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 November 30, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “It has been widely regarded as the beginning of the United States’ Christmas shopping season since the late 1950’s, even though the term “Black Friday” didn’t become widely used until recently.” -P.7
Alpha Phi Omega Hosts Dance-a-Thon Fundraiser PAGE 4
CULTURE
“However, painter Artemisia Gentileschi managed not only to break these boundaries, but she also became one of Europe’s most sought-after and respected artists.” -P.11
OPINIONS “There is no real way for me to save any of the money that I earn if every penny goes toward bills that need to be paid.” -P.13
SPORTS
“A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 14.2 percent of Americans claim that they meditate at least one time per year.” -P.17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Nicole Walters
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
30 november 2018
Senior Student Spotlight: Alissa Williams Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Alissa Williams ‘19 is from Salamanca, N.Y. She decided to attend Washington & Jefferson College for her undergraduate education because the College offered her a substantial amount of financial aid, and once she went on a school visit, she knew that this was the place for her. She is a political science and Spanish double major with a minor in Latin American studies and a concentration in American studies. Williams intends
Germany for JayTerm this year. Williams believes that exposing herself to different cultures has taught her many life lessons and has also allowed her to experience personal growth. On campus, Williams is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Alpha Pi, the pre-legal society, and is a sister of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Williams joined her sorority to get more involved on campus, and she joined other clubs to gain more academic experience. Upon graduation, Williams hopes to complete a Fulbright scholarship. She is currently waiting to hear back about her application, but if all goes as planned, she will spend a year teaching English in Mexico. If she is not awarded her Fulbright, she will
“The traveling opportunities that W&J offers students are easily one of the best things about going to school here.” - Alissa Williams ‘19 to become a corporate or immigration lawyer, where her ability to speak Spanish would be a great advantage. “I’ve always been interested in corporate law rather than other fields such as family law, but I’ve recently been thinking about immigration law because of the insane ways immigrants are being treated in the United States today,” said Williams. In order to complete her Spanish major and gain experience speaking the language, Williams studied abroad in Ecuador during the fall of her junior year. She also traveled abroad on an Intersession trip to Vietnam last January, and she will be travelling to Spain and
attend Fordham Law School in New York City. Williams is eager to pursue this career path, as it has always been her dream. She is appreciative of all that W&J has done for her. “The traveling opportunities that W&J offers students are easily one of the best things about going to school here,” Williams explained about the benefits she has experienced at W&J. “I’ve met some of the greatest people and made friendships that I know will last years after graduation.” Williams looks forward to her future, but is grateful for her time here at W&J. She is proud to be a President.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Williams is a senior at W&J pursuing a political science and Spanish double major.
30 november 2018
3 CAMPUS NEWS
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Tronetti Travels to Hawaii Student Spotlight: Beth Boyles Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
This summer, Erica Tronetti ’20 travelled to Oahu, Hawaii, where she completed a Magellan project job shadowing Dr. Olkowski, an ophthalmologist. A majority of his patients suffered from glaucoma, so this was Tronetti’s main area of study. She focused mostly on Narrow Angle Glaucoma (NAG) which is very prominent among people of Asian heritage. Luckily, due to Dr. Olkowski’s position as an ophthalmologist, she was able to not only shadow him in the clinical setting, but also the surgery center. “Overall, at the end of my trip, I had seen 203 patients with Dr. Olkowski and watched a total of 15 surgeries,” Tronetti said. “The topic of my research project was glaucoma and out of those 203 patients that I saw, over half had mild to extreme glaucoma. Also, some of the patients who did not have glaucoma were unfortunately at risk.” While Tronetti specifically was interested in researching NAG, she only encountered a few patients who suffered from it. In her free time, Tronetti explored Oahu’s land and waters. Her favorite memory from the trip was snorkeling in Turtle Cove. Tronetti said she had battled a fear of the ocean and being in water her whole life. However, while in Hawaii, she decided to go snorkeling in hopes of conquering her fear. She eventually brought herself to jump off the boat and look around under the water. In describing her aquatic experience, Tronetti said, “As I was floating in the water, too scared
to look down, a huge sea turtle popped his head out of the water right next to me. I have never felt so amazed and at peace. In that moment I immediately calmed down and looked below me to see multiple fish and sea turtles swimming right below me. All the fear I had before immediately left.” Tronetti also hiked to the top of Koko Head, an Oahu crater. While the trail was rigorous, including over 1,000 steps, and the temperature was extremely hot, Tronetti believes that the challenging hike was worth the beautiful sight at the top. “At the top of this crater I could see the city and ocean for miles,” Tronetti said.“It was perfect. I stayed up there through sunset and seeing the city at night all lit up against the water was even more breathtaking.” For students looking to do a similar trip, Tronetti highly recommends applying for a Magellan because she believes it was life-changing. Even though the application process can be intimidating, she suggests taking the time needed to plan it in order to create the most fulfilling experience.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Tronetti is a sister of Delta Gamma.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Beth Boyles ’20 was born in Winesburg, Ohio to Barbara and Bill Boyles. She is 20 years old and has spent her entire life playing soccer and horseback riding. She wanted to continue to play soccer, so she chose to attend Washington & Jefferson College where she could further both her athletic and academic careers. Boyles is pursuing a business administration and communication arts double major. She has also decided that she wants to pursue going into the fields of human resources or public relations. Boyles chose business because it seemed to be the major that suited her best. She enjoys math, economics and analytical problems, so she figured that she could combine all of those skill sets in the business field in some way. At the end of her freshman year, Boyles realized that she had transferred enough credits from high school to be able to complete a double major. After looking into majors that would complement her business track, she settled on communications. “Being able to communicate well in a business setting is essential, so I thought a second major in communications would further emphasize my education. After taking communications, I have fallen in love with this major, the department and all it has to offer,” Boyles said. “I’m a big ‘people person’ so these fields seem to fit my personal-
ity, and seem like something I would love.” Outside of the classroom, Boyles spends her time as a goalkeeper on the W&J women’s soccer team. She loves her team and appreciates all the support they have for each other. All three of the years that Boyles has played, the team excelled to the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) semi-finals. She is excited for next season and hopes that the team can win a PAC championship her senior year. Boyles is also a member of the W&J equestrian team and is on the executive board. “I love being on the equestrian team. I compete in shows in the spring because in the fall I am busy with soccer. I have shown horses since I was young, and am glad I could continue at the collegiate level,” Boyles said. “It’s also nice to compete against some of my friends who ride at different schools who I have ridden with for a long time.” Boyles is also involved on campus as a Resident Assistant and she is in the National Society of Leadership and Success. Boyles is very good at time management. She certainly keeps a busy schedule. In addition to all her extracurricular activities, she also maintains two work study jobs. She works for the Admissions Office and for her soccer coach. While at W&J, she has been on the Dean’s List and the PAC honor roll multiple times. Boyles is grateful for her time here at the College because of both the academic and extracurricular opportunities. She treasures her experiences at W&J and looks forward to making more memories with her team and friends.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
30 november 2018
Alpha Phi Omega Dance-a-thon Fundraiser Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a volunteer fraternity within Washington & Jefferson College. This organization participates in many volunteer activities in and around campus every year. Each semester, APO takes on a pledge class of new and inspired students who would like to join the organization. In order to participate as part
of their pledge class, the students must organize a service event that gives back to the community and is fun for all parties involved. This year, the pledge class organized a Dance-a-thon event that was held Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It was an exciting event that raised money for the domestic violence shelter located in Washington. The Dance-a-thon was hosted in the Allen Ballroom and had lots of purple streamers and free food, including pizza from Papa John’s and wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. They had games such as cornhole and ping-pong with prizes to be won throughout the night. Chapter pres-
ident Rachel Stingel ’19 was proud of the new inductees. “I am very pleased with the way the event turned out. They did a good job setting it up. A lot of people came right at the start,” Stingel said. The entry fee was two dollars [per] person, so by the end of the night, the group had raised close to $150 for their cause. Plenty of organization in advance was necessary. “We worked on the event for four weeks,” said Veronica Komoroski ‘19. “We all had assigned tasks to do. We had people on decorations, music playlist and a DJ.” The music was upbeat, which got students dancing around the room, enjoying the food and having fun. Ev-
eryone at the event clearly cared about gathering around the cause, as exhibited by the great effort put into all the aspects of the Dance-a thon. “I thought domestic violence was the most well deserving cause from the ones we could directly give and help,” said Halie Hess ‘21. “It also felt appropriate to donate money to their organizations since it is what this month is all about.” Attendees would agree that the night was a success. The new APO members had a fun night and gave back to a great cause. All students are able to rush APO at any semester during the school year if they choose to get involved with the organization.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Alpha Phi Omega is a volunteer fraternity on campus for all students.
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Senior Rachel Stingel is the president of Alpha Phi Omega.
30 November 2018
Red & Black
CAMPUS NEWS 5
Students Share Finals Studying Tips “Don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure you have snacks, and I also like to bring a blanket to wherever I’m studying because the buildings are usually cold. And be careful who you study with, because friends can be distracting!” - Sarah Janczewski ’19
Courtesy Holly Sauer
“Procrastination is key. I always find that working under pressure produces the best results. I usually know when it’s time to take a break from studying; I am typically delirious from not eating after studying for hours at a time. Remember, your grades are more important than your health! - Christian Buckley ’20
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
CAMPUS NEWS 6
30 november 2018
Red & Black
Speak Out:
What is your favorite part about the winter season? “I love seeing Christmas lights on houses. It makes driving places much more enjoyable.” -Brianna McGowan ’21 Courtesy gopresidents.com
“Winter means the holidays and holidays mean a break from school.” -Andrew Reo ’19 Courtesy gopresidents.com
“I enjoy cuddling up in a cozy room with warm, fuzzy blankies and my favorite Bath & Body Works candle burning!” -Julie Halula ’19
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Red & Black Established 1909 Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Publication Manager Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser
Kayla Marasia Hannah Kail Holly Sauer Brie Sutherland Brianna Floryshak Brie Sutherland Christian Buckley Sydney Kightlinger Karli-Ann Sanders Hannah Kail Joe Reedy John Santa
life 30 November 2018
Red & Black
7 Life
The Long History of the Black Friday Tradition Michael Nejak Red & Black Staff
Black Friday is an informal name for the Friday following Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It has been widely regarded as the beginning of the United States’ Christmas shopping season since the late 1950s, even though the term “Black Friday” didn’t become widely used until recently. The earliest known use of the term “Black Friday” refers back to the practice of workers calling in sick on the day after Thanksgiving. This allowed them to have a longer weekend. Many stores offer highly promoted sales on Black Friday and open extremely early compared to normal operating hours. Some even start their sales on Thanksgiving night. Large companies such as Walmart and Target open around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Thanksgiving night due to their huge sales and high demand for their specials. Black Friday is not an offi-
cial holiday, but what contributes to the sales is the simple fact that many non-retail employees and schools have both Thanksgiving and Friday off due to the holiday break. This long holiday break increases the number of potential shoppers because more people do not have thier usual responsibilities. Black Friday has been consistently the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States since the early 2000’s. The spending volume in 2014 decreased for the first time since the recession in 2008. Even though consumers purchased roughly $50 billion during the Black Friday weekend sale, there was still an 11 percent drop from the previous year. Today the average American spends $355 on Thanksgiving. 75 percent of that money goes towards gifts for Christmas. Some of the biggest sales include televisions, computers and other electronics. In 2017, consumers spent $5 billion on televisions alone. People say that Black Friday is unofficially the best day to buy a TV because of the amazing sales. “Televisions will play a big part in the retailer’s in-store and online offerings, and you can already buy a 65-inch RCA 4K TV set for $400, a phenomenal deal,” said James Wilcox of Consumer Reports. There are many deals on items
Courtesy Unidays
Black Friday has been synonymous with Christmas shopping in the United States since the 1950s.
that do not include electronics. Last year Target sold 600 giant teddy bears every minute. Although all of these deals sound fantastic, there have been many incidents that raise a lot of concern over safety. Black Friday is a dangerous time to go shopping because of everyone fighting to get the limited deals. Lines often stretch around the outside of the store, and shoppers arrive
many hours before the store opens to be first in line and have the best chance at getting one of the few coveted items. “A few years ago, a Wal-Mart worker was killed in a stampede on the treacherous day after Thanksgiving,” Business Insource said. Since 2010, there have been a total of 12 deaths and over 117 injuries recorded. It is a hectic time to be out shopping, but for some people the deals are worth the risk.
8 LIFE
Red & Black
30 november 2018
‘Lettuce Know’ Which Green is the Best For You
Courtesy Wikimedia
Kale is considered to be the most nutritious green because of the vitamins and minerals it contains.
Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
Does eating a salad make you feel healthy? Those leafy greens are low calorie and low carb foods, and this makes the salad a better, and much healthier, choice over a burger. Are you eating the most beneficial salad at meal time? How can you tell? You can start by paying attention to the lettuce you are consuming. According to Everyday Health, kale is the green with the most health benefits. Kale is a dark green leaf with
ridged edges. It has an earthy taste and may seem more bitter than many other greens, and because of this, some people do not like it. It is higher in protein than other greens, and this provides your body with the nourishment it needs. Kale also has your daily vitamin requirement. Kale leaves hold vitamins A, C and K. These vitamins help keep your immune system strong. The benefits certainly do not stop at vitamins. Kale is also packed with minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium. These together make a great food to put into your body. The decision to eat a green that has such a particular taste can make peo-
ple consider whether it is worth consuming, and Chris Fiorina 19’ said, “The benefits of kale do not outweigh its terrible taste.” If you cannot get past the taste, one way to still get the benefits into your body is to try to blend it in with fruit and yogurt to make a healthy smoothie. If kale is just not for you, there are other great greens for your body. Spinach is another excellent green leaf to eat. Its small green leaves are easy to mix in with other greens to boost nutritional value. Spinach is crisp but may have a bitter aftertaste. It is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. While it contains fewer grams of protein, it is
still good for your health and contains fiber. Each person has their favorite lettuce to eat. “I like to eat spinach in salads. I prefer it over other lettuces,” said Danny Gavlik ‘19. Though it is not on the top of the list, Swiss chard is another healthy green. Swiss chard is bright green with a purple stem. It is less common in salads and can be served steamed. It is more and less earthy tasting than kale, so many prefer this over the more bitter greens. Swiss chard contains a lot of calcium but is lower in fiber and protein. All of these greens carry benefits for the human body. If you do not like one, you can always try another.
30 November 2018
Red & Black
culture
9 Culture
‘A Star is Born’ Receives Universal Acclaim Michael Nejak Red & Black Staff
A “Star is Born” is an American musical romantic drama film produced and directed by Bradley Cooper. This film is a remake of the 1937 film of the same name. It stars Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine and Lady Gaga as Ally. The plot of this film is about a famous country singer who struggles with an alcohol and pill addiction. After Jackson performs at a concert in California, he stops at a drag bar and notices Ally performing. Mesmerized by not just her beauty, but also her voice, Jackson takes her under his wing and support her talents by guiding her and the music industry. Jackson lets Ally have a guest performance at one of his concerts, despite her refusal to perform in front of so many people, she sang with him on stage. Gaining the love of audience, Ally quickly becomes famous for her amazing talent and beautiful voice. Not only does she gain the love of people around the world, but Jackson also falls in love with her more and more throughout their experience together. While struggling with his ad-
diction to alcohol and pills, Jackson slowly falls into a deep dark hole. Losing his fan’s love and becoming less famous because of his poor decisions, he now faces a challenge within himself. Can Jackson overcome this addiction, jealousy and other internal problems? Or will he crumble and become stuck in this deep dark hole? In the box office, “A Star is Born” grossed $191 million in the United States and Canada and $163.3 million in other territories. This means that the film has grossed over $350 million worldwide. Fans and critics rated the movie at a 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.1/10 on IMDb, which is extremely high. “With an appealing leads, deft direction, and an affecting love story, “A Star is Born” is a remake done right and a reminder that some stories can be just as effective in the retelling” said IMDB critics. In his positive review, Alonso Duralde of The Warp said that “Cooper and Lady Gaga are Dynamite together, and this is a story that lives and dies by the central relationship and instant chemistry that blossoms between them.” This is a remarkable film and is highly recommended to see if you are looking for a good romantic drama movie to watch by yourself or with some friends.
Courtesy Variety
Courtesy The National
So far, “A Star is Born” has grossed over $350 million worldwide. The performances of both Cooper and Gaga were highly praised, which contributed to the movie’s overall success.
10 Culture
Red & Black
30 November 2018
Restaurant Review: Revel + Roost Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
In downtown Pittsburgh, walking distance from Market Square, is the restaurant Revel + Roost. It is a fantastic restaurant with two levels that allow diners to pick their desired dining experience. On the ground floor, Revel is a livelier atmosphere, suitable for groups looking to grab a quick lunch or dinner. The room features an open floor
plan with decor details such as gold frames that cover the ceiling and walls. This first floor presents a menu that keeps the customers coming for American cuisine that functions as communal bites. This floor serves both a lunch and dinner menu that ranges from jumbo crab cakes to buttermilk fried chicken sliders. On the second floor, Roost’s cuisine is slightly more elevated. Here the restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with a wine menu that pairs with all the dishes. Diners can choose to partake in the chef ’s tasting menu, which allows them to try three or four select items
off the menu for a set price. Financially, this is a great way to taste some high-quality dishes paired with great wine. One option for the chef ’s pairing is pan roasted scallops; in this dish the scallops are seared with the maple glazed bacon, giving them a beautiful crust. They are then placed on a shallot puree with pickled onions. Some other options for the first course are an artisan cheese plate, Maine mussels or burrata cheese. The second course is the soup and salad portion of the dinner. Here diners can eat an heirloom spinach salad or the shrimp and lobster gumbo. The lobster gumbo is fair-
ly spicy, so proceed with caution when ordering this meal. However, the consistency of the gumbo is filled with lots of sausage and lobster. The entree tops off the meal. The double cut Berkshire pork chop is paired with roasted fingerling potatoes with chive fresh cream and grilled asparagus. If the meal was not enough, the dessert is not to be missed - they have a variety of delicious dessert dishes. The Roost serves a chocolate and vanilla mousse with a rich chocolate cake underneath. When looking for a place to eat in the Market District, stop by Revel + Roost for a delicious night.
Courtesy revelandroost
Revel + Roost is a dual-concept restaurant; it is both a bar and an event venue located in the heart of Pittsburgh, found just seconds from Market Square.
30 November 2018
Red & Black
Culture 11
HOLLY’S HOT TAKE:
artists of the week
Artemisia Gentileschi Painted Powerful Women Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
In 17th century Italy, choices for women were extremely limited. They could either be mothers or enter a convent. Women could not make decisions or purchases for themselves, and laws stated that their fathers, husbands or even sons had to do these for them. This environment did not leave many options for women, and not many succeeded in breaking these tight restrictions. However, painter Artemisia Gentileschi managed not only to break these boundaries, but
to also became one of Europe’s most sought-after and respected artists. She enjoyed patrons such as the Medici family and England’s King Charles I. Despite this clear talent and success, after her death scholars omitted her work from historical texts. When her works were rediscovered, popular opinions focused on misattributions and about details from her life rather than her artistic skills. Many of Gentileschi’s paintings convey similar subject matters: biblical and mythological scenes depicting women in powerful and assertive roles. There are 60 paintings attributed to her, 40 present female figures that are presented in the foreground. Gen-
Courtesy Wikimedia
Artemisia Gentileschi portrayed the Biblical story of the heroic Judith in many of her paintings.
tileschi learned to paint from her father, Orazio. He was an artist himself, and he first brought Gentileschi into his studio as an assistant. While it was not Orazio’s initial intention for his daughter to be an artist, but eventually he accepted her desire to become an artist. According to Artsy, in 1612, when Gentileschi was still a teenager, Orazio wrote that she had “become so skilled that I can venture to say she has no peer.” While Orazio did promote Gentileschi’s works, he emphasized she that she was a female artist, rather than just an artist. Gentileschi showed that she was a master in depicting nudes and facial expressions. In one of her most famous works, Gentileschi painted the Old Testament hero Judith killing Holofernes, a warlord who is attacking her town. She chose the moment when Judith actually kills him. It is an image filled with gore and violence, but it is Judith’s face that is the most interesting. She does not look disgusted or afraid. Her expression is enraged and powerful, but she also looks heroic too. Judith is taking control of the situation by saving her people. Gentileschi created many different pieces depicting this same scene, and many scholars have attributed this to her biography. She was raped by her painting instructor and her father’s business partner Agostino Tassi. Art historian Elizabeth Cropper wrote, “It is as if he was as enraged by her working as he was inflamed by carnal lust: stopping her from work-
ing was the first step in his attempt to dominate her.” A public and controversial trial ensued where she was forced to describe her assault in great detail. Gentileschi was also forced to endure a tortuous process during the trial where ropes were tied to her fingers and tightened progressively. This was an attempt to prove whether or not she was telling the truth. After a seven-month trial, a judge ruled in Gentileschi’s favor, and Tassi was sentenced to five years in prison. However, he never served the time for his actions. Many scholars have equated these violent scenes as a reaction to her rape and as a representation of her revenge on Tassi. She used her art to work through her trauma. Gentileschi received the greatest honor that could be given to a painter during her life. She was inducted into the Accademia del Disegno, and was the first woman to receive this distinction. This changed her life because as a member she could buy paints and supplies, travel on her own and sign contracts. Through her success in painting she gained something very few women had during this time: freedom. She would eventually separate from her husband and live independently for the rest of her life while supporting two daughters who would be artists themselves. Gentileschi used the pain she endured in her life to transform art history and to break the strict boundaries women faced in the 17th century.
12 Culture
Red & Black
30 November 2018
Netflix Review: ‘Big Mouth’ Breaks Barriers
Courtesy Next Episode
“Big Mouth” has been a hit show since its debut in 2017. It discusses several taboo subjects that one would not normally find on a Netflix show.
Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
Netflix has been known to put out many complex and interesting movies and shows for its viewers. Some are provoking shows such as “Making a Murderer,” which looks at the downward path of certain individuals. The Netflix original “Big Mouth” was renewed for a second season after its first round was met with such popularity. The show “Big Mouth” is about
the day-to-day life of a couple of preteen kids and the struggles puberty brings. The first season was successful because it displayed the pain and struggle of hormones in cartoon form, leaving viewers laughing and remembering their own childhood experiences. Puberty involves many emotions and feelings that can be very overwhelming to understand and handle at times. This show discusses several aspects of those emotions and feelings through the help of very colorful creatures called hormone monsters. Two hormone monsters are played by some big-name actors, Nick Kroll as the male hormone monster and
Maya Rudolph as the female hormone monster. Both Rudolph and Kroll are excellent in their roles as main characters. The second season brings back all the great characters and voices of John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Jason Mantzoukas, Jordan Peele and Jenny Slate. The second season picks up where the first season left off, continuing from previously learned topics in the other episodes. The second season is just as funny and can be watched on its own, but it is highly suggested to enjoy the extra humor and fun of watching the series all together. Specifically, the second season takes on the heavier topics of grow-
ing up. The episodes touch on difficult topics to which many can relate, such as unhappiness in the home, feeling discontent with one’s parents and not feeling like one is good enough. The show does not filter these difficult portions out; instead, it shows both the happy transitions and the realistic low points of life. Letting the characters work through their problems gives this show a refreshing outlook because it does not depict sunshine and rainbows all the time. The second season of “Big Mouth” was a great success; hopefully the next season will have just as many entertaining episodes to follow the characters as they grow up, struggles and all.
30 November2018
Opinions 13
Red & Black
opinions Luxuries and Savings Cannot Co-Exist During College Julia Adams Red & Black Staff
I work twenty-five to thirty hours per week on top of a full class schedule. My biweekly pay check goes towards my car payment, my car insurance and the monthly payments that I make to the school for tuition. The money that I make each week goes towards my monthly monetary obligations. There is no real way for me to save any of the money that I earn if every penny goes toward bills that need to be paid. Many students are working because they need money to pay for college or monthly expenses. They are working because they need the mon-
ey to live their lives as new adults in college with responsibilities they may not have had before. It is difficult to save money when you may need some of the money that you earn to pay for unexpected expenses. The only way to save money in college is to work
is good because it gives you the economic freedom to try new things. It is impossible to save money when you have many necessary bills to pay each month. College students generally do not work unless they have to because it cuts into their free time to do what
College students who make money on or off of campus do not make enough money to pay for things and save money. and not go out and to forfeit time with friends and family with the goal of saving money. That does not mean that people need to go out to have fun with their friends; however, going out to play mini golf is more fun than sitting in a room and watching a movie. Having a little bit of spending cash
they want and also the necessary time that they need to study and do homework. Balancing work and school can be difficult, so those who do not have to bare the burden probably will not choose to. “I don’t know, it might be possible if you work a lot and manage your time well, but there are so many
C ontac t
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.
unexpected costs that you don’t expect while here. Once you become an adult, you have to pay for so many things,” Brayden Marra ’22 said. “A pay check may only cover insurance bills and groceries for a few weeks, and if you go out to eat once, or go to the movies with your friends all of that money is gone. I also don’t like balancing work and school. I wouldn’t if I didn’t have to.” College students who make money on or off of campus do not make enough money to pay for the things they need, or sometimes want, while also trying to save money for the future. Many on-campus jobs only pay minimum wage with only a few hours per week, with a weekly check of fifty dollars or so; that is only enough to pay for groceries and gas. College students cannot save if all of their money is going to pay for their essential bills.
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.
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14 Opinions
Red & Black
30 November 2018
Lack of Money or Talent Makes Dreams Hard to Achieve
Courtesy Times Higher Education
It is hard for people who come from low-socioeconomic status to achieve their dreams when the cost of education is burdensome to the individual and community.
Julia Adams Red & Black Staff
The world we live in today is unjust because the main way that people advance in society is through wealth. Without the aid of money, people are put at a major disadvantage because they have less access to necessary resources. For example, if children do not have access to money, it becomes increasingly more difficult for them to become an astronaut, an NBA player or a doctor. This is not to say that it is impossible to achieve these careers from a low-income area, but it is just more difficult because of the lack of fund-
ing available for training and education. Children are told that the world is theirs and that they are able to be whatever they want in the future. Kids aim for the best because they can dream and do not know the reality of what it takes to succeed in any of these careers. People are limited by not only their mental and physical abilities but also by their economic standpoints. It is impossible to become a doctor without going through many years of college and internships, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt is often incurred. A child is limited by the area that they grow up in. If they live in a low-income area, it is likely that they are not obtaining the best education that they could receive. As a consequence, they are less competitive than a child who attend-
ed a better-rated school. Also, if they come from a low-income area it is more likely that they will choose to go into the workforce after high school to help their families financially instead of going to college. These limitations push their dreams of attaining a higher education and a successful career further from reality. By the time they enter college, many students feel as if they do not know the options they face. “That’s a child’s concept because of the fact that in reality money is what gets you places, and in the society that we live in people who do not have money have fewer opportunities than those that do,” Brayden Marra ‘22 said. There are also physical limitations that prohibit people from achieving their goals. Even talent can be a hinderance for some people who wish to
play sports. Practice can only do so much for people who do not have the physical attributes needed to suceed. “I can never be an NBA player no matter how much that I train. My size and athletic ability prohibits me from succeeding in becoming a professional basketball player,” Cavid Caldwell ‘22 said. If you do not have the athletic ability or the physical means to become successful, it is difficult to achieve the goals that you desire. It is a childish idea that you can be anything that you want because it is a romatic idea that is sadly not reality for most people. It is impossible to achieve these goals if all of the resources are not available. Without ample wealth or access to resources, reaching these career goals becomes much harder and many people become discouraged.
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sports
15 Sports
Women’s Basketball Takes Down Dickinson
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Courtesy gopresidents.com
W&J Women’s Basketball earned their second win of the season against Dickinson in a tough battle on Nov. 16.
Brianna McGowan Red & Black Staff
The Washington & Jefferson College women’s basketball team claimed their second win of the 2018-2019 season against the Dickinson Red Devils on Nov. 16. This game took place in Henry Memorial Center during the Springhill Suites Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Tournament. There were 387 people in attendance with Jermaine Griggs, Eric Pathel and Katlyn Tororice refereeing
the game. During the first quarter of the game, Danielle Parker ‘19 made two layups to start the Presidents off with a lead. Throughout the rest of the first quarter, the Presidents and Red Devils went head to head, and the quarter ended with Dickinson in the lead with 20 points to W&J’s 15 points. By the end of the second quarter, the Presidents took the lead. The second quarter ended with a score of 3130 in favor of the Presidents. At the start of the third quarter, Kylie McKennen ’22 had a free throw, tying the score to 32 points on both ends of the score board. After Dickson took a two-point lead, Lauren Gilbert ‘21 had a steal and Parker’s layup tied the game up once
again. Parker’s three pointer had the Presidents up 42-39. With only two minutes left, Aleena McDaniel ’22 scored giving the Presidents an edge 46-41. Alie Seto ‘21 ended this quarter with a layup. By the end of the third quarter, the Red Devils started to lose their momentum, and the Presidents were up 51-41. When the fourth quarter began, Gilbert made a three-pointer giving the Presidents a solid lead of 60-46. Hannah Johnston ’21 followed with another three-point shot. In the fourth quarter, the Presidents separated the score, and the game ended 77-58. The game leaders were Parker with 19 points, Gilbert with 11, Seto with 11
and Johnston with 9 points. Overall, the Presidents outshot the Red Devils 34-20, had fast break points 12-10 and bench points 28-23. However, the Presidents set themselves apart from the competition with their second chance points. W&J beat Dickson in this category 111-4. The Presidents played in the Springhill Suites Tip-Off Tournament finals against Marietta on Nov. 17, struggling to retrieve a win with a score of 63-76 in favor of the Pioneers. The Presidents start the battle for the PAC Championship this Wednesday. Their first conference game is Nov. 28 against Saint Vincent at Henry Memorial Center.
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30 November 2018
Student Athlete Spotlight: Kaitlyn Pawcio Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Kaitlyn Pawcio ‘19 is from Johnstown where she attended Westmont Hilltop High School. Upon graduation, she felt torn between the College of William & Mary and Washington & Jefferson College. Ultimately, she chose W&J because of the opportunity to play a sport, the Magellan project and small class sizes. At W&J, she is pursuing a major in economics and a minor in Spanish. She was initially a math major, but decided to major in economics after taking a class with Professors Rob and Leslie Dunn. She had a very positive experience in the class, and she cannot thank them enough. At W&J, Pawcio a member of the diving team. Before college, she was a gymnast, but she decided to try a new sport because of how taxing gymnastics was on her body. “I started diving only in college. I was a gymnast for 15 years and wanted to continue to do something similar but not as stressful on my body since I had many injuries in gymnastics, and I didn’t think it would be beneficial for me to continue,” said Pawcio. Pawcio struggled to transition to diving after being a gymnast her entire life. In gymnastics, she had been taught to land on her feet. When diving, she
had to retrain herself to land in the water hands and head first. She also had to learn the new terminology associated with diving, and she had to learn the coding system for each dive. The W&J diving team got a new head coach this year, Dana Tabay, and Pawcio thinks that it has been a successful transition. Tabay is helpful to Pawcio in many aspects, and Pawcio appreciates how hard her coach pushes her and how Tabay takes into consideration Pawcio’s struggles in transitioning sports. So far, Pawcio has competed in two meets and has already qualified for regionals. This is the fourth year in a row that she has qualified for regionals, and she is excited for the rest of the season. Over the past three years, she has made the All-Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) second team her freshman year, the All-PAC first team her sophomore and junior year and has won the W&J President of the week award. Pawcio’s favorite part of diving at W&J is all of the friendships she has made with her teammates. She feels her team has helped her in her diving journey and is grateful to be surrounded by an encouraging environment that allows her to succeed. Pawcio appreciates her long-standing support system. “I am thankful for my mom and her support when I decided to try out diving for the first time. I want to also say that I am thankful for the rest of my family for their constant support along with all the diving and swimming coaches I have had,” said Pawcio. Pawcio is thankful for her time here at W&J and looks forward to her final season as a President.
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Pawcio has only been diving for four years and has made it to regionals each time.
30 November 2018
Red & Black
Sports 17
Health and Fitness: The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is a mental health practice that promotes awareness, mindfulness and general well-being.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
As the majority of Americans experience everyday stress, reports of meditation practice have been on the rise over the past year. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 14.2 percent of Americans claim that they meditate at least one time per year. This makes meditation a competitor to yoga as the most popular complementary health practice in the
United States. Since 2012, the number of Americans who practice meditation has increased by nearly 10 percent. The CDC defines meditation as “the act of engaging in mental exercise to reach a heightened level of spiritual awareness or mindfulness.” This includes transcendental meditation or other forms of mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, Zen Buddhist meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and spiritual meditation associated with prayer. Data collected by the CDC shows that women are more likely to meditate than men. In a CDC study, 16.3 percent of women said that they meditate, as opposed to only 11.8 percent of men. Also, meditation is more pop-
ular among middle-aged adults than younger and older individuals. Studies have found that 15.9 percent of adults between the ages of 45 to 64 meditate, while only 13.4 percent of young adults from ages 18 to 44 and elderly adults from 65 and up meditate. While it is statistically unclear, the increase of participation in meditation around the United States could correlate with the different types of meditation offered at community gyms and schools, as well as increased access on television programs and smartphone apps. It has become more accessible, thereby giving more Americans a chance to try it. Richard Davidson, director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,
Courtesy The Chopra Center
believes that meditation has become more popular because it is flexible to fit into daily schedules. “The growing popularity of meditation creates a virtuous cycle, raising its profile in the culture and prompting more people to check it out,” said Davidson. Many people worry that they do not have time to meditate, but Davidson suggests that they start with only a couple minutes per day. If it is effective, then they can start to increase the time they invest into it. Meditation has many benefits, including reduced stress levels and a happier lifestyle. With the practice becoming more accessible, popular reports show that the public should start to see an increase in the benefits that meditation can provide.
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30 November 2018
Penguins Player Profile: Matthew Murray
Courtesy NHL.com
Courtesy Business Insider
Matthew Murray wears no. 30 and is the starting goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Michael Nejak Red & Black Contributor
Matthew Murray, the starting goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player in the NHL. He was born on May 25, 1994, and was raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This was where he played for Thunder Bay in the Minor Hockey Association. Murray was drafted in the 3rd round, 83rd overall, in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins. In the 2015-16 season, Murray was recalled from the AHL to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. During his rookie debut, Murray lost
his first game 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens. Although his first game in the NHL was a loss, he managed to play in the last nine games of the regular
team to win the Stanley Cup. This is a remarkable achievement for a rookie goaltender. The following year he also led his team to yet another Stanley Cup
In his first two seasons in the NHL, he led his team to victory in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, becoming the youngest goaltender to win two Stanley Cup championships and the 6th rookie goaltender in the Cup Finals. season. On April 19, 2016, the young goaltender made his NHL playoff debut, only giving up one goal against the New York Rangers. In his next game, he recorded his first shutout. He remained the starting goaltender for the Penguins throughout the entire playoffs, and later led his
victory. “I didn't want to get ahead of myself, just one shot at a time,” Murray said. In his first two seasons in the NHL, he led his team to victory in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, becoming the youngest goaltender to win two Stanley Cup Championships and the 6th rookie
goaltender in the Cup Finals. He has achieved many awards, such as a two time Stanley Cup Champion, two Prince of Wales trophies and a spot on the 2017 NHL All-Rookie Team. Now in his third season in the NHL, he is facing many injuries, including a concussion which has held him back from many games. These injuries include multiple concussions and recently a lower body injury. This injury “could affect the Penguins greatly throughout the rest of the regular season,” said Matt Vensel of the Post-Gazette. The Penguins are struggling right now with a 9-8-5 record, and they are going to need his help. Hopefully they are going to have another successful season and become Stanley Cup Champions for the third time in a row.
30 November 2018
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19 sports
Pittsburgh Steelers Mid-Season Standing Michael Nejak Red & Black Staff
During the 2018 season the Pittsburgh Steelers had a rough start due to complications with one of their players, Le'veon Bell. Bell is the team’s starting running back and one of the top running backs in the NFL. He argued with the Steelers franchise about a salary increase,
and he chose not to show up to training camp this summer or attend the first four games of the regular season. His absence raised a lot of concern in the locker room. After he did not show up to training camp or to the regular season games, he was released by the Steelers. “It is a player friendly scheme, but at the same time the expectation level is very high and the attention to detail is very high,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. After losing their starting running back, the Steelers had a huge spot to fill on the field. Luckily, James Conner
had no issue filling that role and has had a huge impact on many games for the Steelers. Due to this rough start, the Steelers fell behind at the beginning of the season with a record of 1-2-1. The fans started losing hope that the team could prevail from this rough start and turn things around. “If you have good people, why change? If you keep making changes all the time, you're like an expansion team, always starting over. Stability is everything,” said Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. The Steelers suddenly went on a six
game winning streak, putting them in first place not just in their division, but in the conference as well. If the Steelers keep up their recent efforts they could clinch home field advantage and a first game bye in the Super Bowl Playoffs. As long as they beat the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals they can easily achieve this. Even if they lose to non-conference and non-divisional rivals they can still end the season on a good note and make the playoffs. Hopefully they can keep up with their outstanding performance.
Steelers Player Profile: Maurkice Pouncey Brianna McGowan Red & Black Contributor
Maurkice Pouncey is a 29-year-old center for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pouncey was the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose him in the first round, and that same year he won Rookie of the Year. In his time in the NFL, Pouncey has secured six Pro Bowl nominations, two first-team All-Pro selections and two second-team All-Pro selections. In his 9th season in the NFL, Pouncey has started all nine games along with leading the Steelers to a 7-2-1 record. Pouncey was born in Ardmore, Okla. and attended Lakeland Highschool in Lakeland, Fla. In high school, he played lineman and helped lead his
team to three state championships. Pouncey attended University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. where he was an influential center and right guard for the four years he played there. In college, Pouncey won first-team All-SEC, the Rimington Trophy and a BCS National Championship. Pouncey has an identical twin brother, Mike Pouncey, who also played football at the University of Florida. Mike now plays for the Miami Dolphins. When Pouncey joined the Steelers in 2010, he played center. He was not able to play in the Super Bowl with the Steelers this year due to an ankle injury, and the Steelers ended up losing to the Green Bay Packers. Pouncey’s bad luck reoccurred in the first week of the 2013 season when he tore his right ACL and MCL and was placed in injured reserve. This was the only season of his NFL career that he was not chosen for the Pro
Bowl. However, Pouncey’s good fortune arrived in 2014 when the Pittsburgh Steelers offered him a contract extension, making him the highest paid center in the NFL at that time. That same year, Pouncey made a full recovery from his injuries and started in every game. Pouncey’s injury list
expanded in 2015 when he broke his fibula during the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. This injury required a total of two surgeries due to an infection. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost on the road against the Denver Broncos 17-24 and will play the Chargers on Dec. 2 at Heinz Field.
Courtesy gopresidents.com
The Steelers had a rough start, but they are now leading their division.
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30 November 2018
Last Week’s Scores Nov. 13
Men’s Basketball v. Pitt-Greensburg 81-70 Loss Women’s Basketball v. Carnegie Mellon 77-57 Loss
Nov. 14
Swimming v. Westminster (M) 137-90 Loss, (W) 115-67 Loss
Nov. 16
Men’s Basketball v. Medaille 69-65 Win Women’s Basketball v. Dickinson 77-58 Win
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Nov. 17
Men’s XC at NCAA Championships Moyer 13 of 280 Wrestling v. Central 11-42 Loss, v. Keystone 51-6 Win Football v. Centre 54-13 Loss Wrestling v. Lackawanna 33-22 Win, Muhlenberg 24-15 Loss Swimming v. Pitt-Bradford (M) 110-72 Win, (W) 75-49 Win Men’s Basketball v. Fredonia 73-64 Win Wrestling v. Camden County College 60-0 Win Women’s Basketball v. Marietta 76-63 Loss
Nov. 20
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Women’s Basketball v. Allegheny 96-90 Loss Men’s Basketball v. Juniata 62-69 Loss
Next Week’s Games
Nov. 24
Wrestling v. Messiah Petrofes Invitational (A)- 12pm
Nov. 30
Men’s Basketball v. Hiram 81-77 Loss
Dec. 1
Nov. 25
Women’s Swimming v. Saint Vincent (A)- 1pm Men’s Swimming v. Saint Vincent (A)- 1pm Men’s Track v. Mount Union Toy Drive Invite (A)- 11am Women’s Track v. Mount Union Toy Drive Invite (A)- 11am Women’s Basketball v. Geneva (A)- 1pm Men’s Basketball v. Geneva (A)- 3pm
Women’s Basketball v. Baldwin Wallace 72-54 Loss
Dec. 5
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Men’s Swimming v. Bethany (A)- 6pm Women’s Swimming v. Bethany (A)- 6pm Women’s Basketball v. Chatham (A)- 6pm Men’s Basketball v. Chatham (A)- 8pm