March 22 2019

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 M a rc h 2 2 , 2 0 1 9

WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER...

LIFE “The idea that young people need “experience to gain more experience” can be a confusing and difficult task- and finding a place to start is equally as daunting.” -P.5

Cold Residence Halls at W&J Make it Hard to Focus PAGE 16

CULTURE

“The government branded her work “degenerate,” and she moved to a house outside of Berlin, as she said, to “sink into oblivion.”-P.9

OPINIONS “The shooter’s anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant ideals were publicly posted online in the form of a manifesto endorsing white supremacy and violence against those who do not fit the mold he created.” -P.11

SPORTS

“There are many mental benefits to yoga as well; it is known to be a huge stress-reliever through meditation and breathing techniques.” -P.18

WJREDANDBLACK.COM

Courtesy Sydney Kightlinger

2 CAMPUS NEWS

Red & Black

22 march 2019

Alumnus Thomas Burg ’18 Attends Columbia Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff

Thomas Burg, or better known to his peers as Tucker, finished his time at Washington & Jefferson College in May 2018.

During Burg’s time at W&J, he was a member of the men’s baseball team for three years.

Burg was also able to experience a Magellan trip to Germany to study the engineering behind some of the buildings and cathedrals.

He wishes he was able to complete another Magellan during his time at W&J and suggests that current underclassmen take advantage of the opportunities Magellan trips have to offer.

He is one of the students who has successfully completed the first half of the 3-2 program W&J has with Columbia University for future engineering students.

This program has students on track to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in their major at W&J as well as a B.S. in Engineering, all of which will be completed in five years.

For Burg, after he completes the next year of school, he will walk away with a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Engineering.

This gives him a large advantage over many of his peers at the undergraduate level. However, Burg is not just completing his two years at Columbia quietly. He is demonstrating his terrific education through the personal talents he contributes to his proj-

ects. Two of the projects he is currently working on deal with battery knowledge. “The one project I am working on is to develop battery materials that are inexpensive enough to be used in a grid system,” said Burg. “[This includes] solar energy to be stored at large battery complexes so we wouldn’t have to rely on coal or nuclear power plants.”

This project has allowed him to collaborate with his fellow students and professors while working on projects that could one day be utilized by the masses.

His second project is working on an algorithm that helps better predict how much battery life is left.

This will be used especially with electric cars. “When your phone says ten percent and then dies at five percent, it is annoying, but when your car says [there are] 40 miles left in the battery but dies at 20, it is a big issue.

This is what we are working to fix,” said Burg.

Along with spending his extra time working on these issues, Burg maintained his grades, making the Dean’s List his first semester.

This summer, Burg will be working for a nation-leading design firm at Jacobs Engineering. He hopes to continue his research in batteries and contribute to the field. When asked what he missed about W&J the most, Burg stated that he missed the small school atmosphere.

He really appreciates the close relationships he was able to form with his professors, coaches and teammates, and he truly misses those bonds.

Burg is doing very well and W&J wishes him continued success into his next year at Columbia University.

Courtesy Nicole Walters

Burg ‘18 is in his first year in Columbia University’s engineering program.

22 march 2019

Red & Black

3 CAMPUS NEWS

Sophomore Student Spotlight: Julia Schaffer Kathyrn Dowling-Campbell Red & Black Contributor

Julia Schaffer ’21 is one of the recipients of this year’s Merck Linton Off-Campus Research Internship Funding.

Schaffer is currently a neuroscience and Spanish double major at Washington & Jefferson College.

She plans to further her career by attending medical school after graduating from W&J. This summer she will be interning in the lab of Dr. Catherine Davis-Takacs, a W&J alumni, at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. Dr. Davis-Takacs is known for her research on substance-related disorders, learning, memory and radiation.

Particularly, she studies astronauts who have been exposed to cosmic radiation during their missions.

Experiments with rats using protons and high charge energy nuclei show that there are risks to the central nervous system with chronic exposure to radiation, such as galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles.

During her ten-week internship, Schaffer will be researching the effects of space radiation on body tissue and the central nervous system (CNS).

Since the CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, she will be studying the changes in cognitive and motor function and how this damage could later result in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, premature aging and dementia. “I am most excited to gain experience on a topic that interests me and allows me to apply

my neuroscience background,” said Schaffer.

She is looking forward to taking the information she has been taught in her classes at W&J and researching its applications outside of the classroom.

Schaffer never imagined combining neuroscience with cosmic radiation from space, but she thinks the internship experience will be fun and rewarding.

In addition, she is thankful for the opportunity to pursue one of her passions and is looking forward to seeing what this summer has to offer. “I hope

“I am most excited to gain experience on a topic that interests me and allows me to apply my neuroscience background.”

-Julia Schaffer ‘21 to gain a better understanding of the field of research and hopefully apply that to my future career path,” said Schaffer.

Schaffer wants to thank her wonderful professors and advisors at W&J for helping her pursue Merck funding, which gave her the opportunity to gain experience in her field of study.

She believes without all of their time and attention, this opportunity would not have been possible, and she is excited to complete her internship at Johns Hopkins this summer.

Courtesy Julia Schaffer

Julia Schaffer ‘21 majors in neuroscience and Spanish at W&J.

CAMPUS NEWS 4

22 march 2019

Red & Black

Speak Out:

What are seniors most excited about after graduation?

“I’m most excited to move to a new city with my best friends!”

-Marissa Weis ’19

Courtesy Marissa Weis

“I’m excited to be able to move somewhere new and start a career in a different place.”

-Brendan Podgorski ‘19 Courtesy Brendan Podgorski

“Living in my own apartment and being able to cook my own meals.”

-Nicole Walters ’19 Courtesy Nicole Walters

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life

22 March 2019

5 Life

Red & Black

How to Gain Experience Before Applying for Jobs Leah Segal Red & Black Staff

The age-old problem of gaining the necessary experience in order to enter the workforce is one that haunts every millennial.

The idea that young people need “experience to gain more experience� can be a confusing and difficult task.

Finding a place to start is equally as daunting.

Luckily there are some tried and true ways of solving this problem, enabling anyone to market their skills and acquire experience.

First on the list is finding a brand for oneself.

In order to get a job and succeed in life, it is vitally important that people know who they are and what they are seeking.

Having a concrete identity helps to convey a sense of confidence and direction.

If people understand who they are and decide what career areas interest them, the ability to gain experience in those fields will be much easier.

The second way to gain experience is through job fairs.

These fairs are offered in a variety of locations and typically offer low cost or free admission to students.

Job fairs are the perfect place to connect with potential employers and communicate with individuals who are looking to give students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain employment experience.

For those looking to enter the workforce, job fairs also offer a great way to enter the corporate ladder and start on the path to success.

Young people should also do what they love. A great way for people to gather necessary experience when applying for a job is to figure out what they love doing.

Any hobby or extracurricular activity, whether it is playing in a band, volunteering or simply baking, contributes to real life skills that will be beneficial in the workplace.

While it may seem that such activities are unrelated, the experience people gain from working with others, exploring their creativity and having personal goals and interests carries over into the career realm.

Networking with the right people is crucial. The greatest way to gain experience for the working world deals

Courtesy WHW

Companies want applicants to have experience before hiring them.

with relationships. Networking with individuals who offer profitable connections is a fantastic way to get a foot in the door and gain the necessary experience that will carry one towards success in future employment adventures. The struggle of gaining experience before applying to jobs is one felt

by young individuals across the country, as it is the last hurdle in the pursuit of employment.

However, with a positive mindset and the right amount of determination, gaining experience and climbing the corporate ladder is only an interview away.

6 LIFE

Red & Black

22 March 2019

Tips for Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor

Stepping out of the comfort zone is a scary decision. However, the results may be worth the risk; fear may be causing someone to hold back on pursuing their goals and dreams.

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to achieve those goals can be highly rewarding, so it is just a matter of getting there.

The question is: how does one step out and take risks?

Everyone’s comfort zone is different, and people have varying levels of what they feel capable of pursuing.

Some people can speak publicly while others panic at the thought of it.

No matter one’s nature, it is important to challenge oneself to things that may seem scary.

An example of stepping out of one’s comfort zone may be traveling somewhere internationally, trying a new style of food or even changing a haircut or wardrobe style.

Each of these could contribute to character growth and a new perspective. These challenges can bring forth opportunities that would not be possible otherwise.

People must give some thought to their decisions, especially if it impacts a big part of their life, such as a future goal.

Bravery aside, they must first determine if doing something like this is worth it. Whether it is trying something new or doing something that makes them uncomfortable, it is a hard task to determine. This may be where people often get stuck. The best

way to evaluate the situation is by asking questions and then thinking deeply about their answers.It is important to ask why one wants to do something out of their comfort zone. If their answer is that it would be good for them or it will help them grow, then it is likely something that they really want.

The next question is whether or not something is scary. If the answer is yes, then one must consider why it is scary.

Perhaps it is scary because they have not done it yet, they may not be good at it, or they do not know if they will like it or if they will fit in. If they are asking these questions, then the odds are that the risk is worth the reward.

Although convincing themselves to do so may take some time, the objective is to focus on what they want and to work towards positive outcomes.

Stepping out and being one’s own person is scary, but being independent has its own rewards.

The final question is, “Is it going to be worth it?”

Do not get caught up on this question, as people will always miss the chances they do not take.

It is better knowing that they did something and gained experience from it than living with regret for missing their chance.

It is important to apply these to one’s everyday life. One does not need to go out of their comfort zone daily.

However, it is good to think of stepping out into the scary unknown because it could very well pay off.

A skill like this can help anyone apply for future jobs, meet their spouse, get into graduate school and evenmore. Fear is temporary, but a single choice can change someone’s entire life for the better.

Courtesy Pexels

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone could reveal new opportunities.

22 march 2019

culture Red & Black

7 Culture

Album Review: Hozier’s ‘Wasteland, Baby!’

Sammy Massimino Red & Black Staff

On March 1, Hozier released his second studio album titled “Wasteland, Baby!.” The artist has shown immense growth since his debut album, “Hozier,” in 2014.

The new album explores the collapse of society from Hozier’s own understanding of today’s cultural, political and environmental climates.

In an interview with Billboard, Hozier described the album as “14 different viewpoints all sitting in the same wasteland or sitting around the same awful bonfire” and as “love songs for the end of the world.”

From the first upbeat, forceful track, “Nina Cried Power,” to the soft-spoken, gentle rhythm of the last track, “Wasteland, Baby,” the album covers everything else in between with the Irish rock-folk-blues sound that has become Hozier’s staple.

I turned to two students, Halie Hess and Christina Kosch, to gauge their reactions to the album.

I first asked if they preferred “Wasteland, Baby!” to “Hozier.” Opinions differed between the two students. “I think this album is great and somehow managed to be new, but also

had the same characteristics that we all loved from the first album,” said Kosch. “The first album is a classic and it is going to take a little while for the second to reach that level, but it has potential, for sure.”

Hess, however, likes the new album more from the outset. “I like it more, but it is close. I think this one wins out because it’s new.”

Overall, both seem to believe that it is a close call on which album is better.

Next, I asked which tracks on “Wasteland, Baby!” were the two students’ favorites. “My favorite songs are: ‘Be,’ ‘Wasteland, Baby!’ and ‘Movement,” said Kosch. “They all hold the old characteristics of the first album while making new—we all should have expected Hozier to pull that off.

I like these three songs especially because they are both attention-seeking and relaxed. They can be background noise or séance material.”

Hess chose three different songs.

“Hard to pick but, ‘Almost,’ ‘Would That I’ and ‘Nobody’ [are my favorites]” said Hess. “I don’t know if there’s a specific reason for these three, but I like his lyrics and sound on these the most; everything just works so well.”

Finally, I asked if the album was worth the wait.

Both agreed that it absolutely was.

“Hell yeah, it was worth the wait,” said Kosch enthusiastically. “Hozier is similar to Frank Ocean in which the

fanbase is solid and dedicated. We all waited for this album and were blown away.”

Hess responded with a similar sentiment. “Of course it was worth the wait.

I literally have been waiting forever for

this and he did not disappoint.” If you are a fan of Hozier’s self-titled album, interested in politically and culturally aware music or just enjoy a folk-rock sound, “Wasteland, Baby!” will not disappoint.

Courtesy Wikipedia

“Wasteland, Baby!” is the second studio album by Hozier.

8 Culture

Red & Black

22 march 2019

Video Game Review: ‘Breath of the Wild’ Ricky Delprato Red & Black Staff

Once in a while, the Nintendo franchise releases a new installment of a classic game series into the world and the fans go wild.

“Breath of The Wild,” the nineteenth main installment of The Legend of Zelda series, is no exception.

Utilizing the new and improved graphics of the Nintendo Switch, “Breath of The Wild” looks stunning in handheld mode and even better

when in dock mode connected to a high definition television. It is easy to become immersed in the world of Zelda as every tree and blade of grass has a certain lifelike quality to them.

Even the creatures in the game, although utterly ridiculous, have lifelike appearances and attitudes.

From the beginning of the game, whether players have had any experience or not, the backstory is transparent to the audience: Link has forgotten his past and wakes up in an unfamiliar world.

As he travels through Hyrule, he slowly gains his memory from areas that he once traveled.

Link gains power from four legendary fighters that he knew and acquires

the power to control divine beasts needed to fight the main antagonist of the story, Gannon. Overall, the gameplay is relatively easy.

The programmed controls are very convenient for fighting beasts and boss battles.

However, some state that the game is easier to play when the console is in hand-held mode as its proximity helps with coordination. “When players have the single controllers detached from the console, it is harder to judge timing,” said Kelsey Julien ‘21.

This is a sentiment widely agreed upon among gamers. This game is considered to be rather difficult in terms of Nintendo games. The bosses are challenging, especially for novic-

es, as players must spend enough time preparing for the battle. This is done by gathering spirit orbs to exchange for higher health and stamina.

Additionally, this time-gathering is a great way to find powerful weapons, as weapons break in this game after a specific amount of use. “It is extremely irritating to get used to a weapon and have to find it again after it breaks,” said Jasmine Campuzano ‘20.

Most people agree that finding great weapons over and over again can get repetitive and exhausting.

Overall, “Breath of The Wild” is a great addition to the Nintendo and Zelda franchise with its in-depth and complex storylines, both in main and side quests.

Courtesy gamerant

“Breath of the Wild” received critical acclaim upon release. According to Metacritic, it is the highest rated game of 2017.

22 March 2019

Red & Black

Culture 9

HOLLY’S HOT TAKE:

artist of the week

The Dada Photomontages of Hannah Höch Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor

In the early twentieth century, Dada artists created strange and irrational art pieces in reaction to the horror and butchery of World War I. Many of these artists created photomontages by combining images from popular media. The results were images that show individual statements while also examining the power of visual culture.

In Germany, most Dada artists were men. However, Hannah Höch was one of the few women recognized by the movement. Her photomontages were the antithesis of her male contemporaries’ pieces that were filled with masculine perspectives. Höch’s images offer unique ideas about German culture during a tumultuous interwar era.

Most of her pieces were created in a queer, feminist perspective. It was after World War I that Höch was introduced to the Dada movement.

Even though Höch possessed significant skill, she was not immediately taken seriously at the First International Dada Fair in Berlin in 1920. She was not taken seriously because of her gender, and painter Hans Richter even designated her as a “good girl.” This problem continued for Höch. In 1951

American artist Robert Motherwell failed to include her in his book “Dada Painters and Poets.” After the war, Germany was inundated with propaganda in the form of posters, pamphlets and advertisements. Art critic Kristin Makholm wrote about the power Dada artists had, saying, “Photomontage could call into question the very ways that society viewed itself.”

One of Höch’s early works from 1919, “Cut with the Dada Kitchen Knife through the Last Weimer Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch in Germany,” features overlapping diverse images that appear chaotic.

This seems appropriate for an artist concerned with the nonsense she found in modern life. However, two distinct groups emerge from the image. A group of people and a group of machines emerge, and this shows the tension of modern life between humanity and mechanization.

There is also the frantic and chaotic energy of a world emerging from its deadliest conflict. Höch addressed the growing gender issues in Germany in her photomontage “The Beautiful Girl” from 1920.

In the piece, a woman has a lightbulb for a head. BMW logos multiply behind her, and a car tire and a lever trap her in. Corporations and other technologies are taking over the individual’s humanity. Höch maintained a bob haircut and an androgynous look.

She changed representations of the

New Woman, and according to scholar Maud Lavin, “Höch’s androgynous images depict a pleasure in the movement between gender positions and a deliberate deconstruction of rigid masculine and feminine identities.”

Höch sometimes spliced images onto women’s bodies to explore gender norms. For example, she united a pair of breasts and a tusked mask, or merged high-heeled legs with a stone torso and a masculine face. Her career suffered when the Nazis rose to power because she refused to leave Germany. The government branded her

work “degenerate,” and she moved to a house outside of Berlin, as she said, to “sink into oblivion.” After the War ended she began to exhibit again, and she would continue to show her work internationally for the rest of her life.

Höch’s photomontages have a significant place in the modern art canon.

They gave Höch a freedom to portray important societal issues in her art.

In a society that tried to hold her back and define her, Höch showed that what she had to say mattered, and her art is just as brilliant in the contemporary moment.

Courtesy Wikimedia

Hannah Höch created photomontages about modern life in Germany.

Opinions 10

22 MArch 2019

Red & Black

opinions

‘Fake News’ Is Often Not Fake; Do the Research Amands Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff

certain sources, particularly CNN, for having a “liberal bias” and targeting his presidency through their “one-sided” reporting.

Certainly, it is vital that news stations report news exactly as it happens, but given the varying sides to every

In our current political climate with the label of “fake news” used at whim, it is hard to know which news media outlets to trust and where to turn to for real, honest facts.

Gabrielle Feldman ’21, echoed this concern. “While it is okay to have outlets that may swing to either side, it is much more important to have a central news station that tries [its] best to report the most unbiased views, or at least have the news clearly state their own biases to the public,” said Feldman. “That way, people can make up their own opinions without having someone feed them their opinions.”

Even our president frequently calls out

heyGunnedMeDown” illuminates the corrupt issue of photos used by different media outlets for victims of police attacks. For example, in the aftermath of the murder of Michael Brown, many media outlets utilized a picture of him throwing gang signs while wearing a

As a consumer, it is important that we take the initiative to read from multiple sources and find the facts to formulate our own opinion. story, news can be told different ways.

Thus, the discrepancies between supposed liberal and conservative media outlets are often due to not what they choose to report, but how they choose to report it.

I personally find this to be most clear in cases of police brutality. A quick skim through the hashtag “#IfT-

sleeveless jersey, while a small minority publicized a photo of him in an arcade, wearing a varsity style jacket and a smile. While this may seem unintentional to some, it has a strong effect, often resulting in a victim being portrayed as a criminal. This being said, I find that a “liberal bias” is not the main issue concerning our media, as Presi-

E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods.

Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the

College or its students, faculty, or administration.

The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency.

The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.

Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number.

Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.

dent Trump often says, but rather a larger issue of implicit bias found in all media outlets, both left and right, that not only affects the way news is told, but also public opinion.

As a consumer, it is important that we take the initiative to read from multiple sources and find the facts to formulate our own opinions.

Dylan Bertovich ’21 emphasized the importance of digging out the facts. “It is important to go to the primary literature when trying to make an informed decision about anything that is happening,” said Bertovich.

“The media outlets from Fox to CNN to CBS to NBC are all biased in different ways. The bills and speeches and statistics are all online with free access, so take the time and access them.”

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with watching and reading the news sources available, as long as we act as responsible consumers, conscious of the bias being fed to us.

C ontac t Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:

(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301

22 march 2019

Red & Black

11 Opinions

Rampant White Supremacy Causes Mosque Shootings Jude Taha Red & Black Contributor

On March 15, a white supremacist packed his car with assault rifles decorated with xenophobic sentiments, put on his camera, played Serbian music and drove to a mosque.

The first words to greet him were from a 71-year-old refugee at the door.

“Welcome brother,” said the refugee, to which the white supremacist responded by shooting the old man in the head a few seconds later.

The tragedy does not stop there.

The world today grieves the lives of 51 Muslims lost in this terrorist attack; the world grieves over the loss of humanity that was live-streamed on Facebook for 17 straight minutes.

What was once a unthinkable to many has now sadly become a reality.

While the terrorist attack was distant in location it was close in impact.

The shooter’s anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant ideals were publicly posted online in the form of a manifesto endorsing white supremacy and violence against those who do not fit the mold he created.

These actions did not rise up from a vacuum; only a few months after the heartless synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, this attack has raised concerns globally and across this campus.

Considering the similar ideologies shared by both shooters, who both claimed to be motivated by current political leaders both domestic and international, the question has to be asked: why are these shootings happening?

According to an Australian senator Fraser Anning, Muslim immigrants are to be blamed for these attacks.

“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place,” said Anning.

While he has received backlash for his remarks, including an egg to the face, his ideas are not as unique as they seem.

Anti-immigration sentiments have been on the rise globally and are especially visible in the United States with Trump’s Muslim Ban and the #BuildTheWall campaign.

On campus, students are bridging the link between the current political climate and the dangers normalizing hate and xenophobia. “I was devastated, shocked and disgusted, but unfortunately not surprised. We’re living in a time when hate is so normalized. We should be ashamed to have a man in

the oval office that inspired the shooter enough to be put in his manifesto,” said Sammy Massimino ’21. “A silver lining through it all is the immediate action New Zealand’s government took against the firearms that make it easier to commit these crimes [and they sent support] to the mosques, but it’s still not enough. We shouldn’t be seeing headlines humanizing the person who did this either. White supremacy isn’t something to be tolerated, and it needs to stop.”

While the events in New Zealand hold significant political impact, these events have also caused a gaping fear for minorities.

From the streets of Turkey to our campus in Washington, minorities face a reality that is hard to ignore. “I was amazed to how people on social media turned everything extremely

political so fast,” said Alberto Cortez ’19. “It is time we recognize the horror that’s occurring against minorities throughout nations around the world.

I am tired of the ignorance.”

W&J aims to build an inclusive, safe and welcoming atmosphere, but with the rise of xenophobia, it becomes increasingly difficult for minorities to feel a sense of security on campus.

While it might be easy for others to move forward from such an event and jump quickly to political explanations, the people most impacted by these events need to feel welcomed and supported.

As of the early afternoon of March 20, no public statement has been made on behalf of the College or faculty and no explicit means of support have been extended to students who share the Muslim faith or other minorities.

Courtesy Snopes

Dozens of innocent people were murdered in the white supremacist terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand. The first of the two attacks occurred at the Al Noor Mosque (pictured above).

12 Opinions

Red & Black

22 March 2019

When and Where You Study Matters

Courtesy washjeff.edu

Finding a place where you are comfortable and able to focus is vital to having the optimal study enviroment.

Brianna McGowan Red & Black Staff

From different study strategies to different environments, everyone studies a little bit differently. Some people can successfully study in a noisy environment like the Ski Lodge, while others get aggravated by whispers in the library because they need complete silence to focus; everybody works differently.

Personally, I prefer to study in a slightly noisy area such as the Ski

Lodge or the Tech Center. When there are other people talking quietly I am able to concentrate on reviewing and recalling information.

If a room is too quiet, I feel awkward and think I am being disruptive every time I flip a page. However, when I am reading, I need complete silence, or else I will become distracted by side conversations from the people next to me.

In my opinion, the noise level in a room is the most important key to a productive study space.

After I find myself in the perfect, slightly noisy but not-too-loud room, the next thing I look for is a big table so that I can lay out all of my study materials. Some small desks only fit one

full page on them, and this prohibits me from fully opening my textbook, and this is not something I would want to study on.

Also, if I am sitting at a small desk that only fits one notebook, I find myself having to switch back and forth from looking at my text book, computer and notebook.

After picking up and putting down all of my notebooks and textbooks, it is easy for me to lose my train of thought and forget what I was even looking for in the first place.

However, with a big table, I can have my notebook and textbook opened and simply slide each of them closer or further away from me whenever I need them. This makes studying

an easier process for me. When I am sitting at a big table in a slightly noisy room, I am essentially set up for a successful study session, but there is one more thing that I like for a productive studying experience. Some people may say I am too picky about the chair I sit at to study, but I like to be comfortable if I am going to be sitting in the same seat for multiple hours at a time.

A cushioned, swirly computer chair is the perfect seat for studying.

Every student is different, and while this may seem like a grueling process—picking out a specific desk and chair and study space—all just to study for a few hours, finding the perfect study space truly pays off, both in the moment and in the classroom.

22 March 2019

Red & Black

Opinions 13

Advice for Every Future W&J Student

Courtesy washjeff.edu

After matriculation and orientation are over, many new students do not know what to do with all of their newfound freedom and responsibility.

Brianna McGowan Red & Black Staff

Coming into your first year of college can be strenuous, and having advice from an experienced student will most often serve to your benefit.

Therefore, I have chosen to meditate on some good advice for future Washington & Jefferson College students. First, do not devote all of your time and energy to only one aspect of the college experience.

It is very important to engage in multiple areas of college life. For instance, be sure to focus on succeeding in all of your classes, but not at the expense of a social life. Likewise, de-

voting all of your energy to a hobby or social life and disregarding your academic responsibilities is a destructive path.

Somewhere in between hanging out with friends, studying for classes and spending time enjoying your choice sport or hobby, there is a sweet spot that will ensure you have a fulfilling college experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.

You might have more challenging classes during one specific semester, or a busy sports season during another semester, but throughout the four years that you spend at W&J it is important to experience every opportunity college has to offer. Since being at college makes your full-time occupation a student, getting involved in the

academic realm is simple. However, if you want to further engage in your academics, you may want to form a study group with your classmates where you can study together and bounce ideas off of each other.

Also, you can visit Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) tutors or even eventually become one. In addition, if you are having trouble in any of your classes, all of the professors here are happy to help you.

It may seem intimidating to meet with a professor, but they can give you helpful advice that may change your study habits and make you a much better and more efficient student. Many W&J students are student-athletes, but if you are not involved in a varsity sport, intramural sports such as hand-

ball or basketball are fun ways to exercise in a low-stress environment. Also, there are club sports such as men’s volleyball, and these are a great way to form friendships.

Aside from schoolwork and athletics, it is very important to find something that you enjoy doing or people you enjoy hanging out with in your free time.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the HUB is a great place to go with friends to play games like ping-pong or pool and eat free snacks at Monti’s.

College is a time to form friendships, discover yourself and get involved, all while focusing on academics. W&J is a great place where you can balance all of these things; you only need to take the first step.

14 Opinions

22 March 2019

Red & Black

What We Wish We Knew Before College

Courtesy washjeff.edu

Everyone has different expectations for their college experience, but there are some things we can only know if we live through them.

Amanda Fitpatrick Red & Black Staff

College can be a stressful experience especially during the first semester.

Students must learn to adapt to a new lifestyle.

Now that I am a bit more experienced, I can easily reflect upon three main things I wish I knew before beginning college.

The first thing that I learned is that the best-laid plans do not always work out in the end. Whether you did not get into your dream school or you re-

alize that the major you chose is not the right one for you, life does not go according to plan.

My own road to college was certainly not a smooth one.

After committing to The Ohio State University, then ending up attending The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg during the fall of my freshman year, and then transferring the following year to Washington & Jefferson College, I certainly know things do not always go as planned.

What is important to realize is that this is okay.

It is reasonable to be disappointed or frustrated in the moment, but it is how you recover from these setbacks that demonstrate your strength as a student and a person. Relaxation and

de-stressing are vital to a successful college career. Whether this is done through a hobby or simply by watching Netflix, we have to learn to calm down.

During my freshman year, I found myself turning to art, creating pen sketches in a notebook and diving into a series on Netflix, “Gossip Girl.”

Gabrielle Feldman ’21 has found her own outlet and relaxation method to help her through stressful times.

“I wish I knew how important it is to have an outlet when you are in college.

For me, I find music is the best outlet because it gives me something that will always be there and is the perfect way to destress,” said Feldman.

Also, I wish I had known that things will be hard and that you might even

feel like giving up. Dylan Bertovich ’21 personally felt this way during his first year at W&J. He discussed his struggles when he stated, “Things will work out the way they should in the end.

You will hurt and may feel depressed, but that is a part of college and you will grow from it.”

Whether classes get difficult and you find yourself struggling to achieve the grade you want, or you are away from home for the first time, college will always test your strength and diligence.

It is important to know that despite all the hard times we may face as students, there are always people supporting us, and we can rely on them to help create good times and memories—we just have to find them.

22 March 2019

Red & Black

15 Opinions

Book Vs. Movie: Why the Written Word Triumphs Leah Segal Red & Black Staff

The written word is a powerful tool in the imagination of the masses. Reading a favorite tale, whether it is a medieval thread of adventure and romance or the adventurous trails of a plucky, young wizard, allows the mind to create its very own film that is catered to an individual’s dreams and preferences.

While film production companies take it upon themselves to transform the daring plots on paper to cinematic masterpieces, film adaptations of beloved books remain second-best to the actual story due to creative licensing and the power of imagination.

Undeniably, film has allowed books across culture, language and time to be transformed into a medium that large masses can consume easily.

The visual representation of beloved books allows the words on the page to come to life in ways previously unknown, as acclaimed actors bring creative twists to complex characters and special effects bring the fantasy story elements to life.

Nevertheless, the positive traits of physical books far surpass those of the cinematic adaptations. Creative licensing is a major factor that allows books to triumph over movie recreations.

While thinking outside the box is praised within the film industry, the power of producers is often too farreaching.

The creative choices of actors, producers and directors drastically change the plots of the original story, sometimes even removing characters

Courtesy slate.com

There are a lot of wonderful movie adaptations of books, but it is important to remember that there is a reason a book is adapted: it was wonderful, too.

and entire plots to fit the new narrative of the film. With this in mind, I think that books surpass movie adaptations due to the movie’s ability to change the very nature of the original and beloved book into a completely new entity that loses the book’s soul.

For example, the 2013 recreation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby“ represents the epitome of the “lost in translation” nature of creative adaptations to novels. Film critics and literature critics alike agreed that the “film adaptation employs an overly-chaotic style and special effects that are ex-

cessively showy . . . the film becomes a mere muddle of garish and ‘choppy’ scenes, rather than an evocative story of love and loss,” according to the Book People UK. The heart of this iconic American novel is lost in the absurd power of producers whose creative license destroys the meaning of the book.

Additionally, the potent power of imagination allows novels to reign supreme in the battle between the written word and movie adaptation. Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “The world of reality has its lim-

its, the world of imagination is boundless.” This idea is present when arguing about book versus cinematic adaptations, as readers can adapt the story to their own imagination, catering every character and setting to their desired notion of the book’s personal reality.

However, when watching the movie adaptation, the viewer is limited to the cinematic world of the story. They are no longer able to daydream about what their heroine or hero looks like or what the villain’s evil lair truly feels like. This experience is crucial and is exclusive to the realm of the written word.

16 opinions

Red & Black

22 MARCH 2019

Cold Residence Halls Make It Hard to Focus

Courtesy Sydney Kightlinger

Mellon Hall was built in 1946, which makes it one of the oldest residence halls on campus. It shares its heat source with both Upperclass and North Halls.

Lauren Phillips Red & Black Staff

Despite students recently returning from spring break, the weather remains a hassle for many to bear. Cold temperatures during the day worsen throughout the night, often dropping to single digits.

Luckily, the Washington & Jefferson College campus provides numerous locations for students to eat, relax and study in the warmth.

The dorm rooms are one of the many locations that allow students to escape the frigid cold. However, with several dorms losing heat for two days

in the first week of March, the importance of heated buildings could not be more evident.

Mellon and Upperclass Halls both lost heat at several points of the week, leaving students to awaken to cold temperatures. At surface level, this may not be such a bad thing.

Plenty of research supports the idea that sleeping in a cold room contributes to a better night’s rest and a higher quality of sleep.

Sleeping in a cold room can also lead to greater health longevity, with many other benefits that make sleeping in a cold room favorable.

While these sleep-related outcomes may not be such a bad thing, functioning in a cold dorm room can make the already difficult task of studying much

harder. Focusing on tasks like studying for exams, completing homework and working on class projects can be a challenge in cold temperatures.

Getting to bed at night and waking up in the morning can also be difficult when students must compensate for the lack of heat. “I woke up for class last week and I just could not feel my nose,” said Courtney Fogle ‘22. “I felt numb, and it made me realize how much we need consistent heat in the dorms.”

Preventing and recovering from colds and other illnesses can also be complicated by cold temperatures in the dorms.

Like Fogle, many students find themselves getting sick more easily in the colder months, and spending a day

without heat can add to these common colds. Layering in warm clothes is one of the most common ways to deal with this, but this cannot prevent these illnesses and the lack of focus that accompany these cold temperatures in residence halls.

Luckily, the matter was resolved, and the heating was fixed soon after the issue was given attention, but this occurrence illustrates the dangerous result of heating systems that are too old.

With effects ranging from an inability to focus to a decreased sense of motivation, dorms with little heat are not conducive to productive student life.

Heated dorms are essential for students and their well-being at school.

sports

22 March 2019

Red & Black

Sports 17

Student Athlete Spotlight: Patrick Brunner ’21 Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

Patrick Brunner ‘21 is from Ellicott City, Md. and is now a member of the Washington & Jefferson College men’s lacrosse team.

Brunner started off his second year campaign on a high note by starting every game at the attack position.

He has totaled 16 goals and seven assists so far in his lacrosse season.

For Brunner, W&J was the perfect way for him to pursue his academics and athletics in a healthy balance. “Division III is not as serious as bigger programs and it doesn’t feel like a job, while still putting in the commitment of a competitive program,” said Brunner.

Brunner is no rookie at lacrosse, as he has been playing for nearly 14 years and has been at the attack position his whole life.

He said that his favorite part about his position is scoring “genos” and his least favorite part is playing any sort of defense.

Brunner has nothing but praise for Coach Kustron and Coach Kulczyk.

“They are dedicated to making us bet-

ter players and put in the work even when we can’t see it,” said Brunner.

“We appreciate what they do on and off the field.”

Brunner has loved his time as a President, and some of his favorite memories including being a part of two overtime-win games against Hanover College and just recently against Mount Union College.

Brunner enjoys his role on the team and expresses his praise for his teammates.

Likewise, he is loved by his fellow teammates and students because he provides charisma and energy every day both on and off the lacrosse field.

Brunner is currently majoring in business because it fits his interests and he likes the program that the College offers. He is very excited to begin conference play after winning three games in a row during spring break.

The Presidents’ next home game will be played on March 27 at Alexandre Stadium against Kalamazoo College. “We are going into conference play on a high note and plan to push for the playoffs for the remainder of the season,” said Brunner when predicting the direction the team will take in future games.

Brunner continues to produce in high volume for the men’s lacrosse team and says he hopes to keep up his good energy for the remainder of the season.

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

Patrick Brunner ‘21 scores goals and helps the W&J men’s lacrosse team win games during the 2019 season.

18 Sports

22 March 2019

Red & Black

Yoga Can Benefit Anyone Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

Courtesy gopresidents.com

This one time...

“My teammate Aliya Abdelhak ’18 and I made bus ride vlogs going to and from water polo games. Last season, we had multiple games in other states. Some of the bus rides took 10 hours or more. To pass the time, Aliya and I would record and comment on our experience. We had a lot of fun doing it and it was a great way to pass the time. I think the vlogs turned out pretty funny, too!”

- Paige Adams ’20

Yoga has been around for many years; its origins date back to ancient India and the Hindu religion. However, it has become increasingly popular for people young and old today.

Yoga itself is a series of positions and meditations that work on physical and spiritual improvement. It has many benefits for not only the body but also the mind.

Dr. Nevins, a certified family physician and yoga instructor, has considerable expertise in yoga. “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” said Nevins.

The benefits vary from person to person. Some use yoga for mental meditation and others use yoga as exercise. For student athletes, the physical benefits of yoga may be appealing, as yoga greatly increases the flexibility and the respiratory capabilities of participants.

To the inexperienced, yoga can definitely be challenging, as it engages parts of the body that are not commonly used. However, there are many benefits, as yoga can engage and strengthen the participant’s core and cardio. Increased cardio, flexibility and core strength can help one prevent injury in the long run and help one to stay active and fit.

There are many mental benefits to yoga as well. It is known to be an effective stress-reliever through meditation and breathing techniques.

Dr. Nevins endorses the benefits of yoga concerning stress. “Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse and an inability to concentrate,” said Nevins. “Yoga can

be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.”

There are many local locations that offer yoga classes and instruction, including Luna and Soul Yoga Studio and 30 and Out Fitness in Washington. Washington & Jefferson College also offers some courses that focus on meditation and yoga, including Attaining the Mental Edge taught by beloved instructor Carol Glock.

Yoga has been around for centuries and is a great practice for those who are looking to stay healthy and fit, both physically and mentally. “Whether you’re a couch potato or a professional athlete, size and fitness levels do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose and beginner classes in every style,” Dr. Nevins added, concluding that yoga can truly be for everyone.

Courtesy Holly Sauer

There is a yoga class for every person.

22 March 2019

Red & Black

19 sports

Men’s Lacrosse Earns a 3-0 Spring Break Record Reilly Oliverio Red & Black Staff

While most Washington & Jefferson College students were at home or soaking up the sun over spring break, the men’s lacrosse team stayed on campus to compete in three games.

The Presidents started their spring break in Alliance, Ohio against the Mount Union Raiders.

The game possession teetered back and forth throughout four quarters and luckily ended in an overtime game-winning goal by Alex Strain

‘22. Strain capped the game with three goals while fellow attackmen Ben Ward ‘20 and Patrick Brunner ‘21 added a pair of goals each.

Goaltender Noah Cohen ‘20 was phenomenal in cage-finishing the game with a season-high of 27 saves.

Brunner expressed his thrill at the team’s performance. “This has been one of the most fun and exciting games I have participated in,” said Brunner.

“I’m glad we were able to come together as a team and beat a good team.”

This was the start of a winning streak that continued into a home game against the Muskingum Fighting Muskies.

The Presidents started off on a high note, leading 10-3 at the half. Things

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

The men’s lacrosse team celebrates their victory in the locker room.

slowed down in the second half, but the Presidents stood strong and came out with a 13-9 victory.

Ward and Strain again led the team in points by tallying four points each.

The momentum remained in the Presidents’ favor in the third game of spring break against the Wilmington Quakers at Alexandre Stadium.

The Presidents put on a dominant display and controlled the pace of the game right from the beginning.

Twelve Presidents each totaled a goal in the game and the team rolled to a 22-6 victory, capping a 3-0 spring break record.

Despite the rough start to the season, this victory gave them momentum. The Presidents have a short break

until they host Kalamazoo on March 27, which is the last non-conference game until they begin competing for a position in the President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) playoffs.

Players are excited about the momentum they have built into the second half of their season.

Senior captain Rocco Ruscitto ‘19 is excited for the team’s future and its potential for the rest of the season. “It is awesome to catch some dubs after we started slow this year. Now we are getting ready to crush our opponents in conference play,” said Ruscitto.

The team is hoping to ride the momentum they gained over spring break into competition against PAC opponents later this the month.

Courtesy Reilly Oliverio

Joey Tritschler ‘19 exits the field while Reilly Oliverio ‘21 runs in to play.

20 sports

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22 March 2019

Spring Break Scores Next Week’s Games Men’s Lacrosse 12-5 Win vs Juniata College 13-9 Win vs MuskingumUniversity 22-6 Win vs Wilmington College

Mar. 19 Baseball vs Point Park University (H)

Mar. 20 Women’s Water Polo 12-10 Win vs Utica College 17-13 Win vs Penn State Behrend 14-1 Loss vs Salem College 13-8 Loss vs Wittenberg University

Baseball 8-7 Win vs William Paterson University 9-1 Loss vs Wheaton College 3-1 Loss vs Salve Regina University 10-1 Loss vs the University of Massachusetts Boston 12-5 and 13-3 Losses vs the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Softball 12-5 Loss vs Sage College 9-5 Loss vs Newbury College 5-1 Loss vs Millsaps College 3-2 Win vs Catholic College 8-2 Win vs North Park College 2-1 Loss vs Olivet College

Softball vs Marietta College (H)-3pm Baseball vs Muskingum (H)-4pm Women’s Lacrosse vs Marietta College (H)-6pm

Mar. 22 Women’s Water Polo at Grove City College (A)-1:15pm Women’s Water Polo vs Connecticut College at Grove City College (A)-5:45pm Track & Field at Amy Adams Memorial Invitational (A)

Mar. 23 Men’s Tennis at Penn State Altoona (A)-10am Women’s Water Polo vs Utica College at Grove City College (A)-10am Women’s Water Polo vs Penn State Behrend at Grove City College (A)-1:30pm Baseball at Thiel College (A)-1pm Softball vs Carlow University (H)-1pm Women’s Lacrosse at Marymount University (A)-6pm Track & Field at Bethany College Invitational (A)

Mar. 24 Baseball vs Thiel College (H)-1pm Softball at Penn State DuBois (A)-1pm