March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

T hu r s day , M a rc h 29, 2018

Volume 86 Empowerment Lounge opening

A push toward unity

Issue 8 NeXXus 10th anniversary show

Step team draws large crowd

BY BRIANNA LAMB A&E WRITER MCLA’s NeXXus Step Team performed at their 10 Year Anniversary Show this past Saturday, filling Venable Theater with excited spectators.

The line was long to get into the event, but no one seemed to mind the wait as they talked to one another about their expectations for the show with smiles of anticipation on their faces. Music blasted as people entered the auditorium, getting them even more enthusiastic.

The night began with NeXXus’s president and vice president, Eva Weeks and Brittany Watson, introducing their E-board and general members, using different step moves and routines as each person’s signature.

NeXXus page 6

photo from Maya McFadden

Students and faculty enjoy the opening of the new Empowerment Lounge.

BY MAYA MCFADDEN STAFF WRITER Mikaela Serrano-Moore, MCLA senior and student multicultural program coordinator, celebrated the grand opening of the Empowerment Lounge, a space open to all but geared toward providing a comfortable area on campus for students of color, on Friday, March 23.

A total of 31 students and faculty members joined in Classroom 5 in Venable Hall for the celebration.

Students that attended the

opening called the lounge a “second home” and “a huge step toward awareness.”

“I see the Empowerment Lounge as somewhere I can be comfortable and as a space that’s open and stress-free,” said junior Naiera Robinson.

Students discussed event ideas with Serrano-Moore to promote the space and make it welcoming for all.

“This was one of the needs and demands that students of color presented to the institution and through some ups and downs, I did my best to make it happen,”

said Serrano-Moore.

“We’ve expressed before that there wasn’t a place for us to feel comfortable on this predominantly white campus, and it was only until our push that a place for us to be ourselves was created, and a student had to do it,” said Robinson.

Junior and president of the Black Student Union (BSU), Don’Jea Smith, plans to have her club meetings in the lounge to open its discussions to students who may be present in the space, offering more inclu-

Empowerment page 2

Wilson to speak at Commencement

BY FABIENNE BOGARDUS-STREET STAFF WRITER

MCLA’s 2018 Commencement speaker will be aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson.

Wilson grew up in Pittsfield and is the second African American woman to go into space. Wilson will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Science degree at the ceremony. The College will celebrate its 119th Commencement on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

“Stephanie offers our students a global and diverse perspective,” Director of Marketing and Communications Bernadette Alden said. “She is an accomplished, high-profile speaker that will bring visibility to the College. She also has a connection to many of our students, nearly thirty percent of whom major in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.”

Gates of MCLA ‘a little stitious’

BY MEGHAN COOK FEATURES EDITOR

The black, spiraling gates of MCLA are embossed on flags, shirts and in the minds of the students. Legend has it that if a student walks through those gates between convocation and commencement they will not graduate in four years. This would mean having to spend another year at MCLA. The horror.

“The gates seem to always be open,” said an anonymous source. “I have almost walked through them 100 times!”

Rumors are spreading through campus as more and more students have noticed the impressive gates being kept open almost constantly. Students are wondering why they are kept open if the legend of the gates is true. The answer, of course, is a conspiracy.

The question on students’ minds is whether the College itself is using the gates as a way to keep students here.

The longer a student stays, the more money they will have to pay. With a foolproof way of tricking students,

The incredibly suspicious and famed gates of MCLA the College is making money hand over fist.

“I have noticed the gates being kept open more and more every year,” said an anonymous source. “In fact, I have accidentally walked through them for the past 10 years, I just can’t graduate!”

This perpetual student is not the

Photo from MCLA.edu

only to have fallen to the fate of the gates. According to Definitely.Real.

Statistic.net, MCLA’s funding from tuition has increased significantly since the gates have been left open more often in the last few years.

Students having to dodge the open gates is resulting in countless twisted ankles and a domino effect of falling

students.

“We have been instructed to paint the gates a different shade of black 13 times this semester,” explained the Gate Keeper. “So we have had to keep the gates open so the paint dries.”

It is unclear where these incredibly specific instructions are coming from, but the gates do seem to go from a shiny midnight to a matte charcoal quite regularly.

“I constantly have black hands from the wet paint, and more and more injuries from colliding with other students trying to avoid them,” said student Gary Michael Skott.

When prodded for further explanation on why workers are being paid to indulge in nonsensical painting, the Keeper of the Gates appeared nervous.

“I have been advised by my attorney not to disclose that information right now,” stuttered the Gate Keeper.

The question remains, how far will MCLA go to squeeze money out of already broke college students?

CAMPUSNEWS

2

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

NMENT A VER SSO GO CI

sa

rt

s

T EN

ch

A

office manager Amanda Schuler cross-check the members of BFC and clubs’ E-boards.”

SGA gave $660 from their supplemental budget to the Fashion Student Organization from a request sent in for their fashion show. The show will take place on April 29.

Ryan Senecal and Amanda Meczywor from MCLA’s Alumni & Advancement Office came in to speak with SGA about senior donations, the alumni network, and student philanthropy.

They were also visited by Graziana Ramsden, professor of modern languages and president of MCLA’s Faculty Association, to answer questions on the faculty contract negotiations. Bargaining be-

as

“We have a constitution and bylaws for a reason,” Vitali said in the meeting. “They’re the governing documents of this body. And if we say, ‘Well, I don’t think that because a mistake was made we need to do anything about it,’ then, if this was the bylaws, I can just take this and wipe my butt with it because at the end of the day it means nothing.”

To prevent future breaks in policy, SGA President Samantha Giffen ’18 recommended some additions to the bylaws which were later passed in a motion proposed by Vitali.

“We will explicitly state any contingencies about sitting on certain committees on the committee’s sign up sheet,” said Giffen. “We will also have

M

In the aftermath of last week’s impeachment trial, the Student Government Association (SGA) passed several motions related to their constitution and bylaws to prevent further complications.

Previously, Senator Andrew Baillargeon ’19 was impeached for a breach of SGA law. He was a participating member of their Budget Finance Committee (BFC) as well as acting as an E-board member for both Debate Club and WJJW. Several members of SGA’s E-board were aware of the violation and Baillargeon was not removed from office.

“At the end of the day, I’m glad that Senator Baillargeon was willing to own up to the fact that he made a mistake,” said Senator Jacob Vitali ’20.

“And I appreciate that E-board has acknowledged they made a mistake but I think we need an investigation to see how many bylaws have been broken in the span of this year, and previous years.”

The investigation was passed in a motion that would examine SGA’s past four years to look for any other violations.

Another motion by Vitali passed that would establish a specific code of ethics SGA would have to follow. Vitali expressed heavy concern over SGA’s approach to recent conflicts of interest.

N IO AT

BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER

ST UD

SGA scrambles in impeachment aftermath, $660 to Fashion Student Organization

us

etts

i C o l l e ge o f L

be

ra

l

tween them and the Board of Higher Education has reached over day 270.

SGA’s spring general elections are approaching with all positions available. Nomination papers are available in the SGA office on the third floor of the Campus Center, CC 316.

Final papers are due April 5.

Empowerment from page 1 -sion and conversations on campus issues.

“It’s not about separation, it’s about the importance of coming together as students of color to know each other and collaborate,” said Smith. “Without us understanding each other, there’s no way we can go to everyone else and talk about unity.”

The planning for the project began last November when Serrano-Moore realized that departments and institution members were not making progress with the demand and decided that she should take the lead.

“On a predominantly white campus it’s hard to find a place to feel comfortable without feeling disregarded,” said Serrano-Moore. “So, I geared toward making a space where students can feel powerful and motivated.”

Serrano-Moore met first with Catherine Holbrook, vice president of student affairs, to discuss open spaces on campus for the lounge, and then met with Michael Obasohan, assistant director of diversity programs, to confirm her lead on the project.

When presenting the project to the Student Government Association (SGA), Serrano-Moore said that she asked for $5,600 but was given less than half of her asking budget.

“Before getting any funding from SGA I had to defend the purpose of the space, then I was given $2,600,” Serrano-Moore said.

photo by Maya McFadden

From left to right: Lise Mansaray, Don’Jea Smith, Mikaela Serrano-Moore, and Naiera Robinson.

“It is a space where all are welcomed 55-inch flat-screen TV, homework bar but the main objective is to provide area, microwave, coffee machine, two students of color with a space to feel computers and academic resources. comfortable,” Serrano-Moore said.

Serrano-Moore said she intends to ask Serrano-Moore worked closely with for further funding for additional decCelia Norcross, assistant dean of stu- orations and a printer in the lounge. dent development and engagement, A sustainability plan is also being while organizing and deciding on fea- discussed between Serrano-Moore tures to offer in the lounge. and Obasohan to help keep up with The lounge includes a pool table, maintenance and security in the

space.

Serrano-Moore sent the lounge’s grand opening flyer in an email to the campus’ students of color and a separate email to faculty and staff members.

“In the emails I let students know that I’ve put together this space with a purpose and then asked faculty and staff members to make it known that the space is available and of its importance,” Serrano-Moore said.

In response to Serrano-Moore’s project, some faculty members and students argued the space is not appropriate or inclusive.

“I think if you feel uncomfortable in the lounge it means you don’t recognize your privilege, which makes you a part of the diversity issues,” said Serrano-Moore. “It’s about the students of color having a place to call home on a predominantly white campus and if you try to twist that purpose then you are a big part of the problem.”

In the email addressed to faculty and staff Serrano-Moore said, “I encourage you all to not only visit the space yourselves, but to encourage your students to visit this space as well, while informing them of its purpose.”

The lounge operates during regular campus hours, opening at 8:30 a.m. and remaining available until midnight.

Writer arrested in Cuba and now communist

BY JACOB VITALI A&E WRITER In last week’s edition of the Beacon, I shared photos and audio from my recent trip to Cuba as part of the spring travel course led by professor David Cupery. In the midst of old cars, beautiful women, and great music, was shear terror.

On day four in Havana, I was arrested by the National Revolutionary Police Force for carrying my reporter’s notebook that comes free when

you join The Bacon. The notebook contained exclusive details given to me by the Central Intelligence Agency about a plot to overthrow the communist-regime run education system with a four year, liberal arts education plan overseen by the dangerous imperialist President James F. Birge.

At first glance, the prison seemed dirty and dingy. I was concerned that I was never going to sleep again on the cold, hard bed, and that the showers would not feature warm wa-

ter. While these were my concerns, I can attest that once I was locked up with my cellmate Edgar, it proved better than any conditions I had experienced while living in Flagg Townhouse 5.

At the prison we were given three meals a day, with eggs in the morning and grilled chicken breast for lunch and dinner. The rough part is that they each came with Cuban tap water which made me sick to my stomach to an extent that Aramark could never do. I was required by the guards to

drink the tap water, or maybe they were telling me not to, I do not speak French.

At night, I was forced to read literature that they provided. Due to my inability to read mucho in Spanish, I chose to read a book intended for juvenile inmates titled “Jorge Curioso y La Gloria De Socialismo” about a curious monkey who visits the island looking for refuge from unfair conditions in the American private sector.

Cupery commented on my arrest.

Cuba page 3

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

CAMPUSNEWS

3

‘Be More Chill’ should take its own advice

BY JACOB VITALI A&E WRITER This past weekend, the Harlequin Musical Theatre Club put on four performances of the Off-Broadway musical “Be More Chill” about the angsty teenager Jeremy Heere (played by Sebastian Phillips) and his pursuit of his dream girl, Christine Canigula (played

by Kristy Yaghy).

The first act of the play is a mixed bag. It opens on an awkward note with the line “I’m waiting for my porno to load” as Jeremy lays in bed. For this first act, the play comes across as painfully cringe-worthy as we follow Jeremy in his least cool stage, failing to interact with Christine.

As a kid who was once bullied, I found myself cringing especially hard at the number “Two Player Game” as Jeremy and his best friend Michael (played by junior Tim Downs) sang about how guys like them would be cool in college. The number was also drawn out too long as Michael and Jeremy play video games and this song

felt irrelevant compared to the rest.

Still, Downs and Phillips’ voices were spot on.

Despite many cringe-worthy moments, we are treated to senior Joseph Sabin’s performances as Mr. Heere, Jeremy’s loser father, the high school drama teacher with a Hot Pocket obsession, Mr. Reyes, and a urinal in the bathroom. Sabin’s quick wit and inability to feel shame on stage translated brilliantly to these parts.

Act One also introduces us to Michael, Jeremy’s best friend who becomes a pivotal character to the play.

Michael is Jeremy’s biggest support system and encourages him to pursue all that he wants, but is pushed away as Jeremy gains popularity.

Jeremy gains popularity not by his own volition but because of a pill-sized computer that he ingests. The computer, known as the Squip, tells him that everything about himself is awful and that everything must change. Joslyn Eaddy plays the Squip in this production and succeeds in playing the part cold-heartedly as she is blatantly ma-

erything that he wants and he learns to embrace his true self.

After realizing conformity to peer pressure is not the answer to become cool, Jeremy is able to truly pursue the things or the woman that he wants in his life.

For Phillips, the highlight of the play was the first scene where he truly begins to follow the Squip’s commands.

“The scene where I was looking for new clothes and I had to do all the tango moves Joslyn Eaddy did while telling the story about my made-up exgirlfriend Madeline,” said Phillips.

Trevor Wheelock conducted the score for the musical and it was reminiscent of the original. Wheelock’s band featured trombone, guitar, bass, drums, and Wheelock himself played keys. The pacing of the music was spot on but during the “Christine” motif there were several instances where one or more of the band members were offkey.

Overall, the show provided some substantial laughs and was worth the one dollar spent to get in.

WJJW turns 45

Cuba from page 2 “¿Jacob fue arrestado por un complot para derrocar al gobierno?

Yo podría haber jurado que era para la intoxicación pública,” said Cupery.

Cupery went on to talk about the fact that I am a model student and how badly he wants me to once again become a political science and public policy major.

“Estaba bebiendo una abrumadora mayoría del tiempo que le vi. Cada vez que iba por una bebida adicional, él volvería con dos más. Lo apodamos ‘dos más’ por esa razón.” said Cupery.

When told of my arrest, English/ Communications professor, Beacon adviser, and my academic adviser Shawn McIntosh gave a strong warning to the Cuban government. “Él es el peor estudiante que he aconsejado. Desearía que lo mantuvieran,” said McIntosh in a statement.

What finally freed me from the prison was when I was able to convince the guards that a liberal arts education was a breeding ground for an American communist revolution that will soon follow in the wake of the Trump administration.

MCLA to be smoker-only campus

BY JOSEPH CAREW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In a move that may seem like the complete opposite of reality, the College has decided to permit only students who smoke to MCLA from this point on.

“What! That is not happening at all! Stop making this up!” said an unnamed source.

MCLA had decided to go smoke free for the upcoming fall semester but has completely reversed that decision. From that point on only students who smoke will be accepted by the College.

“Again that is a lie and this must be some sort of odd joke line of questions,” said the same unnamed source. “Good day to you!”

Groups on campus had been requesting a formal review of the original change in policy and even asked the College to

nipulative of the bullied children.

The second act was paced better than the first act and had more serious moments, with less gallows humor, as Jeremy’s Squip makes him into one of the popular kids. As he becomes more popular, he pushes his friends and family away, and the Squip literally blocks them from his view.

In this act you get the hilarious numbers “Michael in the Bathroom” sung passionately by Downs and “The Pants Song” sung by Downs and Sabin.

For Downs, this performance was about more than just entertaining audiences.

“Doing this show meant a lot to me because even though it’s silly and fun there is a real message about mental health when you really pay attention.

Which is something I always want to raise awareness for,” said Downs.

The play deals with humanity. After being bullied for so long, Jeremy submits to a new kind of bullying with the impression that it is done to improve his life. However, he has to realize that part of life is not necessarily having ev-

remain with its current policy of limited smoking areas but even they are completely blown away by this change.

“Okay I wanted to keep the smoking areas but this is insane,” said another unnamed source. “This is obviously just a joke and not to be taken seriously.”

It is unclear how the College will check to make sure these new smoking students do in fact smoke but some believe that there will be a box to check on the application. Whether or not this policy is legal also remains unclear.

“Well that seems a bit crazy.

I almost feel that that is a bit of an overreaction on the part of the College and the students,” said a source who smokes. “No way that’s actual reality.”

photo from WJJW

WJJW DJs Jacob Vitali, left, and Morrison Robblee, center, talk with WJJW alumnus Dayne Wahl ‘09, assistant director of Admission, at the station’s live broadcast Saturday night to celebrate the station’s 45th anniversary.

Surprise! I’m a narcissist In this edition of the friends college stuBacon, this column will be dents need, because they examining my incredibly were too afraid to make correct opinions on why friends freshman year there should be dogs al- and now everyone has an lowed in the townhouses. established friend group Obviously, and it’s too awkpeople will say ward to break into “what about the one. cats,” I am here Dogs fix this by to say, frankly, having a friendly, no college stualways happy-todent is responsee-you personalMeghan sible enough to ity, and are built clean a litter in snugglers and Cook box as often as wanted snugglers Features it needs to be. at that. I mean Especially when nothing is worse their rooms are than having to ask covered in ramen noo- someone to stop trying to dles, sticky surfaces, and snuggle and leave, am I questionable choices. right?

Also, let’s be real, cats Dogs keep away the are inferior to dogs. Yes, Sunday Scaries, their deI will fight anyone on this sire for tummy rubs dispoint. tracts from stress, and Dogs are the best their sweet furry faces

keep students from losing their minds and from dropping out.

As I am always right about most things, I am right in demanding dogs be allowed in dorms. What is everyone so afraid of?

That students won’t leave their beds to go to class because a puppy is cuddled with them? Valid point.

But seriously, it’s about time. I am this close to a(nother) breakdown and I can 68 percent guarantee I will most likely have less than my regularly scheduled five a week with a dog in my house.

As stated above, I am absolutely right in this and it’s about time everyone follow in my opinion and take action. Make Canines Legal At once.

CAMPUSNEWS

4

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

Summer changes to Freel Library; more resources, a more academic scene

BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER Long after spring classes end and finals are over, MCLA’s Freel Library will be undergoing a few changes to their catalogs and resources.

Coming back in the fall, students should expect a welcome surprise in the new additions to the library’s online systems.

The library has joined two new partnerships with Higher Education Libraries of Massachusetts (HELM) and Fenway Library Organization (FLO) in the hopes of generating a much more academic network for students and faculty to utilize.

While no physical changes will occur, the new partnerships will bring changes to the library’s digital and resource sharing systems.

The changes to the library won’t happen until June, finishing in July. Even so, to fur-

ther help with the transition, all library materials will be due by Friday, May 11. Items must either be returned or given special permission by library officials.

To help ensure all materials are returned, they will be forgiving all fines.

“We’re really excited about this,” said Maureen Horak, MCLA’s associate dean of library services. “We only really got started with this about a year ago, so it has been going pretty fast.”

Currently, the library operates under the shared cataloging network Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing, Inc (C/W MARS). The network is composed of public, academic and special libraries which share items between its localized area.

Taking over this network will be the HELM partnership, a group of colleges across central and western Massachusetts, of which

Thursday, March 29

A bit of rain High: 53° Low: 46° Precip. Chance: 60%

photo from Panoramio.com/Kevin Bean

Freel Library’s online system is getting an upgrade this summer, and students will be able to access it this upcoming fall semester.

MCLA is a founding member. The C/W MARS catalog, Evergreen, will be replaced

by HELM’s Koha which will feature resources from all participating college libraries. This will work similarly to C/W MARS but it will feature more academically-focused material.

Becoming an affiliate mem-

ber of FLO opens up MCLA to some impressive libraries in Massachusetts. Other members of the organization include the Wentworth Institute of Technology, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

“We’ll still have much of the same systems and databases

as before,” said Horak. “We’re just getting more.”

The C/W MARS catalog and materials will still be available to students and faculty who receive cards from the North Adams Public Library.

Online borrowing and delivery to the Freel Library will still be available with the new catalog.

“We wanted to move toward a more academic network,” said Horak. “We’re getting a new search method called ‘Discovery’ from EBSCO. It has a Google-like approach that you can narrow down.”

The Discovery system is just one example of how the changes will help simplify and expand user options when looking for online materials.

A flyer with additional information was sent out to faculty explaining the new technology and changes. Students looking for more information or who have additional questions can ask at the library’s front desk.

Weekend Weather Friday, March 30

Sunday, April 1

Saturday, March 31

Rain High: 51° Low: 29° Precip. Chance: 56%

Sunny High: 53° Low: 39° Precip. Chance: 5%

Partly Cloudy High: 41° Low: 20° Precip. Chance: 20%

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications are now open!

Students are welcome to apply to any positions!

Editors, writers, designers, photographers, copy editors, etc..

Consider joining Beacon Web News as well!

ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS! IF YOU BORROWED STUDENT LOANS WHILE AT MCLA, YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE ON-LINE EXIT COUNSELING. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR MCLA EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!!

************************* TAKING COURSES AT MCLA THIS SUMMER? FINANCIAL AID MAY BE AVAILABLE TO HELP! STOP BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN ELDRIDGE HALL TO COMPLETE A SUMMER FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION.

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

FEATURES

5

MCLA’s first travel course to Cuba

BY LISE MANSARAY FEATURES WRITER MCLA offers study abroad programs every year to places all over the country and even the world. However, how about a whole course dedicated to travel? For students interested in traveling, there are courses at MCLA focusing just on that.

David Cupery, assistant professor of political science and public policy, is an instructor who has been running travel courses for some time now. Most recently, Cupery and students in his course traveled to Cuba for spring break. Cupery helped to launch the trip to Cuba.

According to the MCLA website, “The course aims to help students understand the country’s controversial political and economic systems and relationship with the U.S. while also exposing them to the rich cultural diversity of the island.”

Cupery expanded on this further with what he hopes students take out of the course.

“Overall, my travel courses are designed to help students gain knowledge and first-hand experience with societies and cultures that are very different than their own,” he said.

The trip was very eventful, as a series of activities and places to visit were set up.

“While in Cuba, we visited

Photo provided by Jacob Vitali

City street in Cienfuegos on a bright sunny day. a school and hospital to learn how Cuba has excelled in these areas, we heard from University of Havana professors to learn about their perspective on U.S.-Cuban relations and the socialist structure of the Cuban economy, we met with artists to learn about expression, race and gender in Cuba, we heard from an expert on Santeria,” said Cupery.

“We talked with a smallbusiness owner about the challenges he faces in a country still run by a communist party, we visited museums and monuments, and we toured the historic streets of the capital, Havana, colonial-era Trinidad and two other cities,” he

continued.

They also found time to kick back, relax and enjoy traditional music through salsa classes, attending live music performances, and visiting the beach.

“I try hard to mix fun with content that educates and illuminates,” Cupery said.

Victoria Muñoz was one of the students who attended the trip.

“I enjoyed staying in home stay casas,” said Muñoz. “It was a great way to talk to Cuban people, eat authentic food, and have a glimpse into the ‘real life’ of Cubans.”

Although there is a lot of fun that goes into the trip, there is

also some work and research regarding the background and culture of the country prior to the trip.

“The academic component involves assigned readings, some short written and oral assignments, a short-ish final project and a travel journal,” Cupery said.

The goal of the classroom component is to help students have a strong foundation of knowledge before their travel so they can have a better understanding, and put what they learned into context when traveling.

“I learned so much… It is hard to choose just a few things. I loved learning about

the culture and politics of Cuba,” said Muñoz.

“Overall, the workload travel excluded - is lighter than a traditional course but significant enough to allow each student to make the most of their travel experience,” Cupery said.

The travel destination for the course changes yearly.

Last spring break, students traveled to Peru. Next year, Cupery hopes to take students to Mexico, with an attempt to rid the often negative connotations associated with the country.

The travel courses are open to all students although the instructor’s approval is required. Students do not have to be fluent in Spanish and are not required to have studied language at all. However, it is encouraged that all students develop some language skills prior to traveling to better communicate with locals.

“It is my hope that the experiences gained leave them more curious about the rest of the world and with more perspective about their own values and context,” Cupery said.

Student Spotlight

Jackie Ordway: she’s doing it all

BY MEGHAN COOK FEATURES EDITOR Jackie Ordway can be found almost anywhere, from the Writing Studio to the Honors Center, or even teaching in a classroom at Mount Greylock High School. And those do not even begin to cover her extracurriculars and presence at MCLA. “One of the best things I did was get involved in different things on campus,” said Ordway. “There are so many great opportunities and experiences here.”

With her last semester upon her, Ordway is preparing for graduation and getting ready to say goodbye to her many professors and mentors, as well as organizations she is a part of.

She’s leaving with a completed English/Communications major, a concentration in literature, a secondary education licensure, and finally a history minor. Besides simply focusing on academics, she is heavily involved on and off campus.

“I work in the Writing Studio,” Ordway said, “I tutor for a few classes, I am the president of Book Club, which is probably the most relaxed one.”

“From working one-on-one with

writers from a diversity of backgrounds, to promoting our services at campus events and in classrooms, Jackie has been an invaluable member of our Writing Studio community,” said Amber Engelson, assistant English/Communications professor and director of the Writing Studio.

Ordway co-founded the Honors Student Representative Council during her sophomore year with peer Nicole Hastry and they are now copresidents. Through this she has even become president of the Commonwealth Honors Program Student Council, which is a statewide program including the 22 state and community colleges in Massachusetts.

“I was nominated to be the current president’s vice president and next meeting she resigned,” explained Ordway. “We had emergency elections and I won. This was only my second year being there.”

Through the Commonwealth Honors Program Ordway has helped organize events around the state and one close to home. The Harry Potterthemed “Magic of Leadership” overnight in February was orchestrated in part by Ordway.

“That was amazing, we had an

entire floor of Murdock completely decorated,” Ordway said.

Last semester Ordway presented on a paper she had been working on for more than a year. Her research focuses on rhetoric in news sources on Twitter. This even includes examining and analyzing President Trump’s infamous tweets.

Engelson was her mentor throughout her entire process, from exploring research, analyzing data, and working through drafts of the paper.

“She defended her final 62-page empirical research article, ‘Tweeting Truth? How ‘News’ Sources Imagine Audience and Immigration in the Age of Trump’s Twitter’ this December, to much acclaim,” Engelson said. “In fact, her hard work on this project most likely resulted in her being admitted to UMass Amherst’s M.A./Ph.D. program in Rhetoric and Composition - a selective program that admits just six applicants per year out of hundreds that apply.”

Ordway is student teaching at Mount Greylock High School this semester. This means five days a week she teaches an honors class and two college prep classes.

As her time at MCLA comes to a close, she only has good things to

Photo courtesy of MCLA

Jackie Ordway, an MCLA student with accomplishments and commitment. say about the College and her experience.

“I had such a great experience here at MCLA. I’ll of course miss my friends I’ve made here,” Ordway said, “as well as all the professors who have mentored me and gotten me this far.”

6

Arts & Entertainment

Circus Amok: Jennifer Miller’s engaging take on a ‘non-formative future’

BY WYATT MINEAU A&E WRITER

If you wandered into Sullivan Lounge around 7 p.m. on March 22, you may have been blindsided by what you saw going on, to say the least.

The room was almost completely full. Both students and faculty members lined the rows of chairs. As the speaking began, you were introduced to and greeted by the host, Jennifer Miller, in a beautiful sleeveless purple dress, high heels, sparkling blue eyeshadow...and yes, facial hair.

She began the event by talking a bit about her history, performing at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and teaching theatre and dance at the Pratt Institute of Design.

And then she started juggling scimitars.

She was also quick to note

that she is Xenobia, a woman with a beard, and NOT the “one-and-only bearded lady.”

She mentioned that there are potentially many other women with beards, reinforcing the idea of incorporating hot-button topics like gender politics into her many performances.

After the scimitar juggling, she shared a bit more of her backstory, and played a clip from her 2006 Circus Amok show. The story of the show is of nannies in Union Square Park practicing juggling. -They hoped to go back to Argentina, where they could get healthcare.

She performed in it, and used her position to also explain the plot to the audience, as there was a bridge between the show itself and the fourth wall being broken by plants shouting at the performers.

After she played another clip of a different show, “Stop-

photo by Wyatt Mineau

Jennifer Miller performing at Circus Amok. and-Frisk” from 2008, she talked a bit about the messages within the shows. They very frequently involved audience participation and plants, and she mentioned that she likes

to intersect entertainment with hot-button topics - Circus Amok featured herself, a woman with a beard, as well as a man dressed in drag, and the two women, presumably in a lesbian relationship. “Stop-andFrisk” covered police brutality, the name being derived from a program seen very commonly in New York City.

Miller talked about how she sees her performances as “sharing strategies of power,” and hopefully creating a “nonformative future” for the U.S. Afterward, she did a very wellchoreographed, upbeat dance to “California Girls” by the Beach Boys, and, to finish the night, did a straitjacket and chains escape routine to the tune of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.

When the speaking was all said and done, it’s hard to deny that it was anything but “ordinary.” There was tons of

unique fun to be had, whether it was from the many jokes she cracked while setting up for her acts, the performances she showed which were very lively, or even her getting the audience to perform the same “keep cool, keep calm” dance seen in the “Stop-and-Frisk” clip. It’s clear that Miller has a knack for both entertaining and informing her audiences.

When asked about audience participation and potential hecklers (a plant was used in the Circus Amok clip she played), she gave a surprising response.

“We really haven’t had any.

We obviously open and invite the audience by incorporating them into the act, but we haven’t yet had any interruptions,” she explained. “...Except for kids tripping into the performance circle, or drunk audience members getting in fights.”

NeXXus from page 1 Next, a witty video was shown explaining, for the amused audience members, the difference between step and dance, as shown by the step team. From there, the performances and routines continued into increasingly complex and impressive rhythms. Each member of the group was highlighted in some way.

Abby Dumo, a sophomore and member of NeXXus and Dance Company, explained the lineup for the show, which included some step routines by NeXXus as well as special guests and surprises in honor of their 10th anniversary.

Dance Company performed at the event, as well as another group called Youth Alive. This group is a step, drum and dance team from Pittsfield, which Cheyenne VanBramer, NeXXus’s current treasurer, was a part of when she was younger.

The Youth Alive team con-

Current NeXXus members perform with alumni. sisted of four young indi- rated elements of step as viduals, full of energy and well as elaborate drum work passion for what they do as by two of the performers.

“Because of NeXXus’s evidenced by their perfor10th anniversary, the decimance. Their act incorpo-

photo by Brianna Lamb

sion was made to bring back alumni of the team for the weekend to connect with the current members,” said Dumo.

With each passing act, the audience cheered more and more. Sometimes, scripted exchanges would happen in between acts with members of NeXXus and alumni, keeping the audience on their toes and adding a bit of humor to the show.

As a finale, alumni members including Monique Symes, founder of the NeXXus Step Team, and Multicultural Education Resource Center Coordinator Michael Obasohan joined the current members of NeXXus for one last step routine, filling the stage with sound. The performers received a standing ovation from the audience.

NeXXus invited all who attended to a party in Venable Gym after the show to celebrate the fact that the team, with its enthusiastic and close-knit members, is still going strong after a decade.

SAC’s spring concert causes problems already

BY EMMA MONAHAN A&E EDITOR Every spring semester, the Student Activities Council (SAC) brings along some great music, fun times and memories for the student body with their annual spring concert. This year, students are not happy (again).

After announcing the concert lineup, students expressed concerns that their voices weren’t heard in the selection process, that the voting was rigged, and

that a protest would take place in the coming weeks.

“We’re done,” an MCLA junior, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. “Every year, we cast our votes for an artist we didn’t even pick, that we don’t even know of, and we’re always disappointed.”

Members of SAC declined to comment but wanted students to be assured that this was a fair and loyal process, that every vote was accounted for, and that this was the process they’ve been using for years.

“A process that needs to change,” said a sophomore on campus, who also wished to remain anonymous. “There need to be some changes.”

Some of the artists performing at this year’s spring concert are Walk The Moon, Nickelback, and Modern Baseball, who are coming out of their indefinite hiatus for this show.

“Who are these people?!” some MCLA students wrote on social media.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are showing

students’ true colors, expressing how SAC is wasting their money, which could have gone to other clubs, by putting on poorly attended shows. Some are saying they’re not even going to attend the event in protest.

“We’re always planning to boycott the event,” the MCLA junior said, “and we’re also planning a protest in the Campus Center next week, and the day of the concert. Students shouldn’t have to waste their money on this crap.”

However, many students are excited for the event, mostly freshmen.

“I love Walk The Moon!” one said. “And Nickelback is so old school. My parents are going to be super jealous.”

Although there were mixed opinions about the concert, members of SAC assure it will be a fun, different show, something students will enjoy.

Pick up next week’s Beacon for the actual spring concert announcement.

Arts & Entertainment

Global Film Series showcases ‘Black Girl’

BY EMMA MONAHAN A&E EDITOR

On Tuesday, March 20, the Global Film Series featured the film “Black Girl” by director Ousmane Sembène. With a surprising ending, students were able to attend the event and partake in a discussion afterward about the film’s symbolism and reflect on specific scenes that stood out to them. The event was hosted by English/Communications professor Jenna Sciuto.

The short film tells the story of Diouana, a black woman from Senegal who moves to France with a white couple to work. She is told she will continue to take care of the couple’s children, but once in France, a country she cannot wait to explore, she becomes a prisoner in the home, only seeing her bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.

She is more of a maid than caregiver, which is what she was promised to be. The wife, who is referred to as Madame throughout the film, is far stricter then when she was first introduced. She is cruel to Diouana, who wastes away throughout the film, not living the life she was promised.

Throughout the film, Diouana becomes more depressed and lonely, and realizes that she should not be

photo from t1.gstatic.com

“Black Girl,” also known as “La Noire de...,” has won multiple awards and is known as one of the first films to feature a black woman. pushed around by these people who claimed to give her everything she needed. The ending takes a twist.

Sembène makes the audience think that Diouana is going to leave France and go back home to Senegal by

packing her suitcase, reflecting on a photo of herself and a former boyfriend, and taking back a mask she gave to her employers. Instead, Diouana kills herself in the bathtub in the house.

Key scenes and sentences are seen throughout. For starters, during a lunch scene at Madame’s home with her husband and friends, one of the men gets up and says to Diouana, “I’ve never kissed a black girl,” and proceeds to do so. They make the misconception that “Africans only eat rice,” and believe Diouana doesn’t speak French, only understands it, “like an animal,” which isn’t true.

Throughout the film, Diouana is narrating in French (there are English subtitles), so viewers know that she understands everything they are saying.

“Why am I here?” she constantly asks herself. There could be multiple reasons she does. During the discussion after the film, some reactions were that she could be wondering what exactly her role is in the household without the children, but also wondering who she is in this new, foreign country.

At the end of the film, after Diouana’s death, the husband travels to Senegal with her things, including

7

the mask, to return to her mother. A little boy from the village then follows him back to the ship he is boarding to return to France, wearing the mask, as if Diouana is following him, the guilt of her death going back home with him instead of being laid to rest in Senegal.

During the discussion, everyone agreed that the ending was haunting and surprising, something that Sembène probably did on purpose.

Sciuto said that Sembène was the “Father of African Cinema,” and it’s proven in this film.

Many students expressed their interpretation of the lunch scene, as well as the letter Diouana’s mother wrote, saying they questioned its authenticity. Others talked about Diouana’s death, how it was a message to her employers, to physically see the pain she was experiencing in their home.

Although a shocking but engaging film, “Black Girl” was one worth watching, to see one of the first featured films that had a black, female lead. The students who attended seemed to be engaged with the movie and discussion afterward, not disappointed they came.

This Is: Brain Habits April 4:

Public Policy Lecture | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Church Street Center

April 5:

SGA Nomination Papers Due | Amanda Schuler’s office, CC 316

April 9:

Outlawed in Pakistan | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Murdock photo from Brain Habits Facebook

218

Brain Habits are based out of the Berkshires, and have played around the area.

BY WYATT MINEAU A&E WRITER Coming from Western Massachusetts, this week’s featured band is an upand-coming alternative rock quartet, Brain Habits.

If you haven’t heard of them yet, don’t be surprised. The band only formed back in 2015, but they’ve been hard at work on their music, releasing two short albums, “Brainfield” in September 2016 and their self-titled album

this month, featuring their single “Lemonade.”

In fact, there’s very little to be found on them; they don’t even have a Wikipedia page yet.

Even though they’re still unknown, their music is nothing to brush off. Their sound could be described as adjacent to famous alternative rock band Local H, with a pleasing garage band mixing to their songs.

The music from their latest album especially is interesting in that no song

goes over two minutes long.

Even though pop, hip-hop, and rap have seen a recent resurgence in popularity, there’s always a place for good alternative rock, and if you’re looking for that kind of sound, look no further than Brain Habits.

Find their two latest albums on their Bandcamp pag. For any updates on their touring schedule, make sure to check out their Facebook, which already has over 600 likes.

April 10:

Smores in the Quad | 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Academic Quad

April 14:

Community Day of Service | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Venable Gym

April 17:

Political Science & Public Policy Speaker | 6 p.m.

– 7 p.m. Murdock 218

SPORTS

8

March. 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

Mackenzie Cutler drives her team to victory in season opener

BY JABARI SHAKIR SPORTS WRITER MCLA's senior midfielder Mackenzie Cutler led the Trailblazers women's lacrosse team to their first victory of the season with eight goals against the Dean College Bulldogs.

The Trailblazers hosted their first game of the season at Shewcraft Field on Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m.

The final score was 17-12. The team's record is now 1-0 while the Bulldogs dropped to 0-3.

Cutler came out and put on a show for her team and fans while scoring eight points out of 12 shots (66.7 percent) and 10 shots on goals (83.3 percent), five ground balls, seven draw controls, and three caused turnovers.

Additionally, the senior attacker and midfielder Rachel Green finished with three draw controls, a shot percentage of 42.9 percent, a shot on goal percentage of 71.4 percent, three goals, and four ground balls.

Cutler admires her team's strong commitment, healthy

photo by MCLA Athletics

MCLA senior Mackenzie Cutler (right) controlling the ball during their 17-12 win over the Dean College Bulldogs. Cutler recorded a game-high eight goals in the win. The performance was also a career high in goals as her previous best was five goals in a single game. relationship and long-lasting connection with one another as they earned their first win, giving them hope of a successful season.

"Most years we have not had the team bonding where we connected well as a team, we had separate groups and

this year is a good strength that we all connect with each other, and we all get along really well," said Cutler.

The Trailblazers overall had 19 ground balls, seven saves, 17 draw controls, 30 shots with a shot percentage of 56.7 percent, and 24 shots on goal

(80 percent).

Junior Makayla Fisher led the Bulldogs with four goals out of a total six shots, and she was followed up by her teammates, Frantzleine Nherisson and Lauryn Wilks, with three goals.

Fisher ended the game with

one assist, six draw controls, and five shots on goal.

Nherisson had one assist and six shots on goal while Wilks had four shots on goal, six ground balls, and five draw controls.

Overall, the Bulldogs finished with seven saves, 14 draw controls, 21 shots, 19 ground balls, and 19 shots on goal.

For Cutler's last season as a Trailblazer, she is looking forward to instructing and guiding her team this year to have a stronger bond and become more knowledgeable about the sport with the brand new set of faces on the side.

"Our goals this season I would not say it is to be in the MASCAC, this year is more of a teaching year, teaching the new players, becoming better as a team and learning the actual sport," Cutler said.

The Trailblazers are starting the year off strong with their first win of the season.

Their next home game is on Saturday, March 31 against the Bridgewater State Bears at 1 p.m.

Men's tennis opens season with 9-0 loss to the Norwich University Cadets

BY BRADY GEROW SPORTS EDITOR The MCLA men's tennis team opened its 2018 season visiting the Norwich University Cadets in Norwich, Vermont last Sunday. The Trailblazers were shut out and fell 9-0, opening the season 0-1 while the Cadets improved to 2-1.

The match started with the doubles matches, as the veterans for the Trailblazers seniors Aaron Goldsmith and Jared Freeman faced off with Dylan Ackerman and Alexi Gilmore from the Cadets.

Goldsmith and Freeman are a pair that didn't play together last season, but are two of the only three returning players for the 'Blazers.

Sophomore Mohamed Mahrous is the only other returning player for the 'Blazers.

Goldsmith and Freeman fell 8-2 to open the doubles section of play to Ackerman and Gilmore, giving the Cadets a 1-0 lead to start the match. The Cadets only got better from there. The pair of Mahrous and freshman Reydel Santana were shut out 8-0 by Norwich's pair of Sam Beiter and Hadley Ellis.

The final match of doubles saw the team of freshman Charles Najimy and sophomore Nick Castle of MCLA, facing off with Maddy Muthukumaraswany and Noah Stillman from the Cadets. Najimy and Castle were also defeated by a score of 8-2, giving the Cadets a 3-0 edge going into singles matches.

The singles matches went no better for the 'Blazers, as the Cadets were able to carry their hot streak with them.

Goldsmith put up the best fight for the 'Blazers as he went up against Ackerman in the number one singles match of the day.

Goldsmith was able to keep the contest close, falling in the first set 6-4 but staying competitive. Goldsmith was nearly there in the second set, but Ackerman was able to lock down the win in straight sets with a 7-6 win in the second set.

Having won the first four matches played on the day, the Cadets were able to run through the rest of the matches they played, winning them all in straight sets. Freeman fell in the second singles slot 6-1, 6-0 to Gilmore, while Najimy lost in the third singles slot 6-1, 6-1

photo by MCLA Athletics

MCLA senior Jared Freeman returning a ball in a match this past Sunday. Freeman had a rough start to his season falling to Norwich's Alexi Gilmore 6-1, 6-0. Freeman and his doubles partner Aaron Goldsmith also fell 8-2 to Gilmore and his partner Dylan Ackerman. to Beiter from the Cadets.

Mahrous, Santana, and Castle all also competed in singles matches on the day and were all defeated in straight sets.

With only three players returning, the 'Blazers and first year head coach Stephen Bryant have a lot of ground to

make up. They enter the season with a very young lineup as Goldsmith and Freeman are the only upperclassmen on the team.

The rest of the roster is built from five freshman in Santana, Najimy, Temesghen Reda, Steven Luciano, and Matt Bluteau. The roster

also has three sophomores in Mahrous, Castle, and Felix Bou. With the loss, the Trailblazers go to 0-1 on the season, and are back in action on Friday, March 30 when they host Western New England for a non-league tilt at 4 p.m.

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

SPORTS

UMBC men’s basketball coach Ryan Odom agrees to new contract

BY JONAS SHAFFER THE BALTIMORE SUN WIRE SERVICE UMBC men’s basketball coach Ryan Odom has agreed to a new contract, the school announced Monday, ensuring that the architect of the NCAA Tournament’s greatest upset will remain in Catonsville for at least another season.

The new deal, terms of which were not disclosed, comes more than a week after the Retrievers stunned No. 1 overall seed Virginia in the first round of the Big Dance, becoming the first men’s No. 16 seed to win against a top seed since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

In Odom’s second year, UMBC set a single-season program record for wins (25) and won the America East Conference for the first time in a decade.

Odom is 70-46 overall since arriving in Maryland after a year at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne.

“I am so proud of our staff and players and it’s been a remarkable journey that we set out on together,” Odom said in a news release. “I am grateful to (UMBC President) Dr. (Freeman) Hrabowski and (athletic director) Tim Hall for their confidence in our staff to continue to lead these young men during their time at UMBC. It’s a great honor to be a part of the UMBC community.”

The Retrievers were honored Monday night in Annapolis during a reception hosted by Gov. Larry Hogan and a visit to the Maryland State House’s Senate and House chambers.

Hall said Odom’s contract reflects a commitment to the program that rivals that of any in the top third of the America East.

“We’re going to have a dog in the hunt,” Hall said. “I think it also positions us well for what I would call the upper-mid-majors in Division I basketball. The commitment of the institution and what they’re doing to help us is, I think, going to put us in a really good position.”

MCLA baseball recruits pitching chimp as new ace

BY BRADY GEROW SPORTS EDITOR

The MCLA baseball team started their season the right way going 6-3 over their nine games played at the RussMatt Invitational in Auburndale, Florida.

The Trailblazers are settling for nothing less than greatness this season, as they’ve recruited their new ace in 20-year-old Chimpanzee Bobo.

Bobo was a chimp raised in a sanctuary in Africa, where his caretakers slowly saw his skill. Bobo loved to throw a ball he had in his enclosure. Bobo would throw the ball over and over at the wall.

Bobo’s caretakers saw his love

for the game and painted him a target on his wall. Bobo couldn’t miss, hitting the target every time, over and over. Eventually the game turned into catch over the wall with the caretakers and so on. The caretakers eventually saw Bobo’s talent, as he could throw the ball so hard and so accurately. Bobo was consistently able to throw over 105 mph while throwing strikes.

“It’s amazing what that animal can do,” said an unnamed source.

“That chimp can throw the ball faster than anyone I’ve ever seen, and he’s deadly accurate too.”

Bobo’s caretakers saw his ability and decided to see if they could find him a place to use his talents.

Baseball was the first choice. His caretakers began contacting teams all over the country, but none would take him until MCLA saw the chance.

With the regular season about to begin, the ‘Blazers took in the hardthrowing chimp and plan to have him pitch as their ace for the season.

“I’ve never seen anything like it outside of movies,” said another unnamed source. “He’s incredibly talented...hopefully he can help the team be great this year.”

The question still remains if the chimp is even allowed to play organized sports at the college level, but it would be a spectacle if Bobo is able to prove his skill with the ‘Blazers this year.

NFL Offseason trade rumor Football for Sarcastaball?

It’s been a hectic NFL offseatheir team bonus points. son so far: a flurry of trades, Former NFL players Peyton huge free agent signManning and LaMarr Woodley ings, and even one huge have expressed their support, draft-based trade from and were reportedly seen the New York Jets that training local youth the art of shattered the football Sarcastaball, which involved world. both men wearing bras and However, if recent rutinfoil hats. Peyton Manning, mors are to be believed, Andrew legendary soon-to-be Hall of there could be one trade Baillargeon Fame quarterback, was spoton the horizon that ted teaching the kids how to The Call shatters the hemisphere properly throw a balloon in of professional football live game action, a talent said as we know it. to be replacing the throwing According to sources,* the very of a football. Woodley, a solid sport of football itself could end defensive player in his time, was up on the trade market. Trendalso discovered to be demoning in the local area is the constrating proper technique in the cept of a new sport which could practice of hugging and cuddling, shift over to the NFL seamlessly a sequence of moves said to be donned “Sarcastaball.” replacing the more traditional In addition to a series of gear tackling. alterations and changes in techI had the opportunity to sit nique, Sarcastaball is said to be down with the inventor of Sarcasfundamentally similar, but aestaball, head coach Randy Marsh. thetically different in almost “Well, yeah man, you know,” every way imaginable. In football, he began, stuttering, “the world the team with the most points has changed, man. We really felt at the end of a game wins. In the need to put in a safer way of Sarcastaball, the team who was playing the game.” the friendliest and most lovable Marsh was set to continue will typically take home the gold. speaking until one of his players Hence the name, any player who accidentally hit him with a balmakes a sarcastic remark causloon, causing the rest of the team ing the other team to laugh earns to surround him and invade him

with a series of hugs and friendly gestures.

When asked about his thoughts on the trade, which has been all but completed, commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell expressed his support in the move, citing a need to ensure player safety, and use of another object that he could punish the Patriots for tampering with in balloons and, apparently, drinks.

“The NFL has always been open to change,” he began, as he opened and proceeded to drink out of a small Coors Light cup.

“We believe this change will aid our quest to fixing the safety of players everywhere.”

Goodell later fined the Patriots $250,000 and suspended Tom Brady for six games for deflating his terrible taste buds by tampering with his horrible beer. *My primary source from this was a local football player, donning a Cows uniform. He likes to wear a red coat and a blue cap in his free time, and continuously interrupted my follow up questions screaming, “I’m not fat! I’m big-boned!” and shouting some very anti-Semitic insults at his friend nearby. Understand that this made the interview quite awkward.

9

SCORE BOARD MCLA Lacrosse MCLA (17), Dean College (12) Mackenzie Cutler (MCLA) 8 Goals, 10 SOG

Makayla Fisher (Dean) 4 Goals, 6 SOG

NCAA March Madness #11 Loyola Chicago (78), #9 Kansas State (62) Ben Richardson (Loyola) 23 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

Xavier Sneed (K State) 16 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 4 Ast, 2 Blk 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl

NCAA March Madness

#3 Michigan(58), #9 Florida State (54)

Charles Matthews (MI) 17 PTS, 8 REB, 1 STL 10-12. 100 yds, 0 TD

Phil Cofer (FSU) 16 PTS, 12 REB, 1 BLK

NCAA March Madness

#1 Kansas (85), #2 Duke (81)

Malik Newman (Kansas) 32 PTS, 7 REB, 2 ASTt, 2 Stl,

Treyvon Duval (Duke) 20 PTS, 1 REB, 6 AST

NBA

Boston Celtics (102), Phoenix Suns (94)

Al Horford (Bos) 19 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST

Tyler Ulis (Suns) 19 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST

NHL Boston Bruins (4), Winnipeg Jets (5) Torey Krug (Bruins) 1 Goals, 1 Ast, 3 SOGs, 8 Ast, 2 Stl

Brandon Tanev (Jets) 3 Goals, 5 SOGs, 22 Reb, 3 Ast

OPINION

10

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

Bring back the horse

For all our future and past stories make sure to check out our website: theonlinebeacon.com

The age of the car is dead.

Gasoline, on the other hand, is Let it die. Humanity has tried about $166 per month according to make the internal combustion to the Huffington Post article, engine work and it has failed on How much Americans Spend on a monumental scale. I had been Gas per Year. The cost is about a car fan for my entire life but the same but you don’t get that I have come to this realization same satisfaction that you are after a life-altering feeding a living creaexperience. ture.

The majestic animal Repairs stood 16 hands from Cars are extremely ground to withers complex machines with a (roughly the front shoullot of moving parts that der blade) and it took all could go wrong. Even Joseph my breath away. This, of though the majority of Carew course, was a horse: the issues of cars can be original car and the best WheelSpin solved with proper care one in the world as far and regular visits to an as I’m concerned. automotive technician, Speed cars often break down. They Modern vehicles reach speeds do have a tendency to survive a that are just unreasonable. The couple hundred thousand miles average speed of a horse is of abuse but horses live an about 35 mph. Perfect! Comaverage of three decades. They mutes may now take a lot longer are sturdy beings that can heal and your legs may become sore themselves. Except for any seriafter a while but at least you ous leg injury horses will bounce will have an excellent companion back. with you!

Conclusion Safety The age of the car will end As an animal that seeks to soon and the revival of the preserve its own life in situahorse is simply inevitable. From tions of life and death, a horse this point on until after April will most likely not put its own Fool’s I will write exclusively safety above your own. about horses.

Fuel Author’s note: I correctly Feed and hay combined will picked two of the top three most likely only cost you befor the Australian grand prix tween $100 and $250 a month. in last week’s column. UnforAnd if you have a nice, open tunately neither of them were field of grass then that could go in the place I selected. Actual down even more. There is the top three: 1. Sebastian Vetfact that this creature will intel (Ferrari), 2. Lewis Hamilton evitably, ahem, use up this food (Mercedes), and 3. Kimi Raikand you’ll have to clean up after konen (Ferrari). My prediction: it. This is more of a bonding ex1. Daniel Riccardo (Red Bull), 2. perience though. You are rarely Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), 3. this close to a car.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).

Victory through defeat Nobody always wins, and the sting of defeat can be devastating. Sometimes accomplishments, especially professional accomplishments, might be partially out of your control, tethered to luck, being in the right place at the right time, whatever it may be. But we all get knocked down from time to time, and while it’s important Mitchell to feel the impact of our defeats, we must Chapman also pick ourselves None of your back up again, ready business to fight another day.

This week’s column is a little more personal than the usual run of “None of your business,” mostly because this week I’m talking about my own personal experiences as a new college student, and the challenges I faced early on. I now get to write to you as a former editor-in-chief of The Beacon and Her Campus, a Hardman Scholar, and your student trustee, but there was a time when I wasn’t as involved as I am now, and my professional

prospects were up in the air, being no more than an afterthought.

Looking back, freshman year I was the least involved, but the happiest I’ve been in my four years. When you step up in any capacity – in my case, it was creating a new Film Club and leading a successful MassPIRG campaign my first year – it often opens many other doors you had never seen or thought about before, especially on a campus like MCLA, where it seems like there are more leadership opportunities than there are students to go around. Through my years as a film critic, I was introduced to journalism, starting out as an arts reporter for The Beacon in the spring of 2015. The next semester, I ended up running that section, before stepping up to managing editor, and the rest is history. After closing out a successful run as editor-in-chief in spring 2017, I used my hard-earned experiences and lessons learned to jump start Her Campus the very next semester, a publication that focuses primarily on features pieces (ironically, that very same semester, I would become features editor of The Beacon).

My point is that your experiences feed into each other and can have profes-

sional ramifications that you might not be aware of at the time. Even defeats help you. In fact, they are arguably more valuable than skills learned, because they are lessons earned. Before my life as a journalist, I was a theater kid, not a particularly good one, but it enriched my background as an arts writer, having already been a film critic online for many years prior. That came crashing down as I learned I wasn’t particularly good when I came to college. I performed in a few shows, but there came a realization, like many freshmen have, that this life wasn’t for me. I think the realization came when I struggled to get cast in shows, and as such, I knew I had to plot a new course in life.

Now, I did get out of that place – I found a new calling, a new group of friends – but I would not be where I am today without that awful period in my life. It is also worth noting that I could have stuck with theater if I really loved it, but that was part of the problem, I didn’t, at least not to the extent that I loved writing and editing. I was also in a situation where much of my friend group from fall 2014 had dropped out of college, meaning I was someone without a cause, my

life without direction and without a group to call my own. My future had no way forward, other than completing my degree, and it’s worth noting that this is not the first time this sort of thing happened to me. Having been through the foster care system, the notion of having no home base or ground to stand on is a common one for me, and not a notion that I like.

And that’s a good thing. Step one to rocketing yourself forward in life, both professionally and personally, is to recognize the point where you’re at, and if you’re not satisfied with that, it sits with you. It eats you alive until you’re willing to put in the effort to get yourself where you want to be. Professional accomplishments require to some degree luck, but they also require skills and experience gained through years of hard work and determination that will allow you to get through even the largest obstacles in life.

When life throws you a curveball, you can either let it destroy you, or you can hold it tight, use it to hold yourself to the mark, to make it a driving force that propels you forward. You are the captain of your destiny. You plot the course. No one else can.

March 29, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 8

OPINION

11

Podcasts are a must for the future It took me a while to come up with a topic for this week, and it didn’t hit me until the morning this was due, while I was at the gym.

Going to the gym is one of my most boring day-to-day activities, even though Emma it’s something that Monahan I know is good for Arts & Emma me. I get annoyed with doing the same thing for so long, and I need distractions from what I’m doing. Listening to music helps, sometimes, or I watch a TV show on my phone, but even those don’t always distract me.

While scrolling through my Spo-

tify, I came across some podcasts.

They’ve always interested me, but also intimidated me. Which one is right for me? Will I actually stick with this commitment? How do I find the right podcast that’ll keep me entertained for the next hour?

So I scrolled and scrolled and finally landed on a podcast produced

by Buzzfeed, “Potterless,” about a 24-year-old man who had never read “Harry Potter” and was now doing so. He was sharing his experience of the wizarding world with, well, the muggle world.

With my love of books and comparison to starting “Harry Potter” late in life, I gave it a go and actually really enjoyed it. The host and his guest added humor into the story as they were describing the recent

chapters read, and it kept my attention.

This isn’t a podcast review because I’m not an expert on the subject, and I probably will never be, but the point of writing all of this is that podcasts are becoming more and more popular, and many people should give them a chance. If you like talk radio, it’s one you can take anywhere, listen to whenever you want, and there seems to be some sort of podcast for everyone.

Podcasts have always interested me and have lingered in the back of my mind, but I never gave them the chance. They’re a form of media that’s becoming more popular, just like how social media has throughout the years, and it’s something many people may have to adapt to.

The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed to the MCLA community.

The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/ Communications department and ad revenue. Single copies are free and additional copies can be purchased at 50 cents each. If you wish to purchase additional copies, please contact a member of staff.

Contact News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5204 Email: beacon@mcla.edu Website: theonlinebeacon.com Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111

Policies

Editorial

We agree and we hate it too!

We have finally got our heads on right and realized the error in all of the stances that you disagree with.

How could anyone support them? Obviously they are not thinking clearly about these incredibly important issues. We can admit when we were wrong and the stances that we have presented in our lengthy history have been just that. Obviously we were too young, old, naive, hardened, and callous to understand this issue clearly.

We have reserved this spot for your opinions and encourage you to write them in the space provided.

Letters: The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor and columns on issues of interest to the campus. Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Strive for 500 words or less.

Editorial: Unsigned editorials that appear in these pages reflect the views of The Beacon. Signed columns and commentary pieces reflect the views of their writers.

Contribution: The Beacon accepts stories, photos and opinion pieces. Submit to beacon@mcla.edu.

Advertising: The Beacon reserves the right to not publish any advertisement it deems libelous, false or in bad taste.

Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Joseph Carew

Features Editor

A & E Editor

Meghan Cook

Emma Monahan

Sports Editor

Copy Chief Mary Kate Lynch

Brady Gerow

Design Editor

Business Manager

Nicholas Bassett

Mitchell Chapman

BWN Executive Producer Samantha Kniskern

Staff Audio Reporters Photographers Jacob Vitali

Rae Ross

Copy Editors

A&E Writers Jacob Vitali Brianna Lamb Wyatt Mineau

Nicholas Webb Aryel Brosnan

Want a guest column?

If interested, contact Editor-in-Chief Joseph Carew at jc2824@mcla.edu

Staff Writers

Sports Writer Jabari Shakir

Fabienne Bogardus-Street Corey Mitchell-Labrie Maya McFadden

Features Writer Lise Mansaray

Adviser

Shawn McIntosh

Columnist Andrew Baillargeon

12

Show MCLA Student ID

DELIVERY

BUY ONE

7 DAYS A WEEK

GET ONE FREE

413-398-5152

OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE EXCLUDES SLICES AND ALCOHOL ONE PER ORDER

Hours: Monday—Thursday 11 am—10pm Friday & Saturday 11 am—11 pm Sunday 11 am—9 pm

24 Beers on Tap * Wine * 8 Large Screen TVs 8 Pie Slice Counter * Burgers * Hoagies * Hand Cut Fries * Pasta

* Salads * Wraps * Pizza * Calzones 67 MAIN STREET, NORTH ADAMS, MA 01247

PUBLIC POLICY LECTURE

CLINT WATTS “RUSSIAN SPIES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND FAKE NEWS: AN INSIDE LOOK AT RUSSIA’S CYBERWARFARE CAMPAIGN AGAINST AMERICAN DEMOCRACY” NBC News Contributor, Former FBI Agent, Foreign Policy and Cyber Security Expert Clint Watts is a Robert Fox Fellow for the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Clint is a consultant and researcher modeling and forecasting threat actor behavior and developing countermeasures for disrupting and defeating state and non-state actors. His research predominantly focuses on terrorism forecasting and trends seeking to anticipate emerging extremist hotspots and anticipate appropriate counterterrorism responses. More recently, Clint used modeling to outline Russian influence operations via social media and the Kremlin’s return to Active Measures.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2018 7 P.M. MCLA CHURCH STREET CENTER, ELEANOR FURST ROBERTS AUDITORIUM FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The Public Policy Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.

MASSACHUS E T T S C OL L E GE OF L I B E R AL ART S 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 413 662 5224 MCLA.EDU