November 21, 2019

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2019

Trans activist Imara Jones speaks at MNSU

Jones discusses hardships, challenges, acceptance of trans community MARIA LY STAFF WRITER Imara Jones, who proudly identifies as a black trans woman, is an award winning journalist, social justice activist, and creator of the docuseries “Translash”. Students were given a chance to attend a screening of an episode and a special Q&A Monday at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The event was sponsored by the LGBT Center, Women’s Center, African American Affairs and the sexuality studies minor. Students learned more about Jones’ family history in episode three of “Translash”, where she visits her ancestral home of Albany, Georgia. In the episode she learns more about her mother and her family’s reaction to her transition, while also exploring the idea of chosen family and other trans experiences and perspectives on family.

Jones said, “The place is in the middle of nowhere but

Imara Jones speaks during the Family Erasure and Anti-Trans Violence event held in the Centennial Student Union’s Ostrander Auditorium Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Prasad Pol/ MSU Reporter)

it is actually the locale of a lot of history and it is the locale of a lot of my history. It’s where many generations of my family were from and are from now.”

Albany is home to her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. It’s the

place where many pivotal moments in American racial justice history occurred from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement.

Jones’ family is known for being religious. They’re the type of family who would go to church every Sunday, and

on paper, they would be the type of people who would stereotypically be anti-trans.

When she transitioned, the reaction she got from her family was surprisingly positive.

Jones said, “I think what you’ll see is that people can

surprise you, but the most important thing is for us to give people a chance to embrace us, to not necessarily make assumptions about where people are going to land.”

In the episode, students viewed a heartfelt scene of a conversation Jones had with her cousins. One of her cousins talked about how Jones’ transition encouraged her to come out as well. Her mother did not take it well, flipped out and had a huge breakdown.

However, support from other family members was different. Her grandmother Darol, and Mama Rose who is the matriarch, decided to pull her mother aside to let her know that their granddaughter is not the problem.

“She said, ‘It’s your problem, you have to figure it out.

In this family we accept her and we don’t have an issue with it and we’re not going to have a suicide because you

JONES page 3

MNSU sorority holds fundraiser for first responders CARLEY SONJU STAFF WRITER Alpha Sigma Alpha held a fundraiser for the Mankato Department of Public Safety Tuesday night in the CSU Ballroom.

The sorority, as a group, does two fundraisers each year for the police officers

Correction In our Nov. 19 issue Aaron Hoy was described as “the Assistant Professor of Physiology”. He is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and the director of the Aging Studies Program at MNSU

and firefighters of Mankato.

This year, the money raised would be given to the fire department so that they can provide smoke detectors to less fortunate families who do not have them.

The fundraisers they hold is not the only way they help support our local firefighters.

Recruitment vice president Allyssa Sanford explained, “Every semester we go down there and do this thing called Dinner for Heroes, so we’ll cook food for them and then they’ll show us around the building. We wanted to do something more for them.”

The theme for the fundraiser this semester was a carnival setting. It was the first time they had used a carnival theme. There was a $5 door fee to enter the carnival and

MNSU students attending the Alpha Sigma Alpha Fundraiser held in the Centennial Student Union Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Jack Linell/MSU Reporter)

included with your entry were 10 game plays. Tickets that a participant won by playing

IN THIS ISSUE: Student Government Update..................... Page 2 Students Suffer Food Insecurity................. Page 3 Men & Women’s Basketball........................ Page 8 Grammy Predictions................................... Page 9

the games could be put into a prize drawing and then winners were drawn at the end of

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WEATHER OUTLOOK: THURSDAY (11/21)

FRIDAY (11/22)

SATURDAY (11/23)

SUNDAY (11/24)

MONDAY (11/25)

PRECIP. CHANCE: 64%

PRECIP. CHANCE: 0%

PRECIP. CHANCE: 3%

PRECIP. CHANCE: 4%

PRECIP. CHANCE: 25%

A little rain, then snow.

Plenty of sunshine.

Times of sun and clouds.

Times of sun and clouds.

Some sun.

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Have a story idea?

Email News Editor Michael McShane

michael.mcshane@mnsu.edu

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Title IX hosts educational outreach event HELLEN AKINYI STAFF WRITER

The Office of Equal Opportunity, which is well known as Title IX office, hosted an educational outreach on campus to educate students more on what they do.

This was a first of many trainings they hoping to have as a way of spreading word about their office and what they do. They focus more on offering training to individuals, residential life and security and offering services like pregnant/parenting student accommodation which gives housing to students who are pregnant or have little children.

Affirmative action is, in the context of the allocation of resources or employment, the practice or policy of favouring individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously. It is not about lowering anyone’s status or roles by providing these opportunities.

“We are making sure we are taking steps and our goals are met when it comes to hiring individuals,” Linda Alvarez, the director and coordinator of the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office

said.

The office has set some hiring goals they want to achieve by 2020, which is next year. Alvarez talked about how it can be so hard to meet some of these goals. “As we get higher and higher in the ladder, the skills we look for in the minorities lessens. So we are trying to find a way of making these skills available to them by encouraging them to go high up the ladder,” said Alvarez.

The office runs under certain laws and regulations, and they have to make sure their laws go hand-in-hand with the federal laws, this is because Minnesota State University, Mankato being a public university gets funds from the federal government to run.

As much as the office has its goals set and is trying to have a diverse group of people in each and every single role, it is hard to meet some of the requirements due to the different factors that arise in different situations. Factors like retirement or budget happen to be the biggest factors. Whenever a job posting is made, they always have to make sure they job description matches the qualifications stated.

Alvarez, along with Laura

Student Government update MAX MAYLEBEN MEDIA EDITOR Provost Wells presented some of the changes that will be happening to the university. The University is proposing the addition of a new “College for Applied Agriculture”, with hopes of expanding the agriculture program.

Administration is also looking to launch a “School of Global Education.” Res Life Rates had their lowest rate increase in over a decade, only increasing by 5 dollars per student. This money will go towards upgraded desk

supplies for the residence halls and a promotional item for every resident at the beginning of the year.

Senator Hoiseth and Senator Prom introduced a motion for the student government to recognize the effect that mental health can have on academics. In this motion, they are also asking faculty members to recognize the difficulties as well The Student Government also voted on a motion to require members of committees to attend two thirds of the respective committee meetings. The motion was passed.

Director & Title IX Coordinator Linda Alvarez speaks to a group of students, faculty and staff about equal employment and resources the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX offers during the Taking Action: Supporting Equal Employement seminar held at the Centennial Student Union Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 at Mankato, Minn. (Samuel Oluwadoromi/MSU Reporter)

Diaz, the assistant director and deputy of Title IV office, and Equal Opportunity and Title IX specialist Maegen Sincleair Usher all agreed in unison by saying that candidates for some jobs don’t really need to have a PhD degree despite that being a requirement, as if anyone is able to do it efficiently, they don’t see the need for them

to hold the PhD degree, and they will ensure whoever made the posting knows so candidates can get hired.

Despite having an official staffing process at MNSU, the office works hard. They did encourage people to show support for their efforts.

One of the ways to support them is by doing things like engaging in any ongoing

training to further develop skills to supervise a diverse work force, participate in diversity training, challenging misinformation on affirmative action and so on.

You can find more details by visiting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX in Morris Hall 014, or visiting their website

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MSU Reporter • 3

News

International students suffer from food insecurity MARIA LY STAFF WRITER The students no one suspects is facing food insecurity are international students.

One student at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Pooja Gurung, feels like this is due to the wide stereotype that international students are rich and well-off.

Gurung said, “Their parents are probably taking loans to send them to school here, which is what my mom is doing, so when it comes to things like that you don’t have the capacity to tell your parents to send you more money because they’re already paying a lot for your tuition.”

In a study done by the 2018 Sociology in Action

class found that two-thirds of students face food insecurity in some way. Most students surveyed who claimed they faced food insecurity were students of color.

Most of these students of color are international students.

Gurung is from Nepal, a developing country, and grew up in a poor family.

Most often they didn’t have the money to get the food they needed.

“Sometimes for food my mom and I will play a game of who can find the most coins.

So we would open up all of our cupboards and find coins and stack it up and buy milk,” said Gurung.

They even struggled to buy gas for their stove and sometimes wasn’t able to

properly cook a meal.

“We used the rice cooker to boil milk and cook everything and that’s what we used to do because we didn’t have money for gas,” said Gurung.

When she was older she was sent by her mom to study in America as jobs in her country are very limited. Her mom would take out loans for her to get an American education. This food insecurity her family faced when she was in Nepal carried over with her when she started college.

Gurung said, “I have suffered from bouts of food insecurity during times when family couldn’t send me the money that I need to get by.

I had other financial obligations at school to take care of which meant I didn’t have

enough leftover money in my budget to buy food for myself.”

She tried really hard to budget the very little money she had and bought things that were unhealthy such as a dollar ramen. She would stretch out this food across many days.

When asked what her lowest point was, she said, “I had $7 and I had to stretch it out for two weeks and that’s when I went to all of the free events on campus with free snacks and free food.”

Gurung at this time, would take advantage of every resource she could. She went to the Campus Kitchen for their peanut butter sandwiches. She would go to the one buck lunches at the Crossroads Church.

Her experience, however, is not unique. “I feel like all international students in some way or some form suffer from food insecurity now and then, unless you are from a well-off family, and this just doesn’t apply to international students,” said Gurung.

With the cultural contribution scholarship, international students spend an average of $4,590 a semester on tuition.

This can be a barrier for some students whose families are unable to give them more than the cost of tuition as they struggle to pay for the cost of living.

Stephanie Gonzalez, the assistant director of the Ke-

said, “If you don’t understand that misogyny is an enemy of us both then I don’t really know what to tell you.

I don’t have anything to say to that because the same things that allow for people in your life to deny you opportunities, to deny you control over your body, to tell you how you should look, to tell you that in relationships to be subservient.”

She continued, “If you don’t understand that that’s the same force that’s telling me that I don’t exist and that I don’t have rights then I don’t know what to tell you.”

She talked about the accountability cis-women have and the importance of them speaking up. She discussed a post she made on social media about black cis-women and how if they’re not talking to the men in their life about protecting black transwomen, they’re failing.

This inspired her friend to talk to her sons and her son’s friends about transwomen and how to treat them.

Jones, when asked by a student when her journey ends, claimed that it never will. For trans people, it’s the fight of their lives.

She said, “I’m comfortable with the idea of it always being an ongoing thing and I’m comfortable with the idea of it never being completely finished. That’s what makes possibility in life. If we only have definite endings, if you only had firm definitions, if things were fixed, there will never be any change. The only thing that allows for change, for love and for hope is the fact that we have growth and that we’re always never going

to be completely set.”

What fuels this fight for their lives in the trans community is joy.

Jones said, “There’s a lot of examples in history of

how we use joy as a way to humanize ourselves and to connect and survive. It’s actually our secret weapon that people have not been able to take away from us.”

FOOD page 6

JONES

Continued from page 1 can’t deal with it.’” Jones recounted.

She continued, “All of the times we are made the problem and then in our family on my mother’s side said, ‘Oh no, this is your problem, this your problem as a parent.’”

After the viewing, students were able to ask Jones questions in a discussion facilitated by Dr. Miller, an associate professor in the sexuality studies minor and co-coordinator of the gender and women’s studies.

The two women talked about the importance of sharing one’s story, learning about other people’s stories, and learning about one’s history.

Jones said, “One of the really important things is that all of us wear our stories. It’s the thing that makes you truly you and denying people of their stories is a way to erase us, to erase people.”

Jones reminisced about one of her friends who is a black queer woman with a PhD in computer science and how she felt alone and like an imposter. Jones then asked her what difference it would make if she knew the story about how black women making calculations in a basement was the only way that America was able to get on the moon.

Jones said, “It’s really important that we tell stories so that we have our place in history because one of the weapons that have been used against us as marginalized people and the country as a whole is to erase the histories of the people that have helped us get here, and that’s one of the things we have to

stop doing.”

The two also discussed the unnaturalness of gender and how what we’re taught about gender sticks with us our whole lives.

Dr. Miller brought up a time during both her and Jones past where they attended one of their chosen family’s weddings. It was a time before Jones decided to transition. She decided to wear a skirt and had a moment where she didn’t know what to expect at the wedding and how people would treat her.

Dr. Miller said, “There was an element of accountability and an element of surprise, because even within our chosen family, gender would be something that you would have to walk the world thinking about.”

Jones discussed the idea of how gender is something everyone thinks about our whole lives. She recounted memories of her childhood, being raised as a boy, and how boys around adolescence would practice things ranging from how they walked and how they talked.

Jones said, “Gender is a creation. Those aren’t things that are inherently natural you get policed into those things so we actually think about gender all the time.

The gender distinction is the first distinction that we learn before anything else.”

They also discussed the obsession with bathrooms and the epidemic of black trans women being murdered and what cis-women can do.

Jones talked about how by helping transwomen, people are helping all women. She

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4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, November 21, 2019

FALL 2019 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MADISON DIEMERT

Altman paved way for new generation of cinema

507-389-5454 madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

THOMAS BOWMAN STAFF WRITER One of America’s favorite pastimes since the early 20th century is indulging in cinema.

Whether it’s watching the best shows on Netflix or swinging to the nearest theater to catch the latest flick, people are offered many opportunities in visual media.

Since movies have been around since the beginning of the 1900s, filmmakers have gradually been forming more intricate filming styles and techniques throughout the past decades. I was recently made aware of a porous framing style connected to the films of Robert Altman.

A film class introduced me to Altman’s unique technique in the 1975 satirical film “Nashville”. While researching the movie I was intrigued by an interesting film style that was out of the ordinary, especially for the 70s.

His camera style manipulates and deconstructs the way a scene and image is presented to an audience.

His use of the porous frame was a staple to cinema in the 70s. Altman’s availability of new audiovisual technology helped create a distinct signature during the decade.

The directors work is what would be accurately established as master or displaying shots in professional cinema

NEWS EDITOR: Michael McShane 507-389-5450 michael.mcshane@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Andrew Neururer andrew.neururer@mnsu.edu A&E EDITOR: Kolby Spomer kolby.spomer@mnsu.edu

Photo courtesy of Flickr

can often become medium shots or close-ups.

The viewer is faced by an image where the proximity of the main objects in relation to the camera can’t be estimated. Altman’s movies,

gives Altman the freedom and space to include delicately placed artistic details in his movies. He encouraged his actors to use improvised lines to give an incredible amount of realism to the

“Altman’s availability of new audiovisual technology helped create a distinct signature during the decade.” in the end is a rather backwards combination. It manages to feel open and free but is somehow unrelated of traditional director signature markers of style.

The porous technique

mass of the camera image.

“Good disintegration!”

Altman would tell his cast whenever they come up with a witty improved line.

Even if you have not seen an Altman film, it is very like-

ly that you are aware of the people who have been influenced by his works.

Some of these celebrities include Paul Thomas Anderson (director of” Boogie Nights”) and Judd Apatow (the creator of “Freaks and Geeks”).

Altman impacts people with his angle of capturing heavy topics regarding politics and various other social issues. Although he’s not as well-known as George Lucas or Stephen Spielberg, Altman is a name commonly traded between conversations among professionals.

“To play it safe is not to play” is a phrase coined by Altman at the height of his career. He fits the description of his own thought upon words.

“What is your favorite movie?”

Compiled by Max Mayleben

DEVIN BAKER, CIS

THOMAS THORNTON, MATHEMATICS

BRENNAN MUDDER, BIOMED

GEORGE BRENNY, CIVIL ENGINEERING

“The Iron Giant”

“Schindler’s List”

“Step Brothers”

“Talladega Nights”

ADAM BRIDENSTINE, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT “The Wolf of Wall Street”

ADVERTISING SALES: Cody VanDenEinde 507-389-5097 cody.vandeneinde@mnsu.edu Nathan Norman 507-389-5453 nathan.norman@mnsu.edu Kali Andriano-Allard 507-389-6765 kali.andriano-allard@mnsu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

POLICIES & INFO • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Madison Diemert at 507-389-5454.

The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space.

Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

MSU Reporter • 5

News

“Run, Lola, Run” helped me find my character RACHAEL JAEGER STAFF WRITER “Run, Lola, Run” was my first cinematic experience that pulled at my guts and screamed at me to change my major from English to communications a decade ago at another college.

The 1999 film has also applied to my life, especially since I have felt the pressure building to stabilize myself and in looking around, I feel nowhere near where I should be.

The plot from “Run, Lola, Run” centers around a redhaired, young woman in her early 20s who receives a call from her boyfriend who is in need of money since he lost what he owed to drug dealers. If he doesn’t get the money to them by a certain time, his life is in danger.

Since her dad was wealthy, her boyfriend believed that she could help and all along the way in helping him, she runs into trouble—mostly from the ticking clock. While I haven’t had that experience, I resonate with the feeling that I am running out of time.

When I was homeschooled in a rural town of less than 500 people, I wrote and read a lot.

I still do but I have begun to see that the writing craft is changing and film is the new literature. In the course of pursuing both writing and film, I have learned what my strengths and weaknesses are.

The truth is, I am currently stronger in the writing aspect

than the film but in my bones, I feel I cannot just give it up.

Books will always be appreciated since many films are created from them and typically, avid readers will still enjoy the book more than the movie because of the depth the movie lacks.

And still, from talking to others, I see most automatically go to Netflix, Roku or other channels for entertainment instead of books.

The people also include my roommates. The creative industry is changing.

The line “I wanna go, I wanna fight, I wanna rush, I wanna run, I wanna see you again…” in the soundtrack arouses my anxiety and rushes my adrenaline, not necessarily in a good way all the time.

Often, I reach a point where I feel like time is running out, especially since I just turned 30 but I don’t feel like I am “that old.”

Because of where I have been, I have had struggles finding the fit for both the creative person I am and for my mental health challenges.

The phrase “Finding the fit” has started annoying me when I hear it. The journey isn’t easy. From my observation, these days jobs are being redefined and new ones are emerging.

No one can predict what will be “the new thing,” so in my opinion, I felt like I have had to stay on my guard while still following what I am supposed to do.

And yet, I’ve made connections that have proved helpful. Before coming to Minnesota State University, Mankato, I read Dr. Rachael

Hanel’s book “We will be the last ones to let you down” which also resonated with me on many levels.

Her memoir spoke to me not with its themes on death and grieving, but also at the end when she stated her child-free stance.

Until that point, I have felt like I was the only one who believed that way.

Her book became a reason why I chose to finish my communications degree in film in journalism, although I completed a business management associates degree in 2012. That major and that path just didn’t turn out as that fit so often discussed.

I also recently took a writing course from Hanel at the Arts Center of St. Peter with several others and received feedback on a creative nonfiction book I started about my grandpa who I never knew. I also shot a couple of film projects related to that for my student films but they didn’t turn out well enough to pursue further at this time.

The project has existed in my head for years and I have tried different formats and those have failed, this project is one that has not left me alone.

I’ve realized the style may have to be different from what is expected from a memoir, a biography or even nonfiction overall. And that’s okay.

I replay a lot of the podcasts of Rob Bell, a spiritual leader who parted from Mars Hill church in Michigan due to his convictions and desires to reach a broad mainstream of people.

Since 2015, he has sought

how to encourage others in whatever craft they believe they are here to do.

Last month, he gave an example of how innovators are usually the ones who live in their parents’ garages since there isn’t that much money at that time since the thing is new.

He also said that no one will understand what you are doing until they see that and until then, you keep at what you are doing. While that still isn’t initially comforting, the way he explains it in greater detail helps.

On a personal note, while I was exploring all this, I was in a long-term and eventually long-distance relationship that fell apart. I believed that my life would finally change

after this time around of college.

But there were varying factors involved, including a family death and dissonance about what makes a family or professional life.

The distance became not only physical, but mental and emotional too and finally, I had to let go. Although almost two years have gone by, I did not properly grieve because of how upset I was but it has become part of the journey.

I wish I could say I knew now where I am supposed to be, but I have concrete ideas for the next path.

All I know for sure I am leaving with more of a confidence than what I had before. And that has value.

ALPHA

Continued from page 1 the night. There was also a game called “Pie-a-Sister” which cost an additional dollar to spin a wheel that decides which sister is getting pied, or one could pay $2 to choose which sister you got to “pie”.

They also had snacks available, such as snow cones, popcorn, cookies, chips and salsa, and lemonade. The carnival games were Ski Ball, Prize Punch, Hole-in-One, Basket Toss, Guessing Booth and Duck Pond.

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s other philanthropies include Special Olympics, S. June Smith Center, Girls on the Run, the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and

Adopt-a-Highway.

Their sorority focuses on developing women of poise and purpose. Their eight core values are generosity, growth, enjoyment, responsibility, relationships, balance, integrity, and learning, all of which show through their philanthropic endeavors to improve MNSU and the Mankato community.

Be on the lookout for other fundraisers held by Alpha Sigma Alpha. The carnival-themed fundraiser for the Department of Public Safety was a great way to give back to the people in the community who work so hard to keep everyone safe.

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6 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Gore kicking off 24 hours of climate talks around the world

FOOD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former Vice President Al Gore kicked off a series of climate presentations on Wednesday evening that will continue around the globe over 24 hours, a lively talk espousing political and U.S. policy changes.

The event, called “24 Hours of Reality” is an endeavor of The Climate Reality Project, founded by Gore to educate the public and inspire action on climate change. Gore said he has trained more than 20,000 climate activists, some of whom will be fellow presenters for the talks, which will continue through Thursday at more than 1,700 locations as far flung as Antarctica and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The opening presentation took place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where an audience of more than 1,000 people gave him a standing ovation. One of the moments of loudest applause came when he suggested President Donald Trump could be voted out of office next election.

Speaking of the Paris Climate Agreement, Gore said that although Trump wants to

arney Center for International Student Services, said, “I think students come with optimism and it’s hard to know what are you going to face when you’re here maybe the cost of living is higher than you thought or so the cabin with their families and they’re not able to get the support that they need.”

One of the issues of international students facing food insecurity is the policy where they are only allowed to work 20 hours a week.

Gonzalez said, “Because of immigration. international students are limited to working on campus, so that’s where the university is the one paying them and there’s no self-employment. A lot of our students work at dining services, there’s a lot with the CSU Ops, just really wherever they can find something on campus. That’s just a federal regulation that all international students need to follow.”

Although they are allowed to work 20 hours, this may not be enough for students especially with the cost of rent, health insurance, gas, cars and other bills.

Gurung said, “Even with working you’re not able to

Continued from page 3

back out of it, the U.S. cannot legally pull out until the day after next year’s presidential election.

“If there’s a new president, pardon me for a minute,” he said to laughs as he stretched out his arms and looked up. “Now don’t you dare interpret that as a partisan gesture. I have freedom of speech and freedom of prayer.”

Gore said he tries to avoid partisan politics at his climate presentations, and he made a point of praising Vanderbilt’s College Republicans for calling on the Republican National Committee to change its stance on climate.

He did not shy away from politics.

At one point, Gore took aim at Trump’s characterization of the Central American refugees coming to the U.S., calling them “climate refugees” and saying many are fleeing drought.

“The reason they’re leaving is because they’re hungry,” Gore said to applause.

“They’re not rapists and terrorists. They’re hungry and they’re trying to feed their families.”

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work more than 20 hours a week so it’s not enough to make due. It’s exactly enough for rent and limited amount of groceries and I think that’s why a lot of international students suffer from food insecurity because they’re already from not well-off places.”

Being an international student and getting funding for your education and your basic living needs can be difficult as many unexpected roadblocks can occur. Roadblocks like currency changes.

“Sometimes countries’ currencies can change drastically while the student is here and so that can reduce the amount of funding they have based on the exchange rate and that’s something that you won’t think about necessarily,” said Gonzalez.

International students are also not qualified for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a program that helps people facing food insecurity by giving them food stamp benefits.

However, resources like the ECHO food shelf, Campus Kitchen, Campus Cupboard and other community food resources are available

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for international students.

Despite these resources, there are many ways that the university and offices like the Kearney Center for International Student Services can do to help international students facing food insecurity.

Gurung suggests the first step is to acknowledge that food insecurity is a problem within the international student population.

She said, “Everyone assumes that we have money just because we’re international students, that’s not true. A lot of us struggle a lot so I think the first step is to acknowledge and admit that yes we do have food insecurity problem amongst International students and yes we can work on it.”

She also suggests to bring more awareness about resources and provide resources to help all students, including international students.

Although she wishes her financial circumstances would’ve been different growing up and in college, Gurung said, “At this point, it’s whatever. It’s a part of me now.”

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Thursday, November 21, 2019

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Sports Editor Andrew Neururer

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Men and women’s hockey set to play at home

Men’s hockey faces Seawolves, women’s takes on the Beavers ANDREW NEURURER SPORTS EDITOR The Minnesota State Mavericks men’s hockey team will face-off against the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves this weekend.

The Mavericks still hold the No. 1 rank in Division I after having last weekend off.

The Seawolves currently hold a 2-6-2 record and are coming off two losses against Bowling Green. Over time, the Mavericks are 53-23-10 and are riding a seven-game win streak.

When the two teams played last season, the Mavericks won both games with an overall margin of 10-1.

Since the winning streak started, most of the games have been dominating victories, and the 4-3 win on Feb. 3, 2018 marked the closest game.

The Mavericks are averaging 3.6 goals per game while giving up just 1.3, whereas the Seawolves are scoring 2.1 goals per game and giving up 2.9.

Senior Marc Michaelis is the

leading offensive player with five goals and six assists.

Freshman Lucas Sowder is two points behind him, scoring two goals and leading the team with seven assists.

Behind those two in points are senior Charlie Gerard and freshman Nathan Smith. Both players are sitting at eight points, with Smith gaining six assists and Gerard with six goals.

Sophomore goalie Dryden McKay will look to pick up his eighth win of the season, boasting a win-loss record of 7-1-1. He is stopping 94.6% of the shots that have come his way.

These games will take place at the Mankato Civic Center on Friday and Saturday.

On the other side of things, the women’s hockey team will look to get back on track against the Bemidji State Beavers.

The Mavericks are 6-6-2 and have had a tough schedule to this point. They’ve faced the No. 2 and No. 9 ranked teams. MSU took on the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers last weekend and were unable to pick up a win.

Minnesota State defenseman Tristen Truax (26) fires a shot against Merrimack at the Mankato Civic Center Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Kjerstin Hall/MSU Reporter)

The Beavers are 3-8-1 and have lost their previous six games. Much like the Mavericks, BSU has had to play top-ranked opponents during this losing skid. The Beavers are coming off a one-sided victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, losing by a

combined 10-1 margin.

MSU is 30-41-12 against the Beavers and went 0-1-1 against Bemidji State last season.

They will need big games from junior Mariah Gardner and freshman Kelsey King.

Gardner has five goals and

six assists on the season. King has gained most of her points from assists (nine) and has two goals to go along with that.

The Beavers and Mavericks will square off at the Mankato Civic Center on Friday and Saturday.

MSU soccer to play either Augustana or Oklahoma Central ANDREW NEURURER SPORTS EDITOR The Minnesota State Mavericks women’s soccer team will have a bye in the first round of the NCAA Central Region Tournament. They will wait to play either Central Oklahoma Bronchos or Augustana Vikings.

The Mavericks are no strangers to playing against the Vikings, facing them yearly in conference play. This season they’ve faced each other twice - first in the regular season and then in the NSIC Tournament.

The game on Nov. 1 marked the first game between the two. The Mavericks won that game 2-1, with sophomores Nadia Lowery and Jenny Vetter scoring a goal each.

Two weeks later, the two teams squared off in the NSIC Tournament, with the winner advancing to the championship game. The Mavericks added another shutout to their column, winning that

game 3-0.

Senior Alesha Duccini, Vetter and freshman Allie Williams were the three responsible for goals in that game.

The Vikings are 15-4-1 and will be looking to get revenge against MSU this season - but that depends on if they can get past the Bronchos.

Central Oklahoma comes into the tournament red-hot, victorious in their last seven games. During that span they have given up just two goals and just one in a shootout victory against Northeastern State in the MIAA postseason tournament.

The Bronchos are 14-4-3 this season and are entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed. Central Oklahoma is averaging close to three goals a game, while giving up about one.

Junior Kelsie Eason and senior Asha Haile are the Bronchos’ leading offensive players. Eason has registered 17 goals and nine assists on the season. Haile is responsible

Minnesota State forward Brynn Desens (10) kicks the ball during the second half of a game against Concordia-St. Paul at the Pitch Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 in Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/ MSU Reporter)

for 12 goals and 11 assists.

Those are two players the Mavericks will have to contain

shall they play them Sunday.

Central Oklahoma and Augustana will kick-off the first

round on Friday in Mankato.

The winner of that game will play MSU at home on Sunday.

8 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Men and women’s basketball facing D-III opponents JENNA PETERSON STAFF WRITER

The Minnesota State Mavericks men and women’s basketball teams started their regular season earlier this month.

Both the teams have kept their overall record close to even. Each team will have to focus on their offensive and defensive plays this weekend.

The men play against Crown College and the women take on Bethany Lutheran Vikings, with both games being held at home in the Taylor Center.

The Mavericks and Crown College have a very short history of just one game, dating back to Dec. 19, 2008. This game was one sided, with the Mavericks winning 111-43.

Minnesota State and Crown College come into play with very similar records, despite Crown College playing more games. As of Wednesday afternoon, Crown College has lost to North Dakota State, Bethel University and Saint Mary’s University. With the brief history and large score gap between Minnesota State and Crown College, the Mavericks should have no problem defeating Crown

Minnesota State forward Ryland Holt (0) drives to the basket during the second half of a game against St. Cloud State at the Taylor Center Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 Mankato, Minn. (Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter)

College.

On Monday night, the Maverick women’s basketball team will be hosting the Vikings. The Mavericks are

sitting at 1-1, with their only loss coming against the Michigan Tech Huskies. On the other hand, the Vikings have a 4-0 record, with three of

the games ending within 20 points. In the past, the two teams have faced off only once. On Nov. 26, 2018, the Mavericks outplayed the Vi-

kings and won 98-46. With hard work and determination, the Mavericks should continue their season with another win.

MSU Reporter • 9

Thursday, November 21, 2019

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A&E Editor Kolby Spomer

kolby.spomer@mnsu.edu

2019 Grammy Predictions: Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and more JENNA PETERSON STAFF WRITER I can’t remember the last time I watched an award show, let alone the Grammy’s, but I’m interested with this year’s nominations for pop and rap.

Although it seems like I listen to the same five artists every day, I want to look at the nominations and give my opinion of who should win, and then who will probably win.

The first category I want to look into is the best pop solo performance; five women are up for this award, and they are Beyoncé (Spirit), Billie Eilish (Bad Guy), Ariana Grande (7 Rings), Lizzo (Truth Hurts), and Taylor Swift (You Need to Calm Down).

Personally, I would like Lizzo to win for the song “Truth Hurts” because I find it an empowering song that

anyone can listen to hype themselves up, but because of popularity, I could see Billie Eilish or Ariana Grande winning.

Best Pop Vocal Album is another category I want to look into, with nominations for Beyoncé (The Lion King: The Gift), Billie Eilish (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), Ariana Grande (Thank U, Next), Ed Sheeran (NO. 6 Collaborations Project), and Taylor Swift (Lover).

I have not listen to any of these albums fully, if at all, but based off what songs I do know, I would like Ed Sheeran to win; the only songs I’ve heard off him nominated album are “Beautiful People” featuring Khalid, “Cross Me” featuring Chance the Rapper, and “I Don’t Care” featuring

GRAMMYS Page 15

Photo courtesy of flickr

I love my Alcremie and so should you: A review of Pokemon Sword & Shield KOLBY SPOMER A&E EDITOR On Nov. 15, Nintendo released the much anticipated Pokemon Sword & Shield for the Nintendo Switch.

The game was critically acclaimed, being praised for the quality of life improvements, its new features like the “wild area”, and its general approachability. The fans were a little more divided.

Many had problems with the games lack of a “national dex”, which is a feature available in all previous iterations of the game that allowed players to catch every single Pokemon ever created. In addition, there were many small issues with the game that when combined with the “national dex” issue, made for the perfect storm of anger.

That isn’t to say some fans aren’t enjoying the game regardless of what’s happening around it. I include myself amongst those fans, because despite the numerous flaws this game has I still had a

Photo courtesy of Pokemon’s Facebook

great time with it.

The game follows the same general structure as its predecessors. You are a child who’s been stupidly allowed by their mother to run off and try to catch monsters with the hopes of training them to beat other monsters.

You try to build these creatures up in the hopes of one day becoming the winner of the championship tournament. When I was a kid, my favorite part of the game was leveling up my starter as high as I could and rushing to beat the league as fast as I

could. This time, my favorite moments of the game were, by far, catching the cutest animals I could. Having not played in years, I had no way of knowing that so many adorable Pokemon had been added to the game. I must’ve caught at least two

hundred of the things just so I could play with them in my camp. Speaking of which, that has to be my favorite

POKEMON Page 11

10 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Your weekly horoscope ALYSSA BUNDE STAFF WRITER Aries Mar 21-Apr 19 Tensions have been and will continue to rise. Start looking for ways to solve them instead of avoiding them. You can’t continue to hold onto anger towards someone, eventually, you need to let go. After classes enlist a trusted friend or family member and get some advice on how you should proceed.

Taurus Apr 20-May 20 You’re craving another person’s company today, but it’s not a wise decision.

There is tension in the air and your underlying uncertainty of this person is reaching a boiling point. Take time for yourself instead and reflect.

Check out a nice book from the library, stop at the gym, or even curl up and watch some Disney +, regardless of what you do company isn’t advised.

Gemini May 21-June 20 You have a lot on your plate today and while you may be tempted to turn today into a relaxing one, you can’t, it’s time to be productive. Besides others around you are feeling unsettled anyways so it’s a good time to avoid confrontation and simply work. If you must focus on the relationships in your life, evaluate the one you have with your family.

Cancer Jun 21-Jul 22 Relax young Cancer,

Photo courtesy of flickr

everything is going to be okay. There is some tension in your social life right now and that may be starting to wear on you. You should clear your mind and know that everything happens for a reason. Attempt looking at your issues from an outsider’s perspective to gain clarity on what your next move should be.

Leo Jul 23-Aug 22 You’re feeling imbalanced and are unsure of what to do with the unrest that is surrounding your personal and work life. The first step is to breathe. You may be inclined to revert to familiar activities and avoid the possible new ventures being presented to you, but don’t. Weigh out the pros and cons in a list and make a decision before you lose this opportunity.

Virgo Aug 23-Sep 22 For someone who likes to have everything planned and or organized, you’re feeling lost and unsure. Not knowing where you stand in certain people’s lives can be frustrat-

ing. However, in the coming days, you will start to find the answers to your questions.

So pay attention and be brutally honest with yourself on how your findings actually make you feel.

Libra Sept. 23-Oct 22 Others around you are restless and making you feel unsure of where to go and what to do. Today is not the day to call people out or have bold moves, instead adapt and just go with the flow, it’ll save you a headache later.

Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 21 You’re feeling unsatisfied with life, you have a lot, but something is missing and you know what it is. You’ve been resisting going for it and maybe you’re right for doubting it. However, today you need to be brutally honest with yourself and either go for it or let it go.

Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21 You’re hyper-aware today and will find yourself with the clarity you’ve been vying for. It’s time to put it to good

use as those around you are feeling unsure, offer them your advice. However, don’t be surprised if some of them get snippy with you.

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19 It’s time to reevaluate your social and romantic life.

You’ve been feeling off here lately and you need to look inward to figure out why. If you’re having doubts its best not to push forward with any long term plans. Take things slow and reevaluate if a certain relationship is still

around because your comfortable or if it actually still brings you joy.

Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 Take things slow today. If you’re having a group meeting or any sort of important conversation, be clear with your words. Others around you are feeling unsettled and therefore, misunderstandings can turn into a bigger mess than they should today. After the busy part of your schedule, look inward and get in touch with your true needs... even if it’s a simple fix like more coffee or sleep in your life.

Pisces Feb 19-Mar 20 Today may not be your best day...but resist avoiding your issues and secluding yourself. You may be surprised at what revelations can occur from speaking with others today. Don’t let your fears hold you back, you know in your heart what’s right and what needs to happen. Push forward even if it’s unpleasant.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Eighth annual Kiwanis Lights set to dazzle Mankato MADISON DIEMERT EDITOR IN CHIEF If you’re looking for a new tradition to celebrate during the holidays, Mankato’s Sibley Park has exactly what you need—and it’s all free.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights are returning for their eighth year with new displays, live ice sculpting and the #OnlyinMN monument to be featured. It doesn’t stop there, though. Kiwanis will include their 60-foot center tree, which has 2,1000 white strobe lights, displays honoring veterans who have served and are serving the U.S., visits with Santa Clause, live reindeer, wagon rides and many, many options for snapping some Facebook and Instagram-worthy pictures.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights

will kick-off Nov. 29 and go through Dec. 31. To start off the opening day there will be a parade beginning at 6pm along Mound Ave. that the Girl Scouts Mankato Area Service Unit will be presenting. At the end of the parade, Kiwanis will have a Santa Clause who will finish off the parade with plugging in the spectacular lights.

Regular hours of operation are 5-9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 5-10pm Friday through Saturday.

Visitors can walk as well as drive, (though for safety reasons, the park will allow driving traffic at 8pm), and there are concession stands and warming houses along the way. Buying food and drink from the concessions stands are one way you can support Kiwanis, as well as direct cash donations. The horse-drawn carriage rides

MSU Reporter • 11

A&E

cost $5 as well, and for the first time ever there will be a “Text to Donate” feature.

There is also an option to donate non-perishable items for the 19 area food shelves to support the Mankato community.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights allow you to celebrate the holidays in a new and fun way, especially if you can’t make it to larger events, like Duluth’s Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Participating in a local light show like Kiwanis helps support the community of Mankato and creates a sense of togetherness that we would otherwise not have without similar events.

For more information, you can visit www.kiwanisholidaylights.com, or call the Kiwanis Holiday Lights information line at 507-385-9129.

Ask Jenna How do you avoid or get out of uncomfortable political conversations at family holidays?

Being pushed into conversations can always be uncomfortable, no matter the topic, with the most common being politics. With the holiday season coming up, it seems you can’t avoid these debates, but there are a few ways you can handle the situation.

First, if you’re bold enough, you can confront your relatives and tell them that you disagree with them, and hopefully have a healthy discussion about all point of views. Being able to talk about controversial topics in a healthy manner can allow each person to hear the other’s side of the story and each person can learn from the other.

Other options include steering the conversation to topics that pertain to

your particular life, such as school and/or work. You can talk to your relatives about the classes you’re taking to earn your degree and what you’re learning in them.

If you have a job, you can discuss whether you enjoy it or not and the reasons why.

My personal favorite way to avoid unwanted conversations with family members is heading back to wherever the food is at and grabbing another plate.

Politely leaving the person wanting to start these conversations is another great way for them to understand that you don’t want to talk about these topics.

If you would like to send in a question, simply send it in to Madison Diemert, the Reporter Editor in Chief, at madison.diemert@mnsu. edu (or reporter-editor@ mnsu.edu) or The Reporter’s Instagram page (msureporter).

POKEMON

Continued from page 9

Photo courtesy of flickr

GRAMMYS

Continued from page 9 Justin Bieber.

Due to this album being the newest of the group and with the recent scandal involving which songs she can and cannot perform, I believe that Taylor Swift will win the Best Pop Vocal Album for “Lover”.

Moving onto rap, I’d like to take a look at Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.

As a heads up, for many of these songs I will be making my choices based on a first time listen.

The nominations for Best

Rap Song are: “Bad Idea”

by YBN Cordae featuring Chance the Rapper, “Gold Roses” by Rick Ross featuring Drake, “A Lot” by 21 Savage featuring J. Cole, “Racks in the Middle” by Nipsey Hussle featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy, and “Suge” by DaBaby.

With the recent death of Nipsey Hussle, I believe that his song with Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy “Racks in the Middle” will win the Grammy for Best Rap Song. After listening to the songs up

for nomination for Best Rap Performance, I would like to believe that Nipsey Hussle will win again for “Racks in the Middle” because of the reason stated above, but another option is “Clout” by Offset featuring Cardi B. Other nominations for this category include: “Middle Child” by J. Cole, “Suge”

by DaBaby, “Down Bad” by Dreamville featuring J.I.D., Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG and Young Nudy.

The Grammy’s will be airing on Sunday, January 26, 2020.

feature added. In the wild area, a giant open world where Pokemon roam and live solely to be caught by you, you can set up camps whenever you want. When in camp, you’re Pokemon all come out of their ball shaped prisons to run around and play with each other. You can play with them, ask them how they’re doing, and cook them food. If you play with them a lot, which I of course did, you can level up they’re friendship. This means in battle they’ll try extra hard to win, doing things like healing themselves and hitting even harder than usual. One example I came across happened during a late game battle, where my little strawberry ice cream Pokemon got hit

with something that would usually kill her. Thanks to our friendship, however, she held on, and the game told me “Alcremie held on because she didn’t want to make you sad”. I know she’s just pixels, but I would kill for my Alcremie.

That’s the power these games have. That one moment outweighed all the texture issues, reused assets, poor writing, lack of Pokemon, etc. At the end of the day, I just wanna catch adorable creatures and watch them annihilate big, monstrous enemies. This game allows me to do that and if that sounds like something you’d enjoy, I wholeheartedly recommend you pick up a copy.

12 • MSU Reporter

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