December 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST VOLUME 85 • ISSUE 12

FSUGATEPOST.COM

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Julia Sarcinelli/THE GATEPOST Freshman Aiyanna Neves, Sophomore Tanaja Jordan and Sophomore Abigaelle Daniel made stuffed animals at SUAB’s Build A Buddy for a Buddy event as part of Week of Kindness.

Hope-In-Action aims to unite FSU campus

By Cesareo Contreras Arts & Features Editor Born out of the results of the divisive 2016 election, the HopeIn-Action project serves to unite FSU through campus empowerment and unity, said Chon’tel Washington, director of the Cen-

ter for Inclusive Excellence (CIE).

During the CIE-sponsored Hope-In-Action launch event Monday, Dec. 5 in the Forum, Washington worked with students and faculty on a number of post-election based discussions to determine future events and initiatives that could become a

See HOPE-IN-ACTION page 4

FSU to establish new all-online bachelor’s degrees

By Kate Shane Staff Writer The Department of Academic Affairs is working to create additional online and hybrid courses to make classes more accessible to students, according to Scott

Greenberg, associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of continuing education.

“We would like to offer more degrees that can be obtained completely online,” said Greenberg.

The University has an online

See HYBRID COURSES page 3

FSU launches new diversity initiatives

By Sarah Sousa Staff Writer As a campus focused on diversity, FSU has been expanding current diversity initiatives as well as implementing new ones, according to Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion and

community engagement.

He said FSU’s diversity initiatives have expanded exponentially over the past few years.

Huddleston said the University is starting a vendor diversity inclusion initiative led by the business office. Vendors within the area from underserved and underrepresented communities,

such as, “Woman-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned businesses,” will be sought out for contracts to sell goods and services to the University.

He said it is a way to help those who have been “historically disadvantaged.”

A new recognition award called the Beacon Award will be pre-

sented to faculty or staff members who “help to advance inclusive excellence,” he said. This is a monthly award where a faculty or staff member is nominated and the recipient is surprised with the award.

The goal of the award is not

See DIVERSITY INITIATIVES page 6

INSIDE: OP/ED 9 • ARTS & FEATURES 11 • SPORTS 23

2 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board

Visiting Lecturer Dr. Éamonn Ó Ciardha

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Gomes Associate Editors Brittany Cormier Julia Sarcinelli News Editors Jessica Duff Bailey Morrison Asst. News Editors Kayllan Olicio Jillian Poland Arts & Features Editors Cesareo Contreras Cass Doherty Andrew Willoughby Asst. Arts & Features Editors Allison Wharton Tessa Jillson Sports Editors Matt Ferris Mike Ferris Asst. Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Amelia Foley Opinions Editor Phil McMullin Photos Editors Allie Gath Amanda Martin Darian O’Donnell Asst. Photos Editors Erin Fitzmaurice Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn Asst. Design Editor Emily Robinson Copy Editor William Mills-Curran Staff Writers Jen Fortin Liam Gambon Paola Florencio Nick Murphy Kate Shane Sarah Sousa Richard Tranfaglia Staff Photographer Nick Cunningham Joe Rydzefski Athena Venetsanakos 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

DECEMBER 9, 2016

By Jillian Poland Assistant News Editor What is your academic and employment background?

I did my Ph.D. on the exiled House of Stuart which spent most of the eighteenth century being banished or travelling from one European capital to the next, and in many ways, my academic career has reflected that. I started off teaching.

My first job was at the University of Toronto. Then I went to Notre Dame in Indiana. Then I went back to Ireland and spent two years as a post-doc at Trinity College, Dublin.

Then I got a job at the university I’m at now, which is the University of Ulster, which is in the Northern part of Ireland. ... But in that interim, I’ve held visiting professorships in Germany at the University of the Saarland in Saabrücken, The University of Vienna - that was last fall - and this semester I have the great pleasure of being at Framingham State University.

What brought you to FSU? I run the study-abroad program on one of the four campuses of Ulster University, which is the campus in Derry, which is the second city in Northern Ireland. … We have a longstanding relationship with Framingham State. We always get a few students. I have a great relationship and strong friendships with the international office here, so my visiting professorship effectively stemmed from that. So, as well as teaching here, I’m also doing a little bit of recruitment, you know, in talking to students about study abroad. It’s a wonderful opportunity.

Knowing what you do about living in the United States, how was it a different experience to grow up in Ireland?

I don’t see an enormous amount of difference between students. You know, I’ve taught in six countries.

Always the class is a mixed bag you’ll have some absolutely firstrate students, you’ll have students who are very good, but who tend to be shy. Sometimes, I suppose, the types of classes I teach … it’s often hard to draw students out. I think

that American students, they tend to put up their hand during a lecture. They tend to ask questions.

They tend to stop you in full flow, which I really like because it breaks the monotony of me droning on, but also shows that they have an interest. I also think it’s good for students to hear a different accent.

I have a lot in common with many of my colleagues, but I also have a different experience. The Ph.D. program in the U.S. has, I think, a lot of advantages over ours. It’s

Jillian Poland /THE GATEPOST

longer and it’s involves a lot of exam. … I wrote my Ph.D. in Cambridge at university in England and I went in the first day and a very nice professor handed us a booklet and said, “Here’s how you write a Ph.D., now go on and do it.” I met my supervisor, who was a Catholic priest - brilliant man. He didn’t have a TV. He didn’t have a radio.

He didn’t use a computer or a typewriter. We talked. He would meet me on Saturday night … and we’d just talk. He’d take out a bottle of whiskey and he’d pour me a large glass - he wouldn’t have one himself because he would be saying mass the next day - and we’d talk.

It’s a different education and it’s a different academic culture.

What is it like to transfer between universities?

I’ve been teaching for most of 25 years, but my first day in class I always feel like a freshman. Because in many ways, you are a freshman.

I’m always terrified walking in - not terrified, but, you know, you have accrued a certain amount of ability as a lecturer, as a scholar. I pretty much know what I’m talking about, or at least I should at this stage,

but at the same time, when you walk in front of a class you never know what to expect, in the same way the students don’t know what to expect. But I actually like that.

What’s something your students would be surprised to know about you?

I could say this generally about American students that I’ve taught, they’re probably surprised about how much I would know about American culture, and I’m not talking about beat poetry or rap music. I’m talking Western films, Western soap operas and shows like “Rawhide” or “The High Chaparral,” shows like “Bonanza” that you’ve never heard of. But we were fed on a stable diet of these in the 1970s. … And I’m also very interested in American politics, and I always have been.

What advice would you give FSU students?

It’s very easy for me to sit here as somebody who went to university nearly 30 years ago, but university is the best time of your life. It is challenging. … It’s a different type of education. … But it’s not just about education. You meet people.

You might meet your husband or your wife at university. You’ll definitely meet some of the best friends you’ll ever have in university. I think that’s important. Universities evolved from monasteries and have become businesses, and that is a shame. … We do put a monetary value on your degree. Sadly, you know exactly what it cost you at the end. But I think it’s important to remember that it’s more than that. … There’s enormous pressure on students to do what they call in the U.K. the STEM subjects, and that’s absolutely fine, there’s a place for that. But I think it’s also important to do what you want what you’re passionate about. Because at the end of the day, I did history and people told me - members of family told me - I was wasting my time and I would never get a job. I’ve worked in six countries.

I do a job that sometimes is challenging, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else. It’s a cliché, but it’s true - if you enjoy your job you’ll never work a day in your life.

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 3

Hybrid courses Continued from page 1 bachelor’s degree program in liberal studies. In the future, online bachelor’s degrees in management and sociology will be created, Greenberg said.

One goal is to create programs that provide “an opportunity for students who can’t get to the campus for some reason or have so many responsibilities at home that it would allow them the flexibility of learning online,” he added.

Benjamin Alberti, chair of the sociology department, said he supports the initiative, but there is a “stumbling block.”

The two research analysis classes for sociology majors involve a software program. “Often, it is really helpful for the professor to be hovering over the shoulder of the student learning.

So, how do you recreate that level of contact in an online environment? One possible solution is Blackboard Collaborate - there, you’d at least have virtual contact with the professor’s computer screen and your groupmates.

We need to do some experimenting to see if it works out,” said Alberti.

He said he values the face-toface classroom environment, but sees the flexibility of an online education.

Alberti added, “Imagine a fully online degree? In the same classroom, you could have people from all over the world, learning together and from each other.”

Greenberg said the online winter intersession offers 21 courses this year.

The session is helpful during the winter when inclement weather prohibits students from getting to school, he said.

“It provides an alternative for students who are motivated and self-directed learners to take a course from their own homes and not have to go out and travel to the campus during the winter months,” he said.

Junior Reid Burkis-Oelerich said the flexibility of a hybrid course works well for a commuter like himself. “It’s more convenient to do it from my home instead of dealing with poor weather conditions.”

Freshman Thomas Rice said, “I think it’s pretty cool. Being able to complete the four-year degree from home works well for those of us who have busy work schedules.”

Registration for the 2017 winter intersession is now open.

Greenberg said two accelerated sessions are offered during the fall and spring semesters.

The sessions are eight weeks, and most are held entirely online or

gree program, and he believes a high-quality program is possible.

He said the conflict is that high-quality education has its costs.

He added, “When I’m thinking about these online programs …

“Imagine a fully online degree? In the same classroom, you could have people from all over the world, learning together and from each other.”

- Benjamin Alberti, chair of the sociology

offered as hybrid courses.

“It helps those students who are looking to accelerate their degree and like that intense experience,” he said.

Robert Donohue, professor of psychology and faculty union president, said online class offerings are necessary for students whose circumstances do not allow them to be in the physical classroom.

“The administration appreci-

“It helps those students who are looking to accelerate their degree and like that intense experience.”

- Scott Greenberg, associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of continuing education. ates that online classes really require a lot more work per student oftentimes than do face-to-face classes,” he said.

Donohue said he does support having an online bachelor’s de-

people are saying students require it. Well, the reason students require it is because students can’t devote themselves to being students. They have to work and earn money to survive financially.”

Donohue said, “Higher ed is jumping through all kinds of hoops trying to create all kinds of workarounds to allow students to pursue higher education under these terrible circumstances.”

Students need to be aware that the cost of a degree from Massachusetts public higher education institutions is higher than outof-state universities, he said.

Linda Vaden-Goad, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said there are several benefits to offering online and hybrid courses.

“Technology offers us astounding flexibility,” she said.

She said hybrid classes provide a good mix of independent work and some face-to-face time. Online classes allow students who have busy work schedules to fit their classes in.

“People can work on their classes from wherever they are, at whatever time they want. They are good for trying to accommodate today’s modern life. Online classes are terrific for people who do shift work or have a family, or perhaps are taking care of somebody who is ill,” she said.

Vaden-Goad said hybrid courses allow for students to be to-

gether in a traditional learning environment which facilitates relationships among them.

According to Framingham. edu, online courses are offered in 18 subject areas, which include graduate degree programs.

In the continuing education department, 48 completely online courses and 11 hybrid courses were offered in the undergraduate program during the fall semester. Also, 95 sections of online courses and eight sections of hybrid courses were offered during the summer of 2016, said Greenberg.

Mark Powers, university registrar and executive director of student record and registration services, said for Fall 2016, there are three completely online and 18 hybrid courses in the day division.

English professor Lynn Parker teaches an online section of The American Short Story during the winter and summer.

She said this 200-level course is popular because it allows students to fulfill a general education requirement.

“We have an analysis forum.

It is not a standard discussion board. The students have to engage with each other and respond to each other,” she said.

The students can expand upon each other’s ideas, she added.

Parker said the format of the course is “either a series of units that each have a test, or it will be the standard essay, midterm and final,” Students in English professor Kristin Comment’s 300-level poetry class, Whitman, Dickinson, and Frost, said there were pros and cons to taking a hybrid course.

Junior Cameron Grieves said, “My experience is that in class, we have a lot of good discussion [face-to-face] and it’s very presentation-orientated, versus a more traditional essay approach.”

He said the online aspect “isn’t as engaging.”

Junior Jackie Carlson said, “I wish we met more than once per week. It’s hard to have relationships with my peers.”

Junior Erin Dempsey said, “The online discussion is just as engaging, if not more so. People have time to thoroughly contribute to create a great dialogue.”

CONNECT WITH KATE SHANE kshane@student.framingham.edu

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4 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Hope-In-Action

Alexandra Gomes/THE GATEPOST

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST

The Hope-In-Action project was created in response to the Unity Rally.

Continued from page 1 part of the Hope-In-Action project.

Those in attendance discussed specific ideas, topics and initiatives which were created based on student and faculty comments and suggestions following the rally and Unity Walk, said Washington.

Some discussions concerned workshops on understanding legal citizenship, sensitivity training and mental health. Others focused on events and initiatives, such as a support group for survivors of sexual assault and a vigil for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Washington defined these ideas as action team topics. Each team had a designated leader - a professor or student who served as the main facilitator of that table’s discussion.

Senior Teofilo Barbalho, a major proponent of the project, said, “A lot of the things that are going to be happening within the next four years are going to impact a lot different aspects of social, educational and everyday life. What we want to plan are upcoming events that target every single one of those aspects. Hopefully, it

won’t be just student-led or just faculty-led, but a mix so we can unite everybody on campus.”

From these discussions, Washington said she hopes to plan more Hope-In-Action events and encourage more open dialogues on campus regarding the community members’ thoughts post-election.

Freshman Matthew Bennet was the team leader for the discussion on conducting political conversations with family members while on break and the planning of the six-month anniversary vigil for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

The vigil will be held on Dec. 12.

In the group discussion, Bennnet worked with faculty members to plan out the vigil and honoring those who lost their lives during the shooting.

Along with the vigil, one participant suggested placing an assortment of rainbow flags around campus.

Sociology professor Patricia Sánchez-Connally led an action team discussion on planning future workshops led by the civil-rights groups The Muslim Justice League and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Sánchez-Connally said FSU will be participating in a community discussion focused on racial and religious political profiling and surveillance in collaboration with the Muslim Justice League, Additionally, she said she wanted to help educate those who are interested in becoming more politically literate.

The American Civil Liberties Union discussion would be a basic workshop detailing the rights FSU students have as citizens, she said.

She said she also wanted to address the concerns of students and faculty “who are unable to come out of the shadows” when it comes to their legal status in the U.S. In an interview with The Gatepost, Sánchez-Connallysaid there are large number of undocumented FSU students, some of which have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website, DACA allows undocumented immigrants who came here as children to remain in the United States if they meet certain requirements, such as being an active student.

“They have a Social Security

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number, they have work permits, but don’t receive financial aid or have a path to legalization,” Sánchez-Connally said.

She added the election results “hit them hard because they are in school right now and we don’t know what that means for them.”

Freshman Molly Roach said the turnout of students and faculty at the launch gave her hope.

“I think it’s really important that so many students and faculty members were here,” she said. “It really shows what kind of campus we are, and having the event really solidified what we have to do and how we are going to get it done.”

The Hope-In-Action project was conceptualized out of the Unity Walk and rally, which happened last month, said junior Jackson Stevens, one of the main proponents and organizers of the group.

“There’s a lot of hate in society right now post-election, and having something to unite the campus instead of dividing it is really important, especially in this political climate,” Stevens said. “We want all those students who vocalized some feeling about being unsafe to feel much more comfortable on campus.”

DECEMBER 9, 2016

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NEWS | 5

Hope-In-Action

Erin Fitzmauricea/THE GATEPOST The Hope-In-Action launch event occurred on Monday, Dec. 5 in the Forum.

Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion, community and engagement said Hope-InAction is an effort in which any student or faculty member can take part.

“Really, Hope-In-Action is an umbrella idea open for anyone who has something that is related to and connected to this idea of unity on our campus. It’s not an administrative initiative at all. It really is something where everybody can own a different part of

innovate and motivate each other,” she said. “Hope-In-Action did this during the discussion and the rally, and this must continue because many people need to be educated and many people need that support.”

Barbalho said Hope-In-Action events allows students to voice their opinions in a calm and accepting environment and he believes the conversations stemming from those events are “crucially important.”

““If you were at the [post election] discussion you heard a lot of people crying and who were scared. Me, personally, I spoke there and said I was scared. This whole initiative has given me so much hope.”

- Teofilio Barbalho, senior it, whether it be faculty wanting to do their thing or staff doing something, but absolutely first and foremost [it’s about] students,” he said.

Junior Estefany Gonzalez said she thinks it’s important HopeIn-Action exist because “the feelings and reactions might have faded away since election night.

However, the reality and its effects do not fade away.

“We all have the right to feel a part of our community, to voice our fears and opinions as well as

He added, “If you were at the [post election] discussion you heard a lot of people crying and who were scared. Me, personally, I spoke there and said I was scared.

This whole initiative has given me so much hope. I already feel better about the next four years.”

Washington said Hope-In-Action events can serve as a platform for students to use their “power to find hope through action.”

She added, “Hope-In-Action is more just than just the action

teams which were created. They Joanna Dreby, an associate proare things that already exist. It’s fessor from the University Albabasically about getting involved ny, SUNY with expertise in imand putting yourself into differ- migration, family and children, ent situations and challenging according to the University of Alyourself to learn about something bany, SUNY’s website. you might not know much about.”

Sociology professor Lina Sánchez-Connally hopes to use Rincón, who invited Dreby to Hope-In-Action events to break campus, said the discussion in down misconceptions about mi- the CIE went well, as participants nority groups. were able to hear “personal sto“It’s about making sure we shut ries that touch us all. down any rhetoric surrounding “Of course, this is a very imracism, homophobia and xeno- portant moment to have this phobia,” she said. “We want to conversation as we are going to make sure that everyone, regard- have a new president who has anless of whether you’re part of a nounced that he is going to make minority group, is an agent of some important changes in immichange.” gration reform and law, she said.

In addition to action team “It’s important to have these conbased initiatives, the CIE has cre- versations and understand these ated a new training series, “Brave experiences, but also take action Space,” and has starting co-spon- and support people and our famisoring Hope-In-Action focused ly members.” events with other departments on The Hope-In-Action project is campus. beneficial as it works to unite the In Brave Space training ses- student body, she said. However, sions, students will learn about it will be difficult to include all and discuss social justice topics, parts of the campus. according to an email sent out to She said, “I think the chalstudents from the Center. lenge for people like me organizLast Monday, the Center host- ing these, or students organized its first session which focused ing these events, is going to be on LGBTQ+ training. spreading the word to groups who Last Friday, the CIE held an aren’t the usual suspects, so you open panel discussion concerning aren’t preaching to the choir.”

FSU students, faculty and staff, and their immigrant experiences.

The event was a collaborative CONNECT WITH CESAREO CONTRERAS effort among the CIE, the sociolo- ccontreras@student.framingham.edu gy department, Brother to Brother and the Arts & Ideas committee.

Featured on the panel was Dr.

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6 | NEWS

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

Diversity initiatives

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST The CIE hosts Community Conversations to address global issues and promote diversity and inclusion.

Continued from page 1 only to recognize those who are known for promoting diversity and inclusion, but to recognize the “unsung heroes,” said Huddleston.

He said it is important to recognize those who are the face of the University as well as those

open to any student with a minimum 2.25 GPA, but is especially welcoming to underrepresented students such as students of color, first-generation students, and low-income students.

He said, a Hillel group for Jewish students will be started this year.

As a part of the Faculty Inclu-

ty is infused into the curriculum,” said Huddleston.

Additionally, FSU recently instituted a preferred-name policy which allows students a safe environment where their preferred names will appear on classroom rosters and student IDs. Also, Huddleston said the number of gender-neutral bathrooms

“The CIE, I think, is doing its best to include individuals from every aspect of life and every walk of life.”

- Olivia DiFranco, senior

who are more behind-the-scenes.

A new program called The Pathways Internship Program is in the works, said Huddleston.

According to Framingham.edu, the program provides internship opportunities through local businesses for students who do not meet the GPA requirements of the CHOICE program.

Huddleston said the program is

sive Excellence Institute, Widening the Circle is in its third year.

According to Framingham.edu, Widening the Circle is a series of workshops that “assists with advancing Inclusive Excellence,” by incorporating themes of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the classroom such as curriculum design and in-class discussion.

It is geared toward helping faculty members “make sure diversi-

increased last year.

Huddleston said something not often associated with FSU’s diversity initiatives is the MetroWest College Planning Center, which is a partnership between MassBay Community College and FSU. Huddleston said, the MetroWest College Planning Center’s 100 Males to College Initiative involves 100 low-income or minority males from Keefe Techni-

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cal High School and Framingham High School in their sophomore or junior years. These students are guided through the process of transitioning to higher education after high school ends. The goal is for these young men to attend either MassBay Community College or Framingham State and get involved with Brother to Brother (B2B).

Huddleston emphasized the importance of student-led activities, such as B2B and M.I.S.S. (Motivation.

Intersectionality.

Solidarity. Sisterhood).

Students need to be involved in advancing diversity initiatives because “students have great ideas,” said Huddleston.

He said the FSU community will continue to celebrate the seven heritage months throughout the course of the school year.

Huddleston noted the importance of collaborating with all divisions of the University to promote diversity and inclusion.

The marketing program promotes diversity by using photographs of FSU students in advertising to demonstrate the diversity of the campus as opposed to the stock photos other universities may use, he said.

“We’re not talking the talk.

DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 7

Diversity initiatives This is who we actually are,” said Huddleston.

He said, “I’m just really excited and feel very honored to work at a university where the diversity and inclusion doesn’t just exist in my office and it doesn’t just exist in our division. … Our job is to not own it, but is to franchise it so everybody has the opportunity to own it.”

Diversity and inclusion has not just been “embraced,” but has been “prioritized,” said Huddleston.

Chon’tel Washington, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE), said her main goal is “to connect more students to the center and the work that we’re doing.”

Washington said the College Planning Center and the CIE “work closely together” to advance diversity. She hopes to promote the center and “the different events that are coming out of it.”

Senior Hannah Blanco said, “I feel like diversity is well-recognized. … I feel like there is an immense number of events that can attract different groups of people.”

Washington added it is important that students are actively involved to learn about each other and from each other, which will create a more welcoming and understanding community.

There are student-led clubs that are continuing to grow, such as B2B and M.I.S.S. Also, a latino student club called Latinos Unidos “N” Acion has been formed.

Sophomore Katie Brewer said, “There are a bunch of different clubs and classes that promote diversity. The clubs, classes and guest speakers are diversified.”

Washington added, the CIE runs Community Conversations.

Discussions about sex-trafficking and cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes are designed to promote diversity and inclusion.

She said the purpose is “bringing people to have conversations on different topics that are of importance within our community.”

Senior Olivia DiFranco said, “The CIE, I think, is doing its best to include individuals from every aspect of life and every walk of life.”

Washington said she hopes to bring everyone together across the campus, including students and faculty, and wants to “get the word out there about the CIE.”

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST Chon’tel Washington, director of the CIE, urges the FSU community to attend events and utilize the CIE space.

The CIE’s move to O’Connor Hall will hopefully be beneficial because of its central location on State Street, said Washington.

Washington hopes to promote the move by bringing students and faculty together to decorate

people as well,” said Washington.

She said, “This is definitely not a place for one type of student.

We want the community to come together here.”

Junior Jackson Stevens, an intern at the CIE, said FSU is “pro-

“I’m just really excited and feel very honored to work at a university where the diversity and inclusion doesn’t just exist in my office and it doesn’t just exist in our division.”

- Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion and community engagement.

the new center and to “get more students in the door,” she said.

“I am definitely open to meeting everyone on campus. I want to meet you. I want you to come in.

I want you to have your opinions and share and tell people about yourself and learn from other

inclusion so much. When a new face comes in, it shows our work is effective.”

He said it is important students recognize “it’s not just a space for minority students.”

Junior Laura Brathwaite said, “I think the University does a pretty god job with inclusiveness, but it’s pretty disheartening to hear about ‘white power’ and swastikas being written on the bathroom walls and in incidents like that, we’re told they’re investigating, but we never really hear anything after that.”

Junior Christine Connolly said, “Honestly, I think Framingham can do a better job with inclusion.

A majority of people on this campus are white. When I sit in my classes, it’s always a sea of white faces with the occasional person of color. It makes me feel out of place. Better yet, uncomfortable.

Getting emails about graffiti on the walls that supports racism is really upsetting.

She added, “With the little bit of diversity that this campus has, the only place that I feel a sense of inclusion is the Center for Inclusive Excellence. That’s a safe place. I know when I go there that I won’t be judged for who I am and what I look like.”

moting an environment for learning and accepting one another’s differences.”

Stevens said, however, that most of the same students are showing up at events, but “when we see a new face, I get excited CONNECT WITH SARAH SOUSA because this campus is promoting ccontreras@student.framingham.edu

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

SGA discusses icy conditions and gym equipment

By Kayllan Olicio Assistant News Editor Students voiced concerns about icy conditions at the SGA meeting on Dec. 6.

During open forum, several senators expressed concern about the icy conditions on campus due to the snowfall that occurred on Dec. 5. Worries about unsalted stairs outside Horace Mann Hall were expressed along with multiple sidewalks along West Hall.

Senator Fallon Soye said, “The heated steps by West were not on and there was no salt on them. I noticed even going down the step from McCarthy to West that entire path was all ice.”

Senator Mike O’Brien addressed the lack of press machines in the University gym. He also brought forward concerns about the outdated equipment.

He said, “I think we should invest in new machines - a lot of people use the gym.”

The History Club was allocated $19,078 for their spring break trip to Philadelphia, which will

Athena Venetsanakos/THE GATEPOST Senators raised concerns about walkway conditions during the winter months.

take place on March 12th-16th.

SGA approved the Politics Club and Latinos Unidos N’Accion (LUNA) constitutions.

Senator Soye, who sits on the All University Committee, reported on additional classes being added for the upcoming semesters. One of the new classes is a general education course.

She said, “They also added a civic literacy definition which is going to be implemented for all students. It’s basically another gen. ed. I don’t believe that applies to us right now.”

In other news • Senator Sarah Horwitz presented Senator Steven

Demeo with the U-ROCK award.

• Senator Seth Signa was selected as the senator of the month award.

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THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016 THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Finding hope through action Universities across the country are still processing and reacting to the results of the 2016 election.

Many college students favored Hillary Clinton. A Gatepost survey revealed nearly 60 percent of FSU students supported her over President-elect Donald Trump.

So it came as no surprise when several students who were upset and disappointed by the election results organized a Unity Walk and rally to vent their frustrations and unite the campus.

Following the walk and rally, Hope-In-Action was created - an “umbrella term” for events and initiatives directly related to uniting the campus post-election, according to Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion and campus engagement.

So far, there have been two events tied to Hope-InAction - a discussion on the immigrant experience in the CIE and the movement’s own launch event.

So what can FSU expect from Hope-In-Action?

We at The Gatepost have a few ideas we hope the creators and leaders of Hope-In-Action will consider.

First, we recommend an open forum with administrators for FSU students to voice their concerns and ask questions directly related to the results of the election, such as the University’s stance on the big issues, including immigration and climate change.

Hearing whether the University has changed its stance on these issues due to recent political events, or if it will hold onto its prior policies, could assuage many fears students might have.

We would also like to see more educational events on the big political issues we face today, with credible speakers and expert panelists. The more informed the FSU community is, the better decisions we can make in future elections.

A talk about the issues surrounding immigration law is a great start. Discussions concerning the refugee crisis, the deteriorating environment, healthcare and rising student debt should be next.

By hosting events specifically related to student action in politics and global issues, Hope-In-Action has the ability to involve the FSU community on topics that are clearly very important to students.

We at The Gatepost believe a discussion most needed on campus is about the First Amendment, and the respect all FSU community members should show each other, regardless of their political opinions.

The rally and Unity Walk are prime examples of FSU students’ abilities to support each other and express their opinions in a productive manner. Learning about how to best interact with someone with whom you may have fundamental differences is vital in this divisive political climate.

Finally, we believe it is imperative that FSU administrators remain publically neutral about the election results.

While supporting Hope-In-Action, and other events on campus meant to unite the community, is expected and necessary, voicing personal political opinions to an entire community when one is in a position of power and authority may alienate those who don’t agree.

Administrators should be guiding students - not influencing their opinions one way or another.

Hope-In-Action is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and administrators to create an inclusive environment in which all are well educated on the big issues of the day, and feel safe on campus, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation and political or religious beliefs.

This is a University. Universities are the one place students have the ability to formulate ideas and take action on them.

Don’t let this opportunity go to waste.

OP/ED | 9

OP/ED

Shayna Yacyshyn/THE GATEPOST

Campus Conversations How do you feel about Hope-In-Action?

By: Allison Wharton and Amanda Martin

1

“It gives people the opportunity to be themselves.”

-Mary Ackerley, sophomore

2 1

-Ian Plant, sophomore

2 3 4

3

5

4

6

“Solidarity after controversial situations can be good.”

“I think it’s a big step forward.”

-Natalie Chaprazian, freshman “It’s nice to see rallies in these big cities being implemented on campus.”

-Garret Lien, freshman

5

“People are so involved. It’s great.”

6

“It’s pretty cool. It’s good to bring people together.”

-Molly Fennessey, junior

-Brianna Spagna, junior

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

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THE GATEPOST

10 | OP/ED

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Provoked by flag burning, Trump threatens First Amendment Burning the flag of one’s country has always been frowned upon.

I agree with this disapproval. There is nothing short of an act of violence that is more insulting to our veterans and all other citizens working tirelessly to protect and improve our nation.

At the same time, I suppose, if a person decides to burn the U.S. flag, they are probably quite content to garner disapproval. Surely, the entire intent behind their action is to lend insult.

Although, while the general concept of flag burning appears to be an immature and disrespectful way to express oneself, I can imagine scenarios in which I would pull out the ol’ Zippo and ignite the stars and stripes.

If I had been oppressed by my own country.

If I saw police brutalizing my community, unprovoked and without consequence.

If I felt my right to decide the fate of my own body was being taken away from me.

If I heard threats of mandatory religious registrations because some hate me for my faith.

If I feared conversion therapy because I was

caught falling for the wrong type of person.

In those scenarios, I imagine burning the flag would seem a fairly reserved method of protest.

Burning a flag is insulting to the nation that’s true. But, maybe a nation which has continuously abused minorities for centuries deserves to be insulted, sometimes.

Perhaps we should evaluate why a piece of fabric set on fire provokes the emotional outrage that disappears when the lives of our fellow human beings are at stake.

Will we not have sympathy for those protesting mistreatment? Or will we remain too isolated by our own pride and politics to see the humanity in others?

I imagine most people burning the U.S. flag already feel isolated, and I think it is a counterproductive response to isolate them further. It will solve nothing.

Unfortunately, our President-elect, Donald Trump, disagrees. On Nov. 29, he tweeted, “Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!”

It’s pathetic when our new commander in chief is tweeting out threats like a middle-school bully. But, besides pathetic, it’s frightening. He is not just threatening protesters who burn flags - he is threatening our first amendment right to free speech.

Justice requires a cautious, thoughtful delicacy that was disturbingly absent from Trump’s vengeful tone. He has lashed out in the same infantile way in the past, and will most likely continue to do so. Perhaps his next order of business will be to deport anyone kneeling during the National Anthem.

As citizens, we must be cautious of a man who would be so flippant about our most fundamental of freedoms.

I understand flag burning provokes a visceral anger in many people and I think in most cases, it is unnecessary and disrespectful. At the same time, I would rather watch someone destroy a symbol of freedom than the freedom itself.

Phil McMullin Opinions Editor

Letter to the Editor Around December, when the semester starts winding down, during class we all take a short 10-minute break from projects and lectures to fill out evaluations for our professors about how they’ve done in the semester. My first year here, I thought course evaluations were a great way for students to let their voices be heard about how the course was taught so that, over time, the course instructor could adjust their teaching style so students could get the most out of the courses we pay for. As a junior, I am starting to question that belief because of the patterns I’ve noticed when it comes time to register for classes.

Like most students, before I register for classes, I compile a list of potential classes and ask my friends around campus about them and how the professor teaches. I also use ratemyprofessor.com if I need to outsource

beyond my friends to get multiple students perspectives on a professor’s teaching style.

Now kids, the internet is a wonderful place where people can say whatever they want and, unfortunately, that’s also the drawback.

Because you can post things anonymously, you have no idea what biases or truths there are to the posts about each professor. For all I know, it could be an angry student who wasn’t happy with their grade and wants to get back at them on the internet, but that’s all I have.

In my experience, some students don’t give a second thought about how they’re rating the professors because they thought the class was OK, but there are other students who can’t wait to get an evaluation form to let the higher-ups know what they really think of that professor, so they can make whatever changes necessary to prevent another student

from going through the same negative experience they did that semester. I don’t believe that the evaluations truly can give an accurate insight in how each individual student is thinking when you put it in a standardized test form that a student could just randomly fill to leave class early.

As a student, I don’t think that we are really informed about the power evaluations have on how the course will be taught in the future and I think there can be a better way to get a student’s input on the class besides a standardized test.

Raysam Donkoh-Halm Opinions Editor

Have an opinion? Feel free to email it to gatepost@framingham.edu.

Opinions should be about 500 words. Anyone can submit. We look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 11

ARTS & FEATURES Video Game: Overwatch

Best of 2016

T.V. Show: Designated Survivor

By Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor

By Shayna Yacyshyn Editorial Staff

With a growing roster of 23 playable characters and 15 maps, “Overwatch” is not only the best game of 2016, but also a breath of fresh air in a genre packed with calls of duty and battlefields.

Like many, I was hopeful yet apprehensive when Blizzard announced its first foray into the online FPS genre. But after playing one round back in May during the game’s open beta, I was instantly hooked.

“Overwatch” is a fast-paced online shooter with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Unlike many of its contemporaries, if you don’t work as a team and coordinate attacks, flanks and defense strategies, your team is sure to lose.

No matter their play style, each player is sure to find a character or two that they like playing as, so experiment - play a round or two with each character and keep at it with the ones that stick.

The game is the most rewarding

Only airing three months ago, “Designated Survivor” is already the greatest T.V. series of 2016.

The plot of “Designated Survivor” is exactly what it sounds like.

Low-level cabinet member, Tom Kirkman, is rapidly sworn into office after an unexpected terrorist attack on the night of the State of the Union address. The traumatic attack wiped out the entire presidential staff, including most of the Cabinet.

In the case of such an event, a designated survivor is named the president.

Kirkman, the designated survivor for the night, never imagined his life would turn so quickly. In a single second he was catapulted into the oval office, leaving his old life behind and taking on immeasurable tasks he had never foreseen.

Not only was he now the President of the United States, but he

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when you and a couple friends hop online and experiment with new strategies and team compositions.

“Overwatch” bursts with charm.

The art style and animated shorts that tell the game’s story are on par with Pixar. Each character in the diverse cast has their own personality - from the quirky and energetic Tracer to the grim and comically stoic Reaper to the absolutely insane pyromaniac Junkrat.

“Overwatch” is sure to remain popular years into the future as Blizzard regularly updates the game with new maps, game modes and characters, so it’ll never be too late to pick it up.

Netflix original: The Crown

Makeup product: Tartelette in Bloom

By Erin Fitzmaurice Editorial Staff

By Bailey Morrison Editorial Staff

Queen Elizabeth II has been the reigning monarch of England for over 60 years.

Through all of the publicity, it can be hard to view her as a real person.

When her father’s lungs start failing, it is clear that she needs to get ready to become the new sovereign.

“The Crown” walks viewers through Elizabeth’s rise to the throne and the difficulties she goes through becoming not only a wife and mother, but also the ruler of multiple nations.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the rest of Cabinet have to adjust to their new Queen and guide her through the life of politics.

Drama fills this historical fiction piece as the new Queen strives to deal with her new position and keeping her family and country both happy and free from public humiliation.

“The Crown” is the perfect T.V.

The Tartelette in Bloom palette was released in early 2016 from the cult-favorite brand Tarte. The palette has 12 shades - nine matte and three luster. The four neutral shades are perfect for creating an everyday eye look and the five darker shades for creating a classic smoky eye.

Each shadow is infused with Amazonian clay - this ingredient isn’t just used to create the creamy texture to the powder shades, it is also good for your skin.

If you are looking for one palette to wear every day - I recommend this one. The neutral shades in this palette are perfect for the subtle look many people implement into their everyday makeup routine.

Tartelette in Bloom is my favorite eyeshadow palette of the year because the shades are not only

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show for any history buff.

From the first episode to the end, the writers stay true to the background of the Royal family’s lives and what happened in England during the first year of Elizabeth’s reign.

The costume and set design really brings the viewer into 1950s royal life. The differences in style and appearance between nobles and regular citizens give a helpful reminder to how different the two classes were even just a few decades ago.

The Crown is genuinely a pristine Netflix viewing experience.

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was also responsible for finding the world’s most wanted terrorist.

What sets “Designated Survivor” apart from other thriller shows is the element of reality.

The fact that a semi-random designated survivor, who is 19th in line to becoming president, could be sworn into office in the blink of an eye, is crazy! The suspenseful narrative and constant jawdrop work perfectly to captivate the viewer.

It is not too late to hop on the “Designated Survivor” train - go catch up on OnDemand now!

tarte.com

vibrant and pigmented, but the formula makes the application of the shadows easy as well. This palette is good for beginners because of the lighter shades and workability of the shadows and more experienced makeup artists can have fun with the variety of shades. The ingredients in this palette are vegan-friendly and the brand Tarte formulates all their makeup without Parabens or Phthalates.

My favorite feature of this palette is the range in the shades that work together to create seamless shadow combinations.

Bonus: It smells like vanilla!

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12 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Best of 2016

EP: Wriggle by Clipping

Album: Nonagon Infinity

By Andrew Willooghby Arts & Features Editor

By Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor

“Wriggle” is the first of two projects released by Clipping this year.

The hip-hop trio fronted by Hamilton’s Daveed Diggs also released a highly conceptual full-length record in September. “Splendor and Misery” was quite the departure from Clipping’s signature sound of harsh noise and heavy sampling of field recordings.

However, we have “Wriggle” to balance the things out.

The EP kicks off with usual Clipping fare - Diggs’ blazing fast bars with no accompanied instrumental until the final line followed by a blast of static. Clipping has started almost all previous projects with similar intros and they never fail to impress.

From here we have “Shooter,” a song that comments on the countless shootings that have occurred in the U.S. in recent years. Diggs’ verses are accompanied by one of Clipping’s catchiest beats to date.

One of the busiest bands of the decade, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - along with having the greatest band name of all time have put out the most ambitious album of 2016.

“Nonagon Infinity” technically has nine tracks and is 42 minutes long, but it could be argued that it’s one never-ending song. When played on repeat, the last track, “Road Train” transitions seamlessly into the album’s opener, “Robot Stop.” While it may seem like a gimmick at first, the album is an absolute pleasure to listen to on repeat.

“Nonagon Infinity” is a literal nonstop ride of psychedelic progressive rock that flows flawlessly from hard-rock to metal to funk.

King Gizzard doesn’t stay on one idea for too long, they know exactly when to switch up the sound to make sure there isn’t one dull mo-

clipping.

According to the band, the chorus is made up of audio of actual firearms they recorded themselves.

The title track on this EP is by far Clipping’s best work. Featuring samples of the vocals from industrial music legends Whitehouse’s “Wriggle like a Fucking Eel,” which start out recognizable, but once the chorus hits they become their own instrument that plays along with the energetic and stuttering beat.

I haven’t even touched upon the fantastic features from S.B. the Moor and Nailah Middleton, so give this EP a listen, you’ll not be let down.

Single: Frankie Sinatra

Performance: Selena Gomez

By Phill McMullin Editorial Staff

By Tessa Jillson Asst. Arts & Features Editor

“The Avalanches” released the best single of the year. Although it boasted two big name features and a catchy chorus which would be well received at any party - it received very little attention, at least in the U.S. Rappers Danny Brown and MF Doom were recruited to the project, which was an unlikely pairing of rappers. Brown’s obnoxiously crass vocals are contrasted by Doom’s more reserved and clever lyricism.

The combination was a success, and the two keep the energy alive throughout the track. Their rhymes and delivery sound particularly enthusiastic, especially for another band’s song. Each of the iconic rappers seem to try to match the skill of the other, feeding off the mutual energy.

Hailing from Australia, “The Avalanches are known for their electronic music. On this track, they decided to make heavy use of a sample from a calypso record called “Brains.” The

On May 28 Selena Gomez performed her heart out on the TD Garden stage and had the crowd roaring.

Recently diagnosed with Lupus, Gomez appeared stronger than ever, spreading the message of hope and love, while praising God’s grace.

The concert started at 7:30 with performances by Bea Miller and DNCE. Gomez took the stage at 9:30.

According to fashionista.com, she wore six different outfits - my favorite being a multi-colored sequined halter bodysuit with a denim jacket and Louis Vuitton boots. Among her other outfits, Gomez wore a catsuit covered in 60,000 Swarovski crystals and a dress embroidered with 12,000 pearls and sequins, accessorized with black vinyl leggings.

Her newest album, “Revival,” debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified aplatinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Gomez sang her hit singles, “Good

David Bowie dies

The Avalanches

sample lends an unusual but welcome rhythmic quality not typically found in bass heavy rap tunes.

The chorus, “Ah, Frankie Sinatra … Frankie me boy you don’t know / You have the perfect voice to sing calypso,” is so bizarre and random it is difficult to avoid getting it stuck in your head.

I like to think Frank Sinatra would jam to this tune if he could. Either that, or he would turn over in his grave to hear his name in the same song as MF Doom’s line, “Come with that headbanger boogie for that ass/ Villain gave a bully ten noogies for the cash.”

I guess we’ll never know.

Leonardo DiCaprio gets an Oscar

January 10

February 28

Scott Kelly returns to Earth

Pulse nightclub shooting

March 2

June 12

January 14

March

April 13

Alan Rickman dies

#NODAPL protest begins

Kobe Bryant’s final game

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

ment on the record.

With some of the catchiest and most hard-hitting guitar and bass work of the year, the seven-piece band creates a record that throws back to the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s while respecting their influences and adding enough to still feel fresh.

Whether you listen to this record just once all the way through or on a loop, you’re guaranteed to have some fun.

King Gizzard has already announced they plan to put out five studio albums in 2017. So, at least for the foreseeable future, the fun doesn’t look like it’s going to stop.

Selena Gomez

for You,” “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself.” She even included her song “Who Says,” which went certified platinum in 2011.

Gomez also passionately sang Hillsong Worship’s “Transfiguration” while playing the piano. “Transfiguration” then segued into Gomez’s song, “Nobody,” which is written about her faith and connection with God. At one moment during the performance she stopped singing and looked up at the ceiling almost in tears.

The night was immaculate and Gomez truly showed us what she meant by “this is my revival.”

Elie Wiesel dies July 2

June 23

Brexit referendum passes

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

July 6

Pokémon GO releases

DECEMBER 9, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES | 13

THE GATEPOST

Best of 2016

Animated Movie: Moana

Movie: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

By Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief

By Cass Doherty Arts & Features Editor For even the most skeptical, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” proves there’s more to the world than what meets the eye.

The movie follows Jake, a teen reeling from the loss of his grandfather, played by Asa Butterfield, who travels to find the children’s home where his grandfather grew up in Wales.

What ensues is a chaotic world-saving adventure of self-discovery.

A visually stunning piece from the genius of Tim Burton, it is appropriately dream-like. The film is an adaptation of Ransom Riggs’ 2011 novel of the same name, and though it differs from the novel’s original narrative, it creates a fascinating story that even viewers who haven’t read the book can follow.

The film’s supporting characters

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are developed, each having a background that makes them unique and vital to the plot. They aren’t cast aside for the sake of preserving Jake’s image as the hero, and all of the children are instrumental in his journey.

A wildly mesmerizing adventure that draws you in at every twist, the film stands apart from the novel in the best way. Burton doesn’t fail to astonish, and Jake’s journey of self-discovery is a lesson to all - no one is just plain ordinary.

Topping other Burton movies, such as “Through the Looking Glass” and “Dark Shadows,” “Miss Peregrine’s” is one of the best movies of 2016.

By Allison Wharton Asst. Arts & Features Editor

By Erin Fitzmaurice Editorial Staff

A group of men sit in a circle and eat a meal together, when the sound of a bomb goes off. These men are members of The White Helmets, which is a group of volunteer citizens who risk their lives to save civilians from the daily bombings across Syria.

“The White Helmets” is a Netflix documentary that follows a section of the organization based in Aleppo.

While the movie is subtitled, there is a heavy amount of emotion displayed in the 40-minute documentary, showing that empathy does not have a language.

The audience follows The White Helmets during rescue missions.

Those scenes are the most difficult to watch.

Houses are destroyed, families are separated by death and the men sacrifice their lives to save those who faced devestation.

Individual members of The White Helmets share not only their success stories, but also their devastating

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ones. However, the group still has an indescribable amount of hope, love and faith.

What is really inspiring is the group still prays for the regime that causes these bombings. There is so much to learn from the group.

Every person interviewed believes each life is precious, and they have a duty to save everyone harmed. They strive to treat every civilian as a member of their family.

The amount of selflessness is unparalleled. I was hypnotized by the amount of genuine empathy. We should strive to be like them.

The White Helmets are truly the unspoken heroes.

Michael Phelps returns from retirement

July 14

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Hawaiian girl, Auli’i Cravalho, to voice Moana. While Disney has recently caught a lot of flack for their casting choices, such as Rooney Mara’s role as Tiger Lily, Cravalho’s casting as Moana gives the film a sense of authenticity and authority.

The turning point of this film takes place during one of the many surprises, and sends the message to young girls that not only can they do anything they set their mind to - they can also do anything men can do.

Beating out “Zooptopia” and “Finding Dory,” “Moana” is not only Disney’s best film this year, but of all time.

Fantasy Novel: Heartless

Documentary: The White Helmets

Nice Attack

Disney’s newest movie “Moana” delivers another much-needed princess of color with a feminist message.

The film follows Moana, the defiant ocean-loving daughter of the chief, on her journey to find Maui, an egocentric demigod, and force him to break the curse that has befallen her island and threatened her tribe’s way of life.

With captivating digital imagery of the ocean, night sky and rolling green islands, and quirky secondary characters such as adorable coconut pirates and a simpleminded chicken, there is not a dull second to be found in this film.

One of the more refreshing aspects of the movie is the complete lack of a love interest, which gives the film room to fully explore the character and her journey toward becoming a heroine.

Additionally, Disney cast a young

August 21

Everyone knows who the Queen of Hearts is - the evil monarch of Wonderland who beheads anyone that displeases her.

However, before she was this heartless ruler, she was Catherine Pinkerton, a girl desperately wanting to open a bakery with her best friend Maryann.

Her parents have different plans.

She is to marry the King.

Since the Jabberwocky is on the loose, everyone in the Kingdom of Hearts is on edge, and desperate for a Queen.

On the night of her engagement, she runs from the King’s ball and falls into the arms of the court joker, Jest.

Little does she know that will be the beginning of the longest journey of her life.

Trying to balance her secret love affair and keeping her family name clean catches up with her in several twists and turns that leave her heart

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broken and desperate for revenge.

“Heartless” is an amazing novel that will warm the hearts of any fantasy junky. With romance, suspense and anger, there won’t be a single emotion left unfelt.

Not only is it the origin story of the Queen of Hearts, but it gives insightful background to some of the other favorite Alice in Wonderland characters.

Marissa Meyer writes the novel in such a way that the reader is immersed once again in the beautifully bizarre world of Wonderland.

You will not want to put the book down.

Galaxy Note 7 recall

Donald Trump wins election

Obama’s DAPL decision

October 13

November 8

December 2

August 5

October 10

November 2

Olympic Opening Ceremony

David Ortiz’s final game

Chicago Cubs win World Series

November 25

December 4

Fidel Castro dies

Tom Brady breaks QB win record

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14 | ARTS & FEATURES

The Pawgress Report Through aging eyes

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Hilltop Presents “All in the Timing”

By Tessa Jillson Asst. Arts & Features Editor

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Rupert

By Nick Murphy Staff Writer Meet Clovis, senior Gabrielle Rupert’s 12-year-old happy-go-lucky yellow Labrador retriever.

According to Rupert, it was really Clovis who picked them out. “While I was away, my parents brought my brother along to pick out a dog, and of course he picks out the alpha male, not the runt, not a middle of the pack pup. Clovis was the first dog that approached them, and even though he was a little crazy, he ended up being the perfect fit for our family.”

Clovis was named after the first king of the Franks, Clovis I. While canine Clovis may not be a king, he certainly lives like one.

“I try and spoil him every once and awhile. I’ll give him a really nice bath to help his coat and I’ve been getting him plenty of bones to keep him happy,” Rupert said.

She said that when Clovis was younger, he would constantly escape, only to wander back later.

As he aged, Clovis has become much more of a homebody. However, he still finds a way to keep his family laughing with his shenanigans.

“Just last week, I let Clovis out into the backyard to go to the bathroom. He usually doesn’t go that far but for some reason he wandered over to front gate. He stopped, looked at me and started pawing away at the fence. All he wanted to do was come in, but he thought he had to go all the way around to accomplish that. It was funny to watch,” Rupert added.

After a few laps around the backyard, Clovis is ready to eat. However, he’s lost his appetite for dog food and would much rather sample what everyone else is having. He’s grown especially fond of cat food.

“He tries to walk up the stairs to eat the cat’s food,” said Rupert.

Rupert’s cat, Avalanche, doesn’t seem to mind much. “She’s out exploring most of the time and she’ll occasionally bring a live mouse in the house, and present it to me like a trophy. She’s definitely more hesitant than Clovis and is only really affectionate towards me,” said Rupert.

Despite his aging body, Clovis’ personality has never changed. “He’s the sweetest dog you’ll ever meet, and he’s got these eyes that you can’t say no to. They are more than puppy dog eyes, they are gentle and you really see the relationship my family has built with him over the years in them,” Rupert said.

“He’s living a happy life,” she added.

He’s losing his hearing but he’s still as attentive and loyal as ever. His eyesight is fading but his eyes remain soft and soulful.

While his walk is slower and more deliberate, Clovis will forever be that crazy blonde puppy at heart.

Editor’s note: “The Pawgress Report” is a bi-weekly column featuring FSU students and their dogs.

CONNECT WITH NICK MURPHY nmurphy5@student.framingham.edu

As the lights went off and the crowd grew silent co-stage manager and senior Tess Irving and director junior James Buonopane introduced the show.

“Viewer discretion is advised,” Buonopane said.

The Hilltop Players presented David Ives’s collection of comedic short plays, “All in the Timing,” on Thursday night.

The show will run until Dec. 10.

The first play, “Sure Thing,” featured a young lady named Betty, played by sophomore Marielle Scoire, and a gentleman named Bill, played by senior Anthony Gabrielle.

In the opening scene, the two had conversation that was reset by a ringing bell each time one of them made a mistake.

Gabrielle portrays Bill as a confident men who forwardly asked Betty if he can sit next to her. Each time Betty said no, the bell was rung and the conversation got incrementaly more aggressive. Until the final repetition in which they came

toward certain objects while speaking in a made-up language comprised of Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

Cast member Tackes said he liked all the plays but especially “The Universal Language.”

“It’s like nonsense,” Tackes said, “but you can kind of tell what they mean, it’s like English gibberish” Scoire stuttered on stage as her character Dawn. The character almost caused the crowd shed a tear with the line, “Most of my life has been a long pause.”

“The Philadelphia” was a play about two friends, Al, played by senior Ben McNally and Mark, played by freshman Danielle Amanita who got stuck in different areas as a result of an unexplainable black hole which trapped them in “The Philadelphia.” In this alternate reality, Philadelphia is represented as a place where one never gets what they want.

McNally, whose character was at first trapped in “the Los Angeles” and was granted good luck as a result, stomped off the stage when he received a chees-

“I love the playwright to pieces. ... Every character in this show requires so much energy.”

-Sophomore Cam Raia

to an understanding.

The performance ended with Betty and Bill falling in love.

“Words, Words, Words” was the next play featuring an optimistic monkey named Milton, played by sophomore Adam Tackes, a pessimistic monkey named Swift, played by junior Andrew Carten and a practical monkey named Kafka, played by sophomore Timothy McDonnell.

The play told the story of three monkeys in captivity with nothing but a set of typewriters in front of them. The trio acted on all fours. Tackes played the calm and collected monkey, while Carten ran around on a rampage and McDonnell swung around a banana.

The following play was “The Universal Language, ” in which Junior Matt Banks played a scam artist named Don in. He fiercely strutted the stage teaching his own made up vocabulary to a girl named Dawn, played by Scoire.

Banks made the crowd laugh by acting like a strict high school language teacher. The dialogue nonetheless made sense to the audience, as Banks gestured

esteak and realized Amanita’s character, Mark, sucked him into “The Philadelphia.”

The last play called the “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” depicted Leon Trotsky, played by senior Zac Lambert, who hears about his death in a 2016 encyclopedia read by his wife Mrs. Trotsky, played by senior Rachel Lyon.

The play was a handful of different scenarios which took place the day of Trotsky’s death. Lambert, who wore a fake axe propped onto his head, “died” in his chair whenever a scene would end and the next would start.

Junior Lily Packer, who played Trotsky’s killer, Roman received the most laughs from the crowd and even had a makeout session with Mrs. Trotsky on stage before one of Trotsky’s last death scenes.

Sophomore Cam Raia said, “I love the playwright to pieces. … Every character in this show requires so much energy.”

CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON tjillson@student.framingham.edu

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PHOTOS | 15

Framingham State University’s Hillt p Players present:

All in the Timing Creative Commons

Erin Fitzmaurice/THE GATEPOST

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

Johns Hopkins’ Nathan Connolly speaks on Miami’s history of race and real estate

By William Mills-Curran Editorial Staff The history of a southern city famous for its real estate is infamous for just the same reason, according to Johns Hopkins history professor Nathan Connolly.

Commenting on the history of segregation and profiteering in Miami, he said, “Property rights became central to the way that the Jim Crow economy developed.

“This is a story about voting rights, a story about civil rights, and eventually, a story about the perfection of the American democratic process,” he said in his presentation, “The Caribbean History of an American City: Greater Miami and the History of the Rest of Us.” Connolly presented evidence gathered over 10 years, three of which were spent in Florida, on Dec. 5 in the McCarthy Center Forum.

Framingham State history professor Joseph Adelman introduced Connolly to an audience of about 50 students, faculty and guests. Adelman started by recounting Connolly’s academic pedigree and a brief history of his publications, which include opinions in The New York Times.

Connolly initially addressed the audience by thanking FSU for its hospitality and inclusiveness and congratulating the University for hosting a Black Lives Matter teach-in. By examining some of the socioeconomic influences on African Americans in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century, he said he would be able to “contextualize some of the history behind some of the events of the past few years.”

The presentation was shown in three parts, which Connolly used to parallel the steps in the construction of a house: foundation, construction and renovation. He used the allegory of home construction because he found in his research many cases of Afri-

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Connolly adressed the intersection between segregation and property ownership.

can-American neighborhoods being razed to be rebuilt and redeveloped by white profiteers.

Switching between readings from his book, “A World More Concrete: Real Estate and the Remaking of the Jim Crow South,” and prepared slides, Connolly started with an overview of the history of property ownership in southern Florida. He said one method of asserting one’s status as a free man, a voter or a taxpayer was to advertise one’s deed.

It is from this link between land and rights that the systemic disenfranchising of African Americans in Florida occurred.

Connolly said that African Americans were only begrudgingly allowed to purchase property in the context of faltering property tax revenue. The white reaction of this newfound venue to accumulate wealth and evidence one’s citizenship was violent. He presented photographs of members of a mob posing at

“Property rights became central to the way that the Jim Crow economy developed.”

-Nathan Connolly, history professor at Johns Hopkins University

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST

early-20th century Florida lynch- borhoods. He said the value of properties during that era was a ings.

The period was marked by function of the racial constituenlarge populations of rural Afri- cy of the surrounding area. Rising can Americans seeking sustain- returns from rented beach real able employment in cities such estate, construction of a massive as Miami, where they satisfied a interstate highway and a hotel service-industry labor shortage boom caused fluctuation from caused by booming tourism, said which the speculators profited.

Senior Ines Stafford, who studConnolly.

He said segregation became ies housing issues in her social compromised when the mon- policy class, thought it was “an ey from tourism demanded a enlightened way to look at Misource of inexpensive labor. The ami.” She expressed dismay on result was a patchwork of dif- the disparity of housing opporferent city-mandated racial en- tunity between races, stating, claves meant to preserve an icon- “It’s easy to forget how that came ic beachfront that met tourists’ about. Basically, it always comes preconceptions while still pro- down to money.” viding housing for the largely African-American service workers.

Connolly addressed how real estate speculators would collude CONNECT WITH WILLIAM MILLS-CURRAN to deny African Americans’ pur- wmillscurran@student.framingham.edu chase of property in white neigh-

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ARTS & FEATURES | 17

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The hardships of immigration Dreby shares stories of undocumented children

Andrew Willoughby/THE GATEPOST Joanna Dreby specializes in the sociological aspects of immigration.

By Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor Illegal immigration has a detrimental effect on young undocumented Mexicans in the U.S., according to Joanna Dreby, associate professor of sociology at the University of Albany-SUNY. Dreby has been giving a talk similar to the one she gave to a full Ecumenical Center on Dec. 1 “for the past two or three years,” she said, “but part of me feels like the world shifted in the past two weeks. We’ve had the election of a major candidate whose platform was based on a no-tolerance stance toward undocumented migration.”

She said there is widespread desire from both Republicans and Democrats for immigration reform. As an immigration researcher, she conceded that “immigration policy doesn’t necessarily follow research findings. … It’s more influenced by public opinion.”

She is hopeful for immigration reform, but before the current policy can change, the public opinion of undocumented immigrants needs to flip, said Dreby.

She is not a legal scholar. She doesn’t study the specifics of immigration. Instead she focuses on “family life and children’s perspectives and experiences. …

What is it like being a kid growing up in these places?”

Dreby said, “Across the country today, more than one in four children under the age of 5 are the children of immigrants.”

She studied two communities of undocumented immigrants one in New Jersey with a “very concentrated Mexican popula-

ing and working [there] for a few years.”

When Dreby had asked if his fellow students at school knew his family was from Mexico, he replied, “Only one.” He didn’t want them to know, because he was afraid they would know his family didn’t have their papers and “send us to Mexico and I

“Accross the country today, more than one in four children under the age of 5 are the children of immigrants.”

-Joanna Dreby, associate professor of sociology at the University of Albany-SUNY

tion, and one in Ohio, which has a somewhat invisible population.”

Both are popular destinations for new immigrants, she said.

Dreby interviewed “parents, mostly mothers and children ages 5 to 15” in both homes and schools in these areas.

She recounted the story of a 10-year-old boy who moved with his mother to New Jersey when he was 4 “to be reunited with his father who had already been liv-

won’t see my friends,” she said.

Dreby had similar conversations with other immigrants in New Jersey. Many expressed concerns of being caught by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement. “That sounds like a lot of worries for a ten year old,” she said.

Junior Tori Gibbs thought the fear of deportation must be a “huge stress” on child immigrants and wondered, “How is

[that] going to affect the rest of their education?”

In Ohio, Dreby focused on the peer group relationships of immigrants.

She told the story of an undocumented boy she interviewed who claimed to have no friends.

“I laughed. In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have.” She asked again, thinking he was joking. He wasn’t.

The following day, Dreby went to school with him to observe his classes - at both lunch and recess, he sat alone.

“He didn’t pick up on those cues that it was better to be quiet about” his illegal status, she said.

Even other immigrants didn’t associate with the boy because they knew he was undocumented.

Junior Irene Dompreh said, “I loved the fact that she took time to explore two different places.

The differences were so broad.”

Dreby urged people to educate themselves and others about the hardships that undocumented immigrants go through because “in places like [New Jersey and Ohio] where there’s a lot of immigrant kids, legal status distinctions are becoming a very important way that kids decide who’s in and who’s out.”

CONNECT WITH ANDREW WILLOUGHBY awilloughby@student.framingham.edu

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

First-generation students find their way

By Alexandra Gomes Editor-in-Chief What is it like to be the first person in your family to attend college?

What is it like to have zero guidance on applications, financial aid and classes from your parents?

What is it like to be dropped into a world so vastly different from your family’s?

For many first-generation students, these experiences are typical, expected and often overlooked.

First-generation students make up 40 percent of Framingham State’s undergraduates, according to LaDonna Bridges, associate dean of academic success.

These students are defined by FSU as people whose parents don’t possess a bachelor’s degree from a fouryear institution, but the definition differs for many, said Bridges.

First-generation students often have trouble adapt-

ing culturally to college. They have a different set of responsibilities than their peers. Many can’t turn to their parents for advice, and have to figure out their college-related problems on their own, according to Bridges.

However, being first-generation has its advantages as well. These students are known for their strength, persistence and work ethic, she said.

“They typically can get a whole lot done,” said Bridges.

At FSU, first-generation students have access to Generation One, a support group, as well as PLUS, an internship program offered to first-generation, low-income students.

This week, The Gatepost is featuring the stories of four first-generation college students and their lives at FSU.

Teofilo’s rocky start balho.

Because Barbalho is a first-generation student, he said he lacked basic information, such as what a FAFSA is.

He added, “Something small like that, I didn’t even know.”

After three days of being bounced from office to office, a man from Student Affairs finally decided to give Barbalho a break.

“It was just red tape for three days straight,” said Barbalho. “On the third day, a Friday, this man just said, ‘You know what? You applied for the FAFSA and it’s going to take a couple days but I’m still going to take out the hold.

Technically, I’m not supposed to do that, but you’re going to be Alexandra Gomes/THE GATEPOST able to go to classes next week.’”

Barbalho said, “I almost cried Senior Teofilo Barbalho addressed in front of him.” the crowd during the Unity Walk Three years and one transfer on North Hall lawn. later, Barbalho is now a senior Teofilo Barbalho’s first day at criminology major at Framinghis former school, UMass Dart- ham State.

Barbalho decided to transfer mouth, certainly did not go as to Framingham State after tourplanned.

After moving in with the help ing the university, and learning of his high school friend and her about the criminology program, mother, who drove Barbalho the which offered more opportunities hour and 15 minutes from his for internships than UMass Darthometown of Framingham to mouth.

His parents, who immigrated school, and settling into his dorm with a disagreeable roommate, from Brazil, had “ingrained” the Barbalho learned he would not be idea of college into his brain his whole life, said Barbalho. able to attend his classes.

“It was always expected of me There was a hold on his account to go to college,” he said. “But for $18,000.

“I was like, ‘18 grand? What do getting there, it was something I you mean?’ and they were like, had to figure out.”

Barbalho said he owes his suc‘You didn’t fill out a FAFSA.’ I said, ‘What’s a FAFSA?’” said Bar- cessful college career to a pro-

gram called Step Up to Excellence, a mentorship program provided

by Framingham High School.

“Because of them, to be honest, that’s the reason I’m here in college now,” he said. “The three years I was part of the mentorship program, they changed my mentality. They kept pushing me.

They gave me that extra push I needed at the time.”

A week before his high school graduation, Barbalho was kicked out of his parents’ home after multiple conflicts with his mother.

While they eventually made up, and he moved back home, Barbalho went through his college transition alone.

During the end of his senior

“Little stuff like that it’s not as obvious to us.”

- Senior Teofilo Barbalho

year and the following summer, the mentors at the Step Up program “really held me down,” said Barbalho.

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From his freshman to his junior year, Barbalho worked 40 hours a week while attending classes full time.

“All throughout college and high school, I’ve just been working, working, working,” he said.

Barbalho has taken on work studies in the past at UMass Dartmouth, as well as a job with his uncles for a granite company and multiple jobs in the Natick Mall.

This semester, he was able to limit his hours between his internship and his weekend security job to 16.

Because his parents are immigrants, Barbalho said they have different expectations for him than his peers’ parents.

“I think it comes down to what immigrant parents expect out of a child, and their own expectations of how to get there … versus the realities of it,” he said.

Immigrant parents expect their children to be able to attend class, work and stay involved on campus simultaneously, he said.

“They don’t understand the amount of work that’s necessary in college. They don’t understand that sometimes balancing that out … you have to sacrifice a lot of time for it,” he said.

“Even something as small as, ‘Oh, did you do your homework?’

They don’t ask that. It’s more of, ‘You got your homework done.’

It’s just expected of you,” he said.

Barbalho has not been able to talk about issues at school with his parents since sixth grade.

“It’s just mostly because they

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ARTS & FEATURES | 19

Teofilo’s rocky start haven’t really been through the system here, so they don’t understand,” he said. “Some of the stuff that I’m learning, especially here, is stuff that they have no idea about.”

Additionally, Barbalho said his parents don’t understand the significance behind his responsibilities and accomplishments.

Barbalho is the president of Brother to Brother, and is also participating in the Hope-In-Action project.

“They know I’m the president and they know I’m involved on campus, but sometimes they don’t realize it takes up a lot of my time,” he said. “It’s just something that they’ve personally never been through.”

Barbalho said one of the biggest

disadvantages for a first-generation student is “not knowing basic information,” such as how to

Barbalho said many first-generation students go into college believing a bachelor’s degree is

“I think it comes down to what immigrant parents expect out of a child, and their own expectations of how to get there … versus the realities of it.”

- Senior Teofilo Barbalho

apply for FAFSA, pick classes and pay bills.

“Little stuff like that - it’s not as obvious to us,” he said.

“their ticket out.

“We’re told all our lives, ‘You get a degree, it’s going to get you a job,’” he said. However,

first-generation students aren’t always aware of the importance of networking and internships, and the resources that can guide them toward those opportunities.

Barbalho said he is glad he went through college on his own so he can be a role model for the rest of his family.

“At least for my sister now, she knows it can be done,” he said.

“My younger cousins and other family, now they know it can be done and if they have any questions, they at least have somebody.”

Ezequiel’s resilience De Leon. “That half of the class said that they believed in me to do it.”

Seven years later, now-senior De Leon was handed the SGA gavel and inaugurated as Framingham State’s SGA president.

“The people trusted me,” said De Leon. “Everyone who voted believes that I can represent them.

They’ve given me this position to help the community. Even thinking about it now, I don’t want to fail in that. I want to make sure I hold myself to that and do the best job I can. And that’s what’s different about college and high Photo courtesy of Ezequiel De Leon school. I don’t need a ride home.”

As a freshman in high school, Contrary to his high school exEzequiel De Leon sat in English periences, De Leon feels he has class, anxiously awaiting the re- not missed out on much at FSU, sults of his class election. He was despite being a first-generation running for class president. student.

When the loudspeaker finalHe said, “I think that’s the best ly crackled on, De Leon listened part about Framingham State. with his class as Josh Beaure- This is truly a place of opportugard was announced Northbridge nity. I feel like when there’s ever High’s Class of 2013 president. been an issue of me not being able Although disappointed, De to do something because of monLeon felt a wave of relief wash ey, there’s been someone there to over him. say, ‘We can make this work. We “He had the resources to do can help you.’ And that’s been it and I didn’t,” said De Leon of true for my entire time here.” his former opponent. “He had In fact, De Leon feels prepared someone to give him rides after to be a student leader as a result school. I didn’t have a way of get- of being a first-generation stuting home, so when were we sup- dent. posed to meet?”

“When we came to this counAfter class, De Leon’s teach- try, the only way we had food on er and class advisor pulled him the table was because of other aside and informed him that he people’s help and other people’s had only lost by one vote. generosity,” he said. “I saw what “He wanted me to know that a difference that makes for peopeople saw me as a leader,” said ple when other people are there

to help.” you know?” he said.

De Leon’s family immigrated De Leon would finally go to here from the Dominican Repub- bed, wake up, miss the bus, wait lic when he was 7, and since he for his mom, arrive at school late, didn’t know how to speak, read or take the bus to work, have his write in English, he was placed in mother drive him home and atkindergarten. tempt to do homework.

He said “tough times” can inRepeat. still a sense of appreciation and When the time finally came gratitude in someone, character- to start applying to colleges, De istics which can predispose a per- Leon said he wasn’t as focused on son to help others and become a college applications as his peers. leader.

“I remember going to my As a high school student, De friend’s house to study, and my Leon worked 40 hours a week as a friend Taylor and her mom would manager at his local McDonald’s. get into a fight over the status of His mother had fallen ill, and her application. Her mom would was too sick to work. It was up to be like, ‘You need to get this De Leon to make sure rent was done now. It’s still not complete.’ paid and the car wasn’t repos- Meanwhile, I hadn’t even started sessed. mine at all,” he said.

On an average school day, De De Leon’s parents weren’t able Leon would wake up at 6 a.m., but to help him with his applications, oftentimes, he would oversleep and the guidance counselors at and miss the bus. his school weren’t “really effec“I’d have to wait ‘til 8:30, until tive.” my mom got home and yelled at However, De Leon was able to me, and then drove me to school. watch his friends complete their So I’d miss 30 minutes of class al- applications with their parents, ready,” he said. and learn from them.

After school, De Leon always “I think I learned more from wanted to stay after and partic- watching my friends sit down ipate in the art club, or get ex- with their parents and do the tra help on his math homework. FAFSA, and do their Common However, he had to catch the App, and that’s how I did mine. I school bus, which would eventu- never thought about that, but it’s ally drop him off for his 3 o’clock true. I watched my friend do her shift at McDonald’s.

FAFSA with her mom, and then I After changing in the bath- did mine.” room, De Leon would work until Additionally, De Leon wasn’t 11 p.m., when his mother would able to apply for scholarships. pick him up.

“I didn’t know where to ap“Then, I’d try to do homework, See EZEQUIEL’S RESILIENCE page 20 but that never really happened,

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DECEMBER 9, 2016

Ezequiel’s resilience Continued from page 19 ply,” said De Leon. “I was searching national databases, but those scholarships are so … they’re national, you know?”

All the scholarships De Leon was able to find required an essay, and he didn’t believe he qualified for them.

“I know it’s no excuse, but my friends’ parents were on them like, ‘Did you apply for this scholarship? Did you apply for that?’” he said. “I was just struggling to apply.”

When De Leon finally arrived at FSU, he had big plans.

“Nothing was going to stop me,” he said. “I was going to be class president. I was going to take the world by storm because I didn’t need a ride home. No one’s parents were there. Everyone was on the same playing field. So I took it and I ran with it.”

In addition to student government, De Leon is involved with Generation One, a support group on campus for first-generation students, and Brother to Brother, a club committed to combatting FSU’s low graduation rates for people of color.

De Leon hopes to incorporate the skills he has gained as SGA president into his career in medi-

cine after graduation.

“I hope to take a year or two off and work with a local clinic on community health programs and initiatives and gain medical experience working as a nursing assistant,” said De Leon. “I really just want to take everything I’ve

ey, it wasn’t an option to ask for it at home.”

Money isn’t the only form of support De Leon has lacked during his time at FSU. Unlike his peers, De Leon isn’t able to discuss his classes with his parents, or ask for their advice.

“I know it’s no excuse, but my friends’ parents were on them like, ‘Did you apply for this scholarship? Did you apply for that?’ I was just struggling to apply.”

- Senior Ezequiel De Leon

learned at FSU about community development and apply it wherever I go.”

De Leon has also worked on campus as a resident assistant, a security desk attendant, an assistant for the first year’s office, a Black and Gold orientation leader and a chemistry tutor.

“I worked a lot because I needed to,” he said. “If I needed mon-

When De Leon brought up the history class he had to take in order to fulfill a Gen Ed requirement, his mother didn’t understand why he was “wasting” his time.

“She was like, ‘That doesn’t make sense. Don’t goof around.

You need to be dedicated to your studies,’” he said. “I was like, ‘I need this class to graduate.’ But

she didn’t get that.”

De Leon said, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with my mom about a class going poorly, just because the expectation was that you’re off at college doing really well, and they’re so proud of you, so you don’t want to change that.”

He added, “She wouldn’t get it.

She wouldn’t get that chemistry is just hard, and that everybody struggles and that getting tutoring for chemistry is normal.”

De Leon said his mother doesn’t fully understand the significance of his accomplishments at FSU, either.

“My mom is just so supportive of me that anything I do is just great for her,” he said. “I don’t think she does know what student government is and what I do in student government, but she’s over-the-moon proud.”

He added, “She was so proud when I was hall council president freshman year, but … what did I do? She doesn’t know.”

Tasia’s inspiration subject.

“I didn’t really see myself going [to college] until my junior year of high school when I met her,” said Clemons. “She was just life-changing.”

When the time came for her first test in sociology, Clemons knew she would do “horrible.

“I’m a horrible test-taker. I have no confidence in my test-taking abilities at all,” said Clemons. “So I told her, ‘Listen, I really don’t think I’ll do well on this test,’ and she was like, ‘Tasia, I’ve seen the work you’re doing, and you’re doPhoto courtesy of Tasia Clemons ing great. Take this test and let’s see how you do, and then we’ll work together on it to see if we Junior Tasia Clemons with her high-school sociology teacher Mrs. can pull your grade up.’”

Abbott.

Ultimately, Clemons did not For Tasia Clemons, college do well on the test. However, wasn’t a priority until she met Mrs. Abbott kept her promise Mrs. Abbott, a sociology teacher and worked with Clemons after at Amherst Regional High School. school.

During her junior year, Clem“We went over each of my anons took Mrs. Abbott’s sociology swers. She asked the question on course and fell in love with the the test, and I’d answer vocally

and she said, ‘Tasia, that’s the right answer. I don’t know why you’re struggling with the test,’” she said.

Clemons said Mrs. Abbott took the time to find out what the actual problem was behind her poor test scores instead of writing her off as a bad student.

“I just feel like she took the time to actually know who I was,” said Clemons. “She taught me that I’m just an overthinker with tests.”

Now, as a junior at FSU, Clemons is majoring in sociology and minoring in Spanish.

While Clemons’ parents had always wanted her to go to college, her decision to attend FSU, a school relatively far from home, was a shock.

“It’s like an hour and a half away,” said Clemons. “But to my mom, that’s three worlds away.”

For Clemons, the adjustment to college life “wasn’t too bad” because she’s “always been a busy

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person.” However, she said, “I did find myself talking to my mom for about three hours every day.”

During high school, Clemons was very active in extracurriculars, such as People of Color United and the School Climate Committee. That didn’t change when she came to FSU. Her sophomore year, Clemons was a Residence Life assistant, security desk attendant, supplemental instructor, foundations peer mentor, student admissions representative and Black and Gold orientation leader.

“That was really the bulk of me paying for college,” she said. “I’m paying for everything myself.”

Clemons said because of her busy work schedule, she might have missed out on some of the typical college experiences. She added, “There’s a lot of things that I’m probably not seeing just ‘cause I’m too busy working trying to get through the rest of junior and senior year.”

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ARTS & FEATURES | 21

Tasia’s inspiration Her position as an RA has always been an “important accomplishment” for her, said Clemons.

“I like helping other people find their power and their confidence,” she said. “So, that job I take really seriously and I love it.”

Clemons plans on combining her passion for sociology and helping people after she graduates. She wants to become a Residence Director, and later, a sociology professor.

“Mrs. Abbott was that teacher who pushed me, so I thought I kind of want to be that person for someone else,” she said.

As a first-generation student, Clemons feels she is uniquely prepared to help other first-generation students.

“Me being a first-generation, I can be like, ‘Oh, I went through

that. I can help you with that,’” she said.

“I feel like a lot of people will doubt you, being a first-generation student,” she added.

know how to do this. I feel like this is a waste of time. No one is really helping me.’ And I’m like, ‘No, I was there. I got you. I know how to navigate this. Talk to these

“I feel like a lot of people will doubt you, being a first-generation student.”

- Junior Tasia Clemons

As an RA, Clemons said she has been able to help some of her residents who are first-generation.

“They’re always like, ‘Tasia, I don’t know what to do. I don’t

While no one has ever told Clemons they doubt her because she is a first-generation student, she still feels people look at her differently after they learn of her background.

“With those doubts, it’s almost like I just want prove them wrong.

First-generation or not, I feel like students can do what they push themselves to do,” she said.

She added, “Being a first-generation college student has really pushed me to kind of go above and beyond just because I don’t want to let myself down and I don’t want to let my parents down.”

people,’” she said.

She added being a first-generation student has “framed my personality, and it has framed how I see the world, really.”

Jackson’s stroke of luck

Alexandra Gomes/THE GATEPOST Junior Jackston Stevens helped lead the Unity Walk and Hope-InAction rally on Nov. 10.

When Jackson Stevens was in fifth grade, he was entered into a lottery to win acceptance into Salem Academy Charter School, a college prep school.

His mother, who had only finished a year of college at Emmanuel, was motivated to enter him into the lottery by her desire to see her son receive his bachelor’s degree.

Now a junior and sociology major at Framingham State, Stevens believes he would not have made it to FSU without the school’s help.

Stevens said during his junior and senior year, he was required to take a “College 101” course, which was very similar to SAT prep courses.

“I’m lower class, so I couldn’t afford that stuff,” he said. “Going to that college prep school helped me get ready for the SATs. … I would

have done much worse without it.”

In addition to the college prep course, Stevens’ class was small, with approximately 30 students.

The school was also within walking distance of his home.

“I was lucky because going to a charter school, it’s a really small community and I live close to the school,” he said. “I got out at 4 every day besides Friday, and I could just stay at school and do extracurriculars and stuff like that.”

In high school, Stevens was involved with theater and student government, as well as the science team and alternative spring break trips.

While Stevens excelled at his charter school and earned a 4.0 GPA, his first year at FSU did not go as smoothly.

He started skipping classes, and his grades began to drop.

“The first year was rough because I didn’t know how to properly adjust to school,” said Stevens. “I think it would have been easier if I had someone in my life who went to school share their college experience with me.”

He added, “My family would listen but they didn’t understand it.”

After one of his professors reached out to Stevens’ foundations teacher, Christopher Gregory, he “set me straight,” said Stevens.

He added since then, his life at FSU has gone “uphill. Once I truly found my major after looking for so long, that’s when I was on the best track. I wouldn’t have found sociology without Lina Rincón and

Virginia Rutter.”

Today, Stevens is involved with many different groups on campus, such as the Music Appreciation Club and Brother to Brother.

Additionally, he recently organized FSU’s Unity Walk and HopeIn-Action rally.

Stevens said because he is a first generation and working class student, he is able to view social issues in a different light.

“Growing up poor, what it was like, how it made me feel and how it makes me feel now … being able to fall back on that and remember

“I think it would have been easier if I had someone in my life who went to school share their college experience with me.”

- Junior Jackson Stevens

it felt like to not feel welcomed and not feel like the norm, that can kind of help us understand the issues more.”

Stevens works between 16 and 20 hours a week at four different jobs on campus to help his mother pay for tuition and rent. His mother works 70 hours a week at Whole Foods and a call center.

“I already do so much on campus,” said Stevens. “If I didn’t have to work, I think I could do so much more on campus, and kind of get more of a college experience.”

Because his mother works so much, Stevens tries “not to burden her” with his problems related to courses.

“She already has enough to worry about,” he said. “She’s really supportive, so I could talk to her about it, but I don’t want to burden her with any more than she already has to do.”

According to Stevens, it’s “really important” to his mother that he finishes school, because she never had a chance to.

He said, “She worked. She never really had the time for it. She took some classes when I was younger, but that’s really hard to balance when you work so much.

“I hope one day I have money so she doesn’t have to work and can go back to school because I know that’s really important for her,” he added.

that’s how other people feel about an identity they can’t change, whereas my socioeconomic status can always change in the future,” he said. “I think it helps me understand issues on a deeper level.”

He added, “At one point in time, we all felt like a minority. … It might not be the same pain as other minorities, or the same struggle, CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA GOMES agomes5@student.framingham.edu but if we can just remember what

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22 | ARTS & FEATURES

DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

Join...

THE GATEPOST! We put out on Fridays.

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

Edited by Timothy Parker December 9, 2016 NO STOOPINGALLOWED By Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Suffered a deep cut 5 Type of wooden shoe 10 “My Name Is ___” (sitcom title) 14 Try again from the start 15 Thunderstorm product 16 One-fifth of any limerick 17 Foolish strategy (Part 1) 20 Court plea, sometimes 21 Always, to a poet 22 Old-style computer screen 23 Onetime U.S. capital 24 Letter adornments 27 Big name in oil 29 Enjoy the taste of 32 Obese 33 It can be cast off in a flick 36 Bad way to be profiled 38 Foolish strategy (Part 2) 41 Not the originals 42 Before, before 43 Didn’t waste a meal 44 One in deep thought 46 Con artist’s doings 50 Diwali celebrators 52 Get one’s money’s worth out of

55 Boxing legend 56 Jellied marine delicacy 57 Some scarves, coats or sweaters 60 Foolish strategy (Part 3) 63 Dissolute man in fashionable society 64 Bewelcomed in 65 Vino region 66 Notice at a distance 67 Plague 68 Needing directions DOWN 1 Tree part 2 Poe subject 3 Binding proclamations 4 Extinct nitwit?

5 Like Santa’s suit on Christmas day 6 Their year was only 260 days 7 Responds to massive applause 8 Words after “step” or “Wanna bet” 9 ___Aviv 10 Tribesman with the most pull 11 Nonlethal shooter 12 Cellular stuff 13 Part of a long race 18 Traveler’s rest 19 Far less trusting 24 Architectural wall support

Last issue’s solutions

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25 26 28 30 31 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 45 47 48 49 51 53 54 57 58 59 60 61 62

When leaves leave Place for a natural mud bath Apostle Paul, previously Get off the deck “___ in victory” (alphabet lesson) Incentives, essentially “___ pocus” Sts. relatives Elusive Himalayan creature Shared deep feelings Is possessive?

“Go, home team!”

Potential frat member “CSI: Miami” star David “Heads up!” and the like More than a nonconformist Decimal system name Skin opposite, in sports Letters summoned by a 911 call Ice cream scoop holder Insects on hills Abbr. for a list of names “Ready when you ___!”

Words of negativity Bird’s bill

DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 23

SPORTS Rams struggles continue, remain winless in MASCAC

By Richard Tranfaglia Staff Writer Framingham State lost a MASCAC matchup against Salem State Dec. 1 by a score of 6-0.

The Vikings scored their first goal of the game at the 3:01 mark when Mackenzie Cook fired a wrist shot into the net.

Three minutes later, Salem State went to the power play when Keith Barnaby got called for hooking. Callum Hofford capitalized on the man advantage with a slap shot that trickled passed Rams goaltender Adam Calabrese to make it 2-0.

Brandon Platt extended the Vikings lead with a backhand goal about mid-way through the period. Eric Rogorzenski and Brad Jones assisted on the play.

The second period was more of the same for Salem State. An early turnover right in front of the Rams net ended up on the stick of Michael Casale who put the puck in the back of the goal to make it a 4-0 game.

Later in the period, the Vikings went to the power play again when Brendan Pascarella got the call for tripping. Halfway through the power play, Vikings’ John Needham scored off the feed from Casey Miller.

Ryan Wilkinson scored the final goal of the game at the 16:30 mark in the second period with Cook and Connor Irving assisting on the score.

Salem State outshot Framingham State 37-20. Calabrese recorded 31 saves for the Rams and Jason Pucciarelli stopped all 20 shots for the Vikings.

The Rams fall to 1-7 and 0-5 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE

0

SALEM STATE

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Framingham lost a close game to UMass Dartmouth 4-3 on Dec 3.

The Rams struck first when a Mark Essery shot on goal was initially stopped by goalie Drew Michals but the puck barely got passed the line during the save and counted.

The Corsairs’ Casey Shea scored the equalizer at the 14:26 mark off the feed from Mike Sones.

About a minute and a half later, UMass took the lead when Steven Leonard scored on a wrist shot.

Jerry Laakso assisted on the play.

In the beginning of the second period, Tyler Colacchio answered with a tough goal in front of the Corsairs’ net that knotted the game at two.

The tie broke just a minute later when Kyle Zacharewicz went top shelf on Calabrese for his first goal of the season.

UMass got some breathing room with a power play goal late in the second period. Brandon Berkley capitalized off a pass from Shea to make it a 4-2 game.

About halfway through the third period the

Darian O’Donnell/THE GATEPOST Rams goalie Adam Calabrese tends his net in the Rams home opener earlier this year against the Plymouth State Panthers.

Rams cut the lead to one when Ryan McDonough redirected a shot from Essery into the back of the net.

The Rams had seven shots on goal in the last nine minutes of play but were not able to tie the game.

The Rams had a slight 31-30 advantage in shots on goal but could not get the win. Calabrese made 26 saves and Michals recorded 28 saves.

The Rams drop to 1-8 and 0-6 in the MASCAC.

FRAMINGHAM STATE

3

UMASS DARTMOUTH

4

sive faceoff and put it in the net.

Scores from Philippon and Laughlin in a span of three minutes gave the Greyhounds a 5-2 lead and they did not look back.

The third period was all Assumption. The Greyhounds scored three goals between the seventh and 10th minute. Stephen Picard, Nick Fenuccio and Mike Sorenti each scored their first goal of the season and put the team up by six.

Mahoney scored on back-to-back power plays to give himself a hat trick for the day and reach the final margin.

Assumption had a 34-33 advantage in shots on goals but were able to capitalize on more opportunities. Pearless recorded 20 saves for the Rams and Brian Nazzaro made 31 saves for the Greyhounds.

The Rams fall to 1-9 and will look to turn their season around after winter break in a MASCAC matchup with Fitchburg State.

Framingham State lost its final game of the first half of the season against Assumption 10-2.

ASSUMPTION The Greyhounds struck first at the 2:57 mark.

Peter McDonagh scored with Cam Laughlin and Brendan Philippon assisting on the play.

FRAMINGHAM STATE Jake Moore made it a two-goal game scoring off the feed from Sam Kelly. After the goal, Framingham pulled goaltender Calabrese for Matthew Pearless.

Just four minutes after the second goal, McDonough put the Rams on the board cutting the lead in half.

Framingham had confidence going into the second period. In the fourth minute of the second, the Rams tied the game with a quick shot by Barnaby.

CONNECT WITH RICHARD TRANFAGLIA Assumption regained the lead just 30 seconds on Twitter using the handle @GatepostSports later. Tommy Mahoney got the puck on an offen-

10 2

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24 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Men’s basketball drops two straight, falls to 2-5

By Jose Carrasquillo Sports Editor Framingham lost to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) 69-52 in a non-conference matchup at the Athletic Center.

The two teams were trading baskets for most of the first half before WPI started to pull away with a 26-21 lead. Following a Sean Doncaster layup to stretch the Engineers lead to seven, Wesley Ogbevoen knocked down a three-pointer to cut the lead to four.

Each side continued trading baskets, with Framingham reducing the lead to three with a minute remaining in the half. Doncaster closed the half out with a made jump shot to give the Engineers a five-point lead.

After a Ogbevoen made layup to start the second half, Jake Wisniewski responded with back-to-back layups to give the Engineers a seven-point lead.

Framingham’s offensive struggles continued when they missed nine consecutive shots and allowed a 8-0 run give the Engineers a 13-point lead.

Framingham couldn’t cut into the lead until back-to-back three-pointers from Patrick Gould and Steve Vayda with 11 minutes remaining in the game.

Following a Wisniwski layup and two made free throws, Vayda knocked down two more three-pointers to cut the lead to seven.

Seven was the smallest lead the Rams would see in the second half with the Engineers closing the game out on a 15-5 run.

The Rams were led by Ogbevoen with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Vayda also contributed 11 points on 3-for-4 from behind the arc off the bench.

The Rams lost their second consecutive game 73-54, due to a big first half from Plymouth State.

WPI FRAMINGHAM STATE

Allie Gath/ THE GATEPOST Wesley Ogbevoen handles the ball at the top of the key for the Rams in a game against Wheaton earlier this season.

Plymouth began the game with an 11-3 run to gain an early eight-point lead over Framingham. Following a Vayda made three-pointer, Plymouth went on a 11-0 run, stretching their lead to 22-6 with 11 minutes remaining in the half. Framingham was unable to cut into the lead due to the inability to stop the Panthers consistently.

The second half was more of the same for the Rams, with the Panthers stretching the lead to 21. Every time Framingham would attempt to make a run, the Panthers responded with a basket. The lead grew to as much as 27 following a Ryan Smith layup and a Nick MacGregor made three-pointer.

Framingham allowed the most points they

69 52

TOP PERFORMERS WESLEY OGBEVOEN - 14 PTS, 4 REBS, STEVE VAYDA - 11 PTS, 2 REBS, TYRI HAMPTON - 10 PTS, 5 REBS

have all season to the Panthers. The Panthers won through balanced scoring on their team, every player that played except for three scored.

Framingham was led by Bertholyn Alexandre who had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. The Panthers dominated the Rams in the assist battle, as they had 17 to the Rams seven.

With the loss the Rams drop to 2-5 on the season.

CONNECT WITH JOSE CARRASQUILLO @student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE PLYMOUTH STATE

54 73

TOP PERFORMERS TONY ALEXANDRE - 11 PTS, 10 REBS, WESLEY OGBEVOEN - 10 PTS, 4 REBS, STEVE VAYDA - 9 PTS, 4 REBS

OVER WINTER BREAK: THURSDAY DECEMBER 29 AT NEW YORK U 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY DECEMBER 30 VS. BATES @ HUNTER SPORTSPLEX 7:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4 VS. SALEM STATE 6:00 P.M. SATURDAY JANUARY 7 VS. BRIDGEWATER STATE 1:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 AT WESTFIELD STATE 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY JANUARY 14 AT MCLA 1:00 P.M. HOME GAMES AWAY GAMES FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

SPORTS | 25

FERR OR FOUL?

The push for the playoffs

By Mike Ferris Sports Editor 1.) The Kansas City Chiefs will win the AFC West.

The Chiefs are an overlooked 9-3 this year and 19-3 in their last 22 regular season games, but that’s because they have the AFC-leading Oakland Raiders in their division. The Chiefs however have a much better defense than the Raiders and although their offense is somewhat weak, it doesn’t make mistakes. Alex Smith is an elite game manager, who won’t go out and win a ton of games by himself, but he certainly won’t lose a ton of games by himself either. Due to the time-sensitivity of The Gatepost, by the time this prints, this prediction might already be wrong, because in order for the Chiefs to win the West, they have to win on Thursday night against the Raiders, a game I think they win on the back of their defense and experience. Oakland will still win a wild card spot.

2.) The Seahawks will be the NFC-representative.

There are very few defenses that are as good as Seattle’s, if any. Sure the Seahawks lost safety Earl Thomas and sure they’ll be affected, but their so deep and so talented that they’ll still be able to put out an elite defense with people like Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman patching up the holes that Thomas’ absence will leave. The Seahawks are allowing a league-best 16.2 points per game and are only allowing 330 yards per game. Their offense is weak but it gets the job done and Russell Wilson is another proven game manager who always seems to make the right play. Don’t be surprised to see Seattle playing as the NFC champion in the Super Bowl.

3.) Green Bay will not make the playoffs. The NFC Wild Card is a tight race this year. The Giants, Redskins, Bucs and Vikings are all competing with the Packers for two spots. Couple that with the fact that the Cardinals are still hanging around and there isn’t much room for error for Green Bay. The Pack aren’t going to win the NFC North because that will be secured by one of the more underrated teams in the league, the Lions. The Packers defense just isn’t good enough to get the job done this year and Aaron Rodgers, as good as he is, can’t do everything himself. The Packers aren’t going to beat the Lions in Week 17 and that means every game from here is must win, I just don’t see it happening.

4.) The Cowboys will find a way to be the Cowboys.

The Cowboys have been the best team this year.

Their defense has answered the bell, their offensive line has been by far the best in the league, Ezekiel Elliott is running like an MVP and Dak Prescott has been the most impressive rookie quarterback this year, but don’t forget he’s young. Dallas always finds a way to lose when it really counts. I’m not arguing that they won’t get into the playoffs because they’ve all but clinched at this point, but Dallas will not win the Super Bowl. Prescott will eventually make a rookie mistake and he’s running out of time to make it in a spot that doesn’t matter.

The Cowboys could get to the NFC Championship but don’t count on booking them a ticket to Houston.

CREATIVE COMMONS

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26 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016

Rams add two more wins, stay unbeaten at 7-0

Amanda Martin/ THE GATEPOST Framingham’s Lauren Donahue controls the ball against some Mount Ida pressure in a game the Rams won 84-44.

By Liam Gambon Staff Writer

The Framingham State Rams took on Suffolk in an away game on Dec. 3.

The Rams finished the first quarter down 1413 but took the lead by the end of the second quarter with a lead of 34-31. The Rams would go on to win the game by a score of 61-50.

Raegan Mulherin finished with the gamehigh in points with 14. Shooting a solid 6-for18. Center Alyicia Rackliffe finished just behind her with 12 points and also came away with 17 rebounds to record another double-double on the season. Forward Sarah Palace ended the game with 10 points in 13 minutes. Monta Connolly finished with four points and tied with Mulherin for the game-high in steals with four and also crashed the boards for eight rebounds.

Lauren Donahue ended with eight points and three steals on the night.

The Rams finished with a low field goal percentage of 28.7 percent to Suffolk’s 31.0 percent.

The Rams also finished with a 3-point field goal percentage of 26.3 percent to Suffolk’s

27.3 percent. Framingham finished with 45 rebounds to Suffolk’s 41.

Framingham finished with 15 points off turnovers to Suffolk’s 13 and 13 bench points to Suffolk’s nine.

FRAMINGHAM STATE

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SUFFOLK

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The Rams hosted UMass Boston at home in the midst of an early undefeated season.

Framingham was outscored 17-9 in the first quarter and 40-29 at the end of the second and took the lead by the end of the third quarter 5653 and would go on to win the game 73-68.

Rackliffe finished with a team-high 15 points on 50 percent shooting and a game-high 17 rebounds as she owned the boards while also coming away with a game-high in blocks with eight. Donahue finished with 14 points and a game-high seven assists. Mulherin finished with 13 points and four assists. Forward Palace ended the game with 11 points and four

rebounds. Connolly came off the bench and scored 10 points and collected seven rebounds with two steals and two assists. Tiphani Harris collected six rebounds off the bench while scoring six points.

The Rams finished with a solid field goal percentage shooting 42.2 percent to UMass Boston’s 30.9 percent and shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range to UMass Boston’s 32 percent.

Framingham dominated the paint racking up 32 points in the paint to the opposing teams 22 and benefited from their bench outscoring UMass Boston’s bench 20-18.

The Rams will travel to face Anna Maria on Saturday, Dec. 10.

UMASS BOSTON

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FRAMINGHAM STATE

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CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON @student.framingham.edu

OVER WINTER BREAK: FRIDAY DECEMBER 30 VS. ROGER WILLIAMS @ SPRINGFIELD, MA 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY DECEMBER 31 VS. TBD @ SPRINGFIELD MA TBA WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4 VS. SALEM STATE 8:00 P.M. SATURDAY JANUARY 7 VS. BRIDGEWATER STATE 3:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 AT WESTFIELD STATE 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JANUARY 14 AT MCLA 3:00 P.M. HOME GAMES AWAY GAMES FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

DECEMBER 9, 2016

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 27

Fast Facts with FSU Athletes ft. forward Bertholyn Alexandre

Nickname - Tony Major - Crimonology with a minor in Sociology Dream Job - Counselor at Juvenile Center Favorite Song - Goosebumps by Travis Scott Favorite Pro Athlete - James Harden Favorite Food - Chinese food Favorite Emoji -

FSURAMS

CREATIVE COMMONS

Tweet of the Week

TWITTER

Performances of the Week

FSURAMS

1

Alycia Rackliffe (women’s basketball) scored 15 points and pulled down 17 rebounds as the Rams squeaked out a win against UMass Boston.

FSURAMS

2

Bertholyn Alexandre (men’s basketball) scored 11 points, secured 10 rebounds and added two steals in the Rams loss to Plymouth State.

FSURAMS

3 Mark Essery (ice hockey) scored a goal and added an assist despite his team losing 4-3 to UMass Dartmouth.

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28| PHOTOS

THE GATEPOST

DECEMBER 9, 2016 Alexandra Gomes/THE GATEPOST

SGA’s

Creative Commons

Week of Kindness Alexandra Gomes/THE GATEPOST

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST

Athena Venetsanakos/THE GATEPOST

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