January 31, 2020

THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s award-winning independent student newspaper since 1932

Volume 88 • Issue 13

FSUgatepost.com

January 31, 2020

FSU reports significant web accessibility improvements over past three years

By Thomas Maye Opinions Editor

FSU has achieved a nearly 40% improvement in website accessibility for users with disabilities over a three-year period, said Sara Mulkeen, manager of digital communications and interactive media.

The changes were made in response to a 2017 complaint by the U.S. Office for Civil Rights regarding issues with the site’s compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), she said.

Mulkeen called the changes “a massive undertaking” which required communication across several departments, multiple educational workshops, and the hiring of a contractor who specializes in web accessibility issues.

The ADA grants people with disabilities - mental or physical - legal protections against discrimination “in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public,” according to the ADA National Network.

Thomas Maye / THE GATEPOST See ADA COMPATIBILITY page 4 The Health Center and S.E.A.L.S. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Self-Care Station. See: pg. 3.

Protests shut down Hong Kong schools

News

Students recount their terrifying experiences

By Leighah Beausoleil Asst. News Editor When university students in the U.S. were preparing for finals, exams for Hong Kong students Kelvin Li and Chuen Hei Wong were the least of their concerns as demonstrations had closed colleges and canceled classes.

“You smell it first,” said Li, recalling his experiences being tear gassed.

“Like something spicy but in smoke.

“After a few seconds, you can’t breathe and you keep coughing,” he added. “Your eyes feel hot and in pain, and your body is telling you,

you cannot stay anymore.”

Wong recalled his experience being tear gassed. “You can’t really breathe and your eyes can hardly open. My skin turned red and felt like it was burning,” he said.

“I just feel I will never forget that feeling,” Wong added. “This whole thing will not be solved easily because people like me are not going to forgive the police or the government.”

During the summer of 2019, citizens took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest a bill Carrie Lam, chief executive of Hong Kong, was putting

Rams on the Rise

By Liam Gambon Sports Editor

The Framingham State women’s basketball team has been consistently successful over the years and especially of late. After making it to the MASCAC Championship last season and falling short of the title, the Rams are dominating this year and are the favorites to win this time around.

While sitting at 14-5 overall, the Rams are 6-0 in the MASCAC and own first place in the conference.

Backing their record is a six-game winning streak and an 8-1 record at home this year.

They also lead the MASCAC in field goal percentage (43.8%), 3-point field

goal percentage (35%), rebounds per game (45%), opponent field goal percentage (35.8%), and are tied for first in assists with 16.1 per game.

“Our teams’ success so far this season has been awesome. Toward the beginning of the season, we struggled to find our identity, but we were able to find it come league play which is most important,” senior captain Emily Velozo said. “Our team gels together on the court and I think a big reason for this is because of the connections and memories we make with each other outside of basketball.”

Last season’s team led the MASCAC in only two offensive stats, field goal and free throw percentage, showing a massive leap in the Rams’

forth that would allow for extradition to mainland China, according to The New York Times.

“Critics are worried the authorities will use [the bill] to send dissidents, activists and others in Hong Kong, including foreign visitors, to face trial in mainland courts, which are controlled by the party,” according to the article.

This has aroused fear among Hong Kong citizens that they are already losing the autonomy they were promised in the “one country, two

See HONG KONG page 14

Thomas Maye / THE GATEPOST

SELF-CARE KIOSK pg. 3 SGA pg. 6

Opinions DECISION FATIGUE pg. 7 GRIEF pg. 8

offense.

“We are very well rounded this year in terms of personnel,” senior captain Mary Kate O’Day said. “We have scorers, defenders, shooters, drivers, etc. Which has been a huge help this year and a big reason why we have been so successful.”

“I think it comes down to us all going to practice every day wanting to work hard and push each other. We are all competitors and just want to win,” sophomore Liana Cunningham said. “Plus, with great leadership from our captains and our coaching staff, we have a really good thing

See RAMS ON THE RISE page 17

Arts & Features TRENDS OF THE ‘10s pgs. 10 & 11 “MANIC” REVIEW pg. 15

Sports HOCKEY pg. 16 KOBE BRYANT TRIBUTE pg. 18

Courtesy of @kobebryant on Instagram

INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • ARTS & FEATURES 10 • SPORTS 16

NEWS

2 | JANUARY 31, 2020

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Interim Editor-in-Chief Ashley Wall

Jaquelyn Litwak

Associate Editor Cara McCarthy News Editors Donald Halsing Evan Lee Asst. News Editor Leighah Beausoleil Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Jared Graf Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Fashion Correspondent Caeley Whalen Opinions Editor Thomas Maye Interim Columnist McKenzie Ward Sports Editors Liam Gambon Sara Senesac Asst. Sports Editor Carlos Silva Design Editor Kathleen Moore Asst. Photos Editor Caroline Gordon Copy Editor Lauren Paolini Staff Writers Mackenzie Berube Patrick Brady Kaitlin Burch Soren Colstrup Kaitlyn Cullen Rylee Holmes Dia Kilgore Mitchell Leonard Abigail Petrucci Alain Puma Abigail Saggio Lizzy Stocks Staff Copy Editor Jordan Bacci Staff Photographer Amanda Garny Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Campus Dietitian

By Caroline Gordon Editorial Staff What is your job here?

The position title is Campus Dietitian, so I work as a Sodexo employee for the Dining Services. This mainly means working with different departments on campus, such as the Wellness Center, and making sure that healthy choices are easy choices for students. Also, letting them know they have resources. We want them to give us feedback, talk with us, develop a relationship with us, and make sure that we can better suit you guys with what you are looking for.

What does a typical day look like for you?

In the morning, I typically just check emails. Then, I go down to the Dining Commons and check our digital signs.

Digital signs are screens above each station in the Dining Commons displaying items with the allergies and food calorie count. I make sure they all seem correct and it’s the right item for the right meal at the right station. I go back and do that for lunch, too. After that, I see if there are any menu changes. I will look at those recipes and make sure they sound nutritionally balanced, and I make suggestions for the next time the menu comes around. Then, I normally work on projects for either things I am doing with other dietitians or nutrition team events.

How would you rate the difficulty of your job on a scale of 1-10 and why?

I would say that depends on the day, but on average,, I would say a happy medium. A few days this week have been laid back so maybe like a four or five. There are other days where there are meetings and things you have to look at ahead of time - those days might be more like a six or seven. Once you develop a routine, you plan out and organize your week. Usually, it goes pretty smoothly, but you can’t always plan for everything that goes on, either.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job?

I think it is getting to work with students one on one. There are a few students I see every week, seeing people progress by taking healthier options, and more people using the salad bar,

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST and seeing if there is an impact from the marketing and everything we do here for you guys.

What made you interested in your profession?

It was kind of random. Back in high school, I watched a show on Oprah that was all about vegetarian eating and animal cruelty. There was talk about nutrition on there and I just got on this healthy eating kick. This was around the time I was thinking about college and I realized this was a career and it just felt like the right move at that time.

Did you graduate from Framingham State?

I graduated from undergrad in 2018.

Yesterday [Jan. 28th] was actually one year in this position. I am also in grad school here right now and I will finish that next spring.

What is your most memorable moment as an undergrad?

Probably getting into the Coordinated Program [in Dietetics Concentration], which is something with the nutrition major. You complete your 1,200 hours of supervision at different nutrition sites as you are completing your senior year in undergrad. This saved me a couple years of having to move somewhere, being able to gain experience right in the state, and furthering my education. I saved time and money.

Career-wise, if you could go back and do something differently, what

would it be?

I probably would have tried picking up a minor, probably in chemistry or biology since I had other classes that fit with those. Maybe psychology even.

With the program I ended up going through, there weren’t enough electives to complete a minor.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy exercising, getting my body moving, and staying active. I am into cooking and baking, too. Also, going for walks and going to coffee shops with friends.

What’s a goal of yours for the next year?

I would like to create some type of night events for students - whether it’s cooking demos, general facts, or questions and sampling. Also, finishing grad school.

What advice do you have for Framingham State students?

Network. If there are opportunities to join clubs in school or outside, that would be great to meet people, gain skills, and having people skills. So many people these days are glued to screens.

Have a presence somewhere, go to job fairs, and introduce yourself.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE GORDON cgordon4@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Saturday, January 25 10:45 Alarm (Trouble) North Hall Referral Filed

Saturday, January 25 17:17 Alarm (Fire/Smoke) Larned Hall False Alarm

Monday, January 27 11:44 Larceny of State Property 16 State St. Missing University Property Report Taken

Tuesday, January 28 09:13 Carbon Monoxide Alarm North Hall Checks OK

Saturday, January 25 11:48 Suspicious Activity FSU Police Dept.

Report Taken

Sunday, January 26 19:42 Well Being Check Towers Hall Checks OK

Tuesday, January 28 07:17 Alarm (Fire/Smoke) Towers Hall Referral Filed

Tuesday, January 28 10:06 Building Check McCarthy Center Checks OK

NEWS

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 3

New Self-Care Station provides students with health supplies free of charge

By Brennan Atkins Editorial Staff Students and faculty gathered in the McCarthy Center Jan. 23 to view the new “Self-Care Station” created

by Health Services.

The Self-Care Station is a vending machine residing in the existing vending machine alcove.

The machine contains cold care products, sleep kits, menstrual products, stress kits, instant hot packs, and various other health items to help with the mental and physical health of students around campus.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Director of Health Services Ilene Hofrenning said her office teamed up with the S.E.A.L.S. Peer Health Educators (Support. Education. Action.

Leadership. Strength.) in order to bring the project to fruition.

“We did it because whenever students fill out the satisfaction survey, or sometimes [we] just hear from students that they think the health center should be open more hours, weekends, and evenings, and that’s a huge expense ... We thought, how can we extend our reach to students?” she asked.

“Sometimes students, if they have a bad cold, they don’t necessarily need a medical visit, but they may need some information, or they might need some health care products that could help them feel better.

So, we thought, let’s have a vending machine that can be open after hours and over weekends for students to access,” said Hofrenning.

Health Services staff decided they would choose the alcove as the location is always open, centrally located, and private if students feel sensitive about their products.

“We wanted a place that is open 24/7, and there’s not many [other] places ... It’s pretty central - if you live on campus, you go there three times a day for food,” Hofrenning said.

Junior criminology major Mattie Devin, a resident assistant who helped with the vending machine project, and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony, said, ”I was on the Self-Care Station Team, and I think it’s important that these supplies are available to students because while the products are often necessary for so many people, some students struggle to access them due to financial or scheduling purposes.”

Junior English major Erin Cook

Weather

Thomas Maye / THE GATEPOST Students are now able to find healthcare products on campus outside of the Health Center’s operating hours.

“We wanted a place that is open 24/7, and there’s not many [other] places ... It’s pretty central - if you live on campus, you go there three times a day for food.”

-Ilene Hofrenning, director of health services said, “I think it’s really important to have an accessible, and affordable i.e. free - thing on campus for mental health and physical health because A. we’re all really poor, and B. none

Sunday night Feb. 2 Mostly cloudy, low near 30. W winds around 5 mph.

Monday night Feb. 3 Partly cloudy, low near 35. SW winds around 5 mph.

Monday Feb. 3 Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny, high near 50. W winds around 10 mph gusting to 20.

Tuesday Feb. 4 Mostly cloudy, high near 50. W winds around 5 mph.

of us are mentally healthy.”

Health services also moved the Mindkare Kiosk to accompany the new vending machine.

Hofrenning said, “[The Mindkare

Kiosk] is an anonymous screening tool for a number of different mental health issues, problems, or symptoms. You can choose which screening tool you want to use, whether it be for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, drug and alcohol use, bipolar, and/or psychosis.

“It asks a number of questions, and then gives the person feedback related to the answer that they’ve given,” she said.

From there, the kiosk can give students information about symptoms they may be experiencing, and steps that can be taken in the future to combat mental illness.

The kiosk also features a QR Code that will link students to the survey, if they feel as if they don’t want to answer such private questions in the open.

CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS batkins@student.framingham.edu

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov Tuesday night Feb. 4 Wednesday night Feb. 5 Patchy fog. Mostly 40% chance of rain and cloudy, low near 35. snow showers. Mostly Light SW winds. cloudy, low near 30. N winds around 5 mph.

Wednesday Feb. 5 40% chance of showers. Patchy fog.

Mostly cloudy, high near 50. SW winds around 5 mph.

Thursday Feb. 6 30% chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, high near 40. NE winds around 5 mph.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

4 | JANUARY 31, 2020

ADA compatibility Continued from page 1

In addition, these places must provide “reasonable accommodations” to allow people with disabilities to engage in the same opportunities.

Whether accommodations apply to websites, though, has been the subject of continued legal debate. Both Beyoncé’s entertainment management company and Netflix have been sued for ADA compliance issues, and last year, a case against Domino’s Pizza nearly reached the Supreme Court, according to the Vancouver Business Journal.

However, in addition to the ADA, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) requires information and communication technology from all publicly funded institutions - such as FSU - to be accessible for people with disabilities.

Plaintiffs, activists, and concerned citizens argue websites that are not designed for people with disabilities in mind discriminate against people who use assistive technology, preventing them from accessing the same information.

Vikky Angelico, disability and access services coordinator, said roughly 10% of the FSU population has some form of disability, although exact numbers are “hard to quantify” - many people may choose not to report their disability to CASA, or may not be diagnosed, she said.

Disability statistics vary widely The World Bank, by comparison, estimates 20% of people in the world have disabilities.

The Office for Civil Rights alerted the University of an anonymous student complaint about accessibility issues on several major pages on the framingham.edu website Nov. 21, 2017.

In response, the University voluntarily entered into a Resolution Agreement with the office promising to make continued efforts to ensure the website was fully accessible by Jan. 6, 2020.

Kim Dexter, director of equal opportunity, Title IX, and ADA compliance, stressed the Resolution was made as a sign of the University’s commitment to diversity, as outlined in its Equal Opportunity Plan.

“FSU may not have been an outlier in having inaccessible web content,

NEWS

but that demonstrates just how pervasive accessibility issues are,” she said. “That creates very real barriers for persons with disabilities to have equal access to information.

“Our work will be ongoing in educating the community on creating accessible content and maintaining overall web accessibility, but our efforts over the past few years have given us a solid foundation to continue that work,” she added.

When first beginning the improvements, only 62% of the website was accessible for people with disabilities, as calculated by the Siteimprove software Mulkeen said. As of January 6, 2020, Siteimprove quantifies the website as 99.6% accessible.

“The work will never be ‘complete’ because content is added and updated on our website every day,” she said. “On an average day, I would estimate that 10-plus documents are added to the website, and ... users are always updating their actual webpage content.”

schedule, so we’re very thankful for that.”

Most of these changes would not be noticeable to the general student population, Mulkeen said. “It’s more on the back end, retrofitting our design to make sure that it’s usable for anyone who uses assistive technology.”

FSU hired an ADA specialist, Manwai Leung, in a contract position on Nov. 7, 2019 which will end June 30, 2020 - as a result, Dinh said now only “10 - 15% of my time is dedicated to accessibility.”

Leung said she became passionate about internet accessibility while looking for a meaningful job after 10 years working on bankruptcy cases as a paralegal. “I wasn’t happy. I didn’t feel like I was helping anyone,” she said. “[With] this job, I feel like I’m helping people. I’m bringing awareness.”

She added, “Most [people] design for the 80% without disabilities … the 20% of people with disabilities

“Most [people] design for the 80% without disabilities … the 20% of people with disabilities are completely left out. This work helps fill in the gaps.”

-Manwai Leung, ADA specialist That said, “We are definitely in a much better position,” she added.

When beginning work on improving the website’s score, FSU web developer Lam Dinh said he had to correct over 2,000 PDF documents as part of the site improvements - on top of his work testing web pages and templates for compliance. “[For] several months in 20182019, all of my time was dedicated to accessibility,” he said.

Mulkeen said the work Dinh took on saved the University a significant amount of money, when compared to hiring a third party to do the bulk of the job. “If the company we got the quote from was doing it, it would’ve been about $185 an hour,” she said.

“He built it into his regular work

are completely left out. This work helps fill in the gaps.”

The irony in cutting the 20% of people with disabilities out in favor of their primary customers, Leung said, is that businesses end up missing out on a sizable source of potential profit. “We’re talking billions [of dollars],” she said.

Leung said one of the major barriers for people with disabilities is the high cost of assistive technology, adding that many people with disabilities have intense financial pressures as it is.

“Students with disabilities pay the same tuition, but many may not have the same ability to access information,” she said. “Every time I do testing with new users, they’re using

Accessible computers, with large-print keys for visually impaired people, are located near the library’s reference desk.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

really old technology,” which is generally less expensive, but often outdated.

Leung added there are nonprofits that can help with the expense, such as MassMatch, which sells used assistive technology for a discounted price. However, Leung said, “I don’t think the cost will go down at all” for new technology.

She said assistive tools can struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancement of technology, creating further challenges. “Assistive technology is advanced, but not enough to keep up.” The technology cannot make sense of white space, information in a table, or other visual cues on a page, so designing documents in a way the programs can understand is essential, she said.

Leung conducted a presentation on campus Jan. 9, 2020 to discuss ways to design documents and presentations with assistive technology needs in mind.

According to the final report sent to the Office for Civil Rights, the FSU Educational Technology Office held 11 workshops on accessibility.

The document states 29 content editors of the FSU website who did not attend educational workshops had their access revoked until they participated in the required accessibility training.

Major issues in Blackboard listed in the report include documents posted without headings, images without alternative descriptions, and tables without headings - all of which were significantly reduced by Dec. 2019.

Despite the adjustments accessible design requires - also known as universal design - Mulkeen said the changes end up benefiting more than just people with disabilities. “I think there’s a misconception that it’s a lot of extra work, but if you’re familiar with the concept of universal design, it’s just creating things so that everyone can use them.”

She added that disabilities affect wider populations than most people realize - for instance, she said the aging baby boomer population often has difficulty reading small text, which designers should take into account.

Millie Gonzalez, emerging tech-

Thomas Maye / THE GATEPOST

ADA compatibility nologies and digital services librarian, shared Mulkeen’s thoughts about accessible design. “If one person benefits, we all benefit from it,” she said.

Six years ago, Gonzalez secured a $12,000 grant from the Massachusetts Library Board of Library Commissioners to expand accessible technology services formerly only available at CASA - which has limited hours of operation - to the library.

Assistive hardware includes a computer with an expanded 24-inch monitor, a TOPAZ video magnifier, hand-held magnifying devices, and a scanner to upload documents digitally. The computer, video magnifier, and scanner can all be found past the reference desk and printers on the first floor, while the handheld devices are available at the reference desk.

The library computer also has JAWS software, which dictates textto-speech, as well as Zoomtext magnifying software and Winwizard, a program that helps people with learning disabilities and those who have challenges reading and writing.

Along with acquiring the grant, Gonzalez serves on the Library Diversity Advisory Committee, a group she founded six years ago, which meets to discuss how to best serve neurodiverse populations and represent their needs.

“It’s sort of a deep dive into the literature, learning the best practices and hopefully incorporating them into the library,” she said.

Gonzalez said she hopes to pursue the grant again to receive funding to make any required upgrades and expand the technology to meet any growing demand.

Though most students said they did not know people who used assistive technology, those who do said it made a significant difference in their lives.

Junior Corrin Deleon works as a personal care assistant for a student who communicates using an eye-tracking keyboard. She said assistive technology helps people with disabilities “form friendships with others and be more social,” as without it, they may have no other way to

NEWS

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 5

Thomas Maye / THE GATEPOST The TOPAZ video magnifier is avalible for visually impaired people near the library’s reference desk. share their thoughts.

Likewise, junior Julia Cohen said at her job working with special needs children, who are often nonverbal, she sees the importance of accessible technology “every day” in giving them opportunities to grow and learn.

“It gives them the freedom to express how they’re feeling - essentially, it is their voice,” she said.

Most students agreed the University provides useful resources to help

those with disabilities, but some students - such as junior Jimiah Saunders, who is legally blind in one eye - believe services could be better advertised.

Several said better representation in the media could improve the cultural perception surrounding disabilities. “They could ask people with disabilities how to be more inclusive and how they want to be depicted,” junior Britney Sherman said.

Senior Andrea Santoro added

there should be a “more honest dialogue” to reduce stigmas. “We’ve gone a long way, but there’s always more that can be done,” she said.

Junior David Kaine said people should not buy into the prejudices and misconceptions faced by people with disabilities.

“They’re some of the best people I know,” Kaine said.

CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

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6 | JANUARY 31, 2020

NEWS

Student Transportation Center adresses SGA’s concerns

By Alain Puma Staff Writer In its first meeting of the decade, SGA allotted time for a conversation with FSU’s Student Transportation Center (STC) to allow center staff to answer questions and address concerns Jan. 28.

Secretary Lexi Kays said she believes the RamTram service has improved. She then addressed a concern she had regarding the tram skipping stops in the athletic lot near the field, even when the tram had few to no passengers on board.

STC Manager Alex Backer asked for clarification regarding what time she experienced the issue. He apologized and explained trams running during those times are usually at capacity and they are working to address the issue by adding half-hour shifts during peak hours.

Backer also indicated new hires complete a four-hour-long training session and it is emphasized to drivers they must pick students up at the athletic and commuter lots.

STC Manager Stephanie Bennett indicated the best ways to address concerns with STC are to call the STC desk attendant, e-mail STC, use the FSUGo app, or fill out a form online or at the STC office.

Outreach and Events Coordinator Danielle Shaw said she called for a tram the day prior, but it never showed up.

Bennett apologized for delays and said STC has 50 unstaffed open hours, but had incoming new hires.

Senator McKenzie Ward shared her experience with a tram driver who didn’t allow her enough time to get to the tram.

Backer apologized and said STC addressed the issue at their monthly safety meeting and implemented a new rule requiring tram drivers to wait one minute before leaving a stop.

Senator Destiny Phaire said her experiences with the tram service were more positive, and the drivers she encountered have given her time to get to the tram.

Senator Jake Maradian said he has experienced a lot of instances where wait times for the tram exceeded 3040 minutes.

Backer said auxiliary calls - requests to shuttle people to places off campus such as CVS or the mall - are a factor in this issue.

He also cited tram maintenance

Employees of FSU’s Student Transportation Center speak to the senate. and fuel problems as contributing factors. “We’ve dealt with a lot of maintenance issues. Even this past week, we had a flat tire on one of our trams, so that took a tram out,” he said.

“We also run into a lot of fueling issues where we have to go to other locations that are farther away to fuel up,” he added.

Backer said they are working to address these issues.

According to Backer, STC has six trams but only five are in service.

Publicist and Recruitment Coordinator for SGA Ayanna Ferguson asked if STC would consider hiring a

challenge is budgetary limitations.

“It really comes down to budget. It’s about $12,000 to lease a tram and if you have a full-time driver, you have to think about the cost of salary and benefits. Contract drivers are high up there,” he said.

Beverlie asked if STC was given extra financial support by administrators other than what they are already allocated.

Bennett said that, after last semester’s Administrator’s Forum, “another budget was given from the [chief financial office].”

Backer added, “It wasn’t enough to lease a tram. It wasn’t enough to

“It really comes down to budget.

It’s about $12,000 to lease a tram and if you have a full-time driver, you have to think about the cost of salary and benefits.”

-Alex Backer, STC Manager separate person to work the service desk instead of taking a tram driver out of rotation.

Bennett said STC has been exploring the potential of adding a new person to help with the desk duties.

Backer added budget constraints are an issue to adding a new person.

Student Trustee Olivia Beverlie asked STC if there is anything that they need from administrators to help tram operations run more efficiently.

Backer indicated STC’s biggest

hire another full-time driver to drive as much as our full-time drivers do now.”

Beverlie asked how well they thought the transportation system was functioning as a student-run operation.

Backer said the University’s 20-hour-per-week limit for student workers is a challenge, “especially for us because we operate about 520 hours a week.

“Last semester, we had 110 open hours. It’s management’s job to get

Kathleen Moore / THE GATEPOST SGA Senators and eBoard members reconvened after winter break to discuss campus issues.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Kathleen Moore / THE GATEPOST those hours covered, and if we can’t get them covered, we have to drive,” he said.

Bennett added she knows of students who had to find jobs off campus because 20 hours was not enough for them.

“We have multiple students on our staff who have two jobs,” she said.

“We are adults at the end of the day, and we have to make an income to afford college,” she added.

President Matty Bennet said he would bring up the issue of the 20hour work rule with the Student Employee Task Force.

Bennet also requested that STC submit an official memo regarding the 20-hour work rule to SGA so that they could better address the issue with the task force. STC agreed to submit a memo.

During Open Forum Beverlie talked about potentially having more SHAPE posters in the bathrooms.

Ward, who is also the Open Educational Resource Amassador, brought up the limited availability of textbook rentals at the bookstore and the lack of options.

Kays added that “the bookstore this semester is extremely disorganized.”

She explained, “the books are organized by author instead of by class like they used to be, which is super inconvenient for all of our run-in and run-out needs.”

She also expressed concern about textbook prices. “My professors are requesting that we purchase books that are extremely overpriced. One the books I was going to have to purchase was $400 and I have six professors. I am in a class that has three separate professors teaching it, and each had been requesting that I buy over three books,” she said.

Jen Aruna said she also experienced an issue with the bookstore.

She purchased the wrong online book due to a clerical error.

Beverlie said she would bring up the issues with the bookstore at the Board of Trustee’s meeting.

Senator Samuel Houle, who has had the “U-Rock” for the last two months, awarded it to Vice President Abigail Salvucci for her consistent positivity.

[Editor’s Note: Evan Lee contributed to this article. McKenzie Ward is a member of The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH ALAIN PUMA apuma@student.framingham.edu

OP/ED

GATEPOST

Guidance

Pancake brands are not a reason for panic

By Ashley Wall Interim Editor-in-Chief

By Donald Halsing Editorial Staff The world we live in today is full of options - too many options.

From the food we eat to the shows we watch, limitless possibilities often contribute to indecisiveness.

A plethora of paths to choose from induces something called “decision fatigue.”

Reaching a state of analysis paralysis can turn any decision-making process sour.

Decision fatigue occurs when someone is presented with too many options. The process of trying to choose the best choice wears people out, and eventually they give up and make no decision at all.

Suppose you want to watch something on Netflix, but there isn’t anything in particular you’re hoping to binge. Instead, you scroll through suggestions, search for shows, and watch trailers.

This process becomes tiring, and eventually the act of searching for a show sucks up all of your enthusiasm to watch anything.

Choosing a new show becomes an intimidating barrier, and often leads to feelings of defeat, resulting in that familiar “The Office” theme song playing once again.

If you have experienced this phenomenon, congratulations! You have experienced decision fatigue first-hand!

This problem is more prominent than ever because of the number of streaming services available.

When you pay for access to Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ - among others - not using these platforms to their full potential wastes your hard-earned money. Now that content owners are launching their own streaming services, there is pressure to keep up with each new platform and shell out dollars for “Finding Dory” every month.

The amount of content - both old and new - is too much to keep up with.

Even those with cable television know the sentiment “hundreds of channels and nothing to watch.” We struggle to pick on a daily basis. Are people too picky? Do we enjoy this dilemma?

However, this problem is not exclusive to entertainment media. It also applies to our basic living needs.

Back in the good old days confused souls couldn’t decide between jumping rope or playing checkers - yes, there was a time before technology! But nowadays, technology is taking over: people can’t decide between going shopping in person or online shopping - especially for food.

Many shoppers are torn between the convenience of smartphone apps and delivery services or going to a physical store to grocery shop.

Although some people find it a hassle, shopping for food in a physical grocery store allows you to pick the finest produce and make the best selections of available stock.

Conversely, stores such as Wegmans even have in-store shoppers that will do the hard work for you, and deliver it right to your home or car. Apps such as Instacart offer an array of stores that provide this service as well.

Whether in store or online, shoppers are still faced with the indecisiveness of creating grocery lists and sticking by them.

In shopping apps, flipping through the pages of products can become repetitive, only to find they don’t carry the item you are looking for. This discourages people from continuing with their orders because of the amount of work associated with it.

The same can be said for grocery stores. Pushing empty carts aisle to aisle quickly leads to defeat as the peanut butter you’re looking for is hidden in the back corner of the store.

We understand your pain. Sometimes it’s easier to leave the cart behind than trek into the deep unknowns of Stop and Shop in order to complete your meal plans.

Because people don’t plan ahead, they go into a store getting everything but what they need - and that’s a waste of time and energy.

Unfortunately, this phenomenon applies to more than just television and shopping.

Finding activities to do, especially during the summer months and holidays, is often a hassle. Selecting the best case for your phone from several colors and patterns is challenging. Even deciding which drink you want from a restaurant is cause for calamity.

No matter which choice you are making, decision fatigue discourages people from making any verdict whatsoever.

If you feel yourself experiencing decision fatigue, remind yourself that we have all felt this way at one time or another. Push through and make a selection because any choice is better than no choice.

And the next time you find yourself strolling along the grocery aisle deciding what to have for breakfast, stop dwelling on your decision and just pick which pancake mix you want already.

[Editor’s Note: Gatepost Guidance is a bi-weekly column. The opinions of the authors do not reflect the opinions of the entire Gatepost staff.]

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 7

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

College is a balancing act As students in college, we often find ourselves juggling one too many tasks - something we’re sure many of you can relate to.

Whether it be managing your course load, working full-time, or catching a break to go out and socialize, most of us struggle to maintain all three.

It’s like walking a tightrope. The more you’re forced to carry, the harder it becomes to maintain your balance.

From tyrannical managers, to unreasonable hours, and even unaddressed workplace hostilities, it can seem impossible for a student to find the time - or mental stability - to do their classwork.

Similarly, overbearing syllabi, hours worth of homework for single classes, and multiple 10-page papers all due at once can make it seem impossible to balance a part - or full-time job.

But a lot of people still manage to do it - and so can you.

To start, we recommend keeping an agenda.

Planners are a cheap solution to completing work on time and keeping up with your responsibilities. Whether it be something as small as a Hallmark Holiday or as big as that 10-page paper, the Dollar Store has your back.

If you work during the semester, we also recommend being open with your boss at the very start of your tenure.

Sitting down and having a conversation regarding your availability is crucial to juggling the role of a full-time student. Trust us - you do not need to be a hero and work every day if you can’t handle it.

If your boss unreasonably demands you work more hours than you can manage, that job may not be the place for you. Your education should always come first.

You have every right to refuse or leave your job to find a new one one that will work with and value you and your schedule.

A great opportunity to consider is one of the many on-campus jobs the University offers.

From being a Security Desk Attendant to working in the campus bookstore, there are a plethora of jobs you can find at FSU that allow more than enough time to get school work done.

Every employer on campus recognizes you are a student first and foremost. For that reason, there is a 20-hour per week cap for student employees. Plus, some on-campus jobs - such as the Student Transportation Center - provide more than minimum wage.

Living on campus and avoiding the local traffic will not only help you save on gas, but leave more money in your pocket.

We also recommend being totally transparent with your professors.

More often than not, professors will be inclined to work with you if you’re open about your anxieties and busy schedule. They understand you have responsibilities, as they were once college students, too.

Chances are they went through exactly what we’re going through now.

The final piece of advice we offer is realizing when you have too much on your plate.

Know that it is OK to take a break between assignments, and request a weekend off from work so you can go to that concert with your friends - your future self will thank you.

College is supposed to be the best years of your life.

Don’t make them years you will look back on with regret.

Have Letter to the Editor?

Have a question for Gatepost Guidance?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Letters should be approximately 500 words.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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8 | JANUARY 31, 2020

OP/ED

Letter to the Editor

How to save the Earth - and your money Framingham State was named among the most environmentally friendly colleges in America by “The Princeton Review.”

FSU does a good job trying to reduce their carbon footprint. According to Framingham.edu, two solar PV arrays were installed on the athletic building and campus center. There is also a food composting program and the University utilizes water-saving dishwashers.

However, I have noticed some less environmentally friendly things happening around campus such as leaving the water on in the bathroom, wasting food in the dining commons, and littering.

The community can improve their efforts to make campus a healthier place. People need an incentive to want to make a change. Here’s one everyone can get behind - being environmentally friendly can save you money and here are some tips.

Though buying plastic water bottles in bulk is not cheap, a pack of 35 Poland Spring water bottles is nearly $30 at Walmart - FSU has water bubblers around campus to refill a plastic or glass bottle, saving you hundreds, if not thousands a year on

water alone. Plastic water bottles are also damaging to the environment.

According to Myequa.com, plastic bottles take 700 years to dissolve and 24 million liters of oil are required to produce billions of plastic bottles.

If you buy a reusable bottle, you are saving plastic and minimizing expenses - it’s a win-win.

If you are a resident student, you need to pay $1.75 to wash one load of clothes and another $1.75 to dry them. That is $3.50 every time you need to do laundry. Resident students live on campus roughly 36 weeks out of the year - if you do a load a week, that’s $126 over the course of the year, on top of your other expenses.

Using cold water while washing clothes is a more eco-friendly approach. According to epa.gov, heating the water takes up 90% of the energy the machine utilizes. The site also suggests washing in full loads as you can save 3,400 gallons of water each year. These methods don’t cost you a dime but can minimize your carbon footprint, saving our home.\ Investing in a dry rack can help you cut the cost of drying in half - which is $63 saved on laundry while conserving water. Dry racks are cheap,

and you can get one at Walmart for $10. Most dry racks are small and collapsible and can fit in the average college dorm room.

Some students eat on the go or in their dorm as they are too busy to make it to the dining commons.

Using paper dining wear is typical for many college students. Instead, try buying microwave-safe reusable dining wear. It’s more expensive in the short term, but you’ll end up saving more in the long run because you won’t have to keep buying paper plates over and over again. Along with being more affordable, it will help minimize paper waste.

Lastly, taking notes electron-

ically can save you money on buying notebooks, while also saving paper and a trip to the store.

Being a college student can be financially distressing, but there are ways you can ease the ache of your bank account while simultaneously helping the Earth.

If each college student takes these little steps, we can make a big impact.

Sincerely,

Caroline Gordon Editorial Staff

More than just five stages

By Kenzie Ward Interim Columnist I sat in the cafeteria of the National Archives in Washington, D.C. over my January break when a tsunami of grief swallowed my family.

News of my great Aunt Patty’s death poured through the cracks in the walls I had built around myself with bricks of hope.

Hope.

Hope that the woman who had helped raise me since I was 6 months old would make it. Her passing followed a mere 32 hours after her husband’s death due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

I could see my mom’s mouth wording something out to me, but I was drowning. The tsunami had consumed me whole and I could barely breathe.

I was 446 miles away from home and there has never been another moment in my life I so desperately desired Dorothy’s ruby red slippers.

I was mad at myself.

For not calling them more.

For not canceling the trip even though their doctors told me to go.

For not being able to remember the last time I told them “I love you.”

People showed their support understanding what I was going through, but others did more harm than good.

I don’t want to hear you say “their death was a blessing.” The implication that “at least” something worse hadn’t happened downplays what people go through. As if they are not allowed

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

to grieve because at least something worse hadn’t happened.

My pain and loss are not a “blessing.”

When they first passed, I had a lot of people reaching out to me - giving me advice about grief, sending me articles, telling me it gets easier, and telling me they knew what I was going through.

Many people had me believing I would deal with my grief in a very cookie-cutter way. That I would go through the five stages of grief and everything would be OK. What many fail to realize when they aren’t in your shoes is that grieving is not linear, or even a relatable experience in most cases. There are not necessarily five predefined stages everyone follows in order to cope with their grief. It’s often uncontrollable and creates a life of its own.

Many times, the grieving process is a disorganized mess of trying to figure out how to live your life with what feels like a piece of you is now missing.

The hole is a void I have tried to fill with memories of what was once there, but nothing will ever come close enough to fill it than their actual presence here with me.

Everyone deals with trauma in different ways, so no one can be expected to have similar experiences when an event to this degree occurs.

As time passed, the initial tsunami did too but it has left me in pieces and

I am still trying to recover.

As the weeks continue to pass, there are good days and then there are the really bad days where I just want to stay in bed and don’t want to talk to anyone.

No, I am not OK, and I don’t think I will ever be. But, just as others who

deal with unexpected loss of loved ones, I’ll learn how to cope with my grief.

But the loss of my loved ones will never get easier.

OP/ED

9 | JANUARY 31, 2020

Admission is FREE for all students of Framingham State University!

we are your museum.

Current Exhibitions: FAMILY FICTIONS LIz alberT

On view January 11 through April 5, 2020

Single Room Selection: Feb. 27th Open Room Selection: March 4 & 5

Family Circle On view January 18 through May 10, 2020

Please check Room Selection Guidelines for more information.

Campus Conversations How do you think the impeachment trial will effect upcoming elections?

By Amanda Garny and Caroline Gordon

“I would hope his impeachment would cause a change in the country and cause people to see who he is, but I feel that it could cause him to be reellected.

Younger voters should go out and vote” -Amanda Stackpole, junior

“I don’t think it will effect upcoming elections, because we are likely about to go to war. While we are in war a new president has never been elected in office.”

-Kyle Gerrior, junior

“I have no idea about politics.”

“I haven’t looked into that recently.”

-Halle Merkowitz, freshman

-Dan Santos, freshman

“I have no idea.”

-Connor Priest, freshman

“I think it will be interesting to see how voters will be more conscious about who they are choosing.”

-Julia Hanson, senior

Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.

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ARTS & FEATURES

10 | JANUARY 31, 2020

ARTS

&

Trends of

American Vandal (2017)

Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondent

The basic image Netflix’s original series, “American Vandal,” presents in its absurd and disgusting premise - that I will not spoil for the sake of surprise - is one of juvenile humor.

While the show is indeed a parody with a ton of laughs, it’s far more clever than its cover leads on.

That’s the whole point of the show.

Netflix

It’s an oddly authentic look at high school students, and how human beings view each other and form opinions without getting to know one another.

“American Vandal” is a brilliant true crime mockumentary.

There’s the perfect mixture of comedy, mystery, and an oddly gripping message, topped off with such a short runtime, which makes it a breeze to binge watch, and one of

Netflix’s most rewatchable original series.

Both seasons tell different tales, but each one shares a unique perspective for new laughs and new meanings, all told behind that embarrassing high school lens that most if not all of us will surely recall.

The Lighthouse (2019) Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor “The Lighthouse” is not only one of the best films of the decade, but has a narrative so shocking that it would have American writers such as Edgar Allen Poe holding their breath.

“The Lighthouse” is a 2019 horror film written by Roger Eggers, and stars Robert Pattinson as Ephraim

Winslow and Willem Dafoe as Thomas Wake. The two start as friendly accomplices tending to a lighthouse off the coast of New England. Thomas is in charge and orders Ephraim to do chores around the island.

Quickly, the audience starts to realize there is something strange happening - Thomas seems awfully fond of the light, and actively tries to keep people away. Ephraim is poten-

Cara McCarthy Associate Editor

Warner Bros.

Jared Graf Asst. Arts & Features Editor Since his 2005 debut, The Game has been a controversial, polarizing figure in the hip-hop world. Unfortunately, due to multiple publicity stunts, legal issues, rap beefs, and his frequent tendency to name drop - anyone from John Wilkes Booth to LeBron James’ mother - The Game’s consistency and raw talent are often overshadowed by superfluous drama.

2011’s “The R.E.D. Album” seemed like the start of a new beginning for Game. His first three albums felt like introductions that merely nicked the surface of his personal life - leaving fans to question who The Game really was beyond his tough-talking persona.

tially seeing things that aren’t there, and the relationship between the two men starts to morph into an interesting power dynamic.

While there’s much to take away from this film, I found there were some incredibly well-crafted themes about men, their expectations in life, and the reality of what they want.

A24

Inception (2010)

Sometimes, the best media Hollywood can make is a film that messes with your mind and leaves you with more questions than answers.

In 2010, writer and director Christopher Nolan did just that with his film “Inception.”

The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Cobb, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

as Arthur, and Ellen Page as Ariadne, takes a common human experience dreaming - and makes it, for lack of a better term, terrifying.

“Inception” centers around Cobb, a thief who uses the concept of inception to steal information from the subconscious minds of those he targets.

Cobb, Arthur, and Ariadne are tasked with using inception to implant an idea into the subconscious of Robert Fischer - the son, and heir-apparent

to a billion-dollar company in order to dissolve his father’s empire.

The best part of this film is the complexity of it and how Nolan executed it in such a seamless way. He makes it a point to confuse you, so you can’t help but watch the movie over and over again until you understand it.

But, just when you think you’ve got the plot of the movie down, the last 30 seconds throw a curveball which leaves you questioning your own life.

The R.E.D. Album (2011)

Over the course of 21 tracks, Jayceon Taylor spits his autobiography over masterful production, beginning with his unstable upbringing and detailing gang life, party days, an abusive father, a near-fatal shooting in 2001, and then gracefully ending with the birth of his daughter - a turning point for the Compton native.

With narration from Dr. Dre, a track list that reads more like a Coachella lineup, and production from the likes of Cool & Dre, Boi1da, Pharrell, and DJ Khalil, it’s hard to find fault with The Game’s fourth studio album.

Some highlights from the project include “Drug Test,” a fast-paced club anthem with a Nate Dogg-esque hook, “Ricky,” an account of The

Game’s shooting over soulful saxophones and violins, “All I Know,” showcasing his lyrical dexterity, and “Born in the Trap,” a classic sounding boom-bap record courtesy of DJ Premier.

But perhaps most importantly, “The City” served as many rap fans’ (including mine’s) introduction to Kendrick Lamar, who delivers a feverish hook accompanied by a scathing, rapid-fire acapella verse to properly close out five minutes of fierce lyricism, proving he could keep up with rap’s heavyweights.

Nearly nine years later, “The R.E.D. Album” is quite possibly The Game’s magnum opus.

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DGC/Interscope Records

ARTS & FEATURES

FEATURES

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 11

the ‘10’s

Minecraft (2011)

Evan Lee Editorial Staff You find yourself lost in a grassy, pixelated plain and standing before you is a tall, blocky tree.

You punch it.

“Minecraft” is unique. Having entered the decade as a small indie project led by a team of one, it left holding the title of the most sold video game of all time.

Pretty good for something made entirely out of squares, blocks, and 90-degree angles.

But just as we’re told not to judge a book by its cover, the same applies to video games.

While “Minecraft” may look simple compared to last decade’s triple A titles which pushed the boundaries of reality, good graphics don’t make the game - good gameplay does. And “Minecraft” has a lot of it.

In fact, there’s an endless amount of gameplay thanks to its procedurally generated worlds. That grassy plain you found yourself in? You were the first person to ever travel it.

Every cave you explore, diamond you find, and pit of lava you unfortunately fall into while mining it are all unique to you. And all experienced based on your own choices.

While other games simply tell you what to do and where to go to advance their stories, “Minecraft” lets you decide how that happens.

That tree you punched down earlier? Perhaps you’ll build a house from it on the plains, or maybe you’ll craft a boat out of it to sail off to new lands.

The choice is entirely up to you.

Microsoft

Victory Lap (2018) Jared Graf Asst. Arts & Features Editor

All Money In No Money Out/Atlantic Records

painting his picture.

“Young N***a” features ad-libs from Diddy and an incredibly contagious instrumental that sounds best played at full volume. With a pronunciation and flow so meticulous and clean, it seems as if Nipsey’s words are bouncing off the beat - making it one of the most alluring tracks on the album.

My favorite cut on the project is “Right Hand 2 God,” a bonus track Nipsey later confirmed had been recorded in 2013. Almost seven years later, the song sounds like it only

Often, an artist’s first album ends up being regarded as some of their best work. This holds true with Nipsey Hussle’s debut studio album “Victory Lap” - the first and only album he was able to give us.

The title track, “Victory Lap,” starts the project off on a high note as Nipsey passionately raps over a triumphant beat tailored to him.

Stacy Barthe provides a beautifully sung hook and backing vocals, giving Nipsey the perfect canvas to begin

came out yesterday, attesting to how timeless Nipsey’s music is.

With lyrics so moving, motivational, and immaculately polished, it’s not surprising the album received a Grammy nomination in 2019. You can hear the time, effort, and thought put into the project - after all, it was Nipsey’s first commercial release following an impressive 13-year mixtape run.

An effort as strong as “Victory Lap” makes it hard not to wonder if we’ll ever get a posthumous Nipsey Hussle album.

Athleisure Wear Lauren Paolini Editorial Staff Picture it: the year is 2009. You have to go home after work to change before your yoga sesh.

The horror.

Fortunately, as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, the ball drops in Times Square as well as the knowledge clothing can be simultaneously stylish

and comfortable. Behold the legging: the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your wardrobe. Dress them up with your favorite sweater and pair of booties, then throw on a T-shirt and hit the gym - all in the same day.

There were plenty of great fashion moments in the past 10 years, from Lady Gaga arriving at the 2011 Grammys in an egg to JLo bringing back her iconic jungle dress.

For life off the red carpet, yoga pants, and your favorite Adidas sneakers, take the cake as the trend that hopefully carries through to the 2020s.

Killer Instinct (2013)

Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor

Iron Galaxy

I don’t know about you, but when I think of the words “high school,” my mind immediately goes to a laughter-filled, hectic after school session of “Killer Instinct” at a Microsoft Store in downtown Boston.

This 2013 reboot, originally spearheaded by Amazon-owned Double Helix Studios - now developed

by Iron Galaxy - is one of the finest fighting games, not just of the past decade, but all the way to this very day. With smooth controls, addicting combo mechanics, lots of character variety, and a dedicated scene that wants you to “#PlayKI,” “Killer Instinct” has it all for the modern-day fighting game player.

While the game was originally released for an unorthodox console found in the Xbox One, at least for

games of that particular genre, it has also managed to creep its way onto computer storefronts, notably the Windows Store and Steam, with crossplay functionality across all three platforms. If you ever find “Killer Instinct” on sale and you have $10 itching to COMBO BREAK out your pocket, you need to join everyone else and #PlayKI.

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12 | JANUARY 31, 2020

ARTS & FEATURES

Students win big at the Juried Exhibition

By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor Framingham State University students and staff members filled the Mazmanian Art Gallery Jan. 28 to observe the work on display as part of a reception for the Gallery’s Annual Juried Student Exhibition.

The exhibition featured art of many types - paintings, sculptures, and photographs - which were contributed by 22 students. Each piece was juried by the event’s guest curator, Sam Toabe, the director of University Hall Gallery at UMass Boston.

“You know, this is the first time I organized one of these juried student exhibitions, because it’s my first year doing this job,” said Ellie Krakow, professor of art and director of the gallery. “But, in my mind, it’s just a really wonderful opportunity to get to invite people from all over the campus - this show is open to art majors, art minors, and anyone else who does creative work, all over the campus.

“It’s just such a nice opportunity, too, to get to see work that people have been doing that often just happens in the studio, and then goes into the portfolio, and then goes home, and instead, we get to have it showcased here and that’s really amazing,” Krakow added.

Rose Piz, a senior, was one of those students who showcased their pieces in the exhibition with her painting, “Flower Vase.”

“I created ‘Flower Vase’ within a class, and the idea was to make a textural piece,” Piz said. “I love flowers, so it just came to me like that and I knew the flowers had different textures, different looks, different dimensions, so I thought it would work really well.

“I’m less of a painter and more of a sculptor, so, it was a little hard for me.

But, it definitely pushed my boundaries of [comfort],” Piz said.

Isaac Vu, another senior, contributed a rather festive piece in the form of “Celebration,” a painting that greets the viewer with three balloons of the number six, forming “666” in the process.

“It [‘Celebration’] was more of a ‘Why not?’-type thing. I wanted to do something that can display my technique and I wanted to do something that matched my personality and what I perceive in what I create,” Vu said. “I just wanted to make something that was kind of funny, not overtly funny, but kind of like a, ‘Oh, I see that. I’ll chuckle’ - type thing. I also had the gallery in mind while making it.

“It’s a piece where I want someone to be like, ‘Oh, I wasn’t expecting a piece like that to be in the gallery,’ kind of like destroying the norms [that are associated] with any type of

Sarah Daugherty’s original oil painting “Self-Portrait Triptych.” gallery in a museum,” Vu added.

One of the heavier - and more unorthodox - pieces of the exhibition came courtesy of Cassia Maguire, a senior, with her piece, “Drained,” made from carved soap.

“Over the past five years, I have both noticed and been affected by an increase in violent acts where someone kills or harms others in the name of completing their manifesto or hope for a better cause,” Maguire wrote in the commentary accompanying the

talking to the guest juror [Toabe], and it was a really, really difficult selection for him - he wanted to leave a lot of space in the gallery so that each of the pieces that were included could really have room to breathe and be very professional, and I think he did a beautiful job selecting works.

“I just want to pass on that comment from the guest juror that it was like ‘a cornucopia of wonderful works that could be in a show, and this amazing outpouring of enthusiasm and tal-

“I think this is a really cool chance for people to get to have their first exhibition and the gallery is such a nice space and you see your work diffierently when it hangs in the gallery it sort of tranksforms the significance of it or the scale of it.”

- Ellie Krakow, Director of Mazmanian Art Gallery piece. “Chances are, you have, too.

“I’d say it took me 10 hours, collectively,” said Maguire, regarding the creative process. “It would be [done] in bits and pieces because the soap itself would almost start to melt a little bit if it got too hot, so I’d have to take breaks. Otherwise, the soap would be sticking to the different sculpture tools. That, and I also needed to give my head a break to be able to step back and see where I needed to tweak it.”

As this was a juried exhibition, students entered their works to compete alongside others for cash prizes.

Three students were awarded for their entries mid-way through the reception.

“It really is an amazing show of student artwork,” said Krakow. “I was

Ashley Wall / THE GATEPOST her.”

Second place went to junior Erin Kapurch’s oil-based clay sculpture, “Socks,” which genuinely shocked Kapurch at the ceremony.

“I mean, it was an assignment in class,” Kapurch said. “It was really fun to do - I didn’t know how I was going to make clay look like fabric, and that’s the whole point of the assignment. It’s difficult to do that and it’s supposed to stretch your imagination and teach you how to work with the material. That’s the only time we worked with that clay in the class, and so, it was my favorite project by far, and that’s why I submitted it.”

Perhaps, the most surprising result, according to the winner’s reaction, was senior Amadine Muniz’s entry, “Blooming,” a set of clay pots, taking the first-place prize.

“I’m still developing as an artist and a lot of the ideas that my work center around are femininity and the female body, and I take a lot of inspiration from the female body … skin, the folds of skin, goosebumps, and female genitalia and such, and how I can work that into my pieces of art,” Muniz said.

“The female body is a vessel for life and my pieces are vessels themselves, because I want them to be functional and I want them to be interacted with regularly by people, so they have to be able to carry things within them to be touched and interacted with,” Muniz added.

Krakow said, “I think this is a really cool chance for people to get to have their first exhibition and the Gallery is such a nice space and you see your work differently when it hangs in the gallery - it sort of transforms the significance of it or the scale of it.”

ent of our campus,’” Krakow said.

The third-place award was given to Roberto Stephen Rojas, a freshman, for his piece, “Como La Flor: Selena,” an oil painting of the late Tejano pop musician Selena Quintanilla.

“I sense a kind of connection to her because since I was little, I used to listen to her songs and read a lot about her life and what happened to her, and knowing how things went in her life, especially with her family and her career,” Rojas said.

“It kind of made me inspired, and also sad because she died at a young age of 23, but she’s still like a star to me. Even though she passed away, she’s an inspiration, not only for a painter like myself, but also for some- CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. one to do anything like art. I just love rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 13

Couch Boys present: Oscar Predictions What we predict: What we want: Actor in a Leading Role

Adam Driver

Joaquin Pheonix

While there may be flaws in the film “Joker,” one thing which must be commended is the level of dedication Joaquin Phoenix put into his role. The Joker has proved to be a hard character to play throughout film history, but Phoenix was able to create a grounded, damaged character without making it seem unrealistic.

Warner Bros

Netflix

Adam Driver’s role as Charlie in “Marriage Story” may not be a deadbeat clown whose life brings nothing but tragedies and violence, but Driver brings something different - Humanity. Charlie is a realistic look at a man in a crumbling marriage whose life is breaking down right before his eyes. One may not agree with everything he does, but you can’t help but feel heartbroken for him every second of the film, simply due to how genuine he’s portrayed. He’s human.

Actress in a Leading Role Saoirse Ronan

Scarlett Johansson

Saoirse Ronan’s role as Jo March was not only an amazing casting choice, but just may be the role Ronan was born to play. In many ways, Ronan is given the task of playing a new artist, someone who is born to create, but is placed in a time where women weren’t given as many opportunities as men. Her ability to capture emotion so effortlessly on screen must be applauded, and her outbursts genuinely took the breath out of audiences’

mouths.

Columbia Studios

Adam Driver doesn’t hold up “Marriage Story” on his own, a broken marriage takes two, and Driver is wonderfully backed up by Scarlett Johansson. Scarlett’s character, Nicole, is in the same seemingly hopeless situation as Driver’s character. She makes a lot of tough calls throughout the film in a desperate attempt to get something her way for a change. The choices she makes create the film’s main conflicts, and she can barely stand the ramifications, Netflix holding back her tears to the best of her ability.

Best Picture

“1917”

“1917” is interesting in the sense that it’s somewhat experimental. The film is presented as a one shot, but in actuality, it’s just masterful editing. The amazing set designs of the trenches, and “No Man’s Land,” are some of the best depicted in film to date. It really shows why many people consider WWI to be the most horrific war in human history.

Universal Pictures

“Parasite” Bong Joon-Ho’s latest film “Parasite” deserves to receive the award for best picture. As cliché as it may sound, “Parasite” was a legitimate movie experience. The pacing of the film really lets the viewer settle in. Then, Joon-Ho strikes audiences with a detail that will lead them to their edge of their seats - resulting in a conclusion unlike any other. While this film certainly deserves the Oscar for best foreign film, its masterful craftsmanship should be recognized as one of, if not, the best of the whole year. It’s every bit as entertaining as it is eye-catching CJ Entertainment and ominous. “Parasite” demands your attention, and the film earns it.

Best Director Sam Mendes

We believe best director may go to Sam Mendes because “1917” achieves world-building unlike any other war film. Mendes actually films two British soldiers walking in between major events, and there’s something about our two heroes trudging around in the dark brown mud that is also horrifying - this is their reality.

Mendes ultimately knew how to show WWI in a way that brought out the most terrifying aspects of the war without just showing a violent shoot-out or gory battle. Living in the trenches, watching dogfights from afar, and having a sense of uselessness are just some examples of this inescapable horror.

Sony Pictures Television

By Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor

By Noah Barnes Entertainment Correspondent

“Quentin Tarantino

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is not only a celebration of film itself - it also shows how directors can evolve. Tarantino has always been at the forefront of new, innovative ways to tell stories, and he accomplishes exactly that once again. Much like his other films, the soundtrack is near perfect, with covers of popular ’60s songs throughout the many scenes in-and-around Hollywood Hills. Many know Tarantino for his beloved, nonlinear style of storytelling, but this film goes for more of a traditional three-act structure. This was somewhat exciting, albeit normal from any other director, just due to the fact you knew Tarantino was holding onto something special for the third act - and yes.

Fox Searchlight Yes, he was.

CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS AND NOAH BARNES batkins@student.framingham.edu nbarnes@student.framingham.edu

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14 | JANUARY 31, 2020

ARTS & FEATURES

Hong Kong Continued from page 1 systems” policy set to last until 2047.

This agreement was put into place when Great Britain returned Hong Kong jurisdiction to mainland China. The policy was supposed to allow Hong Kong to practice Democracy despite being part of Communist China.

Protests persisted since the summer and extended their reach to the universities Nov. 11. Almost immediately, multiple universities closed their doors for the semester.

Students Li and Wong were interviewed in the weeks following their universities’ closure via HelloTalk, a language-learning app, and Instagram, respectively.

Li is a second-year computer science student at City University of Hong Kong.

“On Nov. 11, protesters planned to block the traffic system to express their appeal,” Li said.

“They only blocked at MTR station,” he said. Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is a subway company in Hong Kong.

“They block it because MTR allowed the police to use their subway to travel to any station, but it was closed to the public,” Li said. “Most Hong Kong citizens rely on MTR. “Protesters continued to block the transit system nearly all week, and the school announced its suspension,” he added.

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Initially, Li’s university did not issue any announcements about what would happen to his classes, but in the weeks that followed, his university resorted to online classes. However, exams were canceled for the semester.

“I don’t think the universities should have closed,” Li said. “Although most of it will open again, it’s not only affecting local students, but

out at a store, but it didn’t open - the whole mall, actually,” he said.

The stores had closed for the week due to the protests, he added.

Wong explained he had to ask a friend to help upload the assignment for him on their computer.

“I was kind of mad, honestly. I felt bad because I needed someone to do it for me and they were busy, too,” he said. “But I never blamed the problem

“They used their life to fight for something and we’re just sitting at home.”

- Kelvin Li, Hong Kong Student some overseas students can’t do anything while the school is closed.”

Wong is a second-year criminal justice student at the Community College under Hong Kong University.

“When they suspended class, I was so confused about the assignment as there is no postponement,” Wong said.

Wong’s classes would also be conducted online. Unfortunately, this required a computer which Wong did not have access to.

“I told my dad I needed a computer, and then we went out to check one

the government and police,” he added.

“It made me see how your friends can be,” he said. “When it is a tough time, you can tell who is your real friend.”

Because of this “I don’t talk to those guys [former friends] anymore [due] to their mindset and behavior,” Wong added.

He said the most striking moment for him was when “police used their motorcycles to push into protesters.

“It’s like the police don’t give a s*** about the standard of how they work,” he said. “It is more like a personal thing.”

Li shared his experience as a protester.

“I was a protester in June, but after that, things just changed,” he said.

“I’ll never do it again, mostly because police have gone crazy.”

Li felt the police in the front lines have “lost control.”

He added, but in that moment, “All the people wearing black and shouting our appeal, made me feel we have hope.”

On the subject of those who have lost their lives while protesting, Li said, “It makes me feel sad. They shouldn’t die because of this protest.

They used their life to fight for something and we’re just sitting at home.”

on the protesters.”

Wong had participated in a protest June 12.

“I heard that many people were going to protest in Central Park because Carrie Lam ignored the voice of the peaceful protest the day before,” he said.

The intent of the protest was to block the entrance to the council building, but the police tried to stop them by firing tear gas, according to Wong. “The protesters tried to charge CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEI inside and then [the police] fired rub- lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu ber bullets. It changed my mindset of

ARTS & FEATURES

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 15

When Halsey met Ashley Halsey shows the world another side of her

By Cara McCarthy Associate Editor Ashley Frangipane, better known as Halsey, started her year on a high note when she released her latest album, “Manic,” in January 2020.

“Manic” is Halsey’s third album release, and much like her previous albums - it has a life of its own.

The album strives to take the listener through one of Halsey’s manic episodes. The singer has been open about being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was 17, and has said the album was written during a manic episode of her own.

In an interview with “Rolling Stone,” Halsey described a manic episode as “that thing in the back of our minds that drives us to outrageous thoughts.” She went on to say it’s during these periods of time when you could be on top of a building and think, “What would happen if I jumped?”

This is a feeling she attempted to mimic in her album - a goal that she achieved.

The album opens up with “Ashley” - where she reintroduces herself to fans. She tells her listeners to throw away any preconceived notions they may have of her.

She ends the track with a line spoken by Kate Winslet from the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “I’m just a f***ed up girl, look-

ing for her own peace of mind, don’t assign me yours.”

The album comes just over a year after Halsey’s public breakup with G-Eazy.

In an interview with Zane Lowe, she said the album is focused on her struggles with bipolar, endometriosis, and her failed relationships.

In October 2018, Halsey released the first single from the album titled “Without Me,” which was confirmed in an interview with “Glamour Magazine” to be “partially about” her breakup with G-Eazy.

There are also clues in the track, “You Should Be Sad,” which allude to her breakup with the rapper - specifically her telling him she’s moved on.

She says, “Got no anger / got no malice / just a little bit of regret.”

The 16-track album features other big-name artists such as Dominic Fike, Alanis Morissette, SUGA, and BTS - each have their own interlude with Halsey.

The track “Beautiful Stranger,” however, received some backlash shortly after the release of the album.

The track resembles Lady Gaga’s song “You and I,” with the only notable difference being Halsey’s track is backed up by acoustic guitar, while Lady Gaga’s is accompanied by a piano - when played side by side, the resemblance is painfully obvious.

However, it has not been confirmed whether this was intentional,

ACROSS 1. Crunchy deli sandwich, briefly 4. ___ Jones 7. Pothole filler 14. Scuba gear attachment 16. Certain clam 17. Picked up from a field trip?

18. Tightly packed fish 19. Person from Jaipur 20. “True ___!” (slangy “Indeed!”)

21. Rice or Sexton 22. Bible book whose title anagrams to “raze” 23. Votes in favor 25. Kvetching cries 26. Beyonce, to Jay-Z 28. Fish-fowl link 30. Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” e.g.

32. Notable period 33. Cowboys quarterback Prescott 34. Wavy corn chips 38. Stir up 40. Get the show on the road 42. Fully cooked

and Halsey has been known to be inspired by other artists - specifically on this album.

In “Without Me,” she quotes Justin Timberlake’s song, “Cry Me A River.”

Halsey sings, “You don’t have to say / just what you did / I already know / I had to go and find out from them.” She then defended herself by Tweeting, “I felt the song has CMAR vibes. It’s not a direct sample.”

Perhaps the Gaga parallels are the same situation.

This album is more than just another Halsey album - it’s Ashley making her first appearance.

Halsey has been quoted saying her first three albums were based on the ancient saying, “You have three faces:” - the one you show the world, the one you show those closest to you, and the third face - the one you show no one.

She set out to reach one goal with her third album - to show the world her third face. The sheer vulnerability she was willing to broadcast to the world is admirable and for that - this album is a masterpiece.

Halsey admits her own desire to be loved, but also that she is learning to love herself - something even the most confident people struggle to accept - she confessed this is a goal Ashley has not yet accomplished.

43. Fortify 45. “Uh-uh” 46. Legume Mendel studied 47. Hump day follower: Abbr.

48. “How about that!”

49. ___ prof.

50. Key often pressed after Ctrl 53. To be, in Le Havre 55. ___ Reader 57. Silver controller?

59. Former POTUS Coolidge 60. Sisters’ daughters 63. Eco-friendly holder of groceries 65. Word sung in ads featuring LiMu Emu 66. Set free 67. Johns 68. Confirm, as a password 69. Stuff edited by CRISPR 70. Famed boy king DOWN 1. Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods” 2. Property right 3. *Expo 4. Tunisian money 5. *Sure thing in a courtroom 6. Married 7. Test for purity 8. *Annual speech that a designated survivor doesn’t attend 9. Part of WPM 10. “Mary ___ little lamb ...”

11. Acid type in proteins 12. 1974 biopic about comedian Bruce 13. Arboretum sights 15. Tournament award 20. *2000s Jessica Alba series with gothic themes 24. Address for a knight 26. Used to be 27. Wrinkle remover 29. Muffin grain 31. Pot-draining aid

Capitol Records

Grade: A Halsey’s third face is just as beautiful as the rest.

MENU

CONNECT WITH CARA MCCARTHY cmccarthy8@student.framingham.edu 35. Hush-hush, and a hint to the starred answers’ starts 36. Two in 11?

37. Pew, for one 39. Like a glowing jack-o’-lantern 41. Singer Carly ___ Jepsen 44. Revolutionary Guevara 49. Slippery as ___ 50. Pianist Rubinstein 51. Sierra ___ (Guinea neighbor) 52. Duke or earl Puzzle solutions are now 54. Wild party, slangily exclusively online.

56. It’s thicker than the fibula 58. Gas for signs 61. Question to Brutus 62. The “S” of iOS: Abbr.

64. Spam producer 65. British Inc.

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SPORTS

16 | JANUARY 31, 2020

SPORTS

Ice hockey pushes to 1-9-1 in the MASCAC

By Sara Senesac Sports Editor The Rams’ ice hockey team hosted the Salem State Vikings for a conference matchup Jan. 25.

Less than one minute into play, Salem’s Connor Woolley snuck one in to put the Vikings on the board early.

A few minutes later, sophomore Bryan Whelan scored with a wristshot to bring the match to a 1-1 tie at the five-minute mark.

The Vikings scored once more to take the lead just a short 30 seconds later, leaving the Rams trailing by one at the end of the first period.

Salem extended their lead once more early in the second when Richard Coyle scored off a pass from Matt Yianacopolous.

Freshman Matthew Paiotti capitalized on a Rams powerplay in the third, where he scored off a rebound and cut the Vikings’ lead to one.

With less than seven minutes to play, a pass from junior Soren Colstrup allowed Paiotti to secure his second goal of the game, and tie the match 3-3.

Colstrup said, “Matt Paiotti had a really nice game, getting two goals for us in the third period. Blake Carleson also played great in net. He was able to stop the bleeding early on.”

Neither team was able to score in overtime, and the match ended with a 3-3 tie between Framingham and Salem.

Colstrup added, “[It] was a fun game to play in. We didn’t start off the way we wanted … but it was nice that we were able to claw our way back to a tie by the end of the game.”

The Rams traveled to New Hampshire to take on the New England College Pilgrims for non-conference action Jan. 28.

The Pilgrims set the tone early, scoring their first goal just 35 seconds into the game.

NEC dominated most of the first period, outshooting the Rams 20-4.

They managed to secure an additional goal in the last minute of play, leaving the Rams to trail by two points heading into the second.

Four minutes into the second period, junior Brenden Williams scored off a pass from classmate Walker Hamilton, cutting the Pilgrims’ lead in half.

NEC responded shortly after, extending their lead to 3-1 over Framingham. The Pilgrims managed to score three more goals by the end of the match, securing a 6-1 victory over the Rams.

Colstrup said, “Tuesday’s game was tough … It was a tough loss losing 6-1 to a non-conference opponent, but we’re looking forward to the last seven conference games of the year, which sets us up to still make the playoffs if we finish on a good note.

“The one bright side was Greg Harney, who played unbelievable,” Colstrup added. Harney totaled 48 saves for the Rams by the end of the match.

They are now 2-14-2 overall and 1-9-1 in the MASCAC. Framingham hosts UMass Dartmouth for a MASCAC game Feb. 6.

[Editor’s Note: Soren Colstrup is a staff writer for The Gatepost.]

FRAMINGHAM STATE SALEM STATE

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NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE FRAMINGHAM STATE

CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

The Rams gather around the net after the whistle blows.

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Gatepost Archives

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SPORTS

Rams on the Rise Continued from page 1

“Plus, with great leadership from our captains and our coaching staff, we have a really good thing going. When the ball goes in everything is much easier, we have amazing shooters who can shoot from anywhere at any time, plus with our bigs being able to stretch the court and pull a three helps a lot with our offense.”

The entire team has played a huge part in their success so far, some individuals to highlight are Velozo, O’Day, Cunningham, and Flannery O’Connor.

O’Connor is a freshman and started the season on the bench, but it did not take long for her to crack the starting lineup.

After breaking into a starting role, O’Connor has excelled. She currently leads the MASCAC in field goal percentage (52.7%) and sits in second for blocks per game (1.6) and total blocks with 31, while scoring the eighth most points per game with 12.2.

“It has definitely been hard to get adjusted to college play, but I wouldn’t be learning as much about the game if it wasn’t for my teammates,” O’Connor said. “I give them all the credit. We have great communication and we all share a love for basketball, so I think that has made it a lot easier.”

With O’Connor making a run for Rookie of the Year, the reigning Rookie of the Year -Cunningham - has performed well in her second time around. The game managing point guard has always been able to control the flow of the game, and it is shown through her assist totals.

She currently sits in second for both assists per game (3.6) and total assists with 68. While most players experience a sophomore slump, Cunningham is still producing at the point guard position.

“I love playing on this team, I go into practice every day looking around and just appreciating where I am,” Cunningham said. “My teammates have become great friends of mine and the season has been rewarding and fun.”

O’Day is once again having a tremendous season as she sits in the top three for points per game for the third year in a row with 18.1 points per game this year.

To go along with that, O’Day also is currently second in rebounds per game (8.7), total rebounds (165), 3-point field goal percentage

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 17

(39.6%), and sits in the top three for multiple other stats.

“I have to give my teammates and coaches all of the credit. They are the ones who put me in a position where I am able to be successful,” O’Day said. “I could not do it without them, and I am very grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization. I could not be the player I am without them.”

While O’Day is making a case for Player of the Year, her teammate Velozo is right there with her.

The dominant guard has come into her own this year and elevated her overall game to new levels, improving drastically on offense.

She currently leads the MASCAC in 3-point percentage (47.3%), and is second in points per game with 18.7, as well as in the top three in almost every offensive statistic.

“The only thing I can attribute to this is hard work. The offseason is the best season and it is the most important season for a player who wants to develop their skills,” Velozo said. “It is important for a player to never be satisfied with their performance in any past seasons, because if they are, they won’t strive to be even greater.”

With a MASCAC Finals loss last season, the Rams have come back revamped and ready to dominate the conference.

“We want the championship of course,” O’Connor said. “But we focus on each game at a time, definitely getting better each day at practice is huge as well.”

“Our ultimate goal for this season is to win the championship,” O’Day said. “We have come very close in years past but have not been able to pull it off. Hopefully, this is the year we are able to come out on top.”

“The plan to achieve that goal is to get better each and every day as a team at practice,” Velozo said. “And to not take any teams lightly and take it one game at a time until we reach that goal.”

There are still six games left in the regular season, but get ready for the MASCAC Playoffs, as the Rams will surely make an exciting run.

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

18 | JANUARY 31, 2020

SPORTS

Velozo scores her 1,000th as Rams win back to back games

Carlos’ Call: Kobe Bryant: The life of a basketball and family icon

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor

By Sara Senesac Sports Editor

Jan. 26, 2020 is a day that will go down as one the most heart-breaking days in sports history.

A fatal crash about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles took Kobe Bryant’s life away, along with eight other passengers, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players worldwide with unbelievable moments and an unimaginable competitive fire.

Bryant was respected by basketball fans from every place with a hoop and a dream, including his native Philadelphia and in Italy, his other childhood home.

There is not a single office in the United States, where someone has not crumbled up a piece of paper and shot it at a trash can while simultaneously saying “KOBE!” The 18-time All Star and five-time champion, was the soul of not only the Lakers, but also the entirety of the NBA. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 before he was subsequently traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. The trade would change the Lakers history forever.

Bryant ended up pairing with another Laker great, Shaquille O’Neal. Together, they were the league’s most dominant duo who hated each other on the court.

The pair would win three titles under head coach Phil Jackson before the inevitable break up in 2004.

Bryant went on to win two more titles versus the Orlando Magic in 2008 and the Boston Celtics in 2010.

In 2013, Bryant was well on his way to another dominant season when he tore his Achilles tendon in a late regular season game against the Golden State Warriors. He famously was able hit two free throws after tearing up his knee before he was taken to the locker room.

After the injury, Bryant appeared never to be the same, until he returned for a farewell season in 2016, where he scored 60 points in his final game at the Staples Center.

A poll to change the NBA’s logo from Jerry West to Kobe Bryant has already reached 2,000,000 signatures and continues to grow. The interesting piece of this story comes from West, who was also the same man who traded for Bryant. West said that he is 100% in agreement with the idea of giving his logo spot to Bryant.

This marks the first year Bryant is eligible for induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Being a for sure first ballot pick, he will be honored in August of this year and will forever be immortalized in the game of basketball.

It did not take long for Bryant to dominate off the court after retirement. He was seizing new challenges and was inspired by his daughters.

In retirement, Bryant’s influence also grew in storytelling. He founded a production company and was the author of multiple novels. In 2018, he won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for “Dear Basketball,” based on a poem he wrote when he had announced his retirement in 2015.

His daughter, Gianna, was very well on her way to writing her glorious story as “Mambacita” before the fatal crash ended her story too early.

The two died doing what they loved. Gianna was on her way to a basketball game, and Kobe was on his way to watch his daughter have fun. That was what truly mattered to him.

The Rams women’s basketball team traveled to Bridgewater State for a MASCAC matchup against the Bears Jan. 25.

The score was tied at nine halfway through the first quarter, but a 7-0 run allowed the Rams to take a 16-9 lead over the Bears.

Framingham went into the second quarter with a 24-18 lead over Bridgewater.

Less than two minutes into the second, the Rams extended their lead to 31-19. By the end of the quarter, they brought the lead to 4329, giving them a comfortable advantage going into the third.

The Bears managed to pull within 11 during the third quarter, but the Rams took off on a 9-0 run, leading 62-42 and never looking back.

Framingham dominated the final quarter of the game, winning the match 78-58 over the Bears.

The Rams shot 44% for the game, including 76% at the line and 33% from behind the arc.

Senior Emily Velozo led the team in points with 22. She also added three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Freshman Flannery O’Connor led the team in rebounds with 11, while senior Mary Kate O’Day had 14 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and seven assists.

FRAMINGHAM STATE BRIDGEWATER STATE

The Rams hosted the Fitchburg State Falcons for another conference matchup Jan. 29.

Fitchburg took an early lead in the first quarter and led by seven points at the halfway mark.

Both teams went back and forth in the second, but the Rams eventually broke away and went on a 16-0 run to bring the lead to 36-24 at the end of the half.

Framingham ended the match with a 77-51 victory over the Falcons.

Velozo said, “This was a big game for us because if we won … we would seal being undefeated in the first round of league play. This win was a great team win, everyone came together and supported one another.”

O’Day led the team with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Velozo followed close behind with 18 points.

Velozo scored 14 out of her 18 points for the game in the final quarter, and also secured her 1,000th point as a Ram. Velozo said, “I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to score 1,000 points, but being able to do it at home was extra special.”

The back to back wins bring the Rams to 14-5 overall, and an undefeated 6-0 in the MASCAC. They host the Westfield State Owls for another MASCAC matchup Feb 1.

FRAMINGHAM STATE FITCHBURG STATE

CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

78 58

Courtesy of @kobebryant on Instagram

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

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SPORTS

JANUARY 31, 2020 | 19

Men’s Basketball extends

Best players of the week

losing streak to 11

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor Framingham took on both Bridgewater and Fitchburg St. in MASCAC games during the past week.

Against Bridgewater State, the Rams put up a good fight at the end of the first half as the score was within two points with the Bears up 34-32.

The Bears took control of the game with a quick 10-0 run to start the second half. Ryan Carney scored eight of the 10 points.

The Rams did their best impression of a comeback when they pulled back within six points, following a layup by Jared Gordon-Anderson.

The six-point difference was the closest the Rams would come as the Bears pulled away with an 11-4 run over the next couple of minutes.

Bridgewater State never surrendered the double-digit lead, which led to the Rams losing by a score of 75-52.

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

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fsurams.com

Emily Velozo scored 18 points, including her 1000th career point, in Framingham’s 77-51 win over Fitchburg State.

The Rams then played the Fitchburg State Falcons right here in our very own Athletic Center.

Framingham seemed to be playing their best basketball of the season as they started hot with a 7-0 run early in the first quarter.

The offense started to fall flat as the Falcons not only stopped the Rams from scoring, but went on a hot streak of their own with a 13-0 run.

The two teams headed into halftime with the Falcons leading by a score of 34-22.

The Rams appeared to have a beacon of hope when Cameren McCloud-Thomas hit a layup to cut the deficit to 10 points.

Shortly after, the beacon of hope turned into harsh reality as the Falcons scored eight straight points and all but ended the Rams chances at a miracle comeback.

With another two losses added to the record, the Rams currently sit at 0-6 in the MASCAC and 1-18 overall.

FITCHBURG STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

72 56

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

Matt Paiotti scored two points in Framingham’s 3-3 tie against Salem State.

The Rams prepare to defend their basket.

fsurams.com

Gatepost Archives

fsurams.com

Mary Kate O’Day scored 19 points with 12 rebounds in Framingham’s 77-51 win over Fitchburg State.

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PHOTOS

20 | JANUARY 31, 2020

Markha

Amadine

Muniz

Baieva Michelle

Chad

Cassia

Erin

Kapurch Sammi

Isaac

Mazaka

Grey

Vu

Alejandro

Aemilia

Maguire

Ohlson Andrew

Quinones Ohop

Debrule

Carlos

Rose

Barbosa

Piz

Bingjie

Flavia

Ding

Arcuri Daniellle

Hallie Renan

Roberto Giebner

Ray John Paul Stephen Rojas Blanchette

Diana Azen

De Oliveira

Photographs and spread by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM