Red & Black
The Free
s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e w j r e da n d b l ac k . c o m W a s h i n g t o n , P e n n s y lva n i a 19 november 2021
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... CURRENT EVENTS
“According to an analysis by the People’s Vaccine Alliance, only 0.7% of vaccines have been appropriately distributed to the world’s lowest-income countries.” Lauren Phillips
DIVERSITY “Annually, Transgender Awareness Week is observed in the days leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day that serves as a memorial for the victims of transphobic acts of violence.” - Stevie Gray
SPORTS “When it comes to as big as a transition as that, these kids need extra support.” Sofia Jenkins
Courtesy PrezPoint
Letter to the Editor
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WJREDANDBLACK.COM
13 Art review
Red & Black
19 november 2021
art review Banning Controversial Art Limits Conversations for Change Sofya Maxnide Red & Black Contributor
In response to The New York Times article by Anna P. Kambhampaty. Squid Game, a South Korean survival drama, aired on Netflix this past Sept. and immediately blew up like Tiktok pasta chip recipes and Starbucks Holiday drink orders. The episodes follow the lives of human players in an elaborate game for a gigantic sum of money, and while depicting graphic scenes of bloodshed and sex, illuminate the depths of human depravity. In the drama, there are souls so poor they’re desperate, wealthy so rich they’re bored, and the perpetrator – money – bringing both sides of life together. These themes are nothing new to South Korea as Gisaengchung – Parasite – released a similar pandemonium in Oct. two years ago; it too outlined the chilling economic inequality amongst South Korean citizens and this intense fear was felt by many worldwide, propelling it to a winning award at the Oscars. It is interesting to note however, that in Squid Game’s differs from its predecessor in that there is a strong net of equality. A fair and equal chance is more valued than death at the hands of discrimination. Squid Game reminds many people of several other movies that had similar themes
Courtesy Ready, Steady, Cut
Extras act in a scene from Squid Game.
and were banned or disliked for the same reasons, such as the popular book/movie series called the Hunger Games which was ranked third on the ALA’s banned book list in 2011. It was later found to be inspired, according to The Atlantic, by the wars in Vietnam and Iraq from author Suzanne Collins; she remembered these real-life experiences from her Vietnam war veteran father, and the news channel reports she watched on the Iraq war spurred her to the tale of Katniss Everdeen. Thrillers, such as the Hunger Games and Squid Game, feed on the base fear of all humanity: a totalitarian
future where a contemporary society slowly turns dystopian. Squid Game is not the first nor will be the last adaptation to portray such immorality and unsettling lack of value in a human’s life. There’s something different with Squid Game however, something parents are picking up on, schools are foreseeing as troubling, and psychologists, like Patrick Markey at Villanova University, see as simply questioning the bigger questions of life. These questions range from political concerns of gun usage, to economic concerns for the poor and indebt, to identity questions of who
are you behind the mask you wear, and should you blindly follow the money? These are the present-day questions that unfortunately, no one seems to have the succinct answer for. So, when there are no answers, the option most widely chosen is to try to ban it, but what is missed is the candid conversations that could lead to new, younger generations forging for change. Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) portrayed this excellently when in the end, even after winning the money, he went back to save others who would fall into the trap like he did.
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W&J Adopts Creative Writing Ana Giampa Red & Black Contributor
Recently, the English Department announced the addition of a major emphasis and minor of Creative Writing to the college catalog. The adoption of these new programs, according to Dr. Tara Fee, chair of the English Department, was inspired by the current students: “We have many highly talented creative writers among our students, and we wanted to create a pathway for them to develop their portfolios.” The major emphasis of Creative Writing allows for English majors to explore the creation of works such as fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry while also strengthening their skills to write, analyze, and critique these works. The emphasis requires students to take four courses dedicated to Creative Writing such as ENG 206 – Writing Creative Nonfiction or ENG 360 – Advanced Poetry Writing. Upon completion of these classes, students would graduate with a robust portfolio of work that is ready to be included on a graduate school or job application. The minor in Creative
Clipart advocates for a creative writing program.
Writing is available to any W&J student who wishes to explore their ingenuity through writing. The goals of the minor are similar to those of the emphasis: to explore the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry while developing the skills to analyze and critique these works. Like the emphasis, students who complete the Creative Writing minor will also have a well-developed portfolio upon completion of the program. The adoption of these programs signals a revitalization of the English Department as well as a dedication to
the students’ inputs and interests. Along with the adoption of these programs, students have also seen an increase of course options to go along with Creative Writing. Dr. Fee noted the recent additions of the Literary Editing Practicum during Jayterm and the new Creative Nonfiction class during traditional semesters as a way for students to explore their creativity and writing skills. Dr. Fee also said that the English Department faculty “are always looking to expand our offerings in response to student interest.”
Courtesy University of Ottowa
Since the announcement of the new program offerings on Nov. 8, the English Department has already seen strong interest. When asked about the trajectory of these programs, Dr. Fee said: “We are expecting these programs to be very popular. We announced the programs just a few days ago and have already had several inquiries from excited students.” Students interested in adopting a Creative Writing minor or major concentration can begin the process during the upcoming Spring 2022 semester.
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19 november 2021
Olin Art Gallery Hosts Melissa Haviland Alyssa Beckett Red & Black Contributor
The Olin Art Gallery brought in Melissa Haviland to talk about her work called “You Can’t Take It with You…” Her art uses domestic object and printmaking to tell us a story through her art. Her prints are made the same way you would make wallpaper, with a repeating design. The way Melissa Haviland displays this wallpaper is unique. I found the way she displayed these prints to be very inspiring. Her use of the Olin art Gallery was unique and visually intriguing. The way she had the rules of paper moving throughout the space made this feeling of being underwater with all this items. For many of her pieces you could view them from all sides. You could walk all around. One of these pieces hung from the ceiling, creating this feeling of waves. This piece had small paper boats and teacups to go along with the design on the paper. All of which give us this deeper feeling of being underwater. which is something she brought up to us during her talk. Her use of domestic object is shown throughout all her pieces. Her use of teacups is also used a lot in her pieces as well. The use of domestic object such as plates and silverware or items you would find on a kitchen table can be found in all the pieces. These objects can be seen on the paper creating a feeling of being at the bottom of the ocean. This gave me the
Melissa Haviland displays her art in Olin.
feeling of a flood where all your stuff would be underwater. Her art also has a very play full feel about it, like a Children’s book. Her art shows us a lot about storytelling and children’s book characters. In one of her prints, you
Courtesy Alyssa Beckett
can see a pigeon for the story “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems. In this piece you can see other iconic characters from other Children books. The more you look the more you see. You see these characters and her use of
domestic object throughout them all. All her pieces come together to show us this playful story of domestic object and children’s books all under water a sea of blue for us to explorer in the Olin Art Gallery.
19 november 2021
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we are hiring!
Position: Two Red & Black Staff Writers Responisbilities Include: • Contributing 1 investigative piece every 2 weeks • Creating article topics to give to contributors • Writing smaller articles to fill the paper Working at least 5 hours per week Becoming a staff writer will give you practice working as a journalist and generating content, give you the chance to tackle issues on campus, and create articles you could later incorporate in a portfolio!
For more Info, contact: dasas@washjeff.edu collierpk@washjeff.edu or redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu
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19 november 2021
we Want to hear from you!
A Call For Letters To the Editor! Are you passionate towards a subject that you would enjoy speaking freely about? Do you have an opinion about the College you would like to express to Student Body? Are you looking for a platform to raise awareness for an issue?
You might consider writing a letter to the editor! Details:
Authors of published Letters to the Editor recieve $8. This would make an excellent portfolio piece! We can help you brainstorm, proofread, and write your letter if needed!
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19 november 2021 Red & Black
I have been celebrating the Hindu holiday of Diwali (duh-val-eee) with my family for 19 years now. 19 years of asking for permission to extend neighborhood noise guidelines for firework celebrations. 19 years of seeing my Christain friends get a 1-week school break for Easter while I try to fit my schoolwork in between ceremonies for Diwali. And 19 years of thinking that Christmas was the default and Diwali was a lesser celebration of joy and rebirth. But this year felt different. And it was not just the onslaught of Diwali wishes in my social media feed. Or the inclusion of Diwali on officially published calendars. Or seeing mainstream Hollywood names like Mindy Kaling, Lilly Singh, Meena Harris, and Priyanka Chopra celebrate Diwali collectively in their own grand ways. It was all of it. While microaggressions have become a part of vernacular to describe the contributors of stress for minority communities, the sum of these mainstream inclusions of Diwali in so many little ways had an opposing effect for me: they were a powerful microaffirmation, a gradual chipping away of the default and “otherism” that was subconsciously ingrained into me for 19 years. In some ways, it felt even more than that though. When I get stressed for exams, I hold it in my stomach, my ab muscles are tight, my shoulders hunch, and my breaths are held. It’s an attempt to feign “okayness” when everything really isn’t. It’s a conflict and balance of healthy amount of stress to motivate but not an all-consuming anxiety. I’d express my feelings as a minority in a similar way, a clutching of metaphorical muscles when I say “I love the show Friends” because I know I didn’t appreciate the way they mocked transgender individuals and Indian accents. Or a metaphorical asterisk to every time I say I appreciate “Slumdog Millionaire” because while Indian actor Dev Patel becoming a
household name was amazing, the view of India it painted did not have the nuance and accuracy I’d seen with my own eyes. Over the last couple years, the phenomenon of “washing” - whether it be “pink washing” for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month or “rainbow washing” for June’s Pride Month has been on the rise. And it’s a fundamental reason that I am so careful when I talk about the importance of representation. While meaningful representation is an important lubricant for the grip so many minority communities have on “otherism” and alienation, simply keeping the systems of power that we currently have and placing people of color in power to change them is not the goal. The reason that diversity is so sought after by people like me is not only for the personal joy of inclusion, but for the tangible results those diverse individuals can create – including changes in racist policies, racist stereotypes in media, health disparities and structures, and changes in structures that promote inequities. And identity politics are an excellent example of this. Marijuana legalization fundamentally affects Black communities (they are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession despite similar rates of use in Black and White communities according to the ACLU). The wealth structures in America at which Wall Street and bureaucrats like Steve Munuchin and sit at the top of have been created to disadvantage Black individuals. Steve Munuchin was responsible for many Black individuals losing their wealth according to political commentator and host of Breaking Points News Krystal Ball. And yet Kamala Harris has actively used her title as the first woman of color vice –president to be a bargaining chip with minority communities while failing to support minority-
supporting actions like the legalization of marijuana and prosecution of Steve Mnuchin and Wall Street executives for as California Attorney General and U.S. Senator. Even Biden’s cabinet appointments, which made headlines for the historic amount of gender and racial minorities who were included, were mainly individuals with essentially the exact views as predecessors but simply a gender or racial identity. I’m a firm believer in the phrase actions speak louder than words. And in most cases, I absolutely believe that actions speak louder than representation. Because representation done right is amazingly affirming, revolutionary, and inspiring. But it’s easy to forget why. It’s not just the visibility of marginalized individuals, but their ability to question norms and power structures that disadvantage minority communities and challenge the feelings of otherism that make minorities inspired and affirmed. And representation that drives revolutionary action speaks so much louder than sole representation without questioning or change. Akansha Das Red & Black Managing editor
Campus 6
Letter to the Editor
9 Current Events
Red & Black
19 November 2021
Current Events
Supply Chain Shortage Amended by Reverse-Engineering Lauren Phillips Red & Black Staff Writer
In Cape Town, South Africa, scientists are beginning the process of accumulating equipment and resources in an effort to reverseengineer coronavirus vaccines. This effort comes at a crucial moment, where many of the world’s poorest countries are seeing limited access to coronavirus vaccines. According to an analysis by the People’s Vaccine Alliance, only 0.7% of vaccines have been appropriately distributed to the world’s lowestincome countries. Due to this, many individuals across the globe are calling to question the effectiveness of the vaccine availability. This backing includes surprising support from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.N. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, which currently stands as two of the most commonly used vaccines in combating coronavirus, has had the most effective impact in diminishing the pandemic. However, former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Tom Frieden has made numerous comments in response to the controversy. He feels that the world is “being held hostage” by the unequal
distribution of the vaccines. The process of reverse-engineering is not new in the medical industry. The tedious nature of this involves utilizing public information about the vaccines to create a similar or identical product. Moderna has made a statement that they would not pursue any legal repercussions pertaining to vaccine rights, creating a conversation around the ethics of commercial production. mRNA technology, which is currently used in both previously mentioned vaccines, shows promising results in confronting symptoms associated with coronavirus. It targets the spike proteins seen in the coronavirus itself to access its genetic code, thus leading to a better immune response. While this is noteworthy for scientists involved in the new vaccine’s creation, the information available to the public still provides very little foundation to work with. Unfortunately, the highly contagious coronavirus is spreading at an increasingly fast rate. Due to this, the recreated vaccine may not be reaching patients fast enough to aid in the halting of the pandemic. Despite this, scientists surrounding the process are still working to complete their product, and lowincome countries seem to be done waiting for companies such as Moderna to come forward in helping with this pressing matter.
Courtesy Exotica
An image advertises travel to Cape Town, where reverse-engneering has begun.
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Prop Safety Must Become A Priority Lauren Phillips Red & Black Staff Writer
Last week, a vigil was held to mourn the loss of Ukrainian cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In late Oct, Hutchins was involved in the production team working on the film Rust. She served as the director of photography for the
movie, which was shooting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her, along with many of the cast and crew involved with the movie, were in contact with prop guns on the set. In an unfortunate and tragic accident, Hutchins was shot by actor Alec Baldwin on Oct. 21. Additionally, the director of the film, Joel Souza, was standing behind Hutchins and wounded following the gun fire. Since her death, Baldwin himself, as well as family and friends, have come together in support of her legacy, as well in remembrance of her character and dedication. Baldwin has also publically announced his sadness regarding
the incident, noting that he plans to cooperate with police as best as he can during the investigation. Due to the backlash surrounding the incident, many have come to question the safety that takes place on film sets. A situation of this nature took place in 1993 on the set of The Crow, where actor Brandon Lee was shot by a prop gun, resulting in his death. Because similar accidents have occurred in the past, this cycle serves as a main argumentative point for those pushing for increased safety on these sets. The gun itself used in the production of Rust contained a blank, or essentially a cartridge that simulates
the appearance and sound of a real gun, but does not fire a projectile. Individuals connected to Hutchins’ life attended the vigil, which also included appearances from actors Jon Hamm and John Slattery. At this event, many showed support for the accomplished cinematographer, referring to Hutchins as “collaborative” and “dynamic,” according to Albuquerque film worker Sandi Kay. Film worker Cheryl Lowe added that she is in support of banning real fun’s from sets. Hutchins’ career will certainly be remembered with grace, and her tragic passing may just have a rippling impact that will spark a reform for safety on film sets.
Courtesy Sky News
Halyna Hutchins works on a film set.
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19 november 2021 Red & Black
Politicians Take On Dangerous Social Media Platforms Lauren Phillips Red & Black Staff Writer
Technology, and social media more specifically, have long served as a polarizing means of entertainment and connection for the world. Though while many enjoy the way such platforms tailor the content to each individual, technology also seems to be getting more negative attention year
after year. Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook (more recently renamed “Meta”) have been put in the spotlight by lawmakers who intend to limit the abilities of said companies. Several bills recently proposed consider accomplishing this by restricting the data said platforms can collectincluding a digital “eraser button.” With one tap, parents would be able to delete all personal information collected from their children and teens, a groundbreaking proposal being met with swift support from many. Additionally, similar bills propose to restrict data collected from teenagers overall, limit specific social media features for kids under 16, and create a new “digital bill of rights” for minors. Another important
FaceBook rebrands to Meta following controversies.
component involves the protection of data collected by algorithms. Following a testimony from former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen, The Justice Against Malicious Algorithms Act was implemented to combat the “extreme” content presented by social media. Haugen claimed that there was intentional harm being done in an effort to increase engagement, which is just one way these companies utilize algorithms to personalize ads and feeds for users. The coinciding nature of social media and mental health is also being analyzed by lawmakers and officials. According to Senators Edward Markey and Richard Blumenthal, the prevalence of self-harm and selfhatred has being jarring. They have
seen an increase in opioid-related deaths (often obtained online), as well as worsening mental health attributed to social media, unfortunately leading some to suicide. Some say that the bullying that can come along with social media use is only magnified by the malicious practices companies use to reach these users, resulting in uproar amongst parents concerned for their children. Although the future of big tech remains unclear, the bills currently underway point to an escalating need to reevaluate the ethics of social media. And while personal data remains at the core of technology platforms’ revenue, an “eraser button” may just be a key in undoing harm and ending some of the controversy.
Courtesy Business Today
Upcoming Event!
Ave Maria School of Law Information Table Time & Place:
Monday, Nov. 22 11:00 am - 12:45 pm GnTs
Description: Nicolette Sellitti, Esq., Associate Director of Admissions and Student Engagement, at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida, will be on-campus to present information regarding their law program. If you are interested in continuing your education in the field of law, stop by and talk to Nicolette.
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19 november 2021
Red & Black
diversity Transgender Awareness Week Honors Activists Stevie Gray Red & Black Contributor
Annually, Transgender Awareness Week is observed in the days leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day that serves as a memorial for the victims of transphobic acts of violence. This year, TAW is scheduled to run from Sunday, Nov. 14, to Saturday, Nov. 20, and following previous years’ tradition, encourages celebration of the transgender experience and the promotion of awareness and education. It has proven to be a vital opportunity to educate people of all walks of life, and as Rowan Angstadt ‘24 describes, it can “mean spreading information and trying to dispel common myths about trans people… A lot of people have an awareness, but not accurate views.” Trans Awareness Week often calls attention to fundamental figures in its history and that of the community, including several individuals prominent in the Stonewall Riots in June and July of 1969 in response to police violence. This includes Sylvia Rivera, an advocate for equal rights and against the exclusion of transgender people from the broader movement for equal rights, especially trans people of color. After running away from home at
age 11, Rivera became involved with several movements, including the Black Liberation movement and the peace movement, and met Marsha P. Johnson (self-identified drag queen and activist) in 1963, who she claims was “like a mother” to her. At 17 years old, Rivera denied to go home or to sleep during the Stonewall Riots – instead opting to stay and actively participate, and to actively fight against the injustices committed. Marsha P. Johnson, originally going by BLACK Marsha, was an activist, self-proclaimed drag queen, survivor, and performer. She was frequently involved in activism, including the Gay Liberation Front, a sit-in protest at Weinstein Hall at New York University, and perhaps most notably the Stonewall Riots in 1969. While not present immediately upon the launch of the riots, Johnson arrived soon after and, alongside Zazu Nova and Jackie Hormona, has been referred to as being one of the “three individuals known to have been in the vanguard” in Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution, a book authored by David Carter that describes the experiences of several Stonewall veterans. Johnson’s involvement in the riots themselves and demonstrated leadership during and after the event have earned her a significant place in the history of the LGBTQ+ community. When asked
Marsha P. Johnson poses in a picture.
about her gender, Johnson would reply, “Pay it no mind” – which is, notably, what the “P” in her name stands for. Johnson later went on to cofound Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Sylvia Rivera. Representation continues to prove crucial over the course of time, especially in a variety of fields. For Gianna Nazzaro ‘24,
Courtesy Art Sphere. Inc.
YouTube “was definitely the first educational platform [they] found,” and has been essential in becoming connected to the trans community and learning. They cite figures ranging from revolutionary Marsha P. Johnson to YouTuber Jammidodger (Jamie) as being vital to learning, and trans people throughout history shape the ways this culture may be conveyed.
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Santina Bohander ‘22 Prepares for PA School Ana Giampa Red & Black Contributor
Santina Bohlander ‘22 has dreamed of working in a STEM field since she was a child. She dreamed first of being a veterinarian but became increasingly interested in the science behind medicine and helping people every day. This interest was sparked after becoming highly involved in the care of her grandfather; she was routinely involved in attending doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and nursing home operations. Bohlander cites her grandfather’s illness as the inspiration for her current career path: “I learned a lot about the medical system by being present, observing, and questioning the procedures going on around me. If I did not expose myself to this environment, I honestly believe that I would still be on the pathway to becoming a veterinarian instead of a physician assistant.” Before coming to W&J, Bohlander took many opportunities to explore the field of medicine. During high school, she took every science class she could and even had a chance to visit the cadaver lab at Carlow University as part of her honors anatomy class. Bohlander also had the opportunity to participate in the University of Pittsburgh Health Care Scholars Academy, a four-week program for high school students to explore different areas of medicine
through speaker presentations and shadowing opportunities with current medical professionals. This program allowed for Bohlander to shadow an Orthopedic Surgeon during a knee replacement surgery; this gave her an opportunity to enter an operating room and witness a routine surgical procedure through the lens of a medical professional. At W&J, Bohlander is majoring in Biology with the goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. Alongside her classes, she also works as a pharmacy technician to gain experience in health and patient care. While she hasn’t had the chance to explore any internship opportunities due to COVID-19, her job as a pharmacy technician has allowed her to focus on health and patient care; these areas are heavily focused on for admission to PA programs. Through her extensive experiences with STEM, both in high school and at W&J, Bohlander has found that her favorite thing about her field is the ever-evolving knowledge: “my favorite thing about being in STEM is being able to always learn something new, nothing is ever fixed, something is always evolving, and our understanding continues to develop”. Bohlander’s biggest inspiration and motivator is her family. While she is the first member of her family to go into a STEM field, they support her every step of the way: “They might not understand my coursework, but they are the best cheerleaders that I could ever have”. After graduation, Bohlander plans to attend a Physician’s Assistant graduate program. In the meantime, she will continue working as a Pharmacy Technician and a medical assistant to gain more experience with medical and patient care.
Courtesy Santina Bohlander and Ana Giampa
Santina poses in front of her sorority.
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Young Pros Need More Support Sofia Jenkins Red & Black Staff Writer
Henry Ruggs III is a 22-year old exraiders star after playing only 1 season in the NFL. He was drafted in 2020 as a wide receiver coming out of one of the top football colleges in the country: Alabama. The Raiders were excited for what this young kid had in store for them with his quickness and agility, but recently, on Nov. 2, 2021, everything was thrown into chaos. At approximately 3:40am on Nov. 2, Ruggs III was in his car with his longtime girlfriend Rudy Washington driving on a highway. Ruggs III was reportedly going 156mph on this highway and crashed head on into 23year old Tina Tintor, killing her and her dog who was in the car with her, instantly. Upon further examination, Ruggs III had a blood alcohol content
of 0.16, over 2 times the legal limit in Nevada, as well as the finding that Ruggs III was traveling with a loaded firearm while intoxicated. Immediately after this incident, the Raiders released Ruggs III. Ruggs III is now facing up to 40 years in prison on the charges of the multiple DUI counts. Unfortunately, incidents like these happen too often for rookies coming into the life of professional sports. Something needs to be done to help rookies in any sport go through the life changing process of transitioning from college life, to being a full blown celebrity. In every major sport, these basically kids go from living in a 20x20 dorm room to in a year living in a mansion making sometimes more than a million dollars every year. When it comes to as big as a transition as that, these kids need extra support. The NFL has a program they call the “NFL Rookie Transition Program,” in which they have a team of trained professionals teaching these NFL rookies some necessary topics they should know before becoming a full NFL star. Some of these topics include social responsibility for players, which covers league policies and the ramifications of issues like driving under the influence or committing acts of domestic violence or sexual
Henry Ruggs plays football while at Alabama.
Courtesy Sportsnaut
assault; player resources, including the NFL Players Association; as well as Player expectations, including the importance of sportsmanship, respect in the workplace, media responsibilities and how to work with their club’s public relations staff. But clearly, this program is not enough for these rookies. The NFL and especially the NFLPA has to realize how much of a change this can be for some of these kids. Providing the resources and tools to show them
how to manage their money, to show them how act responsibly in public are some of the most important things these rookies need while making that transition. Overall, the NFL, and other professional sports associations in general, need to put a bigger emphasis on helping their rookies make the transition from college to the professional stage because their lack of training and supervision, is causing other innocent people to be hurt and even killed.
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W&J Wants to Support Athlete’s Mental Health Akansha Das Red & Black Managing Editor
Destigmatizing mental health care has grown into an important national conversation, as has intersectional gender equity in sport. The decisions made by Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka this summer spurred national conversation about the importance of mental health in professional athletes, which begs the question: do women athletes at W&J face similar pressures on their mental health? Kimber Randolph ’22, a Psychology & Spanish major and member of the swim and water polo team at W&J discussed the challenges of juggling schoolwork and sports, which can take a toll on mental health in the form of stress and anxiety. For Randolph, the pressure to excel in everything she does leaves her with either not enough time to do everything, or having to compromise on quality to get everything done. “I can never fully dedicate myself to one thing and it takes a toll on my mental health,” Randolph said. Another athlete at W&J, who preferred to remain anonymous,
Women swimmers compete for W&J.
recently made the difficult decision to step back from swimming. “It was a hard decision to make, but at the end of the day I have to make a decision that benefits me and my mental health,” she said. Randolph, too, toyed with the idea of retiring from sport. Yet, she always found herself returning in part because it was a “great way to make new friends, stay in shape, destress, and gain leadership skills.” Randolph said that, while mental and physical health should always take priority in sports, they tend to “fall through the cracks.” Scott McGuinness, W&J’s athletic director, said that it is his goal that athletics provide more play than stress. “They [W&J athletes] spend so much time working towards their goals and getting good grades,” McGuinness
Courtesy W&J SID
said. “I hope athletics are a way for them to take a breath and enjoy themselves...we don’t ever believe that athletics should be an extra stressor in their life.” When asked what resources are available at W&J, McGuinness cited the implementation of a new liaison program with Student Health and Counseling. Through the program, each team is introduced to a contact at Student Health & Counseling to reduce the widespread stigma associated with seeking help for mental health. McGuinness thinks “there’s much more acceptance” for those who seek mental health care nowadays, but still hopes this program will provide a bridge to care if needed or wanted. McGuinness also mentioned one of the topics in monthly meetings with head coaches at W&J is discussing
how to help students who seem to be struggling with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It seems as though past mental health stigmas in sports and time management struggles affect the mental health of W&J female athletes. “My only piece of advice is to #1 talk and communicate what they’re going through and #2 don’t be afraid to take a step back for a few weeks, a few months, or even an entire year if necessary, in order to get their mental health right,” said McGuinness..
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Cintas On-Campus Interviews Date & Time: Friday, November 19 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Center for Professional and Career Pathways
Description: Dyann Kodik, Human Resource Manager, from Cintas, will be conducting in-person interviews for the Management Trainee position. Stop by G&T’s and talk to Dyann and her colleague, fellow Human Resource Manager, Kaitlyn Stanley, to learn more about the MT position, on Thursday, November 11, from 11am-2pm, in the G&T’s area of Rossin. Resume deadline is November 12 at 5pm.If interested in being considered for an interview, apply through Handshake. https://washjeff.joinhandshake.com/jobs/5086496
Management Trainee Job Description: Cintas is offering a Management Trainee program to college graduates designed to prepare you for your professional life. We have the same goals. You want an exceptional job, and we want a dedicated employee-partner to join our team and lead our company. Cintas is currently seeking a Management Trainee to participate in an extensive, well-structured training program designed to provide a strong knowledge of all aspects of our business. The Management Trainee program combines a series of rotations in various departments and classroom seminars, with the purpose of preparing the individual for a leadership role in the area that maximizes their strengths and career advancement potential. Upon completion of the program, the Management Trainee will be eligible to apply for a position in one of several areas, including but not limited to: Outside Sales, Production/ Warehouse Management, Office Management or Service Management. Driving a van/truck or personal car is required in two of the rotations. Our Management Trainee program is available nationwide.