Monday, December 7, 2015
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CongratS
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2015
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." –Confucius
Commencement... 2-3 | News... 4-5 | Arts... 6, 9-10 | Opinion... 11 | Sports... 12
Monday, December 7, 2015
COMMENCEMENT | 2
CAMERON INGALLS | CAL POLY COMMENCEMENT OFFICE OPPORTUNITY | According to the 2013-14 graduate status report, 86 percent of respondents either found jobs or enrolled in graduate school. Out of the 86 percent, 94 percent found jobs related to their major.
The worth of your Cal Poly degree Amanda Cranston @Cranlynn
One of the most important concerns when a person is determining which college to attend — and ultimately graduate from — is the level of hire-ability that school will give them. Cal Poly is a school that excels in that particular measure. For approximately 30 years, Cal Poly has been compiling a
yearly graduate status report, coordinator for the graduate status report Seth Igarta said. In recent years, more schools have followed suit — compiling lists leading to a more uniform form being developed, which Cal Poly implemented for summer 2015 graduates to fill out, instead of the previously used form. Part of the report compiles, from what students report, what percentage of students are currently in graduate school, seek-
ing, not seeking, employed fulltime and employed part-time. The reports are taken from respondents up until nine months after they graduate. Summer, fall, winter and spring graduations are taken into account, in that order. “What we see from our outcomes, for the most part, 90 percent of our students within nine months of graduating are either working or going to grad school,” Igarta said.
For the current 2013-14 report, 86 percent of respondents either found jobs or enrolled in graduate school. An important part of that number is that of that 86 percent, 94 percent found jobs related to their major. “We’re fortunate that we have a major draw,” Igarta said. “We hold a career fair, and hundreds of companies come, three times a year.” Cal Poly also offers oppor-
tunities for students to attend graduate school. Animal science senior Elizabeth Anne will officially graduate from Cal Poly in spring 2016, but through a special program has already begun vet school in Glasgow, Scotland. “Cal Poly gave me the opportunity to be part of this fantastic study abroad program and build a relationship with a vet school early on in my education,” Anne said. These outcomes are based
on what students accomplish during their time at Cal Poly. The reason that employers and graduate schools want Cal Poly students is that they come prepared. “From what we hear from employers, it’s our philosophy of education and Learn by Doing,” Igarta said. “It is the handson application of knowledge and skill that makes our students prepared for the workforce.”
Graduate school is great, but not for everyone Prakash Ravikumar @p96kumar
With the increase in college graduates, the value of an undergraduate degree is diminishing in value in the job market. According to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), nearly 40 percent of working class Americans holds a bachelor’s degree. This reduces the chances that an individual stands out amongst a pool of applicants competing for the same job. This has not left most college or soon-to-be graduates with a tough decision to make. Take the gamble of trying to find a job or pursuing further education with a graduate degree.
Debra Valencia-Laver, associ- ucation is heavily focused on bring new ideas to their field ate dean for the College of Lib- using tools learned in an under- of study. eral Arts, said all students should Graduate school is also going enter Cal Poly planning to go to to put a large dent in your wallet. graduate school regardless of According to Peterson’s, a comtheir major or their actupany focused on helping stual plans, because it keeps dents learn about colleges, doors open. a graduate degree from a “I’m an educator, so I public school averages “Grad school is never going think getting an eduto $30,000 per year and to hurt you. Education is cation is always a good $40,000 per year from never going to kill you. This thing,” she said. “Grad a private school. While is a good time to go.” school is never going to there is still financial aid hurt you. Education is and scholarships/assisnever going to kill you. This tantships available for some is a good time to go.” students, most would have to DEBRA VALENCIA-LAVER Going to graduate school is take out a loan, which could add not a simple decision to make. on to their undergraduate loan. There are many factors that However, there are some beneeach person must consider be- g r a d u a t e education to fits of making the investment to fore applying. A graduate ed- create their own research and get a postgraduate education.
According to U.S. Census Bureau, a graduate degree does offer a higher total lifetime pay with an average of $400,000 more than someone who just has a bachelor’s degree. Probably the largest reason people do not want to go to graduate school is the time commitment. According the U.S. News & World Report, the average length of a master’s degree takes one and a half to two years, while a Ph.D. will extend this to around five years. Counting the undergraduate degree students could be in college for roughly seven to 10 years, which would take a lot of free time out of a young adult’s life. According to civil engineering
graduating senior Mark Cepero, graduate school is worth it. “Graduate school is definitely worth it, but you truly have to be passionate about that subject. I didn’t want to do civil engineering at first, and was even trying to switch my major. I then ended up taking some cooler classes and now really like it. A master’s is definitely something I see myself doing after a few years of working.” In the end, there is no correct answer as to whether or not graduate school is worth it. Some may get a lot of out of it, while others not so much. Nevertheless, it is still a delicate decision that will require much consideration.
Ideal places for your family to stay during graduation Carly Quinn @carlyaquinn
Graduating college excites us and our families, but if you have parents coming in from out of town, it drains their wallets as well. Hotel prices soar the weekend of graduation every quarter, as hotels take advantage of supply and demand. Some hotels raise their prices $100 over the average price, or the price of the
night before. Based upon ratings and reviews on its website, TripAdvisor.com provides a list of the top 10 hotels to stay at in San Luis Obispo. These prices come from Dec. 10-13, and only apply to rooms with one queen-sized bed for two adults. The most popular hotel for experience and quality is the San Luis Creek Lodge, located near the Grand Avenue and Monterey Street intersection. Though
this might be a nice place to stay, the pricing goes from $139 on Thursday night to $249 both Friday and Saturday, with a surprising drop down to $99 for Sunday night. If money fails to concern your parents, the lodge creates a lovely welcoming atmosphere, as well as free daily breakfast and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The top five of these hotels hold a rating of four and a half stars. So the question arises:
Why would someone pay $249 when the Avenue Inn Downtown San Luis Obispo doesn’t raise its price from Thursday night to Friday night, and only costs $105 for Saturday night?
Also located only a few blocks away from downtown, the Avenue seems like a perfect place to enjoy one’s time on a budget in San Luis Obispo. “It’s almost a guarantee every
room will be sold out,” Gary Hauser, a receptionist from the Avenue Inn said. “It’s like this any time students or parents are Continued on page 3
CAMERON INGALLS | CAL POLY COMMENCEMENT OFFICE VISITORS
| If your family is from out of town, it’s important to pick quality, well-priced hotels for their stay.
Monday, December 7, 2015
COMMENCEMENT | 3
Upcoming graduates share their unique career paths Rebecca Ezrin @EzrinRebecca
On Dec. 12, students will dress in caps and gowns and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Fall commencement is soon approaching and students’ lives are about to change forever. As students prepare to embark on their journeys into the “real world,” we asked students about their plans. Liberal studies senior Zoe Sharp
ASIA CRONSON PHOTOGRAPHY | COURTE SY PHOTO
Liberal studies senior Zoe Sharp is one step closer to living her dream as an elementary school teacher. “I’ve always really liked teach-
ing” Sharp said. “When I was a little kid, that was my dream. Even as I shifted between different career ideas, I always came back to teaching. It’s just something that makes me passionate.” Sharp has been accepted to the Cal Poly Credential Program and will be getting her multiple subject credential for elementary education next December. After that, she will seek out elementary school teaching positions. Along with basic classroom teaching, Sharp is passionate about math and science, and combined her interests by concentrating in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. “I’ve taken a lot of classes about learning to teach technology to kids. My whole senior project is STEM related, so I’m doing an astronomy workshop for professional development for teachers. I really want to move more toward the science and technology side of things,” Sharp said. Sharp has had experience working in several different classrooms during her time at Cal Poly. She has also worked with the Learn by Doing lab at Cal Poly, where
liberal studies students teach science to 5th through 8th grade students. “I love kids. I love being there to help them. I like seeing the way students learn and foster knowledge. It’s just the perfect path for me,” Sharp said. Animal science senior Adam Card
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE W S
Animal science senior Adam Card has big plans, but before he gets a full-time job, he has other goals. “Before I get serious, I would like to continue to have a little bit more fun and I would like to travel. I have a trip planned with my brothers to travel throughout the U.S.,” Card said. “After that, I
would like to travel somewhere around the world, most likely Central or South America so that I can continue to learn Spanish.” After Card finishes his travels, he has a clear vision of his plans. “I want to become a veterinarian. I want to apply to grad schools and veterinary schools. I want to be a wildlife biologist and my last option would be to join the Peace Corps,” Card said. Card has already had jobs in the veterinary field, such as being a veterinary technician and a boarding technician. On top of that, Cal Poly’s animal science program offers plenty of handson laboratory work. Initially, when Card got into animal science, he wanted to make a lot of money and make his family proud. “As I went further through Cal Poly, I realized that working with animals is actually a true passion that I have, and now it’s not just about the money,” Card said. “It’s not about job security or status. It’s really about doing what makes me happy and what makes me happy is working with animals.” Card advises other students to do what makes them
happy as well. “If you’re looking for a career, it shouldn’t be about the money. It shouldn’t be about any pressures that you’re receiving from other people. It should be truly what you desire and what you think would be the best fit for your lifestyle,” Card said. Biomedical engineering senior Jazmin Pono
JAZMIN PON | COURTE SY PHOTO
Biomedical engineering senior Jazmin Pono is excited to finally graduate, after a six-month co-op program set her back a few months. “After I graduate, I’m going to be starting work at Varian Medical Systems in Palo Alto. They develop cancer-fighting equipment
that uses radio surgery to excise tumors,” Pono said. “I’ll be doing a validation engineering position, so basically making sure everything in their manufacturing line is up to par with standards.” Pono is extremely prepared with her history of internships and positions that she has already had. “I’ve had two internships. The six-month co-op at St. Jude Medical. They make pacemakers and ICD’s. I had another internship at Boston Scientific. It was a manufacturing internship,” Pono said. Pono feels passionate about her career choice because she wants to make a difference. “I chose biomedical engineering because I wanted to be an engineer that really contributes and save lives and that’s what I’m going to be doing and I’m really excited to start that,” Pono said. Pono’s future plans don’t end there, however. “In the future, I would think about getting an MBA to move up into manager position, but other than that, my goal is to impact as many lives as possible and travel once I’m retired,” Pono said.
What to know about paying off your student loans Regine Smith @regine321
Now that you’ve graduated, you have to think about paying off those pesky student loans. Stay positive. It may feel like you are swimming in debt; however, Cal Poly students have a leg up compared to most recent graduates. According to collegefactual. com, the average debt acquired by Cal Poly graduates is $23,372 over four years, compared to the national average of $35,200. Additionally, Cal Poly alumni default on paying their loans at a rate of 1.6 percent, significantly lower than the seven percent average default rate for all students who receive federal loans. Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Lois Kelly attributes this to two factors: potential for resource acquisition and student financial responsibility. Kelly believes that the Learn by Doing
quality of a Cal Poly education makes graduates stronger candidates for jobs with higher earning potential, enabling efficient loan repayment. Kelly takes great pride in the financial responsibility of the students she oversees, and praises this exceptional attribute of our alumni. So what does being financially responsible entail? Kelly enlightens students on the following tips to pay off loans ASAP. Be aware of what you signed up for. By accepting the promissory note to receive your student loans, you sign a legally binding contract with the federal government. It is important to know what your specific contract entails. Are your loans subsidized or unsubsidized? The federal government pays off interest accrued on subsidized loans until six months after graduation; unsubsidized loans accrue
interest from the day they are taken out until the last payment is made. Though you are given a six-month grace period for repayment post-graduation, early repayment helps avoid interest accumulation. Have you calculated the date your loans will be completely paid off ? Your monthly payment will be calculated based on a variety of factors, such as interest rate, starting income and your state of residence. Knowing when your last payment will be met can help you plan to push the date closer. Who is your loan provider? Many loan monies are distributed by Cal Poly, but the student must repay a particular loan agency. The agency should have emailed you within 30 days of loan dispersal. But if you are unaware of your servicer, you can find out at the website studentloans.gov. Don’t default on your payments.
This may seem obvious, however, many people lack understanding on the severity of loan default. Loan providers alert the federal credit bureau of defaults, lowering your credit score. Potential landlords discredit those with low scores; mortgage seekers will be denied; annual tax refunds are seized by the government for loan repayment. Additionally, lending agency debt collectors may harass you with phone calls. Kelly warns that debt collectors can be “extremely persistent in calling both you and your family, using strong language and a harsh tone, with almost abusive behaviors including shouting, yelling, using inappropriate language and even coming to harass you at your place of work.” As she puts it, this behavior is merited because you — the debtor — are legally at fault. Keep in contact with your
lender. According to Kelly, good communication with your lending agency is the key to evading such treatment. It is recommended to develop a good rapport with your lender and inform them of your residence after college. In this case, they can be forgiving as opposed to incriminating, and offer counsel. Budget and live frugally. If you didn’t have a budget throughout college (which Kelly highly recommends), start now and make loan repayment a top priority. Many recent graduates are young and unattached, with ample income to support their lifestyle. But down the road when family life comes into play, making monthly payments becomes increasingly difficult. Living frugally your first few years out of college can ensure that less of your future income overall is directed toward loan repayment. Small cuts, like making coffee at
home in lieu of a $5 latte from Starbucks, can make a big difference in the long run. Learn what resources are available to you. If you have a modest starting salary, consider a graduated repayment plan. Initial payments start small and gradually increase, similar to salary increases over time. As a benefit, certain employers may provide loan forgiveness incentives as well. University faculty, military and public service and teaching grants are a few examples of these. Additionally, many loan servicers will reduce your interest rate up to 0.25 percent by signing up for direct payments from your bank account. Information on these benefits and other helpful information regarding student loan repayment can be found at studentloans.gov, finaid.org, ticas. org or the website of your loan servicing company.
CAMERON INGALLS | CAL POLY COMMENCEMENT OFFICE
Continued from page 2
coming or leaving the area.” The Avenue Inn proves the cheapest of hotels, but there always remains the less expensive motels, such as the Super 8 Motel and the Sunbeam Motel, both less than $70 a night and located conveniently on Monterey Street. Whatever your needs are, there is a place to stay in San Luis Obispo that fits them. In order of cost, least to greatest, along with comparisons of the night of graduation cost and the Sunday night after, the list is as follows.
1. Avenue Inn Downtown: Saturday, Dec. 12: $105 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $80
2. Apple Farm Inn: Saturday, Dec. 12: $159 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $99
3. La Cuesta Inn: Saturday, Dec. 12: $169 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $119
4. Holiday Inn Express: Saturday, Dec. 12: SOLD OUT and Sunday, Dec. 13: $122.99
5. Best Wester Plus Royal Oak Hotel: Saturday, Dec. 12: $174.99 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $104.99
6. Madonna Inn: Saturday, Dec. 12: $179 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $149
7. Hampton Inn & Suites: Saturday, Dec. 12: $209 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $139
8. Quality Suites: Saturday, Dec. 12: $199 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $132
9. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa: Saturday, Dec. 12: $214 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $164
10. San Luis Creek Lodge: Saturday, Dec. 12: $249 and Sunday, Dec. 13: $99
Monday, December 7, 2015
NEWS | 4
Q&A with recently resigned Cal Poly diversity director Annie Holmes Tara Kaveh
Executive Director of University Diversity and Inclusivity Annie Holmes resigned on Nov. 22, just before the SLO Solidarity movement took off. Holmes was arguably the highest-ranking black woman during her three years at Cal Poly. During her time in San Luis Obispo, Holmes worked to execute the Campus Climate Survey and develop the university’s Diversity Strategic Framework. The university’s Diversity Strategic Framework is a foundation for improving inclusivity and diversity on campus, but has yet to be implemented. Mustang News sat down with Holmes for a final interview before she left Cal Poly. Mustang News (MN): What are some of the biggest issues you noticed during your years at Cal Poly involving inclusivity on campus? Annie Holmes (AH): I think that the biggest issue for students has been finding their place on campus. It’s difficult being able to feel comfortable on campus because the numbers are so small. What came out of (the) campus climate survey, and has since come out in conversations with students, is that they tend to be the “only.” If they’re the only one in their department or college, they become the token. There’s no comfort in being who you are and speaking your truth without people questioning you or your background. There’s a need not only to provide safe spaces on campus — especially for students who come from those different backgrounds
— but to also provide a general education so that faculty know how to address some of the issues that come up in the classroom. When faculty ignore the issues or don’t know how to deal with them and move on, that’s when students begin to feel unsafe in the classroom. There’s really a lot of education that needs to happen across campus for everyone— faculty, staff and students — on how to address these issues. MN: What caused your decision to leave Cal Poly? AH: It was a quality of life decision for me to leave. First of all, it puts me closer to family so hopefully it’ll relieve some of the stress of being thousands of miles away. Also, I have had some challenges here with moving the needle and really impacting diversity at an institutional level. Given those challenges, I thought it would be better for me to go somewhere else where I can take my talents and infuse it into the work at a more organizational level than I was able to do here. MN: What are some ways that students can continue to push for inclusivity at Cal Poly? AH: I think the students are doing what tends to create change in higher education, which is letting your voices be heard. Speaking their truths. Speaking about the experiences they’re having on campus. Really pushing for campus leadership to be more attuned with what is happening on campus. Taking the time to understand, to hear and to validate the voices that are coming forward
@tarakaveh
We have some really great leaders on this campus who want to make sure that people’s experiences are positive and that people are successful here. I’m just not sure some know exactly how to do that. ANNIE HOLMES
ANDREW EPPERSON| MUSTANG NE WS R E S I G N AT I O N
| In middle of all the protests and demands, Cal Poly Diversity Director Annie Holmes has turned in her resignation.
and talking about their challenges and concerns. We have some really great leaders on this campus who want to make sure that people’s experiences are positive and that people are successful here. I’m just not sure some know exactly how to do that. That’s where the rubber meets the road. They may have the desire and intent to create a culture of inclusivity and well-being, but we all have work to do in how to make that happen. When we get to the point where everyone takes that time to be introspective and figure out what their role is, that’s when Cal Poly can move forward. MN: You are arguably the high-
est-ranking black woman at Cal Poly, and a significantly small number of faculty and staff who are people of color hold high-ranking positions here. What are some ways that Cal Poly can increase diversity in faculty and staff? AH: The challenge is that faculty of color tend to be used more often because since we need to diversify, we value that voice at the table. But then we don’t validate or value their time. Then they are working twice as hard as their colleagues to try to help diversity because they are passionate about it and they don’t want to see it dwindle. So they become very involved and it becomes taxing on them. That’s why everybody has to un-
derstand their role and responsibility in doing this. They have to be able to understand the biases and stereotypes that they hold so that they can check them. That’s when we can finally move in the direction where everybody is accountable for doing the work. MN: What are some of your recommendations for the campus community as a whole to increase inclusivity and diversity? AH: The gist of my recommendations have to do with keeping the process moving forward. Unveiling the Diversity Strategic Framework this year as something tangible that people can see will help move toward a direction of
being more diverse and inclusive. For students, I think the tip is to keep the dialogue going. Continue to ask questions, continue to seek action. That’s really going to be critical especially given the newfound student voice at Cal Poly, which we haven’t seen here before, where students are actually speaking up and speaking out. I think that that actually speaks to an enhancement in the campus climate right now, the fact that student activism is where it is. That there are students that are no longer afraid or concerned about sharing their voice and speaking out about these issues. Again, everyone has to be involved in it, but the dialogue is critical.
Monday, December 7, 2015
NEWS | 5
UPD arrests student in connection with SLO Solidarity death threat Benjy Egel
ANDREW EPPERSON | MUSTANG NE WS NO PLACE FOR HATE | Members of SLO Solidarity and the community marched in protest of the threat.
University Police Department (UPD) arrested Cal Poly student Charles Raymond Bird, 20, around noon on Friday on felony threats and hate crime charges in connection with a death threat made toward SLO Solidarity leader Matt Klepfer on Tuesday. After issuing a list of demands to Cal Poly administrators on behalf of SLO Solidarity, Klepfer received a Facebook message from a freshly created account called “Mordecai Shekelburg,” which threatened him with hanging and used an anti-Semitic slur. “The threat was made via social media, and the sender had gone to great lengths to disguise his iden-
@benjyegel
tity,” UPD Commander Brenda Trobaugh said in a press release. “This made for a very complex investigation that required our offices to obtain multiple search warrants in order to gather evidence from several places.” UPD invest igate d t he threat over multiple days as SLO Solidarity protests grew around campus. Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong walked with Klepfer in a “unity march” on Thursday, which drew a large crowd to the University Union Plaza. “I am pleased to report that our University Police Department has pursued this incident diligently
and that we identified the person we believe to be responsible for this reprehensible action,” Armstrong said in the press release. “This arrest further reiterates that there is no place for hate at Cal Poly.” Bird is suspected of operating alone, with no connection to a larger group. He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on Friday, but was soon released from jail as of 4:45 p.m. “Myself and other student organizers feel much safer knowing that there was an arrest,” Klepfer said. Bird did not respond to requests for comments.
Monday, December 7, 2015
ARTS | 6
“Do you know what type of bike Santa rides? A Holly Davidson.”
An entirely unified routine.
A punderful Holiday Parade in downtown San Luis Obispo Brendan Abrams @brenabrams
Friday night, for the 40th time, thousands of lawn chairs lined Higuera and Monterey streets as toddlers ran rampant up and down the boulevards in anxious anticipation of San Luis Obispo’s Annual Holiday Parade. More than 70 floats made their way down the parade route, showcasing the holiday spirit of local schools, teams, businesses and organizations. Business administration sophomore Michaela Garr shared the excitement of some of the
younger spectators. “I love seeing all the kids running around and dancing and scootering,” she said. Sure, the holiday parade is a regular occasion, but that didn’t make it any less delightful. The diverse, vibrant crowd of spectators cheered wildly when the first participants rolled into view, and the streetside announcers came to life with their unabridged script of face-palm-worthy jokes. The jokers happened to be a pair of Cal Poly alumni, English graduate Nick Bilich and Cal Poly Cross Cultural Centers Coordinator Adam Serafin, who relished
the opportunity to entertain the community that welcomed them as students and graduates. “It’s cool to continue to be a part of it after all these years, to continue to invest in the community,” Bilich said. “It’s fun to see how the community all comes together for an event like this,” Serafin added. “And we add some amazing jokes, you know, to keep the crowd going.” Here’s a sample of some of the sights and admittedly painful comedy witnessed by parade-goers. Continued on page 9
“What does Santa take pictures with?” “Probably some sort of waterproof camera.” “A North Polaroid.” HANNA CROWLEY | MUSTANG NE WS
Monday, December 7, 2015
ARTS | 9
Continued from page 6
“What do you call Santa’s helpers?”
“If a reindeer lost its tail, where would it get a new one?”
“Elves?”
“A taxidermy shop?”
“Subordinate clauses.”
“A retail store.”
“They’re making a list and bodychecking it twice.”
The folks from The Bike Happening had a wheelie good time.
“You’ll get a kick out of these guys.”
They’ve been playing for an hour now, and they’re steel going.
“I hope Johnboy’s Towing doesn’t let him go.”
“You’re all going to be shocked by this next float from PG&E.”
Monday, December 7, 2015
ARTS | 10
Why we don’t read anymore: Busyness, boredom or something else? very conformist context, and it was made very clear to me that I did not fit the bill for the world Contrary to popular belief, it that I was about to inherit,” is possible to quote E.E CumHatch said. “So reading James mings without Wi-Fi. And the Joyce gave me the language to demographic of those who once tell the world to ‘fuck off.’” could was all-inclusive — you In terms of literary work, the could hear the emotive sound question isn’t even about highwaves of “Since Feeling is First” brow or low-brow, Hatch said. bouncing against the shielded It has everything to do with walls of domesticity, encircling the way in which we’ve lost the the suburban cosmos. People original reading experience, the read books to get away. This experience of truly losing your was pre-Evernote, pre-Amazon bearings — the kind of intellecprime — a world where dictiotual stamina that drove David naries were Bibles and Bibles Foster Wallace to write an 1079were actually read. page novel, complete with 388 There have been thousands endnotes — a true zeitgeist of of articles written about this hysterical realism. topic, many of which “I just don’t believe start with “You Won’t that ‘ The Hunger B elieve” — hackGames’ is giving young I THINK WE LIKE TO THINK WE’RE A CULTURE OF CONSTANT INNOVATION neyed marches against people language to tell AND EXPANSION, BUT REALLY — I the brewing terrors the world to fuck off,” THINK WE’RE A CULTURE OF of technology, the Hatch said. “I think it’s INFINITE REPETITION. smartphone generagiving people a fantasy RYAN HATCH tion and the dangerof resistance and heroENGLISH PROFESSOR ous existential effects ism that actually helps of immediacy. them to swallow the Somewhere within servility to the larger the line of fire, books took their culture of constant innovation cultural norms and demands.” stance, a symptom to a larger and expansion, but really — I We see this kind of servilproblem. A problem that has think we’re a culture of infinite ity creep around almost evless to do with the so-called repetition.” erywhere, Hatch said. Power nefarious machines and much At the collegiate level, infinite doesn’t work by repressing us more to do with the people who repetition no longer manifests anymore — it works by forchold the patents. itself within the confines of ing us to enjoy ourselves, all English professor Ryan Hatch glow-in-the-dark walls or the time. has a few theories of his own. imaginative dollhouses — but In consequence, Hatch said, “I don’t feel we have like a its effect is just as clear. We’ve we’ve never been more bored, strong discourse of literature as grown accustomed to the melo- and a lot of that has to do with a mode of resistance anymore,” drama of the millennial age. reading less and therefore less he said. “I feel like when I was We’re slaves to the vices of our serving that practice of freein college, it wasn’t even a ques- browsing history or our favorite dom, the original mode of retion that me and my friends reality television. Black Friday sistance. What’s different now, were constantly reading, all the is soon becoming our most re- he explained, is the emerging time — non-stop.” spected holiday. idea that literature (of any Hatch always saw literature “I grew up as a young, gay kid kind) should be entertaining, as a means for which to derive in the suburbs of Detroit — in a consumable — and the shift
Annie Vainshtein @annievain
true, impenetrable freedom of thought. “The thing that surprises me most about reading today, at the college level — I cannot believe how many adult men and women read books that were written to be read by 10-year-olds.” Hatch describes this new phenomenon as a sort of reach toward endless adolescence — and what he calls, a culture of infinite repetition. “When you’re five years old, you want to hear the story again, and Mom says, ‘I’ve already told you that story’ — well you want to hear it because it’s repetition,” Hatch said. “I think we like to think we’re a
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS
lies within the detritus of the Internet age. “In the era of novels that are written with the certainty that they will be made into action films, we’ve been given high-fructose corn syrup narratives, that are so easily consumed and metabolized that when I give you a work of modernist fiction, you’re bored,” Hatch said. Bored, he said, just means you don’t want to do work. Boredom is to do with the subject, and never the object. “Reading is an active thing — and that’s the problem,” Hatch said. “Reading is work, but it’s a form of work that comes with a pleasure that you can’t get unless you work. That’s the thing I wish I saw happen more on campus — a desire for that kind of intellectual work.” But some students say academia alone is that kind of intellectual work.
Business administration sophomore Stephanie Chin, who once was a voracious reader, said she hasn’t been reading “for fun” in college. “There’s just no time,” Chin said. “I think college is just so busy — in high school, I would go home and that’s it, I could read. But in college, I go home — and home is with my roommates who always want to do something.” According to business administration sophomore Julia Burge, almost everyone she knows doesn’t read. “I feel like people that read are way smarter,” she said. And beyond the demand of collegiate education, Burge and Chin both note the rarity of contemporary reading as an art form partly does lie, ironically enough, within the expanding access to technology; the other part being our newfound conception of the modern person.
Reading, for some reason, is no longer as important to us. “Most people don’t ever read,” Chin said. “And, yeah, I mean you could Netflix, or pick up a book — but when was the last time you felt like looking for a book?” Low and behold, the crux, perhaps, of modern living in and of itself. But it’s not technology that’s killing the book — we’re killing the book, Hatch said. The idea of not wanting to expend energy to read a book is a concept so foreign, and it’s only growing, he said. “People are clutching their careers, their paid internships, their entry level positions. I get it,” Hatch said. “But I feel like that doesn’t mean you can’t engage in larger conversations about what’s happening in politics, and certainly doesn’t mean you can’t read a 200page book.”
Monday, December 7, 2015
OPINION | 11
The voices that be Liana Riley @liana_riley
Liana Riley is a political science junior and Mustang News columnist. These views do not necessarily reflect the editorial coverage of Mustang News. The current issue on our campus is voices. Whether it is the lack of awareness of certain voices, too much power of majority ones or a complete indifference to the unheard, our problem is surrounding those voices. We must strive to pass the microphone in the direction of those who either feel their voices have been muffled, or simply want to have a larger platform on which to tell their stories. To some, diversity is a number, a percentage or a quota to be met, something that can only be measured quantitatively. This has been the attitude of the administration for as long as I’ve been at Cal Poly; raise the percentages and ignore the realities was essentially their mission statement when pursuing their quest for real diversity on campus. Instead of enhancing campus resources that connect directly with the students, the administration adopted
words of inclusion and empty rhetoric from a purely public relations standpoint. We have a department of Diversity and Inclusivity, with the Campus Climate Survey serving as its claim to fame. It is up to the student body to consider whether or not these are the appropriate steps to increase diversity on campus, and whether or not that is of any value to us in the first place. If you feel that your interests are already represented on this campus, put yourself in the shoes of those lacking the transparency to express their narratives, whether that includes discrimination, ignorance or those micro-aggressions that everyone has been talking about. A micro-aggression is essentially a commonplace remark or action that undermines or dismisses someone’s racial identity. So over time, they foster an environment of intolerance and discomfort whether intentional or not. This is where the lack of diversity question truly comes to a head. If we are not constantly vigilant about being surrounded by those individuals with different ethnicities, backgrounds, etc., how can we ever
be consciously aware of our dismissal of their identities? And when does it cross the fine line between misunderstanding and discrimination? This phenomenon could be avoided by the existence of diversity in itself without much other effort. If diversity simply existed at Cal Poly, if our racial minority population wasn’t so low, then there would be limited cries for change. This is not to say that integrating diversity is a quick fix by any means. Of course there will still be students who feel unsafe and uncomfortable on campus, regardless of any preventative efforts made by the administration. But if the university is going to conduct a campaign surrounding its championing of all potential diversity issues, it has to do more than simply erecting a department and conducting a survey. Implementations of Race and Ethnicity centers, LGBT and social justice centers and a space for women’s interests and leadership, are radical steps, but important if the Cal Poly administration is serious about their efforts. Though these suggestions seem like extraneous programs that would exist solely to increase spend-
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ing, many public universities like Rutgers in New Jersey pride themselves on initiatives like these. Most important is the purpose these centers serve. If our diversity and community engagement centers were given the funds to put on large panels, conferences and campus wide discussions, then maybe there would not be a need for the aforementioned
implementations. It simply begins with a voice, one that has been discounted and muffled, and letting them speak and explain their narrative, regardless of whether or not you agree with it. We are now taking submissions for our new feature Voices of Cal Poly. Send your submissions to liriley@calpoly.edu and editor@mustangnews.net for consideration.
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“I don’t have any homework to do, so I guess I’ll watch Shrek.”
Monday, December 7, 2015
SPORTS | 12
Lockdown defense helps men’s basketball secure win over Fresno State Eric Stubben @ericstubben
and play the zone,” Callero said. “We don’t have to be as much in positions to have a big in there. But Zach gave us valuable minutes. He’s a spark, rebounded it, made a couple free throws, did a nice job.” Two days after giving up 49 first half points to Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Mustangs headed to the locker room with a 3024 lead over the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs’ 24 points were the fewest points scored in the first half by any opponent against the Mustangs this season. The Mustangs’ defense held Fresno State to a 28.1 percent field goal percentage and a 30.8 percent three-point shooting percentage.
Four Mustangs scored double-digit points on the night. Sophomore guard Taylor Sutlive, who is the sixth player Less than an hour after the Cal to lead the Mustangs in scoring this Poly women’s basketball team took year, scored a career-high 16 points. care of Fresno State, the men’s Meikle added 15 points, Morgan basketball team got its shot at chipped in 14 and senior forward the Bulldogs. Joel Awich scored 10 points. Awich Looking to avoid their first backhas now scored double-digit points to-back home nonconference losses in seven of the Mustangs’ eight games since the 2005-06 season, head coach this season. Joe Callero stressed before the game Cal Poly’s defense held the Bulldogs that the Mustangs (5-3) needed to to 34.8 percent shooting and 22.7 perstart strong and play through the final cent from beyond the arc. The Muswhistle. That’s exactly what they did. tangs’ defense also held Fresno State’s The Mustangs defeated Fresno State NBA-caliber guard Marvelle Harris to 77-65 behind an electric atmosphere just 12 points on 25 percent shooting, in Mott Athletics Center. The win well below his season average. marked the Mustangs’ second “We want to get stops, but win in their last 18 attempts we definitely want to turn our against the Bulldogs (6-2) and defense into offense and get Mustangs’ first home win over up the court,” Sutlive said. “We the Bulldogs since 1971. want to score as many points, “We didn’t change anything just like we want to limit their magically, we actually just did points too.” what we’re supposed to do for With Saturday’s win, the Mustwo full halves, 40 minutes, and tangs have now scored 71 points I think the guys feel great about THE LAST TIME CAL POLY BEAT FRESNO STATE AT HOME in all eight of their games this it,” Callero said. season and have won 16 of their Though the game was scoreless for After the break, the Mustangs went last 19 nonconference home games. nearly three minutes, the Mustangs on a quick 5-0 run to take a 38-24 Callero will now give the team four raced out to a 9-3 lead. After the lead two minutes into the second half. days of rest before resuming practice Bulldogs recorded their first points They extended their lead to as high as on Thursday. On Saturday, the Musof the game 4:56 into the contest, 15 points with 6:02 remaining. tangs head up to the Bay Area to begin senior guard Reese Morgan drained Fresno State began fouling with a 12-day road trip. a pair of three-pointers to keep Cal three minutes remaining and the Cal Poly begins the road trip by takPoly ahead. Mustangs converted 18 of 25 sec- ing on Saint Mary’s on Dec. 14. The With seven minutes remaining in ond-half free throws to complete the Mustangs will get some help from the first half, the Mustangs extend- victory. 6-foot-8 freshman forward Josh Mared their lead to 20-10. Sophomore “Any time you lose, you want to tin, who transferred from Minnesota forward Luke Meikle and junior come back stronger and you want to Cal Poly midway through last year forward Zach Gordon stepped in to win, especially with this year’s and is finally eligible for NCAA play. to fill the void created when start- team,” Meikle said. “We’re a good The Mustangs next home game is on er Brian Bennett found himself in team, we feel like we can beat any- Jan. 14 against rival UC Santa Barbara. foul trouble. body. We were just ready to come The game will be a “green out,” where “The nice part was Zach Gordon, out tonight and play hard and the Mustangs encourage all fans to Luke Meikle were able to come in show it.” where green in support of Cal Poly.
1971
CHRISTA L AM | MUSTANG NE WS PROVING A POINT | The Mustangs handed Fresno State its second loss of the season on Saturday.