9.10.18- Fourth Estate

FOURTH ESTATE September 10, 2018 Volume 6 Issue 2

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@ivestate | gmufourthestate.com

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

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MASON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS SINCE ITS FIRST GRADUATING CLASS page 7

NEWS

CULTURE

Mason students recall their memory of the tragic events of 9/11 seventeen years later.

Happy Virgo Season! Learn more about your star sign and check out your horoscope for September. page 5

OPINIONS

SPORTS The Wonderful Wizarding World of Mason: an indepth look into the Patriots club quidditch team. page 9

The Importance of Student Press Freedom: a journalist’s story of censorship at Liberty University. page 14

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

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

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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ALEXANDER SHEDD Editor-in-Chief BASMA HUMADI Managing Editor IZZ LAMAGDELEINE ELIZABETH ELKIND OWEN FERGUSON Copy Editors TISHA HERRERA News Editor OLIVIA VERMANE Assistant News Editor MONICA ECHOLS Culture Editor HAILEY BULLIS Assistant Culture Editor JAMIE BELIVEAU Opinions Editor

Dear Patriots, This school year at Fourth Estate, I’m excited for the paper to continue to expand and make more of an impact on the Northern Virginia community at large.

I’ve been a part of Fourth Estate since my freshman year at Mason. Through it all, I have been able to understand the different roles and responsibilities staff writers and editors have. It is constantly meeting deadlines, impromptu interviews and putting the details together at the end to produce a paper each week.

Looking back, my favorite thing about being a part of the paper is seeing how Fourth Estate continues to grow larger in staff, produce stronger content and develop into something that has made marks on the Mason community and beyond.

This week, our News section has informative articles regarding addressing sexual misconduct at Mason and other schools. In our Culture section, we’re introducing a Mason-tailored horoscope section. Opinions has interesting takes on 9/11 from a Muslim perspective and rejecting the freshman fifteen. Turn over to Sports to find out more about Mason’s very own Quidditch team. Our Comics section this year features more original comics made entirely by Mason students.

If you’re interested in joining Fourth Estate, feel free to stop by Student Media located in the bottom floor of The Hub in room 1201. We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to see new faces come in.

If you have any questions, comments (angry or delighted), concerns (big or small) or anything else don’t hesitate to hit our line at masonfourthestate@gmail.com.

NATALIE HEAVREN Sports Editor DANA NICKEL LAUREN SULLIVAN Co-Longform Editors KRISTEN TALMAN GMU Korea Coordinator ALLIE THOMPSON Photo Editor ALLY MCALPINE Art Director BILLY FERGUSON Online Director ANDREA LUGO Social Media Editor DOMINIQUE BERNARDINO Multimedia Editor EMMETT SMITH Distribution Manager KATHRYN MANGUS Director DAVID CARROLL Associate Director JASON HARTSEL Assistant Director

Yours, Basma Humadi Managing Editor

COVER PHOTO CREDITS Fourth Estate/ courtesy of A history of Mason News/ courtesy of Bookmundi.com

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

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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.

Culture/ Ally McAlpine Sports/ courtesy of Mason Recreation Opinions/courtesy of Jack Panyard

NEWS ADDRESSING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AT MASON

9.10.2018

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Sexual harassment regulations debate continues MARNIA TONEY, STAFF WRITER

Fourth Estate MARINA TONEY

On Aug. 29, The New York Times released an article highlighting the main points of the new Q&A, including holding schools accountable after a police report is filed, instances that occur on campus and mediated

The new regulations are in response to the Obama administration’s Q&A. DeVos stated in 2017, per The New York Times, that the old guidelines had “failed too many students,” and that “[survivors], victims of a lack of due process and campus administrators have all told me that the current approach does a disservice to everyone involved.”

According

to

Mason’s webpage on diversity, the current Title IX regulations encourage students to contact a coordinator if they believe they are victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and/or relationship violence and would like to know their options; need assistance with a situation in which they are indirectly affected; learn of a situation that they believe warrants an investigation; seek guidance in de-escalating a difficult situation or have questions about Mason’s policies and procedures.

Comments for and against the proposal have

MASON WEEKLY CRIME LOG Photo courtesy of GEORGE MASON POLICE

hearings between the victim and the accused.

poured in across the country. The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education declined to comment, but some Mason students agreed with the changes.

Richard Thompson, fourth-year computer science major, stated that going to law enforcement as the initial step “does mean that the victims won’t get as much help from the campus itself, but then it also does force them more to go to actual government services, which possibly would be more effective in actually dealing with the situation, anyways.”

Q&A document: “If a school determines that the particular Title IX complaint is appropriate for such a process, the school may facilitate an informal resolution ... to assist the parties in reaching a voluntary resolution.”

“I honestly think it will be traumatizing for them,” said Camiya Hairston, a junior social work major.

“The process already isn’t the greatest it could be, and it already takes a toll on a lot of victims. Making it more

Thompson said that going through law enforcement will do more to ensure justice for the victim: “I think it can put [the alleged abuser] in potentially worse situations if they are found guilty by the government institutions that do deal with the situation. But it also keeps them from being affected as much if they didn’t do something wrong, because the university decided to take actions … that weren’t actually needed.”

Junior art history major Katie Martin disagreed, saying, “I think that on-campus victims already kind of think that they are alone when they have been harassed or assaulted in some way. I think that with this legislation they will feel even more alone, like the school is withdrawing themselves and taking less responsibility for their students, and I feel like it will make students lose faith in the university.”

As stated, DeVos’s new regulations will include mediation hearings between the victim and the accused. These hearings are voluntary, according to the Trump administration’s 2017

intimate towards the abusers instead of the victims—I think it will traumatize the victims,” said Hairston.

Additionally, colleges will not be held accountable for acts of sexual violence that occur off-campus, like at organizational events affiliated with the school.

Andrea Etherington, second-year civil engineering major, agrees, “I think in a lot of these cases, the organizations may be recognized by Mason, but they’re not funded by Mason. Mason isn’t necessarily labeling those things as primarily theirs.”

The proposal also rules out reports made to residential advisers in favor of formal complaints made to “an official who has the authority to institute corrective measures,” according to The New York Times. This takes away the school’s liability, at least in the initial process, and places more responsibility on the law enforcement handling the case.

These new regulations aim for impartiality and fair treatment of both parties.

Whether DeVos’s proposal meets these goals continues to be debated.

Fourth Estate MARINA TONEY

In 2017, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos rescinded the Obama administration’s “Dear Colleague” letter regarding sexual violence on college campuses and put forth a new set of guidelines drawing from those created in 2001.

Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 - York River Road, 1:54 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 - Innovation Hall, 6:28 p.m.

Drunkenness: Subject (GMU) was arrested and transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center for being highly intoxicated in public.

Theft from Building: Subject (GMU) reported the theft of a wallet from a backpack.

Case 2018-008434 - Cleared by Arrest

Case 2018-008382 - Inactive

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 - Roberts Road & Shenandoah River Road, 1:15 a.m.

Drug/Narcotic Violations: Subject (GMU) was issued a releasable summons for possessing illegal drugs. Two other Subjects (GMU) were referred to Office of Student Conduct (OSC) for the same offense.

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 - Lecture Hall, 12:31 p.m.

Theft from Building: Complaint (GMU) reported the theft of an unattended laptop computer from an unsecured location.

Case 2018-008329 - Inactive

Case 2018-008365 - Cleared by Summons / Referred to OSC Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018 - Fenwick Library, 5:09 p.m.

Theft from Building: Complaint (GMU) reported the theft of an unattended laptop computer from an unsecured location.

Case 2018-008287 - Inactive

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NEWS

9.10.2018

last semester by Caitlin Lively.

Fourth Estate TISHA HERRERA

When asked about the future as the new Speaker, Genoese-Zerbi said, “I hope to increase the cohesion of the institution as well as make everyone aware of the rules which govern us and make sure that everyone knows how to do things that they need to do,” although, “We’ve had problems in the past where speakers didn’t understand the rules and so senators got confused which slowed down our meetings, so I hope to promote efficiency as well as cohesion in the institution.”

When asked if there was anything he was looking forward to in his new position, he stated, “I’m looking forward to seeing the student senate thrive, to be honest. I’m not doing this because I think that it would be fun.”

STUDENT SENATE IN SESSION

Senators appoint new Speaker JALEN REID, STAFF WRITER

Photo Courtesy of MASON STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Mason’s Student Senate met for the third time for the semester in Merten Hall, marking the beginning of the 39th student senate and beginning of the first session.

Student Senator Davide GenoeseZerbi was officially declared the Speaker of the 39th Student Senate, a position temporarily held by current Speaker Pro Tempore of the 39th Student Senate McKenna Bates and

He goes on to mention that he would like to see Mason’s senate successfully achieve its goals and advocate on behalf of the student body which would result in changing the entire institution for the better.

Joseph Fernando, Chair of the Government and Community Relations Committee, drafted a resolution to support the 9/11 Day of Service, which was approved by

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Mason’s student senate. This entails that various community service projects will be undertaken to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Joseph said, “This is a traditional thing we do every year. It’s an annual GCR event that we sponsor [by providing] our support. We need a resolution first to provide allocation funds to support the 9/11 rescue service. We just want to express our support and continue the tradition here.”

Additionally, Bill #1 was proposed, which allocates funds for the 9/11

Day of Service. The bill was sent to the Financial Affairs Committee for further evaluation, and the results will be returned within a week.

Amanda Luna, Andrew Naioti and Sancia Celestin were all approved as Undersecretary for Civic Engagement, Election Disputes Commission commissoner, and member of the Student Funding Board respectively.

Bekah Pettine, Student Body President, also announced that the Secretary for Academic Affairs resigned and the position will be filled within the coming weeks.

NEWS IN BRIEF

According to Adanna Newby, Chief of Staff for Student Government (SG) at Mason, SG is looking to fill 22 senate positions. In order to run for a senators position, prospective senators will need to attend one of the candidates’ meetings. Here are some important dates for the SG calendar: September 24 - Campaigning begins October 1 - Elections open on GetConnected at 12 a.m.

October 3 - Elections close at 11:45 p.m.

October 4 - Election results announced by 12 p.m.

NEWS

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Photo Courtesy of BOOKMUNDI.COM

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2018 MARKS THE 17TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

Mason students discussed their memories of the fateful day SANJANA RAGHAVAN, STAFF WRITER

Devon Alonge, age 29

when they look back on 9/11.”

Major: Creative Writing

Maya Kiner, age 19

“I was in seventh-grade history class.

[The crash] was happening right in the middle of our class. Someone came in and whispered to our teacher and then we were brought to the library. They wheeled in a big TV, and we sat down and watched the burning towers and it’s something I’ll never forget. It didn’t make sense to me, because it was surreal. I was trying to make sense of it at the time and why someone would do something like that. I think about it in the context of the American spirit when I look back on it. Even though it’s a huge tragedy, it’s something we can all look on how America reacted, how we all came together and supported each other and did everything we could. My hope is people would remember that [unity]

Major: Communication “I grew up in North Carolina and I was about two or three when it happened. My family’s actually from New York and my grandma used to work in the Twin Towers. She came down to see me and help out my mom, so it was like a blessing in disguise. I remember I was watching cartoons and she changed the channel immediately. I was upset because I was three, then my mom explained what happened. It was pretty emotional.”

Jonathan Alvarado, age 23 Major: Creative Writing “I was five or six. I don’t really remember it happening, just the way kids reacted afterwards in the art

that they drew. [In art class], people were drawing planes crashing into buildings, and I had no idea why.”

Alice Jordan, age 21, Major: Communication “I grew up here in NOVA. I was around three when it happened. I lived sort of close to D.C., and I had family members that worked in the Pentagon. At the time, I didn’t know anything about it. But when I did start learning about it, I realized how crazy it was. At the time, I was at a daycare that was on-base. Afterwards, my parents told me how they had to rush and come get me.”

Vanessa Fatho, age 21 Exchange student from Germany who visited the 9/11 memorial in Arlington

“I was four when it happened, and every year [in Germany], it comes on the news. Everyone knows it and it’s a real mark of history. We also talk in school about it, and sometimes politically, like the reasons and the outcomes. For example, I had to analyze a song about it. We also, of course, feel sad about the people dying.

I think it’s really important to have memorials [in Arlington] and also in New York. You’re reminded of it, and history should never repeat itself. It’s really important to think of the people who died, and since the names are engraved [on the memorials] it gives people a face. When you see it, you really feel sad.”

Natasha Boers, age 26 Major: English “I was in fourth grade. I was in a music

class, and people started getting called to the office. Then my mom picked me up, and we also took home our Vietnamese neighbor, who was one of my best friends. We decided to have a picnic, and we ate mac ’n’ cheese on our driveway. We didn’t really talk about it. At the time, we were in a bubble. And then my mom told me and the [TV] screen was on, but it didn’t seem that big. And it was sad, and I knew it was supposed to be sad, but it was more interesting as a kid if you knew someone whose parent almost got on the plane. No one knew anyone specifically at the building, but in that weird sociopathic young child kind of way, everyone was gossiping and trying to one-up each other. Over time, we all got how sad it was, but it wasn’t until a couple of years later until I realized how horrible it was.”

NEWS

9.10.2018

MASON ADMINISTRATOR JJ DAVIS LEAVES FOR UVA

Senior vice president of finance and administration takes up new job SABIHA BASIT, STAFF WRITER Back in August of 2018, Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance Jennifer “JJ” Davis left Mason to pursue a job opportunity at UVA. During the time she was at Mason, she brought new ideas and implementations, such as designing comprehensive financial framework, and supported Mason’s strategic plan, resulting in bond rating upgrades.

She also executed key initiatives with faculty, staff and students to support long-term institutional value.

Davis is the first woman to hold her position at the University of Virginia, and talked to UVAToday, UVA’s newspaper from the Office of Communications, about the new set of changes and ideas she will become part of.

“I am a firm believer in the transformative power of higher education and the University of Virginia’s mission of excellence in education, research, patient care and service,” Davis said.

She added, “This is an exciting time in the life of the University [of Virginia], and I am thrilled to be joining President Ryan, Liz and the UVA

She joined the University of Delaware in 2008 and was appointed as the vice president for finance and administration, where she installed a lasting mark on the UD community.

The President of University of Delaware, Patrick Harker, announced the multiple achievements Davis and

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her colleagues brought forth to their university.

“From the redesign of the human resources ... to revamping the compensation system ... All these efforts have been marked by JJ’s enthusiasm, drive and perseverance. She has been a valuable member of our leadership

team and will be missed,” Harker said.

In 2013, Davis left University of Delaware to join Mason, and President Cabrera was quick to highlight the benefits Davis will bring to the University.

leadership team as we work together and serve our students, faculty, staff and the larger community.”

Davis initially worked for the state of Delaware for 16 years in multiple duties, ranging from being a budget director to deputy secretary of education, and associate secretary of education for policy and administrative services.

“JJ brings to George Mason a wealth of experience in budget planning, development and management. Her skills and experiences are vital to the growth and prosperity of the university as we confront and explore a new financial model,” Cabrera said.

Davis created a reality of Cabrera’s statement and immersed herself in multiple organizations at Mason. Her job was to oversee a variety of fields, including financial aid, fiscal services, parking and transportation and campus police.

Needless to say, the strong dedication and passion she brought to Mason will be missed by the community and her colleagues.

Photo Courtesy of UVATODAY.COM

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STORIES AND ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS Upperclassmen look back on their first day at Mason

CHRISTINE VIRAY, STAFF WRITTER

Although college life at Mason may seem daunting as a new student, it is good to know that almost every upperclassman (and even some faculty members) were feeling the same way.

Photo Courtesy of A HISTORY OF MASON

Sophomore Melat Tarekegn remembered her first day at Mason. “I’m not going to lie, the day for me started with a lot of nervousness and self-created doubt but as time went on, I realized that I am not the only one who is nervous and worried about the course work and that I need to open up and relax a little bit,” Tarekegn said.

Prior to opening up, Tarekegn often wondered who would sit next to her, who she would be friends with and how her year would go.

FIFTY YEARS OF MASON Half a decade of Patriot pride celebrated at the First Class Exhibit AHMED FARID, STAFF WRITTER

From pictures of students in the 80s walking by the library to old sweatshirts with the Mason logo on it, the exhibit is a small museum that chronicles student life in Mason over the past 50 years. In this exhibit, you will find yearbooks that show pictures of all 70 students in the class of ’68, 52 of whom were handed their diplomas on graduation day. You will also find an old black-and-white silent parody of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde filmed by the students. The film gives a feel of what it was like at the time, showing clips of the rugby team and cheerleaders as well as some images of Fairfax and D.C.

Bob Vay, Exhibitions Archivist at the Special Collections Research Center, was able to put this exhibition together thanks to the large collection of items available at the Special Collections. The Special Collections works to obtain and preserve historical documents. It is where you can find old articles from Fourth Estate, tickets from the time when the Mason basketball team made the Final Four, books that date all the way back to the 15th century and even the original plans created by Robert E. Simon when he was designing Reston (which engineers sometimes borrow from the department when they need to go back to look at the original design). You can find all the historical items offered by the Special Collections Center at scrc. gmu.edu, or you can follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @gmuscrc.

Even though the university celebrated the Founding Patriots, as they are known by the Alumni Association, in June on the 50th anniversary of the day they graduated, faculty members wanted to show current students the road that Mason has travelled so far.

“The university wanted to celebrate

50 years of Mason,” Vay said.

And there is much to celebrate.

George Mason University went from being a branch of University of Virginia that had only 300 students, to one of the largest universities in Virginia. It is a celebration of how the Founding Patriots “overcame apathy and created school spirit,” said Vay, setting the base for future Mason Patriots to continue on the path they started and help the university grow.

Junior Vianca Ortiz was also nervous on her first day as a Mason student.

“Driving to campus, I played my favorite songs to calm my nerves and to keep me awake since I was tossing and turning in my sleep the night before,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz was worried that her professor would be “cold and stern,” but instead, her professor “warmly welcomed the class with a big smile.”

“I felt more relaxed after meeting the rest of my professors and introducing

Now in her junior year, Ortiz had some advice to give to new students.

“My best advice to new students is to take care of yourself,” Ortiz said. “It is important to stay healthy, eat and get enough sleep. Being healthy and energized helps you to do your work and focus during class.”

Natalie Williams, a transfer student who came to Mason from NOVA in 2017, says her first day at Mason felt “very normal”, which is exactly what [she] wanted. While attending NOVA, Williams was involved with Mason’s Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM).

Now in her senior year, Williams gave some advice for new students. “New students should talk to their professors,” Williams said “Go to their office hours! I found a clear difference in classes where I took the time to talk to professors.”

It is important to note that every Mason student will have a different college experience. So, even if your first day or week didn’t go well, keep your fellow upperclassmen’s advice in mind and remember that things can still get better.

Among the things the Founding Patriots accomplished was to vote on the school colors (you could’ve been wearing blue on graduation day), Mason day, a fraternity, and some sports teams, including baseball, basketball, rugby and soccer.

Looking at the exhibit, it is obvious that our young school has truly been transformed by the hard work of its students and staff and it is a reminder that everyone here at Mason is writing history for future generations of Mason Patriots.

Fourth Estate ALEXIS GLENN

Fifty years ago, something very special happened at Mason. For the first time, a group of students put on the green cap and gown and walked up the stage to become the very first Mason alumni. To celebrate this milestone in our university’s history, the Special Collections department has dedicated an exhibit that explores Mason’s history since that day and honors the achievements of all those who have at some point called themselves a Mason Patriot.

“Don’t be afraid to walk up to someone and introduce yourself,” Tarekegn advised. “It’s not only good to know others but it’s nice to have someone that has your back in case you miss class.”

myself in my classes because I realized that college was not much different from high school,” Ortiz said. “At the end of the day, I gained confidence and new friends that made me feel happy and ready to tackle my first semester in college.”

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MASON STUDENT RELEASES ALBUM Senior Luke Pierce talks about the inspiration behind his new album and his plans for the future

MONICA ECHOLS, CULTURE EDITOR

was working from like 2-11 at Walmart and I would go home and work on [the music] until like 6 a.m.,” Pierce said.

“It was definitely a lot, but I love it, so it wasn’t really work. I would do it again.”

L’SHANAH TOVAH (HAPPY NEW YEAR)!

Mason’s Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah

Photo courtesy of CHABAD AT GMU

HAILEY BULLIS, ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

On Sept. 9 – 11, Mason’s Jewish population will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “head of the year,” is the Jewish new year. Rosh Hashanah is also the beginning of the Jewish “High Holidays.”, called such because it includes four different holidays.

Photo courtesy of JUSTIN GREENE

to get through it, but now looking back, it’s simple in its conclusion...

It’s just constant The album is based on Pierce’s life and change and adaptation to life.” mindset within the past year. “Life in general, but specifically this last year, Although Pierce was pretty rough,” Pierce said. “So has always had Pierce began writing ideas for “Simple I wrote about everything and I wrote a passion for Complex” a year ago, but it wasn’t until about the rollercoaster of emotions music, like many students, he didn’t last semester when he started working that I went through.” with his friend David Erinle that he The title of the album, “Simple always know how started to get serious about it. Erinle, Complex,” is also supposed to represent he wanted to use that passion. “It who has a collective called Blackburn “a reflection of life.” “In life, things changes all the time,” Pierce said. “It Sound, helped Pierce with the engi- seem really complex when you’re going started off I just knew I wanted to do neering, mixing and production of the through it, but when you look back, it’s music, but I didn’t really know what. album until the middle of the summer. a simple answer,” Pierce said. “It was I wanted to be a performer and go to Juilliard and play in people’s orchestras, From there, Pierce began working on it complicated while I was going through but now it’s like I want to make my own himself while balancing other jobs. “I it and I didn’t know how I was going visions and ideas come to fruition.”

Mason is home to many talented musicians and senior music major Luke Pierce is no exception. Pierce, who goes by Lu Alex as his stage name, recently took his music career to the next level by releasing his second album, “Simple Complex,” on Aug. 19, 2018. The album is available on Apple Music, Tidal and Spotify.

So what’s next for Pierce? “After college is over, I just want to tour,” Pierce said.

“That’s the dream, but it’s going to look a lot more like reality as time goes on,” he said.

He also has other plans for his music career as well, including making movie soundtracks and performing around

hope of the new year.

the world. He’s open to trying out acting and learning how to dance, but music will always remain his number one passion.

“There’s so much I want to learn how to do, but music is definitely at the forefront,” Pierce said. “It’s really all I want to do forever.”

holiday through many different events during Rosh Hashanah. On Sept. 10, they plan to hold “Shofar in North Plaza” and “Sweet Holiday Dinner.”

Shofar in North Plaza is the blowing of the Shofar, which is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. The Shofar symbolizes as a call of repentance.

During the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, God judges all people to decide whether they will go into the Book of Life or the Book of Death in the coming year.

During this time, people who fall in the middle can perform “Teshuvah,” or repentance.

“What Chabad tries to do is they try to The third holiday is Sukkot, which is the be there for us who can’t [go home],” celebration of the Jewish people who said Westall. “So, I’m not going to go all walked for 40 years in the desert before the way home for the holidays. There finally arriving at their homeland, Gold are other people who live in places like said. Mason Hillel will be building a Atlanta, Long Island, Australia. No Sukkot at East Plaza so students may one’s going home if you live that far. eat and sit in the hut for the entire week We try and be like a student family.”

“The first one is Rosh Hashanah on September 9 –10,” said Na’ama Gold, executive director of Mason Hillel.

“The second one is called Yom Kippur, or ‘day of reminiscence,’ and it’s a day that the Jewish people are fasting for 24 hours hoping to get forgiveness for all of their actions throughout the year.” Mason Hillel will hold rabbi-led during Sukkot. services for Rosh Hashanah with the community from Sunday evening to Finally, the fourth holiday, Simchat Torah is the celebration of the book of Monday morning. the Bible.

Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world and is a rebirth for the Jewish holidays are different from other Jewish people. “It’s a fresh start,”said traditions because the holiday lasts Mitchell Westall, president of Chabad from one sunset until the next sunset, at GMU. “You try and set the tone for rather than starting at midnight and the rest of the year in a good way. Rosh lasting until midnight the next day.

Hashanah is supposed to be positive, “For instance, Sunday would start on Saturday evening and so the first day it’s supposed to be upbeat.” starts on Sunday evening, which is To further symbolize the holiday, one Monday,” Gold said. tradition includes eating apples and honey, to symbolize healing and the Chabad at GMU is celebrating the

For student’s outside of the Jewish community, Gold said the most important thing you can do for the Jewish community is to be aware. “The Jewish population is less than 2 percent of the community and sometimes our holidays...it’s hard to notice them but it’s one of the most important dates and holidays for the Jewish people,” Gold said. “I think just be aware that these things are happening and if they have any Jewish friends say ‘Happy New Year.’ In Hebrew we call it ‘L’ Shana Tova.’ It just makes them feel home when they’re not here.”

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Fourth Estate is starting an advice column. If you have a problem or want advice, send in a letter to mechols@gmu.edu.

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ASTROLOGY Meanings, misconceptions, and more...

BASMA HUMADI, MANAGING EDITOR

Astrology is a lot more than the surface-level qualities that make it seem like it can be applicable to everyone. Often labeled as a kind of pseudoscience, astrology can be considered to fall more in the category of metaphysics, the study of that which is beyond the physical, according to the astrology website, thoughtco.com.

Astrology bases itself off of the planets, specifically how planets can affect the individual.

Air Signs: Libra, Gemini, Aquarius Each element has its own distinct traits and are all in some way dependent on each other, as it is based on the elements within the natural world.

The zodiac signs can also be categorized through three other qualities: cardinal, fixed and mutable signs. They can be understood through the broad scope of starters, doers and finishers in their respective order.

Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn

Sounds kind of ridiculous to most people, right? Yet, planets can affect weather and shifting tides on earth - so who is to say it does not also have the ability to shape individuals?

Astrology is not a textbook for what someone’s personality will be like. It gives you an understanding of what a person’s character is shaped or influenced by. If you find contradictions or fallouts in astrology, I’d say that it is supposed to be, because it can be just as nuanced and complicated and contradictory as actual humans are.

Your Zodiac Sign Typically, most people know their generic astrology sign which changes based on the month - if you’re a Taurus, a Scorpio, a Leo, and so on. This is also known as your “sun sign”. It’s mainly understood as your common-ground basic personality.

There are 12 signs in the zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces and Aries.

From there the signs are split up into four elements: Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Water Signs: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Fixed Signs: Leo, Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius

Mars explains your drive and energy.

Once you calculate your birth chart you can look up what it means and find different websites or resources that are able to explain what it says about yourself. Looking up your sun and moon combination together on the internet can also help to give you an idea of the make-up of your inner and outer self. Downloading the Co-Star app also gives you a more personalized daily horoscope based on the placements in your birth chart.

Next time you want to immediately judge someone for being a Gemini, remember to keep yourself in check because there’s a lot more to astrology than meets the eye.

Mutable Signs: Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, Pisces Birth Charts Think of astrology as an iceberg. The tip of the iceberg is your sun sign, and the rest of the iceberg is your birth chart. Your zodiac sign is the surface level version of you, whereas a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of yourself can be found through understanding your birth chart. If you feel like you don’t fit in with the stereotypes of your sun sign, it’s probably because there’s other more influential parts at play in your birth chart.

A birth chart is a map of the placements of the planets at the exact moment you were born, according to astrology.com. You can calculate your birth chart at astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php. The main planets to understand are the “inner planets” which are the sun, moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus. Each planet is able to tell you about a different aspect of yourself.

Your moon sign gives insight into your inner feelings and emotions. Mercury is able to tell you more about how you communicate and interact with others. Venus explains your relationships with others and love life.

SEPTEMBER HOROSCOPES Great advice for all signs

Fourth Estate ALLY MCALPINE

Disclaimer: I’m not an astrology expert, but I am a fan of it and have many, many thoughts.

MONICA ECHOLS, CULTURE EDITOR; BASMA HUMADI, MANAGING EDITOR

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Happy Virgo season! Your attention to detail and perfectionist tendencies will come in handy when you get your first major assignment this semester.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Ambitious and driven Capricorns are great at getting things done. Head to Fenwick Library, buy the biggest coffee you can and get those A’s for the semester!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) - As a Libra, you tend to enjoy relaxing and socializing with friends, so you probably had no problem jumping right back into your campus social life. Now that the school year is back in full swing, don’t forget to make time for your school work too!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Those who fall under the Aquarius sign are friendly and loyal. The beginning of the school year is a great time to strike up a conversation with someone new. You never know if they could become a life-long friend.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Scorpios are known for their passion and determination. Take this time to set new goals for yourself this semester.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Sagittarians love freedom and travel! Venture off-campus to find new places to explore.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) - With their compassion and empathy for others, Pisces have a heart for helping others. Luckily, Mason has plenty of activism and service organizations to get involved in, so try attending different interest meetings to find the right club for you.

Aries (March 21-April 19) - Confident Aries love a challenge.

To release some of your competitive energy, try out a new game or sport with some of your friends.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) - Down to earth and reliable, Taurans have a great eye for seeing things from a practical perspective. When friends come to you for advice, you’ll make a great voice of reason.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) - Geminis are known for being adaptable and quick learners, so why not try to learn a new hobby or skill? You’re sure to pick it up in no time.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) - Cancers can be sensitive and emotional, but they can also be creative. Find a creative outlet, such as painting, writing, or music, to help you get in touch with your feelings.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Outgoing and self-assured Leos are natural-born leaders. Look out for new opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

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 Rebecca Durant, alumnus Avery Powell, professor Nancy Xiong, and organization Patriot Pitches. 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 HAILEY BULLIS AND KAITLYN KOEGLER

S T U D E N T, R E B E C C A D U R A N T What are you involved in?

I’m a Mason ambassador. We’re the tour guide[s] on campus. So we welcome prospective students. I’m in Pi Beta Phi. I was a new member in the fall of last year, so this is my second year in it. I’m also a part of Mason Spirit Squad and in addition to that, I’m involved on the Leadership and Community Engagement LLC.

Fourth Estate IBRANIM AHMED

Do you hold any positions in any of the clubs you are in?

For Pi Phi, I’m the new member coordinator assistant so I assist our new member coordinator to help our new members get ready for initiation. That would include helping them find a big as their mentor and then helping them to teach them the fraternity development and values so that way they are well immersed. I’m also on E-board for ambassadors. I am the Patriot Classic Director of Donations. Then finally in Mason Spirit Squad, I am the lead for our Instagram page.

How did you become involved in all these organizations?

Being an out-of-state student, I wanted to get involved in as much as possible because I knew that that would be the easiest way to make friends. I knew by joining a sorority it would be 150 girls that would be there for me no matter what, and then within that group of girls I would find my

close knit group of friends. And then same with Mason ambassadors, because I ended up joining that one first.

What made you want to join Mason Ambassadors?

I really love Mason. I bleed green and gold, so I just like the idea of being the first face of Mason that people come to see when they tour and sometimes tours can make or break someone’s experience at a university. So being the positive person I am, combined with the fact I love Mason, I always give the best tour that I can. So that way I can help make someone’s decision if they’re on the fence or reinforce their decision to come to Mason.

Is there a specific instance you can think of where you talked to a student and they ended up having a better experience because of it?

I was giving a tour one day and wasn’t having a particularly best day but knowing that I was the face of Mason I kind of had to put that aside and I gave the tour. I didn’t think it was the best tour I gave so I thought it was pretty average, but after the tour I was in the middle of the Johnson Center, and one of the mom’s came up to me and she told me that because of the tour I gave that day, her daughter had decided to come to Mason and they were going to put the enrollment deposit down. That was really exciting, because not only did that affect someone’s decision, but it also made me feel a lot better about the tour I gave that day.

PROFESSOR, NANCY XIONG What do you teach at Mason?

So I teach a class a year, depending on the year. Last semester I taught a course on Healthy Relationships. Next semester I’ll be teaching a course on Asian American voices. So, my courses are very Women and Gender Studies related.

How did you get into Women and Gender Studies?

Fourth Estate Grant Smith

I started out as an International Studies major. I was going to go conquer the world to do international development and when I went to grad school, it was a school for international training. I was going to go and do Peace Corps, and I found myself in India to do my practicum that a lot of the development comes from the U.S. and a lot of the turmoils in the name of development is from the Western world. I also face gender discrimination as a female. It made me think of my own community, and I started to really think about the issues of gender based violence when I was abroad, so that’s how I got into Women and Gender studies.

What is one of the most interesting things you have ever done?

I went skydiving. I thought I couldn’t do it, but I did it. I do prefer a rollercoaster over skydiving but I now can tell people, ‘I went skydiving.’ and jumped off at ten thousand feet from the ground. So, yeah, I’m a risk taker in terms of heights.

You mentioned you were in India, where else have you traveled?

I have traveled to Loas, I have traveled to Thailand, I’ve traveled to India, Nepal, Japan and last Christmas I went to Hawaii. My birthday is on Christmas day, so every winter break I get to celebrate my birthday in different parts of the world. And I’ve been to Burma.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength...reflecting on the last week and a half, just being welcoming and making sure whoever comes my way is being welcomed and being acknowledged and that they matter, so being inclusive. Being inclusive, that’s one of my strengths, inclusive and being a connector.

What is a quality you like your students to have?

To know their story. Coming from my own experience, to know where you come from and where you stand in terms of your own family and your community...sometimes it’s a hard process depending on what has happened in the past.

My past has been involved in family violence, so it’s a place that is full of hurt but has also made me stronger, [so it’s] to go back and make sense of things and know your story, cause your story is as powerful as you are.

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

LIFESTYLE

4.30.2018

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A L U M N U S , AV E RY P OW E L L What do you consider to be your biggest strength and why?

I think my work ethic/drive is my biggest strength. I've always had the ability to stay focused and driven on a task I set my mind to and that is crucial for a job in broadcast journalism. Without that strength, I don't believe I would have been able to start my career at all.

What did you enjoy most about George Mason University?

I really loved being in such close proximity to Washington, D.C. It allowed me to not only have fun socially, but intern with major news organizations that were key to getting a job after graduation. I was also a Patriot Leader which was definitely a stand-out time for me at Mason.

Photo to courtesy of AVERY POWELL

What advice do you have for current George Mason students wanting to be a broadcast journalist?

My biggest advice would be to get involved in student media, do internships and write. You can only do so much in the classroom, so getting good experience in writing your own content and learning from experienced journalists is key. I would not be working today without my internships in college. Take advantage of being so close to Washington, DC because it is a rare opportunity.

Where are you currently working? How did you get there?

I am the noon anchor and a reporter for WCAX, the CBS affiliate in Burlington, Vermont. I started my career three

years ago at WHSV, the ABC, CBS and FOX affiliate in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After working my way up from a web producer to a reporter and then a reporter/anchor, I decided to move onto Burlington where I am now.

I would not have been able to land my first job at WHSV without my internships at NBC's Meet the Press, the NBC political unit and as a collegiate correspondent for USA Today College. I also did an internship at a local TV station in Charlottesville, Virginia. My experience working in student media at Mason was also so beneficial because it gave me an opportunity to write and edit content. When I applied to be moved from my web producer job to a reporter at WHSV, I remember my news director telling me that he had seen my writing. So it's very important to create your own content, whether its video or written.

How did being a Patriot Leader affect you?

It had such a huge impact on my college career and my professional career. I felt kind of lost when I came to Mason as a freshman. I was from a small town and wasn't really sure I actually wanted the big college experience I thought I did. I also knew I wanted to do broadcast journalism, but felt overwhelmed. Becoming a Patriot Leader really saved my experience and gave me a purpose.

[It] taught me so much about leadership and work ethic that I will always be grateful for. Not to mention, the public speaking opportunities helped with my work in broadcasting. I met lifelong friends and have so many memories of being a Patriot Leader, it was such a rewarding experience.

O R G A N I Z AT I O N , PAT R I O T P I T C H E S What is Patriot Pitches?

Austin Lazo, President: Patriot Pitches is an a capella organization... we try to spread our love of music and that pure joy through outreach. Whether that’s to different organizations on campus or on campus events or even in the local Fairfax area. We just try to sing what people want us to sing and try to make some smiles happen.

What songs do you guys sing?

Alex Bertke, Vice President: Broadly pop music. We survey our members about what they are interested in doing, we arrange all of our own material now so we do things as diverse as “Somebody to Love” by Queen going back to the 70’s to “Demons” by Imagine Dragons as a more modern song. We tend to keep it in the pop tradition.

Photo courtesy of PATRIOT PITCHES

What’s your favorite memory of Patriot Pitches?

Zeeshan Tirmizi, Music Director: I studied abroad last semester so our group basically, most of it changed up last semester. So half of us are seniors, and half of us are sophomores. So to come back a semester later, for me it was phenomenal to hear how much they've improved between the year, because each year for us, or at least each I’ve been in the group... we’ve steadily improved but it’s always been a small and steady [improvement], within the one semester I was gone it went from decent to pretty d--- good. So that for me was one of the most memorable moments.

Lazo: I would say the one that sticks out to me is definitely the first time we performed at the Fairfax Government Center which was for the first time we sang at the Adoption Ceremony there and we’ve been doing that every year since, which was in 2015. That I see was a big turning point as to the direction of our group and the standard to which we’ve kept ourselves, because prior to that, it was more of an impromptu kind of ‘let’s just sing, see what we come up with’ kind of thing.’ But for that specific performance, that was the first one where it was like we’re learning an arrangement, we didn’t do choreography because we weren't to that level yet, but we were like, ‘We’re going take this seriously, and we want to give them a good performance’ so that was probably the first one where it was a turning point.

How do you want to see Patriot Pitches grow this year?

Bertke: Okay, so this year, we hope we’re going to be able to participate in the ICCA’s, which is the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. It’s the same competition that’s featured in the “Pitch Perfect” movies.

We’re also, pretty soon we’re going to start recording an album because we have ten original arrangements. We’re hopefully getting the studio pretty quick and we will have a full length album, hopefully ready to ship, hopefully by summer of next year.

12

CULTURE

9.10.2018

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

ARABIC LANGUAGE EXCHANGE NETWORK PROGRAM HELPS MASON STUDENTS LEARN ARABIC With the help of Tunisian Fulbright Scholar Haoua Guezguez and the Arabic Department, the program is set for growth BASMA HUMADI, MANAGING EDITOR

Being a Category Five language does not make Arabic an easy language to learn. The Foreign Service Institute ranks Arabic as a Category Five language, a language that is exceptionally difficult for native English speakers to learn alongside Chinese and Japanese.

The Arabic Department at Mason wants to make learning Arabic a more relaxed experience, which is why it has developed its Arabic Language Exchange Network (ALEN) program.

The initiative pairs Arab native

speakers with people who are interested in learning Arabic. From there, the two meet each other at a place of their choosing and speak with each other in Arabic for an hour.

The program has received grants from the Department of State and Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program with the help of Dr. Nathan Greenberg, Assistant Professor of Arabic at Mason.

one of the most effective parts of the it,” Greenberg said. “Whether or not CLS and the students agreed.” the institutional support for that will The Arabic Department at Mason now come through is still a question to be answered.” has the fourth largest number of majors in the country for Arabic, according to The idea is that that individuals will Greenberg. The demand for Arabic have the freedom to learn and speak at Mason is high, yet the department with each other in a free environment has one full time professor for approxi- away from a typical classroom setting.

Individuals would be able to meet in mately every 120 students.

“This coupled with the fact that cafes, on campus or in other public [Arabic] is considered a category five spaces and practice the language.

“It was one of the first things [I started] when I came here in 2015,” said critical language and for well over “It’s kind of a humble enterprise but I Greenberg. “It originally started as a a decade [it] has been considered a think we feel like it can be an awesome student-led initiative. I thought it was national priority for students to learn vehicle to do something really creative and innovative and trying to really tap into the resources and the talent that’s here on campus in terms of Arabic,” Greenberg said.

the program also encourages individuals to use dialect in their conversations.

Arabic dialects differ depending on the country and each country generally has its own words or phrases familiar to the country at hand.

Guezguez recently graduated in July with a master’s degree in English and International Relations. It has always been one of her goals in life to come and experience life and education in the United States.

“I believe that this opportunity is giving me the experience to reach out to people and build bridges, as the cliche goes,”Guezguez said. “I’m trying to build bridges and to learn from people.

It will be a very enriching experience.”

Haoua Guezguez, a Fulbright scholar Fulbrighters are encouraged to act from Tunisia, will help to coordinate as cultural ambassadors for their the program at Mason. countries. One thing Guezguez wants “I will be coordinating the times people to take away from Tunisia and between people who want to teach the Arab world is that it is diverse and Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and each country has its own idiosyncrasies.

Fourth Estate Grant Smith

the people who want to learn Arabic,” Guezguez said. “So basically just coordinating the meeting times, trying to see if there are activities where I can bring both people from different worlds together and see how I can further enrich this program.”

Though typically partners will use Modern Standard Arabic, known as fusha, when they speak with each other,

“Each country has its own different perspectives, its different cultures, its different traditions, its different ways of looking to life and society,” Guezguez said. “So I want them to be able to see that ‘okay, the Arab world is not just one package.’ It’s different countries and therefore we need to have different understandings of those countries and those societies.”

HANDSHAKE LAUNCHES AT MASON Find out how Handshake can benefit you ANGELIQUE ARINTOK, STAFF WRITTER

“The benefit of Handshake is what you put in…the more you are an active job seeker, the more it’s a beneficial tool,” Philip Wilkerson, manager of industry New to Mason, Handshake recently advising and employer development for launched as the main career resource creative majors, said. tool students can use on their mobile All students enrolled at Mason already devices or laptops. Switching gears have a Handshake account. Using from the previous job-search database, Patriot Pass login credentials, completUniversity Career Services is imple- ing a profile only takes a few minutes. menting Handshake for the ease and Upon login, Handshake will help the accessibility of networking with profes- student customize and refine his or her account by asking various career prefsionals and fellow students.

No matter what career field you are erences and questions.

handshakes. Among other campus celebrities invited, Student Body President Bekah Pettine was there to network with fellow Patriots at the “handshake” station.

phones, and is looking forward to using it as a tool to search for jobs or internships in her line of studies.

“I think [Handshake] is a lot more Handshake is a tool personal and I really like that Mason that many other is bringing it to campus,” Pettine said. universities like Georgetown, UVA After seeing the launch party on a and GWU have university event calendar, second-year already implemented. graduate student Georgia Williams Available on careers. immediately caught interest. gmu.edu, Mason’s “It’s a good opportunity to basically switch to this career see what [Handshake] is all about,” resource tool brings in, there are employers from a mix of Attendees were welcomed with free Williams said. functionality right to locations, organizations and industries food, refreshments and a photo booth. who post both job and internships on Guests could also go to stations to Williams explained that she enjoys the students’ fingertips. complete their profiles and practice the database’s accessibility on mobile the newly-implemented career tool.

Fourth Estate ANGELIQUE ARINTOK

On Thursday, Sept. 6, the HUB Ballroom was crowded with students at the Handshake Launch Party, hosted

by University Career Services.

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14

SPORTS

9.10.2018

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

MASON BRINGS QUIDDITCH TO LIFE The Harry Potter-based sport combines rugby, dodgeball and tag ABIGAIL ADCOX, STAFF WRITER

There are also three types of “balls” used in the game: one snitch, one quaffle and three bludgers. The snitch is actually a person dressed in yellow with a velcro tail attached to their shorts. They are released on the field at the 18th minute and once one “I loved Harry Potter growing up so team pulls the seeker’s tail, the game is I saw [Mason’s club Quidditch team] over. During the game there are many on Snapchat and thought it was the moving elements, which is how the coolest thing,” said Serena Angone, sport attracts some players.

President of the Quidditch team and “What really attracted me was the one of the team’s two captains. “But physicality of it and the big group of I like it because I like all the people. people with a wide range of backI like being a part of the family, but I grounds. When we all come together also like it because it is coed. I feel like it makes a nice conglomerate. We can a lot of people assume girls are lesser all really hang out together during and when it comes to sports, so it’s pretty after practice,” said Brian Daves, a awesome going out there and proving senior at Mason and four-year member them wrong.” of the team.

HARRY POTTER TERMS

Anyone interested in joining the team is encouraged to show up to one of their practices on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Recreation Field 4. No knowledge of Harry Potter is required.

The club first formed in 2013 at Mason, but became official in their league in 2014, joining 450 other teams across different states. During their season, they travel both within Virginia and out of the state to play other colleges like Virginia Tech, Maryland, University of Virginia, and others. Next March, Mason’s Quidditch team will host a tournament at Mason called the “Clash in the Capital” to compete against

Photo courtesy of MASON RECREATION

The “muggle” version of the sport is very similar to the Harry Potter version with one big difference: no flying.

Similar to the Harry Potter version, there are six to seven players on the field at a time and three goal hoops on either side of the oval-shaped field.

The team is comprised of four unique positions: one seeker, two beaters, three chasers and one keeper. Each position is identified by a different colored headband.

other college and community teams.

Fourth Estate ABIGAIL ADCOX

When you think of Mason club sports, there is only one that comes to mind where you run with a broom between your legs. Mason’s club Quidditch team is a coed sport that combines elements of rugby, dodgeball and tag to bring to life the famous Harry Potter game.

Muggle - A non-wizard Seeker - Position in charge of catching the Snitch.

Snitch - In the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter it is a small, golden flying ball and capturing it ends the game.

Beater - Position in charge of keeping the Bludgers away from their Quaffle - A ball that is about 12 inches in diameter and carried by the three chasers. In order for a goal to count it must be thrown through the team while trying to aim the Bludgers towards the opposing team. goal hoops.

Chaser - Position responsible for controlling the Quaffle and getting it Bludger - In the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter it is a past the Keeper and into the goal hoops. bewitched ball that flies around and tries to knock players off of their Keeper - Position responsible for guarding the three goal posts and brooms. preventing the other team’s Chasers from scoring.

SEPTEMBER 15 **Women’s Volleyball vs. Norfolk State RAC: 12 p.m. **Women’s Volleyball vs. Radford RAC: 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 12 *Seattle Storm vs. Washington Mystics Game 3 EagleBank Arena: 8 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 14 **Women’s Volleyball vs. University of Northern Colorado Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC): 7 p.m.

* WNBA Finals **Women’s Volleyball George Mason Invitational

*Seattle Storm vs. Washington Mystics Game 4 (If Necessary) EagleBank Arena: 8 p.m.

All You Need to Know About This Week’s Matches and Games Written by NATALIE HEAVREN, SPORTS EDITOR Infographic by ALLY MCALPINE, ART DIRECTOR Right photo courtsey of MASON ATHLETICS Left photo courtesy of KEITH ALLISON

SPORTS

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

9.10.2018

15

THEY SAY LIGHTNING DOESN’T STRIKE TWICE The Patriots win 3-2 over the Dukes DOMENIC ALLEGRA, STAFF WRITER

Final Score: Overall record:

JMU

3 4-2-0

2 1-5-0

Shots:

2 1

20

Shots on goal:

1 1 11

5 3 8 0 5

5 2 2 1 8

First Half Score: Second Half Score:

Fourth Estate ALLY MCALPINE

GMU

Saves: Corners: Offsides: Fouls:

When the second half began, JMU quickly tied the game as freshman Hannah Coulling also scored her first collegiate goal in the 48th minute of the second half. However, something struck again, and this time it wasn’t the lightning— it was redshirt freshman Olivia Reese, who scored the game-winning goal. She scored off a corner kick taken by sophomore Kayla Hamric to put the Patriots up by one in the 63rd minute.

The Patriots held on to win 3-2. After a great game by the Patriots, Head Coach Bramble said, according to the GoMason game recap, that “winning is always nice.” He went on to say that even though they had won, there was still need for improvement. The Patriots finished the match with 20 shots and eight corner kicks to the Dukes 11 shots and two corner kicks.

The Patriots’ next home game will be Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

Fourth Estate DOMENIC ALLEGRA

Game Stats:

blanked the Dukes on corner kicks, not allowing a single one, while Mason had four. After the half, Mason pushed to continue its momentum again for the rest of the match.

Next Game: 9/9 12:00 p.m. @Georgetown University

Next Home Game: 9/20 7:00 p.m. @George Mason University

Fourth Estate DOMENIC ALLEGRA

also talked about her ability to improve this season having only played one year of collegiate soccer in her career. After Last season through the first six events, Christian’s goal, Mason continued the offensive pressure. the women’s team had not won a game.

However, standing at a record of 4-2, With the momentum in hand, the with one loss coming from No. 25 Patriots looked to capitalize again.

Tennessee, the Patriots have performed However, it was short lived as the horn well and look to improve. If the Patriots blew forcing play to stop after only can continue their winning ways, they eight minutes. While the Patriots were can possibly push for a strong Atlantic used to water breaks in previous games, 10 playoff run. this stoppage was for lightning in the area. The delay sent both teams off the On Thursday, Sept. 6, the Women’s Soccer team took the field against the field and forced the spectators to find cover in the nearby fieldhouse. The James Madison University Dukes. delay persisted until the lightning had JMU came into the game with a record dissipated and sports officials deemed it of 1-4 looking to earn their second win was safe to use the field again. of the season. Even with the chance of rain, the game kicked off at the Play resumed after the 60-minute delay. The Patriots continued their scheduled 7 p.m. start time. momentum, scoring another goal The Patriots scored a quick goal in from senior Rebecca Callison to put the 5th minute from graduate transfer the Patriots up 2-0 in the 24th minute. student Jewel Christian, her first colleHowever, the Dukes answered shortly giate goal, with freshman Emma van after, with senior Hailey Stein scoring der Vorst and red-shirt sophomore in the 29th minute.

Emily Bradshaw both receiving credit for the assists. Coach Bramble said, At the half, Mason had fifteen shots according to the GoMason game recap, (four on target), while JMU only had that “Jewel is still finding her game” and three (one on target). The Patriots As soccer kicks off for the 2018-2019 season, the women’s team has already surpassed the previous season’s start.

16

OPINION

9.10.2018

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT PRESS FREEDOM An Editorial from Liberty University JACK PANYARD, GUEST CONTRIBUTER

Editor’s Note: Jack Panyard is a special guest columnist from Liberty University. We invited him to write an editorial on his experience with the school’s newspaper, the Liberty Champion, after it was reported by WORLD Magazine that the paper had been suddenly reorganized by the LU administration. By inviting Jack, we hope to encourage awareness and support in regard to student press freedom across the state and the country.

“So, I’m fired?”

The censorship was relentless. We “Fired is not the right word. We’re not had to send almost all our articles out firing anybody, we’re just not putting to various members of the Liberty administration, many of whom you in that position.” butchered our writers’ pieces. It was Thus ended my tumultuous, year- frustrating. There were many long and-a-half long stint with Liberty days where our paper advisor would University’s student “newspaper,” make us wait for edits to articles when the Liberty Champion. Frustrated, we were far past deadline, and if they baffled and heartbroken, I realized did not respond our advisor would kill I was out of a work space, a new the piece. position as editor-in-chief of the publication and a $3,000 scholarship And it was not just the news section who were censored; the opinion and for the upcoming semester. feature section regularly received This all stemmed from truth telling comments or corrections for articles. and a desire to publish a newspaper that would challenge and inform This is not to say my experience in students. As a junior, I had served my school paper was bad overall. I on the paper of around 16 staff loved my job. Some of my best friends members as the news editor. Erin worked in that office with me, and the Covey, a fellow journalist and close stressful times were usually full of friend was the assistant news editor laughter, comradery and the collective feeling of pressure which created and received the same fate. a sense of solidarity I had never felt We had spent the year fulfilling our before. duties as editors by publishing the standard fare Liberty expected of us, But in the end, after Erin went to the but we pursued difficult stories that press in response to being censored by the administration did not appreciate. our school’s president, Jerry Falwell Jr., the school decided it needed to We would write stories about how our act. school’s student government association was debating legislation on Our incoming team was interrogated, allowing cursing, tobacco usage and lectured and threatened by the heads drinking off campus (a big taboo in of our department. Ultimately, Erin the Christian Baptist community). and I were fired two weeks before the Stories on liberal pastors who came end of the school year and the paper to pray for Liberty being banned received three new levels of oversight from campus and threatened with jail from the administration. time. Stories on how girls pregnant out of wedlock were being forced to move off campus within 48 hours of realizing they are expecting, until the administration realized there were major legal issues and changed their tone.

They were in their legal right to do so. The Champion is owned and published by the university, but this is not a matter of can or can’t. It is a moral issue – should or shouldn’t.

This experience was awful but an

enormous growing opportunity.

Through it my eyes were opened to how many student-run news sources are censored.

Beyond many of the popular and often bizarre legal cases (BONG HITS 4 JESUS anyone?) many students are being muffled. The Student Press Coalition reported from their group of Council for Christian Colleges & Universities that 76 percent of the publications have “faced pressure from university personnel to change, edit or remove an article after it’s been published in print or online.”

Why are so many universities afraid of the news?

It is because despite what educational institutions may think, journalism is not public relations.

The fact that so many student publications are facing backlash is a positive thing. This means real journalism is being cultivated, even if a publisher tries to muffle it.

I could quote any number of scholars or public figures on the importance of journalism or recite statistics on what happens to communities who do not have solid journalistic coverage, but it would not change anything.

A campus needs an unbiased information source to start discussions about hard topics. Students need to want their student newspaper. College

publications should not be written off as a PR rag for their college or school but valued as a platform for discussion and debate.

I took the story of the Champion censorship to WORLD Magazine not to try to put a dent in my school, but to inform students of what the administration’s agenda was.

The dean of Liberty told the new staff of the Champion “to keep the LU reputation and the image as it is,” but that is not the point.

The point is to challenge the reputation and strengthen the student body through doing so.

That’s a good start.

Photo courtesy of JACK PANYARD

“We’re doing away with the editorin-chief position. … Bottom line is your services won’t be needed.”

OPINION

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

A MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE:

Three American Muslim women share their experiences and opinions about the aftermath of 9/11 SABIHA BASIT, STAFF WRITER

I am saying many people think all Muslims are terrorists, but it does place a certain amount of doubt in peoples mind when they think about Muslims being very zealous regarding Islam without thinking it relates to some radical groups new agenda. We cannot change the past but having to witness so many Muslims going through customs at the airport, and always being picked out in a “random” search, doesn’t bring much hope of In fact, a whole wave of trauma and people changing their viewpoints on hatred descended upon the targeted Muslims” senior Nida Sharief said. group. Hate crimes, violence, and “I would like people to realize that not aggression arose because of heavy all Muslims support such radical groups. misconceptions placed on Muslims. It’s like saying how not all Japanese According to the 2014 figures compiled people support the yakuza. My family by the FBI, the number of anti- follows the beliefs in the Quran just Muslim hate crime incidents jumped like any other Muslims but that doesn’t in 2001, from 28 to 481 incidents. mean I’m going to go out and force Muslims from the Mason community my beliefs and belittle other religions share their thoughts on the tragic event just to prove my religion is the most and clear up a few misconceptions superior and most pious,” Sharief said. some

people

might

still

have.

“What happened was a tragedy that will forever haunt many people. It also placed a prologue stigma on the way people view Muslims. Not that

bullying experience after the Seal always have opinions. Thankfully, Team 6 assassinated Bin Laden. I don’t know anyone that takes “In 6th grade, after the news broke stereotypes of Muslims seriously. I will out of Seal Team 6 assassinating continue wearing my hijab because I Osama Bin Laden, this one girl would don’t care about other people’s thoughts constantly come up to me and harass of me. I don’t care what anyone says or with me questions, such as “how do thinks, I have my family who support you feel now that Osama is dead?” or me. I would never think about taking “don’t you worship him?” She kept off my hijab, even if someone threatens

me to do so,” Wroud AbdelAziz, a sophomore and Biology major, said.

Although 9/11 brought unnecessary fear and terror, it is important to realize that hate will never win. Because in the end, “swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds” (Mirza Tahir Ahmad).

bothering me, and even touched my hijab and tried to rip it off. Because of her influence, the people who sat next to her would start doing the same thing. I didn’t care about the words, but once she touched my hijab, that went too far. I was really shy back then and did not speak English well, so I became an easy target for people like her,” Fatima Kanwal, a sophomore and pre-nursing student said.

However, not all Muslims faced discrimination or bullying. In fact, some people took the tragic event to learn more about Muslims, After 9/11, Osama Bin Laden and even break stereotypes. became a hot topic in the media “I was lucky to not have any racial due to his radical so-called Islamic encounters, because everyone got to beliefs. Fatima Kanwal, a sophomore know me at school. Muslims are the and pre-nursing student, shares a same as everyone, and everybody will

Fourth Estate SANJANA RAGHAVAN

On September 11, 2001, an extremist group hijacked four airplanes to carry out one of most malicious terrorist attacks in history. The attacks caused a destructive and emotional aftermath for not just the United States, but the entire world. 9/11 made a deep hole into the hearts of many and has permanently scarred individuals with trauma and suffering. However, some people fail to realize that Muslims also took part in this suffering.

REJECTING THE “FRESHMAN 15” SUSAN KATHERINE CORKRAN, STAFF WRITER

Fourth Estate BILLY FERGUSON

The world is never in short supply of boogeymen, and when it comes to our self-image and sense of worth, the notion of gaining weight is the perfect monster. In a horror-movie worthy spectacle, fatness becomes the monster chasing after us. It waits for us in the line to get mac and cheese. It lurks

behind a greasy slice of hot pizza. It chased by the expectation that they between the ages of 18 and 22) develop lunges out of the vending machine must “keep their weight from slipping” eating disorders in college in the first place. I wanted to know why this between classes. at any cost.

At a time when a new student should I suffer from anorexia nervosa, which happened to me, why it is happening to begin to chase after the academic I developed as a sophomore in college. my classmates, and why it is probably going to keep happening long after we interests that will define their time as an Now, as I start my senior year, I look get our diplomas. undergraduate, many are instead being back on the early days of my college career and wonder what might have What more than the fear of “freshman been the stressful breaking point where fifteen” is there that can make it so hard eating just became too terrifying. Trying to feed ourselves? to untangle a mess of memories stored Even those experiencing partialin a malnourished mind is a sad affair, syndrome disorders (displaying signs of but even so, I realized that there was no frequent dieting, occasional binging/ single decision that propelled me down purging, or fasting) are suffering the path of disordered eating. My fear from an internal battle where food of food and self-hatred of my body fed is categorized as “good” and “bad.” into each other while I failed to feed Eating a cookie at the mandatory myself at all. I shrank and shrank, but dorm meeting? Bad. Working out at no matter how bony I became, I still the gym until you’re aching all over? saw myself as fat.

Good. Salad again for lunch? Good.

before this year how much time I have wasted in being trapped in my own disordered mind. Every minute spent agonizing over “What did I eat today?

How many calories can I burn before I go to sleep? What can I afford to eat tomorrow without gaining a pound?

Do I look fat?” is a minute not spent learning new things, making friends, and enjoying life.

The fact is, many students lose weight during the first year of college. And those who do gain it typically gain around five pounds—not fifteen!

Rather than agonizing on the scale or in front of the mirror over the possibility of having gained a pound or two, we should be encouraging one another to gain experience, friendships, and knowledge. That’s supposed to be why we’re all here, isn’t it? Instead of That monster we create out of fatness Eating take-out with friends? Bad. cutting out carbs, let’s cut the toxic is always there, waiting to make us feel It is more than exhausting to start myth of “freshman fifteen” out of our like we are not at home in our own skin. this uncompromising approach to lives.

It’s a horrible feeling without an easy eating, it’s dangerously indicative of Footnote: See “Perfect Girls, Starving disordered eating. solution.

Daughters” by Courtney E. Martin for more Now that I am re-vamping my efforts Cycles of guilt, worry, loathing, selfin recovery before graduation, I started consciousness all circle round and information on debunking the “freshman fifteen.” reading and doing research into why so round in the space of the thoughts many young people (women especially, that should be there. I never realized

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ETC.

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Get it published in Fourth Estate!

Send a submission to masonfourthestate@gmail.com.

ETC.

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