3.25.19- Fourth Estate by Student Media George Mason University

F O U RT H E S TAT E March 25, 2019

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Volume 6 Issue 18

GMU PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN page 15

KAVANAUGH TO BE MASON PROFESSOR News page 04

Culture page 18

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ICE HOCKEY Sports page 17

CHRISTCHURCH

@ivestate | gmufourthestate.com

FAILURE IS A GOOD THING

Opinions page 24

03.25.2019

FOURTH ESTATE

ALEXANDER SHEDD Editor-in-Chief

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BASMA HUMADI Managing Editor

Dear Patriots,

IZZ LAMAGDELEINE Copy Chief

I hope you’re doing well and taking care of yourself.I know we all recently got back from spring break, but it is easy to fall back to not taking time to take breaks or putting things off until the last minute. We are back this week with a lot of great content after being on break for the past two weeks. This past Friday, we were the first outlet to report online about how U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is coming to Mason’s law school as a visiting professor. The story was soon picked up by outlets like CNN and POLITICO, and you can find it here in this week’s issue. I just wanted to say I am proud of our staff and the writers who worked on this story, because it is a lot of hard work to do what we do. I’m also proud that a lot of our Fourth Estate staff won awards at this past 28th Annual Communication Undergraduate Awards Ceremony. The following people from our staff won awards for things ranging from excellence in journalism to multimedia or feature writing to special recognition awards like the Kevin Athari Award and the Dr. Bruce Manchester Outstanding Academic Achievement Award: Alex Shedd, Dana Nickel, Lauren Sullivan, Natalie Heavren and Monica Echols. Everyone is doing amazing work, and I am happy and inspired to see it highlighted. In our News section, be sure to check out our Student Government piece that covers a lot of internal developments that have occured in the organization. Voting for the 2019-2020 school year Student Government board is also now open on GetConnected, and you can get the inside scoop on the candidates, since our Culture section has profiles of those running. Also, be sure to take a look at the Culture section’s piece on the Mason Muslim community’s reaction to the recent shooting at the New Zealand mosque in Christchurch. In Opinion and Sports there are interesting pieces on the importance of failure and your guide to March Madness—along with a wholesome story about the Women’s Ice Hockey club. As always, feel free to send us your questions, comments, or suggestions to masonfourthestate@gmail.com.

LIZ ELKIND Assistant Copy Chief ZARA FAROUK SARAH LURIA BEN STOVNER Copy Editors DANA NICKEL News Editor ABIGAIL ADCOX Assistant News Editor MONICA ECHOLS Culture Editor HAILEY BULLIS Assistant Culture Editor CHRIS KERNAN-SCHMIDT Opinions Editor NATALIE HEAVREN Sports Editor DOMENIC ALLEGRA Assistant Sports Editor LAUREN SULLIVAN Investigative Editor

See you next week,

KRISTEN TALMAN GMU Korea Coordinator

Basma Humadi

ALLIE THOMPSON Photo Editor

Managing Editor

ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE Art Director

Corrections: For “Housing Crisis or Economic Boom,” Stephen Fuller and Jeannette Chapman are the authors of the Fuller Institute’s report, while Jon Liss is the author of the New Virginia Majority’s report. The Fuller Institute’s was published in November 2018, and are not new. Page 5’s photo credit was incorrectly attributed to Giantkiller.com, it should read giantkiller.co

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03.25.2019

STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS HEAT UP

Candidates prepare for the vote, or lack thereof ALEXANDER SHEDD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The first ticket, with Camden Layton and Adia McLaughlin, is running a rather traditional campaign.

FOURTH ESTATE ALLIE THOMPSON

“Adia and I are running because we believe we are the best option to represent the student body,” said Layton, the presidential candidate for Mason’s student body. “We have a diverse background of experiences that will transfer over into these positions, and we want to enact real

change and continue the progress we have made in Student Government.” The other campaign, however, is anything but traditional. Micah Mudlaff and Davide Genoese-Zerbi are running to represent the “Vote for Nobody” campaign, an initiative which “encourages students to select ‘Abstain from Voting’ in the Student Body Presidential Election,” according to Mudlaff. The ticket intends to drop out of the race prior to the vote going live. “We view it as a referendum on Student Government,” Mudlaff added. “If students are content with no real change and being ignored by the administration year after year, then they are welcome to continue to support the status quo. But if you want a chance to change Mason, this is the one shot you have to actually make a difference.” In addition, Mudlaff and GenoeseZerbi have also proposed three amendments to the student body constitution in order to solidify their platform. These amendments include

moving Student Senate sessions from Thursdays to Fridays to attract more students, requiring members of the Student Senate and executive branch to wait one year before being considered for appointment to the Elections and Disputes Commission and reducing the maximum number of student senators from 40 to 30. Conversely, the Layton/McLaughlin ticket is running on the slogan “Progress with Purpose.” Layton, currently the executive undersecretary for civic engagement for Student Government, said, “‘Progress with purpose’ really is a short way of saying that we not only have initiatives that we want to put out there, but we want to see our initiatives actually move forward.” In terms of platform initiatives, Layton added, “I’ve had a lot of people coming up to me saying that they’ve had so many issues with [Title IX]... Sexual assault is a very serious topic, and I want to make sure that [Title IX reform is] really pushed.” Layton

and

McLaughlin

mentioned initiatives to work on affordable student housing with the City of Fairfax, as well as strengthening Student Government relationships with the Mason police department and Mason Recreation. Mudlaff and Genoese-Zerbi wanted it to be clear that they are not asking students to antagonize their opponents, just that they want to make a statement to Student Government and Mason administration. “We are dissatisfied with that lack of real representation students have within [Student Government],” said Mudlaff. “We want to have real conversations with those students already interested in Student Involvement and Student Government about the need for fundamental changes within the structure of [Student Government] in order to better empower their voices, and in turn, the voices of all students as well.” Mudlaff also pointed out that “there’s an overwhelmingly large section of the student body that doesn’t vote in

also

FOURTH ESTATE ALLIE THOMPSON

As Student Government President Bekah Pettine and Vice President Erik Truong prepare to graduate, one new campaign is running to succeed them, while one campaign is running to ask students not to vote for them.

these elections. Last year, it was 92 percent.” When asked about their opponents’ platform of abstaining from the vote, Layton and McLaughlin said in an email to Fourth Estate, “We support an individual’s right to vote, regardless of who they vote for, and if they choose to abstain and do not believe that Adia and I could best serve as Student Body President and Vice President then that is out of our control. Regardless of outcome, Adia and I will continue to advocate for the ideas of students and hope that they can put their faith in us.”

JENNIFER HAMMAT TO LEAVE MASON

Mason searching for new Title IX coordinator LAUREN SULLIVAN INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR

The current Title IX office is composed of Hammat and one other employee, Megan Simmons, Mason’s Title IX investigator. Hammat’s impending absence has led Mason to launch a national search for the next Title IX coordinator. Julian Williams, vice president of compliance, diversity and ethics, spoke to Fourth Estate regarding the qualities they are searching for in the next Title IX coordinator.

They are seeking candidates “with a good deal of subject-matter expertise in the area of Title IX compliance, who can continue to institute best practices as it relates to our policies, practices and procedures.” Williams also stressed the importance of an individual with very good interpersonal skills who can effectively work with people who have experienced trauma. Williams will be announcing the interim Title IX coordinator in the coming weeks. “As the volume of Title IX reports has increased over the past two years, we must always prioritize prompt and efficient communication,” he said. In an interview with Fourth Estate regarding her decision to leave Mason,

Hammat said, “The opportunity to be the dean of students was one that was exciting, important and much closer to home,” having grown up near USI. Hammat said that during her time as Title IX coordinator, there was an increase in faculty and staff reporting. This was due to an increased understanding of mandatory reporting as well as the office’s increased Title IX and sexual assault and harassment prevention training. “We have engaged the community in an important ongoing and evolving conversation about sexual assault prevention, interpersonal violence and stalking, and that is the impact that I believe we have made in the last three years,” she said. When asked how she would like to see

the next Title IX coordinator improve Mason’s campus, she said she would like to see more students become allies through being actively engaged in peer mentoring and bystander intervention. “I would also like to see everyone embrace the next Title IX coordinator in the same amazing way that I was welcomed here,” she said. “Mason will always have a very special place in my heart and I hope the next Title IX coordinator feels the same way about

this place. Thank you to the Mason community for the support, collaboration, partnerships and commitment to ending sexual violence at Mason and beyond.”

FOURTH ESTATE IBRAHIM AHMAD

Jennifer Hammat, Mason’s current Title IX coordinator, was recently announced as the new dean of students at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Her resignation comes in the wake of several reports of sexual assault and harassment on Mason’s campus in recent weeks.

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03.25.2019

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KAVANAUGH HIRED AS MASON’S NEWEST LAW PROFESSOR Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh to become a visiting professor at Mason’s law school LAUREN SULLIVAN INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR DANA NICKEL NEWS EDITOR

2019 to Aug. 2, 2019.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR/NINIAN RIED

The class, titled “Creation of the Constitution,” will be taught by Kavanaugh and law school professor Jennifer Mascott, Kavanaugh’s former law clerk. The class is not listed online in the law school’s list of course descriptions. Though this is only a small portion of the time Kavanaugh has been hired on to teach as a visiting professor, Sandler stated that is the only class he knows that Kavanaugh will be teaching.

According to an anonymous source within Mason’s Office of the Provost, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is coming to the Antonin Scalia Law School as a distinguished visiting professor. The document, given to Fourth Estate and dated January 2019, states Kavanaugh’s effective hire date for

June 25, 2019. His contract will last for three years and is set to end on June 24, 2022. Mason’s Director of Strategic Communications Mike Sandler provided Fourth Estate with information on a study abroad class outside of London in Runnymede, England through the law school from July 22,

News of Kavanaugh’s hire comes in the wake of student outcry for improvements within the university’s Title IX office and police department regarding increasing sexual assault and harassment on campus. “I’m surprised that Mason would be willing to take this risk,” said the source. “I’m not anticipating a good reaction [among the student body].” Last fall, Kavanaugh gained national media attention after he was

nominated by President Trump to the Supreme Court. During his hearing, multiple women came forward alleging that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted them. The most notable accusation, coming from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, resulted in a testimony from both Ford and Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee in late September 2018. Though many Democrats and some Republicans expressed their belief that Kavanaugh was no longer fit to serve as a Supreme Court justice, he was still confirmed to the highest court in the U.S. on Oct. 6, 2018. According to an article by Politico, the law school released a statement on Kavanaugh’s hiring, “It is a rare opportunity for students to learn from a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and we believe that contributes to making our law program uniquely valuable for our students.” In addition to Kavanaugh teaching a law course abroad this summer,

Now accepting 2019 – 2020 student member applications! Discuss current issues and actions relating to the student experience at George Mason University with President Cabrera, Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell, and fellow student members. This group will meet for two hours, over lunch, twice a semester. Attendance is required.

TO APPLY, complete and submit an online application by April 14, 2019

getconnected.gmu.edu/submitter/form/start/255369

Justice Neil Gorsuch will also co-teach a course abroad in Padua, Italy this summer. Gorsuch’s class focuses on the “historical roots and the modern application of the separation of powers in the national security context.” Fourth Estate reached out to multiple representatives within the Office of the Provost, who stated Human Resources (HR) would be the best resource for confirming hiring status. HR pointed Fourth Estate to Michael Sandler, director of strategic communications, who encouraged Fourth Estate to reach out to the Antonin Scalia Law School. Kathleen Corcoran, director of communications for the law school, could not confirm nor deny the hire and pointed Fourth Estate to Alison Price, senior associate dean of the law school. Price did not answer multiple attempts at contact for comment. Editor’s Note: This is a developing story, it will be updated as more information becomes available.

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03.25.2019

FACULTY SENATE BEGINS VOTING ON GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY AMENDMENTS Amendments to the draft remain incomplete, will be voted on further JACK HARVEY STAFF WRITER

Parts of the motion carried unanimously, including that the committee should include a minimum of two members of the faculty senate. For the time being, these are the same members of faculty who served on the Internal Review Committee. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLIE THOMPSON

Section C.5.A focused on the amount of money that would warrant review of a gift by the committee. The original language of the draft stated that any agreement of $500,000 or above would be required for review.

Mason’s faculty senate began voting on proposed amendments to the current draft of Policy 1123 Wednesday, March 13. The policy, defining the terms of accepting gift agreements, is being redrafted following the release of the Gift Agreement Report published by the Internal Review Committee in Oct. 2018. The Gift Agreement Report is to be

presented to the Board of Visitors later this spring, following edits by the faculty senate and Mason’s administration. The meeting centered primarily around Article II, Section C.3.C, and Article II Section C.5.A. The first of these, 3.C, was related to who should sit on the newly formed Gift Acceptance Committee to review future gifts.

Professor Bethany Letiecq, president of Mason’s American Association of University Presidents (AAUP) in the faculty senate, suggested that for the time being the threshold be lowered to $25,000 so that the acceptance committee could identify smaller problematic or non-standard agreements, rather than only focusing on major ones. This led to a period of debate between the faculty senate and members of Mason’s administration. During the debate, both members of the administration and some members of the

faculty senate raised objection about lowering the threshold.

meeting room to protest Mason’s current gift acceptance policy, as well as to express support for the amendments being drafted by faculty senate.

Members of the administration argued that lowering the threshold would lead to an overwhelming amount of work for the committee. Letiecq responded by arguing that the majority of agreements are quite standard. Because of this, the majority of agreements would not require a detailed review.

“Our goal was to highlight how students really support these faculty measures, and really just show our support,” said Gus Thomson, a senior integrative studies major at Mason and member of Transparent GMU. He continued, “We’re really encouraged to see the faculty take action on a lot of these, and we’re really looking forward to them continuing on working through these motions in the future.”

The motion was postponed on account of need for further consideration from the student body. The faculty senate meeting concluded with the faculty appointing two senators to a task force to propose implementations for the new Gift Acceptance Policy.

The group is currently involved in a lawsuit against the GMU Foundation, the private organization that handles gift agreements for Mason.

In its current form, in the words of chairman of faculty senator Keith Renshaw, “The Gift Acceptance Committee is an advisory committee....The people who decide are the Board of visitors.”

The group’s appeal against a previous ruling in the Foundation’s favor was approved March 12. “We are excited that our case is moving forward and we are looking forward to our hearing this summer,” Thomson wrote to Fourth Estate.

Members of Transparent GMU stood silently with signs at the back of the

MASON’S LAW SCHOOL TO RECEIVE $50 MILLION Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School to receive biggest donation in university’s history DANA NICKEL NEWS EDITOR

The gift comes from the estate of the late judge Allison Rouse and lawyer Dorothy Rouse, his wife. Though the couple does not have academic ties to Mason or the law school, Dorothy Rouse, who died in May 2018, was an avid fan of Henry Butler, dean of Mason’s law school. Judge Allison Rouse was appointed as an associate justice of the California Courts of Appeal by Ronald Reagan in 1971, when Reagan was governor of California. Judge Rouse died in 2005. According The Washington Post,

Butler stated, “Mrs. Rouse was proud to leave a legacy that supports the lasting scholarship and jurisprudence of Justice Scalia.” Within the last few years, Mason has gained national attention and

criticism for some gift agreements to the school and their role in the school’s academic freedom. Most of the attention has circulated around gift agreements from the Charles Koch Foundation to both Mason’s law school and economics department.

part series surrounding gifts to Mason’s economics department as well as Mason’s law school and their agreements.

One of the gifts led to the renaming of Mason’s law school for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016. Some of the funding in the agreement came from the Charles Koch Foundation. Last year, Fourth Estate released a three

FOURTH ESTATE FOURTH ESTATE ARCHIVES

Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School has received a record gift of $50 million dollars, the largest donation in Mason’s history, according to an article by The Washington Post. Mason announced on March 7 that the gift will create permanent funds for 13 new faculty chairs.

Transparent GMU, an on-campus organization at Mason that works to promote transparency in regards to Mason’s finances, also served as the plaintiff in a lawsuit against Mason and the George Mason University Foundation (GMU Foundation). Additionally, a panel reviewed gift agreements at Mason last year, and recommended more faculty oversight and general transparency. In a press release surrounding this new donation, Mason President Ángel Cabrera stated that the gift “will further strengthen our law school’s position among the best in the nation and will provide a strong foundation for our university.”

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03.25.2019

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SIX STUDENT SENATORS RESIGN IN TWO DAYS

Five of six chair positions are left vacant following resignations ABIGAIL ADCOX ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR;

In the span of a week’s time, six student senators have resigned from their positions within Student Government. Among the six senators to resign, five were chairs for various committees, including Dustin Cone, chair of the University Services Committee, Leah Hoffman, chair of the University Life Committee, Joseph Fernando, chair of the Government and Community Relations Committee, Erica Kelly, chair of the University Academics Committee and McKenna Bates, chair of the Administrative and Financial Affairs Committee. The sixth senator who resigned was Zachary Wolfson. Prior to the March 21 student senate meeting, former chair of the University Life Committee Leah Hoffman sent an email on Tuesday, March 19 to senate leadership expressing grievances with Student Body President Bekah Pettine. “The President of the Student Body has had increasing relations in my department to the point that I am uncomfortable with working with her,” Hoffman wrote in the email, “Unlike any other department in Student Government, [President Bekah Pettine] is consistently involved in the planning and implementing of projects which are outside of her scope. This includes, but is not limited

JACK HARVEY STAFF WRITER

to, communicating with offices which fall under my department.” Hoffman then went on to allege an incident that took place last fall between her and Pettine, which concerned the First of All We Vote

and represented them as a participant in the debate, claimed in the email that Pettine provided her with the debate questions prior to the event.

Text messages obtained by Fourth Estate from Oct. 31 appear to show that Pettine sent a document titled “Debate Questions” to Hoffman.

“Bekah sent me the questions for First of All We Vote in November,”

In response to the document allegedly sent by Pettine, Hoffman replied, “Did

“The President of the Student Body has had increasing relations in my department to the point that I am uncomfortable with working with her.” event on Nov. 1. The event was hosted by Student Government, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Mason Votes, and was comprised of a debate between College Republicans (CRs) and George Mason Democrats (GMU Dems) on a number of crucial issues ahead of the 2018 national midterm elections. Hoffman, who is a member of CRs

Hoffman alleged. “After Bekah sent me these questions, I immediately sent them to [Senator Elijah Nichols], because I know the action of sending them to me was immoral as I was debating for the Republicans.” Nichols, who represented GMU Dems in the debate, confirmed with Fourth Estate that Hoffman had sent him the questions.

these accusations are uncorroborated and unwarranted. In an earlier interview with Fourth Estate on Saturday, March 23, Pettine said, “I don’t know where that’s coming from; “First of All We Vote happened six months ago, and frankly, it wasn’t something that I was involved with in planning. I don’t have a lot of information on it,” in response to a question about allegations of her leaking the document. Pettine went on to say, “I did everything in my power to resolve the situation for all parties involved and to ensure that the questions were rewritten.”

you read these questions??? Talk about bias!!!!!,” to which Pettine replied, “I know, that’s why I wanted to show them to ya’ll.” Fourth Estate reached out to Pettine to verify the text message exchange, but Pettine declined to comment on the conversation. She is currently seeking legal representation to resolve these accusations. Pettine has stated that

The questions were ultimately rewritten prior to the event, after Student Government learned that both organizations had obtained the first set of debate questions. According to Nichols, Kara Kline, president of GMU Dems, notified Tim O’Shea, executive secretary for government and community relations, that they had obtained the first set of debate questions. Hoffman resigned from her position as chair of the University Life Committee in the student senate meeting on March 21 with a formal statement. In an act of solidarity with Hoffman, former Chair of the University Academics Committee Erica Kelly also resigned during the March 21 student senate meeting.

FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDER SHEDD

“I believe it is time for me to go, because I do this in solidarity with Chairwoman Hoffman and Chairwoman Bates, because the next administration and the student body must know that bullying, harassment and misconduct have no place in Student Government,” Kelly said in her statement before the student senate. “I encourage all of you to take the action that you see fit to hold this administration and all others accountable in the future.” Following Hoffman, former Chair of the Administrative and Financial Affairs Committee McKenna Bates announced her resignation via the student senate listserv Wednesday, March 20. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Bates alleged specifically that Olivier revealed details of a disciplinary measure taken against Bates by Olivier and Speaker pro tempore Cedric Price to fellow senators. Bates stated that this took place during a Mason Hillel trip over spring break to Israel called Fact Finders, which several Student Government members took part in. Kelly backed this allegation, stating that Olivier divulged this confidential information to multiple senators on the trip, including Kelly, on more than one occasion. On Thursday, March 21, Olivier stated to Fourth Estate, “The allegations are false,” adding that she had no further comment. Olivier has not responded to several other attempts by Fourth Estate for comment. An attorney claiming to represent Olivier, however, stated, that “all the allegations are baseless, uncorroborated and untrue.” Price did not respond for comment to verify the conversation between him and Olivier. Former Senator Zachary Wolfson also resigned during the March 21 student senate meeting. In response to why he decided to resign, Wolfson said, “the main reason that I decided to resign actually ended up stemming from

the resignation of former Admin and Finance Chairwoman McKenna Bates; the former chairwoman basically decided to resign for her own personal reasons.” Wolfson continued, “It’s also important to note that the resignation that she offered did go and mention another senator, had dealt with similar problems to what she was mentioning, and I’m actually that other senator... This actually relates to the speaker of the current student senate, at least in the sense that she is not being supportive of other senators and supporting the student body.” Former Chair of the University Services Committee Dustin Cone joined the others in resigning at the March 21 meeting. Cone expressed a general dissatisfaction with the way Student Government was run, stating, “I devoted my time with (sic) Student Government, seven, ten-plus hours, working with University Services... I personally have felt harassed, have felt attacked, have been cursed, all while being in Student Government while doing my job. My mental health has gone down to do good for the university. That shouldn’t go hand-in-hand.” While Cone’s resignation was apparently not directly tied to those of Hoffman and Bates, he did express solidarity with them when interviewed by Fourth Estate. Joseph Fernando, former chair of the government and community relations

committee, was also one of the five senators to resign during the student senate meeting March 21. Fernando attributed his resignation to that of Cone. “I could not, in good conscience … continue working in a very toxic environment,” he said. Pettine spoke about how she plans to finish out the last few weeks of her term in the wake of the six resignations during Saturday’s interview.

“Something that I established as president this year is an anonymous complaint form as a way for members to bring forth their concerns, which goes straight to the advisor,” she said. “I really want to keep referring people to that and encouraging them to use it. In addition, I believe this year’s department meetings between executive secretaries, chairs and undersecretaries have been a great way to encourage further transparency and

communication between branches.” Pettine also said about her time within Student Government, “I really am proud of the work we’re doing. I’m just hoping that the culture and the way we speak to each other as an organization can be greatly improved.” In wake of the resignations, in next week’s student senate meeting, only one of six chair positions will be occupied, which requires five elections to be held to fill the vacancies.

FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDER SHEDD

Bates sent an email to students alleging that Senate Speaker Claire Olivier had attempted to “harm [Bates’] relationships with other senators through breaches of confidentiality [and] dissemination of false information.”

03.25.2019

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SOUTH SUDAN STILL IN CRISIS

Mason student researches problems in the country IZZ LAMAGDELEINE COPY CHIEF

Elizabeth Munn, a sophomore at Mason studying global affairs, has conducted research into the country’s major problems and possible improvements and solutions. “While I’ve been interested in Africa specifically for a while now, I had never had a particular interest in South Sudan specifically,” Munn wrote to Fourth Estate. “Instead, it was the human rights aspect that drew me into the topic. I am also really passionate about research, which is how I came to intern at the Council on Foreign Relations for the Africa Studies department.” In a blog post published March 14 on the Council’s website, Munn highlighted the human rights abuses that South Sudan has been participating in, as well as how these abuses are tied to the massive amount of oil found in the area. According to an Associated Press report from last August, South Sudan’s oil reserves are the third-largest in Africa., Its economy is dependent on the 3.5 billion barrels the country holds in reserves.

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“The story of South Sudan easily could be … the story of oil in other parts of the world,” said Benedict Carton, a professor of history affiliated with the African and African American Studies department. He continued, “The pursuit of resources always ... brings [a] territory to people’s attention. And when it’s outsiders seeking those resources, ’because they need it for their own industrialization or their own modern economies, it can create havoc on the ground.”

Members of South Sudan’s National Security Services (NSS) are extremely loyal to Kiir. Akol Koor, head of the Internal Security Bureau, which comprises part of NSS, was reported to be a member of the board by several sources. On Nilepet’s website, however, there is no mention of his name. He is not listed to be a current board member.

However, he also stressed that locals can be complicit in violence as well, acting for their own profit and “becoming the equivalent of warlords.” In both the blog post and a report by the Human Rights Council released last month, the state-owned oil company Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet) has been complicit in funding the civil war as well as lacking proper ethical standards, including “transparency and independent oversight.” Additionally, several government ministers have been appointed to the board of Nilepet by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who has held the position since the country first became an independent nation. Currently, three members of the government hold positions on the board, including the first undersecretary for the ministry of petroleum and mining as well as the first undersecretary in the ministry of finance and economic planning.

“In the case of Nilepet, it is a stateowned oil company, and it is completely under the thumb of the government and National Security Services (NSS),” Munn wrote. She continued, “The government can appoint individuals to positions in Nilepet, which allows it to control the decision-making process. Until there is a level of accountability and transparency in the practices of Nilepet and NSS ... it is going to be complicit.” Accountability and transparency within the South Sudanese government

In 2018, more than 10 humanitarian workers were killed, while journalism critical of the government has been threatened by Kiir publically. His government has barred newspapers from covering topics such as protests in Sudan as recently as January, the Committee to Protect Journalists found. “So this is a problem,” Carton said. “When a leader is ... both defended (sic) and won freedom, it’s very hard for those leaders who, every day, live with the possibility of being killed in defense of the people, to share power or give up power,” Carton said. Elections for the Sudanese presidency are currently scheduled for 2021. They will be first since the nation formed, having been postponed in both 2015 and 2018 because of the civil war. The most recent agreement for peace, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, has missed several deadlines and has moved very slowly in making progress toward its goals. The Human Rights Council’s report states that, even though the agreement has brought hope to the area, “it has not delivered immediate relief of their humanitarian situation,” with many still displaced and/or experiencing intense food insecurity.

in South Sudan is that they aren’t covering all of the actors involved,” Munn said. “The 2018 peace agreement focuses on power sharing between the original two conflict parties—Kiir and [Riek] Machar [the country’s former vice president]. Today, there are several different rebel groups that have emerged since the start of the conflict in 2013, and these groups aren’t even included in the peace deal.” Carton said, “The formation of new nations is fundamentally about trying to get over distrust, so that’s actually the default position.” He continued, “Trust ... is the aspiration, and it’s often unreachable, right? So this thing of trust is fascinating, and what unifies people when you’re fighting against [a] common enemy is the common enemy, and then when the common enemy recedes or actually evaporates, then you’re left with ... each other.” In the future, Munn wishes to further her research on the continent: “I want to continue working with Africa, but I would also like to work with women’s rights and environmental issues. Africa, women and the environment are my three loves, so I’d really like to find a way to combine them all in my future work.”

“A primary issue with the peace deals

Monday, March 18- Fairfax Campus, Multiple times

Wednesday, March 20, 2019- Democracy Lane

Stalking: Complainant (GMU) reported receiving unwanted contact from an unknown subject (GMU) on multiple occasions. Due to confidentiality of reporting, limited information is available regarding this incident.

Drug/Narcotic Violations/Harassment: Two complainants (GMU) reported being offered illegal drugs by an unknown subject. (15/Daniels) 2019-002791- Referred to Title IX

CSA Report #031819- Information Only. Tuesday, March 19- Hazel Hall (Arlington Campus) Drunkenness: Subject (GMU) was given a verbal warning for being intoxicated in public. (20/Barton)

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON POLICE

is poor, as well. This means that the safety of those fighting to expose any injustice is never guaranteed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR

The world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, was first recognized in 2011 and has been engulfed in civil war since 2013. The country is often known in the media for its refugee crisis, high amounts of violence and a general lack of transparency by the country’s government when it comes to these problems.

2019-002731- Closed

Thursday, March 21- Fairfax Campus and Off-campus Stalking: Complainant (GMU) reported receiving unwanted contact from an unknown subject (Non-GMU) on multiple occasions. (22/Hagenow) 2019-002829-Referred to Title IX Thursday, March 21- Ike’s Dining

Wednesday, March 20- Finley Lot Hit and Run: Complainant (GMU) reported a hit and run of a vehicle. (17/ Bennett) 2019-002775- Pending

Simple Assault: Complainant (GMU) reported being assaulted by a known subject (GMU). (40/Ries) 2019-002853- Referred to Title IX

NEWS

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

03.25.2019

FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

PRESIDENTIAL 2020 NOMINEES

THIS WEEK IN POLITICS Monday, March 18

Tuesday, March 19

Wednesday, March 20

Thursday, March 21

A South Korean defense ofﬁcial says claims that North Korea is preparing a missile launch are “hasty” and inconclusive

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg speaks on the recent controversy around the unsafe 737 Max plane, saying, “Our hearts are heavy”

British Prime Minister Theresa May declares her opposition to a long delay in a new Brexit deal, which has been proposed by members of Parliament

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces that the country will ban “military-style semi-automatic” weapons

The lawyer representing the perpetrator of the deadly shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand tells media his client is “lucid” between court appearances

President Trump claims via Twitter that social media platforms show “collusion” and bias against him and his administration

President Trump comes out in support of releasing Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian election interference to the public

A Catholic diocese in Mississippi releases the names of more than 30 clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse against children

Former Vice President Joe Biden allegedly begins building presidential campaign amid heavy speculation of an incoming announcement

Multiple Democratic candidates for president in 2020 announce they will not attend the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee fundraising conference

The Supreme Court agrees to take on a case which could potentially make it more difﬁcult for states to prosecute identity theft crimes

China announces that U.S. trade ofﬁcials, including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, will visit China at the end of the month for trade negotiations

Friday, March 22 Special Counsel Robert Mueller concludes his investigation into Russian election interference and submits a report to Attorney General William Barr U.S. imposes new economic sanctions against North Korea in the wake of negotiations last month which ended inconclusively The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee threatens to cut funding from campaign strategists who seek to primary Democratic incumbents

SPORTS

03.25.2019

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE @IVESTATE_SPORTS

MARCH MADNESS: IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR NATALIE HEAVREN SPORTS EDITOR

If you know what college basketball is, you know what March Madness is. I remember watching the first-round games back in my fifth-grade math class, around the time when they first started streaming the games online. This was also the first time I filled out a bracket on paper.

As a Connecticut native, March Madness is truly the most wonderful time of the year and has provided me with plenty of memorable moments. Their Men’s and Women’s basketball teams have won 14 combined championships in my lifetime (hopefully championship 15 is coming soon).

In my opinion, the only thing that comes close to the NCAA tournament is the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Both are insanely entertaining to watch. With the seven-game series in the NHL, and the upsets and comebacks in the NCAA, they are the best of both worlds. March Madness brings people together as they fill brackets, host watch parties and more. Nothing beats watching the championship game while eating chicken wings with friends. Before coming to Mason, I cheered for Georgetown. Why? Well, my Dad went to a seminary school with no athletic programs, and my mom went to American University, who literally have never won a game in the “big dance,” so I did not have much of a choice. I chose Georgetown because my father taught at the law school; that’s it.

Regardless, as I am now a Patriot, I root for the underdogs and the Cinderellas. This is one of the reasons as to why I loved watching the University of Maryland Baltimore County play the University of Virginia and seeing Loyola University Chicago make it to the Final Four, just the fourth team to do so as a No. 1 seed. Being in the atmosphere of college basketball games is the reason as to why I have become the basketball fan I am today, and being in the NCAA’s top-rated pep band in the country does not hurt either. So, as we approach the Final Four, I cannot help but think of being 7 years old, watching the run with my dad the last time we went to the Final Four. Will we ever see another Cinderella like Mason? In my opinion, not for a long time. They went through a lot to get to the Final Four, and if that is to be replicated, some pieces will have to fall into the right places. It is moments like these that make March Madness great.

From Kemba Walker’s incredible run in 2011 to both

tournament moment was not any game involving Connecticut. Though those teams were all given chances, my favorite memory was watching one team no one thought would win. March 16, 2018, was a really good day. After watching the Mason Women’s Basketball team win their first postseason game, my dad and I remained in our living room to watch UMBC get blown out by Virginia ... or so I thought. When my dad asked me when UMBC was on, I said they would be blown out at 9:20 on TNT.

the men’s and women’s teams winning in 2014, to two years later watching the women’s team win their fourth championship in a row and in 2018 watching them break a plethora of records en route to winning 140-52, there’s no shortage of reasons for me to love March Madness. However,

favorite

NCAA

while he was there as part of the 20th graduating class, as well as the fact he had never imagined they’d do something like this. His excitement fueled mine. I had seen him excited when UConn held 15 championships between the men and women’s teams, but this was the most enthusiastic I’d ever seen him at the end of a game, watching UMBC win. Getting to experience the game with him was something I’ll never forget.

I teased my dad, a 1989 UMBC graduate, throughout the first half whenever they held a lead briefly or made a great shot, because who would imagine a 16-seed beating a 1-seed?

My favorite part of March Madness is not knowing what great moment or upset is coming next. Watching the UConn women win 140-52 brought me just as much joy as when the University of Oregon reached the Elite Eight as a 10-seed, or the University of Washington reached the Final Four as a 7-seed.

The Retrievers started out hot, taking a 27-21 lead early in the second half. I jokingly told my dad, “It’s happening!” to which he would respond, “There’s still plenty of time left.” This interaction would be repeated countless times before the end of the game, even as UMBC pulled ahead by 20 (I just don’t think he wanted to get his hopes up).

On the men’s side, aside from UMBC upsetting Virginia, watching as LoyolaChicago reached the Final Four as an 11-seed, Florida Gulf Coast University became the first 15-seed to advance to the Sweet 16, and Yale University defeated Baylor University were all magical moments. But part of what makes them magical is that none of them were expected.

UMBC would go on to be the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed in the men’s tournament, and the joy and excitement my dad exuded were not something I had seen before. He relayed stories of UMBC’s athletics

As the first weekend of March Madness wraps up, there naturally have been unexpected upsets and magical moments, but the most wonderful part is that there is always more magic to come.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY

I came from a house that was not really into college basketball; my Dad watched baseball, and my Mom watched football. It was not until my sophomore year of high school that I started watching what is called “The Madness.”

Obviously, now that I am at Mason, I cheer for Mason to make the tournament. However, that has not happened in the last eight years, so I do not know how or if I will see this team ever make the tournament while I’m here.

FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

DOMENIC ALLEGRA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTS

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE @IVESTATE_SPORTS

03.25.2019

COAST TO COAST

Women’s Ice Club Hockey Founder Has Goals for her Team LAURA SCUDDER SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

“I was just sad when I came here that they didn’t have a women’s team, so I decided to start one,” Purvis said. “I played sports all growing up, and then I started hockey in high school, and it was immediately my favorite one.” Fast-forward over a year later, and Purvis is enjoying both the program she founded and the growth it has seen since the process began. The team started practicing this semester at Loudoun Ice Centre in a training arena about half the size of a regular ice rink. According to Purvis, Women’s Club Ice Hockey does skating drills, passing drills and more when at practice. She even found a coach to help the team

grow throughout the season. Coach Carson Evans is a volunteer at Mason who leads the practices and helps the girls get ready for more competition. When he is not able to be at practice, the players step up to lead one another in the advancement of their skills. Practices are not the only thing important to these hockey players. The women faced off against George Washington University in a scrimmage recently. Purvis explained that GW’s team has been an added plus to the women’s hockey community here at Mason. “They’ve been very nice. … It’s easy to organize things with them,” she said. The club team office has a few rules that one must follow in order to play. “There’s a lot of requirements,” Purvis said. “You have to have your physical updated. You have to pay dues for the team, and there’s forms that you have to fill out. Because we’re a high-impact

sport … there’s a few things you have to do before you can get on the ice.” Not only are there a few steps to take, per the guidelines of the university, but anyone interested in playing hockey for the team has to buy their own equipment as well. Chloe Pignano, a sophomore who is also on the cheer team, went thrifting to save money on her hockey gear — which can get expensive. “I got everything at Goodwill … including my stick,” Pignano said. Though the thifting was a success, Pignano had to be careful of her helmet expiring. “I took mine apart and the date was older than me,” she joked. When asked why people should join the team, Purvis explained how enjoyable it is to be around the other players. “You’ll meet new people that you wouldn’t ever know, and it’s just so fun—it’s a good stress reliever from school stuff,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALI PURVIS

Pignano discussed the closeness of the team. “I think what makes the club special are the people,” she said. “I’ve never been part of a team that was actually really fun because there’s usually so much drama. … There’s not really any, and it’s just fun and everyone laughs and it’s good.” Though the hockey team clearly has fun off the ice, its players know how to work together when facing competition. Their scrimmage against GW, though tiring due to their lack of

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALI PURVIS

When she arrived at Mason, sophomore Ali Purvis noticed something off about the campus: There was no Women’s Ice Hockey team. Realizing that, she knew she had to take charge.

substitutes, went well. According to both Purvis and Pignano, the team was evenly matched against GW’s players despite having less people. The laughter between the two while talking about how the scrimmage conveyed how the game was both fun and entertaining. “That was the most fun I had all year,” Pignano explained. “My favorite part was ending up in the goal—I got slammed in and I was like, ‘Whoa.’” She also expressed amazement about how a fellow teammate succeeded in the scrimmage when put in goal for the first time. The goofier moments the team experienced because of the scrimmage prompted Purvis and Pignano to laugh even harder. “The scrimmage was fun. She made a compilation video … of all the falls for our team,” Purvis said while gesturing toward Pignano. The

video was set to Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life.” The team will face GW more in the future, as Purvis and her fellow players will be joining the Division III Women’s League of the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference. Purvis hopes to have about 15-20 dedicated players next year, enough to run practices and play games as efficiently as possible. Though being successful on the ice is a goal for the team in the future, there is still fun to be had. If you are looking to have a good time in a team sport, then the Women’s Club Ice Hockey is the place for you. Anyone interested in being a part of the team can email wgmuicehockey@ gmail.com for more information.

UPCOMING SPORTS March 27

March 29

March 30

March 31

Baseball vs Towson University 3 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball vs Princeton RAC: 7 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball vs NJIT

Rowing vs Occoquan Sprints

Softball vs Towson University 4 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs Delaware

RAC: 7 p.m.

(All Day)

Tennis vs Coppin State

Lacrosse vs St. Bonaventure

10 a.m.

1 p.m.

Softball vs Fordham

12 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

03.25.2019

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE @IVESTATE_SPORTS

SPORTS

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Men’s Volleyball’s Sam Greenslade excels in a breakout year ERIK SATHER STAFF WRITER

“We had a strong team last season,” Greenslade said in reference to last year’s strong season and performance in the EIVA Tournament. “Obviously we didn’t get as far as we had wanted, but it’s about what we’ve built.” After four years of volleyball success at Penn Manor High School, splitting his time and athleticism between volleyball and basketball, Greenslade decided he knew what his true passion was. With three years of college volleyball at his back, he still speaks of the sport as impassioned as ever, demonstrating both his knowledge of the game and understanding of how to succeed as part of a team. As a freshman, Greenslade was active, playing in 24 matches with 14 starts for a total of 70 sets. He accumulated 126 kills (1.80 per set) on a 0.237 attack percentage with four double-digit performances.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS/RAFAEL SUANES

Greenslade also had 19 service aces (0.27 per set) in his first season, the

third-best mark on the team with eight assists. Greenslade notched 64 digs, the fourth-most with 0.91 digs per set, and 28 blocks (four solo, 24 assists; 0.40 per set) on the defensive end. As a sophomore, the outside hitter had several achievements, including an ace against Princeton on Feb. 17 and again against Penn State on April 7. Greenslade had a career afternoon against Harvard on April 14, where he registered 21 kills and four aces for 25 total points. Four aces in a set marked a record of the highest amount by a Patriot in 2018, which earned him a VolleyMob Player of the Week Honorable Mention. Greenslade’s sophomore year as an up-and-coming star helped set expectations regarding team success. He filled out the team’s outside hitters, which significantly helped its attack. Greenslade has littered his statistics books with career highs, including five aces against McKendree University on March 3, 2017. He set a career-high in blocks, with four against Coker College the following night. He rounded out his freshman season with a total of 161 points, 2.3 points per set. The Millersville, Pennsylvania, native

was fourth on the team in total kills and kills per set last season. Also, his .458 hit percentage against Sacred Heart on April 1 was the third-highest individual performance of the season among outside hitters. He hit the mark again this season against Charleston before beating out his best with a .500 against Sacred Heart on March 1. The key, as Greenslade divulged, is in succeeding together. Everyone must buy into the system to succeed, from Greenslade to his teammates and his coach. For Greenslade, this understanding of the path to success rings true, as it has been the path to success for him in the past. Sam’s parents, Gary and Joan, tried to raise their three kids with a strong emphasis on both hard work and teamwork. Sam grew up with an older sister and brother, and smiled as he retold his mother’s story of his brother Andrew, the eldest, handing him a basketball and encouraging him to play. His brother would go on to complete as a decathlete at Slippery Rock, while his sister, Jessie, would go on to great success as a Mason Women’s Volleyball student-athlete. Jessie graduated the year before Sam’s first year on the

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS/RAFAEL SUANES

Men’s Volleyball’s Sam Greenslade has embraced his role on the team in his breakout season and aims to make every play in every game count. With his teammates’ heads held high, the junior is now hoping that a long championship run is on the horizon.

volleyball team, but her track record and experiences with Mason solidified Sam’s desire to come to Mason for school and athletics. Greenslade has played every game this season, making him an indispensable component of their success. So far, he’s accumulated 158 kills on a 0.287 attack percentage, with seven double-digit performances in 19 games. With six games left in this season, he has notched over 37 total blocks, 32 block assists, 92 digs, 10 assists and 203 points.. When asked what he would like to improve in his game, Greenslade reflected for a moment and then described how the number-one thing he would look to improve would be consistency. He said, “The better I perform, the better the team performs as a whole.” This, he says, contributes to how well the team plays overall. That way, Greenslade jokingly says, he and his team can focus on “big-boy volleyball,” or getting the key plays in the moment they are needed for the win. Over a spring break trip Greenslade is unlikely to forget, he recalls head coach Jay Hosack opening up his family’s home to the team where everyone relaxed, swam and enjoyed each other’s company.

Greenslade excitedly described Hosack as “super passionate,” continuing, “You’ll see other coaches are more quiet. … [Our] coach is never quiet when we are on and making big plays. Everyone who goes to our games sees that.” This enthusiasm and passion for the game that Hosack instills in his players bleeds through the players into the game. Greenslade says he lives for the moments of pressure when your family and friends are yelling and the excitement level is high. With an overall record of 13-6, the team is now anxiously looking to bring the Patriots back to the NCAA tournament for a second time during coach Hosack’s four-year tenure at Mason. Unsurprisingly, Greenslade, a mathematics major, has been calculating his chances at success in the big leagues and has been looking into the possibility of playing professionally, although he lamented that that would take him oversees away from his family. Having coached volleyball in summer camp for years at Spooky Nook near his home in Pennsylvania, Greenslade looks fondly toward the future with hopes of continuing to play, with him eventually growing into a coaching career.

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

03.25.2019

CULTURE

DEAR IVY, Ivy helps a student ﬁgure out their major

FOURTH ESTATE ALLIE THOMPSON

I am currently a freshman here at Mason. Right now, I am still not sure what my major will be. There is not a single subject that I particularly like. I know I do not enjoy science, but other than that, there is nothing that stands out to me. At ﬁrst, I was not too worried about not having a

Dear Undecided,

HOW TO GET THERE Senior Jared Palacios films a documentary on local immigrant chef NAYOMI SANTOS STAFF WRITER

As the end of the semester approaches, many Mason students are preparing for graduation. For Jared Palacios, this means preparing his documentary, “How to Get There,” for premiere.

where the owner was able to open up a chain,” Palacios said. With the kitchen under Gudiel’s leadership, Trattoria Villagio has become a staple of local Italian food.

As a film and video studies major, Palacios is required to film a piece as a final project before graduation. While working at a restaurant, Palacios was inspired by a fellow co-worker named Justin Gudiel, a Guatemalan immigrant. He decided to film a documentary on Gudiel and his journey to become the executive chef at Trattoria Villagio, an Italian restaurant in Clifton, Virginia.

Filming consisted of interviews as well as shots within the restaurant and Gudiel’s home. “What’s really fun about filming are all the unexpected things, [and] what really shined were the interviews,” he said.

“As a filmmaker, you want to look for stories around you, and [Gudiel] has a story that needs to be told,” Palacios said. Gudiel’s story is one of success. “[Gudiel] didn’t even start as a chef [when hired],” Palacios said. “He was just the main pizza guy.” After a falling out with the executive chef at the time, “Justin stepped up to the plate and has been the executive chef ever since,” Palacios said. “During those first couple years, success boomed crazily, to the point

Though Palacios knew the story he wanted to tell, the interviews revealed the details of people’s lives that play an important role. “It can be really heavy sometimes. I remember asking one of my interviewees, ‘Do you have anything to say about immigration?’” Palacios said. “And it was the most emotional experience of filming.” Though his film is about immigration and its reality in America, he wants to focus on the stories of the people. “I wanted to speak out to what immigration looks like as a cover for immigrants right now, not for politicians… or what [immigration] is doing to the economy, but to these people specifically living it right now,” Palacios said. The

film

currently

post-production. Palacios explained that “putting in the transcriptions [and] assembling it together with the sound” is part of the post-production process. Though often overlooked, the post-production steps occupy much of the filmmaker’s production of the film. “There is so much that can go wrong and so much that can go right, [and] I think it gets a little underappreciated sometimes,” Palacios said. He continued, “The next steps…we’re still putting it together, trying to make it as broad as possible, not political so I can show it a lot of different mediums.” The film will premiere on May 4 at the Mason Film Festival. Following the festival, Palacios will submit the film to documentary film festivals and Hispanic film festivals. “I just want to get the film out there because it is something that I want to share with people,” he said. “The film itself is solely a success story,” Palacios said. “You don’t have to be an immigrant to get it, you don’t have to be a liberal to be with it. Just listen … and take it in.”

I know firsthand how worrying it is to feel like you don’t know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Trust me, most students come into college just like you, and even those who think they have it all figured out often end up changing their mind, sometimes even more than once. There are many ways you can figure out what major you want to pursue. You do not have to fall in love with a certain major or figure out the dream job you want after you graduate. You can start by looking at what you know you don’t like. You mentioned, for example, that you don’t like science. If that is the case, then at least we know a number of majors that you should not pursue. Also, you might want to look at the type of classes that you enjoy. If you like the humanities, for example, you could always try to take classes from different subjects in that field. That way, you will narrow down your focus and get closer to finding your major.

major, but it feels like time is running out and if I don’t pick something soon, I will not be able to graduate on time. - Undecided

What’s more, you could also look at what sort of job you want to have in the future. If you like interacting with people, then perhaps find a major that can get you a job in customer service. If you prefer working alone, then maybe find a major like computer science, where you will not have to deal with a lot of customers. If you’ve done all this and you’re still unsure, try visiting our career counselor s. They can offer you tremendous help by guiding you through the process and helping you discover your skills and interests. There is even an entire class, UNIV 220, dedicated to helping undeclared students who haven’t figured out their major yet. FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

Dear Ivy,

And remember, you are not alone in this! It’s OK if you are undecided, and it is definitely normal for you to change your mind most students do! - Ivy

FACES OF MASON delves into the lives of Mason students, faculty or alumni, and organizations every week. This week we take a close look at students Mira Martin and Sonsere Christian and alumna Felicia Baez. INTERVIEWS BY IMANI HOLLOMAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRA MARTIN

S T U D E N T, M I R A M A R T I N

What’s your major and what are you involved with on campus? I’m an environmental and sustainable studies major with a concentration in business and a minor in psychology. I’m a part of ALD, which is an honors fraternity for the College of Science. I am also a part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, which is an honors organization. I’m also a part of Active Mind, and yeah I think that that’s kind of the main stuff. I’ve seen on Instagram you’re part of modeling and photography, do you mind telling me when and how you got involved? So, it actually started from a National Society of Collegiate Scholars fashion show on campus called the “proFRESHionals fashion show,” and my friend Ashley Koranteng kind of organized this event. And I figured well if I’m walking in this runway show, I might as well get an Instagram, because I didn’t actually even have an Instagram

before I walked in that show. I was like, ‘Well I want somewhere to post these pictures after I walk.’

photoshoot I wasn’t very nervous either. That’s kind of why I realized that it was something I was passionate about and something that I was good at because I was like, ‘Well, if I’m not really getting nervous about this and I’m just kind of getting excited, this is definitely something that is good for me.’

So, when I started my Instagram ... I started doing photoshoots. So, I started a lot with Mason students. One of my friends … me and him did a couple of shoots. And I also kind of did some makeshift ones where I got my friends to take pictures of me with a concept in mind.

My main thing about that is that I have three rules when I do photoshoots. One, is that I always make sure that there’s mutual credit. So, if I do a photoshoot, I make sure that if you’re going to post me, you’re going to tag me and I have to tag you.

So, I kind of started out of nowhere. I didn’t really see it coming, but I realized it started taking up a lot of my time, so I quit my part-time job and devoted a lot of time and attention to building my repertoire as a model. … That kind of took a lull over the summer, and then when I came back, I met a designer while I was doing my first show and she kind of became a mentor for me. So, during this fall she asked me to come up and be part of the D.C. Fashion Incubator at the Macy’s off the Metro stop and model something for her there. And I was like, ‘Wow, I really miss this, I want to get back into this.’ And I kind of started snowballing again, and I’ve been doing tons of work every week. What was your ﬁrst photoshoot like? Were you nervous? I think that photoshoots have never really been scary for me. Runway shows were definitely the bigger hurdle to jump, just because there’s so much more that goes into a runway show. So, I would say my first runway show I felt really prepared for, so I wasn’t very nervous, and my first

My other one is that if I want to bring somebody, I can. Because if I want to do that for safety reasons, I’m not going to shoot with somebody who tells me I can’t bring somebody for safety. My third is if I’m uncomfortable during any point of the shoot, I’m allowed to leave. And I tell all my photographers that ... I work ... with because it’s important that I feel safe. What is your greatest strength and weakness as a model and how will you improve your weakness? I would say that one of my greatest strengths is probably that I am very hardworking … I always go above and beyond when it comes to gigs ... And I kind of am the mama of the models usually, and I usually have the chapstick and the hairspray and whatever. Honestly, designers and stylists especially really notice that, and it really makes them want to work with me again [because] I’m so prepared … I think honestly my big weakness right now, is just having to water down my modeling career because I still am a full-time student. So, when people want to work with me sometimes I have to turn them down ‘cause I have class or I have an exam, and obviously that makes me more or less a little less desirable because I am less available. But I think obviously the way I work on that weakness is just by finding time, pockets, that I do have available and making sure that I’m using them to the fullest, which is usually what I do. What are your personal goals with modeling? If I could pick, I would only really do runway, but I am on the cutoff for height requirements for runway, so some people would want me and some people wouldn’t. But I know that I’ll probably have to do photo as well. But I think that one of the things I really gained from modeling ... is that I have gotten less concerned about what people think of me. I think a lot of people go the

opposite direction, because they get so consumed with, ‘How do I get this many likes?,’ or ‘How do I get this many followers?’ One thing I really realized is that my goal with modeling is no longer, if it was at any point, to get a social following or for people to care. It’s because I love it and because I’m passionate about it. I think that a lot of times when aspiring models start out, it’s really to feel more confident in their own right. And for me, it’s just not that —it’s just really a career that I like. I really enjoy doing it. I think I’m good at it, and I definitely work my butt off to be good at it in a way that other people think is, comes off as casual almost. Do you have any tips for upcoming aspiring models? Maybe this is cynical, but my first tip is, if you don’t absolutely love it, don’t do it. Because it doesn’t matter how pretty you are, it doesn’t matter how tall you are, it doesn’t matter how curvy you are, it doesn’t matter how thin you are. If you do not have a passion for modeling, you can’t do it. ... It’s just so so much more work than that. You have to be ready to drive two and three hours to an event—fashion shows ... I’m there all day, and you have to be willing to let other people do your hair and makeup and maybe wear things that you wouldn’t put yourself in. Step out your comfort zone in a lot of ways that some people just aren’t ready to do. So, to those people who are modeling just because they’re attractive, maybe have more of an interest in being a social media influencer. ... But my piece of advice to people who are really passionate about the idea of being on a runway and getting into print would just be [to] be prepared always. For the plans to change, for you to end up in a city you don’t know, not sure where to park your car, be ready to have extra money because you don’t know if you need to pay for it, be ready to have food with you if you’re stuck somewhere all day and starving, bring water, bring makeup always, bring like every pair of shoes you own that’s over four inches heels. … If you act like you’re hardworking and talented, people will notice that. But if you act like you’re mean because you think that that makes you seem like a pro, you’re wrong. People in the industry are so exhausted with those types of models. What is your Instagram account so that Mason students can follow your modeling career? My Instagram account is @miramartin4.

CULTURE CULTURE S T U D E N T, S O N S E R E C H R I S T I A N What do you study at Mason? What is your desired career path? My major is information systems and operations management. My desired career path is to become a business analyst manager. I know that you are a manager at a restaurant. Do you mind describing your management style? My style of management is a mix of coaching and an authoritative style. With new employees, I train them hands-on by showing them how to properly complete tasks and correct them when they make mistakes. I also use a more authoritative style approach when I have to show tough love in a way, so when they are doing a task wrong or inefficiently, they become aware of it and correct it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONSERE CHRISTIAN

What are some of your job responsibilities as a manager? My responsibilities include making sure the customers feel welcomed and are satisfied before leaving, making sure the front of the house and the kitchen are clean, making sure we have everything ready to go and stocked before the beginning of the shift, ensuring that there is a maintained level of excellence and to help out anywhere that’s needed. Going to school and having a full-time job must be stressful. How do you balance both? It is very stressful, but it is doable. It requires a lot of time management, preparation, planning and sacrifice. For

example, before I leave the house in the morning, I have to make sure I have my book bag, a packed lunch and my work uniform because I go to work right after class. Usually when I get home from work, I have to dive straight into my schoolwork to work on homework, projects and I have to study for upcoming tests and quizzes. Is it hard dealing with conﬂict while working at a fast food restaurant? If so, how do you manage? Yes, it is extremely difficult to have to deal with irate customers, especially when they are hungry. I manage the conflict by trying to calm down the customer, then allowing them to explain their issue. It is very important for people to understand that they are being heard. Then, I breakdown the problem and figure out multiple ways to resolve or makeup for it and present it to the customer and let them choose what they’d prefer. What is your favorite thing about your job? The thing that I enjoy most about my job is the fast-paced working environment, seeing customers happy and the amazing employee discounts. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why? If I could meet a celebrity, I would love to meet Beyoncé. I admire her hard work and business ethics, her stellar fashion sense, the way that she is super organized, and also how she is a healthy person.

ALUMNA, FELICIA BAEZ So while you were an undergraduate here at Mason, what did you study and what organizations were you apart of ? So when I was here in undergrad, I studied integrative studies with a concentration in international studies. I had a minor in women and gender studies. And then organization wise, I was a part of Chase Dreams Not Boys, and then my junior year, I joined a sorority—Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Now that you are a graduate student here at Mason. what do you study? Is it different from your undergraduate degree?

PHOTO COURTESY OF FELICIA BAEZ

Yes, so like I said, so my concentration [was] international studies for undergrad and now I’m currently pursuing my master’s in public health with a concentration in global health. So I like to say they kind of intertwine the international studies and global health part. I wasn’t a health major, but being part of SSAC’s peer health educator program I think inspired me to pursue public health. Do you mind explaining your involvement with the Women and Gender Studies department on-campus? My first year as a grad, I was a grad assistant for LGBTQ resources, and that basically we worked very closely with the Women and Gender studies office. And so my second year, I was offered a graduate assistantship with them, and I took that one just to do something different, and I felt like what I did and what I cared about was more aligned with Women and Gender Studies.

So essentially, I’m here three days a week. I help with the space of the office. We’ve got students who come in and just chill, but then we’ve also got students who come in and use our library. ... I’ve helped facilitate course presentations, which are going on now. So every single semester we go to the classes that we offer, like Women and Gender Studies 100 and 200, to talk about courses that are offered the following semester—basically to recruit and get people excited about the classes that we’re taking. Another part of my role at Women and Gender Studies includes programming, so we have annual events that go on each year. Fall semester there’s usually a heavy focus on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we’ve done things like Take Back the Night, Chapter Next [and] the Clothesline Project. We collaborate a lot with Student Support and Advocacy Center and the LEAD office on that. Then spring semester it’s all about Women’s History Month, which is in March. … The last part of Women and Gender Studies that I’ve done is that we received a grant to work on a gender-based violence studies “thing.” I don’t want to say minor because I think we’re actually going to do a certificate, but I’ve been helping with the development and research of that. And in April, we’re actually going to be bringing in some community partners here for a luncheon to talk a little bit about what that’ll look like, so we’re still in the works. We did the proposal and helped bring people together, but we’re looking at shelters—domestic violence shelters, organizations that are passionate about gender based violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and all that. So yeah, it’s a lot, but it’s fun.

03.25.2019

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GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

POTENTIAL SENATORS PREPARE FOR ELECTION Could you briefly describe your platform? I’m running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and experienced leadership. I believe Student Government should show constraint when spending the money the university has provided to us. We should seek to get the maximum utility out of the funds we have, and we [can] do that by cutting out wasteful spending.

Could you briefly describe your platform?

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUMMER BROWN

My platform focuses on expanding Mason PD safety measures, maintaining Mason and keeping campus clean, partnering with community veteran groups, increasing Patriot Pride through developing campus traditions and giving out more Mason swag, combating sexual assault and violence on campus and keeping Mason inclusive for all students. I believe we have a responsibility to create a safe, nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.

Veronica Mata, Freshman Could you briefly describe your platform? My platform is centered around compassion and advocacy. My platform is rooted in my care and concern for the experience that students have at Mason. I want to advocate for everyone at Mason and encourage a feeling of transparency from university offices and a feeling of safety for the students.

Natalia Kanos, Freshman Could you briefly describe your platform? I am trying to bridge the gap between Student Government and the student body. I want to be able to partner with the Student Government and get their concerns and issues addressed and pushed forward. If elected, I plan to work on making the hugely diverse population of Mason feel like there is a place for them to be the best and truest version of themselves.

Phylicia White, Freshman What inspired you to run for student senate? I witness a lot of change happening with people and the community in Mason, and I want to help aid in that. On the other hand, I see people struggling with obstacles such as financial aid and housing, so I want to breach that gap. I want everyone to remain positive/smile their way through college, because these are supposed to be the best years of our lives. Summer Brown, Freshman

Nicolo Allado, Freshman

Why did you decide to re-run for senate?

Why do you think you would be a good leader?

It boils down to three things. One, advocating for others and making improvements at Mason is something I thoroughly enjoy, and would seek to do it regardless of Student Government. Two, I enjoy working on projects and initiatives as a team and am definitely group-oriented when it comes to goals and success rather than my own individual success. And three, I love being able to represent a diverse population of students here at Mason so that they may have a voice in matters that actually is their own, and that I may be their liaison for that voice.

My longtime service in Student Government has provided me a wealth of experience in regards to leadership. I place great value on teamwork, for I see it as the means to success. I give out much effort in a task if given the time and resources, and I try to get work out ahead whenever I have the time. I also have a penchant for taking in requests and feedback from others, which helps me maintain a good relationship with both my fellow [student] senators and my constituents. Lastly, I tend to try and try again whenever I do not succeed, and thus I never give up. Arya Rashidian, Sophomore Why did you decide to run for student senate? I wanted to run for senate because I want to make Mason more inclusive, exciting and supportive.

I've decided to run for the student senate to get to know people who are actively participating in student life and understand the decision-making process within the student government. Could you briefly describe your platform? My platform is [that] tuition cost must go down, parking permits cost must go down [and that the] bookstore monopoly and expensive books should go away.

Why do you think you would be a good leader? [I grew] up in Chirilagua, a low-income and Latino-based neighborhood in Alexandria. From a young age, I witnessed racial injustice due to the language barrier, families financially struggling and gender discrimination. As a Latina, I felt the responsibility to help families in my community because there was little to no support from others. I decided to volunteer as a translator at health fairs, parent-teacher conferences, toy drives and helping filling out documents. The following candidates could not be reached for comment but are also running for Senate: Amanda Attiya

Zachary Wolfson

Could you briefly describe your platform?

Samantha Gibbs

Isabella D’Alacio

Our platform includes improving [the] Mason Dining experience, supporting Mason LIFE, making Student Health a priority and, most importantly, listening to Mason students.

David O’Connell

Elizabeth Gillette

Madeline Portnoy

David O’Connett

WOW Coalition: Shelby Adams and Cassidy Whitehurst, Freshmen, and Monet Ballard, Sophomore

Mackenzie Nelson

Petro Zinchenko, Junior Why did you decide to run for senate?

Francisca Fuentes-Vasquez, Sophomore

What is at least one change you hope to make on campus? A big goal [we] wish to accomplish is building connections or relationships with RSOs and with different offices and departments around campus. With a good working relationship, a lot of things can get done that could benefit the student body.

Shane Christopher Martin Joseph Pagan Madison Essig Ayman Fatima Cedric Price

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCISCA FUENTES-VASQUEZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN BIMENT

Dawson Weinhold. Junior

Sean Diment. Freshman

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETRO ZINCHENKO

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIA KANOS

Students describe their campaign platforms and why they are running for student government

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

CULTURE

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY AT HYPERNOVA SOLAR Mason students build solar car that will race for a week in Australia

03.25.2019

DEFENSE AND

STRATEGIC

STUDIES G R A D U AT E P R O G R A M

TRAVIS MCMILLAN STAFF WRITER

something that someone would actually drive, instead of the awkwardly shaped cars other teams make in an effort to make the car more efficient. They plan to have the designs done by May 15 with the chassis built. The car should be completed sometime in July, with the race in October. They will use their extra time to test out the car and make sure everything is working properly.

WASHINGTON, DC A R E A CA M PUS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLAS MACOTTO

Parts of the car will be built using a hang printer, which is a 3D printer hanging from the ceiling mainly used to build taller items. The club will be making it so that it will be able to build parts of the car doors and possibly the hood as well.

The World Solar Challenge (WSC) and the American Solar Challenge (ASC) are competitions where people construct a solar car to be raced against others. Hypernova Solar, a group of Mason students, is in the process of planning their own solar car to be put into both of these challenges. Being a student-run organization has never been an easy thing, especially when you start from the ground up like these students. “As a first-generation team, a rookie team, we are trying to do what some teams can’t do in years,” said freshman Garrett Newcomb. Sophomore Alex Hughes, a bioengineering major and the founder and president of Hypernova Solar, explained why he founded the group. “All my friends went to UVA, Berkeley, you know a bunch of high-tier schools, and they joined their solar car teams,” he said. “And after I did robotics in high school, which was very intensive engineering projects, I thought we needed some sort of replacement.” Being club president includes a lot of management. Hughes also covers recruitment, as well as what the overall path is for each team that the club has. He also has to look for external corporate sponsors, since they still need money to cover the trip to the WSC race in Australia and back. Hypernova Solar is split into four separate teams—software, electrical, logistics and mechanical, which also split into their own sub-teams.

Newcomb, the lead of the mechanical team, explained that they all work as equals with no single person directing every move they make. Everyone works on what they do best, but they all rely on each other. One team cannot make the car alone. Tristan Leresche, a freshman and the leader of the aero-body team, which is a subgroup of the mechanical team, was introduced to this club by another student. “I design the aero-body shell, which is just like the outline of the car, and right now I’m 3D printing it,” Leresche said when talking about what his job was in helping assemble the solar car. Coming into the club at first, Leresche didn’t have too difficult of a time adjusting. “I pick up really easy on certain things … it took me like 15 minutes to get the first thing,” he said. The lead of the electrical team, freshman Dominic Galarza, found the team through the Hypernova Solar club presentation. “It was definitely not easy,” Galarza explained when speaking about his first times in the club. “There was a big learning curve, especially with communication on the teams and being overwhelmed with all the stuff you have to do, [and] all the aspects of the car.” Newcomb explained that the team plans to make the car more practical than anything, since they cannot afford to focus entirely on effectiveness. The overall plan is to design

Racing in Australia is enough of a feat with all the dirt and dust the students need to look out for, but the WSC has the car running from the top of Australia to the very bottom. With a distance of 3000 kms, or 1864 miles, it totals out to be around a five to seven-day race. The car stays at a consistent 30 to 35 mph for the whole trip to save energy and lessen the chance of any incidents. The students participating need to account for every little thing when going a distance that far, which can take a chunk out of the already small $20,000 budget. $10,000 is going to the mechanics team and the other $10,000 is going to the electrical and software team. Every step counts, whether deciding what to make the undercarriage out of to protect the bottom of the car or what shape is the best for diverting wind. Hypernova Solar hopes to get sponsors to help them afford better equipment. They are hoping to race the car for at least two or three races and gain enough publicity from unveiling it to gain sponsors and, hopefully, some more recruits, including non-Mason students. Some members of the club are making efforts to recruit students from their high school robotics club. The club meets every Friday at The Mix from 3 to 5 p.m. As the building of the solar car will extend into the summer as well, the team plans to meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the break. Keep an eye out for Hypernova Solar as they vroom their way across campus.

Call 703-218-3565 or email DSS1@missouristate.edu dss.missouristate.edu

MASTER’S DEGREE AND GRADUATE CERTIFICATES OFFERED

Prestigious faculty with extensive experience in national security and international relations Very aﬀordable tuition rates and numerous scholarships available Exciting internship opportunities and global alumni network Evening seated or online courses

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03.25.2019

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

A REQUEST FOR EMPATHY The shooting in New Zealand caused aftershocks that spread throughout the globe HAILEY BULLIS ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Senior Asma Rehman, the vice president of the Mason Muslim Affairs Council, felt this aftershock in her community. Rehman, who works at a Sunday school in a local mosque, said that the school experienced lower attendance than usual in the wake of the shooting. “Parents are terrified,” said Rehman. “Whenever anything happens to Muslims in wherever around the world, they’re kind of timid to send their children to Sunday school. … Last Sunday, I had to have a lot of conversations with parents about what security precautions we’re taking [with] security at the mosque itself. …At the end of the day, there’s only words I can say, it’s not necessarily providing comfort. Some parents decide not to bring their students.” Nida Akhtar, senior, described how the shooting lead a local Masjid to hold active shooter training. “That’s what it’s come to at this point. In our Muslim communities we have to like—I would never think growing up like I would have to attend an active shooter [training],” she said. “But now I have to go because this might actually happen to me. It’s really terrifying. I remember feeling so scared when my dad went for Jumu’ah.”

thought about a lot actually,” said Abid. “And it’s a fear that I’ve always had.” Islamophobia is not new to Rehman. “I get the weird looks, and people assuming I can’t speak English, things like that,” she said. Rehman also went on to describe an incident from 2016 where she was driving in Northern Virginia and pulled up next to a car that had a Trump sticker on the back. When she made eye contact with the woman in the car, the woman flipped her off. “People don’t know anything about me and they still hate me,” said Rehman. Yousuf has also experienced Islamophobia. “I was standing outside my mosque, and the mosque is on a highway and I was in the parking lot and I was with my youth coordinator and I was with my sister and it was a truck that drove by, for a moment rolled down the window, and said, ‘You shouldn’t be here, you ragheads.’” He went on to explain that he didn’t feel that that was as directed at him as it was to his youth coordinator and sister, who are both female. “I think I have [experienced Islamophobia], but I think more so the woman of our community have,” said Yousuf. Akhtar recalled feeling alone after the attacks occured after realizing that social media and celebrities were largely silent about the shooting. Social media plays a unique role in this shooting because the shooter who carried out the attacks livestreamed the attack on Facebook.

The attacks reminded sophomore Omer Yousuf of the need to be “vigilant.” Yousuf, who dropped his brother off at school and attended Friday prayer after hearing of the shooting, was left shocked by the news.

Akhtar did not come across the video herself. However, her aunt did. “She was so traumatized,” said Akhtar. “She didn’t mean to click on it but she did and she watched it and she was so traumatized.”

“It left me speechless,” Yousuf said. “It wasn’t [a] surprise, but it was just a kind of a tap on the back of, ‘this is reality.’”

“When the Paris attack happened, and when other attacks happen, there’s a Facebook filter for it, there’s celebrities that are speaking about it,” said Akhtar. “It’s all over the news … I mean, this was obviously all over the news, but it was just the news that was talking about it … there was silence across social media platforms. That was kind of really sad to see, because

Another student, senior Sumbal Abid, was not surprised to hear about the shooting. “The fact that a shooting could happen on a Friday at a Masjid, anywhere, is something that I’ve

FOURTH ESTATE HAILEY BULLIS

In the week following the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand, where 50 people were killed and even more were injured after a gunman opened fire on two mosques during the mid-day prayer, the aftershock has spread into Muslim communities everywhere.

that made everything feel like the [gravity] of it felt even more, because I was like, ‘Wow, so we’re really alone,’ like no one’s really out there. Like we’re basically on our own, and we have to figure this out on our own.” Abid also felt there was a lack of solidarity from non-Muslims, who echoed Akhtar’s sentiment that with previous attacks the public “is all up in arms and changing their Facebook profile pictures.” Two days after the attack, Abid received a text message from her non-Muslim friend, who reached out to to Abid to apologize and give her condolences. Abid’s friend admitted to not seeing a lot about the shooting. “She was honest with me,” said Abid. “She was like, ‘I haven’t seen anything about it. I didn’t even hear about it.’” Despite the lack of media attention, local religious groups have reached out to the Muslim community.

“I think that we as Muslims have always felt unheard and underrepresented—and now that we do have Muslim congresswomen and men we feel a little bit more, like, a sense of belonging,” said Abid. “But at the same time, those same people, like Ilhan Omar, are very marginalized and put to the side and attacked everyday in the news, so it’s still a uphill battle.” Rehman feels that Muslims are often confused as being “a separate entity.” “I couldn’t think that that’s further from the truth,” she said. “I think Muslims can simultaneously be Muslims and good Americans, or good Muslims and good New Zealanders.” For both Abid and Akhtar, the response from New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, in the days following the mass shootings helped them make sense of the shooting. Ardern quickly announced the ban on “all military-style semiautomatic

weapons, all high-capacity ammunition magazines and all parts that allow weapons to be modified into the kinds of guns used to kill 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch last week,” according to an article by the New York Times. The prime minister was also seen wearing a hijab in solidarity with the Muslim community and paid for the funeral costs for all those that died in the attack. The people of New Zealand, including Ardern, also listened to the call to prayer live last Friday which was followed by two minutes of silence, according to an article by AP News. “Our communities are trying to deal with it the best way we can, and try (sic) to be practical,” said Akhtar, “But it would be nice if there was, like, people from the outside who could just reach out.”

CULTURE

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

03.25.2019

FOUR THINGS TO DO IN D.C. THIS SPRING

Flower buds are blooming, blue birds are singing and it’s time to have some fun in the sun

One of the most beautiful signs of spring are the cherry blossom flowers that sprout and decorate the landscape. Every year, this sight is celebrated in D.C. during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s festival, which takes place from March 20 to April 14, has a number of events, including the Blossom Kite Festival on March 30 and the Petalpalooza music festival on April 6. Anyone that attends the Cherry Blossom Festival is sure to find an activity to entertain them and their friends. More information about the Cherry Blossom Festival events can be found at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. For those who’d like to explore the nation’s capital without walking everywhere, a Big Bus tour is a great option. The open top bus has three routes: one that tours D.C.’s iconic landmarks,

another that visits Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon and a third that journeys to historic Georgetown and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

also encouraged activities. Visiting the Kingman and Heritage parklands has no cost, but plenty of reward. Be sure to check out these parklands on your next trip to D.C.

A two-day ticket includes a free night tour displaying the nation’s landmarks illuminated in the night as well as a Free Admission ticket to the Madame Tussauds Museum. The Big Bus Tours’ itinerary is available at https://www. bigbustours.com/.

Another reason to head to D.C. this spring is to view the annual Smithsonian Craft Show, which occurs from April 25 to April 28. The show highlights multiple forms of contemporary art and will display work from 120 artists, including furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, basketry and ceramics. Attendants of the Smithsonian Craft Show are also able to buy some of the divine works presented during the exhibition. To receive more information on the artists, go to http://smithsoniancraftshow. org/.

In addition to historic sites, the D.C. area has many locations dedicated to enjoying the outdoors, including Kingman and Heritage Islands. These man-made islands boast gorgeous landscapes that are home to diverse habitats. Some of the most popular activities on Kingman Island include birding, biking and hiking on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, boating from the Anacostia River to Kingman Lake, dog walking on the trail and fishing in ponds found throughout the parklands. Family picnics and photography are

Make sure to check out all these great places as the sun comes out to stay— and Mason students come out to play.

MARCH HOROSCOPES

The coming of spring brings opportunities for love and money ANASTASIA SHKRETOVA STAFF WRITER

FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE

Aries (March 21-April 19)- Happy Aries season! Don`t forget about some of your strong traits, including your planning skills, ability to move forward and positive outlook. This month will be a very financially successful month. Most of your finances will come from family members and friends. Taurus (April 20-May 20)- You will find a way to make everything better, and you will have the ability to improve your emotional state. It is a career success month. You will receive financial or mental support from your friends and family. Gemini (May 21-June 20)- It’s an excellent month full of new opportunities, new developments and successful relationships. Moreover, you will be helped financially by someone you know. Cancer (June 21-July 22)- Your state in 2019 is at a positive peak. Your financial status will definitely improve if

you’re willing to make it happen. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)- You will progress in your financial, career and educational levels. Your professionalism is rising higher than the stars! Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)- You will fall in love with either a new person or refresh your current relationship. This month brings opportunities to fly high with the help of others. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)- This month is a chance for you to set your goals for the rest of the year. Smile, remain happy and do not think about those who do not deserve your attention. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)- It is time to rethink your personal goals and set some new ones. Improve your vulnerable areas of life and think about yourself in a positive way. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)- You will receive motivation for the ideas you’ve been keeping in mind for so

long. Think about your goals, find the ways to achieve them and bring them to action after the end of the Mercury retrograde. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)- You will spend more time with your family, friends or other important people in your life. This month will bring you the awareness of your self-confidence ,and you will find the best way for you to release stress. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)- Now is not the right time to show aggression to the world. Instead, improve your self-confidence and rethink your set goals for the year. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)- This month is a little tough, but you will still achieve anything you want. It is time for you to understand how you can help yourself without waiting for help from others. You may also help your family members financially and morally.

FOURTH ESTATE FLICKR/HOLIDAY INN WASHINGTON DC

DE’ANDRE DARBY STAFF WRITER

The beginning of spring brings longer days and warmer temperatures, making it the perfect time to explore some of D.C.'s many attractions.

03.25.2019

THE NOVA NIGHT SCRIBBLER

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS Mason students create platform to help students buy and sell their textbooks ROGER HINCAPIE CONTRIBUTOR

Refati Abulazi, a pre-med student who is pursuing a degree in physics, Aizier Aizimati, who is studying business administration, and Jesse Elliot, a pre-law student, are three Mason students who are examples of new entrepreneurs who are creating their businesses now. After facing the struggle that many students go through to purchase all the required textbooks for their courses every semester, they decided to create a solution for these students. That was the beginning of MyBook Inc. Abulazi came to Aizimati with the idea of creating a platform made by students, for students, where they could easily re-sell and buy their textbooks by directly communicating with each other instead of using third-party stores or retailers, who often keep most of the money for these transactions of used textbooks by buying them for low prices and charging premium on the buyers.

This team, as well as Mason and NOVA, is very diverse, including members who come from Latin America, Turkey, India, China and other places around the world and share this vision of a company “by students, for students” with the creators. This diversity is, according to the directives, one of the key features of the company. “We value the talent and ideas more than anything,” Abulazi continued, “Having so many people with different types of backgrounds allows us to get the best ideas and perspectives.” One of these perspectives is given by Berke Sutcu, an experienced web-developer from Turkey who currently studies cyber-security at NOVA. Many students struggle to both gain experience and try to find companies with big names for their internships and first jobs so their resumes are more attractive for future employers. Berke aimed for a different goal instead, joining MyBook five months ago, and is now thriving to make the company’s vision come to life. Being a college student and starting a company is not an easy job, and most of them have other responsibilities to take care of. Nevertheless, they perceive this as part of the process. “We never come up with an excuse

about time,” Aizimati said. “If we have an assignment to do, we will get it done.” Abulazi complements this affirmation about the spirit of the company, adding that, “Time is never an excuse, because we know this is what we want. This is our passion.”

office in the Mason Enterprise Center, where their operations are based— and the coffee is free.

When asked about the biggest obstacle that they have faced during this process, all of them agreed that recruiting the people they needed was the hardest part. A company is certainly not a job for five people, and Aizimati recalls speaking to at least fifty people while sitting at Starbucks, just to get three or four of those prospects to join them when they were starting.

The team wants their platform to be a tool that students can use not only to trade their books, but also to create bonds between peers getting to learn more from each other as well.

“We couldn’t offer a $100k a year like big companies,” Aizimati said. “We can’t give you anything but a vision and a promise. That was the biggest obstacle at the beginning,” They eventually became better at recruiting, and now the recruiting and meetings are done at their

What has not changed about MyBook is their mission. The company’s slogan, “Learn more. Spend Less,” reflects this attitude.

The company is expected to launch their website exclusively for Mason in mid-April, and their plan is to positively impact the life of the students as well as help them relieve some of the financial stress that comes with being a college student. In the future, MyBook

plans to add more than textbooks to the products that can be posted for sale on their platform, including all types of college materials. The dream of these young students of Mason is coming to life, and they expect to expand this model to different colleges and universities in the area after this. “You’ve got to try to get to know if your idea may work,” said Elliot. If it doesn’t work, at least you tried. You got smarter and then you can move to the next challenge.” Students can find more information about this innovative platform on their social media profiles and their website, mybooknova.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGER HINCAPIE

What comes to your mind when you think about entrepreneurs? You probably recall the people who have made millions with their companies, and even have Hollywood productions about their lives. Names like Zuckerberg, Jobs, Musk and Bezos might be some of the first names that pop-up in your head when the word “entrepreneurship” is mentioned. But what about the people that are starting their business now?

Now, after months of research, development, adaptation, people coming and going and a lot of hard work, they are the directive team of their soon-tobe-launched company. Aizimati serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MyBook, Abulazi is the president of the company and the day-to-day operations are in the reliable hands of Elliot, Chief Operative Officer (COO). The team is now comprised of 12 members, who are mainly students at Mason and NOVA Community College(NOVA).

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGER HINCAPIE

Aizimati loved the idea, and they started meeting at a Starbucks location in Fairfax to further develop it. Elliot, who kept in contact with them since they met at a Mason transfer orientation, soon came on board as well after Abulazi and Aizimati shared the idea with him.

THIS WEEK AT NOVA Monday 3/25

Tu e s d a y 3 / 2

We d n e s d ay 3 / 2 7

Thur sday 3/28

Fr i d a y 3 / 2 9

Monday, March 25: NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus is holding a seminar on the “City of Joy” documentary. It is hosted by LeeAnn Thomas and Daisy Lung at the Lakeside Theater, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26: There with be a drum circle to educate about the tribal rhythms of West Africa at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus,and will have shamanic drummer Rocco Tenaglia. The circle will be at the Lakeside Theater from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27: NOVA’s Alexandria Campus is hosting an Afghan Women Panel from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Bisdorf Building, room 196. There will be four speakers speaking at the event. To RSVP, contact Patricia Gordan at pgorddon@nvcc.edu.

Thursday, March 28: NOVA’s Muslim Student Association is holding an Open Mic Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Theater, located on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus.

Friday, March 29: Starting from 10 a.m, NOVA’s Medical Education Campus will hold workshops to help students file their taxes, receive the maximum tax refund and see if they are able to receive Earned Income Tax Credit will be held. There will be volunteers who are IRS-certified to help with the process.

Monday, March 25: Shantay Robinson, the writer and documentarian of “Untangled: Getting to the Roots Of A Hair Movement,” is showing her documentary on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus for Multicultural and Social Justice Week in the Library Reading Room from 4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27: NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus is hosting an event called “International Night and Parade of Nation.” Guests can “bring a favorite dish from their culture, wear international clothes and participate in cultural activities,” as listed on NOVA’s event page.

Monday, March 25: Trinity University is hosting a presentation to recognize Women’s History Month at Bisdorf AA 158 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on NOVA’s Alexandria Campus.

Wednesday, March 27: Join other students for a coffee hour workshop focused on building resilience in the ASC Annex 234 from 2 to 3 p.m. at NOVA’s Alexandria Campus. Wednesday, March 27: An interactive performance, “Art & Social Justice: The Sentinel Project,” by Erin Devine will be performed as a special Women’s History Month event in the Library Reading Room at NOVA’s Annandale Campus at 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 28: “The Vagina Monologues” is being performed by NOVA faculty, staff and students. The play, written by Eve Ensler, looks into consensual experiences, non-consensual experiences and more. It will be performed at Colgan Hall, Theater 226, on NOVA’s Manassas Campus

Friday, March 29: An online workshop will be available from 12 to 1 p.m. for those who want to learn how to write a thesis statement. The workshop is virtual. Register at http://tinyurl. com/asconlinew.

Thursday, March 28: The Dell’Arte Players are showing “Intrigue at Ah-pah,” a noir style-eco-comic-adventure film at the Black Box Theater, located on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus at 7 p.m. It costs $6 for students, staff, children, seniors and military, and $8 for general admission. Thursday, March 28: To celebrate UN Day, NOVA is holding an event at their Loudoun Campus on the second floor of the HEC Building from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will focus on creating a sustainable environment..

Saturday 3/30

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA

Saturday, March 30: NOVA’s Alexandria Campus is hosting “Spring in NOVAarts Festival,” which will include student’s artwork in multiple mediums at the Schlesinger Center from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

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03.25.2019

OPINIONS

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ARE WE THERE YET?

DOMINIC PINO STAFF WRITER

That question must have originated from the first back seat of the first car on the first road trip. The answer, “No,” is as timeless as the question (although, the answer is subject to more variation, i.e. “No, or I will turn this car around,” “No, and stop hitting your brother,” “No, and you should have used the bathroom at the last rest stop,”). Similarly, the answer to the “Are we there yet?” of diversity is also “No.” Why? In part, because we do not take enough road trips. Road trips are the best way to see America. All too often, we get caught up in ethnic diversity or gender diversity at the expense of geographic diversity. Geographic diversity is extremely important because where someone lives dramatically alters how he or she sees the world. With which person would you be able

to carry on a longer conversation: someone of a different ethnicity who lived where you grew up, or someone of the same ethnicity who grew up in a different town? It’s safe to say that the first person would be more relatable. He or she would know the local high school(s), the popular restaurants, the street names, the traditions, the community events, the way you talk, and so on. Where we live shapes who we are, so avoiding places we do not live limits who we are. For my readers from Northern Virginia, I have news for you: 99 percent of the country does not look like Northern Virginia.

might as well get your money’s worth. Get in the car and drive. It is way cheaper than flying, and road trips are pretty cheap in general. Splitting an Airbnb with four or five friends is inexpensive, and staying with relatives is free. Your next biggest expenses will be gas and food, which is not a lot. I’ve done road trips with friends the last two spring breaks. The first was for six days and cost about $300. The second was for four days and cost about $200. Save a fraction of your paycheck for a while and go see America with your friends. I promise you will not regret it.

I cannot just single you out though. 99 percent of the country does not look like any particular community because we live in a giant country. The U.S. is enormous and really weird, another way of saying that it is geographically diverse. There is only one way to appreciate that diversity: drive around and see it.

Where should you go? There’s so much America out there. See the weird parts you haven’t seen before. See weird places. See weird attractions. And I mean “weird” endearingly, like you might describe a quirky friend or sibling. I’m a Wisconsin native (GO PACK GO!), and I have seen the world’s largest penny in the northern town of Woodruff. It was weird, but I bet you haven’t seen it.

Your federal and state governments spent and continue to spend your tax dollars to build and maintain 48,181 miles of interstate highways—you

Enjoy the weird state rivalries. For example, as a Wisconsinite, I believe that if we are going to build a wall somewhere, it ought to be around

Illinois. (I’m only kidding! We should burn Illinois to the ground and salt the earth.) The Great Southern Barbeque War has been raging since time immemorial. Try a few different ones and pick a favorite (at your own risk). Driving north from here, it’s everyone against New Jersey (they know what they did). It’s all in good fun, and it reminds us of the plurality in “the United States.” And that’s really the point. Our country is so huge and diverse geographically that you need to see it to understand it. If you really want to understand what makes America tick, you need to see America. In the powerful conclusion to one of the most powerful speeches ever given, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” ends with calls to “let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire… the mighty mountains of New York…the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania…the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado…the

curvaceous slopes of California… from Stone Mountain in Georgia… from Lookout Mountain in Tennessee…from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.” King understood America and could speak to Americans no matter where they lived because he had seen America. So, next time you pat yourself on the back for going to one of America’s most diverse universities, ask yourself if you have appreciated geographic diversity. Ask yourself the timeless question, “Are we there yet?” This country is so big that just like on road trips, the answer is always, “No.” Now, get your friends together, buy some snacks, make a sweet playlist, and get in the car and do something about it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH DISCHNER

George Mason is one of America’s most diverse universities, as anyone with eyes can see, but the quest for diversity never seems to end. I have not heard anyone say, “We’re leading the way, that’s enough.” That raises the question of how we can improve. Put differently, “Are we there yet?”

HOW TO GRADE THE TRADE DEAL JACE WHITE STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOHAMMED HASSAN

As he attempts to finalize his trade deal with China, President Trump is in the unique negotiating position of having political support for extreme, punishing tariffs. The tariffs he’s implemented so far have cost the country billions, but Trump’s message

that China has been engaged in unfair trade practices has convinced his base that such tariffs are a necessary part of his trade war. This means that Trump can make threats that past presidents could not, which gives him significantly more leverage in negotiations.

However, this does not mean that a good deal is a foregone conclusion. Blocking an enemy county’s trade is often an effective tactic in war. Regrettably, blocking trade into one’s own country is often an effective tactic in politics, even though the effects are just as damaging no matter the target. The ultimate test of any trade deal is how free it makes trade. A good deal with China will have low tariffs, commitments to respecting intellectual property and restricting corporate espionage, and will aim at reducing protectionism on both sides in the long term in an enforceable way. A bad trade deal would be one where China agrees to make one-time purchases of certain American goods. Politically powerful industries like agriculture and manufacturing would benefit temporarily from such purchases, but in the long run they would do nothing to address

the significant problems that are preventing free trade from occurring between China and the U.S. U.S. businesses in China have remained hopeful that the current talks will produce concrete outcomes. For now, they support the pressure that the administration is putting on the Chinese with tariffs, but only as a means of reaching a better deal. Ultimately, businesses want long term certainty and stability. Stock prices drop when trade talks threaten to break down, which demonstrates how widespread the effects of a bad trade deal would be. The market’s reaction to tariff news should trouble those who believe that protectionism is ultimately beneficial to the economy. It is true that China competes better than the U.S. in certain industries, and that with fully free trade the domestic versions of those industries might suffer, but the economy as a

whole is surely better off. The vast majority of the companies in America are affected by trade with China in some way, as evidenced by their close attentiveness to news about the upcoming deal. If tariffs were simply a matter of protecting U.S. steel workers and farmers, there would not be so swift a reaction on Wall Street to the ups and downs of the trade talks. For the moment, tariffs have been effective at improving the United States’ negotiating position, though at a substantial and ever-growing cost. A trade deal that leaves in place significant portions of the current tariffs would not be a victory for the United States. As negotiations come to a close, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s trade deal will be a substantive win for the economies of both countries or a symbolic victory for the president and his special interests.

OPINIONS

03.25.2019

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CANDIDATES ON THE ISSUES Learn what the Student Government presidential campaigns have to say

PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

ADIA MCLAUGHLIN CANIDATE FOR STUDENT-BODY VICE PRESIDENT

facilities and university updates to ensure that every student is notified of all the opportunities available to them here on our campus.

Our organizational outreach, platform and dedication to transparency make us, Camden Layton and Adia McLaughlin, the perfect choice for Student Body President and Vice President.

We are running to be your Student Body President and Vice President because if we are given the chance to represent the Mason student body, we will continue to advocate for the awareness of scholarships,

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAYTON MCLAUGHLIN ‘19

Camden and I are two out of state students looking to make our mark and leave our legacy in a Virginia town. Within our first year at Mason, we joined over 10 clubs combined and looked to make as many connections as possible. Little did we know two years into our collegiate careers our paths would cross, and our motivation to make everyone fall in love with Mason in the same way we did our junior years of high school would become our most driven passion.

A lot of people may ask why we’re running, and it’s a simple answer. We believe that the school has been waiting for a duo like us: two civically engaged students who are not your typical politicians. We are not solely running because we think Mason is great. We are running because we want to help Mason grow. We also see where Mason has fallen short, and are more than willing to

recognize and work to improve it. We are not in this for ourselves. We want to see the student representation at Mason with the administration grow. As strong advocates for transparency, we believe it is pertinent that students take charge of their school again and use the resources that this university has provided for us. Just a few of the initiatives we want to start include campus-wide Title IX Reform. We would love to continue the work that the current administration is doing in creating a Title IX Undersecretary that would work closely with the university administration. S t u d e n t interaction with that office should not be a daunting test. And

with new leadership on Student Government’s end as well as in their office, we have an opportunity to iron out the wrinkles surrounding student support provided by them. Another relationship we see growing is campus life and university facilities. We want to bridge the gap between offices, including Mason Police Department and Mason Recreation. These are offices students know about, but might not always have the most pleasant experiences with. As representatives of Mason we would strive to listen to not only student’s needs, but their wants and do what we could to fulfill both regarding interaction with staff as well as the departments as a whole. We want students to take charge of our school again. We will continue to have open office hours with representatives at least once a week for university departments, including the Housing office, Parking and Transportation, Office of Sustainability, the Office

of the Provost, Counseling and Psychological Services and more. We also will have open office hours ourselves where students can air out their grievances to us directly as well. A Student Body President and Vice President are there to represent the student body, and need to reflect the thoughts of those they represent. You have a choice to pick who represents your voice, and we believe we are the right ones. If you have any questions for us, or want to learn even more about our plans for Mason, be sure to follow our social media (@LM4Mason19) and reach out, as we would love to hear from you. We are for progress with purpose, and that means advocating for purposeful change. Students are the purpose of this institution, and therefore the purpose behind our charge.

VOTE FOR NOBODY

MICAH MUDLAFF REPRESENTATIVE OF THE “ABSTAIN FROM VOTING” CAMPAIGN

As it stands now, Student Government does little to serve the student body. Ask yourself, what difference has Student Government made in your life? Can you name one positive change on campus? What about two? To empower students’ voices, we must reject the status quo. The best way to send a message to the administration that we are tired of being patronized, ignored and neglected is to select “Abstain from Voting” in the student body presidential election. Some will argue that Student Government does in fact represent their interests, but we completely disagree. Consider two years ago, when the student senate voted to spend $2,000 on iClickers intended

to be used by student senators to vote electronically, instead of using their voice. I do not believe this purchase was in the best interest of the students, but to make matters worse, after the purchase was made those devices were never used. To this day, the iClickers are sitting in a box somewhere in Student Involvement. Do

you

still

feel

represented?

Consider last fall when student government tried to change “Columbus Day” to “Indigenous People’s Day” on the Mason calendar. The student body overwhelmingly approved the change in a poll that Student Government sent out, yet the administration put up every hurdle and roadblock they could come up with to keep us from making that change. Davide and I have between us five years of experience within Student Government. Davide was a student senator for three years, and held the roles of vice chair and chair of the

government and community relations committee in the senate before he became speaker of the student senate this past fall. I was a student senator and was appointed the senate military liaison, before I joined the executive branch for a year as the Undersecretary for Student Well-Being and Safety. Both of us are no longer in Student Government, but like so many former Student Government members who are supporting our Vote for Nobody campaign, we felt it was absolutely necessary to campaign on real, structural change this election and to try and convince you all that rejecting the current system that ignores and degrades students by selecting “Abstain from Voting” is the best way for us all to have a chance at real representation at GMU. Take it from us—our Student Government system is broken, and it needs real change now. Some current members have Student Government have iterated

to me that they feel disparaged by the campaign, and that they find #VoteForNobody offensive. They should be offended, but not because of me. They should be offended by the way the administration ignores their work and effort. If anything, Davide and I are the best chance they have of actually being heard by the administration, as long as we make a large enough impact to be noticed. That is why it’s so important for all of you to support the #VoteForNobody campaign. When the ballot is released, there will be two options available: my opponent and “Abstain from Voting.” If enough people decide enough is enough and select “Abstain from Voting,” the administration will notice. They will notice that students took

the time to log in to to GetConnected to vote against a conventional candidate. You will still be making your voice heard, but you will be doing so in a way that rejects the way Student Government operates now. If you are content with no representation, continue to support the status quo. But if you want a chance to change Mason, this is the one shot you have to actually make a difference. Select “Abstain from Voting” on your ballot for Student Body President to show the administration you’re tired of being ignored and that you want a real voice at the table.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOTE FOR NOBODY

Why should you take the time to log in to GetConnected, pull up a ballot and select “Abstain from Voting” for student body president? Because the concerns of students are not represented at Mason.

OPINIONS

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03.25.2019

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FAILURE IS AN AMAZING TOOL

SUMMER BROWN STAFF WRITER

Eventually, we’re going to run into situation where we do not exceed or even meet our expectations. We are going to fail. No, I do not mean a literal F grade, but I mean that we will let ourselves down. I feel like failure within our society, at least within my experience, has been shunned too much and not taken in a positive note. Throughout my entire life, I have felt that if I do not succeed I cannot be a good person. This is completely wrong, and if you take a look at some of the most successful people in the world, they will probably say the same thing I am about to say now:

failure is an amazing tool for success. Once you figure out how to deal with it, failure has so many valuable lessons that you can take throughout the rest of your life. Failure teaches you how to handle rejection, failure teaches you how to deal with ill-met expectations, failure teaches you how to accept something that may be extremely uncomfortable to you. Failure teaches you how to work past those uncomfortable feelings and work with them, failure teaches you how to assess situations, failure teaches you how to understand what you’ve done wrong. Failure teaches you how to tackle situations you’ve failed at before and do even better the next time, and failure teaches you how to succeed through multiple attempts at something by doing it right the next time.

over again. I would even argue that failure is natural in a human’s life, and if you have not failed, then you simply are not human. I remember in high school during junior year, I had a case of “senioritis”. Something was off, and I absolutely hated school and wanted nothing to do with anything school related. Heck, I barely talked to any friends it was that bad. I remember receiving updates about my grades halfway through the year and how

awful they were—some looking as if I would have to repeat the course.

to what I had the first semester. I remember realizing that I had learned how important it was to maintain yourself through your academics consistently, seek help when you need it, take care of your mental health first and pick yourself up and dust yourself off after failing. After I was able to get the motivation of schooling again, I was able to succeed and pass my junior year.

I remember how awful I had felt about it, knowing that I let down myself and my family who wanted nothing but the best for me. I remember how I just could not do school anymore. However, I forced myself out of the rut of failure and made myself get over the slump. All of my F’s turned into really decent grades that would ensure I had a 3.5 GPA. It was amazing compared

So, I’m here to say that failure is absolutely okay. It’s normal. In fact, it is beautiful. Why? Because failing means you are human. It means you are learning. It means you are on the path of success.

FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

Oh midterms … a lovely section of our time here at Mason to remind us that we are still indeed students and that we still need to strive for the best. I consider this one of the most stressful times of the semester, as the heavy workload before and after spring break has definitely had me spread very thin. However, the most stressful part of this midterm season comes with the concept of failure.

Throughout my life, I have miserably failed over and

Afterall, if it teaches you all the things aforementioned, then you can tackle absolutely anything that comes your way. Please, do not stress about how dissatisfactory you did, but make yourself excited how amazing you will do the next time, or even the next few times.

GAME FOR THOUGHT: THE RISE OF NARRATIVE DESIGN ARIANNA GOODMAN STAFF WRITER

Of course, all of this change has not happened in a vacuum. Similar industries have continued to experience a wealth of development in the wake of the 1990s technological boom. New graphics cards, upgraded consoles and the advent of virtual reality have helped to push the limits of the technology fueling the gaming industry. Not to mention, the transition of video games from being just a fun pastime

to being a skill or even an art in the public perception has opened new doors for exploration. The cultural shift has allowed game designers and storytellers to have confidence in the reception of their games and create more than simple entertainment.

Looking at the highly praised God of War, we can see that there were a number of people on the development team that contributed exclusively to the narrative. Of those, some are described as writers while others are described as narrative designers.

Namely, narrative-driven games have rightfully entered the ranks of the more traditional literature and cinema. Writing for a book is very different than writing for the screen. In the same way, writing for an interactive medium presents entirely new challenges and goals.

However, the use of the term is still highly dependent on the company. For instance, Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its story, but it has no one listed in the credits as a narrative designer.

Given that game design is both an artistic and technical field, narrative designers bridge the gap between the writing and gameplay. While there have always been writers, “narrative designer” is a contemporary term that better encapsulates the work that these designers have contributed to their games. A narrative designer not only writes dialogue and lore, but also focuses on blending the gameplay experience of the player with whatever story the game is meant to convey.

In some contexts, a writer and a narrative designer can serve two different roles, though in others the two might be interchangeable. According to Stephen E. Dinehart IV, one of the originators of the term in game design, unlike game

writers, “Narrative Designers are a new breed of hybrid talent for [the] interactive entertainment industry, specifically the AAA-games sector.” Regardless of its muddy definition, narrative design is definitely on the rise.

As consumers, this means that we have the opportunity to experience a wide and ever growing array of stories and characters. It inspires us as developers to always search for inspiration and strive towards greatness.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE TAMWORK

Video games are a reminder of the constantly evolving world that we live in. Who would have thought back in the days of Pong and Space Invaders that people would be able to make a career out of creating, playing and commentating on video games? The field has grown exponentially, and has been challenging and recreating itself along the way. The evidence of the graphical maturity that we’ve now reached is beyond the expectations that we set for ourselves. While nostalgic, looking back on old video games, can make one really appreciate the progress that the industry has made both visually and conceptually.

ETC.

03.25.2019

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