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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 October 19, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE
W&J and the Homecoming Tradition PAGE 8
“This idea quickly became tradition, and colleges all across America began to plan special football games, parades, homecoming courts and more to create a special fall weekend for students and alumni alike.” -P.8
CULTURE
“Children who grow up in houses filled with books have an easier time with literacy and numeracy skills later in life.” -P.12
OPINIONS “The common stigma surrounding tattoos is that they are unprofessional and will reflect poorly on the place of work.” -P.15
SPORTS
“For those who are looking to replace unhealthy drinks or increase their fruit and vegetable intake, juicing can be an important way to recieve crucial nutrients.” -P.19
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Courtesy W&J Flickr
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19 october 2018
Students Present LIASE Research Erin Herock Red & Black Editor
On Oct. 12 in the Howard J. Burnett Center, four Washington & Jefferson College student groups presented their research projects supported by the Luce Initiative on Asian Studies and the Environment (LIASE). According to the W&J website, this program “aims to support integrated, innovative projects and programs that promote Asian studies within the context of environmental studies.” The
grant supports development in some areas such as student knowledge of Chinese culture, language, environmental challenges and student travel and research in China. The student presentations began with Jakob Locante ’19 and Samara Wendel ’20 who presented “Investigating Strategies for Sustainable Growth at the Sino-German Eco-Park, Quindao, China.” The Sino-German Eco-Park is in partnership with W&J Professors Robert East, Patrick Caffery and James March. While in China, Locante worked at the Passive House of Technology, where he used his skills in data visualization to help the Eco-Park analyze its low-emissions data. Wendel, on the other hand, examined the green build-
Courtesy Erin Herock
The LIASE grant allows students to research environmental topics in China, which allows for invaluable academic and professional experiences.
ing standards of the Eco-Park’s InterCity Hotel and how to communicate and advertise these desirable features to clients. The next presentation was “The Transition of Resource-Based Cities in China: A Case Study of Dongying” presented by Amanda Borwegen ‘19, Molly Doran ’20 and Taylor Grinage ‘19. Their research took place at the China University of Petroleum
crowave acid digestion and atomic absorption at Guangdong Education University. The last presentation was given by Trenton Haines ’19 and Hannah Kennelley ’19, and the presentation was titled, “Natural Products of China: Identifying Bioactive Endophytes and Their Metabolites That Benefit Society.” This research was conducted at the
“(LIASE) aims to support integrated, innovative projects and programs that promote Asian studies within the conext of environmental studies.”
with the guidance of and collaboration with W&J Professors Dr. Nichole Fifer and Dr. Zheya Gai. This group showcased their research on cities transitioning from natural resource-based economies to renewable and service sector economies through a video presentation. Next was the research project titled, “Connecting with China Through Heavy Metal Research, Fantastic Food and Unique Cultural Experiences,” presented by Claire Atherton ‘20 and Lucy Elkin ‘20. The group collaborated with Guangdong Education University in Guangzhou, China with the support of the partnership of Dr. Jennifer Logan-Bayline and Dr. Jason Kilgore. Dr. Kilgore and the students developed a proposal to jointly investigate the uptake and mediation of the increase of lead through the study of a leafy vegetable called Indian mustard, or Brassica juncea. The team prepared for this by practicing methods of plant preparation and analysis for heavy metals via mi-
Chinese Academy of Forestry alongside W&J’s Dr. Robbie Iuliucci. This group categorized the Catharanthus roseus fungal strain through the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometer while also exploring the technique of solid phase extraction to improve the ability to obtain the metabolites for chemical analyses. At the LIASE research seminar, tudents had time to reflect on their experiences in Asia beyond the research, sharing favorite memories, photos, tips for future students and the types of foods they had the opportunity to try in their free time. If students are interested in the LIASE Grant, Dr. Robert East strongly encourages them to reach out to him. Dr. East is an associate professor and the director of the environmental studies program at W&J. Dr. East also would love to talk to students who may be considering Environmental Studies as a major or interested in joining The Green Club, for which he acts as advisor..
19 october 2018
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3 CAMPUS NEWS
Homecoming Panel: Autism Research Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
During the weekend of homecoming, the psychology department brought together a group of experts in the field of autism to present as a panel their particular work with children on the autism spectrum. Autism is a mental disorder that affects the way in which someone communicates with the world around them. It is caused by an ambiguous mix of both genetic and environmental factors, meaning that scientists find it hard to pinpoint what exactly causes
autism. This also means that there is no known cure. Understanding that autism is viewed on a spectrum is very important; as one of the presenters pointed out, once someone meets an autistic child, they have only met one autistic child, and their experience does not translate to all autistic children. Everyone labeled as autistic falls onto a different place on the spectrum, which can range from highly functioning to severe. The four presenters were Dr. John J. McGonigle, Matt Tutay, Dr. Shanna and Lisa Baxton. Dr. McGonigle talked about the progress of professionals working to educate the public on how to interact with people on the spectrum. He has held sessions to train judges and emergency EMS responders to react in an
appropriate way to these people while on the job. Dr. McGonigle has also done an immense amount of work to change the label of autism in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Originally, it was known as infantile sutism or autistic psychopathy. Having changed these labels to fit the spectrum has been an important milestone for the autistic community. The next speaker was Matt Tutay, a Washington & Jefferson College alumnus who spoke on how behavior initiates change. He discussed how all behavior comes from three things: acting to gain something desirable, acting to avoid something undesirable or simply a physical reaction. The next two speakers each spoke about working
directly with children and provided some personal examples. Dr. Shanna spoke about the effectiveness of using correction and overcorrection methods. Baxton, on the other hand, discussed the importance of communication and using children’s special interests to help in teaching them. For example, if a girl was obsessed with princesses, the specialist could use princess examples as incentives for her to complete her homework in an effective way. An important final detail that all the panelists emphasized was the importance of not giving up on the child and being sure to look at the big picture to stay focused. W&J was lucky to have these four experts come speak, and the College looks forward to next year’s psychology panel.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Over homecoming weekend, four experts presented their research about autism to the W&J community.
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19 october 2018
Magellan Spotlight: Sydney Papinchak ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Over the summer of 2018, Franklin Magellan funding allowed Sydney Papinchak ‘21 to travel to the Dominican Republic for a medical internship. Papinchak is a psychology major, and she plans to eventually become a physician’s assistant. She chose to study psychology at Washington & Jefferson College because of her interests in the brain and how it affects a person’s behavior. Papinchak spent 30 days in the Dominican Republic with a married couple who were both licensed doctors. She worked one-on-one with them daily. Each day was a different experience. Some days, she helped with medical clinics for villages; she would either work in triage, which consisted of checking vital signs and discerning patient symptoms, or the pharmacy, where she organized medication. She was also involved with performing house visits to terminal patients and providing supplies to villages in need. Overall, the internship was extremely beneficial to Papinchak, and she said, “The biggest skill I learned in regard to my future career as a PA is patient care and all the pieces that go into a doctor’s visit.” This was not the first time Papinchak traveled abroad, but she still experienced culture shock. She reported that the locals did not have a regard for personal space, and everything that they did was in close proximity. Although it made her un-
comfortable at first, she was used to it at the end of the trip, and she learned to appreciate the cultural nuances that exist around the world. Papinchak also had to adjust to the Dominican diet, as most of her food consisted solely of rice, beans and chicken. Papinchak’s favorite experience from the trip was having the opportunity to interact with the children in the villages. “When we went to one of the first villages when I first arrived, all the little kids ran to me and gave me a huge hug,” said Papinchak. “They were so grateful for the food we brought.” On her free days, Papinchak was able to spend time on the beach and hike up the Jarabacoa Mountain for a beautiful view. Papinchak believes everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to travel because a trip like hers is a once in a lifetime experience.
Courtesy Sydney Papinchak
Courtesy Sydney Papinchak
Papinchak took advantage of Magellan funding for her 2018 internship.
Papinchak was a medical intern under the direction of two licensed doctors for one month in the Dominican Republic.
19 october 2018
CAMPUS NEWS 5
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Professor Spotlight: Dr. Petchel Senior Spotlight: Spencer Howell Nicole Walters Red & Black Staff
Dr. Cathy Petchel, a psychology professor at Washington & Jefferson College, is just as likely to be found in her office as joking with students in the hallways of Dieter-Porter. She has even been known to make up poetry with Dr. Wilson. Dr. Petchel is a unique person whom students are lucky to have the chance to interact with and learn from. She is the kind of teacher who always makes time for any student, no matter what; after asking if a student needs coffee or tea, she makes them feel a little bit calmer and happier. A piece of advice she wished to impart upon freshmen is to treat every day like a business day; one should stay out of their room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and be productive throughout the day. She also recommended cultivating conversations with professors and exploring all travel opportunities. A piece of advice Petchel gives to both freshmen and seniors is to stay hydrated with water. In addition to her classes, Petchel is currently working on the Health and Wellness Committee, a group that works to build a model of support for student health and well-being. She is working to create another committee for an International Society for Bipolar Disorder; she has specialized in this mental disorder. Petchel is also working to establish an Interfaith Women’s Initiative in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. This initiative would work on sustaining conversations, education and action between women. The last project that Petchel is working on is the Professional Development Committee
of Pennsylvania Psychological Association; she is a chair member of this board. On top of working to better many areas in the Washington community as well as the surrounding Pittsburgh community, Petchel is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works in her private practice with a focus on youth and adults dealing with anxiety and mood disorders. Petchel teaches abnormal psychology during the fall and spring semesters as well as courses during the Jay Term. Students who have had the chance to travel with Petchel on an Intersession or Jay Term course trip recognize these trips as some of the best experiences available at W&J. Petchel taught service-related trips to Greece and Zuni, N.M. and made sure to give students a life-changing experience. Although Petchel is working on several different projects and trying to save the world one person at a time, she is great professor. She focuses on her students and teaches them how to be prepared for the world after college. Interested students should be sure to sign up for her spring courses before they fill up.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Dr. Petchel is a psychology professor and licensed clinical psychologist.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Spencer Howell ‘19 is an actively engaged student at Washington & Jefferson College. He is a business major and is on the W&J men’s baseball team, a member of the sustainability committee and a brother of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity. Howell has been playing baseball since he was six years old. He believes that baseball has taught him the importance of having a good work ethic, and he will keep this lesson in mind upon graduating and entering the “real world.” Howell plays shortstop for the Presidents and is a key contributor to the team. Last season, he helped the team get to the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) championship game and was named to the all-conference first team. He is excited to play his senior season in the spring. FIJI has had a large impact upon Howell’s experience at W&J. It introduced him to many of his best friends and has acted as a support system. He enjoys the community service that that he participates in with his brothers. Recently, FIJI brothers volunteered at the Salvation Army to help with donations and also at the City Mission to help fight hunger in the area. Howell has also recently prioritized traveling to experience new places with close friends as well as meet new people. He has been to the Virgin Islands, Toronto and the Niagara Falls. After he graduates, Howell plans to join the
Peace Corps and then go to graduate school to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He eventually plans to pursue a career in human resources. Howell does not specifically know what he wants to do with that field, but he said, “I enjoy working with people and trying to get the best out of everyone.” Howell thinks that there are many benefits to joining the Peace Corps. He will get to take a break from school while getting to see the world and partake in volunteer work. He also believes it will teach him many valuable life lessons about volunteering and being part of a larger global society. “I want to join the Peace corps to learn more about myself and grow as a person while also helping out those in need,” Howell stated. “I want to experience different cultures so that I can better understand this world and our problems.” Howell is very grateful for all that W&J has taught him, and he believes he has been adequately prepared to take the next step in his life.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Howell is a brother of FIJI and a member of the baseball team.
19 october 2018
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CAMPUS NEWS 6
Student Spotlight: Colleen Kelley ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Colleen Kelley ‘21 is from Bexley, Oh., where she grew up in a busy house with eight siblings. She has seven sisters: Erin, Beth, Kate, Kara, Blaire, Mary and Abbie, and she has a younger brother named Fidelis. Kelley also has two nieces and two nephews. Although her life gets a little crazy with such a big family, Kelley believes that they shaped her into the person she is today. “Being one of eight sisters has had a huge impact on me because it has giv-
en me a huge support system,” Kelley explained. “Whenever I am having a bad day or just need someone to talk to, I have many options, which is one of the best feelings.” Her older sister, Beth, had a great experience studying and playing field hockey at Washington & Jefferson College. Kelley commonly visited the school, which influenced her decision to attend W&J. Kelley is now a communications major with an emphasis in public relations. She chose this major because it is flexible and could support many careers in the future. Additionally, Kelley wants to pursue photography and event planning, which both require the skills she can learn in her major. Outside of the
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Kelley is involved with Greek Life and is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.
classroom, Kelley constantly travels. This summer, she went to Florida, the Outer Banks and New Jersey. She frequently travels to Ireland, which is her favorite international destination. She spent three weeks in Ireland for a senior project during high school. Recently, she visited West Palm Beach with her mom and her sister and Fort Myers with another student from W&J. Kelley plans to do a Magellan project before her junior year. She wants to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. On campus, Kelley is a member of Delta Gamma. She enjoys the service she does with her sisters as well as the social aspect of Greek life. “I had always wanted to be in a sorority and
when I got to W&J, I knew for sure I wanted to join Greek life here,” Kelley said. “After going through the recruitment process, I found my home, and I am so happy.” In her free time, Kelley likes attending sports events, including basketball, football and hockey games. She tends to support teams from Ohio and near her hometown as well as the W&J sports teams. She likes hanging out with her friends, commonly blasting music and singing along in the car to their favorite songs. Kelley is very thankful for all the amazing people W&J has brought to her. She cannot wait to see what memories and experiences the next two years have in store for her.
Courtesy Colleen Kelley
Colleen Kelley has a great support system due to her seven sisters.
19 october 2018
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Speak Out: What is your favorite course you have taken at W&J? “My favorite was Intro to Gender & Women’s Studies because there was always a different topic to discuss.” -Brooke McCleester ’21 Courtesy gopresidents.com
Courtesy gopresidents.com
“Latin American History because it was educational and beneficial to my learning.” -EJ Thompson ’21
“Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Petchel because she is such an upbeat professor and it is a fascinating course.” -Julie Halula ’19 Courtesy gopresidents.com
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life
8 LIFE
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19 October 2018
W&J and the Homecoming Tradition Brooke Beck Red & Black Contributor
Charles Dickens once said, “Every traveler has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.” That statement rings true to this day, especially when it comes to alumni returning to their alma maters for the big homecoming game. Washington & Jefferson College hosted the 2018 Homecoming Weekend from Oct. 12-14. The feeling of crisp air, flannel shirts, cold beer and camaraderie fills the air as, every year, alumni return to campus to reminisce on some of the best years of their lives. It all began as early as the 19th century, with schools like Baylor, Southwestern, Illinois and Missouri all claiming to have held the first one—that is, a football game that they encourage alumni to attend. This idea quickly became tradition, and colleges all across America began to plan special football games, parades, homecoming courts and more to create a special fall weekend for students and alumni alike. “It’s important for such an event that there is a certain amount of school spirit and nostalgia for the ‘good old days,’” said journalist John Miller. “[The] alumni can reflect upon [this]
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Homecoming weekend at W&J brings about reunions between old friends and allows students to show their pride for the College.
while waving and smiling from their floats in the parade, or slicing cake during the banquet.” It did not take long for the tradition of homecoming to spread to the northern states too, as W&J has celebrated homecoming for as long as most can remember. For many students, the fall semester would not be the same without those red and black flannel shirts, the chrysanthemums around campus and the famous Olin tent. Campus becomes so pristine this time of year, with the leaves changing and our grounds crew working hard to make campus all the more beautiful
for the return of the alumni. In addition to colleges, homecoming has become a tradition at high schools across America, often with alumni reunions and football games living in the shadow of the homecoming dance. Many schools lead up to homecoming weekend with a spirit week, where students wear a different theme every day and choose the homecoming court. Then, like colleges, they have the football game and crown the homecoming king and queen. However, the homecoming dance has become as significant as prom at some schools,
so it is truly the focal point of the occasion. At W&J, homecoming consists of alumni tours and awards, local food tastings, a veteran memorial service, several educational lectures, class reunions, the crowning of the homecoming king and queen, the big game and, of course, the famous “fifth quarter” under the Olin tent. This year, the energy was through the roof with an exciting football game where W&J defeated Geneva 50-43 and became 7-0 this season. And the moment it ends, the excitement for next year’s victory and reunion already fills the air.
19 October 2018
9 LIFE
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2018 National Winter Weather Predictions
Courtesy Everyday Health
Predictions suggest that Pennsylvania will have mild weather in the early winter and colder temperatures in January and February.
Erin Herock Red & Black Editor
As the brisk and chilly fall air forces people to bundle up a little more, one cannot help but think about the cold weather approaching. The transition into winter is something sunshine-loving people despise, while skiers and snow enthusiasts welcome it with open arms. The U.S. winter forecast for this upcoming winter season varies from region to region. According to AccuWeather, the return of the El Niño weather pattern will have a significant
impact on this winter season. Mild air will linger in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic before cold weather takes hold in January and February. Some Interstate-95 cities will notice a significant temperature dip compared to last year. El Niño’s impact comes into play through the Great Lakes, the Northeast, the mid-Atlantic and the eastern Ohio Valley. These regions will experience an initial mild season and then colder weather in January and February will begin. Mid-Atlantic states are likely to experience a few big snowstorms within the season, but these storms should avoid the Northeastern region. Surprisingly, the Great Lakes region
should experience less lake-effect snow. The Southeast, the Tennessee Valley and the Gulf Coast will have a very active winter as January and February have many ice and snow storm predictions. The central and western Gulf Coast is susceptible to cold shots and heavy predictions of frost and freezes, a drastic change from the warmer weather brought from last winter in this region. Snowfall and storms will remain below normal in these regions. The southern plains will be hit by an active storm, involving ice and snow. The most active storms will be in January and February with a chance of some in December. The potential blasts of cold air may provide a threat
to farmers in the Dallas and Houston areas. The Southwest will likely be drier and have slightly above-average temperatures in February. Cities such as Las Vegas, Nev. and Flagstaff, Ariz. may be two to four degrees higher than normal. The Northwest and the Rockies may be targeted by rain and snow. This could affect areas such as Oregon and Northern California with mudslides and flooding. January into early February will likely be the stormiest before conditions begin to dry as February continues. The Pittsburgh region will likely begin with a mild season while possibly extending into a colder winter in January and February compared to last year.
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19 October 2018
Sustainability Central by the Sustainability Committee and the Green Club
Students Visit Sustainability Conference Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff From Oct. 2 through Oct. 4, Adriana Rodriguez-Ruiz ‘21, Dawlton Nelson ‘21 and Selena Easley ‘21 attended the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference on behalf of Washington & Jefferson College. Justin Dandoy also attended the AASHE conference. AASHE advocates for the implementation of environmentally friendly practices across educational systems. Each year, they hold a conference in a different U.S. city in order to bring together students and stakeholders alike to discuss and present on developments from around the nation. This year, the conference took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. Speakers and participants gathered from numerous states, including Wash., Calif., Ala., Texas and different countries. The W&J sustainability committee funded the students and faculty member to attend. “I think it was a privilege to attend a national conference so close to home,” Nelson explained. “People would ask where we were from and we could an-
swer right down the road. It was neat to interact with students and faculty from other colleges because we could learn about their sustainability techniques and consider implementing them here.” Rodriguez-Ruiz specifically enjoyed the presentation done by a sophomore student from Macalester College in Minn. who developed a web program to track the entire college’s energy usage. Partnered with a faculty member and as an independent study, he was able to use his talents from computer science and environmental studies to bring innovative sustainability to his campus. The student’s ability to implement such a program at a college of comparable size and structure to W&J inspired her to push for sustainable innovation on our campus as well. Apart some this lecture, Rodriguez-Ruiz said she was “caught off guard by the diversity of participants, institutions, and initiatives at the conference,” as no two seminars were alike. The participants and educators who gathered represented a wide range of experience, talent and opinions towards sustainability, making for a stimulating and inspiring day at the
AASHE conference. All of the seminars at the conference were schedule based, and students picked which ones they attended. There was an app specifically designated for the conference, making
all vital information easily accessible. Overall, the conference was very educational and left students eager to attend more conferences on behalf of W&J sustainability committee in the future.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Three students attended this year’s AASHE conference in Pittsburgh.
19 October 2018
Life 11
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How to Create a Plan for After Graduation Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
Thinking about graduation and what is next can be scary because the future feels like it is approaching quickly. However, it helps to make a plan about what you want to do after graduating. Career paths, internships and graduate school are options that undergraduate students can consider. The student’s major and dream career can point them in the right direction.
However, there is more than just the direction to figure out. Once it is clear what is next, it is time to think about the details. Finances are a great place to begin. This is determined by the amount of income, how it is spent and the loans that need to be paid back. More schooling equals more loans, and this also must be taken into consideration. If newly graduated students begin a steady job, they will begin to recieve an income. This sounds great until it is divided up among all the responsibilities of an adult. Based on the place of residence, groceries, bills and loans, starting to be paid for a full time job may not seem
like enough. To save some trouble in the future, it can be helpful to break down individual costs and distribute the money appropriately. Budgeting is also important. Living on your own means dealing with medical bills, emergencies and car problems without your parents, and it is crucial that you have money saved up for emergencies. Staying on track with bills and not overspending will limit financial issues during these situations. To continue with your plan, it is also important to consider your future. For the longest time, getting to graduate and move on was the future. Now that graduation time is arriving
for many students, it is time to plan the next few years out as well. Decide based on your finances as well as school or your job, where you want to live. Other future plans may include moving to a new area, getting married or even relocating to where jobs are available. It may seem overwhelming when you first start, but making plans can help. It is important to understand your main priorities and the goals you have for your future. This may help you handle and prepare for being fully on your own. Start with a mental list and turn it into a plan. Before you know it, being an independent adult will feel natural.
Life Spotlight: Happy Homecoming Memories “It is really nice attending the same college that my mom attended. Joining the same sorority as my mother, I now get to take part in something my mom loved and I love too. I get to have wonderful experiences at W&J and have my mom as a ‘sister.’” - Cassandra Kokal ’21
12 Culture
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culture
19 October 2018
Households with More Books Boost Literacy
Courtesy Signature Reads
Courtesy Guardian
A sizeable home library gives those who received only a poor secondary education the same literacy and numeracy skills as college graduates with only a few books in the house.
Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
Children who grow up in houses filled with books have an easier time with literacy and numeracy skills later in life. One study surveyed 160,000 adults in 31 countries and found that having at least 80 books in the home gives children increased literacy skills. The participants in this study were asked how many books they had in their homes at 16. The researchers told these individuals that one meter of shelving was equal to 40 books.
Participants were then given literacy, numeracy and information communication technology exams to investigate these skills. The average number of books in a home varied between countries. 27 was the average in Turkey, 143 in the United Kingdom and 218 in Estonia. Having this access to a significant number of books gives people the skills necessary to succeed in life. Adolescents who did not have access to a large number of books had below average literacy and numeracy skills. Having at least 80 books also increased teenagers’ skills. The researchers found that those teenagers who had lower levels of secondary educa-
tion but had many books as children had the same skills as university graduates with only a few books. This latter group only had average literacy skills. The same skills seen in literacy can also be found in numeracy and digital learning. “I always had books available to me as a child,” Sydney Kightlinger ’21 said. “My parents took me to the library all of the time, and one of the earliest memories I have is of my mother reading to me. I was very fortunate.” Strong literacy habits developed early predict high literacy rates as an adult. The most important time to develop these skills for the best response occurs in the adolescent years.
According to these researchers, books instill in people routines and important cognitive developments that are healthy for life-long learning. “However, I know many others who did not have these same memories about growing up with books,” Kightlinger said. “And that is sad.” All three skills have their roots in books. These competencies give people an educational advantage over those people with limited access. Researchers do not think that this information will change anytime soon. Reading is incredibly important for cognitive development, and those with the necessary means should make many books available to their children.
19 October 2018
Culture 13
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Rex Orange County’s ‘Apricot Princess’ Erin Herock Red & Black Editor
“Apricot Princess” is the masterpiece created by Alex O’Connor, otherwise known as Rex Orange County. The album encapsulates feelings of falling in love, following the sweet and sad lyrics of his emotions along the way. Alex O’Connor is a nineteen-yearold from Grayshott, Hampshire, England. He began his musical career
at the age of sixteen when he was accepted into the BRIT school to pursue drumming alongside three others in his class. O’Connor had his first major feature on Tyler the Creator’s album “Flower Boy,” released in 2017. O’Connor co-wrote and contributed vocals to the songs “Boredom” and “Foreword.” He also went on tour in the past year with R&B singer Frank Ocean. Apricot Princess is easily one of the most distinct albums released within the past couple of years. Classified as heavily “indie-pop,” it sometimes pulls in features of other genres such as jazz, R&B and hip-hop. The focus of the
album is the lyrics, where O’Connor speaks about his girlfriend Thea Morgan Murrell and his journey of falling in love with her. The song “Sycamore Girl” on the track features Murrell’s vocals and is co-written by her. Both O’Connor and Murrell express their love for each other in this song, ending the song with, “You’re all I need, and you’re all I see, can’t you see, all I need, never take that away from me.” Rex Orange County exemplifies teenage joy and love through his songs, especially in this album. Mild swearing and emotional intonations help the listener to understand and relate.
The music O’Connor produces is raw talent. Perhaps the most unique song on the album is the title song, “Apricot Princess.” Starting with a symphony that escalates the mood to a dreamy and powerful entrance, O’Connor turns the overall mood to a happy, upbeat song. He opens up to the world about how much he loves his girlfriend and sets the album up to be about his journey to love.His newest single “Loving is Easy” features Benny Sings, and this single has already drawn a lot of attention to the singer. He has stated that he is working on a new album but has yet to announce the release date.
Culture Spotlight: Favorite Concert “My favorite concert was a part of the ‘Us + Them’ Tour by Roger Waters. I really enjoyed this concert because I finally got to hear songs by one of my favorite bands and see them performed by an original member of Pink Floyd. The performance was excellent; Waters sounded great live, even for a man in his seventies. The special effects and the light show made the experience even better.” Courtesy Vinny Orrico ‘20
- Vinny Orrico ’20
14 Culture
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Poetry Corner Black and Blue and Red All Over Olivia Engl Red & Black staff
A red thread is all that binds lovers so easily cut and burned that we can’t see the droplets of blood seeping out before that moment The eyes of my lover are blue like the open sky that we thought we would conquer, not the ocean of tears lapping at our feet Is our future together a black void or just too murky to view the other person lying beside us whispering in our ears with no lights on? Would you accept my heart, lover? It’s bruised and cut in many places but it hasn’t stopped pumping yet. Black and blue splotches have started to dot out the bright red ribbon I tied it in for you so please don’t ignore those tender parts. Just love it all.
19 October 2018
19 October 2018
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opinions
15 Opinions
Tattoos Do Not Correlate to Professionalism
Courtesy Sydney Kightlinger
The opinion about the professionalism of visible tattoos in the workplace tends to differ between generations.
Kali Bunecicky Red & Black Contributor
A common fear among those looking to get body art is that they will be at a disadvantage to earn a job. The common stigma surrounding tattoos is that they are unprofessional and will reflect poorly on the place of work. In my opinion, this stigma should be transformed. Employees, doctors, lawyers, professors and anyone in a place of work should be permitted to display their tattoos without receiving any repercussions or backlash. Tattoos are a
form of expression, and should be considered a form of art. Brenden Head ‘21 elaborated on whether or not employees should be able to display their tattoos by saying, “Whether a person has tattoos or not does not affect their working abilities.” Often, tattoos typically carry the significance of a memory from a person’s lifetime. I have three tattoos, two of which are for my siblings. One of my tattoos was designed for my brother, who passed away at the age of 28. My second tattoo was designed as a dedication of my love for my other brother, who has special needs. This is important because my tattoos have become a permanent re-
minder of two of the people I was most lucky to have in my life, and the tattoos do not correlate with my intelligence or professionalism. Unfortunately, I chose to hide my tattoos as a result of the stigma surrounding them, for I feared that I would be at a disadvantage later in life when I attempt to be hired as a medical professional. I’m sure many others have faced the same daunting decision as me and continue to choose societal standards over their own preferences. Although there is indeed a stigma surrounding tattoos, I believe that as time goes on, tattoos will not be considered unprofessional. When I asked fellow student Abigail Collavo ‘21
her opinion about whether or not the stigma surrounding tattoos is changing, she said, “I think our generation is more accepting of tattoos than our parents’ and grandparents’. So, I believe once our generation enters the workforce, we might see a change in tattoo acceptance.” The stigma surrounding tattoos is beginning to lose power. Many members of young generations feel as though tattoo expression should be a personal choice and should not be stigmatized in a negative manner or affect the workplace. Collectively, we should judge a person’s professionalism by their character, and not by their body art.
16 opinions
Red & Black
19 October 2018
Money Should Not Limit the Ability to Care for Yourself
Courtesy Sydney Kightlinger
Amaya Cox ‘21 relaxes in Alexander Hall’s common room after a day of classes. While listening to music with your feet up may not seem like a huge stress reliever, it is a simple way to take care of yourself even with limited funds or time.
Sydney Kightlinger Red & Black Editor
“Self-care” seems like the current buzz word. Every time I scroll through Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat stories, I see face masks, pedicures or shopping sprees with the caption “self-care.” But does it really take money to care for yourself? I argue that spend-
ing lavish amounts of money on physical items or appearances is not selfcare, but is instead another potential stressor in an already stressful world. If you are doing something just to post it on social media with a goofy caption, that is not self-care. It is actually probably the exact opposite of caring about yourself since you may only be hoping for likes, retweets and comments from others. You are not able to restore yourself if you are concerned about those opinions. In fact, healthcare professionals define self-care as “any necessary human regulatory function which is
under individual control, deliberate and self-initiated.” In this process, the emphasis is on individual thought and medication. It is a branch from the mindfulness tree. Sure, it is fun to go shopping. It is relaxing to spend time looking for the perfect shoes for to match a new outfit, but that is not the only way to unwind. “Self-care gives you a moment to step back and reflect on your day,” Gabrielle Feldman ‘21 said. “Without it, you can become overwhelmed easily and forget to take a necessary break when you need it.” Another reason the money driven form of “self-care” is more harmful
than helpful is that it is not sustainable for daily care, especially on a college budget. “I think it is important to have selfcare and remove yourself from everything causing you stress for a short period of time,” said Megan Kendra ’21. “Whether it be daily, weekly or monthly. Especially in college, your mental health can [be affected], and it is important to step back and relax.” Taking a step back from the daily stressors can include taking a nap, coloring a picture, going to the gym or any activities that bring you inner peace without the burden of an attached price tag.
19 October 2018
Opinions 17
Red & Black
Curse Words Have Lost Their Shock Value Abigail Collavo Red & Black Contributor
As children, we are taught to never say “curse words.” Most parents will not even swear in the presence of their children in order to solidify this lesson in their children’s malleable minds. If you have ever walked through a grocery store or mall and heard a toddler swear, you most likely proceeded to witness a plethora of adults gasping and hushing the child. The gravity of the word was clearly unbeknownst to the little one, but after being silenced by a number of grown-ups, they do not plan on saying it again. However, a shift often begins to take place as children age. Rebellious pre-teens edge closer and closer to using swear words, while some even flatout say them without flinching. Once again, most of the young children who spew the curses are not even aware of what the words mean. However, the pre-teens at least understand that the words are harsh and jarring, which is exactly why they use them. In my fifth grade class, there was a boy who was considered quite popular, and he swore the most out of anyone
I knew. He would have outbursts of anger simply to show off his vast collection of curse words to the other students who stared in disbelief. Interestingly enough, the boy never violently directed his swears at other kids, and he never swore in front of the teachers. Therefore, he knew what he was saying was considered bad, so his only reason for swearing was to impress the other students with his rebellious nature. This disobedient attitude is prevalent in kids through most of middle school; at that age, the words still hold a certain amount of shock value. As we mature into teenagers and then into young adults, the words stop holding as much gravity. We have heard early every curse in the book by then. When asked if curse words have lost their shock value, Kali Bunecicky ‘21 said, “I would say yes; especially from the perspective of college student, I hear curse words just about every five minutes. [Swearing] has just become expected now.” Cursing on college campuses is so normalized that even some professors do it. The words are not stigmatized anymore, so they are used in almost any context, whether it be derogatorily, playfully, or just casually. “It matters what context the word is being used in,” said Brenden Head ‘21. If some-
Courtesy Imgflip
Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” is a pop culture example of a “naughty” child being punished for swearing.
one were to cut you off in traffic, you’d swear at them and actually mean it in a derogatory sense, but if you’re messing with your friends and you curse at them, you don’t mean it in the same way.” I definitely believe curse words have lost their shock value. However,
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.
that is just a fact of life, and that does not mean I think swearing has become commonplace for toddlers. Adults swear, so it is simply inevitable for adolescents to reach a point in their growth where they begin to curse as well.
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(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
18 Sports
sports Student Athlete Spotlight: Rena Israel ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Rena Israel ‘21 is a Washington & Jefferson College student from Wexford. She attended and played field hockey at North Allegheny High School, one of the only high schools in the area that offered womens’ field hockey. Ever since she started playing the sport in sixth grade, Israel has been a
Red & Black
19 October 2018
the whole cage to the best of my ability.” Last season, Israel won the 2017 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III All-Academic and she has been awarded the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week twice so far this year. The W&J women’s field hockey team has excelled so far this season. They are 9-0 overall and 3-0 in their conference. They also made program history by being ranked 19th nationally. Israel ex-
“I love being a goalie because I am able to harness the skills I am good at to be successful.” - Rena Israel ‘21 goalkeeper. This statement holds true for her role on the W&J women’s field hockey team. Israel believes that the most difficult part of being a goalie is reading where the opposing player is going to play the ball. The player could shoot the ball or she could pass it, and Israel must respond accordingly in a split second. While she finds it difficult, she enjoys the challenge and loves many other aspects this position has to offer. “I love being a goalie because I am able to harness the skills I am good at to be successful,” Israel said. “I was never a good runner, but I am quick and smart, which allows me to cover
pects the team to host and win the Empire 8 Conference Championship and continue into the NCAA tournament. They lost in the first round last year, but Israel believes that they can make it further into the tournament this year, as the team is doing well this season. Israel credits the current success to the bond the teammates have with one another. “I love being able to have so much trust in my team on and off the field,” Israel said. “We are such a closeknit team that can make it through any type of adversity we face.” The women’s field hockey team’s next home game is Oct. 24 against Juniata College. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Cameron Stadium.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Rena Israel plays goalie for W&J’s field hockey team.
19 October 2018
19 sports
Red & Black
Why Drink the Juice? The Pros and Cons of Juicing
Courtesy Flickr
Courtesy Jammin Java
With the rise of social media health and diet accounts, juicing has gained popularity as a great way to get nutrients and stay healthy.
Erin Herock Red & Black Editor
As juice bars seem to appear at an alarming rate throughout the country and bloggers post pictures of their green juices, one may question whether or not juicing is truly good for one’s body. Juicing is not a new fad; in fact, it has been around for decades. However, with the help of social media and a cultural shift towards a desired aesthetic of sustainable and organic foods, juicing has become a natural way to meet these differnt demands. Upbeat juice bars in popular, demographically young areas seem to be common places to find athletes,
post-yoga workout moms and many young adults. Washington, D.C. is home to South Block, a juice bar chain that sells acaí bowls, smoothies and, of course, juice. Similarly, Salúd is a juice bar chain in Pittsburgh that offers many of the same options. Juicing is a process wherein one extracts the juices from vegetables and fruits. Typically, a cold-press or centrifugal juicer is used to separate seeds and pulp from the juice. There are two general reasons why people juice: to detox or for dietary reasons. Detoxing, which normally lasts three to seven days, involves drinking only juices to cleanse the body of toxins. However, studies have shown that detoxing may actually be dangerous for the body. The human body already detoxes on its own through sweat and
urine. Detoxing with juice may actually lead to hyponatremia, the condition where a person’s blood becomes too low in sodium, which causes their cells to swell in response. This can be potentially fatal. Detoxing has no scientifically proven evidence for helping consumers. Typically, a short-term “fix” like this does not do much to change a person’s daily unhealthy habits. It can actually harm a person’s bodily functions, as they do not get enough nutrients through the process. However, if done correctly, juicing can be beneficial. For people who do not eat enough vegetables or fruits in their diets, it can serve as a crucial dietary supplement. However, eating the fruit or vegetables raw will always be better than juicing because they contain important fibers and nutrients that can be stripped away during the juicing pro-
cess. Adding some of the pulp back into the juice can help to increase fiber consumption. The question of whether or not juice is beneficial remains ambiguous when considering the health concerns. Avoiding high quantities of juices with high sugary fruits such as mangoes, strawberries and cherries is also important when looking for health benefits. The most beneficial juices contain a balance of hearty vegetables and fruits low in sugar. For those who are looking to replace unhealthy drinks or increase their fruit and vegetable intake, juicing can be an important way to recieve crucial nutrients. Even the local Washington area has welcomed juicing with open arms. Anyone interested can try a juice at Blended in Washington near Planet Fitness to get a taste of some organic juices in the area.
20 sports
Red & Black
19 October 2018
Last Week’s Scores Oct. 2 Golf at PAC Fall Championships (M) 1st of 7, (W) 1st of 5 Men’s Soccer v. Allegheny 0-3 Loss Women’s Soccer v. Oberlin 0-0 Tie
Oct. 3
Women’s Tennis v. Waynesburg 9-0 Win Volleyball v. Bethany 0-3 Loss Field Hockey v. Frostburg State 6-0 Win
Oct. 5
Soccer v. Grove City (M) 1-2 Loss, (W) 0-2 Loss Men’s Water Polo v. Whittier 6-17 Loss, v. Cal Lutheran 9-18 Loss Women’s Tennis v. Grove City 3-6 Loss Volleyball v. Saint Vincent 3-1 Win
Oct. 6
Field Hockey v. Hartwick 1-0 Win Football v. Case Western 44-36 Win Men’s Water Polo v. Caltech 8-9 Loss, v. Chapman 12-19 Loss
Oct. 7
Golf v. W&J Invitational (M) 1st of 2, (W) 2nd of 2 Field Hockey v. The Sage Colleges 5-0 Win
Oct. 8
Women’s Tennis v. Geneva 7-2 Win Men’s Water Polo v. Occidental 5-20 Loss
Oct. 9
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Next Week’s Games
Women’s Tennis v. Penn State Behrend 9-0 Win Volleyball v. Chatham 3-0 Win Women’s Soccer v. Chatham 1-0 Win
Oct. 19
Oct. 11
Oct. 20
Volleyball v. Thiel 3-1 Win
Oct. 12
Soccer v. Geneva (M) 1-0 Win, (W) 0-1 Loss
Oct. 13
Field Hockey v. Utica 1-0 Win XC at Oberlin Inter-Regional Rumble (M) 5th of 27, (W) 25th of 26 Volleyball v. Westminster 3-2 Win Men’s Water Polo v. Monmouth College 16-10 Win, v. MIT 6-16 Loss Football v. Geneva 50-43 Win
Oct. 14
Men’s Water Polo v. Penn State Behrend 11-12 Loss
Women’s Tennis v. PAC Championships (TBA)- 8am Volleyball v. Saint Vincent (H)- 12pm Field Hockey v. Houghton (A)- 1pm Football v. Westminster (A)- 1pm Men’s Soccer v. Westminster (A)- 1pm Women’s Soccer v. Westminster (A)- 3:30pm
Oct. 21
Men’s Golf v. Denison Virtues Fall Shoot Out (A)
Oct. 24
Men’s Soccer v. Bethany (H)- 5pm Field Hockey v. Juniata (H)- 7pm Women’s Soccer v. Bethany (H)- 7:30pm