October 4, 2019

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

Volume 88 • Issue 4

October 4, 2019

FSUgatepost.com

WDJM is back on campus and looking to expand

By Brennan Atkins Arts & Features Editor As you walk into the WDJM studio, you are met with walls adorned in gray soundproofing foam panels, famous album covers throughout the ages, and vinyl records all over.

The orange glow of the Himalayan salt lamp brings the groovy look of the room together.

WDJM is located in McCarthy 402, and is a student-run organization that has the responsibility of producing shows for students, providing clubs with music, and empowering students by giving them a platform to on which to speak.

The “DJM” in the name stands for D. Justin McCarthy, a former president of the University and for whom the McCarthy Center is named.

In the spring 2019 semester, Jacob Robbins, junior and president of WDJM, brought back the organization to what it is today.

“WDJM went through this weird period where it was almost left to the boneyard, for lack of better terms.

See WDJM page 13

Amanda Martin / THE GATEPOST

The Rams field hockey team played Western Connecticut Oct. 1.

Rams face their toughest opponent yet: EEE

By Sara Senesac Interim Asst. Sports Editor The FSU athletic department has rescheduled numerous outdoor practices and games this season as a result of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) reaching a critical level in Framingham - and it has not been an easy process, according to department heads.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) website states Framingham is still listed in the “critical risk category” for EEE as of Oct. 1.

The website states any city in the critical risk category should “cancel or reschedule outdoor gatherings, organized sporting events, etc. to avoid peak mosquito hours,” which are from dusk to dawn.”

Carey Eggen, deputy director of athletics and Title IX coordinator, said, “Ultimately, to keep everybody safe, there were some things that took precedence - like games. We tried to get games in first, and then we were able to schedule practices around them.

“It was a drastic change - to go from having a 7 o’clock game every

News

night, Monday through Friday, and then suddenly having to start at 4, then not being able to have a practice after, and scheduling a 6:00 a.m. practice five times a week,” she added.

With the hours of dusk until dawn being the most dangerous for mosquito exposure, the options for outdoor practices right now are limited.

Most teams can only hold 6:00 a.m. practices before classes or 4:00 p.m. practices after classes to ensure athletes aren’t missing school, and coaches can actually run practice.

Tom Kelley, director of athletics and head football coach, said, “A lot of our part-time coaches have other jobs.” This makes it difficult to have practices in such a limited time frame.

“It’s been tough, but the coaches have been great,” he added.

In addition to the rescheduling of games and practices, the department has also been working to share as much information with athletes as it can to encourage them to protect themselves against mosquitos.

Eggen said, “We sent out reminders that came from the Department of Public Health [that said] wear long

Opinions

sleeves and wear long pants. We also provide bug spray - we can’t force them to use bug spray - but there is a lot available to them. … With all of those precautions, you hope you’ve done enough.”

Because of these changes, multiple sports have to practice in each time slot, resulting in many teams having to share fields and gym space during their practices.

“With only one indoor sport going right now, that opens [the gyms] up for other teams to utilize. They’ve had to be creative, which I would say is the one downside. The soccer team would get less out of using the gym than they would the soccer field,” Eggen said.

Due to the difficulty of lining schedules up with other schools, the department is attempting to do whatever it can to avoid cancelling games.

“We’re trying very hard not to cancel. We’ve moved games to the visitor’s site to get the games in, which changes how you budget. Now, we are budgeting for a bus and meal money as opposed to student workers and officials,” Eggen said.

In addition to the impact EEE has

Arts & Features

had on the athletic schedule, it also affects other members of the University who wish to use the gym.

Kelley said, “There is a trickle-down effect, and everyone is impacted.”

He added because of practice, “We have to take away open gym time.”

Many athletes agree the schedule changes have made life increasingly difficult this season.

Junior Kaitlin Burch, a field hockey player, said, “I get out of class at 4:20 each day, so it is really difficult to run from class straight to practice.

We usually would have practice at 6:30 p.m., but that’s just not plausible with EEE, so it is really messing with our schedules.

“All of the games are getting moved up to the middle of the day, and I’ve been missing classes, or needing to go to games late. It’s really stressful,” she added.

Freshman Brian Sullivan, a men’s soccer player, shared a similar opinion.

“We haven’t had any 6:00 a.m. practices yet, thankfully, but it definitely hurts the team when we have

See EEE page 5

Sports

SENATORS SPEAK pg. 4

HALLOWEEN pg. 8

“UHURA” pg. 12

VOLLEYBALL pg. 17

“SCHOLARS IN ACTION” pg. 6

CLIMATE STRIKE pg. 9

KAITLYN’S KOSMETICS pg. 14

WOMEN’S SOCCER pg. 18

INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • ARTS & FEATURES 12 • SPORTS 17

NEWS

2 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Nadira Wicaksana Associate Editors Cara McCarthy Ashley Wall News Editor Donald Halsing Asst. News Editor Evan Lee Interim Asst. News Editor Leighah Beausoleil Arts & Features Editors Brennan Atkins Robert Johnson Jr. Asst. Arts & Features Editor Jared Graf Entertainment Correspondent Noah Barnes Interim Fashion Correspondent Caeley Whalen Opinions Editor Thomas Maye Sports Editor Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editor Carlos Silva Interim Asst. Sports Editor Sara Senesac Design Editor Kathleen Moore Interim Copy Editor Lauren Paolini Staff Writers Tahir Abbas Mackenzie Berube Patrick Brady Kaitlyn Cullen Dia Kilgore Lizzy Stocks Dylan Thayer McKenzie Ward Staff Copy Editor Jordan Bacci Staff Photographers Amanda Garny Amanda Martin Caroline Gordon Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Kay Kastner

By Leighah Beausoleil Interim Asst. News Editor

Student support initiatives coordinator

What is your role at FSU? I started here September 3rd [of this year], … I am the student support initiatives coordinator. I work out of the Dean of Students office. And basically, my function … is to help and assist students who have food, housing, and financial insecurity. But in reality, any student who is struggling with something that is extra-academic that prevents them from achieving student success can really come to my office. … I have developed relationships with non-profit groups in the local area that I can connect [students] with. I have access to a number of resources here on campus and I am generally versed in what each office does. … It’s kind of like going to your general practitioner, your doctor, and then getting a referral for a specialist. You can think of the departments in the school as specialists and I can make referrals and have a general knowledge of what it is they can and can’t do. For situations where we don’t have resources on campus, I have developed relationships off campus in order to support students in that way.

What is your educational and previous work background before coming to FSU? I went to UMass Amherst. I actually grew up in North Hanover, Massachusetts, but I haven’t lived here in Massachusetts for a while. This is sort of a coming home for me. At UMass, I studied Chinese and political science. It’s kind of like a weird combination, but basically, I studied social welfare policy and I ended up working with orphans with congenital medical conditions in China after college. I did that for a number of years, so I guess that was the segue one into the other. … I went to grad school for policy. It wasn’t domestically focused - it was actually a master’s of international affairs I got at Columbia. … After grad school … I stayed at Columbia. I worked there for five years working as a university administrator.

I managed a master’s degree program there in quantitative analytics. … I went and worked at a congressional office of my district. We were going through sort of a huge change at that point. I was their constituent services director, which is essentially a case work director. So, oftentimes when people are re-

ing to make sure there is availability for people with different dietary needs and to make sure there is an availability of nutritious options, so people can have a well-balanced meal. A lot of people do rely on that [Rams Resource Center] for their source of nutrition. In that vein, in order to help people with that - because sometimes it can be difficult. [One of the goals of the Rams Resource Center is] being able to provide recipes that are created from things that are commonly available there. To improve our offerings … is to get a better handle on what is being utilized, what’s being taken in, what’s being taken out. That way, we can make sure there is an availability of things that students might want or need. We do conduct a survey: “What kinds of things would you like to see more of?” So, I would say that’s where the Rams Resource Center is going.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST ally struggling in a district, they’ll call their congressmen. … I dealt with a lot of people in financial difficulties - losing their homes, dealing with homelessness, dealing with hunger and food stamps. … Technically, it should have been if they needed help in matters concerning federal agencies - USCIS, VA, or social security - that’s where I had the strongest influence. But in reality, if anybody was struggling, we would take them in and see what we could do for them. … A lot of that is connecting them with resources and a lot of that is connecting students with resources here. It’s problem-solving. It’s connecting people with resources.

What can students look forward to in future programs such as the Rams Resource Center?

With the Rams Resource Center, we are going to continue to run it as it has been run. I am doing some management work within it organizationally, just in terms of developing procedures, inventory management - things like that. Obviously, there are constant events that are going to be going around in order to supply the Rams Resource Center, but you know, I am in the process of developing activities with the volunteers, doing outreach, and things like that.

But in terms of specific offerings for students, I’ve already been in conversations with some people who work in nutrition here at the University. I’m try-

How else will you support FSU students?

Not actually directly related to the Rams Resources Center, but we do a coat drive every year. The seasons are turning now, so it’s starting to be that time. We do a drive every year to make sure people have a warm coat for the winter. In terms of additional offerings, right now, it’s sort of in the process because I just started the process of planning. Nothing I say right now is really concrete, but certainly we want to make sure we’re serving everybody.

[Other initiatives include] developing programming for commuter students … and supporting students with families. I would say the bulk of students here are single - a lot of them are residents - but I think it’s important for the commuter student population to be well-integrated into our fRAMily. That’s one of the things that is really valuable about the college experience. A lot of the friendships that you are going to make are going to be lifelong. Beyond the friendship aspect, [programs] can really assist you in your careers in the future as well.

We want them also to feel like once you come and you join the FSU family, you are really part of the family after you leave and sort of cultivating that community.

CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Sunday, September 29 03:48 Mutual Aid Framingham Police Towers Hall Checks OK, Services Rendered

Sunday, September 29 18:49 Unsecured Area McCarthy Center Services Rendered

Monday, September 30 00:36 State Parking Enforcement O’Connor Hall Parking Lot Citation Issued

Monday, September 30 09:48 Panic Alarm West Hall False Alarm

Tuesday, October 1 00:09 Suspicous Activity Union Ave. Parking Lot GOA

Tuesday, October 1 03:31 Down (Tree/Wire) Power Plant Call assignment complete

Wednesday, October 2 16:16 Well Being Check Linsley Hall Checks OK

Thursday, October 3 12:06 Community Policing McCarthy Center Assignment Complete

NEWS

SGA shines a light on campus safety concerns

By Thomas Maye Editorial Staff SGA discussed campus safety problems, disputes over retroactive pay for part-time faculty, and WiFi connectivity issues during its Oct. 1 meeting.

During Open Forum, Outreach and Events Coordinator Danielle Shaw expressed concern about a lack of adequate lighting in commuter parking lots. “I’m just walking through the parking lot alone at night in the pitch black … until I get to the tram stop,” she said.

Senator McKenzie Ward said there were also no functioning lights outside the honors building, making her feel unsafe walking back to her car at night. “It was really creepy to walk out in basically complete darkness,” she said.

Ward was also concerned about a potential lack of surveillance camera presence in the Maple Lot after a car was damaged last week.

Student Trustee Olivia Beverlie said SGA will respond to these issues by holding a “safety walk” with President F. Javier Cevallos, Dale Hamel, executive vice president, Lorretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development, and an accompanying University police officer Oct. 8 to point out the areas students believe need more lighting or blue light emergency systems.

Beverlie said previous walks have led to direct changes in safety light-

ing installation. “As a result of [previous safety walks], for instance, there’s now more lighting on the other side of McCarthy going down into the McCarthy parking lot in between Foster Hall and here,” she said.

Emphasizing the increased significance of student safety, Beverlie discussed higher-than-expected student enrollment numbers.

She said according to Jeremy Spencer, dean of enrollment management, an estimated 5,207 students were enrolled after add-drop at FSU, marking a “slight increase” from the year’s projections.

During her student trustee’s report, Beverlie highlighted delayed salary payments for part-time faculty that were detailed at last week’s Board of Trustees meeting.

She said with the permission of the Board of Trustees, Cevallos will send paychecks Oct. 4 to provide the raise the state university system has denied them, “instead of waiting for the other state universities to go ahead and pay their part-time faculty.

“President Cevallos didn’t see it benefitting our students at all to not pay our part-time faculty,” she said.

Beverlie said the payment deficit totals $13,000 “across the entire state university system,” adding that FSU’s deficit only comprises a small portion of the amount.

She concluded her report by sharing responses from the IT department about WiFi issues after several SGA members complained about

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Student Trustee Olivia Beverlie (right) discussed campus issues.

Weather

Sunday night 40% chance of showers after midnight.

Mostly cloudy, low near 60. SW winds around 10 mph.

Monday 70% chance of rain.

Mostly cloudy, high near 70. SW winds around 10 mph.

Monday night 70% chance of rain.

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

Tuesday 30% chance of showers in the morning.

Partly sunny, high near 65. N wind around 5 mph.

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 3

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Mariah Farris (left) and Paola Bilbraut (right) are sworn in as senators-at-large. poor connectivity to the FSU_Wireless network at previous open forums.

She said while several buildings faced issues - including Dwight, McCarthy, and West and Peirce Halls IT undertook software updates last week, which may alleviate problems.

If people still have issues, they should directly alert IT, either by call, email, or using the IT self-report portal.

Reporting issues “is one of the most important things to keep in mind, because as I was talking with them, one of the biggest things was that they had no idea this was happening to students because no one was reporting it,” she said.

Beverlie added while IT is working with developers on improving access in Dwight Hall specifically, it is facing difficulties due to the building’s age, and because the floors of the gym require metal reinforcements in the weight room, which can disrupt signals.

She said connecting to the FSU Guest network across campus is an “ongoing issue.”

Also during the meeting, Comic Book Club presented a funding request of $3,012.50 for their trip to Rhode Island Comic Con. The group originally requested $3,096.50, but $84 was deducted at a previous finance committee meeting, as SGA does not cover the cost of trip meals.

Robert Johnson Jr., president of Comic Book Club, said, “I feel like

the trip to Rhode Island Comic Con is truly special. Sure, we may not be able to take the whole student body, but those who do go have an unforgettable experience.”

The full amount requested was approved by SGA. In other news: SGA President Matty Bennet said the Bias Education and Response Team is looking for student feedback, and will be holding two open forums in the CIE - one Oct. 9 from 10 - 11 a.m., and one Oct. 18 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Bennet said SGA - along with the Dean of Students office, M.I.S.S., and History Club - will be hosting a $2-per-ticket screening of the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet” at Regal Theatres in Marlborough.

Shaw detailed plans for SGA’s planned retreat to the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, as well as upcoming SGA fundraising events.

Senator Emma Sullivan was given a piece of paper for the weekly “U-Rock” award, as the rock itself was not present.

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is a staff writer for The Gatepost. Robert Johnson Jr. is an Arts & Features editor for The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH THOMAS MAYE tmaye1@student.framingham.edu

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov Tuesday night Wednesday night Partly cloudy, low near Mostly clear, low near 45. N wind around 5 45. N wind around 5 mph. mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, high near 65. N winds around 5 mph.

Thursday Sunny, high near 65.

NW winds around 5 mph.

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

NEWS

4 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

Senators Speak

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Name: Samuel Houle Year: Freshman Major: History Position: Senator-at-Large What I hope to accomplish: I understand the value of clubs. I led a club in high school, so I want to make sure they have what they need.

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Name: Krista Jameson Year: Junior Major: Criminology Position: Senator-at-Large What I hope to accomplish: I hope to bring awareness to people about how things are handled on campus and be the voice for those who aren’t as informed.

President Matty Bennet

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Name: Ayanna Ferguson Year: Senior Major: Accounting Position: Publicist and Recruitment Coordinator for SGA - Former Student Trustee What I hope to accomplish: A lot of people aren’t really in tune with what we actually do here, and I just want to get the word out - especially over helping other clubs.

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST Name: Paola Bilbraut Year: Senior Major: Biology Position: Senator-at-Large What I hope to accomplish: I hope to bring the community together and make people aware of the good things about our school and how we can help each other succeed.

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST

Name: Mariah Farris Year: Senior Major: Psychology Position: Senator-at-Large What I hope to accomplish: SGA obviously has power to speak and represent the students on campus, and I feel like they need more of a diverse say.

Name: McKenzie Ward Year: Rising Sophomore Major: History Position: Senator-at-Large What I hope to accomplish: I hope I can be someone to whom students can voice their concerns, so I can express them to SGA. [Editor’s note: McKenzie Ward is a staff writer for The Gatepost.]

Newly elected senators and eBoard members were asked what they hope to accomplish as elected officials and representatives of the student body. SGA President Matty Bennet also shared his remarks about the new members and their goals for the year.

“I am so excited. I think the new group of senators is amazing. I think we’re going to do a lot of great work this year.”

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST

-Matty Bennet, SGA President

Year: Senior Major: Political Science

Graphic by Evan Lee, Leighah Beausoleil, and Kathleen Moore

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

NEWS

EEE Continued from page 1

fewer practices throughout the week.

It means we have to be more focused and work hard during the time we have,” he said.

“We try to get some of the guys together at random times and get some touches in on the days when our practices get cancelled,” Sullivan added.

Senior Brenna Marquis said volleyball has luckily been able to avoid the issue as an indoor sport, but she is concerned about how EEE can impact a team’s cohesion.

“I think rearranging practice schedules and games has the potential to affect a team’s dynamic, mostly in the sense that more athletes could miss out on practices and games due to classes - or vice versa which already happens a lot without scheduling conflicts,” she said.

“It’s so important to have everyone there,” Marquis added.

Junior Jasmine Lees, a women’s soccer player, said, “EEE has been a really big inconvenience this season.

I’m not much of a morning person, so the 6:00 a.m. practices have been rough.”

Her teammate, senior Annalyse Arnold, agreed.

“I think rescheduling our practices to the early morning is really affecting our ability to do well in class because we are so tired, especially

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 5

people who have to take classes later in the day.

“It’s also kind of disappointing that we have to give up night games, like the homecoming game, because it’s always fun to play under the lights, and it’s also inconvenient that we have to rearrange our schedules now,” she said.

Despite the difficulties EEE has caused for Athletics this fall, the department is continuing to reschedule games and practices until the cold weather finally moves in. Both Kelley and Eggen stressed how grateful they were for everyone who has helped during this process.

“Everybody that helped in moving games and making these decisions has done it with a smile,” Eggen said.

She specifically thanked Ilene Hofrenning, director and nurse practitioner in the Health Center, Dale Hamel, executive vice president, Lorretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development, and Ann McDonald, chief of staff and general counsel.

As the temperature slowly declines in Framingham, Athletics is hoping for a morning frost in order to push out the mosquitoes and ensure the safety of their players moving forward.

CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

Dylan Thayer / THE GATEPOST FSU Men’s soccer players were impacted by the EEE threat.

CLUB MEETING TIMES Monday Education Club, 1:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Nutrition Club, 1:30 pm, HH 111 Wildlife, 1:30 pm, HA 325 Catholic Student Group, 1:30 pm, EC101 Food Science Club, 1:30 pm, HH 227 Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 Dance Team, 6:30 pm, Aerobics Room 207/208 MISS, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE Tuesday Math Club, 11:30 am, HA 430 WDJM, 4:30 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Pride Alliance, 6:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Hilltop Players, 6:30 pm, HA 136 Black Student Union, 7:00 pm, O’Connor CIE SGA, 7:30 pm, MC Alumni Wednesday History Club, 1:30 pm, MA 111B

Wednesday (cont’d) Christian Fellowship, 6:30 pm, Ecumenical Center Fashion Club, 7 pm , HH 218 Young Democrats Association, 7:00 pm, MC Paul T. Murphy 520 Comic Book Club. 7:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Thursday Gatepost, 6:30 pm, MC 410 African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 African Student Association, 7:00 pm, North Hall Commons Brother to Brother, 7:30 pm, O’Connor CIE Marketing Club, 7:00 pm, HH 101 Friday African Caribbean Dance Group, 7:30 pm, AF 207/208 Gaming Club, 12:30 pm, Club Room 1, MC 413 Sunday Symphonic Band, 6 pm, DPAC

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

6 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

NEWS

James Cressey presents case study on student support systems College of Education holds first Scholars in Action Series

By Evan Lee Asst. News Editor Framingham State’s College of Education hosted the first of its “Scholars in Action Series” presentations Oct. 2 in the Alumni Room.

James Cressey, education professor at FSU, presented his research from a three-year case study, “Developing Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional and Behavioral Support Systems.”

The case study took place in an elementary school using a “two-way immersion” Spanish and English bilingual model, according to Cressey.

His presentation showed that 62.5% of the school’s student body did not have English as their first language, 44.2% were considered economically disadvantaged, and 71.3% were reported as having “high needs.”

“It’s been a reflective process as I think about different groups that come into schools and what their experiences are,” he said.

The case study revolved around “three big ideas,” according to Cressey, which are “Social-Emotional Learning (SEL),” “Culturally Responsive Practices (CRP),” and “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).”

SEL is an approach that comes from “developmental psychology and psychoeducational theories,” Cressey explained.

It invites students to socialize and share their feelings through programs, such as “open circle,” and encourages educators to be mindful of the way they respond to student behaviors, he said.

Academic instruction under SEL “incorporates social skills and emotion, and thinking about how we work together as a team,” he added.

CRP comes from “sociocultural theories and social justice education,” Cressey said.

It overlaps with SEL through concepts like socio-political engagement and cultural references for students to connect with, “whether that’s pop culture or family culture,” he explained.

Cressey also discussed how teachers may lower their expectations for certain students because of “cultural or linguistic reasons” and for those with disabilities.

“The goal [of CRP] is to have high expectations, but give all students the support to reach them,” he said.

Cressey added, “We’re doing that to work against disproportionality and toward equity.”

PBIS comes out of “behavioral theory and prevention science,” according to Cressey.

It emphasizes the use of positive reinforcements, like praise, to encourage students to follow expectations and uphold their school’s values, he explained.

“When there are behaviors that are not expected or desired, then the goal [of PBIS] is to correct those and re-teach them, rather than just jump to punishment,” he added.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

FSU education professor James Cressey presents his research on social-emotional learning.

Cressey suggested there was overlap among all three ideas - SEL, CRP, and PBIS - during the case study, which he said illustrated an “interdisciplinary system of targeted student supports” made from themes of each idea.

The case study began after the school expressed interest in forming a team to develop a new system of “targeted social-emotional behavioral supports” for its students, Cressey said.

Specifically, they wanted to expand upon the PBIS-based “student support team” they already had, which focused mainly on students who displayed disruptive or aggressive behavior, according to Cressey.

This “crisis team,” as Cressey called it, was not able to give enough attention to students with less visible “mental health needs,” such as anxiety, depression, and withdrawal.

“Those are the students that can be missed,” he said.

The first year of the new team’s work focused on the creation of and preparation for a new support system, according to Cressey. The new system was made with SEL in mind to include those missed students.

He said the team decided to implement two screening scales, which “came from a PBIS and SEL research basis” that would allow teachers to “quickly and efficiently determine which students we could target for extra support.”

Those screens are the “Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS)” and “Student Internalizing Behavior Scale (SIBS),” according to Cressey’s presentation.

SRSS screens for external behaviors, such as negative attitudes and aggression, while SIBS screens internal behaviors, such as feelings of withdrawnness and unhappiness.

CRP was also involved in this process as “the team was ready to bring

in qualitative knowledge of each child and think beyond those two scores,” Cressey said.

Qualitative knowledge includes “cultural and familial factors,” according to his presentation.

Along with a screening process, the team also chose methods of intervention to provide extra support to students who need it.

One such method the team implemented was the “check-in, check-out intervention,” which Cressey said is rooted in PBIS research - specifically, its principle of positive reinforcement.

“The child will have a lot of chances to check in throughout the day with the teacher and get positive reinforcement and have positive interactions,” he said.

He added this intervention also has components of SEL, as students are encouraged to express their emotions to teachers and build relationships with them.

Throughout the day, teachers will write out “CARE” cards for each student, which rate their performance in the classroom, academics, respect, and education, according to Cressey’s presentation.

A theme from CRP is present in these cards as there is “shared authority” when they’re rated, according to Cressey.

“It’s not just a teacher saying, ‘You made this, this, and this.’ It’s, ‘How do you think you did?’ and having them rate themselves,” he explained.

These daily cards are to be taken home by students to their parents for them to review as well, he added.

While the first year focused on preparations, the second year featured the “rollout” of the new system, according to Cressey.

He shared an example of a completed screening result, which showed “quite a few” students were rated at a moderate-to-high so-

Kathleen Moore / THE GATEPOST cial-emotional risk by the SRSS and SIBS scales.

Most students rated as high risk had already been identified by the team, who worked to create “individualized supports” for them, so students rated at a moderate risk on both scales were chosen to participate in the new system, according to Cressey.

Of the 39 students found at risk, 24 were selected for the program and 13 were enrolled with consent from their teacher and parents, he added.

Cressey shared an example of one student’s progress during intervention, which he said was comparable to most other students’ progress.

The progress report showed the student’s “% daily points” from their CARE card were mostly rated in the high 90s. A few drops were recorded - the lowest being in the 60s - but all quickly rebounded.

“It wasn’t, ‘Start low, get high to the end.’ Students responded, from the beginning, really well to this,” Cressey said.

Year three was about “refinement” of the system, according to Cressey.

“The goal, going forward, which is still being worked on, is to go beyond that ‘check-in, check-out’ intervention and offer other … targeted interventions for children who need extra,” he said.

Cressey said, “A big theme that I believe is true of this type of work is that you get a return on your investment.”

He added a lot of ‘essential’ work went into the first year. And since then, he’s felt the school has been ‘reaping the rewards.’

“Students are benefiting from all of that work,” he concluded.

CONNECT WITH EVAN LEE elee5@student.framingham.edu

OP/ED

OP/ED Let stickers be our salvation

By Thomas Maye Opinions Editor I did not consent to an 11 a.m. electric boogie session, but as the crowd hurtled toward me, I couldn’t avoid it.

I walked up the hill, across the street, and toward the McCarthy Center. My hands were full of books, my head full of regret, and all 5 feet and 5 inches of me simmered with rage as the RamTram finally crested the peak of the commuter lots after over 15 minutes of waiting at the bus stop.

I thought my trials had ended, but alas - yet again, I’ve had to play my all-too-frequent game of “Frogger” from hell.

In times of rush-hour foot traffic, it’s nigh-impossible to avoid throngs of students barreling through the doorway with all the grace and gentleness of a bulldozer plowing into an orphanage. I’ve seen a horde of zombies first-hand, and they’re listening to Kendrick Lamar on their AirPods. I now know what it’s like to walk directly through a gaggle of headless chickens.

Our age is defined by great intellectual and socio-cultural dilemmas. I didn’t know entering a doorway was one of them.

Now, I cannot offer a simple solution for climate change, political corruption, or a hypothetical robot uprising. The existence of “The Bachelor” is beyond my control. But I have good news - there is a simple solution to the grand doorway dilemma, and it would cost the University next to nothing.

Stickers.

I’ve found the boundless possibilities of two doors in the same entryway is simply too much choice to expect of the students that zip in and out of each like a swarm of angry wasps. But by simply putting exit and enter stickers on the

The doors outside of McCarthy Center.

doors, we can finally alleviate the confusion that has evidently plagued our campus.

Granted, you may point to the fact that we already have something of a sticker system in place.

The exit doors have a big yellow sticker conveniently marking the side on which wheelchair users can operate the automatic door switch to leave the building.

The problem with this logic is assuming that the same students who allegedly needed a security camera installed near by the ram statue to prevent them from burying another hamster closeby have the ability to understand basic subtext.

I’m not joking about said hamster incident, by the way - please refer to Tessa Jillson’s delightful 2017 “Security camera installed near ram statue” Gatepost article if you have doubts.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t pretend to have found the cure for idiocy myself. In fact, I’ve actually gotten confused entering the sliding doors at Walmart more often than I’d like to admit - but you best believe I changed my direction after being told to by the ominous letters stickered on the glass.

Of course, I’m aware there will always be a few brave anarchists who will defy the oppression of basic directions and common sense. All the same, though, I have faith that many of these wayward souls are simply misguided, misdirected.

Let us explain the concept of a doorway for you.

Let stickers be our salvation. Let us show you the light. It doesn’t have to be this way.

FSU, I’m begging you - put some stickers on the doors.

Jared Graf / THE GATEPOST

Have an opinion?

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

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you! @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 7

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL Our generation is not a part of your comedy act In a Sept. 30 New York Times interview, comedian and political commentator Bill Maher said his comedy serves to bridge the gap posed by the question: “Why can’t I talk on TV the way I talk at home or with my friends?”

This brings up the question: How exactly does he talk to his friends and family? Does Maher - and other comedians who share the same views - feel concerned about the public discovering their personal conversations? If they were to be released, would they cause a widespread uproar?

In the comedy scene today, comedians consider themselves tightrope walkers who try to balance the fine line between satirical acts and “political correctness.”

As we remove racist and sexist language from our vocabulary, comedians - and others - who proudly proclaim they refuse to succumb to some politically correct cultural hegemony become more controversial and shunned.

Or even worse, these comedians’ appeal and fan bases may increase because they’re seen as the new underdogs against a new political climate and are even more worthy of praise.

Now that people can’t make politically incorrect jokes with impunity as often, they throw temper tantrums when rightfully called out on their bigotry.

Younger millennials and Gen Z members who are part of marginalized groups and merely point out the discrimination they face are called whiny and entitled.

Our generation, according to people like Maher, is too weak, too sheltered - even though we face the brunt of the consequences of the thoughtless actions of generations past.

Our elders fail to recognize the immense change our world has been through in the past 50 years, including social revolutions, environmental destruction, and immense political upheaval.

We have known nothing except endless war, having mostly grown up in a post-9/11 world where the looming threat of global nuclear destruction is still imminent.

We live in a nation where we are afraid to go to public places in fear of being victims of mass shootings and ending up as a name and face in Twitter Moments.

We’re part of a generation that is overwhelmingly afflicted with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and left without adequate, affordable health care to treat them.

So, it’s no doubt we are collectively traumatized by the negligence and condescension from Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers, who have effectively shoved at us the problems they caused, but don’t want to deal with anymore.

And the members of these generations who criticize our appropriate and natural responses to this trauma are gaslighting us by saying there is no reason for us to act this way.

Many Gen Z members are told by people like Maher to “suck it up” or get pelted by the “when I was your age” rants, which trivialize their feelings and experiences.

Maher claims millennials who are insulted by his jokes “probably grew up with helicopter parents who afforded them a sense of entitlement.

“They are certainly more fragile than previous generations. Trigger warnings. Safe spaces. Crying rooms. Microaggressions. That crowd feels like anything that upsets their tender sensibilities is completely out of line.”

The thing is: actions and sayings that are now seen as offensive have always been offensive. People just felt like they couldn’t safely say anything.

But that’s changing - and for the better.

People who are staunchly against political correctness fail to see that comedy and free speech can still exist and thrive, even without targeting vulnerable populations that already have targets on their backs because of the deeply pervasive inequality of our society.

If you have to resort to blatant and unapologetic racism and sexism and ableism to entertain people, then maybe consider: you’re just not that funny.

8 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

OP/ED

Start listening to what young activists are saying

By Kaitlyn Cullen Staff Writer Time and time again, young activists like Emma Gonzalez and Greta Thunberg are not being taken seriously - but they should be.

Half of the politicians who acknowledge them brush them aside and the other half give them a clap on the back and nothing more.

Survivors don’t want thoughts and prayers - they want action and results.

Due to their age, young activists are seen as inept or lacking the knowledge on the issues they face on a daily basis. Many people have even gone as far to call them hired actors so they don’t have to take their words seriously.

Benjamin Kelly, district secretary for U.S. Rep. Shawn Harrison, emailed a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times that several students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the scene of a mass school shooting Feb. 14, 2018, were hired crisis activists “that travel to various crises when they happen.”

Even President Trump belittled climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16, in one of several tweets, including retweeting a post by one of his supporters whose username is @Opinion8dKellie, who calls her an “actress” and “kiddo.”

What these people do not have that survivors do is first-hand experience.

Yet even the experience we all face with climate change is ignored by too many people with the power to change it.

In the words of Trevor Noah, late night host of “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” “If kids are old enough to be shot, they’re old enough to have an opinion about being shot.”

This idea also applies to any other issue the general public faces. If it affects us, we are capable of having an opinion on it.

Young people these days have better access to information than they did when older generations were their age.

Schools have been improved. The information of the whole Internet is in the palm of our hands.

In school, from elementary grades through higher education, the infor-

mation students are given are to be taken as literal and informative. Yet when they use this information, the actual history of the world and scientific facts proven by accredited doctors, they are called liars or juveniles who don’t know what they’re talking about.

What’s more disturbing than the words of the youth being overlooked is the fact that their words are informed by facts and inspired by real events. To dismiss these factors is to discredit the American school system, which creates a new issue.

If what we are being taught in school is not accepted in the “real world,” then what information can we trust?

Scientists are ignored, activists are discredited, survivors are silenced.

Facts are real - that is part of their definition. They are indisputable, yet way too often ignored.

What will it take for real-life problems to be seen as more than imagination? When will death tolls be taken seriously, as a call to action rather than a tragedy in vain?

Older, more stubborn generations have forgotten they are the ones who

passed that characteristic down to us.

We will not back down, and we will save the world from their mistakes.

But do we have the time?

Greta Thunberg outside the Swedish parliament.

Halloween is not just a bunch of hocus-pocus

By Ashley Wall Associate Editor With spooky season upon us, it is important to take a step back and reflect upon our cherished, and frankly deranged, Halloween traditions.

As Marnie from the adored movie “Halloweentown” would say, “How are we supposed to grow up if we’re not allowed to go into the world, try new things, and take some risks?”

And she’s right! For many of us around Halloween, these risks include scaring the life out of innocent children, dressing in provocative costumes to impress frat guys, or even using America’s murderous history as a platform for haunted attractions!

The latter risk is the most concerning pastime of the season. Glorious deaths by burning, delightful nooses, and captivating stocks can all be yours to view if you purchase a ticket to any of New England’s popular haunted attractions.

I visited Witch’s Woods in Westford for their opening weekend and to my astonishment, I was surrounded by people laughing in delight on a haunted hayride celebrating the Salem Witch Trials.

I thought to myself, “What kind of culture are we raising our children in where true accounts of innocent murder only serve the purpose of entertainment?”

Our mentality has shifted so im-

mensely that those sitting beside me on the hayride took no second glance at the burning skulls and limp bodies hanging from trees placed for the purpose of captivating the nightly crowds.

What have you done, America?

Well-attended haunted attractions do not need the theme of America’s murderous past as their main selling point.

Even our beloved Six Flags New England has a “Fright Fest.”

Fortunately for attendees, their attractions include an indoor maze full of dreadful nightmares and phobias, fairy tales turned sinful, and a fatal zombie uprising.

If you were to view Six Flags’ “Fright Fest” promotional video on their website, you would see costumed actors drenched in blood, carrying axes, and ride-goers on fire.

Do you find these types of things amusing? What if they happened to you in real life?

If you said yes, let me help you form an educated answer: people really did get burned alive in our country’s history. Actual murderers do go around carrying weapons and drenching people in blood.

These are not fictional scenarios.

We as humans are not invincible to these horrific acts.

If you don’t believe me, try checking out a book from your local library about the Salem Witch Trials or America’s serial killer history.

As a society, we should not be celebrating a catastrophic period that killed 20 “witches,” while accusing over 200 more.

We should not be laughing at tales of bloodshed and sacrifice.

We should not be giving Halloween attractions our hard-earned money just so small children can look at hangings and executions as fictional tales for their delight.

But as wrong as it is, we as a society just can’t seem to refrain from joining in these very morbid Halloween traditions.

Halloween can be a magical holiday - full of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls - but it should not be illuminated by death and gore.

So, as you go about dressing up for Halloween and attending haunted attractions, be wary of the words of Max Dennison: “It’s just a bunch of hocuspocus.”

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

OP/ED

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 9

If you’re pro-choice, Global Climate Strike: the then act like it largest climate

By Nadira Wicaksana Editor-in-Chief

We’ve all heard people say they’re “pro-choice” and immediately follow that up with “NOT pro-abortion.”

Whether it’s to appease pro-lifers or their own consciences, it’s evident these people believe the worst thing that can happen in the world is any woman choosing to stop being pregnant with a fetus that is totally and wholly dependent on her body.

Well, I am pro-abortion. I’m pro-pregnancy. I’m pro-whatever-a-woman-decides-is-best-for-herself.

Thinking of abortion as something that’s a necessary evil instead of a safe, legitimate medical procedure is to take away bodily agency from the women who receive abortions. Abortion is neither inherently good nor bad, neither right nor wrong - in and of itself, it is simply the termination of a pregnancy.

And the women who choose to undergo them should not have to wear a scarlet letter. Having an abortion does not determine the content of one’s character. Nor does it definitively nod to someone’s principles.

Self-professed pro-choicers who claim to support the freedom of women to make certain decisions, but then essentially demonize those who do not make the most morally “correct” choices according to some arbitrary patriarchal standards are just as hypocritical as the right-wing pro-life movement.

Their arguments have the same judgmental air as the maxim, “Hate the sin, but love the sinner.” The alleged sinner won’t feel any reassurance from knowing some holier-than-thou, self-appointed morality expert supposedly loves them but hates everything they do or whatever they stand for.

It doesn’t - or shouldn’t - matter whether a woman’s decision of what to do with her own body is universally well-received or hated. She will do it regardless of public opinion, and she should feel no guilt about a choice that was only hers to make in the first place.

The idea that women should live their lives waiting for someone else’s approval is nonsensical and ludicrous. I hesitate even to tack on “outdated,” because this attitude shouldn’t have been appropriate at any point in history.

Women are not public or private property - we are our own selves.

Anything that serves to undermine and disavow the integrity of a woman and her choice is rooted in the belief that we are not fully human and that subsequently, any agency we claim for ourselves is somehow detrimental to society and its future.

It is logical to conclude the self-aggrandizing Trump administration’s hatred for Planned Parenthood, an organization that provides a wealth of beneficial health education and services, is rooted in misogyny.

Never mind the cancer screenings and STI testing, among the countless invaluable services they provide - they’re obviously a terrible institution because a small portion of its (private) funding is used for abortions, right?

Title X, a federal grant program created to provide comprehensive family planning services and reproductive health care, was placed under new restrictions last month. The Trump administration decreed any organization that receives Title X funding cannot provide abortion referrals, effectively placing a gag rule on Planned Parenthood.

So Planned Parenthood left Title X. This is how important abortions are. They can determine the course of a woman’s life. They can change her future.

Planned Parenthood made the correct decision in underscoring the importance of choice above all else.

When it comes to women’s bodily autonomy, there is no room for negotiation.

Women do not truly have choice if they cannot make the full, unabashed decision to stop being pregnant for any reason and without apology, if they cannot delineate exactly when, where, and how to be pregnant and exactly how many children they plan to have.

And as we continue to see increased attacks on this autonomy in this ever-polarized political climate where across the country, access to abortion and even adequate prenatal care becomes more and more restricted, we cannot just overlook the half-assed support from those who say they might agree with freedom of choice - you know, just as long as it’s the right one.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

demonstration in world history

By Dia Kilgore Staff Writer More than 7.5 million people have come together in the historic social movement that is now known as the largest climate demonstration in history.

In a demand for world leaders to take immediate action regarding the climate crisis, 185 countries are raising their voices to protect what unites us all - our planet.

As greenhouse gas levels rise, evidence of climate change becomes more apparent, as does the alarming rate at which it occurs. If immediate action is not taken to accelerate decarbonization in the next decade, both humankind and all life on Earth face dire consequences.

A massive human, animal, and biological extinction event is predicted to unfold within the next 30-50 years, while some scientists warn that the sixth mass extinction event is already underway, according to a team led by scientist Gerardo Ceballos.

Greenhouse gases are natural and part of essential processes for life on Earth. They absorb and emit radiant energy and without them, the average surface temperature of the Earth would be about 33 degree Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than it is now. However, industrialization, deforestation, and animal agriculture have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide to dangerous levels - from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years.

The cataclysmic tipping point of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is nearing closer, and concentrations are still rising rapidly. Corporate greed centered on short-term profitability with little regard for the environment has been pinpointed as the source of 71% of all carbon emissions, according to a 2017 report by The Carbon Majors Database. The burning of fossil fuels is currently the largest contributor, with animal agriculture and its associated processes a close second, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Worldwide demonstrations seeking action to combat these processes began Sept. 20, just three days before the landmark Climate Action Summit.

At the forefront is 16-year-old student Greta Thunberg, who inspired the youth movement against climate change. Thunberg gained fame for her three-week sit-in outside Swedish Parliament, urging stronger actions be taken for the environment.

What started as a solo effort has drawn millions together and Thunberg asks the question, “Why study for a future that may not be there?”

The 2019 Climate Action Summit was held Sept. 23, and the report currently states, “If we act now, we can reduce carbon emissions within 12 years and hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius and even, as asked by the latest science, to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”

Since then, 59 countries have expressed intention to revamp their climate plans by the end of next year. Some countries, such as Germany, have pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

In addition, a coalition of 19 companies pledged to scale up regenerative agricultural practices, boost biodiversity, and eliminate deforestation while focusing on restoration and protection of natural ecosystems.

Unity to save our home planet demonstrates something even deeper than fighting for climate change - it shows the striking and beautiful ability of humankind to stand in solidarity for change.

In the words of Thunberg, “We showed that we are united and that we, young people, are unstoppable.”

10 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

OP/ED

What is required to A short response combat the looming to a tall issue student debt crisis

By Patrick Brady Staff Writer

By Tahir Abbas Staff Writer Recently, I read an interesting article, “How Paying for College is Changing Middle Class Life,” published in The New York Times by Dr. C. Zaloom, a professor of anthropology at New York University.

He argued addressing the cost of higher education in the U.S. is not merely affecting students and families in budgetary terms, but it is a moral obligation.

He further argued parents faced three moral traps.

First, they are ambivalent whether to utilize their savings on their children’s needs when they are very young or use it later for their college educations.

The second moral trap occurs when parents are eager to find the “right” college. This is far more than finding an affordable college to study. Then, they must find ways to meet the cost, no matter what it takes.

The third moral trap is “social speculation,” meaning parents must bet on the present so their children will secure a place in the middle class of tomorrow.

According to consumer credit reports by The Federal Reserve, the cost of a college education has tripled over the last three decades. In 2006, student debt was under $5 billion.

Now, it is approaching an all-time high of over $1.5 trillion.

Young aspiring students are trapped in debt for the rest of their lives without finding ways to get rid of it. If the student loan is delinquent, the bank can garnish social security and unemployment benefits.

Moreover, student loan is hampering the lives of young students, driving them into poverty, and affecting families’ well-being and financial securities.

Hence the question arises: “Can authorities provide any economic justifications behind this exorbitant cost of higher education in the U.S.?”

Many argue there is a surge in demand for college education. Most of the universities are underfunded, and it becomes difficult for their administrations to hire new faculty, create new infrastructure, and find funding for research and development.

I contest this line of argument by providing some examples from other countries across the globe.

Let us look at our neighbor, Mexico, where higher education is virtually free.

There are many problems like low salaries for faculty, poor infrastructure, and insufficient industry-academia linkages, but the educational quality is still respectable.

For instance, in Mexico City, mayor Claudia Sheinbaum established a university which is not only free but also open admission, according to TopUniversities.com.

Where lies the hope? Students and the wider population at the colleges and universities are the hope.

As George Orwell writes in his famous novel, “1984,” “the hope lies in the proles.” In the 1940s and 1950s, the highest growth period in U.S. history, education was virtually free.

The G.I. bill was rewarding, which contributed enormously to economic growth. More significantly, the California Public Education system was a jewel in the 1960s.

What was unique during this era was that students’ movements had been quite a significant force in bringing social change to the U.S. Today, when the country has arguably developed a much stronger economy compared to the 1960s, why has the policy of free or affordable education been revoked?

It is up to the students to decide whether to sit obediently and apathetically in the face of their plight or struggle to bring about the much-needed change required for their rights.

I’m currently around 6 feet 2 inches barefoot, 180-ish pounds, and am taller than most people I come across.

With that being said, you may be wondering if I’m self-conscious about my height.

Well, the answer is a little more complicated than you might expect.

Growing up, I went to a high school at which the average student height was around 6 foot even. That’s more than the average U.S. male height, which is approximately 5 feet 9 inches.

But Patrick, I thought the average American male height was 5 feet 10 inches? You’ve totally got your facts mixed up.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted from 2007 to 2010, the average height for a U.S. adult male is 69.1 inches tall - 5 foot 9 inches, give or take the 4 extra centimeters. That’s one inch shorter than what every doctor I’ve ever visited has said the average male height was!

Why is this important, though?

The answer is simple - almost every single person who claims to be my height is often 1-2 inches shorter than I am.

But why is this the case?

Personally, I think it’s better to answer this question with a contrasting question, rather than a statement.

Have you ever thought of telling people the truth about your height?

Even if you’re short, wouldn’t you like your possible soon-to-be special-someone to know you are not self-conscious about your body image?

Pretty much everyone I meet seems to add their shoes onto their total height. And let’s be truthful - you probably do it, too.

Nowadays, people are more obsessed about their height than ever before.

But there’s a reason for this phenomenon.

Let’s take a step back for a moment.

All people want to be recognized. It’s the human condition. But if someone is in a class of 25, there is only about a 4% chance they’ll be the best student in the class.

As you might be able to tell, judging by this brief example, everyone strives to be noticed, or stand above their peers. And height - above all else - is what people believe differentiates them from everyone.

The same goes for dating.

Let’s say a guy is trying to impress a girl. What’s the first thing that he mentions to her?

His height, of course!

Whether you’re 5 foot 4 inches or 7 feet tall, many people feel insecure about their height. - and insecurity is what drives people to wear 6-inch boots or heels.

From what I’ve observed on campus, there is often only a 5-inch difference between the two partners. And take into account that the average American woman is 5 feet 4 inches, only 5 inches shorter than the average man.

If you do the math, the average couple’s heights, from what I’ve seen, are not too different from one another, although, that’s definitely not the case with every relationship.

With all that being said, am I self-conscious about my height?

To be quite honest with you - yes and no.

I don’t obsess over height, but I get very uneasy when I’m the tallest person in the room. And that happens quite a lot more often than you would expect.

Height is something that is both a gift and a curse. It can either help people gain popularity or become the subject of vicious bullying.

Even though I occasionally feel uncomfortable about my so-called “gift,” I still have a burning desire not to let it get in my way.

Height doesn’t define who you are - it’s your mindset that does.

And by the way, I play mini-golf, not basketball.

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

OP/ED

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 11

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Campus Conversations How do you think politcal correctness is defined?

By Amanda Garny and Caroline Gordon

“Being mindful of other people’s political opinions.”

“Not being offensive in any kind of way.

Not targeting any specific group.”

-Jacqueline Tenney, freshman

“Figuring out what’s good and accurate in politics, and correcting what is not.”

“What is morally right - what is right in society and won’t offend anybody.”

“Not really about politics - more so what’s acceptable in society.”

“Treating people the way they want to be treated and respecting everyone’s identities.”

-Eryca Carrier, junior

-Manny Miranda, freshman

-Josh Ofosu, freshman

-Zariah Thompson, freshman

-Afua Kusiwaa, freshman

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

12 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES

ARTS & FEATURES Margaret Weitekamp explains the intersection between civil rights and “Star Trek”

By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor

After the harsh impact of a government shutdown-inflicted delay, the “Moon Landing in Context” series was finally able to bring Margaret Weitekamp to Framingham State University to speak to a packed audience in the McCarthy Center Forum Sept.

26.

Weitekamp is a curator in the Space History Department of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, which is currently undergoing renovations.

She was a Mellon Fellow in the Humanities, obtained a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a master of arts and Ph.D. in history from Cornell University.

Her talk, “More Than ‘Just Uhura’: Understanding Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura, Civil Rights, and Space History,” dealt with Gene Roddenberry’s initial proposal for the TV franchise, as well as the tropes employed within the showand the cultural impact it had on society.

“As a curator, what you’re doing, always, is trying to balance both the history and the artifact form,” Weitekamp said.

Before getting into the subject matter at hand, Weitekamp described her work at the National Air and Space Museum, asking the audience about the National Mall and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center locations she works.

“What I do, in addition to being a chair of the department, is that I work with what we call our ‘social and cultural artifacts.’”

She then provided samples of her interest in “Star Trek.” The particular pieces of space exploration memorabilia she focuses on, comprising of medallions from early American space missions, mission patches, and commercially-available science fiction pieces.

“This collection really speaks to the popular culture of space flight in material objects,” Weitekamp said.

“It’s how ordinary people interacted with space flight - most people don’t get to be an astronaut or an aerospace engineer, they don’t get to build and design and fly things in space - but many people have played with ‘Star Wars’ action figures.”

Weitekamp asked the audience if they have ever watched “Star Trek.” “‘Star Trek’ is a really important franchise. It became a really powerful cultural phenomenon,” Weitekamp said.

She gave the audience a brief time-

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Margaret Weitekamp presenting to people in the McCarthy Center Forum. line of the development of the “Star Trek” franchise, starting with the original 1966-69 series on NBC and leading up to upcoming projects, such as “Star Trek: Picard.”

“So, it is a cultural phenomenon I would argue that, in its own right, that merits study and a place on the national stage - consideration at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum,” Weitekamp said.

“In addition, this show and the people associated with the show have really been an agent of social change. … It both reflected the issues of the time and really tried, especially, to make changes and, in many ways, we can see the beginnings of that, the roots of that in this mixed-sex, racially integrated, multinational, space flight crew.”

Weitekamp explained the genesis of “Star Trek” as a franchise, making particular note of Lucille Ball’s role in the production of the series with her company, Desilu Productions.

“She was one of the few women in Hollywood who owned her own studio, and when she was greenlighting ‘Star Trek,’ that was, really, her decision,” she said.

Beyond Ball, Weitekamp highlighted Nichelle Nichols, the African American actress who famously portrayed Lt. Uhura in the series.

“Lt. Uhura plays the fourth-incommand. She’s the communications officer, she’s a presence in every episode on the bridge of the Enterprise and in this, really becomes a very significant role to have someone who is an African American actress who is not playing a maid, who is not playing a servant, but who is a heart of this crew and really has a significant role,” Weitekamp said.

In explaining to the audience the importance of Uhura in a male-dominated genre such as science fiction,

Weitekamp showed the audience the first two strips from “Buck Rogers” from 1928.

“One of the things that I’m looking at in my book project is that I’m really interested in this American form of space science fiction,” Weitekamp said. “I think it is so ever-present that we don’t see it and we’ve never named it - I’m calling it the Buck Rogers’ archetype.”

“Buck Rogers awakens, as you may know, from being knocked out in a mine near Pittsburgh, comes out of the mine hundreds of years later and encounters a very capable, independent woman, which, clearly, indicates that we’re in the future - this cannot be the present, as you have a woman who is acting in this way.”

She talked about criticisms of the Vietnam War and the Apollo 11 mission, as well as descriptions of the roles of African American activists who used the space program as a point of contention to bring attention to their cause.

“In the midst of all of this, you have Nichols, who is playing this role on television,” Weitekamp said. “She was getting a lot of attention in the black press, so while she was getting a lot of public attention, she was starting to question whether ‘Star Trek’ was the right choice for her.”

While she described the significance of Uhura’s lack of a first name, which, to her, indicated “an underdeveloped character,” she told the audience of a story involving Nichols and Martin Luther King Jr. at an NAACP fundraiser she attended, after telling Roddenberry she wanted to “quit the show.”

“While she was there, one of the organizers came over to her and said that ‘someone here is a fan of yours’ … and she turned around and it was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Weiteka-

Caroline Gordon / THE GATEPOST mp said.

In King’s interaction with Nichols, he told her “‘Star Trek’ was one of the shows he and Coretta Scott King really enjoyed letting their children watch, because it was a vision of racial integration working.”

In spite of the praise, Nichols was still determined to deliver the sad news she gave to Roddenberry, but King refused to let it slip.

Weitekamp echoed King’s proposal for Nichols to stay on the show - “‘Oh, no, no, you cannot. You simply cannot. If you let that door close, who knows how long it’ll be before it opens again?’”

King’s suggestion was a successful one, to the point where Nichols finished the third season and the remainder of “Star Trek,” eventually becoming a staple of “Star Trek” fan conventions in the mid-1970s.

On top of that, Weitekamp informed the audience of Nichols’ organization - Women in Motion, Inc. - which assured women, especially African American women, that “There’s Space for Everyone,” as per the organization’s slogan.

“She really should be celebrated,” Weitekamp said, “not only for embodying this path-breaking, fictional character, but also for really making real change for women, for African Americans, for all of those who are participating in the space program.

“Her actions, rooted in her Civil Rights activism, fundamentally changed how NASA thought about its staffing on spacecraft and on the ground, and that is an extraordinary, important context for understanding the space program,” Weitekamp said.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 13

WDJM revival

Brennan Atkins / THE GATEPOST

Turntable in the WDJM studio.

Continued from page 1 “When I was a freshman here, after my first semester of being on campus, I got a radio show, and at the end of my freshman year, I ran for secretary,” he said.

After a short period of the organization’s inactivity, in his sophomore year, Robbins said, ‘Would it be OK if I kind of took the reins a little, and kind of get it [WDJM] back on its feet?’ They [SILD] said if you’re able to get a trustworthy group of people together - yes.”

He said he went from hearing nothing to suddenly hearing from people who wanted to get involved.

“We were a rag-tag, MacGyver-like kind of eBoard, and we figured out roles and positions and other business

WDJM’s mixing table and microphones.

stuff. This was around fall 2018, and that was my first time becoming president of the station, and I remain as president today,” he said.

“I saw the potential. I saw this as a way to get the community involved. ...

I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Robbins said he is incredibly happy and comfortable with where WDJM is currently at, and the eBoard is eager to achieve even more in terms of strengthening itself.

“Our mission statement for WDJM is kind of a two-in-one. First, it’s to increase the involvement of the community. Our presence on campus comes in two ways - being a radio station, and being a tool for other clubs, associa-

tions, and councils as well.

Robbins explained “The radio station part is to have students come on to WDJM as a general member and go through training to learn how to host their own radio show. After six hours of training, and a test hour with an eBoard member, they will be able to host their own radio show.

“The other part of it is being a tool for clubs, so as WDJM, we’re not just a radio station. We’re also an outlet for other clubs, councils and such, to play music at events for free. I noticed one big issue was in years past - a lot of clubs were spending money on music.

They would hire DJs to come to their event and play music, and we stepped

Brennan Atkins / THE GATEPOST

in and said, ‘We don’t want you doing that. Your event money should not be spent on simply music.’

“We have our own speakers at WDJM - we offer to other clubs our ability to go there and play music for free, the music that they want to hear, through the speakers we have.

“We’re a free service, and if they want to use us, they’re more than welcome to,” he said.

Robbins then detailed the variety of programming they offer.

“We currently have shows from sports podcasts to talk shows- we have people like myself, I play a lot of ’40s music - we have people who play hiphop, R&B - you name it.”

“We want to empower the students to be able to give their own spin of what they want to see more of in the community, and to be able to put that in this community.”

Robbins said that he always loved “mass media,” and while he didn’t come to FSU with the immediate plan of doing radio, he quickly found interest in the airwaves.

“When I heard about the radio at FSU, I felt like it was right up my alley. ... I had been craving to do something that other people can enjoy. At the end of the day. I enjoy boosting people’s spirits. I just like giving back to people.

I realized the radio is exactly that,” he said.

WDJM meets every other Tuesday in McCarthy 402 and can be found on 91.3 FM. CONNECT WITH BRENNAN ATKINS batkins@student.framingham.edu

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14 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

ARTS & FEATURES

Fashion for everyone

By Lauren Paolini Interim Copy Editor

By Caeley Whalen Interim Fashion Correspondent News flash: guys can wear dresses, too!

That’s right - clothing is in no way related to how many X or Y chromosomes you have.

Unisex clothing traditionally has no shape or structure to it, meaning anyone can wear it regardless of their body type. But lately celebrities have been blurring the lines between men’s and women’s fashion more than ever, showing that unisex clothing isn’t limited to a shapeless T-shirt and baggy sweatpants.

In his first campaign as the face of Louis Vuitton in 2016, Jaden Smith wore a leather moto jacket, fringe top, and an embroidered skirt in the promotional pictures. Smith even brought his genderless style to his Vogue Korea editorial, wearing a black skirt with tailored pants underneath.

Louis Vuitton isn’t the only designer switching up these stereotypes - Christian Siriano is responsible for the completely unexpected tuxedo ball gown that Billy Porter wore to the 2018 Oscars. The dress was a combination of a fitted velvet bolero jacket and dress shirt on top. With a hoop skirt on the bottom.

Michael B. Jordan, actor and new face of Coach, released photos Oct. 1 of his collaboration line with the designer brand that features bags and footwear made to appeal to both men’s and women’s fashion.

Let’s be honest - if Michael B. Jordan approves, so do we.

We can’t talk about unisex fashion without mentioning one of our top five “Queer Eye” guys - Jonathan Van Ness! The fabulous Netflix star lets his charismatic energy shine through in everything he does, including his wardrobe.

One of our favorite looks from JVN was worn at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmys. Van Ness gave us major Angelina Jolie red carpet leg in a black gown with a high slit. The Maison Margiela design had a completely sheer long-sleeved top and an embellished bottom.

JVN proved he can rock a pair of heels better than all of us by completing his look with a pair of platforms and perfectly slicked-back hair.

Van Ness continued the platform heel theme on this year’s red carpet. In addition to a black Christian Siriano mini dress.

The strapless number was finished with an oversized turquoise-green bow that created a train. This probably wouldn’t have been the dress we pulled off the rack, but JVN helps this dress live up to its potential.

Janelle Monáe gives Hillary Clinton a run for her money when it comes to pantsuits. The singer/actress has been blurring the line between men’s and women’s fashion since before it was trendy. Whether it’s a dress, a tux, or anything in between, Monáe always looks runway ready.

So guys, if you’re really feeling that skirt in the window at the mall, we recommend you go for it.

And girls, if your heart is telling you to wear a suit to your next event, we can’t promise it will help your career as a presidential candidate or singer/songwriter, but we’re sure you’ll look damn good.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN PAOLINI AND CAELEY WHALEN lpaolini@student.framingham.edu cwhalen2@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Kaitlyn’s Kosmetics

Makeup is a real art form

By Kaitlyn Cullen Staff Writer So many people think wearing makeup, whether a little or a lot, makes you “fake.”

I tend to argue the opposite.

With cosmetics, you can recreate yourself to be whoever you think you are. It is a form of self-expression, much like poetry or oil painting.

Makeup is temporary, easily removed, and so much fun to work with. Some people drape their arms and necks in jewels and chains, but I prefer to express myself where everyone looks first - my face.

On days I feel most like myself, I use my cosmetics for their initial purpose - to enhance my natural features.

I fill in my eyebrows so you can actually see them, cover up the unnatural circles beneath my eyes due to sleep - whether it be lack thereof or in excess - and apply mascara to the invisible tips of my eyelashes.

Other days I feel like a badass, or a flower child, or a femme fatale, and I change my look accordingly.

But I’m still me under the glamour. I am who I make myself.

Even hair dyes are now being altered to be more temporary in order to change up your style every day.

Foundations and concealers are made to fit every skin tone now to suit the consumers’ needs. Even some eyeshadow palettes are designed to match eye color, skin tone, and hair color.

The rise of internet-famous makeup artists has made cosmetic intelligence more

widely available and popular. With this, more and more people gain confidence in themselves knowing they can develop the skills to create the perfect version of themselves.

The “perfect version” of oneself varies not only from person to person, but also each day.

If I can’t feel comfortable in my own skin, then I can’t get through the day without a struggle. I dress how I feel, and that’s why I don’t go out for groceries naked. There’s also the argument of evolution making it necessary for us to dress in clothes that protect us from the environment, but then why is the fashion industry now impossible to take down?

My body is not a temple - it is a college dorm room.

I reside in it, but only for a short time of my life. I can decorate it as I wish, rearrange the furniture, but eventually I will move out and onto the next residence.

Cosmetics allow me to do this nearly every day.

I, along with many others, am able to discover my true self through the use of cosmetics. Testing different looks and matching our moods, it’s how we express what’s inside of us on the outside.

I have never felt more like myself than when I sit in front of my mirror each morning and take out my brushes.

CONNECT WITH KAITLYN CULLEN kcullen1@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 15

The Super Nt changes the aftermarket console game

By Robert Johnson Jr. Arts & Features Editor I, like many other people of my generation and the late Notorious B.I.G., have a great appreciation for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

As the 1990 follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Nintendo Entertainment System from 1985 - technically 1983, if you count the Japanese equivalent’s release - it provided gamers with a bevy of fantastic and iconic games.

Unfortunately, I was too young to truly appreciate the Super Nintendo in its prime. By the time I was born, the Nintendo 64’s reign on the world stage was already underway, and the Super Nintendo was on its way out.

As of two weeks ago, I decided to change that with a little help from the fine folks at Analogue - a Seattle-based hardware manufacturer known for making field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based game consoles.

There’s a chance you don’t know what an “FPGA” is, but that’s OK - a lot of people don’t.

FPGA, without going into a definition that’ll confuse even myself writing this, is best defined by Prowess Corporation as “a hardware circuit that a user can program to carry out one or more logical operations.”

With this, Analogue is able to cre-

ate a retro gaming experience that requires no emulation at all, while also creating a lag-free environment for the player - something that official Nintendo products, like the 2017-released SNES Classic, cannot boast.

The Super Nt, with this in mind, is no joke.

Released in 2018, the rather small Super Nt sports an Altera Cyclone V CPU, three HDMI modes that output in 60 Hz - 1080p, 720p, and 480p - and 48kHz of 16-bit sound. It also comes with two games from Factor 5 pre-installed - “Super Turrican: Director’s Cut” and “Super Turrican 2.”

Because of my busy schedule, I have not had a lot of time to mess around with the Super Nt, but every time I did get the chance to play it - struggling to poke my way through “Darius Twin” I was blown away each time, both ingame and out.

Speaking of getting blown away, the audio fidelity of the Super Nt is fantastic - all the instrumentation and sound effects are beautifully outputted through my speakers, and it just sounds really nice, going from game to game.

Losing 81 times in “Super Puyo Puyo Tsu Remix” never sounded so good.

The variety of games that the Super Nt can play is absolutely astounding.

You can play your standard Ameri-

can-released SNES titles, your PAL region cartridges, and your Super Famicom cassettes.

Basically, you have something capable of playing the complete Super Nintendo discography in such a small package. If you have a Super Game Boy cartridge, this sentiment extends itself to the Game Boy, too.

That’s thousands upon thousands of playable games!

As for the console itself, aside from the four varieties that it comes in Black, Classic, SF, and Transparent there is a lot of customization potential.

On the front of the console is a small, oval-shaped LED that, when you initialize the console, protrudes a white light. However, as of update 4.8, you can change this color to whatever you desire with RGB sliders.

The customization doesn’t end there - you can even change the system’s GUI with a range of fonts and text hover colors.

Analogue really struck a chord with this Nintendo 64-era kid, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to play the Super Nintendo in the best way possible.

However, be warned - the Super Nt comes with a (super) hefty price tag $189.99 plus taxes and shipping - so, it’s not for everyone to throw money

at. If you don’t mind taking a heavy financial hit, though, please consider getting a Super Nt.

Analogue

Grade: A+ If you’re looking for a clone console to purchase, this one is it.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. rjohnson10@student.framingham.edu

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16 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

ACROSS 1. Astros’ MLB division 7. Psychic power, briefly 10. ___ and flows 14. Hang around too long 15. Network aptly hidden in “nonprofit” 16. Two-part 17. With 18-Across, tropical cocktail 18. See 17-Across 20. Jamaica’s official lang.

21. Torch type 23. Geometry pioneer 24. With 26-Across, city north of Lake Tahoe 26. See 24-Across 28. Lao-___ 29. Sequoia support 31. ___ Perce 32. Tolkien trilogy, for short 33. Water heater, e.g.

35. Golden raisins 38. Sequoia support 40. Beyonce voiced one in 2019

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ARTS & FEATURES

41. Sheriffs’ assistants 45. A and Z, for the alphabet 47. “Dark Phoenix” actor Peters 48. “I get it!”

50. “Fingers crossed” 53. Hatchback, for one 54. With 57-Across, “We’re doomed!”

57. See 54-Across 58. Former name of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 60. Actress Kristen 62. “___ sure be nice” 63. With 65-Across, mathematical impossibility seen across each other pair of linked answers 65. See 63-Across 67. Rotten to the core 68. Scottish “not” 69. Like some fan fiction 70. Six, in Spanish 71. Three, in Italian 72. Unshackles, say DOWN 1. Einstein’s first name 2. Temporary vehicle 3. Metal piece with two projections 4. Lyft driver’s guess, briefly 5. Transmitted 6. Get ready to compete 7. Leafy salad veggies 8. Place to get a facial 9. Asked too much of someone?

10. Part of NEA: Abbr.

11. Used as a foundation 12. Coffee dispenser?

13. Sandwiches with small buns 19. Sine ___ non 22. “Country Music” director Burns 25. Jogging, say 27. Blue, in Bolivia 30. What’s not in rebuses?

32. Sailor’s shout 34. Fancy fish 36. Bad thing to do on a resume 37. Late author Morrison 39. Oolong and others 41. Century divisions 42. Shifty 43. Sixth sequel’s tag 44. Ohio Valley native 46. Russians, once 49. Boxer Muhammad 51. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” surname 52. Urgent care figures, informally 54. Walk-___ (some customers) 55. Sully 56. Defamation in print 59. “It’ll cure what ___ you” 61. Greek sandwich 64. Rower’s need 66. Chaotic place

Puzzle solutions are now exclusively online.

SPORTS

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 17

SPORTS Men’s Soccer drops to 4-6

By Patrick Brady Staff Writer The Framingham State men’s soccer team lost 1-2 to Springfield College Sept. 30.

Framingham got the kickoff and was immediately fouled by Springfield.

During the first half - and much of the second - Framingham dominated the game. Along with great communication among the players, there were slide-tackles, bicycle kicks, finesse shots, and stellar passing.

Although there were more shots on goal from the opposing team, Framingham kept better control and possession of the ball for most of the game.

There was only one yellow card in the first half, which was against Springfield. But the second half had two - one for each team.

Both Framingham and Springfield fought aggressively for the ball, which led to some heated arguments between the two teams.

In the second half, Dante Mancini scored the team’s goal within five minutes. But not too long afterward, Springfield scored their first goal.

During the final minutes of the game, Springfield scored another goal to secure the 2-1 win.

After the game, Dean Nichols - the team’s head coach - talked to the team about how the players’ performances could be improved.

Nichols said, “We are at our best when we keep the ball and don’t give it away. We played negative too often today.”

When asked about the referee’s calls throughout the game, Nichols said, “The referee’s calls were fair for the most part.”

The Rams are currently 4-6 and will take on Worcester State this Saturday.

By Liam Gambon Sports Editor

Gatepost Archives

Men’s soccer team stands together.

SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE FRAMINGHAM STATE

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CONNECT WITH PATRICK BRADY pbrady@student.framingham.edu

Volleyball sinks Mass. Maritime in straight sets

Framingham State volleyball took on the Mass. Maritime Buccaneers in an away game Oct. 2.

The Rams opened up the scoring for the game with a kill by Hailey Sanders.

From there, the Rams and the Buccaneers traded off points until they reached a 7-7 tie.

Framingham went on an 18-6 run and took the first set 25-13.

The second set was controlled by Mass Maritime until they reached 12 points.

Once the Buccaneers got to 12, the Rams scored four straight points and tied the game.

The Rams scored two more points to take a 14-12 lead.

The two teams took turns scoring until the end when Framingham held onto their lead, winning 25-20.

Sanders played a huge part in the second set, as she contributed four kills and two set assists.

Coach Richard Casali said, “Hailey has been able to work on her timing with setters at practice and today showed the dividends. Hopefully she has turned a corner and can lead us throughout our league schedule.”

In the third set, both teams kept the game close until they reached a 12-12 tie.

Framingham went on a 13-3 run, including four straight points to end the game.

Sanders finished the game just as it started by collecting a kill.

Brandee Thomas dominated the final set, putting up five kills.

“Brandee got off to a slow start going 0-3 on kills,” Casali said. “At that point, she decided to take over the game, and she has the ability to do that.”

Sanders and Thomas both led the game in kills with 10.

Freshman Emily Flaherty added 14 set assists and 12 digs.

“Emily is learning every day and still has much to learn. She has been doing a great job in retaining information and using it in matches,” Casali said. “Her defense has been strong, and that will help her to be the player that she can be.”

Both Sanders and Flaherty stuffed the stat sheet in this match, as they and other freshmen have done all season.

“The freshmen have all been working very hard to get up to speed.

They have all made freshman mistakes this season,” Casali said. “Our hope is that they will continue to improve as well as cut down on the errors. So far, so good.”

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

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CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

18 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

SPORTS

Carlos’ Call: New looks for old teams

By Carlos Silva Asst. Sports Editor The 2019 NBA offseason was the most memorable and eventful that we have seen in NBA history. A plethora of players, including All Stars, Superstars, future Hall of Famers, and former MVPs, switched teams either via trade or free agency.

The moves that were made changed the landscape of the entire NBA. Many teams that were in contention for a title have fallen out of the race, while others have climbed up to true contender status with their offseason moves.

There was a whole lot to unpack this summer following the NBA Finals, thanks to the draft and free agency.

For the first time in ages, there is no true runaway favorite entering the season. When Kevin Durant left the Thunder and moved to the Bay Area as a free agent in 2016, the Warriors were considered the favorite every season, and arguably, only injury issues prevented them from winning three titles during Durant’s three years in Golden State.

With Durant’s move to Brooklyn came Kyrie Irving joining him to form what looks to be the best team in the Eastern Conference as soon as Durant returns from injury.

The league just feels much more open. The Lakers, Clippers, Rockets, Nuggets, Bucks, and 76ers all can make legitimate arguments for why they are the best team in the league.

The new-look Lakers were the earliest super team that was formed in the offseason. Lebron James’ first season in the purple and gold was ultimately a forgettable one, but now that he has a legitimate co-star in Anthony Davis, all eyes and expectations will be on the power duo.

There are a lot of new exciting duos across the league’s landscape, but perhaps none is more intriguing than the reunion of James Harden and Russell Westbrook in Houston. Harden and Westbrook were teammates together on the Thunder for three seasons from 2009 to 2012.

Both have since gone on to win multiple scoring titles and MVPs .

The Clippers have done it, ladies and gentlemen. They have managed to put together a legitimate title contender. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are the best two-way players in the league.

This upcoming season, the Clippers will have a real chance at winning their first title in franchise history.

After 16 years, 13 playoff appearances, nine Finals runs, and multiple Olympic appearances, it is beyond fair to question how much longer the 34-year-old Lebron James will be able to continue playing basketball at an MVP level.

Like Tom Brady in the NFL, James is at the point in his career where, before every single season, people will question if it will finally be the year his play falls off. Will this season be the one where Father Time finally catches up to James?

Who will win the NBA Championship? Who will win MVP? Who will be the Rookie of the Year? Only time will tell. So, unfortunately, all we can do is wait.

CONNECT WITH CARLOS SILVA csilva14@student.framingham.edu

Women’s Soccer shuts out Mass. Maritime

By Sara Senesac Interim Asst. Sports Editor The Rams’ women’s soccer team crushed the Mass. Maritime Buccaneers 5-0 at home Sept. 28.

Stephanie Beaumont scored the first goal of the game in the middle of the first half, also securing her first goal of the season.

“When that ball went in the net, I wasn’t sure what to feel. … It was an incredible feeling to score the first goal of the game, and having my teammates running up to celebrate with me made it 10 times better,” Beaumont said.

Six minutes later, Erin Angelillo scored off an assist from Camryn O’Leary, bagging her first goal after being out with a concussion for the beginning of the season.

“I was nervous to be on the field again because I know another concussion would be devastating for me, but I was so excited when I scored. … I really think our season hit a turning point in this game, and I’m ready to see where we go next,” Angelillo said.

The Rams continued their momentum in the second half with an early goal by Kaleigh Pallotta off an assist from Beaumont, giving them a comfortable lead by 3.

Two additional goals late in the game by Jasmine Lees and Laura Kozlowski allowed the team to secure their 5-0 victory.

The Rams totaled 36 shots on net for the game and only allowed five shots on their own goal by the Bucs.

This brings women’s soccer to 2-5-1 for the season, but they are currently 2-0 in the MASCAC. “We are the only undefeated team in the MASCAC right now. There are no words to describe how proud I am of my team. Everyone plays for each other, and it shows on the field,” Beaumont said.

FRAMINGHAM STATE MASS. MARITIME

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CONNECT WITH SARA SENESAC ssenesac@student.framingham.edu

Calen Frongillo sets up to clear the ball.

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Carlos Silva / THE GATEPOST

SPORTS

OCTOBER 4, 2019 | 19

Field Hockey extends losing streak to five straight games

Players of the week

By Dylan Thayer Staff Writer The Rams’ field hockey team dropped their last two games Saturday and Tuesday.

They lost 4-1 to the Plymouth State Panthers, and 3-1 to the Western Connecticut State Warriors.

On Saturday, the Rams traveled to Plymouth State to play the 3-4 Panthers at their home field. The game was already 2-0 after just over four minutes had passed, due to goals by Panthers’ Mariah Luscher and Leah Mayes.

Mayes’ goal was a very smart one, as she tipped teammate Jess Mezquita’s shot into the goal nine seconds after the first goal was scored.

Mariah Craig and Haley Wakefield scored once in the second and third quarters, respectively.

Framingham managed to get on the board in the 45th minute with a goal from Jordyn O’Boyle, but that was the only goal the Rams managed to score during the game.

The Rams struggled to keep up with the Panthers on offense, getting outshot 9-5 for the contest. Despite the Panthers committing a whopping 25 more fouls, they still managed to win.

PLYMOUTH STATE 4 FRAMINGHAM STATE 1

fsurams.com

Stephanie Beaumont scored a goal and added an assist in Framingham’s 5-0 win against Mass. Maritime.

Tuesday’s game against the Warriors was another slow offensive outing for the Rams. They once again were only able to score one goal from Mallory Weir in the fourth minute of the game. The goal came on a beautiful long pass from Maddy Pimental that Weir was able to tip into the net.

The Warriors were able to score twice in a two-minute span with goals from Melissa Krim in the 26th minute and a goal from Jordan Campbell in the 28th minute. They scored again late in the fourth quarter on a goal from Carly Matasavage.

The Rams have struggled mightily this season, and after an early 2-2 start, they have now managed to drop five straight games to bring their record down to 2-7 with a 1-4 record in the conference.

If the Rams want to resurrect their season, they will need to start scoring goals. In their past five losses, the Rams have been outscored 20-3, with two of those five losses coming as shutouts.

The Rams play the Salem State Vikings on Saturday.

WESTERN CONNECTICUT 3 FRAMINGHAM STATE 1

Corlene Guenard attempts to pass the ball to a teammate.

Amanda Martin / THE GATEPOST

fsurams.com

Bryce Nardizzi scored two goals in Framingham’s 5-0 win against Mass. Maritime.

fsurams.com

Hailey Sanders contributed 10 kills to Framingham’s 3-0 win against Mass. Maritime.

CONNECT WITH DYLAN THAYER dthayer1@student.framingham.edu

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

20 | OCTOBER 4, 2019

PHOTOS

Photograph by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Desmond McCarthy

Photograph by Desmond McCarthy

Photograph by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

Photograph by Desmond McCarthy

Photograph by Desmond McCarthy

Photograph by Ashley Wall/THE GATEPOST

FSU’s English Department hosted its annual Field Trip to Literary Concord Oct. 2.

The trip was coordinated by Dr. Desmond McCarthy.

English majors and minors enjoyed their time at the homes of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott and visited Walden Pond.

[Editor’s Note: Gatepost members who went on the trip are featured in these images.]

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