The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Volume 92, Issue 4

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 • VOLUME 92 • ISSUE 4

The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929

Health horrors: Student shares her on-campus clinic nightmare

CHATWAN MONGKOL/CHRONICLE

NEWS P.2: INVOLVEMENT RATES RISE Organizations report an increase in participation as activities resume in person

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

A&L P.6: MULTICULTURAL OPEN MIC Students share their poetry, artwork and stories that reflect their identities

Opinion p.5 ILLUSTRATION BY CONNOR LAWLESS

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

SPORTS P.10: FIRST YEAR, FUTURE STAR Sam McCann kicks off his career as one of Quinnipiac men’s soccer’s most promising young players

‘An embarrassment for QU:’ Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum’s closure sparks public outcry

By CHATWAN MONGKOL News Editor

CONNOR LAWLESS/CHRONICLE

Quinnipiac’s Board of Trustees voted to close Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum due to financial loss and low attendance.

After learning about her Irish heritage at Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum in 2013, class of 1984 alumna Kathleen Regan cut her nursing career short and decided to open an Irish gift shop. Now that the museum is closed, she said she is “angry,” “sad,” “disappointed” and “frustrated.”

“I feel like people who are making the decision are not the ones who really will be affected by it,” Regan said.

The museum’s donors, supporters and former staffers spoke against Quinnipiac University’s decision to shut down the museum and called for a reopening.

The university’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously in early August to permanently close Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum due to low attendance of fewer than 20 visitors per day and financial reasons as it only generated funds to cover nearly 25% of its operational budget.

Regan said the closure lacked transparency as the university did not involve the community in making the decision. She donated to the museum in May and said she

still doesn’t know where her money went.

“Those of us who have been supporters, why were we not included?” Regan said. “I would like our voices to be heard.”

Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan did not make anyone in the administration available for an interview.

In an open letter to President Judy Olian and the Board of Trustees from the Committee to Save Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum, the 33 committee members said they remain mistrustful of the reasons the university cited for the closure.

“Budgets can be cut, staff released, hours decreased; none of these possibilities even appears to have been considered,” the letter stated. “Does the stated traffic (fewer than 20 people per day) account for students and other non-paying visitors? If so, then the administration should be held accountable for not making better use of its own resources.”

Francis McCarthy, a former public safety officer at Quinnipiac who was assigned to work full time at the museum since it opened See MUSEUM Page 2

2| News

MEET THE EDITORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Sicoli MANAGING EDITORS Emily Flamme Toyloy Brown III CREATIVE DIRECTOR Connor Lawless NEWS EDITORS Nicole McIsaac Chatwan Mongkol ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Melina Khan OPINION EDITOR Xavier Cullen ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Ashley Pelletier ASSOCIATE ARTS & LIFE EDITORS David Matos Neha Seenarine SPORTS EDITOR Riley Millette ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Peter Piekarski PODCAST PRODUCER Kalleen Rose Ozanic ASSOCIATE PODCAST PRODUCER Brendan Samson COPY EDITOR Katie Langley

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

Student involvement rates boom as organizations return in person

By NICOLE MCISAAC and ALEXIS CERVANTES

With a sense of normalcy returning to campus life, the majority of student-run organizations at Quinnipiac University are experiencing an increase in student involvement rates.

The university’s website reports 137 recognized student-run organizations and clubs. However, Associate Director of Campus Life, Student Centers and Student Involvement Hannah Cranston said there are around 100 active organizations with additional 30 pending approval.

Throughout the beginning of the semester, different groups on campus have seen a significant increase in student participation in comparison to previous semesters.

“Last year, we had 109 students sign up for CAP (Community Action Project) when we reset our roster,” said Kevin Surace, a junior health science major and co-director of CAP. “... With regards to attendance, we averaged about 2025 members at meetings last year, and this year we’ve seen that number nearly double.”

Surace said CAP gained almost 200 members at the university’s involvement fair, an event where all organizations on campus can recruit new members. He said the shift from virtual and socially distanced events to on-ground community service has given students more opportunities to interact with each other and the community on a personal level.

“We’ve also noticed an increase in event attendance registration,” Surace said. “I think that this is because students are excited to go off campus to participate in service events for the first time in two years.”

Despite many organizations reporting a rise in active members, Cranston said there

is no clear-cut number of students actively in organizations due to a lack of concrete attendance evidence.

“Sometimes it’s hard to track specific involvement, just because someone can go to a general meeting and not go the next week,” Cranston said.

As a response, Cranston said she will begin requiring organizations to submit an official roster by the end of October. She said the university should have these numbers by the end of the semester.

“Just because this is a new request, I want to give students time to understand that this is going to become something that is a new shift, a new culture for our organizations,” Cranston said. “I think this is going to be something that is really good to have.”

While organizations and clubs monitor attendance, some new members described how eager they are to get involved in a physical setting.

Arianna Korb, a first-year undeclared business major, said she felt more cofident joining organizations as a freshman after talk to club leaders in person.

“Over Zoom, I find it hard to connect with the people I’m talking to as well as asking all of my questions,” Korb said. “Being in person made it more comfortable to do that rather than talking through a screen.”

However, some of the university’s organizations are on the opposite end of student participation. Greek life reported lower recruitment numbers this year in comparison to the 2020-21 academic year.

As COVID-19 forced the Greek community to transition to a completely online forum last

ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR Daniel Passapera THE QUINNIPIAC CHRONICLE is the proud recipient of the New England Society of Newspaper Editors’ award for College Newspaper of the Year in New England for 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2015-16.

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September 29, 2021

year, Director of Campus Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life Katherine Pezzella said she expected recruitment numbers to be lower than usual.

“Last year when we were having a lot of remote or hybrid options, that’s when we anticipated that numbers would be lower, and in fall 2020, numbers were higher than ever,” Pezzella said. “We had record recruitment across the board last year.”

The decrease in student involvement after in-person events resumed has gone against national trends, she said. With record-breaking recruitment numbers in last year’s fall semester, Quinnipiac Greek life was thought to defy the pandemic odds.

“So, we kind of thought that we were going to miss the drop in interest that people had seen nationally at other schools, and it just seemed that we’re experiencing it a year later,” Pezzella said.

The drop in recruitment numbers in Greek life is primarily in one subset of the sorority community.

This summer there was an increase in student outreach and social media presence from the sorority community compared to previous years, which led to an examination of the low recruitment numbers, Pezzella said.

“We did more information sessions and Instagram lives and emails to all students than we have ever done in the past,” Pezzella said. “So, right now we’re trying to go back and say ‘OK like what happened here. Why are the numbers lower?’ So we’re still kind of in the midst of working that out.”

However, the fraternity community is reporting a jump in numbers that places them into the normal recruiting range.

Interfraternity Council Vice President for Recruitment and Philanthropy Matthew Hawryluk said 186 students registered for recruitment this fall, six fewer in comparison to fall 2019. Last year’s registration totalled to 157.

Hawryluk attributes the increase in registration to the opportunity for more in-person events.

“Maybe people didn’t think they would get as much value back given that there was so many COVID restrictions,” Hawryluk said. “They might’ve thought ‘I’ll consider it next year when things are a little bit more back to normal.’”

Organizations on campus continue to monitor active members and prepare to submit solidified numbers to the university.

CHATWAN MONGKOL/CHRONICLE

Over 110 organizations took part in this year’s involvement fair on Sept. 8.

McCarthy: ‘What a loss due to the lack of leadership on the part of the current administration’ MUSEUM from cover in 2012, said the operation of the museum changed after Olian started her tenure.

“The free admission arranged by (former President) John Lahey — as a learning experience for all — ended,” McCarthy said.

“Admission fees were charged for adults.”

The new administration imposed a financial efficiency goal for the museum in 2019, in which the museum failed to raise funds over the last three years. It was “clearly a very difficult decision” to shut it down, Olian said at a town hall on Aug. 26.

The open letter stated that the 33 members of the museum-saving committee weren’t aware of any fundraising effort that might have taken place since 2019. They said it was “unreasonable” to count the pandemic year as a part of “unsuccessful fundraising effort.”

Another concern was about the future of the historical collection at the museum.

Morgan said the university is in “active conversations” with potential partners for relocation. However, it remains unknown if the collection will be broken up.

“Donors, including some listed (in the letter), made contributions to the whole museum based

in part on its location,” the letter stated. “Relocation to New York or Chicago or elsewhere would diminish the interest value to many donors.”

Morgan said the Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute and Lender Family Special Collection in the Arnold Bernhard Library remain active to continue the mission of educating students and the public.

History professor and Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute Christine Kinealy said the university has lost something “unique and special nowhere else in the world had” without the museum.

“Having the institute, the museum and the library collection made us distinctive within the world,” Kinealy said. “I think it’s such a shame now to have broken that up.”

For the Irish, Kinealy said the famine is one of the foundation stories that defined them as people, and the exhibition featured artwork that told those stories. She said everyone, not just people of Irish heritage, can learn about hunger displacement from the collection.

As the museum used to host several community events such as musical concerts, lectures and food drives, McCarthy said the closure has impacted many local establishments. He said it’s sad how Quinnipiac

doesn’t value what has been collected and displayed at the museum.

“This is an embarrassment for QU,” McCarthy said. “A treasure is disregarded.

What a loss due to the lack of leadership on the part of the current administration.”

Kinealy said she hopes the Board of Trustees revisit the issue and reconsider its decision with consultants from the community.

Regan said she wants Quinnipiac to consider temporarily reopening it so the community gets a chance to say goodbye and enjoy the exhibition for the last time.

One of the museum’s volunteers, Mary Noonan Cortright, said staff worked “very seriously” to create a relatable experience for all visitors. Cortright said she hopes to see the museum’s mission continue, but with a different owner.

“Since Quinnipiac doesn’t seem to realize the far-reaching impact Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum has had and the asset that it is to the present and future of the university, I do hope that another university will purchase it and continue the fine work that has begun telling the human story,” Cortright said.

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 29, 2021

News |3

Quinnipiac student and professor run for local Boards of Education

By JACKLYN PELLEGRINO Contributing Writer

Quinnipiac University’s Melissa Kaplan and Rajan Doering are running for Hamden and Wallingford Boards of Education (BOE), respectively.

Kaplan, an English and women’s and gender studies adjunct professor, is seeking reelection to the Hamden BOE as the Democratic Party-endorsed candidate. She chairs the board’s curriculum committee and is a member of the equity committee. Kaplan is also the only incumbent seeking reelection.

“I tirelessly work to support neurodiverse and special education services, a culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum, anti-racist pedagogy, LGBTQ affirmation and safe spaces in our schools,” Kaplan said.

During her previous term, Kaplan revised the dress code, ensured health classes included explicit discussions about consent and created the LGBTQ equity initiative.

“I endeavor to consistently advocate for greater economic parity and to close opportunity gap in elementary schools, and have successfully fought to maintain the Family

Resource Center at a Title I school, which serves and supports under-resourced families,” Kaplan said.

Kaplan has never taught in K-12 schools.

However, she said her experience in higher education allowed her to gain an understanding of the strengths students need to prepare for undergraduate, vocational and technical programs, as well as to join the workforce after graduation.

Kaplan’s main goals are to gain support for students and teachers during the pandemic and to ensure equal opportunity for every student.

“Whenever there is a call to action about supporting vulnerable students, inclusivity, equity and diversity, I believe we must be intentionally intersectional,” Kaplan said.

To consider herself a successful board member, Kaplan said she needs to meet the needs of the entire Hamden community through her academic qualifications and experience.

She wants to make sure that all students and schools receive the support that they need, address constant inequities, hold the administration accountable for seeing the BOE’s vision through and create strong partnerships with stakeholders in the community.

“Education is not a line item on the BOE’s agenda — it is the only item,” Kaplan said.

When it comes to diversity, Kaplan said a racially diverse faculty allows underrepresented students to feel recognized. It’s also important for teachers to discuss diversity and inclusion in class with students, she said.

“I believe that the BOE needs to work with the Hamden administration to further develop a faculty recruitment, retention, and professional development plan, created with input from across Hamden, which emphasizes diversity, inclusion and support of faculty professional development,” Kaplan said.

Another member of the Quinnipiac community has been a part of multiple on-campus organizations, and now, he is looking to do more.

Doering, a senior economics and public relations double major, is a Republican candidate running for Wallingford BOE. He is an active member of the Wallingford community and has served on several committees within the school district. He oversees weekly food giveaways at The Rock Church and is a board member at the YMCA and United Way. As a 2018 graduate, Doering is not far removed from high school. He said he wants to “bring a student perspective to the board.”

If elected, Doering said he will always listen to people’s concerns and advocate in the student’s best interest while following state requirements.

“I will work with teachers, parents, community members and students to keep us united in a vision that ensures an equitable and inclusive environment for all, prepares all students starting with our youngest learners for the future and ensures we make the best use of school facilities and taxpayer dollars for our students,” Doering said.

Doering has had leadership experience in many clubs and organizations at Quinnipiac.

He is the Honors Program co-president, Economics Club president, School of Communications Ambassadors Program president, and

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY RAJAN DOERING

Quinnipiac student Rajan Doering is running for Wallingford Board of Education for the second time as a Republican.

Public Relations Student Society of America treasurer. He said these clubs and organizations have given him the experience of listening to “at times divergent” viewpoints to help find the best outcome for everyone.

This is not the first time Doering ran for the BOE. He campaigned against 11 other candidates in 2019 and lost. With nine board members elected, Doering came in secondto-last with 5,197 votes. This year, he is encouraging people to come out and vote.

“I know many Quinnipiac students live in Wallingford,” Doering said. “I encourage these students to research their candidates and make an informed vote on November 2nd. I am most happy to speak with anyone who has questions, comments or concerns.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY MELISSA KAPLAN

English and women’s studies adjunct professor Melissa Kaplan is seeking reelection for Hamden Board of Education as a Democrat.

Meet SGA’s first-year cabinet, multicultural senators

By KATIE LANGLEY Copy Editor

Quinnipiac University’s newly elected firstyear cabinet and multicultural senators are prioritizing parking, off-campus transportation, sustainability and racial diversity.

Students voted in the Student Government Association (SGA) elections on Sept. 21, electing a class of 2025 cabinet and two multicultural and identity (M&I) senators.

The class of 2025 docket is as follows: President Jacob Cedor, Vice President Aiden Truckenbrod and senators Thomas Peters, Karli Monsell, Ryan Hagerman, Jamison Setzler and Sean Formantes. The M&I senators are Owenea Roberts and Jack Weitsen.

Cedor, an international business major in the 3+1 business program, said he will use his new position of first-year president to encourage student participation.

“I ran simply on the fact that I would use this position as a representative, not an executive,” Cedor said.

Cedor said he plans on polling students about what changes they want to see made on campus.

“I think the only way we can truly represent students is to ask them what they want done, and act on their responses,” Cedor said.

Cedor said It is ultimately up to the students to invite change, and that it is crucial for the firstyear class to start now in order to capitalize off the next four years of opportunity.

“Students need to continue having conversations with us, participating in polling and contacting my cabinet or myself directly so we can take their issues directly to the meeting room,” Cedor said. “We only have four years here to

leave our mark. We need to start now, and we need to take advantage of every chance we get to keep improving this school for future students.”

Hagerman, a political science major, ran his campaign on improved communication and campus beautification.

“Coming from an arts high school, I believe that I can also find ways to use art and music to bring together the student body and make the campus a more colorful place,” Hagerman said.

Based on his own experiences as an out-of-state student, Hagerman wants to improve campus transportation to help students traveling far distances.

“I found when I tried planning my travel back to California that there was no way to get to the airports or even the train stations,” Hagerman said. “I look forward to using my experience as an out-of-area student to help transform Quinnipiac into the national and international school that we deserve to be.”

Monsell, a health science studies major, ran for first-year class president initially, but said she is excited about her position of senator.

“I hope to be the glue that pulls the freshman cabinet together,” Monsell said.

As far as her goals while in office, Monsell said she wants to create a healthier environment on campus, improving the water supply and advocating for mental health.

When it comes to campus sustainability, Peters said that he wants the university to be more strategic about waste management.

“It troubles me to see easily compostable food being thrown away,” Peters said. “I find it concerning to see single-use plastics and littering

on our campuses. Basic initiatives like more garbage containers, recycling bins and potentially even food scrap compost bins could very well reduce our negative impacts on the environment.”

Peters said another area he wants to see change in is parking and transportation for commuter students, advocating for more parking in the North Lot and serving on the transportation committee.

Besides the first-year cabinet, students also elected two M&I senators. Both want to focus on improving the experience for minority students on campus.

Roberts, a junior accounting major, said she will work to improve the university’s reputation by increasing racial diversity.

“It’s no secret that on numerous sources online that Quinnipiac is categorized as a (primarily white institution),” Roberts said. “I would like to create a more diverse QU so students, regardless of their background, will feel more open to considering QU of being their choice of school for higher education.”

Weitsen a sophomore political science and law in society double major, said his plans for a more diverse Quinnipiac include increasing genderinclusive housing, gender-neutral bathrooms, implementing pronouns on QCards and creating a “QU diversity podcast.”

“I want to provide

education to the student body with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Weitsen said.

“Over time, I hope for this education to stick with people which will help to remove the stigma of diversity at Quinnipiac University.”

Weitsen and Roberts will be picking up where former M&I Senator Gabriella Colello left off. Collelo resigned from SGA in August, saying that there was a “perverse power dynamic” within the organization, as the M&I position is uncompensated, while SGA executive board members receive scholarships for their work.

However, Weitsen and Roberts remain hopeful that they can make change from inside SGA. With 1,222 votes cast this election cycle, around 18% of the undergraduate population participated. However, Hagerman said he was happy with this turnout.

“Civic engagement is the only way to truly keep the power in the hands of the people, and all of us in the freshman cabinet are impressed and encouraged by the voter turnout we had,” Hagerman said.

ILLUSTRATION BY KALLEEN ROSE OZANIC

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44 | O p i n i o n

September 29, 2021

Opinion True crime has a problem Social media’s exploitation of Gabby Petito’s death is morally wrong

BY ASHLEY PELLETIER Arts & Life Editor

If you know me, you know that a significant amount of my free time is spent watching videos on TikTok. During the week of Sept. 12, I began seeing TikToks of a 22-year-old influencer who had gone missing, Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito.

I saw so many posts, I finally gave in and informed myself on the situation.

Petito went on a nationwide roadtrip in a van with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, and decided to share their experiences on social media. In August, the social media posts came to a halt. On Sept. 1, Laundrie returned to their home in Florida with the van, but without Petito. Ten days later, Petito’s family reported her missing and Laundrie’s family acquired a lawyer, refusing to cooperate with police.

The story blew up on both social media and mainstream news media. A nationwide search began.

I do not believe using social media to gain news attention for a missing person is wrong. In fact, I think that social media is an incredibly important tool for investigators. However, the way that social media users handled the Petito case was disturbing.

I saw TikToks about Petito constantly, and it was clear that users were using a tragedy to gain followers. It was difficult to watch statements from Petito’s family come out, begging for their daughter to be found, while “true crime” junkies theorized and gossiped about the case on a public platform. Where is the humanity in that?

In fact, one TikTok user, Paris Campbell, has uploaded over 50 videos relating to the case since Sept. 13. All of the

videos combined have over 45 million views as of Sept. 24. This user qualifies for TikTok’s Creator Fund in which users get paid for views. Based on reported numbers for how much TikTok creators receive per view, Campbell would make over $1,000 for these videos overall. She is one of many who have made numerous videos about the case.

True crime fans are not the only ones seeking to profit off of public interest in the Petito case. According to Insider, some psychics and mediums on TikTok claimed to know where Petito’s body was or tried to channel her spirit.

While I think there is some truth behind the idea of psychics, the claims these users are making are harmful not only to the investigation of Petito’s death, but to her family as well.

I can only imagine how this frenzy is imPHOTO RELEASED BY PETITO FAMILY pacting the Petito family. Seeing people who Many social media influencers are taking advantage of the tragic death never knew her try to use her name and image for of Gabrielle Petito, gaining massive amounts of views. profit when she was just killed is harrowing.

“It looks like their vehicle ... but we learn about it However, true crime has been around for years. The through them posting on YouTube, talking about it,” Taylor first time that true crime as we know it came to be was in 2014 when the podcast “Serial” first came out. It originally said in an interview with Buzzfeed News. “Why wouldn’t reexamined the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, an 18-year-old you just send that to us? And say, ‘This might be helpful to from Baltimore. What makes “Serial” different, however, is our investigation,’ instead of giving a 14-minute commenits host Sarah Koenig. She worked as a journalist for ABC tary on (it).”

News and The New York Times. Koenig understands the ethics of reporting on sensitive topics like murder. TikTok users who want to get millions of views for money likely do not.

I used to really like true crime videos and podcasts.

Much like a majority of true crime fans, I had a morbid fascination with serial killers and their victims. I now realize that this obsession can become problematic. The focus on murderers and their victims does not give families involved the respect and distance that they deserve.

I could name you several of Ted Bundy’s victims, but I could not tell you anything about them beyond their victimization. True crime reduces the victims of horrible crimes to atrocities that have happened to them. We forget that these are real people whose families are watching as social media users post by the thousands, trying to monetize their grief.

As I said before, social media is a tool that should be used to help investigators solve missing persons cases. WithARTS & LIFE EDITOR out social media, it may have taken a lot longer for Petito’s body to be found. There have also been many cases before this one in which these platforms have played an integral role in solving a crime.

The fact that people, regardless of their true aid to the A recent example of this would be the FBI investiga- investigation, are using others’ victimization for views ontion of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The line is a moral problem that our society must come to terms FBI used hundreds of images posted to social media to ap- with. On one hand, social media can be used for genuine prehend both rioters who posted about the insurrection itself good. On the other hand, there will always be those looking and those who were identified by others. to make a quick buck.

However, the problem lies in people posting their findings Had the users who are posting about Petito and other to social media first rather than contacting the proper authorities. “true crime” cases dedicated the money that they made from According to North Port Police Department’s public their videos to helping the families of victims, then I may be information officer, Josh Taylor, the Petito investigation has more inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Howbeen aided by tips posted on social media. For instance, a ever, they aren’t. They are pocketing money from the death couple posted a video of them seeing Petito’s van on You- of a young woman who had people who loved her and will Tube after sending the video to the FBI. However, the North miss her every day for the rest of their lives. There’s no Port Police Department did not receive the footage. humanity in that.

“I used to really like true crime videos and podcasts. Much like a majority of true crime fans, I had a morbid fascination with serial killers and their victims. I now realize that this obsession can become problematic.”

– Ashley Pelletier

SCREENSHOT FROM TIKTOK/@ STOPITPARIS

TikTok creator Paris Campbell has made dozens of videos with millions of views about the death of Gabby Petito.

Bobcat Buzz Professors deserve more praise

BY MELINA KHAN

Associate News Editor

With the return to in-person instruction this semester, students and professors alike have dealt with an adjustment period.

Despite the challenges of teaching during a pandemic, professors have been encouraging and adaptable, and they deserve recognition for it. While it may go unsaid, I know many students would agree with me when I say the professors we have here at Quinnipiac University are the best.

They are always compassionate with whatever we as students are facing, which lightens the burden on us. Just last week I was sitting in my virtual women and gender studies class with professor Kimberly O’Neill when I was reminded of this compassion.

O’Neill informed us that she would be making an assignment available for us when we cannot attend class synchronously but still want to participate. She said she noticed some students had been joining class remotely from inside their cars while driving, and she wanted to make

sure we could prioritize our safety over attending class if we needed to.

This is a subtle example that I see all the time from my professors that goes unnoticed. We are lucky to have so many dedicated professors here at Quinnipiac, and their compassion makes the learning experience so much better.

For any student reading this, I hope you take the time to tell a professor how appreciated they are. They put in so much time and effort behind the scenes to make our student experiences better, and it is more difficult than it may seem.

For the professors reading this, I hope you know your work is appreciated. Not only does it help us succeed in the classroom, it helps us succeed in life. Moreover, the state of the world has only made your job more difficult, and yet you continue to rise to the occasion. All the little things you do, from giving us feedback on assignments to asking us how our day is going, make our experience as students better.

While it may not be an easy job, you guys are killing it.

Thank you for all that you do.

T hT eh eQQu ui innnn ii p ii aacc CCh h r or noi nc li ec l e

September 29, 2021

Opinion|5

Opinion The Student Health Center is failing its only job

Quinnipiac offers insufficient care that jeopardizes students’ well-being

BY ANNA MAYO and CORINNA PAZZANESE

Corinna: As students are returning to in-person learning on campus, excitement is in the air, but so are viruses. Students are finding that the health care services at Quinnipiac University are not living up to expectations when it comes to health care needs and crucial communication.

Whether it’s treating the common cold or a nagging rash, Quinnipiac Student Health Services have proved incapable of providing efficient and effective care to its students. As students at Quinnipiac, we are lucky enough to have a dedicated health care team right on campus. However, there is a glaring issue with the appointment-making process. Students are realizing it is nearly impossible to schedule an appointment.

Furthermore, if students can get an appointment, the care seems to be insufficient. It could be understaffing problems or internal organization issues, but ultimately, none of these are a valid excuse for neglecting the vital medical needs of students. Health issues are unpredictable, so dependability from health services is a necessity.

Anna: The second day I moved into college, I had a massive allergic reaction, ultimately resulting in an impetigo super-infection that sent me to the emergency room at Yale New Haven Hospital. The first day I attempted to reach the Student Health Services, it took all of seven calls just to reach someone to schedule an appointment.

I had a burning hive rash that was rapidly spreading all over my body, and the one place that I thought could help me wasn’t picking up the phone. I was away from home for the first time in my life, and never felt so alone and helpless.

Corinna: Communication is a crucial aspect of any organization, and as recent experiences show, the student health services needs to improve. When someone is in need of medical attention, not being able to contact a person on the phone can increase stress levels and cause further health issues.

Delaying appointments can lead to worsening symptoms and, as we’ve seen, a visit to the campus health center can

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change to a visit to the ER very quickly. Ultimately, health care should be convenient and easily accessible.

Anna: Even when I finally got an appointment at the health center, the confusion didn’t stop there. As a COVID-19 precaution, the receptionist informed me that patients are instructed to wait outside the back of the health services building and to call upon arrival. This would be fine, except they didn’t pick up the phone, and after five calls, I resorted to banging on the windows.

To keep all non-COVID-19 related issues in one place, at my next appointment, I was told to go to the York Hill health center — without any directions of where to find it — and

as a freshman, I got very lost. For my fourth appointment, I asked if I should go back to York Hill, and the nurse had no idea what I was talking about.

Corinna: Numerous students around campus report difficulties making appointments with Student Health Services.

Coughs are heard echoing throughout classrooms and bouncing off of dorm walls. At the beginning of flu season and with COVID-19 still making its course, dependability is crucial to protecting the students of Quinnipiac now more than ever.

When appointments are challenging to make, it discourages students from trying to make an appointment altogether. This may lead to a wider spread of viruses and a more threatening scale of symptoms if the illnesses get out of hand.

Anna: My final straw with the health center was my fifth appointment, where I was told the most logical explanation for my condition was that I had scabies (to put it simply: bugs), and both my roommate and I would have to undergo treatment.

I really didn’t think my roommate, who Lysols the tile floor, would appreciate being told she had to quarantine because I gave her bugs.

After this alarming diagnosis, I made the decision to take myself to the emergency room. There, the doctor diagnosed me within 15 minutes, prescribed effective medication and sent me on my way. The true diagnosis was that I had an extreme allergic reaction (not scabies) for almost two weeks that would have been greatly reduced had the student health center been easy to communicate with in the first place.

Not only was the constant fighting to get an appointment and the trip to the ER inconvenient, especially for my first week of college, but a minor reaction blew up into a major health crisis due to (among other factors) the amount of time I waited for treatment. If I had agreed to the treatment for scabies, the reaction most likely would have gotten even worse, which is something I don’t even want to imagine.

I no longer trust the student health center with my wellbeing. After reading this, can you honestly say that you do?

The devastating U.S. drone strikes in Afghanistan were an avoidable tragedy

BY SANIYA POWELL Contributing Writer

On Aug. 29, 2021, a U.S. drone dropped a missile on a building in Kabul, Afghanistan. Military officials claimed terrorists of the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate were plotting an attack on the city’s airport there and said that the strike was justified.

Instead, there were no terrorists, and the missile killed 10 civilians, seven of which were children.

I was shocked to learn the nature of America’s drone strike in Afghanistan. As an American, it is impossible to imagine seeing a military drone — which is typically 27 feet long with a wingspan about 49 feet wide — above your head and feeling the impending danger. It is scary to think that your whole life can change in three seconds.

The real problem is that this isn’t the first time the U.S. has done something like this.

In an interview with NPR, Neta Crawford, a professor of political science at Boston University, described how many Afghan civilians have been killed by airstrikes.

“Over the last 20 years, about 5,900 civilians,” Crawford said. “… Most of them were killed by international forces — the U.S. and its allies.”

This is a staggering amount of people who have been killed by the U.S. and their allies alone. I have only heard of drone strikes recently. More importantly, my parents didn’t hear about the devastation of airstrikes as young children.

My generation and future ones would only know this as warfare. If the U.S. is going to fight a war, it should have troops on the ground and not drones in the sky.

Some scholars say that the government is obligated to use drones because they minimize risk for soldiers. Allegedly, drones reduce civilian casualties, although there are still many serious accidents when drones are used.

It is considered an “ethical slippage” when a country’s

own people are not at risk. Americans are more concerned about the equipment used when their own people are at stake. Drones are appealing to military leaders because they “fly under the radar,” which keeps the U.S. out of the public eye and away from criticism. However, the U.S.’s drone attacks are highly scrutinized in relation to the military’s other foreign affairs.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation reported that it costs the U.S. $15,000 per hour just to run the software for the larger drone operating system. This money comes out of the budget for the military and should be used somewhere else. These drones are a costly, horrible force PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE A. PINEIRO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS of destruction for the U.S. miliOn Sept. 17, Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie said the U.S. military had an tary. This money can be used to ‘earnest belief’ that the Aug. 29 drone strike would stop an imminent threat. help regions that were destroyed by warfare or to create a better network of mental health drone attacks are the families of those who died. They lost resources for military personnel. time with their loved ones, were unable to create core memAccording to the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, ories and had to spend birthdays and holidays alone. active duty troops take up the majority of medical appointMany of the victims were severely burned. I would be ments. Veterans account for 16% of all military medical ap- devastated if I could not recognize my own family member. pointments, which is equivalent to 1.8 million outpatient The families deserve compensation. It will not bring visits. These appointments are made to treat various mental back the people they cared for, but it will help them bury illnesses such as adjustment disorder, anxiety, bipolar disor- them with love. der and depression. Female veterans are at an even higher This would never happen if the U.S. stopped using drone risk than male veterans for these disorders. strikes.

But the people most affected from these devastating

6|Arts and Life

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 29, 2021

Arts & Life

SPEAKING ON IDENTITY

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

The Multicultural Student Union and Student Government Association hold an open mic night for students and faculty to speak from the heart.

By WILLIAM GAVIN Staff Writer

Everybody needs some time to vent, to let go of their worries and speak true to themselves. For Quinnipiac University students and faculty, that time came at the Bobcat Culture and Identity Open Mic Night on Sept. 23.

The Multicultural Student Leadership Council (MSLC) and the Student Government Association hosted the event so students from different paths could speak about their life experiences, emotions and the lives of people around them.

Veronica Jacobs, the associate director for multicultural education at Quinnipiac, read her poem “Modern Day Dream,” from her book “The Sun Will Rise Again.” “Modern Day Dream” is about Jacobs’ resilience and hope for change; it’s an ode to the past visionaries, and a cry for a vision of a better future.

“I have a dream that I can experience joy and I don't have to live in fear because I'm a Black woman; I'm a Black mother — I'm a Black life,” Jacobs said. “I have a dream that I will be celebrated when I shout: I’m Black all day, forget your anti-Black ways, we done dying at the expense of your hate.”

Kanayo Umelo, a senior film, television and media arts major, shared a short excerpt from a larger documentary project focusing on “Dr. Winter,” a Black woman who went through Quinnipiac’s medical school while pregnant. Umelo said that this was important for him because “there’s not a lot of opportunities where you get to help another Black person create something.”

While the story focused on one woman, the documentary brings a first-hand account of the lack of minority women in health care and the disparities in medical school. Winter chose her path because of the underrepresentation of Black people

in medicine and her own desire to go against that disparity.

“There was a lot of stories that opened my eyes a lot,” Umelo said. “I’m fortunate to have health care and stuff like that, but there’s a whole community of people who are not able to have that.”

Satine Bernsten, a sophomore film, television and media arts major, spoke about the struggles of being a transgender male in a divided and threatening society.

“See, the world is terrifying,” Bernsten said. “I absolutely adore it. And I love people to death, but that doesn't take away the fact that it was dangerous. I often stay up and think about that a lot. How I love humanity so much, but I'm heartbroken by it.”

Bernsten noted his struggle with anxiety, and connects that to the scary reality of living in a world that still “despises” his existence. He revealed that he feels pressured to be the “perfect trans guy” as he holds the ability to change others’ perspective of transgender people.

Bernsten realizes that getting up on a stage and speaking about your experiences, suffering through anxiety attacks and “fear and loneliness,” is worth it if you can make a positive change.

“The world is in a constant flux,” Bernsten said.“It twists and turns, but always, always it continues forward. Fight.

Fight by living for those kids that are living such happy lives because of us, because of your existence, in a world that doesn't want you to exist.”

Haktan Ceylan, a senior political science and philosophy major, and Pratibha Thippa, president of the MSLC, presented the piece “ugly” from their collection “The Caged Bird.” Ceylan recited the story of a woman facing domestic violence and abuse, while Thippa performed a

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

Sophomore Satine Bernsten spoke about his experience and struggles being an open transgender man.

Bharatanatyam dance interpretation alongside the poem.

Smooth motions convey the fear, desperation and clarity of “ugly,” as Thippa embodies the simultaneous vulnerability and strength of a woman finding her inner spirit. Verses tumble out as Ceylan trembles with emotion and channels the fervent energy littered throughout the poem.

Spencer Brown, who is autistic, spoke about his experience getting through Quinnipiac as a junior accounting student, and how the COVID-19 pandemic and the overall college experience had taken a toll on his mental health.

He was candid about the drain that the isolation of the early pandemic had on him. This past summer Brown checked into a rehab facility, where he focused on himself and his health. Now that he’s back at school and getting involved with clubs and classes, he’s realized that as long as he puts the work in, his dreams are in reach.

Ambar Pagan, a senior political science major and creator of the event, closed the open mic night with a heartfelt essay she wrote in her first year at Quinnipiac. The essay, originally written about Venezuela, expanded to cover the “universal” freedom everyone wants in light of the Afghanistan refugee and Hatian crises. “(The essay) says that we're all different, but we're all one,” Pagan said. “And I think that really speaks to everything that happens in our daily lives. We're always going to have diverse interactions, especially today. It may have really gotten some of us out of our comfort zone, but these are definitely moments that are needed because it teaches us so much about each other and it teaches us to value each other.”

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

Seniors Haktan Ceylan and Pratibha Thippa combined spoken word and Bharatanatyam dance with their piece,'ugly.'

September 29, 2021

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

7|Arts and Life

EMBRACE BEING SINGLE Relationships aren't the end-all-be-all for the college experience

By ASHLEY PELLETIER Arts & Life Editor

I’ve given up on waiting for the perfect college relationship to happen to me.

As an avid fiction reader, I’ve had this idea stuck in my head about how college is the perfect time and place to meet the person who I’ll spend the rest of my life with. We would lock eyes across the room at a party, meet in the line at Starbucks or be paired together on a class project.

However, between COVID-19 killing the party mood, Transact mobile ordering and my misfortune in getting assigned class partners, I’ve felt like I’m missing out on a big part of the college experience: romantic relationships.

As someone who hasn’t dated since high school, the idea of dating in college is daunting. From dating apps like Tinder and Bumble to hookup culture, I just couldn’t keep pace. I’d end up ghosting someone before the first date or the conversations about our hobbies would fizzle out.

According to a survey released in 2012, just over 60% of college students have gone on a date while in school. As a member of the remaining 40%, I understand that I’m not alone in the single experience by any means, but it still feels lonely.

So, I’ve decided that I’ve had enough of trying to find a relationship. That isn’t to say if I find the right person I’m not going to show interest, but I don’t think it’s productive for me to put so much energy into an unsuccessful endeavor.

This surrender has led me to think about what I’ve learned from being single throughout my college experience.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to be alone.

Outside of classes and working with the editorial board of The Chronicle, a majority of my time is spent alone, including Friday nights watching Netflix, writing and meal times. Sure, I hang out with my roommates and other friends at times, but my most constant companion is myself.

The pseudo-isolation of being single is something that I struggle with on occasion, but I’m not really alone. I FaceTime my mom every day, I send TikToks to my best friend and I go to Student Programming Board events on the weekends.

I also find that I am happier now than I have been in past

relationships. I would do things that would make my partner happy without regard for how it made me feel. Now, I feel like I can do what I want when I want.

A study done in 2008 found that our society thinks that single people are less happy than those in romantic relationships. That isn’t necessarily true. Many of the sources of my unhappiness — COVID-19, the struggle of finding a parking spot in North Lot, the lack of mashed potatoes served by QU Dining — are all issues that would be present in my life regardless of whether or not I had someone to snuggle with besides my frog Squishmallow.

If anything can be learned from my experiences, it’s that relationships aren’t everything. Our worth is not defined by others showing romantic interest in us.

Here is some advice if you struggle with your singleness in college: Find a new hobby or rediscover a love for an old pastime. Fill your time with learning about your interest and enjoy your time doing it. For me, that thing is reading. I have read over 40 books so far this year, which helps pass the time and also enriches my mind.

Emotionally invest in your friends. While society places more value on romantic relationships, platonic ones are just as important.

Invite your friends out to dinner or spend a night watching your favorite movies and eating nachos.

Learn how to take care of yourself. College is the first time many of us are living unsupervised. There is no adult figure to do your laundry or clean up after you. Learning how to do chores in the proper way ensures that future partners or roommates will not be forced to clean up after you.

Teach yourself how to cook. Again, it is important that anyone be able to cook simple meals for themselves. You can’t live off of takeout or a meal plan forever, it’s not feasible.

Go to therapy. Being single is the perfect opportunity to work through any mental health problems or underlying issues that you may have. It is better to work on yourself rather than using another person to fix your problems for you.

Have fun. College is a time of learning and hard work, but it is also the time to go out and live for the very first time. Don’t spend all your time wondering about what your life would be like

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in a relationship, find out what your life is by exploring the world around you.

Anyone, regardless of relationship status, should work on themselves and make themselves the best person they can be, whether that be for a partner or just for personal satisfaction.

Working yourself overtime Adulthood is an endless cycle of booked schedules

is the hardest part of the day. My hand and the snooze button have met several times.

You can argue the day goes by faster when A viral TikTok sound features rapper Cardi B saying that she works every single day and she doesn’t have time for her you’re busy. A slow day consists of me stopping love life and family. I might not be breaking music records, by the fridge one too many times to get a snack.

However, most of my days are jam-packed. It is but I understand where she’s coming from.

My daily schedule is consumed by work. I attend lectures, one task after another. I understand that others are work on assignments or I’m at my part-time job. After my doing more difficult things than me, but exhaustion day is over, I eat dinner and immediately go to bed just to does not discriminate based on your activities.

The traditional eight-hour shift only works as live the same day again. I liken myself to a cartoon show: a Dolly Parton song. Otherwise, it is extremely same plot, same setting, same characters and a slightly tiring. People are finding alternative ways to different outfit.

My day starts before the sun is up. I’m not a morning work with hours that allow them to take a break. person, but I wish I was because waking up early is good for An eight-hour day with a 30-minute break is you. It promotes having an allotted time to spend meditating, not enough. My classes are in the morning and reflecting and enjoying breakfast. However, that’s not the my work shifts are five hours in the evening. It case for me. The only reason my alarm goes off at 6 a.m. is about nine hours including driving. My break is because there are things to get done. I didn’t voluntarily is the shower when I’m getting ready for work choose to do it. Getting out of bed when I don’t want to singing Big Time Rush songs.

“The eight-hour day isn’t eight hours,” wrote CEO of Wecruiter, Jack ILLUSTRATION BY PEYTON MCKENZIE Kelly, for Forbes. “You need to add in the commuting time, following up There aren't enough days in the week for school, work, family and with emails, texts and calls at night yourself. boutique fitness studio and weekends and always being on I earn it. Good things in life are not just given, but neither call ... A four-day workweek could do wonders are the basic necessities. We have to work to keep the lights 6 minutes from QU Mt Carmel campus for a person’s mental health. It won’t take too on in our homes. A paycheck is used to pay bills and that much work from management, but would make leaves barely any money to save. the lives of workers significantly better.”

Working is an endless cycle of suffering. You are stuck I don’t have the opportunity to take a break in the workplace to pay your bills and afford the benefits of from school or work. I want a degree and I life. How are you supposed to enjoy yourself when you can’t need money to pay for that degree. It’s really escape the office? that simple. However, the complexity of things All I can do is enjoy what I have now. I am grateful is wondering when I will have time for myself. to receive higher education and gain experience in the There are 24 hours in the day but not enough workplace. Some people do not have the same opportunities BARRE | PILATES | CARDIO hours for myself. and deal with bigger obligations. I look forward to pursuing The upside of hard work is the reward. Every a career in my post-graduate life. However, I know the bills group classes. virtual classes. personal training. events. week I get a paycheck and I can treat myself to are going to get bigger and my budget will get tighter. I’m student pricing. another Juicy Couture tracksuit. I don’t have to pretty confident I will never be well rested again.

100 Broadway, www.glowfitnessct.com ask my parents or anyone else for money because @glowfitness_ct

By NEHA SEENARINE

Associate Arts & Life Editor

GLOW FITNESS

North Haven, CT

info@glowfitstudio.com

8|Arts and Life

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 29, 2021

The truth behind old wives' tales

By EMILY FLAMME Managing Editor

“Don’t go outside in the cold with wet hair or you’ll get sick.”

“Don’t go swimming after eating.”

There are so many sayings like this that I remember my mom saying to me as I grew up. She didn’t necessarily believe in these old wives’ tales, but my grandma would tell her and her sister these “tips and tricks” growing up.

“Don’t tell Nonna we just ate before going in her pool, she’ll say you can’t swim for 30 minutes,” my mom would tell me and my brother every summer.

I’ve always wondered if any of these tips were based in fact, and if so, which ones. When I was younger, I would always search to verify if what my mom and grandma said was true.

Now I know what’s true and what’s completely made up, and I’m here to share this information with you.

“Feed a cold, starve a fever” The second my grandma would hear I had a fever, she would come over and cook several meals for me hoping to cool my body down. Her compassion never went unnoticed, but this is an old wives’ tale that’s not 100% true, but it isn’t entirely false. The reason people find this trick works is that when they have a cold, they often lose their appetite. Eating or “feeding the cold,” helps recovery by giving the body energy, according to NorthShore University Healthsystem.

This is helpful for someone who isn’t eating while sick, but if a person’s appetite is normal and they have a fever, eating more won’t help get rid of it. It’s proven that fevers dehydrate the body when sick, so it’s much more important to drink fluids.

“Never wake up a sleepwalker” This is one that’s more commonly used as a plotline in a sitcom, but one we’ve all heard nonetheless. I’ve heard it several times since my brother used to suffer from night terrors and sleepwalking. According to Winchester Hospital, if a sleepwalker gets woken up, it’s likely the sleepwalker will only be confused or at worst, agitated. The claim is based on people sometimes waking up and being “aggressive,” but several studies have shown that is rarely the case. If you

ever encounter this situation and want to avoid confusing the sleepwalker, it is recommended to guide them back to bed.

“Going outside with wet hair will make you catch a cold” This statement is 100% false. Colds are caused by viruses, not the state of a person’s hair. This belief originated because people combine the fact that illnesses are more common in the winter months with the fact that hair traps heat in the body. However, the Mayo Clinic states that this is not true.

The most that will happen if a person goes outside with wet hair is that they’ll feel cold, not catch one. Ever since I found this out, I’ve been excited to tell my future grandchildren to go outside with wet hair during a snowstorm.

“Going swimming after eating could make you drown” This old wives’ tale is one that a lot of people believe. I had friends in summer camp who were stressed that lunch was before pool time. Britannica stated that is not based on any truths. Eating after swimming could be uncomfortable, but no one should worry that they’ll get a cramp and drown.

“Don’t sit too close to the TV, it could blind you” Me, my brother and two cousins would all hear this every time we were over our grandma’s house, which was at least once a week. She would always scoop us up and put us on the couch so we’d be further away from the TV. This old wives’ tale isn’t true, but there’s a logical reason for why it started. In 1967, color TVs were recalled for emitting a radiation level above what was considered safe, according to The Atlantic. People who were old enough to remember never got it out of their heads that TVs emit radiation, even though they radiate negligible amounts nowadays.

Although I spent time debunking these myths, there’s something about them that’s comforting. I think of the women in my life who said these to me, and about how they’re just trying to protect me. It’s a scary world out there, and these “old wives’ tales” exist to help alleviate that. Next time someone in your life tells you not to go outside with wet hair, think about how they’re hoping to keep you safe.

But, of course, remind yourself you won’t get sick.

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Going out in the snow with wet hair will not cause a cold, but it still isn't a great idea.

Not your momma's drama Netflix's 'Sex Education' hits the nail on the head with difficult topics

By ASHLEY PELLETIER Arts & Life Editor

It’s hard to believe that a show titled “Sex Education” is one of the best series created by Netflix to date.

The title evokes awkward memories of fifth grade classrooms and VHS tape videos explaining our bodies, but the show takes a completely different route.Each season of “Sex Education” has successfully covered topics that were poorly incorporated in preceding coming-of-age shows such as sexuality, teen relationships and sexual assault.

The show’s success has translated to critical acclaim, earning a 96% average score on Rotten Tomatoes and on Sept. 25, Netflix renewed it for a fourth season.

On Sept. 17, Netflix released the third season, which addresses the fallout of several events from season two, including the “sex musical” and Aimee Gibbs’ sexual assault. It’s important that the show does not just abandon plots of the previous seasons, but continues to use them as points of characterization and consequences.

The best part of “Sex Education” is the ensemble cast which is more diverse than other highly-rated shows. People of minority racial groups, sexual orientation and now gender are well-written and represented throughout every episode.

Cal Bowman and Layla, both nonbinary characters who were introduced this season, bring a new level of diversity to the show.

Previously, gender identity had not been strongly addressed, but the strict rules that the new headteacher Hope Haddon brings to Moordale Secondary School delivers the opportunity to shed light on issues that nonbinary people face.

Haddon attempts to force Bowman and Layla to fit into strict, gendered uniforms, but is generally unsuccessful. In the last episode of the show, a sweet moment happens when Bowman teaches Layla how to bind their chest, showing the support that the nonbinary community has for one another.

My favorite character from this season by far was Adam Groff, played by Connor Swindells.

Groff started season one as a bully toward Milburn and Eric Effiong, but has come so far since then.

Adam began dating Effiong in season two, but finally addressed his stunted emotional growth in season three. He opens up to the people around him, confessing his love for all things Kardashian and teaching himself to compete with his maltipoo, Madam. His transition from closed-off bully to emotionally open himbo is a credit to Swindells’ versatility on the screen.

While “Sex Eduction” does well with some things, the writing surrounding Maeve Wiley and Milburn’s relationship leaves the audience wanting something more exciting. It was clear from the first season that they were meant to get together, but the writers have been playing “will-they-won’tthey” with them. It has gotten to the point where I think that their relationships with Isaac Goodwin and Ruby Matthews are more appealing than the relationship the show wants me to care about.

Considering this is my biggest gripe with the show, I’d say the writers are doing well.

If I had to give only one show the title “must watch,” it would be “Sex Education.” It teaches young audience members that sex is a natural PHOTOS FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS part of life in a way that society as a whole isn’t quite comfortable enough for yet. Not only is The ensemble cast of 'Sex Education' is endearing and talented, bringing it important to watch, the experience is more life to a diverse set of roles. entertaining than most teen television shows I’ve watched in general. Season four of the show will definitely be on my Netflix watch list.

5/5 Goats

September 29, 2021

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

7|Arts and Life

Kanye West's discography ranked Sports editor Riley Millette compares 17 years of the rapper's music

By RILEY MILLETTE Sports Editor

Now that “Donda” has had some time to sink in, it’s time for the age-old discussion: how do rapper and producer Kanye West’s albums stack up against each other?

As with any artist, there’s a certain amount of consensus that exists with West’s discography. But there’s still plenty to be discussed. Here are my personal top-10 rankings of West’s solo albums. Sorry, “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” and “Watch the Throne,” which are collaborations with other artists, are not included.

1. “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” (2010) This masterpiece of an album features some of West’s hardest-hitting and most emotional tracks. West is raw and unapologetic on this album, as most have come to know him over the years. He’s brash, uncensored and ready to let every ugly corner of his mind show itself. Even the features on this album, from Nicki Minaj on “Monster” to Pusha T on “Runaway,” are top-notch. “Power” is still in commercials today. “Blame Game,” featuring John Legend, is a highly underrated track that gets overshadowed by the other charttoppers on this album, as it features some of West’s most sensitive lyrics that show his pain after his separation from Amber Rose.

Top three tracks: “Runaway,” “Monster,” “Hell of a Life” 2. “The Life of Pablo” (2016) West showed the most versatility and growth on “The Life of Pablo,” for which the bar was already set substantially high following the release of his previous albums, which were highly acclaimed. The sample selection on this album is immaculate, from the “Bam Bam” sample on “Famous” to the “Deep Inside” snippet on “Fade.” There are very few skips on this album, and it features West’s most playable party songs.

“No More Parties in LA” and “Waves” are two earworm tracks that fit any occasion, while “Ultralight Beam” and “Wolves” are stellar low-mood songs.

Top three tracks: “Famous,” “Father Stretch my Hands Pt. 1,” “No More Parties in LA”

PHOTO BY DAVID WOLF VIA FLICKR

'Ye' (2018) in an underrated album that was released during Kanye West's 'G.O.O.D. Album Summer.'

3. “The College Dropout” (2004) West’s debut album shows little age in its 17-year history.

The record features songs that are still played by a wide audience, including “Jesus Walks,” widely considered one of West’s all-time best tracks. This track sets the tone for what we expect from West today, a devout Christian who will stop at nothing to spread his message about the power of God. Since the album's release, West has grown unlike any other artist, but the tracks on this album are still relevant to his character and brand today, which is part of what makes it so timeless.

Top three tracks: “Jesus Walks,” “All Falls Down,” “Slow Jamz” 4. “Ye” (2018) Some would argue this is a high placement for “Ye,” mostly due to the album’s brevity and unfinished feeling. “Ye” came out during West’s historic “G.O.O.D. Album Summer” in which the record label “G.O.O.D.” released five albums that West executively produced, all seven tracks long. This time period also coincided with West’s very public mental health crisis, which is addressed in droves on the album. “Violent Crimes” and “I Thought About Killing You” are important tracks to West’s progression through his bipolar disorder, while “Wouldn’t Leave” gives insight to the marriage between West and Kim Kardashian, from whom he is now separated. “Ye” is only 24 minutes long, but gives irreplaceable insight into West’s mind.

Top three tracks: “Ghost Town,” “I Thought About Killing You,” “All Mine”

5. “Graduation” (2007) This is one of West’s most commercially successful albums. Songs like “Stronger” and “Flashing Lights” made West a household name when he released “Graduation.” This album was a more distinct deviation into pop and electronic music than West previously showed, and it was met with great acclaim. “Graduation” isn’t as emotional or poignant as the albums placed above it on this list, but the star power that West exhibited on this project is top-tier. This album is the beginning of the middle arc of West’s discography, and it begins with a bang.

Top three tracks: “Stronger,” “I Wonder,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” 6: “Donda” (2021) Yes, “Donda” is very bloated. Waking up the morning it was released and seeing 27 tracks and 108 minutes wasn’t what I wanted. But West’s willingness to branch out and collaborate with unexpected artists was a more pleasant surprise, and makes up for the stretched runtime. As a Playboi Carti doubter, he showed his ceiling on this project more than once with captivating and on-brand features. The Fivio Foreign verse on “Off The Grid” is still mind-blowing. Don Toliver’s hook on “Moon” is heavenly and enchanting. “Donda” has more than enough to offer, lyrically and sonically.

Top three tracks: “Off The Grid,” “Jail,” “24” 7. “808s and Heartbreak” (2008) It’s impossible to talk about “808s” without acknowledging the influential power it had over the hip-hop scene then and now. The combination of strings and bass on “RoboCop” is still a heavily-used duo today, and the use of autotune on “Heartless” inspired countless artists. However, this album lacks the versatility that others have. The human emotion on this album is evident, but West’s commentary on relationships and emotion on “808s and Heartbreak” pales in comparison to albums like “Ye.” Top three tracks: “Heartless,” “Paranoid,” “Welcome to Heartbreak”

PHOTO BY KIM ERLANDSEN VIA FLICKR

'Late Registration' (2005) features some of Kanye West's most recognizable songs.

9. “Yeezus” (2013) West’s most out-there album, “Yeezus” is an experiment that misses the mark overall. This album’s release signalled a major change in West’s style. It was more abrasive and multi-layered than anything else he had released to date. “Black Skinhead” is a spectacular track and “Bound 2” features the precise production West is capable of, but the lyrical content is a swing and a miss for me. Yes, I’m talking about the feature from “God” on the track “I Am A God.” It’s a bit too stratospheric.

Top three tracks: “Black Skinhead,” “Bound 2,” “Blood on the Leaves” 10. “Jesus is King” (2019) No one was really sure what to expect from this album. It dropped without much warning, and West’s fans were expecting “Yandhi” instead of this 27-minute gospel album. “Jesus is King” is exactly what it sounds like: a cry out to the powers that be. West focuses way too much attention on religious content on this album, which is by no means a bad thing on its surface, but as a non-religious person, only listening to gospel and little else for nearly a half-hour was a let-down.

Top three tracks: “Selah,” “Use This Gospel,” “Follow God” The beauty of West’s collection is that there’s something for everyone. It would make all the sense in the world to me if someone said “Yeezus” or “808s and Heartbreak” were their favorite album. Both of those albums hold very high esteem in the hearts of diehard West fans. But if you see me walking around on the quad, feel free to stop me and tell me how wrong I am about my rankings.

8. “Late Registration” (2005) This is probably the most unpopular placing of any album on this list. West’s sophomore effort features some of West’s most recognizable hits, such as “Gold Digger” and “Touch the Sky.” It doesn’t have the same magic that “The College Dropout” did. Highlights like “Roses” and “We Major” bring the firepower that otherwise lacks in the album, but this is merely a good album that doesn’t hold a candle to others that West has released.

Top three tracks: “Touch the Sky,” “Roses,” “We PHOTO BY KIM ERLANDSEN VIA FLICKR Major” '808s and Heartbreak' (2008) is one of the most influential hiphop albums released in the 2000s.

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

10|Sports

Scores & Schedules

September 29, 2021

Sam McCann dominated at the MLS Development Academy. Can he do the same at Quinnipiac?

Friday 9/24

FH lost 7-0 against Old Dominion RUG lost 39-0 against Army West Point WIH won 3-2 against Maine

Saturday 9/25 VB lost 3-1 against Niagara MSOC lost 3-2 against Northeastern WIH won 5-1 against Maine WSOC lost 2-1 against Monmouth

Sunday 9/26

VB won 3-1 against Canisius FH lost 4-1 against Wagner

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

Freshman forward Sam McCann had a brief stint with New York City FC before COVID-19 ended the 2020 MLS season.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24

CONNOR LAWLESS/CHRONICLE

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24

ALEX BAYER/CHRONICLE

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25

By CHRISTIAAN MCCRAY Staff Writer

The Quinnipiac’s men’s soccer team always goes above and beyond in recruiting the best players in the state, it’s keeping that tradition moving forward with freshman forward Sam McCann.

In the dawn of the men’s soccer team’s season, McCann has already asserted himself as one of the Bobcat’s most impactful players.

“His movement, his intelligence, his desire to score goals, those are the things we want from a number nine and he plays the position really well,” Quinnipiac men’s soccer head coach Eric Da Costa said.

McCann grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and fell in love with soccer at a young age due to his father being his first coach. At 9, he was advised to seek better competition and tried out for New York Soccer Club (NYSC) and played there until he came to Quinnipiac.

DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE

Upcoming

Wednesday 9/29

WSOC @ Niagara 12 p.m.

MSOC vs. Siena 3 p.m.

VB @ Marist 7 p.m.

Friday 10/1

WTEN ITA Regionals MXC and WXC @ Lehigh 10 a.m.

FH vs. Liberty 1 p.m.

WIH vs. LIU 6 p.m.

Saturday 10/2

WTEN ITA Regionals Golf Navy Invitational 8 a.m.

WSOC vs. Marist 12 p.m.

RUG vs. Harvard 1 p.m.

WIH vs. LIU 3 p.m.

MIH vs. Maine 4:30 p.m. (Exhibition) VB @ Fairfield 1 p.m.

MSOC @ Marist 7 p.m.

Sunday 10/3

WTEN ITA Regional Golf Navy Invitational 8 a.m.

FH vs. Yale 2 p.m.

COURTESY OF SAM MCCANN

Sam McCann led his MLS Development Academy team in goals for six straight years.

At NYSC, McCann was consistently one of the best players.

He led his team in goals for six straight seasons and was top 10 in goals at the U.S Soccer Development Academy in 2018 and 2019.

His exceptional play caught the eye of scouts at New York City Football Club (NYCFC), which led to him temporarily playing for the club until COVID-19 cut his season short. Though his stint with NYCFC was short, McCann left the experience with a new set of knowledge.

“I learned how to carry myself as a professional really, and how to act in and around different environments,” McCann said.

“Just taking pieces of that with me and putting it to use into this system as well.”

The Bobcats have shown to be the right choice for McCann with him already becoming an integral part of the team. However, Quinnipiac was not the forward’s first choice. Army West Point, who McCann committed to in late 2019, was his original dream school. McCann soon realized that he could seek better opportunities elsewhere thus making him regret his early decision and decommit from Army West Point.

“I thought it was the right call at the time,” McCann said.

“I felt really comfortable with it, but then I had to sit on it for eight or nine months basically. I just realized it was not all that I thought it was.”

Da Costa had no issues reopening up the possibility of McCann becoming a Bobcat after he decommitted.

“Here’s a kid who made a decision really early on and had to really make a tough potentially life-changing decision to go a different route, and I saw how torn he was about that,” Da Costa said. “That really sealed it for me, knowing that he really had the character and that he is a really good person.”

McCann had no problems transitioning into playing Division I soccer at Quinnipiac. His previous experience competing at a high level combined with the bonds he formed with his new teammates allowed for a positive time so far in Hamden.

“We have grown into a family, sometimes I think it gets deeper than that,’’ McCann said. “On and off the field we are always with each other, it’s always love. It’s really one of the best relationships I’ve formed.”

In an away game against Central Connecticut State, McCann scored his first goal in the white and navy. He headed the ball into the top right corner off a cross from freshman midfielder Ole Frigstad. Playing and scoring in his first year is already impressive, but McCann has greater objectives he wishes to accomplish this season.

“My personal goal is always to help the team, so personally for me I think 10 goals is achievable,” McCann said.

The Bobcats started this season with a vengeance, winning five of their first seven games. Coming off their disappointing loss in the MAAC championship game against Monmouth last year, Da Costa said the Bobcats came into this season with a chip on their shoulder.

“We definitely have felt that we have a point to prove we played well last year and we want to make sure that we continue to do that for ourselves,” Da Costa said.

Since winning their first five games, the Bobcats have hit a roadblock by losing their last two games including a 5-0 loss against No. 9 New Hampshire. McCann and the rest of the squad will hope to get out of this slump as they start MAAC play against Siena on Wednesday.

September 29, 2021

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

Sports|11

Pete’s pond: ECAC Hockey bolstered for battle Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey team enters 2021 season as No. 9 in the country

By PETER PIEKARSKI Associate Sports Editor

With the USCHO’s release of the preseason Division I men’s poll, it’s safe to say that the ECAC Hockey conference is going to be a bloodbath in order to secure the Cleary Cup. Four of the conference’s teams, including Quinnipiac, are currently ranked within the top 20, and three other ECAC Hockey schools received votes to be ranked.

In the ECAC Hockey preseason coaches poll, Quinnipiac finished No. 1 in the rankings, receiving four first-place votes.

Among the other schools to receive first-place consideration were Clarkson, Harvard, Cornell and St. Lawrence.

“I don’t put a lot of stock into the preseason poll,” Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey head coach Rand Pecknold said.

“I’ve never really looked at a study of how often it’s right and how often it’s wrong. But we know we’re going to be good this year.”

What does that mean for Quinnipiac? This year is going to be a “put your money where your mouth is” type of season for the Bobcats. They will face a total of 13 teams that are either nationally ranked or were considered for ranking this season.

That’s even before a single game has been played.

For a team that is verbally committed to returning to the Frozen Four, the regular season will be an early indicator of how dedicated the team will be.

“That’s number one,” senior forward and captain Wyatt Bongiovanni said. “That’s the biggest thing on my mind, it’s the biggest thing I want to check off on my to-do list. At the end of the day, I’m worried about getting our team to the Frozen Four.”

Eleven of Quinnipiac’s first 14 games are against ranked teams or teams that received votes. That’s nearly a third of the season.

The ECAC Hockey conference is loaded with teams that boast strong upperclassmen as well as elite incoming freshmen recruits. Most specifically, Harvard and Cornell have a large incoming freshman class that played in top tier leagues such as the USHL and BCHL. Of that incoming class for Harvard and Cornell, several players were also drafted in the NHL entry draft. The most no-

BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN/CHRONICLE ARCHIVES (2020)

Quinnipiac beat then-No. 1 Cornell 5-0 at home the last time the two teams faced off on Jan. 31, 2020. table name is Harvard forward Matthew Coronato, who was recently drafted No. 13 overall in the 2021 draft.

“I think we’re in a dogfight with some really good teams,” Pecknold said. “Harvard is absolutely loaded. I voted for them. I think they might be one of the most talented teams in the country.”

Clarkson is also heavily overlooked. The Golden Knights battled the Bobcats all year last season and proved to be the toughest ECAC Hockey opponent to play against. They deserve to be ranked but being listed as No.19 feels very low.

“Cornell is always good, Clarkson is excellent,” Pecknold said. “They were great last year. They have most of their team back. I thought they did a really good job getting (graduate forwards Zach) Tsekos and (Jack) Jacome to come back.

Those are going to be two of the better players in the league.”

It certainly won’t be a cakewalk to the conference playoffs or to reappear in the NCAA playoffs, but according to the rankings, Quinnipiac is the team to beat in the ECAC Hockey.

Quinnipiac volleyball season reaches pivotal swing

The Bobcats are better than their 3-9 start, but can they be great?

By MICHAEL SICOLI Editor-in-Chief

There’s a beauty to competitive volleyball.

The serve comes soaring in, with every Bobcat laserfocused. Senior outside hitter Olga Zampati extends to bump the ball up. Darting in comes sophomore setter Chloe Ka’Ahanui to set the ball up, and, as if it was practice, junior outside hitter Aryanah Diaz launches off the ground to earn a kill for Quinnipiac.

It’s a work of art that Quinnipiac volleyball displays on Burt Kahn Court. The movement and communication between the six players on the court isn’t replicated in other sports. It’s a fairly positionless sport. The team’s website lists Diaz as an “outside hitter,” but frankly, it’s stylistic nonsense.

Diaz floats all around the court, and rightfully so. She’s one of the team’s best players, and high-caliber players should be involved everywhere. The Miami native did it all last year, leading the team in assists (667) and aces (33). Diaz was also second on the team in digs (333), showing her quickness on the defensive end just as much as on the offensive end. Perhaps most impressively, Diaz’s three triple-doubles were the most in the MAAC and the eighth-most in the country.

Despite being tied with senior libero Daniella Balsano as the smallest player on the team, standing at just 5 feet, 4 inches tall, Diaz consistently makes her presence felt on the attack. You could feel the heat of the ball from the stands when she pummeled it down for a kill, a stat in which she ranks just behind senior outside hitter Maggie Baker with 126 compared to Baker’s 137.

But it’s a fluid sport. It’s a team sport. Focusing on just one player is a dishonest representation of the Bobcats.

The aforementioned Baker has improved each year on the attack with her kills-per-set rising throughout each of her first three seasons. Ka’Ahanui is the focal point of the offense, with most attacks forming through her. She leads the team in assists with 330, and it’s not even close. Quinnipiac ranks second in the MAAC in assists (520), with Ka’Ahanui accounting for 64% of them. Only Fairfield, Rider and Marist have a player that accounts for a higher percentage of its team’s assists. Two of those players are seniors. One is a graduate student. Reminder: Ka’Ahanui is a sophomore.

There’s a problem, though. All this talent, all these impressive plays; they aren’t translating into enough wins. The team is currently 3-9 overall and 2-2 in conference play, sit-

ting fifth in MAAC standings.

Yet that doesn’t tell the full story. The Bobcats lost to Rider and Niagara, but both of those teams sit on top of the table. They combine for a 7-1 record in MAAC play. While you need to beat the best to be the best, it’s understandable to drop a match against a tough opponent. The bright side is that Quinnipiac confidently handled Saint Peter’s and Canisius 3-0 and 3-1, respectively.

Wednesday’s match against Marist will be telling. The Red Foxes are 2-2 in conference play, and sit one spot ahead of the Bobcats in the standings. Knocking them down a spot

would be a big momentum shift for Quinnipiac after its win over Canisius.

It’s easier said than done. There are no easy wins in Division I play. Just the same, there are glimmers of hope that suggest the best is still to come for Quinnipiac.

A tough stretch of road games await the Bobcats — Marist, Fairfield and Siena — but that’s OK. No team should challenge for the crown without a fight, and the Bobcats are more than prepared to give one.

PEYTON MCKENZIE/CHRONICLE

Junior outside hitter Aryanah Diaz (right) had the eighth-most triple-doubles (three) in the NCAA last year.

12|Sports

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 29, 2021

Sports @QUCHRONSPORTS

MORGAN TENCZA/CHRONICLE ARCHIVES (2021)

From Dublin to Dub-land

How international phenom Rebecca Cooke is powering a surging Quinnipiac women’s soccer team

By AIDAN SHEEDY Contributing Writer

Fall sports are off and running this semester at Quinnipiac University, and no team has been more impressive than the women’s soccer team. Starting their season 5-0, the Bobcats have proven that their team improvement is real.

Two-time MAAC Player of the Week recipient and 2020-21 MAAC Rookie of the Year Rebecca Cooke can be attributed to the team’s offensive success. As a sophomore, she has a powerful skill set to go along with elite awareness and keen instincts. Currently, the team sits second overall in the MAAC in goals scored per game and leads in opponent goal average through its first seven games. Thus, the team is No. 1 overall in scoring margin, proving that it can play an all-around game on both ends of the field.

It took Cooke a bit longer than expected to reach this level of elite status.

“When I was younger, I never even planned on coming to (the United States),” Cooke said.

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Cooke attended Portmarnock Community School and later played soccer for the Republic of Ireland U17 and U19 women’s national teams. Transitioning to the United States wasn’t as simple as she had hoped.

“I had this idea of studying abroad and experiencing the best of the best,” Cooke said.

But just when she was ready to go, the COVID-19 pandemic made way.

“When COVID hit, I had to defer,” Cooke said. “I think that was the best option for me because it made me realize how much I wanted to come over.”

As any college student can relate, acclimating to a new environment can be a tough transition. Cooke did it as a Division I athlete in a new country.

“Coming here, the biggest jump was the physicality and athleticism of other players,” Cooke said. “It seemed natural that the players over here would be faster, stronger.”

Cooke admitted that it took some time to get acquainted with a new style of game.

“I miss playing at home, but it is more professional here,” Cooke said.

Fortunately, there was someone she could go to. Quinniin points, fifth in shots, second in shots per piac women’s soccer head coach Dave Clarke, the winningest game and leading the MAAC in goals coach in Quinnipiac soccer history and a member of the Irish per game.

American Soccer Hall of Fame, knew precisely what she was “She’s very much a maverick out going through. there,” Clarke said. “She just does things “It’s really easy because he’s a lot like the other coaches I’ve that you can’t explain.” had,” Cooke said. “A lot of times, I just got what he’s saying. He Cooke is known around the league never needs to explain it.” as a static player, meaning she sticks to As for the Bobcats, they are playing with professionalism, her game and does so effectively. Part and with that comes improvement. of her game involves movement and “We’ve built off the spring because the team hasn’t positioning. changed much,” Cooke said. “We had a good preseason and “She’s always moving,” Clarke had a lot of time playing together, and now I don’t have to said. “We use GPS tracking, and it worry about what other players are gonna do because we’ve shows us that she’s moving an (avbuilt a great team relationship.” erage) of 8-10 miles per game.”

As one of the premier forwards in the MAAC, it would be An NBC Sports statisnatural for Cooke to feel that she has some expectation to tic revealed that an averperform well. But Cooke doesn’t see it that way. age Premier League player “I don’t feel pressure, but I definitely feel something,” travels between 7 and 9.5 Cooke said. “But I don’t let that affect me. At the end of miles per game, to put that the day, I don’t mind how I play, as long as we win.” number into context. At this Cooke’s teammates play a significant role in her rate, Cooke could personal and team success. Even with 31 players on the roster, it’s hard not to get lost in the camaraderie in the hopes of doing something special. This year’s team is a close group that supports every member of the team.

“When we came back against Fairfield last have the physique to compete year, there was a large crowd cheering, but the with the best of the best. only cheers any of us could hear were coming As well as she is performfrom the bench,” Cooke said. ing, the coaching staff knows Cooke, a sophomore coming into this that there is more skill to be season, surpassed her goal tally of four unleashed. from last year in Quinnipiac’s third “She’s still capable of more,” Clarke game, as she collected a hat trick said. “The end goal is to make her a better against Maine on Sept. 5. Cooke player than she already is.” is currently among the top-5 in nearly every offensive category in MORGAN TENCZA/CHRONICLE ARCHIVES (2021) the MAAC: second in goals, second