The Equinox 2.15.18

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WORD OF THE WEEK IN ONE OF OUR STORIES, WE HAVE HIDDEN THIS WORD: TENACITY

Vol. 70, Issue #18 Thursday, February 15, 2018

THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College

Winner of a 2017 Pacemaker Award

Scholarships revamped

Morris named to Endowment process streamlined to increase access diversity council VINCENT MOORE

Equinox Staff

Keene State College students may find applying for this year’s endowment scholarships easier than ever.

On Monday, Feb. 5, the Financial Aid Office sent out an email announcing that the 2018-19 Enrollment Gift and Endowment Scholarship application was available for students, and that the essay requirement was removed in order to simplify the process.

“What we’ve done is eliminated the essay requirement and we’ve eliminated the requirement for the applicant to read 88 different descriptions of scholarships and indicate which ones they think they’re eligible for,” Interim Director of Financial Aid Susan Howard said.

The changes occurred after Howard was brought in as interim financial aid director for KSC in early November of this year and was tasked with overhauling the endowed scholarship process by Interim President of KSC Melinda Treadwell.

The current application requires students fill in their name, date of birth, email and KSC identification number. Students must then check off applicable criteria, ranging from being a child of a KSC alumnus to community service participation, before checking off a disclaimer and submitting.

KSC sophomore and biology major Peyton Kopp applied for the scholarship for the first time this year because of the removal of the essay requirement. “It was easy, I didn’t have to write an essay,” she said.

Junior and computer science major Kole Nunley hasn’t yet applied for this year’s Endowment Scholarship but plans to. However, he said he has doubts about the changes.

“Now I hear that they’re getting rid of the essay and

that makes LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR me wonder what they’re basing the selection on… I’m sure they’ve justified why they got rid of it, but just going based on my intuition, I say they should leave it or replace it with some other metric of judging who’s the best candidate,” Nunley said.

Kopp also wasn’t entirely sold on the essay requirement being eliminated. “Maybe a short answer, but not an essay,” she said.

Howard said that for some applicants, an essay isn’t

totally out of the question.“Very few of the 88 scholarships require an essay… those couple of scholarships that do have an essay requirement could be part of another process,” she said.

Howard explained that the first process starts now and will have its awards given out, ideally, before the fall bills are issued.

“There’s a second process that’s called the spring awards, and that’s when academic departments are involved in selecting students to receive usually fairly small amounts of money that are major-based entirely,” Howard said. “They decided to move those essay-based scholarships to that process because most of those do require an essay; students will find out about that in a different way.”

The change appears to have succeeded in its purpose already; Howard says she was informed of 300 applications submitted within the first few days, which is already more than half the amount of last year’s total of 500 submissions. “I think a simpler application makes sense. We have access to most of the data we need in order to make these decisions, which are GPA, financial need, major, home state, year in college,” Howard said.

The 2018-19 applications are open for three months unlike last year’s two, beginning in February and ending in April.

Vincent Moore can be contacted at vmoore@kscequinox.com

Where passion meets talent

KSC English professor awarded essay collection prize GRACE PECCI

Copy Editor Keene State College’s current Interim Dean of Arts and Humanities and Professor of English Kirsti Sandy has recently been awarded the 2017 Monadnock Essay Collection Prize from Bauhan Publishing.

The prize includes publishing the winner’s book, an additional free, 50 copies and a financial prize.

Sandy’s essay collection titled, “She Lived and Others Girls Died” reads like a memoir and, starts off in the 1970s, following her life from age three to 21.

Sandy has been writing since she was young. She said she used to steal stories, such as Cinderella, and make up her own story to it. Although she has been writing for years, Sandy said there was a time she didn’t want to write after having a bad experience with an unsupportive creative writing professor in college. However, when Sandy went back to graduate school, she said she took a lot of classes that focused on creative nonfiction and essay. She said those genres really spoke to her.

A good way to talk about why she loves the genre, she said, is a quote from her eight-year-old daughter – that “it’s a true story, so it can be about what you want it to be.”

“That’s what I like about writing true stories,” Sandy explained, “because it gives you, in a sense, the power to decide what it means, you know, things that happen to you. Rather than really accepting other people’s versions of that, you get to work that out for yourself and say, ‘Here’s what this means and here’s what

sense I make of it,’ and it’s a really empowering thing to be able to do.”

Sandy considers her writing voice in the piece she submitted to be very casual and conversational. She said she thinks it’s going to be interesting if her colleagues and students read it because it’s not a super, “Oh here’s my great story of all my lovely things I did,” type of story.

“I’m writing about adolescents in college, my college years. I can’t sanitize those stories, they won’t have the same impact at all,” Sandy said. Rather than portraying her college experience as something it wasn’t, Sandy put in everything she dealt with, including times where she felt she messed up.

“You know, probably the worst villain in the book is me,” Sandy laughed. “We all do things for attention or because we get swept up and we do these things, but it’s important to own that and to say, ‘Look I’m really sorry that I did this and it was horrible.’”

Sandy’s essay collection has a lot of emphasis on her college years and what it was like to grow up in the 70s and 80s. She said she didn’t think the 80s was a great time to grow up and she wasn’t nostalgic for it.

“It was kind of like the trickle down economics, like you have to succeed and then if you succeed other people can’t, so you kind of have to push people out of the way,” Sandy said. “One of the things that, when I started writing these essays, I thought about was,

Equinox Staff Fighting discrimination and advocating for inclusion of all people is something Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity Dr. Dottie Morris has been doing at Keene State College for 19 years.

Morris has recently been named to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion.

This new council will serve to make sure New Hampshire communities and businesses are promoting diversity.

Governor Sununu established the council in December in order to focus on diversity and inclusion within the state.

The council will be working alongside other state organizations, including the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights and the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit.

Morris was asked by the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Chancellor Todd Leach if she would be willing to serve as the representative for USNH. Morris will be joined by Cheshire County Sheriff Eli Rivera and other state officials on the council.

Leach said, “I have no doubt that Dottie will prove to be an asset on this important advisory council...Given that our students are an important component of the state’s diversity overall, I think that Dottie will bring an important perspective to the Council.”

Responsibilities of the council will include suggesting policy changes that support diversity and inclusion and creating educational efforts in communities to fight back against discrimination.

The council will meet at least once per month.

In their first year, they will also host public forums across the state of New Hampshire.

Morris said she believes the discussions at these forums will depend on the regions the council goes to, since different communities experience different issues.

“In some parts of the state, social economic issues might be highlighted more, while in other parts of the state, it might be race,” said Morris. “I am looking forward to maintaining an open heart and mind when I am listening to the concerns presented from the diverse groups within the state.”

KSC Interim President Melinda Treadwell said of Morris, “Dr. Morris has long been a clear voice in our state for diversity and inclusion. Dottie leads the way and helps to support education, awareness, and commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Treadwell believes that Morris will be successful on this council because, “Dottie has been a clarion voice for our region in recent years when instances of disempowerment, prejudice and bias have occurred. She will bring experience and insight to this statewide initiative and we will all be the better for her talents and wisdom contributing to this work.”

Morris said, “We all benefit when every individual within a community can bring their gifts, talents and ways of being to the table, especially when we are trying to solve problems.”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu did not respond for a comment.

Rachel Vitello can be contacted at rvitello@kscequinox.com

SEE PRIZE, A2

ETHAN PLATT / SENIOR MULTIMEDIA STAFF

Index

Top Headlines

Section B: Section A: News .....................1-3 Student Life............1-4

A4: Endowment Scholarship A8: Empowering women B1: Cancer cell research B8: Claiming victory

Opinions ................4-5 Time Capsule.............5 A&E............ ...........6-8 Sports.....................6-8 Associated Collegiate Press

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News / A2

Thursday, February 15, 2018

KSC internet: Dissected

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GARRETT MCNAMEE / EQUINOX STAFF

What the Computer and Network Use Policy entails GARRETT MCNAMEE

equinox staff ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN Managing executive editor

Can the Information Technology (IT) Group at KSC view our internet activity?

Technically, yes.

The IT Group, who manages and maintains the KSC network, has the ability to view our personal internet traffic.

But it is more than just a black and white, yes or no issue.

Since only a few members can access that information, a more thorough answer is required to properly explain the situation.

A KSC student must agree to the Computer and Network Use Policy before accessing the school’s network.

Most students are unaware of this policy, though it does not necessarily contain vital information.

Generally, the policy overviews the terms of use, the rights you hold as a student and the rights the IT Group holds as network managers.

“I would guess that people don’t know about it,” KSC sophomore Matt Rakowski said in response to whether or not other students are aware of the policy.

But is there more beyond the policy alone? As stated in the IT Group Responsibilities section, “The IT Group does not actively monitor network traffic or view content.

However, while researching computing and/or network issues, system administrators or network administrators may need to use tools or utilities that expose content or users’ internet habits.”

Laura Seraichick, the IT Group’s Chief Information Officer, says students should not worry about possibly being exposed.

“Not everyone has access to that,” Seraichick said.

“Only the security manager and the network engineer have access on this campus. Not a lot of people have time to be doing that.”

Serious and understandable reasons for viewing a user’s internet traffic is for violating the Computer and

PRIZE Cont. from A1

‘How does that impact people’s personal relationships? How do they deal with each other?’”

Sandy submitted her essay collection in October. She had over 20 years of work all together and said she didn’t have to scramble. She submitted it basically two weeks before the deadline. This wasn’t the first time she had submitted work to be looked over.

Sandy said she had some near misses with agents last year. Every time, she said she would hear the same thing, to rewrite her piece as a full-on memoir and they’d take another look.

“So I had to think at that point, did I want it as a full-on memoir? And frankly, I didn’t. It would mean adding filler and I just don’t think it would work... now I don’t have to do that, I can publish it as a collection as it is

PUJA THAPA

meant to be read,” Sandy said.

Sandy however, has not been in this process alone. She has had the support of her students and her colleagues.

Sandy said in her classes, she would occasionally read them a piece of hers and they would give her very honest feedback. She also had her colleagues, Jeff Friedman and Kathleen Fagley, look over her work.

KSC senior and english major with a concentration in literature and writing Adam Filkins took the Autobiography Workshop course with Sandy a few years ago. He said he was bummed that he hasn’t seen her in a teaching setting in so long since she has changed her position. In his course with her, Filkins said Sandy “very much let you explore yourself in [the] memoir class.” Filkins said he really liked having her as a professor.

Professor of English Kathleen Fagley said she’s known Sandy since she worked at the Child Development Center in August of 2009, and Sandy asked her if she would be interested in being an adjunct in the English Department. Eventually, Fagley said yes.

can use the information strictly for research and education purposes,” he said.

When it comes to computer networks, especially large networks such as a campus, there are many entities involved in ensuring the internet is reliable and sustainable.

The IT Group only plays a part in managing the network, and there are other contributing entities who could access our data as well.

In a world with increasing reliance on the internet, it is only natural that individuals should investigate how to keep their data safe and learn whether or not it is accessible to others.

Garrett McNamee can be contacted at gmcnamee@kscequinox.com Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

Fagley has read Sandy’s work before and even read an early draft of her essay collection.

“She’s a very authentic writer and she’s not afraid to expose some things about herself,” Fagley said of Sandy.

Fagley described Sandy to be a “modern-day Charles Dickens” in her writing because she brings in a lot of cultural artifacts from the 70s and 80s.

“I think what happens when I read her work, what resonates with me, is what cultural artifacts of 2018 will people 20 years from now be picking up on and writing about? She does such a good job, and when she is writing, I start to remember these things,” Fagley said.

In regards to Sandy’s style, she said, “She’s very quirky, very interesting, she’s got very interesting aspects and expands on them.”

STUDENT ASSEMBLY

of the new student club ‘Owls Sign Language Club’ requested the approval for the constitution of the club.

On being asked what the goals of the club were, coSEBASTIEN MEHEGAN advisor Beth Zinn said they aim towards learning adMinistrative executive editor together and bringing Deaf culture awareness in the college and the community.

Keene State College’s Student Assembly was called The constitution of the club was approved unanito order on Tuesday, Feb. 13. mously.

KSC first-year Angelique Inchierca, the founder The president of the Social Activities Council

Business Manager

Network Use Policy.

Examples of violations would be trying to monitor or analyze network traffic, harassing individuals through Keene’s internet, downloading illegal content prohibited by the U.S. government, etc..

Violations of the Computer and Network Use Policy do not happen often, according Seraichick.

“It’s good news that we don’t have a lot of violations... we’ve actually said, ‘We’re cutting off your internet access.’ That’s pretty rare,” Seraichick said.

Seraichick said though a user’s personal traffic would not be monitored, collecting data and monitoring the network is important.

“We know where our most traffic is and what are the protocols. Those are Netflix, that’s where a lot of people are consuming bandwidth, on those kinds of things.”

While some people may be surprised to learn about data collection, Kole Nunley, a computer science major at KSC, is not.

“If anyone is to collect our data, it should be academic institutions because they’re not motivated by profit or control powered like a government would [be] and they

(SAC) and KSC senior Kayla Halde went in front of the assembly to provide the updates of the SAC’s constitution. The updates included reassigning responsibilities to club members and editing some of the position titles for E-board members.

SAC’s request was unanimously agreed upon.

As a courtesy, Brandon Mathiew said Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, professor of Higher Education Policy and Sociology at Temple University, will speak at

Grace Pecci can be contacted at gpecci@kscequinox.com

Keene State College on “Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream” on Thursday, February 15, 7:00pm in the Mable Brown Room.

Puja Thapa can be contacted at pthapa@kscequinox.com Sebastien Mehegan can be contacted at smehegan@kscequinox.com

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Thursday, February 15, 2018

New Hampshire reports high drinking rates MOLLY SPOONER

EQUINOX STAFF

Recently, New Hampshire has been rated the third highest state in the country with adults who have a drink at least once a month.

According to Detox.net, “The CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System completes over 400,000 adult interviews yearly, collecting data from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.”

A total of 64.3 percent of all adults in New Hampshire drink.

That is a high percentage when looking at the lower states, like Utah, which has a 31.7 percentage.

“You can purchase beer and wine at gas stations in New Hampshire and there’s a ton of liquor and wine outlets all over the state, so no, I am not surprised,” sophomore and residential assistant Caitlin Watkins said. “Alcohol is everywhere you look. You have such easy access to it that it pressures people to drink.”

Melissa Chickering, senior staff member and alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor on campus, said, “Do I think the state of New Hampshire has a substance abuse and drinking problem? Absolutely.”

Some states that have joined New Hampshire in the top five highest drinking states are Vermont and Minnesota; according to Detox.net, this is suggesting a possible connection between frigid winters and alcohol consumption, which previous studies have also observed.

Sophomore Lexi Palmer suggested teens turn to drinking for something to do. She said, “I think that there are a lot of small towns in the state and [there’s] not much to do, especially for younger people.

Drinking serves as a form of entertainment that quickly becomes a habit.”

According to Detox.net, New Hampshire is also in the top five for having the highest rate of adult female drinkers; 60.5 percent of all females in New Hampshire have had at least one drink this month.

Detox.net stated, “[Four] million people across the globe found

young female respondents drink nearly as much as their male counterparts and experience harmful outcomes (such as dependence) with virtually equal frequency.”

According to the study, college graduates, who were found most likely to drink at least one alcoholic beverage a month, were among the most prevalent binge drinkers and were only slightly less likely than those with some college or technical school experience to engage in heavy drinking.

Palmer said, “There is a huge drinking culture here that more than adequately reflects our state’s spot at number three on the list.”

AOD Counselor at KSC Chickering said, “I do think there is a drinking problem at Keene State, just like there is at many other colleges all over the country, I think that part of that has to do with the society we live in right now and this idea that when you are in your 20’s, it’s a right of passage in our society to get drunk or to drink a lot. I also think that there is a lack of services.”

In 2008, New Hampshire closed 11 treatment facilities across the state, and adolescent treatment no longer exists in New Hampshire, Chickering said. “If you are under the age of 18, you cannot get treatment for substance abuse in the state. The state of new Hampshire also actually made the decision to cancel any type of longer term substance abuse treatment, so you can get treatment really no longer than 30 days which is drastically different than most other states,” Chickering said.

Recently Keene State College lost their alcohol and drug abuse prevention coordinator, but according to Chickering, this has not stopped KSC from trying to help students fight alcohol abuse.

Chickering said, “There are a lot of good events that are going on on-campus. I think a lot of other campuses would have just forgotten about it, but that’s not happening here.”

Molly Spooner can be contacted at mspooner@kscequinox.com PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

BY ALYSSA SALERNO

GREEN LIFE: STAFF COLUMN

Solar tariff raises prices and concerns

Trump’s tariff on solar energy to make panel imports more expensive KATHERINE GLOSSER

EQUINOX STAFF Renewable energy is a clean and efficient way to power electricity. Even though it has only been on our radar for about a decade, renewable energy has a long history. Solar panels are a perfect example.

Solar panels are nothing new. According to The Department of Energy, in 1876, it was discovered that electricity can be created when selenium is exposed to sunlight. By 1973, the first solar building was constructed by the University of Delaware.

Solar panels are used for a reason, and we cannot run out of energy unless the sun is extinguished. The energy source is abundant.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation hits the Earth’s surface. With that kind of energy, 20,000 times more power is produced than what is needed to supply

the entire world. Installing a solar panel could also help save money on electricity.

While there are many advantages of having solar panels, they are not the cheapest to buy and have installed.

According to EnergySage, the average gross price on solar panels before tax is $18,840.

President Donald Trump recently created a 30 percent solar tariff that would make imported solar panels more expensive. This would mean a big blow to the U.S. solar industry, which is 80 percent reliant on imported solar panels. The Solar Energy Industries Association predicted this action will cost tens of thousands of jobs.

Keene State College Energy Services Coordinator Diana Duffy said Director of Sustainability Cary Gaunt is working on establishing solar panel projects on the KSC campus.

Duffy said she found Trump’s actions against solar energy to be mystifying, and challenged one of Trump’s justifi-

cations for this tariff, which is the “war on coal.” Duffy said even countries that heavily rely on coal, such as China, India and the United Kingdom, are becoming less reliant on coal and are looking at more renewable solutions. Duffy said she hopes that it will not impact any future solar panel projects on campus.

“It would be my hope by the time we are ready to go that that tariff may have disintegrated,” said Duffy, “but I’m also willing to bet that even if we might have to pay a more expensive price for panels, the cost of generating that kilowatt is still going to be less or it’ll be competitive compared to the prices we’re paying for non-green kilowatts right now.”

KSC environmental studies major Madelyn Thomas said she disagrees with Trump’s solar tariff. “Considering he has stock in big oil and he has other motives for having the solar tariff, I think [it’s] a bad thing. I think he did that without understanding fully the consequences of what it would be for the U.S.,” Thomas

said.

Co-owner of Green Energy Options, a Keene company that installs solar panels, Pablo Fleishmann, said his business is 100 percent reliant on imported solar panels.

The business his company formerly relied on for manufacturing solar panels within the U.S. went bankrupt. Since then, his company mostly relies on South Korea to import solar panels to the company, but he said he might be switching over to Japan.

Before the tariff, Fleishmann signed a contract with foreign countries. Now, it will be more expensive for his company to purchase solar panels from the company he signed the contract with.

Fleishmann said another disadvantage would be the strain the tariff would cause on the relationship between the U.S. and China. Fleishmann said it was too early to tell the impact the tariff would have on the company, and the exact details of the tariff were not made known to him.

Despite the disadvantages of the tariff, Fleishmann said he remains optimistic. “I tend to be an optimistic and hopeful person, and as much as I think it’s not a good idea, it might be what needs to happen to just get this figured out once and for all.”

Fleishmann said he hopes China and the U.S. will sit down and figure out what to do about the tariff.

Duffy said even with the tariff in place, the renewable energy industry will still have momentum. “The global appetite for renewable energy is going to continue to grow. I’m hopeful that the trajectory will continue to rise,” Duffy said.

Gaunt was contacted but could not be reached for comment on the tariff’s potential impact on the college’s future solar energy projects.

Katherine Glosser can be contacted at kglosser@kscequinox.com ETHAN PLATT / SENIOR MULTIMEDIA STAFF

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OPINIONS

Opinions / A4 Thursday, February 15, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

EDITORIAL

Endowment Scholarship L AU

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New changes to the application process seem questionable Streamlining. Often times when this word is associated with something it is has a positive connotation.

When something is streamlined, it is altered to become more efficient for whatever task is at hand.

For Keene State College, that task is the application process for the Endowed Scholarships.

But is it possible for something to be considered too easy? In terms of the new changes to this scholarship, that seems to be the case.

According to the Endowed and Annual Scholarships page on KSC’s website, these scholarships vary “from year to year, based on each individual fund’s market performance… Other funds are awarded via department selections, unsolicited reviews of complete financial aid applications, and appeal requests.”

There is only so much money to offer to the applicants, since it is obviously not an unlimited fund available for the students, so what happens if too many people apply and qualify?

The Financial Aid Office sent an email out on Monday, Feb. 5 making students aware that they could now apply for the Endowment Scholarship.

The kicker of that email was the part where it men-

THE EQUINOX

tioned that there is no longer an essay requirement.

This change was made in order to make the application process easier; streamline it, if you will.

The appeal of not having to submit an essay for a scholarship was massive among the student body.

The Equinox’s staff member Vincent Moore interviewed Susan Howard, the Interim Director of Financial Aid for his article “Scholarships Revamped”.

According to Howard, 300 students submitted applications within the first few days of it being available.

This number is substantial compared to the amount of students who applied for it in total last year, which was only 500.

Clearly, students are taking advantage of the simple application process now that it is not necessary to write an essay. Moore said, “The current application requires students fill in their name, date of birth, email and KSC identification number.

Students must then check-off applicable criteria, ranging from being a child of a KSC alumnus to participating in community service, before checking off a disclaimer and submitting.”

To contact the Equinox, e-mail smehegan@kscequinox.com or asaurman@kscequinox.com

Sebastien Mehegan Administrative Executive Editor Alexandria Saurman Managing Executive Editor News Editor

Jessica Ricard

Opinions Editor Chloe Giarraputo

Student Life Editor Colby Dudal

A&E Editor

Erin McNemar

Sports Editor Caroline Perry

Time Capsule Editor Abbygail Vasas

Copy Editors Abbygail Vasas Grace Pecci

Photo Editor

By making the application process so simple, obviously more students are going to apply.

But how will KSC verify that the boxes students are checking off really apply to them?

There are some people who are definitely more deserving of this scholarship compared to others. For instance, those who dedicated themselves to working hard to maintain scholarships.

By simplifying the application process this much, it almost takes away how special it is to really earn the money from a scholarship.

Suddenly, the motivation to work hard and earn a scholarship is gone because all students need to do is set aside 30 seconds of their day and check a few boxes to apply.

What is the point of having an application process if it seems like anyone can receive it?

Since it is now a requirement during orientation for students to participate in community service, that automatically gives students one box to check off under this scholarship.

Those who actually care about helping others and put in hours of their personal time to do so are sud-

EQUINOX NEWSROOM

EDITORIAL POLICY

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denly on the same level as those who participated in volunteer work one time.

Without the essay, there is no way to differentiate those who really care and put in effort and those who just applied because it was extremely simple.

Maybe there is a valid way to ensure that students are being honest on their applications, but if there is, KSC has not made that very clear.

The new process seems more like a lottery than a scholarship without an essay to guarantee that this student is telling the truth.

While an easy scholarship application process may seem like a good idea to some, to those with a good work ethic it is unfair.

Students should receive scholarships when they have genuinely put in an effort and not because it seemed like a handout.

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Opinions / A5

Thursday, February 15, 2018

STAFF COMMENTARY

Larry Nassar’s final sentencing IZZY MANZO

Equinox Staff In case you missed it, allow me to be the first to tell you that Larry Nassar is officially The World’s Biggest Scumbag. In one of the biggest sexual abuse scandals in sports history, Nassar has been accused of sexually assaulting over 265 women since 1992.

According to CNN, he’ll now be serving three separate charges, including 40 to 175 years for seven counts of sexual assault on minors and an additional 40 to 125 years for three more counts.

Larry Nassar will spend the rest of his pathetic life behind bars, and I can’t even begin to describe how happy that makes me.

This is obviously long-overdue, but USA Gymnastics (USAG) has sadly been accused of dismissing victims’ complaints. The USAG’s official website states that “the duty to report lies with those who have first-hand knowledge.”

Essentially, unless a statement comes directly from a victim or a victim’s parent, an allegation of sexual misconduct is dismissed.

Even when they receive complaints, USAG seems to have a tendency to brush them off for far too long – it took Marvin Sharp four years to be reported to police for molesting and sexually assaulting minors.

Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Nassar of sexual abuse, said a culture was created which allowed predators like Nassar to commit sexual assault without fear of being caught.

“I did not know that at the same time Larry was penetrating me, USAG was systematically burying reports of sexual assault against member coaches in a file cabinet instead of reporting them…” she said in court. “I did not know that… USAG, rather than supervising Larry, was allowing him to treat these girls in their own beds without even having a medical license in Texas.”

It’s incredibly frustrating to hear all of this, and this is coming from someone who can’t even comprehend the idea of someone you trust violat-

ing you like that.

This man is so deplorable and offensive that, when he had the opportunity to write to the court, he took it as a chance to whine about how much this took a toll on him.

Mind you, he sexually abused over 250 women. I can’t even comprehend it; it’s insane to think that someone can be so rotten that he would sexually harass 250 women.

And now, after getting caught and sentenced to prison for the rest of his pathetic life, he complains, “I was a good doctor because my treatments worked, and those patients that are now speaking out are the same ones that praised and came back over and over.”

Thankfully, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina had no time for his sheer nonsense. “Spending four or five days listening to them is significantly minor,” she said, “considering the hours of pleasure you had at their expense and ruining their lives.”

I’ve said it before, and I’ll always stand by the fact that victims should never have to be silenced or scared of telling their story.

Keene State College encourages reporting any act of sexual misconduct to someone such as Campus Safety or the police so it can be adequately handled, and the offender could ultimately face expulsion.

Everyone should be entitled to a safe space where they feel comfortable enough to tell their story, and no one should have to feel the pain of their allegations being systematically ignored and thrown under the rug for the sake of someone’s reputation.

While Nassar is finally going to serve the prison sentence he rightfully deserves for being an awful human being, the fact it took so many years for these women’s voices to be heard is disgraceful.

I’ve heard so many people ask, “Well if this person sexually assaulted someone, why didn’t they say anything sooner? Why did they wait so many years before speaking up?”

This is a prime example of why USAG and Michigan State let 250 women down by enabling Nassar’s abuse and allowing it to happen for the sake of

his own image.

It’s totally unacceptable that this went on for as long as it did (or at all, for that matter) and even though he’s being held accountable for it now, testimonies from sexual assault survivors need to be taken more seriously. It’s something that can no longer be ignored and brushed aside like it has been in this case.

Izzy Manzo can be contacted at imanzo@kscequinox.com

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Everyone should be entitled to a safe space where they feel comfortable enough to tell their story.

Izzy Manzo Equinox Staff

STAFF COMMENTARY

STAFF COMMENTARY

Getting dressed for class

‘God the mother’ trafficking scare CHLOE GIARRAPUTO

opinionS Editor

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR

Getting dressed for class means different things to different students. It is important to keep in mind how to present yourself to professors.

The way you present yourself in the classroom matters ZOEANN DAY

Equinox Staff College classes aren’t exactly a black tie affair; quite the opposite, actually. For most of us, rolling out of bed and heading to our 8 a.m. classes in sweatpants and a sweatshirt is much more appealing than taking extra time out of our sleep schedule to make ourselves look presentable.

There isn’t much motivation to “dress up” for class. In fact, sometimes dressing up too much can carry a certain stigma of being a “try hard” on college campuses.

However, most would agree that when you look nice, you feel better. So, should we be dressing up for our classes or are sweatpants acceptable?

First of all, being “dressed up” means different things to different people; some feel most presentable in a dress and others prefer basketball shorts and a t-shirt. The problem isn’t exactly regarding what you wear, but rather making an effort to look what you personally feel is your best. Doing this can not only lift your mood and make you feel better, but can also impact your performance in class.

This idea of dressing for success has been around for years, and until recently it’s only been a saying. However, recent studies show that when you feel presentable, you perform better in your daily activities. According to an article in Scientific American by Matthew Hutson, “The clothes you wear can affect your mental and physical performance… A paper in August 2015 in Social Psychological and Personality Science asked subjects to change into formal or casual clothing before cognitive tests. Wearing formal business attire increased abstract thinking — an important aspect of creativity and long-term strategizing. The experiments suggest the effect is related to feelings of power.” Dressing up may take some extra time, but it gives you feelings of tenacity and power, ultimately leading to success.

Dressing nicer to class can not only make you feel more powerful and give you confidence, but can affect your academic performance positively in more ways than one.

When it comes to class presentations, wearing something professional can impact the outcome of your performance drastically; not only would you feel more confident and perform a better presentation, but professors tend to prefer when stu-

dents dress up for presentations, meaning what you wear can also affect your grade.

Looking professional and presenting with confidence is a good way to impress your professors while also earning you a grade you can be proud of.

In addition, it can help students establish and practice skills for future career paths.

Now, I’m not going to lie, when I wake up for my 8 a.m. class in the morning, I don’t exactly have the motivation to shower, let alone put on nice clothes and makeup.

However, I can say with some certainty that, from now on, I will put more effort into what I wear to classes. If looking nicer means feeling better, and feeling better means doing well in classes, then it may be worth it to get up a little earlier.

Although it takes a little extra time to make ourselves look and feel our most presentable, it may be in our best interest. Maybe next time we take an exam we should switch out our sweatpants for something a little more becoming.

Zoeann Day can be contacted at zday@kscequinox.com

A few nights ago, I was in bed scrolling through Twitter, as I normally do, when something unusual caught my eye. It was a tweet mentioning “God the mother” and whoever wrote it sounded frantic. They warned others to tell their female friends about “God the Mother” because it is supposedly linked to human trafficking.

As someone who identifies as female and is also a student, this news came off as extremely alarming. I immediately searched “God the mother trafficking” on Google, and sure enough, there were multiple articles about this topic. The first hit I received was a link to the Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt University’s independent student-run news publication. The article was published on Jan. 30 of this year.

According to their article, “Women approached on Commons in what some fear is a human trafficking scheme,” multiple female students have been approached and asked about God the mother while on campus. The person approaching them is usually another woman, alone or accompanied by another woman, who asks the student if they believe in God. If the student answers yes, the woman goes on to tell them about their religion where God is a woman. The woman then encourages the student to attend her church’s bible study, often giving the student a pamphlet with information or a phone number to reach them.

After reading this article, I was nervous. Although these instances did not take place anywhere near Keene, it is still unsettling to know that things like this are happening in the country today. I returned back to Twitter and searched “God the mother” and saw that there were numerous people who shared their experience similar to those at Vanderbilt University.

Female students at the University of Louisville, University of Mississippi and the University of Georgia have had similar situations.

Police have been notified of these occurrences and have investigated the claims.

The Oxford Police Department in Mississippi tweeted that they have investigated and determined that the “World Mission Society Church of God, is a legitimate church looking to expand to our area” in regards to reports made near Ole Miss.

I like to know both sides of the story before jumping to conclusions, so I did some more digging around.

During my search I came across an article from The Daily

Mississippi titled, “Local religious group faces false accusations due to viral media posts.” This article explains that the religious group, World Mission Society Church of God, “has had numerous false accusations of recruiting students on campus into human trafficking.” This group originated in South Korea and believes in “God the mother,” according to their website usa.watv.org. While it is legal under the Freedom of Religion Act to go “door to door” spreading information about one’s religion, the way groups or people go about it can sometimes be offputting. This group in particular seems to be going about spreading their message in a mysterious, eerie and sometimes aggressive way. Students should be able to walk freely across their campuses at any hour of the day and not feel threatened.

According to humanrightsfirstorg, human trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.” The International Labor Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation reported that “An estimated 24.9 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery. Of these, 16 million (64 percent) were exploited for labor, 4.8 million (19 percent) were sexually exploited, and 4.1 million (17 percent) were exploited in state-imposed forced labor” in 2017.

Unfortunately, modern-day slavery is still very much alive.

Human trafficking is not something that should be taken lightly and everyone should be aware of it. Whether this group is partaking in these activities or was falsely accused, the students approached by the group knew to report the issue.

If students ever feel unsafe on campus, whether they come in contact with a suspicious stranger or notice something out of the ordinary, they should report it.

Being aware of your surroundings at all times is extremely important, especially when walking alone or at night.

Keene State College has blue lights placed around the campus that connect directly with Campus Safety when activated. For more information about reporting a crime or emergency, see the KSC website’s Safety and Security handbook.

Chloe Giarraputo can be contacted at cgiarraputo@kscequinox.com

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The BFA program at KSC

Rachel’s Reviews I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore

EMMA MEHEGAN

Equinox Staff With the spring semester quickly progressing, senior art students are preparing for their on-coming exhibition. Keene State College provides two types of art degrees for the studio artist: the Bachelors in Arts (BA), or the Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA). Senior BFA student Mollykate Fanning said both the BA and BFA senior studio students show their work every year in the on-campus art gallery.

However, with the BFA, “you get more experience in the studio,” she said.

According to Art Department Faculty Rosemarie T. Bernardi, the BFA program here at KSC is “a very unique program where students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor… Students are given their individual studio space so they have a place to — like a grad student — put out their work… and work on their thesis show for two semesters… students have the ability to really work mixed media. They can work across platforms and across media, and that’s different from other schools,” she said.

Fanning said on top of regular classes senior year, there is also the personal studio work over the course of the final year. “In the BFA program you have a specialty, whereas in the BA program you have a more general materials overview. And my specific material is clay, more specifically in that, it’s throwing on the potter’s wheel,” Fanning said.

Her final project will consist of ten to fifteen highly decorated plates and large bowls, each piece taking up to eight hours, just in decoration time, she said. Fanning’s BFA faculty advisor, Paul McMullan, said he works with her a couple times a week. “Mollykate is very hard-working student that is engaged and passionate about her artmaking… she has already pushed herself to take extra summer school classes at Alfred University, which is one of the best ceramic schools in the world.”

RACHEL BLUMBERG

Equinox Staff

CONTRIBUTED BY MOLLYKATE FANNING

Mollykate Fanning is a senior art student involved in the BFA program at Keene State College.

Fanning hopes her final project will successfully combine functional pottery with fine art, “I really enjoy making functional pottery; plates, bowls, cups, you name it. I really like it because the form that it creates is always kind of this really satisfying symmetrical circle, and it’s that circle that I like to decorate that makes me love it so much, and that final kind of decoration on the out-

side that keeps me doing it… There is kind of a stigma of used pottery that when you use it, it’s very much just the inside of the bowl or the face of the plate,” she said. “So I want to highlight that the symbiosis in form is in the decoration all over the form — so on the bottom, on the outside, the inside, the lip, throughout.”

The independence the BFA program is

providing her, along with the subtle guidance of a mentor, is helping diversify her skills in preparation to be an educator, Fanning said.

“I would say that’s probably the number one thing in the BFA, that it’s helping me towards my future goals” Emma Mehegan can be contacted at emehegan@kscequinox.com

STAFF COMMENTARY

Coming out of a rest

Poems by Isabel feet and mind disconnect into the wondrous unfamiliar- chameleon soul blooms into a soft resounding whisper reverberated sunrise and cotton candy skies turn dreams into stories lovers lips on mine just some sweet nothings to pass my lonely time I miss the days of sandbox fairy tales pirate ships with bellowing sailsmemories turn into moon light kisses run out dreams 11:11 wishes my feet carry me to where i need to be as i let my mind wander free - it.

LUKE SWEENEY / EQUINOX STAFF

Arctic Monkey’s music hiatus coming to an end RACHEL BLUMBERG

Equinox Staff In August of 2014, I, as well as other fans of the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, heard the news that lead guitarist Alex Turner closed the band’s last headlining show of the year with the words, “Seems like the perfect place to leave things for a while.”

Since then, the band has left me and other dedicated fans guessing about what’s next, as the members took a long hiatus to work on other side projects. Yet, three weeks ago, the long, harsh silence was finally broken.

On Jan. 11 of this year, the Delaware music festival, Firefly, announced their 2018 lineup, presenting Arctic Monkeys as one of four headliners. The social media post holds more than ten thousand retweets on Twitter and had fans scrambling to look for more on upcoming tour dates or teasers of the new album.

No posts were made from the band’s official Instagram or Twitter pages until three days later, when a video was posted of upcoming tour dates for the rest of 2018. Unfortunately, the tour only includes European dates, so far, yet just hearing news from the band makes the four years of silence extremely worth it.

News of the upcoming album to follow 2013’s “AM” was also spilled in an interview to motorcycle magazine The Ride. Bassist Nick O’Malley confirmed that the album should be out this year and, “if it isn’t, we’ve got problems.”

Questions arose about where and when this album was recorded, since no photos had been shared of the band being together since one was leaked on Twitter in December 2016. The crew was spotted in a bar by a fan in the band’s hometown of Sheffield.

Arctic Monkeys have always been one to lay low on their own social media profile, though. In 2003, when

they were first playing shows, the band was asked about its first MySpace page in an interview with Prefix Magazine.

Turner stated that they were unaware of the page’s existence and that the popularity they were getting online was all due to the fans who created it.

Since then, BBC Radio has claimed them as one of the first bands to come to public attention via the Internet, even though the band told BBC that the best way of gaining popularity and distribution is to simply keep releasing music.

Arctic Monkeys made history as the first independent label band with five consecutive number-one albums in the UK. Their fifth album, “AM,” swept the UK boards, Alex Turner claiming it as the band’s “most original album, yet.”

Thoughts on what the sixth album will sound like have been going around, people taking from what the members have been working on individually and building a claim from there. From what I’ve heard, I’d guess the new record won’t hold as much of Alex Turner spitting out lyrics as fast as he can, much like their first two albums.

His style has seemingly slowed down a bit, as is present in what he put out in his side project, The Last Shadow Puppets. O’Malley, though, has been heard getting heavier, recently, as well as drummer Matt Helders, who can be heard on Iggy Pop’s latest releases.

Yet, no matter what happens, the collaboration between these talented musicians is what makes the Arctic Monkeys the timeless band they are today, predicted to come back even bigger than they were four years ago.

Rachel Blumberg can be contacted at rblumberg@kscequinox.com

Isabel Tisdale is a sociology major who found her love of writing after a fourth grade poetry project. Since then, she spends her time writing poems and creative non-fiction

They say in the entertainment industry to ‘write what you know,’ and that’s exactly what writer-director and actor Macon Blair (Blue Ruin, Green Room) did for his directorial debut “I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore” (2017). The film opened the U.S. dramatic film competition at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where I was lucky enough to watch some panels with the cast and crew about the making of the film.

The film begins by introducing Ruth, a caregiver whose life is as boring as her modest home and work. Yet, when she comes home one day and finds that someone has broken into her house and stolen her laptop and grandma’s silverware, something snaps. Ruth, played by New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey (Girl Boss, Two and a Half Men), immediately calls the police, but finds that the officers’ seriousness toward her break-in is lacking. After finding the location of her laptop from an app on her phone, she then recruits her weird neighbor Tony, played by critically-acclaimed Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), to accompany her on her crazy quest to claim what’s rightfully hers.

At the surface, the film has a seemingly common and bland idea, yet it was all inspired by Blair’s personal experience with his own break-in. He told Rolling Stone magazine that he had already had a loose sketch of a lead character in mind: someone who was basically fed up in general. “It was just a matter of where to put her,” Blair said in an interview. He then chose the one scene from his own life where he related most to his character and wrote from there.

“I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore” is far from being just about the break-in, though. Blair truly let his mind run wild, as the characters ultimately cross paths with drug-dealing murderers.

The first stop of the hunt, though, is a pawnshop, inspired by the first spot Blair checked for his own laptop. Yet, unlike Blair, when Ruth spots her grandma’s silverware on a shelf, she feels it’s her right to claim it as her own and walked out without paying.

When the cashier tries to stop her, she turns around and takes her attitude of “‘wanting to punch the world in the face” to do just that.

“I loved how angry she was,” Lynskey said to Rolling Stone magazine. “I was a little afraid when we kicked an old man in the head that we’d maybe gone too far, but people don’t seem to have a problem with it, and I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.”

Having an extremely quirky plot line mixed with dark elements of intense comedic violence, captured not only Netflix’s attention, but Sundance as a whole, winning the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize, a win that surprised even Blair.

He stated, in response to the film’s major creative freedom, “Yeah, it was a lot. But in the end, for all the funny stuff and the shocking stuff, I was making a crime movie where the detective character is really chasing after the notion that people could maybe, just maybe, be less of an asshole in their daily life.”

Variety states that “I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore” is the perfect example of the fresh indie voice people come to Sundance to discover, and after personally having watched it more than five times in two days on Netflix, I’d have to say I completely agree. It had the perfect balance, from comedy to well-developed character relationships to intriguing shock value. The film captures this relatable feeling of “sometimes people are terrible,” yet dishes it in a way that makes you question your own thoughts on how you deal with it everyday.

Rachel Blumberg can be contacted at rblumberg@kscequinox.com

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Dominique Pascoal shows her comedic style ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA

Photo Editor Many can recall the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine”. For one Keene State College student, humor has a special place in her heart and future career path.

What began with trouble, ended in laughter. Aspiring comedian Dominique Pascoal said she believes her interest piqued during her years in secondary school. “I was always kind of like a hambone, the ‘class clown.’ I got in a lot of trouble in high school,” she said.

The KSC senior said, when she started getting in trouble, she would take the negative situations and use them as a comedic outlet to relieve the situation. Eventually, she began looking forward to going into the office to put on a performance of sorts. After almost four years here at the college, this theatre major’s passion for acting has shown as she has participated in multiple KSC theatre productions and improvisational performances. Pascoal was even nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, and is now the president of KSC’s Improv Club. Pascoal’s acting and skits have traveled beyond the walls of the Redfern Arts Center and even New Hampshire.

This past January, Pascoal traveled to Orlando, Florida, with her mother (who was attending a conference) and performed at an open mic event held by an improv club. She said she loved the experience and would love to perform stand-up more often but finds it difficult to do here in Keene; during the summer she is able to perform comedy acts in her home town of Manchester, New Hampshire.

KSC sophomore and theatre major specializing in acting Justin Park is a close friend and classmate of Pascoal. “I met [Pascoal] in improv club [last year],” he said, “When I joined the team after that first semester, we became friends and took similar classes.”

Park observed Pascoal perform on multiple occasions and said her style is different from others he has seen. “[Dominique] has this kind of energy to her that a lot of people can feed off of and will just listen to her.

Especially when she can articulate herself well and is prepared to what she wants to say, it comes off greatly,” he said. He said she is often a “hootie-who” who gets people’s attention by her actions and very comedic style.

He added that past her comedic vibes, people respect her as a leader as well as a performer.

Pascoal said comedy and positive spins come nat-

ural to her. “I like looking at the bright side of things.

There is always a twist that you can make, whether it be dark or unfortunate,” she said. She said that creating positive reflections of negative situations are important to laugh and smile during hard times. Quoting Dalai Lama, she said, “Love and Compassion are necessities, not luxuries, and without them humanity cannot survive.”

Pascoal said she found her passion in helping others in her own way to help humanity. “Creating these characters and these stories… the way I see it is, ‘Wow, I hope this experience makes you aware of something’ and it would be awesome if you went out and acted upon it,” she said, “If anything, you get to escape for a while. Whether that be a comedy show, or a movie, or anything, I just want to contribute to people having the ability to escape from their own life.”

Pascoal said she encourages people to come out of their comfort zone and to follow Robin Williams’ advice: “You are only given a spark of madness, you must not lose it.” She said students who are too afraid to step out on stage are always welcome to come to KSC’s Improve Club to watch skits, get inspired and, hopefully, perform.

KSC theatre and dance lecturer PeggyRae Johnson said that all performers and entertainers go through hours and hours of hard work and training to get where they are. She added that art plays an important role in society and history as it is what we base our lives around. Whether it is music, art, cooking, or entertainment, Johnson said cultures are created around art, but it is very under appreciated in modern times today.

Pascoal said that we act every day of our lives, and comedy is her way of adding to today’s culture. Park said he wants to see Pascoal on television shows similar to Saturday Night Live, where comedy is valued and intertwined with real life problems and situations.

Pascoal said, “A lot of people want to see me on SNL because I have a cornucopia of characters and bits that I just create on the spot… My plan is to go out to the West Coast when I graduate, get involved with an improv troupe, do stand-up and also do auditions.”

Whether she is the next Oscar-awarded actress or comedic talk show host, Pascoal said she is ready to make her mark in entertainment history.

Angelique Inchierca can be contacted at ainchierca@kscequinox.com Dominique Pascoal performed stand up at Saturday Night Jive last year.

TH O R N E-SAG E N D O R P H ART GALL E RY

February 3 – April 1, 2018 2018

COLTON MCCRACKEN / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

KSC Puzzles

A R T F A C U LT Y BIENNIAL EXHIBITION

Public opening reception: Friday, February 2, 5-7 p.m.

Also on view: February 3 – April 1 Unboxing Bob: A study of artist Robert S. Neuman through objects, images, and ideas Public programs: Friday, February 9, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Faculty members Jonathan Gitelson, Zachary P. Stephens, and Miles Warner discuss their work; Randall Hoyt plays his new board game “Road Hog” with visitors Tuesday, March 27, 11 a.m. – noon Faculty member Peter Roos discusses the large gallery installation charting the evolution of his figure drawing over nearly 30 years of teaching

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

Ongoing: The Thorne’s museum education program is currently scheduling spring, summer, and fall 2018 tours for school and other campus and community groups. Customizable tours: days, nights, weekends; curriculum-driven or just for fun.

THORNE-SAGENDORPH ART GALLERY keene.edu/tsag/

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ENTERTAINMENT

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Women empowerment

COLTON MCCRACKEN / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

On Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10 Keene State College students put on their annual production of the Vagina Monologues. Proceeds from the event went to the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention.

KSC students perform in Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Monologues’ ERIN MCNEMAR

Arts & EntErtAinmEnt Editor Vagina. It’s a word you don’t hear casually thrown around in everyday conversation. But what if it was?

On Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, Keene State College put on it’s annual production of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues.

While the title itself could be misleading, the play is not about talking vaginas. The monologues instead focus on the women who are giving them.

From comical stories about discovering yourself “down there,” to more serious ones about harassment in the workplace, the monologues showcase the joys as well as struggles of being a women.

When dealing with a topic which has become so prominent, especially with the rise of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, it was critical for both the

actresses and the directors to do the subject justice.

Senior and director Alyson Lear explained the work that went into creating the production.

“We have been rehearsing since we got back from break, and we had auditions before break. It has been a labor of love, but it has been very worth it,” Lear said.

The cast rehearsed for four weekends, three times a weekend. Despite the time commitment, the actresses were happy to take part in the show. Katrina Feraco, who graduated from the college in December, has been part of the production for two years.

Growing up, Feraco’s father had been on the board at Bridges, the domestic violence support center in Nashua and Milford, New Hampshire, which is how she originally heard about the Vagina Monologues.

“He had always talked about ‘Oh the [Bridges] do the vagina monologues as a fundraiser every year,’” Feraco explained. When she found out that KSC did its own

production, Feraco auditioned. “I did it because I know how important MCVP [Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention] is to the Monadnock area. They deserve all the funding and support they can get from the community, and if me getting up there telling other women’s stories [raises awareness], then I’ll do it,” Feraco said.

In addition to raising awareness for sexual violence, Lear wanted to eliminate some of the stigma that surrounds the vagina. “I think we need to be able to talk about vagina’s more,” Lear expressed. “Just the word alone is taboo and I think that itself is a reason to be getting on stage and screaming about it.”

Agreeing with Lear, assistant director Dakota Umbro added, “We [women] have to empower each other.”

Senior women and gender studies major Emma Simpson attended the show and expressed her enjoyment of the performance as well as the importance of

it. “I think it’s really wonderful to come and listen to women’s stories,” Simpson said.

Simpson also added her positive feedback of this year’s production, and said specifically, “It was wonderful. It always is, but I felt like this year in particular was really great.”

The Vagina Monologues delivered an important message of female empowerment that Lear hoped audience members took away for the show.

Lear said, “There’s no shame in bodies and living life with whatever body you have. Embrace it and own it.”

Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com

Neil Hilborn brings poetry to the NOC ERIN MCNEMAR

Arts & EntErtAinmEnt Editor Whether it’s slam poetry or a simple Haiku, poetry has been a form of expressing emotions for centuries. On Saturday, Feb. 10, poet Neil Hilborn came to the Night Owl Café at Keene State College. Completing multiple American as well as world tours, Hilborn has become the most watched poet ever. His poetry consists of comical poems like “rejected Tinder bios,” but also more serious issues such as his personal battles against mental illness. wHilborn was introduced to poetry at a young age by his mother and began writing shortly after.

“My mom read poems to me a lot as bedtime stories. It just seemed like a natural way to think about language for me. I wrote my first poem when I was about eight.”

From there, Hilborn started creating his poetry whenever he found inspiration. Hilborn explained his two different sources of inspiration when writing his poetry. “To me there are two different kinds of inspiration, along with two different writing processes.

There’s the one you always hope for, like that lightbulb moment, which always happens when I’m doing something else. Like I’m

biking or washing dishes; doing something that’s taking up my attention. Then my brain is like, ‘You have to write things right now,’ and I’m like, ‘Cool brain! Yes, I do!’ But I can’t depend on that. It’s not super common,” Hilborn said.

His second method, Hilborn explained, is getting inspiration for other authors and their poetry. “So usually what I do is I take whatever poetry book I’m into and I just read, and I dissect, and I think about it too f------ hard until I find a line, or an image, or a structure I want to steal it and I’ll steal it,” Hilborn joked.

“It’s all about consuming the art form. How else am I going to learn new ways to write if I don’t see the ways other people are writing,” Hilborn explained.

The audience was filled with KSC students eager to see the slam poet. Junior Randii Elie, who has been watching Hilborn online for 6 years, expressed her excitement seeing him perform live. “I’m a huge fan, I’ve been watching Neil since I was 14. This was like a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch him,” Elie continued. “It was a bit of an emotional catharsis. There is something completely different about getting to see it and hear it, rather than watch it online.”

Sharing a similar opinion was sophomore Sara Olson. Olson was also familiar with Hilborn’s poetry., “I love Neil Hilborn and watched him on YouTube before. I’m a big fan. His poetry makes me feel like there are people like me in the world,” Olson said.

Although much of Hilborn’s poetry centers around the ideas of mental illness, Hilborn often jokes about his own struggles, and incorporates them into this poetry. The concept of being about to laugh at yourself is something Hilborn hopes his fans will take away from his poetry. Hilborn explained, “It’s okay not to take yourself so seriously all the time. I talk about a bunch of heavy stuff like depression and suicide. I think there’s something to be said about uncutting the seriousness of what you’re going through, while also acknowledging the darkness. I think balance is important,” Hilborn added. “Don’t take yourself seriously all the time because it can be therapeutic finding ways to laugh at yourself.” Hilborn has a new poetry book titled “Future” is coming out on Apr. 6 and begins a national tour on Feb. 15.

COLTON MCCRACKEN / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com Neil Hilborn performing original poetry in the Night Owl Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 10.

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STUDENT LIFE

Student Life / B1 Thursday, February 15, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Cancer cell research

KSC students and faculty work on cancer treatment testing 2017 KSC graduate Emily Wollert said she spent a lot of time working on the research during her time at KSC. “Certain types of cancers need a high amount of Keene State College students are currently partnering with Dartmouth Medical Center on research fatty acids to grow. So we took a look at the structure which could, someday, be a form of cancer treatment. of chemical molecules that are potent but not stable Chemistry Professor Paul Baures who runs the and slightly changed the structure. It has to be in the research that students are working on said the right part of the body to work,” Wollart said.

“Inhibiting this enzyme could help to treat cancer. research includes slightly changing a molecular structure so that fatty acids in breast cancer cells can be It may not be able to do it alone but it could be effective when used with other drugs,” Baures said. attacked.

Baures said that knowing the structure was active Baures said the research began when the National Institute of Health found that one of the structures and could impact cells caused him to reach out to Dr. Baures and his students that chose to take part in the William Kinlaw at Dartmouth Medical Center.

From there, Baures said his students and staff at project tested was found to be the most active out of Dartmouth Medical Center began testing on mouse over 300,000 structures.

Baures said the structure involves fatty acid syn- plasma. thesis, which is something breast cancer cells rely on.

Another alumnus from Wollert’s class Evan DunkCOLBY DUDAL

STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

ley said breast cancer cells require something called NOVO synthesis.

The process is described on the Khan Academy website as “the synthesis of complex molecules from simple molecules such as sugars or amino acids instead of recycling after particle degradation.”

Dunkley said he is now working on getting his Ph.D. at Dartmouth College while taking part in various other research projects relating to chemistry.

Wollert said she got interested in the project during her second semester of junior year when she knew people who were doing other types of research.

She went to Professor Baures and, out of the options of what to research, she found this one the most interesting to her.

Wollert said being able to present her findings to people with a lot of knowledge is a good way for her to get used to the research and presentation process.

Wollert said that, currently, she is working a job at a chemist control lab.

Baures said the funding for the research comes from New Hampshire Idea Network of Biomedical Research, which is a group that helps with research going on in New Hampshire.

Baures said the results of the study weren’t what him or his students we’re expecting but he is glad about where the research is going.

“It is important for student outcomes. We have undergraduates at KSC doing things that graduate students at other schools are doing by finding these discoveries,” Baures said.

Colby Dudal can be contacted at cdudal@kscequinox.com

PHOTO ILLSUTRATION BY SEBASTIEN MEHEGAN / ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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STUDENT LIFE / B2

Thursday, February 15, 2018

HGS major at Keene State College LYLE BELLAMY

Equinox Staff Keene State College is one of the only schools that allows its students to major in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The only other colleges in the United States that offer it are the University of Florida, St. Cloud State and Clark University. While the major is not common, it could certainly spark interest and curiosity. In fact, it makes KSC a destination for those interested in the study.

Senior Sam Brault, who’s majoring in Holocaust and genocide studies, said that’s why she came to KSC. “The topic of the Holocaust has always fascinated me, and when I found out that they offered a Holocaust and Genocide major, it helped me make my decision,” Brault said.

The major itself expands to more than the Holocaust alone. Brault said, “It really teaches you a lot about interdisciplinary skills such as how to present research, and articulate and understand scholarly articles.”

The subject also has a masters option at other schools in Poland, where Brault also studied abroad and hopes to move to after a gap year.

The curriculum allows for the students to study at Jagiellonian University at its Centre for European Studies. There, she plans to continue her masters for genocide studies.

When asked what one could do with the degree, she explained how there are plenty of different avenues. Some go into law, specifically international, humanitarian or human rights; others can go from their masters to a Ph.D. and continue into education of the topic themselves.

Additionally, some of the graduates move into jobs with the United Nations or even the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

More specifically, the main goal of the major is to help the students become aware of things

that have happened, and can happen again.

Through education, showing how these atrocities happen, the goal is to educate people on how to avoid such tragedies.

It focuses on prevention and studies of events currently happening around the world today.

Brault has also been grateful for the faculty. “Being in a lecture with Dr. Waller is a great experience. To be learning from somebody who is known around the world about the subject is something that doesn’t happen too often,” Brault said.

Dr. Waller, who wasn’t able to respond to a request for an interview, wrote the book “Confronting Evil.”

The book analyzes different genocides from history as well as atrocities happening now.

His book, as stated in the review, was based on his travels and studies compiled over twenty years.

The Holocaust and genocide studies department held an informational event on Tuesday in the Mountain View Room, called “engaging students in the study of genocide,” which was open to the public.

It offered pamphlets as well as other readings about the subject as a whole. Additionally, there was also information about similar programs elsewhere, including graduate studies.

As it could be tough to understand what the degree could translate to post-graduation, the event was aimed to help those interested make an informed decision.

Upon reaching out to others at the Cohen Center, no professors were available at the time.

The senior support assistant, Michele Kuiawa, was not able to answer questions at the time as well.

COLBY DUDAL / STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Lyle Bellamy can be contacted at The Cohen Center in the Mason Library holds various artifacts from the time of lbellamy@kscequinox.com Nazi Germany.

WE WANT YOU! We will be hiring for the following positions for the Fall 2018 semester: •News Editor •Opinions Editor •Copy Editor (two positions) •Social Media Director •Web Director

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STUDENT LIFE / B3

Thursday, February 15, 2018

The Gamer’s Guild at KSC ASHLEY ARNOLD

Equinox Staff

Role-playing games are allowing Keene State College students to make connections with their classmates and escape from reality by using their imaginations.

KSC senior and Computer Science major Brandon Ross described the role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons, as a way to escape reality. It engrosses the players in an alternate world they are in together, allowing people to build deeper personal connections. “If you want to really get some escapism then try putting yourself in the shoes of a half-elf bard who is getting dragged around by his party of various misadventures he doesn’t otherwise want a place in. You forget the world around you for a minute and get engrossed in the people around you and the collective imagination of… the party,” he said. Since individuals are allowed to produce their own stories, the game generates an atmosphere of pleasant and endless creativity, Ross added. “I would describe Dungeons and Dragons as a game of imagination and limitless possibilities... It’s really a canvas for whatever you want to experience or any world you want to play in,” he explained.

Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, was designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson who wanted to create a massive fantasy wargame. The game is centered around storytelling, as players guide their unique characters through the realm they have created. Friends gather together to create tales of quest-conquering and deadly battles, according to the Dungeons and Dragons official website.

The Gamer’s Guild Organization has arranged on campus group gatherings where students play Dungeons and Dragons collectively, according to KSC senior and president of the club Emma Robitille. Interested parties post on the Facebook page or talk to people

during club meetings. When the desired amount of players has been found, students decide when and where they meet, she continued.

Ross said, “Four to five people tends to be the sweet spot of enough people to role-play and brainstorm how to approach situations.”

Dungeons and Dragons is different than average board games or video games because of the role-playing element, Robitille said. She explained role-playing games as structured improvisational storytelling games where players create scenarios they interact with.

Role-playing games allow players to build deeper connections with each other and their inner innovation, Robitille said. ”Roleplaying is a strong group experience because of the fact that everyone has input on the story and where the game goes… With this framework, RPGs [role-playing games] provide a truly different style to any other board game due to the flexible nature of the experience,” she added.

KSC sophomore and avid player of Dungeons and Dragons Luke Winiarski believes the concept of role-playing gives the game a deeper meaning by personally associating players in the imaginative world. “It’s not like any ordinary videogame, you are the character you create. Everything you say and do influences the game. It makes you have a deeper connection with the players and the world you create,” he explained.

The Gamer’s Guild Organization meets Fridays at 7:00 p.m. in the Madison Street Lounge in the Student Center. Robitille said there are usually five tabletop games set up and three game consoles. All students are welcome at club meetings.

Ashley Arnold can be contacted at aarnold@kscequinox.com

PUJA THAPA / BUSINESS MANAGER

The Gamer’s Guild is a group at KSC which spends time playing tabletop games, board games and much more.

T H I S

Humans of KSC

Have you ever played a role playing game?

Why or why not?

“Yes I have. I guess it’s because my older brother showed me different games and I just kind of played them with him.”

- Brandon

“If you’re counting the virtual realities like RPGs like Skyrim or Fallout then yes. I absolutely love those games. The reason I play them is because I hate online game communities, I think they are absolutely cancerous and do nothing but shout a ton of obscene things in your ears. I prefer being a lone guy in the world created just for me.”

- William

“I don’t think I have actually. Well, for a class, yeah I had to act a skit for a scene but that’s all I can think of. I’m really bad at technology for one thing, but I don’t really have a reason.”

- Katrina

W E E K A T K S C

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STUDENT LIFE / B4

Thursday, February 15, 2018

KSC Outdoor Club

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRANDT ADLEY

The Outdoor Club at Keene State College is a group of students who take trips and participate in outdoor activities each week. Junior and President of the Outing Club Brandt Adley said some of their activities include hiking, going to a trampoline park, rock climbing at indoor gyms, snowshoeing, exploring caves and much more. Adley said that the club is stress relieving and a good way to bond. “I live in the Boston area so I don’t get to experience New Hampshire much,” Adley said. Adley said the group has about 20-30 participants, all with varying levels of outdoor experience. Adley said that some in the group also don’t live in New Hampshire and don’t have much outdoor experience.

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Time Capsule / B5

TIME CAPSULE

Thursday, February 15, 2018

The origins of Valentine’s Day ABBYGAIL VASAS

Copy Editor/timE CapsulE Editor Feb. 14 is commonly associated with romance, chocolate, flowers and winged babies shooting lovearrows; despite its wide reach, not many people know the history behind the holiday.

Valentine’s Day, as many things which have their origins rooted in ancient history, has many theories surrounding its birth and early practice.

Generally, there are two schools of thought: Christian and Pagan.

According to an NPR opinions article by Arnie Seipel, our modern “day of love” may have sprouted from some pretty dark traditions.

In that same article, Seipel drew a connection between Valentine’s Day and what he, and many others, believe to be the Roman origin of the holiday, Lupercalia.

Originally celebrated on Feb. 15, the ancient Roman holiday of Lupercalia (from the root-word lupus, meaning wolf) is described

by Encyclopædia Britannica as a fertility festival which was believed to be in honor of the she-wolf who cared for abandoned infant brothers Romulus and Remus, who would later become the founders of Rome.

The celebration consisted of several ritualistic practices.

First, there was a ritual in which a presiding group of priests, called Luperci, sacrificed goats or dogs, smeared the bloody knives on the foreheads of two other Luperci and then wiped the blood off with milk-soaked wool.

All while the two, young, bloodcovered Luperci laugh, according to Encyclopædia Britannica.

The Luperci would then cut whips from the hides of the animals they had just slaughtered and run around town, smacking women with the whips to make them more fertile.

Some historians, such as classics professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder Noel Lenski, say the men ran around naked while others say they wore only

loincloths.

A publication in the University of Chicago Classical Philology journal, titled, “The Lupercalia in the Fifth Century” by William M. Green describes the transition of the holiday from Pagan to Christian.

In 494, as the Catholic church was becoming more established, Pope Gelasius oppressed the Pagan religions and replaced Lupercalia with the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, also known as Candlemas.

According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Candlemas celebrates the day that Mary went to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice and present Jesus as her firstborn son.

As Christianity grew, the February holiday became more and more like the Saint Valentine’s Day we know today.

Sources such as Spiegel’s NPR article and Green’s publication identify the most likely point of origin for the Saint Valentine lore was a priest in Rome, who was executed on Feb. 14 on the order of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius decided that, in order to keep a strong and loyal army, he couldn’t let his young soldiers marry and start families; and so he made marriage, for young men, illegal.

A particular priest in Rome named Valentine objected to the law, according to History.com, and married young couples in secret.

When his covert weddings were discovered, he was imprisoned, beaten to death with clubs and subsequently beheaded.

History.com also reported that, while the priest was in prison, he left a note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend.

The note was signed, “From your Valentine,” the message seen in many modern Valentine’s Day cards.

At Keene State College, in the 1970s and ‘80s, students could PULLED FROM KSC ARCHIVES attend mixers, send Valentines to In 1981, Charlie purchased a Valentine’s Day ad in the school newspaper for his sweetheart. fellow students and even profess modern times, many still consider Abbygail Vasas can be their love through ads, such as the Gwen in 1981.

Although Valentine’s Day has it a day of romance and love. contacted at full-page love note from Charlie to become highly commercialized in avasas@kscequinox.com

Explosion on USS Maine rocks Havana Harbor KYLE MCNAMARA

Equinox staff On the evening of Feb. 15, 1898, the USS Maine resided peacefully in Cuba’s Havana Harbor as it had for nearly a month. Suddenly, a colossal explosion erupted from the hull of the American battleship, demolishing the vessel’s structure and sinking it.

At approximately 9:40 p.m., an estimated five tons of gunpowder inexplicably combusted and exploded from within ship’s ammunition stocks, generating the blast. 260 men perished as a result of this tragedy and several others suffered injuries, according to History.com.

Close to one month later, on Mar. 21, 1898, the U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry stated in their official investigation report, archived by the Library of Congress, that the incident could have been caused “only by the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship.” This investigation attempted to determine causality, but the lack of concrete evidence left the American dissatisfied. Thus, speculation began.

The American media used the explosion of the Maine as the poster child for their anti-Spanish sentiment. Newspaper giants William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer lead this charge with their “yellow journalism,” a style of reporting that the U.S. Department of State defines as “reporting that emphasized sensationalism over facts,” often in order to evoke certain emotional responses.

Hearst and Pulitzer printed countless articles and photographs

about the Maine in their respective publications, attempting to artificially advance the story.

For example, a transcript of Hearst’s New York Journal, archived on TeachingHistory.org, reads “Naval Officers Think the Maine Was Destroyed by a Spanish Mine.” This headline ran just days after the explosion, yet neither evidence of a mine nor of Spanish involvement had surfaced.

According to the U.S. Department of State, both Hearst and Pulitzer published many more unsubstantiated claims blaming Spain for orchestrating the explosion of the Maine, misleading many of the American public into supporting war against the Spanish.

The USS Maine initially docked in Havana Harbor on Jan. 25, 1898, on orders from U.S. President William McKinley.

Spanish reign in Cuba was known to be harsh, and the American “yellow journalists” published both factual and fictional accounts of Spanish atrocities committed against Cubans, hoping to exacerbate the public’s disdain for the Spanish.

For example, the New York Journal published a story with little corroboration about a young Cuban woman who had allegedly been unjustly imprisoned by the Spanish, a story that Hearst used to rally American support for Cuba, according to the Vanderbilt Historical Review.

After reading these horrors, many came to the support of Cuba, and took particular interest in its well-being.

Therefore, in 1898, the Maine

docked in Havana, “ostensibly on a friendly visit to protect the interests of Americans there,” according to History.com.

This decision was made by the U.S. three years after the Cuban War of Independence began in 1895, and because the United States unofficially backed the Cuban cause, President McKinley felt some form of American military presence was necessary in Cuba.

Prior to the explosion of the USS Maine, anti-Spanish sentiment in America was alive and well; the often doctored tales of Spanish oppression and brutality in Cuba made their way into America.

Thus, many Americans already held unsavory opinions about the Spanish.

Then, Hearst and Pulitzer began directly blaming Spain for the Maine “attack,” using their own information as “evidence.”

According to the U.S. Department of State, “yellow journalism helped to create a climate conducive to the outbreak of international conflict,” and contributed immensely to “creating public support for the Spanish-American War” The resulting Spanish-American War was a short-lived conflict lasting less than four months, concluding in a decisive American victory.

The 1898 Treaty of Paris was signed between the two belligerents, and “Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States, the Philippines were bought and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate,” according to History.com.

In the decades following the explosion of the Maine, several other investigations tried deter-

mining its cause.

In 1976, a naval research team concluded that the explosion was probably the result of a fire that had likely ignited in the ship’s coal bunker.

In 1998, National Geographic began an investigation and analysis of the Maine’s explosion using computer modeling software.

Although the investigation was largely inconclusive, the National Geographic Society decided “either a mine or an accident was plausible,” and that other external forces could have been responsible for the explosion, according to a CNN article written about the investigation.

To this day, historians remain unsure of the exact causality of the explosion which sunk the USS Maine all those years ago, yet it endures as one of the pivotal moments in American history.

It was the first time the United States acted as the “defender of democracy” for an oppressed nation, a role that would be reprised often following this first occasion.

As History.com puts it, the U.S. had “a new stake in international politics that would soon lead it to play a determining role in the affairs of Europe.” United States relations with Cuba forever changed as a result of the war.

America’s guarantee of postwar Cuban independence was only partially honored, for the U.S. kept “the island under US protection” and “the right to intervene in Cuban affairs intent on staying involved with Cuban affairs,” according to BBC.com.

The relationship soured over this provision, and had major

implications in the future of U.S. relations with Cuba and their allies.

The end of the Spanish-American War also marked the beginning of American imperialism, as overseas territories had been acquired from Spain.

The way the media covered the Maine completely altered American journalism.

“Yellow journalism” became a journalistic standard for many because of its effectiveness in terms of sales and reaction.

The media almost single-handedly precipitated the SpanishAmerican War, a phenomenon virtually unheard of prior.

In fact, the phrase “How do you like the Journal’s war?” headlined William Randolph Hearst’s newspaper in its first edition following Congress’s declaration of war, according to a Huffington Post article.

Above all else, the consequences resulting from the tragedy of the USS Maine warn about the dangers of baseless group-think.

The American public was led to believe that Spain was responsible for countless atrocities that were all sensationalized to a degree, including the “attack” on the Maine, by journalists with ulterior motives.

The public’s support for a war was the driving force behind Congress’s eventual declaration of war.

As PBS.org puts it, “The press fueled the public’s passion for war and the U.S. press proved its influence.”

Kyle McNamara can be contacted at kmcnamara@kscequinox.com

KSCEQUINOX.COM

King Tut uncovered

PULLED FROM FLICKR

Breaking the seal of history ABBYGAIL VASAS

Copy Editor/timE CapsulE Editor On Feb. 16, 1923, archaeologists opened the Tomb of King Tutankhamen, which had been sealed since about 1400 B.C.E..

In the early 1900s, many archaeologists flocked to Egypt in search of ancient tombs which had not already been pillaged by tomb raiders. Finally, in Thebes, their years of searching payed off when British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the undisturbed tomb of King Tut. Eyewitness to History describes the tomb as a time capsule from ancient Egypt. King Tut had been laid to rest with all the trappings of life as a Pharaoh, including golden chariots, statues of gold and ebony, a fleet of miniature ships, his golden throne, childhood toys, bottles of perfume, extravagant jewelry and more.

Eyewitness to History also included a passage from Carter’s journal he kept of his experience in Egypt.

In the passage, Carter described the first moment the tomb was cracked open.

As the crew peered into the darkness, the warm air pouring out of the breech in the chamber wall, they were slowly able to see what untouched treasures they would soon reach.

Carter, continuing to describe the experience, said, “As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold - everywhere the glint of gold.

For the moment - an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by - I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, ‘Can you see anything?’ it was all I could do to get out the words, ‘Yes, wonderful things.’”

The chamber Carter and his team were peering into was filled with what Eyewitness to History described as “the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities ever discovered.”

Beyond that room was more rooms.

The archaeologists discovered several more rooms also filled with Egyptian treasures before they eventually reached King Tut’s actual burial chamber.

When archaeologists cataloged their findings from the chambers, many of the artifacts were given to museums.

After some cultural unrest, the Metropolitan Museum of Art volunteered to give 19 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb back to Egypt, according to a 2010 article from the Telegraph.

The items were set to be returned to Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass. Hawass, quoted in the article, said, “Thanks to the generosity and ethical behaviour of the Met, these 19 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamen can now be reunited with the other treasures of the boy king.”

Abbygail Vasas can be contacted at avasas@kscequinox.com

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Sports / B6

Thursday, February 15 , 2018

The Art of Little East Conference weekly awards Exercising BRIEF

Starting Off as a Beginner SUNG-KI CARTY

Equinox Staff Some people exercise to be healthy while some exercise to become stronger and perform better in his/her sport.

I lift because I want to get bigger.

That’s basically it.

I started lifting about a year ago and, I must say, it quickly becomes addicting.

Once a routine is established, it doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s an hour a day that’s completely mine.

Weightlifting (especially with music) is meditative and it allows me to put all my extra energy into something that will better me.

I firmly believe that anyone who really gives weightlifting a sincere try will quickly grow to love it.

Maybe you want to gain muscle or lose weight, but don’t know what to do or where to start.

In my experience, I’ve found most lifters are incredibly kind people that would be more than happy to help someone new correct their form or give them an exercise to work a certain muscle.

If motivation is a problem for you, there are three things that motivate me: the pump, the number and my brother.

After a hard workout I experience a ‘pump,’ the tightness in the muscle being worked.

The muscle is filled with blood, giving it a full look.

It’s noticeably bigger and inspires me to keep working hard.

There’s a reason the gym is lined with mirrors.

Not just to ensure good form, but to allow one to admire the results of their hard work.

No shame in a quick flex.

There will be times when it feels like the shape of the body remains barely unchanged despite weeks or months of working out.

But that’s where the number comes in.

A track runner will see progress through his/her race time.

A basketball player through his/ her field goal percentage.

Similarly, in the weight room, progress will be seen in the weight.

As long as I can move more weight than before, I know that I’m getting stronger, and the time I’m putting in is worth it.

I’m lucky to have a brother who also goes to Keene State College.

Even more, we are very similar in strength.

Because of this, we’re competitive with each other and that makes lifting more enticing and motivating.

You probably don’t have a sibling who goes to KSC, but I recommend lifting with a friend, and pushing each other to get stronger.

Give it a try, there’s nothing like the present.

Sung-Ki Carty can be contacted at scarty@kscequinox.com

Castor (the 4x400 meter relay team), were named the Relay Team of the Week after finishing 16th at the Open New England Championships in a time of 3:29.31.

Overall, Owl athletics had a very successful week.

TO R

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

O / A RT D IR E C

Masotta was also recognized as the Rookie Diver of the Week for the third time this season after her performances at the 2018 LEC Championship.

Masotta finished third on one-meter and the three-meter boards, with scores of 187.00 and 170.90.

The men and women’s track and field team had eight athletes who also received LEC weekly awards.

Juniors Brittany Gravallese and Taylor Bisaillon, along with sophomores Lynne Hebert and Nicole De Almeida, were named the Relay Team of the Week after competing in the 4x400 meter relay at the Open New England Championships. The four Owls combined for a time of 4:09.57 and finished in 15th place.

The men’s team followed, as juniors Jared Hannon, Anthony Jennings and Alex Medina, along with first-year Brandon

IE L L

Another week, more awards. Yet again, 11 individual Keene State College athletes received Little East Conference (LEC) weekly awards, promoting them in their outstanding performances in their sport.

Three women’s swim and dive members received LEC weekly awards; those members being senior Hope Walsh, first-year Hannah Wood and first-year Jessica Masotta.

Walsh received the title Swimmer of the Week for the fourth time this season. Walsh finished first in all three of her individual freestyle events and first in the 400 freestyle relay at the 2018 LEC Championship.

Beginning with the 1650 free, Walsh touched the wall first in a facility record time of 17:28.87, beating her previous mark of 17:39.23 from 2016. Walsh returned to the

pool in Hampden, Massachusetts, for a firstplace finish in the 200 free with a time of 1:59.53, before capping off her individual first place finishes with a win in the 500 free in a time of 5:20.50.

In the 400 free relay, Walsh was the anchor leg of the team that topped the competition with a time of 3:40.17.

For the second time this season, Wood was named the Rookie Swimmer of the Week after her performances in the 2018 LEC Championship.

Wood was co-champion in the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:12.17 with teammate Alex McCafferty.

Wood finished second in the 100 back in a time of 1:02.00, just 0.12 seconds behind first place. Wood was the first leg of two firstplace finishing relays; the 200 free relay turning into a winning time of 1:53.64 and the 400 free relay finished with a time of 3:50.17.

RA R OMA N

SportS Editor

L AU

CAROLINE PERRY

RECAP

KSC basketball trumps Western Connecticut CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor Both men’s and women’s basketball teams took a victory over Western Connecticut State University last Saturday, Feb. 10. The men’s team won 84-71, while the women’s team won 95-79.

The Spaulding Gym hosted a series of exciting events, including the men’s senior game, an outstanding power game by the women’s team, and a well choreographed dance by the KSC dance team, who also honored their seniors.

Men’s basketball came out with a slow start, finding their stamina near the end of the game.

Junior Ty Nichols led the pack, helping five KSC team mates earn double-digits on the court.

Nichols himself scored 17 points, had six assists, four steals, and four rebounds overall.

First-year DeVon Beasley scored 15 points fresh off the bench, shooting 5 for 8 at the three-point line. First-year Miguel Prieto added another 12 points to the scoreboard, with fellow first-year James Anozie scoring ten points himself.

The men’s basketball team trailed for the first and second quarter, but quickly flipped the scorebard around, gaining back the advantage early in the second half of the game.

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KSC basketball teams dominated Western Connecticut.

The Owls kept up the momentum, building upon their success on the court.

This overall led them to their victory over Western Connecticut.

The women’s basketball team came out with fire, quickly taking advantage over the scoreboard and having five double-digit scorers.

Senior Sandra Purcell made eight out of her 16 shots from

CLAIMING VICTORY

set. Positivity and support are crucial, especially at such an important meet,” McGough added.

With so much history of success in the women’s swim and dive team, McGough Cont. from B8 hopes to continue the legacy for her next two years and keep up the hard work.

McGough said that the key to her teams “I hope that as a team we can continue success is their unwavering hard work and this win streak for many years to come. I their ability support one another in and out know it won’t come easy, but we know the of the pool. work required and we are willing to do it,” “We go into the meet with a positive mindMcGough said.

the field, scoring a total of 22 points, having eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.

Junior Emily McPadden made four threes, scoring a total of 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Sophomore Mackenzie Bennett had 16 points herself, adding five rebounds and two assists to her overall performance.

First-year Abigail Thut made ten points, ripping down seven rebounds.

Lillian Shlimon also contributed 10 points to the Owls victory. The women’s team continued their aggressive offense, which led them to their victory over Western Connecticut.

In the final quarter of the game the Owls averaged a 47 percent shooting rate, helping boost them on the scoreboard in the final minutes of the game.

Western Connecticut did have a sudden scoring streak, but the Owls held them at bay and kept up their own hard work. The KSC Dance Team perfromed an incrediable halftime dance to send out and honor their five seniors, which livened up the gym even more.

With the overall double KSC wins and amazing halftime show, the Spaulding Gym was definitely the place to be last Saturday night.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at

Senior Alexandra McCafferty said it felt amazing to claim another LEC title and that it’s a true honor to be a part of this legacy at KSC. “I appreciate all of the alumni who started this team and that worked so hard to be able to get us to the point of winning 12 straight LEC titles. I also look forward to watching my teammates carry on this tradition for years to come,” McCafferty said.

In order to get this end goal, McCafferty said the team put a lot of blood, sweat and

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The women’s swim and dive team places 1st and wins the Little East Conference (LEC) title for the 12th straight year.

Athletics Fun Fact Did you know that the KSC Dance team had their senior dance on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Spaulding Gymnasium? The dance team had five seniors, all of who recieved a framed photo with special messages around it.

tears into this win; training every single day and devoting their overall time to the sport.

Their hard work has paid off, too, for the past twelve years, which McCafferty hopes will continue.

“My hope for the future is that the Keene State swimming and diving program continues to grow and to continue our winning traditions. I will always be a part of this team in my heart even as I graduate this spring; I will continue to support my team as a Keene State owl,” McCafferty said.

Senior Margaret Dean said winning 12 straight titles makes the team feel accomplished, but each win feels like a new chapter the team has added to their dynasty.

“Our team is still in touch with most of our alumni and its not only important to our current team but past teammates that our success story of LEC's continues forwards. And it's amazing to think I am part of this team's journey and it's awesome to know I am part of this success story,” Dean said.

Dean also added that each win feels like a contribution to something much bigger than being a champion and that, as a senior, it’s fulfilling to be a part of KSC’s legacy.

The team steps up when needed and works together, often participating in events they normally don’t participate in just to add points up for the team.

“Working together on our team means swimming your part and knowing everyone, regardless what place they come in, is a valuable asset,” Dean said.

As a senior, Dean will move on, but she hopes, as she continues her journey, that the swim and dive team will continue to work hard and continue the legacy.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

Are you interested in writing for Sports or The Equinox?

Caroline Perry (802) 522-4738

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Diving into success “

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I’m excited to see how I perform at the New England championships next week while I’m at my peak.

CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor

Kyle Shadeck

KSC swim and dive athlete

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Kyle Shadeck and the men’s swim and dive team work to increase their times in the pool, as well as prepare for the end of the season championship.

Shadeck and the swim team prepare for the season’s end JULIA EICHMAN

Equinox Staff Sophomore Kyle Shadeck’s recent 400 Individual Medley (IM) win at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Tech Sprints meet was a stroke in the right direction with New England Intercollegiate Swim and Dive Association(NEISDA) Championships around the corner.

Although his time was not his best, Shadeck was not concerned. “My time from last weekend (4:17.27) was well off my personal best (4:01.76), but that was expected. I have been in the middle of some very intense training over the past few weeks... however it was still a solid swim, all things considered, and I’m excited to see how I perform at the New England championships next week while I’m at my peak,” Shadeck said.

Head Coach Chris Woolridge indicated his thoughts towards Kyle’s performance thus far in the season. “Kyle has been performing well. He has posted in-season best times in his 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 IM,” Woolridge said.

Along with his other accomplishments

Ski & Slopes

this season, Shadeck said, “This was not my first victory. I have won several other individual events throughout the season, including winning this same event against the Division 1 school, Boston College.”

Shadeck also mentioned the importance of rest for him and his team, stating, “Right now, we are in the middle of taper, which means we are gradually reducing the intensity of our workouts so that we will be rested and at our bests when the time comes. From a technical standpoint, I am honing in on the fine details of my events such as having quick transitions and stroke tempo,” Shadeck said.

As for the competition, Shadeck said he thinks it will be “quite stiff” at their upcoming meets.

Excited for the championships, Shadeck has set some personal goals he hopes to achieve. “The ultimate goal is to qualify for the NCAA meet. Last year I came very close to qualifying, so to be able to clinch that spot this year would be awesome. It won’t be easy, but I do believe that I have a good shot at making it happen. It would be a huge honor to represent KSC at the national level,” said

Shadeck.

Moving forward, the men’s swim and dive team will compete next at the NEISDA New England Championships on Thursday, Feb. 14 through 18. Shortly after that follows the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Diving Regionals and NCAA National meets.

In preparation, Woolridge and his team are focusing more on resting. “For us, the work is done. Now we rest up and head to our end of season championship,” Woolridge said.

Shadeck’s teammates also have a few goals of their own, including senior captain Antony Hubbard.

Hubbard said, “I mainly swim backstroke in the relays, 1000 and 500 freestyle, and have been performing decent so far this season.”

This being Hubbard’s last season, he said, “It is a crazy feeling that it all came so fast.”

As for his goals this season, Hubbard is also looking to perform to his best potential. “For the championship, my goals are placing top three in all my individual events and relays, and hopefully my last meet I pull off some life time best times,” Hubbard said.

As a team, Woolridge hopes for overall improvement and feels confident in his swimmers.

“My goal is to have everyone improve each season. In this sport, it’s pretty cut and dry.

You either go faster or you don’t. But I feel confident that the swimmers are ready to perform next weekend,” Woolridge said.

He also added that his personal goal is to “have everyone achieve lifetime bests and see both teams move up in the conference standings.”

This year, the men’s swim and dive team is smaller than previous years but that has not changed the team’s positive outlook or numerous goals.

Shadeck said, “Our men’s team is looking to place higher at the New England’s [championship] this year than we did last year 4th at New England’s. Unfortunately we are at a disadvantage at only having 11 guys competing, but I believe if we stay focused and give it everything we’ve got, it can happen.”

Julia Eichman can be contacted at jeichman@kscequinox.com

Usually, when the winter rolls around, people groan, quickly finding shelter under layers and thick blankets.

However, for others, winter means it's time to wax those skis and hit the slopes. You don’t always have to be a die-hard skier to enjoy the sport, and as I say, I would rather get up and be active than do nothing all winter.

There are so many mental and physical perks that come from skiing, all connecting to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Skiing combines the great outdoors air with physical activity and some sunshine exposure that many people forget about. Skiing also ties in physical, mental, emotional and social aspects, which all contribute to a healthy persona.

The physical aspect of the sport is huge. Skiing is a very tiring sport for beginners, but it offers so much physical exercise.

Many people, especially beginners, don’t really realize how much brain power actually goes into the sport itself.

Skiing is a proprioceptive activity, which refers to the ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts, according to an article on the University of New Hampshire (UNH) website titled, “The Benfits of Skiing.” This almost defines skiing because the sport involves balance and coordination.

There are numerous movements (sometimes slight) and positions that you and your body must be conscious of in order to ski well.

The more you ski, the more you strengthen your ability to be aware of the movement of your body parts.

This is important because proprioception weakens with age so the more you are involved in skiing, the better you will get. Skiing also strengthens your joints, such as your knees, which mostly endure the weight.

Strengthening these areas makes an injury later in life less likely, as well as makes your bones stronger. Your movements will also become faster, so not only are you having a fantastic time gliding down the slopes, but you are preventing knee damage and increasing your proprioceptive strength.

If you’re a skier, you know just how social the sport is.

People will say “hi” on the slopes and you’ll ride up with strangers on the lift, often leading to mellow conversations. Waking up at the crack of dawn to drive an hour or more, to spend a day in the freezing cold may not seem appealing to a non-skier. But if you add a whole group of close friends that all share an enjoyment and love for skiing, you’ve got one heck of a good day.

What is unique about skiing is that it brings together people of all different ages and cultures.

All over the world there are mountains and snow, and people skiing. So not only do you have a great group of people having a fantastic time, you’ve got a motivational team that encourages you to get off the couch in the winter and get active.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m so thankful I got off the couch and let my friend drag me to the mountain to learn how to ski.

For me, I am always learning and always gaining knowledge.

With each run comes an establishment of a forever skill. It sure does make my winters all the better.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

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Thursday, February 15, 2018

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DIVING INTO SUCCESS

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Claiming victory

Women’s swim and dive win their 12th LEC title CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor Just like many years before, the Keene State College women’s swim and dive team has claimed yet another LEC title, making it their 12th straight title.

With 12 years under their belt, the women’s swim and dive team succeeded again in their respective field, claiming their title in Owl Nation.

Sophomore Madison Pechulis said it feels amazing knowing her team's hard work has pulled off each year. Continuously claiming the LEC title gave the team and individuals the extra strength they needed to push through the next season, Pechulis said.

The preparation that goes into each meet is a key part to the team’s success. Pechulis has to practice six days a week, doing doubles some days, and working in the weight room. “Each Friday, the girls have a quick meeting after practice where we each talk about the good things we saw from others during the week. It helps to have the support of your whole team,” Pechulis said.

Having all of the hard work pay off in the end is the best part to it all, Pechulis said. “To know that your teammates believe in you and are cheering for you at the end of the lane is sometimes what you need to believe in yourself.”

Senior Rachel MacKinnon, who has been with the

team for the past three LEC titles, said it feels great to “Especially for the seniors since we've been apart have pulled off such an accomplishment. of it for four years now. We didn't want to lose it our MacKinnon added that to win an LEC means a lot last year so we had the drive to win. We've worked to the team and to have accomplished 12 years in a countless hours, swam thousands of laps to prepare row is amazing. for that,” MacKinnon said.

“As the team captain, I'm extremely proud of the As a senior, MacKinnon hopes to see the legacy girls and how we performed. I definitely cried a little of dominance continue for another decade. “I have because of how happy I was with this win. It was an faith in our program that we can successfully conexciting meet and I can't wait to see what our next tinue this streak.” championship has to bring in a week,” MacKinnon Sophomore Sydney McGough said it feels amazsaid. ing to be a part of something so much bigger than The training process was rigorous this year, the herself. “I was seven, when the women won their first team knowing just how big of a deal it was to pull out title [of the 12 straight], and to now be a part of the the win, MacKinnon said. legacy is just surreal,” McGough said.

SEE CLAIMING VICTORY, B6

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The women’s swim and dive team conquered in the pool, claiming their 12th straight Little East Conference (LEC) title. The KSC team hopes to continue their legacy in the years to come.

Behind the scenes of baseball CAROLINE PERRY

SportS Editor

With the winter season coming to a slow but gradual end, the spring sports, such as baseball, prepare for their seasons to begin.

Junior pitcher Connor Johnson said there is a lot more to baseball pre-season than people think.

Baseball starts early too, with pre-season beginning in fall, a few weeks after the return of students.

“We begin with tryouts that are run very much like games with two teams against each other and such.

That’s just to see what guys can do in game-like pressure situations,” Johnson said.

As the fall progresses into the winter, the team focuses on weight lifting and getting stronger so they can become durable during the season, Johnson added.

On top of the physical exercise comes the phase of actual practices in the gym, which gives the team a taste for baseball and makes them hungry to go outside and play, Johnson said.

“Pitchers throw their bullpens to deactivate our arms after we shut them down from the end of fall to the beginning of Christmas break. As our pitchers get back into the hang of things, we will do ‘live days’ where our pitchers face our batters in “live atbats” to simulate at-bats in a game,” Johnson said.

Focusing on the little things such as bunt cov-

erages, defense with runners on first and third and pick-offs from pitchers really helps the team focus and keep their mind on the important parts, Johnson added. “You get what you put into it. Even though we have a hard-working group, we need to put our effort into our craft and make it hard for ourselves, which I think we do well.”

Junior pitcher Brandon Heath said there is no off season in collegiate baseball.

“During the winter months we have team workouts four days a week to help prepare our bodies for the season. The pitchers also start throwing to strengthen their arms and hitters take a ton of reps in the batting cage to perfect their swings,” Heath said.

Due to the New England weather, the team has to spend most of their pre-season inside, which is difficult because inside infielders don’t get true ground balls and outfields can’t practice fly balls like they can on a baseball field, Heath said.

“When in practice we like to take advantage of what we can do. To practice as realistic as we can, our pitchers throw live to batters in the cage so hitters can face real pitching like a game situation,” Heath said. “As far as practices go, you are trying to get better for the season so they should be hard.

If every practice was easy then you aren’t giving yourself and your team mates the best chance to succeed in the spring. We work hard in the off

season for a reason,” added Heath.

Senior Noah Rizio said that each day of pre-season is different, with a variety of exercises that the team focuses on.

Rizio said the team starts in the summer with playing in different summer leagues along with lifts that the trainer, Sarah Testo, gives them.

Then in the fall, the team has practices for about four weeks with two games at the end of the fall with any school that’s close to them, Rizio added.

“We’re pretty relaxed as a group.

Of course we get on each other sometimes, but sometimes you have to.

We all want the same thing, and that’s to win in the spring.

We all know what we have to do,” Rizio said. In the past, the baseball team had some issues with negativity, but Rizio said the team and players have grown since then.

“We’re now all on the same page and it’s more fun to be a part of this team than it has in any of the last three years I’ve been here. I have a lot of confidence that we will be more successful because of it,” Rizio said.

Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com

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KSC baseball gives a behind the scenes glimpse of pre-season.

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