Misc Welcome Issue 2018 by The Miscellany News

The Miscellany News

Since 1866 | miscellanynews.org

August 27, 2018

Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY

Volume CLI | Issue 1

Welcome to the Class of 2022! Incoming first-years to join campus community on Aug. 27

Courtesy of Vassar College/Karl Rabe

A note from the Editor Talya Phelps

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

f I had to choose one word to typify the first semester of college, it would be overwhelming. Sure, it’s many other things, too—exciting, exhilarating, full of opportunity. Yet between finding your people in a completely new social environment and hunkering down in the library (or whatever place you pretend to be productive), time for extracurricular activities might seem elusive until you hit your stride and truly settle into college life. In the midst of the wonderful whirlwind that is Vassar Year One, it’s understandable if joining clubs and seeking out leadership positions—those mystical See WELCOME on page 4

Pictured above are students Wenxuan Guo ’20, Lindsey Sample ’20, Benjamin Tai McCarthy ’20 and Parveer Kaur ’20, who conducted robotics research this summer as part of Vassar’s Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI).

VC receives $1 million STEM grant Noah Purdy and Charlotte Varcoe-Wolfson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY Izzy Braham, Arts Editor

assar has seen significant changes to its academic landscape in recent years: The Bridge for Laboratory Sciences, opened in January 2016, up-

dated and expanded resources for the sciences. The Fall 2016 approval of the 2-2-1, or “dash-1,” policy will alter curricular structures and teaching loads beginning this academic year. Finally, last fall ushered in the Engaged Pluralism Initiative (EPI), which aims to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic campus

and classroom community. The most recent development occurred this June, when the College announced that it was one of the recipients of the $1 million Inclusive Excellence grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Over the next five See SCIENCE on page 3

BoogieREZ duo invites LeBron holds court on participation with art summer ’18 b-ball stage Izzy Braham ARTS EDITOR

hether it’s graphic design, graffiti, drawings or sculpture, art has the potential to entrance, challenge or even perplex a viewer. When creators combine these different mediums, the interactive dimension of art can be amplified, transforming an exhibit into an immersive experience or a conversation between artist and viewer. Two local Poughkeepsie artists, Rezones and Riiisa Boogie (also known as Risa

Tochigi) have made careers doing just that—fusing their creative talents in vastly different fields of art to create pieces and exhibits that push viewers to interact with their work. From August 27 to September 20, the duo, known as BoogieREZ, will be showcasing their art in an interactive exhibit entitled “Universe Creative” at the James W. Palmer Gallery in the Vassar College Center. In fact, the name of the exhibit highlights this collaboration between the See PALMER on page 3

Courtesy of Vassar Office of Communications

Artists Boogie and Rezones, known together as BoogieREZ, invite viewers to interact with their multi-media exhibit “Universe Creative.” The duo’s work will be on display in the Palmer Gallery beginning on August 27.

Mack Liederman

OUTGOING SPORTS EDITOR

he ball may have stopped rolling, but in the constantly modernizing NBA, there is never truly an offseason. From the hallowed courts of Dyckman Park to the suits of the negotiating table, the league’s notable names have been active this summer. Mario Hezonja signed a one-year contract with the Knicks. Pat Connaughton dried the ink on a deal with the rising Milwaukee Bucks. Now hold your breath, because the New Orleans Pelicans just selected Tony Carr with the 51st pick! And oh wait, there was also that guy that moved out West.... In an ironically minimalistic Twitter note, Klutch Sports, representing the man himself, briefly announced with non–Comic Sans font (This is all your fault, Gilbert) that the one and only LeBron James had signed a fouryear, 154 million–dollar contract with the Los Angeles Lakers (Twitter, [at] KlutchSports, 07.02.18). Although the move was one that can’t come as all too surprising (“I heard he has two houses in LA” has been the trite, awkward watercooler talk at your office for months now), it is one that has monumental impact on the present and future of the

league. So much so that I have retreated from my temporary Misc hiatus, taking a break from my search for a good pickup game in Argentina, to geek out over this Summer of LeBron. Like any great modern romance, the reality of LeBron and the Lakers started with a look. Except this was no subtle smirk or passing glance in the hallway, but rather a blazing, incredulous glare, at who else but class clown JR Smith. Rewind to Game One of this past NBA Finals. Score tied, a few seconds left on the clock, Cavs vet George Hill stepped up to the charity stripe for his second attempt. Anxiety pulsating through his veins, or maybe just distraction, thinking about what would be for dinner later, Hill bricked the free throw. Jumping high into the air, the athletic Smith grabbed the rebound, and then—didn’t know what to do with it. Anxiety pulsating through his veins, or maybe just distraction, thinking about where he’d be getting high later, Smith frantically dribbled out to midcourt, effectively running out the clock. Standing nearby in helpless disgust, the aforementioned LeBron pointed vigorously in the right direction, like a sideline-spectating dad telling his kid he’s the only one running See LEBRON on page 4

Landing an internship explained Duncan Aronson REPORTER

ello fellow and incoming Vassar Brewers! Ready or not, we will have to adjust our lifestyles back to the school grind on a dynamic campus. If you are new to the campus, then chances are there is something about college life that you find daunting. No need to fret. We—faculty, administrators and upperclassmen— have been there and are more than willing to ease your angst. Regardless of whether your summers have been action-packed or relaxed in the past, you probably feel pressure to find research positions and internships now that you are in college. I hope my summer experience can shed light on the process of finding an internship and making the most of your summer. Part A: The Thinking/Applying Stage What to do: It may be tempting to throw yourself into the internship search and see what’s out there. Getting a feel for the internship scene is fine, but if you never transition from the window-shopping phase—which I did too late—you’ll get bad results. I think it’s easy to become stuck in this phase when you prioritize ticking off the internship or “career” box. I realized this when I talked to a family friend about my then-upcoming summer break. When I started vaguely rattling on about random, disconnected internships, she cut me off and said, “If you could do anything this summer, what would you want to do?” When she put it that way, it was easy. I wanted to work with kids, ideally in a teaching role, and maybe coach some basketball on the side. I had approached the internship search from a terrible angle. There are so many fields and industries that can check a box on a resume, but there are only so many that align with your interests and ambitions. When to look: Typically, internship opportunities are posted from winter break to spring break, so many students start searching around December. Internships have a wide range of application deadlines, start/end dates and preferences for qualifications, so See INTERNSHIPS on page 4

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The Miscellany News

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Editor-in-Chief Talya Phelps

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Senior Editor Leah Cates

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Features Opinions Humor and Satire Arts Design Outreach Copy

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August 27, 2018

WEST CAMPUS

Buildings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

ALANA Intercultural Center CC Alumnae House WC Athletic and Fitness Center EC Baldwin House CC Bayit (Jewish Student Center) NC Blodgett Hall NC Bridge for Laboratory Sciences SC Buildings and Grounds Services Center SC (Vogelstein) Center for Drama and Film CC Chapel CC Chicago Hall NC Class of 1951 Observatory EC College Center CC

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Computer Center CC Cushing House NC Davison House NC Doubleday Studio Art CC Ely Hall/Aula CC Ferry House CC Frances Daly Fergusson Quadrangle CC Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center CC Jewett House NC Josselyn House NC Kautz Admission House CC Kenyon Hall NC Lathrop House NC Main Building CC

28 Maria Mitchell Observatory CC 29 Metcalf House CC 30 New England CC 31 New Hackensack SC 32 Noyes House NC 33 Old Laundry Building CC 34 Olmsted Hall CC 35 Powerhouse Theater CC 36 Pratt House NC 37 President’s House CC 38 Raymond House NC 39 Rockefeller Hall CC 40 Sanders Classroom CC 41 Sanders Physics CC 42 Skinner Hall of Music SC 43 South Commons SC

44 Strong House NC 45 Students’ Building (ACDC) NC 46 Susan Stein Shiva Theater CC 47 Swift Hall CC 48 Taylor Hall CC 49 Terrace Apartments EC 50 (Main) Thompson Library 51 Town Houses WC 52 Walker Field House EC 53 Watson Houses WC 54 Williams House WC 55 Weinberg Field Sports Pavilion WC 56 Wimpfheimer Nursery School NC

Assistant Design Scarlett Neuberger Assistant Social Media Patrick Tanella CC

Classroom building codes Navigating campus is tricky enough on its own without abbreviations to contend with—so let us help! AFC BH BLS CH CN CP DF DS EH

Athletics/Fitness Center Blodgett Hall Bridge for Laboratory Sciences Chicago Hall College Center (labs in basement) Chapel Center for Drama and Film Doubleday Art Studios Ely Hall

FS KH LA LI NE NH OB OH OLB

Field Station Kenyon Hall Loeb Art Studio Thompson Library New England Building New Hackensack Vassar College Observatory Olmsted Hall Old Laundry Building

PT RH SC SH SP SW T WA

Andrea Yang Steven Park Hannah Gaven Izzy Braham Rose Parker Kimberly Nguyen Teddy Chmyz Jessica Moss

Powerhouse Theater Rockefeller Hall Eleanor Butler Sanders Hall Skinner Hall Sanders Physics Swift Hall Taylor Hall Walker Field House

Reporters Duncan Aronson Kelly Pushie Aidan Zola Columnists Catherine Bither Jimmy Christon Olivia Feltus Jesser Horowitz Sylvan Perlmutter Blair Webber Design Maya Sterling Copy Isabel Bielat Natalie Bober James Bonanno Jillian Frechette Abigail Knuckles Ben Papsun Anna Wiley

Humor Desk serves up first-year handbook Hannah Gaven HUMOR EDITOR

1. Do befriend the ghosts that haunt your room. I suggest investing in a Ouija board to help you start off on a good foot with your extra roommate. I can tell you from experience that you don’t want your relationship with your not-so-friendly-ghost to begin with pictures “falling” off of your wall, your lights suspiciously dimming and finding yourself locked in your room. Ghosts stick around because they have unfinished business on Earth. I suggest figuring out what holds them here and completing their mission so you both don’t spend the year in misery and trapped in your room. Even if that means sacrificing a womp-womp or participating in Senior Streak as a first-year, it’s worth it. 2. Explore the Shakespeare Garden in the dead of night. You will not be terrified and accidentally wet yourself. 3. Go to the library on the first day. Alone. I guarantee you that it will be the least crowded you will ever see it. You could probably talk in your outdoor voice and no one would

care. If you really want to get crazy, you could even eat a messy snack, like a Nature Valley granola bar, without the nagging fear of being reprimanded. 4. Write for the humor section (or any section really) of the Misc. It’s an amazing feeling to see your words published on real paper! It can even be a useful piece in a job application, unless you exclusively write about orgies and orgasms. 5. Read your weekly horoscope in the Misc. I can guarantee you that they are 100 percent accurate and provide great advice. Also, I hear that the astrologist is pretty cute and takes bribes in food form. 6. The ideal time to nap in the Deece is from about 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. This is when there is the smallest number of students in the Deece, making it easy to snag a booth in a back corner and discreetly snooze. The best part is that if you wake up and your day still sucks, you can fill up on ice cream, which is scientifically proven to make you happier. 7. Everyone says that you should only

sign up for a couple of email lists, but I wholeheartedly disagree. It’s more work to figure out how to sign up mid-year, and it’s super easy to be taken off an email list. Basically what I’m saying is that there is no good reason not to sign up to be on the humor email list for the Misc. 8. Leaving milk (that might have been thieved from the Deece) in a water bottle for an extended period of time in high heat creates a really unfortunate stench. It also renders crappy, yet free water bottles unusable if you didn’t already break the lid. 9. Alcohol is a social lube. So if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, such as in a high-speed chase with the police, crack open a cold one and even offer some open containers to the police officers. I’m sure everything will be smoothed over. 10. Pudding is very addictive. Try it once, and there is no going back. When you hit three cups a day you should probably start going to PA. Not Pennsylvania, but rather Pudding-Eaters Anonymous.

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE

CORRECTION POLICY The Miscellany News will only accept corrections for any misquotes, misrepresentations or factual errors for an article within the semester it is printed. The Miscellany News is not responsible for the views presented within its Opinions pages. The weekly staff editorial is the only article which reflects the opinion of the Editorial Board.

August 27, 2018

WELCOME ISSUE

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College to transform curriculum with aid of science grant SCIENCE continued from page 1

pressing in contemporary society—things like diseases/epidemics, water, climate change, etc. Students and faculty will work together to look at these issues from multiple perspectives, to develop a more thorough understanding of how they are affecting us, and what can be done to address related concerns.” These clusters will consist of three to four professors who, along with students, investigate the Challenges in introductory courses, incorporating various perspectives from their respective disciplines as well as inclusive pedagogies. The program will also encourage research projects— including ones that engage the community— building on these introductory investigations. Not only does the holistic approach of the program fit seamlessly into Vassar’s embrace of interdisciplinary learning, but it also fosters collaborations that extend beyond the classroom and the academic year. Finally, it encourages a broadening of perspectives within its affiliated courses. “One of the main ideas behind Grand Challenges is that we feel more engaged in an intellectual project if we have a personal stake in it, or a sense of ownership of it,” elaborated Cameron. “So, in addition to the pedagogical innovations, I think the enhanced sense of community we will see in this program will help make Vassar STEM feel more inclusive.” As Garrett added, since the Grand Challenges are global by nature—embracing hard scientific research as well as sociological and cultural factors—the courses and initiatives stemming from the Inclusive Excellence grant will hopefully also appeal to non-STEM students and students not ordinarily inclined to take science courses. “It is truly a liberal arts approach to education in the sciences,” stated President of the College Elizabeth Bradley. “Inclusivity fosters more com-

prehensive, creative and compassionate solutions to shared problems. Based on my practical and research experience in global health, I know the skills students will develop through these courses will be invaluable.” The 57 recipients of HHMI’s Inclusive Excellence grant will carry out the initiative through diverse approaches, but all are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the sciences— which has historically been lacking. At Vassar, a 2017 internal study revealed to faculty and administrators that students from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences may encounter barriers to success. For the Vassar team involved in the writing of the grant proposal, this data illuminated a need for curricular change. As Cameron wrote, “We asked about their feeling of preparedness, their sense of identity and belonging in the science community, their experience of institutional supports and barriers and about the resources on campus they use to help them succeed. One finding that stood out...was that students from groups historically underrepresented in science and math were significantly more likely than others to feel underprepared, and to report having encountered institutional barriers to their success.” In order to address the academic barriers brought to light in the study, the initiative will emphasize student involvement. Vassar Student Association Chair of Academics May Venkat-Ramani ’20 expressed: “While this topic had already been discussed by many administrators and the VSA, we are excited to have the grant highlight the work that must be done.” The development of the science curriculum comes at a time of transformation at Vassar that focuses on both engaging in real-world challenges and providing support for all students to thrive.

Courtesy of Vassar College/Karl Rabe

years, the grant will support collaboration among faculty and students to create and reform curricula to better serve students traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields. Vassar is one of 33 colleges and universities around the country to receive the grant this year, adding to the 24 schools chosen in the 2017 round of applicants. HHMI, the largest private sponsor of science education in the United States, is partnering with the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to implement and evaluate the various facets of the grant, the details of which will be tailored to the environments and needs of individual recipient institutions. Associate Professor of Biology Jodi Schwarz, the initiative’s program director, expressed in an email, “The program that Vassar proposed to HHMI builds on our tradition by providing new and exciting ways for faculty and students to come together and work together, starting with the introductory level and continuing through senior thesis work and faculty collaborations.” Schwarz worked on the proposal to HHMI alongside Professor of Chemistry and Associate Dean of the Faculty Teresa Garrett, Professor of Education and Director of Asian Studies Christopher Bjork and Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Jan Cameron. The grant initiative will begin this fall semester with faculty training, assisted by the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity. Faculty members will lay the foundations for a curriculum involving clusters of students and professors who will investigate global Grand Challenges. This program is set to go into effect in the 2019-20 school year. “The Grand Challenges,” Bjork illuminated in an email interview, “will be multidisciplinary courses that explore topics that are considered

Takunda Maisva ’19, a biology major and URSI participant from Joliet, IL, spent the summer studying deer habitat at Vassar Farm. Dean of the Faculty Jonathan Chenette highlighted the new curriculum and EPI as cornerstones of these changes. “We want to see these high-impact experiences grow as a key component of every student’s Vassar education and every major’s curriculum,” wrote Chenette. “Both the HHMI initiative and the EPI are piloting intensive learning experiences and developing innovative pedagogies, courses and support services that will help all students participate and flourish in these transformative learning experiences.” Student-faculty clusters are expected to commence in fall 2019 alongside the phasing in of the “dash-1” curriculum. Bradley concluded, “These will be inspiring courses, forcing us all to think outside the box, look at the particularities of each challenge and think holistically about issues about which we care deeply.”

Local artists to showcase imaginative exhibit in Palmer PALMER continued from page 1

viewer and artist as the first word, “universe,” plays on the phrase “you and I.” Rezones commented in an emailed statement on the title, “The message is you and I speak creatively about diversity, confidence, imagination, creativity [and] uniqueness…while showcasing our commonalities at the same time.” Rezones and Boogie are no strangers to the Vassar community. Rezones, also known to the Vassar community as TC Weaver, has been a chef for Vassar in the ACDC since 1991. (As Rezones put it, “Working since ’91, hanging out since ’86.”) Both Boogie and Rezones were founding members of the Vassar organization known as Hip-Hop 101, and they met through the dance practice that the org used to run. Since then, they have been working together as artists. Rezones commented, “We’ve been together since ’05 sharing our passion with the masses.” As experienced artists who have used their work to convey powerful messages, Rezones and Boogie bring their distinct strengths to their col-

laborative work. Rezones is a graffiti artist turned graphic designer, fashion designer, digital artist and photographer. Incredibly imaginative and versatile, he worked on an exhibit with Hudson Valley artist Monica Church in 2013 entitled “The Flip Side: Creative Practice by Members of the Vassar College Community.” In this exhibit, Rezones showcased his photography, which Church described as a combination of superheroes, graffiti and comic book text that often portrayed Risa. Also demonstrating an emphasis on diverse and innovative forms of media, Boogie is a graphic designer, illustrator, muralist, digital artist and woodworker. In 2017, she created a mural as part of the Poughkeepsie O+ Festival, an art gala that aims to raise money for artists’ health and empower uninsured artists. In addition, she showcases her paintings at Poughkeepsie hair salon The Great Studio. Boogie commented regarding her work, “My art always draws from the feelings of an adventurous spirit and youthfulness, while tapping into a deeper and more curious mind. This spirit allows

Courtesy of Vassar Office of Communications

Encouraging the viewer to enter into a conversation with the art, BoogieREZ will hold a reception on September 6 to formally welcome community members to be a part of the exhibit.

you to reach your ultimate goals with lofty ambition and energetic imagination.” Likewise, the artists’ combined work is powerful, often conveying themes that are complex and socially in tune—such as the phoniness of intellectual conversation and exaggerated portrayals of different brands and people. This essence is captured on the duo’s website, boogierez.com, which features everything from doodles to fashion photography to murals to pictures of the two in the process of creating masterpieces. Here, there are minimal words to accompany the art—Boogie and Rezones prefer to leave it up to the viewer to get a feel for and to interpret each piece. In addition to the “Universe Creative” exhibit, the two are working on the Poughkeepsie Gateway Project, which involves creating a mural located near the Poughkeepsie train station. Church commented on the dynamism of their partnership and the impact of their work: “Boogie and Rez have become an amazing creative team and their stars are rising with the World Trade Center corrugated metal shed project [another project they are working on] and Poughkeepsie’s Gateway Project mural. We are so thankful that Boogie and Rez have made time in their busy schedule to exhibit at the Palmer Gallery.” As for describing the exhibit itself, the artists and organizers made sure not to give anything away. They encourage viewers to come take a look in order to decide what the experience is like for themselves. One thing is for certain, however—the exhibit will involve collaboration with the audience members. Assistant Dean of the College for Campus Activities Teresa Quinn commented, “[T]he experience will be interactive and visitors will be part of the exhibition, which will evolve and change every day as the conversation between the artist and visitor transpires.” Church also identified what she believes to be a highlight of the exhibit: “I like that this show is a break from [the] framed artworks and pedestal pieces which

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE

the Palmer traditionally exhibits.” Boogie elaborated on this interactive aspect, writing, “[We] will have interactive stations set up (there will be clear signs indicating which can be doodled on), where [the] audience can color, tag, write quotes and add their flavor to the art.” She explained what she hoped the public would take away from the exhibit, saying she wants to convey to viewers curious pieces that power imagination and motivation. She continued, “I learn the best by keeping my hands busy making things and sharing my process. Play, be apart, make, to experience is the best way of learning. I am always excited to see how interactive activities connect others that can leads to other fun projects.” The exhibit’s central location in the Palmer Gallery, between the North Atrium and the Retreat, will also prove beneficial to its interactive nature. The location acts as a way to draw in viewers as well as providing a means for the college community to connect with the greater Poughkeepsie community from within the bounds of the campus. Church elaborated, “The Palmer Gallery’s location in the College Center is paramount to its success. The many gallery windows engage and invite passers-by to spend some time looking and responding to whatever art conversation is taking place within its walls. We hope to make interacting with art and artists easy.” There will be a reception for “Universe Creative” on Thursday, September 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. As Quinn acclaimed, “The upcoming exhibition... will feature two of the most dynamic, creative and well known artists in this area and beyond.” The duo will be welcoming students and Poughkeepsie community members alike to connect with their multidimensional art and hopefully walk away feeling inspired by it. Summing up the goals of the exhibit, Boogie stated, “Above all, it is my one and only hope that my art connects people to their passion. Plain and simple, this is what it’s all about.”

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WELCOME ISSUE

August 27, 2018

Misc warmly Internship tips stave off job-pocalypse welcomes first-years INTERNSHIPS continued from page 1

WELCOME continued from page 1

beasts so beloved by job interviewers—is not your top priority. That’s why I’m here to change your mind. I started out with The Miscellany News in my first semester, as a Copy Staffer. This meant that every Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., I would climb the College Center stairs to the cozy hole-inthe-wall known as the Misc Office and spend 45 minutes switching between the Style Guide and whatever section the head Copy Editor assigned me, fussing over hyphens and em dashes and making sure no Oxford commas slipped by. Sometimes my shift would run long and I would be late meeting my new friends for dinner, but I didn’t try to explain because it was difficult to do so without sounding like a total nerd. Soon, I added Design Staffer to my plate and found myself wrestling with Adobe software every Monday as I laid out a section of the paper under the experienced eye of my Design Editor. No matter how dorky I felt with my face pressed close to the computer screen to ensure that the headline I was placing was not a millimeter off-kilter, I couldn’t deny how much I loved it. The Misc gave structure to my life in a semester that was overwhelmingly busy, stressful, confusing and challenging, and I began to look forward to the weekly sessions in the office where I could breathe and finally feel like my life was under my own control. Fast-forward through a year as co–Design Editor, a semester abroad blogging and reporting for the paper from afar and a semester as Senior Editor, and I’m writing to you—the Class of 2022—as Editor-in-Chief. The Editorial Board and I have prepared this special Welcome Issue for you for a couple of reasons. First, as an introduction to Vassar’s campus culture and community, and second, in the hopes that a few of you may join our ranks. Yes, working for the paper is difficult, time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming—just like the rest of college. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. On a personal level, working for the Misc has taught me more about dedication and leadership—and above all, more about myself— than any other experience during my time at college. Beyond that, there’s something special about being part of a long history. The Misc is Vassar’s only weekly newspaper, circulating to students, administrators, faculty and the Poughkeepsie community since 1866. Wednesday nights when school is in session, you can pick up a copy of the paper in your dorm, the College Center, the Deece or the Bridge, or catch up on the latest issue online at MiscellanyNews.org. Our six sections—News, Features, Opinions, Humor, Arts and Sports—always welcome new reporters and columnists, and since Vassar offers no official journalism major, contributing an article or a review might be the ideal way to scratch your cub reporter itch. If writing isn’t your schtick, consider joining the ranks of our staff in the Design, Copy, Online, Outreach/Social Media or Photography departments. Don’t forget to follow our Instagram [at]themiscnews, and tune into our Twitter [at]miscellanynews for breaking news and live coverage of Vassar Student Association meetings. You can also find us circling up every Sunday at 9 p.m. in the Rose Parlor beginning September 16 for Paper Critique, where we always welcome new faces. Finally, you can reach us by email any time of the day or night at misc[at]vassar.edu. Best of luck to each of you as you embark on the crazy and amazing journey that is Vassar. Wherever your four years take you, the Misc will be waiting every Wednesday night.

you’ll want to start sifting through early enough to find the right fit in time. Because my revelation about how I wanted to spend my summer came late, I was unable to apply to many internships for which I would have liked to have been considered. In the end, I was lucky to stumble across a flexible organization. Where to look: The Career Development Office (CDO) offers several resources to find internships, as well as resume help, job interview advice, rehearsals and more. I found my internship at United South End Settlements (USES) in Boston via CEI Internships (formerly Career Education Institutes). USES is an organization that currently serves more than 300 underprivileged children and families in the South End with the goal of building a more inclusive community. As a camp counselor, I worked in two different capacities depending on the day. When a group leader was out or when we were going on a field trip, I directly supervised the kids. “Supervising” is a mild word for a very hectic,

draining duty. I was liable if they wandered off and got lost or hurt themselves by running around, climbing on things or fighting. Not to mention that I had other responsibilities, like mediating disputes, dishing out caution and discipline when necessary and trying to participate in other activities. Other days, I was simply a volunteer. This meant that I was unpaid and did not count toward the adult-to-kid ratio (the minimum is around 1:12/13). However, I had flexible hours and could help with more menial tasks, including cleaning, setting up meals, filling out forms, organizing/filing papers for an audit or acting like a substitute group leader. Part B: The Doing Stage Without talking too narrowly about children or education in particular, there are two things I wish I had done. First is taking initiative. I wanted to get involved with multiple groups of kids and run a basketball workshop, but somehow it didn’t occurred to me that I should simply mentioning these ambitions to my supervisor. As it turns out, it didn’t take much to expand my role to work with other groups or to start the

basketball workshop. Both my co-workers and I regretted that it didn’t happen sooner. I had the autonomy to carry out goals, but I instead expected opportunities to be handed to me. I also wish I had been less afraid to ask questions. Rather than asking what to do in certain situations or inquiring about tips and philosophies on working with children, I quietly observed. In most cases, asking is simply faster and more effective. Why wait around observing your experienced co-workers when you could just ask them how they do things? What are you afraid of? Isn’t learning stuff you don’t know the point of internships? These are questions I would have liked to ask myself. While I hope these tips help, remember that there are many more students, faculty members and administrators out there who can give you a hand. Funnily enough, the same tips that apply to finding internships probably apply to navigating your first year at college: Don’t be afraid to ask and take the initiative, because you aren’t supposed to know everything yet. Good luck with your first year at Vassar!

Studies in Paris delight, enchant Andrea Yang

FEATURES EDITOR

his past summer, I attended the French language program at Sciences Po in Paris. Before my flight, I constructed a comprehensive to-do list based on Hemingway’s “A Movable Feast.” I religiously visited all of the city’s cultural scenic spots—cafés frequented by expatriate American writers, the grave of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf’s birthplace… Did I perform all of the Parisian clichés? Is the baguette the most essential fashion statement in one’s tote bag? Do people actually drink rosé by the Seine on the Summer Solstice and every other day? Oui, oui et oui.

All photos courtesy of Andrea Yang/The Miscellany News.

Thoughts from the Editor: Summer of ’Bron LEBRON continued from page 1

the wrong way on the soccer field. Breakups are hard. And even more so in the NBA, where no superstar (especially one skipping town for a younger, more attractive team) has effectively mastered the art of saying goodbye. In the process of formulating an inherently imperfect exit, visual testaments speak volumes, and luckily for LeBron, this last one played out in his favor. Contrasted with the egocentric self-servitude of “The Decision,” the final image of the latest Cleveland LeBron is one of a man irked and frustrated, futilely grinding against the grain, trying to shepherd a flock of journeymen to a hopelessly improbable goal. Eleven years with the Cavs, and one promised championship delivered, the reality of the situation became painfully clear: This time around, it’s not me, it’s you. The basketball world understood. There would be no jersey burning, but instead outrage in the opposing sense—the media up in arms at the mere sight of a brand new LeBron mural defaced in downtown LA by some lingering contrarian. In

Summer 2018, fan frustration gave way to a newfound appreciation of brilliance. There are endless musings to be had on the topic: Maybe LeBron purposely had the Cavs trade for Clarkson and Nance to clear up Laker cap space...did anyone else notice his contract expires the year his son could join the NBA...what exactly was the King telling Lonzo on the court in the December, with his jersey over his mouth? In a move that is an act of brilliance all by itself, LeBron took a back seat in his own free agency, keeping comments minimal and shuffling of announcing duties to his associates, leaving room for the fans themselves to be the ones to speak on his behalf. In his first public appearance as a member of his new team, LeBron pulled up to the NBA Summer League with emblazoned Lakers shorts, prompting a standing ovation from all fans in attendance. Prancing jovially around the sidelines, LeBron dapped up new Cavs Head Coach Ty Lue, while also exchanging a moment with Lakers teammate Brandon Ingram, a lanky guard with gifted scoring ability, someone who LeBron has

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tapped as capable of being the Pippin to his Jordan. Working from the basis of their youthful core, Magic Johnson & Co. have compiled a fascinating roster. Free agent signings of notable goofballs Lance Stephenson and Javale McGee, alongside the difficultly indifferent Rajon Rondo, all add immense talent to the roster, while also setting up a new challenge. Over the course of next season, LeBron will set out to unlock the potential trapped within troubled personalities and young demeanors. It’s a job suited only for a King. Beyond basketball, LA offers LeBron a path to move into a new phase of his career—part player, part mogul. Hollywood productions in the works under James’ company SpringHill Entertainment read as long as your mom’s receipt at the grocery store, ranging from a three-part political docuseries to a remake of cult comedy “Space Jam.” In the midst of a loud and hectic NBA summer, the star still stands above the rest. On the chessboard, it is now the King himself who is moving the pawns as he takes his first shot at being the one who can truly transcend the game.