10.1.18- Fourth Estate

F O U RT H E S TAT E October 1, 2018

Volume 6 Issue 5

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

The Troubles and Triumphs of CAPS page 10

PANHELLENIC AND MASON LIFE news page 4

MASON

CELEBRATES HISPANIC

HERITAGE MONTH culture page 14

EMILY LITTELL: ATHLETE AND ACADEMIC sports page 17

ME TOO, STILL opinions page 22

@ivestate | gmufourthestate.com

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FOURTH ESTATE

10.1.2018

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

ALEXANDER SHEDD Editor-in-Chief

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BASMA HUMADI Managing Editor IZZ LAMAGDELEINE LIZ ELKIND OWEN FERGUSON Copy Editors

Dear Patriots, The news these days is often depressing. It can be difficult and emotionally draining to keep up with the political world. However, I would assert that staying politically active is one of the most important things you can do.

Every part of our lives is political, whether you want it to be or not. The school you go to, the rent you pay, the car you drive, even the food you eat— every single thing you do is affected by local, national and international politics.

The midterm elections are coming up in about a month. If you haven’t already registered to vote, make sure you do so by the deadline on Oct. 15.

Even if you’re an out-of-state student, you can register to vote on campus.

These elections may be the most important in a very long time. The governors, representatives and senators that are elected or re-elected in November will decide whether Congress continues business as usual or completely switches course on President Trump (something that should matter to both liberals and conservatives).

As for coping with the atrocities in the daily news, I find that it helps to stay informed and talk about it with other people. Finding someone to complain or discuss with can be a big stress reliever.

Check out our piece on the #MeToo movement in the Opinions section, our cover feature on CAPS in Culture, our coverage of Panhellenic and Mason LIFE in News, and our athlete profiles in Sports.

TISHA HERRERA News Editor DANA NICKEL Assistant News Editor MONICA ECHOLS Culture Editor HAILEY BULLIS Assistant Culture Editor JAMIE BELIVEAU Opinions Editor NATALIE HEAVREN Sports Editor DOMENIC ALLEGRA Assistant Sports Editor LAUREN SULLIVAN OLIVIA VERMANE Longform Editors KRISTEN TALMAN GMU Korea Coordinator ALLIE THOMPSON Photo Editor

Stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay active in your community.

ALLY MCALPINE Art Director

Sincerely,

BILLY FERGUSON Online Director

Alexander Shedd Editor-In-Chief

ANDREA LUGO LAURA SCUDDER Social Media Editor DOMINIQUE BERNARDINO Multimedia Editor

We are always recruiting volunteers for: For all inquiries, please email - WRITERS - VIDEOGRAPHERS - ILLUSTRATORS - COPY EDITORS - PHOTOGRAPHERS

George Mason University Mail stop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone 703-993-2950

a resume and cover letter or sample to: masonfourthestate@gmail.com

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The editors of Fourth Estate have exclusive authority over the content that is published.

There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the Editor-in-Chief should be notified at the email provided.

Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the Office of Student Media.

EMMETT SMITH Distribution Manager KATHRYN MANGUS Director DAVID CARROLL Associate Director JASON HARTSEL Assistant Director

COVER PHOTO CREDITS Fourth Estate/Allie Thompson

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MASON WEEKLY CRIME LOG Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 - Fairfax Campus, 1:22 a.m.

Stalking: Complainant (GMU) reported unwanted contact from a known Subject (GMU) on multiple occasions.

Case 2018-009242 - Referred to Title IX Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 - Outside of Merten Hall, 3:14 p.m.

Hit and Run: Complainant (GMU) reported being struck by an unknown subject driving a golf cart.

Case 2018-009285 - Pending Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 - Fairfax Campus, Multiple Times, 12:37 p.m.

Stalking / Harassment by Computer: Complainant (GMU) reported receiving unwanted contact from a known Subject (Non-GMU) on multiple occasions.

Case 2018-009365 - Pending Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 - Wilson Hall, 11:28 p.m.

Drug/Narcotic Violations: Subject (GMU) was arrested and transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center for possessing illegal drugs.

Case 2018-009396 - Cleared By Arrest

10.1.2018

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CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS

Mason Health professor evaluates four chemicals commonly found in makeup, lotions, and hand sanitizers

TISHA HERRERA NEWS EDITOR

Bisphenol A (BPA), chlorophenols, benzophenes, and parabens: these chemicals are all found in everyday household products and cosmetics—some of which have been proven to affect hormones and can lead to cancer.

Dr. Anna Pollack, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health since 2013, discussed why she evaluated the association between measures of chemicals, the effect they have on reproductive hormones levels in women, and why they are used in everyday products.

“The

Mason's Resilience Badge workshop Would you like to learn about skills like resiliency, problem solving; and earn a digital badge?

exposures [mentioned] in [our study] come from a range of different s o u rc e s — m a ny of them come from personal care product use … lotion, makeup … and other [cosmetics] that people commonly use every day,” Dr. Pollack said, later adding, “I still use some of these

chemicals myself.”

Her team found that some of these chemicals were associated with higher estrogen levels, while others were associated with lower estrogen levels.

Varying levels of estrogen are linked with different chronic diseases, so “we’re seeing some signal that maybe some of these exposures are changing [women’s] reproductive hormone levels,” Dr. Pollack said.

Depo [Depo-Provera, a birth-control injection], or something else, then [researchers] are not going to see that regular cycling of hormones … [That is] why the selection of this population was really important,” Dr. Pollack said.

When Dr. Pollack and her team began to look at combinations of these chemicals, it reflected more accurately what people are typically exposed to.

She explained that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can either mimic, amplify, or even mask to act like our bodies’ own hormones, though her team have not yet looked at these chemicals in healthy reproductive-aged women with typical product exposures.

“That was where [we] did start to find these associations with reproductive hormones,” Dr. Pollack said.

The races of the study’s participants were black and white, and largely non-Hispanic. They had never had children or smoked, and had a mean age of 27. Dr. Pollack also explained why the researchers tested those particular women.

Cosmetics companies in the U.S. do not have to label exact ingredients in their products, and it is a “nearly impossible process for someone to know every chemical that goes in their products,” she said.

“My study was housed within a larger study of healthy, reproductive-aged women who were selected to be free of other chronic health conditions … so, if participants were on oral contraceptives [birth-control pills],

Dr. Pollack explained that BPA, chlorophenols, benzophenes, and parabens are not on product labels and people would not know whether or not they were exposed to them.

Cosmetics companies continue to use these chemicals because of their benefits, namely extending product shelf life and preventing mold from forming with the help of antimicrobials.

FOURTH ESTATE TISHA HERRERA

More info about the badge workshops: ulife.gmu.edu/wellbeing-landing-page/resilience

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REJECTED AS A SISTER Mason LIFE student gets dropped from every sorority on campus SANJANA RAGHAVAN AND SABIHA BASIT STAFF WRITERS to remain under the pseudonym Molly.

Some students in sororities at Mason are pointing to the word “matriculated,” which means enrolled at a college or university, in local chapters’ rules as the reason why AC was released, rather than purposeful discrimination.

Words like “matriculated” and “degree-seeking” in sorority requirements have only allowed women to rush that participate in courses where they earn grades that can affect their GPAs. When applicants apply to rush Panhellenic, they are required to fill out a form that includes their GPA, but as Mason LIFE students technically do not earn a degree or have GPAs, they are not considered “degree-seeking.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA HEIGL

Last year Madison Essig, a LIFE student and senator in Student Government, successfully encouraged Panhellenic to change their bylaws and is now a member of Gamma Phi Beta.

Molly also emailed Fourth Estate and pointed to chapter bylaws requiring matriculation as the main reason that AC was released.

AnnCatherine “AC” Heigl is currently a Division 1 (D-1) cheerleader at Mason, and described as approachable and kind. She was a varsity cheerleader, three-time homecoming princess, volunteer and practicing cook before she graduated high school, yet every sorority available on Mason’s campus dropped her. What happened?

AC is a sophomore in the Mason LIFE program, which is number one in the state of Virginia for programs for students with disabilities, according to an article from Know Different. She has down syndrome and became the first D-1 cheerleader with an intellectual disability, according to her sister, Lillie Heigl. On Sunday, Sept. 16, AC found out she was released from every sorority.

This all began after AC’s sister, Lillie, heard the news of her sister being dropped from Mason’s sororities, and took to Twitter with a screenshot from

an email Lillie sent to Panhellenic that expressed the disappointment AC and the Heigl family felt. The story went viral, receiving significant attention on a national scale.

Even though Mason’s Panhellenic has now updated their bylaws to allow

GetConnected did have these bylaws listed for sorority chapters Molly sent fourth estate.

“While searching on GetConnected, I found copies of 7/8 chapters governing documents [apart from Pi Beta Phi],” Molly said. “6/8 of those chapters [apart from Alpha Phi] bylaws state that a woman must be

chapters,” Lillie said. “Their response was, ‘Oh, [AC is] not getting a degree,’ or ‘[AC is] not fully matriculated, guess she doesn’t get a bid.’ Why wasn’t the answer to that problem challenging it instead of just accepting it and being complicit?”

Although many say the process is a “mutual selection process” between the PNM’s and the chapters, AC’s release from all of Mason’s sororities potentially challenges that. Lillie Heigl claims this was discrimination, even if it was not intentional.

The distinction between Panhellenic and local chapters can be confusing to those who are not aware of Greek Life.

“Even if chapters themselves aren’t actively engaging in ableism, if those chapters have national bylaws that automatically eliminate her, [they] can be inherently discriminatory,” Lillie said. “She never had a shot walking in that door and even though that’s not the intention, it’s inherently discriminatory.”

“[Panhellenic refers to] the governing body of all sororities,” said Molly.

“Panhellenic execs and [Associate Director of Student Involvement and Fraternity and Sorority Life] Phil McDaniel do not have a say over what rules each individual chapter has, nor do they have a say over national/ international mandates that come down from each organization,” Sorority recruitment is a step-by-step process. A few sorority members discussed the process with Fourth Estate.

“It’s an interview mutual selection process [where] you dress up each day and then they talk to get to know you, [you rate them and] they rate you,” another anonymous member said.

“It is common for some girls to drop and not get a bid. [The sororities] rate you on connection, personality and common values they have.”

On the first day of recruitment, all potential new members (PNM) visit all eight chapters. On day two, Philanthropy Day, PNM’s can be called back anywhere from zero to

“She never had a shot walking in that door and even though that’s not the intention, it’s inherently discriminatory.” women with intellectual disabilities to rush, seven out of the eight chapters at Mason have not adapted to the new rule, according to an anonymous sorority member at Mason, who chose

matriculated, degree-seeking or have a GPA.” Yet, Lillie says chapters should have been more active in addressing this issue.

“I’m still disappointed in those

five chapters. On the third day, preference day, PNM’s can be called back anywhere from zero to two. The final day is bid day, a celebration to welcome the PNM’s into their new chapters.

Other students have also weighed in on the issue on social media.

Some express the sentiment that not everyone is automatically entitled to acceptance in a sorority.

“Having a disability doesn’t entitle you to Greek life. Plenty of people don’t get accepted into organizations for various reasons so it’s not even fair to just say it’s because she has down syndrome,” reddit user u/oneronin said. “That being said, I can understand not picking someone with a disability because they introduce liabilities and probably can’t participate in a lot of the organization’s activities.”

Lillie says she agrees that sometimes people with disabilities may be released for other reasons, like not connecting with the other members.

“I’m not raising the idea that every person with a disability should be given a bid just because they have a disability,” Lillie said. “I’m saying that every person with a disability who goes through recruitment deserves the same chance that I have at receiving a bid. That’s my problem: I don’t think she had a fair shake and that’s why I’m calling it discrimination.”

The viral tweet which Lillie wrote created an outburst response from the public with diverse responses, including from the Mason community.

“I’m a sister of Pi Beta Phi, initiated into the VA Iota (GMU) chapter as a freshman,” Twitter user Claire McTiernan (@snarkyginger96( said.

“I also have quadriplegic cerebral

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“As a GMU alumni, I’m also disappointed,” Marcela Serpa Polo said.

“God bless you and your family (sic),” Some even targeted Lillie’s tweet as a way for her to receive attention.

“I think this is less about your concern for her and more about your narcissism, hence why you took it public for likes and retweets,” @notyetmytime said.

Although the majority of the responses the Heigl family received were positive, there are some that agreed with the sororities’ decision to release AC. “Possibly a good thing as the majority of Greek charter houses on college campuses involve booze, parties and assaults,” @stormclouds11 said.

“They were probably looking out for her interests and their desire not to be responsible at the events.”

In regard to this argument about liability, Lillie disagrees. “If chapters are making decisions about who should and should not be in the chapter based on their own perceptions of what those people are capable of, I think that’s a mistake,” Lillie said.

“AnnCatherine wouldn’t have gone through recruitment if she didn’t think she was capable of it,” In fact, she emphasized the value AC would have brought to a sorority.

“Growing up, there was something special that my sister taught people on her tennis team and that cheer with her,” Lillie said. “Sometimes that’s her work ethic, because she has to work ten times harder than everyone else to receive the same results. People learn from being around her and she’s a wonderful person.”

Similarly, Cortnee Williams, head coach of cheerleading at GMU, agreed.

“AC is a wonderful young woman with a lot of determination and passion for school and cheer,” Williams said.

“When you first meet her, she is shy but once she gets to know you, she expresses herself through smiles and jokes. AC contributes passion, a sense of humor, and all joy. She loves cheer and works hard for her team.”

Additionally, some believe the negative reactions against the sororities was excessive.

“It’s blown out of proportion,” an anonymous sorority member said.

“I feel terrible for her and her being released [meant she was] leaving. It made me so sad to hear [the] experience made her feel that way, everyone should feel welcome and [should] not leave like that.”

There has also been some dispute over numbers. In her original email and tweet, Lillie expressed disbelief that there was not a spot open for AC. “I struggle to believe that when only 288 women went through recruitment at GMU, and you have eight chapters, there wasn’t a place for my sister in a single one,” she wrote.

“This year, 296 women went through recruitment. 216 were matched on Sunday night ... A few after that point chose not to accept bids, leaving the number of women matched to 206,” the anonymous sorority member claimed. “The sorority total is based off of the organizations total number of members ... This year, total has been set to the average chapter size of 125.”

However, the source did not clarify how many of the 80 women who were not initially matched chose to drop themselves out of recruitment or how many were released from the process

by Panhellenic.

Another sorority member believes the situation could have been handled differently, instead of through tweets and articles. “I think something good could come out of this, but such a negative light has been shined on [Mason sororities],” she said. “If [Lillie] had gone about this differently, we would be having a different discussion,” she said.

Another anonymous sorority member asked why Lillie chose to target Mason. “I can’t help but wonder why she chose to make an example out of GMU instead of her own alma mater,” she stated. “She is correct in saying we need to fix this, but this is not a Mason issue, this is a National Panhellenic issue and creating an on-campus witch hunt is not the way to fix the larger issue at hand.”

Lillie claimed her intention was the opposite. “I’m not trying to set fire to all of George Mason Greek life,” Lillie responded.“I loved my experience in my chapter. That doesn’t mean it was perfect, but I had a wonderful experience myself. I’m not trying to get rid of Greek life; I’m trying to challenge it to be better.”

Lillie says her own alma mater, University of Missouri, did not even have a program similar to Mason

LIFE. “I was pretty critical even during my undergrad time of barriers in Greek Life,” Lillie said. “But honestly, my university wasn’t even a problem for people with intellectual disabilities because we don’t even have a program like Mason LIFE. So, a discussion about a woman with down syndrome or a woman with autism, that would never happen at my alma mater because we don’t have anything.”

Still, Lillie emphasizes that Greek Life and Panhellenic did many things well.

“To overall Greek life’s credit and Panhellenic, they did a lot of things ahead of time to be proactive,” Lillie said. “They were careful about which *Rho Gammas she was placed with and accommodating with her cheer schedule. Clearly, it wasn’t in their control, it was down to individual chapters,”

All sororities in Panhellenic were contacted for comment, though only two responded.

Alpha Xi Delta released a statement on their website in regards to AC being dropped from recruitment, “Discriminating against individuals on the basis of a disability is contradictory to Alpha Xi Delta’s mission and values … Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity believes it is inherent in our principles not to discriminate on the basis of religion, race, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, or age.”

Katherine Quigley, the chapter president of Pi Beta Phi, responded to

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Fourth Estate’s request for comment through an email. “Pi Beta Phi membership criteria does include an expectation, among other requirements, that the candidate for membership be a matriculated and full time student as defined by the college or university. Out of respect for all of the women who participated in recruitment we are unable to discuss why or why not a specific candidate may have been issued an invitation to Pi Beta Phi.” Both the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education and Phil McDaniel declined to comment.

Mason’s Office of Disability Services says they will continue to fight for the equal treatment and access for their students, as well as strive to educate the Mason community about disabilities.

“Disability Services serves students who are accepted through the Mason admissions process. Disability Services and Mason Life are different programs and provide different services and supports. We support Mason’s strategic goal related to Wellbeing and Diverse Academic Community, and we also adhere to the Disability Services (DS) mission to promote equal access, foster partnerships and empower students,” Naomi-Martinez Jones, Director of Disability Services, said.

The Vice President of University Life, Rose Pascarel and the Director of Mason LIFE, Dr. Heidi Graff, released a joint statement to Fourth Estate on Saturday, Sept. 29. “Mason is proud of its reputation as an inclusive community where we can all thrive … Like most universities, student organizations at Mason, including the Panhellenic Council sororities, manage their own recruitment and determine their own membership.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA HEIGL

palsy and am a disability rights advocate. I am so sorry to hear what happened to your sister.”

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10.1.2018

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A ONE-ON-ONE WITH TRANSPARENT GMU Student organization continues to fight Koch influence during the 2018-2019 school year JACK HARVEY STAFF WRITER

The most notable of Mason’s donor agreements is between Mason and the Charles Koch Foundation, an organization known for its large contributions to right-leaning political campaigns, universities, and think tanks.

It appears that financial contributions to Mason can come with contracts giving donors influence over faculty selection processes, including the hiring of professors.

“Right now, we’re focusing on highlighting the issues with corporations getting to dictate what is happening at an institution through private donor agreements,” said senior Janine Gaspari, president of Transparent GMU. “We’re working to combat the corporatization of education, focusing specifically on donor agreements with strings attached to them.”

Transparent GMU is involved in a lawsuit against Mason to allow

donor agreement information to be accessible through the Freedom of Information Act. The lawsuit, which was decided in Mason’s favor in a Virginia circuit court in 2017, is going through an appeal process to be tried in the Supreme Court of Virginia.

“I think that it’s absolutely inappropriate,” Gaspari said, “for a university to be withholding information that impacts what happens to the students and faculty. The university influences what happens in national policy, influences what happens in global policy, so really Mason has a duty to be transparent in order to let people be informed and make informed decisions.”

Initial efforts by students and faculty to access information about donor influence were met with pushback from Mason’s administration.

“Back in 2014,” Gaspari recalled, “students were asking to meet with administrators and were continually trying to file FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] requests and … not getting answers.”

For Transparent GMU, Gaspari said,

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRANSPARENT GMU

With the start of a new school year comes the revving up of Transparent GMU. The student organization is dedicated to understanding and addressing the influence of donations on Mason’s administration and faculty.

“The dream scenario … is to have any and all donor agreements coming into the university … published on a universally accessible database, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask, because it’s influencing what’s happening at a public institution.”

The issue received attention in

2016, when Mason’s law school was renamed Antonin Scalia Law School due in part to donor influence.

The connection between Mason and the Charles Koch Foundation is beginning to garner national recognition. Several news outlets, most recently The Intercept, have published

pieces on the foundation’s influence on campus.

Mason is not the only school to receive funding from the Charles Koch Foundation; other significant recipients include the College of Charleston and Florida State University, as well as dozens of other schools around the country.

MASON’S MERCATUS CENTER USES PRIVATE EMAIL SERVER

Journalists attempt to use FOIA to uncover Mercatus emails on private servers JALEN REID STAFF WRITER

The Mercatus Center focuses on free-market ideology and Austrian economics. It was established as part of Mason in 1980 and is located in Arlington, Virginia. The Center has received heavy funding from the Charles Koch Foundation.

Elizabeth Woodley, a compliance officer at Mason, spoke to The Intercept about the private server.

“Our IT department has informed me

that they do not have access to the ‘@ mercatus.gmu.edu’ addresses,” said Woodley.

This is in contrast to the network used at Mason. Email addresses associated with the university end with “gmu. edu” because Mason uses a public email server.

Woodley stated, “The Mercatus Center is an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization,” which means that they are disconnected from the university.

However, Mason’s provost, David Wu, is in charge of approving any potential member of the Mercatus Center’s board. The Mercatus Center is also required to include Mason’s name within everything it publishes, and it presents itself as a university source

for free-market-oriented ideas.

The Miller Center of Public Affairs, a policy think tank at the University of Virginia (UVA), uses the same email server as UVA. Howard Witt, the director of communications at the Miller Center, said, “Our email is that exact same as any other faculty on campus.” He continued, “All of our activities and emails are subject to Freedom of Information Requests.”

FOURTH ESTATE TISHA HERRERA

According to recent reports from The Intercept, the Mercatus Center, Mason’s policy think tank, uses a private email server inaccessible to Mason personnel. This creates a limitation for Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which extends to all emails sent from public institutions.

The news of the private email servers broke because journalists with The Intercept filed a public records request for emails related to the Bernie Sanders Medicare study.

The study’s results went against Mercatus’ own mission statement.

According to David Dayen, Mercatus

officials initially scrambled to dispute the findings. Because Mercatus’ emails are on a private server, however, the

journalist could not access the emails under FOIA.

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$17 MILLION IN “HUSH MONEY”: THE KAINE AND STEWART DEBATE BEGINS The candidates discussed sexual assault and problems in higher education LAUREN SULLIVAN LONGFORM EDITOR; DANA NICKEL ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR On Sept. 26, for their second Kaine “is an automatic ‘no,’” because happened as late as last year.” Stewart debate, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) he says no to everything that President echoed these allegations throughout and Republican challenger Corey Trump says. Stewart added that the length of the debate.

Stewart went head-to-head over Kaine is “still bitter about 2016,” Kaine responded by accusing Stewart policy, ideologies and issues facing the when Kaine ran as Hillary Clinton’s of “always trying to demean” sexuCommonwealth of Virginia and the vice president. al-assault allegations. Kaine cited U.S. Kaine countered these assertions Stewart’s tweet from Sept. 14 that said,

Stewart’s main argument was that

by calling Stewart “divisive” and saying that he is “championing white supremacists.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS

The first question from the moderator, Chuck Todd of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” centered on allegations that Brett Kavanaugh committed sexual assault.

Stewart called the allegations “beneath the dignity of the United States” and accused Kaine of sexual assault.

“What about the $17 million that you paid in hush money to the 268 separate complaints, senator—against you and other members of the United States Congress?” Stewart asked. “And that didn’t happen 36 years ago. That

Kaine’s answer focused on legislation he brought to the Senate. He sponsored the Teach Safe Relationships Act, passed in 2015.

“The 16- to 24-year-old is the most vulnerable to sexual assault,” Kaine said, “and a lot of perpetrators are 16 to 24. If we begin the curriculum when kids are young and need to be

“What else did Judge #Kavanaugh do—pull a girl’s pigtails in 1st grade?”

“There is no equivalence between pulling a girl’s pigtails and an allegation that two 17-year-olds barricaded a 15-year-old girl in a bedroom and sexually assaulted her,” stated Kaine.

After the debate, both Kaine and Stewart were asked by Fourth Estate writers how they plan to combat sexual assault on college campuses in Virginia.

“I’m very concerned about that,” Stewart said. “There are 268 accusations against members of Congress, [but] Senator Kaine won’t release those names. ... [The Senate] needs to

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS

Both candidates hurled insults and allegations in their opening statements.

lead by example.”

educated, we can expand sex ed from reproduction biology to teaching safe relationship behavior.”

Stewart also addressed tuition assistance for institutions of higher education. He believes that, in addition to the high cost of tuition, the lack of jobs waiting for graduates is a problem for universities. “[Universities] are completely disconnected from the business community,” Stewart said. “We need to make sure when you graduate from George Mason University … that you have a job waiting for you that will help you pay your bills and keep your studentloans debt as low as possible.”

According to the most recent poll on Tuesday, Sept. 18, Kaine’s lead in the race had narrowed to 16 points.

Oct. 15 is the last day to register to vote before election day, Tuesday, Nov. 6.

KAVANAUGH’S FORMER LAW CLERK SPEAKS OUT Mason Law School professor recalls working with Kavanaugh LAUREN SULLIVAN LONGFORM EDITOR

Jennifer Mascott met Kavanaugh when she served as his clerk in 2006, during his first year on the U.S. Court of Appeals. In August of 2017, Mascott joined Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School as a law professor.

In an interview with PBS NewsHour on Thursday, Sept. 20, at which point there had been one allegation of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, Mascott said, “Everything I know of him, these accusations are flatly inconsistent with his character.”

Mascott expressed shock upon hearing of the allegation: “It sounded [like] the opposite of everything that I know about Judge Kavanaugh and his character and what I have seen from

him over the years.” She said that Kavanaugh had remained “a mentor, a close contact, somebody [whom] I go to for professional advice.”

Mascott was consistent in her support.

Speaking in an interview with CNN shortly after his nomination in July, she said he “could be the most qualified nominee in generations.”

There has also been some critiques and objections to Kavanaugh’s nomination. Democratic Senators Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, and Dianne Feinstein, to name a few, have been consistently outspoken in their objection to Kavanaugh’s nomination.

The senators have said repeatedly that despite Kavanaugh’s work prior to his nomination, his potential appointment to the Supreme Court would be dangerous for women because of Kavanaugh’s beliefs surrounding abortion rights.

Fourth Estate reached out to Mascott for an interview, and Mascott initially agreed.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Kathleen M. Corcoran, the director of communications for Antonin Scalia Law School, said in an email to Fourth Estate, “The high volume of media requests for Professor Mascott over the past several weeks has become overwhelming … she has requested to take leave from all media opportunities at this time, that she may focus her energies on scholarship, research and teaching.”

Corcoran continued, “As a result, I regret to inform you that Professor Mascott cannot be interviewed for your story. She is making no exceptions at this time.”

This statement came in the wake of the second sexual misconduct allegation against Kavanaugh.

Since reaching out to Mascott, Dr. Blasey Ford, the first woman to accuse Kavanaugh of sexual assault, has testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Committee also voted to go forward to the entire senate with the nomination vote, but only after an FBI

investigation is conducted in regards to the allegations and Kavanaugh’s background.

The FBI investigation has already began and will be completed within a week. The senate will vote on whether to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court on Friday, Oct. 5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON COGSVELR; FLICKR

In the midst of sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, an Antonin Scalia Law School professor who has known Kavanaugh for over a decade spoke out in support of him.

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ROUNDUP SG passes budget, amends codes, and proposes resolutions JALEN REID STAFF WRITER

MASON CELEBRATES DIVERSITY For the first time, over 50 percent of current freshmen are people of color ABIGAIL ADCOX STAFF WRITER

This fall, Mason welcomes its largest explained how she discusses diversity and most diverse freshman class in the during campus tours: “I tell of growing university’s history. up in a homogeneous area with almost According to President Cabrera, no diversity, and everything I’ve learned Mason’s total enrollment for this fall is since coming to Mason. I talk about more than 37,000 students, 3,720 of taking Arabic and learning all about them freshmen, a six-percent increase the culture from my classmates, and [the] friends I’ve made from all over from last year. the country, who are from all different For the first time, more than 50 percent backgrounds. I find the more personal of this freshman class are people of my experience sounds, the more people color. understand my message.”

“There are many reasons why I chose This is the second consecutive year Mason, but I’d definitely say the that U.S. News and World Report has diversity is one of them,” said Viviane ranked Mason as a top institution for Vu, a freshman. “I knew I would be student diversity. The university is able to learn more about others and currently tied for 25th nationally. their cultures.”

The Office of Admissions’ website lists Students in the class of 2022 have inclusivity as a main reason for students come from around the world: 44 states to choose Mason. and 34 countries, according to Mason “The connections that you make are News. really important,” said sophomore Their average high-school GPA is 3.7, Batool Ibrahim. up from the previous class’s 3.66.

“Having this diverse campus, you are According to the university, “Top iden- going to have a lot of different connectified majors are computer science; tions that you wouldn’t have made biology; criminology, law and society; previously. [At] this stage … you want nursing; and government and interna- to be exploring, you want to learn a tional politics.” lot more [and have] all these different Mason Ambassador Delaney Hertel people from literally all over to interact with.”

The resolution enacts that Student Government (SG) would co-sponsor and advertise for the First of All, We Vote public-forum debate between the George Mason Democrats (GMU Dems) and the George Mason College Republicans (GMU CRs).

event to collect opinions from the students about their preferences for SG priorities, such as parking and transportation, diversity, university services, etc.

Bill#6 A Bill to Allocate Fund for Night Walk 2018 for $195.38 was introduced during the meeting. It is an event that allows students and administrators to The first piece of legislation was a connect while also identifying areas of proposed resolution to establish the concern around the campus. The bill Budget of Student Governance, a was passed. budget of $20,500. The resolution was Another legislation was Bill to Amend approved. the Code of Student Governance, B. Legislation then discussed Bill #8. In it states who will succeed what to Amend the Code of Student position within the senate. The fourth Governance, B. #3. In the bill, it states, and last line states if all members could “If after fall elections, the Senate does not succeed one another and the duties not have 40 members, the appointment they would take over, “The Chair of new senators will take effect.” The of the Administrative and Financial bill was passed.

Affairs Committee, the Chairs of the SG also voiced concerned requests University Services,” will succeed.

Before introducing the eight pieces of legislation, Speaker Davide Genoese-Zerbi began the meeting by stating the Elections and Disputes Committee (EDC) had a solution to ratify votes taken on April 26 and for the allocation of funds. The May 3 of 2018. amendment states, “Any requests for Genoese-Zerbi stated, “The EDC the allocation of funds shall be accomheld a hearing to adjudicate the panied by a line item description of dispute that many of you know all expenses thereunto appertaining. about. What the EDC ultimately No blanket or general allocations shall decided is that the Executive confir- be made, and allocations shall only be mation votes taken last spring were made for concrete and specific costs. technically invalid.”

Any line item exceeding $200 shall President Bekah Pettine stated be broken down into its constituent in her Executive Report that the expenses.” most recent What Do You Want Wednesday event, along with the Consent Carnival, was a “success” for all of Mason and SG. What Do You Want Wednesday is a biweekly

ultimately passed.

Also, if it is impossible to break down a line item description exceeding $200, then the bill must be approved by the Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee. This bill was

The Speaker, it was decided, would be replaced by the Speaker Pro Tempore until a new Speaker is officially elected.

With regards to the Clerk, they will be replaced by the Secretary of the Senate. If there is no Secretary, then the most senior Senator, first by class, then by date of birth, will act as Clerk until a new Clerk is officially elected.

This bill was ultimately passed.

Legislation ultimately referred the Government and Community Relations Committee to support the Fairfax City Council Dinner by enacting that the Student Senate of Mason to attend City Hall.

FOURTH ESTATE JEREMY UNISZKIEWICZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF GMU NATION

“First of All, We Vote” was the final resolution introduced by Mason’s Student Government during their sixth meeting in Merten Hall on Sept. 20.

CULTURE

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“THE OFFICE” STAR COMES TO MASON

Craig Robinson talks to Mason students about his experiences in Hollywood, confidence, and more BASMA HUMADI MANAGING EDITOR

Born and raised in Chicago, Robinson received his master’s in teaching from Saint Xavier University. He was part of a program called Teachers for Chicago, which allowed him to take classes for his masters degree and teach children at the same time.

Robinson spoke on crazy incidents in his life - like having to fire his manager, playing at comedy night clubs and winning at their game of ‘hecklers heaven’, and starring in an upcoming movie, “Dolemite is my Name!” with Eddie Murphy.

“I was teaching, getting my master’s degree, going to acting class and doing stand-up at night,” Robinson said. “So, it took some work to get here.”

When asked about a “The Office” reboot, Robinson teased the crowd.

Robinson gave advice to Mason students hoping to go in the industry.

He talked about going in to auditions, when it’s the right time to move to Robinson stopped by Merten Hall at bigger cities, and tapping into fear.

1:30 p.m. to speak with Mason students “Freight, fear, it’s not going anywhere,” about his experience in Hollywood Robinson said. “Do it in spite of your and give advice to students. The event fear.” was arranged by Dr. Mark C. Hopson, director of African American Studies “The confidence is not always there,” Robinson said while giving advice. at Mason.

“We’re human. One thing I can say “Dr. Hopson is my cousin,” Robinson is to keep going. It’s about shaking it said. “We were talking at the family off and when that lack of confidence reunion. [Hopson asked,] ‘Well what comes - it’s just you and your selfdo you think about coming to George doubt. I saw this [Instagram] post and Mason, man?’ Because I was coming it was two creatures holding a rock and down here to do shows at the improv one guy was holding a rock that said this weekend with my boys Todd Rex ‘self-doubt’ and the guy said ‘maybe it and Frankie Quinones … and it came would be easier if we put this down’... into fruition.” we’re human, we’re not bulletproof.”

He said that a reboot with the original cast is not likely, but a reunion episode might be a possibility.

Actor Craig Robinson, best known for his roles as Darryl Philbin from “The Office,” Doug Judy in “Brooklyn NineNine” and roles in high-profile movies such as “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “This is The End” stopped by Mason on Sept. 28.

“We filmed it and ... Nah, I’m just kidding,” Robinson joked.

Robinson spoke about improvising lines on “The Office” with Steve Carrell, who played Michael Scott on the show.

“I didn’t even know Steve Carell did an improv and then I watched [an] episode,” Robinson said. “It was ‘Negotiation’. I said ‘Make it Hap’n Cap’n” and [Carrell] said, ‘I will make it happen … sergeant.’”

FOURTH ESTATE ALLIE THOMPSON

“Out of paper, out of stock, there’s friendly faces around the block,” sang Craig Robinson alongside a crowd of Mason students. “Call Dunder Mifflin, the people person’s paper people.” The song refers to Robinson’s role on “The Office” where his character creates a song for an advertisement.

Robinson noted he is still nostalgic when he sees “The Office” on T.V. in public places. Those interested can see him reprise his role as the Pontiac Bandit on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” this season and in upcoming movies, such as “Dolemite is my Name!”

OCTOBER HOROSCOPES The signs as fall activities MONICA ECHOLS CULTURE EDITOR

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) - Happy Libra season! Libras love to have a good time, so planning a costume party would be a great fall activity. Invite some of your friends and classmates and get dressed up for a night of fun.

Aries (March 21-April 19) - Aries are known for being brave and confident. See how brave you really are by going on a haunted hayride or going to fright-night at an amusement park.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Scorpios can love being the center of attention, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Put your love of the limelight to use and have a fun fall photo shoot with some of your friends.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) - As a Taurus, you naturally have an eye for beauty. Put your skills to use and spice up your home or dorm with some fall decorations. You could make it super spooky, or you could make it more cozy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - As a Sagittarius, you love being outside. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery as the leaves change colors and go for a hike.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) - As the sign of communication, Geminis love reading, writing and telling stories. Cozy up with a scary book, or even better, write or tell your own ghost story!

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Capricorns are known for being practical, so apple picking would be the perfect fall activity. Not only is it fun, but you can also use the apples to make fall treats, such as apple cider, apple pie or candy apples.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) - Cancers love spending time at home with the people they hold close to their heart. This fall, invite some friends over for a scary movie night.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - As an Aquarius, you love spending time with friends. So, gather up some friends and visit a local fall festival or market.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Self-assured Leos are natural born leaders. You would have no problem leading your friends through a corn maze or haunted house.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) - Those born under the Pisces sign tend to be naturally artistic. Put your talents to use and make a DIY Halloween costume. If you don’t celebrate Halloween, you could also DIY other clothes, such as a denim jacket, which is a fall fashion staple.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Virgos tend to pay attention to detail, so why not try decorating pumpkins? Your attention to detail and eye for design will come in handy when trying to paint or carve a spooky or funny design.

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A PERFECT STORM CAPS underfunding amid growing mental health concerns impacts treatment Story includes mention of suicide, self-harm, and sexual assualt HAILEY BULLIS ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

The use of mental health offices at universities has increased by 50 percent in the last ten years according to Dr. Rachel Wernicke, executive director of CAPS. This includes CAPS, which receives approximately $2 million per year. Ninety-six percent of this budget goes to paying 23.6 full-time personnel/ trainees and 20 part-time workers.

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

Last year, CAPS served 1,682 Mason students for direct clinical services according to Wernicke. Mason’s office mirrors the national trend that more students are using psychological services. Of those students, 41 percent reported recent suicidal ideation, 11.8 percent reported recent self-harm and 8 percent reported violent ideation.

The CAPS office serves Mason students in many capacities. With individual therapy, group therapy, workshops, faculty/staff consultation, academic coaching, psychiatric services and more, the office tries to meet the needs of every student on campus.

case is dismissed and can take weeks to be seen by a therapist.”

Two students who wished to remain anonymous shared this concern.

The first student, Kate*, first visited CAPS to deal with her trauma after she was sexually assaulted in her dorm Along with in-person resources, her freshman year. She was diagnosed CAPS recently started their Therapist with PTSD and prescribed Xanax and Assisted Online (TAO) program, an Paxil to treat her mental illnesses by a online system that allows students counselor back home. to access self-help modules, giving students a different support system “In the initial phone call and even in option. CAPS also partnered with the my first meeting with a counselor from JED campus initiative this year which CAPS, they only really were asking if aims at enhancing emotional health, I was suicidal or if I was going to hurt substance abuse prevention and suicide someone else or myself,” said Kate. prevention efforts on college campuses. “So I felt like that was kind of the only concerns they had ... when dealing Last year, CAPS did an Internal Client with my mental health. They didn’t Satisfaction Survey which showed that really give me resources for dealing

To meet the accreditation standards of the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), CAPS is required to have one counselor for every 1,000 to 1,500 students. However, with current funding, CAPS only has enough staff for one counselor per every 2,341 students-- well below the 83.2 percent of CAPS clients strongly accreditation number. agreed they were “satisfied with the “I wish we could do better … quality of services” they received from I can tell you that we’ve got CAPS, with another 16.1 percent the funding for 15.8 full-time agreeing. clinicians,” said Wernicke. “By our accreditation standards, we Another survey done last year by should actually have 24. So I’m the Student Health Advisory board advocating for additional staff, (SHAB) found that while the students’ at least 24, because the IACS overall impression was positive, ratio is one counselor to every “students feel that CAPS treats every1,000 to 1,500 students. But thing either as an emergency or as resources, I think everybody at something that can wait.” The survey Mason needs more resources. concluded that “it appears that the Of course I would like to be able perception of the triage process is that if a student is not suicidal or attempting to serve more students.” to harm themselves or others, that their

Mason during that time, she assumes that students seeking psychiatric help were referred off-campus or to Student Health when the psychiatrist was not available.

“I felt so alone, and there was no one really to help me with what I was going through. I started to cope with my problems, like if I was having a meltdown or there was some kind of conflict going on in my life and I would be like, ‘welp this sucks, gonna pop some more Xanax then I’m prescribed,’ so that was really frightening, just being that addicted to something,” Kate said.

Kate used marijuana as a way to cope with her mental illnesses and felt that the counselors at Mason focused heavily on getting her to stop.

“Something else I would do to cope

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

Mental health is a tricky and hard-to-navigate subject, and with national health trends on the rise, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is trying to help all students.

with day-to-day life. I just felt like the only thing they cared about was if I was going to kill myself because that would make the university look bad and they would be liable for that kind of stuff.”

Kate described how she was unable to see the on-campus psychiatrist from January to March. During that time period, she began to abuse her prescribed medications, and she began to smoke marijuana, something she was very open about with her counselor.

Wernicke said that during that time, their on-campus psychiatrist was on leave. Although Wernicke was not at

with my mental illness was just smoking a lot of weed every day pretty much, which, I was very open about my drug use with counselors at Mason,” she said. “...

Kind of, like, the main concern of theirs was that I should just stop smoking weed, and I was like, ‘yeah, I could stop smoking weed but it’s the only thing that kind of balances out the crazy side effects that I would get from the antidepressants as well.’”

Kate also went to group therapy, which is offered to Mason students who are clients of CAPS. There are eight different groups aimed at helping different types of students. Kate attended the Surviving to Thriving group, which is geared towards students who survived sexual assault at some point in their lives. However, while the retention/success rate of the groups tends to be high, Kate did not have a positive experience with her group.

She was looking forward to the group, as she hoped it would give a chance to receive “peer to peer” counseling.

“I was really excited about that

CULTURE sexual assault to share your experience in a group,” Wernicke stated. “So sometimes that group can be a little bit harder to fill, although we certainly try, and we’re offering that group again.”

Another student, Drew*, said he felt brushed off by CAPS after he attempted to receive treatment for his anxiety and depression. Drew was referred to off-campus treatment after speaking with a counselor.

At the time, Drew did not have a car to get off-campus to receive treatment.

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

program and I was excited to be in a group setting where I could talk about my feelings, because in the one-on-one counseling, I felt like I would just cry a lot and it was kind of hard to like make any progress,” Kate said. “…

It just kind of felt weird one-on-one, especially talking to an adult about that kind of stuff was kind of annoying. So I went to group and there were only two in the group, me and one other girl, and two counselors. So there was [faculty members] Sierra Scott and Irene Valentine. So there [were] only

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

two counselors and two students in a Referring to when he asked if there was anyway that CAPS could see him group counseling setting.” on-campus, he said, “It was very weird Typically, group therapy has six to eight because I asked, ‘can I see someone group members, but the sexual assault on-campus, and they were like, ‘well, group has a hard time finding particikind of but not really,’” he said. “It pants, Wernicke said. seemed very wishy-washy.”

“We’re not alone as a campus in having Drew felt the process was very mechansome difficulty recruiting folks into ical and expected to set up a regular group therapy because many students meeting with CAPS. After his initial … prefer the one-on-one modality, encounter, Drew has been hesitant to and it can be scary particularly with

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reach back out to CAPS. “I really don’t want to have to like deal with going through a phone call, waiting a week to have a phone call to set up another meeting to then get told to go somewhere else again,” he said.

“It would be nice if the university could give them way more resources, because ... the school administration always talks a big game, like, ‘you should take care of yourselves’ and having students take care of themselves is not bringing in a few cute dogs on-campus once a year...like when it’s stressful, that doesn’t actually fix anything.”

In response to these issues, Wernicke said, “That’s actually kind of the bind that we’re in, is that we have few resources, we have students who are coming in with great need and many students who are coming in with very few resources and that’s kind of a perfect storm… so we end up serving those students longer and we do try to find providers in the community who can get here, who are close by, and we have a referral database on our website.”

according to Wernicke, a trend that is not limited to just Mason. According to a 2016 annual report done by Center for Collegiate Mental Health, “Over six years, counseling center resources devoted to ‘rapid access’ services increased by 28 percent on average, whereas resources devoted to ‘routine The top four concerns for CAPS are treatment’ decreased slightly by 7.6 dealing with mental health, including percent.” anxiety, depression, stress and “I would love to be able to see students academic performance, according to long-term, and I think that really what Wernicke. at Mason what needs to happen is we According to the 2016 Association for also have to be able to absorb more University and College Counseling students and be able to serve more Center Directors Annual Survey, students, which I think will still mean which Mason participated in, schools that we’ll be in a short-term model,” that enroll 35,001 or more students said Wernicke. see a drastic increase in hospitaliza- Junior conflict analysis and resolution tion, attempted suicide and suicide major Sarah Ahn felt that while her than schools with less students. Mason counselor went above and beyond currently enrolls over 37,000 students. to try and help her, she does not The office focuses more heavily on know if she would have received the short-term care rather than long-term, same treatment if she had received a different counselor.

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

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“It could’ve been better. First of all, they don’t do long-term counseling... they just do short-term counseling, and it just doesn’t feel like there’s any help,” she said. “The counselor that helped me, the only reason they actually helped was because he was going way out of his way to help me. He was like ‘yeah, we don’t do long-term counseling, I can do what I can,’” said Ahn. Despite this, CAPS does not have a hard limit on how many sessions a student can receive, and the session limit is instead decided case by case, said Wernicke.

In the future, Sarah Ahn wants CAPS to be able to support more students.

“They just need to allocate more resources to CAPS, like maybe get more counselors, like more support… you should have the ability to help these students,” Ahn said.

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 student Christina Gleason, alumna Deirdre Burton, professor Christopher Clarke and organization Vegan Society. If you know of a Mason student, faculty member, alumnus or alumna or organization that would like to be featured on FACES OF MASON please submit your request via: https://goo.gl/HZ4SMd INTERVIEWS BY ANGELIQUE ARINTOK, HAILEY BULLIS AND MONICA ECHOLS

S TSUTDUEDNET,N T, C HARNI S A ISAO N D TRIENAA GGALRE C What is the scholarship that you won for dance?

I won the Bette Davis scholarship award from the Mason Dance department last semester for this year, and that was from the Neighbors and Friends of Great Falls here in Virginia. So it’s this group of women...they basically give out these scholarships to college women who they think could really make a difference or are really trying to strive towards a goal. This was the last year they actually did it for the dance department at Mason, but they gear it primarily towards dancers such as myself who are looking not only to pursue a professional career in dance, but also to pursue dance education as well.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA GLEASON

You’re studying dancing and teaching. Do you have a preference between the two?

Yes and no. I do really enjoy both of them separately.

Dancing professionally has always been a dream since I was a little kid but also being an elementary school teacher. So it’s really cool, I think, that I get to combine those two with teaching dance or dance education, specifically because it’s two things that I really like.

What is it that you love about dancing?

I’ve been dancing ever since I was three, so it’s hard for me to say. I fell in love with the idea of like expressing myself … but ever since I was three, my parents have always asked,

‘Do I ever want to stop, do I ever want to try something different or something new’? And I just never, like no, I want to keep dancing and it just kind of became my passion. So it was a hobby but also a stress reliever, but also a place where I can express myself.

You’re from Denmark, correct?

Kind of, yeah. My mom is. I have dual citizenship with Denmark and the United States because my mom is from Denmark and my dad isn’t. But I do have Danish citizenship and I have lived there for a little bit. We always go back there every summer and my life is really structured around the Danish lifestyle. In my home, that’s how my mom grew us up and I have family back there. I speak the language and I’m also hoping to move there after I graduate in May. Have you lived or traveled anywhere besides Denmark and the U.S.?

Yeah, I’m also, my dad being the American was also in the Air Force, so I’m an Air Force military brat. I was born in Germany, lived in Guam, Denmark, Minnesota, Colorado Springs twice [and] here in the NOVA/Fairfax area. And then being [from a] multicultural background, traveling has always been really important to my family. So we have been all over Europe as well and all over the United States taking advantage of summer vacations and breaks to go and see the world.

PPRROOFFEESSSSOORR,, CEHDRWi S H E RM A C ILBAARCKHE A TRODPW. What do you teach at Mason?

Out of the communication department, I teach undergrad courses in research methods … or environmental communication or mass communication theory, like media effects theory. On the graduate level, I teach either risk communication or science communication.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER CLARKE

Why do you like teaching what you teach?

I think one of the joys of being a professor is when you get to teach an area you know a lot about, that you’ve done research in, that you’ve published articles in, that you care about and that you find interesting. I think I’ll be able to do that with the courses that I teach. I’m able to bring in topics and ideas that I’ve looked at, that I’ve studied and that I find really interesting. I try to press upon students that I hope they find it interesting as well.

If there was a fire, and you had to save one thing from your house, what would you save and why?

I’ve talked to my wife about this. If it could be anything, I would probably say her, of course. Assuming she made it out, and all people made it out, I think honestly, I would save, I have a little backpack with me that has all my little stuff from the office in it. It probably sounds weird, but everything else can be replaced, clothes, electronics,

but when it comes to my stuff from my home office, it would be a lot more difficult to replace. So in terms of an inanimate object, I would actually save that backpack if I could because it has all my stuff in it.

Have you traveled anywhere outside of the U.S.?

Yes. So outside the country as a whole—I’ve been to Hawaii for example but that’s still the U.S. I’ve traveled to Canada, I’ve been overseas, I’ve been to Sweden, I’ve been to the U.K., and then I’ve been to Australia and then I’ve been able to go to South America. I went to Chile and then Brazil. I’ve also traveled throughout the Caribbean, the island of St. Lucia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Barbados and the Cayman Islands.

What is your favorite place in the world?

It would have to be Grand Teton National Park, which is located in northwest Wyoming. If you ever Google it, the mountains are just unreal. It looks fake, it looks like it’s been painted. There’s no other place I would like to be. I would love to live out there at some point in the future [and] rent a house. It’s always a pleasure when I get to go out there, which will be in a couple years if I’m lucky. It’s just the scenery, the animals, the climate, it’s just wonderful.

ALUMNA, DEIRDRE BURTON ALUMNA, ELIZABETH BAIRES What did you study at Mason? What are you studying now? What do you plan to do with your degree?

I was a psychology major at GMU, Class of 2018. I now attend Norfolk State University as a graduate student majoring in social work with a clinical concentration. I plan to work as a school social worker where I will provide counseling and developmental services to children who are in schools and social environments on both micro and macro levels.

Were you involved with any clubs or organizations at Mason?

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIERDRE BURTON

At GMU, I served as a PHE (Peer Health Educator) for the Student Support and Advocacy Center on campus. I would facilitate sessions to students on campus about sexual health, drugs, healthy relationships, nutrition, intimate partner violence and steps to being an Active Bystander when/if they see someone in trouble or in need of medical attention.

I enjoyed working there my senior year! That position truly prepared me for my future career in social work. I became knowledgeable in all different topics that related to a healthy mind and body.

What is your brand, DeeDotOrg? Why did you start it/what do you hope to achieve with it?

My brand ‘DeeDotOrg’ was created to inspire, motivate and strengthen viewers through social media in the areas of personal development for women. I work diligently to bring

a healthy and positive vibe to all through posts and videos.

My hope is to have a bigger platform one day to speak to women nationwide, hosting conferences and workshops to empower women on self-worth. I want them to know, without any doubt in their mind, they are truly enough just the way they are, and that they deserve all the best things in life.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement would be graduating and maintaining a GPA above a 3.0 after losing my father during my fall semester of my senior year. It was truly a heavy load, and so unexpected losing my dad/best friend, but knowing that I made it, we made it? Oh that was an amazing feeling of joy and love. I’m so grateful for my family and friends, but I have to also give a huge ‘thank you’ to the professors at GMU who worked with me during that time. They helped me reach that finish line and I am forever grateful.

Who is an important person in your life and why are they important?

I would say an important person in my life would be my mom. That sounds so cliché for young people to say, but she really is. The amount of strength and love that flows within her is astounding. She has helped me overcome so many oppositions in my life, and has been a calm in the midst of my storms. I am grateful for her love, boldness and patience as a mother, and the older I grow to be, I am thankful for her being that as a best friend also.

RG ION I ESTSYO C I AT I O N O R G A N I ZOAT I OANN,I Z H AT I S PA N ,I CV ESGT A UN D ESNOTCA them transition, and educate them more on why they might want to pursue a vegan/vegetarian diet or lifestyle. We put on educational, as well as social events [including movie screenings, discussion-based events and tabling at university-sponsored events].

PHOTO COURTESY OF VEGAN SOCIETY

What kind of movies do you screen?

What is the Vegan Society at Mason all about?

Rhys Bethke, Treasurer: We want to create a social space for vegans, vegetarians and people who are questioning whether they want to become vegan/vegetarian. We offer them resources to help

Bethke: Mostly documentaries about agriculture, anything related to the food we eat, clothing or beauty/hygienic products that have animal products in them.

Overall, we want members to be informed consumers. The last documentary we had a screening on was actually “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret”, which is about the environmental impact of animal agriculture and livestock.

What does being a vegan mean to the Vegan Society at Mason?

Bethke: Our definition of veganism is taken from the [national] Vegan Society which we’re not related to, but we really like their

definition of veganism. According to vegansociety.com, “veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.” What that means for us is we avoid eating animal foods (i.e. meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, etc.), entertainment that exploits animals (i.e. circuses, rodeos, SeaWorld, etc.) and wearing leather and fur.

What is the most recent campaign initiative the Vegan Society is trying to launch?

Bethke: We get a lot of complaints and frustrations from students who live on campus or have a meal plan. The dining halls advertise that they have vegan options, but if you’re living on campus and eating three meals a day, their options aren’t nutritionally adequate, filling or yummy. It’s an extensive problem. We have a list of demands — basically a letter right now. We are setting up a meeting with Mason Dining to let them know that a lot of people are very concerned about the vegan options [or lack thereof].

How can interested students reach out to the Vegan Society at Mason?

Bethke: They can email vegan@gmu.edu, follow our Instagram @ gmuvegan and Facebook @gmuvegan to message us there or show up to one of our meetings (every Wednesday at 5PM in JC Meeting Room B) [and] introduce themselves and ask any kind of questions they have. We’re very open, and we encourage everyone regardless of what diets they follow to come talk to us. Even they don’t think they are going to go vegan, we always like having discussions.

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CULTURE

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“RETHINKING LINES” ARTIST SPEAKS TO MASON STUDENTS The artist behind the Fenwick Gallery exhibition, Mel Parada, gives a presentation NAYOMI SANTOS STAFF WRITER

DIFFERENCES MAKE US CLOSER

Shades of Brown showcase celebrates Hispanic Heritage month ALLY MCALPINE ART DIRECTOR

Last Wednesday, cheerful chatter, the chime of steel drums, melodic prose and smooth jazz drifted out from the back corner of the Johnson Center (JC). The crowd gathered in the JC bistro to celebrate a variety of cultures as well as Hispanic Heritage Month.

the steel band ensemble performed two Pi Chi, sophomore Selena Chagolla.

Caribbean songs to open the night.

“The only event we have for Hispanic “This is a cultural sharing event and I Heritage Month is Shades of Brown,” just wanted to be able to share a little Sandoval said. “We wanted to create of what I have,” senior Jamie Alvarez an event that shows not only Hispanic said. “The area we live in is a very culture ... I feel like we should be doing diverse area, so the more that we’re that all the time not just because it's Shades of Brown is an annual open-mic able to understand and relate to other Hispanic Heritage Month … We need event celebrating Hispanic Heritage cultures, I think that it will just help us to celebrate all cultures; that's why it's Month, hosted by the Mariposas come together.” called Shades of Brown.”

Mentoring Program and the Latinas Alvarez, a jazz studies minor, performed Together, the Mariposas and the Promoviendo Comunida / Lambda Pi for the crowd on his keyboard. Other Lambda Pi Chi sorority host an ice Chi sorority. performers also read poetry and mono- cream social event at the beginning “This event is about coming together logues to express their feelings and of the fall semester, Shades of Brown as a Hispanic community and talking experiences in regards to their culture. during September, and Cupcakes and performing what we represent as “I think we are ambassadors for our and Cocoa at the start of the spring Hispanics,” sophomore nursing major culture when it comes to people's semester.

Valerie Grispo said. “I think this event perception of not only the islands but “It's just a way for people to really learn just kinda brings us all together, for people outside of the country altogeth- about any type of culture and have an one purpose, which is supporting one er,” Lewis said. open mind about things,” Chagolla another to just become better and One of the two organizations hosting said. “One of the goals of our sorority stronger people in the future.” the event, the Mariposas, work to pair is to enlighten our respective commuThe event was attended by curious underclassmen and transfer women nities on Latinos cultural, political and passersby, friends of the organizers and with upperclassmen, usually of the social issues. I think it's a really great some old friends and graduates coming same major or field, as a way to transi- way for people to have a better underback to visit. Everyone in attendance standing of certain things and why tion new students to life at Mason. contributed to the positive atmosphere certain people are so patriotic to their “We try to find common personalities own countries.” surrounding the Mason community. because you want to help them build “I have a friend who's in the program, a relationship that can help them Lambda Pi Chi is listed on Elizabeth,” performer Eljhaie develop a stronger bond and help them GetConnected GMU as “the first Brathwaite said. “She is from the same empower each other,” Mariposas’ Latina-focused sorority.” The Mu island as me. We're good friends and president, senior Gissela Sandoval, chapter at Mason was started in 1999. she needed a performer. So I called my said. “I mean, sometimes upperclass- “It's Latina focused but not Latina friends up so we could perform.” men need support from someone too.” exclusive,” Chagolla said. “So we do Brathwaite, along with Domenic Lewis The Mariposas organization was origi- have around 83 ethnicities. I think and Ronald Lee Jr., are music majors nally founded by a member of Lambda that it really shouldn't be seen as just studying at Mason. Lewis originates Pi Chi, but eventually grew much larger a Latina sorority. I was so in touch from Barbados, and Brathwaite and and split off into its own organization, with the vision, mission and goals of Lee come from St. Thomas, one of the according to the president of Lambda the sorority. That's really what kind of Virgin Islands. Known as The Fellas, pushed me into joining it.”

greatly inspired his work because it is a location “where graphic design is well-established.” He was drawn to the prominence of deconstruction in many For the past month, students and European works of art. He was lucky faculty alike have experienced the art enough to “live” what he was learning gallery known as “Rethinking Lines” at Mason.

by Mel Parada in the main lobby of He also talked about his process of the Fenwick Library. Students who creating the works of art. Though his were curious as to the origin of the work is considered fine art, Parada artwork and wanted to learn more always begins on a computer by about the artist had the opportuni- creating a font. He then proceeds to ty to hear from him on Wednesday, “deconstruct” that font and thus the Sept. 26. Parada held a presentation result is “Rethinking Lines.” Parada at Fenwick in which he discussed the wants his works of art to interrupt the inspiration behind his works of art as daily communication channels and well as the research he conducted to narratives that everyone is subjected create them. to. So, many of his pieces, even those The “Rethinking Lines” body of that aren’t exhibited at Fenwick, can work is a culmination of Parada’s be displayed through a variety of investigation and research into tradi- mediums, such as billboards. His goal tional printmaking methods, as well for these pieces is to lack narrative and his fascination with linguistics. He spark thought, “a space of inquiry.” wanted to explore the methods in which narrative is deconstructed and altered in artwork. He took inspiration from the deconstructuralism movement as well.

Students can also check out the books showcased in the gallery chosen by Parada as well as Fenwick faculty concerning the topics and methods Parada synthesized in his works. Books Parada notes that people “live in such as “The Story of De Stijl” by everyday communication channels,” Mondrian to Van Doesburg, which and he was hoping to break that with is about a Dutch art movement that his artwork by having people dissect Parada took inspiration from, are highlighted. and think about what it means.

Parada drew his inspiration from both works of art he saw in galleries and museums, as well as art he found on social media. His experience studying abroad in Germany also

Parada holds an MFA from the Mason School of Art and is currently a resident artist for the Discover Graphics Atelier in Alexandria.

The exhibit will run through Oct. 5 in the Fenwick Library.

FOURTH ESTATE IBRAHIM AHMAD

FOURTH ESTATE ALLY MCALPINE

Communication is unavoidable in everyday life. From billboards to street signs, everything has a message. Mel Parada aims to change that.

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CULTURE

10.1.2018

15

TOP CONCERNS FOR MASON STUDENTS IN THE UPCOMING MIDTERMS

Discover which issues are key as students cast their ballot in November...

ANGELIQUE ARINTOK STAFF WRITER

“There is a big difference between someone who comes here lawfully, supports their family, doesn’t have a criminal background, and somebody who crosses the border illegally and commits crimes,” Stewart said.

Shortly after saying the United States is a nation of immigrants, Kaine further explained, “I am going to fight for the community … and comprehensive reform.”

larger fear and distrust for the government.”

Although topping Fourth Estate’s poll, gun control was not mentioned at the live debate.

“Gun control is one of the most important issues for me in the upcoming Midterms,” freshman Film and Video Studies The candidates are divided on this major Abby Clark said. matter, but junior communication “It’s a very polarizing major Paula Morales believes immi- topic but we need to find gration is the most critical issue coming a common ground, where into this election. both sides can agree in order to protect innocent “The issue deals with so much, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals people from being hurt.”

Before Wednesday’s debate, Mason both candidates view certain issues, (DACA) and Temporary Protected The two candidates students had clear ideas as to how particularly immigration. In a press Status (TPS) [and more],”Morales may hold drastically different ideals, they’ll vote in the upcoming midterm conference following the debate, both said. “The Trump administration is just but both consider the Senate seat as elections. A recent poll on Fourth candidates passionately shared their going to keep passing laws that’ll keep an avenue to compromise with the Estate’s Twitter account asked student opinions on the matter. separating families, creating an even opposing party. Student voters are

FOURTH ESTATE ANGELIQUE ARINTOK

voters, “Which of [the] four issues is the most important to you in deciding who to for?” The options provided were immigration, gun control, access to higher education and impeaching President Trump. Those with an On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Democratic outlying choice were encouraged to reply. incumbent for the contested Senate seat Tim Kaine and Republican Prince The responses pooled 73 responses William County Chairman Corey with gun control, leading at 29 percent.

Stewart tackled timely issues, in a The other options came in close with debate moderated by NBC “Meet the immigration at 26 percent, impeachPress’s” Chuck Todd. The hour-long ing Trump at 23 percent and access to event sparked massive conversation higher education at 22 percent. about topics like immigration, inquiry For Stewart and Kaine, takes on the of impeachment, confederate statues, issues polled are on opposite ends of the Equal Rights Amendment and the political spectrum. Wednesday’s transportation. debate made it clear just how different Now, more than ever, there is a push for millennials to show up at the polls in November. Mason students, in particular, are paying attention and responding to the issues which matter most to them.

certain which issues will carry them to the polls. Now, it’s simply a matter of selecting which candidate aligns with their personal values and beliefs.

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SPORTS

10.1.2018

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Mason volleyball freshman talks about her transition from Hawaii to Fairfax MANSUR SHAHEEN STAFF WRITER

“I thought it would be good for me to go out and experience something different.

I get to play volleyball here and be a part of the nursing program, which is rare in athletics,” said Niu. “I’ve always been more of an independent person so I’m okay with leaving and like being far away.”

“I lived there my entire life. I went to Kahuku High School,” said Niu.

While she misses some parts of her old life in Hawaii, Fairfax has partially won her over in her short time here.

While Niu may be a long way from her hometown, the sport of volleyball is “I like that I can experience different seasons… In Hawaii, it’s always kind more familiar to her than anything. of the same. I like being able to go to “I started playing club volleyball when I was ten years old. My mom was my D.C. and learn about the country, the monuments, and just seeing different coach,” said Niu about her introduction things,” she said. “I live in the counto the sport. “She played when she was tryside in Hawaii, so the city is very in high school, so she taught us how to different for me.” play at a young age.”

As she becomes more accustomed to Niu loves her home city of Laie and her new environment, she is aware that even has plans to move back to Hawaii there are some parts she will not enjoy after she completes her degree at in the future. This upcoming winter will Mason. But the idea of traveling across be her first, and she is already dreading the country to play volleyball in a new some parts of it. environment was one that excited her.

“I’m sure I’m not gonna like the snow,”

she said.

Niu and her mother are not the only members of the family that play sports at a high level. Her family is full of athletes and their talents have taken them all across the country.

“I have six siblings and I’m the second oldest,” Niu said. “My older sister right now, she’s a year older than me, she’s a sophomore at Eastern Washington University. She plays volleyball there also. She’s a setter.

My younger sister is in high school playing also.”

Niu and the Patriots will be in action Niu is one of the best attackers on the Oct. 5 and 6 when Fordham and Rhode Patriots women’s volleyball team. She Island visit Fairfax for a two-game home has tallied 73 kills on 224 total attack swing.

“I have a cousin that played for the University of Utah.

My first cousin is playing at

DOMENIC ALLEGRA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

attempts through four games this season. The freshman is fourth on the team in both respective stats.

While exceptional skills at volleyball are in her bloodline, her family’s athletic talent spans beyond just volleyball. Niu has two cousins that play football at a high level as well.

STREAM ON

Look out, Mason hockey fans — club hockey is getting a brand new livestream.

St. John’s college. He is projected to go to … the bigger schools. He has offers from Virginia, Utah … I don’t know where he’ll go. He’ll choose.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

Fairfax, Virginia, is more than 4,500 miles from Laie, Hawaii. The trip from the rural Hawaiian city to the suburbs of northern Virginia takes over ten hours by plane, and the two cities could not be any different. It’s a long journey, but one made by Mason Women’s Volleyball attacker/setter ShaLi Niu.

Starting this fall, Monumental (MSE), will begin its inaugural season Sports Network (MSN), a branch of broadcasting Mason club hockey Monumental Sports & Entertainment games. This partnership will offer fans weekly live access to games on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the season.

“This collaboration with Monumental Sports Network is invaluable to our Mason Hockey community because it provides fans of Mason Hockey who are unable to physically attend a game the chance to share the excitement of college hockey via a world-class operation, Monumental Sports Network,” said Head Coach Steve Hyjek.

MSN will stream 13 games this season, including games against the University of Delaware, George Washington University, the University of Virginia and

Mason Hockey partners with Monumental Sports & Entertainment the University of Maryland. The first game was streamed on Sept. 28, against Farmingdale State University, which ended in a 6-2 loss for Mason.

After reaching the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Championship Tournament, Hyjek said that “the agreement with Monumental Sports Network also helps bolster Mason Ice Hockey’s program as one of the elite ACHA programs in the country.”

Monumental Sports & Entertainment also manages EagleBank Arena. Leonsis went on to say, “We’re excited to now collaborate and highlight some of their best student athletes on our network as well.”

Those who subscribe to MSN will receive “year-round live coverage and On-Demand features as part of the Network’s commitment to delivering unprecedented regional sports coverage and original programming on-thego, including high school, collegiate, Zach Leonsis, senior vice president and professional teams – Washington and general manager of MSN, also Wizards, Washington Capitals, commented on the partnership between Washington Mystics, Washington Valor, the network and the team.

Baltimore Brigade and Capital City “Partnering with George Mason Go-Go.” University’s hockey team to stream their Mason Club Hockey games are played slate of games is a natural extension at the Prince WIlliam Ice Center, so of our amazing partnership with the feel free to come out or subscribe to university,” Leonsis said. “ It’s an Monumental Sports Network for live exciting opportunity for our network to stream college hockey games for our coverage to support the Patriots on the road to the National Championship! fans to enjoy.”

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SPORTS

10.1.2018

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AN ATHLETE. AN ACADEMIC. AN INSPIRATION. Senior soccer player excels in the classroom and on the pitch KIM BARTENFELDER STAFF WRITER

practice. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. soccer students must receive a 3.30 GPA on is her world and, during that time, the a 4.0 scale, participate in at least half of the team’s games, and be either a Senior Emily Littell is approaching only thing that matters. the end of her college experience both More than just running up and down starter or hold a crucial role on their on and off the field. However, the the field, being a forward/midfielder team. impact, both of the Mason’s Women’s takes skill, technique, communication Littell, throughout her undergraduate Soccer team on Littell and Littell on and motivation. Crucial to the team, career, has taken a dive into bioengithe team and the Volgenau School of but not always credited in the box neering. Understandably, the field of Engineering, will persist even after her score, Littell understands that being bioengineering presents many challast semester wraps up. on the team is not about one person lenges. It’s a good thing Littell thrives What is admirable about Littell is her making multiple goals, but rather more off the challenges and semester-long dedication to her team and to her about recognizing her own strengths projects that allow her to put her best and weaknesses to help others. foot forward. academics, giving a newfound meaning to “student-athlete.” While it may be Littell was asked if she could see herself Well-respected within her department, easy for student-athletes to put athletics and her life without soccer. Stern and Littell doesn’t desire an “A” for it to ahead of academics, with student-ath- quick to respond, her answer was “No.” look good on transcripts but rather to letes at Mason, especially in Littell’s Her response stems from her soccer validate her belief that she can and will case, one does not take precedence succeed. past and present, as well as what soccer over the other. The focus is instead has given to her.

Considering her bioengineering backon finding and maintaining a healthy At Mason, she’s gained a group of ground, her 4.0 GPA, being a forward/ balance. women with whom to share success, midfielder and overall serving as a role On the athlete side, Littell’s strength memories, lessons and bonds. For her, model, there was no better fit for the is rooted within her longtime commit- a life without it would be losing a piece nomination. ment to soccer and the value she places of her identity.

Both an honor and rarity in Mason’s on her team. Dedicated to the sport history to be an All-American, Littell On an academic side, there is no she grew up with since the young age described this humble recognition of 3, soccer has shaped her to be who better way to exemplify her strength as “a shock. I made the district team she is today and guides her in future as a scholar than the announce- which is like Virginia, North Carolina ment of being a 2017-2018 CoSIDA endeavors. and Tennessee so I thought that was All-America. To be an All-American, A typical day for her starts with expected but I really thought the All-America’s would be reserved for bigger name schools.” Additionally, to her surprise, Littell found out about the honor secondhand through a causal Facebook post.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

Upon hearing the news, the first thing Littell did was contact her longtime coach, friend, and supporter: her father.

On her side, her entire life, sharing the like to recruit [and she] is a role model news with her father reaffirmed every- to many”. thing she had learned from him.

Thrilled by her success, Bramble is sad She also shed light on how she never to see her finishing up her last season set a goal to be an All-American. If her and final year at Mason. efforts paid off to qualify her for the Giving praise, Bramble acknowledged honor, then that’s how it was supposed that “Emily will be hard to replace. to be.

She’s reached her highest level; This adds to Littell’s character as a student. She doesn’t learn information temporarily for an upcoming test but instead to apply it later. She doesn’t pride herself in single grades, but rather her efforts as a whole.

well-rounded, off the charts and truly the unsung hero”.

As many coaches experience hardships and achievements with their players, Bramble speaks highly of how he personally has seen Littell grow as a On top of everything, Littell’s coach, person and a player. He said one of Coach Bramble, is nothing but proud. his proudest moments was “In the beginning of her junior year [when] “[Emily] represents what we want in she was voted as team captain. Seniors a community, school, program and are more than often voted as captain a good player,” said Coach Bramble. because of their age and experience.

“She’s the kind of student-athlete we Emily being a captain as a junior really

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

This is Emily Littell. A soccer player. A scholar. A young woman to celebrate.

speaks to her having the total package.”

As Littell nears the end of her journey at Mason, she reflects on her undergraduate experience.

She was asked about the life lessons her sport has helped her discover. Her answer, “don’t be afraid of choices and have confidence in those choices.”

People make choices every day, but what separates us all is whether or not our choices have substance and where they will then take us.

For Littell, her undergraduate career is ending and a new stage of her life will begin shortly. Her hope is to remain faithful to her passion of soccer but tackle the bioengineering field.

This is Emily Littell. An athlete. An academic. An inspiration.

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10.1.2018

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A RADIANT RETURN UNC transfer comes home to Virginia to play the sport she loves ZACH SEAY STAFF WRITER

Imagine achieving your dream only to be forced to give up the sport you love. This feeling would be devastating for most, and it was a reality Mason graduate student Jewel Christian had to face after her freshman soccer season at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Virginia State Championship in 2013.

In 2014 she won the Virginia Indoor State Championship in the 500-meter and was ranked second in the event nationwide.

pressure,” she said. “I think that’s the main thing that stuck with me the most, especially coming here.”

“My track coaches came to me and told me, ‘after this year, you’re done’” At Woodbridge Senior High School amazing,” Christian said about her time in Woodbridge, Virginia, Christian there. “I was playing against top teams excelled at both soccer and track. that I never dreamed I’d play against.

She played varsity soccer for the Vikings I was very nervous coming in because all four years, receiving the Golden going there is a big deal and the players Boot award in 2012 and 2013 for most are top notch, but they were really goals scored on the team. She was also welcoming and Anson [Dorrance] was an amazing coach. I was very grateful selected as MVP both of those years. for that opportunity.”

Christian was named First Team All-District, All-Area, All-Region, and Under Dorrance, who has led the All-Met in 2012 and 2013 for soccer, Tar Heels since the creation of the and was a captain from 2012-2014. program in 1979, Christian learned to However, it was her success on the play an aggressive style of pressing and rubber that caught the attention of the “running until you can’t run anymore,” she said.

Tar Heels.

She was a member of the 4x400 “I realized that if you do that, teams meter relay team that competed in the are going to be scared of you and you’re going to put them under a lot of

her to focus on track.

“It was very tough,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I talked to my roommates who were on track with me and they [said that] ‘we support your decision no matter what.’ They’re the biggest reason why I was able to make it through college running track without soccer.”

Christian’s college career at UNC cemented her a place in school history.

At the Music City Challenge in 2018, Christian ran a leg of the 4x400 team that finished third at 3:37.19, the fourth-fastest time in school history.

Her favorite collegiate track moment occurred at the 2018 ACC Outdoor Championships in May where her 4x400 team placed third with the fourth-best time in UNC history at 3:34.97.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

“We made the podium and we got our medal,” said Christian. “We had been working so hard toward that and it was really relieving.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

Christian played in 17 games, starting one of them, as a freshman at UNC, By committing to UNC to run track, recording two assists in 359 minutes Christian was presented with the unbe- of action. She helped the Tar Heels to lievable opportunity to also play for their a record of 14-4-2, including a 9-0-1 “My track coaches came to me and told women’s soccer team, which has won a mark in ACC play and a Round of 16 me, ‘after this year, you’re done,’” said record 21 National Championships and finish in the NCAA Division I Women’s Christian. “That was heartbreaking. It is whose notable alumnae include Mia Soccer Championship. every little girl’s dream to play [soccer] Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tobin Heath.

The following summer Christian’s track at UNC.” “[Playing for the program] was coach informed her of their desire for

what happens, happens,’ and it ended working out for me.”

and congratulate me was a feeling that I love so much. I was so happy to be Christian has made a smooth transition back in the sport that I love and doing to the Mason team.. “Our core value something I love. I can’t be happier at and philosophy is that everybody that this point.” comes into our team should feel like At UNC, Christian discovered their they’re coming into a family where Sports Administration program and they’re being welcomed with open realized it was something she would arms,” said head coach Todd Bramble. want to pursue.

“She’s a really vivacious young woman, “From there I just fell in love with the she’s got a huge personality and big marketing advertisement of sports,” smile, so it was easy for her to integrate said Christian. “I didn’t know how into the group.” much it actually went into sports and Having not played collegiate soccer in how it helped teams and brands until the past three years, Christian wasn’t after I took those classes.” sure of her role within the team, but she Now that she’s in the sport managewanted to be there to provide any kind ment concentration in the sport and of support that she could offer. recreation studies master’s program at “All I wanted to do was just help the Mason, she has an idea of where she’d team as much as I can,” said Christian. like to be following graduation.

“I know in those three years I lost a “I really want to work in sports lot of my touch and knowledge of the marketing advertisement and I want to game, so I really wanted to try to get do it for the WNBA,” said Christian. “I back to the level that I was at and even really want to help out in the WNBA to higher than that.” get that brand name more out there and “That shows in the enthusiasm she make more people aware of them so brings to practice every day and the they could come to more of the games passion that she brings out onto the and make them more popular.” game field as well,” said Bramble.

For now, Christian has her sights set on Christian has started in nine of the winning the conference tournament and team’s first 11 games and has notched getting back to the NCAA Tournament, four points as a forward. a destination the one-time champions Her first goal came against James haven’t been to since 1997.

In pursuit of her master’s, Christian returned to northern Virginia and ended up at Mason, whose soccer team recruited her out of high school. With one year left of eligibility, she reached out to the team to see if there was a Madison after she took on a defender down the left side before cutting inside place for her. and firing from near the edge of the “Just knowing I had that opportunity, I box. knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try to go out for it,” said Christian. “I thought, ‘if I’m “I saw it hit the back of the net and going to do my master’s here, I might as I was just so excited,” said Christian. well try my best to see if I can do it and “Seeing my teammates run to hug me

“I think that would be the greatest thing ever. I’d actually cry tears,” said Christian. “I know the girls would love it, and just seeing the teamwork this hard and being so passionate about something like this… we’re determined to get it.”

SPORTS

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10.1.2018

19

SWINGING FOR THE SKY

UVA graduate Connor Messick takes his talents to Fairfax BRYCE VALLIERE STAFF WRITER

22-year-old Messick graduated from the University of Virginia in May with a degree in sociology. After red-shirting the 2014-2015 season, Messick helped the Cavaliers golf team reach an NCAA Regional each of the last three years. This included helping the team qualify for the NCAA Championship in 2016 and 2017.

Messick seeks to bring leadership to the young Patriots team.

“Since I’m kind of an older guy now, I try to lead by example,” said Messick. “I’ve done it with some of the freshmen. One of my first goals coming in to Mason was how I can have an impact on those guys. I knew it wasn’t my team coming in … so I made it a point of mine to go out and play with the freshman early on and make them feel comfortable.”

Messick grew up in Oak Hill and graduated from Chantilly High School after helping the Chargers win the State Championship in 2013 in addition to earning All-State Honors individually.

Messick sees a lot of potential in this current Patriots team.

“My personal goal for the team would be to win [the] conference, compete at regionals and maybe shock some people that don’t expect us to make it

to NCAA’s,” he said. “I’ve seen teams that have had the talent to go to those type of tournaments and I can see that if our top five guys are playing the way

“He’s definitely helped us right from the beginning,” said King. “Some of the younger guys look up to him and ask him about what it takes to be

a pro golfer is certainly possible for Messick.

“I’m sure that’s his goal,” said King.

“He has all the tools, a good team

“My ultimate goal is to make it to the PGA tour...Before that, I want to keep my mind set on winning tournaments here at Mason.” we’re capable of, we can definitely accomplish those goals.”

successful in college golf … He adds the extra leadership that we need.”

Messick involved himself with the sport at a later age than most Division I golfers. His grandfather turned him on to the sport at the age of 12.

According to Coach King, becoming

around him. He’s very capable…He definitely has a shot.”

Although Messick hopes to follow his professional aspirations, for now, he is

focused on the present.

“I wasn’t ready to play professional golf this year, at least not to do the kind of things I want to do,” said Messick. “My ultimate goal is to make it to the PGA tour. That’s down the road, three, four years. Before that, I want to keep my mind set on winning tournaments here at Mason.”

Mason Golf has had solid early results.

On Sept. 23, Mason won the Patriot Intercollegiate Tournament and claimed their first victory in nearly two seasons.

Next, Messick and the Patriots will look for back-to-back tournament wins at the Wolfpack Intercollegiate on Oct. 6 and 7.

“When my parents traveled for work, I was always the little guy wanting to hang out with my older brothers, and they’d always give me a hard time,” said Messick with a laugh. “They’d let me play with them, but only if I didn’t tell our parents.”

Messick credits his family for motivating him to hone his natural athleticism after growing up playing basketball and baseball.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON ATHLETICS

The Mason Men’s Golf team received a large boost to their program this summer when northern Virginia native Connor Messick committed to a one-year graduate program at Mason for sport and recreation studies with a concentration in sport management.

“Now, as we’ve gotten older,” he said of his brothers, “they’re really trying to push me to get better and to pursue my goals of playing professional golf.”

Scott King, who is in his thirteenth season as the head coach of Patriots golf, believes Messick has already impacted the team.

WED 10/3

THURS 10/4

FRI 10/5

SAT 10/6

Men’s Soccer vs. George Washington University

Women’s Soccer vs. Saint Joseph’s University

Women’s Volleyball vs. Fordham University

Women’s Volleyball vs. Rhode Island

George Mason Stadium: 7 p.m.

George Mason Stadium: 7 p.m.

Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC): 7 p.m.

RAC: 7 p.m.

THURS 10/11 Women’s Soccer vs. Duquesne University George Mason Stadium: 7 p.m.

FRI 10/12 Mason Madness Eagle Bank Arena: 8 p.m.

SAT 10/13 Men’s Soccer vs. Duquesne University George Mason Stadium: 7 p.m.

MASON ATHLETICS UPCOMING CALENDAR

OPINIONS

10.1.2018

Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to jbelive2@gmu.edu

This situation occurs on every Little League field in the country, and it is analogous to the Texas senate race.

The race is up in the air and it is coming down towards the incumbent who has the advantage of being closer to it, but all the while, the challenger

is closing in and the voters are looking on from their position of authority on the bench and wondering who’s got it.

It is extremely important to remember the position of the voters. According to the Declaration of Independence, power derives from the consent of the governed and the Constitution reminds us that we the people are in charge. As the coach of the Little League team called American Government (and everyone would agree it’s a Little League team), the voters set the lineup.

In 2012, the voters in Texas put Senator Ted Cruz at shortstop, but Representative Beto O’Rourke is charging in from left field (literally and figuratively) and polls show no one has called the play yet.

This does not change the fact that

Representative O’Rourke is not so confident in Cruz’s fielding ability. He is hustling in from left field, traveling the state to fundraise and taking progressive stances on healthcare and immigration. When the ball was hit, no one thought he would be a factor in the play, but he is certainly in it now and Cruz seems a little shaky with his glove up in the air while the ball approaches its apex above the infield.

It should be an easily answerable question, yet with the underlying pain and shame of coming forward to report sexual assault, the “Me Too” movement is still hindered by great obstacles. The hashtag “Why I didn’t report” trended on Twitter as survivors of sexual violence explained why they did not feel safe formally reporting the attacks to police or authorities at school, work, church etc. It was heartbreaking to see just how many peoples’ voices were silenced because, as a society, we do not want to believe victims.

There’s the simple, ugly truth of it.

We do not want to hear that a trusted politician, respected community leader, funny comedian, professional news anchor or talented musician could possibly have committed sexual assault. A string of questions barrages the victim who has spoken out about the abuse asking, “Why didn’t you say something earlier? Are you after his money? Did you say yes at the time and just change your mind now? What about your own sexual history? Were you asking for it?” The sickening list can go on and on. There seems to be a thousand excuses for the accused, a thousand questions for the victim and a thousand

Texas.” In a radio ad that can only be described as interesting, the Cruz campaign sings a country song: “If you’re gonna run in Texas, you can’t be a liberal man.” Cruz is trying to emphasize his Texas bona fides and portray O’Rourke as out of touch.

This is the incumbent campaign’s job: wave your hands in the air and shout,

“I got it!” to reassure the voters you will make the play.

The election is still six weeks away, and, just like waiting for a pop fly to plummet back to earth, it is going to feel like forever. Will Cruz call off O’Rourke and catch the ball?

Prediction: yes.

Cruz needs to reassure the voters in Texas that he will make the routine play. To that end, his campaign is emphasizing that he is “Tough as

ME TOO, STILL

High-profile stories of alleged sexual assaults are continuing to play out on the national stage, leading us to face as a nation the question: “To what moral standards are we willing to hold the people who write, enforce and interpret our laws?”

DOMINIC PINO STAFF WRITER

this is an easy play for Senator Cruz.

The ball is coming right at him, and all he has to do is move a few steps.

He is sharp on the debate stage, has six years experience in the Senate and is a Republican in the Lone Star State.

FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

WHO’S GOT IT? Crack. The batter tosses his bat to the ground in disgust and is kicking himself as he begins a slow jog to first base. He got under the ball and lofted a lazy pop fly to the shortstop. It’s an easy play, but the great American philosopher Yogi Berra would remind us, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” The left fielder is running in as the shortstop drifts back slowly into the outfield grass and settles under the ball. The shortstop hasn’t called off the left fielder. The coach sees this impending collision from the bench and yells, “Who’s got it?”

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SUSAN KATHERINE CORKRAN STAFF WRITER

reasons to want to believe that nothing ever happened.

second way sounds more like this: “I can’t believe there are women out there who want to ruin Louis CK’s career by Our responses to these stories of making all of these accusations against deep-rooted misogyny and sexual him!” mistreatment matter. The exact words we use, the tone we employ, and the I’m picking Louis CK’s name out compassion that we either extend or of a hat here. There are many more withhold all matter. There have been recently disgraced public officials to two ways that I have heard the word choose from, though I will refrain from “ruined” used in relation to celebrities political commentary on the most or other public figures facing charges prominent of the accused men. When of rape, harassment and assault. The it comes to entertainers, at least the first way is dismayed, former fans discussion can be held without dividing saying things like “My favorite stand-up up along increasingly divisive party specials are ruined for me now. I can’t lines. Interesting arguments can and see Louis CK’s face without thinking have been made about separating the about the sick things he did.” The behavior of an artist from their work, though this is not the article where I intend to

delve into such complex topics. Right now, I am more interested in the kind of strong emotional responses we are showing as a country to the crisis of sexual mistreatment coming to light in all corners of life.

And it truly is a crisis. There have been attempts in the past to raise awareness for proper workplace behavior, preventing sexual harassment, and educating teenagers about consent and respect. All of these are steps in the right direction, but we need to lay more groundwork as a society to spur the movement forward. “Me Too” is not a distant phenomenon existing only on Twitter or news reels. There are millions of people living with the traumatic pain of sexual assault, and if we wish to claim American Exceptionalism, let’s strive to be exceptional in all things—especially the way we treat one another.

FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON

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OPINIONS

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10.1.2018

Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to jbelive2@gmu.edu

21

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MALGORZATA OLSZEWSKA ED.D DIRECTOR, STUDENT SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY CENTER RACHEL A. WERNICKE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE

As directors of two units that provide direct services to students with active substance use and those who are in recovery, we want to express our concerns about the Fourth Estate article “Substance Abuse Rates Spike Among College Students: Mason lacks the recovery resources that other Virginia schools offer”. The article suggests that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) are unprepared to support students who are in recovery or currently presenting with substance abuse concerns. This is unfortunate, as students who might otherwise have sought our help may be less likely to do so as a result of that message. There are many ways these students can be supported that were not mentioned: * The Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) clinician in Student Health regularly meets with students to discuss their drug and alcohol use and provides brief treatment and referrals for specialty treatment. * NARCAN, the drug that can be used in emergency situations to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, is available to both Mason police and to Student Health personnel. * In CAPS, students may be offered services that can include evidencebased psychiatric services (e.g., prescription medication management for alcohol and tobacco cravings), a therapy group specifically targeted to students who are using substances to cope with traumatic experiences (Seeking Safety), and individual therapy. Students who require specialized or intensive treatments are connected with community treatment programs, like those found at the Inova Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services program. * CAPS also offers access to free, evidence-base psychoeducational self-help through TAO Connect, which can be accessed on the CAPS main webpage. Two modules focus on substance use and recovery (1) Evaluating My Alcohol and Drug Use, and 2) Recovery Skills and Topics. * Among other issues, SSAC serves

students who themselves are struggling with substance use or who are worried about a friend or a loved one.

SSAC’s mission is to educate students on various health topics, including substance use, and to intervene with those facing a challenging period in their lives; however, SSAC does not treat students. SSAC staff will meet with any student who is interested in seeking support services. Once the student discloses or is believed to be struggling with addiction, the individual is then connected with local resources, which are best fitted to address the student’s needs. * SSAC also supports a group called Patriots for Recovery, which is a social gathering for any student who identifies as being in recovery from substance use. Last year, the group had very low attendance, so this academic year, we are evaluating how to structure this group and involve more students.

A greater point to be highlighted is that substance abuse recovery cannot be the responsibility of a few offices on a university campus. Mason’s services are positioned within a larger health system in the community. Serious substance abuse is a public health issue and supporting recovery is a campus-wide and community responsibility. To this end, Mason is participating in the Jed Campus initiative to evaluate and strengthen our practices and policies around the prevention of suicide and serious substance abuse.

A team from the Jed Foundation met with senior leaders from across the university on Tuesday, September 25 to begin creating a strategic plan with this focus. Mason has made a strong commitment to the goal of supporting student well-being, with substance abuse recovery being an important part of this.

We invite all students who are looking for support for their emotional well-being to seek services at CAPS, SSAC, and Student Health Services.

Sincerely.

Malgorzata Olszewska, Ed.D. Director, Student Support and Advocacy Center Rachel A. Wernicke, Ph.D. Executive Director, Counseling and Psychological Services

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA

Dear Editors,

ALL-NIGHTERS HAVE VALUE ALEXANDER KOURMADAS CONTRIBUTOR

All-nighters get a lot of flack. They contribute to sleep deprivation, which damages our brains and reduces the quality of our work, as the argument goes. Why stay up all night to produce sub-par work when we can structure our days to be productive without having to destroy our brains and bodies?

If we reject all-nighters because they damage our sleep cycle, we must also reject caffeine in its myriad forms, as well as any other potential stimulants. Most of us recognize, though, that caffeine at least has the potential to be used in a way that improves productivity. Waking up at 9 a.m. to finish homework for a 10:30 class is a viable strategy for me if, and only if, there is caffeine available. Likewise, planning an occasional all-nighter allows for an increase in the number of hours of productivity available, and the resulting ill effects of acute sleep deprivation are reversible given enough time.

One aspect of the change in cognition that occurs over the course of an all-nighter is a gradual increase in availability of the hypnagogic (presleep) state of consciousness. This means that all-nighters aren’t just valuable as a space in time to do

things; they actually provide a different conscious state in which to work.

Proofreading a paper thirty minutes after you’ve written it is not nearly as effective as waiting a few days before editing, because logical and grammatical mistakes you’ve made are not apparent when you’re still in the same mental state that produced those mistakes. Acute sleep deprivation provides a meaningful shift in perspective that has the potential to improve proofreading for some people. As the night passes, and the degree of the sleep deprivation worsens, the mental state of the reader continually shifts.

While this shift does degrade some types of performance, it can enhance others.

People who perform a repetitive activity before going to sleep, especially one that is new to them, frequently find that the contents of their mind are completely saturated with that activity when they enter hypnagogia.

This phenomenon, commonly called the Tetris effect, can result in increased focus, and is especially useful when a student has been writing a paper on a topic that is relatively new to them.

Cognitive symptoms of hypnagogia include increased suggestibility, improved capacity for free-associating,

and episodic amnesia. Numerous thinkers have credited the hypnagogic state with improving their creativity for this reason. It should be noted, however, that the amnesiac component can make cramming for some subjects a waste of time.

If all-nighters can be used to create new time in your schedule and perform certain tasks better than you could during the day, why are we so against them? Many students who pull all-nighters are not using them productively, but that doesn’t invalidate them as an academic tool.

Neurodiverse students, including those with circadian rhythm disorders like Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), may find themselves unable to accommodate both classes and homework without all-nighters. The assumption that the harm of pulling an occasional all-nighter is always greater than that caused by the alternatives is both deeply neuronormative and empirically untenable. While it is important to ensure that students are informed about the mental and physical consequences of sleep deprivation, a blanket condemnation of all-nighters is inappropriate.

22

ETC.

10.1.2018

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CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

Help Wanted

We are looking for HIGHLY DEPENDABLE,ENERGETIC coaches for the mornings- 9-noonish; and/or afternoons starting at 3:30p.

This is a part-time position ONLY, with flexible mornings/afternoons. Pior experience with kids/coaching a must. Candidate must be able to work from now until May 2019. Summer positions/Internships are also available. Email Resume: fitkids123@aol.com. www.fitkids123.com Great Pay! Hours to meet you’re Schedule! Fun!

Looking for a tutor for algebra for high schooler, 10 grade, contact as soon as possible, must be female, please call 703 231 7148

LAST ISSUE’S SUDOKU

For Sale Metro Scooters 50cc Scooters for Sale. Great for getting around on and off campus. No license or insurance req. 571-418-2025 www.metroscootersva.com

Want to make a comic?

Send a submission to masonfourthestate@ gmail.com

LAST ISSUE’S CROSSWORD

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