Los Angeles Loyolan December 7th 2016

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Hear from a vet and LMU student about why the protests against DAPL mattered.

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The Rams are struggling this season and things are not looking up.

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Crossing borders: An undocumented story Brenda Quintanilla discusses her life as an undocumented student.

Bri Ortiz

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

Imagine leaving behind the place you grew up, packing all of your most important belongings in one small backpack and voyaging for days, weeks, even months to travel to a different country that you will eventually call home. In the United States, many undocumented students have faced similar situations as this, including sophomore political science and Chicana/o studies major, Brenda Quintanilla.

Quintanilla grew up in El Salvador until she was 8 years old, but had to leave her home because of the ongoing violence and growing gang presence in her community.

According to Quintanilla, these gangs would begin to recruit children who were as young as 8 years old.

“When I was five, the gangs tried to recruit [my brother] and they jumped one of his friends and were threatening him,” Quintanilla said. “[My brother’s friend] was shot and died. [...] After they killed his best friend, my brother was like ‘I have to go to the U.S.’ [...] [At the time] he was 18.

My dad was already in the U.S. [My dad] came to work, so [my brother] decided to go with my dad. After that, two, three years later, he said he saved enough money [...] to bring the rest of my family.”

Quintanilla said that her family realized that she was getting to an age at which she was prioritizing her education. The El Salvadorian education system was not conforming to her educational needs, so “we all decided to move [to the U.S.] to work there and get educated. We’ve been here for 10 years,” Quintanilla said.

Throughout Quintanilla’s life, she always knew she was undocumented but did not

know that terminology until she was in middle school. Quintanilla and her family would use the term “illegal,” since that is the term that many officials and the media would use.

“The first time it actually hit me was in sixth grade, when my school was taking a trip to Washington D.C.,” Quintanilla explained. “My friend was like ‘Are you ready?’ and I was like, ‘I just need to get my

permission slip signed.’”

Quintanilla’s father did not sign her permission slip out of fear of her undocumented status. “I just remember crying and the next day at school I remember I didn’t want to tell my friend so I just told her they said no because it was too dangerous,” Quintanilla said.

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via Brenda Quintanilla

Brenda Quintanilla (pictured left) has thrived at LMU, even with the disadvantages and struggles as an undocumented student.

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Online post sparks concern amongst students A student’s picture is garnering attention on social media.

Kellie Chudzinski News Editor @LALoyolan

A controversial photo of Adam Duarte, a sophomore economics and political science doublemajor and president of the newly founded chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom, has offended some LMU students.

The photo features Duarte wearing a sombrero with a drawn-on mustache while holding what appears to be a shovel. It was initially posted on May 19, 2016 to Duarte’s Facebook profile. The photo’s caption reads “Halloween 2015...

I was an alien.”

Duarte is the son of El Salvadorian and Guatemalan immigrants who came to America as undocumented immigrants but were later granted political asylum and amnesty.

Duarte confirmed to the Loyolan that he is the owner of the Facebook profile on which the photo appears and that he posted the photo.

Multiple students brought the photo to the Loyolan’s attention, saying they were offended by the stereotypical Mexican

features portrayed in the photo in conjunction with use of the term “alien”, thought to reference the term “illegal alien.”

Christopher Reynosa, a junior psychology and Chicano/a studies double-major and member of MEChA de LMU, was offended by what he described as the appropriation of his culture.

“I think that cultural appropriation affects us all.

It perpetuates stereotypes of communities that are damaging,” Reynosa said.

Duarte declined a request from the Loyolan to comment on the controversy surrounding the photo and instead focused on the students who brought the photo to attention.

“Whoever brought it up is looking for trouble. People seek bad in other people; that’s sweet of them,” Duarte said.

As of Loyolan press time the photo was still visible to the public on Duarte’s Facebook profile.

The term “alien,” when referencing undocumented Mexican citizens living in the U.S., has long been a controversial one. As reported by the L.A. Times, California Governor Jerry Brown banned the word “alien” from California state labor laws in 2015.

ASLMU President LaShyra Nolen, a senior health and human sciences major, referenced the strides ASLMU and the LMU community as a whole have made to be more inclusive and to better

understand communities that are different than our own.

“We as an institution, including ASLMU, must brainstorm methods to help these types of students better understand the meaning of our Jesuit mission and help them realize that these types of comments hurt our fellow Lions,” Nolen said.

According to the University’s Technology and Social Media Policy in the Community Standards Booklet, LMU refers to the particular social media site’s policies when considering censoring content. Students will also be held accountable to the Student Conduct Code.

Potential misuses of social media identified in the policy include posting inappropriate or harassing images or videos.

The Freedom of Expression Policy stipulated in the Community Standards Booklet protects the expression of all views and encourages open discussion. The policy protects all forms of speech, including social media posts, the formation of groups and the posting of signs.

The policy states that “the safe, civil and educational expression of opposing views, particularly deeply emotional views, is especially important and is the responsibility of everyone involved.”

Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Jeanne Ortiz suggested to students who believe they have

seen an offensive post to contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to report the incident.

Ortiz said in an email to the Loyolan that, in accord with the

social media policy, LMU does not monitor student accounts but will hold students responsible to the conduct code.

Adam Duarte via Facebook

Some LMU students are outraged by a Facebook post from a fellow LMU student, Adam Duarte, that includes a photo taken on Halloween 2015.

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BURNING QUESTIONS

This issue, Asst.

News Editor Justine Biondi sat down with This issue, Managing junior philosophy and Editor Dan Raffety theology double-major sits with Head anddown international Coach Max Good, student, Matthew head coach of Parson. the LMU’s men’s basketball team to talk about the upcoming season.

Where are you from originally?

DACA program may be threatened and communities respond.

@LALoyolan

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I have been living in the states since my freshman year [of college]. I have been fortunate enough to travel a fair bit including a semester abroad on the Casa de la Mateada program in Argentina.

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I always wanted to go to university in the states, but there was something about the vibe at LMU, rooted in the Jesuit tradition, that appealed to me. I love the emphasis on creating men and women with and for others.

How has your experience been thus far at LMU?

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Communities speak against Trump’s proposed policies Sami Lueung

How long have you been living in the U.S.?

Have you lived anywhere else in addition to your home country and California?

What made you choose LMU?

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I am originally from the British countryside near a small town called Sevenoaks just southeast of London.

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I love LMU. It has been such a good fit — I have become fairly involved through Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, playing club rugby and exploring all that Campus Ministry has to offer, from IC trips to service and Kairos retreats. I really do feel like I have found my home here. All of these experiences have really given me the opportunity to grow and learn about who I am and who I want to be moving forward.

How is your life different in California to your life back home?

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The U.S. in general is a much faster pace of life which at times can be challenging. The weather has also been a big change, as it is always sunny and never rains which is a little different from England. The opportunities that have presented themselves to me here at LMU would have been unimaginable if you were to tell me what would be possible for me two years ago.

The cities of San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Baltimore and Santa Fe, as well as over 300 leaders of higher education, have spoken out publicly against President-elect Donald Trump’s suggested policies, particularly those against the children of undocumented immigrants in America.

President-elect Trump may pose a threat to sanctuary cities which have policies in place that limit how much local law enforcement will cooperate with federal immigration officials.

Trump has pledged to block federal funding to sanctuary cities within his first 100 days in office. Cities like Santa Fe stand to lose around $6 million annually, or 2 percent of its annual budget, according to CNN, while San Francisco could lose up to $1 billion, according to the San Francisco Gate.

However, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors still passed a resolution on Nov. 23 detailing its continuing support in issues such as undocumented immigrant protection, LGBTQ+ rights, religious freedoms and social, economic and racial justice. The resolution passed unanimously with nine votes in favor, according to Fusion.net.

Part of the resolution states “that no matter the threats made

by President-elect Trump, San Francisco will remain a sanctuary city; we will not turn our back on the men and women from other countries who help make this city great, and who represent over one-third of our population; this is the Golden Gate — we build bridges, not walls.”

This resolution is joined by a letter against Trump’s planned removal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

program. The letter was written by University of California President Janet Napolitano, California State Chancellor Timothy P. White and chancellor-designate of California Community Colleges Eloy Ortiz Oakley. Napolitano, under President Barack Obama, was the initiator of the DACA program, which allows certain young people who do not present a risk to national security and were brought illegally to the U.S. as minors to stay in the country and continue their education and careers.

The presidents of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities also released a letter to “promote retention of the DACA Program, to preserve the religious freedoms on which our nation was founded and to support and stand with our students, faculty and staff regardless of their faith traditions.” The letter is signed by 27 of the 28 presidents of Jesuit universities in the U.S., among them LMU President Timothy Law Snyder.

So far, the DACA program has approved applications nationally from an estimated 742,000 people, 214,000 of whom live in California, the most of any state, according to the L.A. Times.

“These sons and daughters of undocumented immigrants are as American as any other child across the nation, in all but in the letter of the law,” the letter stated.

“They represent some of the best our nation has to offer […] we implore you to let them know they are valued members of our communities and that they will be allowed to continue to pursue the American dream.”

The letter follows an open letter initiated by Pomona College President David Oxtoby and signed by more than 300 other college presidents — including Yale, Harvard, Stanford and Scripps College — that calls for DACA to be expanded and that “DACA beneficiaries on our campuses have been exemplary student scholars and student leaders, working across campus and in the community [...] they

are actively contributing to their local communities and economics.”

“I think [the repeal of the DACA program] is dangerous, especially for the students and the families who were benefitting from the program,” Claudia Sandoval, assistant professor of political science at LMU, said. “I also think that its a problem for the United States to discount the hard work that these individuals have contributed to the United States.”

Oxtoby has also assured students that Pomona will fill any financial aid gaps should Trump end DACA work permits. He also provided students with access to an immigration lawyer for legal advice and advised them not to study abroad next semester as the legal terrain for returning to the U.S. grows more complicated.

According to Mercury News, the California State University’s Office of the Chancellor sent out a letter to its 23 campuses advising DACA recipients currently studying abroad to return to the U.S. before the president’s inauguration.

The program that allows DACA recipients to study abroad is called Advance Parole. It allows DACA students to leave and return to the country for three reasons: humanitarian, educational or employment related. However, these permits are discretionary and there is a possibility that some DACA recipients could get stuck outside the U.S., according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

“I want to see the world. I think of the U.S. as my prison now [...] it always comes back to haunt me, my inability to travel,” Alejandro Zapata, a sophomore computer science major, said. “If Donald Trump cancels DACA, I will also lose my work permit, so my career is in jeopardy. I’ll go through my four years working just as hard as everyone else, but there’s [a] hanging doom of that I might not being able to do anything with my career once I graduate — it might just be worthless.”

Where do you see yourself living after college?

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I would love to teach, especially high school, so fingers crossed I get to have the option of staying in the U.S., but we shall see. I really don’t know where I’m going to be whether that is back in England, in Guatemala where my best friend and roommate is from or any other country around the world. If you were to spin the globe and randomly put your finger down, I am as likely to live there as any other country, which is cool, but terrifying at the same time.

What are some things you’ve tried for the first time since living in California?

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I tried golf for the first time, which was interesting. Also Mexican food is nonexistent in England, so I have found a love for food as well. Some of the service and campus ministry experiences have been really wonderful to try.

Want to read more MORE questions with Parson? them out at QUESTIONS Check laloyolan.com.

City of San Francisco | Wikipedia

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in solidarity with undocumented immigrants.

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Annual performance raises money for World AIDS Day LMU theatre department hosts annual Stages of AIDS performance.

Liv Sikora News Intern @LALoyolan

World AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) Day is celebrated worldwide annually on Dec. 1, and LMU theater department honored this cause with their production of “Raft of the Medusa.”

“After getting cast as Cora in Raft of Medusa, I knew I was going to have to prepare for the role differently than I usually do,” Emily Bader, a sophomore theatre arts major, said about her role. “She was so full of heartache and bitterness, and I needed to fully understand her negative attitude before I could portray the role without judgment. On top of a New York accent and loads of baggage, one of the most crucial elements was the accurate portrayal of having AIDS.” The show ran for three nights only, from Dec. 1-3. The show offered free admission to all, but asked for donations at the door.

The show raised $935 for AIDS Project L.A. (APLA).

APLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to improve access to care and provide support for those suffering from HIV, as well as develop strategies to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, according to the APLA website.

“Fighting AIDS is not just about fighting the virus and saving lives, even though these would be

the most obvious and important reasons,” theater professor Neno Pervan and director of “Raft of the Medusa,” said. “It is also about showing respect and giving dignity to those who are infected, regardless their race, gender, sexual preference, nationality, age. Beyond obvious medical reasons, this is also a political issue that reaches into the questions of equality. Everybody who is affected should have an equal and easy access to drugs and lifesaving treatments. And that is still not the case.”

Bader said that putting on this performance as a benefit to APLA not only pushed the cast to develop the best ensemble they could, but also opened her own eyes to the real and serious disease that affects our world. She explained that the LMU theater department’s annual Stages of AIDS performance not only introduces different topics and diversity into theater, but also spreads awareness to a campus of individuals who may otherwise not have the opportunity to help.

The show opened on World AIDS Day, which was first honored in 1988, and was the first ever global health day, according to the World AIDS Day website. This day is honored in order to provide an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and to honor and support those who have died from or currently suffer from HIV. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, HIV is a virus spread through certain bodily fluids that attack the body’s immune system and CD4 cells — called T-cells; the virus can attack cells until the

body can no longer fight off any diseases which leads to AIDS. There is not yet a known cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are many organizations that strive to raise money for a cure. HIV can be controlled through antiretroviral therapy (ART). This process was introduced in the 1990s and has prolonged the lives of many people living with HIV. According to the World AIDS Day website, an estimated 34 million people have HIV. More than 35 million people have died from HIV or AIDS, despite the virus’ relatively recent discovery in 1984.

A red ribbon is used to show awareness of and support for those living with HIV or AIDS. This idea first came about through Visual AIDS, a group consisting of 12 artists in New York. They met in 1991 and came up with the idea of a red ribbon to serve as a symbol.

LMU’s Student Health Services offers testing for HIV to students.

Students are able to make confidential appointments online, or contact Student Health Services at (310) 338-2881.

NIAID via Flickr

The red ribbon symbolizes the support and awareness of AIDS.

Living as an undocumented student Borders from Page 1

“They were too afraid to let me go places. After that I realized there were so many disadvantages that I had because I was undocumented.”

Even with these disadvantages as an undocumented student, Quintanilla excelled in her studies throughout middle and high school, so much so that she was able to graduate from high school as salutatorian. However, as a high school senior, Quintanilla was unable to attend many out-ofstate schools she was interested in, because students had to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for financial aide. When Quintanilla applied to LMU, however, she was accepted to the University and was awarded the Social Justice Scholarship, which is awarded to only five undocumented students on a merit basis.

“It’s great having that economic support because I know my family would not have been able to afford it,” Quintanilla stated. “$60,000 is something that three of my siblings make combined per year.

[The scholarship is] such a blessing.

Without that, realistically, I probably would be at community college or working.”

Pertaining to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Quintanilla was able to receive her DACA documents after the movement was passed in 2012.

“I got my DACA approved; I got a

work permit, my social security, my ID and I could get a driver’s license,” Quintanilla explained. “Trump has claimed that in his first 100 days, that is something he is going to eliminate, which means I can’t work on campus anymore, I can’t drive a car, my social security will [be a mess] and the study abroad plan I had — it’s not going to happen. Every two years you have to renew it. Basically you put yourself on a list where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) knows that you’re here illegally [...] so if DACA is taken out, my name will be on that list. So if I ever commit a crime, even if it’s just a speeding ticket, I can go into removal proceedings.”

Quintanilla planned to study abroad next year as a junior in Argentina and fill out an Advance Parole form —a document allowing undocumented immigrants with DACA to leave the country either because of work purposes, educational opportunities or humanitarian work. Since DACA will be in the process to be removed, according to Trump’s ‘100 Days in Office,’ Quintanilla and other undocumented students can no longer apply for it and many attorneys have been telling students who are currently abroad to return before the semester ends.

“I really don’t know what’s going to happen [...] I am going to graduate; that’s not even a question. After that

though, I don’t think I’m going to be able to go to law school straight out anymore. I’ve lived here more than half of my life, but I’m still considered international.”

Throughout her time here at LMU, Quintanilla has been able to receive support from the organizations she is a part of, such as MEChA, the Social Justice Scholars and First to Go. “When it comes to undocumented students at LMU, [specifically] if you listen to the stories that these students have and the reasons why their families came here in the first place, I feel like people would be a little bit tolerable,” Quintanilla said. “I’m not saying you have to necessarily agree or understand, but at least tolerate it, and [be] able to empathize to those families. Know why they gave up everything to come here; just imagine yourself and your parents telling you, ‘Get a backpack and put the most important things you have in that backpack; we’re leaving.’ You don’t just say that to say it; you are giving up so much to do that. Knowing that when you get to that other location, you are still not going to be wanted, but yet you are still willing to give up all of that because you know you are going to have so many opportunities elsewhere. Just being able to be empathetic and putting yourself in those people’s shoes and really see where those families are coming from.”

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LMU stands with protesting Sioux tribe A flag in support of the pipeline protesters was sent to the protest by CSA. Justine Biondi Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

As of Sunday, Dec. 4, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that they will not approve the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahu in North Dakota. The pipleine would have cut through native land and water. Protestors celebrate this success but remain cautious of the pipeline’s future.

The announcement is a relief to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and supporters’ increasing concerns over the pipeline’s threat to their environment and water supply, according to CNN. Authorities imposed a deadline of Tuesday, Dec. 5, as the last day for protestors to leave Standing Rock.

Despite the deadline, a snow storm and the announcement from the Army Corp of Engineers, protestors still remain on the site. By now, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the protestors have built and established campsites on the grounds, enforcing their protest against the pipeline development.

The Sioux Tribe asked for donations to support their cause and for more people to stand in solidarity with the movement. The tribe asked for items such as camping gear, cold-weather clothing, generators, medical supplies and banners. After hearing the tribe’s call for support, members of LMU decided to take action.

The Center for Service and Action (CSA), along with members of various service organizations and the Alternative Breaks program, joined the movement by hosting a table on Palm Walk to inform students on the issue and ways to get involved.

Students passed around a petition to ‘stand in solidarity’ with the Sioux

Tribe; it received more than 600 signatures from students, staff and faculty.

Students also collected donations for the tribe and made a banner that read, “LMU Students Stand with Standing Rock.” The banner was sent to the Standing Rock grounds and now hangs near the entrance of the Oceti Sakowin camp in North Dakota.

“Our students wanted to do something to stand in solidarity with this movement,” CSA Alternative Break Program Coordinator, Jessica Viramontes, said in an email to the Loyolan. “The idea grew out of a conversation, and a couple student organizers, Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Franco, took the lead in planning an action.”

Viramontes believes the movement is much bigger than protesting a pipeline that would threaten the Sioux Tribe’s water supply.

“This movement is also about the rights of indigenous peoples that have continuously been violated,” Viramontes said. “Given the shameful history of the U.S. government’s treatment of Native Americans in this country, including genocide, colonization and treaty violations—the Standing Sioux Tribe along with other native groups understand that this movement is important to their survival.”

The protestors have endured arrests, threats, standoffs and camping out in freezing weather, but their efforts have finally paid off.

However, the future is still uncertain. Not only must the government reroute the pipeline from its original blueprint, but also there remains uncertainty regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s position on the issue.

Trump, a pipeline supporter, has yet to comment on the protest. It is because of these uncertainties that the protestors refuse to evacuate the premises even after the Army Corps’ announcement this Sunday.

via CSA

The Center for Service and Action sent a flag to North Dakota as a sign of solidarity for the protesters.

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Campus stabbings turn LMU to safety precautions What students should know in case of on campus emergency.

Julia Campion

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

In the past week there have been two college campus attacks that have brought attention to on-campus safety for students around the country.

On Nov. 28, an Ohio State University student wounded 11 people on campus by driving his car into a cluster of pedestrians and stabbing anyone who was in his way with a butcher knife.

Investigators stated that this act of violence was inspired by AlQaeda recruiters or ISIS. ISIS claimed the responsibility for the attack on Tuesday and investigators are going through electronic devices and social media accounts of the attacker, Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

Artan was shot dead by a police officer during the attack when he refused to drop his weapon and was found to have bought a knife that morning at a Walmart store. It is unclear if that weapon was the one he used during his attack.

President-elect Donald Trump posted a tweet soon after the attack, stating, “ISIS is taking credit for the terrible stabbing attack at Ohio State University by a Somali refugee who should not have been in our country.”

Another stabbing occurred closer to LMU on Dec. 2. David Jonathan Brown, a 28-yearold graduate student of brain and cognitive science at the University of Southern California was arrested for stabbing Bosco Tjan, a professor of psychology who oversaw his work, to death.

The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) said that investigators believe that the result of this attack was due to personal issues and conflicts between Brown and Tjan.

“I don’t feel like I know much about what to do if there is an incident like this on campus or know what to do about it in college. There doesn’t seem to be enough information shared about it at LMU,” sophomore graphic design major, Scotty Zech, said.

If there is any threat of an active shooter on campus, DPS advises students to run, hide or fight. This guideline is online under DPS’s emergency management tab.

“What we advise for faculty and students to do if that situation arises is to get out of harm’s way and run,” Chief of DPS Hampton Cantrell said.

“The second thing is you should find shelter in a place if you don’t feel like running is an option, and if the suspect confronts you, the final option is to fight.”

The USC stabbing was a targeted threat and the student was stated to have a grievance with the professor. The same motions are advised for these

situations at LMU, but most importantly, the community is advised to help each other and let DPS, Dean of Students or a staff member at Human Resources know about any sort of suspicion of these kinds of acts.

“We [DPS] have had very good

relationships around campus, and it takes a community to have the safety that we all aspire to have,” Cantrell said. “It really is about having people understand that if they see something that’s unusual, you advise this classmate or friend to get help.”

DPS has services available for students who are suspicious of any potential threats, including the new LiveSafe Safety App, anonymous reports and they also advise reaching out to faculty if students feel unsafe on campus.

DACA Q&A with President Snyder An interview with LMU’s president on the DACA program.

Gracie McManus Editor-in-Chief @LALoyolan

Editor-in-chief Gracie McManus interviewed LMU President Timothy Snyder regarding his views on the DACA program and the implications of its removal at LMU. Q: The results of the election have caused a lot of turmoil on college campuses nationwide, with many students fearing for their safety after an increase in the number of raciallymotivated attacks. What are your thoughts?

A: I am concerned whenever civil discourse and open dialogue devolve into hate speech or any act that diminishes another person.

Our community is built upon respect and love for one another.

I applaud our students, faculty and staff who stood in solidarity at the unity march on Nov. 17 to demonstrate our commitment to the dignity of all persons.

Q: The major issue at hand is whether Donald Trump will repeal Deferred Action for

Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and what that means for undocumented students and their families. You’ve signed two letters with other college presidents supporting DACA and the students it protects — what are the next steps?

A: At LMU we have, are and will continue to support our undocumented students. Driven by our Catholic, Jesuit and Marymount values, and aligned with Pope Francis’ teachings, we are called to offer an academic and co-curricular environment open to all members of our human family.

Our undocumented students interconnect our community to our global society, and they imagine a world where the promise of an LMU education overcomes barriers, creating a better life for those here and for those to come. The higher education community is unifying in its stance that DACA students are vital members of our campus communities who need our support. Many faculty and administrators continue to sign letters urging our elected representatives to extend DACA. What happens next depends on all of us. We must educate others constantly about the issues at stake, and encourage everyone to speak up for the basic human dignity of all.

Q: What do you think about

the students’ responses at the sit-in they staged outside your office on Nov. 14?

A: I am proud of our students, and I gained insight from our engaged dialogue. I am confident that our core values, mission and track record of supporting the most vulnerable members of society stands on its own. My community letters, speeches and actions reflect the University’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, open dialogue and support of all students — regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, political orientation or other characteristics.

Q: Is it true that LMU can’t legally create a sanctuary campus or space that offers actual protection for undocumented students?

A: I instructed our general counsel and our senior leadership to ensure we continue supporting students regardless of immigration status and, in my letters, I have shared with the community our continued ongoing support for undocumented students.

While I understand the desire of wanting to declare LMU a sanctuary campus, a non-binding declaration without concrete

steps to protect our students will not accomplish our goals.

In a letter I co-authored and co-signed last week with other Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) presidents, we stated that, “We will continue working to protect to the fullest extent of the law undocumented students on our campuses.” That assurance is more meaningful than a declaration, and I believe that LMU’s position fits the centuries-long Catholic tradition of providing care and support for our most vulnerable community

members.

Our DACA students are poised to make America greater, and we are immeasurably enriched by their ambition, their hopes and their contributions.

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Board Editorial Gracie McManus Editor-in-Chief

Christie Calucchia Managing Editor

Jackie Galvez Managing Editor

Isabel Ngo

Managing Editor

Janine Leano Digital Director

Xian Wong

Creative Director

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.

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We need to stay calm during finals This time of year, campus is always buzzing with a certain kind of energy. The Christmas trees have been put up around campus, smells of pumpkin spice and chai tea are everywhere and there’s the faintest chill in the air. There is also a palpable feeling of stress hanging over almost everyone as we approach finals.

We want to remind everyone to put themselves and their health first this finals season. It can be easy to forgo our usual routines and forget to eat or sleep a healthy amount when this time of year comes around. Finals bring us all together in our united struggle to survive the remaining weeks of the semester between Thanksgiving and winter break. Instead of stress-eating Hot Cheetos and staying up until the sun rises, let’s refocus our energy on our health first, which will actually help us in our pursuit of perfect test scores and laudable projects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise has many benefits to help us all de-stress. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins — “feel-good neurotransmitters” — in your brain. These endorphins can literally make you feel happy, which we could all use while preparing for daunting exams and long research papers.

Moving your body can also help distract your mind from the stress that finals induce. This alleviation of daily tension can help you focus on your 10-page study guide later. Exercise is proven to increase selfconfidence and relaxation, while simultaneously lowering symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. So whether it’s squeezing in a jog after class, hitting a spin class with friends before breakfast or wrapping up a long day with a yoga class, physical activity can make a big impact and may help you stay relaxed and focused before you nail your finals.

Eating is another factor to keep in mind as we approach finals week. It is always important to keep a balanced diet in mind, but this is especially important to remember during stressful times

LION when itSPORTS can be easy to grab quick unhealthy snacks, especially when it feels like taking the time to cook something healthy or seek out a balanced meal on campus will cut into precious study time.

According to Harvard Health, stress can increase our intake of food high in fat and sugar. But just as stress can make us prone to eating unhealthy foods, the right foods can make us less stressed.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advises eating low-fat, high-fiber, carbohydrate-rich foods and lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid stress. So take the extra time to eat real food to keep your stress levels down.

We all know that stress runs high during this time of year, but in college getting more than six hours of sleep a night can be a challenge any time in the semester, not just during finals week. According to the American Psychological Association, sleep deprivation can affect memory, judgement and mood — all things that we want to be in check as we prepare ourselves for tests, papers and presentations.

In order to combat the stress, we recommend taking advantage of some of LMU’s on-campus resources, such as Student Psychological Services and LMU CARES, if finals are really taking their toll. For a lighter stressrelief, keep your eyes out for the seemingly endless amount of therapy puppy events that often come up during this time of year.

Many organizations host puppy-petting parties complete with food and fun times with man’s best friend. It may also be beneficial to seek out a calming study spot, either on or off-campus, so that when those all-nighters do come around, you are surrounded with the best environment to work efficiently.

How you choose to battle finals is entirely up to you, but please remember that in the struggle for perfect scores, self-care is just as — if not more — important.

“We want to remind everyone to put themselves and their health first...”

We should encourage healthy living O’Round the clock Olivia Round

Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan

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rowing up, I never had to worry about my weight, and stepping on a scale was hardly a haunting experience. I’ve often felt that this was because I am built like my mom. We are around the same height and our bodies are inarguably very similar to one another. But what is also true is that I consistently worked hard to stay in shape.

By my junior year, I was active around three hours a day between practices, games and workouts. Spring of my senior year of high school became my first “offseason” since I was 6 years old.

Yes, I was skinny, and I liked it. But I was also strong, and I liked that even more. For me, it was never about what size jeans I wore or what my body looked like compared to the girls I saw in magazines. It was about meeting my next goal and proving to myself that I could always get stronger and faster than I was the day before. Of course, sometimes I failed or didn’t reach a goal, but that only motivated me to work harder.

Today, I fear that such

Madeline Mary | Loyolan

Living a healthy life and feeling good about your body go hand-in-hand.

motivation is getting shamed.

All of a sudden, wanting to maintain a certain weight is synonymous with self-hatred.

But there’s another side to this: for many people, including myself, wanting to maintain a certain weight is synonymous with wanting to be healthy.

I know what my body feels like when it is healthy, and I know what I need to do to make sure it feels that way. I don’t think this means I hate myself or allow the media to shame my body type. I think it means that I love myself completely. I like being alive and I like being healthy and I want to do everything I can to make sure I can remain both of those things for as long as possible.

These past two summers, I ran half marathons with my parents, who are 49 and 52 years old. This inspires me to keep running until I am their age. If that means I have to push myself to find time to work out every week, that’s okay. If it means I have to avoid unhealthy habits, that’s okay too.

If it means I get disappointed when I’ve gained weight, then I’m perfectly okay with that disappointment. Again, I know what number on the scale means I am living my healthiest life. By no means does that mean I let that number control my life, nor does it mean I let that number define my worth. I simply use it as a reminder to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

When you love your body, you’ll want to take care of it. If that means you should weigh 120 pounds, then work hard to weigh 120 pounds. If being healthy means weighing 170 pounds, then try to weigh 170 pounds.

This isn’t about getting everyone to look like the women who just walked in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. In no way do I want to “fat shame” anybody with my words or beliefs. In fact, I want to do the complete opposite. I want to celebrate all body types. I want to convince people that they deserve the chance to live their best lives.

Which, I’ll admit, is easier said than done. It takes finding your true self and believing in that person. It takes motivation and hard work. It takes overcoming insecurities and self-doubt.

But, truly, it is all worth it.

When you are doing everything you can to be your best self, you will love yourself completely and without condition. This is the kind of positivity we should be spreading. The concept of body positivity is still putting the focus on your body. Instead, let’s put it on the kind of life you are living.

This is the opinion of Olivia Round, a sophomore communication studies major from Missoula, Montana. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email to mgaydos@theloyolan.com.

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OPINION

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Why the successful DAPL protests matter Ready, Vet, Go! Adrian Gonzalez

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Contributor @LALoyolan

he movement to stop the construction of Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), the #NODAPL, is one of the largest resistance movements of Native Americans in decades.

Over 200 indigenous tribes have come together from all over the world in solidarity because they understand the urgency of this movement. There are currently around 7,000-10,000 native peoples and non-native allies at Standing Rock Camp and Oceti Sakowin Camp in North Dakota.

We have many lessons to learn from Native Americans who understand that all living things should be treated with respect.

We should not be drilling in our rivers and lakes, further harming our Mother Earth and threatening to contaminate our limited fresh water supply.

While the construction of this pipeline affects the water source for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, it will also affect about 17 million people who depend on this water. The pipeline may eventually break, contaminating the source millions depend on.

While we can consider this an environmental movement, one that deeply understands water is what gives us life, we must also understand this is about native people’s struggles against colonialism and racism.

The original proposal of the pipeline was to cross through Bismarck, an affluent community made up of 90 percent white Americans.

However, that proposal was eventually rerouted after some disputes.

Historically, this country has committed genocide against Native Americans and mass atrocities leading to largely dispossessing them of their lands. We can refer to the Indian Removal Act, Treaty of Fort Laramie, Trail of Tears, Battle of the Little Bighorn and Massacre at Wounded Knee to name a few.

Native American communities have the highest rate of poverty, suicide, lack of access to public health and dropout rates.

Native Americans are also overrepresented in prisons and jails across the U.S. Today, Standing Rock Sioux members are being arrested for trespassing on their own lands!

This government owes a great deal to honor and respect the treaties in place and to not simply remove Native peoples when resources can be extracted from their lands. The government should not be using law enforcement to protect the interests of the energy industry.

A chill loomed over Thanksgiving weekend as the fight over the Dakota Access Pipeline intensified.

With temperatures below freezing, police forces used malicious tactics like water cannons against peaceful water protectors. Reports of police violence have included the use of attack dogs, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and pepper spray, all on unarmed civilians.

Hundreds of water protectors have been injured and arrested.

Now, tensions are heightening as an evacuation order goes into effect and thousands of veterans deploy to support the water protectors. The Army Corps of Engineers has ordered all protestors to clear out as of Monday, Dec. 5. Meanwhile, thousands of former service members have shown up to join the fight. The world will be watching to see how peaceful vets hold a protective line, serving as human shields during the face off against security forces and law enforcement.

As a former staff sergeant in the United States Air Force, I understand how important it is to follow the code that you’ve sworn into. Armed services and law enforcement officials take an oath that candidly defines what they stand for. The military: “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” It’s no wonder that over 3,000 veterans were drawn to the cause as they recognize the abuse and humiliation of peaceful demonstrators as unconstitutional. And it is especially meaningful given that Native Americans also have a deep connection to the military, as they have served in greater numbers per capita than any other group in the U.S. In contrast, the main priority of the police is “to serve and protect” and “preserve the peace.” Yet, we are witnessing the aggressive use of both police and military power as an extension of corporate interests.

Last month, the Center for Service and Action, along with members of the Service Organization community and Alternative Break participants, hosted a table in response to the protests that garnered hundreds of supporters.

Located on Lawton Plaza, student organizers engaged with passing pedestrians to inform them about the issue and ways to advocate for an end to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The student organizers were also equipped with a petition to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. In a matter of hours, organizers garnered over 600 signatures of LMU students, faculty, and staff. The students also created a banner reading “LMU Students Stand with Standing Rock,” which was sent, along with donations collected, to the contested grounds in North Dakota. Our LMU banner now waves in solidarity at the gates

via Adrian Gonzalez

This LMU student’s poster reminds us that supporting Standing Rock is supporting the main values of our nation.

of the Oceti Sakowin camp.

As of Dec. 4, the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the permit for the construction of a key section of the pipeline, which affected the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s water supply.

The Army Corps of Engineers promises to conduct further environmental analysis and explore alternate routes with full public input. We are grateful for this victory; however, we remain cautious and vigilant about a way forward, especially with the incoming administration.

LMU is an institution with an

“emphasis on confronting social injustice and threats to human dignity.” And it seems the student population overwhelmingly agrees that these are crimes against humanity, as indigenous people of America continue to be treated as second-class citizens, their lives regarded as expendable. We should be able to look to our school’s leadership to take a stance and condemn such injustices, especially given the fact that LMU is closely tied with a lot of the banks that are funding this multimillion dollar project. We must stand

firm in our institution’s core values, like service and justice.

We must stand up to challenge these crimes against humanity.

We must continue to stand with Standing Rock!

To stay up to date, go to nodaplsolidarity.org or visit the Center for Service and Action for advocacy opportunities.

This is the opinion of Adrian Gonzalez, a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and senior marketing major at LMU from San Antonio, Texas. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email mgaydos@ theloyolan.

OPINION

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Unplugging from social media can stop FOMO Big Mac Gracie McManus Editor in Chief @LALoyolan

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hen it comes to social media, there’s a cliché that goes, “Don’t compare your behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.” As cheesy as it sounds, it’s certainly true — the sheer amount of effort that people put into their image on social media is astonishing, and certainly not representative of their entire lives. I once witnessed someone spend around 30 minutes finding different rhyming combinations to try to come up with a clever Instagram caption, and it blew my mind. I never knew until that moment how hard people think about what they post.

But I always knew how much we compare our lives to each other’s on social media. I took a year off after high school, and scrolling through my feeds seeing all my old friends partying it up in college without me was a huge blow to my self-esteem. I had spent so much time looking at how amazing other people’s lives seemed that I neglected my own.

So, I deactivated my Facebook account and got off Instagram and Snapchat — and my life noticeably improved. I focused on my job, my new significant other (who I found on Tinder, ironically), my hobbies like DIY projects and

reading, seeing people in real life and learning that spending time alone does not make you a loser.

However, since coming to college, I have reactivated all of my old accounts and jumped right back into the social rat race.

So, when I don’t have plans on a Saturday night (which I’m pretty sure is totally normal), I forget all about what I learned after deactivating my accounts and feel lame. I see everyone else partying and going to sorority exchanges and taking pictures of fancy ice cream without me. And when this happens we experience FOMO — the fear of missing out — and social media amplifies this feeling by 100 percent. We don’t just imagine what people are doing without us, we actually see it.

FOMO is an extremely common experience. A 2013 study by MyLife.com reported that over half of its users experience FOMO and 56 percent get anxious when they miss an important event or status update on social media. Research by Psychology Today shows that FOMO leads to increased “self-identity problems, loneliness, negative self-image, feelings of personal inadequacy, disconnection and jealousy,” according to the Huffington Post article titled “Social Media, FOMO and the Perfect Storm for the QuarterLife Crisis.”

But we need to remember that we’re all just humans and we all experience feelings of loneliness and anxiety at one

Xian Wong | Loyolan

Social media pressures us into putting our best lives forward while comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards. point or another. It also helps to realize that Instagram posts and Snapchat stories usually only show the best and most exciting parts of people’s lives, and that many people who focus on making their lives look perfect are also experiencing feelings of insecurity. We all want validation in some way, and for many people that comes from likes on social media.

But the problem is when this becomes the focus of our lives, and instead of living in the moment, we worry about documenting any and every event that could make us look like we’re cooler than we actually are. Madeleine Dalkie, a 24-year-old social media user,

wrote to the Guardian: “A lot of people do things just to put them [on] Instagram instead of actually living in the moment.

When I hang out with people, that happens. People are always on their phones at dinner, or have them in front of their faces to take a selfie. It’s just not how I want to connect with people.” I couldn’t agree more.

So maybe think about disconnecting for a moment.

Unplug, and live and let live. It may sound easier said than done, but I know from experience that deactivating your accounts can improve your self-esteem greatly.

And guess what? When you get out of college, you’re going to

be thrown in the deep end of the pool just like everyone else. How cool your life looks won’t matter in the grand scheme of things when you need to pay bills, worry about car payments, finally learn how to make something other than frozen pizza, go to the DMV and do other “adult” activities.

Focus instead on your real life — find your passions, give your time to helping others and becoming the happiest, most FOMO-free version of yourself.

This is the opinion of Gracie McManus, a junior marketing major from Portland, Oregon. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email mgaydos@theloyolan.

Five things I learned about opinions this semester Clay by Clay Clay Sontag

Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan

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s a writer for the Opinion section, it is literally my job to articulate my viewpoints — but it is also my job to stay mindful of the opinions circulating around me. Listening is most definitely learning. Between national politics, social issues and events on campus, we have seen a lot these past few months, and with that came many strong opinions in our community.

Aside from the differences among our beliefs, here are five things that I have learned about opinions overall this semester and what it means to have them in the first place: 5. The loudest opinion is not always the one worth listening to.

Though it is tempting to believe the words of the person projecting his or her voice the loudest, volume does not correlate with quality. Look at the 2016 presidential election, for example: Social media and many news sources convinced us that Hillary Clinton was a sure-fire guarantee to win the presidency on Nov. 8. Donald Trump supporters, however, rose to the occasion — and we were all too preoccupied with liberal noise to see it coming.

Madeline Mary | Loyolan

We have a lot to learn a lot about the role of opinions in our community.

Because well-informed opinions don’t need to be verbalized for validation, we must eradicate the idea that loud opinions are anything more than just that: loud opinions.

4. If you can’t present an opinion maturely, then don’t share it at all.

Though there is no right way to share an opinion, there is most certainly a wrong way — and that includes degrading or insulting others. National politics and social justice have a way of firing people up, and while passion is never a

bad thing, some things are better left unsaid if you can’t get a grip on your emotions. You know how I said that loud opinions do not correlate with quality opinions? Remember that before you use hate speech or resort to violence when trying to express ideas. I am a big believer in confrontation, but a little bit of human decency goes a long way.

3. Sharing opinions on social media can do more harm than good.

We are the generation of tweeting, snapchatting and status updating

— utilizing digital outlets for our opinionated minds. This semester, I have seen how religiously people use these platforms to express their feelings. The problem is: I’m not sure that using these networks does anything more than cause a ruckus. Between the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Fidel Castro’s death and Donald Trump’s win, I have seen conflict stirred more frequently than any positive or progressive discussion. There is also no telling qualified opinions apart from the pool of unqualified ones. Unfortunately, I have learned that social media is not the idyllic thought-forum it could be.

2. Our opinions do not define us.

Somewhere along the line, we decided it was okay to overgeneralize people.

These past few months, I have realized how dangerous such a habit is.

Whether it’s stereotyping Trump supporters, Clinton supporters, liberals, conservatives, crybabies, millennials or any other name a person can conjure up for groups of opinionated people — our opinions do not define us. I’ve heard it said that if you look at an image of an object too closely, you’ll be unable to guess what the object is. Apply that rule to people. The opinions they hold are not representative of the whole.

1. An opinion means that you care — and that is what matters most.

There is nothing that bothers me more than indifference. In a world with so much to care, think and feel about, I can’t relate to those who thrive on apathy. The most important thing I learned about opinions this semester is that they mean a person cares, and whether you agree with what is being said or not, caring is most important. If we care, then we can change. If we feel, then we can grow. Opinions signify human interest and thought — and that’s all we need to continuously expand as a nation, a campus and as people. Letting indifference win does yourself and your opinions a disservice.

Opinions motorized the fall semester because they brought people together and allowed us to feel heard. They are vessels of our own personal truths. At the end of the day, I am just glad to see that people care. Keep caring, keep thinking and keep feeling come next semester. Opinions drive us onward. Help rev up the engine.

This is the opinion of Clay Sontag, a sophomore screenwriting and psychology double major from Smithtown, New York.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email mgaydos@theloyolan.com

OPINION

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Keith Scott shooting perpetuates precedent A Sam Dunk Samantha Davis Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan

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n Sept. 20, 2016, Keith Lamont Scott was shot and killed by police officers in Charlotte, North Carolina. The officers were at Scott’s apartment complex searching for someone else with an outstanding warrant when they allegedly saw Scott exiting a vehicle with a handgun. The police said that after repeatedly asking him to drop the weapon, they shot him.

Scott’s friends and family said that he suffered from brain damage and had difficulty communicating with others.

There has been much debate over whether or not Scott actually had a gun. His family members say that he didn’t have one at the time of the incident and were unaware that he owned one. Police assert that he did, and that evidence has been found showing that Scott had recently purchased a handgun as well as ammunition. However, videos that have emerged from the incident don’t clearly show whether or not Scott

had a weapon at the time. The incident prompted nationwide protests against police brutality.

On Nov. 30, Mecklenburg County district attorney Andrew Murray said that the shooting of Keith Scott by officer Brentley Vinson was justified, and that no charges would be brought against Vinson.

Did we think this was going to be any different? I didn’t.

I have the utmost respect for the police, but I don’t think someone’s status as a law enforcement officer exempts them from criticism. I will never be in the shoes of a police officer in any situation, much less a potentially life-threatening one.

I recognize that police are at constant risk, and they take that risk to ensure the protection of citizens like me, my friends and my family.

But I look to other countries that don’t have a problem with police officers fatally shooting civilians. In America, the average police officer undergoes 19 weeks of training, while an officer in Norway undergoes 156 weeks of training, according to the 2006 Bureau of Justice Statistics and Norwegian Police University College website, respectively.

via Heavy.com

Rather than justifying the tragic shooting of Keith Lament Scott, let us reassess how police officers are trained.

I recognize that Norway and America are vastly different in a variety of ways, but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive to improve our current system.

We need to focus on providing

people in lower socioeconomic classes with tools for upward mobility. We need to decrease the availability of guns in this country so that police need worry less about being killed while on duty. We need to retrain our officers to become better at de-escalating situations without anyone getting killed.

There are a variety of measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of both police officers and private citizens.

I don’t think I have all the answers, and I don’t know who does, but just because there’s no easy fix to such a pervasive issue doesn’t mean that there isn’t one at all. It will take us time and a joined effort of people from a variety of fields, from law enforcement officers themselves to city commissioners to those who craft legislation for each state.

I don’t think all American police officers are racist, and I don’t think that all police officers who shoot black men are racist. However, I do think we have a serious problem with the way our police are trained.

And that, combined with institutionalized racism, creates our current problem with police brutality. I take issue when people within disenfranchised communities aren’t given due process, when Keith Scott is fatally shot without doing anything wrong — while Dylann Roof, who killed nine black people last year in Charleston and supports apartheid, is

gently apprehended and given Burger King. Fatally shooting black men, or anyone for that matter, who haven’t done anything wrong deprives them of due process. That in itself is contradictory to the very foundation of our justice system and the Constitution.

Regardless of your stance on police brutality, we can all recognize that there is a problem. There is a problem when police are trained to constantly fear for their lives and that the idea “better to be judged by 12 than carried by six” is such a pervasive one.

There is a problem when fathers have to tell their children to be afraid of the people who are employed to protect them. There’s a problem when minorities and mentally ill men and women are deprived of due process. We often politicize this issue, partly because it is, in fact, a political issue. But we have to recognize that behind legislation and law enforcement reform are families that deal with constant pain, anxiety and a genuine fear for their livelihood. That’s what we should be focusing on — the lives of actual American people.

This is the opinion of Samantha Davis, a sophomore philosophy major from La Cañada Flintridge, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email mgaydos@theloyolan.

laloyolan.com Page 10

FOREVER FAIL

By Emily Noriega, Staff Cartoonist

UNNECESSARY JAPES

By Cameron Woodard, Staff Cartoonist

Check out Loyolan Cartoons online, now via Tapastic!

Holiday Dining Hours

December 16, 2016 - January 8th, 2017 ions orner will be closed starn eceber th for or new Einstein Bros Baels & aribo offee openin Janary 2017!

Roski inin will be open eceber 12th-15th fro 7a-8p

Go to tapastic.com/LAloyolan to catch up on your favorites!

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life+arts

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Tender Greens sprouts tender feelings Godby With You Natalie Godby Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

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ou know when you love something so much, you just want to stand on a rooftop and shout it to the world? This is how I feel about Tender Greens. The first time I put that spoonful of their mashed potatoes in my mouth it reminded me why potatoes remain the foundation of my food pyramid.

Living off of Sodexo food has really made me appreciate the value of a fantastic meal.

With no car and a dislike of spending all my money on Ubers, I’ve found myself eating Kikka sushi for too many meals a day. Chances are most people reading this have heard of, or have had the honor of indulging in a meal at Tender Greens. If not, then listen closely because this is very important.

Tender Greens, for the few of you who are unfamiliar, is a “fine casual restaurant concept serving farmto-fork cuisine,” according to its website.

First of all, everyone who works at Tender Greens is so nice. Every person who steps in the door is greeted with a genuine hello, and when you leave, it’s like they’re truly

sad you’re leaving. The environment is incredibly comfortable, with natural tones and lots of indoor succulents. It makes you feel like you’re eating a salad even when you’re eating fried chicken.

I was immediately impressed by the ambience in the restaurant — it’s homey without feeling wornin. And all of the food preparation is on display, making it feel casual and fresh. I was also blown away by how fast my food was ready. I think I could order a burger from the Ignite Grill, Uber to Tender Greens, order and pick up food there and then return to the Lair to pick up said burger on time. Another bonus to this heaven-sent restaurant is it’s available on the beloved Tapingo app, and you’ll probably get your food faster than you’ll get your latte from the campus Starbucks.

The menu has something for everyone. I personally gave up my brief stint as a pescatarian because their fried chicken looked straight out of Paula Deen’s kitchen. The food is American, but without the grease and guilt. Tender Greens prides itself on utilizing local farmers and fresh daily ingredients from Scarborough Farms in Oxnard, California.

The menu features everything from falafel to fried chicken, and vegan plates to skirt steak. The menu is highly customizable as well,

with each main course available in salad, sandwich or plate form. There are tons of ways to customize a healthy meal at Tender Greens — or if you’re like me, get a fried chicken sandwich with a homemade cookie for dessert. I’m also a huge fan of their mashed potatoes, because for some reason, mashed ‘taters remain one of the purest forms of happiness for me. The prices are affordable, and the fast-paced environment means you don’t have to cut out a few hours for an outing for food.

I would equate Tender Greens to Panera Bread’s older, classier sister, who also does yoga and volunteers regularly. If you’re feeling extra L.A., you can opt for a giant salad and a green juice — or steak and mashed potatoes. Tender Greens has it all.

The Marina del Rey location is only a few minutes away, and with its convenient location next to the luxurious members-only Equinox Fitness you can sit outside and pretend you’re fresh out of pilates class too. There’s a handful of Tender Greens all over Los Angeles County, so chances are you’re never far from a beautiful plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

This is the opinion of Natalie Godby, a freshman marketing major from Mercer Island, Washington.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tmarom@theloyolan.com.

Riis Irving-Peterson | Loyolan

Tender Greens offers affordable farm-fresh food at over 20 locations.

Laser Squad Bravo’s holiday show hit the spot When in Marom Tor Marom

Life+Arts. Editor @feelstorganic

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MU’s improvisational comedy team Laser Squad Bravo (LSB) held its NonDenominational Holiday Show on Dec. 1 in the Living Room. The group advertised their last show of the year on Facebook, with the event page stating, “Bring your green coffee cups, your blue socks and your culturally ambiguous god/idol apparel and watch some good ol’ improv with Laser Squad Bravo.”

I walked into the tightly packed Living Room around 10 p.m. and found a place to watch against

Megan Karbowski | Loyolan

During several of the games, Laser Squad Bravo members lined up against the wall and took turns showing off their quick wit.

Megan Karbowski | Loyolan

Laser Squad Bravo’s Andrew York (left) and Kevin Dwyer always seem to garner wildly positive responses from the room.

the wall in the back. It was really pleasant seeing all of these students showing up to support one another, and I was actually happy that there weren’t any seats left for me when I arrived.

The show was off to a brilliant start when LSB walked into the room singing some harmonious holiday tunes. The audience applauded and cheered as some of the fan favorites walked into the room. Senior theatre arts major Kevin Dwyer, sophomore film and television production major Andrew York and senior screenwriting major Ian Salazar really brought up the roar. This being my third time seeing LSB, I definitely witnessed the most enthusiastic audience out of all of their shows I have attended.

The show was fairly open in terms of subject, but each game included at least one holiday-

themed segment. They played some classics like “185” and “New Choice.” The audience had several chances to shout out themes and categories for several of the games. The audience was clearly reacting enthusiastically witnessing the results of their suggestions and the comedy troupe had a fantastic chemistry with the crowd.

Dwyer and York were as hilarious as always, but I was ecstatic to discover one of the improv team’s newer members: Tristan Varma, a freshman film and television production major.

His style was completely different from his fellow cast members, and added some slightly darker and shocking jokes. Varma brought a kind of balance to the show with an equally perfect amount of awkward confusion and side-grabbing quips. Along

with Varma, recent additions to the team are freshman theatre arts major Keiva Bradley and sophomore communication studies major Gabrielle Kennedy.

Each new member definitely complemented the show overall, and I look forward to seeing them in some future shows.

As I have done at every LSB show, I reminded myself to never miss one. Come spring semester, join me in the Living Room for the rest of LSB’s performances.

There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be having to stand in the back again, and I welcome it.

This is the opinion of Tor Marom, a senior English major from Calabasas, California.

Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tmarom@theloyolan.com.

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One Night Stanzas joined by Dartmouth Cords Taykin’ It Easy

Taylor Gage

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan

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he One Night Stanzas held their last show of the year, “A CORDial One Night Stanza,” on Dec. 3 at the Ahmanson Auditorium in University Hall.

The LMU a cappella group was joined by the Dartmouth Cords, an all-male ensemble from Dartmouth College, as a part of their 2016 Winter Tour to the West Coast. The Cords will be collaborating with other college a cappella groups like ours, such as those at UCLA, USC, and UC Berkeley Opening with Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance,” the One Night Stanzas showed off their arrangement skills to the audience. Between each song, the Stanzas’ own sophomore film and television production major Brady Petrik and sophomore music major Daniel Ostrander took the roles of emcees and told jokes.

The group closed their set with an arrangement called “Funtime Medley.” The medley was comprised of some nostalgic favorites: “Mmmbop” by Hanson,

“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls, “...

Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Larger Than Life” by the Backstreet Boys,and “ByeByeBye” by *NSYNC. Closing off the set, the One Night Stanzas welcomed the Dartmouth Cords to the stage.

The all-male a cappella group stepped onto the stage and started off with “Oh, What a Night” by the Four Seasons, bringing some seasonal spirit into the auditorium. The group enthralled the audience with their great harmonies and enthusiastic choreography, looking like they had stepped right out of the screen of a 1950s musical. Following the fittingly winter tune, the Cords played their theme song of sorts — a combination of “And So it Goes,” a classic song by Billy Joel, and recent pop hit single “Starving” by Hailee Steinfeld.

The corduroy-clad group seemed to be very traditional, singing very few contemporary medleys and sticking to classic favorites. However, with a little bit of Steinfeld and Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One,” featuring some well executed high notes and more fun dancing, they brought the audience back to the present and kept it current. The boys finished their set with an incredibly energetic rendition of “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5.

Anastasia Larina | Loyolan

The Cords are an all-male a cappella ensemble from Dartmouth College touring on the West Coast.

After finishing their performance, the Cords talked a bit about their upcoming tour and mentioned the release of their 2016 album that will drop any day now. Many of the songs and arrangements played at the performance are set to be featured on this next album.

Once the group left the stage, the One Night Stanzas’ and the Loyolan’s own managing editor Jackie Galvez, a sophomore biology major and president of the One Night Stanzas, hopped back

on stage to thank the audience for coming to support, bringing an end to the performance. After leaving the auditorium, snacks and beverages were provided to attendees.

To hear more of the Cords, stay tuned for the release of their album, or take a listen to their 2014 album “Tailor Made,” which is available on iTunes and Spotify. The group is also on Facebook as The Dartmouth Cords.

For more of our own One Night

Stanzas, the group performs on campus regularly at events as well as open mic nights and student showcases. Follow The One Night Stanzas on Facebook and @ theonenightstanzas on Instagram for upcoming events and updates.

This is the opinion of Taylor Gage, a sophomore studio arts major from Napa Valley, California. Tweets comments to @ LALoyolan or email tmarom@theloyolan. com.

Seven things to do over this winter break Eye of the Tygre Tygre Patchell-Evans Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

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n just over a week, exams will be over and the only thing you will have to worry about is what TV show to binge first.

While it’s definitely a good idea to come back to school well– rested, staying glued to the couch can get dull very quickly. If you’re sticking around home for the holidays, you will most likely find yourself looking for some things to do. So here are some suggestions to kickstart your holiday season: 7. Go to the movies.

There’s no doubt that I will be watching a lot of Netflix over the break, but sometimes it is nice to see something on the big screen.

It can be hard to find time to make it all the way to Cinemark during the school semester, even if it is just two miles from campus. The holidays are a great time to make the trek to an actual theater and also to enjoy a family friendly activity. Tons of new movies come out around Christmas, and the movies are a great escape from the weather – especially if you are going home somewhere cold. Some movies that I am dying to see over break include “Office Christmas Party,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and “Passengers.”

6. Catch up with your high school friends.

Even if your friends just go to another school in the same city, chances are you haven’t

seen them as often since school started. If they are home for the holidays the same time you are, going out with them is a fun way to enjoy your break and indulge in a bit of nostalgia at the same time.

5. Spend quality time with your pets.

Many of my friends here have told me that the thing they miss most about home while being at college is their pets. If you live on campus like me, it is basically impossible to get a pet. But even if you do have one, there’s no way you can replace your childhood friend. Your pet probably misses you too, so take a few hours from your break to take a walk with your dog or relax with your cat.

4. Read a book.

It can be hard to choose to read a book for enjoyment when you constantly have hundreds of pages of required reading to do.

But even if reading has been the bane of your existence for the last few months, remember that there are probably books you would actually like reading. If you are headed somewhere warm for the holidays, taking a book to the beach can be great entertainment while you tan. Reading by the fire with a hot coffee is also one of my staple Christmas activities. So even if you are nowhere near the beach, you can still be warm and get lost in a story.

3. Go on a road trip with your friends.

No matter where you are, grabbing some friends and heading out for a few days can be a much needed interlude from your family time. Even if

you don’t make it out of your hometown, just driving around will be an adventure. Visiting new restaurants and tourist attractions near your home can be just as fun as going on a big vacation. And if you do make it as far as another city, spending time with your friends while exploring or shopping is sure to be an enjoyable time.

the last few weeks. This is mostly because I haven’t had time to find any music that I haven’t listened to a thousand times. Take a bit of your time off to find new artists and create a playlist for when you are back at school. Maybe even go to a concert. Your future self will thank you for finding some new music to get you through the next semester.

go on a hike. If your house is in a cold area, try ice skating at an outdoor rink or take a day trip to a nearby mountain and strap on some skis. Even if the weather isn’t ideal, spending some time outdoors will be refreshing.

2. Discover new music.

1. Do something outdoors.

I personally haven’t listened to anything but Christmas music for

If you are somewhere hot, head to the ocean, go swimming or

This is the opinion of Tygre PatchellEvans, a freshman communications major from Victoria, Canada. Tweets comments to @LALoyolan or email tmarom@ theloyolan.com.

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The emotional stages of ‘Love Actually’ Cory’s Content Cory Hutchinson

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan

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any people seem to know about the 2003 British romantic comedy “Love Actually,” but I actually knew nothing about it before writing this article. So, I got my popcorn and a big blanket and decided to see what this movie is all about.

At first, I was unsure about how it would play out, seeing that the connections between the different story lines were incredibly blurred and the idea of love seemed to be thrown by the introductory monologue. However, by the end I fell in love with this movie and all of the paths that intertwined throughout. And so, here is what I’ve discovered as the emotional stages of watching “Love Actually.”

1. Confusion Okay, let’s just start with what the hell is going on in the first 15 minutes of the movie. We jump from the most annoying repetition of a bad Christmas song to an instrumental flash mob at a wedding. Then, we find out that Liam Neeson has a real Irish accent, and after that we meet a creepy waiter wanting to become a selfproclaimed sex god. It finally ends at a movie set which seems to be purposive to pornography. Also, the fact that one character’s girlfriend is cheating on him with his brother is definitely something that isn’t addressed — he literally catches her cheating and then the scene cuts as if it wasn’t important at all. I can easily say that this first stage can be summed up as complete confusion.

2. Anticipation Once the confusion settles, the anticipation for relationships to spark sets in. Christmas is approaching in the film and many of the characters find themselves lonely. The two couples I find myself

most rooting for are the Prime Minister of England, played by Hugh Grant, and his assistant Natalie, and coworkers Sarah and Karl. Each of them are so oblivious or afraid of their feelings that it just kills you when they have scenes together. The only way to get past the anticipation is to sit back and let it happen, despite how cringe-worthy some of the scenes can be — especially the awkward porn filming scenes where Judy, the female performer, calmly discusses politics with the equally uncomfortable male performer John, played by Martin Freeman.

Stages of watching “LOVE ACTUALLY” AS TOLD BY THE FACES OF HUGH GRANT

Instructions: Try to match the stage of watching “Love Actually” to the corresponding picture of Hugh Grant, one of the stars of the film.

3. Adoration Throughout the film, there’s so much to fall in love with: Jamie, played by Colin Firth, and Aurelia’s simplistic chemistry despite their language barrier; Daniel, played

by Neeson, helping his son fall in love with a girl at school; and the surprising revelation of Mark’s suppressed feelings for his best friend’s wife, Juliet, played by Keira Knightley. As each connection develops, you feel yourself relating to the characters more and getting lost in each story line, despite the oddness of this holiday rom-com.

All in all, the fuzzy warm feeling that can only be equated to love and adoration takes over your opinion of the movie as a whole.

4. Revelation Arguably, the worst part of the movie regarding character standards is the fact that some of the characters end up cheating on their significant others in some way. Obviously, if they aren’t with their true love, then it’s not meant to be. However, the number of people cheating in the movie is kind of a disturbing revelation when you’re more than halfway through. I don’t know about you, but cheating for me — in reality and movies — is just one of the saddest concepts to think about. As Karen says, “Would you wait around to find out if it’s just a necklace, or if it’s sex and a necklace, or if, worst of all, it’s a necklace and love? Would you stay, knowing life would always be

Madeline Mary | Loyolan

Put your movie knowledge to the test and see if you can correctly match all the Hugh Grants to the emotions. a little bit worse? Or would you cut and run?” The best way to look past it is to say that everyone is finding their soulmate and that it’s all said and done by the movie’s end.

5. Heartbreak Like any romance movie, there comes the heartbreaking moment where you just wish that everybody could tie up the loose ends and settle down with their meant-to-be.

However, Mark and his Christmas confession to Juliet and Karen’s realization that her husband (played by the late Alan Rickman) doesn’t love her the way he used to are the moments that really make you feel like you need to cry. I mean, how could you not cry when you realize their love isn’t real? Being overly

empathetic is definitely the worst part of watching this movie. The other negative aspect of feeling sorry for the characters is if you highly associate with the couples in the movie because you can’t help but imagine yourself in their shoes.

6. Resolution In a sense, you find your resolution by the end of the movie. Everyone more or less unites with their soulmate and of course each connection is sealed with a kiss. Even though a lot of plot holes were totally swept under the rug, the film ended with a sense of optimism, relief and love. Truly, love actually is all around in these characters’ lives — hence the title — and it’s an interesting way to perceive your own interpretation of love and

loyalty. For some characters, loyalty is obviously not their first concern and some characters’ stories aren’t even revisited in the end, but what seems to be the main concerns are happiness without judgment and securing true love.

“Love Actually,” although odd and full of plot holes, is a good way to get in a Christmas spirit that places importance on truth, love and happiness. Maybe you’ll finally realize who your soulmate is this holiday season, especially if they’ve been right in front of you all along.

Sounds like a movie, right?

This is the opinion of Cory Hutchinson, a freshman sociology major from Palm Desert, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to tmarom@theloyolan. com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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Dancing under the lights with L.A. homeless CheeRios Eric Rios

Contributor @LALoyolan

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his is the happiest church I’ve been to in my whole life,” José, a man who stays at the Guadalupe Homeless Shelter, exclaimed as he looked around the Dolores Mission courtyard.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the annual Fiesta de Navidad at the Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP) in East Los Angeles was put on by the Ignatians service organization and LMU service group Underwings Praxis.

Christmas lights illuminated the night sky as food was served and Spanish music played in the background. It is the one night of the year when LMU students and the Boyle Heights community, primarily the men of GHP, fully come together in a joyful celebration.

The night began when all the students, men of GHP and families gathered in the Dolores Mission Church for Mass.

Everyone was scattered amongst each other, and there was a strong sense of companionship and connection in the air. Before Communion, everybody shook hands and hugged each other during the Sign of Peace as if they all were longtime family friends.

At the end of the Mass, Fr. Mike Lee, associate pastor at Dolores Mission, brought all of the LMU seniors to the front to bless them in their future endeavors.

via Olivia Twiford

Men of the Boyle Heights community and the Guadalupe Homeless Project gathered at Dolores Mission for Fiesta de Navidad.

He congratulated them for accomplishing a dream, one that many Boyle Heights community members also have for their children.

Javier Navarro, a senior philosophy and English doublemajor and the president of Ignatians, said that the senior blessing was the most memorable moment for him. He felt that all the love and positivity truly reflected the community as “men and women with and for others,” which supports the Jesuit and Ignatian mission. “These 40some community members of Dolores Mission, who have never met me, held their hands out over our heads and blessed us with as much love they could muster up in those five minutes,” Navarro said.

The fiesta started right after the senior blessing. Students served delicious authentic

Mexican food while everyone sat together in unity, eating, chatting and enjoying the live alumni band together. Along with the authentic food, there was an authentic sense of Christmas spirit and compassion as well.

Philip Coney, a senior psychology major and member of the Sursum Corda service organization — for which GHP is a service placement — attended the fiesta as well. He said that being able to sit with his “friends from GHP and being able to celebrate together” is something that he will always remember. “Any chance to spend quality time with these men is a blessing,” Coney said.

Right after dinner, the courtyard became a dance floor as everyone broke out their moves.

It was a beautiful sight to see students and various members

of the community, including children, dancing together.

Practically every face in the crowd wore a smile, and laughter could be heard as if it was part of the music. Students handed out care packages for the men of GHP at the end of the fiesta.

As joyful as this event was, the reasons behind it were not forgotten. People of this community, especially the men of GHP, have faced struggles in their lives and have felt forgotten at times.

“There’s a lot of suffering in our community for different reasons,” Ellie Hidalgo, the pastoral associate at Dolores Mission, explained. “Just people trying to establish themselves as new immigrants, breaking the cycle of poverty, trying to cheer on their kids to get a good education.”

However, Hidalgo added that “when LMU students are around, there’s just a way in which their presence says to us that we’re not

alone, that there are people who care, that young people care, that young adults care about making this world a better place and are seeing and noticing people who are in need and want to do something — that gives us great hope and solidarity.”

Fiesta de Navidad is not the only time that LMU students can go visit the men of GHP. Various LMU organizations go there almost every weekday, including Ignatians, Sursum Corda and Underwings Praxis. In addition to GHP at Dolores Mission, there are many other homeless shelters throughout Los Angeles. Every person has the ability to show that the homeless are not forgotten and that they deserve as much respect as anybody else. Grab a friend and start spreading the love.

This is the opinion of Eric Rios, a senior English major from San Jose, California. Additional reporting was conducted by Isabel Ngo, a junior theatre arts major. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email comments to editor@theloyolan.com.

via Olivia Twiford

The fiesta featured food, a piñata, music and dancing for all who attended.

SPORTS

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It’s only getting worse for the Rams in 2016 The Ev Zone Evan Biancardi Sports Intern

@LoyolanSports

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ince their move from St. Louis to Los Angeles, the Rams have made plenty of questionable decisions, and we’re only just starting to see those moves come to fruition now. The Rams finished last season with a 7-9 record and Nick Foles as their starting quarterback. The Rams acquired Foles from the Eagles in exchange for Sam Bradford, who was drafted first overall by the team in 2010 and had been mediocre in four injuryplagued seasons. Nick Foles wasn’t the answer either, as his subpar season forced the Rams to pursue other options. That’s when things began to go off the rails.

The Rams announced their move to Los Angeles in January of this year, and on April 14, the Rams traded away their two first-round picks, two second-round picks and two third-round picks. In return, the Tennessee Titans gave up a fourth and sixth rounder to go along with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. With the first pick in the draft, the Rams selected California’s own Jared Goff to be the starting quarterback. The only problem was that Goff wasn’t good enough to get the starting job out of the preseason.

Instead, the Rams went with undrafted free agent Case Keenum. To make matters worse, it wasn’t until Keenum posted a 4-5 record with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions that Goff was finally given the starting job. This just goes to show how much the Rams trust their number one pick.

Here’s the problem I have with all of this: I don’t mind a team drafting a quarterback in the first round and

then not starting him so that he can develop. We’ve seen it many times before, and the Broncos are currently doing it with Paxton Lynch.

What the Rams did, though, was jeopardize their future by going allin on a quarterback that shouldn’t have been the first-overall pick.

To make matters worse, the Rams were actually on the rise.

With one of the best defenses and an elite running back, the Rams were ready to compete this season.

The only problem was that they needed a quarterback, and look who they got. While this may sound like typical Goff hate, it’s simply the reality the Rams got themselves into.

If they already had a top-two pick, then I’d have no problem with selecting Goff because he fills a void, but the fact that they jeopardized everything to take a chance on this guy is just mind-boggling to me.

Right now, the Rams stand at 4-8, and it’s only getting worse.

They have no offensive line to create any running game, they have below-average receivers and their defense hasn’t reached its potential. Goff, meanwhile, has thrown for a completion percentage of just over 50 percent with a quarterback rating of 31.6. It may only be his first three games, but he’s supposed to be the franchise quarterback. We shouldn’t have to make excuses for him. The last three quarterbacks to be selected with the first overall pick were James Winston, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton. All of these guys have proven to be franchise quarterbacks, and not one of them was traded up for.

It’s going to be a while before the Rams get to where they need to be. It may help to sign Alshon Jeffery or acquire a top defensive back, but there are still more holes that need to be filled. Arguably their biggest hole ­— the offensive line — is a position that is most-frequently

Praveer Sharma via Wikipedia

Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Jared Goff was the first overall pick in the NFL draft and does not start. improved through the draft, but they traded most of their picks away. And if you think trading away picks is no big deal, take a look at what the Rams did in 2012.

It’s easy to say, “Oh they’ll be fine,” but when you have a management that refuses to part ways with a head coach who doesn’t even know which players are on which teams, how can you be so sure?

The Rams only acquired Goff so that they could return to Los Angeles with the top pick and a California kid running the offense, but it’s evident that things aren’t going as planned.

While it’s not Goff’s fault that things have turned out this way, and it is very possible that he could end up being a solid quarterback, it’s obvious that the team’s master plan

resulted in even bigger problems.

The Rams were ready to win this year, but now all we can do is hope that they’ll be ready in time for their first season in their new stadium in 2019.

This is the opinion of Evan Biancardi, a sophomore communication studies major from Merrick, New York. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@ theloyolan.com.

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Thunder’s Westbrook excels without Durant Matty Light Matthew Rodriguez

Sports Intern

@LoyolanSports

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ith a win against the New Orleans Pelicans and his fifth consecutive tripledouble, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has become the first player since Michael Jordan to record five consecutive triple-doubles.

Westbrook has now recorded 10 triple-doubles in this short season and still has about 60 games to show the NBA what he can do. He is averaging a tripledouble for the season with 31 points, 11.3 assists and 10.3 rebounds per game.

The last time an NBA player averaged a triple-double entering the month of December was the legendary point guard Oscar Robertson. Robertson had an amazing season in 1961-62 where he recorded 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game for the season. If Russell Westbrook can continue to play at the same level he has been so far, he could easily become the second person in NBA history to record a triple-double season.

Some may have been caught off guard by Westbrook’s performance, but for many it seems obvious that Westbrook has been destined for this kind of recognition. For a long

time, Westbrook was playing alongside the all-star forward Kevin Durant. During the offseason, Durant decided to leave his longtime home in Oklahoma City for their rival team, the Golden State Warriors.

With Durant’s departure to the Warriors, Oklahoma City became Westbrook’s team and gave him the platform to display his full potential. Westbrook saw this departure as a betrayal and used that fire to fuel his performance this season.

Many people have been waiting for Westbrook to show his full potential, but some have been witnessing Westbrook grow as a player since he was in high school.

His former high school coach and current assistant coach for men’s basketball at LMU, Reggie Morris Jr., has seen Westbrook grow and had a few words to say on his amazing season so far.

While Westbrook was in high school, Morris Jr. commented that “Russell was a good player when I met him. He just worked really hard, and he stayed working on his game and got better all the time.” His drive to improve his game, even while in high school, shows that Westbrook was destined to be the superstar he has become.

Morris Jr. also said that Westbrook exemplified his potential in high school, saying “[Westbrook] had a winner’s mentality, was always working on his game and pushing himself and was just ultra-competitive.” This competitiveness and mentality

Keith Allison via Wikipedia

Russell Westbrook became the first player since the 1960s to average a triple-drouble going into the month of December. He joins the ranks of legends such as Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain. is displayed on the court today, shown by Westbrook’s neverback-down attitude and the intensity he brings to every game.

When asked how Westbrook improved his team and displayed his leadership in high school, Morris Jr. said, “[Westbrook] was a great leader, always the first one to come and the last one to leave and was a really intense guy that pushed people to be better.”

Westbrook displays this quality now, as his teammate

Enes Kanter said, “He’s not just making himself better, but he’s making everyone else better around him.”

Finally, when asked if Westbrook could carry the Thunder to win the National Basketball Association (NBA) Fianls, Morris remarked, “They need help. The NBA is a league where the teams are real talented.

[Westbrook] is not going to shy away from that role, and he’s comfortable at that role. [But]

him in a leadership role is always going to be a good situation. He’s going to push guys to get better.”

Westbrook has been doing just that; he has been pushing his teammates to their full potential, but he still needs help as the Thunder sit in fifth place in the West with a 13-8 record.

This is the opinion of Matthew Rodriguez, a sophomore political science major from Milpitas, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@ theloyolan.com.

SPORTS

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Winners and Losers: NBA first month updates Magic Mike Michael Mariscal Asst. Sports Editor @LoyolanSports

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he National Basketball Association (NBA) is already a month into its season and certain teams have broken away from the rest of the league — for better or for worse. There were several offseason moves thanks to an increase in the league’s salary cap, so many teams have spent the first part of the season working on team chemistry. On the other hand, lots of other teams are putting together the pieces to make a deep playoff run and hopefully reach the NBA Finals come June. Here are my winners and losers from the first month of the season: Winner: Golden State is looking golden During the offseason, the Golden State Warriors signed coveted free agent forward Kevin Durant, which radically affected the Western Conference. Durant’s former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, almost knocked off the Warriors in the playoffs last season, showing the potential they had as a team. However, Durant saw a better opportunity in California and decided to join the rival Warriors with the hopes of finally winning a championship. The Warriors are currently 18-3, scoring the most points per game, and have the best record in the league. Let’s just say the Durant experiment seems to be working.

Loser: Trail Blazers’ defense At this time last year, the Portland Trail Blazers were

dismissed as a losing team because all-star forward LaMarcus Aldridge left for the San Antonio Spurs. The Trail Blazers proved everybody wrong when they went 44-38, earned a fifth seed in the playoffs last year and advanced to the conference semifinals before losing to the Warriors.

With such an impressive year, many expected the Trail Blazers to shine again. Apparently the expectations were a little too optimistic, for the Trail Blazers are currently 12-10 and hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

More importantly, the Trail Blazers have allowed an average of 112.4 points per game, which is the third-worst in the NBA. If the Trail Blazers can improve their defense and maintain an average of 110.3 points per game, they could have a good chance at making the playoffs.

Winner: Young Lakers Kobe Bryant is officially retired, leaving behind an amazing legacy as a Los Angeles Laker and a young squad with hopes of keeping the franchise’s winning tradition alive.

The team has shown potential so far this season, as they currently hold a 10-13 record and the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

Although that is not an ideal way to start a season, it is an improvement from last year when the team won 17 games all season.

With an average of 104.9 points scored per game, the Lakers have shown they can score, but their defense is where they struggle; the team has allowed over 100 points in 8 of their last 10 games. Guard D’Angelo Russell has been sidelined with a knee injury and his return would surely benefit the team.

Their defensive woes are something that clearly needs to be addressed in order to reach the playoffs.

Keith Allison via Wikimedia Commons

Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell has been injured for the past few weeks, but hopes to return to the court soon to help his team. The Lakers are 10-13 so far this season — an improvement from last season’s 17-65.

Loser: Mavericks need Nowitzki The Dallas Mavericks acquired both forward Harrison Barnes and center Andrew Bogut from the Warriors this past offseason, which appeared to be a good supporting cast to all-star forward/center Dirk Nowitzki. However, Nowitzki has been recently plagued by an Achilles injury and has been unable to contribute to the team. The new additions have not proved to be much help in Nowitzki’s absence, as the Mavericks currently hold a 4-16 record — the second worst record in the league. Mavericks fans should hope this is just the team trying to work out chemistry

issues and that they can begin to show some promising potential in the near future.

Winner: Clippers living up to their potential Despite going 6-4 in their last 10 games, the Los Angeles Clippers had a remarkable start to the season. They had a 14-3 record before dropping three in a row in late November. The Clippers racked up some impressive wins during the first stretch of their season, including wins against the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors; all three have a winning percentage above .600 and two of those wins

came on the road. The success may stem from the healthy trio of point guard Chris Paul, forward/ center Blake Griffin and forward/ center DeAndre Jordan. Griffin and Jordan suffered injuries in last year’s playoffs, which led to yet another early playoff elimination for the Clippers. The team may have finally noticed what they are capable of with their hot start to the season and hope to regain that momentum with a win against the Golden State Warriors tonight.

This is the opinion of Michael Mariscal, a junior marketing major from Arcadia, California.

Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

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SPORTS

SCORES UPDATE M. BBALL

LION

80-79 L

vs. Boise State

SPORTS

M. BBALL

Dec. 8

vs. Southern Utah

W. BBALL

77-62 W

at CSU Fullerton

M. ROWING

Dec. 10 at UCLA

Follow us on Twitter @loyolansports for up-to-date scores.

Page 20

LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | December 7, 2016 | laloyolan.com

Soccer world reacts to Brazilian tragedy Victoria Beckham Victoria Arevalo Asst. Sports Editor @LoyolanSports

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ast Monday, Nov. 28, devastating news of an airplane crash shook the sports world. Though considered a relatively small club, the Brazilian soccer club, Associação Chapecoense de Futebol (ACF) — commonly known as Chapecoense — had just entered Brazil’s top division, Série A, for the first time since 2014 and was on track to be a team to watch.

Chapecoense was on its way to play a Copa Sudamericana final against the Colombian soccer club Atlético Nacional, when the charter flight transporting the team crashed a mere five minutes before landing, killing 71 of the 77 people on board, according to Fox Sports. The final match was set to be played on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

As recorded by BBC News, the aircraft was carrying nine crew members, 22 players, 23 coaching and club staff, two guests and 21 journalists from Bolivia to Colombia. Out of these, only two of the crew members, three of the players and one journalist survived. It is rumored that the crash occurred due to a lack of fuel, but the official cause has yet to be determined.

Since the horrendous incident, athletes and fans have all come together in unity with Chapecoense, as they flooded the internet with solidarity messages and tributes to those whose lives were lost. From jersey swapping to logo printing, teams across the world have joined this chain of support.

Several Brazilian top teams even offered to loan the small club players next season so they could rebuild their team.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele shared on his Twitter account, “Brazilian football is in mourning. It is such a tragic loss. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

Rest in peace.”

Gareth Bale also shared, “Absolutely

Hannah Kim | Loyolan

In the wake of the devastating tragedy that struck Brazil’s Associação Chapecoense de Futebol (ACF) soccer club, top teams and athletes from all over the world came together to honor those whose lives were lost in the incident in various ocassions. horrendous to hear about the crash carrying @ChapecoenseReal My thoughts are with all the families of the passengers and crew!”

Famous soccer players Alex Morgan, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez and Iker Casillas also took to social media to share their condolences.

Atlético Nacional, Chapecoense’s opponents-to-be in the final, asked CONMEBOL (The South American Football Confederation) to honor Chapecoense by awarding them with the Copa Sudamericana title. On Dec. 5, CONMEBOL officially awarded Chapecoense the title, also giving Atlético Nacional a fair play award.

As stated by Fox Sports, some soccer teams in South America and Uruguay announced that they would play their coming league

fixtures with the crest of Chapecoense on their shirts as a tribute. In England and Spain, teams also joined the chain of support, as teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City held moments of silence before their trainings and during their matches.

In Argentina, a number of players of the Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, the team that Chapecoense eliminated in the Copa Sudamericana semifinal, wore the ACF shirts the players had traded with their opponents at the end of the match.

Ahead of the Chilean Clasico, a live performance of “Ave Maria” took place as they honored the team.

The Chapecoense tragedy affected numerous soccer clubs and players throughout the

Conference (WCC). Lea contributed on both sides of the team’s success, as she finished second on the team in blocks (64) and third in kills (257). She ended her LMU career with a bang and her contributions will surely be missed next season.

4. Sophomore center Dayne Jagga, men’s water polo What’s more impressive than leading your team in goals scored and ranking fourth in your conference? Doing it all as a sophomore. Jagga led the Lions with 61 goals on the season, ranking fourth overall in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). His outstanding performance in only his second year at LMU earned him a spot on the First Team All-WWPA. 3. Sophomore midfielder and forward Sarina Bolden, women’s soccer Bolden is another sophomore who had an outstanding season. Actually, she had the best season out of any sophomore in the WCC. Bolden led the Lions with six goals on the

season and is also the youngest player on this year’s All-WCC First Team. She was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-West Region Second Team. That honor includes all Division I colleges on the West Coast. She also collected three assists, tying for the most points on the Lion squad with 15.

2. Junior defender Connor Johnson, men’s soccer Johnson’s efforts this season did not earn the recognition they deserved until the end of the season. Johnson earned WCC Defender of the Year. It’s one of those awards that’s hard to gauge until the season has come to a close, as the Lion’s defense had to be analyzed across a season’s worth of games. Defenders can have good games here and there, but Johnson consistently played well for the Lions. The Lions had a 1.1 goals against per game average on the season and ranked fourth in the conference with 20 goals allowed on the season.

world. In France, Paris St. Germain’s striker Edison Cavani also paid tribute to the victims of the crash when he celebrated his goal by lifting up his jersey and showing off a shirt that said “fuerza,” meaning “strength,” and the ACF logo on the front, earning him a yellow card.

I think I speak for every soccer fanatic out there when I say that this catastrophe broke the hearts of many, and it’s been a tough time for not only the soccer world, but the sports industry in general. We all hope that the team and their loved ones can heal from this tragedy.

This is the opinion of Victoria Arevalo, a freshman communication studies major from Los Angeles, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

LMUTA: Ranking the best Lions of the fall season The Hart Beat Ryan Hartnett Sports Editor @rpchreport

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s finals week looms over the Bluff, it’s only appropriate we squeeze in one final LMU Top Athlete (LMUTA) before the semester ends. This week we’re ranking the best of the best for athletes of fall sports teams.

Although no LMU teams made it to any of the NCAA postseason tournaments, there were some outstanding Lions who put on their best performances for their team.

5. Senior outside hitter Jamie Lea, volleyball Despite not making the playoffs, LMU volleyball had an outstanding season. They finished tied for third place in the West Coast

1. Junior outside hitter and setter Sarah Sponcil, volleyball If you’ve followed LMU sports for any amount of time within the past three years, Sponcil should be a very familiar name to you.

She’s already one of the several great volleyball athletes to play at LMU, and she’s just finished her junior season. She was named this year’s WCC Defender of the Year, named to the AllWCC First Team and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Pacific South All-Region team. That honor encompasses all Division I teams in the Pacific South region.

This season Sponcil led the Lions in kills (402), tied team lead in aces (26) and finished second on the team in digs (328). She also recorded a double-double in 16 matches.

This is the opinion of Ryan Hartnett, a sophomore recording arts from Fullerton, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@ theloyolan.com.