May 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST VOLUME 85 • ISSUE 24

FSUGATEPOST.COM

MAY 5, 2017

Courtesy of Hailey Small Sophomore Hailey Small helped organize Special Olympics on Friday, April 25. Sophomores Steve Furtney and and Lizzy Stocks led activities at the event.

FSU’s second annual Relay for Life raises over $8,000

By Jillian Poland Assistant News Editor FSU’s Relay for Life, held Sunday, April 23, raised $8,549.40 for the American Cancer Society.

This is FSU’s second year hosting a Relay for Life event. Last year, the event raised $21,554.

Due to last year’s high turnout, this year’s Relay for Life event had a fundraising goal of $25,000.

FSU to undertake nine strategic planning goals over the next five years

While this goal was not met by the end of the event, teams and volunteers can still fundraise for this particular Relay until Aug. 31.

Relay for Life is the “signature fundraiser” for the American Cancer Society, according to the organization’s website. Participants create a team and spend the duration of the event walking around

See RELAY FOR LIFE page 8

By Kayllan Olicio Assistant News Editor The strategic planning committee discussed its draft goals and how they plan to meet them at an open forum on Thursday, April 20.

Steering committee co-chairs Rita Colucci, chief of staff and general counsel, and Judith Otto, associate professor of geography, ad-

dressed the University’s nine goals for the next five years.

According to Colucci, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) has certain priorities they want the University to address in the strategic plan.

She said the priorities “have to do with getting students here and

See STRATEGIC PLANNING page 7

INSIDE CDIO candidate comes to campus p. 6

The Gatepost Editorial: Corporate Sodexo lacks respect for students p.12

An FSU Grad student reassess DACA p.33

FSU softball and baseball team wins quarter final p. 38

New s 2

Opi ni on 12

Ar t s & Fea t ur es 19

Spor ts 38

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932

2 | NEWS

Editorial Board

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Gomes

Sean Huddleston

Associate Editors Cesareo Contreras Brittany Cormier Julia Sarcinelli

Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

News Editor Bailey Morrison Asst. News Editors Kayllan Olicio Jillian Poland Jesse Sannicandro Arts & Features Editor Andrew Willoughby Asst. Arts & Features Editors Tessa Jillson Allison Wharton Sports Editors Matt Ferris Mike Ferris Asst. Sports Editor Jose Carrasquillo Opinions Editor Phil McMullin Photos Editors Allie Gath Amanda Martin Darian O’Donnell Asst. Photos Editor Erin Fitzmaurice Design Editors Emily Robinson Shayna Yacyshyn Copy Editor William Mills-Curran Staff Writers Cass Doherty Molly Dubrowski Jen Fortin Liam Gambon Cameron Grieves Nick Murphy Lindsay Nixon Shanleigh Reardon Richard Tranfaglia Staff Photographer Nick Cunningham Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Debra Fowler Clare 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu fsugatepost.com @TheGatepost

By Jesse Sannicandro Assistant News Editor What was your favorite memory at FSU? I think I would have to say it was the second year of the intercultural graduation celebration. It was the second year of the event, but the first year that I actually attended. And to witness students who really kind of beat the odds, if you will - students who are historically underrepresented and marginalized in higher education. Historically, not by the University, but historically achieve the goal of graduation and to witness people who are very special to them along the journey to be able to actually put a stole around their necks really kind of reminded me of why we do this work. So, I would have to say that was probably my favorite memory.

What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment at FSU? My greatest accomplishment has been implementation the model and language of inclusive excellence, and I would say it’s two parts - so it’s establishing that and then creating an approach of collective impact where everyone really feels empowered and part of diversity and inclusion work.

That’s the hardest part of this job, anywhere you go, is to get people to recognize that it’s not one person’s job, but it’s really everybody’s job to make a campus welcoming, inclusive, supportive and equitable. And so, witnessing the work that other people are doing and really knowing that in some small way that I had a part of making way and getting out of the way has been really rewarding.

Why are resources and programs such as Brother 2 Brother and FSU Alumni of Color Network valuable?

They’re valuable for a number of reasons. First of all, from just a sheer equity perspective, it gets us to be more equity minded as opposed to simply just equality focused. ... Brother 2 Brother was originally established to really help find ways to help close the gaps in persistence in graduation retention for men of color at Framingham State University, and it really kind of blossomed into more than that, and they were able to attract those

that each department and division will take on their own strategic plan for inclusive excellence so that they have developed ways to kind of embed inclusive excellence in their individualized work.

Courtesy of Framingham.edu

students who are part of the targeted population, but also allies, people who want to succeed and want to help them succeed. And it helped create this kind of self-efficacy - the sense of a kind of self-support and self-determination, I think, among the members. And so, with that, there is this idea of equity-mindedness that comes out of the idea of Brother 2 Brother. But ultimately, what I think it helped to create is a campus environment that was much more inclusive, but also, one that shows that we aren’t about just being multicultural, but about being intercultural. And so, it’s the same thing with Alumni of Color Network, and any of the other initiatives that we have. It really is all about being able to get people from the margins to the main stage together. And that we focus more on what we have in common, than how we are different.

How do you hope the University will continue to evolve in terms of diversity?

We are technically two years into a five-year strategic plan for inclusive excellence. … We still haven’t closed the gaps for underrepresented, underserved populations. There is a burgeoning need to have a new diversity focus around socioeconomic status.

We still have work to do in support of our LGBT students, so the work continues. … I hope that the idea now is

Is there anything you hope the new chief diversity and inclusion officer will accomplish that you were unable to in the time you were here?

The issues around faculty diversity continue. And the provost is very committed to faculty diversity. All of the deans are committed to diversifying faculty as well. We just need to really kind of put the wheels in motion to make that happen even more.

I also hope that some of the curricular opportunities, such as finding ways to kind of redesign the diversity studies minor and some of the other issues that we had on the blueprint. … But, the new chief diversity [officer] who comes into play will have their own vision, and they should be allowed to implant that vision and move things forward.

What advice would you give to the new CDIO? The first thing that they need to do is to listen and observe before jumping to any conclusions. We’ve done a lot of good work here, but there’s still work to be done. And then I would say that their fundamental job is to make way and get out of the way, and they should continue that here because there’s a lot of great people who can do a lot of great work here who are already doing a lot of great work and they should be supporting those people, not doing it themselves.

What will you miss about FSU? I will miss Framingham State tremendously. This has been the highlight of my career - no question about it. It’s kind of a bittersweet ending because it’s a new, wonderful exciting opportunity to get closer to what we call home and do the work in that environment.

But Framingham State is an amazing institution led by an outstanding president and wonderful executive leadership team here. So, I’m a little envious of the person who’s going to be coming in behind me, but I’m thankful for all the opportunity that came this way.

Police Logs Sunday, April 30

Monday, May 1

Thursday, May 4

Disorderly Conduct McCarthy 01:12 Summary: Report Taken

Motor Vehicle Accident McCarthy Parking Lot 17:40 Summary: Report Taken

Stolen Property FSU PD 10:11 Summary: Report Taken

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

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

Gatepost Interview Kyle Rosa

NEWS | 3

INTRODUCING THE 2017-18 GATEPOST EDITORIAL BOARD

SGA President

By Jesse Sannicandro Assistant News Editor Why is SGA important?

One thing I love about it is it gives a place for students to become involved.

So, when people join SGA, I think their involvement with the school’s clubs and organizations increases how happy they are. I feel like a lot of people who don’t have a good college experience you kind of ask like, “Well, what did you do in college?” and they weren’t really part of clubs or organizations and they didn’t really get involved, they just kind of went to class and that’s it. I feel like if you make friends, you get out there, you socialize, you meet everyone, you’re so much happier with how you’ve spent your college career. And I feel like SGA provides that and it kind of strengthens the other clubs and organizations on campus, too.

What lessons have you learned from previous leaders in student government?

People feel really underappreciated when they don’t think their voice is being heard. So, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to acknowledge that person as being right, but it’s important that everyone in the room gets a say in what’s going on, and then you take everyone’s ideas and put them together, and that’s how you come up with a good conclusion.

What do you hope to accomplish as the new SGA president?

I want to make student life easier basically. … I’ve noticed with my experience here, a lot of the time I go to an office or I talk to someone, and they send me to someone else who sends me to someone else who sends me to, finally, the person that I’m actually looking for. And I think that that’s just because the student body doesn’t have the resources to find out where they need to go to solve a certain problem. I want to make it more accessible for them to get the resources they need, and then go straight to the source and fix it. And I want that for clubs, too - I want more clarity - open communica-

Editor-in-Chief Cesareo Contreras

people don’t want to follow the pages.

I don’t know if they just don’t want to clutter up their timelines, or like, they just don’t care at all or what their deal is. Because this year we tried to change it as in the social media is promoting all the clubs, not just SGA. So, if you look at our posts, it will be like, “This club’s hosting this event at this time in this location.” So I think that was a good way to promote both SGA and whatever club the post would be about. So I feel like it would kind of target everyone. … We did have a lot of growth this year in folAllie Gath/THE GATEPOST lowers, but I would like to see it more. tion. I want everything to be transpar- And then, I suppose a weekly post like, ent. I want my senate to be well-trained. “Open forum is happening at 7 p.m. toI want senate to have thorough knowl- day, don’t forget!” just like a constant edge on all of the RAM handbook, spe- reminder so people are kind of like, “Oh cifically our constitution, and our guide- yeah, it’s Tuesday, I want to go address lines and Robert’s Rules, which is what this need.” But what I would love to do, and I feel like this would probably be on we follow in our senate meetings.

CollegiateLink, would have basically an How would you hope students could open forum submission. So you could just go on and it would be a little form get more involved on campus?

Ideally, I would love every student to be it would be your name or your email and involved with at least one club. I think what you would like to address on this that would be great, because we have campus, or what your issue is or what 53 clubs, so I feel like there’s at least you want to tell SGA. Some people only one club that has some sort of interest come to classes on Monday, Wednesday for everybody. … We have crafting club, and Friday - they’re not even here on fashion club, we have clubs that just are Tuesday. They’re not going to just come kind of fun hobbies. … Just something here at 7:00 at night just to say that one you can kind of casually do, too. So, I thing and then leave. This would be givfeel like it would be great if everyone ing them access to us 24/7. We’re going could join a club. … It’s hard to connect to have to work with IT to figure out how someone to the club they want. I guess that would work exactly, but that’s what it’s more about promoting the clubs. I’d love to get going.

I remember when I was a freshman, I had no idea half the clubs even existed. What does SGA mean to you? … Maybe just getting the student body I think it’s important not to forget that aware that CollegiateLink is a resource we’re there not just for the clubs - it’s they can use, and then just helping clubs very important to represent the clubs promote themselves and reach their tar- and do everything to help the clubs, but we also are there to help all the 4,000 get audience. students that go here. Right now, we’re How are you going to use social me- doing the stress relief bags for all the students for finals, so we walk around dia to promote SGA? Right now, our Facebook page has 1000 the library and hand those out to stufollowers, our Twitter has 250 and our dents who are studying, which I think is Instagram has 150. We’re reaching the great, but I’d like to do more stuff like biggest audience on Facebook, but I’ve that. I’m going to have to brainstorm noticed a lot of people on there are with my senate and my e-Board - so, a graduated. … It’s becoming harder be- lot of outreach. cause I don’t think, I don’t know why

Associate Editors Bailey Morrison Kayllan Olicio News Editor Jillian Poland Asst. News Editor Shanleigh Reardon Arts & Features Editors Cass Doherty Andrew Willoughby Asst. Arts & Features Editors Cam Grieves Tessa Jillson Allison Wharton Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Matt Ferris Opinions Editor Phil McMullin Photos Editors Allie Gath Amanda Martin Darian O’Donnell Design Editors Emily Robinson Shayna Yacyshyn Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Debra Fowler Clare 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu fsugatepost.com

Congratulations to The Gatepost’s graduating editors

Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief English Major

Julia Sarcinelli Associate Editor English Major

Brittany Cormier Associate Editor Graphic Design Major

Mike Ferris Sports Editor Business Major

Erin Fitzmaurice Asst. Photos Editor Communcation Arts Major

Jesse Sannicandro Asst. News Editor English Major

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

4 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

SGA swears in eight new senate members

By Lindsay Nixon Staff Writer Eight new members were sworn into senate for the 2017-18 year, during the SGA weekly meeting on Tuesday, April 25.

President Ezequiel De Leon said he was excited to see so many new faces becoming a part of SGA. During the open forum senators raised the issue of lighting outside the library.

Senator Molly Fennessey said she “noticed a lot of the lights weren’t very bright,” which caused her to feel unsafe on her walk home.

Fennessey suggested lights should be brighter coming to and from the library.

Maddie Alper, class and club treasurer, expressed concern about the RamTram.

“Last Tuesday night, I was coming back from an internship, and I called the RamTram to pick me up at 11 p.m. and it didn’t get there until 11:25 p.m.,” said Alper. She also said two other students called to get picked up at the same time, and the RamTram did not come any quicker.

Alper does not think students should have to wait 25 minutes,

in the middle of Framingham late at night, for the RamTram. “I feel that they are very unsupervised and student-run, and that they don’t care when students call when they need them.”

SGA also entertained four different club funding requests for the 2017-18 school year.

The Community Service Club was granted $687.50 to participate in the Diabetes Walk Fundraiser in Boston in October.

The current treasurer of the club, Kyle Hurley, said, “[The walk] has been a success for the club in the past. It is a very energetic environment.”

Next, Equestrian Club requested $812.81 to buy Equestrian Club beanie hats to hand out at their upcoming trail rides, Accepted Student’s Day and other on-campus events.

The club was granted the full amount.

Wildlife Club was allocated $2,475 for their annual apple picking trip to Honey Pot Hill Orchards.

Some members of the senate attended this event last fall, and their only concern was making sure that this would take place during the peak of apple-picking season.

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST During open forum, senators discussed issues with campus transportation and safety.

Julia Barrone, treasurer of the Wildlife Club, assured senators that it would be a weekend in September when all apples should be in season.

The last club to request money was the newly created Golf Club, founded by president John DePeron. The club was allocated $3,520 to create a weekly golf trip for the months of September and October.

DePeron explained he wanted to start this club to “allow students to golf at least once a week, at a non-competitive level.”

After the funding requests, Erin Dempsey, vice president, and Sarah Horwitz, student activities trea-

surer, reviewed final changes to the 2017-18 SGA Constitution.

De Leon ended the meeting by thanking everyone who ran for senate positions for the upcoming year.

“I’m really proud of everyone who ran,” said De Leon. “For those of you who ran and lost, it takes a lot to put yourself out there. For those of you who were elected to the positions. ... Take it and run with it.”

CONNECT WITH LINDSAY NIXON lnixon3@student.framingham.edu

Graduating seniors told to uplift and empower others

By Shanleigh Reardon Staff Writer

here could be a reality.”

She told the graduating seniors that they are now part of the 31 percent of adults with a bachelor’s degree in Massachusetts. She advised the graduates to uplift, empower and inspire others. “Step outside of your comfort zone. … Create better conditions and opportunities for others.”

Stoops and the four class officers then performed “Cups” from the movie “Pitch Perfect.”

Stoops said she decided to perform “Cups” because the song was popular during the graduating class’ freshman year.

“I’d like to thank the senior class officers for their willingness to do this with me. … This is a group that’s really ‘got game,’ so to speak,” said Stoops afterwards.

A slideshow of photographs from the graduating class’ years at FSU played before Burnell led the alma mater, “Live to the Truth” to conclude the ceremony.

Graduating seniors, their families and FSU faculty and staff gathered in DPAC for Senior Investiture, on Monday, April 24.

Melinda Stoops, dean of students, hosted the event and gave the opening remarks following the National Anthem, performed by sophomore Inessa Burnell.

Stoops said the event is the first opportunity for the graduating class to wear their robes.

“Enjoy the moment and whatever Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST meaning that moment has for you,” said Stoops. “Be in the moment, be Graduating seniors gathered in DPAC for Senior Investiture to kick off here, now. … Be intentional in what senior celebrations. you create for yourself this next Sánchez-Connally, professor of light at the end of the tunnel.” month.” sociology, “is a mentor to many stu“This is the first time I actually Madison Alper, vice president of the class of 2017, spoke to her fel- dents, advises the Student Leaders put on my gown,” she said.

Sánchez-Connally, the first low graduates on behalf of the other of Inclusion & Diversity and helps students start initiatives on campus member of her family to graduate class officers.

“Take this next step into your that they can be proud of,” said Alp- college 16 years ago from FSU, acknowledged the anxiety graduates journey and remember your time er.

Sánchez-Connally began her adfeel surrounding “the million-dollar here at FSU,” said Alper.

Alper introduced the faculty dress by saying, “We have a lot more question - now what? ¿Y ahora? ¿Y ahora qué?” said Sánchez-Connally. speaker of the day, Patricia Sán- in common than you think.

Sánchez-Connally will soon be “You should allow yourself to chez-Connally, and said, “What she graduating with her Ph.D. from celebrate this very moment,” she does inside the classroom does notCONNECT WITH SHANLEIGH REARDON compare to what she has done out- UMass Amherst and said, just like said. “People before you have made sreardon@student.framingham.edu FSU’s graduates, she’s “seeing the sacrifices so that this moment right side.”

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

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 5

Senior Brittany Cormier selected as state’s one of “29 Who Shine” Shanleigh Reardon Staff Writer Graduating senior Brittany Cormier will be one of the “29 Who Shine” who will be honored

by Gov. Charlie Baker during a Courtesy of ceremony to be Jeff Poole held at the Massachusetts State House on May 5.

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) has been recognizing 29 graduating seniors from in-state community colleges and state universities with this award since 2011. Recipients must be nominated by a faculty member for their demonstrated commitment to “the civic and economic wellbeing of the Commonwealth,” said the DHE website.

Marc Cote, dean of arts and humanities, nominated Cormier based on her honors thesis project’s relevance to the award’s community engagement criteria.

Cormier’s thesis project, “Who are we? Engaging communities through design for social change,” created

marketing and communication plans for the Framingham Public Schools’ After School Program Organization.

According to Cote, during the project, Cormier worked with students to develop logos and designs based on the identity visuals and group sketches students created.

Cote said, “She empowered children by involving them in decision making and, by doing so, helped them develop self-confidence and an investment in the project.”

Aside from Cormier’s successful collaboration with Framingham Schools to complete her thesis project, she has been a Peer Mentor for the First-Year Foundations Seminar program at FSU, a member of The Gatepost since her freshman year and a mentor for underrepresented middle and early high school students in Framingham Schools through the program Pelham Pals.

“What you put into FSU, you’ll get out of FSU,” said Cormier. “A lot of the opportunities and things I’ve been involved with here, I wouldn’t have been able to do if I didn’t go out on a limb and get out of my comfort zone and try to get engaged with them.”

Cormier will also be graduating with a 4.0 grade point average from

the University’s honors program, according to Cote.

He added, “Brittany has excelled in her classes.”

Nominations for the “29 Who Shine” award must include a faculty member who served as a mentor to the student.

Cormier’s thesis advisor and faculty mentor, graphic design professor Stephanie Grey, will accompany her to the ceremony.

Grey has been a mentor to Cormier for several years and teaches classes which focus on “the social impact of graphic design,” said Cote.

Cote added the use of “empathy, community engagement and design as a vehicle for progressive change” in these classes enhanced the development and execution of Cormier’s thesis.

Grey is currently on sabbatical and was unable to be reached for comment.

Cormier has not yet committed to any post-graduation plans but said she has some options available and will be staying local to do design work.

With her degree from FSU, Cormier would like to continue working on projects, such as her thesis, that facilitate social change through conscious

Brittany Cormier/THE GATEPOST Brittany Cormier was nominated for the “29 Who Shine” award

by Marc Cote, dean of arts and humanities.

designs which promote accurate representations of community members.

Cormier would like to focus specifically on education and the empowerment of underrepresented students “who don’t see college pathways in their future.”

[Editor’s Note: Brittany Cormier is an associate editor at The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH SHANLEIGH REARDON sreardon@student.framingham.edu

Complete a course in just 3 weeks!

Getting Ahead

NEW!

session

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

My Way

May 22-June 9 Classes meet 5 days per week, in Bedford & Lowell and online.

No class meeting on Monday, May 29th.

Get a QuickStart on your education this summer at

Make your summer count.

Register now for 2017 summer classes.

Framingham State University offers undergraduate and graduate classes that fit your schedule.

• 5-week, 8-week & 12-week sessions • Morning, afternoon, evening, hybrid and online courses • Over 100 courses offered entirely online Learn more at www.framingham.edu/summer or call the Continuing Education Office at 508-626-4603

Middlesex CoMMunity College! keep your momentum going:

• College students – Take transferable college courses while you’re home • Adult learners – Get closer to that academic credential

Other Summer Schedule Options DAY SUMMER SESSIONS  May 30 - June 29 or July 10 - August 9 Classes meet 4 days per week, in Bedford & Lowell

ONLINE/EVENING SUMMER SESSIONS   June 5 - Aug. 1 or June 19 - Aug. 15 Classes meet 2 evenings per week, or online

framingham.edu

To learn more, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/summer

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

6 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

CDIO candidate Joan Iva C. Fawcett visits campus

By Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief The second and final candidate for FSU’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Joan Iva C. Fawcett, answered questions from students, faculty and administrators during an open forum on Friday, April 28.

Currently, Fawcett serves as director of student government advising and leadership programs and the associate director of the Leadership, Engagement, Advising and Development Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

Additionally, she is an independent equity consultant and social justice facilitator.

She has been working in higher education for 14 years, and said she is looking to “get back to the heart of diversity work.”

She added, “The beauty of Framingham, for me, is that it’s both small … and public. It’s kind of hard to find that in California.”

One audience member asked Fawcett how she got involved with diversity work.

Fawcett said this kind of work has been personal to her.

Born in the Philippines, Fawcett said she and her family came to the United States “looking for the American dream.”

In college, she was invited to participate in a summer bridge program, for which she worked as a writing facilitator.

She taught a course for 15 firstyear students, who were primarily first-generation, low-income and students of color.

“I started learning all the stuff around bias and privilege and culture capital, hegemonic power structure and all the sociology stuff that you learn,” she said.

She said she learned the most from her Filipino students. “How do I identify? Where do I fit in?

Where do I feel a sense of belonging and where do I not? And seeing how that really impacted their entry into college,” she said.

“Since then, I have always been really attracted to the idea of making sure that those who are historically underrepresented and marginalized feel safe, and that they have equitable programs and resources to ensure their success,” she added.

Another audience member asked what equity-promoting initiatives she has been involved in on college campuses.

When Fawcett started her former position as the director of the Intercultural Center at Saint Mary’s College of California, she said it was “a pretty volatile and transitional time.”

The department was just three years old, and the school’s accred-

itation board had just issued a notice about issues of diversity, she said.

“One of the first things we did was convene a college committee on inclusive excellence, somewhat similar to the CDI here,” she said.

They also issued a policy called the “Acts of Intolerance Protocol.”

“It was the worst thing we could have possibly called it,” she said.

“It sounded very kind of draconian.”

The policy worried many community members, she said, who were concerned about academic freedom.

“What transpired from the ‘Acts of Intolerance Protocol’ was really talking to a lot of faculty. We realized we created this policy but no real mechanism to oversee it,” she said. The department was receiving reports through the policy, but had no way to address them.

In response, Fawcett colaunched the Bias Incident Response Team and conducted a “Stop the Hate” training program for students, faculty and administrators.

“That took a lot of work, because the first couple years really defined what our role was. That we weren’t this reactive, responsive body that was the thought police, but rather, that this was an opportunity for community engagement and to discuss incidents that have occurred and create some dialogue around it,” she said.

Many incidents were microaggressions that would have “gone

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Joan Iva C. Fawcett, CDIO candidate, recounted diversity policies she has worked on and controversies she has dealt with during an open forum.

ally called us out,” she said. “They said, ‘In order to be a registered student organization, we had to go through this training on how to be good allies to each other, so how are you not being a bystander to this incident by letting this speaker come to campus?’”

Fawcett worked with impacted student groups, and created open forums to discuss the incident and navigate the hate speech versus

“I have always been really attracted to the idea of making sure that those who are historically underrepresented and marginalized feel safe and that they have equitable programs and resources to ensure their success.”

-Joan Iva C. Fawcett, CDIO candidate under the radar otherwise,” she said. “We could see patterns that emerged and where they were taking place.”

Another audience member asked Fawcett how she dealt with the recent controversies at Berkeley, specifically Milo Yiannopoulos’s cancelled visit to campus.

Yiannopoulos is a former columnist for the conservative alt-right news website Breitbart.

Fawcett said school administrators’ inboxes were flooded by upset students and faculty members.

“It was nice because they actu-

free speech conversation.

The Berkeley College Republicans, the student group which invited Yiannopoulos, were completely in their right to do so as an autonomous student organization, said Fawcett.

Berkeley is a very liberal institution, said Fawcett, and some conservative students felt their voices weren’t being heard.

“Now, whether inviting Milo to campus was the only way to have that conversation is another conversation altogether,” she said.

“But we would have hours upon

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

hours of dialogue with them.”

Another audience member said he has noticed a decline in student involvement on campus, and asked how Fawcett has attracted students to diversity events.

Fawcett said it’s important to have partnerships across campus among different departments.

When hosting a program, Fawcett said they would ask professors to participate.

“Then we would have, for sure, attendance. Students in those classes would be required to come, or strongly encouraged to come,” she said.

Additionally, Fawcett said the events held at the beginning of the year would be more geared to “food, fun and fashion” to attract students and build community. As the year progressed, they would “sprinkle in more intentionality” and start shifting toward more serious topics.

An audience member also asked Fawcett about her experience with disabled students, and her take on disability’s place in diversity.

As the assistant director of the Center for Advising and Academic Success at Whittier College, Fawcett said she shared office space with disability services.

“To me, diversity is about the full scope of humanity and all our varying social identities - hidden, invisible, etc.,” she said. “Just like political orientation, sexual orientation, race, gender, etc., it really enriches not just a person’s identiCONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA GOMES agomes5@student.framingham.edu

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 7

Strategic planning Continued from page 1 enrolled. Getting them to stay. Getting them to actually complete and graduate, aligning with workforce needs and closing the achievement gap.”

She added the DHE will be reviewing the plan in the fall.

Colucci said the tasks stated in the draft goals aren’t specific “and that’s going to be our job - to figure out the tactics. How are we going to do those strategies? How are we going to achieve them?”

She added the strategic plan isn’t finalized, but once it is, faculty and staff will be more involved with it.

“You will recognize it as the University’s plan and then within your own department you are going to create tactics that will help you carry out the strategies,” Colucci said.

The first goal is to provide a high-quality, highly relevant education rooted in the arts and sciences that is transformative, distinctive and responsive to evolving student, workforce and societal needs.

Colucci said, “We are really trying to wrap our minds around that concept and what that can mean for students. … That’s an element Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST we think is really key in this plan.”

One of the primary strategies, Rita Colucci, chief of staff and general counsel, and Judith Otto, associate professor of geography, held according to Colucci, is to establish three open forums to discuss the University’s new Strategic Plan. a unifying and distinguishing educational experience that defines coverage of content are taught in ago, you would hear the motto that,” she added. more frequently. It was much more Allen said, “One of the things what it means to be an FSU student. FSU classrooms.

She added the students need a part of everyday life at the UniI’m missing here is the notion of Richard Allen, history professor, to get “that soft-skilled piece.

Are versity and we’ve fallen away from student responsibility.” said he is a “little concerned about He added, “It’s more than just what could be construed as sort of they being held to task in class that. So, there was an interest in with meeting deadlines, reviewing bring that back and making it a the question of student success and the passive tone.” and revising and editing work?

The part of the student experience here well-being.

We are talking about He added, “There is a growing content is there.

The students have at school.” the notion of responsibility, and demand for institutions that cona lot of the content.

It’s the transJoseph Adelman, history profesyou can be with filled with well-besciously commit themselves to vilation of bringing and developing sor, said, “It seems to me both subing and be irresponsible as hell.” brant, vigorous and large programs. the soft skills in terms of workplace tle yet important to remember that “The question is, ‘Are we in our Yes, we do have to take into conthe classroom matters for civic en- own way, consciously or unconsideration workforce demands and preparation.”

The second goal addresses pregagement, too. … It’s important to sciously, actually reinforcing this that brings back the question of, paring students to be ethical and remember that what we are doing notion that they are not young ‘Are we just here to be a sort of votech school? Or are we more than engaged citizens committed to as a whole institution in sending adults?’” he said.

Colucci said the goal also adthat?’ I think the key strategy is to public purpose, inspired to serve students out - it’s not just sending and eager to play leadership roles them out to do good in the world, dresses policies and practices in ensure the students get the needed in their communities and workbut sending them out to do good in which students aren’t treated like courses and can graduate on time. places. the world in connection with the adults.

“There is no sense in us talking Otto said, “The idea stemmed work they are doing on campus and She added, “So, I think we need about presenting a high-quality from thinking about our students in the classroom.” to recognize that. We are going to education if students have to take Goal three addresses the Uni- have the quote adult expectation more [classes] than the norm. I as future global citizens and how do we get them there?” versity providing students with of the students in regards to taking think we are all familiar with the A key strategy under the second an individualized student service the responsibility for their educaproblems our students have to confront, but we certainly can make goal is to expand student involve- and support system that promotes tion. We need to look at some of that process easier by ensuring ment in leadership opportunities, educational, personal and career the other ways we treat students that they do get the relevant cours- both inside and outside the class- achievement, according to Colucci. here.” room, according to Colucci.

She said the strategies used for Goal four addresses FSU bees they need,” Allen said.

She added the goal is about emthe third goal include putting in coming a “vibrant and inclusive He said, “You need to ensure bedding disciplinary ethics in proplace an intentional measuring living-learning community that that people will have access to grams across the curriculum. system for students resource and attracts and retains students, staff needed academic resources.”

Colucci said the committee integrated support services to fos- and faculty who embrace the UniJill Gardosik, internship coordi“talked about ‘Live to the Truth’ ter student success and well-being. versity’s core values and will enrich nator for Career Services and Emand the use of the University’s “We know that students need campus life with their presence and ployer Relations, said she hears more help these days and more feedback from employers about motto.”

She added, “I was told that years support. So, this plan recognizes See STRATEGIC PLANNING page 9 how excellent content creation and

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

8 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Relay for Life Continued from page 1 the track to “signify that cancer never sleeps,” said the website.

Teams fundraise in the time leading up to the event and during the event.

More than 5,000 Relay events are held in over 20 countries each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

FSU’s Relay, which ran from 12 to 9 p.m., was held in the gym. Team tables were arranged around an activity area in the center and Relay participants walked the perimeter of the gym.

In addition to traditional lawn games, teams participated in Zumba, minute-to-win-it and themed laps around track. FSU’s competitive dance team, Fusion, also performed.

The event began with a lap for survivors and caregivers, while the crowd cheered them on. After the first lap, the other participants joined in.

Eighteen teams were registered for the event. Cure for Carolene was the largest team with 15 members. The team raised $1,750, the most of all registered teams.

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST Sophomore Sammi Henderson, team leader and Relay volunteer, FSU Relay volunteers await final fundraising tally. said, “My mom passed away from lung cancer when I was 8 years old, for a finals week survival kit.

A variety of on-campus clubs so that’s why I got involved in the created teams for the event, infirst place. It’s one of my favorite causes, so I wanted other students cluding The Hilltop Players, Herto be as involved as I was and re- Campus and the Wildlife Club.

Lori Holden, mother of FSU sealize how much of an impact they nior Jennifer Holden, is a breast can have.”

Punksters, a team led by senior cancer survivor who has participatRebecca Green, raised $1,575 and ed in many Relays, including the one FSU hosted last year. had 13 registered members.

She said, “To me, it is a joy to The unique team name came come out and be a part of this from a family nickname, said group.

My daughter asked me if Green. She and her siblings affectionately call their mother, Natalie I wanted to do it and I said, ‘Of Dow, Punkie. Dow, who was diag- course. Are you kidding?’”

Lori Holden is co-captain of her nosed with breast cancer in 2015, own Relay team, which participates walked in the opening survivor lap and with the rest of the team in the Greater Gardner Relay for Life each June. during the event.

“I’ll go anywhere where there’s “I find it a little scary to put the survivor shirt on, you know, be- a Relay, because I’m a survivor and cause it’s only been a year and a everyone out here is a survivor or some family member is,” Lori Holdhalf, almost two years,” said Dow. The Punksters fundraised during en said.

Amy Grimmett, the FSU Relay for the event by selling Relay-themed Life recruitment chair, volunteered goodie bags and holding a compebecause her mother is a cancer surtition in which people could guess the number of gummy bears in a jar vivor. “I think this is a really beautiful event. I think it’s more than to win a prize.

Another team, Susan’s Sun- just a walk to raise money, I think Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST flower Brigade, walked in honor of it really bring people together and you get to have fun,” she said.

Team Leader Ines Stafford’s cousin, Relay volunteer Shannon Fitz- A relay participant with a decorated luminaria bag.

Susan, who died of cancer in September at the age of 46. Susan was gerald said she volunteered and be a family nurse practitioner who Throughout the day, Relay volwalked in honor of her mother’s an FSU alumna. works with cancer patients. “I think unteers sold white paper luminaria The team dressed in green tu- 25th anniversary of being cancer I just knew a lot of people who also bags for $10 each. People decorattus and decorated themselves with free. dealt with cancer, and I felt like I ed the bags in honor of those who Kaylee Brazell, FSU Relay for sunflowers, Susan’s favorite flower. wanted to do something with it,” have had cancer, and those who They fundraised by holding a raffle Life logistics chair and FSU Fights she said. have died. The proceeds from bag Back team leader, said she wants to

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

APRIL 28, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 9

Relay for Life sales contributed to the fundraising total at the end of the night.

In the evening, the decorated bags were placed along the perimeter of the gym with glow sticks inside. The lights were turned off and participants gathered in the center of the gym. Everyone was given a glow stick and asked to be silent in respect for the gravity of the moment.

From a stage lit with the words “Hope,” “Relay” and “Cure.” event leaders explained the luminaria ceremony was a time to grieve those lost and reflect on how the disease has touched each participant personally.

Grimmett said, “Some of you may see this ceremony as one night, one memory in a bunch of special memories, but remember every single thing that you do matters. You have the power to change the world. Your presence tonight

in support of the American Cancer Society is changing the world.”

Following the speeches, Jennifer Holden, FSU Relay fundraising chair, read a list of what inspired Relay participants to walk. Participants were encouraged to crack their glow sticks when they heard their reason.

All Relay attendees then completed a silent lap in honor and remembrance of those affected by cancer, the gym lit only by the glow sticks in their hands and in the luminaria bags.

Lori Holden said she’s excited to see more people coming out each year to show support for cancer survivors. “This is wonderful to have this for us here. It’s going to grow - it’s going to grow big.”

CONNECT WITH JILLIAN POLAND jpoland@student.framingham.edu

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST The Cure for Carolene team raised the most money out of all registered teams - $1,575.

Strategic planning Continued from page 7 engagement,” according to Colucci.

She added, “There’s a lot of discussion about the … transportation options. So, one of the things we recognized was that we can’t expect our students to be out there even in the Framingham community if we don’t give them the means to get there. In this plan, we talk a lot about experiential learning, about service learning and internships. All that stuff to get them into the world, but we are not really providing a practical way or means of them to get there.”

LaDonna Bridges, associate dean of academic success and director of CASA said, “We can’t talk about ways to engage students’ involvement on campus and mentoring in the community and not know how to get them to those mentoring opportunities. So, I love that that is in there.”

The fifth goal addresses “fostering a climate and providing necessary tools and support to ensure that every member of the campus community has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” according to Colucci.

She added a key strategy of the goal is to promote a University-wide culture of “service excellence and spirit of collaboration.”

She added, “That means when you call another office and you ask them for something, they are going to do it. Not because you demanded it, but because we are colleagues and we help each other out. There was a feeling when we were working on this plan that we don’t have a persistent culture of, ‘Yes’ here

and that needs to be addressed.”

Goal six addressed the University providing the “physical, technological and administrative infrastructure necessary to create a work environment that promotes excellence, encourages innovation, facilitates collaboration and supports achievement of strategic goals,” said Colucci.

According to Colucci, a key strat-

do we not make them available as much as they can be available?” she said.

The seventh goal addresses establishing a public identity that reflects FSU’s academic strengths, co-curricular activities and contributions to the surrounding community.

Colucci said, “This is about our message out there - our market-

“It’s important to remember that what we are doing as a whole institution in sending students out - it’s not just sending them out to do good in the world, but sending them out to do good in the world in connection with the work they are doing on campus and in the classroom.”

-Joseph Adelman, history professor egy is to ensure classroom, laboratory, study, work and gathering “spaces are functionally adequate and conducive to a positive experience by faculty, staff and both residential and commuter students.”

She added, “I think we have beautiful buildings here, but what do the insides of the classrooms look like and do they need to be updated?

“Do we use our current spaces as smartly as we can use them? Or

ing. Do people know what we have here?”

Goal eight addresses FSU “playing a critical and catalytic role as a partner in the MetroWest region’s economic, social and cultural development,” said Colucci.

She added it is not just about marketing the school to the community but also about making the school accessible to the community.

She said, “We like to be seen as

a cultural center. There is so much that goes on here - so many speakers. so many great lectures, and yet the community is not coming in.

And it’s all free. So, is it a transpiration issue? Is it a parking issue?

Is it that they don’t know what is going on? Is it that they don’t feel welcome? Is it that they don’t like the hills?”

The ninth goal addresses establishing a financial resources model to promote stability, sustainability and affordability over the longterm, Colucci said.

She added a key strategy of the goal is to improve student retention to maximize enrollment-related revenue.

“That helps us with that bottom-line budget item at the end of the day. The more students we retain who are going to pay their tuition, the better off the checkbook looks,” she said.

She added the goal encompasses preparing for and “launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign to increase private support of the University and allow for an increase in University-funded financial aid.”

She said the last fundraising campaign reached its goal of $12,000,000 a year early.

Colucci added, “We are trying to distinguish ourselves with this strategic plan, like every school does. What is it about FSU that is different, that’s going to appeal to students and parents?”

CONNECT WITH KAYLLAN OLICIO kolicio@student.framingham.edu

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

10 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

APRIL 28, 2017

Dean Stoops to leave her position

By Julia Sarcinelli Associate Editor Dean of Students Melinda Stoops will be leaving her position on June 16 to be the associate vice president of Student Affairs at Boston College (BC).

Lorretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development, announced the news it in an email on Thursday, April 27.

She wrote Stoops “is a universal presence throughout a student’s experience at FSU, from welcoming students and families at Freshmen Orientation to saying goodbye to them at Commencement. … While we are excited for Dean Stoops for receiving this amazing career opportunity, her presence on campus cannot be replaced. We will miss her warm smile, her thoughtful advice and, of course, her emails in our inboxes.”

Stoops’ responsibilities at BC will be to oversee five offices on campus.

Stoops has been at FSU for over 14 years. She started as the director of the Counseling Center in 2002 and has been in her current position since 2008.

She said, “I just really felt at home at Framingham since the minute I interviewed on campus. It

just felt right.”

Stoops said she is going to miss her staff and working with students. “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to everyone.”

When she started, Stoops said she thought she would move on after five years. “I think the fact that I’ve stayed here so long really speaks to how wonderful the community is. I loved being here. I’m not leaving to leave Framingham.

It’s just at this point in my career, it makes sense for me to look at a position that offers me some professional advancement.”

She added, “It’s bittersweet. I feel like it’s the right decision, but that doesn’t make it an easy process.”

President F. Javier Cevallos said it is a great opportunity for Stoops, adding, “We’re going to miss her a lot on campus, and we’re going to miss a lot of her sensitivity in particular. I think she has a wonderful way of connecting to people and talking to people.”

Cevallos said the Dean of Students handles disciplinary issues and also difficult situations for students, adding to do so, “You need to have someone who can do both sides with a lot of talent and grace, and I think Melinda has been wonderful in how she handles both as-

pects of the job, because she does it with a lot of care.”

Cevallos said Stoops has been “an asset for our campus community. She has contributed a lot to the campus climate and to making this a great institution, and she will bring her talents and her abilities to BC and make BC a better place, as well.”

David Baldwin, associate dean of students, has worked with Stoops for nine years.

He said, “I’m going to miss her terribly. Not only did we work together, we formed this kind of friendship that is really great - alAmanda Martin/THE GATEPOST though I know the friendship won’t end just because she’s going to BC, but it will be weird not to see her opportunity. I’m always happy every day and work with her. … when people who are gifted and She’s taught me a lot, and I’ve talented and are good people … get grown a lot in my position because recognized in this kind of way.”

She said, “Melinda Stoops is a of her.”

According to Holloway, there leader, and I don’t want to sound will be open forums for the stu- trite, but what a real leader does is dents and community to attend in they make people want to follow the fall, on top of interviews with you. … She makes people want to the search committee which she be their best selves.”

No current interim dean of stuhopes to have some students on, adding the new candidate will be dents has been selected. selected around October.

Holloway said she “burst into tears” when she heard Stoops was CONNECT WITH JULIA SARCINELLI leaving, but added, “I’m really ex- jsarcinelli@student.framingham.edu cited for her and it’s such a great

Join...

THE GATEPOST! We put out on Fridays.

Meetings at 6:30 p.m. | Mondays & Thursdays McCarthy Center Room 410 gatepost@framingham.edu

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

APRIL 28, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 11

FSU hosts annual Science on State Street Festival

Julia Sarcinelli/THE GATEPOST

Julia Sarcinelli/THE GATEPOST The Dental Club dyed eggs in an experiment during the Science on State Street Festival.

Professor Bell conducts his “Build a Battery” experiment in front of elementary school students.

By Nick Murphy Staff Writer

offer so many hands-on presentations here. I think it’s a great way to get children and adults to think about science in new and creative ways.”

A new addition to the presenter line up was biology professor Andrea Kozol, who showed off a collection of creatures in her displays.

The exhibit featured insects, spiders, millipedes and other insects.

Kozol even allowed students to hold a praying mantis she brought, provided they were comfortable doing so.

Sarah Clark, a parent in attendance, said, “I’m fine looking at them in their cage, but that’s about it.”

Sophomore Ben Whitney said, “I think it’s awesome that this event includes all members of the community. The displays are pretty neat, too.”

Devon Klos, a sophomore, said, “The hands-on activities really help to draw in new guests. It shows them science can be fun while being informative.”

In her presentation MySTEM, Jessica Hagget of Big Brother Big Sister MetroWest encouraged elementary students in attendance to draw a picture of what science means to them. They collected pieces were then displayed on a mural which showcased the work.

A related exhibit was the STEM in early childhood presentation by Valerie Hytholt, of FSU’s Center for Early Childhood Education. Her initiative focused on having students become active participants in STEM activities from an early age.

FSU’s Chemistry Club’s presentation, which demonstrated their experimental display - frozen flowers and pH indicators - drew a large crowd.

They started off by having those in attendance feel two objects - one a latex glove and the other, a fresh rose. After the audience noted that nothing had been tampered with and the objects both felt right, the chemistry students dunked them

Framingham State University’s Christa McAuliffe Center held its third annual Science on State Street Festival on Friday, April 21 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The event is typically held outside, but due to inclement weather, the event took place indoors. The festival was held in both O’Connor Hall and the Christa McAuliffe Center.

General admission to the festival was free and open to all ages.

Tickets were also distributed so families could attend planetarium shows, that occurred periodically throughout the day.

The event featured presenters from a wide variety of backgrounds, including FSU students and faculty, invited scientists and representatives from other organizations such as Big Brother Big Sister.

Irene Porro, director of the McAuliffe Center, said, “We have a really good mix of FSU students and outside presenters for the event. I think it’s important for people to realize that while this event is held at FSU, it’s about bringing us all together as a community.”

Porro said that there were just over 500 people who attended the event.

“We’ve always held the event on a Saturday in the past, so we weren’t sure how that would affect the turnout. Thankfully, we were in line with previous years.

I think this was partially because many grade school students were on spring break.”

Along with free admission, those in attendance were encouraged to take a pin upon entrance.

These pins were used to both track attendance and help spread word about the event. T-shirts and calendars were also distributed at the festival.

Porro said a grant from MathWorks made the distribution of those items possible. “They gave us the money, because they believe in

supporting the community. … Their core values lined up with ours.

“The contribution made a huge difference, but what was really important was the fact that they recognized that this event was for the community’s benefit,” she added.

Porro said the original date changed in part because it conflicted with The March for Science Boston, which many faculty members attended.

However, Porro said changing the day to a Friday allowed for new initiatives to be added. For the first time in the festival’s history, the McAuliffe Center was opened early to the children of FSU faculty and staff.

Porro said the center ran a morning space mission simulation as well as a planetarium show and a storytelling from space event. The activities were geared to attract all age groups.

The storytelling from space event utilized recordings of astronauts reading books from space.

An accompanying volunteer also read along to the children in attendance. The morning activities ran until 11 a.m.

The festival itself featured a wide array of presenters. Some of the displays also included handson activities. The event featured both new and returning presenters.

There were a total of 23 displays at the festival. Of them, 10 were staffed by FSU students, six were operated by FSU faculty members and seven featured presenters from outside the FSU community.

Among the returning presenters was Dwayne Bell, a chemistry professor at FSU. For the third year in a row, Bell conducted his “Build a Battery” experiment.

In response to his demonstration, one elementary school student said, “I’ve never seen anything like it, but it was really cool to see.”

Another added, “I thought the experiment was awesome.”

John Lancaster, a parent in the audience, said, “It’s great that they

in liquid nitrogen. After a few seconds, they withdrew the glove and rose and shattered them with ease.

Scott Redman, a parent in attendance, said, “I think these events are just as entertaining for us parents as they are for the kids. ... The students clearly put in a lot of work to bring these projects together.”

Porro said, “The festival is an opportunity for us to showcase the talented students we have at FSU.” Other FSU clubs represented in the festival were the Dental, Wildlife, Food and Nutrition and Engineering.

The Engineering Club displayed their makeshift filtration device to the audience. The device, which cost less than $20 to make, turned unsanitary water into drinkable water.

President of the Engineering Club Cameron Danwah said, “All in all, I think the event went really well. It would have been nice to see more administration members or deans in attendance, though.

“It was great to get this kind of exposure, though, and it was good to see that people enjoyed our presentation,” he added.

Porro said, “The planetarium shows are always our biggest attractions. As such, we’ve decided to add as many shows as we could this year.”

Jackie Salvas, a junior said, “The planetarium shows are a great experience. I would recommend everyone seeing one at some time, if they haven’t already.”

Sophomore Morgan Rose said, “There was so much to see. It was fun just walking around and seeing the projects that took a lot of work to complete.”

Porro said, “I hope this festival shows how science affects every aspect of our lives, and how important it is for us to support science education.”

CONNECT WITH NICK MURPHY nmurphy@student.framingham.edu

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

12 |OP/ED THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Corporate Sodexo lacks respect for students

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

OP/ED A note of thanks President Emerita Helen Heineman wishes to thank all present and past members of the FSU community for their expressions of sympathy at the passing of her husband John L. Heineman.

Their presence, cards, notes, and flowers, were much appreciated by the whole family at this time of loss.

Former President Helen Heineman Sodexo’s contract is up.

So of course, the company is actively campaigning for the University to rehire them.

That is where Sodexo’s magazine “ENGAGE” comes in.

Originally intended for the hiring committee’s eyes, the magazine contains two pages full of un-cited “facts” about Generation Z, a.k.a. the majority of the current student body.

And those “facts” were not exactly flattering.

The magazine compared students’ attention spans to that of goldfish, and said this generation lacks critical thinking skills and the ability to be without their electronic devices for very long.

Additionally, the magazine claimed Generation Z communicates mainly through Emojis, which is creating a communication gap between the generations.

We at The Gatepost cannot speak to any of these “facts” presented by Sodexo because they are un-cited. The Gatepost, of course, conducted some research on Generation Z, and there was nothing to be found about poor critical thinking skills.

In fact, many sources, such as The Center for Generational Kinetics and socialmarketing.org, don’t have much information on this generation yet because these individuals are still growing up.

Additionally, The Gatepost was not able to speak with a Sodexo representative about the magazine, its origins and its creator as Ralph Eddy, director of dining services, refused to be interviewed on the matter and failed to provide a contact for a Sodexo representative for two weeks.

So, what can the FSU community glean from this magazine?

Sodexo obviously does not respect the student body.

To be clear, we are not referring to the cashiers and cooks who dedicate much of their time and energy to serving the FSU community, and are often subjected to the impudence and ill manners of some students, faculty and administrators. In fact, many of Sodexo’s workers are part of the very generation this magazine mocked.

We are referring to corporate Sodexo – specifically, the editor of the magazine, whomever he or she may be, and the people responsible for pages four and five of “ENGAGE.” As a University, every department must be dedicated to supporting and encouraging students. After all, that’s why everyone is here – so students can learn, make mistakes and grow.

If Sodexo wants to continue being a part of the Framingham State community, the company should at the very least have a basic amount of respect for the student body.

We at The Gatepost encourage the committee in charge of re-hiring Sodexo to consider whether a company that demeans students is truly a good fit for Framingham State.

Campus Conversations What would you like to change about the University in the fall?

By: Molly Dubrowski and Amanda Martin

1

3

1

“Better options for food for finals.”

- Katlyn Silvs, Junior

2

“Long hours for food places during finals.”

- Keighley Card, Sophomore

3

“I want the gym to be 24 hours.”

- Deron Hines, Junior

4

“The availability of classes. They don’t offer enough diverse classes.”

- Maddie Alper, Senior

5

“I would like to change the meal options like a more variety of healthy choices.”

- Kara Simmons, Senior

2

4

6 5

6

“More places to study.”

-Vinson Huynh, Sophomore

Interested in illustrating a comic about campus life, politics, or other issues? Contact Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn at syacyshyn@student.framingham.edu

Have an opinion about something happening on campus? Send it in 500 words or less to gatepostopinions@gmail.com.

Anyone can submit!

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

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

OP/ED |13

Interested in illustrating a comic about campus life, politics, or other issues?

Contact Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn at syacyshyn@student.framingham.edu FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

14 |OP/ED

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

Is organic food worth the price?

How does natural compare to conventional? There has been a fight over natural organic foods versus conventional that has been growing rapidly with the introduction of genetically modified organisms. A lot of people don’t have a lot of knowledge when it comes to "what is in our food?” Especially when people hear the term GMO, they immediately freak out because it sounds like a piece of science fiction. However, people might calm down if a qualified individual explained the actual purpose of GMOs. This could lead to a shift in skepticism.

Still, most people are influenced by T.V. and social media, which causes most consumers to lean towards organic rather than conventional. For some people the only difference they see is the cost - organic foods always seem to be more expensive. If you were to take a walk down your grocery aisle, you can often see even a 2x price increase.

The real difference is the growing process.

Organic produce is grown with no synthetic materials, making some people think that it is better for your health. But, it has been

found that there is no significant impact on your health in terms of eating organic versus conventional. In a published article by Paula Teixeira and Jorge Garcia, they explore and compare organic and conventional foods regarding food safety. From their findings, they concluded that there is no significant difference between the two. However, the huge price mark-up of organic foods is caused by our unique economy. According to the USDA, nearly all of the top seven crops grown in America (corn, soy, cottonseed, alfalfa, papaya, canola, and sugar beets) are at least 80 percent modified.

While organic foods are free of synthetic pesticides, they require a lot more natural pesticides, not to mention that they take a lot more time to mature and ripen. One would wonder if organic produce uses more water than its conventional counterparts.

The amount of water needed to grow both conventional and organic produce is the same. However, certain agricultural areas like California and Florida would require a lot more water to grow crops than the north-

east. Organic farms typically use less powerful pesticides, forcing them to spray in much larger quantities. This is the real reason why organic produce is a lot more expensive than conventional produce. In order for organic produce to be cheaper, we would have to alter our current agricultural economy, which would be very difficult and uneconomical.

Stef Farrari, Class of Andrew Kellogg, Class of Ben Martell, Class of Duncan Pickett, Class of Kyle Reeder , Class of Gianna Zirpolo, Class of

Join...

THE GATEPOST! We put out on Fridays.

Meetings at 6:30 p.m. | Mondays & Thursdays McCarthy Center Room 410 gatepost@framingham.edu

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

2020 2018 2018 2020 2017 2018

MAY 5, 2017

OP/ED |15

THE GATEPOST

DACA recipients deserve citizenship When the topic of immigration is discussed, much of the attention is focused on adults - those who actively choose to enter the country illegally.

Immigration opponents argue that these individuals are criminals, rapists and gang members - lazy moochers who are using up American resources And while this is painfully false - immigrants make up just 13 percent of the population, but 17 percent of the workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor - the opponents believe they are the victims.

There are indeed victims of the country’s immigration policies, but they are not native-born Americans.

They are the child immigrants.

Brought to this country by their parents, these children had no say about coming to the United States. Many don’t even remember life in their native countries.

What they do remember is growing up in the United States.

They remember eating American food, watching American T.V. and

learning American history.

They remember being told no child would be left behind. They remember being instructed to pursue higher education, work hard and follow their dreams.

But for many, those tasks are nearly impossible.

This past semester, I spent much of my time interviewing DACA recipients - those who immigrated to this country as children, graduated from an American high school and are now granted permission to work and live in this country for two years at a time.

And what became clearer and clearer to me with every interview was the fact that these individuals are not just undocumented immigrants - they are, at their core, Americans.

In June 2012, President Barack Obama instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, making life a little bit easier for the 780,000 undocumented immigrants who can now legally live and work in the country.

However, without a path to citizenship, DACA is essentially useless. Being able to work in a country is one thing - being able to thrive in the country is another.

DACA recipients who have worked in this country for years, and who have been active members of the community and helped to strengthen the economy, should be granted citizenship - or at the very least, green cards.

It is not realistic to expect these individuals to return to countries they barely remember.

And why should Americans want these immigrants deported in the first place?

Aside from the fact that they are just as American as any native-born citizen, they tend to contribute more to this society than many actual American citizens.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, immigrants are “disproportionately likely to be working.”

Additionally, immigrants are

more likely to own a small business, and comprise 18 percent of small business owners.

They are active contributors to our society. Why should we turn our backs on them?

The United States is often thought of as the land of opportunity. The country has prided itself on its supposed commitment to freedom and equality.

However, if America were truly the land of opportunity, the government wouldn’t continue to hinder those who would only thrive in and contribute to the United States.

DACA recipients deserve the chance to prosper in the country they call home.

To not provide them with that opportunity is not only wrong, but plain un-American.

Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief

Follow Us on Twitter!

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

@TheGatepost Arts & Features Section

@Gatepost_Arts News

@GatepostNews Sports

@GatepostSports Photos

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

16 |OP/ED

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

Class of 2017 Senior Letters In high school, I was voted “most likely to fall asleep in class” and “most likely to wander the halls.”

While my mother was not exactly thrilled by either of these superlatives, they were undeniably true.

I had never been a good student. In fact, my high school guidance counselor tried to steer me away from college, toward more “realistic” options.

However, on some level, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education. I knew I wanted more for myself. And so, I found myself at MassBay Community College, changing my major every semester and wasting precious time and money.

Eventually, I raised my GPA high enough to be able to apply to FSU. I applied, was accepted and transferred into FSU in the fall of 2013 as a secondary education major.

But I was still unsure about my major.

I wasn’t enjoying my education classes, and I had no idea what one could do with an English major besides teach.

Until one fateful day near the end of my first year here. As I ate my lunch in the commuter caf, I came across The

Gatepost - Framingham State’s student newspaper. I thought back to my high school career, to the one class I actually enjoyed and did well in - journalism.

And so one hot day in September 2014, I found myself in Desmond McCarthy’s office - the head of the English department and advisor to The Gatepost. He urged me to join the paper, and enroll in his Intro to Journalism class.

That Thursday, I walked into McCarthy 410 for the first time, and started the daunting, sleepless and ultimately fulfilling journey toward becoming a journalist.

But that journey would never have been possible without the incredible people I have met during my time here.

So thank you, to Kaila, Jimmy and Joe - the first editors to welcome me into the world of journalism, and who inspired me to produce awesome and ethical work.

Thank you to Sara and Brad, two great friends I made here in the office, for keeping me sane.

To Julia, my right hand woman through all of our years here and my biggest supporter - thank you for always being there, for always providing an ear to listen and a

helping hand. I truly would not have made it through this last year without you.

I started off college excited but unsure about what I wanted to do. When I began my freshman year, I was undeclared. But then my sophomore year - thanks to Desmond and Kaila - I joined The Gatepost and it has shaped my entire college experience.

Everyone, especially those on the newspaper my first year, taught me so much about what it means to be a reporter and to take pride in the work that I do.

To this year’s staff, I could not have asked for a better group of people to end my time here. Brittany and Cesareo, I am so grateful for everything you do and for always being there. Darian, you are one of my best friends and I am so happy we were able to get closer over the years.

So many people have helped me, but my time at The Gatepost would not have been the same without Alex. You are so talent-

ed, and ever since day one you inspired me to do my best. You put your all into everything you do, and you have always been there for me through late nights and purple energy drinks. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend to be able to lean on these past three years.

Desmond - you were there to help me when I had no idea what I wanted to do.

You guided me through difficult decisions, and your unwavering support has always been comforting to me. You helped me grow from someone who was afraid to speak up in class to being a leader, and for that I can’t thank you enough.

I would not be the person I am if I did not have such great friends who helped me grow. To Colleen, Michaela and Maggie, I do not know where I would be without you all. You were always there to help me and encouraged me to have confidence in my-

self. I am so happy that we have been able to grow over the years and I am incredibly proud to call you all my best friends.

Mom and Dad, I could not have asked for better parents. You supported me in all my decisions no matter what they were.

Maria, I am so glad I was able to spend more time with you. Knowing you were only a phone call away if I needed a warm dinner, a ride to Target or a friend to lean on helped me so much. Anna, I will always consider you my first and best friend. You have always inspired me to do better than my best.

It may seem like these years went by fast, but I will never forget the memories and friends I have made that made my time at Framingham State truly unforgettable.

After four years at The Gatepost, each year I have watched the graduating seniors write their senior letters and talk about graduation. So, you would have thought that by now, I would know exactly what to say for my own. But the feeling of graduation is still so surreal that it still doesn’t even feel like today is the last day of classes.

The first thing that comes to mind is a quote that I once heard- “Do you ever wonder how different your life would be if one thing had never happened?”

Many days I wonder what my life would be like if I didn’t choose to come to Framingham State to pursue a major in art with a concentration in graphic design.

I have been part of The Gatepost since my first week here as a first-year student. As a designer for The Gate-

post I have not only made many great friendships but also a second family.

As a student leader on campus, I have been able to cultivate my passion for graphic design, as well as develop a devotion for being a mentor for other students. I have always believed that you should give back in honor of those that have helped you along the way. Being a Peer Mentor, Wet Feet Retreat and Black & Gold Beginnings Leader, Academic Success Peer Tutor, and Pelham Pals Mentor has taught me so much.

Stephanie, thank you for helping me discover both the change and impact that I can make as a graphic designer.

Ben, thank you for helping to shape me into the student leader that I am today. I will be forever grateful for those experiences.

Andrew, thank you for so many ad-

ventures & memories. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.

I am lucky to be part of a community that has not only given me endless opportunities to make myself successful, but also a support system of faculty members, students, and mentors that inspire and challenge me to create my best work. Although it is bittersweet to be leaving my “fRAMily,” I am looking forward to finding ways that I can empower others through design for social change. Interested in following my future endeavors? Check out my website at www.brittanycormier.com!

To Cesareo, my successor and one of the best friends I’ve made here in the office - thank you for the endless support, for always being there and for the unmatched commitment you made to this paper. The Gatepost is in good hands, and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come.

To Brandon, who has been there since day one - none of this would have been possible without you, and your unconditional love and support. I owe it all to you.

And finally, to Desmond McCarthy, my professor, my mentor and my friend - you were one of the first people to believe in me. Thank you for never doubting me, always being real with me, and pushing me to do my best.

I did not just gain a degree here - I gained a family. And for that, I will always be grateful to Framingham State.

Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief

Julia Sarcinelli Associate Editor

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

Brittany Cormier Associate Editor

MAY 5, 2017

OP/ED |17

THE GATEPOST

Dear Framingham State, My time here may have been short, but it has been magnificent.

As a transfer student I did not receive the full FSU experience that most students do, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. In fact, it has even made me more proud to be a Ram. I have had to work tirelessly to be an active member of the FSU community. In addition to classes, work, and a half hour commute, I had to find a way to experience Framingham State and all it had to offer me.

The Gatepost has been one of the ways I accomplished this. There were

many events I would have missed if it weren’t for the paper. The Gatepost has helped me overcome the commuter stereotype while also building my resume and portfolio for the future.

I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for the people I have met along the way. From Orientation to now, this community introduced me to some of the most amazing friends, as well as brilliant students and professors.

Every day, I learn something new, not only in class but also by talking with the people around me. I am so happy that I ended up at a school with such a wide

Framingham State University is the fourth school that I’ve gone to during the bumpy ride that was my collegiate career. Previously, I attended Emmanuel College, MassBay Community College, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

At FSU, I initially, I didn’t get involved in any clubs or extracurricular activities. I sang in the Framingham State Chorus for three semesters with the always funny Dr. Paul Ciennewa.

Dr. Desmond McCarthy was my academic advisor when I first arrived, and has been a continued source of inspiration and encouragement throughout my time here. Although he would often encourage me to pursue a minor or concentration, against his better judgment, I decided against it. However, he did

guide me towards an internship in proMost importantly, I have to thank fessional writing at Career Services and my parents, who have never wavered in Employer Relations, where I had the their support of me. pleasure of working with Director Dawn Ross, not to mention Jill Gardosik, Sarah Falber, and Wendy Davis.

During my final semester, I finally wised up and started doing extracurricular activities.

I joined The Gatepost as a member of the news team, which was also advised

by Dr. McCarthy, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with all of my wonderful newsboys.

Finally, I became involved with the student-run art and literary magazine, The Onyx. I was lucky enough to have Jesse Sannicandro my work included and to serve as treaAsst. News Editor surer under Editor-in-Chief, the indefatigable Emily Robinson.

I have called Framingham State my home for four years. We have had some heartaches and some really good memories. I came into this school like every freshman with a determined mind. It was college - it’s scary. I didn’t know where I would fit in.

By the end of freshman year, I learned about CollegiateLink. It was a site where jobs on and off campus post when they are hiring. I saw a post about working at the Christa McAuliffe Center and being a flight director. I had no idea what I was in store for.

If you told me freshman year I would

As my journey here at FSU ends, another chapter begins. My journey here has been filled with many opportunities and memories made. The friendships made, late nights in the library, O’Connell’s trips, and much more, will never be forgotten. I am forever grateful for the leadership opportunities I have had and the faculty that have been so supportive. I definitely will miss it here but am ready for the next chapter of my life. I would not have been able to make it through my college career

be flying missions full time and being a full-time student, then I would have said you are insane. This job has given me more than just a spot on a resume.

They have shown me how to be human.

I have messed up time and time again.

I will admit that, but it was how I fixed the problem that made me a better person. I will be forever grateful for having the McAuliffe Center hire me.

I also want to thank my parents.

Thanks, dad, for knowing I am stressed out and talking to me about the Yankees. Thanks, mom, for also picking up your phone. Finally, my friends whom

without a select few: Professor Lynne, Hanna, Jessica, Maddie, Kaitlynn, Dawn Ross and Dr. Holloway. Without you guys, I wouldn’t have made it through these four years. You have helped me along my path here, pushed me toward my goals, and made a huge difference in my life. Thank you for always being right there when I needed you! This is not goodbye - it is simply, “See you later”.

Congratulations Class of 2017! We made it! “Go forth and set the world on

variety of cultures and life experiences.

You have all been such an inspiration, and have pushed me to the best of my ability. I will forever be grateful to call this school my alma mater.

Thank you.

Erin Fitzmaurice Asst. Photos Editor

I can text and say anything to, from fashion tips to where to go on Thursday nights. I would never have survived school without any of you beautiful human beings.

Molly Dubrowski Staff Writer

fire. You can achieve anything you set your mind to! You are in control. You write your story.” Here’s to the end of My Framily chapter and the beginning of The After College Life.

Jennifer Holden

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

18 |OP/ED

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

FSU was small, close and comfortable. Like that extra hug you get from your parents when you fall off your bike. Well, let me tell you, during the last four years, I needed a lot of extra hugs.

Starting school undeclared was the first of many hardships. Everyone around me knew they wanted to be a teacher, a nurse or a fashion designer.

Dorming was the next unexpected issue - something I’m sure 90 percent of us can relate to. So to all the “mean girls” (and guys) coming into college on your high horse, sit down and be humble.

I began commuting and drove in for the last three years of college. Let me tell you, that isn’t easy either! Driving

with one hand while the other is trying to open your breakfast burrito is something I have successfully accomplished.

Oh, and walking up that hill! Commuters know the struggle. All these years and that hill hasn’t gotten any easier!

Time to find a job! Woah, where did the time go? Besides the growing pains, I am less than a month away and nothing short of ecstatic. Some people say these are the best years of your life. I am here to say the truth - it sucked! Studying material you don’t understand, dealing with bitter professors and eating ramen while pulling all-nighters for a midnight deadline!

But, I don’t regret any of it! I am proud to say I survived being a fulltime student, working in retail, being a

nanny, my internship AND keeping my sanity! I am also proud to be a Ram and to have been taught by some amazing professors! To my family, my friends and my girlfriend, thank you. Thank you for supporting me, encouraging me, and giving me some ice cream when I threatened to quit school. Without you, I might not be crossing this finish line.

Annamarie Lapriore

To my teachers who pushed me to do my To my support system, thank you for have you all. best, I can not thank you enough. Just to helping me along the way, I have become name a few - Ira Silver, Kaan Argatan, Cath- friends for life with the best people. BRF, Amanda Lissner Bergquist erine Carter, Barbra Milot and Keri Straka. DLD, AAD, BAS and DMB, I am lucky to

I can’t believe that graduation is finally here! It took me a little longer to finish my degree as I was a transfer and non-traditional student, but the welcome I received from FSU faculty and staff made it all worthwhile! I’d especially like to thank Dr. Beckwitt and Dr. Shearman - both of whom went above and beyond helping me to find my niche, especially when my physical limitations made it seem like there was no

place for me in Wildlife Biology as I was unable to manage actual fieldwork. Dr. Shearman was always available to give me encouragement when I faltered, even when it had nothing to do with her field of expertise, and Dr. Beckwitt showed me there were plenty of opportunities in Wildlife Biology that had nothing to do with fieldwork. To the current students, incoming freshmen and incoming transfer students,

I’d just like to say don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you don’t think you can talk to your adviser, talk to your professors - it is often through them that you will find the best motivation to not give up following your dream and finding your true passion!

Angela Wyman

The Gatepost congratulates the graduating Class of 2017!

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

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 19

ARTS & FEATURES Wale “SHiNEs” at FSU’s spring concert

By Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor Students began to fill a sold-out DPAC at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12 for SUAB’s spring concert featuring D.C. rapper Wale.

Each attendee received a multi-colored flashing lightstick.

Students waved them in anticipation until DJ Artie V began his opening performance at 7:50, which was scheduled to start at 7:30 and to last 30 minutes.

Students jumped and danced along to the DJ’s set, which featured remixes to popular songs as well as mashups of multiple songs. Artie V mixed these songs live on stage with a digital turntable and launchpad connected to a MacBook Pro. One song that got the crowd moving and waving their lights was his mashup of the vocals from Beyoncé’s “Formation” and the instrumental track of “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar. The in-your-face piano-driven beat produced by Mike WiLL Made-It fit surprisingly well with Beyoncé’s vocals, especially during the song’s chorus.

Another crowd pleaser was Artie’s trap-flavored remix of “Bad and Boujee” by Migos.

The remix of the song was much

more aggressive than the original’s minimalistic beat.

One song that caught much of the audience off guard, but nonetheless satisfied them in the end, was a remix of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” by James Carter and Levi.

The already-danceable lead single off Sheeran’s latest album was made even more so thanks to the driving synthetic bass and introduction of a more urgent drumline. Once the chorus hit, there was no stopping the audience from jumping along and waving their glowsticks.

The audience didn’t remain this enthusiastic, however. Around 8:30, 40 minutes into Artie V’s set, around half of the crowd had returned to their seats, their lights remaining motionless, while many began to chant, “Wale! Wale! Wale!”

Not long after, Wale’s hypemen arrived. The crowd went wild, but Wale didn’t take the stage just yet.

A second - unnamed - DJ got behind the turntables as Artie V said goodbye to his audience.

After a cinematic choral intro, the second DJ transitioned into a remix of “Mask Off” by Future. While the original song has a tonedd o w n b e a t which

prominently samples the slow flute melody from “Prison Song” by Tommy Butler, this remix did away with that in favor of heavy driving synths mimicking the same melody.

“Mask Off” then transitioned into another remix, this time of “iSpy”

by Kyle featuring Lil Yachty. By this time, the crowd was once again mostly back on its feet.

Wale finally took the stage at 8:50, over an hour behind schedule.

He opened with the song “Fishing” off his 2011 album “Ambition.”

Once again the lights in the audience began to wave back and forth uncontrollably.

When the intro of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam began, many audience members were confused. But, the diehard Wale fans cheered as it marked the beginning of one of his breakout singles, “Chillin” featuring Lady Gaga. Lyrically, the song is both a moment of braggadocio for Wale and an ode to his hometown of Washington, D.C. While the song shows off Wale’s knack for wordplay, where it really shines is in the instrumentals. The heavy vocal samples from Steam are turned into their own instrument and had the crowd moving more than almost any other song Wale played.

He then transitioned seamlessly into his featured verse from Rick Ross’ “Diced Pineapples,” a much slower and more sensual song than “Fishing” or “Chillin.”

Wale asked the audience if he could play a few songs off his new record

“SHiNE.” The response was a resounding “yes” with a few shouts of “We love you Wale!”

With the audience’s permission, he then played two of the singles from the new album - “Running Back” and “Fashion Week.”

“Running Back” displays Wale’s ability to adapt to trends in mainstream rap. Wale embraces the rap sub-genre of so-called “mumble rap” popularized by rappers such as Future and OG Maco. However, the track is still in Wale’s distinct style.

“Fashion Week,” on the other hand, shows off Wale’s vocal chops as he gave a solid performance with much more energy than the studio version of the song.

Before performing the song “The Girls on Drugs” off his 2015 record “The Album About Nothing,” Wale informed DPAC that he “low-key corrupted [his] lungs yesterday,” since it was 4/20. He then reminded students that it’s possible to do well in school and smoke marijuana in moderation.

During “The Girls on Drugs,” Wale walked up and down the aisles in the auditorium as security held concert-goers off of him.

After his 50-minute set, Wale pulled a chair up to the edge of the stage and signed autographs for a large portion of the audience.

CONNECT WITH ANDREW WILLOUGHBY awilloughby@student.framingham.edu

Atlantic Records

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

20 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Senior studio art majors premiere work in MazGal

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Sergio Lopez’s “autobiographical” portraits were created in a process of “self-discovery.”

By Tessa Jillson Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ten studio art students showcased their work in the senior thesis exhibitions on April 24 and May 1 in the Mazmanian Art Gallery.

Their work uncovered internal and external forces that have been holding them back from expression and relief.

Meagan St. Laurent “established a link” between painting and bees, creating eight encaustic beeswax tiles to help raise awareness over environmental issues, such as declining bee populations. She said her work was meant to “create a sensory experience that includes and implicates the viewer.”

St. Laurent said she first started her project a while back using a bigger platform made of wood and acrylic. Her idea transformed into something more organic - a harder process which involved a heat gun to mold layers of beeswax together, stopping her work from cracking apart.

Each tile was significantly different than the next, but each visually captured a snapshot of the effects of neonicotinoids on bee populations.

The tiles were either hexagonal or pentagonal shaped in comparison to the shape of the neonicotinoid chemical compound. St. Laurent drew the neonicotinoid chemical compound into the shape of bees on some tiles and formed the compound, including some research articles about the chemical, in the background of others. She also molded dead flowers onto the tiles.

Her work also comprised of a pile of wax-made bees next to a white wax-made flower, which took her almost a month to finish. Two of the bees sit on the flower, as to establish the importance of bee pollination, while the rest lie dead next to them in a pile, half with wings, half without.

St. Laurent said when bees die, their wings tend to fall off. This not only made her work easier, since she didn’t have to create wax wings for every bee, but it portrayed a strong message to viewers.

“I believe that the power of art, its ability to convey complex and meaningful content, and its ability to speak to a diverse audience is vital. Art has the capacity to capture attention and to be a catalyst for change. I hope to use this agency to change minds and help inspire action,” she wrote in her abstract.

St. Laurent passed out flower packets, asking everyone to plant the seeds in sunny patches around their yard to help the survival of bees and the environment, since bee pollination helps maintain life.

Sergio Lopez also used external forces in life to inspire the creation of his artwork.

Lopez used eight canvases and spent almost three months creating two self-portraits. The paintings were “overtly autobiographical” and documented “the various changes and constant evolution” of his personality.

“The act of painting is a liberating process as much as it’s about self-discovery. The paintings embody what I conceal,” he said in his abstract.

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Meaghan St. Laurent created wax flowers and wax bees as part of her senior thesis with the hope they would inspire action.

During this process of “self-discovery,” Lopez painted himself looking directly forward and looking to the side. He painted textiles and curvature floral patterns in the background of his portrait as well as the inclusion of cloth squares and a great deal of color.

His portraits made it seem as if he was looking at himself, and away from himself, for acceptance and closure.

Lopez wrote, “Painting is a tool for me to cope with issues of self-esteem and confidence, as well as discovering and coming to terms with who I am.”

Alexandria Krause painted the most insecure parts of her friends’ bodies, spreading the message of self-love and confidence.

“I want to live in a world where everyone should be appreciated equally no matter their flaws,” she wrote.

Krause used watercolors and gouache in the background of some paintings to create a more “uniformed” pigment. She painted five parts of the body, highlighting “flaws” such as stretch marks, scars, rashes and weight.

She said it took a six hours to a week to create one painting, depending on the intricate coloring of the skin tones and shading.

The “idealized” body image is increasingly commercialized, forcing people to look at their own bodies and compare it to unrealistic commercial images, Krause said.

“Individuals face deep internal struggles with their own bodies that leave them scarred. They are left with the inability to see their bod-

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

ies for what they truly are - beautiful despite their imperfections,” she said.

Jessica Meek said she had been “struggling to fight off internal misery with forced positive thoughts” for years before she started painting.

Her portraits of an older man, smiling, are constructed to cause different emotions, all up to interpretation.

Meek said the person in her paintings was someone she once trusted, but now, the memory of their relationship is destroyed.

Meek would make a figure and then “tear him down” to destroy the memory, she said. She used oil paints and dripped Gamsol down her paintings before placing another layer of paint over the image. She repeated this process until she felt satisfied with her work.

Meek said she normally is a “realistic” painter. In one of her paintings, she left the old man’s eye unfinished because her teacher told her to stop working on it. The white spot was an “undertaking of the face” and symbolized her message - deconstructing the man further into the core of her work.

“Through the process of painting, of constructing and deconstructing his face, I am afforded a degree of agency,” she said. “I have the power to decide what happens to him and can channel despair into an artwork.

I can reveal a side that no one sees.

Through painting, I allow myself some closure.”

CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON

tjillson@student.framingham.edu

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 21

Students share work at Onyx Launch

Erin Fitzmaurice/THE GATEPOST Senior Andrew Morin read two of his published poems at The Onyx Launch Party.

By Cass Doherty Staff Writer Junior Emily Robinson, editor-in-chief of The Onyx, said during her sophomore year, The Onyx was “kind of thrown into my lap.”

Despite being unprepared, she said it was one of the best experiences she’s had at FSU. She said, “I can’t describe the feeling, to be finally holding the book that started as poems in notebooks, and sketches on class notes. For so long, this has been just a series of Word documents on a computer screen, but now it’s real.”

Robinson, along with Jesse Sanicandro, senior and treasurer, welcomed the group of faculty and students gathered in the Ecumenical Center for the 2017 Onyx Launch Party.

English professors and advisors to The Onyx, Patricia Horvath and Sam Witt, welcomed Robinson to the podium and congratulated her on the outcome of the magazine.

Horvath said, “Emily is never fazed, even all through school, the editorship of The Onyx, her own impressive writing … is inspiring. We are so glad we are going to get to work together with her again next year.”

Students read some of their pieces that were published in the magazine. The Onyx features works of poetry, photography, art and short stories.

Robinson started the readings

with her poem, “When Caterpillars Grow.”

She said her piece is about “experiencing a loss and facing it.

The poem was written about a loss I experienced a few years ago, and how I learned to cope with grief.”

Senior Maggie McNeill read her poem, “A Conversation About White Walls,” and said it meant a lot to her to have her piece “included with so much wonderful work.”

McNeill said as a psychology

college careers.”

Olicio said the piece came from a creative writing class she took with Professor Evelyn Perry. “It’s a sort of variation of a list poem. I ended up taking words that I saw on women’s magazines … and put them together in that space.”

She said the piece was a “reflection on what women are told, even at a young age, that these are things you should be aspiring to look like, and how outer beauty is portrayed in media.”

“I had unresolved feelings about what happened with the person, and I found that writing helped a lot.”

- Christina Joseph, senior major, she has “learned the horrors of mental hospitals in the past.”

She added, “I’m not too sure where it came from. I usually just write and go with whatever comes out.”

Junior and Onyx member, Kayllan Olicio, read her piece, “Magazines.”

She said being published in The Onyx “felt great. It’s such an important part of FSU - it’s more than just a magazine in which students get their work published, but a form of time capsule that reflects what students were feeling at that point in time in their

ings go.”

Joseph said she was surprised to find out her piece was selected. She said she sees it as “a little story about my life, so for it to be put on display - and for so many people to express how much they liked it - makes me really happy and proud.”

Senior Sarah Lacaire read her piece, “Return.”

She read, “The kingdom of my childhood has lost its grandeur, through no fault of its own / The eyes looking are altered / Perhaps they are the most changed of all.”

She said being published in the magazine was “an incredible experience.” She added the piece was the first work she’d ever submitted and had published. “I honestly was just so honored to be picked among so many worthy submissions.”

Lacaire said, “Everyone who contributed was amazingly talented and I was so happy to be part of it.”

Senior and Onyx member Megan Muise submitted a poem and short story to be published, but did not read them at the event.

She said, “It didn’t really sink in that my work was being validated until after I saw it printed on the page. Then it was a wave of emotions. Like, ‘Oh my God, I’m actually an artist.’ It’s insane.”

[Editor’s note: Emily Robinson, Jesse Sanicandro and Kayllan Olicio are all members of The Gatepost editorial staff.]

Olicio added the piece was a commentary on the societal standards of women’s beauty.

Senior Christina Joseph read her story, “The One Formerly Known as Julia.” Johnson said the piece was her “first published thing, ever,” and thanked the staff for selecting it.

Joseph said the piece came from a prompt from her professor.

“I had unresolved feelings about what happened with the person, and I found that writing helped a lot.”

She said the prompt was “to write about a person I knew, and I just let my thoughts and the feel- CONNECT WITH CASS DOHERTY

cdoherty1@student.framingham.edu

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

22 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

ALBUM REVIEW

The Pawgress Report Who Rescued Who?

By Nick Murphy Editorial Staff Introducing Hazel Mae, junior Monica Jean’s wonderfully wrinkly and kindhearted shar pei mix.

“I knew I wanted to adopt a shelter dog. I wasn’t too particular about the breed. I just wanted to give a dog in need a second chance,” said Jean.

That second chance would come sooner than expected for one pup in the Sterling Animal Shelter.

Hazel was about to receive her new lease on life.

“She was reserved but so sweet. She was like a little peanut when I first saw her. I loved her disposition and I knew she was the one,” Jean said.

According to Jean, Hazel suffered from both physical neglect and emotional trauma from her time before the shelter. “She was emaciated when we first adopted her, and she was very nervous around men,” she said.

Despite her past mistreatment, the floppy-eared pup was ready and excited to begin her new life with Jean. For starters, it was time to fatten up.

“She looked like Dobby the House Elf or E.T when we first adopted her. She needed time to grow into her features,” Jean said.

“She would also shake and freeze around men. I haven’t had a dog that did that before, so it was a new experience for me,” Jean added.

Thanks to the loving care and patience of her new family, Hazel gradually made it to a healthy weight and has made great strides toward becoming more social.

Happily, her endearing crinkles and wrinkles stayed.

Unlike her silent shelter days, Hazel now makes sure her presence is known. “When you go to pet her, she sighs. … You can even hear it from the other room. I’ve never heard a dog sigh, but it seems like it’s her way of showing appreciation,” Jean said.

Since transitioning to Jean’s home, Hazel has found her new favorite snack - Swiss cheese. Jean said one time, when she let Hazel out, she had to bribe the dog to come back inside with the cheese.

“It was interesting trying to explain to my boss that I was 20 minutes late because I was chasing my dog around with Swiss cheese in my hand,” Jean said.

According to Jean, Hazel is obsessed with her neighbor’s dogs and has even begun to dig a tunnel under the fence to rendezvous with her furry friends.

While Hazel may be the outdoorsy type, she is certainly no slouch in the classroom and as of May 3, she is an official puppy training graduate. Sit, paw and kiss are just some of the tricks she showed off on graduation day.

Ever since her adoption, Hazel and Jean have been inseparable. “She’s like a little shadow. She loves cuddles and she thinks she’s a lap dog despite how big she’s getting,” Jean said.

She added, “She likes to hold my hand with her paw. If I lay my hand down, she’ll put her paw right on top of it and I’m just like, ‘Where did you learn that?’ People say it’s cliché, but the whole ‘who rescued who’ thing is so true.”

CONNECT WITH NICK MURPHY nmurphy5w@student.framingham.edu

Too many cooks in Gorillaz’s kitchen

By Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor Gorillaz has never had a specific sound.

The Damon Albarn side project has never tied itself down to one genre, but it still maintained identifiable - when you hear a Gorillaz song, you know it.

That is, until their latest record, “Humanz” released April 28 through Parlophone and Warner Bros. Records.

Two of the first singles which were released to tease the album - “Ascension” and “Saturnz Barz” - were solid tracks with catchy hooks and densely layered electronic beats. However, the featured artists, Vince Staples and Popcaan respectively, overshadowed 2-D, Albarn’s animated alter-ego.

Unfortunately, it seems as if this is a trend throughout all of “Humanz’s” 50-minute runtime.

On their own, no single track is that bad. As a whole, though, this record falls apart.

Gorillaz has always made a point to work with featured artists. From Del the Funky Homosapien and MF Doom to Little Dragon and Lou Reed, Gorillaz has featured musicians that run the gamut of all genres of music.

The first place Albarn went wrong with “Humanz” was picking featured artists who mostly stem from modern pop and rap. Many of the songs on this record feel and sound the same. Take, for example, “Saturnz Barz” and “Let Me Out.” Both of these songs feature a mellow, chilled out hip-hop beat with 2-D’s toned down vocals supplying the chorus.

Of course on their own, both these tracks are great, but together on an album, they just feel monotonous.

Mistake number two is the sheer number of features on this record. Among the 14 non-skit/interlude tracks, there are 16 guest vocalists and they’re all far more prominent than 2-D. He doesn’t even show up at all on a handful of these tracks.

At times, “Humanz” feels like more of a top-40 compilation album than a Gorillaz record, which completely goes against the virtual band’s former anti-celebrity philosophy.

Some of the featured contributors even overshadow each other. The track “Submission” features Danny Brown and Kelela. When Brown was announced to be featured on the new Gorillaz album, alternative hip-hop fans went ballistic.

Danny Brown rapping over a Gorillaz beat? Sounds like a match made in heaven. And it is. Too bad Brown’s verse is 40 seconds long. The rest is a cookie cutter dance pop song lead by Kelela’s generic yet well-delivered vocals.

Parlophone/Warner Bros. Records

Crafting a final track that ties the rest of the record together both sonically and thematically is usually one of Gorillaz’ strong suits - from the title track on “Demon Days,” a somber rock tune that wrapped up the whole album’s themes of a disquieting post-9/11 world, to “Plastic Beach’s” “Pirate Jet,” which tackled that album’s subject of change and adaptation.

Nothing like that is found on “Humanz” because there doesn’t seem to be a universal theme throughout the record.

Instead, for a closer, we get “We Got the Power,” featuring Jehnny Beth of Savages, a pop ballad with the embarrassingly clichéd and somewhat awkwardly sung refrain, “We’ve got the power to be loving each other no matter what happens / We’ve got the power to do that,” the album goes out with more of an awkward whimper than a bang.

Gorillaz manages to follow up 2011’s somewhat underwhelming “The Fall” with its opposite - a completely overwhelming mishmash of sounds and artists. It’s the first Gorillaz album to lack that feeling of utter creativity and atmosphere that defined the band’s four previous albums.

CONNECT WITH ANDREW WILLOUGHBY

awilloughby@student.framingham.edu

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

Grade: C A handful of solid singles can’t save Gorillaz’ first record after a six-year gap.

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ALBUM REVIEW

Half Waif in top form on “form/a”

By Cameron Grieves Staff Writer “form/a” is an experimental pop EP, released in early April, laced with electronic synth and chamber music elements that expands upon artist Nandi Rose Plunkett’s sense of home.

Raised in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Plunkett is the daughter of an Indian refugee mother and an American father, and her artistic style is often representative of the way she straddles these different cultural worlds in her own life.

When she is not touring as a member of Pinegrove, Plunkett releases solo-work under the artist name Half Waif, “form/a” already being her fifth release in just a few short years.

The sound of “form/a” continues Plunkett’s tradition of synthesizing disparate musical styles in order to create a more transient sound that parallels her mother’s journey as a refugee.

In this latest EP, Plunkett really opens up lyrically and offers the listener insight into her own experiences being a child between two worlds, growing up in an almost entirely white town in rural Massachusetts, but still maintaining that connection with her maternal culture.

“How can I make myself uncomfortable without getting caught up in the overflow? / I’ve been treading quietly, carefully, not willing to be vulnerable but isn’t it time?” Plunkett sings in “Cerulean,” the final track of the six-song EP. Vulnerability is a pervasive theme throughout “form/a” - the ability to be open to new ideas, to the concept of accepting yourself for living outside of the norm.

Plunkett’s voice maintains a consistently classical, sad tone that fades in and out of the distorted electronic soundscape, sometimes contrasting with but often intermixing well with the twinkly, deeply synth-laden bass.

“Wave” begins with jarring drum beats that transform gradually into an airy,

dream-like wall of sound that becomes indistinguishable with Plunkett’s soft vocal melody.

There is also an undercurrent of anxiety and doubt that runs through the EP. Plunkett often makes veiled references to loss - the fear of losing her mother, and the connection to her own cultural roots that she represents.

“And every person begins to age. / Will you be here tomorrow? / I hope you’ll be, or else say forgive me if I am gone like fog in the morning-time,” Plunkett sings in “Magic Trick.”

The “magic trick” the title of the song alludes to is the suddenness of death.

Even though as people age, death becomes more and more likely - the act of dying is still a sudden and shocking event.

“Frost Burn” is the most haunting and well-constructed song on the EP, utilizing sparse piano melodies and deceptively personal pop hooks to craft an immersive piece that serves as the emotional pinnacle of the EP. The song builds in electronic tension before unraveling and building up again, perfectly balancing classical instrumental and lyrical influences with modern electronic techniques.

“I had a dream and I wasn’t me in it and I was OK with that,” Plunkett sings in the opening lines of the song - highlighting the migratory nature of her own identity as an artist and as the daughter of a refugee.

As Half Waif, Plunkett seeks to reconcile the differences within herself in search of her own identity - one that is built upon the restlessness and homelessness of her mother’s own identity as a refugee. Although it is a continual process, “form/a” begins piecing together this cohesive identity by re-examining elements of the artist’s past, and leaving the listener with one imperative thought - that it is OK to be vulnerable with oneself and it is OK to not fully understand oneself.

CONNECT WITH CAMERON GRIEVES

awilloughby@student.framingham.edu

Grade: A Half-Waif draws from various musical influences to compose a highly personal and emotional EP.

ARTS & FEATURES | 23

Across the Ocean The Importance of Spontaneity

Photo courtesy of Allison Wharton The infamous Guinness lake in County Wicklow.

By Allison Wharton Assistant Arts & Features Editor I have had the great opportunity in the past few months to travel to parts of Europe I never in a million years thought I would ever see.

Examples include Scotland, England, Belgium and Italy.

These trips were not planned until two weeks prior to departure.

The concept of packing my weekend duffel bag and going to the airport at the drop of a hat was unheard of before this semester.

Now, those trips are my weekends.

I have gone on trips with people I barely knew and returned as friends. When else would I be able to do that?

Some trips I like to plan out in advance by figuring out what attractions are around my hostel, and other times my flight and hostel are the only things I plan.

This is possible because traveling within Europe is cheaper than flying in the U.S..

All of these trips account for the main lesson I have learned while studying abroad - It’s OK to be spontaneous.

I used to be a person who needed a plan for everything.

There was a list for everything - whether it was something I wanted to accomplish in a day or some broad five-year plan.

I previously mentioned that living in another country meant I needed to create a new normal.

However, in the case of traveling, I needed to break my own rules - the rules I personally created on how I should live my life. My life was formatted around lists.

I learned to be open to just enjoying the journey, for all its ups and downs, instead of creating these boundaries of what I should and should not do.

I am proud to say I will return to Massachusetts a changed person.

Who would have ever guessed that a single semester could change my life?

CONNECT WITH ALLISON WHARTON awharton@student.framingham.edu

Cascine

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

24 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

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

MAY 5, 2017

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 25

“Your hair is too nice to be black” Life as a naturalista

Photo courtesy of Khalima Botus-Foster Junior Khalima Botus-Foster has been wearing her hair naturally for the past three years.

By Khalima Botus-Foster Staff Writer For the past three years, I have been wearing my natural hair again after getting relaxers for almost six years. The process wasn’t the easiest, but I enjoyed it every step of the way.

I wish I can tell you how many styling creams I use or the number of ECO-Styler gels I’ve owned over the years. I’ve explored so many oils and creams that provide a lot of benefits. I’ve tried many styles, such as a twostrand twist out, braid outs and flexi-rods.

Having natural hair became a confidence builder for me and has always been a conversation starter. I’ve received positive comments that continue to motivate me with this journey. I also receive negative feedback, as well.

Is that your real hair? Can I touch it? Do you wash your hair?

Can you comb your hair? Your hair is way too nice to be black, are you mixed? For a three year naturalista, or natural hair enthusiast, these questions have overstayed their welcome.

Once again, taking the steps to become natural isn’t easier, especially when you grow up seeing multiple relaxer ads on every other page in magazine such as Ebony, JET and Essence.

It makes perfect sense because relaxers are a significant part of the black community. In fact, in a HuffPost article titled, “The

Changing Business of Black Hair, a potentially $500b Industry,” it mentions how although relaxers sales have gone down 15 percent in 2011, but relaxers are 21 percent of the black hair market.

When I used to get relaxers, I was unhappy. Inches of my hair would just break out and fall out any moment. The new hair growth - or unprocessed, unaltered hair that grows naturally from a person’s scalp - didn’t help my case.

When I finally made the decision to go natural, I barely received any support and tons of ridicule from family and friends.

I didn’t understand why I was receiving backlash because my hair was gorgeous before I started relaxing my hair.

The only two people who encouraged me to go natural weremy oldest sister Asia and my cousin Stacy. I spent a year and a half transitioning and wearing the most unorthodox protective hairstyle.

When I finally cut off my relaxed ends on March 17, 2014, I felt like weight was lifted off my shoulders. I finally started to feel beautiful because hair was very important in my life. From sitting on pillows in the living as my mom did my hair every Sunday, to being under the dryer at the Dominican salon for a blow dry, to burning my scalp with Just For Me relaxers, I feel like I can breathe now.

Since going natural, I’ve grown to love new products. My favorite styles to do are two-strand twist

outs and the wash-and-go.

Rather than listen to the people who kept telling me to get a relaxer, I’ve continued to let my hair grow healthier. Those same people who were convincing me to stay relaxed, have contacted me asking for any natural hair tips. Funny, right?

My other sister, Alaysia, has had natural hair for 15 years.

Like myself, she grew up getting frequent perms and relaxers, though our mom was known for braiding hair. After she entered high school, she decided to let her hair do what it wants.

As a naturalista, it’s important to have a certain blend of oils.

Oils are meant to seal any moisture that is going into the hair and promote growth. Like Alaysia, Coconut oil is another one of my favorites; it gives my hair shine and smells amazing. I barely wear perfume because of how much coconut oil I use.

Guyelle Saintil, a good friend of mine, has been natural for three and half years and she described her six-month transition to be very difficult.

Guyelle said, “For a while, I just wanted my hair to grow and be long. I would get box braids or twists in my hair every chance I got. I wouldn’t let my hair breathe as much as it needed to. I also didn’t like getting trims because I felt like it would delay the process of my hair getting long.”

She also said she began to dye her hair and add other harsh chemicals. Once she started talking to other natu-

ralistas about her journey, she received some tips about revitalizing her hair.

Since receiving support and help from others, Guyelle took it upon herself to stop getting braids as often and let her hair breathe.

Guyelle said she “decided to do more co-washing with deep conditioner or regular conditioner instead of stripping my hair with shampoo all the time.

I purchased spray bottles - one for only water and the other for water and olive oil. I learned how to leave my hair alone. When I first started going natural, I always wanted to comb, brush or touch my hair every chance I got.

Now, some weeks, I either leave my hair in an afro, or I do a protective style in the beginning of the week and make it last five to seven days.”

Guyelle said, “In the beginning of my natural hair journey, I stayed away from salons. I either went to the wrong people or didn’t like the outcome of my hair after it was done. I realized not every hairdresser knows how to take care of natural hair, even if they say they do. About a year ago, I found a salon who specializes in natural hair. Every so often, I would go to the salon and get a trim and a protective style.

After three years of being natural and turning away from old habits, not only have I seen growth but my hair is healthier.”

Like Alaysia, Guyelle also received negative feedback about

- See NATURAL HAIR on page 26

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

26 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Natural hair Continued from page 25 her hair. When she did her big chop, she feel very insecure about her hair.

In fact, Guyelle said, “Once my hair started to grow, people in my family told me I needed a perm. People in my family also questioned if I really wanted to stay natural, questioning me every chance they got.”

Although she’s been natural for quite some time, Guyelle still hasn’t found the right products for her hair or products that she loves.

Sophomore Yulitza Valentin has been transitioning her hair from relaxed to natural for six years now. She describes her journey as “expensive, but worth it.”

She said, “It was very hard at first because I was the only person in my family trying to embrace my natural hair. I come from a Hispanic-Latino culture and their belief is to have long straight hair like our European ancestors. So it was a lonely process until about year three when most of my chemically processed hair was gone and my family started to actually appreciate my new look.”

Coming from a Hispanic background, Yulitza was criticized a lot for her hair, mostly by family and a little by peers, but typically her peers had straight hair, so they didn’t understand how her hair worked to begin with.

Yulitza said, “My family always told me that I looked unkempt and that it was not professional.

They also said that I looked like a ‘bruja,’ which translates to witch

Khalima Recommends

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Line -curl enhancing smoother -curling gel souffle Ecostyler Gel (Olive & Argan Oil) Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

in English. Witches are typically, like, messy and portrayed as ugly with messy big hair. My dad also called me Tina Turner and Chaka Khan, because of their big hair.

“But with time, they learned to embrace it, and I actually helped a few cousins and aunts on their natural hair journey since they saw how good my hair looks now. My brother also asks me what products I use on my hair because he has similar hair and he himself doesn’t know what to do with it.”

Senior Bethany Norman said she has been natural for about two and a half years. She described her natural hair journey as being a struggle.

“Trying to find the right products for my hair type with a college-kid budget is always difficult. At first I regretted chopping off my hair, but soon came to appreciate my natural kinks and curls. Now I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever done because my hair has gotten longer and a lot more healthy,” she said.

Bethany been criticized a lot, strangely enough even by friends who are also natural.

While they tend to always have weaves or braids in to cover their natural hair, she definitely wears her hair in its natural state more often, which prompted people to make more remarks about her hair.

She said, “When my hair is out, people have told me I need to get it done or that I should just straighten it. When I first cut it, I got a lot of praise from other women that have taken that step, but also some negative remarks which I took to heart at first. But at the end of the day, it’s my hair and I’m proud of it.

Since my hair has gotten longer over the past couple of years, I don’t necessarily get those negative comments anymore.”

Going natural has impacted Bethany because it allowed her to have more confidence in who she is and to just be comfortable in her natural state.

“This was how I was meant to be,” said Bethany. “Being natural also comes with being a part of a community where people like you are going through the same journey. It helps to know that you’re not alone.”

Kenetra Hinkins, a senior and co-founder of Brilliance Guidance Melanin Togetherness (BGMT), has been a part of the natural hair community since

she was a sophomore in high school.

She said, “The journey was long. It took me a long time to love my natural hair, but now I couldn’t image not being natural. My routine is simple. I use co-wash with two leave-in conditioners. I received a lot of criticism when I was younger about my hair, but not so much now.

People usually just touch my hair or compliment it now, but during my transitioning phase, people used to ask me, ‘What did you do to it?’ which was extremely annoying.”

Senior and co-founder of BGMT Adebusola Ajao has been natural for almost seven years, but has worn her locks for about five years. Adebusola describe her journey as a rough one.

“I felt confidence for the first time whilst going natural,” said Adebusola.

“I’ve gotten criticized severely for chopping off all of my hair but, personally, it changed my life in a very positive way.

I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I was tired of poisoning my hair with perm. Going natural was my first step to loving myself,” she added.

Cacia Weekes has been natural for nearly her whole life. She never really put any chemicals in her hair and recently stopped using heat on her hair about a year or so ago.

Cacia described her hair type to be a mix of type 3C, 4A and 4B - like myself - and said it’s really hard for her to get a consistent curl throughout her whole head.

Cacia said, “My journey has been fun. I love trying new products and new methods of styling and moisturizing. I cut off my heat damage at the end of last month. I was putting it off because I didn’t want to lose any length. Then, I realized that it’s just hair, and it’ll grow back healthier.

She said she usually washes her hair once a week with a cowash, and uses a monthly clarifying or sulfate-free shampoo, depending on product build-up.

She added she’ll pre-poo with coconut or grapeseed oil, then shower and detangle.

After washing her hair, Cacia said she uses a mask or deep conditioner on her hair for 10 minutes before rinsing. She added she uses the “LCO method” liquid, cream, oil.

“I find that my hair is softer

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

Photo courtesy of Khalima Botus-Foster

and more moisturized this way,” she said.

Cacia said to style, she’ll either “flat twist or throw it up in a pineapple - sometimes I’ll finger coil. I had to go through a lot of trial and error to know what my hair likes, and I think this routine is a solid one for my hair type. My hair tends to get really dry, so for me the key is to get maximum moisture throughout my hair. I’ll probably change it up come summer time.”

Cacia has been criticized a lot about her hair. “People think that curly hair is nappy, and it’s not. I hate the word nappy, because nappy has such a negative connotation to it, when in fact curly hair is simply kinky,” said Cacia.

“I remember I had an interview for an internship at a human resource firm. The woman that interviewed me told me at the end that if I got the job I would have to keep my hair ‘professional.’ I’ve also had people come up to me, asking to touch my hair, as if it were something to pet. I think the stigma on natural hair is real.”

Although being natural comes with its negatives, I wouldn’t change my decision to go natural. I’m learning so much about myself on this journey, and I would tell the whole wide world to wear natural hair.

CONNECT WITH KHALIMA BOTUS-FOSTER kbotusfoster@student.framingham.edu

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 27

Three FSU Alumni of Color Network members tell their stories A couple years back, during one of FSU’s Homecoming and Family Weekends, former Chief Officer of Diversity and Inclusion Sean Huddleston said he noticed a problem that needed to be addressed. From what he saw, not many of the alumni who came for the week’s events were graduates of color.

So Huddleston came up with a concept that would later evolve into FSU’s Alumni of Color Network - a group within the The Office of Development and Alumni Relations aimed at providing networking opportunities for students and alumni of color here at FSU. By working with Eric Gustafson, executive director in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and by enlisting help

By Cesareo Contreras Associate Editor Wanda Montañez Class of 2000 Just after finishing up her first year at FSU, Wanda Montañez, ’00, made the decision that she wasn’t coming back the next semester.

She said she wasn’t going to college for herself, but for “other people.”

Because obtaining a college degree was expected of her by her high school teachers, guidance counselors and peers, she felt a considerable amount of “social pressure.”

She added, “I was first-generation. ... Nobody in my family had ever gone to college. So this notion of going on to get a degree was something that I would say probably spawned from being at the high school I was at.”

Montañez said her first year at FSU was “not a smooth transition.” She struggled academically and college expenses, such as tuition and textbooks, were significant financial burdens.

“I also think there was a familial piece in that I came from a really tight-knit Puerto Rican family. I was the first person to go away to college, so I think there were for sure some issues of transition there,” she said.

Montañez left FSU “with no intention of ever going back.”

But after she dropped out, Montañez realized something - if she wanted to have a more prosperous life than her Puerto Rican blue-collar working-class parents, she had to go back to

from his “favorite alums of color” sociology professor Patricia Sánchez-Connally, Class of 2001, and her husband Jean, Class of 2002, Huddleston was able to make his concept a reality.

“There was already an informal network that had been created by Patricia, just through connections with her friends, the people she was friends with when she was here.

“So, we just formalized that,” he said.

After months of planning, and dozens of emails and calls to alums, The Alumni of Color Network officially had its kick-off event during last year’s homecoming weekend.

And while the network is in its early

school.

So, a semester and a summer later, Montañez came back to FSU, but with a different mindset - getting a degree was a goal she was going to accomplish for herself.

Montañez now serves as the director of college success at the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association.

In that role, Montañez works with 40 Massachusetts charter schools in creating professional development opportunities for college counselors and alumni coordinators. She also helps establish programs to track how individual charter schools are working toward implementing stronger programs for students’ academic success and college planning.

Montañez said one of the most rewarding aspects of her job, and in her previous roles, is working with students.

“For me, that was - and is why - I continue to do this work. I see myself in a lot of the students who I’ve worked with,” she said. “I was a low-income student of color. I lived in the projects. So the students who I worked with usually were a representation of who I was. So it’s important for me to serve as a role model whether it’s formally or informally.”

Montañez moved with her family to Roxbury from Puerto Rico when she was 3 years old.

For most of her life, her parents worked in a factory where they molded steel for a variety of products, including office clipboards and guns. While her mother had to quit that job early on, since she had advanced

days - the primary way for alums to join the group is through a shared Facebook page - the University is hopeful the networking will keep on growing.

Gustafson said, “People were having such a good time. They were networking and having so much fun that they didn’t want to leave. ... To us, that’s a great sign - when the event is closing and people are having so much fun they don’t want to leave. ” This week, The Gatepost is spotlighting the stories of three Alumni of Color Network members and their experiences as FSU students.

rheumatoid arthritis, her father remained there until he retired a few years ago.

For Montañez, it’s important that students hear her story and think to themselves, “I can be from the projects. I can be low-income. I can be first-gen. I can be whatever label you want to give me, but if I want to get my doctorate, it’s totally possible.”

Montañez said when she came back to FSU, she was able to make real connections with her professors in the psychology department and befriend students who could be positive influences in her life.

One of her most important mentors was the late psychology professor Antone Dias who

she said was one of the only professors of color she had while at FSU. “I think he taught me, and a lot of students of color, that we belonged where we were - that we had a voice, that we had a sense of responsibility to our communities,” she said.

“His role as a professor of color really transcended any academic study. He really was about motivating students to do better.”

While Montañez graduated from FSU with a bachelor’s of science in psychology, during her senior year, she found a passion for community and educational counseling.

- See POC ALUMNI on page 28

Photo courtesy of Wanda Montañez Wanda Montañez is the director of college success at the Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association.

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

28 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

POC Alumni Continued from page 27 As a psychology major, Montañez said she knew she wanted to do work that involved interacting with people, so she decided to “explore” the counseling profession.

For her college internship requirement, Montañez interned at an all-girl after-school program in Roxbury.

Montañez said one of the most notable aspects of that internship was the fact that her supervisor was an educated woman of color who was in school studying to get her doctorate.

“For me, that was the first time I had been in a space where my supervisor was A, a woman of color [and] B, was working on a terminal degree. That was very powerful for me.”

While she “didn’t recognize” how significant that was at the time, looking back, she said that was a “pivotal moment” in her career, as that internship allowed her to “test the waters” to see what she wanted to do professionally.

After she graduated from FSU, Montañez continued to work for the program for another semester and worked full-time at a Latino organization in Jamaica Plain spearheaded by Talent Search - a program that “provides academic, career and financial counseling” to individuals from low-income and disadvantaged homes, according to the program’s website.

Montañez was placed in two different high schools in the area and essentially undertook college counseling work - helping students understand their options for financial aid and helping them complete their college applications.

Montañez also ran her own after-school program for young Latina high-school women.

“The focus of the program was Latino identity [and] being able to understand your space in the world as Dominican women, as Puerto Rican women,” she said.

Montañez decided to go back to school and obtained her master’s degree at Boston University in community counseling in 2004. Ten years later, she obtained her doctorate of education in higher education and higher education management from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2014.

Montañez went on to work for number of colleges before

obtaining her current job. At Wheelock College, she served as the director of recruitment and multicultural enrollment.

While at Tufts University, she served as the coordinantor of undergraduate retention programs.

nect to white folks, but I think that the institution [should be] mindful that the makeup of faculty should mirror that of students.”

In regards to the Alumni of Color Network, she said it’s important it exists, since in the

“I think he taught me, and a lot of students of colors, that we belonged where we were - that we had a voice.”

-Wanda Montañez, Class of ’00

Montañez said all of her previous roles “built on one another.

“I think that initial experience at the after-school program, for sure, built on this notion that I wanted to work with kids and that I wanted to work with young people,” she said.

Through her various roles, Montañez has been able to work for a variety of institutions, including public district high schools, charter high schools, two-year colleges, private colleges and public colleges.

When looking back at her time at FSU, she said, initially, since she graduated from a primarily white high school, she thought Framingham State wasn’t very different.

Montañez said, however, since she lived in Roxbury, whenever she traveled to and from home, she couldn’t help but notice how the two communities juxtaposed one another when it came to the racial makeup of the areas.

“That’s something students still experience today, since I know a lot of students commute to Framingham,” she said.

Montañez believes the campus has certainly made inroads in becoming more diverse within the last decade. Having worked with the University one-on-one, she said she knows the “effort is there.”

She added, “To see there are more folks of color in administrative roles is really important for students to have some folks to connect to, not to say that students of color can’t con-

past, she never felt connected to the alumni office.

Montañez said what she particularly likes about the network is “this notion of being able to connect with alumni who have come after you. So, older alumni [can talk] to newer alums about job opportunities or opportunities to connect in the community and support different causes.

“I think there is a strength behind that.”

Luis Rodriguez Class of 2008

Even as a child in his native country of Peru, Luis Rodriguez, ’08, knew he had a passion for drawing and visual storytelling.

Heavily influenced by his love of Japanese movies such as “Akira” and other forms of Japanese animation, Rodriguez spent much of his childhood creating work that emulated that aesthetic.

“I did a lot of anime,” he said.

“That was my dream job as a kid - to one day go to Japan and create my own anime, my own manga.”

While Rodriguez knew his chances of that dream becoming a reality were slim while living in Peru, the “beautiful thing” about coming to the United States was that he was given the opportunity to pursue a career that allowed him to follow his passions.

Today, Rodriguez works as a graphic design specialist at FSU. In that role, he is in charge of a number of the University’s design projects. This includes designing posters for on-campus events and creating the yearly Arts & Ideas booklet that is distributed throughout campus. Rodriguez also helped design the University’s branding after it changed its status from a college to a University.

“I decided to go into graphic design because it was similar to what I really liked. I knew

Photo courtesy of Luis Rodriguez Luis Rodriguez is a design specialist at Framingham State University.

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

MAY 5, 2017 coming here, I could take some drawing classes and painting classes that were going to help me with my graphic design profession,” he said. “Graphic design is a passion for me, same as drawing and painting.”

Although in hindsight, Rodriguez is thankful his family decided to extend their temporary visit to the U.S. indefinitely, when they first came over in 2002 when he was about 12, Rodriguez was pretty dead-set on going back to Peru.

Due to the country’s poor economy, however, there were few job opportunities for his mother and father, so starting a new life in U.S. was the best option.

So that two-year visa quickly became a permanent residency.

Despite his family’s decision, Rodriguez still wanted to go back. His friends and family were still there. He felt as though he had been uprooted from his life.

Additionally, early on in his time in the United States, Rodriguez’s parents were going through a divorce, which only made him want to go back even more.

“I just wanted to go back to Peru,” he said. “I had this idea that everything was going to be perfect in Peru - that I still had my friends and everything was going to be fine.”

While Rodriguez was still a teen, he went back to Peru for about three months. He said while he was there he took a closer look at Peru’s economy and realized it would be mistake to go back permanently.

So he decided against moving back - a decision that has most definitely worked in his favor, he said.

Growing up in the states, Rodriguez and his family lived in Worcester, as a few of his father’s friends had already made a home for themselves there prior to his family’s arrival.

Tasked with both learning the language and assimilating to American culture, Rodriguez explained his high school years were a bit of a challenge.

While at South High Community School in Worcester, Rodriguez formed a friend group comprised of other immigrants.

Rodriguez said many members of the group didn’t have any papers.

“That was quite an experience, to see everything that was happening - how some of them had all these goals and dreams about going to college ... and how their limitations were stifling them,” he said.

THE GATEPOST Rodriguez, who became a U.S. citizen in 2013, said one of his most stirring high school memories occurred in an open discussion about immigration during one of his history classes.

“I remember having one [teacher] explaining all of these things and talking about how we could help each other have a voice,” he said. “That’s the thing I remember the most how impactful some of the stories I heard from friends were.”

He added, “There was one friend, he crossed the border because he was trying to escape everything that was happening in his country. In the time that he was trying to do this, he lost his legs, a train rolled over him. ... I know he had many dreams, but he couldn’t [accomplish them] because of his [legal] status.”

Rodriguez found his passion for graphic design in high school, after he took an introductory graphic design class when he was a sophomore.

“That class was very basic,” he said. “We were just playing around with the program Adobe Photoshop. I really liked the things we can do with computers - drawing something different.”

Rodriguez’s assignments involved working with Photoshop’s various effect tools to create an assortment of abstract designs. What he loved most

Photo courtesy of Fernando Rodriguez Fernando Rodriguez is a college success coach at Sociedad Latina.

how to become a leader, how to give to the community,” he said.

Rodriguez said one of his most important mentors was Director of Career Services and Employer Relations Dawn Ross, because she helped him obtain a student worker job at the The Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Because of that student worker job, Rodriguez was able to get a part-time job in the office after he graduated. A couple of years later, that part-time position became full time. Today, he is a graphic designer for the

“I didn’t only learn what I learned in the class, but I also learned personal skills - how to become a leader, how to give to the community.”

-Luis Rodriguez, Class of ’08 was that is was a “different kind of art.”

“That was the beginning for me,” he said. “It made me realize I really like working on the computers.”

Once Rodriguez graduated high school, he decided to attend FSU because of its location and his high school guidance counselor suggested it.

“It was a great experience here because I met people that pushed me to be better as a person. I didn’t only learn what I learned in the class, but I also learned personal skills [such as]

ARTS & FEATURES | 29

whole campus.

“Coming here was great because I took graphic design classes and they were more advanced than the classes I had taken in high school,” he said.

The professors “made me think about composition, color and how one object relates to another, and the aesthetic of art.”

Rodriguez’s artistic schooling wasn’t limited to those graphic design classes, however. While he was at FSU, he also took a variety of painting and drawing classes.

“I took Drawing 1, Drawing 2,

Painting 1, Painting 2, Ceramics, Printmaking, and I think all of these classes, although they are not computer related, they did help me through my graphic design career,” he said.

Two of his most notable professors were Marc Cote, dean of arts & humanities, and communication arts professor Jennifer Dowling, the instructor of his senior portfolio class.

He still thinks of the lessons they taught him in his job today.

When thinking about the campus’ diversity efforts, Rodriguez said he has noticed that both the student body and faculty are becoming more diverse.

While he said there were only a few people of color when he was a student from 2004 to 2008, he said the University has taken great strides in becoming more multicultural.

For Rodriguez, the Alumni of Color Network is important because it gives students a list of contacts they can regularly connect with and is a phenomenal way “to promote diversity on campus.”

He added, “It’s a really good idea for all of us to come together and see how our ideas and work experiences can help alumni to network with a student.”

In his role in the Alumni of Color Network, Rodriguez will help design the network’s branding and visual identity.

And although he hasn’t created any specific branding yet, he already has ideas cooking in his head, and is hopeful the group will become bigger as the years go by.

When reflecting on his 12-

- See POC ALUMNI on page 32

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

30 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

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

MAY 5, 2017

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 31

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

32 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

POC Alumni Continued from page 29 year run at FSU - first as a student and now as a faculty member - he can’t help but get a little sentimental.

“I’m an alum, so I feel like I’m a part of a family here,” he said.

“I have made so many friends - people that I care about. ... I just want to be a part of everything Framingham State.”

Fernando Rodriguez Class of 2016 Growing up, Fernando Rodriguez, ’16, had always been a “city kid.”

Raised in Boston, Rodriguez said his decision to attend FSU was predicated on the fact that it was affordable and not too far away from his beloved Beantown.

“I didn’t know what Framingham was,” he said.

While Rodriguez entered that fall semester as a wet-behindthe-ears freshman, by the time he graduated he had made a name for himself as a student leader who spoke out against both the nation’s and FSU’s gender and racial inequities.

Having led protests against police brutality and FSU’s failure to address a number of racially-charged incidents on campus, Rodriguez was steadfast about speaking out.

His efforts weren’t limited to protests, however.

As both Student Trustee his senior year and a major proponent of a number of diversity inclusion initiatives throughout his four years, Rodriguez said his efforts were aimed at addressing a number of social justice issues.

From creating his own club focused on reducing FSU’s low graduation and retention rates for men of color, Brother to Brother, to his aiding in the formation of the Student Leaders in Diversity affinity group, Rodriguez said he aimed to be an ambassador for students.

“Every year, every semester, every month, there was always a new initiative, new motivation - a new set of ideas that were coming from students - and my only job was to give students who were new and younger a place where they could share those ideas,” he said.

For someone so dedicated to student outreach, it is perhaps no surprise that today Rodriguez works as a college success

coach at Sociedad Latina in Roxbury - an organization aimed at creating “the next generation of Latino leaders who are confident, competent, self-sustaining and proud of their cultural heritage,” according to the group’s website.

As a success coach, Rodriguez said he helps students who are applying to college.

By helping them fill out their college applications, providing money for transportation and speaking to students oneon-one about financial aid and their academic standing, Rodriguez said he is teaching them the information he learned while he was attending FSU as a first-generation student.

“My heart and passion has always been higher education,” he said. “That is when I feel like people are old enough,

or my society or my personal city and my life. And that would never be the topic we wanted to talk about,” he said. “I had to form a club to talk about how I feel about this, or to validate my experience as a man of color.”

Rodriguez said during his freshman year, his Resident Assistant (RA) used a racial slur against one of his black friends after his friend had taken a hit of the RA’s vape pen.

“He told one of my friends that he ‘n***a lipped that hookah pen.’ That was my first experience with a white authority here,” he said.

He added, “It really made me realize a lot - that I was in a new environment. But it also pushed me to realize that these individual experiences weren’t the beall end-all of my life, and they

“I feel like college is a place where people are really able to change their lives.”

-Fernando Rodriguez, Class of ’16

when they are in a place, where they are independent enough, to take into consideration the steps that you teach them and the values you instill in them. I feel like college is a place where people are really able to change their lives.”

Coming to FSU as a first-generation student and leaving behind a Boston middle school and high school that were ethnically diverse, Rodriguez experienced what he defined as “cultural shocks.” Although he credits the college-success nonprofit organization “Bottomline” as a major resource for teaching him the intricacies and logistics of college life early on, it was those “cultural shocks” that served as the matchbox that lit Rodriguez’s fiery passion throughout the remainder of his time at FSU. “In classrooms - I was a political science major - I’d like to talk about how racism and politics play a role in gentrification,

couldn’t define my whole FSU experience. I was going to define it for myself.”

After he joined the Council for Diversity and Inclusion and met a number of sociology professors, Rodriguez switched his major to sociology his sophomore year, as it was more in tune with his interest of understanding of how people think.

It “allowed me to think more critically, to express more opinions, engage in more conversations like the ones I was seeking in political science,” he said. “I met a lot of people who taught me about their experiences in the culture shock I was experiencing going to college. So all this stuff I was feeling - I finally had a name for it.”

One of Rodriguez’s favorite classes was sociology professor Patricia Sánchez-Connally’s Latinos in America class, where he learned more about what it means to be a Latino man in the United States today.

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

In that class, Rodriguez learned about code switching which essentially means speaking in two different languages mid conversation, i.e. Spanglish - and “understanding that my culture wasn’t always the culture that was valued.”

Because of that class, Rodriguez said he was able to understand “why I was so angry as a child, why I was so conflicted, why I didn’t seek college.

[I didn’t have] the knowledge that a lot of my other peers had about financial stability, about professionalism - just a lot of the stuff that people look for in success in the world, I feel like me and a lot of my peers ... were never taught that, were never told we could amount to something.”

Rodriguez immigrated to Boston from Puerto Rico when he was 3 years old. Being a part of a close-knit Latino family, Rodriguez said after his aunt brought his cousin up to Boston for medical reasons, many of his family members shortly followed.

Since Rodriguez’s Latin heritage is very much a part of his identity - he still listens to Latin music and eats Latin food - growing up, he struggled to accept what he defines as the “Eurocentric” version of history that is taught in American schools.

As a teen, Rodriguez was often stereotyped as a thug because of his dialect and apparel, despite the fact he was educated and working on initiatives aimed at making his community more inclusive for low-income immigrants and DREAMers.

“In high school and in middle school, I was very involved with my community and people would assume that I was either some sort of criminal ... or patronize me and tell me I was well-spoken,” he said. “A lot of these small things - these microaggressions - led up to a lot of emotional feelings of anger.”

Rodriguez went to Rafael Hernández K-8 School - a bilingual school that emphasizes multicultural education and later went to John D. O’Bryant - a college preparatory public exam high school.

While Rodriguez said his middle school and high school were primarily made up of people who, for the most part, represented the Boston communi-

- See POC ALUMNI on page 37

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 33

Invisible Americans Imagine living in this country for as far back as you can remember. Your friends and family live here. You’ve gone to school and graduated here. You learned how to drive here. You opened a savings account here.

You learned how to read and write here. You learned how to tie your shoes here.

You experienced the tragedy of 9/11.

You celebrated when Osama Bin Laden was killed. You witnessed Barack Obama become the first African-American president. You watched Boston police chase Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev across Watertown on live T.V. following the Boston Bombings.

And yet, every two years, you have to spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars to

renew a document that allows you the same luxuries your neighbors and peers are given as a birthright - the ability to work, drive and study in the United States.

Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and, at certain points during his campaign, to eliminate the DACA program entirely.

This is the life of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) receivers.

Brought to this country as young children, DACA receivers are granted permission to stay in the country for two years at a time.

Currently, over 780,000 immigrants are protected under the DACA program in the United States. In Massachusetts alone there are 12,058 DACA recipients. At Framingham State, there are 31 DACA students currently enrolled.

Once the two years are up, immigrants must reapply. This process not only costs them the DACA and the lawyer’s fees - it costs them peace of mind as well.

And life has never been more uncertain for DACA recipients than now. President Donald

This week, The Gatepost is publishing the last of three articles depicting the lives of MetroWest DACA recipients, and what the policy has, and has not, given to them.

All names have been changed to protect the individuals featured.

A harsh reality

An FSU Grad student reassesses DACA

By Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief It was near the end of September and Jane was starting to grow nervous. She had reapplied for DACA months ago, and in a week, it would expire.

However, she had faith that any day now, she would receive an approval email.

Until, that is, she woke up on Monday, Oct. 3 and couldn’t go to work.

“One day, I had everything that I needed,” she said, “and the next day, I had nothing.”

Unsure of when she would receive a paycheck again, Jane pulled her daughter out of daycare.

Jane is a graduate student at Framingham State University, and has been a DACA recipient since the program was first instituted in June 2012.

For two weeks, Jane wouldn’t know whether she would be able to resume her life, or if she would be back to square one. Her ability to afford her classes, home and care for her daughter hinged on being reapproved for DACA. And while Jane did receive her approval email two weeks later granting her permission to resume her life, the experience changed the way she viewed DACA forever.

“It’s like I’m building my house on sand. I can make plans for the future,” she said. “But

tomorrow, everything could be completely different.”

Immigration and assimilation Jane was 9 years old when she immigrated to the United States on July 22, 1992. Her mother had already been in the country for three years, working in a factory in Holliston and sending money back to Jane, her brother and her grandparents.

Her mother decided to move to the States after divorcing her father, and she feared what kind of future her children would have in Brazil.

Jane said there is a “baseline level of violence” in Brazil. However, she didn’t feel “particularly in danger.

“That may have been because my mom’s family was very humble. We didn’t have flashy things,” she said. “But, I couldn’t wear certain things to school because I could get mugged.

Sneakers, for some reason, were always a big thing. … You had to have average stuff.”

As a child, Jane said her grandparents would often send her on errands. She would hide the money in her shoes, and her grandparents would always warn her not to take it out before she reached her destination.

When her mother decided to bring Jane and her brother to the United States, she kept it a

secret from Jane’s father, whom she feared would try to stop her.

“We never really said goodbye,” said Jane.

While her father lived in a different state and rarely came to visit, she was still sad to leave him behind.

“I didn’t know exactly when I would see him again,” she said.

Her mother had left Brazil when Jane was 6 years old. She left in the middle of the night, and Jane and her brother had no idea she was leaving.

“We woke up and she was gone,” she said.

Consequently, Jane said she didn’t really remember her mother.

“I had pictures of her. She would always write and send pictures. I had this puzzle with her picture that she had sent us, and I would put it together,” she said.

Jane’s grandmother accompanied her and her brother on the flight up, and stayed for three years before returning to Brazil.

It was Jane’s first time on an airplane, she said. But that wasn’t the reason she was nervous.

“It was very like, ‘Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t say anything to anyone. Just keep your mouth shut,’” she said. “I was 9 years old and I was afraid.”

When they finally made it to Boston and Jane was reunited with her mother, it was “a little tricky,” she said.

Jane was angry with her mother for leaving her and her brother behind, and blamed her for many of the hardships she had had to endure.

While her mother was gone, Jane had been molested by a family member.

When she came to the United States, she decided to forget about the incident. She never told anyone, out of fear she would be blamed.

However, a year later, she learned her abuser would be moving to America as well.

“I started to get really scared that it was going to start happening again,” she said.

So, she decided to tell her mother.

“She looked at me with a very blank expression and said, ‘You are not the first person this has happened to and you won’t be the last.’ And she walked out of the room,” she said.

Jane believed she had made a mistake by telling her mother.

However, years later, her mother told her she had confronted the family member and threatened to call the police.

“I didn’t know that all of this was happening. I didn’t know that all of this had taken place.

In my mind, I was thinking, ‘I just told you my deepest, darkest secret and you just broke me in half,’” said Jane.

Her mother had said what she

- See A HARSH REALITY on page 34

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

34 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

A harsh reality Continued from page 33 did because she didn’t want Jane to “wallow in her self-pity,” she said.

To this day, Jane said, she and her mother are not very close.

“I think I misunderstand her a lot. I think she misunderstands me a lot. I don’t know if that’s because we spent so many years apart,” she said.

Jane lived with her mother, brother and aunt in a one-bedroom apartment for the first few years of her life here.

In addition to adjusting to living with her mother again, Jane also had to adjust to life in a new country.

Moving to the United States was a huge culture shock for Jane, whose life in Brazil had been very “isolated,” she said.

In Brazil, they never ate out.

Her grandmother would cook every meal at home, and sew their clothes. She spent a lot of time outside, and barely watched any T.V. After moving to the United States, Jane started spending more time indoors, watching T.V. “There wasn’t really much else to do,” she said. “I remember I missed being outside.”

Additionally, it took Jane some time to get used to the food.

For one, Jane hated the orange juice.

“I remember the first time I drank the orange juice. I was like, ‘This isn’t orange juice. I don’t know what this is, but it isn’t orange juice,’” she said.

Back in Brazil, she had squeezed fresh oranges to make her own juice. The American orange juice, bought in a grocery store, “had such a metallically taste,” she said.

“I was like, ‘Stay away from the orange juice. It’s not good,’” she said.

Since Brazilian food is usually very salty, American food seemed sweet in comparison.

“I gained a lot of weight as a kid,” she said. “When I moved here, the first year or two, I gained a lot of weight, until I started puberty and it all evened itself out.”

While in Brazil, Jane had been in the middle of third grade.

The Brazilian school year starts in January, and runs parallel to the calendar. So when Jane immigrated to the U.S. in July, she was bumped up to fourth grade.

Since Jane didn’t know English, she was placed in ESL classes. However, even in a class full of Portuguese speakers, Jane felt isolated.

Her teachers were Portuguese, not Brazilian, and according to Jane, it seemed as if they favored the Portuguese students over those from Brazil.

“There was just this undertone, where I felt like I didn’t really belong,” she said. “I felt a little discrimination. It felt like the Portuguese kids got a little bit better treatment. It wasn’t anything that scarred me for life or anything, but it was just something that I noticed.”

Jane said one of her primary methods for learning English was to use words with which she was unfamiliar. One day, as the class was reading a story together, the teacher asked Jane and her peers to use a word to describe the story.

“I had heard this word somewhere and I had no idea what it meant,” said Jane. “So I said, ‘Horny.’

“And the teacher said, ‘’Do you mean corny?’ And I said, ‘No, I mean horny.’ And she said, ‘No, you don’t.’”

Her teachers never explained the word further to Jane, who was left confused.

“It took a little while until I figured out why that wasn’t the appropriate word,” she said.

Additionally, Jane loved to read. Her Language Arts teacher had a bookshelf full of American classics that any student could take home to read.

If she didn’t understand a word, she would just ask her teachers.

Once, while reading Seventeen Magazine, Jane came upon an article about a young woman who had been raped. However, she didn’t understand the word “rape.”

She took the magazine to school with her, and asked her teacher what the word meant.

“It’s a bad thing a boy does to a girl,” her teacher told her.

“I was like, ‘I don’t understand what that means.’ And she was like, ‘OK, well, we’re not going to discuss it,’” said Jane. “So I assumed it must have been a bad word. She wouldn’t tell me what the word meant and when I asked my mom, she didn’t know what it meant. So I just kind of

How to file for DACA 1. Collect documents as evidence you meet the requirements 2. Complete USCIS Forms I-821D, I-765 and I-765WS 3. Mail in USCIS Forms + fees (total $465) 4. Visit local USCIS Application Support Center for a scheduled biometrics services appointment 5. Check your status online

left it at that.”

As her English improved, she was transferred out of ESL classes and integrated into English-speaking courses. By sixth grade, she was enrolled in all English-speaking classes.

While she could now speak the language, Jane still had a hard time fitting in at school.

“It was a little difficult at times to make friends because I was very shy and I didn’t feel like I really fit in a whole lot,” she said.

She added, “I always felt kind of alien. I didn’t feel like I really fit in with the kids who were in my class, and I didn’t really fit in with the Brazilian kids, either.”

According to Jane, her mother wanted her children to be as American as possible. While many of her Brazilian neighbors shopped at a local Brazilian store and had Brazilian products in their home, her mother refused to do the same.

“She tried to get us to think, ‘Now we live in America. We have to do things the American way,’” she said. “I didn’t feel like I really fit in either way. I didn’t fit in with my Brazilian friends.

I didn’t fit in with my American friends.”

At the time, her mother was still working in a factory in Holliston. One day, she received word there was going to be an immigration raid at the factory, and she stayed home. However, Jane’s aunt wasn’t so lucky - she was arrested on the job, and deported back to Brazil.

Frightened by the raid, Jane’s mother started her own business cleaning houses, which she still runs to this day.

Jane and her brother would often stay home alone for a few hours after school let out, since their mother was working and

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

unable to afford a babysitter.

“My mom had very strict rules about what we could and couldn’t do. We couldn’t have people over. We couldn’t make a lot of noise,” she said. “She would say, ‘This is a different country than Brazil. If they find out you kids are home alone, they’re going to come take you away.’ So my brother and I would make sure to be very quiet.”

When she was in high school, Jane and her family moved to Framingham, which had a much larger Brazilian population.

She still struggled to fit in with both her American and Brazilian peers, and found herself really disliking school.

So, during her senior year, Jane decided to undertake a workstudy, which would allow her to work full time - while taking four classes - and receive school credit.

Jane began to grow more anxious about her future, as her peers and classmates started to talk about college.

“I didn’t know how to navigate higher education,” she said.

“It was senior year and people are talking about which colleges they’re applying to, PSATS, SATS. I never took any of them because I was like, ‘What’s the point? I can’t get into college. I can’t pay for college. Why should I even try? It’s not going to work for me.’”

Soon after graduating high school, Jane met her future husband. Her church’s youth group had organized an event with the Marlborough denomination so their members could mingle.

He had just moved to the United States - illegally - and was two years younger.

At first, they didn’t really hit it off.

“We didn’t really talk or any-

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 35

A harsh reality thing,” said Jane. “Sometimes, we would see each other at different church events and just say hi.”

Two years went by before the two actually struck up a conversation, a moment that Jane credits to music.

The church was holding a talent show, and Jane and her best friend had decided to enter. Jane and her friend performed a DC Talk song, with Jane on the oboe and her friend on the guitar.

They won first place.

“After that, we started talking a little bit more,” she said. “He was really into music. He plays guitar. I think maybe that’s where we found our common ground.”

Jane and her now-husband casually hung out for about a month, until Jane demanded to know their status.

“I was like, ‘Are you going to ask me to be your girlfriend or not?’ And he was like, “Yes!”’ she said. “And then we started dating for real.”

After three years, the two got engaged, and they were married in 2008.

A few days before their fourth anniversary, Jane gave birth to their first child - a daughter.

“It was funny because her due date was going to be my anniversary, but she was breached so I had to have a C-section. She was born on Monday of that week,” said Jane. “But I felt like it was almost like a wedding anniversary gift.”

Jane credits not only her marriage to Jesus, but all of her accomplishments.

“I am here today talking to you as a relatively well-adjusted graduate student because Jesus is in my life,” she said.

While she had grown up attending church, she had felt “angry” at God for her situation.

However, she had a change of heart one night while driving home from work on Route 9.

A car had crashed into a telephone pole, and a white sheet was being draped over a body as Jane drove past.

“I thought, ‘What if my life just ended right now?’” she said.

After that night, Jane made a decision to start attending church regularly again.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, Jesus changed my life,” she said.

After graduating in 2001, Jane

Illustration by Shayna Yacyshyn

started working at a Framingham jewelry store, six days a week from open to close.

Her employer was “the worst boss” Jane had ever had, and her boss’ husband would often steal Jane’s commission.

After being sent home from work one day, and reprimanded for coming in late another, Jane decided to step back and evaluate her situation.

“I drove to Quinsigamond Community College and I sat in their parking lot and prayed.

I said, ‘Lord, if this is what you want me to do, then I’m going to go in there and I’m going to apply. If everything goes well, then I’ll do this,’” she said.

Jane took the placement tests, and showed the school her 1099 tax forms. The college administrators allowed her to take night classes at the same rate as an instate citizen.

Later that week, Jane called her boss and quit her job.

“It was nerve-wracking. I had signed up for school. It was spring, so I had the summer to find a job and then school started in the fall,” said Jane. “But it worked out. I think every obstacle I had after that, God would make a way for me.”

Life as an undocumented college student

therefore, was unable to pay for tuition. For every semester she deferred, the university charged her a “hefty fee.”

When her daughter was old enough to be enrolled in a daycare, Jane used a tax return to pay all of her deferment fees and start attending classes again.

But even one class was too expensive, and she found herself at a “crossroads.”

Her coworker, who had graduated from Framingham State, suggested she look into the more affordable graduate programs at the University.

She interviewed with the director of the program, and sent her a résumé and other necessary documents. Within a few days, Jane received word she had been accepted.

“I felt that that was confirmation that I was headed in the right direction,” she said.

Now, Jane works 24 hours a week at her regular job, 15 hours a week as a graduate assistant and takes one class per semester.

“It’s challenging,” she said. “A lot of times, I wish I had more free time to be with my daughter.

But at the same time, I feel really blessed because even though I

Jane is the first woman in her family to graduate from college, and the first person in her immediate family to obtain an advanced degree.

However, because she is undocumented, she cannot receive financial aid, and she must pay for school herself.

She started attending Quinsigamond full-time, and worked 40 hours a week to pay for it.

Because Quinsagamond had a consortium with UMass Amherst, she was able to take all of her general education classes at the community college, before attending UMass.

She continued working long hours while she finished her remaining major courses at UMass online. After, she was accepted into a UMass doctoral program in 2010.

“Part of the reason I chose to go to college was because I thought that would be something no one could ever take away,” said Jane. “That would be mine. I wouldn’t lose that.”

However, in 2012, she gave birth to her daughter and was unable to work full-time, and - See A HARSH REALITY on page 36

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

36 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

A harsh reality Continued from page 35 don’t have the same resources as other people do, I don’t have to work a full-time job plus a parttime job to make ends meet.”

She added, “I guess I hope that all of the sacrifice I go through now will give her a better chance than I had.”

DACA’s impact In 2012, just a few weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Jane was home on maternity leave, sitting on the couch watching the news on mute and chatting with her mother on the phone.

Then, a new headline popped up on the screen - President Barack Obama had just announced DACA. “I was like, ‘Mom. Mom. Mom. I have to call you back. I just saw something. I need to check what I’m seeing,’” said Jane.

She hung up the phone and looked up DACA online.

“I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening!’” she said.

Jane called a lawyer right away, made an appointment and read whatever she could find about DACA. A month later, instructions were given out about how to apply, and Jane started gathering all the evidence she could to meet the requirements. The day Immigration started accepting applications, she was ready to go.

However, Jane had a choice to make. Her job had offered to sponsor her and her husband for a green card.

Jane didn’t fit into any real category that is required for the application, though, and she was nervous about applying.

“Basically, what I would be doing is turning myself over to Immigration and hoping they would be lenient and not deport me,” she said.

Jane decided to go forward with DACA. “We were both waiting for this,” she said. “Then in 2012, I get DACA and he gets nothing.”

The application cost Jane approximately $3,000.

The night her application was approved, Obama was re-elected.

“I was on the couch watching the news. I was like, ‘Let me just check now,’ because I had been checking it frequently,” she said.

“When I logged on, it was like, ‘We have approved your application,’ and I was like, ‘Ahhhhhh!’”

Jane said she hadn’t been nervous about what would happen to the DACA program if Obama hadn’t won the 2012 election.

“I had lived for so long without anything,” she said. “I didn’t have anything to lose.”

Before DACA, Jane worked as a contractor, and paid her taxes with a 1099 form. She purchased health insurance every year at a very expensive rate, and she was not able to obtain a driver’s license.

Now, Jane is able to drive and have a job with benefits.

While DACA provided Jane with the basic resources to survive in the United States, it didn’t provide her with any stability.

When her DACA expired last September, Jane’s whole view of the program changed.

“When DACA came around, I was so excited and I was so happy, and I remember people saying, ‘It’s not enough,’ and I was like, ‘I don’t care. I will take it however I can get it. I’m not going to complain,’” she said. “’As long as I can work and have a family, then I don’t really need other stuff.’”

Jane said her DACA expiring was “eye-opening, in a way.

I think I had clung to this false sense of security I had from DACA.” The experience was “really nerve-wracking,” she said. “I didn’t know how long I wouldn’t be able to work for, or how long I wouldn’t have any income and if at some point, if they approved my application and I was able to go back to work, if daycare would still have a spot for her. So there were all of these things that were making me nervous.”

When Jane found out her DACA had expired and she was unable to work, her boss told her she would hold her position for two months and extend her health benefits for one month.

“To me, that was a really nice thing because she didn’t have to do that,” she said. “My daughter has a lot of allergies - life-threatening allergies. So, for me, not having health insurance is a really big deal.”

During those two weeks, Jane tried to stay as busy as possible.

“I lived in sort of suspended animation. It was really odd,” she said. “I cleaned my house from top to bottom. I emptied every closet. I kept myself as busy as I possibly could. Because

if I stopped, for even a minute, this overwhelming sense of impending doom would take over me.”

She wrote to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, hoping she would be able to help her in some way.

She received an email back stating the Senator’s staff had sent an inquiry in about her case. A week later, she received her approval email.

“I don’t know if it was just a coincidence - I’m not sure,” said Jane. “But I’ll take it.”

Jane said before her DACA had expired, she hadn’t thought about the program’s flaws.

“I hadn’t really thought about it until that morning when I woke up and I was supposed to go to work and I could not go to work.

It felt like I had tried to kind of trick myself into believing that this would be enough - that this would solve all my problems,” she said. “I kind of realized how fragile it really is.”

What now?

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Jane again found herself sitting on her couch, waiting to see who would be the next United States president.

But this time, the election didn’t go quite as she had hoped.

“At one point, Hillary was winning and I was like, ‘Yay! Everything is going to be all right.’

And then, everything just started to turn,” she said.

While Trump’s presidency does worry Jane, she is not as concerned as one might think.

“I’ve lived here for a majority of my life without DACA,” she said. “And God still opened all these doors for me. My hope, my trust is in the Lord. I think that’s why maybe I don’t freak out as much.

“If I felt like my future was in Trump’s hands, then yeah, I would be really freaking out,” she added.

Jane is grateful for all the opportunities she and her family have in the United States.

“I ran around barefoot on a dirt road as a kid. I had nothing growing up,” she said. “And then today, my daughter can go to ballet. She can do all of these things I never got the chance to do. I dream about the opportunities that she has - all the things she could do and she could be.”

Despite her troubles, Jane still views herself as privileged to be

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

able to work and live in America.

“I’m really grateful to be here.

I’m really grateful for the opportunity to contribute to my community. I volunteer. I’m involved in my church. I try to reach out, because I feel like I’ve been given so much. I’m so privileged.

I’m really glad to be here. I don’t have any idea what it would be like if I had to go back.”

Jane and her husband have discussed what would happen if either of them were to be deported, and they both agree the best course of action would be to move their whole family back to Brazil, despite the fact they would have to start over in a country they barely know.

“I think our biggest fear is having our family broken up. If they deport us, what happens to my daughter? I’m assuming they’re not going to be like, ‘She stays and you have to go,’” said Jane.

“I’m glad she’s an American citizen, because if we do leave, she can at least have the opportunity to go to college or do something here.”

Jane herself feels more American than Brazilian.

“I do consider myself an American,” she said. “My husband jokes, ‘You’re American. You’re not Brazilian.’”

She added, “I do like certain aspects of Brazilian culture. I listen to Brazilian music and I eat Brazilian food. But, I feel like my heart is here.”

Jane hasn’t seen her family in Brazil in over 25 years.

“It would be like going back to strangers. I speak Portuguese, but I would have to relearn the language in a way. I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to get a professional position. We don’t have any assets there,” she said. “We would be starting from scratch.”

For immigrants like Jane, with families and a history in the United States, going back to their native countries isn’t an option. But building a future here is nearly impossible.

“I want to be here. I want to contribute to this country. My life is here. My roots are here. My daughter was born here. I want to be here,” she said. “But ultimately, it’s in the Lord’s hands.”

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA GOMES agomes5@student.framingham.edu

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 37

POC Alumni Continued from page 32 ty - Latinos, African Americans and a small number of whites and Asians - he said FSU was far less diverse - something he took note of as early as his freshman orientation.

“They’d start talking about diversity, but they had the same kind of looking students as orientation leaders,” he said. “They were all the same preppy happy-looking kids from the same background, maybe one or two kids who looked different. ...

They would talk about diversity on stage and say diversity was much more about race. That’s how they would use diversity.

“I found myself in situations where I was the only person of color,” he said.

While he said in the last couple of years FSU has made great strides in becoming more inclusive and diverse, there is still a lot of work to be done.

“I definitely saw growth. I saw improvement. I saw students taking ownership of this

work. So the environment is becoming where we want it to be, but just like any other environment, it’s not there yet.”

ni of Color Network is important because it “allows students who are going into college, who might be the first in their fam-

““I definitely saw growth. I saw improvement. I saw students taking ownership of this work.

So the environment is becoming where we want it to be, but just like any other environment, it’s not there yet.”

-Fernando Rodriguez, Class of ’16

He said the University should focus on providing both more cultural and social support for people of color, expand the first-generation and first-year programs and hire a number of college success professionals.

For Rodriguez, the Alum-

ily, to know what they can do once they leave,” he said.

During the network’s kickoff event in September, Rodriguez said he valued being able to network with principals from two of Framingham’s district high schools, because they were

working in the education industry.

He learned “how they were honored and how they had awards for the tremendous work they had done for the community,” he said. “When thinking about the network five years from now, Rodriguez said he sees it only getting bigger.

“In five years, I see five years of success. I see five years of me and my other graduates moving onwards in their lives, learning a lot from life, and passing that on to the next graduates who are going to do even better than us,” he said. “So we are going to have five years of tremendous people of color really going into their communities ... because the support is going to continue to grow.”

CONNECT WITH CESAREO CONTRERAS

ccontreras@student.framingham.edu

Follow Us on Twitter! @TheGatepost Arts & Features Section

@Gatepost_Arts News

@GatepostNews Sports

@GatepostSports Photos

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

38 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

SPORTS Framingham keeps MASCAC tournament hopes alive, wins quarterfinal against Worcester State

By Richard Tranfaglia Staff Writer Framingham State dominated its matchup against Salem State 13-5, on Apr. 22.

The Vikings struck first just two minutes into the game. Kaitlynn Palmer got the tally.

The Rams scored the next three goals and Grace Gamache had two of them. Lindsay Nixon accounted for the other score.

Courtney Smith made it a one-goal game at the 7:21 mark.

The final two minutes of the first half were action packed, as each team scored two goals.

Kimberly Foley and Nicole Pacheco each scored for the Rams. Smith and Palmer each scored their second goal of the day.

The Rams took over the second half. They came out and scored four consecutive goals by Pacheco, Foley, Nixon and Gamache to take a 9-4 lead.

Samantha Barrett got the Vikings only goal of the half at the 17:08 mark.

FSU scored another four goals after to reach the final margin. Gamache, Pacheco, Shae Riley and Foley each contributed a score.

Gamache, Pacheco and Foley each had a hat trick on the day. Gamache scored her 30th goal of the season in the win.

The Rams outshot the Vikings 35-14. Gamache led with eight shots on goal while Smith led the Vikings with four.

Indigo Fox Tree-McGrath made six saves for the Rams and Karlie McLear made 13 stops for the Vikings.

The Rams move to 8-6 on the season and 3-2 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE SALEM STATE

13 5

The Rams won its second straight game on Apr. 26 against Mass. Maritime by a score of 12-7.

Foley scored first for the Rams at the 27:54 mark.

Cammi Balentine tied the game at one just five minutes later.

A minute later, Stephanie Hunt gave Maritime the lead, scoring unassisted.

FSU scored the next five goals to take a 6-2 lead.

Pacheco, Gamache, Nixon, Riley and Claryssa Cunniff each contributed a score.

Dahlia Seggelin cut the lead to three at the 13:04 mark.

Pacheco scored her second of the day to make it a 7-3 game.

Hunt and Ashley Solari scored the next two goals for Maritime to cut the lead to two.

Gamache scored with a little over a minute left in the half making it 8-5.

Brianna Pingree cut the lead back to two goals after getting the tally for Maritime.

Gamache converted on a free position shot to give her a hat trick for the game.

Solari scored Maritime’s last goal of the game at the 8:58 mark.

The Rams scored the last three goals of the day to reach the final margin. Rylee Holmes scored the first of the three, followed by two scores by Pache-

co, giving her a hat trick as well.

Framingham outshot Maritime 28-22. Gamache led the Rams with five shots on net while Hunt led Maritime with 11 shots.

Tree-McGrath made 10 saves for Framingham and Mikayla Correia made 13 stops for Maritime.

The Rams improve to 9-6 on the season and 4-2 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

12 7

Framingham State dominated MCLA 17-1, on Apr. 28.

Gamache had two out of the first three goals of the game. Jessica Graham accounted for the second goal. Nixon and Perin Genaway got in on the scoring to take a 5-0 lead with 14 minutes left in the half.

Mackenzie Cutler had MCLA’s lone goal of the game coming at the 11:40 mark.

Kristen Keenan and Cunniff scored back-toback goals in a 20 second span to take a 7-1 lead going into the break.

The second half was all Framingham, as they scored 10 goals on 15 shots. Gamache had another two goals giving her a team high-four. Graham and Foley each had two goals in the second half.

Graham ended with a hat trick on the day. Gretchen Burgholzer, Emily Burnett, Haley Duggan and Nixon each had a tally in the half to reach the final margin.

The Rams outshot MCLA 41-2. Gamache and Graham each had six shots on goal in the win.

Tree-McGrath did not make a save for the Rams.

Zoe Elwell had 11 saves for MCLA. The Rams improve to 10-6 on the season and 5-2 in the MASCAC.

MCLA FRAMINGHAM STATE

1 17

The Rams once again scored 17 goals as they defeated Regis 17-8 in a rescheduled match.

Gamache got the scoring going early with two goals in the first three minutes of play. She had a hat trick in the first 10 minutes of the game.

Keenan, Riley and Pacheco each had a score to take a 6-0 lead just 11 minutes in.

Kerri Anselmo got Regis on the board at the 16:30 mark.

Nixon extended FSU’s lead to six at the 10:30 mark.

Regis managed to pull within two goals going on a 5-1 run in the final eight minutes of the first half.

Brooke Ross, Mackenzie Cattaruzza and Malorie Kiehl each scored. Arianna Woodley had two goals for Regis. Genaway had the goal for the Rams.

Pacheco scored coming out of the second half to take a 9-6 lead. Foley and Gamache had consecutive goals to go up five.

Anselmo cut the lead to four just three minutes later.

The Rams scored the next five goals to put the game away. Gamache and Pacheco each account-

ed for two scores during the run and Foley had the fifth goal. Gamache ended with six goals on the day.

Anselmo managed to get a hat trick with seven minutes left to reach the final margin for Regis.

Holmes had the last goal of the game at the 4:07 mark.

The Rams outshot the Pride 33-16. Gamache led with eight shots on goal while Anselmo led the Pride with six shots on net.

Tree-McGrath made five stops in the win, while Maresa Malcolm had 10 saves for Regis.

The Rams end the regular season with an 11-6 record.

REGIS FRAMINGHAM STATE

8 17

The Rams won the MASCAC Quarterfinals matchup against Worcester State by a score of 1910.

Pacheco got on the board first for the Rams just a minute and a half in.

Alexis Vecchiarelli answered for the Lancers 30 seconds later.

The Rams then scored the next four goals to take a 5-1 lead. Pacheco, Riley, Foley and Audrey Duhaime each contributed a score.

The Lancers responded by scoring the next three goals to cut the lead to one. Kelly Austin, Angelina Sutherland and Mackenzie Little each tallied a goal.

The Rams had the next run, scoring four consecutive goals to go up five. Foley and Duhaime each had two goals, giving each player a hat trick on the day.

Alaina Martin scored at the 4:02 mark to make it a 9-5 game.

Foley had back-to-back scores to end the first half, giving her five total goals in the half.

Just 20 seconds into the second half, Riley extended the Rams lead to seven.

Martin made it a six-goal game at the 23:58 mark.

The Rams went on another run in the game, this time it was five consecutive goals to take a 17-6 lead. Pacheco had two while Foley, Keenan and Gamache accounted for the other three.

Little and Kylie Farrell had back-to-back goals to make it a 17-8 game.

Foley and Gamache each scored again to reach the final margin for the Rams. Foley ended the game with a perfect seven goals on seven shots.

Little and Martin had the final two goals to reach the final score.

The Rams outshot the Lancers 30-19. Foley led the Rams with seven shots while Little led the Lancers with five shots.

Tree-McGrath made eight saves for the Rams and Krissy Pessa made six stops for the Lancers.

WORCESTER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE MASCAC TOURNAMENT

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

10 19

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 39

Student athletes: Life after high school

By Jose Carrasquillo Asst. Sports Editor Whether it’s being nominated for the state of Maine’s Most Valuable Player for hockey, making it to the Super Bowl in Division 1 high school football, or winning the 100-meter dash at New England’s track championships there is no better feeling than playing for your high school team.

Nothing is like being a high school athlete according to Rodney Thomas, Jaquan Harris and Parker Cowand, who are student athletes at Framingham State University.

“By far my best memory was making it to the Super Bowl and winning our playoff game, the first one. We played Weymouth [on the road] in the snow and smacked them 33-7 and they all thought we were gonna lose because last year we were the first team to not make the playoffs in like 30 years. We had the number one defense in the state and our offensive line was all seniors,” Thomas said.

Cowland said, “My best memory of soccer goes back to the Western Conference State semifinals, when we had played our best game of the year.”

As Cowand reflected on his high school career, he recounted the four years of being a two-sport athlete in soccer and hockey. “Out of my four years of playing soccer, our team had lost only a total of five games. But we could never win in the playoffs, we lost only one total regular season game.”

Cowand reminisced about his senior MVP caliber season when he had 40 points in an 18-game hockey season, this equivalent to averaging approximately two goals a game, two assists a game or an assist and a goal in each game of the season.

Leaving high school sports can be difficult for some athletes because that can be considered their prime. “If I could go back and play another high school game I probably would, but I’ve gotten the opportunity to continue my athletic career. Maybe down the road I’ll start to miss it a little more”, Cowand said.

“Not much has changed, I miss high school sports a lot, I miss playing [with] people you grew up with. You [can’t] take it for granted while you’re playing, because you’ll never play where you’re from and rep your city and know everyone around you,” Cowand said.

Playing for your hometown is a common theme among former high school athletes, whether you’re praised for playing for it or written off. “Our team was doubted before we even got to high school, so playing with that chip al-

?

Trivia

?

ways made us want to play harder,” Thomas said.

In Brockton, Thomas’ hometown every student in 9th through 12th grade only had one choice for a public school, Brockton High School. “We’ve always been known for our sports, but our class was told that we were the weak class and that we were never going to win anything,” said Thomas.

Thomas was a two-sport athlete in football and indoor track and field at Brockton High School.

When Thomas reminisced of his freshman year of football all he could think about is the doubters and how they lost against every team they played. “We couldn’t beat anybody, all of our best players were moved to varsity and junior varsity early so our freshmen team was awful. We were getting blown out even by the bad teams”, Thomas said.

“Not much has changed. I miss high school sports a lot.”

-Spencer Cowand, student athlete

Brockton High School had looked to be built to win a championship but had fell short in 2013 against St. John’s prep. “Being outcoached and not understanding why the game plan wasn’t built for us to win was hard to accept after the game”, Thomas said.

Moving on from high school sports was difficult for Thomas, but now he plays football for Framingham State University and plays both guard positions. “The game is a lot faster than it was in high school, so I’m always trying to get better by lifting and working out” Visiting high school after being in college can be difficult for some former athletes. “Going home always goes one of two ways for me. It’s either, they show me a lot of love or they act like

?

Last Week’s Answer: 1. Russell Westbrook 2. James Harden 2. Isaiah Thomas 4. Anthony Davis 5. DeMar DeRozan

?

?

Name the NFL players who rank in the Top 10 for career passing yards given their yardage total and teams played for.

T6. Damien Lillard T6. DeMarcus Cousins 8. LeBron James 9. Kawhi Leonard 10. Steph Curry

they don’t know me. So, I always try to pass on to the ones playing, some tricks and techniques that I used and tell them to savor every game.”

Playing three different sports not only kept Harris busy, but competitive as well. He played football, basketball and ran track, but football was his favorite. Whether it’s winning the coveted “Turkey Bowl” between Quincy and North Quincy, making it to the New England track championships as a freshman or having 19 points in his first varsity game as a sophomore in basketball,” Harris said.

“We had lost the “Turkey Bowl” every year going into our senior year, they were killin’ us. We refused to let them beat us all four years of our career. Freshmen year both teams were so good that there was plenty of Division 1 caliber players, I always said that they should merge the schools and become like a Brockton High School”, Harris said.

Playing varsity as a sophomore the competitive spirit drove him to constantly improve. “When I had my first varsity game against Hingham, I had 19 points, and crazy thing about it [was] my cousin who I didn’t even know at the time was my cousin, was doing a school visit for basketball and ended up playing with me the next year”, Harris said.

“By far the best thing about my track career was my personal records”, Harris said when reminiscing about his high school career. “In the 100 meter, I ran 10.6 seconds and in the 200 meter I ran 21.7 seconds, to qualify for divisionals you would need 11.5 seconds in high school for the 100 meter, but for states you needed 11.2 seconds. If you could win states and compete in all-states, you had to just flat out win the race or place in the top four.”

“Pulling my hamstring in the 200s for states is by far one of my worst memories of track. It was so bad because I had to run three races almost consecutively prior, so I had maybe 15 minutes of race total before having to run that fourth race.

The problem wasn’t even that I pushed myself too hard, but that I maintained my top speed for so long”, said Harris.

Moving on from high school was difficult but he has continued playing college sports, playing cornerback and safety for Framingham State University.

When asked about the most difficult part of moving on from high school sports Thomas said, “I feel like every former high school athlete always had to chase that [Championship] title but never got it for some reason.”

1. IND/DEN (71,940) 2. ATL/GB/NYJ/MIN (71,838) 3. SD/NO (66,111) 4. NE (61,582) 5. MIA (61,361) 6. DEN (51,475) 7. HOU/MIN/SEA/KC (49,325) 8. NYG (48,218) 9. MIN/NYG (47,003) 10. PIT (46,814)

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

40 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Rams sneak into MASCAC tournament, advance through first round

Allie Gath/ The GATEPOST

Framingham State snuck into the playoffs with a 6-8 conference record. The Rams knocked of No. 3 Fitchburg State in the first round of the MASCAC tournament.

By Liam Gambon Staff Writer The Rams faced off against Mass. Maritime in a 5-0 victory on Apr. 23.

The Rams improve to 14-16 with the win.

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning in which the Rams put up three runs to take a 3-0 lead. The Rams scored in the fifth off a double first from Kyle Lippert which scored Joe Ambrosino and Kyle Pileski. The scoring was wrapped up by another double coming from Robert Higgins that scored Lippert.

The Rams scored two more runs in the seventh inning. The first came off of a single by Aaron Williams, which knocked in Pileski, as he scored off an error. Lippert was the next to manufacture a run as he grounded out to short which led to Williams scoring the game’s final run.

Kevin Connelly pitched a complete game shutout, while only allowing two hits and striking out eight.

FINAL

R

H

E

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

5 0

6 2

0 1

The Rams lost in the second game of the Mass. Maritime double-header 10-8.

Mass. Maritime got on the board first in the second inning. They piled on seven more in the third to take an 8-2. The Rams contributed two runs to the game in the top of the third off an error, which scored Ambrosino and then later lead to Lippert scoring as well.

The Rams scored five runs in the fourth inning to make it 8-7. Ambrosino hit a triple to score Pileski for the first run of the inning.

Lippert then singled in Ambrosino for the second run. Jordan Pallazola rocked a three-run homerun to wrap up the scoring for the inning.

Mass. Maritime scored once in the fifth and once in the sixth to stretch their lead to 10-7, heading into the final inning. The Rams would score one run off an error that scored Emmanuel Powers. The Rams would leave the bases loaded to end the game losing, 10-8.

Kyle Hodgson took the loss pitching into the sixth inning allowing two earned runs on nine hits, while walking three and striking out four.

FINAL FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

R

H

E

8 9 10 11

5 3

The Rams back-to-back losses against Salem State in a double-header on Apr. 27.

In the first game, Salem State took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning and padded onto the lead with two runs in the third, to stretch the lead to 4-0 early. The Rams were able to score one run in the fourth inning off of a Ryan Wardell homerun to left field. Salem State scored two more runs in the fifth and took a commanding 6-1 lead that would stick to the end, earning them the victory.

Michael Andrews took the loss for the Rams as he threw four innings, letting up seven hits and six earned runs, while walking one and striking out one.

FINAL

R

H

E

SALEM STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

6 1

9 2

1 1

The second game of the double-header was a lot closer as Framingham jumped out to an early lead by following a run in the top of the third inning by Salem State, with four of their own to make the game 4-1 early. Powers manufactured the first run for the Rams with a single that knocked in Brockett. Pallazola brought in the next three runs, with a three-run homerun that scored Powers and Higgins.

Salem State would score five more runs in the next two innings to take a 6-4 lead. Both the Rams and Salem State would put up two runs in the sixth inning and none in the seventh to end the game 8-6.

Al Wallach took the loss for Framingham allowing six runs, five earned on nine hits, while walking one and striking out one.

FINAL

R

H

E

SALEM STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

8 13 6 8

2 4

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

See BASEBALL page 42

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 41

Framingham set for MASCAC tournament as No. 1 seed

By Matt Ferris Sports Editor Framingham State took on Mass. Maritime in a MASCAC road game on Apr. 23.

After a scoreless first inning, the Rams opened the scoring in the top of the second.

Megan Downing got things going for the Rams with a one out double. Kylie Boyle followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Boyle stole second to put two runners in scoring position for Rachel Desrochers, who ripped a two RBI double. Dayna Marchant followed up with another hit, scoring Desrochers from second to go up 3-0.

Framingham struck in the third for another run. Kayla Finacchiaro reached on an error by the shortstop to lead off the inning.

She advanced to third base, after a single and fielder’s choice. After another error by the shortstop, Finacchiaro came across to make it 4-0.

The Rams plated another run in the fourth inning. Marchant led off the inning with a single. She took second on the next play.

And came across to score after another error from the Buccaneers shortstop that allowed Marissa Flynn to reach second. The run made it 5-0.

After another scoreless inning on defense, the Rams exploded for seven runs in the fifth.

Lauren Salisbury and Desrochers started the offensive explosion off for Framingham, with back-to-back singles. Mycala Moody drove in one of the runners, with an RBI single.

After a Flynn single, Finacchiaro ripped a single to tack on two more runs. Flynn later would score on a pass ball.

Later in the inning, with the bases loaded, Bridget McGrail added to the lead with a single. The base hit drove in two runs. With runners on the corners, Salisbury ripped another single to plate the seventh run of the inning and to make it 12-0.

The game got called after five innings, with the Rams winning 12-0.

Kelsi Gunarathne started the game and Allie Gath/ The GATEPOST picked up her 12th win of the season. She pitched three innings of no hit ball, striking The Framingham State softball team finished first in the MASCAC with a record of 12-2. The season out seven of the nine batters she faced. was a complete turnaround after the team finished 5-9 in the conference last year, failing to qualify Finacchiaro relived her in the fourth in- for the MASCAC tournament. ning and finished the game. She pitched two Later in the inning with two runners on, up the win. She earned her second victory on innings, striking out two and finishing off Boyle reached on an error by the right field- the season, pitching four innings, allowing the combined no hitter for the Rams.

The win moves the Rams to 23-8 on the er. The error allowed Boyle to get to third four hits, no runs with nine strikeouts. and both runners to cross the plate to make The win improves the Rams record to 24-8 season and 9-0 in the conference. it 4-0. on the season, and moves them to 10-0 in the Framingham kept its foot on the gas pedal MASCAC. FINAL/5 R H E in the second, scoring two more runs. With the bases loaded, Downing roped a single, FRAMINGHAM STATE 12 17 0 plating two runs, to make it 6-0.

FINAL R H E MASS. MARITIME 0 0 3 Framingham’s bats were silent until the seventh, when the Rams would add an insurFRAMINGHAM STATE 7 8 2 ance run. The run came from a Kyla Johnson MASS. MARITIME 0 3 5 The Rams played Mass. Maritime in game RBI groundout, allowing Brittany Dougal to score. two of the doubleheader on Apr. 23.

Framingham’s pitching and defense kept Framingham picked right up where they left off in game one, scoring four runs in the Mass. Maritime scoreless for the entire game See SOFTBALL page 43 again. first inning.

Jessica Pieterson started the game for the The Rams led the game off with back-toback singles. Downing then reached on an Rams and pitched three innings, allowing error by the Buccaneer shortstop, allowing one hit, no runs and striking out six.

Finacchiaro finished the game and picked both baserunners to score.

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

42 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

MAY 5, 2017

Baseball - Continued from page 40 The Rams played against Keene State in a 4-3 loss on Apr. 28.

The Rams jumped out to the early lead, as they scored a run in the first inning, off a sacrifice fly by Cameron Borrelli that scored Andrew Curtis. Keene State would put up two runs in the second inning and another in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead. Framingham would score twice in the top of the seventh to tie the game up at three.

Higgins grounded out to score Anthony Hermon for the first run of the inning. Roy Goodman would knock in Evan Nelson off a single for the second run.

The lead would be spoiled by a run in the bottom of the seventh, by Keene State that would win them the game as no one would score for the rest of the game.

Brian Quinn took the loss for the Rams, allowing one run off one hit, while striking out one.

FINAL

R

H

E

FRAMINGHAM STATE KEENE STATE

3 4

7 8

2 1

The Rams took one away from Bridgewater in the first game of the double-header on Apr. 29.

Bridgewater scored the first run of the game in the top of the third to open the game up.

Framingham would stay silent for the whole game until the bottom of the sixth, in which they would pile on six runs. Wardell knocked in the first run with a single that scored Lippert.

Pallazola accounted for the next run, hitting a sacrifice fly that scored Powers. Pileski would wrap up the scoring with a grand slam to make the game 6-1, which it would stay as for the Rams to pull off the win.

Connelly picked up the win and he is now 5-1 on the season.

FINAL

R

H

E

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

1 6

5 6

0 2

In the second game of the double-header, the Rams took the early lead with a run in both the first and second innings. In the first a single

by Pileski scored Powers. In the second inning, Framingham got their next run off a single

by Lippert that scored Williams. Bridgewater would score once in the third and the Rams would score again, one more time in the fourth to seal the 3-1 victory.

Hodgson earned the win by going seven innings, allowing one run on six hits, while walking one and striking out four.

FINAL

R

H

E

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

1 3

6 6

1 1

Framingham faced Johnson and Wales in an offensive battle, on Apr. 30.

The Rams seemed to have the win in sight very early as they lead the game 6-1 by the end of the first inning. The wheels came off, as Johnson and Wales would put up two runs in both the second and third innings, one in the fourth and one in the sixth to make the game 9-7. The Rams would not score again after the sixth inning and allowed Johnson and Wales three runs in the eighth as they would win the game 10-9.

Blake Waters took the loss for the Rams, as he allowed one run on two hits, while walking one and striking out two.

FINAL JOHNSON & WALES FRAMINGHAM STATE

R

H

E

10 13 9 7

2 3

The Rams next game came against Trinity on May 2.

Both teams kept a steady pace through the game, as Framingham scored five runs in the first five innings and Trinity scored four in that span. They exploded in the sixth with six runs

to take a 10-5 lead.

The Rams would score once more in the seventh as did Trinity to end the game 11-6.

Michael Raymond took the loss for the Rams, pitching three innings and allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three.

FINAL

R

FRAMINGHAM STATE TRINITY

H

E

6 7 11 11

5 2

Framingham hosted Lesley in a 7-6 victory.

Lesley jumped out to the lead early, with a 5-2 lead at the end of the second inning. Lesley accounted for four of their five runs in the second inning. Framingham would put up two runs in the third inning to make the game 5-4.

Lesley would score again in the sixth inning to tie the game up, until Framingham scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Framingham walked off in the bottom of the ninth off a single from Wardell that scored Lippert and finish the game at 7-6.

Anthony Morrissey received the win for the Rams going two innings, while allowing no hits or runs and walking one and striking out two.

FINAL

R

H

E

LESLEY FRAMINGHAM STATE

6 12 7 13

2 1

FINAL

R

H

E

FRAMINGHAM STATE FITCHBURG STATE

8 7 5 12

1 4

MASCAC TOURNAMENT

Team Leaders through May 3, 2017 HITS MANNY POWERS RYAN WARDWELL KYLE PILESKI

RUNS BATTED IN 38 37 34

MANNY POWERS JORDAN PALLAZOLA RYAN WARDWELL

BATTING AVERAGE (50 AB) 34 30 27

RYAN WARDWELL MANNY POWERS ROBERT HIGGINS

Trivia This Week’s Answer: 1. Peyton Manning 2. Brett Favre 3. Drew Brees 4. Tom Brady 5. Dan Marino

6. John Elway 7. Warren Moon 8. Eli Manning 9. Fran Tarkenton 10 . Ben Roethlisberger

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

.349 .297 .293

MAY 5, 2017

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 43

Softball - Continued from page 41

By Jen Fortin Staff Writer The Lady Rams split a pair against Salem State last Thursday, winning the first 3-0 and losing the second 4-1.

Gunarathne pitched the full seven innings, walking five, striking out five, and allowed only three hits.

Infielders Anna Dziok and Boyle each went two-for-three and Downing singled in the fourth and hit a sac fly in the sixth scoring two runs.

The Rams third run was earned off a single by Boyle, who then advanced to third on a Salem State fielding error and allowed Dziok to score from second base.

FINAL

R

H

E

SALEM STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

0 3 3 10

1 0

The Rams struggled in game two against the Vikings, allowing all four runs to be scored in the first two innings.

With players on second and third after an FSU throwing error, a single brought in one run.

Then with the bases loaded, two more singles scored the other two runs of the inning.

In the top of the second, with the bases loaded again, a hit and fielder’s choice at second base allowed for the fourth run to be scored by the Vikings.

The Rams only run came in the bottom of the fifth, with a sac fly by Marissa Flynn, which scored Desrochers.

Pietersen pitched the full game and allowed eight hits, one walk and struck out three.

With this loss the Rams record their first loss in the conference, but still lead the MASCAC at 11-1.

FINAL

R

H

E

SALEM STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

4 1

8 4

1 2

The 1-0 loss against Bridgewater gives FSU their second loss in the MASCAC but the Rams finish the series at 12-2 in the conference.

Gunarathne only allowed three hits and one run to score, while striking out nine, topping her record for the season in strikeouts in a game.

Boyle and Dayna Marchant had the only hits in the game, each a single but did not reach home.

Bridgewater scored the only run of the game in the first inning, after leadoff hitter Breanna Shaffer hit a single. On the next two plays, Shaffer advanced the second and then third base and eventually scored off of a FSU wild pitch.

enth, after a run was walked in and a single with bases loaded tied the game.

In the top of the eighth, a single and double from Suffolk scored two. Two fly outs ended the inning, which gave the Rams the chance to battle back.

A strikeout and two ground outs ended the game and gave Suffolk the win.

FINAL

R

H

E

FINAL/8

R

H

E

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

1 0

3 2

1 0

SUFFOLK FRAMINGHAM STATE

5 3

8 5

4 1

Game two against the Bears was a lot more eventful for the teams, with a final score of 7-1 FSU. The Rams showed some energy right off the bat and scored three runs in the bottom of the first, with singles by Moody, Downing and Dziok’s home run brought in three.

The Bears scored one in the next inning to get on the board but the Rams answered in the bottom of the inning with two more runs. Framingham scored off of McGrail’s single and BSU defensive error.

FSU scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth, with a double from Downing allowing for Marchant to score. Downing then scored on a fielder’s choice with the out at second base.

Pietersen got the win on the mound for the Rams, allowing four hits, one run, one walk and striking out one.

FINAL

R

H

E

BRIDGEWATER STATE FRAMINGHAM STATE

1 4 7 12

1 1

FSU lost the first game against Suffolk University on Tuesday with a final score of 5-3, going into extra innings.

Gunarathne pitched 6.1 innings allowing six hits, four walks, three runs and striking out four. Pietersen went in to pitch the remaining 1.2 innings and had two hits, two runs and one walk against her.

Lauren Salisbury went two-for-four with two RBIs after hitting a double in the fifth inning, scoring Boyle and Flynn.

That same inning, the Rams got another run off of Boyle’s single to score Dziok to take the lead.

Suffolk scored two runs in the top of the sev-

In the second game against Suffolk, FSU secured the win in their last game of the regular season.

Kylie Boyle went three-for-three, hitting two singles and a double. Marchant, Moody, Dziok and Finacchiaro each went two-for-three.

Finacchiaro pitched the first five innings totaling five hits, three runs and one strikeout.

Pietersen closed the game pitching the last two innings allowing no hits, runs or walks.

The Rams put four runs on the board in the bottom of the third inning, beginning with Finacchiaro’s double and two RBIs. McGrail singled to left and Boyle doubled to right to score two more.

A solo homerun in the fourth put Suffolk on the board.

Two more runs scored in the top of the fifth, which was soon answered by FSU who also scored two in the bottom of the inning.

The 6-3 win for Framingham put them at 2711 for the season and first in the conference at 12-2.

FINAL

R

H

E

SUFFOLK FRAMINGHAM STATE

3 5 6 14

0 1

Team Leaders through May 3, 2017 HITS

RUNS BATTED IN

DAYNA MARCHANT 48 KYLIE BOYLE 37 MYCALA MOODY 37 ANNA DZIOK 36 MEGAN DOWNING 31

KAYLA FINACCHIARO 25 MEGAN DOWNING 21 ANNA DZIOK 18 KYLIE BOYLE 15 MARISSA FLYNN 15

BATTING AVERAGE (50 AB) MYCALA MOODY .398 DAYNA MARCHANT .384 ANNA DZIOK .343 KYLIE BOYLE .343 KAYLA FINACCHIARO .282

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