Main Street Magazine Winter 2015

MAIN STREET MagAzine Winter 2015

#Sober pg. 28

Editor’s Note I blinked and it’s already the end of fall semester. I can’t believe it! I know that all of you are probably going crazy trying to register for the classes you actually want to take and studying for finals but take a break from all of that and sit down with a nice cup of hot chocolate and read this wonderful issue of Main Street Magazine.

In this issue you will find an Ode to Amazon, an inside look at the smallest majors that UNH has to offer as well as a first hand account experience from a foreign exchange student. Also, don’t forget to check out our voting section on the last few pages of the magazine.

I want this issue to serve as a fun, relaxing escape from all the stress that has been weighing you down since the start of this semester in September. Remember to keep your heads up and finish strong Wildcats!

-Morgan

Morgan Cutolo, Editor-in-Chief Corey Scarano, Content Editor Jack Shea, Content Editor Hadley Barndollar, Content Editor Claire Cortese, Photo Editor and Contributing Writer Beccy Anderson, Contributing Writer Kyle Kittredge, Contributing Writer and Designer Lilly Radack, Contributing Writer Jamie Smith, Contributing Writer Jenna Ward, Contributing Writer Rebbecca Ma, Contributing Writer Larissa Claar, Contributing Writer Domenic Paolo, Contributing Writer Weixi Xiong, Contributing Writer Liz Haas, Contributing Writer Kate Sutherby, Contributing Writer Tom Spencer, Contributing Writer

Find Main Street mainstreetunh.com facebook.com/mainstreetmagazine @mainstreetmagazine MUB room 134

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Main Street Magazine Winter 2015, Issue 2

Featured Article

My Study Abroad Story “They give us money to follow our dream, but no extra for luxury things.

It is not about money to study abroad, it is more about my parents’ selfless love.”

Page 20

Features 11 Global Goals for Sustainable Development 24 Dare to Be Different 30 What’s Your Sign?

38 Old Soul Status

Local 16 Diversity Dilemna 32 Smallest Majors at UNH 36 You’ll See More of Worra 39 The Economist

Reviews 6 Book 7 Film 8 Music 10 Food

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Opinions & Satire 14 Ode to Amazon 15 What Drink Would You Be? 27 Bieber Fever

27 Printed by our friends at UNH Printed Services, 10 West Edge Drive, Durham, NH The opinions expressed within Main Street are solely the opinions of the attributed writers and are not necessarily shared by Main Street Magazine, Student Press Organization, SAFC, the University of New Hampshire, or anyone else, for that matter.

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Main Street Magazine is funded entirely by your student activity fee, and we would like to thank SAFC for continuing to fund this publication. www.mainstreetmagazine.com @mainstmagazine

Contributors In order by row: Claire Cortese, Kyle Kittredge, Weixi Xiong, Liz Haas, Hadley Barndollar Jamie Smith, Jenna Ward, Corey Scarano, Rebecca Ma, Domenic Paolo Lilly Radack, Tom Spencer, Beccy Anderson, Kate Sutherby Larissa Claar and Jack Shea

Staff Picks

Things MSM Staff Love Right Now

Corgis- Corgis were originally bred to herd animals on a farm, they are now being bred to keep up with the high demand that will start once I have enough money to buy all of them.

Just kidding, I’ll probably only own two...okay, maybe three.

- Morgan

Bikram Yoga- For some reason, after 90 minutes of awkwardly contorting my inflexible body while emitting several pounds of sweat in a 104 degree room, I actually feel like a better person.

- Jack

Frank Sinatra- The holidays just aren’t complete without blue-eyed Frank.

- Claire

L.L. Bean Freeport Store- No place for a New Englander like the L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine during the holdiays. My entire wish list this Christmas is solely flannels and socks.

- Hadley

Christmas Tree Scented Candles- By the time Christmas hits I usually have already burnt through 10 of these candles.

I want everything in my life to smell like evergreen, everything from November until February.

- Corey

Book Reviews “The Madman’s Daughter” By: Megan Shepherd

T

he first in a series, “The Madman’s Daughter,” is a dark depiction of a young woman and her cursed reputation. Juliet Moreau operates in a world where obscure science and family have been twisted together like a Frankenstein experiment. Her father was an esteemed scientist working in central London until rumors spread of his inhumane experiments on live animals. Shamed and alone, Juliet winds up scrubbing the dried blood from the floors of King’s College of Medical Research, doing all she can to avoid winding up in the dirty city streets. It is revealed that Juliet’s father is alive and continuing work on a remote island. Readers then follow Juliet on her journey to find her father and understand his reasons for leaving her behind.

Meghan Shepherd was inspired by H.G Wells’ “The Island of Doctor Moreau,” and definitely hit the mark on creepy and creative. The other books in this series are also inspired by Gothic literature classics. While the book starts off slow, it doesn’t take long to be captured by the mysterious plot. Shepherd has a talent for reworking

“Half a Life” By: Darin Strauss

C

reative non-fiction is a genre I have come to appreciate and adore. Half a Life by Darin Strauss is a creative nonfiction memoir describing the series of events in his life; from the moment he had hit Celine, one of his classmates riding her bike with his car and killed her. A brutally honest book, exposing all angles of Darin’s mind through his struggle to deal with what had happened. Although there was nothing he could do to prevent the accident, he felt an immense amount of pressure to live for two people for the rest of his life. The New York Times called the book,

traditional Halloween character ideas into mysterious young adult literature. It is a twisted story and a true original born from a classic tale. Her craft is evident in the novel’s various settings. While London is realistically lit with kerosene lamps and street vendors, the entirely fictional island holds its own next to the historically recognized city. As well as constructing realistic scenes she has also proved competent in crafting provocative characters. While not all of them human, she has created fatal flaws for each character to battle. Shepherd’s characters must navigate all of the circumstances of a classic Gothic thriller, love, tragedy, and horror. The writing undeniably kept me on my toes. This novel is perfect for those looking for a balance of mystery and romance.

-Beccy Anderson

“Elegant, painful, stunningly honest, huge and heartbreaking,” and I couldn’t agree more. Strauss takes you through the ups and downs of his life, hiding the pain behind a crooked, fake smile for far too long. This book will make you appreciate all that you have and will (hopefully) make you start picking up more creative non-fiction novels!

-Lilly Radack

Film Reviews: Holiday Movies By: Kyle Kittredge

Jack Frost 1998

O

n a twist to the classic Christmas tale, the father figure is an important family member and being together as a family is a convention most films stress in Christmas movies. In Jack Frost the theme of family is important to the story, as Christmas is coming up for the Frost family. Due to a tragic car accident, Jack, the father, dies, leaving his son Charlie feeling empty. However for one winter he builds a snowman that miraculously comes to life and is able to spend more time with his father.

The biggest sad part is when Charlie’s father dies.

The movie starts out with this but warms up as it goes on. Unfortunately as the warming occurs, Jack must go. However, him and Charlie get to go snowboarding, stand up to bullies, and re-join the hockey team that he had quit after his death.

Overall, this is a great film. It is kid-friendly, has realistic conversations, and makes you feel. It is a perfect movie to curl up and watch as a family on a snowy day.

The film uses a simple storyline to introduce a something that is enjoyable for all ages, and gives us a lot of feels at the same time. It is full of laughs, tears, surprise, awe and everything in between.

Jingle

all the way

W

1996

hen Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn’t in action films shooting up baddies and getting bloodied up in the late 80’s and early 90’s, he starred in a Christmas film as a father trying to get his son the best Christmas present ever: an action figure of Turbo-Man a popular children’s TV superhero toy that everyone else is trying to buy. Very cliché, he tries to buy it at the last minute, due to his workaholic attitude and neglect to remember to buy it months earlier.

Howard’s attempts to be a good father are central to the plot. It is the ultimate driving force of the narrative. While he searches for the toy, he finds something else that he can give to Jamie. As a classic workaholic, he is never there for his son.

Christmas’ important values on family, bring out the quality of caring for Howard.

Overall, it is a plain and simple comedic film.

While it got negative reviews, it is a good movie to watch on a lazy day with some of your friends and laugh over Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of his In the ensuing comedy, Schwarzenegger’s char- character in this film, along with some key Christacter Howard desperately wants to be a good father mas themes. to his son and feels that the only way to do that is to buy him the Turbo-Man toy. However he realizes that is not the way to gain his son Jamie’s love.

Without giving away the ending, Howard makes it up to his son by getting him something better, finally connecting with his son.

Music Reviews

BORNS in deep thought

Beat Connection

Lianne La Havas

BORNS “Dopamine” Interscope

Overall Rating: 9.5/10 Beat Connection “Product 3” Anti-Records

Overall Rating: 8.5/10 Lianne La Havas “Blood” Warner Bros.

Overall Rating: 9/10

BORNS, the moniker of Garrett Borns, has earned quite a following. Enough of a following that his debut record “Dopamine” is being released on Interscope Records, one of the biggest labels in the United States with artists such as Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, Lady Gaga, and more on their roster. All eleven tracks on this record are truly out of this world artistic, and this is a top contender for album of the year.

The record starts with 10,000 Emerald Pools, a glamorous track that all BORNS fans know as his break-through single. The shimmering guitars and soothing vocals will have a listener forgetting all of their real-world worries for some time. Garrett’s falsetto is out of the world, as is indicated in the first track, but is notable throughout the record. Other standout tracks on this record would be Electric Love, his most radio-friendly track that is bound to be commercially successful in due time thanks to its daring vocal range, intense percussive selection, singing guitar riffs, and carefully penned

lyrics. Past Lives is the sing-along track that’s bound to be stuck in heads for weeks thanks to its groovy bass lines and atmospheric electro-sounds.

The title track, Dopamine, is reminiscent in a sense with its slight influence of disco while maintaining its dance-fever and contemporary lyrical melody. Each track is filled with indie and electro pop goodness, being almost infectious, sweet, and warming. Dopamine is an addicting drug, and so is every individual track on this record.

On all accounts, “Dopamine” is an ethereal electro-pop record that will send BORNS into true stardom. Hop on this record before the rest of the world does, you will not be sorry. Think of this album as a cup of hot chocolate on a freezing winter day in January – you want to sip every last drop of it.

-Domenic Paolo

Beat Connection is a Seattle-based band that is known for electronic music. With the release of their sophomore album, it shows the improvements and growth in their sound that has occurred during the gap between albums. They’ve created this beautiful blend of sounds from their different musical backgrounds and their own unique style.

is more heavily based on ethnic music and muted vocals. Some of the songs are something that I would probably hear at 2AM in the frozen food aisle of a supermarket. “So Good” and “Hope You Know” definitely give off that same vibe. All of the songs are about romance of some sort, and are usually about meeting someone new while at some crowded bar or trying to reconcile with a signifiThe album might seem like a mixed bag of rancant other. dom things in terms of sound and style but it all works together. There’s an overarching theme of Overall, I think this album is great. It’s great elecromance, and it’s built for the modern age where tronic music with a variety. It doesn’t force the lisno one listens to the songs in order anymore; lis- tener to listen to the album in order and it doesn’t tening to the album on shuffle or adding a few of force the listener to go through repetitive sounds them to a playlist doesn’t take away from the al- across songs. The singer has an incredibly smooth bum’s message. The styles vary from song to song. and clear voice and it works incredibly well with the “Illusion” is a slow electronic dance song that has sound and vibe of the album. pulsing beat to it, whereas “Another Go Round”

-Rebecca Ma I feel kind of stupid for just discovering this song that is very much like “Unstoppable” in that woman now. she states that she is an unstoppable force. “Grow” alternates between slow folk sounds to a faster and Lianne La Havas is an absolutely powerful force heavier chorus. “Ghost” is a lyrical song about of nature who is changing the jazz scene in the US ghosts in her life. It’s an easy listening kind of and the UK. She is an absolutely stunning British song. “Never Get Enough” is like “Grow” where it singer who weans away from the standard definialternates between slow and quiet moods and has tions and modern trends of jazz, folk, and funk a loud rock chorus. This song really shows her pomusic, weaving a magic of her own with her soft tential and her abilities as a singer and musician. voice and lyrical guitar playing. She has an unorth“Good Goodbye” is a fitting end to her album. It’s odox approach to jazz that was very much needed a slow song as opposed to starting out with somefor the genre. thing fast. It’s a final farewell to an old lover or The album opens with “Unstoppable”. It sends someone significant in her life. the message that she is unstoppable in her music Overall this album is brilliant. It’s an amazing and that she refuses to be less than that. The next work of art that tells a story about the artist hertrack is “Green and Gold”. It’s probably my favorself. She sings of finding herself, saying goodbye, ite with everything that she puts into it, incuding and her past lovers. She paves her own way withthe lyrics, which tell the story of her own history in the genre of jazz and proves to the world how and lineage. The next song, “What You Don’t Do” flexible she is as a musician. She demonstrates her picks up with a 50’s vibe to it. “Tokyo” is an incredskill to reach out to her audience and makes them ibly urban song that highlights what it’s like to be feel the emotions that she felt while writing these alone in a city. “Wonderful” is a bittersweet song songs. After listening to the album as a whole, I can where her use of repetition really shines through. best describe the experience listening to it with the It really makes a person think about their life thus chorus of “Wonderful:” “wasn’t it kind of wonfar and past relationships that they’ve had. It makes derful?” you think about all the good parts despite all the ugly parts of your relationships. The album then

-Rebecca Ma picks up again with “Midnight,” a faster lounge

Dish from The Green Elephant

Garganelli with Shrimp from Louie’s

Restaurant Reviews By: Larissa Claar and Jaime Smith

The Green Elephant 35 Portwalk Place Portsmouth, NH 03801 The Green Elephant is an Asian Inspired Bistro in Portland, Maine with a second location that just recently opened in Portsmouth. Located on the corner of Portwalk 3, this cozy dim lit restaurant is decorated beautifully with abstract earthy tones, with stunning lights over the tables and the bar.

The menu isn’t overwhelmingly large but it does offer many appealing appetizers and main dishes to choose from. In addition they have an eclectic drink menu of cocktails, draft and bottled beers, and wine, and a mouthwatering dessert menu.

They pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one. Granted, this spot does certainly call out to all those vegetarians out their trying to get their noodle on. With an entirely vegetarian menu and many vegan and gluten free options, no audience can be scared away (besides maybe the meat lovers out there). The aroma of the restaurant wafts through the doors as soon as they are opened and the pleasurable experience only continued with the wonderful service greeting us right when we walked in. My friend and I first ordered the Brussel sprouts which were fried and seasoned with tamari. I then ordered Pad Thai, which was prepared stir-fried small rice noodles with tofu, egg, broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions, topped with ground peanuts and raw vegetables. My friend ordered the Thai Ginger Noodles which were stir fried wide rice noodles with egg, tofu, ginger, broccoli, carrots, onions, snow peas and scallions. Our server even asked how spicy we wanted our dished to be on a scale of 1 to 4. I said 1 (I can’t handle spicy foods)

and it was just perfect. The food was incredible and it was obvious that the dishes were made with fresh ingredients. The portions were satisfying and for many, enough to bring home a doggy-bag (if you don’t scarf down the whole thing like I did).

My glass of water was never empty, and the service was unbelievably kind and helpful, giving us honest recommendations. With main dishes averaging to around $12 per meal, it’s even rather affordable for us broke college students and well worth every penny, trust me. I will be going back as soon as I can, that’s for sure!

sonally), the steak crudo, and poached calamari.

Having a slight addiction to cheese, I thoroughly enjoyed Louie’s selection, as well as their serving of apricot jam that accompanied it. The steak crudo--my first time having raw beef--was incredible.

Served with grilled bread, the steak was melt-inyour-mouth tender, balanced with the inclusion of Dijon mustard and capers. The calamari was light and a perfect way to enjoy squid in the summertime.

For our entree, we chose two pasta dishes: a pappardelle with mushrooms, and garganelli with shrimp. The pappardelle was a no-brainer for me, Louie’s as I will eat anything with mushrooms and my aforementioned first love, cheese. I was, however, 86 Pleasant Street hesitant about the garganelli, as it was made with Portsmouth, NH 03801 squid ink (turning the pasta a deep purple, nearly black color). To my surprise, I loved the garganelli, the ink giving it a unique taste that didn’t overpowAnyone who has been to Portsmouth recent- er the shrimp, and the roasted chilis that packed a ly has surely noticed the new options in town perfect amount of heat. when it comes to dining out. While I worked in We ended our meal with three desserts: a bluePortsmouth over the summer and, obviously, go to school here in Durham, I must admit that my berry crostada topped with gelato, dark chocolate Portsmouth restaurant knowledge has been limited budino, and house-made cannoli chips with a sweet to the one I work at and the very well known spots- ricotta filling. While each dessert was delicious, the -think Brgr Bar, Popovers, Flatbreads, and the like. one that stands out the most was definitely the croI have however, slowly but surely, am adding new stada. Made with their pasta dough, the crostada restaurants to my repertoire, so I was especially was the perfect way to end our meal, and the blueberries just screamed summer to me. pleased to find such a gem as Louie’s.

The setting was intimate and lovely. Nestled in Located on Pleasant Street, Louie’s is a self-described “rustic Italian restaurant” that focuses on a table right by the window, we felt as though we fresh ingredients. This commitment is evident in were the only people in the restaurant. The service was just the right amount of attentive. The prices their thoughtful, delicious dishes. are more than appropriate for the quality dining My two friends and I began with a selection of experience you are receiving. I have been salivating three cheeses (which I believe tends to change sea- ever since, and cannot wait to return to Louie’s.

Your Winter Break To-Do List By: Liz Haas

W

inter Break: Five weeks of freedom, relaxation and fun to invigorate you for next semester.

Or is it? For some students, it’s a time to earn a little extra money at their seasonal jobs back home, and for others it’s a way to squeeze in an extra class or a few weeks abroad. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have a job to go back to or the money to spend on three weeks in Rome studying art. For the rest of us, when the holiday rush of family events is over, life can get a bit boring. But it doesn’t have to.

Italian or brush up on the Spanish you took in high school? Find some beginner language videos and start repeating different versions of “Hello” and “My names is…” to your laptop.

VOLUNTEER

The holidays are a busy time at local food pantries, so giving a few hours of your time to helping prepare holiday dinner baskets or carrying boxes of stuffing off of delivery trucks can be a huge help.

You can also volunteer in an area related to your major or a hobby, playing with local shelter dogs or cheerfully wheeling around hospital patients, as a Think of winter break as the chance you get to do rewarding resume builder. all the things you wished you had time to do during GET IN SHAPE the semester.

You have five weeks to try a new sport or work on limbering up with some yoga. Try branching out GET OUTSIDE Enlist your neighbors’ help in building a giant snow and taking karate classes or joining a rock climbing fort, and then use it for a snowball fight afterward. gym for a new workout you can’t get at the Whitt, The next afternoon, construct a family of snowmen or join a yoga studio for the month of January to next to your fort. Find a local rink or shoveled-off boost your mental and physical health. Look up the pond and organize a game of pick-up hockey or class list at your local gyms for additional ideas. just enjoy gliding around on the ice. For more vigorous free exercise, go snowshoeing or winter hiking to combat those sugary holiday treats. And don’t forget a childhood favorite: Sledding. Visit all of your favorite childhood sledding hills and notice how they’ve—or you’ve—“changed.”

LEARN BY CHOICE Do you wish you knew more about the Civil Rights Movement or Japanese food? Visit your local library and find a book or two on a subject you’re curious about and enjoy learning without the pressure of due dates or grades. Always wanted to learn

WRITE NOTES Everyone loves receiving mail, and giving someone a handwritten card can make him or her feel special. Let your grandparents know you love them and send your best friend ridiculous drawings with unicorn stickers.

GET ORGANIZED

Look through the Hamel Center’s research opportunities to find other fun resume-builders. Don’t have a resume yet? Make one so you won’t have to worry about it in the spring when you’re buried in classwork and job applications.

GO ON A TRIP You don’t have to buy a plane ticket to the Caribbean to enjoy a winter getaway; just leaving the house can mix things up. Try taking a tour of all the free museums in the nearest city or take a dessert tour of your hometown, sampling your favorite dessert from every local restaurant to see which establishment makes the best brownie sundae.

MAKE GOOD FOOD You lived off Kraft mac and cheese and bagel bites through final’s week; your body and taste buds deserve a healthy break. Take advantage of your parents’ kitchen and spice rack to cook all the recipes that have been sitting in your Pinterest all semester.

ENJOY THE INDOORS Sometimes you just want to stay in and curl up on your couch, and break is your guilt-free chance to do so. Put on your favorite childhood movie or TV show and knit scarves and hats for all your friends.

Start a sketchbook and break out your childhood watercolor set or box of 345 Crayola crayons.

Catch up on sleep and let your body recover from the stress of finals so you return to Durham refreshed for Spring of 2016.

This can take many forms. Cleaning your room is So what will you be doing this break? I know I’ll one of them. But also take this free time to research be busy. and apply to scholarships and summer internships.

Look for study abroad programs and fellowships.

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development

I

By: Beccy Anderson f I told you that in fifteen years the world might be free of injustice, inequality, and extreme poverty, and that climate change will be solved, would you believe me?

tainable communities to providing good health to everyone. At first glance this target may seem impossible to reach, but the campaign has broken the work down into seventeen more specific targets. While political leaders have signed off Well, in September, 193 global leaders on the SDG’s, the goals are not legally binding at the United Nations pledged their allegiance and therefore have the potential to be forgotten. to the Sustainable Development Goals in order to achieve this ambitious feat. These goals range In order for these aims to be met, the camfrom raising the quality of education, creating sus- paign is challenging everyone to choose one goal

and to act on it. This choice should be motivated by a personal connection and passion, but most of all something that you would want to share with the world. The Global Goals campaign wants you and everyone out there to be talking about these issues, striking up conversations of economic growth on the subway or speaking of poverty-related issues while standing in line at the movie theater. In the early stages of this campaign, it’s all about making the goals famous.

So

you

pick

a

goal,

then

what? with YouTube has served as an outlet of information for the goals. I found out about this movement Our generation is obsessed with quick and through a video made by Tanya Burr, a highly popsimple interactions through social media and the ular YouTuber. Usually her videos focus on beauty ability to express our thoughts through a simand lifestyle tips but her video titled, “A bit of a ple Instagram post, and The Global Goals has Different Video & Something Exciting…” brought recognized the benefit of becoming a social a new topic to the Tanya Burr fan base. In less than campaign. You can follow the campaign on Ins4 minutes she calls on her viewers to get involved tagram @theglobalgoals. Or download their app in the initiative and make the goals famous. Tanand explore the goals. The app gives you a soya also asks for her viewers to submit photos and cial strength rating based upon your ability to videos, sharing their personal goal number in order get the word out their about your goal. The inito eventually turn it into a montage of aspirations. tiative is gaining traction, as the first few months are focused on promotion for the platform.

Following the initial video, Tanya vlogged her day at the United Nations office in New York City. She The Global Goals team has urged celebriwas invited to discuss her work with the campaign ties to get involved and take advantage of their and all her efforts with her subscribers to help the access to the masses. Located on the Global world. In the follow up video her speech to the Goals website is a YouTube video with houseU.N is hopeful and inspiring. She explains that alhold names asking for people to get involved. though reaching 7 billion people of the world is a The explore page of Instagram often showcas- large feat, with advancements in technology it is es the hot celeb pictures that are making waves in not impossible. With her YouTube experience she pop culture. To support the campaign many peo- understands that she is reaching a younger audience ple have been posting selfies that display their goal that can insure the continuation of the campaign. number. Some people write the number on their Teachers and school administrators are also dohands while others hold up a sign to promote their ing their part to get the world’s youth involved. The goal. People are rummaging through their drawers Global Goals official website offers multiple guidfor lipstick and sharpies, anything to write their ed lessons for schools to integrate into their ordigoal number on their palm and then snap a selfie. nary schedules. They have suggested lesson plans Some of these Global Goals selfies are receiving and assembly topics that teachers can share with enough attention to make it on the explore page. the students. In the guided assembly the students While traditional celebrities have pledged their are informed of the goals and the general platform. goals on instagram, the campaign’s partnership The kids get a nice break from their daily routine

and have the opportunity to learn of how they can play a role in changing the world. The Global Goals has estimated that these assemblies have reached approximately 500 million children so far.

A special feature of this initiative is that everyone is called upon to be a participant. Every day small things are being done to work towards these goals. The campaign has partnered with many different organizations to spread awareness. For example, you can log in to Global Citizen and sign a petition to call on the United States Government to increase access to education for all children, or sign to ask United Kingdom Prime Minister to implement marine protected areas around their overseas territories. With their action 2015 partnership you can join a climate march and see nearby events.

WAs the discussion of the Global Goals grows, the pressure intensifies for our world leaders to follow through on their pledge. The only way the SDG’s will be taken seriously is if they have a force behind them that is unstoppable and impossible to ignore. Be a part of the Global Goals and help the world become a place that we can all be proud of. We have to be conscious of what we leave behind and what opportunities we provide for future generations. We can keep children from going hungry, we can eliminate prejudices, and we can clean up our beautiful planet as long as we support the groups that are working towards this change. Go out and share your goal and maybe we can foster a better world by 2030.

An Ode to By: Corey Scarano

Oh Amazon, where do I begin?

For my love for you does not wear so thin For years now my scarce amounts of money have gone your way It has gotten so bad now, even my loved ones have had a say But Amazon, I felt more at home than ever That beloved day a year ago when I said yes to become a Prime member Now you and I do almost everything together Shoe shopping, decorating Even coats for all the weather.

So now, as the temperature drops and the holidays draw near Amazon online Christmas shopping for me is if full gear With their amazing deals, and free two day shipping It’s like I’m shopping in a magical wonderland- I must be tripping!

Add to my cart? Don’t mind if I do.

Oh you also suggest this for me? I guess I could use a few.

Packages week after week show up at my door The brown cardboard boxes become quite the eyesore.

My parents ask me, Corey, where do you get this money?

I laugh a little, but deep down know it’s not so funny.

For spending all my waitressing money on knickknacks online just isn’t right My parents know this more than I, and each time it ends in a fight.

I am addicted, I tell them. And you would be too.

BOGO on all winter jackets? How sold are you!?

The truth is Amazon is the best online shopping website ever.

Those who disagree clearly aren’t so clever.

So the moral of the story is to give you one piece of advice Do all your shopping on Amazon and you will never have to think twice.

If Starbucks Holiday Drinks were College Students By: Kate Sutherby

Y

ou know the holiday season is upon us when Starbucks releases their beloved seasonal holiday drinks. People look forward to these delicious drinks year-round. Whether you’re waking up early for Black Friday shopping or going ice-skating with friends, don’t forget to stop for your pumpkin spiced latte before hitting the stores or warm up with a cup of venti peppermint hot chocolate. These coffees are more than simple drinks, they add to the spirit of the holiday season. Who knew a cup of coffee could embody the holiday season with every sip? Because these heavenly coffees are so popular, it made me wonder what makes them so special. Aside from taste, I concluded that each drink has a unique personality.

They’re so flavorful, that they almost come to life.

Which leads me to the point of this article, what if Starbucks holiday drinks were college students?

Peppermint Mocha

White

Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This person is loud and bursting with personality, just like how this drink is bursting with flavor. They keep classes lively and worth going to by being their super loud and confident selves.

You can always count on this student to brighten up your day. Their loud and bubbly personality is contagious and will have you feeling happier within seconds. The Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha’s of the world are always the life of the party.

This student is a minimalist; they crave simplicity and do not overwhelm their life with materialistic goods. They are always calm due to the lack of clutter in their life and a great friend to go to when you’re seeking advice. Just like this person, the peppermint hot chocolate is able to achieve your expectations of the holiday season, without overwhelming you with extra flavor. The hot chocolate alone is a great holiday drink, but the hint of peppermint makes it extra special without overpowering your senses with holiday flavor.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte I picture this student to be someone who is always up to date with the latest mainstream trends. They are hip, fashion forward, at times a bit basic, but also very confident. You can go to them for fashion inspiration or to hear about the latest phone apps or advances in technology. They also are “in the know” about the best music and TV shows at the moment.

Gingerbread Latte The Gingerbread Latte is the organized and over-involved student. Just like a well-structured gingerbread house, this person has their life together. Their desk is covered in colorful post its and their agenda book is always overflowing with stuff to do. Whether it’s running from meeting with a professor, to leading a club, overachieving at their job or playing intramurals, this person structures every aspect of their life- and looks good doing it!

Christmas Cookie Latte Everything about this person’s life is perfect.

They are always put together and well decorated like a Christmas cookie. Everything is polished from their hair to their shoes, even on Mondays at 8am. Aside from their appearance, this person has a happy-go lucky personality and is a master at social media. If you run into a Christmas cookie latte-like student, they will be extra friendly and constantly smiling. If you were to look on their Instagram feed it would have tons of followers because they’re super artistic and post the best photos.

What

kind

of

drink

would

you

be?

Diversity De-Funded By: Jack Shea

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hen UNH senior Rob Richard-Snipes entered the room in Murkland Hall to meet with Kenneth Fuld, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, last May, he had high hopes that his voice would be heard.

The Center for Global, Race and Diversity Studies, an umbrella department that includes, was in danger of losing the funding for its director, and this was the last chance anyone had to speak up about it.

For students involved in related fields of study, this poses a serious threat; without a director to handle advertising and event planning, many fear that the Center and its fields of study will lose their potential for growth and will fade into obscurity. The decision outraged many students and faculty members, who felt that the Center’s programs were being undeservedly shafted by the University, and that it could even put some of these programs in danger of an eventual collapse.

One by one, Richard-Snipes and a team of stu“We worked hard and had to fight to get dents and faculty members defended their pro- these funds in the first place,” said Richgrams, but the decision was already set in stone; ard-Snipes. “But I’m afraid that without the the answer was no, and Richard-Snipes left the funding, these programs are gonna be gone.” meeting feeling angry, confused, and betrayed.

For UNH students, this problem threatens with more than a potential loss of academics; on a mostly-white campus, the Center’s fields of study are key in maintaining a general awareness of the plights of different minority groups, The Center for Global, Race and Diversity and are necessary in promoting a deeper general Studies is an umbrella department launched in understanding of different cultures. Each of the 2014 as part of a five-year plan to help grow the program’s minors offers students who identiprograms it contains, which include Africana and fy with different minorities the ability to explore African American Studies, Race and Ethnic Stud- their cultural and individual identities. Jaime Noies, American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, lan, UNH’s associate VP for community, equity Latin American Studies, Queer Studies, and Asian and diversity, emphasized the importance of diStudies. Prior to the meeting with the dean, Jes- versity-related fields, citing how her own education sica Fish, the Center’s then-director, announced “afforded me to develop a capacity for not only that she would not be returning to UNH for understanding differences, learning to be present the 2015-2016 academic year. Following her no- in various settings, thinking critically and relationtice, the University made the decision to de-fund ally.” She stressed the ability of these studies to Fish’s position, citing a lack of available funds, allow students to see through the perspectives of ultimately leaving the Center without a director. others so that they can better communicate across cultural differences—something that deserves

“It felt like a big ‘fuck you,’” said Richard-Snipes.

place in the UNH curriculum. “Without these programs a lot of issues won’t get talked about within these institutions,” said Richard-Snipes.

“Like, I don’t think that conversations about why black lives matter would have happened this year.”

Unfortunately, not everyone in the UNH faculty and administration sees eye to eye on this topic. While many faculty members believe these programs belong on a pedestal of utmost importance and deserve increased funding and attention, administration members claim that the College of Liberal Arts’ financial deficit is too great to maintain them. In an email, Dean Fuld described the College’s “budgetary challenges” as being “particularly acute” in the current fiscal year, but said that he is confident that there is a promising future in store. “As a result of actions taken on panel recommendations and other efforts to streamline, we are a lean college,” said Fuld. “But I am confident we can continue to serve students at the high level they expect and deserve, offering the full range of programs that are the hallmark of a fine liberal arts education.”

While there are optimistic outlooks about the future of these programs, some are voicing far more skeptical opinions. Many are troubled by a lack of clarity in the reasoning behind this decision, and don’t believe de-funding the Center to be an effective strategy in dealing with these financial setbacks.

In light of recent events, including the ongoing controversy surrounding the generous six-figure bonuses being bestowed upon top-level administrators as well as the princely amount of money being spent on athletics and the brand-new UNH

logo, many share in a general suspicion of the College of Liberal Arts’ alleged deficit. Siobhan Senier, coordinator of the Race and Ethnic Studies Minor at UNH, said that a lack of transparent discussion of university budgets has left many people feeling like COLA is being ‘taxed’ for outside expenses “while areas like Ethnic Studies are basically being sacrificed for these non-academic enterprises.”

While the de-funding of Fish’s position is accredited to this deficit, many remain unconvinced that the administration’s strategy of making small-scale cuts is effective. “It is hard to imagine that cuts like these amount to very much for the central budget, though their impact on the university’s most vulnerable people is of course devastating,” said Senier.

Senier said that she believes these programs should be given more funding, rather than having it taken away. “Pulling the funding from these programs is kind of like pulling fire and police services from poor neighborhoods, and saying, ‘look at these people, they just destroy themselves,’” she said.

But it seems that the most damaging aspect of the situation is the feelings of oppression it has created for those involved. Students and faculty alike seem to view the de-funding of the Center as no coincidence, but rather as an act of disregard for the groups and values represented by its diversity-related programs. “I think it was a very sneaky and manipulative way for the University to take advantage of the situation,” said Richard-Snipes. “If Jess Fish didn’t leave, they wouldn’t have de-funded the position, but they saw their opening.”

For UNH grad student Adam Severance, the decision came across as a hypocritical move that clashes with the University’s statement of diversity. “I think that this decision is a clear statement from the University that the subjects represented by these minors…are not valued by the University,” said Severance, who went on to highlight his belief that the decision “directly contradicts

the University’s stated commitment to diversity.” lief, similarly to what Senier said, is that racism still exists around the country. In a nation founded on For Mark Anthony, graduate representative on ideals of freedom and equality, there is still progthe LGBTQ+ President’s Commission, issues reress to be made to ensure quality of life for all its lated to diversity have been an issue throughout his citizens, and the educational system is not exempt. college career. Anthony, who identifies as a queer person, said that he has been mocked in many situaBecause of the relatively small amount of tions for his sexual orientation, and that he believes people involved with the situation, the issue has that UNH is hypocritical of diversity-related issues. gone undetected by the majority of the student body. Students and faculty members are continuing to make efforts to deal with and hopefully solve the issues that have arisen in the wake of Fish’s departure, and are seeking support from their colleagues to fight for their cause.

“The money is there…it is a part-time salary for a staff position, what isn’t there is the institutional dedication to issues of diversity.”

He said that many of the university’s initiatives to support diversity are often met by a brick wall, citing a series of requests made in 1998 by the Black Student Union and Race and Ethnic Studies department that would advance equity and inclusion for under-represented students at UNH: “today only a handful of these have been met,” he said in an email. “It is my personal belief that UNH is among many other colleges and universities that do not prioritize equity and inclusion, furthering the inequalities that disadvantage students of color, LGBTQA+, and international students, among the many other under-represented identities at UNH.” This issue, as Anthony stated, is believed not to be specific to UNH. Many believe this situation to be indicative of a larger problem that extends well beyond the boundaries of Durham, and see it as a product of a structurally racist, provincial and corporate university system. “Honestly, the problem here really is structural, and it’s embedded in national and global trends that want to turn higher education into vocational education, and a playground for big business,” said Senier. Common be-

For Nolan, though, the future of the Center for Global, Race and Diversity Studies is not a lost cause; she has high hopes that with some changes, the Center will continue to reach its full potential as a ubiquitous force that is much more intertwined with each college throughout the University. With a more sustainable model, she says, the Center will be able to thrive in these times of limited resources, but it will require support from students of all colleges. “It can be taken to the next level,” she said. “The challenge is that we need to figure out how we can make this about everybody.”

Over the past couple of years, the US has seen many minority-related issues come into the light; the Ferguson, Missouri riots, the Black Lives Matter Campaign and the legalization of gay marriage have all started increased national and global conversation about different controversial topics that has hopefully lead to a greater sense of awareness and an overall progression towards becoming a more empathetic society. As issues like this occur within the UNH community—issues that seem to imply a reversal of these progressive trends, it is important that they don’t go unnoticed, and that no voices are silenced. “We’re gonna still find someone to talk to who will listen,” said Richard-Snipes. “We’re not gonna stop trying.”

It’s not 1995, but I Still Love CD’s

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By: Jenna Ward he year 2016 is approaching, and for some odd reason, I can’t seem to let go of outdated forms of technology.

Whether it’s music or movies, I just can’t shake the beauty of those analog forms of media. Analog media covers a wide spectrum, but the most common that come to my mind include vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes, DVDs, and even VHS tapes. There’s just something so pleasing, and so heartwarmingly nostalgic, about owning a physical copy of media art. Especially when it comes to music, I’m incessantly attached to owning real, tangible copies of it. Maybe it’s because I’m an old soul, or I’m just too damn stubborn to

let go of my old ways. Or maybe it’s just because my crappy 2004 Saturn Ion only has a CD-player, forcing me to purchase CDs in order to enjoy music outside of what is played on the radio. No matter the reason, nothing in my mind can replace the immense satisfaction of purchasing the physical, hard copy as a medium of music.

It’s no surprise that when a professor asks the class if anyone still buys physical copies of music, only a slim amount of students will raise their hands. I’m always one of these students who will bravely raise their hand among a room full of glaring, dumbfounded students who are baffled by the thought of buying a CD in 2015. “WHOA, peo-

ple still do that?” says a confused classmate. Those perplexed students have every right to possess that mindset, considering physical music sales were dominated by digital purchasing when iTunes stole the market by storm. What’s even scarier now is that digitally purchased music is also becoming a thing of the past, with the increased rise of streamed music through applications such as Pandora and Spotify. According to statistics recorded by Nielsen, in 2014 CD sales decreased by 15%, while digital purchases also decreased by almost 10%. Conversely, music streaming increased by 54% from the previous year. Due to the fact that smartphones are practically a necessity for the common American,

streaming apps are the go-to for music. Evidently, music streaming is kicking the rest of the music industry’s butt. Surprisingly though, vinyl records are surging upwards although other mediums continue to plummet, with an increase of 51% in sales. This isn’t much of a surprise, considering Millennials tend to be temporarily drawn vintage fads of the past. The aesthetic of owning records and a turntable is the new cool and edgy thing to do. I too am a person that finds joy in adding to my vinyl collection, but records can be pricey, and purchasing your own player or turntable can be a pretty penny as well. I’m fortunate enough that my parents still own a record player that I can use to play my records, but nonetheless my loyalty still lies with CDs. They’re the perfect combination of tangibility, portability, affordability, and a touch of retro.

However, streaming music is clearly supremely popular, and obviously way more practical than buying dozens of CDs that will eventually stack up in your apartment, collecting dust and taking up valuable space. Even more importantly, streaming music is FREE. That’s enough of a selling point for anyone in this capitalist-ridden society. Re-

gardless all of these great factors pointing towards the eventual elimination of purchasing physical copies of music, I’m still not altering my mindset.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not bashing the concept of free music, because I love the idea behind discovering and listening to new music everyday. I’m just stressing the point that possessing the hard copy of an artist’s work is still a valuable feat in my eyes. Holding my favorite album created by my favorite artist in the palms of my very hands is a simple pleasure for a music nerd like myself.

The magical experience of taking a trip to a store to purchase music will forever be a timeless activity that streamed music can’t replace. Spending countless hours in a store like Bullmoose Music, skimming the selection, and finally pulling out that beloved album you’ve been dying to find-there’s nothing quite like it. Physical copies of music allow you to appreciate the beauty and splendor of the album art, along with the rest of the treasures that can be found inside the pamphlet that is guaranteed when you purchase a CD. Cassettes are super cool too because they’re even more taboo, and can be a valuable addition

to an already impressive collection of music and band merch. There’s such an immense satisfaction after leaving a music store with purchased CDs that can never be compared to clicking “play” on Spotify. CDs are so simplistically special and can be shared with friends, jammed out to in the car, and showcased on that bare shelf in your room.

So maybe my room looks like it could be featured on Hoarders Buried Alive, due to the stacks of CDs and records that encompass my living space.

And maybe my car would have more space for important things like a first-aid kit, or a toolbox if all my compartments weren’t jam-packed with CDs. I don’t mind though because I love music and love to show it off. These mediums of music are a true treasure in a world that can only seem to survive on LTE data plans and Wi-Fi availability. I don’t care if the year is 2016 or if it’s 2046, I will still be spotted with my cherished CD collection. And if you want to borrow a CD from me don’t hesitate to ask, just please try not to scratch it before you give it back!

My Study Abroad Story By: Weixi Xiong

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ne day in biology class, my classmates made a presentation about dog meat in China. I sat in class as the only Chinese student, and listened to them. They talked about how terrible Chinese treat dogs and eat them without pity, and they said it is hard to blame due to cultural reasons. My face went extremely red and my heart was yelling. I never! My family, never! The people I know, never! My tears are nearly rolling down my face, but I swallowed. How can you just judge us all, just from few simple data and few pictures? I don’t want my emotion to control me, and I tried to calm down. I raised my hand and tried to explain the best I can. It is truly happened in some distant areas, but it is totally rare or impossible in modern cities. I have a strong duty in mind to tell them who we are, what we are like, in daily life.

What they know and what we are sometimes is for a part. At this time, I don’t like the label being a dog-eating, bad Chinese. I want them more to treat me as an independent individual, as they are. I want to say more and more, but the words in my mind are messy, and I cannot express it as much and clearly as I think in mind. I don’t like this feeling at all. Most of Chinese friends said these misunderstanding are normal to happen and just let it go. I just think it is wrong. Studying abroad makes me care more about where I am from. I think silence is the worst thing to deepen misunderstanding.

I am an international student from China, studying at UNH. I grew up in Beijing, one of the most historical and oldest cities in China. Many Chinese students are just like my background. I am just from an ordinary Chinese middle class family and have supportive parents. They give us money to follow our dream, but no extra for luxury things.

It is not about money to study abroad, it is more about my parents’ selfless love.

“I hope you can gain more unusual experience and broaden your horizon in young age,” my mother said. “It is worth to study in America.

If I am young as you are, I would definitely go.”

When I was 18 years old in 2013, I decided to study in America. The reason why I came here is simple----- it is different. America was just a vague name before I came. I was not sure how different it could be. Everything is compared to America when in China. Everyone just says America can give anything. What exactly? I want to see, to feel in person. At the beginning of that year, I arrived in the United States, took my suitcase and went outside of the Boston Logan Airport, and looked around the situation. I felt a little lost. People passed by me, and quickly vanished into the crowd. They all speak English. I watched vehicles came and pass in front of me one by one. I was not sure how to go next. Boston is my first step after a 21 hour flight from Beijing. I knew I needed to find a way to go to my final destination, UNH, Durham. A small college town in New Hampshire, I never thought I would be. It was a cloudy gray day, and I was totally by myself for the first time in a foreign country.

No family, no friends, and without fluent English.

It was wintertime. Before I came here, I already had checked information about the weather here.

I imagined how cold the weather would be, how heavy the snow might be. But when I actually saw the big snow, I was shocked. It is different from Beijing’s snow days, which are soft, thin. The world here is totally buried under white. The road was hard, the wind strong, but I was really happy. Arriving to the Unknown and novel just made me excited.

The first semester in UNH is easy. I feel really lucky to have a friendly roommate, Maria. She is from Malaysia, and English is her native language.

She does not mind my terrible English, and listens to me patiently. My daily communication with Maria improves my spoken English a lot. I know nobody at first, but Navitas language programs make me quickly get familiar with other Chinese students. I don’t realize it until after I come to America how important speaking same language is. Although China has English classes since elementary school, it is what we called as “Chinglish.” The English is just translated without real meaning behind it. For instance, our official answer in the textbook for “how are you?” is “fine, thank you, and you?” it is definitely weird to say this in America. More, Chinese English books don’t distinguish between American English and British English, so many words we use are not local to the United States.

I find translation plays a really important role.

hol. They are just parts of American culture, but not for all. My friends in China think that America college students just have parties every day. My life here just tells me it is not true. I learn from their attitude that what you hear about and what you experience is different. Come and see for yourself is the better way to get involved in situation.

My mom used to think everyone has a gun here after she watched too many American movies with gun violence. China is more willing to import what we call “big movies,” such as “Fast& Furious,” and“Mission: Impossible,” which are products of Hollywood that are full of hot American beach girls, street violence and luxury life. America is just Las Vegas’ life, in my mom’s mind, and in many Chinese old generations’ mind. The peaceful, quiet rural American life is what they never imagined or find hard to imagine. Study abroad let us see it. Also, I find an interesting thing among those American students who have studied abroad before or major in international affair, they treat international students really warm and cheerful.

Experiences give each other better understandings.

My study abroad, is even with its frustrating parts, is worthy and meaningful. I love being here and studying in the journalism program. At first, I feel lonely that no other Chinese students major in Journalism. I am timid at first to ask joining a group discussion and just wait others to invite me. Gradually, I tell myself, “don’t be silly.” Some American kids don’t consider me as their first choice, but if I ask them sincerely, nearly no one refused. I totally understand why I am not their first choice, due to the worry about understanding me. If I am an American kid, I would commonly worry that as well. Mostly, if I have questions to ask, my classmates are willing to help without hesitation. I really appreciate my professors and American classmates who can pronounce my name clearly. It is an extremely warm thing! The journalism program in UNH is fantastic in my heart. It deepens my determination to be a journalist after I graduate. Writing and reporting in English as a second language is not an easy thing. I know it, my parents know it. But they support me to chase my dream, even they know it is maybe hard to find a job after I go back China. As the only child in a Middle-class Chinese family, my parents give me the best they can.

When I was in China, America in my mind is just separated to West and East. East is New York City, Boston and Chicago, West is Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. I know Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California, but have no idea about New Hampshire. When my teacher in language program mentioned New England, I just thought it was an area in United Kingdom. I know nothing about Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and especially American football. What is it? I saw one competition at last year’s homecoming, and I could not heat up when people around me just went crazy. I love people yelling “go wildcats,” and feel proud of being a “wildcats.” But, I just have no idea about the rule, and I was confused when I saw athletes pile up.

I remembered one time that my team partner for one class talked to me cheerfully about his hobby of playing American football, and he showed me his pictures with high enthusiasm. I felt awkRecently, the songs I always listen to is Colward to respond with no knowledge. It is hard to comment one thing you have no idea. Americans bie Caillat’s old song “try.” I love the lyric, “You love exercise and sports. I am studying to grasp it. don’t have to try so hard, you don’t have to give it all away, you just have to get up, get up, get up, I have a good friendship with an American girl, get up, get up, you don’t have to change a single Danielle, in psychology class. She teaches me a thing.” I just feel strong powerful to hear get up, lot about American celebrities, such as Miley Ray get up, get up and get up. What a big deal about Cyrus and Tom Brady. Everyone knows them. Evfrustration? Continue walking! Three years of erytime, a professor mentions a well-known one, American college life happened just like yesterDanielle explains to me. It means a lot. It is hard day. I am going to graduate in May. I already got to get the point about American jokes and slangs used to the bread with different kinds of cheese, when you don’t grow up in this situation. For exgot used to the different festivals we take, got used ample, “It is wicked good,” in Aroma Joe’s Cofto being lonely when I miss home. The feeling fee means it is extremely good. But if I search a of missing home sometimes makes me feel sad, dictionary of the meaning “wicked,” it means evil and it nearly beat me down, but time and belief and makes no sense. Danielle also teaches me that cure me. I am more confident to do anything. not all American students enjoy parties and alco-

Photos by Claire Cortese

Dare to Be Different An Inside Look on Gap Years

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By: Larissa Claar

hey tell you to have an open mind and shoot for the stars. They say you can be anything you want to be while you’re growing up. You go to elementary school, middle school, then high school like you are told, and then the next step seems to be an instant necessity too. Senior and junior year of high school is filled with college tours, applications, and the never-ending question of “What am I going to major in? What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” These are the questions that plague every student until they think that they have found the right answer. But my question is, how can you find the right an-

swer until you see what the world has to offer?

Think about it this way, did any one simply ask you what you wanted to do after school? This quesCollege is important of course, but have you tion presents a slew of opportunistic answers, but ever asked yourself why you felt the next step afthe reality is most assume your next step is college. ter high school was to jump into another year of sitting through classes? Sometimes the thought of Don’t get me wrong; I know that some people doing anything else is scary because it’s what many pop out of the womb knowing what they want call “stepping outside of the social norm,” Let’s to do with the rest of their lives. They know at face it: your friends, teachers, aunts, uncles, grand- a young age what they want to study in college parents, and just about everyone else around you and seem to have a direction from that point was interrogating you about where you were going forward. Yet the reality is most people don’t, to school for months until you made your decision. and what I’m here to tell you is that it’s okay.

And after you graduated the “where are you goI loved high school. I filled up my days laughing to school” question never seemed to go away. ing with friends and enjoying my classes. I got

good grades and balanced schoolwork with the 15 plus hours of dance that I committed myself to right up until I graduated. The first time I realized I was confused was when it inevitably became time to apply for college. I had a panic attack coming home from school one day after meeting with my guidance counselor that went on to tell me I should apply to about ten schools.

who made the rulebook telling all the high school to be able to appreciate every second of it. This students that they had to be the next ones in line? is when I made my decision to take a gap year.

I get it, life happens in steps. We can’t walk until we can stand and we can’t run until we can walk, but we also have the power of decision. Universities and colleges are designed to house students of certain ages, and it makes sense to continue our education at a time that we are still young and vibrant.

TEN schools? That’s a LOT, and for what? I College is a source of independence, a place have no idea what I want to do with my life, how where kids can get away from home and try to make am I supposed to visit ten schools and choose it on their own. Often this is also a time for young which one is the perfect fit for me? I can’t even adults to get away with as much as they possibly can. decide what I want to eat for lunch every day!

Which often negatively reflects in the main reason As I stated before, to some this thought is they are in college to begin with, to get educated. seen as an event of excitement and wonder. GoThese are all generalizations of course because ing into class every day sharing with friends what no two individuals are entirely the same. Nonecolleges were in their “top” and what school theless the stereotype college life does come from has the best campus, and which school is bigsomewhere. I’ve never been one to follow the ger. It seemed as if it was all I heard for days. beaten path, and I knew I had to do something Needless to say, going to college has never been a different. I needed to expand my mind and see doubt in my mind. I think that it is incredibly import- what was out there. Break out of the little bubble ant to understand the enjoyment, challenges and en- I had been so comfortable in for so long. I wantdeavors that come with the college experience. But ed to know why I was in college, and I wanted

As silly as it may sound, this was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I had to weigh out the pros and cons, and I did that every day until I left on my adventure. All of my friends would be heading off to school in the fall, and I would be staying home to work two jobs saving money to travel with Up with People. I saw pictures of them partying, making new friends, and I was surrounded by adults and family with the same stale routine daily. Up with People is a non-profit education organization whose stated mission is to bridge cultural barriers and create global understanding through service and a musical show.

So in January of 2013 I got on a plane and took a leap of faith. I walked through the airport after landing in Orlando Florida and was greeted by about 15 smiling strangers. They brought me to meet about 100 more strangers, who I had no idea were about to become my second family. My “cast” was made up of about 120 people from 20 different countries. We spent just about every moment together

as we traveled for over five and a half months to six different countries. Over the course of my travels I stayed with more than 18 host families and visited over 30 different cities. Within that time period our group completed a cumulative total of 17,077 hours of community service and performed before hundreds of people every week. I immersed myself in the cultures of Switzerland, Belgium, Mexico, Liechtenstein, Germany, and many places throughout the U.S. It was the hardest I have ever worked. I was always tired, my body was constantly exhausted, and I loved every single minute of it.

What I experienced while on this adventure was something that I have since found difficult to put into words. The people I met, the sights I saw, and the changes I felt within myself brought me the most complete form of happiness. Before I left for my travels I had deferred my acceptance to UNH after I got accepted to the three schools I applied to. That’s right just three. My plan was to go out in the world, challenge myself, and get a whole new perspective on life.

I headed back to school two months after arriving home and undoubtedly experienced the biggest culture shock of all. After trying to ad-

just back into school surrounded by all new often. However I find this to be an excuse. If people once again, I realized just how much there is determination to eventually go to colmy year of exploration had transformed me. lege, the year in attendance will never be an issue.

School seemed easy, because I wanted to be doing it. I had a better idea of what I wanted to do and where I wanted to end up. So I’m a year behind most of the people my age, so what? Maybe some of my friends are graduating a year before me, so what?

These are the thoughts that now put me at ease when I think about how society has created a conformed to a time limit. I remind myself constantly that I have the rest of my life to find my passions.

My initial concern of being behind my peers was quickly overcome by the realization of how far emotionally I was actually ahead.

These social pressures are imaginary and they are drilled into our minds from a young age.

With that, it’s also important to understand that gap years aren’t only for high school students. Some feel the need to take a year off in the middle of college, and some even feel that it I have such an appreciation for my ability is best to explore after graduating from college. to attend this beautiful school, I am well on my Follow your heart and do what feels right, way in my journalism major, and I will continue because at the end of the day that is what will to take on every new challenge thrown at me. bring you the most happiness. It’s essential to I have learned how to embrace every op- recognize that gap years don’t have to be filled portunity and seize the day. We shouldn’t do with travel or crazy adventure, they can be filled things simply because we think we are sup- with anything that presents a new angle to life. posed to, because it’s “supposed to come next.”

Ever heard the saying “dare to be difThe idea of taking a year off tends to make ferent?” Well then, go ahead and dare to be. individuals believe in a total and complete fall out. Getting used to no school, and never being able to go back is what I have heard most

Bieber Fever: What do you Mean?

By: Jamie Smith

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nvisible illnesses are ones that affect your daily living but have no obvious exterior signs. No broken bones, no bandages, no crutches. Just you and your knowledge that something is just not right. I have suffered from such an illness, and though I have kept quiet about it for some time, I feel as though I must share what I am going through with the world. No, this is not an illness you can find on WebMD or have diagnosed by your doctor, but I know I have it nonetheless. Surely you must have realized by now what illness I am referring to: Delayed-Onset Bieber Fever, or DOBF for short.

I first noticed the signs and symptoms earlier this year. I was minding my own business when I first heard Justin’s song “Where Are Ü Now.” It was at once both incredibly catchy and incredibly annoying, but I was into it nonetheless. The song now stood in rank with the two other Justin Bieber songs I owned and enjoyed: the fondue-lovers anthem “Boyfriend,” and the ubiquitous “Baby,” which I personally only listened too for the Ludacris part.

Soon after the release of “Where Are Ü Now,”

Bieber popped up again in my life. Somehow in my carefully planned television-watching schedule of early-2000s dramas and Bravo reality franchises, I managed to catch an encore presentation of Comedy Central Roasts, of which Bieber was the roastee. In a blue suit, black tie, and patchy facial hair of a pubescent eighth grader, Bieber somehow managed to look appealing and disgusting at the same time. It was as if the kid who dropped out of your high school to work as a mechanic had a baby with the kid who was smart and cute but “just didn’t care about school” had a baby. A monkey-owning, Canadian baby.

Close encounters of the Bieber kind continued to happen, but when was the moment I knew I had a full blown crush on the Biebs? His appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He was in a recurring segment called Carpool Karaoke, where singers drive with Corden throughout Hollywood and, as the name suggests, do some serious car singing. After watching Justin sing Boyz II Men, switch clothes with the much larger (in comparison) Corden, and solve a Rubik’s Cube in a matter of minutes, I could no longer

lie to myself. I had a full-blown case of DOBF. The rule-following, anti-Belieber feminist in me was distressed at this realization. Bieber, I knew, was a punk who I had vowed not to like since I saw him live when he opened for Taylor Swift’s Fearless tour. In the half-decade that has followed, my opinion of him continued to be reinforced by his actions. Like seriously, who throws eggs at a house and gets caught for it? He is an absolute bonehead. Despite all of this, I now find the Biebs to be charming, whether I like it or not.

While I haven’t gone out and bought a life-size cutout of him (though Christmas is coming up, friends), my new found love of Justin Bieber has forced me to reexamine my typically unyielding opinion of second chances. I have often found my judgmental side to be a trait I have cherished, saving me from being friends with people I deem to be no good, and with that, rarely find reason to reexamine these judgments. Perhaps, as Bieber has taught me, I ought not judge a book so quickly by it’s cover, because even those with the worst bowl cuts might end up surprising us.

#Sober By: Claire Cortese

I

have a confession to make: I’m 21 years old, and I’ve never had a drink at the bar. Not just our local Durham bars, but ANY bar ever. Shocking, right? I’ve never taken advantage of Scorp’s Tuesday dollar pitchers, The Knot’s rum buckets or Libby’s dollar drinks.

With the reputation UNH has acquired as a party college, students who choose not to drink tend to be a rare breed in this neck of the woods. Those students can tend to feel like outsiders on a campus where the social culture is based around vodka-crans, boxed wine and beer. But as I’ve found from personal experience, the alienation of people who choose to remain sober throughout their life stretches farther than college campuses. In a culture where grabbing a drink at the bar is one of the most common social norms, it can be difficult for people who don’t partake in such activities to feel at ease amongst their peers and colleagues.

Before I dive any deeper into the subject, I’d like to clarify something right off the bat: I don’t look down on people who drink, and I don’t think lesser of them. I’m not going to judge you if you wanted to join the festivities of “Thirsty Thursday.” I have my own personal reasons for why I don’t drink, and they have nothing to do with how I view drinking. Almost every single one of my close friends drinks, and I have never thought lesser of any of them for it. This article isn’t meant to be a criticism or a search for sympathy, my hope is simply that it helps people better understand what it’s like to be a student who doesn’t drink on a campus whose social culture is largely centered around drinking.

When I came to UNH my freshman year, I developed an anxiety disorder. I was ecstatic to start my freshman year at UNH, but it was a big, somewhat stressful adjustment. Somewhere in the mix, I developed anxiety, and it’s hung around ever since. People with anxiety have triggers - certain things that set off an anxiety or panic attack. My triggers tend to be based around certain physical sensations, including that feeling of a “buzz” when you’re drunk. I don’t like feeling physically (or mentally) out of control. So the actual feeling of being drunk that everyone loves so much? It makes me panic. My hands shake, my mind races, my pulse shoots through the roof and I hyperventilate. Drinking quite literally scares me. Of course, there was only one way to discover this - by getting drunk. I have drank perhaps two or three times in the past, and it was enough for me to realize that it just wasn’t for me.

But here’s the thing: even though I don’t love to get drunk, it doesn’t mean I don’t still love to go out on the weekends. My freshman year, I still traveled in a pack up and down Madbury trying to talk my way into frat parties just like almost every other freshman Wildcat has done and will do during their UNH career. I have danced in dark, dirty basements and eaten DHOP at 1am. The Durham bars will always be home base to me, and even if I don’t take part in the drink specials, I still tromp to the bars on the weekend to hang out with my friends. I still take part in all the UNH festivities - Halloween costumes, the homecoming tailgate, getting herded by the cops on Cinco De Mayo from one broken up day parSo, for all of you who are curious, ty to the next. I just do all of it stone cold sober. here’s my own reasoning for staying sober: My choice to stay sober is not something I al-

ways advertise or share openly, because on a college campus full of avid drinkers, people who don’t drink can sometimes be made to feel like outsiders. On many occasions, when I’m at a party and somebody asks me why I don’t have a drink in my hand (or if I would like one), I simply tell them that I’m not drinking tonight, or that I’m the designated driver for my friends. I kept this act up for the first two and a half years of my time at UNH, and I still sometimes do it once in a blue moon, even as a senior. The shock on people’s faces when I tell them that I don’t drink ascribes a sense of shame to my sober state – it makes me feel like there is something wrong with me, and the responses I get from some people are even worse. How do you tell someone that you’re afraid of being drunk without getting laughed at?

Here are the top five responses I get from a person when I tell them that I don’t drink:

1. Why? People who stop to ask why are the most respectful and considerate. sponse is for the most part pretty and I have no problem answering the

generally This reharmless, question.

2. Good for You, I Give You So Much Credit For That / I Envy You For Not Drinking.

This is a common response I get, and it shows me that the person didn’t really listen when I responded to their first question of why I don’t

drink. I appreciate the kind comment, but you do - I go out on weekends, I dance at parthere’s no need to give me commendation for ties, I enjoy the bar and hanging out with my anything...I’m not a superhero because I don’t friends. I just do it all sober. Is that really so bad? drink. If it didn’t give me anxiety, I would probI sat down with 20-year-old senior Kenny Cashably partake in it just as much as anyone else. mann at BNG one night, and asked him about his experience as a student who doesn’t drink. Kenny explained to me that his choice not to drink is based 3. I’ll convince you to drink with on “personal preference” and that he “just doesn’t me! have any interest in it.” “I’ve been out a few times,” No, actually, you won’t. I hate this response; it he told me, “but when I do go out, it’s not for very makes me feel as if I’m something that needs to long because I get bored really quickly. It’s always be tamed or conquered and that you, of course, kind of the same thing, just standing around not will be the one to finally break me and convince really doing much. I think because I don’t drink, I me to drink. And of course, this will be a huge don’t find as much enjoyment in [going out to partriumph for you. It displays not only a lack of ties] because it seems kind of mindless and boring.” understanding, but also a blatant disinterest in Kenny commented that when he tells peoeven wanting to understand my reasoning in ple he doesn’t drink, he has also sometimes the first place. And why can’t you just enjoy my been “commended” by them for it. “Usually company as I am? Why do I have to be drunk? when I first meet people they are surprised...” he shared, “I’d say half the time people accept it, and half the time people will continue to of4. I don’t know how you put up fer me drinks,” at least for several days, until they realize he’s serious. Overall, Kenny feels that with all this while you’re sober I generally receive this comment when I’m “in general, people are pretty accepting of it.” lodged between people at a house party or on a While people may be generally accepting of busy night at the bar. It’s not really that offensive a person’s individual decisions, abstaining from but - quite simply, if I didn’t want to be there, I one of campus’s biggest social draws can have wouldn’t be. But yes, being sober, I general- an impact on the way you connect and develop ly get annoyed much more quickly when I’m in relationships with people. I often feel like I lack a crowded room of drunk people, which is why that “drunk bond” with my close friends that they I rarely stay out as late as my drunk comrades. share with each other. I don’t stay out as late as many people on the weekends because, being sober, I’m more aware of when I get tired and am 5. That’s crazy! What do you do ready for bed. I have often been the “lame” girl who “leaves the party early.” I have been left out then?

This is often an immediate response; people of invitations to events and parties due to the reawho respond like this fail to ask the initial “why” soning, “well it was really just a drinking thing, we of my choices, and simply just state that my choice didn’t think you’d want to come.” When I do get is crazy. This is probably one of the most hurt- invited to places, it’s sometimes assumed that I ful comments you could make in response to will of course be the designated driver because I me. Why is it so crazy that I don’t want to drink? don’t drink. I’m perfectly fine with giving people What’s wrong with that? I still do everything that a ride if I offer to, but I get tired of having my services offered up by others when I myself didn’t

voice them. These small scenarios, when piled together, can create a rift between people that makes it difficult to really connect with one another.

On that note, Kenny’s experience at UNH has been affected by his decision not to drink, but not necessarily in a negative manner. However, he shared that though he doesn’t feel excluded from the UNH community, “it’s tougher to be a part of the community...just because [he] can’t relate to people as much. It’s one less avenue of knowing people.”

Being under 21, Kenny often gets left behind every weekend when his legally-aged friends run off to the bar. Though this sense of exclusion will be resolved for Kenny when he comes of age, it is a testament to the social priorities of the greater student body on campus. “I don’t think I know another student on campus who doesn’t drink,” he told me.

Over time, all these situations take a toll on a person, and it can be extremely disheartening. But as I’ve found, the college scene is not entirely to blame. Much of the world’s social culture revolves around good-natured drinking. If you ask someone to get a drink at the bar and they tell you that they don’t drink - what’s the immediate reaction?

Movies, TV shows and other sources of our modern society have trained us to believe that the go-to reason for someone’s choice to stay sober is that they are a recovering alcoholic. Other reasons don’t seem to make much sense. The question “why don’t you drink?” essentially asks why you are not following along with what most people commonly do. It implies that the decision to stay sober falls outside the norms of society, and thus it is alienated. The stigma is especially emphasized in places like college campuses, where drinking is the number one social activity. But it’s important to remember that these kinds of situations aren’t rooted in a means to offend someone - they almost always stem from simple miscommunications and misunderstandings. Everyone is different in their own way, and sometimes people just forget to accept each other for who they are, rather than measuring up how they compare to the mass of societal norms.

What’s Your Sign?

By: Jamie Smith

O

f all the cheesy pick-up lines said in movies, on television, and in the basements of sketchy bars across the nation, perhaps the most ubiquitous line of all is this simple yet probing inquiry: what’s your sign?

Your sign, of course, is your astrological sign.

While I have always known that astrology is a future-predicting mumbo-jumbo based on the moon and the tides and the planets, I haven’t been too concerned with how it all works--and whether it actually works at all. Blindly, I have put stock in this system, buying pillows emblazoned with the word “Capricorn” on them, accompanied by a tasteful embroidered mountain goat with a fish tail, or using my crush’s sign to decide whether he and I were naturally compatible, therefore deciding whether to waste my time or not. I have followed social media accounts that have assured me that Capricorns are on the “constantly sleepy squad” and the “will not put up with your bullshit squad” (both of which, incidentally, are true). Yet as a whole, the study of stars and planets feels more at home in Harry Potter than it does my highly skeptical mind, so I took it upon myself to get a crash course in astrology, thanks to my dear friend, the internet.

A 2013 article from The Atlantic purports that 26% of Americans believe in Astrology. For reference, the magazine points out, this number is larger than those who accept reincarnation to be true, yet less than those who believe in UFOs. Also for reference, I believe in both reincarnation AND UFOs, so take that.

While astrology was once recognized as a legitimate science to many, it has essentially been relegated to a pseudoscience at best, as it is unlikely such predictions about one’s future could hinge solely upon their birthdate. Scientists do, however, agree that perhaps astrology is not all bad, finding that people born during certain months or seasons tend to have a higher chance at certain illnesses, as pointed out in The Atlantic’s article. For example, those born in February, March, or April have a higher chance of suffering from narcolepsy than those not born in those months, while those born in the Northern Hemisphere in either December or January are more likely to suffer from schizophrenia than those born in the other ten months.

That being said, there has yet to be proven a causal relationship between time and date of birth and whether one will experience a cash windfall in July or find their true love in November. Nonetheless, this lack of evidence stops few, including yours truly, from believing such blurbs called horoscopes that can be found in everything from reputable nation-wide newspapers to a copy of Cosmopolitan.

With two tabs open on my computer--one at As-

troLibrary.org and the other on my “Natal Chart Report” at CafeAstrology.com--and taking everything I read with a significant grain of salt, I dove in headfirst to see who knew me best: myself, or the stars.

most, I strive for harmony in relationships, bypassing conflict if at all possible, and my fear of rejection is crazy apparent, but I haven’t cared too much about being well-liked since middle school, and I don’t even know what a boyfriend I first had to familiarize myself with the teris (#ForeverAlone). With these discrepancies in minology, of which there is plenty. In astrology, mind, I moved on to the next planet: the Moon. there are two wheels: the zodiac wheel, and the wheel of the Houses. They both look like pie cut

The moon is all about emotions--how into twelve pieces, but one (the zodiac wheel) has you feel, why you feel them, your instincts, hab“signs” in each piece--think Capricorn, Aries, Li- its, and unconscious desires. While the sun is how bra, etc.--while the other (the wheel of the Hous- others see you, the moon is how you see you. es) had numbers, representing Houses, in each

My moon is in Virgo. Lunar Virgos piece. The zodiac wheel is based upon the time take pleasure in the simple things in life (think of year one was born, the wheel of the Houses organizing, running errands, etc.). They are desbased on time of day. This is how “planets” (which perate to feel needed. They do not seek attention, I’m getting to next) can fall into both a sign and and get very easily overwhelmed by stress. They a house. For clarification, picture patting your are obsessed with routines and details. They are head and rubbing your stomach--two separate self-deprecating, shy, and bitterly critical of themthings operating independently of one anothselves. They love giving advice and love to be busy er, and both intersecting in the same place: you.

While I had certainly felt my sun sign “Planets” for astrological purposes indescribed me appropriately, I was shocked at clude the Sun, the Moon, and the other ones how accurate my moon sign was. Organization in our Solar System with the exception of and routine is my drug. I have often thought Earth. Each planet represents a need. It is my only desire in life is to feel needed, and this the thing that drives us at any certain time. is displayed in my eagerness to give advice to First up is the sun. Think of the sun as a snap- anyone who might need it. I prefer to be back shot, or a personal statement. It is the most ba- stage or behind the scenes rather than the censic representation of you and your essence. Most ter of attention, furthered by my shy and critical of us are familiar with our “sun sign”, or “star nature. To me, being a Lunar Virgo fits the bill. sign”--it is the one we check in the newspaper to

The last part of my natal chart I’ll share find out how our day will be. Like I mentioned, is that the moon is in my fourth house, which is all my sun is in Capricorn, because I was born on about home, family, and foundation. Those with the December 23rd. Capricorns are ambitious, remoon in their fourth house are homebodies, desiralistic, and serious. They crave security, and have ing to be surrounded by loved ones. They are very an obsessive need to feel useful. They are oftenmaternal and are very influenced by their mothers. times materialistic (ugh), but are also resourceThey have a strong idea of traditions and morals. ful and creative. Capricorns are known for their sarcastic humor, loyalty, and advice-giving skills.

This is also certainly true of me. My immediate family members are my best friends Surely, these were all things that I knew. I (for proof, our family group message, or greshave always wholeheartedly agreed with my sage, is literally called “Best Friends Club” on characterization of being a Capricorn, both our phones). A day snuggling with them trumps the good and bad parts of it. So far, so good. just about every other activity I could think For me, the sun also occupies the seventh of doing. My upbringing has informed me of house of my birth chart. The seventh house is who I would like to be, as well as the values I all about one-on-one relationships, most often hold and my ability to tell right from wrong. referencing romantic ones like marriage, but also

So, what is the verdict from my natal applies to friendships and other intimate relachart? It felt pretty applicable. Astrology, similar to tionships. According to CafeAstrology, those religion, is one of those things that could be arwith the sun in their seventh house take pride gued to be purely fictitious, something necessary in their negotiating skills and harmonious relafor those who need something to blindly believe tionships. They are very sensitive to rejection in rather than searching for true answers. As a and being well-liked. They are relationship types, person of faith, I disagree with such a characterand feel incomplete without a significant other. ization, and while I know astrology is not based

Now that is something I have a prob- heavily in fact, it is comforting to know that perlem with. Some is applicable, but much of it haps the person I am and the person I will befeels at odds with who I think I am. Yes, like come has already been planned out in the stars.

The Road Not (Often) Taken A Look at UNH’s Smallest Majors By: Kyle Kittredge

W

e all hear of the most popular majors getting all the attention of employers, parents, and students. When you search in your browser address bar for “most popular majors” you will be overwhelmed with lists describing how these degrees are in demand right now, and their potentially huge salaries.

What if you searched for most un-popular majors?

The ones to make this list may not be in demand, and are easy to achieve, so far as they tell us. But do you know any that are part of smaller, less popular major? Typically, they don’t get a lot of attention due to their small numbers.

However, to quote Robert Frost, those students took the path that was less traveled, and that has made all the difference. It is the more interesting path for those students in those degrees, and they are doing what they love.

Nevertheless, all majors are equally important. While some may disrespect students for choosing a “useless” major, they have their own reasons for choosing it.

The top lar bachelor

ten degrees

most popuat UNH are:

Business Administration Undeclared Liberal Arts Psychology Biomedical Science (including all options) Mechanical Engineering Communication (including all options) English (including all options) Undeclared Paul College Political Science Civil Engineering Chances are you know somebody in one of these majors. They all have at least 300 students in them, with business administration having

over a thousand students enrolled in it. These would be boring to have too much of one thing. majors may get, more recognition from othSTEM, business, psych and other majors ers, as they are important to any colleges. The have important roles. They contribute just as other sides are the ones that are unheard of. much, and work just as hard as any other majors.

According to the numbers, not including the However, it’s tiring to hear that different options in respective majors, and lookyour major is worthless or unpopular. ing at the ones with around 20 students or fewer, some of the smallest degree programs at UNH Russian and German have small numbers of are Classics, French, Humanities, Italian Stud- students, with less than 20 in each program. ies, Russian, Forestry, and Ocean Engineering.

“Students are told that Russian is too hard, They are often unheard of or said Arna Bornstein, a Russian professor, “Many are disappearing at universities. students show an interest in studying Russian, and then they are told - don’t take RusA reason majors disappear is with changsian. It is a different alphabet; you will have es and development of new majors sometimes to spend too much time studying Russian.” curricular content becomes a part of a new major, as did with Plant Biology, EnvironmenAlthough, German professor Johannes Frank tal Horticulture, and Dairy Management in said, “I think also some of the students who come by the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. chance in the beginning classes, some of them really start to like it. They discover a love for languages.”

Some majors, like the European Cultural Studies major, have been discontinued, due to small numbers.

“A lot of the Humanities courses can be intimidating, but the ones who end up staying get In the Thompson School of Applied Scia lot of attention,” said Catherine Peebles, the ence many of the programs have small numdirector of the Humanities program at UNH. bers of students, and as a result are often overlooked. The Culinary Arts and Nutrition Peebles described that the major consists of major has 19 students, the Integrated Agricul- about 15 students, some who are double majorture Management major has about 14 students, ing, and some who are primarily majoring in it. and Community Leadership only has 9 students.

“Part of the problem,” Peebles said, “is Can you imagine a world with- not a lot of students know about it. It takes out any of these majors? a kind of special person, one who is quite passionate about the big questions in life.”

Can you picture a world without artists?

Without translators? Or historians, envi“Nobody knows that it exists, or they don’t know ronmentalists, farmers, or oceanographers? what it means. It’s a lack of awareness, Laurel Galford, another senior Humanities major, who is also We would be lost in translation without any double majoring in woman’s studies and minoring language majors to help us understand people in psychology, said, “People just don’t know its here. from other countries. No understanding of previous cultures to guide us in our pursuit of knowlI think there’s a sort of stigma against small edge, no way to grow food, no understandings of majors,” Galford added, “Just because it has the other side of academic intellect to explore. less people doesn’t mean it’s less important.

The skills are useful and practical in life afIt would probably be a pretty grim world ter college: people just misinterpret the size.” without them, and one where science and math rules. Not that is a bad thing at all, just that it Another part of the Humanities department is

that they are not their own department. They are rience volunteering in Boston inner city schools. part of the Classics, Italian Studies, and Human“After that I wanted to be a teacher, so it was ities department, all on the third floor of Murkland. decided and I had to find out what I wanted to With Humanities major there are a lot of teach,” Fonteyne said, “I always loved the idea courses that are team-taught and relate to of learning another language, visiting other culmultiple subject areas, according to Peebles. tures, seeing different perspectives all over the world and French seemed like a good fit for that.”

“We have classes that cover philosophy, art history, literature, and others,” Peebles explained.

However, while few students major in French, there are many more minors.

With this range of topics that are taught, students go into such jobs and fields as medical reSenior Ali Kessler explained her reasoning for search, social work, museums, teaching, and writing. declaring a French minor, which she just finished last semester after studying abroad in Dijon.

Students within the major like it a lot, especially the close connections with professors and peers.

“Freshmen year I realized I had to take a foreign language class and I thought; I took some French Gabby Pezzelli, a senior Humanities major and in high school, I can do that and it will be good to Cinema Studies minor said “It’s very hands on, and cover it. But I really liked my professor and after you end up knowing the professors really well.” that decided I could minor in this,” Kessler said.

“Plus it’s a good knowledge of literature. Its “I had wanted to study abroad in a coungood to know classics and all cultures are based try where they speak another language so off of that,” Pezzelli added, “but a lot of peothat’s why I decided too,” Kessler added. ple don’t know what that is. If people knew what it was, they might take courses in it.”

Not all of the small majors apply to the College of Liberal Arts. Ocean Engineer“We can do anything – not specific set skill but ing and the Thompson School of Applied a lot of them,“ Leakana Gina Sok, another HuScience see a small number of students. manities senior who is also double majoring in International Affairs with a minor in German, said.

“We have tremendous resources, such as an eight-meter long dive tank and sonar devices, but no “People kind of don’t know how to critimajor for them. We had 10 students in the first year cally think anymore, and people need to know and it’s growing every year,” Diane Foster, a prohow to understand human culture because unfessor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering said. derstanding is how we do things,” Sok said.

“We see that the major has an opportunity to Sok, Galford and Pezzelli are currentcapitalize on UNH’s excellence in ocean sciences ly the only seniors majoring in Humanities. with an education in engineering,” Foster added.

But being in a smaller major is not all that bad.

The often-overlooked Thompson school has Murkland Hall seems to be a hub for small majors such as Integrated Agriculture Managemajors, as many students major in the Lan- ment and Community Leadership that are small. guages, Literatures and Cultures Depart“There are clear advantages to that though,” ment are seeing small numbers of students. explained Tim Barretto, professor of ComFrench is one example of the languages that has munity Leadership said, “students get much a small numbers of students majoring in it but still closer attention, get to know each other very love it, and many more students minoring in it. well, aren’t distant and have caring relationship on both sides: particularly for students.”

“You can use French in all kinds of things,” Students who have graduated have gone on to creexplained French professor Claire Malarte-Feldman, “You have students who have gone on ate such projects as The Freedom Café on Mill Road to PhD and combined with other majors and and re-painting the Waysmeet Center in Durham.

I always tell students: as a future employ“That they feel they’re doing real work,” Barretto er, if you give me one resume with someone said, “not just work that is a part of their class work.” who majored in a language with something else, I would take them over someone else.”

“The program started with 2 students in the first year 2011, went to four in the second Sean Fonteyne, a junior French major, deyear, about 8 in the next year and so forth,” scribed that his reasoning for majoring in French Andrew Conroy, professor in the Integratis to become a teacher, especially after his expeed Agriculture Management program said.

“It is unique in that it was the first program that allowed students at the Thompson School to take courses in a variety of subject areas related to agriculture, rather than focusing on just one thing like plants, or trees, or animals, Conroy explained.

“New England Farms are often a combination of these three areas, as well as soils, marketing, and food preparation.”

In another subject, Classics, has seen a decline in students who are majoring in this area.

However, the average number of students has been consistent, with 30 to 35 majors at a time.

“One of the great things about a small program is that we get to know each and mentor each student,” says Scott Smith, a professor in the Classics department.

The Classics department has also seen some tougher times. Smith explained that they used to offer Latin and Greek as separate majors, but it has been consolidated into the Classics major.

“We had to change from rigorous standards to courses that are about ideas but applied to modern settings as well,” Smith added.

However, they have three new options within the major: classical language and literature; ancient Mediterranean civilizations; and Latin/Latin teaching.

Part of their department is the new Italian Studies major, recently designed this semester, with students already declaring it.

Before, students had to create what is called a Student Design Major (SDM), which required students to submit proposals to the university in order to receive permission to declare a particular SDM, which few students have done.

The has

also

Classics increased

their

department faculty.

“We also now have five, ten-year track teachers and four lectures,” Smith explained, “so we’ve doubled our presence on campus.”

Smaller majors are just misunderstood, but get the most out of their college careers.

Just follow your passion, and you will succeed in life because when it comes to majors, everyone can be the best at what they do.

“My colleagues are among the most amazing human beings I have met,” Smith added, commenting on the atmosphere of the program, “Everyone works hard, takes teaching and research seriously, we believe in serving the university when we can, and students like to also.”

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but some require none. New Zealand is a place with a knack for leaving people speechless.

Photos by Jack Shea

Photos by Matt Mathai

Worra Says You’ll See More of Him

T

By: Corey Scarano ravis Worra no longer wakes up on a Saturday morning at noon to empty, red solo cups, a sticky, beer coated floor and a fuzzy memory of the night before. Instead, Worra’s alarm sounds at 7am on his “day off ” and without a single hit of the snooze button, he heads to the stadium, laces up, and is ready to practice for what is now his full-time job.

Worra, 22, is signed to the D.C United professional men’s soccer team as the third string goalkeeper. Worra was the starting goalkeeper for the University of New Hampshire from 2011 until 2014 and is now the first ever Wildcat to be signed a spot in the MLS, which became official in February of 2015. Worra put his college diploma on hold and quickly pursued his lifelong dream of playing in the MLS. He packed his bags and said his goodbyes to his comfortable life in the town of Durham and arrived in the city of Washington, D.C., where his new life would begin.

Worra lives in an apartment with two other D.C. United rookies, who he’s become very close with through sharing the same culture shock of moving to a big city. Although Worra says he loves living in D.C., he’s learned that “the family atmosphere UNH has is really like nowhere else.”

Worra doesn’t get a lot of time to explore the city he lives in now though because his days are jam packed. He says a typical day begins at 8am and doesn’t end until around dinner time. That day usually consists of double sessions, yoga, lift, video review, ice baths, and two meals with his teammates. When Worra does have spare time, he volunteers with a non-profit D.C. establish-

ment that helps the underprivileged city youth.

Even though the majority of Worra’s time is taken, whenever he can he comes to visit Durham, where his best friends and girlfriend still live.

It is these types of close relationships in his life that keep him grounded. Maura Shanks, Worra’s girlfriend, says, “We talk on the phone almost every night and get laughing about the stupidest things. He’s the same old Travis to me.”

Worra gives his experience at UNH a lot of credit for getting him where he is today. He says the last four years have grown him into a stronger player both mentally and physically. He gives a lot of credit to past UNH Men’s Coach, Rob Thompson, saying, “He always instilled mental toughness in us, a concept tough to grasp, but vitally important for success on and off the field.”

Worra is loving his coach at D.C. United, Ben Olson, as well. Olsen played for D.C. United himself and actually won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award in 1998. He says that Olsen is a real “player’s coach” and has made his transition from collegiate soccer to professional a lot easier. Worra explains how Olsen trains and plays with them every day, along with coaching, so it intensifies their player-coach relationship. Along with the coach, Worra says his teammates have been really helpful teaching him the lifestyle. Some of Worra’s teammates as old as 35, so a friendship isn’t always easy to make being as young as 22. Even though Worra knows it’s unrealistic that he would stay with D.C. United through his career that he feels “incredibly blessed” that they were his first team.

Worra’s parents are also one of his sacred relationships, but with them living across the country in Seattle, his visits with them are scarce. One of their visits to D.C. though, Worra titles the best day of his life. Two months after being signed, Worra still hadn’t seen his first minutes of playing time yet. Waiting impatiently but always prepared, he suited up mentally and physically for this game in April, just like any other where he had continually sat the bench. Except when their second string goalie got injured, Worra was called to action. His MLS debut was a success, not letting any goals in and securing a win against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Worra says, “It was surreal. 50,000 people in the stands watching my debut and knowing my parents were a part of that Although Worra loves his new life as a profescrowd. I still get chills thinking about it today.” sional athlete in a big city, he admits he misses a lot about UNH. He says Durham will always be Although that was the one game he’s been in one of his favorite places, and he misses the litso far in the MLS, Worra says he is right where tle things like Breaking New Grounds’ chai lattes he wants to be. Worra speaks of his undying pasand what fall looks like from Thompson Hall lawn. sion for soccer and he sees himself still playing Worra says he will “always be a Wildcat” at heart, in the MLS even ten years from now. “I hope in and hopes that he will finish his degree at UNH a few years to be the main guy, the number one when his new career allows it. He is planning many goalie,” Worra says, “But until then, it is importvisits here to Durham throughout his busy year. ant I learn from the goalkeepers above me.”

Old Soul Status By: Jenna Ward

H

ave you ever felt disconnected, or somewhat out-of-place among a group of friends? Maybe it’s difficult at times to relate with people your age on a deeper level no matter how hard you try. You feel misunderstood, and even at times come off as a bitter, annoyed person because you just can’t bring yourself to aimlessly participate in the behavior your peers act out on day-to-day basis. Discussing celebrity culture and the nonsense produced by mainstream media bores you to tears, and the obsession over obtaining new material objects baffles you. You can willfully tolerate and participate in college party culture, but only to an extent. And for some odd reason, you just can’t seem to let go of those outdated forms of technology and trends that endlessly warm the comforting nostalgia in your heart. If you nodded your head “yes” to the majority of this, you’re most likely what the world likes to call an “old soul.”

vocabulary and understanding of the world around me was far too advanced for my young age, and I almost felt like I was bothering my peers by my extensive awareness and knowledge. Then many years later college arrives, and being an old soul has its pros and cons. Unfortunately, college can serve as an environment where it seems like I can’t escape the static noise of persistent annoyance.

Whether it’s in my dorm where belligerent, screaming freshmen can’t bother to hide how much they LOVE college every Friday night. Or it’s in those cramped, sweaty frat parties where guys and girls are awkwardly and uncomfortably grinding on each other to the point where it’s not even remotely sexy. I find myself watching in second-hand embarrassment thinking, “Do people really find this enjoyable?” Where’s the real conversation or connection with people my age? I’m endlessly engrossed in an environment that tells me dry humping with bros in a musty basement is fun, and quality television is Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Don’t be alarmed; old souls are unique, eccenAt times I’m fooled into thinking that I’m weird if tric creatures who just happen to have a mind that I don’t really enjoy any of these things-but that’s is many moons wiser than the body they are rewhere I catch myself thinking completely wrong. siding in. It’s a special identity that is an absolute blessing, but a simultaneous curse in a world that I remind myself that this is college, not high is constantly refreshing, remixing, and updating school, or any other place that makes you believe to the point where it’s almost impossible to keep that one type of mindset is only acceptable. I’ve up with what the new hashtag even means. Take found people similar to me who have unconvencomfort in fact that you are not alone; although tional interests in music and books, and whose lives you would most likely prefer to be alone, consid- don’t revolve around mainstream fads. I’ve realized ering old souls tend to crave that time dedicated it’s completely normal to not have the dire need to to themselves for reflection and deep thought. surround myself with a huge, but unreliable, friend group to feel like I am getting the most out of colEver since I was in grade school, I’ve always felt lege. I find peace in cultivating meaningful, long the presence of an invisible barricade that separatlasting relationships in both my social life and love ed me from the rest of most of my classmates. My

life. Quality over quantity is a deep-rooted value among old souls. Luckily, I’ve found that old souls attract and unite in college. So if you’re an old soul like me, surround yourself with wacky, eccentric people who too enjoy spending countless hours in record stores skimming through vinyl albums and CDs. Find those friends who will get wine drunk with you on a Saturday night while singing along to Fleetwood Mac, then later binge watching Twin Peaks on Netflix. Learn that needing alone time to take a walk for creative reflection, or to soak in the beauties of nature is totally acceptable. Flaunt the fact that you don’t want to throw away your VCR along with all of your old, beloved Disney movie VHS tapes anytime soon. (Ok, maybe when my parents move out of my childhood home I will have to part ways with my VHS tapes) But for the time being, I will still enjoy the strenuous rewinding, outdated previews before the movie, and the occasional static that VHS tapes have to offer.

Old souls aren’t pretentious, closed-off people who want to be alone to bask in their angst-fueled misery. We want to go out and have a good time in college nightlife, but sometimes we just need a breather from the redundant party-culture. That sardine-packed apartment party on Main Street is cool for Friday night, but maybe Saturday night can be quality spent time with people you’re actually friends with and relate with. Embrace who you are, and don’t change to fit a society-crafted mold. Before you know it, identifying as an “old soul” might become the new trend that everyone wants to desperately claim. I cringe and cross my fingers in hopes that it doesn’t ever come to be.

What the Economist Saw in the New Hampshire Seacoast

I

By: Tom Z. Spencer t’s a chipped, dirty shell the size and rough shape of a human ear, and couched in the ear. Delving towards where there would be a drum is a limp, frigid bivalve the color of earwax, or of a pneumonia patient’s lung discharge. It’s a delicacy; you eat it.

not across the table from a foreign diplomat, or in a committee meeting in Washington, but leaning against a bar, sitting outside a café, or taking a few moments before the day’s work begins to watch big forces moving in the world on the news.

Realistically speaking, even civically involved people have little influence over Global matters. It Oysters, which foodies and environmentalis louder than our voice. It is out of our control. ly-conscious people have been praising both for their face-full-of-ocean flavor and their knack for We experience geopolitics like oysters experifiltering and cleaning 2 gallons of water per hour, ence the ocean. Oysters are relatively stagnant. (that’s a natural and heavily-used Brita filter you’re They passively consume their environment. But slurping down) are just part of what brought Lucy like ordinary people in the world of geopolitics, Rohr, a New York-based video journalist from they still play a role in the ocean’s ecosystem.

The Economist, to Durham to shoot a series of On top of Lucy’s list of desired interviewee list interviews called Vox Pops for a feature called The had been an “oyster man.” The search for one, and World In around the New Hampshire seacoast. a long day of driving around Portsmouth in the rain I had taken a job as a driver for Lucy during looking for interview subjects, brought us to the her weekend in New Hampshire. I was also of- Franklin Oyster house for a dinner stop, where I fering suggestions for where to find her de- first met the trending mollusks face to face (or face sired interview subjects in the local area. to slippery, featureless surface, in the oyster’s case).

His movements were stagey and precise, the way he poured white wine without spilling a drop, cutting off the stream with a wrist twist. He fanned the oyster menu out as though it were a picnic blanket, though it was only a small yellow sheet.

Lucy told me that her friends in New York who hate oysters call them “seawater loogies,” which in no way increased my appetite.

“It is a texture thing almost more than a taste.” I must have given a clear reaction to the boogery comparison, because Lucy had to purse her lips to laugh right in the middle of a sip of white wine, which, based on what she had said, I assumed pairs well with saltwater scum. Though they did not sound appetizing, I am incapable of refusing offered food for an odd reason.

Many years ago I read and an adventure story I read a long time ago in which travellers in a jungle who happen upon a tribe turn up their noses at the tribe’s food, only to find themselves to be the next item on the menu as a result. Since reading it, I am incapable of refusing offered food, be it bird, beast, fish or bug. That angle is woefully unjust to Lucy, who was as friendly and non-pushy about the whole experience as could be. She had told me that I was in no way required to have oysters, but I was curious. I only offer you this micro-system within my psyche for what it is, and nothing more.

Lucy had light brown hair that was cut above “Do you like oysters, then?” Lucy shoulder length. She wore grey jeans and black, asked in her Australian-born accent. rough-out, high-heel boots. She had an angular “I’ve never had them,” I said. black leather jacket with buckles on the shoulders that received a few compliments from interviewees.

She clapped her fingertips to her chin.

“An oyster virgin!” she said.

The Vox Pop concept, as Lucy described it, is “interviews the great and the good.” The Economist This caught the ear of our hospitable host, gathers ordinary people from cities and towns all chef and interviewee, who raised an eyebrow at over the world, and asks them to make predictions me. “Shall I play soft jazz, first?” he asked. He The chef brought the menu to us. “Let me about life in 2016 on camera. These can range from peered through his heavy-rimmed glasses. His set the mood,” he said, and pushed a candle in predictions about their own business to global topics. grin dug into cheeks flushed red with the woe- a frosted glass next to the menu, wiggling his ful work of ensuring the precise gourmet quality brown eyebrows, and earning a laugh from Lucy.

The result is a collection of videos of people of the wines, liquors and beers at the restaurant. who experience politics the way most of us do: He gave me descriptions of his own, less snot-ori-

ented description of the food I would be eating certainly applied to the two gentlemen whom Lucy soon. “An oyster is like a kiss from the sea,” he said. found perched at the smooth, metal bar of the Gaslight Bar & Grill, which is decorated in dark, polLucy agreed, saying the oysters she had in Lonished woods washed in warm yellow lighting. There don with the closest thing to the feeling of surfwere mermaids and lobsters and other carvings ing the coast of Australia when she was young. that looked hacked out of driftwood on the walls.

“You’ll think you just French-kissed The two men she interviewed could have been Poseidon’s daughter,” the chef said. convincingly cast to perform My Dinner with AnOysters come in kinds. There was the type with dre. One was balding, and had crinkles around his shells big enough to use as a tomahawk head, blue eyes, and the other wore a moustache and had and finally starter bites called Virgin Oysters. thin, combed hair. When Lucy asked them about the interview, they immediately went into an Ab“The symmetry is too good,” Lucy said, unbot and Costello style routine with each other. derscoring the last name with a light pink pol“I can’t imagine,” said the mustached one, who ished fingernail. “We’ve got to have them.” was Robert Sullivan, the Portsmouth city attorney, She ordered a half-dozen oysters, “why anyone would want to interview a little old two small, two medium, and two large. city attorney. Surely he’s much more interesting This had been our first real break in hours than I am,” Sullivan said, lifting a glass to his friend. since arriving in Portsmouth to find subjects His bald friend told him to for interviews. I had a chance to reflect on who hop off it, and do the interview. we had met, and what we had seem. Each inIt seems, the attorney said when asked for terview was a glimpse into an ordinary person’s relationship with global-scale issues. a prediction on 2016, that nothing has gotten better for decades. He was concerned A passive, yet connected filter to geoabout the escalation with Russia, and saw no politics was a good comparison for reason why that situation would improve. the average person on the world stage.

While grave, brooding on the This oyster theory of people and geopolitics predictions seemed pointless.

“Thank God for drinks and bars,” he joked. Lucy wrapped up the interview, and left him and his friend to enjoy their evening.

Not every prediction was oriented around the sad state of the world. Lucy found a hair stylist next.

She was blunt about being apolitical, but predicted that next year, the simple, linear angular fashion of New York chic would remain popular, and that burgundy, maroon and other dark colors would remain popular for hair and nails. Again, such details of life that can pass unnoticed are being carefully considered by large organizations who need to plan their next clothing line, photo shoot, or magazine. What they decide trickles down to whatever people wind up wearing on the streets. Small jobs and economies are connected to the larger ones.

Then we came to the Franklin Oyster House, one of the pre-planned stops on the trip. Lucy interviewed the host, who gave predictions about 2016, first relating to his business, then his world, than beyond.

He

gave

the

following

thoughts:

I think you’ll see people continue to eat a lot of oysters, he said. They’re healthy, delicious, local, and I think even vegetarians should be eating them. You’re going to see a push towards eating local food. Vegetarians should keep eating mushrooms, and carnivores should keep eat-

ing pigs, he said. And the oyster would bound in popularity. And he hoped “ISIS would go bye-bye,” but thought that seemed unlikely. And there would be some form of life, something small, maybe even microbial, found on mars.

fathers in a black-and-white photo in front of a mountain of gutted oyster shells. One has been caught scooping an oyster into his mouth, and his dirty, chipped fingernail seems, itself, like a tiny oyster shell. The black moon sliver of dirt under his nail is the same composite of greys and blacks His role as a chef may not have been world that make up the outer texture of an oyster shell. changing, but the push towards eating local food is a symptom of people who are concerned The best-looking part of an oyster is the inover the health of the planet. These voices in- side of the shell, which is waxed with motherfluence politicians, and politicians influence of-pearl streaks, cut off in life before mustering the world. Again, a small piece of the ecosys- enough fury to snowball its irritant into a precious tem, like any of us, but a piece all the same. jewel, a reverse gobstopper growing with time.

This type of thinking is the appeal of the EconoThat said, the metal circular tray, bedded with mist Vox Pops, and it is why this chef at the Franklin more ice and lined with even oysters fanned Oyster House wound up on the list of interviewees. out from a center of sauce dishes like flower petals looked good. There were two saucThe new food had arrived. es, a light vinegar with chalets, and something The oyster is a difficult food to present. A tomato-based, like marinara but smoother. tableau fit for a Klingon space-cruiser’s cafeLucy clinked my wine glass, and took one of teria greets those who enter Franklin’s Oyster the smallest oysters. I took the other. She plucked House. The butterflied mollusks like bare and nathe quivering tissue from its shell using a petite ked to the world, shells pried open for all to see three-pronged fork. I did the same. Then, like a on a bed of ice. There are metal pins sticking up shot, she let the little animal slide down all at once. with labels and prices. The best part is the ice bed, which is lit beneath with an alien blue glow, I tried to think of fresh sea breezes and Powhich flatters the mollusks’ greenish skin, but seidon’s daughter, not sea-loogies. Under only in as much as a mollusk can be flattered at all. close scrutiny, I took the shot from the shell.

The other display is of the restaurant’s fore-

Slurp. Glug.

A loogie was such a fair was a clung-together slip of way under tongue-pressure. teeth felt like overkill. There texture, just globs of dense But clean, I

the brisk

taste and

remembered

comparison. It goo that gave Chewing with was no meaty and soft slime.

was of fresh, bracing saltwater. my

audience.

“Well, you didn’t visibly gag, so good for you,” Lucy said. “And good for you for not drowning it in sauces.”

The oyster was gone so fast that it left me curious for more. There were four oysters remaining.

As our citizenry grimly pointed out, ISIS will probably not go bye-bye. Russian aggression will probably not de-escalate. We can each do our small parts to help; a vote, a column, a little, or even a lot of activism, but at the end of the day, most of us are small and simple filters in the world of geopolitics, but needed and connected nonetheless. So thank God for drinks and bars, and let’s toss back an oyster, and a glass of wine to the future, and whatever our small but necessary part in it may be.

Our Voting Virginity: It’s Scary By: Corey Scarano

T

he first Democratic debate of the year Pratt, who admittedly could only sucsounded on October 13th, and Kelsey cessfully identify Hillary Clinton as a candidate Pratt, a UNH Junior, said, “I feel like running for president, explains, “I don’t feel comthey’re speaking a different language.” fortable voting because I don’t know anything about anyone. On top of all of my school work Pratt is one of many students and soccer practices I barely have a social life, who has by one reason or another failed to fill the let alone time to read up on the 2016 election.” gaping hole of knowledge about politics. When it comes to the presidential election, more and more I don’t think Pratt is alone in this. When students all over the country are making excuses I was doing original research for this story, I wantas to why they’re not learning about the election, ed to get feelers out about what answers I would be which directly correlates to why they won’t vote. getting. I sent a couple of my friends a text, just saying, “Thoughts on 2016 election?” and got three “I So is this what it has come to? Our don’t feel educated enough to comment” answers generation, which has over and over again followed by one “BERNIE 2016!!” answer. Even been called the backbone of this nation, the Bernie Sanders supporter couldn’t back up her can’t even find the time to educate ourselves reasoning as to why, other than “he is so damn cute!” on something like the civic duty of voting?

So maybe roughly half of the 18-29 Certainly not all hope is lost. CIRyear olds not voting isn’t for lack of care, lack of CLE (The Center for Information and Research transportation, or any other one of the reasons on Civic Learning and Engagement) found that publications such as CIRCLE are trying to fix to in the 2012 presidential election, 45% of 18-29 get more youngins to vote. Maybe it’s because as year olds voted, a higher percentage than precollege students we just don’t have the time to vious years. CIRCLE explains that voting from study up on our candidates and all of their ongoing the 18-29 range is crucial because voting is habscandals and disputes after classes, exams, homeit-forming, meaning if you don’t start young, work, clubs, work, and just seven hours of sleep, you’ll likely continue not voting for your entire five days a week. After those crazy five weekdays I life. They also say that voters from 18-29 make up think just about everyone knows what college stu21% of all votes, explaining the unique im- dents want to do the other two days of the week pact we have as young voters in this country. and I don’t think for many it includes browsing the

internet on Hillary’s email debacle.

“I know a lot of students are just scared to vote,” Kayli Igoe, a junior at UNH says, “they never found the time to do proper research and then they’re faced with this huge decision. It can be overwhelming.”

Even though Igoe understands a lot of students can’t find the time to keep up with the election, she surely has. When asked where she stands, Igoe says, “This is an extremely interesting election. People are frustrated with career politicians who consistently overpromise and under deliver, which is why this election has been so favorable towards the candidates who are doing things a bit differently (namely, Sanders and Trump). While they’re sometimes provocative and emotion-inducing statements have gotten loads of attention, I think it is leaving voters more confused than ever.”

Even though there are many students like Igoe who are keeping up with this election, there are many like Pratt as well, who just don’t find the time. And even though it has been said time and time again that voting is our civic duty in a democracy, standing even higher than that is that we live in a free country. If a college student wants to do keg stands and eat DHOP on a Thursday night instead of watching the Democratic debate, than that is their right as an American.

One would just have to hope that the pizza and beer were worth it, and that their vote wouldn’t be.

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