May 6, 2016

THE GATEPOST volume

84 • number 24

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Allie Card/The Gatepost

Students participated in the Towers Color Run on Saturday, April 30.

Strong turnout at Science on State Street festival despite rain

By Jennifer Johnson News Editor Framingham State University held the second annual Science on State Street event as part of the Cambridge Science Festival on April 23.

The Cambridge Science Festival is celebrating its tenth year. It is the first festival of its kind in the U.S., according to the Cambridge Science Festival website.

According to Irene Porro, director of the McAullife Center, the Cambridge Science Festival has been expanding across the state.

Porro said based on the number of people who visited the McAuliffe

Center to view the planetarium show, the festival attendance was between 300-400 people.

“I think that given it was raining earlier this morning, I’m actually very happy. We were really worried that people would decide not to go out and just do something else,” she said on the day of the event.

Porro served as one of the main organizers for the Science on State Street event. She said she used to work in Cambridge and was involved with the Cambridge Science Festival before she came to FSU. There are at least two dozen other - See SCIENCE ON STATE STREET page 6

Over $20,000 donated to the American Cancer Society during Relay for Life

By Julia Sarcinelli News Editor FSU’s first Relay for Life, which took place Sunday, May 1, raised $21,554 for the American Cancer Society. This exceeded the original goal of $20,000.

The event, which took place from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., was held in the gym due to rain. Teams had tables set up with activities to raise money for cancer research, and participants walked around the gym for the event.

Along with walking, participants were throwing bean bags into boxes, tossing Frisbees into bins and dancing to music.

In addition to team activities,

“SLIFE” program accomodates influx of refugee students

By Emily Robinson Staff Writer At a public elementary school in Worcester, Friday morning began with typical announcements read over the intercom system, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Some of the 37 students gathered in the school gymnasium struggled to say the pledge in unison, while others hardly knew it at all.

These children are not typical local Worcester students. This oversized class is led by a single teacher with two

assisting tutors and has grown so large it had to be relocated from its designated room.

These 37 students come from all over the globe and are considered “SLIFE” students, literally meaning “Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education,” according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Basically, these students have either never had a formal education or cannot document any prior education in the past three years.

The program is not new to the Worcester area. The New Citizens Cen-

ter on Main Street has been educating refugee students and immigrants for years. However, this year, the demand for education outgrew the school and the NCC has relocated its program for grades 3-5.

Now, new citizens in grades 3-5 without formal education and limited knowledge of the English language are being placed in other Worcester Public Schools that the city’s students attend.

The lead teacher of this multi-cultured classroom said, “Most of them - See “SLIFE”page 26

events such as musical chairs, “pie in the face race” and yoga occurred throughout the day. The Framingham State Dance Team, the a cappella group Framingham State Falsettos and magician Mike Charles also performed.

The event started with an opening lap for caregivers and survivors, with everyone clapping and cheering them on before joining in.

Community support Thirty-one teams registered for the event. The team that raised the most money and also had the most mem- See RELAY FOR LIFE page 8

Inside Mental Health Awareness Month 11

A night with FSU PD 15

Beyoncé turns lemons into “Lemonade” 31

NEWS

2

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board 2015-2016 Editor-in-Chief Michael B. Murphy

President F. Javier Cevallos Administrator of the Year

Associate Editors Melina Bourdeau Brittany Cormier Alexandra Gomes

News Editors Jennifer Johnson

By Jessica Duff Asst. News Editor

Julia Sarcinelli Mark Wadland

Asst. News Editor Jessica Duff Bailey Morrison

Arts & Features Editors Scott Calzolaio Cesareo Contreras Kristen Pinto

Asst. Arts & Features Editor Cass Doherty

Sports Editor Mike Ferris

Asst. Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Matt Ferris Amelia Foley

Opinions Editor Phil McMullin

Photos Editors Allie Card Allie Gath Brad Leuchte Darian O’Donnell

Asst. Photos Editors Erin Fitzmaurice Amanda Martin

Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn

Copy Editor Bobby Murphy

Staff Writers Kyle Holmberg Maria Hornbaker Nick Murphy Kayllan Olicio Emily Robinson Marissa Rousseau Kate Shane Anthony Sheehan Andrew Willoughby Shelby Wood

Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy

Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks

Administrative Assistant Debra Fowler Clare

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu fsugatepost.com

@TheGatepost

MAY 6, 2016

How do you feel about winning the Administrator of the Year Award?

I feel deeply honored by winning the award. And actually, also, slightly embarrassed because I think there are so many people on campus that do so much for our students that deserve to be recognized. They have been here a long time and I’m fairly new. I think they deserve it more than I do. I’m also thankful that students chose me for this award. It’s really nice of the student body - SGA - so I’m very honored by it.

fairs at UMass. In 2002, I was offered the presidency of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, so I was president of Kutztown for twelve years from 2002-2014. … [My wife and I] wanted to come back to Massachusetts, and Framingham actually had an opening, and it was the perfect opportunity. … I was asked by a special consultant who was interested in putting my name in for the job and I said, “Yes! This would be great!” When I got the job, we were very happy. It was a perfect for us. We love it here in every sense. We love the campus, we love the students, we love the faculty, we love the people who work on the campus.

What do you hope FSU students take away from their experiences here?

We want students to get a well-rounded education. Meaning that you will not only learn the skills you need for a specific job for a career path, that also that you will develop the social skills that will help you be successful. The combination of social skills and academic skills and intellectual curiosity is what I hope that the students get from an education at FSU.

What is your resume and educational background?

I did my undergraduate at the University of Puerto Rico. … I studied Spanish-American literature. I did my master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. … It was in Latin-American literature. My area of work was colonial Latin-American literature. …

When I finished my Ph.D., I got a job at the University of Maine in Orono. I was there for three years. … Then I was fortunate to get a position at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. … I was there for eighteen years. I started as a faculty member, and then I slowly got interested in administration and moved through the ranks. I ended up being vice chancellor for student af-

Are there any things you’re planning on implementing at FSU? Using the Warren Center as a point of departure for programs is the important thing. I am really interested in increasing the graduation and retention rates. We certainly have to understand more of what is happening, but we should be doing better. We’re doing fine, but we can do better. Being better than the national average, in terms of graduation rates, is not enough. We want to be among the best. Pushing ourselves, in terms of quality, to be among the best in everything is very important to me. So we’ll keep pushing the quality agenda and try to increase retention rates and graduation rates.

Those are all reflections of the quality of this institution. Our faculty is so committed to our students. I think that it’s just a matter of aligning things together.

What advice would you give FSU students?

What is your favorite aspect of your job at FSU? I have so many things I can say I enjoy about my job at FSU. First of all is the energy that comes from the student body. I enjoy walking through the McCarthy Center and looking at activities going on and seeing people engaged in different activities. … I have found this to be an extremely friendly campus, and everybody is warm and welcoming. And that makes work quite enjoyable when you come to a place people are smiling and seem to like each other. … It’s a very positive environment. I love the campus itself. I think we have a beautiful campus and being in a setting that is so nice, it helps you feel happy.

So having all these great programs and not having people knowing about them is not good.

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

What are some of the things you’ve accomplished in the last year?

It’s hard for me to say I’ve personally accomplished anything. … Everything we do is the work of a team. A big thing we’ve accomplished this year, working with our local delegates, is purchasing the Warren Center. That is Senator Spilka. She has been instrumental in making that happen, but it was a lot of work for a lot of people. For the vice president of administration and finance, the people in facilities, faculty that have been involved in potential ideas for the center. … That has been a big accomplishment. … We are in the process of implementing something called Starfish, which is a retention tool. The best way to describe it is as “the Facebook of Retention,” so we can work with faculty and students to really work on retention. That’s going to be implemented this year and starting in the summer. We also hired a director of marketing. We are the best-kept secret in the area, and we don’t want to be the best-kept secret. We want to be really well known. We need to market ourselves a little more so people know all the things we have here on campus.

We have programs of national recognition and distinction - food sciences, nutrition, fashion, retail and merchandising. These are really solid programs.

The number one advice I can give anyone is to get involved. I think that getting involved in an activity you really care about, like the newspaper, taking photographs, improving your writing skills and participating in social activities are really important things to do. The second piece of advice is never be afraid to ask a question. Always ask whatever you don’t know and don’t be afraid. You have heard this many times - there are no dumb questions. There really are not. What’s a really obvious answer for somebody is totally confusing for somebody else. So don’t be afraid of asking questions. … Those are the two pieces of advice I’d give to students along with work hard and study.

It goes without saying - you will not succeed without studying. That’s why you’re here.

To what do you owe your success?

I’ve been very fortunate. Things have really worked for me in a positive way.

I’ve had a couple of mentors that have helped me and people that were willing to put their trust in me and push me forward. I also had a couple of people who were sponsors, in a way. You need mentors to help you understand things, and you need people who are willing to sponsor you in the way that they can say, “Hey, you can do that!”

So that is an important thing. I am very lucky with my family. My wife is very supportive, and I think that part of success is working hard and doing things that you need to do. I’m always positive and optimistic about things. I always think things are going to work out for the best, and 99 percent of the time, they do.

Police Logs Thursday April 21 5:26 - Larned Hall - Vandalism - Report taken Friday. April 22 11:20 - Winter Street - Motor vehicle accident – 2 cars MVA/no personal injury service rendered

Sunday, May 1 21:49 - Campus wide - Electrical utility emergence - Transformer failure, campus-wide electrical failure 22:47 - Towers Hall - Elevator entrapment - Power outage related

NEWS

MAY 6, 2016

3

Gatepost Interview Christopher Bowen Associate professor of communication arts Faculty Member of the Year

By Kayllan Olicio Staff Writer

What was it like to be part of the Authors and Artists Series?

Can you describe your resume and background?

I have an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University. I have a master’s of science in film production technology from Boston University. I have 17 years of college-level teaching. I did work in the film commercial industry for a while, and I still have my own business on the side when I do my own personal projects. I’ve been with FSU for seven years and I just received tenure. That went active this academic year and a promotion to associate professor. So those were good things for me.

I thought it was great. I felt honored to be selected to be a part of that. To be able to share the work you do outside of school and to let the whole campus. … Show up and kind of share what you have gone through, because a lot of this work we do takes up a lot of time.

Sometimes, it can be painful. And to balance it out with your regular life and professional and everything else is a challenge. To have the opportunity to share my experience with others not to be, “Look what I did,” but to say, “If you’re interested in doing a similar

A recent hobby is motorcycling. I got into motorcycling as an adult just last year. I won’t quite say I’m obsessed, but I’m incredibly interested in the sport and the practice. So that is absolutely something that really occupies as much of my times as possible these days. Short of that, I don’t have really fun, cool or interesting hobbies. I commute a lot because I work so far from my home. I teach a lot. In my free time these days, because I bought a house recently, I’m doing home repairs. I’m learning those types of things, and they are not specifically traditional hobbies. I’m always researching video stuff and things like that because it is my interest and part of my job.

What would your students be surprised to learn about you?

What was your favorite undergrad experience?

I recall taking two levels of art history courses. … I was not an art history major. … I was an American history major.

To sit in those rooms, those amphitheater dark rooms back then in the 80s when it was slide projections - no digital computers - and to have someone talk about these several hundredyear-old paintings and different movements of painting and sculptures, that was nothing I had ever studied before.

It’s really nothing I have ever done since because I’m not an artist in that studio-art-sense of the word. But I believe it was an eye-opening moment to be able to look at things that were art coming from the liberal arts education, which I have and still support. It really affected how I talked about film making and how I view the use of light and color and composition and such things. Had I not been sort of bold in taking art history classes as an undergraduate, I may not have been as effective in an unknown career path that I eventually took. It’s a really meaningful aspect of something that happened to me in an academic level and a profession level as an undergraduate.

What are some of your hobbies?

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

thing, be aware of these aspects of it.

Some of them are great. Some of them are going to be very trying.”

What is it like to win the faculty of the year award?

It seems unreal and I was totally shocked and surprised. It wasn’t even in my consciousness that such a thing would happen. So to see it, I almost thought I was being pranked in some way. … I think it’s fantastic. … And I question how they vote for it and how many people showed up. Why me?

There are so many wonderful people that work here. I think it’s great. But I am surprised.

I do believe in the existence of Sasquatches living in the wilds of the North American continent. … Until they are proven, they will stay a mystery. I like to be open to the possibility of such things. I think that might be a surprise to some. My students who take my class know that about me. I share that because, why not? What if? I like to ask, “What if it exists?” “What if it’s out in the woods somewhere?” It’ll be kind of cool or scary - I don’t know.

I’ve never seen one. I hope not to, but I kind of think that they are out there.

What advice would you give to FSU students?

You should really value learning for learning’s sake and using your time while an undergraduate student wisely to explore the things that you want to learn. Know that sometimes, those choices may not make sense right now to yourself or to others. Sometimes friends and parents or others get involved and say, “Why would you want to take that? What kind of job can that get you?” … Having your main focus and concentration within your major is great, but you have to be open to the possibility of other things you can pick up in surprising and unexpected places.

Editorial Board 2015-2016 Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Gomes

Associate Editors Brittany Cormier Julia Sarcinelli

News Editors Jessica Duff Bailey Morrison

Asst. News Editor Kayllan Olicio Emily Robinson

Arts & Features Editors Cesareo Contreras Cass Doherty

Asst. Arts & Features Editor Andrew Willoughby Marissa Rousseau

Sports Editor Matt Ferris Mike Ferris

Asst. Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Amelia Foley

Opinions Editor Phil McMullin

Photos Editors Allie Gath Darian O’Donnell

Asst. Photos Editors Erin Fitzmaurice Amanda Martin

Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn

Staff Writer Maria Hornbaker

Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy

Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks

Administrative Assistant Debra Fowler Clare

We at The Gatepost wish its graduating seniors good luck!

Melina Bourdeau Associate Editor

Scott Calzolaio Arts and Features Editor

Bobby Murphy Copy Editor

Allie Card Photography Editor

Kristen Pinto Arts and Features Editor

Jennifer Johnson News Editor

Sara Silvestro Former Associate Editor

Brad Leuchte Photography Editor

Mark Wadland News Editor

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu fsugatepost.com

@TheGatepost

NEWS

4

MAY 6, 2016

Day care grant offered to FSU students in need

By Jennifer Johnson News Editor Framingham State is providing grants to help students pay for the childcare services offered on campus at the Center for Early Childhood Education as well as the Jeanne M. Canelli Child Development Lab. According to an email sent by Lorretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development, “The money to go to childcare is part of a donation that is to be used for emergency funding for students who are experiencing food and/or housing insecurities and other financial distress. I requested that I be able to offer some of the money for on-campus childcare.”

This grant will be need-based, rather than a fixed amount, according to Holloway.

She said the number of grants available to students will depend on how many students are in need of these services.

All FSU faculty, staff, students and alumni receive a discount on the cost of childcare services on campus.

The Center for Early Childhood Education is located at 2 Church Street on campus and the child development lab is located in the Hemenway Annex.

Holloway said she doesn’t know the number of students who have children. “I think students who have dependents might declare this on the FAFSA, but I don’t think we keep track of that.”

Valerie Hytholt, director of the Child Development Lab, said in order for students to qualify for the grant,

by the state, but then we also have three to five college students working.”

Hytholt said the FSU students are “enthusiastic and creative” about teaching, which helps keep the lab “fresh.”

She said children are offered more attention and guidance than at most private preschools. There are “more eyes and hands to help” at the centers on campus.

Hytholt said both the child development lab and the early childhood center always have two licensed Department of Education teachers present. This qualification is higher than what is required at outside childcare facilities.

“I hope this grant will increase the students’ children enrollment numbers,” she said.

According to Hytholt, “The best thing is proximity. We are right here on campus, and we are flexible. Especially in the early childhood center, we can meet their [students’] needs and it doesn’t have to be pre-programmed.”

She added this type of flexibility with schedules is difficult to find at private childcare facilities.

The Center for Early Childhood Education is open from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., which allows students to drop their children off before early classes and pick them up later in the day, she added.

Hytholt said there is currently space, although not a lot, for enrollment in both programs, and she encourages students to apply. “I just think they will benefit because that’s one less thing and that’s a huge concern. Childcare is not cheap.”

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

The Early Childhood Center is located on Church Street. it would be beneficial to have my child attend an on-campus day care for the simple reason of having her close to me. People, especially young college students and individuals with no child, underestimate the importance

“I do think it would be beneficial to have my child attend an on-campus day care for the simple reason of having her close to me. People, especially young college students and individuals with no child, underestimate the importance of being as close as possible to your child.”

- Senior John Crowe their income eligibility and financial aid needs to be reviewed.

She said, “The biggest benefit to the childhood development lab is that we have college students working in here. … There may be two teachers for 18 children, which is what’s required

Children can be enrolled yearround or by semester. However, Hytholt said a full year is preferred “for continuity for the child.” Childcare services are available during the summer semester as well.

Senior John Crowe said, “I do think

of being as close as possible to your child.”

Crowe said he has never had to use any childcare services because “all care is through family members.” He added if that were not the case, then this would be an option he would consider.

Senior Amber Schriever said, “Many people attending college with children may not be able to work as many hours, and it can be a financial burden to pay for childcare services.

Receiving any financial help to curb those costs would benefit any family greatly.”

According to Schriever, the transportation to daycare facilities “can be time-consuming and can affect the times you can attend class.”

She added she would also consider applying for the grant services to help pay for her childcare services. “The benefits include spending more time with your child, less in traffic and being able to focus on your studies instead of childcare needs.”

Hytholt said, “I’m just excited we are offering this type of aid because child care is expensive, and both locations are based on best practices of what research says about early childhood education. We’re at the forefront in child care.”

day care rates 5 full days

3 full days $671

$958 $1318 $0

300

600

900

1200

FSU Affiliated Rate

2 full days

$1500

$479 $923

$0

300

600

900

1200

$659 $1500

$0

300

600

900

1200

$1500

Community Rate Brittany Cormier/The Gatepost

NEWS

MAY 6, 2016

5

Town unhappy with FSU property acquisitions

By Alexandra Gomes Associate Editor Some Framingham residents have been “concerned” with FSU’s recent property acquisitions, according to town selectman Charles Sisitsky.

Following numerous phone calls regarding FSU’s purchases of town properties, the Framingham Board of Selectmen requested to meet with Executive Vice President Dale Hamel.

Sisitsky said there seemed to be “no rhyme or reason” to FSU’s purchases, and the board wanted to discuss FSU’s future plans.

During the meeting, Hamel explained FSU’s recent acquisitions, according to Sisitsky. Hamel defended the purchases by explaining the services FSU provides the Framingham community, and promised to keep the town informed about FSU’s future plans.

Property acquired by FSU can no longer be taxed because the land is owned by the state, according to Hamel.

He said the town does receive an adjustment for state-owned property through state aid. However, “It’s not near what the town would have received through property tax assessment.”

The board requested FSU make up for the loss in revenue through a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) deal.

Hamel said he “politely and respectfully” declined the request because of the “public benefits” FSU provides the town.

“There’s other avenues in which we support the town, apart from Payments In Lieu of Taxes,” said Hamel.

Hamel said FSU offers “various programs that impact the town,” such as the CHOICE internship, and the school has also contributed to the Loring Arena renovation project and the MetroWest College Planning Center.

Sisitsky said the town would like to see FSU give back to the community by expanding toward the downtown area, a part of town that could use revitalizing.

Hamel said there has been “a desire” for FSU to invest in property downtown, “which is a little ironic, to be frank, because again if we were to purchase it, it would come off of the tax rolls.”

While the administration has looked into investing in downtown Framingham for projects such as residence halls, Hamel said students want to remain on campus.

Hamel added administrators have also considered leasing property downtown so that it remains on the town’s tax rolls. He said FSU has “tested the market through a RFP [Request for Proposals] process” to see if the space available downtown would meet FSU’s needs.

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Dale Hamel, executive vice president, was called before the Framingham Board of Selectmen to discuss FSU’s recent property purchases.

Transformer explosion causes 10-minute power outage

By Melina Bourdeau Associate Editor A transformer explosion caused Framingham State University to lose power Sunday night.

The transformer exploded atop an electrical pole at the intersection of High and Main Streets.

An estimated 9 percent of Framingham, or 2,800 customers, lost power, according to Eversource, New England’s largest energy provider.

The explosion caused power surges around 9:20 p.m. A power outage that occurred around 9:30 p.m. lasted for about ten minutes before FSU generators turned on.

Warren Fairbanks, associate vice president of facilities and capital planning, explained the campus’ emergency generators come on whenever power goes out on campus.

“Emergency generators provide power for emergency lights, fire alarms and sprinkler systems,” Fairbanks said. “Some of the elevators are powered by the emergency generators, as well as the heating system. They’ll run until the power is restored.”

The generators are controlled in the boiler plant in the upper part of campus behind Whittemore Library.

Power was restored at about 10:30 p.m. when an Eversource employee repaired the transformer.

The generators on campus continued to run after the power was restored by Eversource.

Fairbanks said, “The boilers come on and go off automatically and when [power] is restored, the generators will continue to run. It’s a big diesel engine so it takes about 30 minutes to cool down.”

During the power outage, the RamTram and University Police were unable to use their radio systems.

However, both services continued to

FSU Emergency Generators #

Buildings Served

Notes

A: Powers emergency lighting

1

Towers Hall

A, B, C

B: Powers heating systems

2

Larned Hall & Library

A, B, C, D

C: Powers elevator

3

O’Connor Hall & Foster Hall

A, B

D: Powers main computer server rooms

4

North Hall & Linsley Hall

A, B, C

E: Powers Campus Police

5

Hemenway Hall & Annex

A, B, C, D, G

6

McCarthy Center

A, B, C, E, F

F: Powers food service freezers and some cooking equipment

7

Power Plant, Dwight Hall & Aud., Physical Fitness Ctr., May, Crocker, Peirce Hall and Annex, Horace-Mann

A, B, C

G: Powers animal labs

Brittany Cormier/The Gatepost

operate.

Sgt. Joseph Woollard said,“Our job is to report and see students are safe” during power outages. “We also check to see if students are trapped in elevators.”

Junior Tyrone Rose was stuck in the elevator in Towers for four minutes.

Rose said he was taking the elevator down and when the lights started to flicker, he pressed the button to get down to the ground floor.

“Then it went pitch black for a minute and I pressed all the buttons and nothing worked,” said Rose. “So I’m like, ‘How long is this going to be?’ Because I do not like little spaces.

Then the lights flickered back on and it brought me to the ground floor.”

Senior Kyle Torres said residents of his dorm, O’Connor Hall, socialized during the power outage.

“Everybody went out of their dorms and started talking to each other about what was happening in the hallways, and getting to know each other,” Torres said.

“It’s a shame that happened so close to the end of the semester, but it was such an oddly fun and exciting situation to see everybody coming

out from their dorms and connecting to each other. It was like a 15-minute holiday party.”

The library temporarily evacuated students, but allowed them back into the building once the generators turned on.

Senior Emily Crocker, a student employee at Whittemore Library, explained the evacuation procedure for power outages.

“When power goes out for an extended period of time, we are told to evacuate the library, since there are so many small spaces for students to study in the library,” Crocker said.

“That could easily cause a safety issue. But this time, the power went out three times. After the second time, we evacuated. It was frustrating to deal with this since we are so close to finals week! Eventually, after the third time, the power came back on permanently and we were able to allow students back in,” she said.

Fairbanks said, “Our generators are in good shape.” He added, “They’re all relatively new. We’ve made an effort in the past six to seven years to replace them. The latest to replace is the McCarthy Center. They’re work-

ing well. They’re expensive pieces of equipment, and we want to make sure we keep them functional.”

Brad Leuchte /The Gatepost

A transformer between High and Main streets exploded late Sunday night.

NEWS

6

MAY 6, 2016

Science on State Street

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Left: FSU students freeze carnations in liquid nitrogen at the “Colorful Delights” table.

Right: Danielle Duffett and Sara Hakkoum work together to assemble part of the Rube Goldberg machine outside of the McAuliffe Center.

- Continued from page 1 sites participating in the Cambridge Science festival along with FSU, according to Porro.

“We want to show that there is a really strong offering of STEM programs at FSU, and I think requests by students to get into STEM majors keeps increasing, which is fantastic and shows the quality,” said Porro.

The majority of presenters at the Science on State Street event were FSU faculty or undergraduates. Porro said the collaboration is “really fantastic.”

Some of the more popular presentations included “Robot Programming 101,” “Build a Battery I and II,” “Life Underground,” “The Rube Goldberg Machine” and “Colorful Delights of Chemistry.”

According to Porro, the planetarium was “mobbed” throughout the day. “The planetarium is always popular,” she added.

The presentations were set up in front of Dwight Hall, Hemenway Labs and in the parking lot behind O’Connor Hall.

The sciences featured at the festival included chemistry, food science, physics, earth science, astronomy, space exploration, robotics, engineering, mathematics and biology.

Andres Berrio, a resident of Framingham, said, “I’m here with my family. I will be coming every year now.

We just moved to the area. I think the planetarium was the best thing we’ve seen today.”

Christian Gentry, professor of music, attended the fair with his children. He said, “The kids are really enjoying it. I like how the students and professors are doing everything at the same time. It’s really nice.”

Jay Goldstein, a resident of Framingham, said the planetarium show he attended, called “Oasis in Space,” was about water on different planets in space.

He and his two sons also visited the Chemistry Club’s table called “Colorful Delights,” where FSU students demonstrated what happens when a carnation is frozen in liquid nitrogen.

Goldstein’s son, Noah, 8, said, “The flower got frozen when they

put it in there … it got really cold and then she shattered it on the table and it broke.”

Zachary, 10, added, “It felt very cold. And I liked the puzzles over there! I liked playing with the robot, too.”

Noah and Zachary said they came to Science on State Street last year, too.

Computer science professor Jeff Gao was running the “Robot Programming 101” presentation inside the Hemenway Labs. Gao’s son assisted him in running the software and also taught other students how to program the robot to dance and speak.

Dwayne Bell, a chemistry professor, was presenting “Build a Battery II” at which he was breaking down a

battery and using some of the inner components paired with additional materials to create a homemade battery.

He said, “People have the impression that science is clean and sterile, but if you do it right, you can learn a lot, and sometimes, it’s just messy.

This is a nice, fun demo. Science is always fun when you can use a hacksaw.”

Vandana Singh, chair of the of physics and earth science departments, said, “Our physics focus was ‘Forces of Nature,’ and our earth science focus was rocks. We wanted our displays to be more than just things to watch or play with.”

At the “Forces of Nature” presentation, Singh used magnets and tennis balls to explain gravity to chil-

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Dwayne Bell, a chemistry professor, created a homemade battery at the Science on State Street festival.

dren.

Singh added, “We had people learn, practice and use scientific reasoning to make predictions, and then they experimented to see what would happen.”

She said Kirklan Doherty and Tyler Gmerek, students from the department, were “fabulous, and we had a great crowd - a lot of curious kids and their families.”

Gmerek said, “After being involved this year, I would definitely participate with the physics and earth science department in future years to come.

“I got involved not only to motivate children in the science community, but also too give back some knowledge that I have learned from our brilliant physics and earth science professors,” he added.

According to Margaret Carroll, dean of STEM, “I think it’s great we get to do this. It’s obvious there is a lot of interest out there. To have so many people show up on a Saturday to learn a little bit about science and get to share our beautiful campus is fun.”

She added, “It gives the community a chance to come up onto campus and learn lots of things about science and learn a little bit about FSU at the same time.”

Carroll presented “Where Do Plants Come From?” which showed the ways seeds “ensure the next generation of fruits and flowers.”

She said when teaching children, “Your goals are different. … Obviously, I don’t have to use big words and I can say, ‘Let’s find the baby plant inside the seeds!’”

Singh said, “I think we are building an outreach and community service tradition that is only going to enhance our STEM program.”

According to Singh, the students who volunteered were “animated” and conveyed their knowledge “to the public with so much competence and enthusiasm.”

Porro said, “A festival is really a community event. … We want to bring together the community, to do something fun, to learn more about our campus and our resources.”

MAY 6, 2016

NEWS

Climate justice teach in focuses on environmental decline

By Julia Sarcinelli News Editor

By Jessica Duff Assistant News Editor About 20 classes participated in a teach in during Earth Week, April 1822, which focused on climate change and climate justice, according to Physics and Earth Sciences Chair Vandana Singh.

Professors incorporated aspects of climate change and climate justice into their curriculum.

Singh said she organized the teach in along with Larry McKenna, professor of physics, earth and environmental sciences and Kevin Surprise, geography professor. They are also the faculty coordinators for the new Center for Climate Change Education.

The center was approved last semester, she said, and over the next two years the staff will “do the ground work” of researching how many people on campus and locally know about climate change.

The staff is comprised of unpaid volunteers.

Singh said they have “ambitious plans,” and decided to undertake the climate justice teach in after the Black Lives Matter teach in, which was held Feb. 22-26.

“It occurred to us, as a result of that teach in - which, as you know, was really successful - that perhaps we could do a kind of pilot, miniteach in for climate,” she said.

Singh participated in the Black Lives Matter teach in and spoke about climate justice in her Principles of Physics II class.

“We thought of doing a little short-term climate teach in, where we wouldn’t expect a lot of people - because teach ins take a long time to plan - but where we would do a kind of pilot teach in to see how it goes, and also to get a sense to see how many people are already talking about climate change on this campus,” she added.

Shannon Custodio, a junior, said, “I hope Framingham does a teach in on climate change next year because I’m really interested in learning about it because I feel like I’m not as educated about it as I should be.”

Paolo Bon Tempo, intern for the Center for Climate Change Education, said, “The preliminary meetings were just a few teachers that came in and sat and had a sort of roundtable discussion and talked about the ways in which they teach climate change in their classrooms.”

Megan Peterson, a junior and teacher’s assistant for sociology Professor Virgina Rutter’s Sociological Theory class, taught a lesson for the teach in.

Peterson said the class watched a video of a tribe in India which was defending their land against big companies and the government that wished to exploit it. After, they discussed the two sides in small groups.

When Peterson was planning what the class was going to discuss for the teach in, she said she realized how little she knew about climate change and climate justice.

“I realized that I didn’t fully understand how pressing of an issue it was and I think that bringing it into

the classroom instead of just hearing about it on the news makes it more personal. It makes you interact with the concept of it more, and hopefully, maybe continue to think about it outside of the classroom,” she added.

Peterson said the students connected on an emotional level with the story of the tribe more than they would have if they heard a scientist or politician talk about it.

“They enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t just a lecture, like, ‘These are the facts about climate change.’ It was, ‘Here’s a perspective that you normally wouldn’t see. Here’s people

enna.

He explained the center is still being set up and staff are trying to garner external funding for a “Climate Fellow” - someone who would have the sole job of actively organizing people and bringing them to a common “think space.”

“Without that active organizing, people will never break out of their little silos and come together,” said McKenna.

He called climate change “probably the most pressing ethical dilemma of our time,” adding that, sometimes, people need to take action

Julia Sarcinelli/The Gatepost

Students wrote messages to trees on campus as part of the “Thank-ATree” project during the climate teach in that occured during Earth Week.

that are actually dealing with it.’” she said.

She added looking at the issue from a social perspective was more interesting, and she hopes to work with the subject more in the fall.

McKenna said, “The teach in was exactly what the center was supposed to do. Bring people together from disparate backgrounds and talk about the same idea from different perspectives.”

According to McKenna, the chemistry department hosted a panel discussion about sustainability that included business, economics, geography and other science department faculty members.

“I learned a tremendous amount from listening to my colleagues talk about the things that I talk about in class all the time from perspectives I didn’t even know existed,” said McK-

into their own hands.

Kim Parsons, a senior, said, “Getting involved in all different aspects of maintaining being green is important.”

Singh said because of the impending environmental collapse, there has to be a switch to renewable and cleaner energies faster than most believe. She said this could be done democratically by letting people vote and determine new initiatives - or by the government enforcing changes without the people’s input which could worsen existing social inequalities.

Singh added creating change through a democratic process would put the power in the people’s hands, which she says will increase the number of jobs and lower social inequality.

“We really need to raise aware-

7

ness and we need the help. This is not something that scientists can do alone. We really need scientists and technologists, true, but I think more than anything, we need sociologists, psychologists, people in literature, people in the arts - we need everybody to be a climate activist,” she added.

McKenna said his students “are so sick of climate change. I’ve spent the entire semester making them depressed, and they’re all now so depressed that they just don’t want to do anything anymore. So next week, what we’ll do - the last week of class is I’ll slowly start showing them how easy it is to do things - right now, today - that can slow this down.”

McKenna said he will give his students options to reduce their carbon footprints, such as eating less meat, carpooling and using cold water when they wash their clothes.

Surprise said his students, like McKenna’s, are concerned about climate change. In his World Regional Geography class, he saw a range of reactions to the teach in.

He said there were students who found learning about climate change “a bit jarring.” Others seemed frustrated, and some believed the problem “is so big and still so distant that it’s like, ‘You know, I get it. But what do you want me to do?’”

Surprise’s World Regional Geography class watched a video and debated what responsibilities American consumers have in controlling climate change in connection with the struggles of the island peoples in the south Pacific who face displacement due to rising sea levels.

“They see it not only as a relocation, but a loss of their entire culture,” explained Surprise.

After the teach in, there were two follow-up meetings for faculty to discuss its outcome, according to Surprise.

He said studio art Professor Tim McDonald discussed his students’ reactions of wanting “to kind of skip over the whole, ‘Oh my God, we’re all going to die’ and the guilt phase of thinking about climate change, and move toward actually being constructive.”

He added given the short notice for the teach in, he believes “it went really well. … We’d like to scale it up and make sure we have buy-in and participation from every department because climate change is an issue that can be studied from so many different angles and every discipline.

Every department - and really every professor - has a unique way to contribute to this, discussing it, debating it, preparing students for tackling it.”

Mary Saffioti, a junior, said, “I think that every department should talk about it. No matter what, it’s an important issue in our world and in this country so it’s important to take a couple minutes out of your class time and address it.”

Bon Tempo said the teach in went well despite the time constraint, but “because of that I don’t think we were able to really advertise it as well and let people know about it. For what it was, I think it was a very good start and in the future I’d like to see more participation. We can definitely do that with a little more work.”

NEWS

8

MAY 6, 2016

Relay for Life - Continued from page 1 bers was Cure for Carolene.

Freshman Sammi Henderson created the team in honor of her mother, who died of lung cancer when she was 8 years old.

She said the Relay for Life “shows how supportive people are and that they understand how deeply cancer can affect people and that lifting them up through being supportive can help so much more than anything. When my mom had cancer, it wasn’t the medicine that helped her. It wasn’t the radiation that helped her. It was having hope and the support of her family that really helped her live a full year with cancer.”

Henderson added the American Cancer Society is an organization with a good cause and people donate because of how prevalent cancer is in people’s lives.

Cure for Carolene raised $2,635.90, and Henderson hopes to reach the group’s goal of $3,500 when donations close in August.

Next year, she said she hopes the event will be 24 hours long and can be held outside.

About her team’s success, Henderson said, “I think it shows a lot about my mom, because she instilled in me the power to be influential and inspiring. She gave me the ability to get people on board, and a lot of people also joined the team because they knew her. She was a very special person. … I’m glad I got involved.”

Beck Govoni from the Community Service Club said they decided to create a team because it correlates with their mission.

She said, “I like giving back and it’s an awesome sense of community.”

The lacrosse team held an activity during which participants tried to toss a ball using a lacrosse stick. For $1 participants got three chances and with $3 they got five, and if they won then they could choose from donuts, cookies or Gatorade.

Lindsay Nixon, a junior, said she chose to participate because one her best friends died in high school from cancer, adding everyone knows someone who has been affected by the disease.

The club Aspiring Health Professionals organized an activity at which participants could toss a ball into a bra to raise cancer awareness.

Senior Filipe Silveira said the Aspiring Health Professionals created a team because the disease affects a lot of people and they believed it was important to participate.

Sophomore Fallon Soye said the

Relay for Life is something she feels strongly about. She added a lot of members joined the club because of knowing someone who was affected by cancer.

Cindy Nelson, a junior, said she is participating for her aunt and for the Green Team. “I thought it was really important that Green Team had a presence here because there are so many causes of cancer that are connected to environmental issues, especially with things like pollution and plastic and water contamination.”

Relay for Life Team Captain Ambassadors Amy Grimmett, a junior, and Kourtney Kacian, a senior, said the teams have been really interested in fundraising.

Kacian said, “It’s been pretty hectic because it’s the first time that we’ve ever done it here, so the big thing was trying to get people to find out about the event, which was kind of difficult.

Some people don’t even know that it’s going on right now. So I think that will have to be a big thing they will have to focus on next year.”

She added her hometown has a Relay for Life event every year, so she always knew about the event. “I think it’s important for more people to know about it, so I think that it’s great that it’s here.”

Grimmett said her mother had her last cancer treatment two days before the Relay for Life, and that made her want to get involved.

Many of those in attendance said they came to support someone they know who had or has cancer.

Lauren Donnelly, a junior, said, “I’m participating for my family members who have been affected by cancer and those in general who have been affected.”

Sophomore Jake Nowlan said he joined his friend’s team. “My grandma’s a cancer survivor - she beat cancer two years ago.”

Hailey Small, a freshman and volunteer for the event, said, “I’m volunteering so I can help this event grow further and inspire far more interest in service as a whole through organizations such as Relay for Life.”

Freshman Kaitlyn Mott said she came to the event because a lot of people in her family had cancer. “It’s just a really important cause to me,” she added.

Performances and events Mike Charles, an alumnus of the class of 2015, performed magic tricks at 8:30 p.m.

He had stage two lymphoma. In high school, his best friend died from

Allie Gath/The Gatepost

The Framingham State Dance Team performed to a medley of songs at the Relay for Life.

Erin Fitzmaurice/The Gatepost

Allie Gath/The Gatepost

Allie Gath/The Gatepost

Top: Students participate in a game of musical chairs.

Bottom Left: Luminaria bags were decorated in honor of those who were diagnosed wtih cancer.

Bottom Right: Students take a photo with a frame made by the Going Wild for A Cure team. the same cancer Charles had.

He said, “Seeing all this now, and having you guys here still showing your support to these people who are still going through it, is awesome.”

He did several magic tricks, including dropping a ring onto a chain necklace, which was one of the first magic tricks he did for his friend.

Using audience participation, Charles moved cards from one person to another without touching them.

He asked students to pretend to toss an invisible deck of cards around the room. One student chose a card at random and said what the card was out loud. The student then pretended to put the card face-down into the invisible deck. Charles then produced a real deck of cards, and the one card which was face-down in the real deck was the same card that the student chose, eliciting excitement from the students.

The FSU Falsettos performed “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.

Lillian Curley-Swannie, sophomore and member of FSU Falsettos, said she has participated in Relay for Life events before, and members of her family have had cancer.

“Seeing everyone here saying it’s their first relay is awesome. It’s such a good cause,” she added.

Honoring survivors Later that evening, the Luminaria

Ceremony was held According to Jess Nardi, a senior and volunteer, the luminaria bags are intended to honor those who have been diagnosed with cancer. People could buy white plastic bags and decorate them in honor of a loved one who has or had cancer, and those who have passed away.

Hannah Odachowski, an alumna of the class of 2015, said the $10 per bag cost helped reach the organization’s goal of raising $20,000.

The luminaria bags were lined up around the gym with yellow glow sticks inside each bag, and everyone was given a purple glow stick. All the lights in the gym were then turned off.

They cracked them and began walking around the gym in order of cancer survivors, caregivers, if they had a loved one who had cancer and if they are at the relay to show their support.

Everyone walked in silence in remembrance of cancer survivors, some stopping to take photos of or sit in front of the bags, with the only light coming from the glow sticks.

Jennifer Holden, a junior and an event lead, walked around the track with her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her father. Her mother usually has to use a wheelchair to get around, and she said walking with her “was a feeling that one cannot simply express” and “it was a huge accomplishment for her.

- See RELAY FOR LIFE page 9

NEWS

MAY 6, 2016

9

Students honored at FSU’s Literary Awards Ceremony

By Bailey Morrison Assistant News Editor The English department held the 2016 Student Literary Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 28.

There were three awards presented at the event - the Richard Chartier Award for best essay in American Literature, the Marjorie Sparrow Literary Award for Poetry and the Howard Hirt Literary Award for Fiction and NonFiction Prose.

The ceremony began with an induction of the English Honors Society, Sigma Tau Delta by English Professor Carolyn Maibor.

The winners and runners up for each award read aloud from their work. Students submitted to each contest and winners were selected by a judge.

Maibor then presented the Richard Chartier award to senior Natalie Chaves for her essay “A Carefully Elaborated Plan: Extinction and Succession in Wharton’s Novels.”

The Richard Chartier award was judged by Dr. John Burt, an American Literature professor at Brandeis.

According to Burt, Chaves’ essay was written with “beautifully expressive prose.”

Chaves said, “It’s a little surreal to finally get money for stuff that I just like to do. But if feels good to get recognized and praised for doing something you love.”

The Marjorie Sparrow Literary Award was judged by author Jane Rosenberg LaForge.

Matthew White won first place for his poem, “The Black Whales of Fortmeadow Reservoir.”

LaForge said, “The specific details in this poem are spot on. … The ending of this poem sealed the experience for me.”

Melina Bourdeau, a senior, received second place for her poem, “Ten Episodes from a Neonaticide.”

Bourdeau said, “It was one of the most flattering moments, espe-

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Left: English professors Sam Witt and Patricia Horvath presented awards to the winners.

Right: Winner of the Marjorie Sparrow Literary Award, Matthew White, read an exerpt of his poem, “The Black Whales of of Fortmeadow Reservoir.” cially to be recognized and honored amongst my friends. … It made the experience even more worthwhile because we’ve all shared a classroom and workshopped each other’s creative pieces at some point, so we’re just as proud of each other as we are for ourselves.”

Bobby Murphy, a senior, received third place for his poem, “Alien Abduction of the Neighborhood Paperboy.”

Honorable mentions were given to Cal Ridley for their poem titled “The Other” and Caitie Van Dore for her poem titled “Noona, Come Get Me I fell ;(.”

The Howard Hirt Award, which was judged by author Mona Awad, was presented by English Professor Patri-

cia Horvath.

The Howard Hirt Literary Award was given to Chaves for her piece, “What to Expect.”

Horvath commended Chaves for her dedication to improving her writing. She said, “for Natalie, good is never good enough … she continually pushes herself.”

Awad said, “I was struck by the nuance and authenticity of the first-person voice that absolutely transported me.”

Second place was awarded to Elayna Smolowitz for her submission, “The Garden.”

Smolowitz said she was very happy to receive her award.

“I wasn’t expecting to win for this particular story. But it’s one of those

things where sometimes, your favorite isn’t their favorite. I was really happy that I got to hear the judge’s comments personally. I didn’t know that was going to happen but it was very flattering to hear what they had to say,” she said.

Third place was awarded to Brianna Ouellette for her story, “Wakefield State.”

Honorable mentions were given to Robert Renaud for his flash-fiction piece “Broken Promises.” and Van Dore for her story, “Unspoken.”

[Editor’s Note: Bobby Murphy and Melina Bourdeau are members of The Gatepost editorial board.]

Relay for Life - Continued from page 8 “Seeing how happy she was pushing herself around in her wheelchair made me tear up because she doesn’t get the opportunity to always do something like that every day,” she added.

Holden said the event was “a very rewarding experience” and she was happy with how involved people were.

Maddie Alper, a junior and an event lead, said the Event Lead Team and volunteers have been planning the relay since last summer. She has been attending Relay for Life events at her home on Cape Cod with her dad, which is why she chose to get involved.

“Relay to me means complete and utter hope for the future, for the future of the survivors, for the future children in this world and for the future of cancer research to someday make this horrible disease disappear so the world doesn’t have to live in fear of this anymore,” Alper said.

She added she is “thrilled” with how it went and “was honestly shocked by how successful it was. We were definitely not expecting to reach our goal,

and to be able to surpass it was unreal. … Since it was the first ever relay at FSU, I think we can only go up from here and have more awesome relays in the following years.”

Kathleen Reynolds, the American Cancer Society community manager, helped the Event Lead Team set up the Relay for Life.

She said she was inspired by the passion of FSU students. “I like to joke around that I would love to not have a job. The cure for cancer I believe is out there, and it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of people, like everyone here, so I hope they know the impact that they’ve had.”

[Editor’s Note: Shayna Yacyshyn is a member of The Gatepost editorial board.]

Allie Gath/The Gatepost

Shayna Yacyshyn, a freshman, led a yoga session during the Relay for Life event.

MAY 6, 2016

10 The Gatepost Editorial

Warren Center offers room for growth FSU’s recent acquisition of The Warren Conference Center and Inn is one of the most significant moments in its history At 65 acres, the location includes multiple buildings and provides access to the town of Ashland’s reservoir.

The property, a breathtaking site located five miles from campus, offers FSU many opportunities to develop and expand.

We at The Gatepost believe it is critical FSU administrators think carefully about how they would like to utilize this land. It would be detrimental if this prime piece of real estate were not used and enjoyed by the FSU community - particularly students.

So, how can FSU students benefit from The Warren Center acquisition?

FSU has made substantial enhancements to its STEM departments with the recent addition of the new science center. The purchase of The Warren Center provides FSU with an opportunity to make significant improvements to its arts & humanities departments.

The center would be a perfect location for a performing arts center, as well as a site where FSU’s theater department can expand.

The Hilltop Players are often barred from using DPAC to practice their performances before tech week and opening night.

With a performing arts center, The Hilltop Players would be provided with the critical practice space they need to perfect their performances.

Having their own space on The Warren Center property would also allow them to store more sets, props and costumes.

A performing arts center could also be used for large events, such as the sold-out Temple Grandin talk and the 30-year anniversary of the Challenger explosion earlier this semester.

The Warren Center would also be a pristine location for the Spring Commencement Ceremony, which would allow for more space for graduates’ loved ones to attend.

Considering the remarkable amount of land acquired with this purchase, building on this location would be one solution to FSU’s current land-locked status.

After the completion of West Hall, further construction on campus will be virtually impossible. Moving departments such as Athletics and Facilities to this center would free up space on campus for student use - something we at The Gatepost have advocated for many times.

This property could become a hub for student activity.

While it would be ideal for student spaces to be centrally located on campus, FSU could allocate a portion of the center to student clubs and organizations.

Aside from the aforementioned Hilltop Players, student groups such as the dance team and chorus could also benefit from the extra practice space.

Considering the center is a beautiful property, it would be an ideal location for art studios. Student artists could shut themselves away in a room overlooking the lake while creating their masterpieces, instead of the less-inspiring Maynard Hill.

The field on The Warren Center site could lend itself to major improvements to FSU athletics. A rugby pitch could be built, as well as a basic additional field for sports practices such as lacrosse and field hockey.

The Ashland reservoir is a perfect spot for the biology department to conduct experiments and take field trips. The Wildlife Club could also take advantage of the lake and its surrounding forest for club activities such as hikes.

There are many avenues FSU could pursue over the next few years with The Warren Center, and we at The Gatepost hope administrators will keep the students in mind as they plan for the future.

OP/ED Let the people park!

At FSU, students learn valuable skills like effective speaking, persuasive writing and how to think critically. But for commuter students, the opportunity for learning goes beyond the classroom. On a daily basis, they learn how to stalk fellow commuter students to get their parking spaces.

Lack of parking is a sad reality most commuters have grown to tolerate at FSU. In the past year much of the parking shortage is due to the construction of the West Hall dormitory on the Maynard parking lot.

The FSU commuter-to-resident ratio is about 1:1. The populations of both resident and commuter students are growing every year. More students are choosing to attend FSU. The rising student population brings about a growth in faculty and staff, which in turn requires the University to expand the number of offices to accommodate this expansion.

As a result of West Hall being constructed, O’Connor Hall will be converted into staff and faculty offices. The decision of the University to build a new residence hall is logical. But what isn’t rational is the University choosing to construct it on a commuter parking lot.

It only makes the ongoing parking issue worse.

The problem with parking at FSU has been an issue before construction of the new residence hall. In response to the ongoing demand for parking, FSU completed construction of a new commuter parking lot in 2015. But the addition of Salem End Lot hasn’t sufficed to accommodate the growing number of commuters. Salem End Lot has added 246 spaces, but with the closing of 140 spaces in Maynard Lot for the new dorm, there was only a gain of 106 spaces.

With the shortage of parking, many students have been late for class.

And on several occasions, students have been seen running up Maynard Hill to avoid being late. Some students leave their homes early to find parking spaces, and many park at more distant parking lots.

A new parking lot has been purchased, but for resident students on Mount Wayte Avenue. This will free up some spaces in the Athletic Field Parking Lot, as several resident students will not be parking at that location.

But the problem still remains - there isn’t sufficient parking on campus to accommodate the commuter population. The University can still be considered a commuter school, and that is a driving reason why many students choose to attend. It’s understandable that the campus needs to expand with the growing population. But it must expand with all its students in mind.

To solve the ongoing issue of parking, the University needs to purchase more land to construct more parking lots. The construction of more lots should keep up with the growth of commuter students. Unfortunately for commuter students, parking space stalking isn’t a marketable skill or one they can put on their resumes.

Kayllan Olicio Staff Writer

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

MAY 6, 2016

OP/ED

11

#mentalillnessfeelslike It’s time to overcome the stigma

May, just like the other 11 months in a year, is host to a litany of health observances here in our nation.

This month alone, there are 35 health observances taking place nationally. Among these observances are Arthritis Awareness Month, Food Allergy Action Month, National Stroke Awareness Month and even Hand Hygiene Day. It would be unrealistic to expect that all 35 health observances will make it across the proverbial radars of most Americans. However, there is one particular health observance everyone should be made aware of Mental Health Month.

Americans need to be made aware of the prevalence of mental illness in the United States, and the profound effect it has on our society.

A mental illness is defined by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMH) as “a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling or mood and may affect his or her ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis.”

The range of mental illnesses - often referred to as disorders - is vast, to say the least.

Depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and psychotic disorders all fall underneath the expansive umbrella of mental illnesses, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Such an epidemic is America’s mental illness issue that President Barack Obama, in a Presidential Proclamation signed on April 28, 2016, declared this May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Sadly, despite a month-long health observance and a sitting U.S. president who is committed to providing aid and acknowledgement to the millions suffering, many Americans will still be reticent in sharing with others their experiences when it comes to mental health issues.

There are, of course, a multitude of reasons for this reticence - many people view their mental health illnesses as a private medical issue which should remain between themselves and their doctors, and, of course, there are the lucky ones who have never had issues with mental health.

However, the biggest reason why many are less apt to divulge their experiences and hardships with mental illnesses, as opposed to other medical afflictions like strokes and arthritis, is the significant societal stigma which is projected upon those who admit they have mental health issues.

The great tragedy of this stigma is that many Americans needlessly suffer in silence because they fear their co-workers, friends and family may brand them as “crazy” or “weak.”

One hope I have for the awareness to be raised throughout this month is for Americans to realize how common mental illness is.

Forever shattered should be the belief that mental illness only affects the homeless, soldiers returning home after a tour of duty or those who have a “weak constitution.”

The truth of the matter is that the dark, debilitating tendrils of mental health disorders snake their way through all socioeconomic statuses and ensnare many without mercy.

How prevalent are mental health issues in the U.S.?

According to the NAMH, mental health issues affect millions of Americans every year.

If you’re anything like me, any number over 100 is abstract and complex, so thankfully, NAMH has crunched the data for us.

Startlingly, approximately one in five American adults experience mental illness any given year.

Perhaps most saddening is NAMH’s statistic that approximately 21.4 percent of young Americans between the ages of 13-18 experience “a severe mental disorder at some point during their life.” For those aged between 8 and 15 years old, the percentage is estimated to be 13 percent.

These numbers are real. Math does not lie. We all know people in our lives who are suffering from a mental health disorder.

Statistically, many people reading this very article may have some sort of mental illness.

One true hero in the war against mental illness is the national nonprofit group Mental Health America (MHA), which has worked tirelessly since 1949 to, according to their website, raise awareness “that mental health is something everyone should care about.”

Over the years, MHA has created themes for Mental Health Month.

This year, the theme is “Life with a Mental Illness.”

In a brilliant use of social media, the non-profit has asked everyday Americans to share what it is like for them to live day-to-day with their mental illnesses via the hashtag #mentalillnessfeelslike.

As important as it is for our government and neurotypical Americans to provide sympathy and support to those afflicted by mental health issues, what will ultimately dismantle the stigma of mental illness is for those suffering to confront the ostracizing awkwardness of disclosing to others their battles with mental health.

In what can only be described as heart-touching and life-affirming, over the last few days, thousands of Americans - some celebrities, med

students, college students and everyday people - have taken to Twitter, sharing how mental illness has affected them.

One prevailing theme to be found throughout the thousands and thousands of #mentalillnessfeelslike tweets is that sufferers who continue to hide their afflictions in isolation are only contributing to the stigma of mental illness in America.

There’s been a clear call by those on social media who are experiencing mental health issues to come out of hiding and to show themselves. To prove that those suffering are not the few, but the many.

To be honest, as someone who suffers from mental health issues, this brazen attack on the mental illness stigma has left me as nervous as it has made me proud.

Should I join in on the good cause? Should I take on all the possible negative attention which may come my way by outing myself as one of the one in five Americans who grapple with depression and anxiety?

Normally, I’d say no. However, after seeing thousands of people on social media bravely share their stories of mental health issues, I feel compelled to contribute.

So in the spirit of #mentalillnessfeelslike, and in my belief that I should practice what I preach, I’ll share, briefly, my personal experiences.

Mental illness feels like there are times you cannot sleep enough. It, at times, feels like an insomnia you’ll never shake, never feeling the comfort of sleep again. It’s the feeling of being overwhelmed by the constant onslaught of life’s responsibilities. It’s the painful hole in your heart left by the passing of your mother. It’s the guilt you feel when you confuse and upset those you love because you’re too scared to admit one simple truth - you’re often sad and anxious, and don’t have a clue how you can correct those emotions.

It also feels like a mark of courage left scarred across your very being. It feels like a badge of honor because, though at times you stumble and lose your way due to the haze of heartache, you carry on and persevere.

How does one raise awareness about mental health in America?

Perhaps the first step is for those experiencing mental health issues to tell someone they trust how they feel.

There is no shame in telling your story.

There is no shame in sharing your mental health issues with those who know you and love you.

Actually, it would be a shame not to.

Stigma be damned.

Michael B. Murphy Editor-In-Chief

Counseling Center Foster Hall 100 State Street Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: 508-626-4640 Fax: 508-626-4628 Monday - Friday 9 am to 5 pm Walk-in time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm

OP/ED

12

MAY 6, 2016

Senior Letters

I honestly don’t know where I would be without The Gatepost, the Comm. Arts faculty and my fellow students in the communication arts department.

The Gatepost has been where I have discovered my closest friends and my passion for journalism and photography.

When I transferred to FSU in the fall of 2013, I didn’t know anyone.

I decided to ask Sara, my RA at the time, how I could get involved at the paper. I dropped by one Thursday night and was instantly hooked.

After a few weeks of writing reviews and staying up all night copyediting, I honestly felt like this was where I needed to be. It’s stressful, aggravating and exhausting, but what makes it worth it 10 times over is the feeling every Friday seeing the work of myself and my peers in the paper and online. Not to mention the sense of pride in being able to mentor new writers and photographers.

The communication arts faculty has always been one of the most supportive groups on campus. ProJo, your stress-inducing curriculum has always been just as fulfilling as it is challenging. Prof. Starobin, you have always been behind the scenes forcing me to make my work even better than I thought it could be. Bowen, you are more than just a teacher and advisor, but a strong advocate for all of your students.

I can’t put into words how much your guidance and high-fives have done to help me open doors I never thought I would. Prof. Dowling, you find the potential in your students and force them to realize it through tough love, even when we feel disappointed or uninspired.

Sara, Melina, Mark, Mike and Alex, you guys are the best friends I’ve ever had and I couldn’t ask for anyone better to spend every Thursday night with.

And of course my family, for having patience while I figure out what I want to do with my life and supporting me no matter what that is.

See ya FSU! Brad Leuchte Class of 2016

“Have fun paying bills until you die.”

“Kiss the best four years of your life goodbye.”

“You’re going to enjoy working.”

“Being an adult isn’t much different than your life is now.”

Over the past few years, I’ve made inquiries and received mixed reviews about life after graduation. I am confused because the past four years were, as a whole, quite a fun time. I felt like a child going to an amusement park for the first time.

I see no reason why all the excitement needs to suddenly come to a screeching halt, only to be resumed in half a century once I retire and my liver begins malfunctioning.

During my time at FSU, I met many amazing people – too many to name – but know you have all positively impacted my life and are all-around stellar individuals.

As difficult as it may be to reconnect with folks I have met, it is far easier today than it was 100 years ago (although, if anyone wants to send me a letter with a family insignia on the cover, I would be overjoyed).

As my days here wind down, I look forward to experiencing life after college and determining for myself whether it is as scary and stressful as I’ve heard or as fantastic as the last four years have been.

I’m betting on the latter.

Mark Wadland Class of 2016

Consistently, I have been the type of person to envision and anticipate the activities or roles that I may play in the imminent future. The past four years at Framingham State, however, have been anything but the anticipated.

I never thought I would be as successful as I am and I owe my success to many individuals.

Thank you Professors Witt, Eck, Lynne, McLaughlin, Beilin and Perry for your endless support and encouragement. I appreciate all the marginalia, discussion during office hours and personal relationships I have had with the English professors on the second floor of May Hall.

Nora Chan, Isabella Guyton and Brianna Ouellette, thank you for being amazing English majors and challenging me to do the same. Please keep in close contact and never stop writing.

FSU women’s rugby: I am grateful for every tackle, ruck and maul with my team. Especially Kelly Barker. When people talk about lifelong friends from college, I think about you first, followed by Alanna Griffin, Megan Fuller and Megan Muise.

Thank you Laura Rusk for repairing all of my injuries from playing rugby.

Abby, Bobby, Brad and Sara you deserve an award for tolerating me.

Leslie Starobin, thank you for being my photos mom. Any success that I’ve had as a photographer is because of you and your passionate, intelligent insight.

My most formative experiences at FSU have happened at The Gatepost. My role there has been indispensable not only because of the knowledge I gained outside the classroom, but the friendships formed in the office at ungodly hours of the night.

Thank you to each and every editor, photographer and staff member. You are like family to me and I will think of all of you on Thursday nights.

Liz Banks, your advice and guidance is essential. Thank you for helping me prepare to be an adult.

Desmond, you are the president of “Team Melina” and celebrate all of my success, sometimes more than me. You have my greatest gratitude for your help in the past two years especially. I am not sure where I would be today without you. Thank you for everything.

Mom, I quite literally wouldn’t be here if it were not for you. You have done the work of two parents and I hope I’ve made you proud.

With only a few more days as a Framingham State student, I cannot wait to surprise myself once again.

Melina Bourdeau Class of 2016

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

OP/ED

MAY 6, 2016

13

Senior Letters A few weeks ago, as I sat in my small desk after a long day in my first grade classroom where I am student teaching, it suddenly all hit me. I am about to graduate. Finally, I am about to be standing on the other side of the classroom. This is the beginning of the rest of my life.

Thanks to FSU, I am more than ready to take on that challenge. I couldn’t be more grateful to all of the professors who have guided me through my elementary education degree. Four years later, I feel wholly prepared to take on a classroom of my own.

But FSU has given me much more than just a kick-ass education degree.

Joining The Gatepost was undoubtedly the best thing I did in college. So often, I found myself over-stressed and asking, “What am I doing here? Elementary teachers aren’t journalists!” But every time my name came out in print, my hard work paid off. In fact, I even faced a mid-college crisis during my junior year, debating dropping education entirely to become a journalist. Today, I’m still working on finding a way to get the best of both worlds.

To all of my Gatepost family - I couldn’t be happier that I had the opportunity to get to know and work with all of you. Caesar Romo, thanks for always taking the brunt of my stress and turning it into a learning experience. I can’t wait to see the big things you do next year with your new section. Brittany and Sara, thanks for always being there to save my butt, whether it be during a layout crisis or just a night when I needed a friend to talk to. Rip and Rip Jr., thanks for all the laughs - you truly kept me sane on Thursday nights.

Desmond, I can’t thank you enough for the support and advice you have given me over the past few years. From my very first step on the FSU campus at Accepted Students’ Day, to the multiple English courses I had the privilege of taking with you and the countless hours we have spent together copy editing in the Gatepost office, you have continued to guide me and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from you.

Scott - I don’t know how I could have done it without you. Thanks for sticking around for four crazy years. You have been my rock when nothing else seemed to be going right. I can’t wait to see where the rest of our lives take us.

Finally, I wouldn’t be who I am today without the unconditional love and support from my family. Mom and dad, you have pushed me to always do my very best and it is because of you that I am now a college graduate. And thank you for letting me still live at home as a poor post-grad.

I leave with the wise words of Dr. Seuss: “Be sure when you step, step with care and great tact, and remember that life’s a great balancing act.”

Kristen Pinto Class of 2016

If I were to compare the person I was four years ago to who I am now, I’m unrecognizable - and I don’t just mean from cutting my hair off.

My entire demeanor has changed - from the way I carry myself to how I have honed my abilities. I now walk with purpose, elegance and confidence - a walk that commands respect and attention. I am a published and award-winning journalist, a filmmaker and documentarian. Four years ago, I would have never thought I would be pursuing editorial production or would have maintained friendships with strong, remarkable and influential people. Their support, patience, kindness and love have helped me see that I don’t have to let my dreams be dreams. They can be reality. “Just do it!”

To my parents and my brother, thank you for showing me that in the end, everything will be OK. Paul, I couldn’t have pushed past the hard times and the constrictions of schoolwork without your humor and our adventures.

Professor Johnson, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.

There is a new age of directors and producers coming and they are all your students. I am looking forward to winning an Oscar and giving you thanks.

Brittany, you have always been my soul sister. With your positive affirmations and support, I stopped doubting myself and removed what I thought were my “limits.”

Adri, we both have grown so much since our freshman year living in room 646. I couldn’t have grown the backbone I have today without you showing me how.

Avarie, you are one of the most inspiring people in my life. Thanks for teaching me the power of my voice. Cheers to our futures in film and changing the world. I’ll see you in Prague.

Brad, where would I be without your friendship? You are always game for impulsive decisions and have always been fully supportive of all my work. I wouldn’t have been interested in film if it weren’t for your push.

Mark, our many walks have always turned into philosophical conversations and life coaching. Many great decisions have been made because of our friendship.

Alex, I will never forget our “lobster butts” after falling asleep on the beach. At least that didn’t stop us from having fun. Thanks for reminding me to live life to the fullest and to put myself first.

Melina, I will miss our late-night chats accompanied by tea, enjoying the small things in life and remaining strongly ambitious in all that we do.

Many lessons have been learned, life-changing experiences have been had and friendships have been developed that I foresee lasting a lifetime. Isn’t that what it’s all about in the end?

Graduate out.

Sara Silvestro Class of 2016

In my first semester at FSU, I seriously contemplated if I made the right decision in coming here. Any doubts about my decision started to fade away when I discovered what would become my pride and joy - SGA. One Tuesday night during my first semester, on a whim, I decided to go to my first of numerous Student Government Association meetings and join the organization. It was exactly what I needed to be pushed out of my comfort zone to meet new people, and I have not regretted it for a single second. That one night sparked the path of my college journey.

The SGA office has since become my home on campus. It is SGA that led me to take on other opportunities and molded me into the person I am today. To everyone I have served with, both past and present, thank you for all of the amazing memories. To the student body I have served, I truly hope I have done you well and thank you for trusting me to serve you over the years. I cannot fully express in words how much it has meant to me to be a part of SGA. I have been quite fortunate to have been surrounded by exceptional people at FSU who have made my college journey truly phenomenal.

Meg, Steve and Nikki - I cannot thank you enough for everything that you have done for me over the years. I know that I can rely on you for anything, and I have never taken that for granted. I attribute my successes to the support you have provided me. Tim, my friend and roommate - I sincerely value our friendship and thank you for trying to put my ego in check every time it is needed. The SILD staff - thanks for everything you have done for me, and that support you have provided in my endeavors for SGA. Ben, Ashlee and the Black and Gold squad - you are all good kids. Thanks for two awesome summers. My sociology faculty - thanks for opening my eyes to the field of sociology and for making my major such an awesome one.

Finally, to my lovely girlfriend, Arissa - I cannot imagine what these past four years would have been like had our paths not crossed on this campus. You make me a better person and for that, I love you.

As the clock ticks down to May 22, I will continue to reflect on the four quick years I have shared with Framingham State. While it is bittersweet to be moving on, I am ecstatic to take the next leap forward. I am not sure where life’s journey will lead me, but I hope it is nearly as satisfying as this previous chapter has been. Keep doing great things, Framingham State!

Dan Costello Class of 2016

OP/ED

14

MAY 6, 2016

Senior Letters A farewell from your misunderstood angry Latino, Ferrrnando!

In my four years at Framingham State, I have experienced some of my lowest moments in life, but I have also reached many of my peaks. I remember coming to Framingham State my freshman year excited to live my college life like the movies. Turns out there was a reason why none of these movies starred black or brown men. I contemplated leaving, but in my eyes, that was the same as running away, so I decided I would make Framingham State a place for me and that is when my journey truly began. Sorry, readers -this is not going to be a farewell to all of my oppressors and haters.

My involvement began when I joined the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion. I found a whole group of faculty and staff who were passionate about my success and the growth in diversity on campus. With their help, we were able to create a sanctuary for students now known as the Center for Inclusive Excellence. So thank you and farewell for all of you in CDI who helped mold me into the leader I am today. To the professors who took me under their wings and made me family, I love you and farewell is never an option. To the mentors who helped me straddle the line between angry activist and empathetic listener, I thank you because you have prepared me for a world much bigger than myself.

BUT, my biggest farewell and thank you goes out to all of the other students who went through the struggle with me, the ones that had crazy Thursday nights we will never forget! You have made my experience here transformational. From the most minimal of conversations to having lunch in the Dining Commons, these small experiences are the ones I will miss the most. I want to thank anyone and everyone who has allowed me to know you as a person but, most importantly, I want to thank you all for letting me show you myself!

Farewell…

As I reflect on my four years here, I cannot help but think of all the wonderful memories I have and how much I have changed. College was not what I expected it to be - I did not expect to meet people and have experiences that changed me. I cannot recognize just one aspect of my experience here because there are many. If I had to narrow it down, I would say my friends, Wildlife Club, Equestrian club and environmental science shaped me from a terrified freshman into a confident (and still somewhat terrified) senior.

I hope that everyone reading this remembers that to succeed, you must always believe in yourself. If you are passionate and work hard, you can get yourself anywhere. My mom always told me that if you want something, you need to go after it. I never truly understood the meaning behind this phrase until I saw people settle for less than they deserved. It is amazing to look back and see myself take advantage of the opportunities I was given at FSU. Striving for the things I wanted most allowed me to reach my full potential. It allowed me to see that I am not a follower - I am a leader, and that I will not settle for anything less than the best for myself.

When you follow your passion, you find yourself. My advice is to do what you love, and life will bring you exactly where you need to be.

Thanks, FSU. It’s been a great ride.

Fernando Rodriguez Class of 2016

Rachel Holland Class of 2016

College has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. Whether it was losing another loved one, acquiring my dream job or battling ADHD, college was the greatest life-changing experience I’ve ever had. I had just lost several family members in my early years of college and I was struggling to maintain focus on academics, as I had withdrawn from many courses. However, one thing I learned throughout my college years is that where there is bad, some good can be found along with it. Through these experiences, I quickly developed a passion for the criminology major, which molded me into the student I am today.

When I transferred to Framingham State in January of 2014, I was immediately welcomed with open arms by friends whom I had befriended through prior employment and past studies. The classes I enrolled in struck an immediate interest, proving I picked the perfect major.

I continued to be even more successful, making Dean’s List one semester (the only semester I was full-time), being accepted to my dream school for a master’s degree in criminal justice and most recently, joining the Alpha Phi Sigma and Alpha Kappa Delta honors societies.

Framingham State University has given me the opportunity to not just better myself, but prove that ADHD doesn’t define who I am. Without the support of my parents, professors and students who worked alongside me, taught me valuable lessons and allowed me to pursue my passions, my success wouldn’t have been possible. Graduating is bittersweet, but I know that there’s much more for me to conquer, more to learn and more to develop. As I continue on in life, a part of me will always be at Framingham State. I hope my final research project can better this great community, so I can have a lasting impression on a community that gave me so much. Although I have an internship to complete this summer before officially being a graduate, I find it to be an excellent opportunity to give back. Throughout the spring and summer, I intend to conduct research that seeks to ultimately benefit the entire community, because Framingham State certainly deserves it.

Thank you to the professors and students of FSU who make this great community what it is today. As my undergraduate career comes to a close, I’m too busy dancing to get knocked off my feet, yet it’s time to look forward to the future instead of begging for the past. This diploma is merely a stepping stone, but the experiences and developed passions are what continue to hold the keys to my success, which has only just begun.

Kyle Langmeyer Class of 2016

Thank you for all of your submissions throughout the year.

You’ve helped to make this section great. We look forward to hearing from you next year. Have a great summer!

MAY 6, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES

15

Inside the University Police:

On the night shift with Sgt. Woollard

By Scott Calzolaio Arts & Features Editor The dispatcher’s voice was cool and collected - “Control to car 10.

“We need a door unlocked at the 1812 house. Some students doing a project.

“Car 10 to control - copy that. En route,” replied Sgt. Joseph Woollard.

Although this is an average call for the Framingham State Campus Police, that’s just the way the officers on campus like it - no risk, no danger, no injury.

Woollard drew a double shift - 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. And 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on this Thursday night, a night officers usually say is the busiest.

The force employs a chief, four sergeants and five officers with two in training. The department is currently understaffed by five officers, resulting in double shifts.

“This is my third double since Sunday,” said Woollard, “but it’s the kind of police work that I love doing.

It’s community police work.”

Drawn to the flashing lights and the fast cars since he was child in Foxborough, Woollard said he always knew he wanted to be a police officer. He was deeply influenced by the officers he encountered as a kid, he said.

“The cops were good guys in our community,” Woollard said. “I’m not saying that cops are the bad guys in any other community, but they’re seen that way there.”

Woollard graduated from Plymouth State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s in criminal justice and is currently working on his master’s at FSU. He worked for a short time at the emergency room at Tufts Medical Center in Boston as a security guard.

For those security guards, work is “a war zone,” said Woollard.

“It’s gruesome in the hospital. You see kids who got beat up, people who hang themselves. Some that survive.

Some that don’t. And some that are kind of vegetables, where they pull the plug later. It’s a tough place to work,” he said.

“The human brain isn’t meant to see some of the things that police officers see,” he said. “When I see those guys now, I give them the utmost respect, and ask them if they need anything else. … Sometimes, I think they just need a couch to lie on and someone to talk to.”

One late night at Tufts Medical Center, around 2 a.m., “This guy got stabbed a couple times in the back.

He rides his bike literally into the waiting room,” said Woollard.

The man then proceeded to the back room, where he scooped gauze and medical tape into his arms and tried to leave again.

“He just grabbed the stuff and tried to run out the back door. We were like, ‘No you don’t.’ We ended up having to tackle him, and they drugged him up. It was bizarre.”

Woollard soon accepted position with the Framingham State Campus Police force, where work is much more laid back.

“Most of the time, it is extremely mellow. We’re doing more community police work. We’re going around, makin-,” Woollard stopped for a moment to listen to dispatch. “Sorry, we’re basically going around making people feel safe that we’re in the area. But when it gets crazy, it gets crazy quick,” he said.

Woollard has worked for campus police for almost six years now. He soon learned that working on a college campus meant dealing with suicide attempts. It’s an unfortunate reality for campus police officers and not at all uncommon, he said.

“A couple years back, a kid tried to commit suicide,” said Woollard.

“He cut his throat, punctured a couple holes in it. He was bleeding all over the place. He didn’t die. Three hours after doing it, he called us up and said, ‘Hey, I tried to kill myself.

It didn’t work. Can you come help me?’”

Among the numerous suicide attempt calls the sergeant responded to, one stands out the most.

“The worst suicide attempt I saw, one girl slashed her wrists really, really, disgustingly bad and then downed a BJ’s-sized thing of Tylenol, which would just make her bleed out, and her friend called us. She was wearing a sweatshirt that was just saturated in blood. She got help. I’m not sure where she is now.”

Woollard said campus police works very closely with Framingham Police. His patrol car had Framingham’s dispatch on as well as campus dispatch and Framingham Fire dispatch. This is partially because maintaining a cooperative relationship among these departments and the community is important, and also because many of Framingham Police’s calls concern college students, he said.

“When you put a bunch of 18-to22-year-olds in a condensed area, they’re going to cause trouble,” said Woollard. “I miss college.”

On one of Woollard’s first nights on the job as a campus police officer, there was a massive off-campus party, he said. On a nearby side street, “a group of kids were putting the boots to another kid.”

Woollard was called in to apprehend the perpetrators. The foot chase began, he said.

“So here I am, just out of the academy like, ‘Oh hell yeah,’ and I go running through the woods. I’m tripping over things. These kids were in shape, I’ll give them that.”

Finally, where the Salem End Parking Lot is now located, Woollard said he caught up.

“So I’m walking around the side of the building, holding my keys, thinking I’m all stealthy and awesome, and I see him lying underneath this

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

abandoned car, and I scream, ‘Wait right there! Put up your hands!’ I was so excited,” he said. “So I’m one for one on my foot pursuits.”

The more common calls don’t involve situations where police lights - or “cherries and berries” - are necessary, said Woollard.

It’s now 10 p.m. on this Thursday night. Students are just beginning to skip from dorm to dorm, preparing for the night ahead.

“It’s quiet right now,” Woollard said, driving past North Hall.

Even though their jobs don’t involve busting down doors and making arrests on the regular, this doesn’t mean they aren’t busy. They regularly take note of suspicious campus activities, and they know how to locate the trouble spots.

“We know a lot around here. You’d be surprised.” He said, while driving around the areas where students have been known to get in trouble

with smoking pot.

“When they see me, they sort of disappear into the woods,” he said.

“If no one was bothered enough to call, we’re not going to go start an issue at that point.”

To Woollard, the rule breakers are not the troublemakers. Instead, he and other campus officers recognize the reality of the college experience.

They work instead to make sure everyone is enjoying that experience as safely and responsibly as possible.

“We know that kids here are going to party,” he said. “What do you really expect? At Campus Police we are not going to condone it. But it’s really just the kids who go overboard that we look for. The extremely unlucky and the extremely dumb are the ones who get caught.”

ARTS & FEATURES

16

MAY 6, 2016

Alumnus Eddie Beeso shares his battle with cancer to promote FSU’s Relay for Life event

By Melina Bourdeau Associate Editor

By Marissa Rousseau Staff Writer Eddy Beeso, a cancer survivor and Framingham State alumnus, spoke about his battle with cancer on Monday, April 25 in the Ecumenical Center.

Beeso, a psychology major with a communication arts minor who graduated in fall of 2015, has been cancer-free for 15 years. He spoke about his experience fighting myxopapillary ependymoma, a cancer of the spine.

At the age of 9, Beeso was diagnosed at Mass General Hospital in Boston, where his doctors discovered a tumor on his spine. Within the same night, they removed it. A year later, another tumor developed and was immediately removed.

During his early years of high school, his doctors found a third tumor. After it was removed, he was paralyzed from the chest down which required him to use a wheelchair.

Beeso’s doctors said the limited movement he had in his big toe was “the best it would get.

“The anxiety and fear of what other people thought of me was the reason why I dropped out of school my sophomore year of high school,” said Beeso.

During his hiatus from school, he realized, “I was letting this illness beat me.

Even though I hadn’t died, it was still beating me because I was letting it kill the social aspect of my life.”

Beeso’s aunt inspired him to seek patient therapy. His physical therapist helped him walk again.

“There was a man there who would just refuse to let me sit in my chair. He was like, ‘You know what? We’re going to get you walking.’ For months and months and months, this guy pushed me and pushed me until finally, I was up and I was actually able to stand on my own, which was crazy.”

Beeso soon upgraded from a wheelchair to a cane. When he began attending FSU, he got rid of his cane altogether.

Besso said, “I started walking more, and you guys have probably seen me fall at least a hundred times around here.

You eventually get good at it, and the anxiety starts to go away. Most people don’t realize, though, that I am somewhat of a nervous wreck when I walk.

It’s still really hard. I have to consciously [be aware] of every step that I’m going to take.”

His story resonated with several students.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Shannon said, “Eddy was really well-spoken and his story, his tale, was quite inspiring.”

Senior Morgan Zabinski, a friend of Beeso’s, said, “I thought it was a very touching event. I never knew his entire story. I knew he had cancer, so it was nice to hear his story and learn how far he’s come in his life.”

Matthew Starbard, a senior, said, “I thought it was a very uplifting experience - to hear about his personal battle with cancer and how he regained his ability to walk. Doctors told him he’d never walk again, and he proved them wrong by pushing himself. It was quite an inspirational story.”

Marissa Rousseau/The Gatepost

Eddy Beeso recalls his struggles with cancer and paralysis in the Ecumenical Center on April 25.

Q & A with Eddy Beeso

By Melina Bourdeau Associate Editor Why did you decide to come speak at FSU about your experience?

I actually volunteered to speak out about my experiences with cancer because a friend had asked me two years ago to speak at another Relay for Life. She told me that in high school, I had such a huge impact on her even though we didn't talk that much. She said knowing what I was going through every day and still managing to graduate high school inspired her. I figured that maybe I could do that again. That I could share my story with some people from FSU, and hopefully inspire them and let them know that even if life is rough, which it is for everyone, that you can still make it through whatever it throws at you and hopefully do it with some style.

How has your experience with cancer made attending FSU unique?

Originally, I didn't think I'd ever make it to college. The cancer kind of ate up a lot of my time, making school a second priority. I didn't do too well, so just getting to attend any college was an exciting thought. At FSU, things were easier than high school because everything was right there. I didn't have to go anywhere, and getting around was

easier. People often noticed my limp because, let's face it, it's obvious, but people don't really realize just how much effort goes into walking when you're in my position. Every move is a conscious thought. If I don't think about it or watch where my feet are going, I'll fall. That was honestly the only struggle I faced in college, just trying to explain that I'm OK and trying to improve myself, so that issue wasn't as much of one.

What’s something that students might not know about you?

I did make a lot of strides physically.

I went to the gym almost every day and really tried to improve my walking. One of the biggest achievements I made at FSU in terms of my physical limitations is that I started to be able to run again. Not fast or far, but I can actually run. But in terms of other goals, I'm just glad that I was able to graduate college without having to really deal with my cancer. I had been in remission the whole time, which is incredible.

Did you participate in Relay for Life?

I did take a couple of laps but unfortunately I wasn’t able to stay. However, I do think that Kaylee [Brazell] and the entire staff of the event did a great job organizing and the turnout was won-

derful. It really was a great event and I encourage everyone to at least look into it for next year because it really is a great event to get involved in.

Where do you work now and what do you do?

I work at AdCare Hospital in Worcester as an admissions coordinator.

Does that have anything to do with your experience fighting cancer?

Not really. It was just something to do in the medical field because I do work for a hospital. I am, however, going back to school to take biology courses so that I can apply to med school in the fall of 2018 and hopefully specialize in neurology.

What is your advice to FSU students?

My advice is never be too hard on yourself. As cliché as it sounds, life is short and at any moment, it can be gone. So don't beat yourself up about the little things, or even the big things, because you'll get through it one way or another. Finals, papers, exams, relationship issues - all that stuff works out in the end, and none of that is going to kill you, so don't let it stress you!

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Sex trafficking in New England: Amirah fights to save enslaved women

Cass Doherty/The Gatepost

Stephanie Clark read from Sorjourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” in the Ecumenical Center on April 27.

By Cass Doherty Asst. Arts & Features Editor In December of 2014, Stephanie Clark felt a call from God to be involved in the fight against sex trafficking.

Within two weeks of having this epiphany, she was hired as the Executive Director for Amirah, a Christian non-profit that offers a safe space and transformative whole-person care for survivors of sex trafficking.

The word “Amirah” is derived from the Arabic and Persian meaning “daughter of the king” and “female warrior.” The organization’s name originates from the mother of one of the board members who ran a home for sexually abused women, also called Amirah.

Clark told this to the group of 40 students gathered in the Ecumenical Center on April 27.

When asked by freshman Abby Mann, “How did you get involved in this [Amirah]?” Her short answer was “God.” Clark went on to explain the background behind Amirah, including its creation in 2009 by a group of Christians who had heard about sex trafficking. She stated that at the time Amirah was formed, there were no safe homes in New England. She proudly stated that there are now four.

According to Clark, when people hear the term “sex trafficking,” their mind goes straight to places like India, Cambodia and Thailand, where there are women and children born into sex slavery.

She explained how that’s really not the case in America, particularly in New England.

“In New England, trafficking is, on average, a 14-year-old girl who grew up right here … the majority of women that I meet that have been trafficked look exactly like me. They look like they

could be my sister,” she said.

Clark briefly covered the opioid epidemic in New England, which is ensnaring younger and younger people.

“If you’re a 14-year-old drug addict, this man is going to prey upon you because he knows you have a need, and he can help you fill that need,” she said.

girl how much he loves her. She said it breaks her heart to hear this - she knows what love is, and whatever this guy is telling his girls is love, isn’t. And she believes him and loves him in return.

Clark says he promises the world to the girls, but that they have to help him out a little, because “money is tight.”

“The average person that buys sex is a 42-year-old white man with two kids at home.”

-Stephanie Clark, executive director of Amirah

Clark pointed out sex trafficking is “across the board. It doesn’t matter your economic status … people think this is happening in those really, really poor towns. Nope. It doesn’t matter your economic status. What matters is that you’re vulnerable, and he will prey upon that.” She said that really, it can happen to anyone - she’s met women from Newton and Lynn, towns which both have ongoing issues with sex trafficking.

“He will do a long con, and introduce her to a life of sexuality,” Clark said, mentioning that a pimp will tell his

“The average person that buys sex is a 42-year-old white man with two kids at home,” Clark stated. These men, she said, have an addiction, and that breaks her heart as well.

Clark said trafficking has been happening in America for a very long time, and that only now is the country starting to realize this.

“We need to provide hope,” Clark says as she informs the group that Amirah, and other organizations, are fighting against a $32 billion industry each year.

“What do we need to do, to help peo-

ple understand that it is not okay to buy and sell human beings?” Clark asked.

There are a total of 17 beds available in the New England safe houses, according to Clark. She explained when a bed is not available, the women in need isput on a waitlist with the FBI. The first step, Clark said, is having enough beds to free these women.

“Amirah comes in and treats them as a human being, with dignity. And we help them recover,” Clark said while explaining it’s impossible to extract the women from their dire situation. The women are dealing with PTSD, trauma and drug addiction, and according to Clark, are afraid to leave, since the lifestyle is all they really know.

Clark regards Sorjourner Truth and William Wilberforce, people who worked until their deaths for women’s rights and to abolish the slave trade respectively, as true aboloitionists.

Clark said she struggles every day to meet her budget of $3 million, which she would like to one day increase to $6 million in order to open a second safe home, and $100 million so that she can open a coffee shop for the women to work in.

“But I’m fighting a $32 billion industry. And all I have is history before me, of people who said, ‘Well, this does not matter if it doesn’t change in my lifetime. I will still speak up until it changes.’ Because I have children who are coming next. I have daughters that could be sold,” Clark said.

Clark ended her discussion with a quote from Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, who was targeted with violence for the work he had done.

When asked why he continued to do this, he said “this just tells me that evil is threatened by ordinary people.”

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MAY 6, 2016

Students display their work in Senior Exhibitions

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

By Cesareo Contreras Arts & Features Editor Nine Communication Arts students displayed some of their portfolio work in the Mazmanian Gallery in the Senior Exhibition, “Exploration” from April 4 to 8.

Professor Jennifer Dowling, the instructor of the senior portfolio class, detailed how the work displayed by the students was the culmination of pieces throughout several of their classes or independent projects.

Although students were able to choose the work that was put on display, within the confines of the class students were tasked to create their own personal brand package which had them design their own personal logo and portfolio website.

Zach Benard featured six small printed images he took while working to create “a conceptual photo series” of album art for FSU senior Anthony Martel’s band, Coyote Coat.

Each photo represented a track off of Coyote Coat’s album.

In the image, titled, “Some See Smoke,” a person’s flannel shirt breast

pocket is shown with a set of unlit matches within it and a burnt match placed in the center.

Benard said the inspiration for this image came from Martel’s reference to fire in the song.

Additionally, Benard detailed wanting to match the song with appropriate warm color tones.

Merissa Zaltzberg described her work as representations of her as “a designer and as a creative individual.”

Be it from her 11 x 17 minimalistic prints meant to depict poignant scenes in the films “Rushmore” and “The Graduate,” to the poster she designed for the FSU’s Senior Nutrition fair, Zaltzberg’s style showed through each work, she said.

Zaltzberg described her process as “spur of the moment but planned out afterwards.”

“It emanates so much of what I like to do,” Zaltzberg said of one particular collage. “I like to work with my hands from the start, from the get-go. Even though I work with Photoshop and Illustrator and Adobe programs on the computer, I like to start with my hands.”

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

The pictures placed within the collage ranged from replicas of insects and human skeletons taken from the insides of a variety of museums, to images of tourist knick-knacks, which Zaltzberg described as “materialistic.”

Images from Candace McOsker’s “Human Nature” series showed a number of student portraits blended into photographs taken out in the forest.

McOsker said she initially had taken the nature images while out on a hike and wanted to use the images as part of a final project for her advanced photography class, but couldn’t because she had taken the images too early in the semester.

Upon a classmate’s suggestion, McOsker decided that integrating students’ portraits into her forest photos would make for a better final product.

Additionally, McOsker featured two photographs she took of different types of fabrics as part of a monochromatic themed assignment for one of her photography classes.

The images contained macro shots of both blue denim and a green scarf fabric.

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Top: Merissa Zaltzberg displayed her work from April 4 to 8.

Bottom: Communication Arts seniors showcased some of their best work in the first Senior Exhibition in the Mazmanian Gallery.

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

MAY 6, 2016

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By Shayna Yacyshyn Editorial Staff Senior illustrators and graphic designers showcased their work in the Mazmanian Gallery for a final time as part of the Senior Exhibition on Tuesday, April 12.

The students displayed a collection of pieces depicting their personal interests and accomplishments as artists. More than 50 people attended the gallery showing.

Some illustrations were created using computers, while others were made with pen and pencil.

Senior Emily Cromwell presented her children’s book illustrations, including two colorful book covers.

“I just love to illustrate things that make people happy and feel really good inside,” Cromwell said.

Kelsey Ryan, an illustration major, had a wall display of dog portraits.

The personalities of each dog shined through Ryan’s pencil work. Through working at a doggy daycare, Ryan said she developed a distinct bond with each of the dogs and wanted to make that evident in her portraits.

She captured one dog as it begged for food and another as it waited for her to throw a ball. Ryan said, “I’ve been thinking for years to make dog portraits, and then finally I had a great opportunity to do it.”

Illustrator Allison Kittredge showcased her love for nature and the outdoors. Her thesis consisted of carefully detailed flowers and natural elements.

Kittredge’s attention to detail was obvious through her intricate patterns and designs made from ink.

The graphic design work exem-

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Top: E.J. Valencia displays a book he designed for a chapter of ‘Einstein’s Dreams.’

Right: Allison Kittredge presents her botanical illustrations.

plified the artists’ expertise in Adobe software. The computer-based artwork demonstrated the seniors’ strengths in typography and placement. Many of the graphic design pieces were recognizable to student viewers.

Carlos Zamora‘s senior thesis consisted of a design he created for campus housing registration. Prior to the gallery exhibition, his poster had been seen around campus. The gallery show served to credit student work, such as Zamora’s, and put a face to the artwork.

E.J. Valencia’s senior thesis was

unique in showing his process along with his final designs. Valencia had graphic designs commissioned by the McAuliffe Center, as well as a poster design for a travel agency.

Along with displayable art, several of the artists had small giveaways, such as business cards, stickers and bookmarks.

By Cesareo Contreras Arts & Features Editor

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Student artist Griselda Duran featured artwork inspired by C.S. Lewis’ ––Narnia in the final Senior Exhibition.

The Mazmanian Gallery showcased the senior thesis work of a number of Studio Art Major students with concentrations in ceramics, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

Part 1 of the show went on through April 25-29, and part 2 went from May 2-6.

The seniors worked throughout the duration of their seminar course developing one central thesis, creating artwork that fits within the confines of their chosen premise.

Calvin Ridley’s theme centered on their first love - a relationship Ridley described in their artist statement that lasted 6 years.

Ridley displayed 5 paintings they created while working with Day-Glo shades of oil paint, each one a moment based off of a real photograph Ridley had amassed during the relationship.

“I think it was something that I had to work through personally,” Ridley said. “Doing a series of paintings was a good way to do that. But I also think it’s a topic that people can attach themselves to. A lot of people have already been like, ‘I understand this.’ The moments are somewhat ambiguous enough that people can insert themselves into it.”

Sarah Walker used several art mediums to showcase her overall theme - fragility and finding normalcy in “nature, poetry, the supernatural and folklore.”

Walker displayed 4 paintings and a number of ceramics.

In her paintings, “stoic” women are the central theme.

Starting with a painting of a young woman with horns coming out of her forehead, Walker said she wanted

the women in the paintings to act as “guardians” for the ceramic fetuses sprawled around the rest of her artwork.

“This work is a narrative and folklore inspired series that portrays exposure/vulnerability through fetus-like forms contrasted against stoic female guardian figures within an environment,” Walker wrote in her artist statement.

Griselda Duran used her senior thesis to create a world her 5-year-old aunt could escape to.

In September, Duran said her aunt Alex had a bad 5th birthday because that night a huge family fight occurred.

Duran said her aunt told her that she didn’t want to have another birthday again because of it.

Duran worked to create a world that was inspired by her love of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, a world where her aunt could explore and feel happy.

Additionally, Duran was influenced by her love of street art and her Mexican heritage.

In one of her pieces she wrote, in graffiti style, the word sangre, meaning blood in Spanish.

“In my artist statement, I wrote that Inca was in my blood,” Duran said. “I come from dirt. My parents migrated from Mexico to here ... in a way I wanted to make that a part of who I was.”

Duran’s pieces of artwork were spread all throughout the gallery.

From the large black wings that Duran painted onto the back wall, to the basketball molds that lined the center of the gallery, Duran’s work could be prominently seen from almost every corner of the gallery.

“I created this entire world for her to escape all of this negativity,” Duran said.

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ARTS & FEATURES

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BSU’s show brings students’ cultures to Framingham

Photos by Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Students from many cultures came together to celebrate their heritage at the BSU sponsored culture show.

By Marissa Rousseau Staff Writer A roaring crowd of FSU students filled DPAC on Saturday, April 30. Students were clapping, screaming and twirling their culture flags along to their favorite performances.

The hosts were Cassandra Teneus, president of the Black Student Union (BSU), and Steven Lamisere. Wanting to make the show interactive for the students, Teneus and Lamisere shared their Snapchat handles, along with those of some performers, to allow the audience to tune in to the action backstage.

The show kicked off with the duo of Mighty and Moe, a group from Boston.

Mighty sang his own personal lyrics to known popular songs that Moe DJ-ed from the back. They were followed by FSU students, who did a variety of cultural performances.

The show had multiple cultures involved performing vocal pieces and different cultural dances. The dancing pieces included belly dancing, passadas and traditional Haitian dances.

Late in the show, BSU took the stage.

Each member had the opportunity to step up to the microphone and reject the stereotypes many black students have been subjected to. Teneus took the stage and made a speech about the pride she holds for her culture.

This was the first year Teneus organized this BSU event and all members were pleased with its success.

Performer and sophomore Zae Valera said, “It was amazing … It was really, really, really good, better than previous years.”

The show was an opportunity for any FSU student to show their culture to

their peers and be proud of where they came from.

“We put on the culture show to support every student who comes from different … backgrounds to express their culture and to showcase it proudly without any reservations. This is kind of the one time where we all get to really express our differences and to enjoy it and to teach people about our culture, so it makes us proud,” Teneus said.

The goal of the show was to allow individuals to show that they have not lost touch with their original homes and take pride in them, or in Teneus’ words, “We are Americanized, but we are still our culture.”

The event was closed by a group from Fitchburg State University called Kalue.

Sophomore Amber Jimenez said, “I really loved the event. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the performers. Everyone who performed was amazingly talented. Everyone is so proud of their culture and where they came from and it honestly made me feel so much more comfortable in my own skin seeing that. I look forward to seeing it again in the future.”

Sophomore Kathleen Schipellti said, “The culture show was one of the best events I have ever attended on campus. It brought together such a diverse group of people, and you could really see how proud the performers were of their culture. My favorite part was the ending when everyone rejected the stereotypes brought on by mainstream media. It was definitely a powerful message and was moving to see.”

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MAY 6, 2016

The American Dream:

How one undocumented immigrant made her way to Wall Street

Cass Doherty/The Gatepost

Julissa Arce spoke last Monday, April 25, on humanizing the topic of immigration in the United States.

By Cesareo Contreras Arts & Features Editor In the early 2000’s, Julissa Arce roamed the halls of her college campus, not letting herself worry that her days in the United States may be numbered.

Instead, she made her grades a priority, ensuring she did everything in her power to make a name for herself, staking it on the belief that if she could garner success, she’d be able to change her circumstance.

Arce was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico.

It was with this steadfast commitment Arce took advantage of an internship on Wall Street.

With little money to her name, Arce seized the opportunity, skyrocketing up the corporate ladder to eventual success today.

Arce, now a legal United States citizen, left her high-profile job as a Goldman Sachs executive a few years back and today, as well as being an activist for immigrant rights, professionally speaks about her journey of achieving the American Dream to help humanize the topic of immigration.

Arce shared her story in the Forum last Monday, April 25.

“There is so much power in our stories,” Arce said. “I think it really helps us think and reshape who undocumented people are. Because who would think that an undocumented person was working on Wall Street?

Who would think that an undocumented person could be our classmate?

Who would think they could be our doctors?”

Arce stated the main goal of her talk was to shed light on the issues of immigration and to bring the human element back to the forefront of the conversation.

“So often when we hear the word ‘immigrant’ we just think about immigration - the statistics - and not the people who have dreams and aspirations, who are humans beings just like the rest of us,” Arce said.

Although Arce considers the United

States home today, when she arrived with her parents at the age of 11, she had her own set of misconceptions about the U.S. Arce said she perceived the U.S. to be the land of the “rich, white and beautiful” because that is what she saw on TV when she lived in Mexico.

“I thought as soon as I came to America I was going to turn white and be rich, and never really have to go to school,” Arce said.

At the age of 14, Arce’s tourist visa expired and, although she was starting to believe that the U.S was her home, she was suddenly labeled an ‘illegal alien.’

This made applying for college later on a struggle, Arce said.

In 2001, however, not long after Arce graduated high school, the Texas DREAM Act went into effect, making it the first state to give undocumented immigrants the ability to go to college.

To pay for college, Arce inherited her family’s funnel cake stand after her parents decided to move back to Mexico so she could take over the business and use the money for school.

Although her parents weren’t with her, Arce lived by her mother’s words - “If there’s an opportunity you can’t take advantage of, make sure that it’s because of something that was out of your control,” Arce said.

Arce put her mother’s words into practice.

In 2004, after working tirelessly to meet their standards, Arce accepted a summer internship position at Goldman Sachs.

The one caveat - Arce used her fake legal documents to obtain the position.

“For me, that was the only choice I had,” Arce said. “I couldn’t give up not just on my sacrifices, but every single sacrifice my parents had made in order for me to be where I was.

“A lot of people will say I used those fake documents to get in and I didn’t deserve it. ... 17,000 people apply ... about 300 people actually get one of those internships,” she said. “I was one those people. It wasn’t the fake papers, it was everything that was on my ré-

sumé.”

While at Goldman Sachs, Arce did everything in her power to differentiate herself from her peers.

She was the first to arrive and the last one to leave the office everyday and she made sure to ask questions based off of readings and research, avoiding questions she could have just googled.

By the end of the summer, Arce was offered a full-time job after her graduation.

By 27, she was a V.P. at Goldman Sachs, still living with her secret.

In 2007, Arce reached a turning

point after she was unable to get back to Mexico to see her father before he passed away.

She confided in her boyfriend at the time and told him everything.

So he proposed, and since Arce came to this country with a tourist visa so many years ago, she was able to change her legal status when the two got married.

Arce stressed, however, that it isn’t so easy for immigrants who come here illegally to gain citizenship through marriage. Additionally, Arce stressed that money was a huge factor in helping her gain her citizenship as it gave her access to high-profile attorneys.

Looking back at everything she was able to achieve and attain, Arce realized that she had to give back.

“I had everything at that point. I had a green card so I could travel. I had an amazing career,” she said. “It was then that I realized that for millions of people, no matter how hard they work, and no matter what they do, they still cannot change their circumstances.

So, Arce started Ascend Educational Fund, “a scholarship fund for immigrant students regardless of their immigration status,” according to her website.

Towards the end of Arce’s talk, she showed the audience a few pictures of white immigrant workers in the1920s, and posed a question.

“Why is it different?” Arce asked.

“Why did we give people before us the opportunity to have a better life, but now we don’t give the same opportunities for the immigrants of today?”

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Suit Jacket Posse performs final show of academic year

By Shayna Yacyshyn Editorial Staff The Suit Jacket Posse hit the stage one last time before the close of the semester on Tuesday, April 26. The cast won the audience over by presenting an array of new acts including, “Once Upon a Time,” “Open Mic” and “Sex with Me Is Like...”

During “Once Upon a Time,” troupe member Tyler DeMoura could respond to fellow member Anthony Gabrielle only by reciting dialogue from the book “Lord of The Flies.”

“Belly flop” was apparently written in the text because DeMoura called it out and then proceeded to belly flop across the stage several times. The skit ended with DeMoura yelling and pointing at Gabrielle, calling him Piggy. Before continuing to the next scene, James Buonopane, the host of the Suit Jacket Posse, gave a special thanks to the audience for tolerating their ridiculousness.

“Open Mic” was another crowd favorite. Jessa Pereira was the hostess of the pillow-themed open mic night. She welcomed Fluffy Feathers (DeMoura), Memory Foam (Tim McDonald) and Bobopedic (Kyle Collins), to center stage to show off their talents. DeMoura took on a persona full of angst and emotion as he recited his poem, “Sound of the Cloud Dancer.” Collins embodied a similar character to DeMoura. He sang about the cold side of the pillow in an angelic way that had the audience swaying their phone flashlights to the music.

Similar to “Open Mic,” the cast performed a skit titled “American Idol,”

in which Collins and Gabrielle acted as contestants. Gabrielle intimately serenaded an audience member with his song about Lincoln Logs. Sophomore Hannah Ferrante commented she would gladly purchase Gabrielle’s track on iTunes. Collins followed with an R&B love song about his microwave, Sheila.

His lyrics focused on making a Hot Pocket inside of her.

Continuing with the romantic vibe, the cast finished the show off with the skit “Sex with Me Is Like…” Buonopane would pull a word or phrase from a hat that had to be substituted into the sentence. Hurricane was the first pick and András Sévigny said, “Sex with me is like a hurricane, everything will be wet and destroyed afterwards.” When the word switched to unicorn, Sévigny had the crowd laughing with, “Sex with me is like a unicorn, white and horny.” However, the greatest applause came when Collins said, “Sex with me is like baseball, and I can be the catcher and the pitcher.”

The audience didn’t want the show to end and neither did the cast. DeMoura and Collins kept asking Buonopane for one last prompt before saying goodnight, as this was their last show as graduating seniors. Audience members also encouraged the show to continue for an extra 20 minutes. Hold on tight until the Suit Jacket Posse makes its return next semester.

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Top: Sévigny and McDonald perform an infomercial for upset stomachs.

Bottom: Pereira creates abstract sound effects to narrate Collins’ acting.

Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

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M AY 6, 2016

SLIFE program accomodates influx of refugee students - continued from page 1

come from a traumatic background. These kids can’t be thrown into regular classrooms because they wouldn’t be able to handle the material. They wouldn’t survive because the fourth-graders in this class are learning kindergarten stuff. They don’t know the language or the content.”

The NCC began by fostering refugees and immigrants in grades 3-12, but after the NCC’s school grew too large, other public primary schools in Worcester began taking in elementary students who would have attended school at the NCC. Teachers of the class said this extension of the program is still run by the NCC but, as of this year, has been implemented in other Worcester Public Schools. The NCC currently only offers classes for grades 7-12 at their original location on Main Street.

The students in the elementary program come from all over the world - Iraq, Egypt, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Nepal, Turkey, and many other African, Asian, South American and Middle Eastern countries, and sit side-by-side each morning as they practice their math facts.

The problem is the school these students have been moved to can hardly handle them, either. New students join the class every couple of weeks, leaving the class in constant flux. When the school continued receiving new students, the class eventually outgrew the room and had to be moved into the much larger gymnasium.

Most of the students are under the age of 12, although teachers say they can’t be entirely sure of their ages because some of their students come to the states with little and, sometimes, false documentation. When paperwork fails, the lead teacher of the class said she has to rely on the condition of her students’ teeth to identify their age.

When asked about life before living in Worcester, some of the students suddenly became silent. One 10-year-old refugee said, “People were fighting. I like it better here.”

Another student, only 9 years old, talked about the violence she en-

countered at her pervious school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saying her teacher there would often use physical discipline in the classroom.

Although these students are very focused on learning English, most of them can already speak three or four other languages such as French, Swahili, Arabic and Spanish, to name a few. One would assume that this language barrier poses as a major constriction on communication, but teachers in the class hardly view it that way.

As a global traveler, the class’s lead teacher practices non-verbal communication and said she has an easy time relating to her students because of prior travel and experience.

When asked specifically about the language barrier, she said, “Honestly?

I don’t even think about it. If you’ve ever lived in a foreign country and you don’t speak that language, then you already have a complete and total understanding of these kids.”

According to teachers of the class, many parents face the same language barrier that their children hope to tear down. Faculty said newsletters and information sent home must be written in more than five different languages.

A major problem with the program is its location. For a lot of these students, the school they are placed in is not considered their neighborhood school. NCC students, grades 3-5, are bused from all over the city to the only existing school that will meet their needs as “SLIFE” students.

Busing children from all over the city to one location limits the involvement of their parents. One of the class tutors commented, “When we have a dance or a school-wide event, the parents don’t show up because they don’t have cars. I believe that if they had cars, they would be more present.”

Despite the obvious issues which come with the first trial of relocating a program like this, it seems to be a great success. Because the program is now in an operating public school, rather than the NCC building, students can move throughout the

school as their learning increases.

The lead teacher of this class was proud to report that some of the children who have been a part of the program since the beginning of the school year have become much more comfortable speaking English and now go to regular math and science classes with their local Worcester

“People were fighting. I like it better here.”

- 10-year-old refugee student

peers. Having a program like this in a working school makes the transition from a “SLIFE” classroom to a typical class much easier because when the students are ready they can simply walk down the hall instead of having to change schools entirely.

“SLIFE” students also have recess and lunch with the other students, making social integration much easier.

Although the class has yet to be impacted by the recent Syrian refugee crisis, teachers anticipate the possible arrival of refugees from Syria and other affected areas as soon as this upcoming school year. Based on the growth already seen in this first year, coupled with current social conflict, a teacher said, “The refugees aren’t going away. They’re doubling and tripling. We can’t keep up.”

Going above and beyond for her students, the lead teacher of this class pours her energy into trying to make school enjoyable for these first-time students. She has person-

ally purchased supplies for the children and has even arranged for a professional counselor to volunteer once a week to work with these refugees. She has also brought in therapy dogs for her students to connect with, helped organize ongoing and self-sufficient soccer camps for students on the weekends and recruited several retired elementary teachers to volunteer their time helping in the classroom.

As demand for the program grows, so does the need for teachers. The pogram requires teachers have additional certifications.

The only current teacher in the classroom said, “For this job you have to have two teaching licenses [one in ESL and another in elementary education] which makes it difficult to find teachers. College students interested in education should really consider coming out of school with two different licenses because this is growing. ‘SLIFE’ is growing.”

The lack of staff left one of the two tutors in the classroom saying of the program, “It would be a great success if we just had a little more help.”

Other school districts, including Brockton, have become interested in the performance and success of this program and have begun visiting the existing program in hopes of expanding it to new and different locations.

As the influx of students hoping to attend the NCC on Main Street increases, the organization will have to maintain expansion by continuing to place refugees in local public schools, as it has already begun doing this year.

The school plans to move this program into two different classrooms for the next school year, allowing the gym to be vacant and used for its original purpose. If class sizes continue to grow rapidly, however, “SLIFE” students may find themselves and their desks back underneath the familiar basketball hoops.

SPRING BREAK 2017

Paris, France

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CONTACT: Dr. Judith Otto Geography Department Hemenway Annex 346A jotto@framingham.edu (508) 626-4770 *Cash/check price. Credit card $40 extra. iNext card ($35) required by FSU, not included.

Additional airline fuel surcharges/taxes may apply

MAY 6, 2016

ARTS & FEATURES

Mona Awad talks body image and latest novel in Ecunemical Center

By Emily Robinson Staff Writer

The English department welcomed author Mona Awad to read excerpts from her newest book, “13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl,” as part of the Miriam Levine Reading Series on April 22 in the Ecumenical center.

Approximately 50 people gathered to hear Awad read two chapters from her new novel, “Your Biggest Fan” and “The Von Furstenberg and I,” which touched upon topics like body image, self-confidence.

The novel, which was published this year, is a collection of 13 different short stories told from varying perspectives focused around the central character, Elizabeth. Most stories are told in first person, although some are told by other characters’ points of view.

Awad described her series as “all stories of small moments of tension.”

She went on to explain the intention of this work was to “explore how that feeling of discomfort in your own skin can affect the way you exist in the world.”

The author said she became inspired to write this novel by a mental image of a woman in a dressing room struggling to find flattering clothing in such a publically private place.

She said, “She’s been in my head for a long time. The first time I thought of her seriously, I imagined this woman in a changing room with a piece of clothing that wasn’t going to fit her, but she was in there anyway and there were people knocking on the

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door asking, ‘How are you doing?’ I knew that this woman saw herself as fat and I knew that was problematic. I wondered, where did she get this idea?

Did it come from outside? Did it come from the people knocking on the door or did it come from inside?”

These dressing room scenes make several appearances in the text and readers become a part of that internal defeat.

Awad never defines who she deems “the fat girl” with a particular size or weight, which she claims was “a very intentional choice.” In doing this, she allows readers to create their own image of her character while also playing with the definition and perception of the word itself.

The word “fat” is a major focus in this novel. The author explained to the audience, “I chose [the word fat] because it’s got such a stigma attached to it and it’s so provocative. It’s a kind of branding and I wanted to trouble that, add layers to it, and explore where that comes from.”

The second chapter Awad read aloud, “The Von Furstenberg and I,” detailed the infamous dressing room scene that she said inspired the novel in the first place. Readers are with Elizabeth while she struggles to fit into an impossibly small - and expensive dress. Awad described her character as being physically “trapped in the dress the same ways that I think body image can trap us and culture can trap us.”

Freshman Lauren Papandrea said, “I thought it was remarkable. I loved how

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Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost

Author Mona Awad came to the Heineman Ecunemical Center on April 22 to share excerpts from her latest novel, “13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl.” she calmly read each passage. It just sucked you into the story and made you want to read more. Her imagery of the body was very intense and accurate. I could definitely relate, especially to the dressing room scene.”

Senior Tarell Morris considered Awad’s text “insightful into the mind of somebody dealing with body issues.

It felt really personal and you could sense a deep layer of emotion in her

writing.”

The Gatepost; we put out on Fridays.

Mondays at 6:30pm @TheGatepost gatepost@framingham.com

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MAY 6, 2016

A transgender couple’s journey through college

By Julia Sarcinelli Editorial Staff Two FSU students walk hand-inhand past the store windows of the Natick Mall.

If you listen, one of them might be talking about their homework, or what hours they have to work for that weekend, or maybe how they should take another trip to the zoo once the weather warms up.

After returning to Framingham State, the two swipe their IDs to get into their residence hall. They go up to their room together to do more homework before falling asleep to some movie or TV show on Netflix. Their door tags read “Jeremy” and “Rylan,” but those aren’t the only door tags they have.

The two started dating about a year and a half ago. Jeremy, a sophomore, came out as gender fluid over winter break in 2014, and then as a transgender male. Rylan, a junior, came out as a transgender male on Oct. 3, 2013.

“I know the exact date - it’s like my little anniversary,” Rylan said.

“Because I’m not out to my family, I have to have two door tags. So if my parents ever decided to come up to my room, I could have [Jeremy] change the room around a little bit - get rid of some of the apparent guy clothing, or things with my name all over it - and put a different door tag out. … All of my RAs I’ve ever had have been really, really accepting,” said Rylan.

Jeremy also has a second door tag, since Rylan’s family doesn’t know he is a transgender male. However, he is out to his family and only keeps one in case Rylan’s family visits.

Jeremy and Rylan decided they would utilize gender-inclusive housing, a program which started last fall, and live together this academic year.

The gender-inclusive housing program is accommodates all gender identities, and students can select their preference for gender-inclusive housing on their residency applications.

Rylan said they had friends who told them they shouldn’t room together because they had only been dating for a short time, but for them, it was about safety. “It wasn’t because we were so in love or in a rush.”

Jeremy added rooming together was a safer option than rooming with someone who could be transphobic or homophobic.

While they said being roommates has been fun, they did miss their personal space and time to themselves.

They are looking forward to having singles on the same floor next year.

Rylan said, “We will still technically be living together because we are going to be on the same floor, but it will be like Horace Mann will be our apartment. … I’m so excited to have those moments together and feel like we can have date night.”

He added there are challenges to living with another person, but it was good for them to have a “test run” to know they can live together in the future.

Some mornings, Rylan and Jeremy have different schedules.

Rylan said, “Every morning, the one

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Rylan and Jeremy, who have been together for about a year and half, support each other through their transitions. leaving always wakes the other up to share a quick kiss goodbye.”

They try to eat together in the cafeteria, and usually twice a week, they grab Starbucks after lunch. Sometimes, Rylan said he gets up early to grab breakfast with Jeremy before his morning class.

While they are grateful that gender inclusive housing is available, they believe there is room for improvement.

They suggested more gender-neutral bathrooms with showers. However, they are aware that plumbing codes would make providing full gender-neutral bathrooms difficult.

They also suggested having programs where RAs speak to residents about the LGBT+ community, adding their RAs have extensive knowledge from trainings.

Jeremy said, “The purpose is not to make everyone an ally, but at least teach healthy ways to live in close proximity to someone you don’t agree with, and how to safely live in the same space.”

They are both active on campus as SDAs and members of Pride Alliance, of which Rylan is president.

Rylan said he likes being a student leader. He was a Wet Feet Retreat Leader this past year, and was the only male leader on the three-day retreat with incoming freshmen.

“Most of them seemed to be really chill with me being masculine and a guy. I think that really meant a lot to me. These are complete strangers.

These are incoming freshmen who probably haven’t been exposed to anything like this. … So I was like, ‘Wow, OK. I can do this. I can blend in with the rest of the guys. I can be a role model for other guys that aren’t necessarily transgender,’” added Rylan.

Jeremy said he is also active in Pride Alliance and there needs to be more education on the LGBT+ community

for people who don’t understand it or haven’t been exposed to it.

He said stereotypes against transgender people “hit harder. … I am more feminine than I am masculine, but I still identify as male. Some people just don’t get that. Just because I’m feminine doesn’t make me female, regardless of my biological makeup.”

College love They met when Rylan, then a firstyear student, attended his then-girlfriend’s high school senior prom.

“That relationship ended right before the school year started, and then this one happened,” Rylan said, smiling at Jeremy. “He’s obviously my best friend. Before we got really serious in a relationship, we actually called each other ‘Partners in Crime.’”

Jeremy added Rylan knows how to cheer him up. “I don’t think I could have anybody else be that caring and passionate about taking care of me and actually genuinely being in love with me.”

When Jeremy and Rylan first became close, they went to the Natick Mall with friends and made Build-aBears.

Rylan said, “We just made them as friends, and he made me do the horrible, little embarrassing dance you have to do.”

Rylan named his bear Jay Jay and Jeremy named his Penelope. Since then, they have switched bears.

They hung out for the first time early on in Jeremy’s freshman year, and stayed up talking until 2 a.m. in Rylan’s dorm room.

“I laid really, really stiff with my arms at my side because I didn’t want to touch him. I didn’t want to freak him out. I didn’t want him to think I was trying to do anything. He rolled over a little bit and grabbed my arm

and threw it over him, and was like, ‘You can cuddle me! It doesn’t mean anything, anyways!’ And now we’re dating,” said Rylan, laughing.

Jeremy added it did mean something to him, but he didn’t want to tell Rylan because he was nervous.

“I think that’s when I first started to fall in love with you,” Jeremy said, turning to Rylan. “Just because I got to know you on a more personal level than what I have done with anybody else. I think it just felt right, like everything was just falling into place.”

For their first date, they went to dinner at Olive Garden and grabbed drinks at Starbucks.

“I was in a dress shirt and dress pants, suspenders, a bowtie and everything,” said Rylan. “That was the first time I ever got to really be like ‘the man’ on the date, and just be really comfortable with who I am and how I present. I got noticed as a guy, so the servers treated me like a guy.”

Rylan said while “every couple has those good days and bad days,” their bad days can be especially hard since they have to “juggle the emotional aspect of transitioning and dating.”

He added, “We are each other’s biggest supporters.”

When both Ryan and Jeremy are “feeling down” it’s not easy to help each other because “when you’re in that state of mind it’s very hard to break away from your own feelings to help the other one, but we always do.

We always find a way to make sure the other one’s OK.” Identity Rylan said as a transgender male, he finds people expect him to be “hypermasculine - everything the societal male is supposed to be like. I’ve gotten questions like, ‘Are you going to stop transitioning now? Are you going back

MAY 6, 2016 to being a girl?’ and it’s like, ‘No, this is who I am.’”

He added both he and Jeremy have experienced being targeted on Yik Yak, a social app where users are anonymous, because of their relationship.

The comments have ranged from being called “girls who claim to be guys” to a “chick with a beard.”

He said he is vocal about being trans and gay, but he is also “a normal human being.

“I think the one thing they don’t really know is - specifically me and trans people in general - we are people, regardless of our ‘special label,’” Rylan said.

Jeremy said he has had eight different names since coming out.

When he first came out as gender fluid, which is defined by nonbinary. org as meaning an “individual’s gender identity could be multiple genders at once, and then switch to none at all or move between single gender identities,” Jeremy went by Kai, which he liked because it was more gender neutral.

After coming out, he said he was able to explore his gender identity more and he then identified as a transgender male, going by different first and middle names, including Leo Alexander in honor of his grandfather.

He said a lot of people, including friends, have asked him why he changed his name so often.

“It’s hard to understand if you’re not transgender,” he said, adding a lot goes into choosing a name and they were all significant to him.

Rylan said he helped Jeremy pick some of the names he went by. “I commend his bravery. Backlash is the biggest thing.”

Jeremy said he got negative feedback from people who said he changed his name too often, and said LGBT+ people might be deterred from finding a name they like because of negative reactions.

“I want them to realize that it doesn’t matter what other people think about it. Do what makes you happy. I know how happy it makes and made me,” said Jeremy.

Rylan added looking at all of Jeremy’s past names is like “a journey on paper,” with each name illustrating a different point in Jeremy’s transition.

When Rylan first came out as a transgender male, he said he went by Rylan Dixon Thomas - Dixon in honor of his dad and Thomas for the saint he chose for his Confirmation.

He said he grew up in a Roman Catholic family and struggled with his religion after coming out as a transgender man.

“I wish everybody was given that choice [of choosing a name]. … Names are so important and I encourage people to go by a different name if it’s a name they love more than their own,” he said.

Rylan described his dad as a gentle person with a big heart, and said he wants to be like him.

“I really wish I was the rough and tough, rugged lumberjack-looking guy with the big facial hair, and the man bun, but that’s never going to happen.

I just got comfortable with just being me and being very relaxed. … I just want to be the non-stereotypical guy,” he said, adding he wants to be what people don’t expect him to be.

Every time Rylan goes home, he has to be his “old self,” with female gender expression by dressing and acting like a girl.

“It was difficult in the beginning because I was still trying to settle into who I am as a man,” he said, adding his

ARTS & FEATURES

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Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Rylan and Jeremy were able to live together this year through the new gender-inclusive housing program. mom has “stereotypical views of what a girl needs to look like” and his dad “has his own mindset.” He said having to be called by a name he doesn’t go by and wear clothes he doesn’t like is hard.

He relies on his parents’ support for college and for help paying for his car and phone. Although he doesn’t think they would permanently disown him, he said it would be “the big shock of, ‘Who are you? Get out of my house.’”

The support of Jeremy’s mother has been important to Rylan.

“She met me as a trans guy and bought me men’s clothing. She basically welcomed me into their family.

His mom is a big supporter,” he said.

Jeremy said a major moment for

it, but I’m hoping she’ll understand it better soon,” he said, adding when she called him by his preferred name, “it was just really great to have her call me by the name that I want.”

Living together for the past academic year has allowed Rylan and Jeremy to be supportive and understanding of each other’s transition.

For example, Jeremy said Rylan helped him choose his first chest binder, which is a thick material that compresses the breasts in order for trans men to look naturally flat-chested.

“Binding is never a pleasant or easy thing to do,” Jeremy said. “It gets super sweaty inside of it on warm days, and it’s more than skin tight. It’s always awkward and uncomfortable, but

“I don’t think I could have anybody else be that caring and passionate about taking care of me and actually genuinely being in love with me.”

- Sophmore Jeremy on his boyfriend Rylan

him was coming out to his mom. Because he was so nervous and wasn’t sure what his mom’s reaction was going to be, he sent a text to her saying he was trans.

His mom knew about Rylan being transgender, but Jeremy didn’t know how she was going to react to her own child coming out. When she didn’t answer the text message, Jeremy went downstairs and talked to her about it.

“It was a conversation with tears.

I think my mom still struggles with

in order to feel all right with my body and the way I present it to the world, I have to do it. I naturally have a very big chest size, so binding can be extremely dangerous if I get the wrong size binder or if I wear it for too long.”

Jeremy added the maximum amount of time he can wear a binder safely is eight hours per day, and he has experienced back and rib pain from wearing it. He wears a chest binder whenever he leaves his residence hall.

“It is definitely having a bad effect

on my body. It is worrisome, but I don’t feel comfortable going without it,” he said.

Rylan said chest binders “are super awkward and horribly tight, even when sized correctly.”

Binding is “super important” to Rylan’s transition, he said. “When I’m out in public, I am always wearing one, so sometimes, it gets really sweaty and gross. Sometimes, my back and sides are sore after a long day, but it’s worth it to me. I always try to remain safe while binding because injuries can happen.”

According to Rylan, men and women walk differently. He did research on how men walk when he first came out, and said people walk as if there is a line, with women walking on the line and me on either side.

Jeremy said Rylan taught him how to walk like a man.

“I remember teaching him that and just watching him try to walk,” Rylan said about Jeremy. “I told him when we go out in public, if you need to stand a step behind me and watch how I walk and copy me, go ahead. It takes a lot of practice. Now, I do it subconsciously.”

Jeremy said when he is in public, he watches how men walk or hold themselves. “It helps you just get a feel of how to make yourself seem more masculine.”

He added the way a person walks does not make him “any less male … but as freshly coming out, it’s something that everybody tries to do.”

Now, Jeremy is not as concerned with the way he walks. “There’s no point of being miserable when you can just be yourself and being happy is what it comes down to.”

Next year, Rylan graduates. Jeremy, however, will still have one more year of school.

Rylan said he hopes Jeremy will be comfortable living on his own, and that is partly why they chose to get singles next year, albeit down the hall from each other.

He added, “It’s more of a trial run for it - his ability to live on his own while I’m still in close proximity. So after I’m not on campus, he can have every confidence in himself that he can live on his own.”

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MAY 6, 2016

Pages Matam educates audience with spoken poetry

By Maria Hornbaker Staff Writer Finding words to express oneself can be difficult, especially when it comes to dealing with controversial subjects. However, Pages Matam found words to express his feelings and enlighten the audience. The way he did this - through spoken poetry.

According to Matam, his list of accomplishments is long and varies from being a gummy bear elitist and professional hugger to an educator and an activist for immigration. He is Cameroonian living in Washington, D.C. He performed on Thursday, April 21, in the McCarthy Forum. Although the audience was small, it was attentive.

His first poem was about his mother and what she taught him about respect and love for all people, and how strong she was not only as a woman but as a mom.

The crowd reacted positively towards a line that he said regarding haters, “Those who show you no love, are usually the ones who need to see it the most.”

Throughout his poetry he added personal anecdotes. He introduced each poem with a story. He was relatable to the audience in terms of communicating in a funny manner and being personal about his life. He struggled with family, drugs and being comfortable with who he is. He used a discussion about his son to introduce a poem based on his father’s neglect and the repercussions of bad ideas and misunderstandings of the value of love.

He later read poems from his book,

“The Heart of a Comet,” a collection of short stories and poems. He read “Drakus,” a series of haikus that he wrote on a tour after his longtime girlfriend broke up with him, which are not in his book.

He then said he was inspired to write “Drakus” after listening to Drake the whole time he was on tour.

“I thought the love which / kept us warm would not end up / burning down our home,” he read from his haiku titled, “Things You Learn from Falling in Love with Fire.”

One of his last poems , “Piñata” rose up the issue of sexual assault. He told the audience that if they needed to leave it would be okay. The poem began with him addressing a man on the bus, after overhearing him say to his female companion, “You are too ugly to be raped.” The poem discussed how his own students have suffered by the hand of family rapists, and how he was also a victim. He ended the poem with a short pause before reading another “Draku” to lighten the mood.

After the show, students stayed to talk with Matam, asking for pictures and advice. Kaila Walters, a freshman, said, “I think he did really well, he was very inspiring.”

When asked what his poetry meant to him, Matam said, “My poetry means love, acceptance and loving thyself. It means doing the necessary and no longer being silent.”

Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost

Pages Matam read some of his “Drakus” in the McCarthy Forum.

‘Bottomless Pit’: yet another memorable record from Death Grips

By Andrew Willoughby Staff Writer

“Bottomless Pit” is the first full commercial release from experimental hip-hop band Death Grips since their faux-breakup in July 2014. Originally announced in October of last year, “Bottomless Pit” has been one of the most hotly anticipated records of 2016.

On April 29, the band’s SoundCloud account was hacked and the album in its entirety was leaked exactly one week before its scheduled release.

“Bottomless Pit” has far surpassed my expectations. After the release of the album’s first single “Hot Head,” I was expecting the rest of the record to be consistently loud and abrasive. But instead we get 13 of Death Grips’ most varied songs.

The album’s opener, “Giving Bad People Good Ideas,” starts with the last thing I’d expect from the band a female vocal harmony. This voice is placed throughout the track as well, supplying the chorus and a few bridges.

After putting out such a huge amount of music since their inception in 2011, many believed that Death Grips would begin to stagnate and start putting out boring or just plain “samey” music. “Good Ideas” instantly debunks those implications.

Death Grips are known to create

some of the catchiest hooks in modern hip-hop. Personally I could recite just about every chorus from their 2012 release, “The Money Store.”

Here, on “Bottomless Pit,” they continue this trend. On my second listen, I was already shouting along to the choruses of “Spikes,” “Bubbles Buried in This Jungle” and “BB Poison” and have been humming the harmony behind “Ring a Bell’s” hook for the last few days.

The band has always followed the

Wikipedia

simple verse-chorus-verse formula, but for them, that’s not a bad thing.

Not a single track on this album overstays its welcome, with the longest clocking in at 4 minutes and 11 seconds.

The variety found on this album is amazing. Each track is more unique than the last. “Giving Bad People Good Ideas” is covered in loud, distorted guitars that wouldn’t sound out of place on a death metal record. The verses on “Hot Head” feature synths reminiscent

of Daft Punk. “Eh” would fit right in on the soundtrack to “Hotline Miami.”

Vocalist Stefan Burnett leaves some of his trademark shouts on the opening track and “Hot Head.” But for much of the album, he gives a pretty mellow performance - just about as mellow as Death Grips can get. This makes “Bottomless Pit” one of the most accessible records in the band’s discography - the polar opposite of the first half of “The Powers that B,” although elements of that record bleed through onto this new one.

Aspects of all their previous projects can be heard on “Bottomless Pit.” Zach Hill’s kits and Burnett’s vocal delivery on “Trash” sound straight from “No Love Deep Web.” Again, the hooks are just as memorable as “The Money Store’s” and the more aggressive tracks take a page from the book of “Jenny Death.”

The only complaint I have with Death Grips’ latest release is that almost every single track here ends so abruptly. They just kind of stop.

All in all, Death Grips put out one of their best albums, continuing to prove that they are some of the most creative and daring musicians in modern music.

“Bottomless Pit” is currently available for download from iTunes and can be streamed on Spotify.

ARTS & FEATURES

MAY 6, 2016

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If life gives you lemons, make lemonade Beyoncé releases sweetest work yet

By Kristen Pinto Arts & Features Editor When couples face marital trouble, they seek counseling to work on their issues. However, when Beyoncé has marital issues, she makes an entire album about it.

In an album fueled by anger, Beyoncé surprised the world once again with the sudden drop of “Lemonade,” a visual album which she released alongside an HBO special on April 23.

Beyoncé and Jay Z are the most powerful musical couple on the planet, and this album shatters that illusion entirely.

The opening lines of the album set this up from the start. In “Pray You Catch Me,” she sings, “You can taste the dishonesty / it’s all over your breath as you pass it off so cavalier.”

What follows is a powerful, 12-track journey through emotions, where she belts out words of suspicion, anger, confusion, denial, reconciliation and, ultimately, forgiveness.

In “Hold Up” Beyoncé asks, “What’s worse? Being jealous or being crazy?” This song quickly turns into the ultimate feminist anthem, and in the film, Beyoncé is seen in a bright yellow dress smashing a car window with a baseball bat. Things are only just beginning to heat up, however.

“Don’t Hurt Yourself” finds Beyoncé standing her ground with lines such as, “You ain’t married to no average bitch, boy,” before concluding with the piercing threat, “If you try this shit again, you gon’ lose yo wife.”

Arguably one of the best tracks on the record, “Sorry,” truly unleashes

Beyoncé’s lyrical genius. The contrast between the upbeat music and her spitfire lyrics of fury show just how fierce she is. Humorously titled, this song is nowhere near an apology but rather an anthem that calls for “middle fingers up / put them hands high / wave it in his face / tell him, boy, bye.”

“Love Drought” marks a shift in Beyoncé’s musical journey as she begins to, albeit still furiously, come to terms with her marital issues, singing, “I don’t care about the lights or the beams / spend my life in the dark for the sake of you and me.”

“Sandcastles” features a piano hymn behind Beyoncé’s powerhouse vocals, reminding us why she became so famous in the first place. This song marks a significant turn in the disposition of the album as she fi-

Beyonce/Facebook

nally begins to accept her husband’s infidelity and move past it. She sings, “I know I promised that I couldn’t stay, baby / Every promise don’t work out that way.”

The album’s title is taken from a speech given by Hattie White, JayZ’s grandmother, at her 90th birthday, which is featured at the end of the track “Freedom,” saying, “I was served lemons, but I made lemonade.”

The album is without a doubt a lyrical, musical and visual masterpiece. It is the best Beyoncé album yet. While the accompanying video is a masterpiece in its own regard, listeners will easily fall into the trance of Beyoncé’s spiritual journey in “Lemonade.”

Sorority Noise turns loss into beauty

By Andrew Willoughby Staff Writer

“It Kindly Stopped for Me” is the latest release from emo-punk band Sorority Noise and is quite the departure from their usual sound.

The band has never been afraid of injecting lines of humor and irony into serious topics such as love, loss and mental illness. The tracks “Mediocre at Best,” “Blonde Hair, Black Lungs” and “Art School Wannabe” are all infectious songs that beg to be sung in the car.

With this latest release, however, Sorority Noise slows down to address some of the same topics with a more thoughtful and sincere tone.

This quiet four-track EP is driven by its lyricism. The instrumentation is intentionally left simplistic to complement the melancholy lyrics. Although Sorority Noise is a full four-piece band, there’s never more than two or three instruments playing at any given time.

This makes for a dreary atmosphere, which matches the stories that are being told perfectly.

The project starts with “Either Way,” a somber song about frontman Camer-

on Boucher’s struggle with manic depression and his loss of a loved one to suicide. The piano and quietly plucked guitar accompanying Boucher’s vocals are simple but beautifully executed, and really set course for the emotional upheaval the listener is about to experience.

The track “A Will” comes next and lyrically, it’s exactly that - a will.

Boucher lists out all the things he plans to leave behind after his death.

His breathy voice is sung over a slow piano and the cracks and pops of an old spinning record. The instrumentation timidly builds up over the course of the track just to die down again, reinforcing Boucher’s mental state.

The strangest song on this EP, “Fource,” is also the project’s emotional peak. Here, Boucher’s vocals sound as if they were recorded as he took a walk through the woods. He starts by singing gently about losing “another one.” A few lines in, his delivery devolves into talking almost incoherently, often stuttering and at times on the brink of tears.

Although, conventionally, it’s not a great song, it’s an extremely powerful listen and provides a look into Bouch-

er’s mental state.

Boucher and his band have done a great job portraying mental illness and depression through their medium. But, I don’t see this EP as a milestone or marker of a permanent sound change for the band. This is a project that Boucher had to make for himself as a means to cope with his traumatic loss. Fans will get more of the Sorority Noise they know and love soon

Sorority Noise/Facebook

enough.

For now, this’ll do nicely.

“It Kindly Stopped For Me” is now available for download from iTunes and Bandcamp, and can be streamed from Spotify.

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ARTS & FEATURES

Campus Conversations

MAY 6, 2016

Describe college in one word.

By Brad Leuchte & Andrew Willoughby

.

Edited by Fred Piscop May 6, 2016 ALLTHE TIME By Victor Fleming ACROSS 1 Chain partner 5 In pieces 10 Take for a ride 14 Arctic Blast maker 15 Blur, as with tears 16 “Ye” follower 17 Blow one’s own horn 18 Egg classification 19 Capitol feature 20 Very soon 23 “A__ formality!”

24 Stout servings 25 Windows forerunner 28 Under the __ (drawing little attention) 32 “Twelfth Night” countess 34 Birth announcement abbr.

35 Rude dudes 39 When usage is typically high est 42 Russian-born artist 43 Melodic sense 44 Grow to dislike 45 Tee on the back nine 47 Clothing closers 48 Plantain lily 52 Sarcastic “Yeah, sure!”

54 Restaurant check accompanier, maybe 61 Roswell sightings, briefly 62 “Time flies,” e.g.

63 Deity often depicted unclothed 64 Salamandridae family mem ber 65 White Cliffs site 66 Reply to “Still in bed?”

67 Deuce beater 68 Downhill rides 69 Talese and Goldin DOWN 1 Kind of lettuce 2 Pasture measure 3 Another kind of lettuce 4 With “The,” 2014 animated film 5 More up to the task 6 Roster member 7 Flying-related 8 Pasta sauce brand 9 Difficult hike 10 “Me, too” 11 __ car (circus prop) 12 Give access to 13 Holds a session 21 Amber, for one 22 “FreshAir” airer 25 Statistics calculation Last issue’s

26 Slanderous remark 27 Scandal sheet fill 29 Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 30 Corp. alias 31 Sets, as a price 33 “TheAfrican Queen” screen writer 35 “I’m going, too!”

36 Charismatic glow 37 Convey, as a hint 38 IRS IDs 40 Wok, for one 41 Chucklehead, in Canada 45 Outdoor sealant 46 Was contingent 48 Oft-visited place 49 House bid 50 Vermont ski spot 51 Ill-tempered 53 Tavern round 55 Many Little League coaches 56 One on a pedestal 57 Congregation’s place 58 Thomas, “The Soul Queen of

New Orleans” 59 Person, place or thing 60 Medicinal amts.

SPORTS

MAY 6, 2016

33

Rams drop MASCAC tourney opener at Worcester

By Jose Carrasquillo Asst. Sports Editor On April 21, The Rams faced Regis College for a make-up game.

The Rams would start out hot early with a 3-1 lead over Regis’ Pride with 11 minutes remaining in the first half.

The three goals were scored courtesy of Kimberly Foley, Kristen Keenan and Kristen Hoggins.

Framingham stretched its lead to four with two goals from Hoggins and Foley before the first half ended.

The second half was a different story for Framingham, as it struggled offensively and allowed Regis to play its way back into the game. After Regis scored three minutes into the second half, the Rams would respond quickly with a goal from Foley.

The Pride wouldn’t go down without a fight, scoring five goals in the final 10 minutes to cut the Rams lead to one with 45 seconds remaining before the clock ran out on them.

The Rams were led in goals by Foley with four. rams

7-6

The Rams season ended in 1 16-13 loss at Worcester State in the MASCAC Quarterfinals.

The team finished the season with a record of 9-9.

regis

When visiting Mass. Maritime, the Rams would win a close game 13-10 to pull off back-to-back wins.

Framingham would jump out to a large lead in the first half by gaining a lead of 6-1 with 12 minutes remaining.

Hoggins, Bailey Donelly and Morghan Cassella would each score to spark the offense.

The Buccaneers would quickly respond with a run of their own, outscoring the Rams 4-1 to end the half with the deficit at two.

The Rams would pick back up where they left off earlier with their offense scoring rapidly in the second half. Lindrams

Allie Gath/ The Gatepost

say Nixon would score twice in the first four minutes to respond to the Buccaneers early goal in the second half. Foley and Cassella continued their scoring onslaught with back-to-back goals.

With the lead growing to 11-6 Mass.

Maritime would make a last push for a comeback, but its scoring at the end of the game was too little too late as the game ended with a final score of 13-10.

The Rams were led by Cassella with five goals and three goals from Foley to set the tone for the game. Indigo Fox Tree-McGrath would pick up the win making 12 saves.

13 - 10

The Rams would suffer a rough home loss against Bridgewater State losing 20-7.

Framingham couldn’t find an answer to the Bears’ offensive power. The Rams fell behind 10-1 halfway through the first half due to four goals and two assists from Lauren Geary.

Framingham failed to score again until the 12-minute mark with a goal from Foley. But the Bears would continue to keep their foot on the gas pedal as they scored four more goals before the half ended. The Rams would attempt to stay in the game with two goals from Foley and Jessica Graham

mass. maritime

bridgewater

Framingham’s offensive struggles would continue when visiting Westfield State, losing 17-4.

The Owls would shutout the Rams in the first half and managed to score 10 goals. A consistent problem for Framingham in losses is the high amount of turnovers, and this game was no different, giving the ball away 22 times.

In the second half, the Rams struggled offensively as they didn’t score the first goal until the 9-minute mark when Cassella scored. Framingham continued to have problems stopping Westfield State as it scored five goals to the Rams’ one.

The Rams wouldn’t let the deficit phase them as they scored with three goals from Cassella, Foley and Keenan within five minutes apart. Unfortunately for Framingham, by that time the game was all but over with the score 15-4 with only seven minutes remaining. The Owls scored two more goals to secure their lead with a 13-goal margin.

Framingham was led in goals by Cassella with two.

A key factor in the loss was the difference in ground balls, 23-11 in Westfield’s favor.

to end the half at 14-4.

The Rams came out in the second half trying to cut the lead down by scoring two quick goals from Cassella and Hoggins within the first eight minutes. The Bears had an answer to any run the Rams would make for a comeback.

Bridgewater would continue to stretch its lead as it played very smart with the ball having only five turnovers the entire game.

The Rams were led by Cassella and Graham with two goals each on the day.

20 - 7

rams

In the first round of the MASCAC Tournament, Framingham couldn’t pull out the win in a high-coring battle with Worcester State, losing 16-13.

The Rams would battle back-and-forth all day with the Lancers. After Worcester scored two early goals, Framingham quickly responded with two goals of its own from Cassella and Foley.

After letting the lead grow to 6-3, the Rams responded with a 3-1 run to cut the lead to 7-6 at the half.

In the second half, Framingham started hot early to tie the game 9-9 with three goals from Shae Riley, Foley and Hoggins. The tie wouldn’t last long for the Rams as the Lancers scored five unanswered goals in four minutes to regain the lead.

Framingham would make a late push in the last 10 minutes and scored four goals in an attempt to make a comeback, but they couldn’t stop Worcester State from scoring and securing its lead.

A costly reason for the loss was the high turnover amount of 23 for Framingham.

The Rams were led by Foley and Cassella.

Allie Gath/ The Gatepost

MASCAC Tournament coverage on page 38.

rams

4 - 17

westfield

rams

13 - 16

worcester

MASCAC Quarterfinal

SPORTS

34

MAY 6, 2016

Baseball earns No. 6 seed in MASCAC despite losing streak

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

Game one featured sloppy defense by the Rams, who committed five errors in the 9-6 loss.

Mass. Maritime jumped out to a quick lead by plating two runs in the top of the first, but FSU chipped away with a run of its own in the bottom half of the inning.

This came on an error by the Maritime third baseman, who had trouble handling a hard ground ball by catcher Jonathan Chapman.

This miscue allowed RJ Gray to score from third base, giving Chapman an RBI. Framingham tallied one run in both the third and fourth innings to grab a brief 3-2 lead.

These came on by way of a fielder’s choice by Jake Wardwell to score brother Ryan Wardwell, and an RBI single by Gray the following inning.

Maritime would then blow the game open with a seven-run frame, which was highlighted by a three-run homerun.

FSU wouldn’t give this one up easily, scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The comeback would go no further however, as the game would end in a score of 9-6, Maritime.

Once again, errors hurt the Rams in a game two losing effort against Mass. Maritime. Framingham committed four errors on the way to a 12-7 loss.

FSU was held scoreless until the fifth inning, where it found itself losing 4-0 to the visiting Buccaneers.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Rams bats would make some serious noise on their way to tie the game up at four runs each.

Slugging senior catcher Chapman came to the plate with the bases loaded and a “0” on the scoreboard for his team.

With one swing of the bat, Chapman sent the ball about 400 feet and plated four runs with a grand slam.

Gray, Kyle Pileski and Anthony Venuti scored on the homerun.

Mass. Maritime wasn’t finished, though, scoring eight runs over the next two innings to jump out to a 12-4 lead. Once again, Framingham battled in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three to make the final score 12-7.

Game one was a classic pitchers’ duel at Salem State’s Central Campus home field.

Salem struck first, plating a single run on an error and a base hit in the home half of the first to take a 1-0 lead.

The score would remain there until the top of the sixth, when FSU was threatening with runners in scoring position.

Catcher Chapman hit a sacrifice fly to right field, which Gray was able to tag up and score on from third base, giving Chapman an RBI. This knotted the game up at 1-1.

The game wouldn’t hold there for long, as Salem State took little time to break the tie. They were able to manufacture one run on a sacrifice fly, making the score 2-1 Vikings, where it would stay.

Emmanuel Powers had a solid effort in the complete game, where he took a loss. He pitched six innings, allowing just three hits and two runs.

Mass. Maritime Framingham State

9 6

w- rozak l- wallach s- kennedy

Mass. Maritime Framingham State

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w- avery l- corliss

Framingham State Salem State

1 2

w- abrain l- powers

Non-conference scores since 4/22 Framingham State 10 Rhode Island College 19

Framingham State 9 Keene State 12

Framingham State 5 Southern Maine 15

Framingham State 9 Plymouth State 10

Framingham State 4 Lasell 5

Amherst 6 Framingham State 4

Framingham State 3 Brandeis 8

Framingham State 8 Southern Maine 12

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

By Kyle Holmberg Staff Writer

Salem State jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on three consecutive hits. It would strike again in the bottom of the third, scoring two more runs to increase its lead to 4-0.

This came by way of Vikings left fielder Joe White, who tallied two doubles and three RBIs on the day.

Salem would score one more run in the game during the fifth inning, making the score 5-0.

Framingham would strike back, however.

The scoring started with an error by the Salem shortstop on a hard grounder by Powers. This allowed Ryan Connelly to score from third base, making the score 5-1.

Later in the inning, Ryan Wardwell smoked a double into the gap, scoring Powers and Matthew Brockett to make the score 5-3.

The game would hold there, with senior pitcher Zack Kirby taking the loss.

The first game looked promising for FSU, as it was finally able to take a lead early in the game.

Brockett scored on an RBI single to center field

by Ryan Wardwell.

The Rams were able to strike again in the third inning, as once again Brockett scored.

This time it was by way of a Pileski single through the right side.

Things were looking good for FSU, which was up by a score of 2-0 in the third, but that would fall apart.

The Bears would score three times in the bottom of the third.

One run happened on an RBI single, but the other two came as a result of a series of errors.

A fielding error and two throwing errors brought around two runners, bringing the score to 3-2 BSU. The game would finish with that score and Dillon Corliss took the loss, while only allowing one earned run.

Framingham State Salem State

3 5

w- richardson l- kirby s- gonski

Framingham State Bridgewater State w- holmes l- corliss

2 3

MASCAC Tournament coverage on page 38.

SPORTS

MAY 6, 2016

35

Softball drops final five, fails to qualify for MASCAC Tournament

By Jen Fortin Staff Writer In the first matchup, the Rams offense showed some power with Marissa Flynn and Megan Downing each hitting doubles, Lauren Salisbury hitting a single and Tiffanie Marsh getting a home run.

Dayna Marchant had one hit, one RBI, scored two runs and walked twice.

Marsh went 2-3 with three RBIs and one walk. Flynn went 2-4 with one RBI. Natasha Arseneau pitched a complete game allowing only three hits, one run, two walks and struck out 11.

The Rams scored three runs in the bottom of the first, starting with a walk

Mass. Maritime

1-9

Framingham State won game one 7-2, against Salem State on Thursday, April 28.

Rachel Desrochers led the team, going 3-3 with one RBI. Marchant hit 2-3 with one RBI. Marsh and Downing each had one hit and two RBIs. Arseneau pitched six complete innings, allowing Salem to get seven hits, two runs and a walk once, while striking out three.

Pietersen finished the game, pitching the last inning and allowed only one hit and one walk.

The Rams scored the majority of their runs in the first inning, beginning with

Framingham State

Brandeis

Salem State

who each went 2-3 in the game.

The Bears then scored two runs in the next inning, with a fielding error which put players on first and second.

Kristyna Flaherty reached second after an error from FSU, which allowed one run to score and then another passed home off of Welch’s single.

The bases were loaded in the fourth inning with a single, walk, single and a sacrifice fly brought in one run and another Flaherty hit brought in another.

In the bottom of the fifth with two outs, BSU’s Tara McCann hit a double and Kelly McCarthy’s single combined to total nine runs for Bridgewater. The Bears outhit the Rams 13-4.

1-9

The Rams played against Brandeis University on Tuesday, May 3 after it was rescheduled from an April 5 rain out.

FSU lost the game 7-5 and Pietersen pitched all seven innings, faced a total of 37 batters and allowed 13 hits and one walk.

Framingham beat the Owls in hits 1413, but could not score enough runs to top them.

Marsh went two for three, with two RBIs and Marchant went 2-5 with one RBI. Dziok and Desrochers hit in the remaining two runs.

Pietersen and Boyle each had two hits.

Brandeis gained the lead early on in the game in the first inning until the

Framingham State

Marchant’s triple.

Flynn then walked and stole second which allowed both players to score on Marsh’s single.

Dziok then doubled, moving Marsh to third base, who then scored on a wild pitch.

Downing’s home run brought in Dziok.

Salisbury got on base after hitting a single and then scored from third from Desrocher’s single.

The team racked up six runs in the top of the first and wouldn’t score again until the third inning after the bases were loaded and Marchant’s single brought in McGrail.

7-2

Framingham State lost both games 9-1 against Bridgewater State University on Saturday, April 30.

The Rams got their only run in the top of the third inning with Boyle scoring from third base off of Marchant’s hit.

Marsh, Salisbury and McGrail each had one hit for FSU, but the team could not capitalize. Arseneau pitched three innings, totaling seven hits, five runs and two walks. Marsh pitched the remainder of the game and allowed six hits, four runs and one walk.

Bridgewater gained the lead during the bottom of the second where they scored three runs off of singles provided

by Jackie Welch and Samantha LoPilato,

Framingham State

by Marchant, who then scored off of a double from Flynn.

The bases were loaded after consecutive walks from Marsh and Anna Dziok.

Downing’s hit then brought in Flynn and Marsh scored another run off of Bridget McGrail’s single.

Framingham scored another two runs in the next inning with Marsh’s two-run home run.

Mass. Maritime got on the board with two walks followed by Emily Goodwin’s single to bring in one run.

The score remained the same until the bottom of the sixth when FSU scored four runs.

Bridgewater State

Rams showed some strength in the second.

Pietersen’s single to left field allowed her to score off of Marchant’s single.

Flynn loaded the bases after getting hit by a pitch and Marsh’s single to center field brought in two runs. Dziok’s single then allowed another to score, giving the Rams the lead.

Brandeis scored four in the top of the third, starting with Madison Sullvian’s double.

In the fifth inning on two outs, Boyle sent the ball soaring to right field and then scored off of Desrocher’s single.

The Owl’s scored another two in the top of the sixth, leading 7-4.

7-5

Framingham State

FSU scored 11 runs in the second game against Mass. Maritime.

Pietersen also pitched the full five innings, allowed only three hits, one run, two walks and struck out seven. Mass.

Maritime scored first in the top of the inning with a throwing error from Framingham, which allowed Kaylene Murphy to score and Rachel Gardner to reach third base. However, the inning soon ended.

Flynn reached first on a throwing error and then Marsh’s double moved her to third.

Dziok’s single brought in both players and the bases were soon loaded with FSU players.

Mass. Maritime

1 - 11

The Rams lost the second game against Salem, 5-2.

Dziok went 2-3, hitting in the two runs for the Rams.

Marchant and Boyle each had two hits in the game.

Pietersen pitched the first 2 1/3 innings after coming off strong from game one. She allowed three hits, two runs to score and two walks, while striking out one.

Arseneau finished the game, pitching 3 2/3 innings, letting in three runs, three hits and one walk.

FSU again scored early on, after Marchant advanced to third from Flynn’s double. Both players scored

Framingham State

Brandeis

Salem State

fly then allowed Flynn to score.

Bridgewater got one run in the bottom of the inning to tie up the game early on then got a four run lead in the second. With the bases loaded twice in the inning, the Bears took advantage.

BSU scored another three in the third, and in the fifth inning capitalized on a two-out single by McCann who then scored off of a fielding error.

Bridgewater State currently sits second in the MASCAC with a record of 11-3 and 23-13 overall.

Framingham State is 5-9 in the conference and 13-25 overall.

1-9

The Rams lost the second game 8-2.

Dziok had one hit that brought in two runs and scored one run herself.

Flynn hit 2-4 and scored one run.

Salisbury hit a double in the first inning and Flynn tripled in the bottom of the third.

Arseneau pitched the majority of the game, allowed 14 hits, eight runs, four walks and struck out one.

Pietersen was put in for the last out that was a line drive caught by Desrochers.

Brandeis scored one in the top of the first with a bases-loaded single.

The Rams answered by scoring

Framingham State

off of Dziok’s double, as this was the only runs Framingham would score in this game.

Viking Jess Raymond brought in one run after hitting a single and Marissa Sanchez’s bunt allowed Raymond to score.

With the game tied into the sixth, Salem got another three runs in the bottom of the inning after a double and a two RBI single.

2-5

In the second game, Framingham State totaled six hits, with the only run coming from a hit by Dziok.

The Rams struck out five times and left five of their players on base, while both Marchant and Marsh hit doubles.

Pietersen pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowed eight hits, six runs and one walk.

Arseneau pitched the remaining 1 1/3 innings, facing nine batters who got one hit, scored three times and walked twice.

FSU scored their only run in the first inning after Flynn reached on a single and then advanced to third on a double by Marsh. Dziok’s sacrifice

Framingham State

Pietersen’s hit allowed both Dziok and Downing to reach home plate and boost the Rams up 4-1.

The second inning began with a double from Marchant and then a single from Flynn, who then both scored after Marsh’s hit which resulted in a fielding error.

Downing’s hit then brought in Marsh for the third run of the inning.

Framingham scored again in the bottom of the fourth with the bases loaded and Salisbury’s ground out which brought in one run. Boyle’s single then scored another followed by Pietersen’s double and Dougal’s single, totaling four runs in the inning.

Bridgewater State

two in the bottom, after Dziok hit a two-run home run.

Brandeis then scored six runs in the third inning after a series of consecutive singles.

The Owls scored another run in the seventh, which gave them the eighth run.

Framingham State finished the regular season at 13-22.

8-2

Framingham State

SPORTS

36

MAY 6, 2016

Ferr or Foul?

Sick of playing nice

By Mike Ferris Sports Editor

The knock on Kevin Durant has always been that he lacks the ever-elusive NBA Championship ring.

And it’s true.

That small - or not so small - piece of jewelry is more than just a fashion statement. It establishes relevancy and validity of an NBA career.

Look at Charles Barkley. The now-TNT analyst won an MVP award in 1993, led the Dream Team in scoring and was an 11-time All-Star. Despite those achievements, his lack of a championship looms over his career and taints it.

Durant, like Barkley, has been to an NBA Finals, but couldn’t capture it - falling to the LeBron-led Miami Heat 4-1.

The 6-foot-10 giant from the University of Texas has always been a force on the floor. He has won the scoring title, won an MVP and, as previously mentioned, is a Western Conference champion, but he has always lacked something - an edge.

He has never had that killer mindset which many of the greats - Jordan, James, Bryant, Bird - have all possessed.

He’s a nice guy. You don’t have to watch more than five minutes of his MVP speech to find that out.

But this seems to have always held Oklahoma City’s star back.

The 2016 Playoffs seem different, though, and Durant and his sidekick, Russell Westbrook, seem to both have an edge this year.

In the team’s opening series, Durant was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul on Mavericks rookie Justin Anderson and also was caught on camera elbowing a Mavericks player to the floor while boxing out on a free throw.

It was rare to see this from Durant, but gratifying at the same time.

His teammate, Westbrook, has always had this edge and continued to display it in the team’s opening series, as he was fined for inappropriate language directed towards a fan.

In the opening round, the Thunder went from being loveable losers to despised brutes and many didn’t like what they saw.

I, however, loved it. It’s what Durant needs to do to establish and validate himself as one of the greats - which he is.

The hostility and violence continued a few games later, but this time between both Westbrook and Durant.

The two were seen at a timeout arguing with each other, as Durant was clearly displeased with something his point guard had done or said.

But that’s healthy. That’s what teams do.

They communicate.

The two expressed what they needed to and were seen moments later after an OKC run high-fiving, their relationship no worse for wear.

The Thunder are currently tied with the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals, but have to be considered legitimate contenders to win this series after their game two win in San Antonio.

Durant has always been a nice guy with superstar talent, but we all know “nice guys finish last,” and Westbrook and he seem to be finished living by that mantra.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

SPORTS

MAY 6, 2016

37

Rams on the 2016 All-Conference spring teams

Baseball Anthony Venuti Second Team Shortstop Freshman

Baseball Kyle Pileski Second Team Outfield Sophomore

Baseball Ryan Wardwell Second Team First Base Junior

Baseball Jon Chapman Second Team Catcher Senior

Baseball Cole Josselyn Second Team Third Base Junior

Softball Marissa Flynn Second Team Catcher Junior

Softball Anna Dziok Second Team Outfield Sophomore

Softball Dayna Marchant First Team Outfield Sophomore

Softball Tiffanie Marsh First Team Third Base Junior

Lacrosse Kimmy Foley First Team Midfield Sophomore

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SPORTS

38

MAY 6 , 2016

MASCAC spring sports tournaments #1 Westfield State #4 Worcester State

Thursday 5/5 #4 Worcester State

Tuesday 5/3 #5 Framingham State

Saturday 5/7

#3 Fitchburg State #3 Fitchburg State

Tuesday 5/3 #6 Salem State

Thursday 5/5 #2 Bridgewater State

#1 Worcester State #5 Salem State

Friday 5/6 (1)

Thursday 5/5 #4 Fitchburg State Saturday 5/7 (3)

#6 MCLA Thursday 5/5 #3 Westfield State

Friday 5/6 (2) Sunday 5/8 Game 2 if nec.

#2 Bridgewater State Loser of Game (1) Saturday 5/7 Loser of Game (2)

Saturday 5/7 Loser of Game (3)

#1 Salem State #5 Bridgewater State

Friday 5/6 (1)

Thursday 5/5 #4Westfield State Saturday 5/7 (3)

#6 Framingham State Thursday 5/5 #3 Fitchburg State

Friday 5/6 (2) Sunday 5/8 Game 2 if nec.

#2 Mass. Maritime Loser of Game (1) Saturday 5/7 Loser of Game (2)

Saturday 5/7 Loser of Game (3)

Photos courtesy of Creative Commons

SPORTS

MAY 6, 2016

39

Mike Ferris

Matt Ferris

Agree to Disagree The Cleveland Cavaliers will sweep the Atlanta Hawks...

The Oklahoma City Thunder can beat the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semis...

Real Madrid will beat Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League finals...

The Chicago Cubs are the best team in baseball right now...

The Golden State Warriors will win the NBA Finals...

The Gatepost Player of the Week

Tweet of the Week

Jon Chapman Despite a losing streak from the Rams, Chapman has belted two homeruns and 13 RBIs in that stretch, including a grand slam against Mass. Maritime.

Photo courtesy of twitter.com

Photos courtesy of fsurams.com

Trivia National Performance of the Week

Last Week’s Answer: Barcelona, Spain This Week: Who has won the most MVP Awards in NBA history?

Cleveland Cavaliers The Cavs set an NBA record by making 25 3-pointers in Cleveland’s game two win over the Hawks, 123-98.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

A. Michael Jordan B. Bill Russell C. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar D. LeBron James Answer Next Week

40

May 6, 2016

Re a y for Life Allie Gath /The Gatepost

Erin Fitzmaurice /The Gatepost

Allie Gath /The Gatepost

Erin Fitzmaurice /The Gatepost

Allie Gath /The Gatepost

Erin Fitzmaurice /The Gatepost

A