirror can neither confirm nor deny this rumor). With all of this, the main tips for turkeys are: if you’re a light sleeper, invest in earplugs, don’t bring a black shiny car to campus (shiny plus black creates mirrors and the turkeys apparently love to attack themselves, so you will end up with some interesting marks on your car) and, finally, turkeys fly and love to sit in tall trees, so be careful where you stand. The chipmunks have fewer warnings attached. Cute and reminiscent of beloved cartoon character Alvin, no one expects any trouble from them. Until they race across your foot or jump, just missing you, from a branch twenty feet above the ground at 3 a.m. But, you know, they’re cute... Skunks. Identifiable as hanging very low to the ground and entirely black with a long white stripe. If you see them, walk the other way. Warning: they like to show up on your way to the townhouses, so despite having a few drinks in you, try keeping your
eyes open for these sneaky creatures. Do everything you can not to startle them. Should you startle them and get sprayed, well…take a few showers. I think tomato baths work? Just don’t torture your roommates by going into your apartment smelling that badly. As if to mock our beloved mascot, stags and their female counterparts love to hang around campus. This results in some wonderful photoshoots, but also in some sad instances, including one four years ago where a lone stag raced into the Rudolph F. Bannow Science Center and could not get out. Much to the upset of the student body, the stag did not survive the experience. These stags are among the least threatening members of the Fairfield wildlife community, just don’t attack them and don’t get in between them and their young baby stags and you have nothing to worry about. As for how to survive Stags of the human variety…we can’t help with that. Good luck.
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THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
Opinion
Give College A Chance to Become Your Home By Cara Lee Executive Editor
When looking back on orientation, everyone I talk to tends to have a VERY strong opinion about their experience. Either orientation was the absolute best or it was a disaster that sank the future student into an overwhelming state of panic until September, questioning if they made the right decision. First of all, if you are in the above state of panic and wondering what in the world you got yourself into, don’t worry about it. College isn’t like high school and, as one of my favorite high school teachers told me when I was struggling to pick a college, “you don’t have to stay there if you don’t like it. You can always transfer.” After all, most students don’t need to sign a commitment form tying them to the one school for all four years. That being said, the college I first picked was not Fairfield University. From someone who did end up transferring after loving orientation and hating the rest of her first year: don’t rush the transfer question. No matter how bad it seems, give it time. Most people don’t transfer, even if they hate orientation, but some people only give it half of a semester (because you need to apply to transfer halfway through the semester and pay for part of the following semester’s tuition) and end up regretting it. The truth is, that first half semester i s probably going to stink. Homesickness, no matter how close or far you are from home or how close you are to your family, is real. Everyone feels overwhelmed, panicked and lonely when first arriving at school. It’s an adjustment, it feels horrible, it takes time to get used to, but you need to allow the time. The best tips I can give any orientees struggling with the “Transfer Question” are:
Get Involved. I probably sound like your New Student Leader right now, but it’s true. Hear about a club on campus that sounds even remotely interesting? Go to a meeting or two, even if it’s something really weird. If you go to enough different meetings, one of the clubs or organizations will stick and you’ll find a lot of people with the same interests as you. When I transferred to Fairfield, I joined at least 10 different clubs my first semester (major overkill) and, while it took me a while, I found the Mirror, loved it and never left. Don’t Settle for One Group of Friends. If you get along really well with one or two people, that’s great, but there are a lot of other Stags and, if you say “no” or avoid to every other invitation in favor of sticking with those same two people every night, you’re going to become stuck and miss out on a lot of the so-called “college experience.” So, yes, spend a lot of time with those initial friends, but make sure to leave yourself open to new people and situations. Go to Class: Go. Even to core courses where your grade doesn’t matter (to you or anyone else). You will meet so many people in those classes that you’ll never have the opportunity to come across again because you’re studying different fields, but some of them can become your closest friends. Especially if the class is horrible: because, really, what better way to bond then over an impossible course load or professor? Give it a chance. Don’t jump to a judgement, give it a semester and a half. It can be hard, but a lot of people are going through the same struggle. If, after the first semester, you still feel like you made the wrong choice and want to transfer, start looking into different schools. However, until then, make sure to keep an open mind about Fairfield, your fellow Stags and all opportunities that come your way! CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons
The Mirror Staff Reflects: First Year Memories "One of my favorite memories is going to a Thrive FYE event hosted by an author who gave all us advice about what to do if your roommate doesn’t shower. Advice: please shower for your roommates sake." -Claire Monahan '20
"My favorite first year memories all center around late night hangouts and movie nights with my friends. We were all super close and those nights where we all talked forever were some of my absolute dearest moments from those "My favorite thing about my first months." first year was meeting some of the -Lexi Thimble '20 "My orientation was a hot mess. It had to be a billion degrees that people who would later become afternoon and I had just arrived after spending the last two days my best pals. I also attended my first celebrating my graduation. I was about to be shoved into my orientaCollege Democrats meeting, and that tion group when my mom pointed out a really tall girl heading in my direction (I am also really tall). My mom proceeded to tell me organization has been such a key part to befriend her because she was taller than me and tall girls stick to- of my life on campus ever since! (I gether. So, I decided to try because why not. I misheard her name and thought she went by “Greasy” (she goes by Gracie). Not a great start, didn't join the Mirror until Sophomore year, but you should def come in the fall)." so I then tried something else and told her I liked the pins on her backpack from various TV shows. “Oh really?” She looked excitedly -Sabina Dirienzo '19 at me when I told her. “Which one is your favorite?” I paused. I didn’t know any of these shows. “That one!” I squeaked, pointing to a random one before running away. To make matters worse, we would go onto play a game. A game you say? Yes, with a beach ball. That’s all I remember I ended up pelting this tall chick in the because face....in front of the entire group. So point is: if your orientation is a disaster like mine, don’t worry– things will work out. You see this tall chick I talk about– we’re roomies now! Seriously! I have the re ceipts! So don’t stress and enjoy!"
-Kat Klima '20
"My most valuable memory from my first-year on campus is something I didn’t know existed until now - finding my senior year roommates. If you were to tell me that all three of my senior year roommates would be from fourth floor Jogues, I wouldn’t believe you. Yet, here I am, ready to embrace my senior year with three of the most amazing women I’ve had the privilege of meeting week one. To the three awkward and nervous first-year students that become my best friends - thanks for seeing me at my worst, at my best and continuing to be there for me anyways."
-Alicia Phaneuf '19
The Vine
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
The Vine
arts, entertainment, features
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Editor Katherine Klima katherine.klima@student.fairfield.edu
Fair fie l d Summe 's r time Hits
ABC's New Bachelorette Looking for Love By Alle Scanlon Assistant Vine Editor
Monday “Bachelor” nights are finally back! On May 28, “The Bachelorette” premiered on ABC for its 14th season. Fans everywhere are ecstatic to watch the newest bachelorette, Rebecca “Becca” Kufrin, on her journey to find love. Many fans recognize Kufrin from season 22 of “The Bachelor”, when viewers witnessed Becca experience heartbreak and the ultimate betrayal. At the end of “The Bachelor” season, Arie Luyendyk Jr. chose Kufrin over runner-up Lauren Burnham. Luyendyk and Kufrin were engaged and moving forward in their relationship, until Luyendyk blindsided Kufrin on national television when he ended their relationship to pursue and work things out with Burnham. I think people everywhere can agree that Kufrin was the most deserving woman to fill the shoes as the next bachelorette. If ABC had chosen anyone else, there certainly would have been backlash from viewers nationwide. During the “After the Final Rose” special on ABC, it was hard
not to cringe while watching Luyendyk propose to Burnham. However, it was later announced that Kufrin would be the newest bachelorette, and she even had a chance to meet some of the men that would be pining for her heart. Kufrin’s season has finally premiered, and the bachelor mansion is full yet again. The episode started off as it usually does, with previous bachelorettes meeting up with Kufrin to hear her thoughts and give her advice. Previous Bachelorettes, Kaitlyn Bristowe, JoJo Fletcher and Rachel Lindsay all had positive words of encouragement for Kufrin. Not only that, but they performed a ritual to remove negative energy, which involved saging Kufrin and parts of the mansion. Then the limos finally started to arrive and it was time for Kufrin to meet the guys for the first time. All of the men possess distinguishing characteristics while varying in age and professions. There’s everyone from a male model to former professional football players; even the creator of the Venmo app is in the mansion and looking for love.
Someone that stood out to me from the start, and was the first to meet Kufrin, was Colton Underwood. Underwood played football for the Oakland Raiders, and I immediately recognized him as the ex-boyfriend of U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman. I think Kufrin and Underwood are extremely compatible and I would personally love to see them come out of this journey together. As always, there was a rose ceremony on the first night, and even before the ceremony, Kufrin sent home Jake Pavelka, a guy from her hometown that she did not see a future with. Needless to say, Kufrin is taking this very seriously and truly believes in the process, seeing as she did fall in love with Luyendyk on the previous season. Regardless of who goes home, Bachelor Nation knows that Kufrin will be following her heart every step of the way, and we’re so excited to see all the romance and drama that unfolds during this season!
Photos taken from starwarsmovies, theincredibles, bachelorabc Instagram. Photos taken from CreativeCommons/Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
The Vine
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The 'Incredibles' Sequel is Super Incredible
In the past 14 years I’ve accomplished many things – as one does when growing up. I graduated elementary school, suffered through the awkward stage of middle school, embraced my inner nerd in high school, survived the SATs, the college decision process and three full years at Fairfield University. It is during this time that I patiently awaited the release of the Incredibles 2. For anyone who remembers the first Incredibles movie, it ends on a cliff-hanger and fans everywhere were anxiously waiting to see what would happen next to our family of heroes. Alas, the second half of their story waited over a decade to be told. Despite the agonizingly long wait for this release, “Incredibles 2” was nothing short of “super.” Now, before going any further I will disclose that the rest of this review will contain spoilers, so read at your own risk. The movie started exactly where the original Incredibles leaves off – post Dash’s (Huck Milner) track meet, when the Underminer (John Ratzenburger) creates destruction throughout the city and steals money
from surrounding banks and town halls. The Incredibles spring into action and accomplish … nothing. As the police department is quick to point out, they didn’t stop the city from being destroyed and they lost the Underminer (who successfully stole money from the city). This only intensifies the long-standing tension between the government and Supers. Also, don’t get too attached to the Underminer, as this was his only appearance throughout the entirety of the film, we don’t learn what happens to him or where he goes, which still bothers me. The Incredibles and Lucius/Frozone (Samuel Jackson) come into contact with a hero-obsessed man who has dedicated his entire life to figuring out a way in which superheroes can be legalized once more. This seamlessly shows how the general public can take a stand against authority to fight for a cause that they believe is just and fair. This man who hopes to prove the government wrong goes by the name of Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk), and together he and his techy sister, Evelyn (Catherine Keener), joined together to lead a telecommunications company. Maybe it was my recent obsession with crime shows and murder mysteries, but it wasn’t too tricky to quickly figure out that Evelyn was the villain in the movie – but we’ll get to that later. Winston makes a deal with Frozone, Bob/Mr. Incredible (Craig Nelson) and Helen/ Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) to resurface slowly, in the hopes of easing the public back into the positive perception of superheroes. They decide to start with Elastigirl due to her prestigious and clean fight record – yay female empowerment! While she travels to fight crime under the careful watch of Winston and Evelyn, Mr. Incredible is left to stay home with his three kids. Points for female/male stereotypical role reversal, Disney. Mr. Incredible’s experience as a stay-at-home dad is hysterical. Though this span of time is a bit stretched out, every scene is worth the watch. He soon realizes that raising a teenage daughter, Violet (Sarah Vowell), struggling with her first crush, a younger son, Dash, who is shockingly worse at doing his math homework than I am and baby, Jack Jack (Eli Fucile), who discovers all 17 of his powers. Seventeen powers was a bit overkill, I’m personally not a fan of the demon monster baby or the extremely oversized Hulk-like Jack Jack. I think 7 or 8 powers would have been fine and would have got the message across all the same. Nevertheless, while Elastigirl is saving the world under the sibling duo, she notices a common trend where people are being hypnotized through technology screens, through a villain who calls themselves Screenslaver. Remember when I said that Evelyn was tech savvy? Like I said, it wasn’t too hard to put the pieces together, so if you’re looking for a good mystery, then a PG Disney movie is probably not your speed. However, some of the fight scenes the Elastigirl undergoes while trying to defeat Screenslaver are pretty intense. As a 20-year-old, rising senior who had to close my eyes while watching these scenes, I started wondering if this movie was meant for children, or whether it was in fact targeted for the millennial generation. If you were thinking of taking young ones to see the “Incredibles 2”, I wouldn’t suggest it. I kept hearing the Voldemort-like voice of Screenslaver in my head hours after seeing the film. If you’re a classic Disney fan, who enjoys the romanticism and love-story aspects of their films, then you might be disappointed in “Incredibles 2”; however, if you’re more of a Marvel Disney fan, then you might find that you enjoy this sequel more-so than the first movie. Apparently Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible and Frozone were petrified as well, since the three kids were the ones who eventually save the day – Jack Jack specifically. This point I really appreciated. It showed that kids aren’t powerless, but quite the opposite, which is a concept that is really important in today’s climate. Kids have the power to save the planet and reconstruct society, and the Incredibles enforces this important concept. We can’t forget that this is in fact a Disney movie, so in typical Disney fashion, it has a happy ending. However, there is one line at the end that stands as the sole reason as to why I decided to go so in-depth with this review, and ultimately why I delivered so many spoilers. When Evelyn was being arrested, Violet made a comment about how she was rich and probably wouldn’t receive much more than a “slap on the wrist.” **SNAPS FOR DISNEY** By showing that good triumphs over evil, yet also pointing out that the punishment for those of a higher socioeconomic status is oftentimes unfair, was beautifully weaved into the film and shows the drive that Disney has to create works that influence people to stand up to society and fight for everyone’s ability to be “incredible.”
'Speak: the Graphic Novel' is Captivating and Impressive By Cara Lee Executive Editor
Nearly 20 years ago, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote “Speak,” a book about a girl who was sexually assaulted at a party. Now, Anderson works with artist Emily Carroll to create artwork that only amplifies the struggles protagonist Melinda faces in the lonely walls of her home, the cold hallways of her school and the collapsing recesses of her own mind. Before the party, Melinda was as close to normal as a middle schooler could be. She and her friends dressed as witches for Halloween, enjoyed sleepovers on the weekends and she maintained a steady B average. Her family life wasn’t perfect, with constantly fighting parents only motivated to remain married until she graduates, but it’s life. Then she is sexually assaulted at a high school party and thirteen-yearold Melinda starts her high school years as a social pariah. Her desperate call to the police after the assault was overheard by other party-goers, the phone ripped from her hand before her story could be told and she spends a year silently suffering from the unknown events of the night. “Speak: the Graphic Novel” is the captivating story of Melinda’s year of silence and was released in February of 2018, nearly 20 years after the original novel by Laurie Halse Anderson was published. Yet, the gap between when the story was originally penned until it was reimagined as a graphic novel does nothing to take away from the story. Not only is it still modern and heartbreakingly relevant, but its retelling in this format only brings the circumstances around Melinda’s sexual assault and her psychological response into even greater clarity. After the party, Melinda is left alone to fall into a depression. She suffers from flashbacks and fainting spells,
struggles to pay attention in classes and is terrified by her male peers, but no one notices or cares enough to do anything. Her parents blame the school, her school blames her parents and all of the above believe she’s just acting out to gain attention. Yet, the worst part of the situation is that Melinda can’t move on — because he is still there. The rising senior who took Melinda’s voice, confidence and all but the physical aspect of her life away from Melinda that night still goes to her school and, no matter how hard she tries to warn others away from him, no one will listen. This story is about finding a voice and trying to recover after an assault. It’s about survival and the debate over if sharing a story will only lead to reliving the experience or will help begin healing — with the added horror of wondering if the experience, if shared, will even be believed. I highly recommend this book to all readers late middle-school years and up. The book does not go into detail of the assault itself, but gives invaluable insight into the mind of someone who has suffered through a traumatic experience, what can help them as well as some of the signs to look for. It also serves as a warning without frightening the reader. This, combined with its graphic novel format makes it a quick and easy read for readers of even an early middle-school reading level, ensures that all readers of these ages can read and learn from Melinda’s tale.
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
The Vine
'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' is One Woman's Impactful search for a serial killer By Sabina Dirienzo Chief Copy Editor
“That summer I hunted the serial killer at night from my daughter’s playroom,” writes author Michelle McNamara in her first sentence of her true crime novel. Before she starts, McNamara’s work is introduced by mystery/thriller novelist Gillian Flynn, famous for the novel “Gone Girl.” Flynn writes, “I read only the best [true crime]: writers who are dogged, insightful, humane. It was inevitable that I would find Michelle.” I knew that I wanted to read Michelle McNamara’s “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” even before the alleged killer was caught on April 24, 2018. McNamara actually died in 2016, before “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” was finished, and long before alleged murderer Joseph DeAngelo was caught by the California police. But McNamara’s popularity as a true crime journalist reinvigorated popular and police interest in the killer – she even came up with his title, “the Golden State Killer,” which the police called him when they announced his arrest. McNamara’s 300-plus page true crime book constructs a narrative that weaves together her detailed research on the crime using interviews with victims and officers, methods and a window into her own mind. It’s a non-fiction book, but it doesn’t read like non-fiction. McNamara writes about the Golden State Killer’s 50 rapes and 10 murders with careful detail. Unlike some true crime writers, she does
not act as a tragedy voyeur: instead, she is persistently empathetic in her portrayal of crimes and victims. As Flynn described, she is dogged, insightful and humane.
McNamara also offers the reader a view into her own life. She discusses the psychological toll that hunting a serial killer took on her, her awkwardness at Hollywood premier events with her husband Patton Oswalt, and her origins as a true crime journalist and as a person.
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The part of the book that made me most emotional was when McNamara describes her relationship with her mother, their differences and similarities. She is honest, not only about the crimes she covers, but also about her own life. I was fully engrossed in the details of the plot, reading “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” even at times when I really, really shouldn’t have. I totally freaked myself out in my empty townhouse one night and had to triplecheck the locks on every window. But it was so worth it – McNamara’s book, finished after her death by her research team and editors, was incredible. If you have any interest in true crime at all, you should read “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.” If you want a taste of McNamara’s writing, you can read an excerpt from “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” in the New Yorker. “Letter to the Golden State Killer” appears in the book as the chapter “Letter to an Old Man.” When DeAngelo was arrested for the crimes, McNamara’s widower Oswalt tweeted, “If they’ve really caught the #GoldenStateKiller I hope I get to visit him. Not to gloat or to gawk, but to ask him the questions that [McNamara] wanted answered in her “Letter to an Old Man” at the end of #IllBeGoneintheDark.”
'Solo: A Star Wars Story' is a Fun Watch By Katherine Klima Vine Editor
I’ve been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. So, one can imagine how excited I am every time a new movie comes out, especially an anthology dedicated to one of my favorite Star Wars characters – Han Solo. Released on May 25, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” starts off with young orphaned Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) running away from the law as he tries to steal his way out of the poor shipbuilding planet of Corellia alongside girlfriend Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke). However, their plans are spoiled when the two are separated, causing Han to spend the next two years fighting for the Imperial Army to buy his way back to Corellia and save Qi'ra. After stirring up some trouble in the army and rescuing his infamous best friend, Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), Han joins a gang of criminals, led by Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson), all in hopes of rescuing his childhood sweetheart. The film proceeds to follow Han as he’s introduced to the world of smuggling. Through this film, viewers see the young pilot rough himself into the classic, beloved character we all know and love today, while exemplifying his roots – like how he met his friend, and other Star Wars all time favorite, Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Overall, “Solo” was good, but nothing necessarily remarkable. Going in, I knew that whatever happened in this film wouldn’t drastically change the plotline of the entire Star Wars franchise being that it was, in it’s own little way, a prequel to the original trilogy. Despite the safety of it all, that didn’t stop the writing and the plot from taking a blow. Photo Taken from starwarsmovies Instagram The writers could have done a better job with some of the dialogue as well as the plot. The plot felt a bit bland and didn’t have a lot of complexity, intense climax or any jaw dropping Ehrenreich (left) pictured with Suotamo (right) as Han Solo and Chewbacca surprises to it. The only surprising factor was the out-of-the-blue, brief second, introduction of Darth Maul (Ray Park). For those of you who don’t know, (spoiler alert) Darth Maul is a villain who was This is particularly important as now “Solo” has a place in the mass industry debate of having a charpresumed dead after Obi-Wan Kenobi killed him in “Episode One: Phantom Menace.” This surprise didn’t acter who is either truly a part of the LGBT+ community or just the film industry’s way of “queerbaiting” feel substantial and, in fact, felt a bit random. or the practice of hinting, but not actually depicting, a same-sex romantic relationship. This is something Not to mention, only diehard Star Wars fans would know Darth Maul survived “Episode One” due other franchises, like Harry Potter with J.K Rowling’s claim that Dumbledore is gay, have gone under fire to the fact he made various appearances in the 2008-14 Star Wars Cartoon Network show, “Star Wars: the for. Glover has also confirmed Calrissian’s sexuality in an interview from the Washington Post, “How can Clone Wars.” For those who have never watched past the Star Wars movies, this had to be super confusing you not be pansexual in space?” Due to the fact everyone is an alien and, basically, gender has no meaning to witness since Darth Maul had been chopped in half and thrown into a never ending chasm. Personally, in space. the only reason I can see it being necessary to add is for possible continuity for the upcoming 2019 Star As for the new characters, they had substance. Tobias emulated a bit of an older Han and acted Wars anthology film about another bad boy - Boba Fett (originally played by Jeremy Bulloch). almost like the mentor as to which Han learned his tough demeanor and smuggling skills from. As for As for the characters, they were interesting enough. Ehrenreich did an awesome job in his portrayal Qi’ra, she exemplified this idea that Han had another life prior to “Episode 4: New Hope” and he has a past of Han Solo. When the franchise was introduced to Han in the original trilogy, he was a sarcastic guy and was in love before Princess Leia, something we get very little hints about in the originals. Beckett and with a hard shell and soft interior, a jerk turned softie, and it was interesting to see a more innocent side Qi'ra mostly contribute to Solo’s trust issues later in life, giving reason behind the character’s biggest flaw. of this character when he had to be either a teenager or in his early twenties. I think the film also added The best part, like in many of the Star Wars films, was the production and cinematography that went complexity to Solo’s character, it made him a lot more realistic and showed the effects of the lessons Solo into making the movie. It was intriguing to discover more of Star Wars universe and gain a better portrayal had to learn through this movie as he tries to understand the ins and the outs of the dirty, lying and cheat- of the smuggling world. Along with that, the aliens and special effects were pretty great. I personally loved ing world of smuggling. how they included Han making the kessel run in less than twelve parsecs – an iconic remark about his beAnother big character to focus on is Lando Calrissian – portrayed by Donald Glover, also known as loved ship, the Millennium Falcon, which us viewers get to see how Han obtained. Continuing, “Solo” did hit musician Childish Gambino. Glover’s portrayal of Lando was impressive. We only got a slice of Lando a phenomenal job paying homage to Han Solo through little tributes like the golden dice from “Episode 8: in the last two original Star Wars films and never really get a real good idea to who he is. Through “Solo,” Last Jedi” and the origin to the smuggling compartments in the Falcon from “Episode 4.” more depth was added to the character of Lando Calrissian and provided the audience, and long time Star Overall, even though this film had its flaws, I liked it a lot. “Solo” was a lot of fun to watch. Even if the Wars fans, with a background as to how he met Han. writing or the plot weren’t exactly well thought out, that didn’t detract from the entire movie experience. A lot of attention came to this character due to the confirmation from the director that Lando is To be quite honest, I enjoyed every second of the film because it was a good, wholesome, comedic Star pansexual. This is through one line where Calrissian is said to be flirting with Solo and calls him “baby.” Wars film. The last couple of Star Wars films have been a bit heavy, either from major character deaths to However, there wasn’t much of an indication that it was flirting, it seemed to be more comedic relief. intense plotlines about war, so it was good to get a refreshing, more fun-loving feel from this Star Wars Calrissian is a natural flirt, but there was never any clear indication in regard to his sexuality in the movie. film. It’s what I had been missing. So, with that, I’m going to give Solo a 7/10. It’s a must see this summer, There were other scenes that do indicate him coming on to various characters, but nothing solid. so try to check it out!
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
Coffee Break
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COFFEE BREAK Editor: Julia Monteleone julia.monteleone@student.fairfield.edu
The First-Year Fear
NEW DISEASE THREATENS TO KEEP THE CLASS OF 2022 AWAY FROM COLLEGE CAMPUSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY If you have been following Coffee Break for the last year then you know about the various diseases that have wreaked havoc on our beloved Fairfield University campus, such as Housing Lottery Insanity Syndrome. With August quickly approaching, a new disease has threatened to wipe out the incoming class of 2022. The diagnosis is clear: The First-Year Fear. High school students are reaching their time of graduation, when they officially must leave the nest and go to college. This has brought about a neurological epidemic that has caused parents across the country to shriek in fear as their children refuse to leave for college. One concerned mother called Fairfield University Admissions in a panic, “Please. Make my son leave. He hasn’t left his room, refuses to pack a single thing to come to Fairfield and won’t stop playing ‘Fortnite.’” Admissions also reported that an incoming first-year called and pretended to be his dad by doing an awful impression in order to try to un-enroll himself due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Doctors have began studying this horrible disease and have come to the conclusion that the psychosis is brought on by young first-years simply being scared to go to college. They suggest that in order to try to stop it, parents must blindfold them and leave them at Fairfield come September. This sort of shock will force incoming first years to see that college is a wonderful experience, especially at Fairfield. The First-Year Fear is often easy to spot. If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, well, get over it. CreativeCommons/Pixabay
Sports
SPORTS
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
Stags Highlights
In Case You Missed It...
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Cooper Signs First Pro Contract By Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor
Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk
On Tuesday, May 29, former athletic director Gene Doris was given the Gary Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to intercollegiate athletics. During his 23 year stint with the Fairfield University Stags, Doris was a witness to 45 conference championships, 58 regular season championships and 35 NCAA Tournament berths. Fairfield also won the prestigious Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Commissioners Cup for athletic performance on four different occasions. Not to be forgotten, the Stags repeatedly had one of the best graduation rates in, not only the conference, but the region as well.
Samantha Cooper ‘18, fellow forward for the Fairfield University Women’s Basketball squad for four years, made her senior year a season to remember. She posted multiple career highs along with garnering accolades from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the All-Metropolitan Writers team. Cooper finished her 2017-18 campaign in such a manner that Grengewald Hostert in the Luxembourg Total League signed her to a professional contract to be a part of their team next season. During this past season, the forward scored 451 points and 300 rebounds, which are both career-highs for Cooper. She made her presence felt throughout the season, establishing herself as a feared scorer and authoritative rebounder. In her final campaign, she averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game, being the only Stag and only student-athlete in the conference to average a double-double the entire year. Because of this consistent play, Cooper earned All-MAAC Second Team honors as well as being a part of All-Met Writers Second Team. These are two quintessential examples of respect from the MAAC and the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association. These accolades made her a perfect candidate for the Grengewald Hostert club. As a whole, Cooper finished her Fairfield University career with 1,294 points along with ranking fifth on Fairfield’s rebound list with 996. Taking her talents to Luxembourg, Grengewald Hostert will benefit from her rebounding and scoring prowess. “We are very happy and proud of everything she accomplished here for our program, what she’s meant to us and we know how hard she worked during her career here with the end goal to sign a professional contract” said Joe Frager, head coach for the Fairfield Women’s Basketball team. As her time at Fairfield closes, her professional career commences so she can continue to grow as a player. Cooper has nothing but praise for her sources of support, from coaches to teammates and everyone in between. “While I am sad that my time at Fairfield is over, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my basketball career in Luxembourg. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and athletic training staff at Fairfield University for getting me to this point,” said the senior. Cooper surely made her final season her best one to date and she arduously worked so she could achieve that double-double average. The Stags will have to replace their talented forward in time for the 2018-19 season as Cooper plays overseas.
Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk
On Monday, June 11 Will Fox ‘18 was named a USILA Scholar All-American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. The recent graduate is the sixth USILA Scholar All-American in Stags history. As a Psychology major, Fox was repeatedly on the Dean’s List and was also named an All-Academic from the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Fox hung up his cleats going down as one of the best faceoff men in Fairfield history. At the X, he won a staggering 503 faceoffs with 220 wins at a .555 win percentage, all of which place him second in Stag history. Fox was also a two-time Second Team All-CAA selection during his time at Fairfield.
In this week's issue...
- Read about Tyler Nelson representing the Stags at various NBA
workouts (Page 11)
- Dive into Co-Sports Editor Patrick Getz's wild experience at his
internship with the New Jersey Jackals (Page12)
Sports
THE MIRROR | Week of June 25, 2018
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Tyler Nelson Earns NBA Workout Opportunities By Christopher LaZazzera Assistant Sports Editor
Making it to the National Basketball Association is a dream that only a select group of men get to fulfill over the course of their lives. With an impressive senior campaign behind him, Tyler Nelson ‘18 recently got to show a few professional teams why he deserves a shot in the NBA. On June 4, Nelson worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers at the University of California, Los Angeles Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif. alongside five other draft hopefuls. The 6’3’’ guard completed individual drills before winning the one-on-one and team two-on-two drills. Nelson told reporters, “I think my work shows for itself. I think I’ve earned this opportunity to come in here and just compete. Obviously, coming from a small school people are going to have doubts, but I’m just trying to prove people wrong.” Five days later, the Stags all-time leading scorer headed back to the east coast to show off his skills in front of the Boston Celtics. Growing up in Massachusetts, Nelson tweeted that it was a dream come true to workout for his hometown team and thanked the Celtics organization
for having him participate. Nelson’s third and final workout of the seven-day stretch was with the Charlotte Hornets, stationed in Charlotte, North Carolina. He told reporters afterwards that he thought his workout went well and that his father has been a real help for him mentally during this entire process. “He said to do what I do well, which is shoot the ball. Show my basketball I.Q. and make the right play over and over again. So that’s what I’m trying to do when I’m out here” said Nelson. Nelson’s accomplishments at Fairfield were quite
impressive and should show teams how well rounded of a player he is. He scored the most points in a season at Fairfield (732) and converted the most three-point field goals (315). Nelson also became the first Stag to make over 100 three-pointers in a season (104) and led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) with 22.2 points per game this past year. Keep an eye out for the sharpshooter's next workout as Nelson noted he should end up with a total of six after all is said and done.
Contributed by Sports Information Desk After a successful senior season, Nelson '18 showcased his worth to multiple NBA teams in team workouts over the past couple weeks, including the Lakers and Celtics.
Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ...
How has your summer been so far?
How does it feel to be entering senior year?
Adjusting to life after Italia has been tough :(
How do you feel about the Warriors winning a third title in four years?
Where will LeBron land?
Go soccer!
Hard work pays off!
I really wonder what it's like to have so many people wanting you on their side. He's going to disappoint so many more people than he's gonna make happy. Poor guy can't win.
It feels surreal since it feels like yesterday was freshman year.
Seeing Ronaldo capture that elusive World Cup would be good to see.
Seeing Nick Young walk shirtless out of his parade, going from Swaggy P to Swag Champ was everything fans wanted to see.
If Lebron wants a chance to keep his run at the Finals going, he should stay in the East, maybe the Celtics...
I am coming back to Fairfield with a vengance.
Bovada sports betting will be winning for me as they suck the funds out of me. But seriously wanna see Ronaldo in the final.
The only saving grace of this championship was seeing Jordan Bell guzzle Henny at the parade.
Praying for the Rockets so they can smack the Warriors.
There will be no mention of the g-word or j-word. Don't even say s****r to me
Forza!
Unrelatable content.
Next to me.
Dan Montgomery Co-Sports Editor
Living more than a 30 second Deanna Carbone walk from all my friends is inconvenient
Managing Editor
Alicia Phaneuf, Patrick Getz, Dan Montgomery and Deanna Carbone FIFA World Cup just started... Who do you have winning?
Everyone should experience That word is banned in my townliving on campus throughout the house. I refuse to believe this is my last year at Fairfield. Alicia Phaneuf summer at least once. I'm living with some of my best friends and Editor-in-Chief learning valuable lessons at two internships (including how to master public transportation). Working a summer job and my internship with the NJ Jackals has been busy for me! Tons of unforPatrick Getz Co-Sports Editor gettable moments...
Your 2018-2019 4x5 Columnists:
@MirrorSports Sports Editor: Patrick Getz » patrick.getz@student.fairfield.edu & Daniel Montgomery » daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu
Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of June 25, 2018
fairfieldmirror.com
SPORTS 12
Jackals_Baseball/Instagram
Mat Latos (left) and Vic Black (center) are focal points of the New Jersey Jackals pitching staff, anchoring a staff with serviceable Major League experience and talented, proven skillsets.
Intern Spotlight: Sitting Down With Mat Latos & Vic Black By Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor The game of baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, which is why it is arguably my favorite sport. After many internship applications during the fall and winter of 2017, one sports organization got back to me before winter break and I was thrilled to hear back from somewhere so early. The New Jersey Jackals, an independent baseball organization stationed in Little Falls, N.J., responded to my application. After two interviews, I accepted a Gameday/Broadcasting Intern position with the Jackals. Simply, this was just the beginning. After going through two orientations, it was time for some Jackals baseball. For the first home series, there was some excitement to learn about working cameras, the music soundboard, the scoreboard, video board, pointstreak, livestream and on-air commentary. But as I quickly get accustomed to my assignments for the respective games, it makes the games more enjoyable for me, other press box interns and for the fans. One requirement for my internship is to get to the stadium three hours before the game, so making friends with other broadcasting, and even social media, interns was not that hard. The atmosphere in the press box while figuring out what assignment each intern has for each game is also very relaxed and, if need be, there is plenty of time to ask any questions I have to other interns or to my supervisor before first pitch. Aside from arriving early and becoming familiar with assignments, this internship gives direct contact with professional baseball players trying to make their way to the Major Leagues. Many players at this level can get a second chance to showcase their worth to Major League scouts. On the Jackals roster, there are two notable pitchers that used to play for Major League ball clubs. The first one is Vic Black, a former Mets relief pitcher from 2013-14, recording a 2.96 career earned run average. The Jackals mainly use Black as a relief pitcher as he is trying to impress an MLB team. “It really does not matter what the field looks like. Of course, I have to get over some spoiled things, coming from Citi Field to here [Yogi Berra Stadium]. But it’s still baseball and that has been the biggest deal I know as far as this year has gone” said Black. “As a competitor, I want to be where the best are playing because I think I am one of the best, but injuries derail some of that so learning to enjoy where I am at right now allows me to then compete day by day” stated the former Mets reliever. The second player is Mat Latos, who is more notably known and spent nine seasons in the MLB, recording 71 career wins. The 6’6” tall hurler engages himself in every capacity at Yogi Berra Stadium, whether it is taking grounders at third base or shagging fly balls in the outfield, Latos is engaging with people around him. He will occasionally pop into the press box to socialize with my supervisor and just talk about baseball stories from his time in the bigs. Even on his pitching days, he will be chatting with my supervisor or some press box interns, including me, about what teammates he liked or didn’t like in the MLB and so on. “At the end of the day, I’m just messing around [in the press box] because I’m with my teammates all the time but there are certain points in time, we cross paths with you guys and it’s not as awkward. It’s good to casually talk with you guys since I see you guys all the time in the tunnel, giving you guys high-fives” said Latos. Being able to hear stories from the former established Major Leaguer, and have discus-
sions about the second Top Gun movie, I learned quickly that Latos loves to casually talk in the press box, making everyone feel personal. Hearing these stories firsthand is an experience I did not account for when I applied, but it makes the internship well worth it, despite being unpaid. “It’s personal talking to you guys where we conversate back and forth without it being awkward” said the former All-Star. As relaxed as Latos is off the field, when he steps onto the mound, he is still a fierce competitor, just as him in his San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds days. His fearlessness was on display against the Rockland Boulders, a fellow Canadian-American League foe, on Saturday, June 9. After five innings of one-run ball, Latos returned to the mound for a sixth inning. Boulder infielder Conrad Gregor hit an opposite field double into the left-center field gap. Left fielder Connor Hofmann relayed the ball to shortstop Carlos Truinfel, trying to cut down catcher Marcus Nidiffer at the plate. Nidiffer purposely took out Jackal catcher Kevin Torres with an elbow and forearm to the neck of Torres to jar the ball loose. “I defend my teammates when I feel it is necessary where some people may say that it was unnecessary. That’s not the way I looked at it. The guy went after my catcher’s neck and head area where he had an open lane to the plate. I felt like it was a cheap shot and he did not even touch home plate” said the former Broward college standout. After Nidiffer is controversially ruled safe, Latos goes back to the mound to face outfielder Kevin Krause, looking to defend his catcher for the supposed dirty play. The nineyear MLB veteran popped a sizzling 96 mile per hour fastball inside and there was more to come. Latos then throws over Krause’s head as he steps toward Krause. Pitcher Ryan Deems sprints out of the Rockland dugout toward the mound but Latos picks him up, slams him down as pandemonium ensued and a 300 Violin Orchestra blasted over the public address system. Bodies were flying everywhere as both benches and bullpens cleared. Mat Latos was defending his catcher because of the dirty hit by Nidiffer and he was not afraid of the consequences. “I am gonna let them know that, at least when I am on the mound, those actions are not gonna fly with me. If one of our guys can get hurt, somebody has to let them know we are not going to put up with it. If I’m on the mound and nothing has been done, I am gonna send a message to say enough is enough” said Latos. This was the first brawl I have ever seen in person, having a key vantage point in the press box being in charge of the music for the duration of the game. Moreover, I received credit from Barstool Sports, USA Today, MLB Network and Sirius XM radio as well as random fans on social media, for playing that exact pump up music during the brawl. The video of the brawl reached over 1.5 million views on Barstool Sports’ Instagram page in addition to almost 1.6 million views on Sportscenter’s Instagram account among many other pages. From working the cameras and different equipment to Mat Latos frequently visiting the press box to tell stories to the independent league brawl that went viral with Latos on the mound, this internship with the New Jersey Jackals has been one experience that I will remember for a lifetime. Being a part of the New Jersey Jackals genuinely displays that the Can-Am League does not mess around for real and neither does Latos when it comes to defending teammates on the diamond.
Barstool Sports