The Miami Student | April 5, 2024

OPD concludes external report from November incident; finds no evidence of excessive force

OLIVIA

The Oxford Police Department (OPD) has announced the conclusion of its external investigation of the incident between University student Devin Johnson. According to a statement released on April 3, the team conducting the investigation determined that Blauvelt was compliant with department protocol and did not use

excessive force against Johnson. Following the social media footage of Blauvelt physically detaining Johnson outside of Brick Street Bar on Nov. 18, the Butler County Prosecutor stated that Blauvelt did not use excessive force against Johnson. OPD agreed to conduct an external investigation of the events at an open forum held by Oxford’s Police Community Relations and Review Commission in February after new angles were released from body camera footage.

JEFFREY MIDDLETON SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Miami University has announced Anthony Noreen as the hockey program's new head coach following the release of Chris Bergeron. He is the seventh head coach in team history.

Noreen, 41, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He served in many roles for the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League (USHL), including head coach, general manager and president of hockey operations. He held the titles of head coach and president of hockey operations simultaneously before being hired by Miami.

"I am honored and humbled to be the next head hockey coach at Miami University," Noreen said. "I would like to thank David

After nearly two months, the external investigation has come to a close.

Police Chief John Jones said that in the external investigation and looks forward to moving on from this situation with knowledge of how to better handle situations like this one.

“There was no big surprise from [the result] for me,” Jones said. “I the appropriate level of force, andtigation] also took into account facts that you can’t get from a video.”

However, some members of the Jackson, president of Oxford’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter, is not entirely content with the results of the investigation, questioning why Blauvelt’s audio is muted in the body camera video released by the police department.

TAYLOR STUMBAUGH SENIOR CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EDITOR

For months, Miami University has been searching, interviewing and holding forums for the new College of Arts and Science (CAS) dean. On March 2, The Board of Trustees and assigned committees chose Renée Baernstein, the current senior associate dean of CAS, to hold the position.

“When this position opened, [it] seemed like a good way for me to give back to the institution that supported me and to help others have a good experience here both the students and faculty,” Baernstein said. “We have a great school-

with a great tradition and a long history behind us, and I want to help keep that strong.”

into her new position in July 2024. -

lege to hear their concerns, interests, goals and projects in order to start She said CAS is currently working on a new interdisciplinary curriculum, and in recent years, the college has created a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, organizational leadership and public health. She said as the college moves forward, it will see more interdisciplinary degrees, cer-

A Space Odyssey” on Friday, April 5 at 2 p.m.

MOLLY FAHY THE MIAMI STUDENT

With Girl Scout cookie season coming to a close, several of Oxford’s Girl Scout troops are starting to relax after this year’s successful season. Katie Wilson, the leader of Troop 42058, thought the cookie season was long but a success overall.

“We had a really good cookie season,” Wilson said. “I will say it started out really fast and the tail end of it took a while.”

The troop sold 3,600 cookies, amounting to an average of 230 boxers per troop member.

For Zoe Long, a sixth grade student at Talawanda Middle School and member of Troop 42058, selling all those cookies has helped her be-

“Girls Scouts has made me more compassionate and connected,” Zoe said. “It also helped me with entrepreneurship with the cookie and nut [sales].”

However, some troops in Oxford decided not to participate in the cookie season at all this year.

Jessica Greene, the leader of Girl Scout Troop 41988, said that her girls have been focusing on earning their Gold Award, which is where Girl Scouts in high school put together a sustainable service project to help their community.

City Council approves moratorium on alley lot development; Antigerrymandering resolution adopted

it as safely as possible,” French said. The issue’s status as a resolution was also questioned, as there currently is not a major incident or past legacy of incidents for the urgency of the moratorium.

John Detherage said that he could not think of any substantial incidentscess an alley home. A resolution placing a six-month moratorium on any new developments on alley properties within Oxford was approved by council in a 6-1 vote at the Tuesday meeting, with Snavely voting against it. Anti-gerrymandering measures to be implemented A proposed resolution will implement measures to counter gerrymandering throughout the area. Prytherch related how Oxford’s electoral districts had been fair, but other districts higher in the electoral process used gerrymandering to modify the voting process. He described the resolution with faith in its message. “This is just a little thing to express our frustration with gerrymandering,” Prytherch said.

to decide what further action by surveying the lots. The proposal proved divisive, inciting concerns about the possibility of unconstitutional rulings in terms of the government infringement on homeowner’s rights.

Jim Clawson, a resident of Oxford, said that restrictions were not made public beforehand. “Not one of the property owners issue for me,” Clawson said.

Councilor David Prytherch also voiced support for the alley developments and raised concern regarding the original length of the proposed moratorium, which was intended to last up to a year. Councilor Alex French agreed but with some reservations. “The alley homes are a great addition, but I want to make sure we do

Kathy Brinkman, a representative from the League of Women Voters, also expressed her frustration with gerrymandering and her resolution. “When district maps aren’t drawn said. “We’ve seen other states do thising in Ohio.” The resolution itself entails the creation of a 15-member committee to draw electoral map lines, with past or present politicians prohibited from serving on the committee. It was adopted unanimously by the city council, followed by applause from the community members present. The council will meet again on April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Courthouse.

kwanwz@miamioh.edu

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Complimentary eclipse glasses, snacks and refreshments will be offered. More information and registration for the event can be found on Miami’s website.

Mister C: Air Is Everywhere

The Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) will be hosting scientist

Mister C for an evening of science experiments exploring the properties of air. At 7 p.m. on April 5, attendees will delve into the world of lab-science ahead of the astronomical wonder. Adult tickets are being sold for $7, while children age 12 and under can attend for $5. The show is part of a

series of Magic Carpet Family Performances put on by OCAC. These are designed to be family-friendly for ages Pre-K through eighth grade, but all ages are welcome.

Eclipse Festival

From 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 6, Uptown Parks will be food trucks, exclusive eclipse-themed craft beers and other vendors and activities to The party is family-friendly and free to attend. Community members and students should note that East & West Park Place, Main Street and sections of High Street will be closed for the duration of the festival. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page. Space Race At 9 a.m. on April 7, both 5k and 10k races will be held within the Oxford Area Trails. The race will begin at Leonard Howell Park. Registration costs $35 for both distances and can be signed up for on their website. Space Movie Marathon Throughout the day on April 7, several space-themed movies will be shown on-campus and in the community. From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oxford Lane Library will be showing “Muppets From Space.” The movie is open to all ages and includes snacks and crafts for viewers. At 3 p.m.,

resented.” in an email response that she’s excited to work with Baernstein in her new position.Overall, Baernstein said sheavailable compared to other collegesworld of imagination,” Baernstein do that better, no matter what their stumbata@miamioh.edu

Storm won their franchise’s second the Year award for the second time in his career. Overall, Noreen is the winningesthis seven seasons, the team has not seasons at the Division III level atvens Point from 2003-07. He became an assistant

ALICE MOMANY

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

For the past three weeks, Hafsa El Harchi has faced the same dilemma around 8 p.m.: should she continue to do her homework and study for her exams, or go to the mosque and pray with her family? her, she usually picks the latter, knowing she won’t return home until about 10:30 p.m. Then, she’ll have enough sleep to successfully wake up early the next morning.

This has been El Harchi’s, and many other Muslims’, routine since March 11, which marked the start

of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. Ramadan is observed as a month of fasting from dawn to dusk and emphasizes the importance of community and family. The month ends with a celebration of the Islamic holiday, Eid al-Fitr.

“It’s an act of worship and showing your faith,” El Harchi said, “and it’s something that may not necessardo it because you believe in it enough to know that it’s for your own good.”

Children are not encouraged to start fasting until after puberty, but El Harchi remembers visiting the mosque at a young age to participate in the prayers, hoping to get a spot next to her friends. When the junior

biomedical engineering major came to Miami University, she quickly had to learn how to balance her religion with school. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date changes each year.

“The one thing that I will say I’ve struggled with, especially these past two years with Ramadan being during midterms and the busiest season of the semester, it becomes hard to participate in all the after-sundown activities,” El Harchi said. Layla Ndiaye, a junior media and communication and neuroscience double major, has school work and get enough sleep before waking up to eat before sunrise.

“I think as college goes on, it kindcause I’m studying so much, but then I have to wake up and eat because I won’t be able to during the day,” Ndiaye said. Ndiaye, who has grown up in the Islamic religion, said there have been times when she’s had to skip a meal to get a few extra hours of sleep or had an exam rescheduled so she could adequately prepare for it. Beyond navigating the balance between academics and their religion, both Ndiaye and El Harchi found the resources

Spring semester at Miami University not only brings warmer weather, but also trains of bright red bags. As the university begins accepting students for the upcoming school year, Make It Miami tours swarm campus with admitted students deciding whether Miami is the college for them. Make It Miami is a program offered to accepted applicants who want to tour the campus and speak to faculty and students at various open houses. Beginning at 8 a.m., prospective students and families can check in to start their full day of panel meetings, divisional information sessions and free time to explore.

Lindsey Holden, director of straadmissions, has helped oversee the tours since she began working at Miami 11 years ago. She said the program stemmed from a growing need for larger-scale events in admissions.

Holden said that although application numbers have risen in recent years, prospective students and families now seek more information

from college admissions because of the steeper prices and higher commitment levels compared to previous years. “We’ve gotten around 38,000 applications this year,” Holden said, “so it allows us to really connect with those people as more than just applications.”

Holden said these admission events help parents and students un-

year classes grow in numbers. “Things like Make It Miami allow us to really give students and families that full picture of, here’s how we’re going to support you academically, [and] this is how we’re going to support you emotionally and socially,” Holden said.

Regan Baumeister, a senior at Placer High School, traveled thousands of miles from Auburn, California, to visit Miami. After researching top pre-med programs nationwide and seeing Miami listed, she applied and was accepted.

Though Baumeister and hertions and delays, she was delighted to be on campus. “Even though we’ve been up since

During Ramadan, the dining halls to enjoy their meals after sundown,tion Room in the Armstrong Student Center provides a space for Muslim students to pray every night. The room was also recently updated to include wash stations, benches, prayer mats and bean bag chairs.

“I mean even just renovating the prayer room is a big thing, so I know that Miami is doing the best they can,” Onur Tektas, a sophomore information & cybersecurity management major at Miami, said.

Like Ndiaye and El Harchi, Tektas appreciates the accommodations Miresources. Tektas is the co-director of the Oxford Interfaith Center, which spreads awareness of underrepresented religions. For Ramadan, the center held a potluck iftar, the traditional meal that breaks the daily fast.

“I know that Miami wouldn’t necessarily hold an iftar so it just makes the students feel more welcome and feel like they are seen,” Tektas, who grew up in the Islamic religion, said. Zafer Ozdemir, a professor in Miami’s Department of Information Systems and Analytics, spoke at the potluck iftar about the importance of fasting during Ramadan and the value of community during the holy month. “[When] you don’t eat, drink,

fasting,” Ozdemir said. “Well, ideally, you expand that fast to other faculties.”

Ozdemir said during Ramadan, Muslims practice fasting of the tongue, which means abstaining from speaking anything that’s not true; fasting of the eyes, which means not looking at anything that is not permissible; and fasting of the ears, which means not listening to anything that isn’t the Quran or something of wisdom.

“It should extend to the rest of the year too, that way of thinking, but ofdan,” he said.

Ozdemir grew up in a secular household and didn’t embrace the Islamic faith until he was in college. He said he has not faced any challenges fasting while teaching beyond the expected dry throat, but understands the busyness Muslim students experience during the academic year in the holy month. El Harchi hopes that more professors will learn more about Ramadan and its importance for Muslims so they can be more understanding.

“Most of us chose to go to [Miami] as big of a [Muslim] community,” El Harchi said. “But it doesn’t hurt to know that something’s going on.”

momanyaj@miamioh.edu

5 a.m. yesterday, I’ve loved the tour so far,” Baumeister said. “It’s so pretty here.”

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ently than regular tours. There are special shifts student guides sign up for, rather than the normally assigned times. Kaiya Bundy, a sophomore kinesiology major, has been a tour guide since 2023. Make It Miami tours are more special for her because the connection to potential students feels deeper than typical tours.

Bundy, a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, can recall memories of past tours, during which she connected with alumni who traveled with their children to visit.

“I had

CLAIRE WESTON THE MIAMI STUDENT

Graduation is a month away: Here’s what seniors need to know

sessions, 8 a.m. classes and walking 30 minhere, there were good times too., Like meeting for.

When is Commencement?

The primary commencement ceremony across all colleges and will take between 90 andcommissioned. The commencement speaker, ceremony. When and where are the divisional ceremonies?are called at the ceremonies listed below and College of Engineering and Computing (CEC): Center

College of Arts and Science (CAS): 4 College of Education, Health and Society (CEHS): Millett Assembly Hall College of Creative Arts (CCA) Farmer School of Business (FSB): 2 College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science (CLAAS): Goggin Ice Center

Do I need tickets for either ceremony?

My family can’t attend my ceremony. Can they still watch?

When should I arrive at my divisional ceremony? How long will it take?

Where can my family park?

location. What if it rains during the university ceremony? According to the commencement web-

Will I get my diploma during Commencement Weekend?

How do I get my cap and gown? gowns online and in stores for $29.95. Accord-

scottsr2@miamioh.edu

TAYLOR POWERS STAFF WRITERential time in life, and it’s often the place where people make connections that can last a lifetime.

Joe Sampson, a senior clinical lecMiami in 1994 with a bachelor’s de-al classes at Williams Hall, where he in Cincinnati and Dayton for nearly

experience and a one-time thing. Al-dent. size and it helped that a few profes-

said it was challenging, since he had no formal training and was balancing

ALICE MOMANY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

meetings and appointments, many people

then that connects me to what I did said. Similar to his own experience, Sampson keeps

Patrick Geshan, a 2023 -

political science. Geshan took a reporting and writing class and a sports reporting class with Sampson.

Keegan said he has similar

Six months after that class ended,

SEAN SCOTT EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“I think [the community] recogwomen who are willing to serve the community,” Greene said. “I thinker troops.” Two girls from Troop 41988 are wrapping up their Gold Award projects before the end of the school year.

daughter and Troop 41988 member,tention to light pollution, taking light meter measurements and seeing howtion.” Laney Johnson, another member of Troop 41988, is focusing on some-tion and education,” Johnson said. “The end goal is to educate kids about Girl Scout troops in Oxford are always working on a service project,

whether it be trash pickup in parks, a clothing swap at uptown stores or assisting other community organizations in Oxford. Scouts earn awards

ages. Zoe, who earned her Bronze Award last year, said community service projects are meant to be sustained and can be continued by those throughout the Oxford community instead of just the Girl Scouts.

“Our goal was to do a project that people could pick up and keep doing “We did a collab with Thread Up [of Oxford]. We used old clothes and for things called worry pets. Parents took the kits, and kids could be like, Ultimately, the cookie season and the community service projects arepower the scouts to step outside their comfort zone.

she has seen the impact the Girl

Scouts have had on her daughter. “Every day, I see her stepping out of her comfort zone to talk to people,” Long said. “I see her practicing anding.” school and Girl Scout activities, Zoe believes that becoming a Girl Scout is one of the best things someone could do. helps you earn a lot of great qualities. In my experience, it makes you more social. You can make a lot of great friends and you can really help the community.”

SADIE CHILDS THE MIAMI STUDENT

Every week, people go to the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) for an event, a class or simply a creative outlet. However, few know the building also has some of the richest history in Oxford.

Originally built in 1849 at 10 S. College Ave., the building was originally home to one of thely founded in 1830 as the Oxford Female Instiin 1849.

1856, a new three-story building next to the institute was connected by a walkway. The two buildings were connected through a library, a north wing, and various other rooms by the end of the 1800s.

Then in 1867, the institute merged with the Oxford Female College. The name was then changed to Oxford College in 1890.cial setbacks forced the college to close its doors.

However, this was not the end for the building, as Miami University acquired it in 1928 under President Alfred Upham. there were Greek Revival and later Victorian-era architectural elements that were additions to the building just before its absorption into Miami.

While the building was owned by Miami, several Neoclassical architectural elements were columns that were restored in 2014 and still remain at the entrance today. The Georgian facade was largely the result of the architect Robert

Another addition to the building was the Brant Ballroom, added by Miami in 1929 with money raised in honor of one of the most notable alumni of the Oxford Female College, First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison.

Harrison was the daughter of the founder of the Institute, John Scott, and married Benjamin Harrison after graduating in 1823. Harrison, a Miami alumnus himself, became the 23rd President of the United States.

Once acquired by Miami, the building was converted into a residence hall for women until the 1980s when it was then used for graduate student housing until it closed in 1998.

In 1976, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Finally, in October 2001, the OCAC was established to preserve the historic building and to give the city of Oxford a space for creativity.

Currently, the building is under a 50-year lease that was updated in November 2022 allowing for a renewal date of April 2052 that hasother generation.

childss@miamioh.edu

Thread Up Oxford

5156 College Corner Pike Thread Up Oxford, located in the plaza the usual clothing store. Founded in 2021, the store has been helping upcycle Oxford. The small interior is bright, and lining shelves covering the walls. Volunteers work diligently with Shana Rosenburg, executive director and founder of Thread Up. The team sorts through hundredsgarments to be upcycled or donated to multiple charities in town. Although the store is alive with volunteers away location.

Thread Up also owns and operates Uptown Threads. Uptown Threads

to $10.

Three walls of the store are covered in trinrooms located in the back corner. The store is used by community members and students alike, and frequently has a multitude of customers at any given time.

127 W Church St Uptown Threads, located behind Circleond-hand clothing store. The shop opened with rows and rows of clothing. The store gets a limited customer turnout, despite having are priced by category for the most part, with most items sitting between $1 and $6.

rothra2@miamioh.edu

made with two sheets of cardboard. Use a pin or a thumbtack to make a tiny round hole in one sheet. With your back towards the sun, hold that sheet above your shoulder allowing the sun to shine on it. Hold the second sheet in front of you like a screen and you will see the crescent shape of the sun projected on it. The most frequent concern is probably the weather. What if it is out of luck. But even considerable cloudiness – as we had in southern Illinois in 2017 – will make for a special event. The moon and sun will periodically break through the clouds, and it will get very dark regardless of cloud cover. More dramatically, as darkness descends, the animals start behaving oddly. Watching the 2017 eclipse along the banks of the Ohio River, we observed birds shutting down

KEHRES

WILL

STAFF WRITER

In the world of college athletics, there is no sport quite like golf. Members of the Miami University RedHawks golf team have a truly unique college experience, balancing academics with a season that spans nearly the entire academic year.

From September to May, with a break in November, the team competes nearly every weekend, traveling as far as Texas, Florida and Hawaii in the same year. Senior Danny Fisher explains that his daily schedule leaves little room for anything other than golf and academics. “We lift two to three days a week, usually in the morning,” Fisher said.

“Then, our class block is from 8 [a.m.] to 1 [p.m.]. Our practice block is from 2 to 6 in the afternoon, and then for tournaments, we’ll usually leave Thursday night or Friday, and then play over that weekend and sometimes into Monday or Tuesday of the next week.”

prior to that as well,” Fletcher said. “So they do a good job of taking care of their business when it comes to the academic side of things … they do a good job with balancing it all.”

However, the length of the season can take a toll on the players. This year, the RedHawks played their Island Resort Intercollegiate, while the MAC Championship tournament won’t take place until April 26-28.

“It for sure turns into a grind sometimes,” sophomore Brett Podobinski said. “You’ll have a couple of weeks where it’s pretty relaxed, and then you just get smoked one week.”

The spring schedule pushes thetively. When they’re traveling to Texas one week and to North Carolina the following week, making time to relax and keep up with their classes becomes a chore.

distinct practice and training. Fletcher realizes that coaching everybody at the same level and the same way doesn’t help anyone.

“I honestly give them a lot of time on their own because at the end of the day, golf is a pretty individual sport, and each person needs to address all go work on drivers for two hours straight, that’s not going to get everyone better necessarily.”

Many players continue working with other coaches throughout their college career as well. While Fletcher works one-on-one as a swing coach with a few players, the majority of the players have a team around them that extends well beyond the coaching

JACK SCHMELZINGER SPORTS-EDITOR-AT-LARGE

The Miami University RedHawks softball team was in Norman, Oklahoma, on March 1 playing the threetime reigning national champion University of Oklahoma Sooners, who rode into the game on a 67-game winning streak.

The contest between the RedHawks and the No. 1 Sooners wasma’s brand-new, $48 million dollar softball stadium, Love Field. Some are calling it the crown jewel of college softball. The RedHawks had the honor of participating in its grand opening.

To start the game, graduate student catcher Allie Cummins walkedlembiewski struck out and headed back to the dugout, slowing down for a quick word with the on-deck batter, Karli Spaid. Then up to the plate walked one of the best players in Miami softball history.

she saw. Three seconds later, the

Because of the length of these tournaments, players are often forced to miss classes. Despite this challenge, the group has maintained academic success, recording a 3.46 team GPA last spring. Their ability to balance the hectic golf schedule and academics is noteworthy to head coach JD Fletcher. “We’ve had the highest team GPA on the male side, I think, every year since I’ve gotten here and the years

Some golfers, however, view the hectic schedule as a learning experience of what they can expect in professional golf.

“You look at the PGA tour, where we kind of all want to end up at, not even,” Fisher said. “[I] wouldn’t

“I look at Coach Fletcher basically as another set of eyes,” Fisher said. “I have my swing coach that I’ve used since eighth grade at home, and we in Coach [Fletcher] about what we’re working on, since he has a swing coach background as well.”

Although there is a big emphasis on the individual, the RedHawks have managed to cultivate a positive team environment as well. With the amount of practice and traveling they do, the golfers have grown close to each other.

Fletcher reiterated Podobinski’s point.

“I think we’ve created a culture where it’s extremely competitive on the golf course … but then once are around their shoulders like they’re kind of brothers,” Fletcher said.

The team hasn’t seen a huge amount of success this season, but they have faced very high-level competition, including North Carolina, Bushnell/Golfweek Division I Coaches Poll, at the Gopher Invitational in September.

Even when the team underperforms, Fletcher tries to expose the them used to playing against topranked teams.

“It’s like hockey playing in the NCHC,” Fletcher said. “That’s kind of the mentality I’m trying to bring with our schedule. We want to play against the best and be at the best venues that we possibly can.”

KETHAN BABU SPORTS EDITOR

In December, Miami University synchronized skating head coach Carla Degirolamo and assistant coach Lee Ann Shoker announced they would retire following the 2024 season. When the season concluded in March, the RedHawks brought home a gold medal for the collegiate team and a bronze medal for the senior team at the National Synchronized Skating Championship. In the following weeks, DeGiroldown. On March 29, it was announced that Katey Nyquist, head

kehreswe@miamioh.edu A

Another element that makes college golf unique is the nature of the sport itself. Golf is individualistic, which leads to a unique team dynamic. When success is dependent on the golfer himself, every athlete requires

With four events remaining before the MAC Championship, the RedHawks will be looking to take the next step as a program by winning a team title. They will next tee up at the Calusa Cup on April 7-9 in Naples, Florida.

“Our team chemistry is great,” Podobinski said. “Just being on the road, warming up with each other; it’s a lot of good momentum just by

softball’s new Taj Mahal.

“I don’t think my mouth closed the entire time I was running the bases,” Spaid said. If anyone ever hits you with that trivia question, don’t say The Miami Student didn’t tell you.

Six innings later, the RedHawks 7-3. Junior second baseman Chloe Parks singled, and Cummins hit a two-run homer, a pitch later to cut the Sooner lead to two. Golembiewski, the next batter, homered. Then Spaid hit the RedHawks’ third in a row. Tie game. That’s all the RedHawks could muster in the top of the frame. Once Oklahoma’s turn came around, the even recorded an out. It was a strong snap the champs’ nearly-70-game winning streak. They came up just short. “They never faltered,” head coach Kirin Kumar said. “In the end, they just beat us. We played our hearts out. Even down going into the sevon base, and we kept going. If they can play like that every game, it’s go-

coach of the Denver Synchronicity teams, would take on the head coaching position. Nyquist started skating with her mom, who also competed in synchronized skating and passed the tradition down. She got her start in competitive synchronized skating at 11 years old. Nyquist said that the collaboration of synchronized skating attracted her the most.

“In a lot of disciplines of skating, you’re often out on the ice by yourself,” Nyquist said. “It’s really a different experience than you might have in other disciplines of skating … there’s a lot of people that have a passion for skating, and then to be able to

ing to be very hard to beat us.”

Two days later, after three more the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, whom the RedHawks beat three hours after facing Oklahoma in their game against the country’s top team. It’s been the main story of their season so far. They’re by far the most powerful team in college softball this season, averaging close to three home runs per game, by far the most in the sport.

Spaid and Golembewski combined for three against Oklahoma. At this point in the season, the two star players lead the nation in home runs with 19 for Spaid and 18 for Golembiewski in 25 games. McKayla Timmons of Ball State University sits at third with 15. Jayda Kearney of the University of Georgia and Sydney Groves of Boise State University are tied for fourth with 12.

“I don’t think it’s something that either of us really thinks about,” Golembiewski said. “We just go up there and want to do our best no matter who’s in front of us or behind us.”

Ever since Kumar was hired as the head softball coach before the 2021 season, the RedHawks have been a powerhouse in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), going 81-15 in the conference over those three years. She’s won every MAC regular season title and MAC tournament title possible since she’s led the RedHawks. Despite their success, Miami has not yet been able to get past the regional round of the NCAA tournament. This year, their sights are set higher.

“There is no ceiling,” Spaid said. “Period. We want to make it further than we ever have. No limit.” Golembiewski reiterated this point. “We want to do something Miami softball has never done,” Golembiewski said. “There’s no ceiling.” @jackschmelzinger

Katey Nyquist skates into new role as head coach for Miami synchronized skating

combine it with more of a team environment is really neat.”

She enjoyed skating as a hobby, national competition, Nyquist knew that she wanted to take skating to the professional level. She made it her dream to compete for the Boston Haydenettes after high school.

What started as a mother-daughter bonding experience became a professional career when Nyquist made the Lexettes, the junior level team for the Haydenettes.

“I skated for one year on the Lexettes, which was a really amazing experience,” Nyquist said. “It was a great transition year for me, and then the following season, I tried out again for the Haydenettes and made the team.”

Nyquist skated for the Haydenettes from 2015 to 2020. She brought victories and a bronze medal at the World Championship in 2016.

The COVID-19 pandemic cut her last season short, but she knew that it was time to move on from competitive skating to coaching.

“I knew that I wanted to coach, and it was really important to me that I stayed involved,” Nyquist said.

In 2021, Nyquist moved back home to Denver and started coaching for Denver Synchronicity, the same team she grew up skating on.

After three years in Denver, Nyquist received the call from Miami.ished as runner-ups to the Haydenettes at the National Synchronized Skating Championship in 2015 and

2016, so Nyquist was well-aware of the program.

“I was just so excited,” Nyquist said. “I think it’s a dream to get to work with teams and athletes of this caliber, and for a program that has such a legacy. It felt like a true culmination of my skating career so far.” The notoriety of the program cannot be understated. With 22 collegiate national titles and 13 World Championship appearances, the RedHawks have consistently shown their skill.

Junior Melissa Marchetti reigns from New York, but the status of Miami’s synchronized skating program drew her in despite the distance from home. As a RedHawk, she realizes now that Miami also provides the ideal balance as a student-athlete that other programs overlook. “[Carla] has such a good balance between treating us as athletes and said. “A lot of us grew up with super refreshing place for college athletes, and I feel like a lot of us kind of fell back in love with the sport after being a little burnt out from it.” When DeGirolamo announced she would retire this year, Marchetti and the RedHawks worked hard to ensure she had an unforgettable end to her career. “We all wanted to make it a really memorable experience for her,”ly some pressure, but I think it was more about wanting to make it memorable for her and have it as a good

Nyquist wants to continue the trend of treating the athletes with respect and providing adequate balance. The motivation of the skaters excites her most as she steps into the new role.

“I’ve watched Miami for many years, and I think they’re always known to be really hard working and great ambassadors of the sport,” Nyquist said. “I think that their vision [and] their goals will align really well with what I’m hoping to achieve as their coach.”

As DeGirolamo and Shoker leave, so do 10 seniors. One senior, Natalie Mispagel on the collegiate team, expects the program to maintain its excellence and keep the legacy left behind by DeGirolamo and Shoker. “Whenever you come to Miami, you know what it means to be a Miami skater,” Mispagel said. “She’s already coming into a program of girls that want to be the best and are trying every day to be the best. We’re excited to see what she does with our programs.”

One piece of advice she gives to new skaters is to take things slowly, because time moves fast once you’re a RedHawk.

“Take a look around,” Mispagel said. “It is such a unique experience getting to skate for Miami. I wish I looked around more over my four years and took a moment and stopped and appreciated how far I came every day.”

Olivia Rodrigo spills her ‘GUTS’ on tour

Tour” passed through Columbus on March 22, marking her second time songs from both of her albums, with opener Chappell Roan performing songs from her debut album “The Roan took the stage at 7:30 p.m., minutes. Featuring hits such as “CaRoan brought an incredible energy to -

A decent amount of the audience was familiar with Roan, singing along to her set and participating in the had the best participation yet. Roan was the perfect opening act headliner of the night.tations, and I was in awe of her stage

ABBEY ELIZONDO SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Beyoncé released the second act of her album collection, “COWBOY CARTER,” on March 29, following

2022. “COWBOY CARTER” is her one, with 27 tracks in total.

This album makes me happy that I share a birthday with this 21st-century music icon — and I wasn’t much of a Beyoncé fan before she released this gem of an album.

into the country music genre, and boy, let me tell you it does not disappoint. I told one of my friends that this album should be listened to as a record, with time and space to embrace all the intricacies of her artistic decisions.

a song is only a chapter whereas an

has produced a concept album before with “Lemonade” in 2016 and now, “COWBOY CARTER” works as a country concept album that allows her to spin the genre to the beat of her own drum.

“Blackbird” by The Beatles, and when I say it’s mesmerizing, either

We all know Beyoncé has an incredibly powerful and beautihypnotizing music and empowered Black Americans and women around

try music genre — will she succeed? I’m a casual country music lisgenes, and I would say “COWBOY CARTER” ticks most of the qualtoe-tapping songs and catchy lyrics less appealing rocks, and Beyon-

begging Jolene to not steal her husband to warning her about stealing her family, too.

Beyoncé was transparent about the powerful emotions she felt as a woman. Now, in this new twist on an old classic, she wants to defend Jolene from her husband? This rewrites some of Beyoncé’s most powerful songs, justifying her husband’s

It’s the complete opposite situation; a man who cheats on a beautiful woman like Beyoncé can’t handle the just one or two songs, but the whole that are “country enough.”

Rating: 8/10

@earlgreyincense elizonar@miamioh.edu

the stage with her hit single “bad idea right?” The large screen behind the stage began to glow with black and white clips of the singer knocking on an apartment door, then the lights went out and Rodrigo made her way on stage and began the show.

The energy in the stadium was screaming along to the songs. like part of the show. Throughout the performance, she would frequently talk to the audience and do fun introductions to her songs.

There were a few moments during the show where Rodrigo would tell

-

dience members appeared on the bigent points, she made her way down to the pit and interacted with the audiher gifts. Rodrigo also made sure there wasn’t a single bad seat in the arena.

numbers. At one point, Rodrigo per-

ing further back audience members a Rodrigo has an amazing stage

-

incredible, and her spectacular performances are all accompanied by some sort of unique lighting, chore-

-

On the same day as her show in album. This featured the four tracks

tioned this during the tour, and fans

cial references to the release in the show, such as her encore tank top wearing an “obsessed” sash, referenc-terwards, she threw this sash out into the audience.

This was by far the most interacthe actual show, Rodrigo’s team hadrience,” where fans could go to get Rodrigo-themed props.

On top of the stellar performances, Rodrigo successfully made the entire audience feel like part of the show. Thanks to Rodrigo, there wasn’t a single bad seat in that stadium.

Rating: 10/10

powers40@miamioh.edu

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

A few weekends ago, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” opened at-

busters” name, but as the series has it’s strayed further and further from its comedic roots.

At the front of “Frozen Empire”has made him a mainstream, household name, despite the fact that a decade ago, Rudd rarely worked outside the comedy realm. teen comedy “Clueless,” putting him working with big comedy directors

also played recurring roles in sitand “Friends” and played one of the four main characters in the “Anchorand shows with others, Rudd is

that. Just as he was hitting his stride, instead.

I worry for people like Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who came to prominence through the comedy “The Bear” and has already been cast in “Fantastic Four.” Moss-Bachrach has not had nearly enough time to build a reputation for his comedic acting. This puts him into a similar posiwhen he jump started his career as -

when he became associated with his roles in the “Guardians of the GalMoss-Bachrach’s co-star Ayo Edebi“The Thunderbolts” as she started

made their careers work while still One of Bradley Cooper’s earliestmer” with Rudd, and he continued Raccoon in the “Guardians of the associated nearly as much with these The bigger problem here is thatblance of agency for which roles they play, but when the system rarelychoice. There’s also the matter of reca lot more freedom with what he can do, he still has to do dramaticthem.-an Emmy for his performance that brilliantly combines comedy and drama.

worrying about recognition with the awesome comedy career he’s had, yet people rarely seem to know he had his own sketch show or that he

It’s disheartening to see the genre that made me interested in the entertainment industry get pushedcomedy. I feel bad for the number of great comedians who won’t get their chance to lead a theatrical comedycially sustainable to try to circum-

ASST.

ALICE MOMANY

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

As the entertainment awards season wraps up, fans are reveling in their favorite artists’ wins, while others are mourning their losses, and some can’t stop thinking about the red carpet looks.

For movie fans tuning into this year’s Oscar Awards, they may have noticed their favorite celebrities adorning a red pin, featuring a hand with a black heart in the middle. The pin symbolized support for the activist group Artistswar.

While only one speech during the award ceremony actually acknowledged the war, most celebrities let their pins do the talking, and while it caught the attention of viewers, have used their clothes to express their political views.

sported a Zara jacket with text on the back that read, “I really don’t care. Do U?” after visiting a shelter for detained immigrant children in Texas. While her spokesperson said the jacket was unrelated to the visit, former President Donald Trump took to Twitter to clarify the jacket was in response to “Fake News Media.”

In 2021, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a white dress covered in red text that said, “Tax the rich,” to the Met Gala, an annual fashion event known for its wealthy attendees. fashion design program at Indiana University, said fashion has been used for political expression since the late 1700s.

“George Washington, when he was inaugurated, very deliberately wore a wool suit made out of locally sourced materials as an expression of how he was going to support local industries,” Akou said.

She also pointed to examples in the 1980s when people wore red ribbons to honor those when people wore black armbands to protest the war in Vietnam.

As history has progressed, Akou said it is much easier to produce clothing that conveys a message.

“If you have access to a computer and have just some very basic graphic design skills to create a design, then you can upload it to a site … and they will print on demand your design,” she said.

Rapid production and consumerism in the fashion industry are two topics that Vanessa -

sionate about. She vocalized her opinions on the topics in last year’s Miami University Fashcollection expressed her opinions on climate change.

“The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluting industries, so I really wanted to carry that through to my collection and kind of prosaid.

purposed materials such as thrifted bed sheets and repurposed clothing. Although her message was more subliminal than Ocasio-Corwas important for her to convey her opinion through the fabrics itself.

“There is a frustration with the modern fashion industry [because] there’s not many opportunities to buy high quality garments unless you are buying secondhand or you are taking advantage of the materials that are abundant in the secondhand market,” she said.ber 2023, but she is creating a collection for this year’s fashion show that is not as politically-inspired but is still committed to using natural biodegradable materials.

she thinks many designers use fashion as an outlet for political expression because it is “the most universal medium.”

“Typically, if you’re doing physical paintings or music or artwork, it’s very contextual.

Conversely, for those who wear garments that are political in nature, it can be an opportunity to be vocal about beliefs when speech is prohibited.

“If I go into a polling place, I couldn’t wear a campaign T-shirt for someone who is currently on the ballot,” Akou said. “But, say I’m a Republican, I could wear a red shirt to show my support.”

Akou, who has collected over 80 political T-shirts, said because of the ability to mass produce clothing, it’s easier for politicians to create campaign merchandise. Therefore, it is becoming more common for people to wear clothing with political expressions. that means we have a lot more opportunities to have a lot more opportunities to wear things because they are fun, or we like the way they look, or we like what they say.”

momanyaj@miamioh.edu

Fast-paced trends cycling through social media are no match for

is

it back to the dantprints on every garment imaginable –dresses, skirts and even shoes. Florals

further than just the

century. They have always coexisted with textiles and patterns, yet have withstood the test of time –

how consumer-driven sociremained an integral part of fashion and decorating. It transcends cultures and is a telltale sign of a blossoming new season. While darks and neutrals are autumn and winter staples, pastels and spring. Even though you can wear the spring is so deeply ingrained in society. Even in home-decorating, a vase throughout the seasons. That being said, with the brighter days of spring, pushed to the forefront. Going into any homeware store and not seeing faux tulips is virtually impossible come April. Soft, pink peony garlands wreaths hang on doors and cheerful centerpieces in houses globally.

GreenHawks

‘Creation at the ends of the Earth’: Pulitzer-prize finalist author tells tales of Antarctic glaciers during Altman Lecture

The Donald W. Fritz Pavilion was crowded with students and faculty eagerly anticipating a lecture at 5 p.m. on April 4 from an acclaimed creative University. This speaker was the eighth speaker of Miami’s 2023/2024 Altman Program in the Humanities, which this school year has followed a theme of environmental justice.

Once the clock hit 5 p.m., Elizabeth Rush greeted the crowd virtually from her home in Providence, Rhode Island. Along with teaching at Brown,

Rush has written two books, one of which is “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore,” which was a Her most recent book, “The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth,” chronicles her journey on an Antarctic expedition, delving into the lessons learned about our planet and our human connection to the South Pole.

Her expedition was going to gather data on the rapidly melting Thwaites Glacier, which has been dubbed the “doomsday glacier” due to the catastrophic sea-level rise that would occur if it completely collapsed. She was there to document the stories of those on the ship, scientists and crew, who were making this journey to thetory.

Once on board, Rush quickly re-tion that, despite being one of the few women to write a book on Antarctica, had spent much of her career talking to and writing about people who lived on the frontlines of climate disasters,

Over the months on board, she interviewed over 20 people and included them all in her book, which she described as “50% narrative and 50% screenplay,” on account of all of the perspectives.

It is hard to conceptualize the catastrophe that glacial melting can cause to sea level rise, but as Rush arrived at this glacier that no other humans had been to before with the people she had spent days interviewing, she realized that she needed to connect our human world with the non-human of ice to complete her narrative.

It was at this point that she knewaging perspective on Earth’s “last continent.” One that she hoped, despite the despair and unfathomable calamity that surrounds the potential of further glacial melting in Antarcti-

One audience member was brought to tears as they asked her how she didn’t “fall apart” when learning about the catastrophic future that could arise from the collapse of the Thwaites glacier, to which she of narratives to instill a desire for change.

FARMAH JALLOW

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Miami University students and Center on March 19 to listen as a panel of women in STEM discussed their careers. The panel, moderated by associate mathematics professor Diana Cox, featured Miami faculty working in a wide array of STEM concentrations, ranging from geology to engineering.

As the audience settled, Cox began with introductions and asked the panelists what drew them to their were inspiration from family and interest in the workings of the world from a young age.

Jinjuan She, an assistant professor in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, spoke about how her father’s love for cars furthered her passion for engineering.

Similarly, inspiration from hererine Almquist, a professor in chemical, paper and biomedical engineering.

While all of the women have found success in both the industry and academics, they took the time to speak about the challenges they’ve faced

“In STEM, there’s certain tasks

“I was really intrigued and excited just to hear from someone who had such a raw experience in the Antarctic and just how that can fuel creativity,” said Samantha Stahlhut, an MFA creative writing graduate student. Rush embarked on a journey aboard the Nathanial B. Palmer, an icebreaker ship. She was there after receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers program. She cited a lack of diversity in the stories told about our planet’s southernmost continent as a primary reason for applying for the grant.

“It became clear to me as I listened to my shipmates, that my task was really to make a kind of polyphonic, multi-vaillant, impossible-to-extract-a-single-narrative-from kind of story,” Rush said.

“The tales that get told and retold by each successive generation, they’re kind of driven by the twin engines of extraction and imperial conquest,” Rush said. “The overwhelming majority of them are narrated by well-todo white men from the Global North, so [that] was another starting place for this project.”

Female students and faculty in STEM share struggles and successes.

that get put on women,” Claire McLeod, an associate professor of geology and environmental earth science, said. “Like asking to book the room, or asking to organize the lunch or asking to put the event on the calendar.”

McLeod recalled an instance where she was referred to as “the secretary” in a team.

“Secretaries have very important roles, but he did not mean it in that context,” McLeod said.

Building on similar experiences shared by the panel, Cox introduced British philosopher Miranda Fricker’s concept of epistemic injustice, having a conversation with someone and they just don’t award you the expertise that you deserve.”

Despite the expertise of women in STEM, they only make up 35% of role models women beginning science-related careers may look up to. When asked about mentorship and role models, panelists stressed the importance of making mutually -

grounds.

Cox spoke about the group of female peers she collaborated with when she was a student herself. Department of biology research asso-

ciate Erika Grajales Esquivel found that her mother made a great role model during her childhood.

“Mentors are not in just one part of life,” Esquivel said.

Other panelists emphasized that positive relationships with male col-

“I had a boss outside of academia who expected a lot from me,”Almquist said, referring to a male superreally felt respected.

Outside of the panel, female students beginning their journey in the their experiences mirror those of the pioneering women who came before them.

dent majoring in software engineercoursework.

“I wanted to choose a career that would challenge me,” Vondrak said. Coursework is not the only challenge for Vondrak. In the United States, only 22% of software engineers are women, and at Miami, enrollment in the College of Engineering and Computing is 21% female. my male-dominated major is making space for myself,” Vondrak said.

Lower female enrollment in STEM majors is not unique to Miami,

As Rush delved deep into the lives of her shipmates, she also began introspectively reckoning with her own life. At a point in her life where she was considering motherhood, Rush began to form connections between the human experience and glacial melting. She explained that our own births could be likened to the creation of icebergs from glacial collapse, even though glaciers themselves are not alive.

Some in the audience shared that her ability to present these narratives on climate change helps people how it impacts their lives.

“I think she’s just trying to get us to connect our everyday lives to this invisible problem that is a part of our reality and needs to be part of our reality,” said Michelle Navakas, an English professor and 2023-2024 Altman Fellow. “...I think [she’s] kind of telling us, you need to bring the story of a melting glacier into your personal narrative and understand that it is the fabric of your world.”

nortonsm@miamioh.edu

universities throughout the country share similar statistics. Regardless, various women-centered student groups on Miami’s campus seek to opportunities for female STEM students.

The Society of Women Engineers and Association for Computing Machinery - Women hold career-oriented and social events to connect Similar organizations exist in other STEM concentrations, establishing a sense of community among women in male-majority majors.

Society of Women in Medicine brings together female students interested in pursuing medical careers, and Women in Physics does the same for female physics majors. Vondrak says she’s been lucky to Miami, but hopes to see more black “For that to be capable we need to see more numbers,” Vondrak said. “I want more representation.”

jallowfa@miamioh.edu

Meticulously sorted: Miami students studying in Luxembourg encounter more sustainable waste management

scraps) in smaller green dumpsters, cardboard and paper products in blue dumpsters and glass products in brown dumpsters. While this sorting is mostly done by help with sorting their waste inside the château by tossing their waste into either recycling or trash bins. While in Europe, students may also live with host families. For these students, they waste management on campus, but also at home. Zoey Rollo, a sophomore marketing major and current MUexperiences with waste management abroad. “Before going abroad, waste management never really crossed my mind,” Rollo said. “But after coming works, it became more of a concern.”ences between waste management in Luxembourg and Ohio.

“In Oxford, people don’t care,” Rollo said. “They’ll take their plastic container and toss it in the trash when they can recycle it. But here, there’s a lot more social pressure to do the right thing.”

The pressure to correctly dispose of waste in Luxembourg is not just a social pressure, but also a legal one. If a household doesn’t sort its waste correctly, it will be refused collection and forced to re-sort its waste for the next collection. This waste management enforcement can cause a household’s waste to pile up over time if it keeps on repeating the same mistakes.

While this system may seem extreme, especially in comparison to the United States’ waste management, Luxembourg is not the top EU country in terms of waste management (ranked 21 out

SAM NORTON GREENHAWKS AND OPINION

KASEY TURMAN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When I decided to cook dinner one night over spring break, I didn’t know it’d be the most stressful part of my break.

The day before I cooked, I decided to prepare rigatoni with sweet sausage and tomato sauce from “The Sopranos Family Cookbook.” I doubled the recipe that said it would feed six to make sure a house of ten would be held over for a night.

I set out to the local Piggly Wiggly to fnd the short list of ingredients. After searching the aisles, I found two pounds of sausage, four garlic cloves, 70 oz. of crushed tomatoes, basil, olive oil, basil and two pounds of rigatoni.

I was only missing a bottle of white wine. For that, I went to the liquor store on the next block.

After the worker told me how to fnd out if a wine was dry or not, I felt lost in the wine section, but chose one with my limited knowledge.

By the time I started cooking, the whole house was hungry and the sauce I was making was taking longer than I expected. The sauce only

had seven ingredients, but the frst almost made me stop altogether.

The recipe calls for the casing of each pound of sausage, one sweet and one spicy, to be pulled of before being cut fnely. As I started, I discovered that it wasn’t as simple as that. I employed one of my friends on the trip, and we went to town while trying to fgure out the best way to not go crazy before we even started.

By the time we got the casings of, I threw the meat into a pot with olive oil and garlic that another housemate had been preparing. The smell pulled multiple housemates out of their naps and into the kitchen to ask me when dinner would be ready.

After the sausage was browned, I accidentally skipped a step in the chaos of the moment. I added the two cans of crushed tomatoes when I should’ve added the white wine frst. When I noticed, I poured the wine into the mass amount of tomatoes that sat in the pot. Now, I felt like I was in the homestretch. I added salt, pepper and basil while stirring. Little did I know, the sauce would keep me on my toes for the next

hour. It went back and forth from looking like a sauce and being too oily. It didn’t help that my friends would stop by the stove to say that it looked weird or unappetizing.

When the sauce hit the 50-minute mark on the burner, I started the two pounds of rigatoni.

I had trust in the sauce to rebound, and my many taste testers supported that. It was equal parts tomato and spicy tasting in a way that would complement the pasta nicely.

When the time of reckoning came, the pasta was strained and the sauce was taken of the burner. I put half the sauce in a large pot, then the pasta quickly followed by the other half of

KAITLIN

MCDOWELL FOOD EDITOR

Spring has sprung, and with that comes new food favors and trends. Spring is often characterized with pastels and fowers, so what better way to embrace this season than with lavender-favored items. The use of lavender in food and drinks is said to have many health benefts. Lavender is known to “promote gut health, mental acuity and overall holistic health,” according to a 2023 article from Newsweek. These are all areas that college students could possibly use help in.

“So how do I eat lavender?” one may ask. As of recently, people have found many ways to incorporate lavender into their teas, cofees and even baked goods. The most recent of these lavender uses comes from one of the nation’s leading cofee chains, Starbucks.

In March 2024, Starbucks released several new drinks using lavender powders, including a latte, a frappuccino and lavender-favored cold foam. With these new drinks came mixed reactions for the favor of lavender. “I was a little reluctant to try the lavender drinks, because I don’t love the taste of lavender, but I really liked the pairing of lavender and matcha that Starbucks came up with,” Starbucks barista Miami University junior Kathryn Morris said. “They complement each other well.”

While these drinks have received

praise from many, others are not so excited about this new favor.

“I didn’t like the powder part of the drink,” Mary Spurgeon, a sophomore social work major, said. “I wish the favor was a syrup, because I don’t want a powder in my cofee.”

Despite Starbucks only releasing this favor recently, lavender drinks have been around for a while and can even be found at several places Uptown. Kofenya and Tous Les Jours both ofer lavender drinks.

Tous Les Jours’ menu features an iced lavender latte and a honey lavender matcha latte. Similarly, Kofenya has many ways for one to feature lavender in their cofees or tea with a syrup favor.

“I like the lavender that Starbucks uses more than Kofenya, because Kofenya puts more in the drink and I think it tastes too much like an essential oil,” Morris said.

For non-cofee lovers, lavender can be incorporated into other foods as well. For example, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, whose products are sold at many on-campus markets, sells a “wildberry lavender” favor, which is described as “intensely fruity, brambly berry ice cream with a pop of sweet orange and lavender.”

However one chooses to enjoy the favor of lavender, it is a great way to jump into the new season of spring.

mcdowekr@miamioh.edu.

Miami needs to cancel classes for the solar eclipse

SAM NORTON GREENHAWKS AND OPINION EDITOR

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll have heard about the solar eclipse on April 8. And if you are even somewhat connected to the happenings around Oxford and Miami University, you’ll have seen plenty of eclipse-related events being advertised.

In fact, there is a barrage of information and worry regarding the eclipse, especially about the potential in the area and chaos as people from outside of town crowd into Oxford. Oxford and Butler County seem to be preparing for the eclipse to strain the city’s resources and cause potentially dangerous situations.

The city is doing well to both mitigate the problems that could arise and give ample opportunity to Oxford residents and visitors to enjoy the eclipse.

So amid all these precautions taken by Oxford, what is Miami doing to allow students to stay safe and witness this once-in-a-lifetime event?

Nothing.

While they have acknowledged the existence of the eclipse, the university itself has not planned anything around it. The Richard and Carole Cox Art Museum is hosting events and a viewing party, but they seem to merely be extensions of the events happening in Oxford.

Despite all the worry and excitement about the fact that we are in the path of totality, the area where a full eclipse can be viewed, Miami has done nothing to address the unique, and possibly dangerous, situation

So what should be done?

Miami needs to cancel classes during the eclipse.

This will increase the likelihood that students on the way to class, especially those who drive, are not -

cating Oxford. This is simply for student safety. There is even a petition on Change.org to cancel classes.

And this is not an outrageous thing to ask Miami to do. There are plenty of universities and lower level schools that are modifying their

schedules.

In northeast Ohio, nearly all public school systems are canceling classes for the entire day. Similar cancellations are happening in central Ohio.

Within Ohio universities, schools like the University of Dayton are completely canceling classes, and other universities in or near the path of totality like Wright State and Cleveland State University are modifying their schedules and allowing students to enjoy the eclipse without punishment for missing class.

Purdue University is encouraging professors to cancel classes, and it’s not even in the path of totality. Meanwhile, Indiana University, which like Miami is in the path, is completely canceling classes. Down south, Texas State University is canceling classes during the peak of the eclipse, which is better than nothing. While many of these cancellations are due to safety concerns, that shouldn’t even be the only reason to let students miss class for the eclipse. The phrase gets thrown around a lot, but this total solar eclipse is truly once in a lifetime. It has not happened for 200 years and will not happen again until 2099.

I don’t think some people understand the weight of once in a lifetime. As students, we would be in our late 90s to see it again. Not many of us will make it that long, let alone be living in the path of totality and get to see our world go completely dark for a few minutes.

College is a time to foster wonder, to encourage discovery and new experiences. We are supposed to learn more about the world around us and expand our horizons. Witnessing one of the rarest and most unique astronomical events of our time should align with Miami’s vision for student learning and experience.

Perhaps I’m a bit of a science nerd, and perhaps I’m a bit of a romantic when it comes to lived experiences, but I feel that students should not have to worry about anything else but viewing the eclipse and staying safe this Monday.

Cancel classes Miami. This is bigger than a couple of missed lectures. Let us witness one of the greatest nat-

Obtaining a state ID is becoming unnecessarily complicated

While obtaining a state ID seems to be a simple process, for many citizens, age, marital status, disability or gender identity can become yet another barrier to securing the state-issued ID that Americans increasingly need to vote.

Currently, 38 states request or reto vote. In many states, like Ohio, to obtain an ID, anyone who changed their name when they got married marriage license or licenses showing each subsequent change. They must

And then there are the states like Indiana which require both marriage licenses and divorce decrees for each marriage as part of the process for obtaining ID. Requirements like these overwhelmingly impact women and often women who are

come.

Although a state ID may be “free,” the costs of providing these required underlying documents can begin to add up as county clerks’ of-

copies.

Additionally, for people with disabilities, or the elderly, the burden of acquiring a state ID can include all

the above with the added challenge of gathering the documents and showing up in person at the local BMV. While a handful of states like Illinois help provide identity cards to homebound individuals, most states do not.

Without the ability to vote in person, many of these voters chose to vote absentee. Yet even that choice is fraught with legal hurdles. In Ohio, for example, the absentee voter has a very limited group of people who can legally return the ballot for them, and licensed caregivers are not on that list. In other states like Nebraska, in order to vote, absentee voters must provide their Nebraska driver’s license, state ID number or a photocopy of their qualifying ID with the returned ballot. For some voters, this photocopy requirement alone is a barrier even if they do have an ID, as they might not have easy access to a printer or copier.

Many transgender citizens also face challenges or intimidation at the polls if their ID doesn’t match their gender identity or presentation, even though denying these voters the right to vote is against the law.

While most states have implemented policies for changing the gender marker on a driver’s license or state ID, eight states require proof of surgery, a court order orcess the gender marker change. And

Desire paths are for sheep

LILLY MCCLELLAND

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Why take a 15 minute walk to class when it could be 10 minutes? Or 12 minutes? Or 14 minutes and 56 seconds? Take a desire path and those seconds will slip away.

Desire paths are those beaten dirt

tracks that provide shortcuts between paved paths and defy all urban planning. Described by nature writer Robert Macfarlane as “free-will ways,” these walkways represent everyday civil disobedience by rejecting industrial control in the form of sidewalks. Having many of these paths on campus, Miami University students are no strangers to ignoring the requests of Google Maps. Often, when taking these trails, those who useconvenient corners. Paved by the feet of thousands, desire paths represent a united mindvidual rather than the Establishment

– which for this article can be understood as forces that create intangible social power, be it anything from government to society as a whole. To some, taking desire paths might even be perceived as a way to stick it to “the man.” However, you are not a trailblazer for taking desire paths. You are not staging a silent rebellion. Rather, these pathways, more strongly than sidewalks, represent the absence of freedom from industrial control. The greatest product to come from the industrial revolution is not the automobile or the telephone; the greatest product is a culturally internalized worker mindset. The Industrial Revolution transformed the American image of economic growth, and hard-working laborers are to thank. However, thecy rests no longer as an achievement but persists as an expectation. With the introduction of the quest towardciency has become an unconscious practice in American culture.

When we traverse desire paths for the sake of convenience, the mindset

When we walk desire paths without a critical eye upon our action, we have no more free will than the GrubHub robots.

I don’t mean to imply that using these trails strips their users of free will, but I would like to accentuate the connection between unconscious actions and the lack of free will.

If a student is running late to class, and they choose to take a desired path to save time, the conscious choice is what separates the studentset. However, if the student takes the desire path simply because it is there, the freedom of choice is thrown out by the almighty hand of the Estab-

these laws are increasingly being tightened. For example, Florida announced recently that gender markers could no longer be changed.

In a country so diverse in so many ways, these increasingly restrictive rules for acquiring a state ID threaten to disenfranchise a substantial number of citizens who want to vote. Thankfully, there are organizations like VoteRiders with a clear and nonpartisan mission to help people obtain the necessary

In one state VoteRiders volunteers may only need to help a voter get transport to the BMV to receive their ID, while in another, they may need to spend months working with a voter slowly but surely marshaling all the essential documents to apply for an ID.

point of securing an ID, the voters

VoterRiders supports are inspired to cast their ballot and let their voices be heard. Ultimately, we as a country are stronger when we seek to be inclusive and empowering and reach out to support our fellow citizens in our shared commitment to democracy.

lishment.

It is also necessary to note the repressive nature of the alternative. Standard sidewalks are more traditionally interpreted as a method for herding sheep because they are a clear representation of social control. However, by rebelling against this force, desire path users are met with the imminent control of the Establishment again, trapped in eternal subjection to society.

Whether you like it or not, we are surrounded by society – both functioning in and sustaining it. It is not necessarily a bad thing to adhere to the unwritten rules of society that the Establishment, that we, create, but we should question the actions that we are taking.

Free are the informed. But, it is up to the individual to seek information.

We are a part of Miami because we value learning through cognizant eyes. As students of this university, it would be hypocritical to close our eyes the second we step out of the classroom and onto the desire paths.

So, maybe you are a rebel for taking these paths, but only if you choose to be. You might still be a sheep – because some things never change –but consciousness is a choice, and by choosing it, we resist.

It is in these habitual moments that we can deepen our understanding of ourselves. Mundane as desire paths may be, I have not heard a louder cry to practice critical consciousness of our place in the world.

SHELLY JARRETT BROMBERG PH.D VOTERIDERS VOLUNTEER

GRAPHIC BY CAITLIN DOMINSKI

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA MICHELSEN

TAYLOR POWERS STAFF WRITER

It was late February when I opened X, formerly known as Twitbe bombarded with information that made me want to close the app immediately. The lead singer of my favorite band, Lovejoy, had been accused by his ex-girlfriend of abuse.

I pored over her statement and headed straight to Spotify to block the band. I removed their songs from my playlists and their band name from my “concert bucket list” in my notes app. I demoted their band t-shirt from hanging in my closet to sitting at the bottom of my sleep shirt drawer.

I’m not one to believe everything I read online, but I would rather temporarily stop listening to someone innocent than support an abuser.

Feelings of shock and disappointment stuck with me for days after, singer released his explanation of the situation. It focused solely on his personal growth since their relationship and dismissed the accusations, but provided no proof it was untrue. The messages from almost everyone he had ever associated with expressing extreme disappointment in him and how he handled everything.

Days later, my roommate asked if I knew about what was happening. When I told her I did, she just responded with an unfazed, “wow.” Her reaction is often like mine when I hear about a well-knownble things, because typically it’s not someone I’m a fan of. But this time, it

Are content creators bad people or are bad people content creators? In the

happening to someone I liked. Someone who’s content and music I found comfort in during the pandemic.

It’s not uncommon for our generhorrible content creators are. We’re also very quick to hold the people we look up to accountable, something I’ve noticed happening more frequently since the world was forced online during the pandemic.

An unfazed reaction could also be because it feels like this sort of thing happens quite repeatedly. Online right or “politically correct,” or are genuinely doing something terrible. I tend to wonder if there’s something about being famous that corrupts once normal people or if it’s just a coincidence we’re giving a platform to corrupt people.

One psychological experiment may hold some insight into this phenomenon.

In August 1971, Stanford University conducted an experiment tobeling and social expectations on behavior, called the Stanford Prison Experiment. It also aimed to answer the question of what happens when good people are placed in an evil place, according to its website.

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becoming a prisoner or prison guard by creating a simulation of prison with male college students. The students were split into prisoners and guards, their roles determined by the What was meant to last two weeks was suspended after only six days.

OLIVIA KERBEN THE MIAMI STUDENT

In the moment, the days feel long and the weeks are stretched, but when we reminisce, it is as if time can’t seem to slow down.

I am sure people have told you, “College will be the best four years of your life,” and I agree, but what I did not see coming was how fast it would go or how much I would change.

Now, as a second-semester senior and with one month of being a Redtime here in Oxford. Thinking back to myself to be shy, homesick and naive. Coming from Maryland and leaving all I had ever known behind, it felt like a steep trek up acclimating to an entirely new environment alone.

First-year me stood in the shadows cast by others and went along with plans even if I had no inclination to be there. I preferred being surrounded by others than being alone.

But senior year me understands the value and importance of being alone. And senior year me has found uplifting and incredible friends that share the spotlight and leave no one in the shadows.

On a day-to-day basis, we do not but over time we build new habits and routines without realizing the growth that stems from them.

Outside of the learning objectives in a classroom, being in college transforms you as a person. You step out

The guards were given no spedo whatever they deemed necessary to maintain law and order and command respect. So, the guards designed their own rules. By humiliating, creating distrust and degrading the prisoners, the guards created an environment similar to the reality of prison, which the prisoners fell victim to. Less than 36 hours into the exfrom acute emotional disturbance and uncontrollable crying and rage. that the prisoner was attempting to con them, but later realized he needed to be released immediately. The

pattern of prisoners experiencing mental distress and needing let go continued.

Experimenters were puzzled by how the guards moved so readily into their roles and how mentally healthy, intelligent, “ordinary” men became corrupt so quickly.

The experiment ended on the sixth day because prisoners were withdrawing and behaving in pathological ways, and some of the guards were behaving sadistically.

One conclusion can be drawn from this experiment: a position of power can corrupt ordinary people.

This psychological phenomenon may be what’s happening among online content creators. The idea that

people now look at them with admiration and praise could alter the way they see themselves, making them think they can get away with whatever they please. I haven’t listened to a second of any Lovejoy song since what happened back in February. Sometimes I miss the music, but the lyrics unfortunately remind me of why I’ve cut my ringtone from my favorite Lovejoy song, mainly because I don’t know what to change it to. But maybe a part of me doesn’t want to let go, but knows I need to. powerstj@miamioh.edu

of your comfort zone and face new challenges which instills adaptability, The changes you go through may vary depending on your upbringing, where home is or who you are as a person, but college prepares you for the real world in many ways. For some, it is beginning to perform tasks of individuality such as making meals, cleaning your residence or picking up a prescription.

For me, it was learning to navigate life without my parents helping me make every decision. I grew up in a very close knit family, and it was a tough pill for me to swallow when I out who I am.

year roommate and I squealed at our Brick.

As you go through these years, be kind to yourself and others as you go through changes, big or small. Remember, college is part of growing up

Like Andy Bernard said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days, before you’ve actually left them.” This is your reminder that you are in them right now. Cherish and enjoy your four years as a RedHawk because soon enough it will be you in a cap and gown being called to walk across the stage at Yager Stadium. kerbenoe@miamioh.edu

thought found academics. That all changed when I joined The Miami Student. I had gone Uptown with my friends, played intramural sports and gone to Miami football games, but nothing made me feel like I was living the college life until I joined The Student.

By joining, I became surrounded by not only some

coolest people I had met, but also people who were in the same classes as me. Before this, I had only spent time with my friends who were engineering, geology or business majors. At the same time, I now had a weekly excuse to talk to people that I didn’t live with. This saved me from the endless cycle of talking about any and every sport playing that night. This is not to say that the newsroom is the most sophisticated or work-intense space on campus. Many times I’ve come into the

but if you asked me if I could be productive around other TMSers, I would immediately say no.

The only days that I can truly say I’m productive around my peers are Wednesdays.

Every Wednesday, around 20 TMSers pile in the newsroom to either put together our print issue or plan out our posts for online coverage. During these nights, my emotions range from stressed to elated.

No matter how the night goes, I know that there’ll be a moment when I laugh until I feel like throwing up and a group of people that can solve any problems that arise.

Some Wednesdays, I think about how I could be spending 6 p.m. to midnight somewhere else doing something else. But then, without fail, I always laugh at myself for even thinking about being anywhere that isn’t with my friends.

Ultimately, these thoughts brought me to the idea of running for Editor-in-Chief of the very paper that has helped me become print since my election under my belt, I am nothing but proud to call this paper home.

Here’s to the next year and beyond for The Miami Student.

turmankd@miamioh.edu

CONNOR OVIATT MICHAEL PATTEE

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Do you remember driving into Oxford on an incredibly crowded parking deck and taking your exhausted self into Armstrong to begin the greatest of days: Make it Miami. We remember it vividly – little red tote bags, paper pamphlets that we never read, and a realization that Miami University was the place for us (it was the only school we got into, and we got waitlisted at that). But, we have learned since becoming fulltime students that there were a lot of things we missed. Here are some sights that ‘Make it Miami’ students should look out for.

President Crawford riding his bicycle

will notice on campus is our lovely President Crawford peddling around on his bicycle. Decked out with pink streamers and a giant horn, Crawford rides around campus in style. If you want particularly good views, we would recommend sitting right outside of the sorority quad; there is a large path with a gentle incline. Crawford is known to attempt to break the land speed record on this “hill,” although we do not believe he has been successful. Rumor on the street is that Crawford may also wheels, as he had not had any major “boo-boos” in the past few weeks.

Sam Sulek drinking “juice” behind the rec

There are plenty of huge gym rats at Miami. The most famous of them all is our hero, Sam Sulek. Although we regularly see Sam at the rec, we have been too afraid to talk to him, as he is way too cool for us lame humor writers. Part of both his pre and post-workout rituals is drinking a container of “juice.” From what we have heard, this is what gives Sam his superhuman strength, along with his attention to detail and extreme work ethic (please don’t hurt us). We emailed Sam to ask if we could try his concoction, as science depends on it, but unfortunately we didn’t hear back.

Over-enthusiastic Tour Guides Working for Brick Money

Don’t let the tour guide fool you. While they do a good job concealing it, we all know what their end goal is-accumulating as much “Brick Money” as possible. And I don’t blame them! I for one could not put up with the Karens pestering me about if there are vegan options available at King Library, or if there genius who’s going to quadruple major and graduate early (We all know they’ll switch to strat comm and be While the tour guides can hide their intentions fairly well, an attentive eye will catch a slight twinkle in their eyes as they mention Uptown. If you look closely, you can see your tour guide privately reminiscing about their last country night.

A Birdless Campus

Did you see any birds on your ‘Make It Miami’ tour? I highly doubt you did. Us here at the humor section have begun investigating why it is that those lovely little robins, blue jays, cardinals and many other common birds never appear on Miami’s campus. While the reason is still appears to increase enrollment from students who frequent Reddit, and from parents of full-tuition-paying sorority girls who have fully stocked fall-out shelters at home (a fact that is rarely shared by the sorority girls, but obvious when you look at the tin foil lining beneath her father’s daily hat of choice).

Honorable Mention: A Seal on The Seal For those who did not pass by ‘The Seal’ on Monday I greatly pity you. In a shocking turn of events, that even the great minds here at the Humor section did not see coming, of The Seal. The Seal stood (or sat, whatever it is Seals do) proud and tall for all the ‘Make It Miami’ students to see. Here at the Humor section, we feel that this stroke of genius and ingenuity ought to be memorialized. While only one day’s worth of ‘Make It Miami’ students were able to behold this glorious sight, we petitioned the tour guides to honor ‘The Seal’ by proclaiming “Ort! Ort! Ort!” every time they see ‘The Seal.’ patteemj@miamioh.edu oviattcc@miamioh.edu

TEDDY JOHNSON HUMOR EDITOR

We’re Miami students, of course we hate OU.

We’re Miami students, of course we wear Lululemon religiously.

We’re Miami students, of course we go out every night.

We’re Miami students, of course we hate OPD.

We’re Miami students, of course we introduce ourselves with the name of our fraternity or sorority.

We’re Miami students, of course we pee on the Sundial turtles.

We’re Miami students, of course we crave booze every day of the week.

We’re Miami students, of course we are from

We’re Miami students, of course we pay $12for a bagel.

We’re Miami students, of course we complain about the dining hall food.

We’re Miami students, of course we survive by intake.

We’re Miami students, of course we created a whole day as an excuse to drink green beer and skip class.

We’re Miami students, of course we go to Florida for spring break.

We’re Miami students, of course we step on the seal.

We’re Miami students, of course we have presentations about Sex in the Basement.

We’re Miami students, of course we go to hockey games to watch our team lose.

We’re Miami students, of course we ride around on scooters instead of walking.

We’re Miami students, of course we have a contraceptive vending machine in our student center.

john1595@miamoh.edu

SAM NORTON GREENHAWKS AND OPINION EDITOR

Spring break in college has taken on something of a legendary status in our culture. It’s a time to get out of the cold and crappy weather on campus and catch some rays on a beach littered with White Claws and High Noons. If you’re cool enough you may even be able to spend some time partying with cool frat dudes and sorority gals. Getting tan and getting drunkwhat else could one want from their only break in the spring semester? It sounds like the ultimate relaxing getaway. So what did I decide to do with my spring break? The exact opposite. Our wonderful humor editor Teddy Johnson and I decided that, instead of soaking up some sun, we were going to trudge around in the woods for four days and three nights. Great Smoky Mountains here we come. The craziness began before our in the National Park, we had to sleep in Teddy’s car while the rain poured outside. I’m a light sleeper and Teddy is a snorer. After that night, I met the executive decision that we weren’t sharing a tent.

and with it the realization that I had left my hiking boots back in Oxford, the experienced outdoor guy, and I was already fumbling. $140 down the drain (sort of). Can we just get on the trail already?

And get on the trail we did. Ninely 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and a light rain that refused to go away. Remember what I mentioned about the sunny beach? At least we had a pretty mountain stream to keep us company for most of the day. When we got to camp it was too cold and wet to do much, so we sat in our tents and barely talked. Quality bonding time with my hiking partner. That night it got below freezing and I woke up the next morning with ice covering my tent. No getting tan here I guess. But, I made it through that freezing night, and I have to admit it made me feel pretty cool. Much more than shotgunning a Natty Light in the Florida sand. Teddy kept talking about how he was looking forward to the suffering that would inevitably come with our trip. I think the trail heard him and decided to punish us for it that second day. How does gaining

not mention that I was the one who planned our route. I had decided to take us to the highest point in the entire park, and we ended up gaining 4,000 feet of elevation over 12 miles of hiking. Florthe way. But, I can’t complain too much. We saw some incredible views from the top, met some cool people, and learned that some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers chain smoke. The more you know.

The next day we were treated to a trail crossed by so many fallen trees that it felt more like an obsta-

cle course than a hike. Army crawl or climb: the choice is yours. We were walking through an area that had so the trees standing were pretty sparse and open, which made for even more awesome views. But crazy wind gusts took full advantage and whipped us around the mountain that morning. A calm ocean breeze sounds pretty nice.

That day we lost 3,000 feet of elevation, which did terrible things to my knees, and we made it to our camp mid-afternoon after another nine miles of hiking. The sun was poking through the trees, and we got our chance to lay out and bask in some sub-par UV. This must be what Florida feels like.

It was our last night, and the mountains decided to send us out with a bang. Remember those winds I mentioned earlier? They came back overnight. Only this time at sustained gusts of 40-50 mph. The wind crazy and I could hear the branches trees. I had two thin strips of nylon protecting me. Another restful night hoping that Mother Nature would spare my poor soul. I did not relax much on this spring break trip, but it certainly was an adventure. And adventures make you cool. And give you good stories. So I can live with that.

Oh yeah, and a mouse tried to get into my tent. Twice. Maybe they don’t have mice on the beach.

nortonsm@miamioh.edu

this is a solid idea.

TAYLOR STUMBAUGH SENIOR CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EDITOR

March 23 to March 31 should have been my safe haven.

My break from responsibilities.

Instead, I got chased by crabs, sand in my bottoms and crispy lips. I guess I should start from the beginning. Let me paint you a picture from my week under the sun.

It all started in ’Bama where I decided Google Maps is a liar and aent from 12. Safe to say they’ve lost a valuable customer, Apple has my location now.

I lost part of my soul in Alabama and surprisingly gained it back when we crossed over the border into Florida, which is usually where souls go to die. But my body was craving the beach so much that I was sweating salt already. So, we continued on into the beast.

Some could say I fell out of the car, others would say I elegantly tripped, either way, there I was, laying on the concrete driveway, basking in the sun like a lizard.

The next day is when things didn’t go as expected. I decided that because of the

beautiful, warm, breezy, gorgeous overcast, cotton shorts and a sweatshirt were reasonable. I’m also dumb and didn’t put a swimsuit on underneath, so the obvious next step was to sit in the water in my day clothes.

Let’s just say sand gets in places you don’t expect it to. This ‘place’ was my swimsuit bottoms, and my bottom.

I dumped a small sandcastle worth of sand onto my bathroom

I cleaned myself up, I’m a lady after all, and headed into the kitchen to see the most appalling, horrifying sight I’ll ever lay eyes on. My fellow ocean-goers were drinking from cartons of milk. Everywhere I looked I felt there were piles and piles of cartons.

Why was milk drunk on this trip?

Why is milk drunk by anyone, ever? A failure on society’s part, in my opinion. However, they soon explained to me that this horrible substance had a purpose, they were going to use the cartons to be crab shovels. “It’s time to catch some crabs,” a milk drinker said, while wiping the ring of milk from his lips.

I followed my posse down to the beach when we couldn’t even see a foot ahead of us and was like yeah,

Foreshadowing for the audience: I’m afraid of crabs.

So many crabs were caught that night I thought they’d start a rebellion, seeing their white shells glimlike getting an epi-pen shot straight to the heart. Each. Time.

They’re not to be trusted. How can you trust something that can only move two directions? The answer is you can’t. I’d rather get stomped on by a moose than have a crab walk mountain than step on one.

Not a good combination when the bucket is full of crabs. I could see the vengeance in their eyes when someone dumped them out all at once. I could have been in the Olympics that day. Usain Bolt has never been in the same room as me and a crab.

Our evil deeds did not go unnoticed. All of the karma fell onto my lips.

The sky branded me with herpes, the sun lashed out with its rays and gave me the kiss of death: a cold sore. I paid for the sins of my friends, but I’d do it again for the gnarly tan I got.

stumbata@miamioh.edu

MONAHAN PHOTO EDITOR

Sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, beautiful buildings and history. Spring break this year was a wonderful family vacation to Puerto Rico! For all four of us, it was our we weren’t sure what to expect. from Cleveland to San Juan, and no passports were needed since Puerto Rico is a United States territory.

artsy photo-ops for me to express my passion for photography, and even after narrowing them down, I still ended up with over 200 photos from my camera. I was able to stretch my knowledge of photography and explore new settings such as El Yunque National Rainforest where I was constantly on the lookout for frogs to capture in the frame, but sadly didn’t spot any. Other creatures and critters we saw include many lizards, iguanas, pelicans and even stray cats on the streets of San Juan. Throughout the week, we stayed in San Juan, and in addition to sunny beach days, we took day trips to explore everything we could. We went to Ponce in the south of the island, Luquillo and Fajardo to visit

El Yunque, and El Viejo San Juan to explore the castles and history of the island.

A common theme throughout the island was gorgeous colorful buildings lining the cobblestone streets. It makes me think that the morale of Clevelanders such as

Spending 60 hours in a car clocking roughly 4,000 miles with your four closest friends and no fewer than 20 Baja Blasts may seem like a dauntyourself looking over the edge of the your life, those hours in the car don’t away. As a Great American Road Trip virgin myself, I feared the unknown. I wondered how being in close quarters with friends I’d only known about a year would impact our relationships on our way out west. I’m someone who is not the most athletically inclined, so a somewhat hiking-centered expedition was daunting. I debated taking a quieter, beach-ately wanting to be surrounded by the mountains stretching across our journey from Boulder, Colorado, to After days of debating my position, I decided that no matter the outcome of the trip, I shouldn’t limit myself based on fear alone. The only way to know how I would fare on this ambitious trip was to go.

I set out on my trip with no fewer than three cameras in my hands, channeling the likes of Ansel Adams and William Henry Jackson. Determined to take the best photos of my life, and hoping for the best photos in history, I packed up ten rolls of Ilford

As it turns out, the stories detailing the majesty of the West do not even come close to doing it justice. The farther you adventure into the rocky peaks, the more you crave.

As the other members of my party end their time at Miami University, I can look back and see Devin Ankeney’s death defying antics, Meta Hoge’s intrepid souvenir magnet search, Sean Scott’s determination to pet a squirrel or Luke Macy’s newfound Target heart-shaped sunglasses obsession with such joy. While I may not have taken the best photographs in recorded history, I can say, without a doubt, that I was able to make this trip wholly my own, I illustrated our adventures every step of the way.

I am forever grateful that I didn’t choose to relax on a beach for eight days straight, as I found myself envel-

myself would be much better if our buildings were just as colorful. Overall, I had an amazing week exploring a brand new place with my family, and can’t wait for our next adventure.

This spring break, I made my to London, England. After several modes of transportation and 10 short hours, we were in Trafalgar city: a dizzying juxtaposition of old and new.

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perience something in person that you’ve seen a million times before on screen or in a book. I felt like pinching myself because I could hardly believe I was actually in London– I’d made it. London is unlike any other city

I’ve visited – it is so much older than the oldest western relics. Every street corner has something historic

without a second glance. You could spend years exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the city and still leave something undiscovered.

Some of the city’s highlights included the Tower of London, the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey and the thrill of driving on the left side of the road. Even after a week, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was going to crash or get hit by a rogue double decker bus. The warnings about under seasoned food were unfortunately accurate. I added copious amounts of and just about everything else I consumed. There was also no drip coffee to be found, an alarming discovcertainly makes up for in architec-

Cathedrals, the imposing dome of St. Paul’s cathedral, and the beautiful Georgian columns of Bath (a town about 2 hours from London)

Additionally, Britain is home to modern skyscrapers boasting interesting shapes and evocative names: The Shard, the Gherkin (a type of pickle) and the walkie-talkie. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. London was a trip that gave me lifelong memories. I can say now that I’ve gotten to see some of the most iconic art, architecture and landscapes in the world. This trip was the perfect way to dip my toes into the water of Europe and the world beyond, and I can’t wait to go back someday.

longem3@miamioh.edu

JESSICA

monahaja@miamioh.edu

SARAH

ELLEN LONG STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER